E-paper PakisranToday 17th March, 2012

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Sachin Tendulkar reaches 100th century at last

President takes notice of rampant extortion in Karachi

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rs15.00 Vol ii no 259 22 Pages

PM Gilani repeats his ‘won’t write Swiss letter’ mantra

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Karachi — Peshawar edition

saturday, 17 March, 2012 rabi-ul-sani 23, 1433

Zardari makes historic 5th address to parliament today MQM boycotts the president’s address to the joint session of parliament to mark the fifth year

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ISLAMABAD

LaHoRe: a rickshaw driver sits on an electricity pylon in protest against the traffic police for excessive fines on friday. MurtaZa aLi | Story oN Page 07

BD rout India despite 100-ton Tendulkar DHAKA afp

PML-N will drag Zardari in the streets when in power: Shahbaz WAZIRABAD Staff RepoRt

Bangladesh posted an upset five-wicket victory over india in the Asia Cup one-day tournament in dhaka on Friday, despite sachin tendulkar’s 100th international century. Bangladesh achieved the stiff 290run target with four balls to spare in the day-night match to keep alive their hopes of reaching the final. tamim iqbal (70), nasir Hossain (54), Jahurul islam (53), shakib Al Hasan (49) and skipper Mushfiqur rahim (46 not out) were Bangladesh’s batting stars, while indian paceman Praveen Kumar took three wickets.

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the Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz (PML-n) will drag President Asif Ali Zardari in the streets of Larkana, Karachi and Lahore if it comes into power, Punjab Chief Minister shahbaz sharif said on Friday. Addressing a public meeting at Government Maulana Zafar Ali Khan degree College, the Punjab chief minister said ‘Ali Baba and forty thieves’ in islamabad were busy plundering the national exchequer. He said each and every penny of the people’s hard-earned money would be recovered from the plunderers.

“Whenever the prime minister is directed by the supreme Court of Pakistan to write a letter to bring the plundered money back from abroad, he replies the trial of Benazir’s grave is being held. it is not understood why the prime minister is trying to save the robbers and looters. He is protecting ‘Ali Baba’, but does not care about the 180 million people of Pakistan.

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resident Asif Ali Zardari will make history today (saturday) by addressing the parliament for the fifth time – a rare achievement by a civilian head of state. the president’s address to the parliament marks the beginning of a new parliamentary year. the head of the state, who is also the co-chairman of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), will give an overview of the government’s achievements and performance, besides giving guidelines to the executive for further improvements. this time the president will address the parliament amidst serious problems facing the PPP government and the country. Politically, the presidential address is taking place at a time when Prime Minister Yousaf raza Gilani has already been given a charge-sheet for committing contempt of court by not writing a letter to swiss authorities for reopening corruption cases against Zardari. the adamant prime minister is willing to go behind bars, rather than obeying apex court’s orders and showing disloyalty towards his party’s co-chief.

Although the rift between the government and the military has narrowed, the probe into the memo scandal continues with

the potential to bring the country’s civilian and military leaderships to a face-off.

Against this backdrop, the president’s address will focus on the government’s fouryear performance, and he is expected to discuss the government’s achievements in detail to respond to his opponents’ criticism of rampant corruption, economic instability, deteriorating law and order situation and the executive’s inability to provide relief to the common man. the president will also touch upon the country’s foreign policy in the current geo-strategic environment, particularly the relations with the United states and the neighbouring countries, including india, Afghanistan and iran.

While the opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz (PML-n), had cooperated with the government in the past, and listened to the presidential address without resorting to bench-thumping and creating rowdy scenes, it may give the president a tough time today. the Muttahida Qaumi Movement on Friday announced that it would boycott the joint sitting of the parliament, but the decision was withdrawn later in the night after President Zardari telephoned MQM chief Altaf Hussain in London and assured him stern action against criminals and extortionists holding the provincial capital of sindh hostage at gunpoint.

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02 News today’s

Saturday, 17 March, 2012

karaChI

newS

Country’s best women converge at Mohatta

Shahbaz meets amir Muqam secretly

Story on Page 08

Story on Page 06

CarToon

Quick Look

SC issues notices on plea against jirga system ISLAMABAD: Accepting a petition for regular hearing against the jirga system in the country, the supreme Court on Friday issued notices to chief secretaries of all provinces, interior secretary and the attorney general for Pakistan and adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period. A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Justice tariq Parvez heard the petition filed by national Commission on the status of Women (nCsW) Chairperson Anis Haroon for declaring the prevalent jirga system in the country “illegal, unlawful and against the canons of law, which must be prohibited and stopped immediately”. the petitioner appearing in person before the bench revealed that 87 cases of jirgas were reported in sindh. she also requested the court that all such actions taken, proceedings conducted and orders passed by any jirga, panchayat or similar bodies be declared null and void and appropriate actions be directed against all such culprits who had participated, aided, abetted in such illegal activities. she pleaded that respondents be directed to frame, amend and implement constitutional provisions and penal laws relating to illegal practices of jirga, panchayats. the petitioner contended that jirga/panchayats were against Article 8, which provided, “Any law, or any custom or usage having force of law, in so far as it is inconsistent with the rights conferred by this chapter, shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void.” Staff RepoRt

‘Gilani deserves deterrent punishment for contempt’ LAHORE: Ameer Jamaat e islami, syed Munawar Hasan on Friday impressed upon the supreme Court of Pakistan to order PM Gilani’s arrest over contempt charges and award him a punishment so that no body could dare ridicule the constitution and the judiciary in future. talking to media after inaugurating the newly built Masjid e Qartaba at Gt road in Gujrat, he said that Prime Minister’s contemptuous remarks against the apex court deserved more than simple imprisonment sentence. talking at the occasion, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad, naib Amir of Ji, also expressed his grief and shock on the statement of PM Gilani, in which he said that he was being treated as a ‘Peon’ and not a ‘PM’, thus openly insulting the supreme Court. He reminded the PM that a ‘Peon’ and ‘PM’ were equal before the law, as provided in the Article 4 of the Constitution. INp

Father kills 2 minor daughters NOWSHERA: A man strangled his two minor daughters to death on Friday in Bara Banda area of nowshehra because of poverty. According to police, Zaib Alam killed his daughters, sobia (8) and sania (5), after he failed to make ends meet. Police sources said the Alam’s wife had already died during pregnancy because he could not arrange for her treatment. oNLINe

Sweden opposes IP gas pipeline ISLAMABAD: sweden has opposed the iran-Pakistan (iP) gas pipeline project on Friday, asking islamabad to go for an alternative project with turkmenistan. sources said that sweden had opposed Pakistan’s cooperation with iran in the face of the international community’s concerns over the latter’s nuclear programme. earlier, the industrial and Commercial Bank of China (iCBC) backed off from providing financial assistance, worth $ 1.5 billion, for the completion of this 800-kilometer-long gas pipeline project. Foreign Minister Hina rabbani Khar had said earlier this week that funding was not an issue for iP as there were other sources available to finance the project.

According to the agreement signed in 2009, iran would supply 750 million cubic feet of gas per day to Pakistan. oNLINe

Qaeda’s Zawahiri urges Pakistanis to revolt

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KARACHI: MQM members of the Sindh Assembly protest against the increase in crime and extortion mafia during the session on Friday. oNLiNe

DUBAI: Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has called on Pakistanis to revolt against their government and military in a video posted on the internet on Friday, Us monitors said. in a 10minute speech uploaded to jihadist forums, Zawahiri argued that the Pakistani authorities only represented Us interests, according to a statement from site intelligence Group. Zawahiri, shown standing in front of a green curtain, urged Pakistanis to follow the example of the Arab spring as the military could not be expected to turn against America despite a deadly Us strike on Pakistani troops in november. “O our brothers in Pakistan! O our people in Pakistan! this treacherous army and bribe-taking government have plundered your wealth,” he said in the video. “they have ruined your economy and destroyed your world as well as your hereafter. What then are you waiting for? take a lead from your brothers in tunisia, egypt, Libya, Yemen and syria who are standing up against oppression and oppressors with their bare chests exposed and offering sacrifices so that victory may be ordained for them,” he said in the message.

Zawahiri also said that unless its demands were met, al Qaeda would not release an elderly American development expert who was captured in Pakistan last August. “By the grace of Allah, we, on our part, have captured the American Jew Warren Weinstein. He will not return to his family, by the will of Allah, until our demands are met, which include the release of Aafia siddiqui, sheikh Omar Abdul rahman, the family of shaikh Osama bin Laden, and every single person arrested on allegations of links with al Qaeda and taliban.”

Long al Qaeda’s number two, Zawahiri took over the helm of the group after Bin Laden was killed in May 2011 in a Us special forces night raid deep in Pakistan. the video is the latest of a number in which the militant chief has attempted to exploit the Arab uprisings. afp

Memo commission, Haqqani’s counsel lock horns on cross-examination procedure ISLAMABAD taHIR NIaZ

A high drama prevailed in the islamabad High Court on Friday as Zahid Bukhari, the counsel for Husain Haqqani, continued putting ‘irrelevant’ questions to the Us national Mansoor ijaz during his cross-examination that led to flaring of tempers, followed by his announcement to withdraw the power of attorney.

As the memo commission chairman Justice Qazi Faez isa discarded a number of questions put forward by Bukhari to ijaz as irrelevant, the latter started challenging the procedure of cross-examination adding that he was against forming the commission.

Bukhari continued with the questions as definition of the memo, whether it was written on a prescribed letterhead, did it contain any signatures of Haqqani to which Jus-

tice isa observed that this all we know as it is a matter of record. Upon this Bukhari said in a louder voice that it was difficult for him to continue with the cross-examination adding the commission was objecting each and every thing.

Justice isa observed, “You (Bukhari) always raise your voice.

Please control yourself.” Bukhari replied, “You don’t allow me to get the answer uninterrupted.”

An exchange of hot words took place between the counsel and the chairman of the commission.

Bukhari again interrupted Justice isa when he tried to get the answer correctly recorded upon which Justice isa said, “it is a basic courtesy of the human behaviour that when one speaks the other listens.” He asked Bukhari to ‘conduct’ the proceedings if he had to interrupt on each and every occasion.

An irritated Bukhari said he did not go under such an admonishment during his 44-year practice as lawyer. “i cannot work with a judge of high temper and having a particular mindset… i have summoned my client as i have decided to desist from the proceedings,” he told the commission.

He said it was not simply possible for him to continue as Haqqani’s lawyer.

Justice isa told Bukhari that the commission needed clarity in both question and the answer. “We are cognizant of your rights. You did not put a single question that remotely related to the probe in hand,” he added. in the meantime, Haqqani reached the Pakistan High Commission and said his counsel felt that he was not given the opportunity to expose the credentials of the witness.

Bukhari said he was not being facilitated as the commission was interrupting him. He announced to

withdraw his power of attorney and left the Pakistan High Commission building reportedly to address a press conference outside. After a deadlock, the commission adjourned the proceedings for half an hour on the request of Akram shaikh, the counsel of Mansoor ijaz. When the commission resumed its proceedings, chairman of the commission Justice isa addressed Bukhari, “since your ire is towards me, i offer you that another member of the commission may conduct the proceedings”.

However, the offer did not work and Bukhari insisted that he was withdrawing his power of attorney. But Justice isa declined the request and added that he could not do so without permission of the commission. He made it clear that there would be no adjournments and the commission would proceed further with his associates and Haqqani himself.

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Saturday, 17 March, 2012

ForeIGn newS

arTS & enTerTaInMenT

SPorTS

Lone rocket hits Israel as Gaza truce firms up

Johnny Depp named fashion icon of the year

South africa in control of New Zealand test

News 03 CoMMenT the die is cast The decision will be appreciated by the PPP.

politics of ultimatums The belated realisation requires the MQM to help the PPP.

arif Nizami says: Our security dilemma: Washington is not sure how to initiate peace talks with the Talban.

aziz-ud-Din ahmad says: Musharraf’s U-turn: Musharraf exhibited signs of murderous tendencies at numerous occasions.

Raoof Hasan says: Monkey business: For over two years, the PM refused to obey the SC directive.

Story on Page 15

Story on Page 16

Story on Page 18

articles on Page 12-13

13 non-career diplomats posted in missions abroad

Court gives life-term to Sho for blaspheming KASUR Staff RepoRt

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no plan to import cars from China, India, na told

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ISLAMABAD

O r e i G n Minister Hina rabbani Khar on Friday informed the national Assembly that 13 missions of the country were being headed by non-career diplomats abroad. in a written reply, the foreign minister said there were a total of 87 Pakistani missions abroad at the level of ambassadors/high commissioners. she said Prime Minister Yousaf raza Gilani was the competent authority to appoint ambassadors/high commissioners at missions abroad and the appointments were made keeping in view their service to the cause of promotion of Pakistan, their qualification and experience. the national Assembly was informed that nine non-career ambassadors in Bs22 were appointed, including sherry rehman (Washington), Wajid shamsul Hasan (London), Abdullah Hussain Haroon (new York, Un), Jamil Ahmed Khan (Abu dhabi), Lt Gen(r) Muhammad Masood Aslam (Mexico), shahid Malik (new delhi), shafkat saeed (Paris), Masood Khan (Beijing), Fauzia Abbas (Copenhagen), nawabzada Aminullah Khan raisani (Muscat), Maj Gen (r) Muhammad siddique (Port Louis), Maj Gen, (r) Ahmad nawaz saleem Mela (Kyiv) and

SC directs spy agencies to keep seven detainees near Peshawar ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

While hearing a case of 11 prisoners at Adiala Jail, rawalpindi, who were picked up by spy agencies after their release and four of them died during detention, the supreme Court on Friday directed the secret agencies to keep the remaining seven prisoners at a detention centre near Peshawar, and provide them the best health facilities. A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Justice tariq Parvez was hearing a petition filed by late Ms rohaifa against the federation of Pakistan and others. tariq Asad, counsel for the petitioner, Attorney General (AG) Maulvi Anwarul Haq, Asadullah Chamkani and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) advocate general appeared on court’s notice. Commander M Hussain represented the Ministry of defence, while raja Muhammad irshad appeared on behalf of the inter-services intelligence (isi) and the Military intelligence (Mi). At the onset of the hearing, the KP AG submitted the provincial government’s report before the bench, according to which three detainees Abdul Majid, Abdul Basit and dr niaz would be kept for further medical treatment at the hospital, whereas other four detainees, including Mazharul Haq, Muhammad shafeeq, shafeequr rehman and Gul roz, were in considerably better health and were recommended to be shifted to a detention facility.

Maj Gen (r) Khalid Amir Jaffery (sarajevo).

Khar said a total of 1,132 indian prisoners and fishermen were released since 2008 until date. she said india also released 651 Pakistani prisoners and fishermen during that period.

Giving the breakup, Khar said 54 indian civilians and 1,078 fishermen were set free while india released 346 Pakistani civilian and 305 fishermen since 2008 to date.

Meanwhile, Minister for inter Provincial Coordination Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani told the House that there was no proposal under consideration to import cars of specified engine capacities form either China or india. replying to various supplementary questions in the Question Hour, he said the government had allowed import of used cars only. He said trade deficit of the country on March 2008 was $20.50 million and various steps were taken to reduce it.

He said incentives had been given to boost exports such as concessionary financing, duty-free import of raw material under temporary importation schemes, duty drawback scheme, concessions in duty/taxes on import of machinery and raw material of priority export sectors. the minister said Pakistan was in the process of moving from positive to nega-

tive list of items for trade with india. the cabinet accorded approval to a negative list of 1,209 tariff lines at eight digit Hs code for india which includes 49 tariff lines of pharmaceutical. tariff lines other than the said 49 would be importable from india, he added.

Bijarani said that the commerce ministry would notify the negative list of items for trade with india after completion of required procedural formalities. earlier, railways Minister Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour informed that no train was privatised by the Pakistan railways until date and only commercial management and passengers facilitation of two trains Business express and shalimar express had been outsourced to private parties to generate maximum revenue. to a question, he said according to the agreement, the private parties would pay money of 88 percent tickets to railways. He said the fare of trains except the two trains were enhanced due to increase in petroleum products’ prices.

He said Pr was going for public-private partnership instead of privatising any train in future. the Pr has invited bids to enter into such kind of cooperation for commercial management and passenger facilities for shaheen express, subuk raftar subk Khram, Farid express and super express.o

Meet noori, the world’s first cloned pashmina goat

Constable killed by robbers LAHORE Staff RepoRt

A constable of the Lahore Police was shot dead during a robbery bid in the Barky police precincts late on Friday. Constable tahir rehman, a resident of Minhala village was heading his home along with his younger brother irfan when unidentified motorcyclists intercepted them near sangat village and tried to rob them on gun point. tahir and his brother resisted, causing the robbers to open fire on them. tahir died on the spot while irfan survived. Police started investigating the matter after removing tahir’s body to the morgue for autopsy.

NEWS DESK it’s been 15 years since dolly the sheep emerged as the first clone to graze the earth. since then, we’ve seen snuppy the dog in south Korea, CC the cat in texas and samrupa, the word’s first cloned buffalo in india. now, the twinning trend has taken hold in the region of Kashmir as a way to bolster the Himalayan cashmere industry, according to a report in tiMe magazine. sales from luxurious, expensive shawls and scarves made from the pashmina’s soft wool bring in $80 million a year for the mountainous region, but slowly decreasing goat populations pose a problem for the area. numbers have dropped off in recent years, and the remaining herds are too few to keep up with demand, forcing Kashmir to import cashmere from China.

Kashmir’s scientists took matters into their own hands, literally. Using a “handmade” cloning procedure, dr riaz Ahmad shah, a veterinarian in the animal biotechnology center of the sher-e-Kashmir University, and six other scientists brought the first pashmina goat clone, noori, into the world on March 9. shah said, “this is the cheapest, easier and less time-consuming” method of cloning, compared with the high-tech machinery that main-

A court on Friday awarded lifeimprisonment to Police station House Officer (sHO) Manzarul Haq shah Jahan for uttering blasphemous remarks against the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Additional district and sessions’ Judge Chaudhry Umar Hayat handout out the verdict on a case registered at the complaint of Muhammad Younis. the complainant had alleged that the then sHO of raja Jung Police station had uttered blasphemy in a conversation with him and two other men, Javed iqbal and Hafiz shahid, on street crime. Younis had alleged that the sHO called Hafiz a “Maulvi” and used blasphemous words against the Holy Prophet (PBUH). the complainant had added that he was getting the case (no 20/2009) registered at the police station under section 295-C after discussing the incident with 65 members of a mosque.

A fatwa was also issued by religious scholars of prominent seminaries like darul Aloom and Jamia naeemia, Lahore, against the sHO. in his judgement, the judge observed that the offence of blasphemy had been fully proven against the accused, and that he had been found guilty. the judge awarded life imprisonment and a fine of rs 200,000 in the case, adding that the accused would have to undergo further two years of imprisonment if he failed to pay the fine.

13 arrested in PIC deaths case LAHORE Staff RepoRt

stream methods entail. though noori is the first pashmina goat to be cloned using the handmade technique, shah has also cloned a buffalo in the past. it could be another six months before the region delivers another clone, but scientists are excited about the possibility of expanding the program across the Himalayas. if it’s successful, why stop at goats? in the future, shah says he

hopes to focus on endangered animals such as the last remaining Asian red deer, the Kashmir stag. Like it or not, cloned animals started making their way into the mainstream in the next few years. According to the Huffington Post, word has it that zoos of the future could feature extinct species such as dodo birds or tasmanian wolves. didn’t Jurassic Park teach us anything?

investigators probing the deaths of about 150 Punjab institute of Cardiology (PiC) patients arrested 13 men on Friday. sources in investigation Wing of the Lahore Police said around 13 men had been arrested by the investigators under various charges. they said the suspects included two PiC employees, two employees of the supplying company (Umar trading) and nine employees of Feroze Chemicals. the sources said the men were arrested from various parts of the city during a successful raid, adding that the men were taken to an undisclosed location.

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04 News

Saturday, 17 March, 2012

President takes notice of rampant extortion in Karachi

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Malik says karachi will be cleansed of extortionists within 5 days ISLAMABAD

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resident Asif Ali Zardari has taken serious notice of complaints of extortion and poor law and order in Karachi. spokesman to the President Farhatullah Babar said the president directed the provincial government and interior Minister rehman Malik on Friday to take action against the criminal elements.

Zardari also directed the interior minister to proceed to Karachi and coordinate with the provincial govern-

ment in redressing the grievances of the public and traders in particular against extortion.

He said MQM chief Altaf Hussain had brought to the attention of the president the complaints of extortion in Karachi. “the PPP respects its coalition partners and will redress the concerns of the MQM,” Babar quoted the president as saying.

Meanwhile, the interior minister said they would cleanse Karachi of extortionists within five days as 400 additional security and law enforcement personnel would be utilised during the crackdown. talking to reporters

after chairing a meeting in the national database and registration Authority, Malik said extortion was a chronic issue of Karachi, and they were having a complete coordination with MQM chief Altaf Hussain regarding the issue.

He said directives had also been issued to the nAdrA chairman to deal with illegal siM modules of cell phones during the operation. to a question, he said even the sindh iG was contacted over the issue, who had informed that six extortionists had been recently arrested, while five others were identified.

