President Zardari’s lawyer withdraws appeal in assets reference Updated at: 1030 PST, Tuesday, November 17, 2009

ISLAMABAD: The lawyer of President Asif Zardari has withdraw appeal in assets reference filed in 1990’s after which Supreme Court (SC) has wind up the case.

A three member bench of Supreme Court headed by Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza hears the case.

The last hearing of these cases was conducted in 2004 whereas assets reference has already abolished under NRO. Abu Bakar Zardari, the lawyer of President Zardari today filed a plea in the court for the withdrawal of appeal as the case has already abolished. The court has then wind up the case. LINK

NWFP gets Rs 110 bln of hydel power Updated at: 1210 PST, Tuesday, November 17, 2009

PESHAWAR: The federal government has issued principal amount of the past liability on account of net hydel profit amounting to 110 billion rupees to NWFP. The NWFP government has now decided to take part in NFC meeting. link

Asif to join team after clearance from Dubai officials Updated at: 1741 PST, Saturday, September 19, 2009

LAHORE: Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board, Ijaz Butt said on Saturday that revival of cricket ties and playing cricket matches of 2011 World Cup in India solely depend on Pakistan Government's decision. "We will be following Government advice as far revival of bilateral cricket ties with India and playing matches of World Cup in India are concerned and PCB cannot take decision on its own to permit its team to visit India," he said at a news co .... Full Story link

FBR sets up TFCs across country Updated at: 0220 PST, Sunday, September 20, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has set up facilitation desks/kiosks all across Pakistan to help taxpayers filing their income tax returns before the September 30 deadline. The kiosks and Tax Facilitation Centers (TFCs) have been established in all major urban centres to provide technical support to taxpayers. A formal ceremony to mark the opening of the TFCs will be held in Lahore tomorrow (Saturday) where FBR Chairman Sohail Ahmad wil .... Full Story link

Eid in Gulf countries, mammoth congregations at Makkah, Tehran Updated at: 1216 PST, Sunday, September 20, 2009

MAKKAH MUKARRAMA: Eid is being celebrated with great zeal and religious devotion, as Shawwal moon was sighted in different countries of the world including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Japan, London, France etc.Shawwal moon sighting was announced in Europe also, while in all the countries of the continent unanimously observing Eid today. Grand Paris and Auqaf’s Turkish authori .... Full Story link

80pc of NWFP supports central Ruet-e-Hilal Updated at: 1409 PST, Sunday, September 20, 2009

KARACHI: Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman Sunday said the 80 percent people of NWFP province are standing with the central moon-sighting body.Talking to Geo News, he said he is receiving phones from the NWFP people who said weepingly that their ibadat has been ruined, adding Pakistan is a federation where provinces have constitutional responsibility to play role in implementing the federal government’s decisions.He .... Full Story link

Eid being celebrated in most of NWFP today Updated at: 1118 PST, Sunday, September 20, 2009

PESHAWAR: Eid is being celebrated in most parts of the Frontier province today, following yesterday’s unofficial Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announcement, while in Dera Ghazi Khan and some tribal areas of Punjab for the first time in country’s history today, Eid is being celebrated after 28 days of fasting besides Pashtoon dominated Lahore Gulberg ‘B’ Block, like Frontier and other areas, celebrating Eid todaylink.

Gold touches all time high Updated at: 1728 PST, Thursday, September 03, 2009

KARACHI: The gold has reached all time high in country’s history, as its price has touched the highest level of Rs25,714 up Rs532/10 grams.Talking to Geo News, All Sindh Sarraf Jewelers Association President Haji Haroon Chand said the surge in gold price has been occasioned by the dollar depreciation in the international market and large-scale purchase of gold by India.Also, per tola price of gold has climbed up to Rs30,000 for the first time, he .... Full Story Link

Andhra Pradesh CM dies in chopper crash Updated at: 1207 PST, Thursday, September 03, 2009

HYDERABAD: The Chief Minister of Indian state of Andhra Pradesh YS Rajshekhara Reddy and others on board the ill fated helicopter have been found dead at the crash site. As per reports, five bodies have been found at the crash site located on the Srisailam hill eight kilometers from Rudrakonda at a distance of 70 km east of Kurnool town. The government is waiting for the post-mortem report before making the grim news official. The others who died .... Full Story Link

Two teenaged extremists presented before media Updated at: 1800 PST, Thursday, September 03, 2009

SWAT: The security forces presented two young militants arrested from Swat, Geo News reported Thursday.The extremists said they were trained by the extremists and several people were killed in front of them.The security forces presented militants Nisar, 18 and Abid, 16 at Swat Circuit House, where Nisar revealed he was arrested from Jambal mountains, adding four people were killed in front of his very eyes.Their commander was Mardan hailing from .... Full Story Link

ECNEC approves Rs 128.60 bln for KCR: Kaira Updated at: 1842 PST, Thursday, September 03, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Thursday approved 20 projects worth Rs 260 billion including Karachi Circular Railway System to provide modern transport services to the people, said Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira.

Briefing the media persons about the decisions taken by the ECNEC meeting chaired by Finance Minister Shaukat Tareen here, he said the project like Karac ... Full Story Link

PML (N) calls off ultimatum to PPP

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) called off the 48-hour ultimatum