KaBUL: Security personnel stand near the wreckage of a turkish helicopter after it crashed in the afghan capital, killing 12 turkish soldiers on board. aFP

attack at afghan Balochistan government base targeted to withdraw 28 cases top general: US

SC seeks ITne report on wage Board award

ABOARD A US MILITARY AIRCRAFT:the Us military on Friday said an attack at a nAtO base in Afghanistan this week targeted a top American commander, just as Us defence secretary Leon Panetta flew in for a visit. After having initially downplayed the incident, officials threw new light on Wednesday’s attack at British-run Camp Bastion in Helmand province that showed it was much more serious than initial accounts suggested.afp

ISLAMABAD: Hearing a Civil Miscellaneous Application (CMA) filed by the All Pakistan newspaper employees Confederation (APneC), the supreme Court on Friday sought a report from the implementation tribunal for newspaper employees (itne) about the compliance of the apex court’s decision on the 7th Wage Board Award. Staff RepoRt

against Brahamdagh QUETTA Staff RepoRt

the Balochistan government has decided to withdraw at least 28 cases against selfexiled separatist Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti who currently lives in switzerland. the decision was taken following the announcement of the PPP government to withdraw all cases registered

against Baloch leaders to persuade them to hold negotiations with the government. the cases include targeting government installations like gas pipelines, power pylons, attacking security forces and murder. the district administration submitted a report to the provincial Home department about 28 cases against Brahamdagh in dera Bugti.

karzai slams US after shooting suspect flown abroad KABUL afp

Afghan President Hamid Karzai accused the United states on Friday of failing to cooperate over a massacre of 16 Afghans blamed on an American sergeant, raising public tensions between the two countries.

His comments underscored deep Afghan anger over the shootings, one day after he said international forces should leave villages, potentially jeopardising nAtO operations two years before combat troops are due to leave Afghanistan. “the Afghan government

didn’t receive cooperation from the Us regarding the surrender of the Us soldiers to the Afghan government. this (civilian casualties) has been going on for too long,” Karzai told reporters. “this is by all means the end of the rope here,” added Karzai, who has long called for an end to Us raids on Afghan homes and who came under pressure Friday from relatives to take corrective action. “this behavior can’t be tolerated. We have not asked for money. We ask for justice rather than compensation,” he added. Afghan leaders demanded that the suspect face a public trial in Afghanistan

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with the proposal and requested the Chair to immediately form a committee with equal representation from treasury and opposition benches.

Awami national Party MnA Pervaiz Khan said that no party had the right to sabotage the House’s proceedings and alleged the MQM of using exploitative tactics. He condemned extortion, but added that the MQM could not make the people of Karachi hostage. “every Pakistani has a right to live in Karachi. the party enjoying power in sindh is also responsible for peace in Karachi,” he said. PPP MnA noor Alam Khan said his party always hated extor-

ANKARA afp

twelve turkish soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday, in what is believed to be turkey’s deadliest incident in Afghanistan, the military announced. the sikorsky helicopter

afp

over the killings – mainly of women and children – in the southern province of Kandahar as villagers slept before dawn on sunday. But the 38-

year-old decorated soldier was instead flown to Kuwait this week, a first step towards being charged and put on trial abroad.

tionists and asked the MQM to name the extortionists instead of clamouring in the House. “We are here to resolve masses problems. do not make this House a fish market,” he said.

PML-n’s deputy Opposition Leader in the House Mahtab Khan Abbasi regretted the MQM’s attitude, saying that every party was against extortion. He reminded the PPP and its coalition partner MQM of their responsibilities, saying that it was time for action.

PML-n leader Khawaja saad rafiq also demanded action against extortionists, and complained that the government delayed decisions on maintenance of

peace.

PML-Quaid’s sheikh Waqas Akram justified MQM’s concern, but questioned against whom they were protesting as they were part of the government. He said the government and the MQM had a history of reconciliations. “if the MQM again reconciles with the government without ensuring action against extortionists, we shall think that their protest was just another move to get benefits from the government,” he said. earlier, the deputy speaker announced the schedule of the president’s address to the joint session of the parliament, adding that the time of the speech had been changed.

belonged to the turkish armed forces and was serving under the Kabul regional command as part of the international security Assistance Force (isAF) mission, the military said in a statement posted on its website. the cause of the crash was not immediately known, but Foreign Minister Ahmet davutoglu said it appears to have oc-

curred during an emergency landing due to technical problems according to preliminary findings. “it is a grave accident... We have tremendous pain,” davutoglu told reporters. the crash occurred at 10:25am local time, according to the military. the death toll is believed to be the heaviest thus far encountered by the turkish army in war-torn Afghanistan.

PML-n will uS soldier upset by drag Zardari comrade’s injury ContinueD froM Page 1 if the prime minister is with before afghan rampage the people of Pakistan, he SEATTLE

MQM protests they were not even ready to listen to deputy speaker Faisal Karim Kundi, who repeatedly asked them to maintain the House’s decorum. the PPP chief whip remarked that he found it beyond understanding that the MQM was chanting slogans against a government of which they were a part.

PML-n MnA sheikh rohail Asghar demanded to constitute a House committee to probe and expose the parties involved in extortion, adding that the parties found involved in the practice should lose the right to politicking.

Khursheed shah agreed

12 turkish soldiers killed in Kabul helicopter crash

the Us soldier accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers was upset by a serious injury sustained by an army comrade the day before the massacre, but held no animosity toward Muslims, his lawyer has said. the 38-year-old army sergeant, being held in Kuwait, was also unhappy about being sent to Afghanistan, having earlier been told he would not be redeployed after three tours in iraq, according to his seattlebased civilian attorney. the soldier, a married father-of-two is not being named, and his family has moved to a military base south of seattle because of security fears and concerns about possible retaliation for the attack. A decorated veteran, the suspect is alleged to have left his base in southern Kandahar province before dawn sunday

and then proceeded to kill the Afghans, many of them children, in two neighboring villages. “We have been informed that at this small base that he was at, somebody was gravely injured the day before the alleged incident, which affects all of the soldiers there,” attorney John Henry Browne said in seattle on thursday. He declined to give more details to reporters, but a report said a friend and fellow Us soldier had his leg blown off while next to the rampage suspect. the new York times said the suspect, a career soldier originally from the Midwest, had been drinking at the time of the shootings, was stressed over his fourth deployment and had been experiencing tensions with his wife.

“When it all comes out, it will be a combination of stress, alcohol and domestic issues — he just snapped,” an unnamed official told the times.

should write the letter to the swiss courts,” shahbaz said.

He said the people were aware of the corruption of the rulers and would not vote for them in the coming general election. the chief minister himself led slogans of “Go Zardari Go” and assured the people of Wazirabad of bringing the looted money back. Without naming anyone, the chief minister said a new leader talked about revolution, but he had allowed most of the turncoats to join his party. shahbaz said the leader could not bring about any revolution, adding it was nawaz sharif who could ameliorate the lot of the people. He announced setting up an institute of cardiology in Wazirabad and said the institute would serve six districts of Gujranwala division.

Pakistani commission ContinueD froM Page 28 As Ali continued to insist on cross-examination, nikam said indian CrPC provided for adherence to what had been agreed upon by the two countries while making such an arrangement.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate ss shinde finally disallowed the commission from cross-examining the

witnesses, accepting nikam’s plea that both the countries had mutually agreed in October 2010 that only their statements would be recorded. Moreover, nikam argued that since the appeal of Kasab against his conviction and death penalty was pending in the supreme Court, legal proceedings in india would be hampered if

witnesses were allowed to be cross-examined at this stage.

Following permission from shinde, the panel began recording the statement of magistrate rV sawant Waghule, who had recorded the confession of Kasab soon after his arrest following the attacks. it took over an hour to record the statement of Waghule, sources said.

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Saturday, 17 March, 2012

News 05

osama ‘ordered al Qaeda to kill obama, Petraeus’ NEWS DESK According to a document retrieved from the compound where Osama bin Laden was shot dead by Us navy seals last May, the al Qaeda leader also told his deputy Atiyah Abd al-rahman to focus attacks with the Us rather than Muslim nations.

Bin Laden told rahman that without Obama, the Us would be thrown into “crisis” because Vice President Joe Biden was “unprepared” for the job, the Washington Post reported. He also showed regard for Petraeus. “the reason for concentrating on them,” bin Laden wrote in the 48-page document, “is that Obama is the head of infidelity and killing him automatically will make (Vice President Joe) Biden take over the presidency. … Biden is totally unprepared for that post, which will lead the Us into a crisis. As for Petraeus, he is the man of the hour … and killing him would alter the war’s path” in Afghanistan. Bin Laden instructed rahman to use Pakistani militant ilyas Kashmiri for the attack.

Kashmri was reportedly killed in a Us drone strike in south Waziristan on June 2, 2011. “Please ask brother ilyas to send me the steps he has taken into that work,” he wrote. Bin Laden stated that “every effort” should be spent on planning and executing attacks within America. He instructed rahman to “ask the brothers in all regions if they have a brother … who can operate in the Us [He should be able to] live there, or it should be easy for him to travel there.” Us officials stated the plot was not seen as a serious threat.

Militants blow up 2 schools in Swabi, kohat

KaRaCHI: funeral prayers being offered for Shia leader akmal Rizvi who was killed in firing by unidentified assailants at patel para on friday. oNLiNe

Long-awaited US review likely next week g

Fo says Pakistan could go to Un against drone attacks

PESHAWAR

ISLAMABAD

oNLINe

Unidentified militants Friday blew up two government schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police sources said. no one was hurt as the schools were closed at the time of blasts, police said. the first school building consisting of 15 rooms was destroyed early on Friday in Zaida area of swabi district. All the official records and computer labs were damaged. Police said that explosive devices were placed into the rooms and compound of the building. sHO Zaida, nazir Khan said that a search operation was launched throughout the district against unknown perpetrators.

Another school was blown up in Kohat district.

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aGeNCIeS

joint session of parliament tasked with reviewing and formally resetting troubled relations with the United states could start as early as Monday, an official said. “i think that this particular subject will be considered by the parliament starting from the 19th of this month,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit told reporters, asked when parliament will conduct the review. the process is considered key to getting Pakistani-Us diplomatic relations onto a more solid footing after

Us air strikes last november killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and brought the relationship to its lowest point in years. the review is seen as a precursor to Pakistan reopening its Afghan land border to nAtO convoys, which have been sealed since november 26, and a resumption of high-level American diplomatic visits. the november 26 strikes capped a disastrous year for an alliance already seriously compromised by the covert raid to kill Osama bin Laden on May 2 and the detention of a CiA contractor who killed two Pakistanis in January 2011. islamabad closed its Afghan border and ordered Us personnel to leave the shamsi airbase, reportedly

a hub for covert American drone strikes against the taliban and AlQaeda in Pakistan’s tribal belt. the foreign ministry spokesman said that a decision would be taken on reopening nAtO supply lines after the parliamentary process is complete.

Pakistan is expected to tax convoys carrying nAtO supplies from its port in Karachi and to the border with landlocked Afghanistan. experts believe it may be able to earn $1 million a day from the arrangement. the Washington Post newspaper wrote recently that Pakistan and the United states were working out a more pragmatic framework, which could involve fewer Us drone strikes on militants. the strikes are publicly

tobacco use kills 5m people worldwide annually: uN UNITED NATIONS app

tobacco use is responsible for five million or 12 per cent of all deaths of adults above the age of 30 globally each year, according to a new United nations report unveiled on Friday. the new report by the Un World Health Organisation (WHO), entitled ‘Mortality Attributable to tobacco,’ provides – for the first time – estimated mortality rates attributable to tobacco for 2004, the year before the international treaty on tobacco came into force. the Framework Convention on tobacco Control (FCtC) that came into force in 2005 requires parties to restrict tobacco advertising, sponsor-

ship and promotion, set new labeling and clean indoor air controls and strengthen laws against tobacco smuggling. the report shows that five percent of all deaths from communicable diseases worldwide and 14 percent of deaths resulting from non -communicable illnesses among adults aged 30 and above were attributable to tobacco use.

Although many people associate tobacco with non-communicable diseases such as cancers, heart and respiratory diseases, tobacco is also a major cause of communicable diseases, tuberculosis being a case in point where the disease is at times in latent or dormant state until activated by tobacco use, said Ala Alwan,

the WHO Assistant director-General in charge of non-communicable diseases and Mental Health, in a forward to the report. the regions with the highest number of deaths related to the use of tobacco are the Americas and europe where tobacco use has been in use longer, according to the report. Globally, deaths from tobacco-related cardiovascular diseases were more likely to occur among younger adults. thirty-eight per cent of deaths of adults resulting from ischemic heart disease in the 30-44 age group were attributable to tobacco, while 71 percent of all lung cancer deaths were linked to the use of tobacco. the five million deaths translate to an incredible statistic, one death

every six seconds, said dr Alwan. Unless strong actions are taken to halt the tobacco epidemic, one billion people are projected to die this century, we cannot let this happen, he added, urging all countries to implement the convention on tobacco control. the report contains country-specific estimates including death rates attributable to tobacco. it is intended to help countries assess the mortality of tobacco use and measure the success of efforts to discourage the use of the substance. it follows the 2008 WHO report on the issue, which prompted some Member states to request the agency to consider generating estimates to give them an indication of their progress in combating tobacco use.

condemned by the islamabad government.

Commenting on Us drones strikes on Pakistan, Basit said that all options, including United nations, would be considered to stop the Us drones attacks.

He said that the drone strikes were sheer violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity. “Pakistan has been using all diplomatic channels to bring an end to the strikes that are damaging our efforts against militancy and terrorism. Voices are also being raised in the West against these illegal drone strike,” he said.

He said Pakistan was taking the issue forcefully with the United states and hoped that the Us will revisit its policy towards that end.

PM’s statement should not be made an issue: Firdous ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for information and Broadcasting dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Friday that statement of Prime Minister Yousaf raza Gilani should not be made an issue as the PPP government could never think of violating the constitution of the country. talking to reporters outside the Parliament House, she said that those who wanted to create conflict between state institutions would again be disappointed. she said that PM spoke in the voice of people during public gathering in Bahawalpur which should not be made an issue, adding that first the PM was a citizen of the country and then the prime minister. she said that the PM was a petitioner before the supreme Court and she hoped that the sC would provide justice, adding that the government did not want conflict with any institution of the country. INp

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06 News LhC seeks reply from GhQ over disappearance of Brigadier ali RAWALPINDI INp

the Lahore High Court rawalpindi Bench on Friday sought written reply from the General Headquarters (GHQ) regarding disappearance issue of Brigadier Ali Khan from a hospital, who is currently tried in a military court for his alleged role in staging a coup. the single-judge bench of Justice Mazhar iqbal sandhu issued directive after hearing a case regarding disappearance of Brig Ali Khan from hospital. dr Colonel Waqar and Colonel tahir, on part of respondent, submitted a reply in which it was apprised that Brig Ali was under the detention of 111 Brigade where his court martial proceedings were underway.

Colonel (r) inamur raheem, counsel for Ali, contended that initiation of court martial proceedings without prior information was against the settled principles of law. the bench adjourned further hearing until March 19.

Saturday, 17 March, 2012

IRSA technical committee fails to assess water shortage for Kharif ISLAMABAD

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aMeR SIaL

n important meeting of the technical committee of the indus river system Authority (irsA) on Friday failed to estimate water supply during the upcoming Kharif season, starting from April 1, as the committee was informed that due to unexpected fluctuation in water inflows during the February-March period, the estimated inflows could not be worked out.

the meeting of the committee was chaired by irsA Chief engineer Yasmin ihsan and attended by provincial representatives. it decided that another meeting of the committee would be held after March 20 to assess the situation, as it was informed by relevant officials that they could not give any estimate of water inflows for the Kharif season due to continuation of cold spell in northern areas.

An official source said the next meeting of the technical committee was expected to be held on March 26. He

said the officials were confident that by that time the position would be quite clear as currently the water inflows on some days were normal but decreased significantly due to change in weather.

However, he said the committee estimated that there were would be an unprecedented water shortage of 15 to 25 percent during the early Kharif season, from April 1 to June 10. this will significantly impact the sowing of important Kharif crops of cotton, maize and sugarcane. the committee assessed that overall the water shortage during the season would be between 5 to 10 percent.

After finalisation of the estimates by the technical committee, the irsA adviser committee will be drawing up the irrigation plan in consultation with the provinces for the Kharif season. the experts have already warned that the depletion of water level in the two main reservoirs of tarbela and Mangla would push the sowing season by at least two weeks in sindh. sowing of crops in sindh starts earlier than in Punjab, any delay will create provincial discord as both provinces would be demanding their share of water in the month of May.

rushdie to speak in Delhi despite Muslim anger NEW DELHI afp

British author salman rushdie will speak at a conference in india on saturday, organisers have confirmed, two months after protests by islamic activists forced him to cancel a trip to the country. rushdie, who vowed to return to india when he pulled out of a book festival in January, will appear at the india today Conclave in new delhi despite continuing anger among Muslims over his 1988 novel “the satanic Verses”. “sir salman rushdie will be the gala night speaker tomorrow night,” Aroon Purie, chairman of the india today media group, told delegates on Friday. rushdie’s speech, originally scheduled for Friday, was moved after the event’s gala speaker, Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician imran Khan, withdrew from the conference due to rushdie’s booking.

Mumbai-born rushdie, a regular visitor to india for decades, withdrew from the Jaipur Literature Festival after islamic hardliners threatened to disrupt the gathering and police told him that assassins were plotting to kill him. He attacked the Muslim clerics behind the protests and also indian politicians for failing to stand up to them. “i will come to india many times... and i will not allow these religious gangsters and their cronies in the government to prevent me,” rushdie said in a television interview from London during the book festival. the 64-year-old writer spent a decade in hiding after iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa in 1989 calling for his death over “the satanic Verses”. indian islamic groups have repeated their opposition to rushdie visiting india, but declined to say whether they planned to protest at the luxury hotel where the conference is being held.

QUetta: a man shows to reporters the ‘wrong operation’ of his daughter carried out by doctors of a private hospital on friday. oNLiNe

Police, law-enforcing agencies harassing citizens: SC ISLAMABAD INp

the supreme Court, expressing its surprise and annoyance over working of police and law-enforcement agencies, on Friday observed they were harassing innocent citizens, but criminals were going unpunished.

A two-member bench comprising

Chief Justice iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Justice tariq Parvez was hearing a suo motu case of harassment against Gujranwala police. the apex court said that such attitude of the police created a situation in which the courts were left with no option but to acquit the accused. the bench directed the inspector general of police Punjab to take this case as a test case for the pur-

pose of ascertaining facts and fixing responsibility on the police officers/officials responsible for harassment. He was further directed to file a detailed report on the number of the accused booked along with the rate of acquittal or conviction. the bench observed when an accused was acquitted by a court, it was the duty of the police concerned to file appeals at higher judicial forums.

Farmers come out on tractor-trolleys against WaPDa for overbilling KASUR Staff RepoRt

A couple of hundred people, including local farmers, lawyers and politicians, took out a tractor-trolley rally against the Water and Power development Authority (WAPdA) for overcharging them in electricity bills. residents of surrounding villages, including Bedian Kalan, sandha, Burg Kalan and Hussain Khanwala, came out on tractor-trolleys and tried to reach the local WAPdA office. A police contingent stopped the tractors’ rally at Kuchehry Chowk, where they kept the main Fer-

ozepur road blocked for over two hours.

Farmers’ Association President Muzaffar, Kasur Bar President sharif, and Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz (PML-n) leaders Mubashar nawaz and Chaudhry imtaz addressed the participants of the rally. they said the Lahore electric supply Company (LesCO) had been sending excessive electricity bills to local farms. they said the bills carried additional reading for the next two years due to the negligence of meter readers, and the involvement of some LesCO officials in power pilferages. they showed the copies of electricity bills that charged a payable amount

of rs 394,771 and rs 394,196 on tubewell connections of load 5. the Kasur Bar secretary complained about the behaviour of Kasur Police and its reluctance to register a case against LesCO officials for thrashing the farmers who visited LesCO office to get their electricity bills corrected. district Police Officer (dPO) Khurrram Ali shah assured the protesters of disposing of a case registered against farmers and a lawyer. He also asked them to hold a meeting with the Xen and the sdO – both senior WAPdA officials – and get the issue of over billing resolved. the tractor-trolley rally dispersed peaceful afterwards.

the bench was apprised by Additional Advocate General razzaq A Mirza that the Fir registered against Hafiz shahid Munir, a journalist, by the Gujranwala police, had resulted in his acquittal for lack of prosecution evidence. the bench questioned the additional advocate general if there was no evidence, why the accused was challaned. Further hearing was adjourned to March 22.

Shahbaz meets amir Muqam secretly LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister shahbaz shairf has held a secret meeting with PMLQ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Amir Muqam, sources revealed on Friday.

According to the sources, the issue of Amir Muqam’s joining PML-n was discussed during the meeting. it is learnt that nawaz sharif, after his return to Pakistan, would give final approval of Amir Muqam’s joining PML-n. the meeting between shahbaz sharif and Amir Muqam continued for about an hour. the role of Amir Muqam in the PML-n after his joining the party was the main point of discussion, the sources said. INp

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Saturday, 17 March, 2012

keSC’s new deal: 7 ‘Unhappy hours’ each day Can you match that McDonald’s?

09

When lawmakers turn wild!

■ Chaos during Sindh assembly session as MQM MPas protest extortion in karachi KARACHI

s

QaZI aSIf

HOUtinG, cursing, damage to property and last but not the least, physical harassment. it was an unusual day in the parliamentary history of the sindh Assembly on Friday as the provincial lawmakers violated all rules of procedure. they attacked each other. Microphones were broken. Copies of the order of the day were torn. Carrying placards, the lawmakers shouted slogans on the floor of the House. the situation exacerbated to the extent that the deputy speaker adjourned the session till Monday. it all started with Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) legislators assembling in the chamber of sardar Ahmed, the parliamentary leader of the party in sindh Assembly.

After the meeting ended, the MQM lawmakers headed towards the assembly hall carrying placards and chanting slogans against the growing incidence of extortion and terrorism in Karachi.

After entering the hall,

they continued shouting their slogans for 20 minutes.

One MQM MPA went to the seat of the speaker and placed a placard on it. it was removed when deputy speaker shehla raza arrived in the House. the agenda of the day was a question hour session on the services and General Administration department and Chief Minister Qaim Ali

shah had to answer the queries. However, as the provincial chief executive was not present in the House, provincial law minister Ayaz soomro had to reply on his behalf. the first five questions had been submitted by Arif Mustafa Jatoi of the national People’s Party (nPP) in a written form.

As the deputy speaker

started calling the names of those for whom the House had to offer fateha, the MQM MPAs resumed shouting their slogans, went to the sindh Assembly secretary and started thumping on his table, breaking his microphone.

Later, some MQM MPAs went up to Munawar Abbasi, sindh information Minister shazia Marri and Arif

Mustafa Jatoi and broke their microphones as well, demanding that the lawmakers discuss the issue of extortion. the deputy speaker, who was chairing the session, told them to stay silent and return to their seats. However, ignoring her instructions, the MQM MPAs gathered in front of the speaker and tore copies of

the order of the day.

When Arif Mustafa Jatoi came forward towards the speaker’s chair, an MQM MPA grabbed him by the collar and shoved him backed. this aggravated the situation as Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lawmakers including Murad Ali shah, Manzoor Hussain Wasan, Jam Mehtab dahar, Pir Mazharul Haq, Ayaz soomro,

My microphone was smashed

by MQM MPas before the question hour started. I tried to complain to the speaker that my microphone has been smashed, but was pushed back by an MQM MPa… I don’t know what his name is. If the MPa goes unpunished for breaking the microphone, tomorrow he will break another one. The speaker can take action against the MPa, who violated the rules of procedure

The Sindh assembly is not the place to stage a protest rally, but a place to talk and negotiate. MPas were physically attacked during the session which is very unfortunate. extortion in karachi has been continuing for 30 years. why has the protest on the issue peaked to such a level all of a sudden? It is because of the policy of reconciliation that no action has been taken against the MPas who attacked their colleagues

This has never happened in the history of the Sindh assembly before. The sanctity of the house has been violated. however, the MQM must remain with the PPP. The provincial government has already taken steps against extortion in karachi. an antiextortion cell was established on March 5, 2012 and people were asked to register their complaints if anyone demands extortion money from them.

More policemen would be deployed in the city

Today is a historic day for the province of Sindh and the city of karachi as their elected representatives spoke out against extortion and terrorism. karachi is passing through a very difficult time. our microphones were cut off in house and we were not allowed to speak. It is our right to speak. we will not allow extortionists and terrorists to hold the city hostage.

There are so many no-go areas in the city

This is the city and province of altaf bhai, and people must live here with peace and respect.

Prejudice will not be tolerated. The feudal lords consider us as third-rate citizens. If that continues, the MQM will be free to make any decision. nobody should blame altaf hussain if he makes such a decision. Much of Sindh has suffered because of feudal lords. It would be in the best interest of Sindh if the province gets rid of them

SHeHLa RaZa

MaNZooR WaSaN

faISaL SUBZWaRI

RaZa HaRooN

SINDH aSSeMBLy DepUty SpeaKeR

SINDH HoMe MINISteR

SINDH yoUtH affaIRS MINISteR

SINDH It MINISteR

aRIf MUStafa JatoI Npp Mpa

Lawmakers embroiled in a verbal spar during the Sindh assembly session on Friday. oNLiNe

City’s traders to keep markets shut today KARACHI GHULaM aBBaS

Karachi’s traders have decided to keep all retail and wholesale markets shut on saturday (today) to protest the increasing cases of extortion and street crime in the city after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) took a stand over the issue on Friday.

Private schools will also remain closed and public transport is expected to remain thin. the All Karachi tajir ittehad (AKti) announced that all small and major

business units in the city will remain closed to protest the activities of the extortion mafia. “traders are finding it hard to run their business activities as they are killed by extortionists if they do not pay them money,” said Atiq Mir, chairman of the AKti. “traders are looted and killed in broad daylight, but the law enforcement agencies do not take any notice. if extortionists keep roaming around with impunity, there must be some force backing them,” he added. “despite repeated requests by the business commu-

nity, the extortion mafia belonging to various groups is freely distributing extortion slips and threats of dire consequences in case of non-payment.” in a separate statement, Businessmen Group Chairman and former president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and industry (KCCi) siraj Kassam teli, KCCi President Mian Abrar Ahmad and others appreciated that the MQM has raised a voice against the increasing criminal activities and the recent killings of traders in Karachi.

“Any action taken in this respect will be appreciated by the KCCi,” they said.

Mir nadir Magsi and others reprimanded MQM’s Faisal subzwari, raza Haroon and dr saghir Ahmed for their party’s lawmaker physically harassing Jatoi.

Provincial minister nadir Magsi tried to intervene into the matter, but an MQM MPA tried to grab him by the collar. However, another MQM legislator stopped him from assaulting Magsi. the PPP ministers requested their MQM counterparts to control their MPAs. When the deputy speaker saw that the House’s proceedings could no longer be controlled, she adjourned the session.

Later the deputy speaker as well as many PPP MPAs left the House, but the party’s ministers remained there, helplessly requesting MQM ministers to tell their MPAs to calm down.

Later, subzwari tried to pacify the MPAs of his party and went to the dice of assembly secretary, who had already left amid the rumpus. subzwari and raza Haroon spoke with their MPAs and after 10 minutes, the House’s lights were switched off and the MQM’s lawmakers also left the hall.

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PakistaN today

08 karachi Country’s best women converge at Mohatta Saturday, 17 March, 2012

4th Ladiesfund Women’s aWards

■ Sharmeen obaid-Chinoy receives woman of the Year award KARACHI

F

Staff RepoRt

RESH of an Oscar win, sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has been awarded one of the most sought after accolades in Pakistan, a People’s Choice Award for most extraordinary woman of the year. the 4th Ladiesfund Women’s Awards ceremony was held on thursday at the Mohatta Palace Museum with 200 of the most influential women in Pakistan in attendance.

Other finalists included Ameena saiyid, sana safinaz, Hina rabbani Khar and sherry rehman. the chief guests included MnA Khush Bakht shujaat, Us Ambassador’s wife dr Marilyn Wyatt and Ladiesfund Lifetime Achievement Winner Fatima suraiya Bajia. Finance Minister dr Abdul Hafeez shaikh, the chief guest, was unable to come due to a last minute request by the president, but he had his speech read out on the occasion. the event was hosted by dawood Global Foundation in partnership with dawood Capital Management Ltd., Khushalibank, nokia, PsO, raintree spa, swiss Airlines, Airblue, Higher education Commission, iqra University, Zerritta Flowers, CiO Pakistan, CityFm89, Color studio, shamain, arena, Karachisnob.com, KFC Women’s Forum, Ayurvedic skin and Hair Care by saman’s, elan social Women’s Club, Polly & Me, triumph, nestle, national Bonds, Oilatum, sui southern, Pie in the sky, nida Azwer, threads & Motifs, taneez, Mausummery, Hobnob, Heavenly regalia by nazeen tariq Khan, sumbul, n’eco’s, eGO, Ayesha Khurram, d Philosophy by deepak Perwani, Oxford University Press, Canvas, spectraBan, Physiogel, Herbal World and Chatterbox.

Other winners included Arfa Karim (posthumous) for Ladiesfund Khushhalibank idol, rabia Khan of sunGold for Ladiesfund trailblazer and Zeenat saeed Ahmad for Ladiesfund Momentum.

All winners received a plaque, a top of the line high end nokia smartphone, a threads and Motifs dress, a d Philosophy by deepak Perwani gift, a Herbal World salon gift basket, a snob.com personalised membership card, a bouquet of Zerritta Flowers and a monetary prize of dawood income Fund units. Arfa Karim’s parents Amjad and samina flew from Karachi to attend the event and accepted the award from Khushhalibank President Ghalib nishtar. their acceptance speech drew the audience to applause and to tears. Chinoy’s acceptance speech also drew the crowd to their feet and was a great inspiration for all. scholarship winners included Haniyah shaikh (Ladiesfund raintree for scholarship for Bachelors in textiles at iqra University); eman Mehmood (Ladiesfund ego scholarship for Bachelors in Be [electronics engineering] at iqra University); and Maheen Khan (Ladiesfund national Bonds scholarship for Bachelors in Business Administration at iqra University. Polly & Me was selected as “Young entrepreneur in the spotlight”. Moderated by tV personality and entrepreneur sidra iqbal, the event started with Quran recitation by talat Hashmi followed by singing of national Anthem by pop star Komal rizvi. speaking on the occasion, tara Uzra dawood, president of the dawood Global Foundation, said, “We are excited to announce here the formation of the Ladiesfund women who matter, which will be 25 of the most influential and iconic women across sectors across the country who will be meeting with national and international world leaders to represent and discuss the role of women in Pakistan to the prosperity and economy of the country.

Chinoy commended Ladiesfund for bringing together such extraordinary woman. “i am honoured to be Pakistan’s woman of the year,” she added.

Khush Bakht shujat said it her privilege to fight for women advocacy in parliament. Fatima suraiya Bajia, the winner of the Ladiesfund Lifetime Achievement Award, said, “i am honoured to be invited here and thank you for giving me this award. i have always been praised outside of the country so it means so much to me this appreciation here by my own people. this was a beautiful event that made me feel beautiful.”

Ghalib nishtar, President of the Khushhalibank and sponsor of Ladiesfund Khushalibank idol Award, said, “the Khushhalibank is privileged to sponsor the Ladiesfund Khushalibank idol Award as a tribute to the women of Pakistan. it is an acknowledgement of their courage and commitment in pursuit of excellence and endeavor to create a positive image of Pakistan. this year’s award is dedicated to Arfa Karim, who sadly left us earlier this year. Arfa is and will continue

to be an inspiration for the coming generations of Pakistan. the sponsorship of this award is our humble contribution to acknowledge and celebrate the top female role models of the country, particularly those women who are determined to

succeed against all odds.” dr Marilyn Wyatt said that she is honoured to be standing shoulder to shoulder with some of Pakistan’s most dynamic women, women who are creating jobs, jobs that support families and futures.

“some people look at Pakistan and see only challenges, troubles, and difficulties. i look at the women we honor tonight, and the men who support them, and see only possibilities, hope, and triumph,” she added.

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Saturday, 17 March, 2012

karachi 09 PakistaN today

Can you matCh that mCdonaLd’s?

KESC’S nEw dEal: 7 ‘Unhappy Hours’ each day

■ Power utility claims load shedding increased due to reduction in gas supply STAFF REPORT

A

KaRaCHI

s soon as the weather has started turning warmer, the Karachi Electric supply Company (KEsC) has increased its load shedding hours, making life more miserable for the citizens, who had to brave between three and five hours of power outages during winter.

The coming summer might turn

out to be the ugliest one for the 18 million residents of the city in terms of the power situation as the power utility claims that it has increased load shedding duration due to a “sudden decline in gas supply”.

Many parts of the city are experiencing power breakdowns lasting for about six to seven hours in various spells.

In a press statement, the KEsC claimed that the “recent sudden reduction in natural gas supply by

the sui southern Gas Company (ssGC) is adversely affecting the power generation equation in the city”.

The power utility said the “unplanned reduction in gas supply from the ssGC has resulted in an unfortunate increase in the load shedding hours for the utility’s residential and commercial consumers. Of late, despite fluctuating fuel supply, the power utility had been making concerted efforts to contain the load shed duration in

residential and commercial areas from three hours to a maximum of six hours. However, with the negative impact on power generation because of the gas shortfall, the load shed ceiling has gone up to to 7.5 hours in some areas”.

The power utility pointed out that despite the challenging situation it is facing, the industrial areas are still exempted from power shedding.

The power utility early demanded resumption of adequate

gas supply for power generation and said that the recent increase in load shedding hours would be withdrawn as soon as gas supply to its power plants is increased.

The KEsC also asked for immediate supply of the committed additional 130mmfcd gas for its 560MW new combined cycle power plant at Bin Qasim.

“This extra power generation could ease the demand supply gap in the city,” the power utility added in its statement.

BIek asks colleges to submit affiliation details by 31st KARACHI app

All colleges in the private and public sectors and the higher secondary schools that were given the status of a college have been asked to submit detailed documentation to the Board of intermediate education Karachi (BieK) by March 31 so that a certificate of affiliation can be issued to them. the issue came under discussion at a meeting of the affiliation committee on Friday chaired by the BieK chairman. the BieK chairman said at present, the number of private and government sector higher secondary schools is 316 including four new government-owned ones and 14 newly registered private institutions. the registration of these institutions has expired this year. He said 29 private and 70 government colleges have not completed formalities for the affiliation and are required to submit missing primary details. the heads of these institutions have been informed and asked to submit the details for the issuance of affiliation certificate as in case of failure, candidates appearing in exams from these institutions are likely to suffer. the college administrations do not need to visit BieK and instead can post their details on e-mail so that their cases of affiliation are processed and decided, the board announced.

CnG stations to close for 24 hours

KARACHI app

an Indonesian group performs during a ceremony held at the Jehangir kothari Parade in connection with the hamara karachi Festival. oNLiNe

All CnG stations in sindh including Karachi will remain closed for 24 hours from 9.00 am on saturday till 9 am on sunday under the gas load management plan. According to a sui southern Gas Company announcement on Friday, this step is being taken by the gas utility to improve the line pack position all over its franchise area, which has been badly disturbed due to increased domestic gas load during the current winter season.

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PakistaN today

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Saturday, 17 March, 2012

British HC wants his country to become top investor in Pakistan

■ Leading Uk beauty care retailer launches first store in country

PraYer TIMInGS Fajr 5:23

Sunrise 6:38

Zuhr 12:41

asr 4:06

Maghrib 6:42

Isha 7:58

Starting time in karachi

CITY DIreCTorY eMerGenCY heLP PoLICe 15 BoMB DISPoSaL 15, 99212667 FIre BrIGaDe 16, 99215007, 99215008 eDhI 115, 32310066-2310077 khIDMaT-e-khaLQ FoUnDaTIon 36333811 reD CreSCenT 35833973 Governor’S hoUSe 136 ChIeF MInISTer’S hoUSe 99202051 MoTorwaY PoLICe 130

hoSPITaLS aBBaSI ShaheeD CIvIL JInnah nICvD aGa khan TaBBa

99260400-09 99215749, 99215960 99201300-39 99201271-6 34930051 36811841-50

BLooD Bank hUSSaInI FaTIMID Pwa

32238405-8 32225284, 32258656 99215740, 32735214

CoMPLaInT keSC PTCL kwSB CDGk SUI GaS

118 1218 1339 134 1199, 99231603

raILwaYS InQUIrY CITY STaTIon CanTT STaTIon

117, 99213565-6 99213538 99201118

aIrPorT FLIGhT InQUIrY PIa reServaTIon

114 111786786

CoLLeGeS / UnIverSITIeS karaChI UnIverSITY neD UnIverSITY FUUaST DUhS SMIC FaST-nU SZaBIST IoBM IBa IvS

99261300-06 99261261-8 99244141-9 99215754-7 99217501-3 111128128, 34100541-7 111922478 35090961-7 111422422 35861039-40

KARACHI

B

app

ritisH High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam thomson said on Friday that he wants to see his country as the “number one” investor in Pakistan, where 100 British companies are already in business and making good profits.

He was speaking at the launch of a leading UK beauty care retailer Crabtree & evelyn’s first store in Pakistan in a posh area of Karachi. “i can’t see any reason why Britain’s foreign direct investment (Fdi) should not grow in Pakistan.

Over 100 UK companies are operating in Pakistan in different fields including, consumer items, pharmaceuticals, banking and energy,” he observed. the British envoy pointed out that UK companies are making good profits on their investment in Pakistan. this market has a tremendous potential for UK brands.

“Pakistan is a wonderful, viable and flourishiing economy and British companies wanted to invest here,” he noted.

He said that Pakistani market has a lot of potential to be primary target for all British brands as this is relatively an untapped market.

He said Crabtree & evelyn has over 500 outlets in the world and it will certainly benefit Pakistani consumers. “the opening of this factory out-

let represents further progress towards our goal of increasing the existing trade volume of 1.9 billion sterling between the two countries to 2.5 billion sterling by 2015,” he added.

Cosmo Group director Fauod sayeed said that his company is committed to bring in top of the line international products to Pakistani market.

Aswad Zuberi said that Crabtree & evelyn is the leader in Us and UK markets. earlier, British envoy formally inaugurated the outlet in the presence of top models and leading personalities from fashion world. shell tameer Awards: speaking at the shell tameer Awards-2012 ceremony on Friday, British High Commissioner Adam thomson said developing entrepreneurship is an essential ingredient for achieving the United nation’s millennium development goal of reducing poverty. “sound macroeconomic policies and providing market access are crucial to economic development. Pakistan needs to nurture and develop entrepreneurs particularly with better access to education for its youth for becoming able to take advantage of opportunities created by globalization,” he added.

He said that new generation in Pakistan will be very decisive. it will demand a big investment in them and full support from the government and the society to make the best use of them.

“Many British companies including the shell Limited are doing very good business with significant expansion and high profits. these companies were encouraging entrepreneurs here,” he noted. the British Council and the shell Pakistan Limited are working together for promotion of entrepreneurship in Pakistan.

Based on the decisions of panel of judges, Adam thomson presented the shell tameer Awards to four winners – the first prize went to Gulraiz Khan of samovar tea and Coffee shop in Karachi, second prize to neelma shah of echo Customized Clothing and Accessories from Peshawar, and third to shahzeb saeed of shahzab saeed Menswear in Karachi. the fourth prize was the social enterprise prize which went to salma raheem from Zardozi dera Jutta in recognition of her outstanding achievements. sarim sheikh, country chairman for the shell Pakistan Limited congratulated the ten finalist entrepreneurs, who were chosen from 1,000 applicants from across Pakistan.

He said that the insecurity among people that comes from unemployment is something that tears our social fabric. A strong entrepreneurial culture is the foundation of a dynamic economy, developing this culture will lead Pakistan to right direction. since the inception of the shell tameer in 2003, it has developed entrepreneurial skills in young peo-

feICa

KHUSRo/afSHaN

ple across Pakistan aged 18 to 32 years. it encourages them to start a business as a viable career option by providing free information, counselling, support and training. so far 75,000 thousand young people have been engaged by tameer through 112 workshops and 127 seminars nationwide. “tameer’s efforts have resulted in 1,000 new start-ups, providing employment to over 22,500 people.

At the awards, Afshan Khan, the social investment manager at the shell Pakistan said entrepreneurs are not created but they are born. “All you have to do is to identify that spark, nurture and build it. this is what shell tameer has been doing for almost a last decade,” she said. “in the longer-term, we need to build a strong and lasting culture of entrepreneurship. this must be done through the formal education system. it should be started at an early age in primary school right to university level where even Phd courses will eventually be offered in entrepreneurship. it has already been done in some countries,” she added.

Prior to the Award Ceremony, a number of professionals from the corporate and industrial sectors, distinguished faculty from schools and universities , innovative entrepreneurs and members of media visited an exhibition where the 10 finalists were showcasing their businesses at the shell House.

BaRaKa SILSILa-e-NISBat

ART EXHIBITION STARTS MARCH 17 AT 5:00 PM VENUE: GRANDEUR

EXHIBITION UNTIL MARCH 18 VENUE: FARAAR

ART EXHIBITION UNTIL MARCH 24 VENUE: VM ART GALLERY

Khusro subzwari and Afshan Kohari’s art exhibition from March 17 to 24 at the Grandeur gallery. Call 35435744 for more information.

‘Feica: A retrospective of Political Cartoons and Paintings’ until March 18 at the Faraar gallery. Call 35389033 for more information.

Farah Mahbub’s ‘Baraka silsila-enisbat’ until March 24 at the VM Art Gallery. Call 34940411 for more information.

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Saturday, 17 March, 2012

Editor’s mail 11

Balochistan and the fear factor the clime of fear in Balochistan becomes more and more dense with each passing day as very little is actually done to reinstate law and order into the chaotic province.

People are under a continuous fear that their loved ones may disappear for no apparent reason and that the frequency with which bullet ridden bodies adorn dark alleys and roadsides compels them to mute their voices against this oppression lest they become the victim to such horrible fate.

Public fear further increases in intensity as the deteriorating security conditions deprive the public of the human need for harmony. there has

From rags to riches

never been any kind trust between the people and the law enforcers as it is not on the priority list of the security apparatus. this is one big reason why the people too in return take no time in thrusting all blame upon them.

Fear of the uncontrolled operation of terrorist groups provides very little to feel happy about. the various cases of murders and target killings, burning and closures of schools in the Balochistan province blatantly owned by such militant groups aims to perpetuate an environment of continuous fear so that the separatist agenda be taken to the next phase. teachers and professors are exiting

the province for an ever looming fear of their lives. this mass exodus of educators does not impact the education system at this point in time only by depriving the younger generation from their basic right to education, but will surely have grave delayed consequences and repercussions. it wouldn’t be wrong if the students and parents fear for the future of their younger ones in this backdrop. due to the prevalence of a very close and claustrophobic tribal system, the people live their lives in fear of the wrath of their superiors and sardars.

Atrocities and violence are seldom reported whereas victimisation of the op-

pressed continues unchecked and unabated. Where killing of women is a sign of bravery and to sell them becomes an accepted custom, can fear as a dominant emotion be taken out of the female existence?

Fear is used as a tool of manipulation by the sardars for maintaining their hegemony and to crush any sort of rebellion against them. For this severe punishments are devised and used upon the poor people. With a myriad of fear factors looming upon the people how can we expect any improvement in the situation in Balochistan?

AYAANA MALIK Islamabad

Gender bias According to a quotation, there is always a woman behind the success of a man but unfortunately in most of Pakistan a woman is not admired and respected at all. in fact, they are punished for being a woman and taken as an inferior race. Pakistani society is indeed a completely male dominated society.

Here the daughter of eve is ruthlessly treated, brutally beaten, killed for the cause of one's self-esteem, acid is widely used on women. she is being raped and killed just for the reason that they gave birth to a baby girl. Poverty forces them to red light areas.

We are blessed with an islamic state but what a pity on us that it is not islamic at all, not at least for the women. Our religion gives a highly respected status to women. she is a mother, sister, wife or daughter. i am grieved at the fact that in our society mother is disrespected because of wife, wife is being killed for giving birth to a daughter, daughters and sisters are being killed in the name of one's self-esteem and honour.

But it is not the case all around. We have people who know the true place of woman. Building a nation is not possible without help from women. One day, women will be able to work shoulder to shoulder with men and make Pakistan better. All we need is awareness.

AREEBA HUSSAIN Karachi

Pro price-hike authorities ‘railway fares up by 15-20 percent; eCC likely to impose Gst on hydropower.’ Has not islamabad become a pro price-hike city?

Z A KAZMI Karachi Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan Fax: +92-42-36298302 E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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

Begging and borrowing Our government was continously begging from different donors from abroad and after unaccomplished mission of begging, our government is borrowing money from the state Bank of Pakistan. instead of adopting austerity measures, we can witness government expanditures go uncontrolable because of a

Imran’s actions Organisers of the India Today Conclave say, “We wish that imran Khan had used this opportunity to express his views at the Conclave with all the force and lucidity that he possesses.” in my opinion, imran Khan has actually expressed his views using the opportunity in the best possible manner. One needs common sense to understand his views.

Organisers of Conclave also say, “We do not endorse the views of any of our speakers but we do stand for the freedom of expression in all that we do; it’s an essential principle of a free nation and free media.” My question to them is: Would you be ready to offer Ajmal Kasab the same platform to express his views in the

our watergate

huge cabinet and perks and privileges of parliamentarians for no reason. every borrowing has caused huge burden on the poor masses but who cares.

A PAKISTANI Lahore

name of freedom of expression following the essential principle of a free nation and free media?

FARHAN TAHIR Karachi

I pity my nation i can only pity my nation whose multi-millionaire senators, lawyers, politician, businessmen, political opportunists plead the cases of one of the biggest corrupt ruler on earth who has ruined his country and poor. Yet such advocate has no qualm of conscience to have mercy on his nation whom he exploited to lead in deception one judicial movement to win favour of his party seat and entry into senate.

the latest case with the supreme Court is about the distribution of rs 1.48 billion to various politicians/political parties by the former isi Chief through Mr Younis Habib, the ex-chief of Mehran Bank (hearing the petition filed by Air Marshal (retd) Ashgar Khan). in various talk shows on the tV, the common question is how did a clerk of a bank who only had an intermediate degree rose to the highest post of the president of Mehran Bank? it is definitely a big credit for an intermediate pass person to rise to the top position through his sheer hard work (may not be a professional effort). We have many more such examples in our beloved country where, merit or no merit, people have risen to top and on most lucrative appointments like ministers, ambassadors, Mds, Chairpersons etc. But the billion dollar question remains how these unqualified people after reaching the top made properties worth billions of rupees and huge bank balances both in Pakistan and in foreign countries. in the recent history, we see a person who was recruited as clerk in our FiA and now holding the appointment of interior minister. similarly we had the infamous dG Hajj Affairs with dubious background, perhaps manager of a night club.

Our all main institutions like railways, PiA, Pakistan steel Mills and WAPdA are running in loss for the only reason that we have incompetent and political appointees at top levels. How can we expect progress in this country where we find square pegs in round holes every where? the competent and able people are either leaving the country or are on job hunting with their high profile CVs. MUHAMMAD AZHAR KHWAJA Lahore

Why does not sC proceed against such people who advocate liars, cheats, bathakhors, target killers and want to prove them innocent? the sC has been too soft on president’s political-partisan, extra-unconstitutional role despite LHC delayed judgement which made president conduct of business as virtual despotic king brining country all sectors of national life to brink of disaster.

One pertinent question about Haqqani’s lost Blackberry is: did he file any report with the police in UsA on its loss? He does not remember its pin codes. What a funny situation! Could you trust national policy affairs to such an ambassador?

I RAHEEM Rawalpindi

History tends to repeat itself. it appears it is our turn now to face a Watergate of ours as reported in a section of national english press on 13 March 2012 that india plans to divert Chenab river’s flow into Beas which is a tributary of sutlej river. this would deprive Pakistan of its normal water supply as per indus Basin treaty of western rivers belonging to Pakistan. the time magazine of 14 december 2009 had issued a satellite photograph of Himalayan glaciers showing the rivers wherein the river Chenab and Bias originated from the same source. it appears the diversion of water from Chenab to Bias would be very likely due to their close vicinity.

However, our water experts ought to take a timely notice of the above reported water aggression by india before our rivers are sucked dry and our water experts are found sleeping on the issue. this is a real sOs message for the nation to take heed of.

DR MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI Lahore

Building confidence in South asia

By Jehangir Karamat & Shashi Tyagi

t

hough india-Pakistan relations are going through a relatively calm phase, things can change quickly. We must therefore take advantage of the present atmosphere to lockin beneficial patterns of behaviour.

One area where we believe that progress can be made is on the question of military confidence building measures (CBMs). the idea behind CBMs is well-tested; military establishments agree to avoid actions which are threatening to the other side as a means to help avoid unintended conflicts. Of course, CBMs are not a panacea; if people want to have a conflict CBMs will not prevent it. But CBMs do provide a mechanism whereby states which want to avoid a conflict through accident or misperception can develop ways to help do so. india and Pakistan have developed extensive CBMs over the

years. Often, they have been developed in response to specific problems. there is nothing wrong with this. But we believe that it is time to develop a framework of such measures which can help to more systematically address some of the key issues the two sides face. that is why we have been participating in a series of meetings involving senior, retired officers from both sides, which are reviewing existing CBMs and suggesting new ones. the process is being organised by the University of Ottawa and the Atlantic Council. We have met twice so far, in dubai and Bangkok.

Over the course of our meetings, we agreed that most existing CBMs are sound and useful, but we noted a tendency for them to fall into disuse over time. Moreover, some existing CBMs have become dated because of new technologies and doctrines. thought must be given to ways in which these CBMs can be updated and we have made suggestions to the two governments.

Beyond the existing CBMs,

however, there is a pressing need to re-conceptualise the way the two sides approach this topic. in particular, the ad hoc manner in which CBMs have been negotiated to address particular issues must give way to frameworks of CBMs. the key issue is crisis stability. india and Pakistan have deployed weapons which dramatically reduce the time available for diplomacy in a crisis. Where sober second thought is essential, hairtrigger alerts brought about by lethal weapons close to the borders which can be launched quickly will become the norm in future crises. doctrines are evolving in ways which compress the time available for diplomacy and the all-pervasive media reality of south Asia could also push the two sides towards an early resort to force in a future crisis. this is a profoundly dangerous situation. it was therefore agreed at our Bangkok meeting that a useful area for CBMs is the elaboration of a framework for crisis management to provide the two sides with agreed steps that can be

taken to prevent a crisis from spinning out of control. there was consensus that an interlocking network of CBMs should be developed which, in the event of a crisis, would: • require a political commitment that the two sides’ diplomats and officials come together at the outset of the crisis for discussions on how to resolve it (all too often in south Asia, when a crisis erupts we respond by suspending diplomatic contacts – we should be doing exactly the reverse); • require that, in times of crisis, both sides should take no military actions which could be construed as preparations for an offensive, and adhere to existing CBMs; and • discussions should begin on new CBMs relevant in these circumstances.

Beyond crisis management, it was agreed by consensus in Bangkok that a CBM should be agreed whereby both sides, including their respective military establishments, should regularly meet

to discuss their respective concepts and doctrines with a view to elaborating measures to build confidence in the nuclear and conventional fields.

Also in Bangkok, we discussed intensively the disputes over the siachen Glacier and the sir Creek boundary. We will be further discussing these at our next meeting.

Finally, we discussed the question of terror and its impact on stability. though terror is not a military issue per se, we do believe that intelligence-sharing is a key issue. some suggested developing a list of terror groups which both sides wish to see stopped leading to the sharing of information on these groups and cooperation on investigations. Other suggestions included: • revival of an effective joint anti-terror mechanism at a higher level; • Hotlines between the interior ministries on terror issues; • An effort to revive the sAArC mandated integrated regional database on terror; • discussions between respective

officials on national experiences on such matters as legal frameworks to deal with terror; • Greater maritime cooperation on terror at sea; and • exchanges of views between the immigration, border services and customs authorities.

All of these steps will not end the difficult situation which exists between india and Pakistan. Much larger questions will have to be addressed for that. But these steps, if taken in a good spirit and diligently implemented, have the potential to help transform the atmosphere between the two countries and also to prevent future crises from spinning out of control. in our region, this would be a significant contribution indeed.

General (retd) Jehangir Karamat is the former Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Army and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States. Air Chief Marshal (retd) Shashi Tyagi is the former Chief of Staff of the Indian Air Force.

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12 comment The die is cast But PM Gilani is still adamant

P

rime Minister Gilani has announced that he is in no case going to write to the swiss authorities to reopen the cases against President Zardari.

Keeping in view the twists and turns the party leadership has taken on the issue so far, it seems the decision had been taken long ago and what Gilani was trying to do in fact was to delay confronting the supreme Court till at least the senate elections were over. now that the goal has been achieved the PPP thinks it can take any risk, including the sacrifice of its prime minister. the issue has two aspects, political and legal. As Gilani put it on Friday, he would have quit politics rather than betray his party. though he referred to facing two different legal punishments by choosing either of the courses available to him, and maintained that he was naturally opting for the option entailing minimum punishment, this was seen by many as more of a light hearted observation than anything else. the decision will be appreciated by the PPP as an unparalleled act of fidelity to the party. Contrarily, the stand would be condemned by its opponents as a glaring example of disregard for judiciary. such is the pull of personal and political loyalties in Pakistani society that a prime minister of any other mainstream party would have most likely acted much the same way. it is hard to believe that shabaz sharif would have behaved differently if ordered to write a similar letter against party chairman nawaz sharif. the decision has legal and social ramifications though. the interpretation of the constitution lies under the purview of the sC. if the sC orders the PM to write the letter, he is required under the constitution to do so even if he considers it a bad verdict. the apex court is currently hearing cases against other powerful institutions also. the refusal by the Chief executive to abide by court’s decision would set a bad example.

Politics of ultimatums not a good sign

t

he MQM seems to have revived the politics of ultimatums by threatening to boycott the joint sitting of parliament to be addressed by President Zardari today if the government does not take appropriate measures to stop the incidents of extortion and target killing in Karachi. the issue was raised by party’s deputy parliamentary leader Haider Abbas rizvi who latter staged a walkout along with his colleagues from the national Assembly on thursday.

Meanwhile, the MQM’s Coordination Committee which met simultaneously in Karachi and London sought permission from Party Chief Altaf Hussain to tackle the landlords and feudals extending patronage to the bhatta mafia. the committee examined the reports generated from the crime data showing that extortions made from different markets across the city were compelling the business community to shift their businesses elsewhere. the warning, however, shook the law enforcement agencies out of their complacency as they launched a massive operation against extortionists following an announcement of a province-wide strike by traders on saturday. But at the same time the PPP and the MQM leaders started accusing each other of their failure to curb the rising crime wave in the megapolis, reminiscent of the confrontation seen during Zulfikar Mirza’s stint as Home Minister.

Unfortunately, the menace shows no sign of abating despite repeated warnings to the sindh Police by the superior judiciary which had taken suo motu cognizance of rapid growth in the incidents of extortion and killing. no serious effort seems to have been made by the government to purge the police force of appointments made on political basis which remain the main cause for the breakdown of law and order in the province.

What is significant is that for the first time Mr rizvi has conceded his party’s inability to curb the incidents of extortions despite being part of the ruling coalition. the belated realisation requires the MQM to help the PPP find a political solution to the issue rather than setting deadlines or threatening to boycott the presidential address to the joint session.

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

Saturday, 17 March, 2012

our security dilemma a divided approach would work no more

t

he oft-delayed joint session of the parliament to review the whole ambit of our fractured relations with the Us is finally taking place at a very critical time. the deplorable incident of burning of copies of the Holy Quran by Us troops, followed by sunday’s horrific shooting of Afghan civilians in cold blood by a manic Us soldier, has forced President Obama to take a good look at his exit strategy from Afghanistan.

How bad things are for the Us and its allies in Afghanistan can be gauged from the incident in which an Afghan truck driver amateurishly attacked the Us defence secretary Leon Panetta on his arrival at a heavily guarded air base. in an unprecedented security precaution in the aftermath of the incident, the Us soldiers whom the secretary of defence was to address were divested of their weapons. it is obvious that the much touted counterinsurgency strategy coined by General david Petraeus, even before he was shifted from iraq to the Afghan arena, has completely collapsed. Coupled with frayed relations with Pakistan it is a recipe of disaster for Washington.

President Obama has put a brave face against heavy odds by claiming that the withdrawal timetable of Us forces from Afghanistan will remain unchanged. But ground realities are too grim for the Us not to fast track its exit. the Pentagon perhaps feels that with the consistent and aggressive use of technology coupled with logistic support, major portion of responsibilities to police Afghanistan can be handed over to the Afghans. All this is yet to be fleshed out at the forthcoming nAtO summit in Chicago this May. Before the Us considers an improvised cut-and-run policy effectively leaving behind a quagmire, it has to mend its fences with islamabad. According to official

By Arif Nizami sources, Washington had decided in principal to apologise for the salala incident in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed last november. But the matter has been put on indefinite hold in the aftermath of the burning of copies of the Holy Quran incident. the CentCOM Chief General James Mattis and special American envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman are due in islamabad soon after the joint session of the parliament. the much-delayed apology has to be proffered in order for the visit to take place.

Pakistan-Us relations have been on the skids for the past one-year. But the downward spiral was accelerated in the aftermath of the Us navy seALs attack on the now demolished Osama bin Laden’s compound last May. there is a widely held perception in Washington, both amongst the administration and the Congress, that Pakistan is part of the problem rather than the solution.

Conveniently, Washington

and its surrogate Hamid Karzai for setbacks in Afghanistan blame islamabad. it is felt that the Pakistani military, by providing safe havens to the taliban, is jeopardising the Us interests in Afghanistan. Hence islamabad is somewhat unfairly blamed for the resurgence. despite the urgency, Washington is not sure how to initiate peace talks with the talban. By allowing them to open a liaison office in Qatar halfhearted attempts were made to bypass the isi to have direct talks with the willing ‘good taliban’.

But the improvised strategy has come to naught. the taliban have imposed tough conditions for talks. in the context of the recent incidents involving Us troops in Afghanistan, backdoor negotiations have completely stalled. the Us has been officially informed that Pakistan has agreed in principle to restore supplies for nAtO forces in Afghanistan. the joint session of the parliament, however, is expected to impose tough conditions on the Us to restore the inexorably frayed relationship.

However, unlike the joint session that took place in the post Abbottabad raid, the forthcoming session is taking place at a time when tense civilian-military relations are somewhat on the mend. the consensus on restoring nAtO supplies was taken at a meeting of top civilian and military leadership. this is a decision based on realism. According to some estimates, nAtO has already diverted 60 percent of its supplies from the north. the trust deficit between Washington and islamabad is so huge that it has become virtually impossible to bridge any time soon.

Bruce reidel, who also advised former President Bill Clinton, led a policy review in 2009 for the Obama administration on Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has prepared a campaign 2012 brief on “maximising chances for success in Afghanistan and Pakistan” for the Us president.

According to reidel, whether Obama is re-elected or replaced by a republican challenger, America needs a new policy for dealing with Pakistan – a policy recognising that “the two countries’ strategic interests are

more in conflict than in harmony, and will remain so for as long as Pakistan’s army controls its strategic policy making.” the paper recommends that the policy of engagement towards Pakistan needs reshaping. it opines that, “the generals who run Pakistan have not abandoned their obsession with challenging india. they tolerate terrorists at home, seek a taliban victory in Afghanistan and are building the world’s fastest growing nuclear arsenal.” reidel counsels to contain the “Pakistani aggression” by holding the army and its intelligence apparatus accountable. More trade and less aid, especially military aid, while strengthening the civilian government is his recipe for dealing with islamabad.

Hopefully, the Us administration will not take such a single dimensional hardline approach towards Pakistan. Already beleaguered in Afghanistan, it simply cannot afford to.

However, islamabad while resetting its relations with Washington will also need to take a hard look at its priorities. it has internal and external vulnerabilities, which simply cannot be ignored. Hardliners in the Us administration, the defence establishment and the Congress are showing impatience and frustration with Pakistan’s preferred strategic priorities. For the Pakistan army to move against the militants safe havens in north Waziristan has become a chorus in Washington. to carve out a role for new delhi in Afghanistan peace efforts is also on the cards.

All these are challenges cut out for Pakistan, the military as well as the civilians. the perception that the generals and the intelligence apparatus are omnipotent in dealing with security issues needs to be corrected. the newly appointed isi Chief Lt Gen Zaheer islam has his job cut out for him. He has not only to restore the image of his agency so badly undermined in the past year or so. He has also to deal with thorny internal and external issues relating not only to Afghanistan, the Us and india, but also the real or perceived role of the isi in Balochistan.

The writer is Editor, Pakistan today

Regional press

Uplift plans in khyber Pakhtunkhwa Daily Wahdat

C

hief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amir Haider Khan Hoti has listed out development plans and projects that are being executed throughout the province. But he conceded that unless peace and stability returned, it was almost possible to could get rid of issues like poverty. in this respect, he reaffirmed that return of peace was still at the top of priority list.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Khyber Union of Journalists and Peshawar Press Club, the CM said that war on terror was yielding positive outcomes and the militants had been isolated. He said that militants had been cordoned off from all sides. that is the reason why they were targetting high ranking police authorities. He, however, was sure about winning the war and urged the people to extend due support to the law enforcement agencies at this crucial stage. the CM reminded that the present

government had made tremendous success regarding provincial rights. share of the province was enhanced in the federal receipts, enabling the government to increase the volume of annual development programme. the development process, he said, was in progress throughout the province, which could help them in addressing long standing demands of the people.

He said that hydel potential was being exploited which could help in increasing electricity generation on one hand and its receipts on the other. the country is in dire need of political stability as it is essential to move ahead to strengthen the democratic process and superiority of the constitution. it is on these issues, the CM believes, that all of them need to avoid confrontation with each other as only through upholding the rule of law and maintaining the superiority of the constitution the terrorism can be handled properly.

– Translated from the original Pashtu by Shamim Shahid

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Saturday, 17 March, 2012

Musharraf’s u-turn Speaking from the dustbin of history

By Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

M

usharraf, the former ‘fearless’ commando, abandoned the party he had created and left the country to save his skin. He is now evading summons sent by courts ordering him to appear. despite the braggadocio that characterises the man he does not have the guts to face the cases. He hasn’t responded to summons by the supreme Court in Benazir’s murder case where he is wanted as a suspect and a witness and the warrants issued by a Balochistan court where he has been nominated for ordering the killing of nawab Akbar Bugti.

Musharraf exhibited signs of murderous tendencies at numerous occasions. He once expressed the desire to strangulate Abdullah Mehsud with his own hands. Months before the orders to kill nawab Akbar Bugti were issued, he said the rebels that he claimed were led by Bugti, “will not know what hit them”. suddenly, early this week Musharraf claimed that Akbar Bugti was not murdered but had committed suicide. the afterthought is an indication that the fugitive from justice is having cold feet. this is a stand Musharraf never took during his tenure or in later years. instead he repeatedly maintained that he did not regret the action and would take it again “if forced by the situation”. three other government leaders who were named in the Fir against Bugti’s murder have never claimed that the Baloch leader committed suicide. All have distanced themselves from the gory incident that took place during the twoday military operation. in his statement submitted before the court former Prime

Minister shaukat Aziz took the stand that he was “used as a tool” by the then President Musharraf and had nothing to do with the Bugti murder case.

Former interior Minister sherpao and former Governor Balochistan Owais Ahmad Ghani told Balochistan High Court in their statements that since they were part of the civilian set-up, and the operation was launched by the army, they had nothing to do with Bugti’s killing. the tragic event had put the PML(Q) leaders who supported Musharraf on the defensive. Ch shujaat who had led the team to hold negotiations with Bugti had already complained that his suggestions were ignored in favour of those of the agencies. none of the PML(Q) members ever suggested that Bugti had committed suicide.

Musharraf had a deep seated grudge against Akbar Bugti who had declined to cooperate in the suppression of the Marri tribesmen. How could this old man guarded by a few hundred Baloch youth with outdated weapons dare to refuse the COAs-cum-President who considered himself the master of all that he surveyed?

What riled Musharraf further was another event. in 2005, an army captain was accused of raping a lady doctor in sui. the incident, taking place right inside Bugti heartland, was seen by the tribe as a breach of their code of honour. they attacked the gas field with rockets, mortars and AK-47 rounds. Musharraf sent an uncompromising response: tanks, helicopters and an extra 4,500 soldiers to guard the installation. Bugti refused to hold talks. dr shazia's rape comes first, he maintained. “As long as the perpetrators of this heinous crime are not dealt with, there can be no talks,” he said.

While afraid to face the courts, Musharraf retains the hubris while talking about the Baloch. in a recent article “Understanding Balochistan” which appeared on thursday, he reminds the Baloch of the

favours he has done to them as President. He expects them to kiss his hands and remain forever grateful to him. Like a colonial official angry at the ingratitude shown by ‘bloody’ indians seeking independence from the British rule, he lists some of the wonders that he performed to raise the Baloch from their primitive condition of life. it is travesty of history that a man who pushed an otherwise peaceful Balochistan into insurrection should claim to be the province’s benefactor. Before Musharraf’s arrival there were no attacks on outsiders which began only after desperation caused by Bugti’s killing. nationalist leaders were seeking their rights through the ballot rather than bullet. Both Bugti and Akhtar Mengal were elecetd the chief ministers of the province. it was during the Musharraf era that “forced disappearances” – a euphemism for kidnapping and keeping the Baloch nationalists incognito for months and in cases for years – became a common practice. this was a thorough violation of the constitution and the law. Hundreds of political activists were forcibly taken away by the security agencies and tortured. the affected families went on hunger strikes, there were protest marches and shutter down strikes. the courts failed to come to the rescue of the plaintiffs. Parliament turned out to be ineffective to redress the grievances. the practice continued year after year and left the Baloch thoroughly alienated. the fateful killing of Bugti changed everything. With a major supporter of the federation eliminated, the slogan of an independent Balochistan has gained widespread popularity. Musharraf thinks he is still popular in Balochistan. All that he needs to do to prove the claim is to take a bicycle ride in any Baloch city, say Gwadar, where he prides over setting up a deep sea port.

The writer is a former academic and a political analyst.

comment 13

Monkey business paradoxes galore, a virtual script for destruction

t

he prime minister’s latest statement regarding the nrO implementation case has introduced a new dimension to what is generally perceived as intellectual dishonesty. in a recent address at a public gathering, he stated that if he does not write the dreaded letter to the swiss authorities, he could be held for contempt of court and interned for six months, but if he does, he could be tried for treason and hanged. elsewhere, he has also stated that if he were to write the letter, he would have done so a long time ago.

Measure this public posturing against the stance taken by the prime minister in the supreme Court vide his learned attorney, now a senator, that he had not written the letter because he had followed the rules of business which he was supposed to do. this prompted the court to issue a fresh adjudication advising the prime minister to write the letter irrespective of any advice. Which of the two diametrically opposite positions – his public posturing or his stand before the sC – would the prime minister want us to go with?

Let’s take another case – that of the nrO. When the ordinance had outlived its stipulated period, the sC asked the government to put it before the assembly and turn it into law. the government tried desperately to do just that, but was unable to win over its allies to support it in a vote in the lower house. thereafter, the government informed the sC that it did not want to defend the black law upon which the apex court, after following due process, declared it void ab initio and ordered that all cases withdrawn as a consequence of its promulgation should be re-instituted as they stood on the day the ordinance was first unveiled including the swiss cases against Mr. Zardari.

By Raoof Hasan For over two years, the prime minister refused to obey the sC directive. it is then that the court finally started asserting its authority and summoned the prime minister in contempt. Look at the dishonesty factor inherent in the government stance: what is it that the prime minister would want us to believe? His initial submission before the court that the nrO was a black law and all that transpired as a consequence of its introduction should be reversed? Or, whether all gains should be reversed except those of Mr Zardari? How crude can it really get?

Another recent scandal revolves around a certain memo. the star witness Mansoor ijaz claims that a conspiracy was conceived and a memo written to the Us authorities by the former ambassador to the Us Husain Haqqani seeking their intervention on the side of the political government in exchange for critical structural and personnel changes to be made within the national security infrastructure to help the cause of the Americans including their boots

Candid Corner

on ground within Pakistan’s borders. the scandal has already claimed the scalp of the former ambassador understandably on the basis of incriminating evidence secured through the intervention of the premier intelligence agency.

Mansoor ijaz has willingly given his side of the story together with supporting documents and record of telephone calls and messages exchanged with the former ambassador, but Mr Haqqani remains generally ambivalent, interspersing his submissions with bouts of hostility, but almost always unwilling to cooperate with the investigating commission set up by the sC. He refuses to provide the record of his interactions with Mansoor ijaz as he has ‘misplaced’ his phone sets and ‘forgotten’ his pin codes, he is unwilling to forego his privacy status and is generally hostile to the idea of being interrogated by the commission for his conduct in the matter of the memo. Why? is he not accountable before law? should he not be questioned for his actions particularly when they can fall within the broad realm of treason? is there no mechanism in the country whereby he, and others like him, could actually be forced to bow before the dictate of law? Or, is it that there would always be one law for the ruling elite and another for the ruled and that we have to live with this inherent dichotomy and demeaning discrimination?

Let’s take yet another case: that of Mehrangate when a bank was robbed and millions distributed among the political elite with the intention of toppling a government and subsequently rigging the elections to bar a certain party from coming into power. Members of a political party who are generally accustomed to playing their game from a high moral ground are accused for having accepted sizeable gratifications and also becoming the ultimate beneficiaries of the scam. in spite of volumes of evidence available to prove the case, a massive disinformation stratagem has been unleashed to divert public attention. in the event it works, they will reclaim innocence, and if it doesn’t, they will put this across as a vile act of their opponents. no accountability – yet again! the case would, in all probability, rest there and be forgotten in due course! the government’s, nay the entire ruling political mafia’s stance is rooted in the premise of the infallibility of their power, negation of the rule of law and refusal to accepting any responsibility for virtual abdication of governance under one pretext or the other. there is a general unison and much camaraderie across bitter divides among all political leaderships representing the corrupt status quo when it comes to confronting a challenge to their perceived supremacy. there are no principles involved. it is simply a question of perpetuating a degenerate system and eliminating any prospect of improvement in the governance standards through introduction of a measure of accountability. this measure of accountability, if at all, is meant only for the plebeians while the rulers should remain beyond the reach of law. in spite of this demeaning aberration, we ardently believe that we are on the right track and should continue this monkey business.

The writer is a political analyst and a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. He can be reached at raoofhasan@hotmail.com

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14

Saturday, 17 March, 2012

in liMeligHt

LOS ANGELES ReUteRS

OP star rihanna called her recent musical collaboration with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown "innocent," after critics and fans split on the duo working together three years after Brown assaulted the pop star."We did two records, one for my fans and one for his fans, and that way our fans can come together. there shouldn't be a divide, you know, it's music and it's innocent," rihanna told ryan seacrest on his show. rihanna provided vocals on a remix of Brown's new dance song ‘turn Up the Music’ while Brown lent his voice to rihanna's sexually-charged ‘Birthday Cake.’ Both tracks were released last month after the Grammy awards on February 12."i reached out to him about doing ‘Birthday Cake’ because that's the only person that really it made sense to do the record, just as a musician, despite everything else, that was going to be the person," rihanna told seacrest."i thought about rappers and i've done that so many times, and the hottest r&B artist out right now is Chris Brown, so i wanted him on the track," she added.Brown nearly derailed his career three years ago on the night before the Grammys, after he was

P

hoLLYwooD: actress Mariann Gavelo, Gina rodriguez, David Spade and will Ferrell arrive for the premiere of the film ‘Casa de mi Padre’. aFP

arrested for beating up his then-girlfriend, rihanna. since that time he has tried to rehabilitate himself in the eyes of fans with mixed results.the musical reunion of rihanna and Brown had social networks abuzz as fans split on the pair working together with some making cynical comments, others calling it a publicity stunt and many embracing the new songs.

Manzar Sehbai to share screen space with Naseeruddin Shah in Pakistani film NEWS DESK Actor Manzar sehbai is thankful to Allah for the opportunity given to act at his age. "i feel there's no age for taking up any art. i feel i'm lucky to be given any offers at my age," says Manzar who was seen in the Pakistani film ‘Bol’ last year and will now be seen in Hasnain Hyderabad directed ‘Ya rab’. the film which was shot in Lucknow extensively talks about fighting superstitions in a traditional Muslim family.

No sequel of 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'

as yet: Zoya

starring Vikram singh and Flora saini, the film has Manzar playing an important part in the film, the character of a neurosurgeon who's just not a doctor but also a social crusader.talking about his character in the film sehbai says, "i'm not playing the role of just a doctor. i am also part of society and advice the characters in the film," says sehbai. Waiting for the shooting of another film to start in Lahore soon, Manzar will be giving company to actor naseeruddin shah on screen, in the film.

“We are all waiting for naseer saab to come to Lahore and then we'll begin shooting for this Pakistani film,” says Manzar who lives in Germany otherwise.Manzar, who says he's not an actor, has been quite active on the German theatre scene. in his free time he also dabbles with writing which makes us wonder if he'll ever take up direction. “no, i don't think so,” says he. it's too much for me to act and it's not possible for me to do so many things. direction is something which has to be given a lot of time and planning and i can’t do either.

MUMBaI: Director Zoya akhtar is happy with the appreciation coming from all quarters for her film 'Zindagi na Milegi Dobara' but she insists that a sequel to the film is not happening immediately. "as of now we don't have any plans to do a sequel to ZnMD. I don't think it is would be correct to do it right now. we will give it a couple years and catch the characters when they are five-year-old," Zoya said. The road-trip movie, starring hrithik roshan, Farhan akhtar, abhay Deol, katrina kaif and kalki koechlin, was a runway hit and bagged several awards in various categories.'Zindagi na Milegi Dobara' was in news since its inception for various reasons, be it the rivalry among the co-stars or the much-hyped kissing scene between hrithik and katrina. also, there was speculation that the movie was on similar lines of 'Dil Chahta hai'.however, it managed to get good reviews and accolades. Therefore, later it was reported that both Zoya and Farhan are thinking of making a sequel to it but the director has put all those rumours to rest for a while.ask her if she is thinking of making a travelogue with katrina kaif in the lead as reported and and Zoya says, "no, I am not planning a travelogue with katrina." But she is definitely thinking of directing another film but nothing is on cards as yet. "I am doing a short film and then I would start writing for my next film," Zoya said. aGeNCIeS

KIev: a model displays a creation by popular fashion designer tatuna Niikolaishvili during Ukrainian fashion Week. afP

hoLLYwooD: actors Jon hamm, January Jones and Jennifer westfeldt arrive at the Premiere of ‘Mad Men’ Season 5. aFP

LonDon: an employee walks amid an installation of clay flowers by London-based Chilean artist Fernando Casasempere entitled 'out of Sync'. aFP

Aamir Khan gets secretive MUMBaI: actor aamir khan turned another year older only recently, and while he spent some time with the media, aamir said that his birthdays are usually spent with the family. The actor, who constantly expressed how blessed he was, especially with the new entrant - son azad - in the house, the actor cleverly fielded all questions posed of his son, and didn't divulge too much. aamir khan, who is proving to be quite the family man, is happy playing the protective father all over again. The man is too busy with his movies and now television show, but the perfectionist that he is, aamir, we hear is all set to give family equal importance in this equation. Though the actor did confirm that the release of ‘Talaash’ was pushed to a later date, aamir also said that he wasn't mentally prepared for ‘Dhoom 3’, and that the sequel to ‘Delhi Belly’ will happen if the script justifies it. aGeNCIeS

MUMBaI: It seems the makers have found an ideal replacement for katrina kaif for the‘Partner’ sequel.Zareen khan's new slim look seems to be taking her to places.

The actress who was criticised for being overweight has lost oodles of weight. and if the buzz if to be believed, she is being considered as katrina kaif's replacement in the sequel of ‘Partner’.apparently David Dhawan's‘Partner 2’ is supposed to go on floors next year. Zareen never liked the fact that she was tagged as a katrina kaif lookalike. however, her resemblance to the actress seems to be working in her favour now. It might just give her another chance to revive her career.Zareen is presently making news for her sizzling hot avatar in Sajid khan's ‘housefull 2’.

The actress is looking forward to doing good films rather than item numbers. aGeNCIeS

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15 lady gaga interview Overload: Johnny Depp named Singer to quit talks with press LONDON aGeNCIeS

As part of her rapid rise to superstardom, Lady Gaga has always chatted with media outlets, divulging secrets from her past and speaking candidly to the press about her personal life. But now, 'the Fame Monster' has had it with the 'Paparazzi,' announcing plans to go into self-imposed exile following the airing of her special tV interview on 'Oprah's next Chapter.' Apparently, the overexposed star is desperate to regain some privacy. in a preview of her chat with Oprah -which takes place in Gaga's childhood home and includes mother Cynthia Germanotta -- Mother Monster insists her Little Monsters won’t be seeing or hearing much from her when it comes

to interviews."Other than this interview, Oprah, i do not intend to speak to anyone for a very long time," the singer told the media mogul. "no press, no television, if my mom calls and says, 'did you hear about ..i shut it all off. i don't read a damn thing."Gaga has in the past openly shared her past struggles with bullying, bulimia, drugs and bad boyfriends with the public. the one aspect of her personal life she remains tight-lipped about is her current romantic relationship with actor taylor Kinney, and perhaps it's that romance that she hopes to protect by stepping out of the public eye.But Gaga's indefinite break from speaking with media outlets doesn't mean the pop star will disappear from the scene completely. the performer is set to kick off her Born this Way Ball world tour in April.

‘the Wolf of Wall Street’: DiCaprio, Scorseseteam up for fifth time LOS ANGELES aGeNCIeS

Martin scorsese may be challenging dwayne ‘the rock’ Johnson's title for Busiest Man in Hollywood. According to deadline.com, scorsese is set to team up with his current male muse, Leonardo diCaprio, on ‘the Wolf of Wall street.’ the film is based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort, a former stock broker who wrote about his successes, hard partying and eventual conviction for security fraud and money laundering. ‘Wolf’ will be the fifth collaboration for Marty and Leo, who previously

worked together on ‘shutter island,’‘the departed,’‘Gangs of new York’ and ‘the Aviator.’

For those keeping count, this film is the fourth project scorsese has in the works. in addition to ‘Wolf,’ Marty is set to direct crime drama ‘the snowman,’ based on the Jo nesbo book; the period piece ‘silence,’ starring daniel-day Lewis; and a Frank sinatra biopic.Martin scorsese is currently coming off a Best director Golden Globe for his work on 2011's ‘Hugo.’‘the Wolf of Wall street,’ written by ‘Boardwalk empire’ and ‘soprano’ veteran terrence Winter, currently has no release date.

fashion icon of the year LOS ANGELES

F

AsHiOn's version of the Oscars, the Council of Fashion designers of America awards, have decided to honor actor Johnny depp and his quirky sense of style, awarding him the fashion icon award at its annual gala in June. CFdA president diane von Furstenberg and CeO steven Kolb announced details of the awards ceremony.the nominees for women’swear designer of the year, the biggest prize, are Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen for the row, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenzaschouler, and Marc

new movie and marriage LOS ANGELES aBC

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? to millions of moviegoers, it’s Julia roberts. the ‘Pretty Woman’ actress who also captivated viewers in her Oscarwinning role as erin Brockovich is considered America’s sweetheart, but in her new role, she’s far from sweet.roberts is playing the evil queen in ‘Mirror, Mirror,’ an all-new version of the classic snow White fairy tale. in an interview, roberts told all about her new role.“My version of the evil queen is just a lunatic, which is fun,” she said.Lilly Collins plays snow White, and Armie Hammer portrays Prince Charming, in the film directed by tarsem singh.roberts said Hammer is truly charming.“i think he brought a lot of great humor to that part,” she said. Off screen, roberts is a devoted mother of three, and wife to cinematographer danny Moder.the couple will celebrate their 10th

to replace Katrina Kaif in

by the end of this year: Kareena Kapoor

‘Partner 2’

NeW DeLHI: actress kareena kapoor, who is busy shooting for Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘heroine’, says she will get married to beau Saif ali khan by the end of the year. reports suggested that the Bollywood couple was planning to tie the knot after the release of Saif`s home production ‘agent vinod’ this March but kareena says they are in no rush. "I will get married hopefully by the end of this year... because I am busy doing `heroine` and I have to finish the film first. we are not yet going to announce the date. we are in no such rush but it will happen this year," said kareena. The 31year-old, who has been dating Saif since 2007, says she does not consider herself as a "star" but just "a simple girl in love"."I am actually just a simple girl in love whose

Jacobs.top contenders in menswear are Billy reid, Patrikervell and simon spurr, and for the best in accessory design they are Alexander Wang, reed Krakoff and McCollough and Hernandez. tommy Hilfiger is to receive a lifetime achievement award.

Julia roberts talks

i will get married

Zareen Khan

CBS

dreams have come true. ever since I was nine, I would see karisma (sister) rehearse and I would go backstage and repeat the same things. I always wanted to act and I know nothing other than acting. I have no degree and so I hope to act forever," she said. kareena has done a variety of role in her career spanning over a decade.

She has given hits like ‘Jab we Met’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘omkara’, ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘ra.one’. Talking about her film ‘heroine’ with Bhandarkar, kareena said, "It`s turning out pretty well... It`s an exciting journey of an actress, she is slightly schizophrenic and she has got these different mood swings it`s very difficult for me to do...But I am glad there is a role like this. It is fun not to stand behind Shahrukh and Salman in a movie but prove yourself as an actor." aGeNCIeS

wedding anniversary this year.“it’s so good,” she said of the milestone.roberts has her real-life love affair with Moder, but she now has a bit of a girl crush on singing sensation Adele, adding, “my oldest son has a crush on her too.”“she brings people in,” roberts said of the singer. “it’s like her sharing is so open and genuine and seems to come from this really beautiful place that attracts us all to her.”

LoS aNGeLeS: Jennifer Lopez may have moved on quickly after her split from Marc anthony and started dating Casper Smart, but her manager wants the superstar to take things more slowly. Benny Medina wishes she had given herself more time before getting into a new relationship."The thing that I always sort of wished is that she would give herself time to just naturally meet someone, instead of having obsessive guys pursue her," People magazine quoted him as telling vogue."The ease which that obsession becomes a relationship I think sometimes works against her ability to have a real meaningful relationship," he added.Lopez demonstrated in a January Tweet that she isn't affected by the 18-year gap between her and Smart, 24."we talked about it and she was like, 'It's not even the age, Benny, It's actually that I just came out of a relationship where I felt like I was kind of not getting what I needed. and I'm open!'" Medina said.even though Medina wishes Lopez would go about getting into relationships differently, he believes that Smart isn't just some shortterm rebound romance.

“Jennifer never half does anything.when she commits to anything in her work, her life or her relationships, she is in it," the manager said. aGeNCIeS

eva Longoria celebrates 37th birthday LOS ANGELES aGeNCIeS

eva Longoria celebrated her 37th birthday at Cut restaurant in Beverly Hillswith close pals who came out to honour her.Longoria has just split from boyfriend eduardo Cruz, but that didn't keep her from enjoying a night with friends for the dinner party."she had a little celebratory birthday dinner," People magazine quoted a source as saying.Her birthday dinner was a seven person event included BFF Mario Lopez and his fiancée Courtney Mazza, along with Kevin Connolly."she had a great time and was really enjoying herself," the source added.As for her breakup, the insider says she is "doing okay"."the split is something that happened, and she's moving on and focusing on her work right now," the source said.

Russell Brand bailed after being arrested NEW ORLEANSS aGeNCIeS

russell Brand was arrested for criminal damage after police in the Us issued a warrant for him.the comedian and actor was detained "without incident" in new Orleans and released shortly afterwards after posting bail.Police issued a warrant on a charge of criminal damage to property valued at $700. A photographer has accused the 36-year-old of grabbing his smartphone and throwing it through a window. Brand is in new Orleans working on a film.the star split from his wife Katy Perry last year after 14 months of marriage. russell Brand was also arrested at an airport in Los Angeles in 2010 over an alleged attack on a photographer. Last year he was deported from Japan while travelling with Katy Perry on the Asian leg of her California dreams tour.

JLo's manager

wishes she would get into relationships slowly

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16 Foreign News

Saturday, 17 March, 2012

Lone rocket hits Israel as Gaza truce firms up JERUSALEM

J

afp

Ust one rocket was fired from Gaza into israel during the first 12 hours of Friday, the military said, as a fledgling truce in and around the Palestinian territory firmed up. “Only one rocket has been fired at israel since midnight (2200 GMt) on thursday, an army spokeswoman told AFP early on Friday afternoon. “it hit an uninhabited area of the northwestern negev” desert, she added. schools in several areas of southern israel, including the main negev city of Beersheva and the Mediterranean coastal towns of Ashdod and Ashkelon, remained close as a precaution, however, public radio reported. On thursday, militants fired five

rockets from Gaza but none caused any casualties. israeli assault helicopters opened fire on the northern Gaza strip in response, a Palestinian security source said, although there was no confirmation from the israeli military. israel and the islamic Jihad group, which was responsible for much of the rocket fire during a major upsurge in cross-border violence though last weekend, agreed on tuesday to begin observing an egyptian-brokered truce. israeli army spokeswoman Avital Leibovich told reporters on thursday that since the violence erupted last Friday, Palestinians had fired more than 310 rockets at israel of which “170 rockets or so” struck the Jewish state. several fell short inside Gaza and 60 were destroyed by the iron dome anti-missile system. A chain of israeli air strikes and Palestinian rocket salvoes started

islamic Jihad rockets can hit tel aviv: armed wing GAZA CITY: the Gaza-based militant group islamic Jihad has weapons that can reach tel Aviv, a member of the group’s armed wing the Quds Brigades has told AFP in an interview. the Quds Brigades fired most of the rockets that hit israel in the past week’s four-day conflict between

Gaza militants and the Jewish state. A member of the armed wing, who goes by the nom de guerre Abu ibrahim, said the group was ready to expand the reach of its rocket fire beyond the israeli town of Ashdod, which lies some 35 kilometres (20 miles) outside Gaza. “if the occupation targets any

when israel killed Zuhair al-Qaisi, head of the radical Gaza-based Popular resistance Committees, prompting other militant groups to fire rockets over the border. the

leader of any Palestinian group whatsoever or any citizen, the Brigades will respond with force and expand the reach of the response beyond Ashdod,” he told AFP. “the enemy is aware of the range that the Brigades rockets can reach,” he said, adding that the Quds Brigades

army said Qaisi had planned a deadly attack last August — when militants sneaked across the border from the sinai Peninsula and killed eight israelis — and accused him of

possessed “many thousands” of rockets. islamic Jihad took the lead in attacking israel during the recent confrontation, which began on March 9 with israel’s assassination of the commander of the Popular resistance Committees militant group. aFP

planning a repeat attack “in the coming days.” israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu has warned the truce will be shortlived if the rocket fire continues.

al-Qaeda suspects kidnap Swiss woman ADEN afp

KafR QaDDUM: Israeli soldiers wearing gas masks walk through black smoke rising from a rubber tyre during clashes with palestinian protesters at a demonstration against the expropriation of palestinian land by Israel in the village of Kafr Qaddum, near Nablus on friday. aFP

russians enraged after film smears protest rallies MOSCOW afp

Participants in russia’s protest movement against Vladimir Putin on Friday expressed fury at a film aired on a federal channel, claiming it used false evidence and smeared demonstrators. the film, called “Anatomy of a Protest” aired late thursday on the ntV channel, one of russia’s popular networks broadcast nationwide, claiming the opposition gave people money and biscuits to attend rallies and waged wars on the internet. Combining jerky secret-camera footage, washed-out faces of some of the speakers and an ominous narrative, the 36minute film also claimed the opposition is after a bloody revolution without popular support. “this film is not the first nor the last,” said head of the liberal party Yabloko sergei Mitrokhin. “it’s in the style of pure soviet propaganda, of totalitarian propaganda.” ntV — nominally private but owned by the media arm of state gas giant Gazprom — has previously made similar specials about the opposition, claiming they were foreign spies. “it will have an effect on a certain part of the population that has no other source of information,” Mitrokhin told AFP, alleging that the film was made on “direct orders of the Kremlin.”

sarkozy closes gap as france election campaign heats up PARIS afp

With just over a month to go Friday before the first round of France’s presidential vote, right-wing incumbent nicolas sarkozy is closing the gap with socialist frontrunner Francois Hollande.

As polls showed sarkozy cutting his rival’s lead after several weeks of campaigning and a swerve to the right, Hollande was also facing a new threat on his left flank from firebrand Left Front candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon. the campaign was to move into a new phase Friday with the deadline at 1700 GMt for would-be candidates to hand in the 500 signatures from local mayors and other elected officials that they need to be registered to run. the key players were all expected to reach the target but some fringe candidates, including conservative former prime minister dominique de Villepin, were facing the prospect of failing to make the cut. Keen to regain momentum, Hollande made a threehour appearance on France 2 public

television thursday night, in a move newspaper Liberation described as “an attempt to give his campaign a second wind”.

Hollande sought to cement his left-wing credentials, vowing to boost taxes on the rich and not backing

down on his plan to introduce a 75percent tax rate on incomes above one million euros ($1.3 million). in the face of calls from sarkozy for France to tighten immigration rules, Hollande said he would set up a special brigade to fight peoplesmugglers and hold annual debates in parliament to set the number of immigrants allowed in. Hollande expressed confidence in his campaign despite his recent trouble in the polls. “i have not strayed from the line i set since the beginning: coherence, consistency and confidence,” he said, denouncing his opponents for running an “excessive” and “vulgar” campaign. sarkozy, an experienced and aggressive campaigner, has stepped up his attacks and moved to consolidate his hold on the right with vows to be tough on immigration and threats to pull France from europe’s visa-free zone. A poll this week for the first time showed sarkozy pulling slightly ahead of Hollande and the latest poll, a CsA study released Wednesday, showed them equal with 28 percent support in the first round to be held on April 22.

suspected Al-Qaeda militants have kidnapped a swiss woman and are holding her in the southeastern province of shabwa, a provincial chief and a security official told AFP on Friday. “A swiss woman was abducted in Hodeida (on the red sea coast) by armed men who moved her to shabwa province,” the official told AFP on condition of anonymity. “According to our information, Al-Qaeda is responsible for the abduction,” he added. According to the official, the kidnappers are “demanding the release of two Al-Qaeda militants detained in Hodeida.”

He gave no further details. A security official also blamed Al-Qaeda for the abduction. “the kidnapping bears the hallmark of Al-Qaeda,” he told AFP. According to him, only a wellorganised group like Al-Qaeda could have undertaken such an operation, which involved abducting the woman in Hodeida and then moving her across three provinces to shabwa. shabwa is a stronghold of loyalists of the jihadists’ local affiliate AlQaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, whose militants fight under the banner of Partisans of sharia (islamic law). the swiss foreign ministry confirmed that a swiss national was abducted in Yemen, in a statement released on Friday. the identity of the victim was not revealed but the swiss foreign ministry said they were informed of the abduction late Wednesday and immediately made contact with competent authorities in Yemen. Last year, switzerland urged its citizens in Yemen to leave the country.

indonesian 8-year-old to kick smoking habit JAKARTA afp An eight-year-old indonesian boy who smokes more than a pack of cigarettes a day will undergo a month of therapy to kick his four-year habit, a child welfare official said Friday. indonesia’s Child Protection Commission chairman Arist Merdeka sirait said the boy, ilham, who smokes around 25 cigarettes a day, needed “emergency help” as his addiction had reached “alert level”, affecting his behaviour. “You can see a dramatic change of behaviour when he doesn’t have a cigarette for a while. He becomes emotionally aggressive and uncontrollable. He acts like he’s possessed by evil spirits,” sirait told AFP. the boy’s father Agan Umar said his son would become enraged and “smash glass windows or whatever’s around” if he is not constantly given cigarettes. “i hope the therapy works so my son can go back to school and live a normal life like the other kids,” Umar said. the boy will leave his village in sukabumi in western Java on Monday to start receiving intensive specialist care in the capital Jakarta, sirait said.

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Foreign News 17

Syria protesters urge military intervention DAMASCUS

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nti-reGiMe protesters called on Friday for foreign military intervention in syria, as Un-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan prepared to brief a divided Un security Council on his peace efforts.

Ahead of Un participation in a syrian-led humanitarian mission to protest cities at the weekend, Annan was to give a videoconference briefing to the security Council from Geneva at 1400 GMt on his talks with Assad in damascus. Gulf Arab states, meanwhile, said they were following riyadh’s lead in closing their damascus embassies in protest at the violence, which monitors said thursday on the first anniversary of its start has cost more than

9,100 lives. Activists called on their Facebook page, syrian revolution 2011, for nationwide protests after weekly Muslim prayers to demand “immediate military intervention by the Arabs and Muslims, followed by the rest of the world.” “the people want military intervention, the Free syrian Army to be armed, and the fall of the regime,” several thousand demonstrators chanted in Aleppo in northern syria, an activist at the scene told AFP in Beirut by telephone. Other protests took place in the flashpoint provinces of Homs in central syria and daraa, in the south. Huge rallies in support of President Bashar al-Assad were held in damascus and other major cities on thursday to mark the anniversary. But numbers have fallen at anti-regime demonstrations as security forces seize protest centres.

iraq PM insists iran flights to Syria carrying aid BAGHDAD: Premier nuri al-Maliki insisted Friday that all items transported through iraq to syria were humanitarian goods after a Us newspaper reported iran was moving weapons to syria via iraqi air space. “iraq does not allow its land or its skies to be a passage for weapons in any direction, and from any source,” Maliki said in a statement released by his office.

He said shipments going through iraq were “only carrying humanitarian goods, not weapons.” Maliki said iraq was “pushing towards finding a political solution to the syrian situation... (and) to avoid more bloodshed.” the Washington times reported on thursday that iraq refused “several” Us requests to stop iran-

ian cargo flights bound for syria, citing an unnamed Us official. the newspaper said iraq was made aware of intelligence obtained through intercepted air traffic communications that the planes were transporting weapons, and added the Us requested iraq either stop the flights or allow them to be inspected. the report comes just weeks before Baghdad is due to host an Arab League summit on March 29, with syrian President Bashar alAssad’s bloody year-long crackdown on domestic opponents expected to be high on the agenda. While iraq has largely shied away from imposing punitive measures against syria, Maliki has called for “change” and “free elections” there. aFP

Nigeria and islamist group Boko Haram in indirect talks KANO afp

nigeria’s government and islamist group Boko Haram have been in indirect talks to end deadly violence blamed on the extremists, two sources familiar with the discussions said Friday. “there have been preliminary talks between a Boko Haramappointed intermediary,” a senior security official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that Boko Haram has set out terms for a temporary ceasefire. A diplomatic source said there have been contacts between nigeria’s government and Boko Haram through intermediaries. the security official said Boko Haram has proposed a three-month truce if all of its detained members are released and if the government halts any further arrests. He said the government was looking at the proposal. Government officials either declined comment on the information or could not be reached. Boko Haram has been blamed for scores of shootings and bomb blasts, mostly in northern nigeria, which have killed more than 1,000 people since 2009. it claimed responsibility for an August suicide attack at the Un headquarters in the capital Abuja which killed 25 people and for coordinated bombings and shootings in nigeria’s second city of Kano on January 20 which left 185 people dead — its deadliest assault yet. the group had initially claimed to be fighting for the creation of an islamic state in northern nigeria, but its aims and structure have since become less clear, while its attacks have grown increasingly deadly and sophisticated.

MONTAUBAN afp

French police were hunting Friday for a black-clad gunman who calmly shot three soldiers on a shopping street in broad daylight, then turned one over and finished him off at close range. two of the victims — parachute sappers aged 26 and 24 — died on the spot, in the southern garrison town of Montauban, and a third 28-year-old from the same regiment was in critical condition following the attack. Asked whether the shootings could have been an act of terrorism, defence Minister Gerard Longuet said nothing had been ruled out, but the motive for the cold-blooded murders remained a complete mystery to stunned local officials. “Montauban does not understand. no one understands. the regiment does not understand. there’s never a valid explanation for murder, but we’re dealing with a true killer,” said local mayor Brigitte Bareges. On thursday, at around 2:10 pm (1310 GMt) three uniformed soldiers from the 17th Parachute engineering regiment, which recently served in Afghanistan, were standing by a bank’s cash machine on a main street near their barracks. Most of France’s elite airborne units are based in the southwest region and have close ties with their regimental towns. the soldiers were killed opposite their barracks, on a street named after the renowned 1st shock Battalion. the killer, clad in a black motorcycle outfit and a helmet with a visor, got down from a powerful Yamaha t-Max scooter and opened fire.

thai taxi driver returns $410,000 in gold to owner BANGKOK afp

N Korea says it will launch long-range rocket SEOUL afp

north Korea announced Friday it would launch a rocket carrying a satellite next month, just 16 days after agreeing to suspend long-range missile tests in return for massive Us food aid. the United states, Japan and south Korea condemned the plan and said it would breach a United nations ban imposed after previous launches. Blast-off will be between April 12 and 16 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of founding leader Kim il-sung, the communist state’s official news agency and state television said. the Us state department called the proposed launch “highly provocative” and a threat to regional security. it would also be inconsistent with the announced missile test moratorium, spokeswoman Victoria nuland said in a statement. the surprise February 29 deal, under which Pyongyang also promised to freeze its uranium enrichment plant, had raised hopes of eased tensions under the new regime headed by Kim Jong-Un. But one analyst said Friday’s announcement effectively killed off the agreement, under which the Us was to give the hungry and impoverished nation 240,000 tonnes of food over a year.

France hunts cold-blooded gunman who murdered troops

aNtaKya: a Syrian refugee goes about his daily life at the Reyhanli refugee camp on friday. aFP

A thai taxi driver Friday returned 8.2 kilograms (18 pounds) of gold ornaments worth around $410,000 to their owner who had left them in his car three days ago, police said. Bangkok cabbie saksri Ketsrikaew, 56, said he spent two days driving around Bangkok searching for the owner because he had no contact number. He said he contacted community radio after he learned gold shop owner eakerat Kanokwattana, 60, had filed a complaint with police and the story of the missing gold hit local headlines. But police were not convinced he had a heart of gold. “His excuse doesn’t make sense if he intended to return the gold to its owner as he knew where they got off,” case officer Lieutenant Colonel Udom sukprasert told AFP. “they are checking and counting the gold now.” eakerat, who owns a gold shop in the city of Ubon ratchathani, came to Bangkok with his wife to do a gold trade in Chinatown and got a taxi on tuesday evening to the northern outskirts of Bangkok. But he later realised he had left his bag full of gold ornaments in the taxi and offered a reward for their return.

india seeks interpol warrants for iranians NEW DELHI afp

indian police said Friday that interpol “red corner” notices were being drawn up for three men of iranian origin identified as suspects in an attack on an israeli diplomat in new delhi. delhi police commissioner Brijesh Kumar Gupta also revealed that investigations had established a clear link between the February 13 attack and a similar plot targeting israeli diplomats in Bangkok.

Gupta said the red corner notices — tantamount to international arrest warrants — would be issued “in the next two days.” in the attack last month, a hitman on a rented

motorbike attached a magnetic bomb to the back of an israeli embassy car carrying the 42-year-old diplomat as she went to pick up her children from school. the woman, also the wife of the defence attache at the embassy, was left in a critical condition with spinal injuries and has since been flown to israel for further treatment. the three suspects were named as Houshang Ashfar irani, sayed Ali sadr Mehdian and Abolghasemi Mohammad reza — all now believed to be in iran. Last week, a veteran indian freelance journalist called syed Mohammed Kazmi who worked part-time for iran’s news agency irnA became the first person arrested in connection with the at-

tack. Gupta said interrogation of Kazmi, who denies involvement, had led to the “unravelling of the conspiracy.”

According to Gupta, Kazmi had helped the iranians come to new delhi to secure information on the movement of israeli embassy officials and identify possible routes where a bomb attack could be carried out. A scooter that police believe was used to scope out the israeli embassy was found at Kazmi’s house and Gupta said foreign remittances of around $43,000, “for which there is no satisfactory explanation,” were uncovered in the accounts of Kazmi and his wife. israel immediately accused iran of being behind the delhi bombing which came on the

same day as another attempted attack on an israeli embassy car in Georgia. A day later, thai police arrested two iranian men in Bangkok who are suspected of planning a separate attack on israeli diplomats. One of them had his legs blown off as he attempted to hurl an explosive device at police. A third iranian suspect, Masoud sedaghatzadeh, was detained in Malaysia where authorities on thursday applied for a court order to extradite him to thailand to face trial.

Gupta said one of the three named for the delhi attack, Houshang Ashfar irani, had been in touch with sedaghatzadeh, “thus establishing his links with the terror module in Bangkok.”

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Saturday, 17 March, 2012

Sharapova outlasts iron woman kirilenko Page 21 Words of praise pour in for sachin The cenTurion

Tendulkar reaches 100th century at last DHAKA

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Factfile on India's Sachin Tendulkar who on Friday became the first batsman to score 100 international centuries: Date of BIRtH: april 24, 1973 (age: 38 years) HeIGHt: 5 feet, 5 inches (165.1 centimetres) teSt DeBUt: v Pakistan, karachi, nov 15, 1989 oNe-Day DeBUt: v Pakistan, Gujranwala, Dec 18, 1989 t20 DeBUt: v Sa, Johannesburg, Dec 1, 2006

ndiAn batting superstar sachin tendulkar on Friday became the first cricketer in history to score 100 international centuries, reaching a new record in his glittering two-decade career. tendulkar, who turns 39 next month, achieved the feat with a century in a one-day Asia Cup match against Bangladesh at the sher-eBangla stadium in dhaka, ending a nervous wait of more than a year for millions of fans. the Mumbai batsman, who has compiled more test and one-day runs than anyone in history, reached the milestone with a single and marked the moment with a modest glance to the sky while pointing to the indian flag on his helmet. tendulkar, already a legend of the modern era and one of the greats of all time, made 114 off 147 balls with 12 fours and a six, before he was caught behind off seamer Mashrafe Mortaza in the 47th over. "it has not sunk in yet, but i have definitely lost 50 kilograms," he told the neo Cricket channel, who are broadcasting the Asia Cup matches. "i was not thinking about the milestone. the media started all this. in the restaurant, room service, everyone was talking about the 100th hundred." tendulkar is the most capped player in the history of the game with 188 test and 462 one-day appearances since making his debut as a teenager against Pakistan in Karachi in november, 1989. He has scored 49 one-day hundreds and 51 centuries in test matches. the father-of two, known variously as the "Little Master" or "Bombay Blaster", is worshipped as a demi-god in his cricket-crazy country and has barely put a foot wrong since he burst on the world stage in 1989, aged 16. "i join the nation in congratulating sachin tendulkar on his making history -- a hundred centuries. He has made india proud," indian Prime Minister Manmohan singh said as the country celebrated. He scored his 99th ton during a World Cup match against south Africa in nagpur on March 12 last year, but failed to add to the tally on subsequent tours of england and Australia and a home series against the West indies. tendulkar said the long wait for the milestone was a difficult period for him. "this has been a tough phase for me," he said. "i started off the season batting reasonably well, but i was luckless. it does not matter how many hundreds you have, you still have to grind it out. "this was difficult to understand because nobody talked about my 99 hundreds." Asked if he had any advice for youngsters, tendulkar said: "enjoy the game and chase your dreams. i waited for 22 years to realise a dream... that of winning the World Cup." international Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat also lauded tendulkar's achievement alongside Bollywood stars, fellow professionals and millions of indians. "On behalf of every cricket fan around the globe, i congratulate sachin on becoming the first person to score 100 centuries for his country," Lorgat said in a statement. "this is indeed a magnificent feat and not likely to be easily emulated." indian cricket chief narayanaswamy srinivasan said tendulkar "strode cricketing arenas the world over like a colossus" ever since his debut in 1989. "He has broken old records and set new benchmarks. He has been an inspiration to billions, and an ornament to the sport," srinivasan said.

CaReeR

oNe-DayeRS: Matches 462, runs 18,374, highest 200 not out, avg 44.92, Centuries 49, half-centuries 95 tWeNty20: Match 1, runs 10, average 10.00

WoRLD ReCoRDS n

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teStS: Matches 188, runs 15,470, highest 248 not out, average 55.44, Centuries 51, half-centuries 65

Most Test runs and centuries Most one-day runs and centuries Most world Cup runs (2,278) Most appearances in Tests and oDIs 1,000 or more Test runs in a calendar year six times: 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2010 1,000 or more one-day runs in a calendar year seven times: 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2007

Tendulkar’s

5m e mosT morable cenTuries

Sachin Tendulkar's five most memorable centuries in chronological order after he became the first batsman to score 100 international hundreds on Friday: 119 Not oUt, eNGLaND v INDIa teSt MatCH, oLD tRaffoRD, aUGUSt 1990.

Tendulkar himself regards his first Test century as one of his best.

114, aUStRaLIa v INDIa teSt MatCH, peRtH, feBRUaRy 1992.

The 19-year-old Tendulkar mastered the fast Perth wicket to hit a brilliant 114 against an all-out pace attack of Craig McDermott, Merv hughes, Paul reiffel and Mike whitney.

155 Not oUt, INDIa v aUStRaLIa teSt MatCH, CHeNNaI, MaRCH 1998.

India, who trailed by 71 runs in the first innings, rode on Tendulkar's brilliant unbeaten 155 in the second knock to set australia a target of 348 runs and win the match by 179 runs.

103 Not oUt INDIa v eNGLaND teSt MatCH, CHeNNaI, DeCeMBeR 2008.

In one of the most emotional moments in Indian cricket, Tendulkar engineered a remarkable win over england two weeks after his home city of Mumbai was ravaged by the brutal november 26 terrorist attack.

Set 387 for victory on the fourth afternoon, India achieved the highest run chase on home soil and the fifth highest in history as Tendulkar ensured that virender Sehwag's bright start of 83 off 68 balls was not wasted.

200 Not oUt, INDIa v SoUtH afRICa oNe-DayeR, GWaLIoR, feBRUaRy 24, 2010.

The first and only double-century in the history of men's limited-overs international cricket fittingly came from the most prolific batsman in the game. n

Leading

century makers

Top century-makers in history after Sachin Tendulkar of India became the first batsman to score 100 international hundreds on Friday.

CeNtURy/NaMe/teStS oNe-DayeRS tWeNty20 Cen name T oD T20 100 Tendulkar 51 49 71 Ponting 41 30 59 kallis 42 17 53 Brian Lara 34 19 48 rahul Dravid 36 12 45 Jayawardene 29 15 1 42 Jayasuriya 14 28 41 Sangakkara 28 13 40 hayden 30 10 39 Yousuf 24 15 38 M waugh 20 18 38 Ganguly 16 22 -

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(Tendulkar, Ponting, kallis, Jayawardene and Sangakkara are the only ones in the list still playing international cricket.)

Cook strikes form South Africa in control of New Zealand Test in SL tour opener SCoReBoaRD HAMILTON afp

COLOMBO afp

Alastair Cook hammered an unbeaten 163 on the second day of england's three-day practice match against sri Lanka Board Xi in Colombo on Friday. the left-handed opener defied the stifling heat and humidity for six hours to strike early form ahead of the two-test series against sri Lanka starting in Galle on March 26. the tourists ended the day at 303-8, a lead of 134 over the home team's first innings total of 169, giving themselves a good chance to force an outright win on the last day. skipper Andrew strauss hit 40 in an opening stand of 89 with Cook, while Kevin Pietersen made a fluent 39 with five boundaries. But there was little joy for the other batsmen as Jonathan trott fell for 16 and ravi Bopara made 12, while ian Bell and Matt Prior failed to score. the first test at the Galle international stadium will be followed by the second test at the P. sara Oval in Colombo from April 3.

BRIEF SCORES: SRI LANkA BOARD XI 1ST INNINGS: 169 (Ashen silva 66, sachithra serasinghe 31, James Anderson 4-19, Monty Panesar 5-37, steven Finn 1-33).

ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS: 303-8 (Alastair Cook 163 not out, Andrew strauss 40, Malinga Bandara 3-58).

new Zealand's batting woes against south Africa continued as they slumped to 65 for four at stumps on day two of the second test in Hamilton, squandering a fine effort with the ball. the Black Caps, bowled out for 185 on the opening day, looked to have clawed their way back into contention when a fivewicket haul from Mark Gillespie helped restrict the Proteas' first innings lead to 68.

But new Zealand made a disastrous start to the second innings, reduced to seven for three in the first five overs as openers rob nicol (1) and Martin Guptill (1) failed again and Brendon McCullum went for five. skipper ross taylor was again called on to launch a rescue mission managing a 57-run partnership with Kane Williamson before falling lbw to dale steyn for 17 in the second last over of the day. steyn took two for 10 and Vernon Philander two for 21 as new Zealand ended the day still three runs short of south Africa's first innings total of 253, facing a mammoth task to get back into the match.

Kane Williamson was unbeaten on 41 for the Black Caps, alongside daniel Vettori, who was yet to score. south Africa started the day at 27 for two and endured a torrid spell from Gillespie, struggling at 133 for six in the first hour before AB de Villiers and the lower order

steadied the innings. de Villiers' gritty 83 and a valuable unbeaten 35-run cameo from Morne Morkel helped south Africa overhaul new Zealand's total before the tourists were bowled out for 253 at tea. Gillespie, recalled into a revamped new Zealand attack after more

than three years in the test wilderness, finished the innings with five for 59. south Africa added 35 to their overnight total before he dismissed Hashim Amla for 16, the batsman attempting to guide the ball through backward point but sending a low catch to Williamson.

haMILTon: Dale Steyn of South africa celebrates a LBw decision on captain ross Taylor of new Zealand during day two of the second Test match at Seddon Park. aFP

NeW ZeaLaND 1st innings 185 (B.McCullum 61, R. taylor 44, M. Gillespie 27; philander 4-70, Steyn 3-49) SoUtH afRICa 1st innings (overnight 27 for two) G. Smith c van Wyk b Martin 13 a. petersen lbw b Gillespie 29 D. Steyn c van Wyk b Martin 4 H. amla c Williamson b Gillespie 16 J. Kallis c van Wyk b Gillespie 6 aB de villiers b vettori 83 J. Rudolph c van Wyk b Gillespie 1 M. Boucher b Gillespie 24 v. philander b Bracewell 14 M. Morkel not out 35 I. tahir c Gillespie b Williamson 16 eXtRaS (b1, lb9, w1, nb1) 12 totaL (all out: 77.3 overs) 253 fall of wickets: 1-14 (Smith) 2-18 (Steyn) 3-63 (amla), 4-69 (Kallis), 5-84 (petersen), 6-88 (Rudolph), 7-151 (Boucher), 8185 (philander), 9-219 (de villiers), 10-253 (tahir) BoWLING: Martin 16-6-38-2, Bracewell 18-7-50-1, Gillespie 152-59-5, vettori 19-3-49-1, arnel 9-2-46-0, Williamson 0.3-0-1-1 NeW ZeaLaND 2nd innings R. Nicol b philander 1 M. Guptill c amla b Steyn 1 B. McCullum lbw b philander 5 R. taylor lbw b Steyn 17 K. Williamson not out 41 D. vettori not out 0 eXtRaS 0 totaL (4 wickets; 31 overs) 65 fall of wickets: 1-1 (Nicol), 2-7 (McCullum), 3-7 (Guptill), 4-64 (taylor) BoWLING: Steyn 9-4-10-2, philander 7-1-21-2, Morkel 7-4-120, tahir 8-2-22-0 toss: South africa Series: the three-match series is level after a draw in the first test Umpires: Billy Doctrove (WIS), Richard Kettleborough (eNG) tv umpire: aleem Dar (paK) Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

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Colony Sugar, Guard Group in Challenge Polo final

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Colony sugar on Friday made its third final on trot when it beat Pessi in the last league match of the Zong Challenge Polo Cup 2012 on Friday.

Colony sugar, which won the Punjab Cup and the national Polo Championship, will now face Guard Group/Wi tribe in the main final on sunday here at the Lahore Polo Club’s Aibak Ground.

On the other hand Guard Group and Wi tribe thrashed Karachi Polo Club team to try its luck in the final. saqib Khan Khakwani was the master of Colony sugar win with six of the 7-6 win while the seventh goal came from Hussain iftikhar. On their part, Pessi fought quite well to start the match with a dominant position and Ahmed Ali tiwana and Ahmed nawaz tiwana got their team to early lead. But saqib took control of the game with four goals including a golden hit in the fifth chukker. in the second match of the day, Guard Group taught polo lesson to Karachi Club 14-6½. Karachi managed just four goals in the field and have two and a half goal handicap.

30 clubs of east and north Zone move to 2nd Phase LAHORE Staff RepoRt

the 30 clubs of east and north Zone have moved into the 2nd phase of LCCA Cricket League. From east Zone 16 Clubs while from north Zone 14 Clubs have marched.

WINNeR teaMS: east Zone Clubs, Prince Club, Tauseef Club, Mughalpura whites, Punjab club, Muslimabad Gym, Lahore Gym, Mughalpura Sports, aLhamra club, Fayaaz Memorial club, Shining club, Mughalpura XI, Servis Club, Ghari Shaho Gym, rising Star, Mughalpura Institute and aamir Memorial club. north Zone clubs i.e, akhter abdul rehman Club, Chand Memorial club, Muslim Gym, Mehboob Park gym, nayyar Soch CLub, Ghulam Qadir Memorial club, ehsan Memorial club, Shalimar Gym, Baqa Jillani club, ravi Gym, victorious Club, apallo club, Universal Club and Young Muslim Gym. From west Zone matches are in progress.

sports 19

Sachin’s 100th ton of no avail DHAKA

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AnGLAdesH posted an upset five-wicket victory over india in the Asia Cup one-day tournament in dhaka on Friday, despite sachin tendulkar's 100th international century. Bangladesh achieved the stiff 290-run target with four balls to spare in the day-night match to keep alive their hopes of reaching the final. tamim iqbal (70), nasir Hossain (54), Jahurul islam (53), shakib Al Hasan (49) and skipper Mushfiqur rahim (46 not out) were Bangladesh's batting stars, while indian paceman Praveen Kumar took three wickets. Pakistan have two wins in as many matches, while india and Bangladesh have one victory each after two games. sri Lanka have lost both of their matches. earlier, tendulkar hammered a longawaited 100th international century to lift india to 289-5. the memorable moment came in the 44th over when he turned leftarm spinner shakib Al Hasan to square-leg for a single to become the first batsman to score a century of centuries. the celebra-

BANGLADESH HAMMER INDIA

Dhaka: Jahurul Islam bows after scoring a half century (50 runs) against India in the asia Cup. aFP tions, however, were subdued as the master batsman removed his helmet, raised his bat and looked at the sky, before being congratulated by non-striker suresh raina and Bangladeshi fielders. tendulkar, who turns 39 next month, already holds four major batting records -- maximum runs and centuries in both tests and one-day internationals. timing and placement marked

tendulkar's 147-ball gem, studded with one six and 12 fours. He put on 148 for the second wicket with Virat Kohli (66) and 86 for the third with raina (51). He was dismissed in the 47th over, caught behind while attempting to drive paceman Mashrafe Mortaza and returned to the pavilion to a standing ovation from some 20,000 fans at the sher-e-Bangla stadium.

royal Palm, Karachi frontrunners Pak blind win 2nd oDI to level in team trophy golf C’ship series with India LAHORE

KHaWaJa peRvaIZ SaeeD

At the end of the first round of this threeday show, 6th Acquafina royal Palm national Golf event at the character loaded par 72 royal Palm Golf Course, the royal Palm team comprising sardar Murad, Omer salamat, shoaib Bokhari and Mohammed rehman demonstrated their aggressive intent by managing to get a hold on the frontrunners position with an impressive team score of 230. things were made possible with some authoritative play by sardar Murad (gross 74), some ardent play by Mohammad rehman (gross 76) and a modest contribution of 80 by Omer salamat.

Another team that looks equally wellpoised is Karachi Golf Club team who also aggregated a team score similar to that achieved by royal Palm, made possible by an excellent 72 gross from Ali Hai, a gross 77 by Asif Ahmed and Mansoor telis 81. the rawalpindi team comprising Ghazanfar Mehmood, idrees nisar tinkoo and Khalid Mehmood are placed at a team score of 241 followed by Gymkhana at 242. Other teams are way behind.

Alongwith the team event is the competition for individual gross and in this section Ali Hai a leading amateur golf player of Pakistan showed his class and played inspired golf for a par round of 72, to become listed as the leader in gross section and, in particular his regulation pars on 16 holes reflected streaks of brilliance. "i know", he

LAHORE Staff RepoRt

said, "i have to play well to remain ahead, there are other capable ones in the field and i have to show the edge that i have". two strokes behind Ali is sardar Murad who was in tremendous form and attributed success to continuous moral support by his non playing captain Amir Mehmood. Over the next two rounds these two seasoned ones are likely to be challenged by a talented youngster from islamabad and Mohammed rehman of royal Palm. they are both placed at a score of gross 76. Another competitor from rawalpindi, Ghazanfar Mehmood is also at 76, with Asif Ahmed of Karachi at 77. in the race for honors in the Challenge shield event the talented one in the forefront is Hamid sharif of the host club. regarded as a hard working golfer Hamid managed to demonstrate his

skills with an impressive round of net 67 thereby looking well placed in this event.

He is likely to be challenged by sardar Murad who carded a net 69 and lies two strokes behind Hamid. Other notable contenders in the Challenge shield category are Babar Khokhar 70, Asif Ahmed 71, danish Javed 71 and Omer Khokhar net 72. this event will conclude today. in the challenge shield net event which is due to conclude after two rounds today, the best one after the first 18 holes is Omer Arshed (Multan) with a net score of 66 followed by saleem raza at net 67,Ahmed sarwar net 68, Mohammad Leghari net 68 and raheel ikram net 69. the battle for honors in team championship is very much fierce and the leading teams will put pressure on each other to stay as front runners.

Amir in toughest training for title rematch WASHINGTON afp

British boxer Amir Khan, eager to avenge a controversial loss to Lamont Peterson, is already into the toughest training of his career for what he calls a must-win world title rematch in May. the 25-year-old englishman will face Peterson on May 19 in Las Vegas for the international Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association lightwelterweight titles after losing them to the American last december in Washington. "i believe i won the first fight. i want those titles back," Khan said. "this fight means so much to me. it's going to be explosive." saying he is already into his longest and most motivated training, Khan has already started workouts in england, plans to conduct high-altitude training in the Philippines and spend weeks at the Hollywood gym of trainer Freddie roach. "i like the attitude," roach said. "He has been training for a month already in england. Physically i think Lamont took more punishment last time. that's why i think we will have an easier time."

Once a homeless youth on the streets of Washington, Peterson completed a fairytale with a split decision triumph over Khan marred by referee Joe Cooper taking

INDIa: 11 G. Gambhir b Shafiul 114 S. tendulkar c Rahim b Mortaza 66 v. Kohli b Razzak 51 S. Raina c tamim b Mortaza 21 MS Dhoni not out 4 R. Sharma run out R. Jadeja not out 4 eXtRaS (lb6, nb2, w10) 18 totaL (for five wickets; 50 overs) 289 fall of wickets: 1-25 (Gambhir), 2-173 (Kohli), 3-259 (Raina), 4-259 (tendulkar), 5-267 (Sharma).

BoWLING: Mortaza 10-1-44-2 (nb1, w1), Shafiul 5-0-24-1 (w1), Shahadat 10-0-81-0 (nb1, w2), Shakib 10-0-63-0 (w3), Razzak 10-0-41-1 (w3), Mahmudullah 4-0-24-0, Nasir 1-0-6-0.

BaNGLaDeSH: 70 tamim Iqbal c Jadeja b Kumar 5 Mohammad Nazimuddin c Sharma b Kumar Jahurul Islam c Sharma b Jadeja 53 54 Nasir Hossain c Raina b Kumar 49 Shakib al Hasan st Dhoni b ashwin 46 Mushfiqur Rahim not out Mohammad Mahmudullah not out 4 eXtRaS (lb7, nb2, w3) 12 totaL (for five wickets; 49.2 overs) 293 fall of wickets: 1-15 (Nazimuddin), 2-128 (Jahurul), 3-156 (tamim), 4-224 (Shakib), 5-288 (Nasir).

BoWLING: Kumar 10-0-56-3 (nb1), Irfan 9-0-61-0 (w1), Dinda 5.2-1-38-0 (nb1), Raina 7-1-30-0, Sharma 2-0-13-0, ashwin 100-56-1 (w1), Jadeja 6-0-32-1 (w1).

Result: Bangladesh win by five wickets Man of the match: Shakib al Hasan (BaN), toss: Bangladesh Umpires: Ian Gould (eNG) and paul Reiffel (aUS), tv umpire: Ruchira palliyaguruge (SRI), Match referee: David Boon (aUS)

LonDon: US boxer Lamont Peterson (L) poses for photographs with British boxer amir khan ahead of their keenly-anticipated world title rematch. aFP a point from Khan in both the seventh and 12th rounds for pushing. Peterson, 28, won 113-112 on two judges' scorecards while the other had Khan a 115-110 winner.

Without the deductions, Khan would have kept the titles. "People still say i'm the champ," Khan said. "At no time has he said he won the first fight. it's all about how you

come back from these fights and i always come back stronger. "there aren't that many British world champions out there and i'm going to be one again. i'm going to be ready for everything he brings to the table." Peterson, 30-1-1 with 15 knockouts, pondered other offers and was mentioned as a possible for for Filipino star Manny

Pacquiao but found fight fans wanted a rematch and that he still had something to prove against Khan. "We had other offers that were interesting but everybody wanted to see a rematch," Peterson said.

"On the street, on twitter, comments i read, they really wanted that fight. "i just want there to be no doubt i won that fight. i want to go out and prove i'm the better fighter. i will definitely leave no doubt come May 19." Khan, 26-2 with 18 knockouts, wants to forget controversies about Cooper's calls and the handling of the scorecards during and after the first fight. "i haven't gotten to the bottom of it and i don't want to. i want to put it all behind me," Khan said. "i just want to win the next fight. i just want a fair fight and i promise 100 percent that i will win." Khan has other ideas than using his forearm and going to the ropes on how to deny Peterson position inside. "His head kept coming in there. We're not going to be dealing with that problem now because i'm going to be hitting him," Khan said. "now i know what to do and i'm not going to make the same mistakes. When he comes inside, instead of pushing him away, i can take a sidestep back. roach is working on strategy adjustments after seeing more attacks than expected from Peterson.

Pakistan won the second Odi in a thriller and kept series alive by leveling it one-all against india at sPiC YMCA Chennai.

Pakistan won the toss and asked india to take guard. Pakistan sent the half of indian batting line to pavilion on just 90 runs but Venkatesh and Ajay reddy piled up 165 runs partnership for the 6th wicket took away the initial advantage from Pakistan. india eventually posted a mammoth total of 371 runs for 6 wickets in 40 overs.

Venkatesh remained unbeaten on 121 runs while Ajay reddy made 74 runs. idrees saleem took 3 wickets while Yasir took 1 wicket. in reply, Pakistan started well but lost wickets in regular intervals. Muhammad Jameel’s sparkling 120 runs on 64 balls and Arslan Javed’s 52 runs kept Pakistan’s hope alive. But they both fell in quick succession, leaving Pakistan 99 runs to win in less than 12 overs and only two wickets in hand. But Muhammad Fayyaz’s elegant unbeaten 58 runs on 35 balls and Zeeshan Abbasi’s supportive 32 runs enabled Pakistan to win the match and to level the Odi series 1-1. they both added 99 runs in the 9th wicket partnership. shekhar naik, Hitesh Patel and Ajay reddy took 2 wickets each. Muhammad Jameel was named the Man of the match. the third and last Odi of the series will be played today (saturday) at the same venue.

Dharampura Sports beat Faran Sports LAHORE Staff RepoRt

dharampura sports has moved inti the 2nd round of 27th Mohammad Yaseen Akhter Memorial event when they outplayed Faran sports by 5 wickets played at race Corse ground on Wednesday.

SCoReS: Faran Sports 109. ahmed 27, Fawad 29.

Mohsin 3/15, kashif 2/20, haris 2/17, ashraf 1/10, Faheem 1/4, alu din Butt 1/0. Dharampura Sports 110/5. kashif Shafi 39, M Imran 13, M Shareef 11, aLu din Butt 23(no). Ijaz 2/19, Fawad 2/17, Shabir 1/21.

Ju-Jitsu trials KARACHI Staff RepoRt

the Karachi City Ju-Jitsu Association (KCJJA) is holding open trials to select the Karachi Ju-Jitsu team for 15th sindh Game 2012 at Mirpurkhas. the KCJJA is holding trials on saturday March 17 at Karachi Martial Arts Center Block # 14 F.B Area at 7pm and the selected Jujitsukas will undergo further training at a camp start after the trials.

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20 sports PIa, wapda ease to wins in oDI Cup LAHORE

Saturday, 17 March, 2012

IndIAn WellS: novak djokovic of Serbia serves to nicolas Almagro of Spain during their match at the BnP Paribas Open tennis tournament. afP

Staff RepoRt

PiA and Wapda eased to wins against their rivals in the fifth round matches of the national One day Cup 2011-12 division-i on Friday. PiA got three wickets win over nBP at the Gaddafi stadium while Wapda defeated ZtBL by two wickets at the LCCA ground. in other matches of the Cup sialkot, islamabad and Faisalabad got to victories.

SCoReS: Group a, national Bank 230-7 in 50 overs (khurram Manzoor 121, 142 balls, 10 x4s, 1 x6s, Fawad alam 67, 88 balls, 3 x4s, najaf Shah 2-33, anwar ali 3-31) PIa 231-7 in 49.3 overs (Faraz ali 73, 99 balls, 7 x4s, Shoaib Malik 64, 82 balls, 3 x4s, anwar ali 29, Uzairullah 2-45, raza hasan 3-48), result: PIa won by three wickets. Toss: PIa, Umpires: Ihtshamul haq & ahmed Shahab, referee: khalid naizi. LCCa Ground: ZTBL 143 in 32.4 overs (Sharjeel khan 52, 50 balls, 7 x4s, 1 x6s, Shahid Yousuf 23, haris Sohail 23*, 28 balls, Zulfiqar Baber 4-18, Imranullah 4-27), waPDa 145-8 in 354.1 overs (riffatullah 69, 67 balls, 9 x4s, ahmed Said 23, 64 balls, 1 x4s, Junaid nadir 2-42, Junaid Zia 2-50, Jawad hameed 2-17), result: waPDa won by two wickets, Toss: ZTBL. Umpires: Tahir Shah & Ghaffar kazmi. referee: Parvaiz akhtar. Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. habib Bank 310 in 47.4 overs (Imran Farhat 105, 111 balls, 9 x4s, hasan raza 41, 44 balls, 4 x4s, 1 x6s, humayun khan 100, 51 balls, 11 x4s, 6 x6s, Mohammad naved 3-57, kashif Siddiq 3-39), State Bank 292 in 49.1 overs (kashif Siddiqi 43, 26 balls, 8 x4s, Mohtasham ali 54, 74 balls, 6 x4s, rameez aziz 107, 124 balls, 6 x4s, 3 x6s, Jalat khan 25, 21 balls, 1 x6s, Shahid nazir 2-69, aftab khan 2-27, Danish kaneria 3-57), result: habib Bank won by 18 runs. Toss: habib Bank, Group B: Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot: karachi Dolphins 232 in 49 overs (Shahzad hasan 72, 69 balls, 8 x4s, 2 x6s, Mirza asad Baig 80, 103 balls, 9 x4s, Yasir Murtaza 20, Mohammad Sami 21), Sialkot Stallions 233-4 in 39.3 overs (kamran Younis 77, 11 x4s, 2 x6s, Mohammad ayub 58, 71 balls, 5 x4s, Shahzad Malik 35*), result: Sialkot Stallion won by six wicketsToss: karachi Stallions, Diamond Ground, Islamabad: rawalpindi 223 in 47.3 overs (Shoaib ahmed 56, 66 balls, 6 x4s, Baber naeem 49, 34 balls, 7 x4s, Yasim Murtaza 23, nasarullah 4-34, Shahzad azam 2-36), Islamabad 229-9 in 49.2 overs (Zeeshan Mushtaq 100*, 126 balls, 7 x4s, 1 x6s, naeem anjum 48, 47 balls, 5 x4s, 1 x6s, nasir Malik 2-45, Sadaf hussain 2-21, Samiullah 2-24), result: Islamabad won by one wicket. Toss: rawalpindi, abbottabad Stadium: abbottabad 292 in 48.4 overs (ramiz ahmed 35, 42 balls, 4 x4s, 1 x6s, Fawad khan 39, 16 balls, 4 x4s, 3 x6s, ehsan adil 2-64, waqas Masood 3-63, aqeel ahmed 254), Faisalabad 293-8 in 49.1 overs (M. Zubair 45, 70 balls, 5 x4s, Murtaza anees 51, 6 x4s, Zeeshan asif 48, 50 balls, 3 x4s, 1 x6s, hasan Mahmood 71, 56 balls, 9 x4s, khalid Usman 3-59, Shakeel Shah 2-48), result: Faisalabad won by two wickets. Toss: Faisalabad.

A forgettable year for the English clubs in Europe g

Chelsea are the last one standing in the Champions League, and could have a veritable tilt at the title as well EPL CRYSTAL BALL KUNWAR KHULDUNE SHAHID

Once upon a time, not too many miles down the memory lane; english clubs were easily the strongest contingent in europe. even though there have only been two Champions League triumphs for ePL sides since the turn of the millennium – Liverpool (2005) and Manchester United (2008) – but 2004 onwards, they have been the ones making the biggest impact on the tournament – with most final and semifinal finishes coming from england, during this epoch. this run recently culminated in Manchester United’s purple patch between 2007 and 2011, which saw them play three finals in four years, including that triumph in 2008.

However, this year has been akin to a Greek tragedy for english football – only with thrice as much melancholy. if anyone had put a wager on APOeL outdoing the two Manchesters in the UeFA Champions League – they would now undoubtedly be able to bail out Greece from its debt crisis single handedly. trying to fathom the abysmal showing of one of the current top two in england – the minis-

cule gamut from which the ePL champions would undoubtedly be traced – would have been a Herculean task; but to see both of them giving maladroit buffoons a run for their money in europe is hard to explain. not only did Athletic Bilbao’s allround demolition of current english champions in the europa league confirm La Liga’s status as the topmost league in europe, it also exposed United’s frailties when it comes to competing with a different brand of football, with the current crop. Almost invincible at home in europe not so long ago, this year United have come unstuck against the likes of Basel, Benfica and Bilbao – the three Bs that bamboozled what was not so long ago the best defence in europe. City would’ve been more conspicuo u s l y under the scrutiny gun, had their ‘quiet’ neighbours not done them a favour by outdoing their mediocrity.

Whilst, a lot of the City brigade have had UCL experience in the past, the fact that they hadn’t had such an experience collectively can now be flaunted as an inkling of an excuse. Had United not gone down the same lane, the red half of Manchester would never have tired of pointing out their archenemy’s european downfall. What the Manchester duo’s equally wretched run in europe connotes is that the ePL title race might just end up being one of the most exciting two-horse races ever played out in england. With both sides dumped out of all the other competitions, it’s just the 10 games in the league to go for them; and with the added bo-

Sports Festival Cycle races today LAHORE Staff RepoRt

nanza of ‘that’ potential title-decider at the etihad stadium – things do look quite scrumptious indeed.

Arsenal might have given the Milanese a quasi cardiac arrest in the return leg at the emirates, but what hindered their progress in europe was that one-word phantom that should now possibly be encrypted at the end of that cannon on the club’s badge; “inconsistency”. it was almost as if two different clubs played out the games at san siro and at the emirates, and barring a serious rethink from the think-tanks at the helm of Arsenal football club, the Gunners would consistently remain their inconsistent selves. this leaves us with the only club in the quarters of europe’s premier competition, Chelsea; ironically a team that finds itself outside the top four in england. Chelsea themselves were staring down the barrel against napoli, but their staggering comeback showcased that drive and desire that has been criminally missing from the team for the entirety of the season. if there was a damning demonstration that it’s the player power that rules Chelsea F.C it was against napoli at the stamford Bridge. the

players were up for it, and were fighting like enraged warriors, giving their all for the quest. if they had showcased one-hundredth of it for AVB, the Portuguese would still be at the club, and Chelsea might still be in the title race in the league.

Chelsea have a favourable draw in the quarters now. Granted Benfica are no rollovers, but they are no Barcelona either.

Chelsea might have to overcome Barcelona in the semis though; and as ridiculous as it sounds to give the London club a chance of creating a convulsion in Catalonian hegemony after a solitary display of mantle, if the same Chelsea side takes to the field against Barca, they have what it takes to outdo them. it’s the only meaningful silverware missing from the trophy cabinet of the likes of John terry, Frank Lampard, didier drogba and Petr Cech, and they know that with time running out on their careers, this year might just be their final tilt. the trophy is also at the apex of roman Abramovich’s wish list, and if Chelsea can conjure up the impossible – it might go down as one of the greatest triumphs for english clubs in europe. it’s Benfica first though…

the 22 kilometres and 66 km cycle races as part of the concluding ceremony of the sports Board Punjab Festival will be held at the ring road today with around 3000 cyclists participation. the fun cycle race will start at 10 AM while the main professional race of 66 km will be paddled off at 11 while the closing ceremony of the Punjab sports Festival will be held at Hazoori Park at 5 pm. Chief Minister Punjab Mian shahbaz sharif will be the chief guest to distribute cash prizes amounting millions among the winners of all the final events. the chairman sports festival Hamza shahbaz, chairman organizing committee rana Mashood and dG sports Punjab Usman Anwar along with other VViP's, MPA's and MnA's will attend the historical closing ceremony. the Punjab sports Festival started from January 23 at union council level and continued till inter divisional level final phase. the departments, bar associations, press clubs, special persons and veterans matches including marathon and family fun race were also the part of this mega sports event. the last event of the festival, the cycling competitions will be held today (March 17) starting from Old ravi exchange and finishing at the same point while a number of audience will witness this event.

Lahore: akeel Butt of Punjab Constabulary lifts 240 kgs squat to win gold medal in the 1st Inter-range Police Powerlifting.

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Djokovic reaches Indian Wells semis T INDIAN WELLS afp

OP seed and defending champ novak djokovic stepped up his bid for his third indian Wells title by easing past 12th seed nicolas Almagro 6-3, 6-4 on thursday.

World number one djokovic has now beaten Almagro in all three career meetings and he has reached the indian Wells semis for the third year in a row. djokovic, who has won the last three Grand slams, is coming off one of the best years in the history of tennis, as he started off 2011 with 41 consecutive match wins.

He is now 14-1 in 2012. "i have had a lot of success here in the past and won it twice," said djokovic. "Last year was incredible. i may not be able to repeat what i did but i will try my best." the serbian next faces American 11th seed John isner who defeated Gilles simon of France 6-3, 1-6, 7-5 in the other quarter-final. djokovic hammered five aces and won 77 percent of his first serve points in the 82 minute match thursday.

"What made me happy was my serve," he said. "i served well. i didn't lose many points on my service games in both sets, and that's something that i have been working on. i have been trying to get more free points on the first serves." djokovic broke Almagro twice in taking the opening set in 30 minutes but had a tougher time in the second as Almagro started to connect with his first serve. tied 3-3 in the second set and serving, Almagro hit a backhand winner to reach game point, which he closed out with an ace.

But djokovic won the next three games, breaking Almagro's serve in the ninth game and then served for the victory. He clinched the match on his first match point with a backhand winner. "it was never going to be easy," djokovic said. "nicolas is a top 15 player. even though he is a clay court specialist he can play well on hardcourts." Almagro

InDIan weLLS: novak Djokovic of Serbia talks with nicolas almagro of Spain after Djokovic defeated aLmagro in their match at the BnP Paribas open tennis tournament. aFP is one of the busiest players on the AtP tour this year as this was his seventh tournament. He captured his 11th career singles title in sao Paulo last month. "today i had a very powerful ball striker on the opposite side of the net," djokovic said. "He's very solid with the groundstrokes and has a powerful serve.

"But i knew that he's inconsistent with that, so i just needed to hang in there." isner, 26, has now won both career meetings against simon, including a three hour, 39-minute battle in the fourth round of the 2011 Us Open. isner fired 11 aces, had three double faults and won 69 percent of his first-serve points. "i am thankful to get through," he said. "tonight i didn't get too frustrated. i made a lot of mistakes but he does that to a lot of players." djokovic

says it doesn't get easier from here on.

"As the tournament goes on you're going to play more difficult opponents," he said. "it's gonna get tough out there.

"But i have played so many matches on the tour and the big stage, major events, and i learned over the years what i need to do in order to play my best when it matters the most." djokovic's win keeps alive the prospect that the game's big three -djokovic, roger Federer and rafael nadal -- could make it to the semi-finals.

Federer and nadal are both in quarter-final action Friday, against Argentinians. Federer faces ninth seed Juan Martin del Potro and nadal squares off against unseeded david nalbandian. All three reached the semis five times in 2011 and also at this year's Australian Open.

ivanovic gets her revenge at indian Wells INDIAN WELLS afp

InDIan weLLS: ana Ivanovic celebrates a point against Marion Bartoli during the BnP Paribas open. aFP

Former champion Ana ivanovic advanced to the indian Wells semi-finals on thursday, easing past a stricken Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-4 in a rematch of their quarter-final contest from last year. "i am definitely happy to be through and get my revenge from last year in the quarters," ivanovic said. "it was a tough match. i served well.

"We both started well but that eighth game of the second set was important. i just tried to stay low and make her run." France's Bartoli

reached the semi-finals in indian Wells last year with a close 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win over the 24-year-old serbian. Bartoli went on to the final where she lost to Caroline Wozniacki. ivanovic advances to the semis where she will face either Maria sharapova or Maria Kirilenko.

Bartoli was trailing 1-2 in the second set when she asked for the doctor to come out onto the court. As the doctor was taking her blood pressure, the television cameras caught her saying, "everything is spinning." she was in discomfort for the remainder of the match, bending over and grabbing her stomach between

serves. the opening set started off with consecutive service breaks before ivanovic held serve in game three. ivanovic broke Bartoli in the eighth game of the opening set and then served for the set, finishing it off with an ace on the final point. in the first game of the second set, Bartoli double faulted on game point to allow ivanovic to go ahead 1-0. ivanovic has now made it to at least the indian Wells quarter-finals on five occasions, winning title four years ago. Bartoli's exit means that both last year's winner Wozniacki and runner-up are out of the women's draw.

wATch iT LivE ESPN Sportcentre 07:30PM

Textile Tigers beat Gulberg Gym in veterans Cricket LAHORE Staff RepoRt

textile tigers beat Gulberg Gymkhana by 2 runs in the First Lahore Veteran Cricket Champion trophy here at the at race Course Park Ground.

SCoReS: Textile Tigers batting first 219/4 after 30 overs. Test Cricketer ashraf ali played well 90 runs not out, Muhammad riaz 67, romail Bashir 25 & rizwan nisar 13 runs. Gulberg gymkhana bowling khubaib Saeed 2/33, Javeed hafeez 1/32 & Test Cricketer Manzoor Ilahi 1/34 wickets. In reply Gulberg Gymkhana 217/8 after 30 overs. Test Cricketer Manzoor Ilahi 41, afzal Munir 28, khalid Mehmood 19, Javeed riaz 65 & Muhammad amir 29 runs. Textile Tigers bowling romail Bashir 2/30, rehan rouf 2/54 & Saleem Iqbal 1/29 wickets. Javeed ashraf Muhammad kaleem Umpire & Muhammad kazim was the scorer. end of the match Chief Guest Shehzad Bhatti give away man of the match award to Test Cricketer ashraf ali. rizwan nisar is also present.

PFF bans, fines Police players LAHORE Staff RepoRt

the Pakistan Football Federation has on Friday banned and fined Police team players who were involved in disrupting the KrL Football Challenge Cup match at Karachi. the tournament disciplinary committee awarded KrL three goals win against Police Football team because of physical assault by their six police players against the match referee and imposed a fine of rs 20,000 and six match suspension against each of the guilty Police team players. in an unfortunate and unforeseen incident during the KrL and Police team match at Peoples Football stadium, Karachi, the PFF held discipline supreme and insisted on fair play. the tournament disciplinary committee took a serious view of the violent behavior of the six players of Police team and fined them rs 20,000 each and suspended them for six matches under section 1, Article 31 & 47 of PFF Code of Conduct and discipline. Meanwhile, Army and PAF played a one-all draw at the KPt Football stadium, Karachi. Army scorer was rashid (17 Minute) and PAF scorer was captain irfan Ali (92+2 minute). PPWd beat railway 21 at the Peoples stadium. PPWd got its goals from Muhammad Jan (78 Minute) and Aqeel (86 Minute) while scorer of railway was Amin (54 Minute). WAPdA beat navy 3-0 and Muhammad Ahmed (2 Goals 56 and 90+1 Minute) and Akram Masih (73 Minute) made the win easy.

Sharapova outlasts iron woman Kirilenko INDIAN WELLS afp

three time Grand slam champion Maria sharapova rallied to defeat fellow russian Maria Kirilenko 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 to reach the indian Wells semi-finals thursday. sharapova needed three hours and five minutes to dispatch Kirilenko in their first meeting since the opening round of the 2010 Australian Open, which Kirilenko won in three sets. "i tried to keep my head up today even though i wasn't playing my best," said sharapova, who won the indian Wells title in 2006. "towards the end i started to play better and move better." sharapova will face another former indian Wells winner, Ana ivanovic, in the semis after the serbian eased past a stricken Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-4 in a rematch of their quarter-final contest from last year. second seed sharapova had cruised through her first three matches at the joint WtA and AtP event without dropping a set but she quickly ran into trouble thursday against Kirilenko -- who had won eight of her pre-

vious nine three-set matches this year. Kirilenko is getting a reputation as the WtA tour's iron woman. this was the third straight three setter for Kirilenko and the second time in the tournament she has gone past three hours in a match. she became the first player in the tournament to take a set off sharapova, breaking the former world no. 1 twice in winning the opening frame in 43 minutes. "she started very well, but it was also a poor start from my end," sharapova said. "i think she controlled most of the points and i was on the defence a lot. that created so many opportunities for her and she gained so much confidence after that." sharapova held serve in a marathon fifth game of the second set to go up 3-2. she survived several break points including one by hammering a 166 kph (103 mph) ace down the middle. it was one of six aces for sharapova in the match. sharapova dropped the first two games of the second set, but then won four in a row to climb back into the match. Kirilenko had to overcome a hindrance call to the win the 10th game of the second set and level the set at 5-5. Kir-

ilenko led 30-15 on her serve when chair umpire Marija Cicak of Croatia deducted a point from her for tapping her racquet on the ground three times in quick succession while sharapova was hitting a shot. Kirilenko went on to win the next point.

Asked if she heard the tapping, sharapova said yes. "Unless you're deaf, of course you notice it," sharapova said. "the whole stadium was quiet. it's not something i've ever come across. Maybe in the 12 and unders, but not very recently. "it's one thing if you do it once, but i think she did it three or four times. it's not like a hockey puck or something. she forgot, i think, the sport." sharapova broke Kirilenko's serve to win the second set after Kirilenko had saved two set points, and in the third Kirilenko double faulted on sharapova's first match point, her sixth double fault of the match. ivanovic's victory over Bartoli was something of a grudge match. France's Bartoli reached the semi-finals in indian Wells last year with a close 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win over ivanovic. Bartoli went on to the final where she lost to Caroline Wozniacki.

InDIan weLLS: Maria Sharapova celebrates a match point against Maria kirilenko of russia during the BnP Paribas open. aFP

InDIan weLLS: Maria kirilenko of russia plays Maria Sharapova during the BnP Paribas open. aFP

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Gilani repeats his ‘won’t write Swiss letter’ mantra PM says he would not have entered political arena if he was scared of crises

LAHORE

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Says PPP to make history in 2013 by completing 5-year term, presenting fifth budget

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Staff RepoRt

ePeAtinG his refusal to write a letter to swiss authorities for reopening corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf raza Gilani said on Friday that he would not have entered the political arena if he was scared of tense situations.

While addressing the annual convocation of Kinnaird College for Woman, Gilani expressed certainty that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would become the only party to have successfully completed its five-year tenure. He said the PPP government had given liberty to the media unlike any past government. He said more freedoms would be given to journalists, adding, “When journalists criticise us, our sins are washed off, and the criticism takes

us to further heights.”

He said President Zardari would make history on saturday (today) by addressing the parliament’s session for the fifth time.

“He will give policy statement in his address, but i would like to reveal that we will give relief to the people in the upcoming budget,” the prime minister said, adding that his government would become the first to announce the budget for the fifth time in a single tenure. While commenting about the tenure of Chief of Army staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, he said the army chief would complete his tenure in 2013, along with the chief justice, president and the parliament.

He urged the female students to work hard in the modern world of competitions.

He said Benazir Bhutto had “served women throughout her life, as she was a great advocate of women rights”. He said his government would provide 100,000

jobs for the youth in the upcoming federal budget. “i have passed directions to the Ministry of Finance to create 100,000 jobs so that the educated youth could get employment. the Ministry for information technology is under the prime minister, and i am also initiating several it programmes for the people,” Gilani said. He said that women could bring a positive change in the society, and that his government had taken several steps to empower women. He said his government had introduced legislation on the harassment of women. the PM also quoted Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that no nation could progress without including women in the mainstream, and that steps must be taken to empower women in every sector. the PM said that his government was taking keen interest to resolve the issues of women and minorities, and that the students of Kinnaird College had the dis-

tinguished status in both educational and co-curricular activities. the Prime Minister also announced a grant of rs 20 million for the construction of it Block; rs 10 million as research grant; rs 10 million for endowment Fund; and rs 10 million for the purchase of vehicles for the college. separately in Khanewal, the prime minister visited the residence of deceased MnA Major (r) Aftab Ahmad Khan daha, and condoled with his family members. He also held a meeting with sardar Hamid Yar Haraj, PM’s adviser and chairman of the earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation Authority (errA), at his residence. He promised to build a ladies’ park on the railways’ land in Khanewal. A delegation of Khanewal Press Club led by its president tahir naseem also met the prime minister.

Gilani announced an annual grant of rs 1 million for the press club.

mQm protests in na against Karachi extortions ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

aNaNtNaG: Kashmiri youth sit during a speech by an Indian army officer during a recruitment rally in anantnag, some 65kms south of Srinagar, on friday. aFP

india hikes defence spending by 17 percent NEW DELHI afp

india on Friday boosted military spending by 17 percent to $40 billion for the coming year as it seeks to counter China’s rapid military build-up and its traditional rival Pakistan. the government, engaged in a massive programme to upgrade the country’s ageing military hardware, increased defence spending to rs 1.93 trillion for the financial year to March 31, 2013. “this allocation is based on present needs and any further requirement will be met,” indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told lawmakers in announcing the 2012-13 budget in parliament. the rise follows a 12 percent increase in defence spending in the previous year’s budget. india’s military is acquiring a slew of new equipment from combat aircraft to submarines and artillery. it is currently finalising a deal with France’s dassault Aviation to buy 126 rafale fighter jets in a contract worth an estimated $12 billion.

Delay of payment to iPPs causes excessive load shedding LAHORE NaUMaN taSLeeM

delay of payments to oil suppliers and independent power producers (iPPs) by the government has caused long hours of load shedding while power production has sharply dropped.

At the same time decline in hydel generation has worsened the problem, sources told Pakistan Today on Friday. the power shortfall has also crossed 5,500MW due to this reason. the recent wave of load shedding started around 10 days ago and with every passing day the outages are increasing. Consumers are facing at least eight to 12 hours of outages daily while PePCO has failed to manage the situation. they said the Pakistan

electric Power Company (PePCO) is in deep crisis, as it has failed to pay the iPPs and oil supplier while at the same time hydel generation has also reduced. Currently, PePCO is facing more than 5,500MW of shortfall.

Power production is around 6,500MW with hydel generation providing 3,700MW while production from iPPs and GenCOs has dropped to 2,800MW. “the major problem is with payments to iPPs and this year electricity from hydel generation has also dropped due to less water in terbela and Mangla dams,” said an official of the Ministry of Power, adding that if payments to iPPs were made on time, there would be no problem at all. the sources said if the government did not make payments in the coming days then the problem would get severe.

the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a partner in the ruling coalition, on Friday threw a spanner into the works of its ally, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), by staging a protest in the national Assembly session against criminals in Karachi who they said were making life hell for businessmen through “rampant extortions”. despite assurances by PPP Chief Whip in national Assembly Khursheed Ahmed shah of an “indiscriminate action” against extortionists, the MQM leaders did not stop and rather announced to boycott saturday’s joint session of the parliament which is scheduled to be addressed by President Asif Ali Zardari. However, the MQM appeared to be in isolation, as the parliamentarians from the opposition and treasury benches stood together on the issue. even members from the Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz (PML-n) came to rescue the treasury benches against the MQM’s slogans for prompt action against extortionists.

Amidst uproar by MQM members, Khursheed shah said the government shared the desire to expose the individuals involved in extortion. “We need to expose them, and show the nation their supporters as well. support us, we shall take across the board action,” he said. He also agreed with the demand of opposition parties to make Karachi weaponsfree, and award exemplary punishment to extortionists. He said the government had never supported extortion, and that it was ready to take action. “the Pak-

istani nation and the media know who is involved in extortion. if they (MQM) are sincere, let us move forward for an action. We can eliminate extortionists from Karachi,” shah said. the PPP leader further said that if MQM was serious on the issue, the House should constitute a committee with equal representation from both the opposition and treasury benches to prepare a roadmap for bringing normalcy to Karachi and expose the real faces of extortionists to bring them to book. “We support taking action against them. You should support us. sit with the provincial administration, governor, chief minister and home minister to dig out who was actually ruining peace in Karachi,” he said, adding, “We are committed to keep peace in Karachi, but we need sincere support from all stakeholders.” After the MQM’s protest, the government and the opposition agreed to hold a joint probe and bring the criminals to book.

“We want to cleanse Karachi of extortionists. Please support us. this menace has made the masses insecure, and ruined peace in the port city,” said MQM MnA Waseem Ahmed while speaking on a point of order. the MQM, being a coalition partner in the government and enjoying ministries in the federal and sindh cabinet, warned to disrupt the proceedings of the parliament’s joint sitting on saturday if the government did not promise to take action against extortionists. Members of MQM started chanting slogans after the Question-Answer Hour and continued until the House was prorogued.

Pakistani commission records statement of key 26/11 witness MUMBAI oNLINe

Pakistani judicial commission on Friday began recording the statements of key witnesses in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks after a metropolitan court dismissed its plea for cross-examining them following a wrangle over the mandate of the panel, indian media reported. the in-camera proceedings at the esplanade Court saw a dispute arise over the mandate of the panel which insisted on cross-examination of the witnesses, including the magistrate who had recorded the confessional statement of Ajmal Kasab, the lone

surviving perpetrator of the massacre of 166 people, Pti reported. special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal nikam, who had led the trial against Kasab, and was assisting the witnesses, objected to the commission’s plea and there was a “hot exchange of words” between him and the panel members, a source close to the proceedings said. When the head of the visiting commission and Pakistan’s special Public Prosecutor Zulfiqar Ali contended that cross-examination was legally permitted, nikam asked him to inform the court about the arrangement mutually agreed upon by the two countries.

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Published by Arif Nizami for Nawa Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore.

Editor: Arif Nizami, Executive Editor: Sarmad Bashir

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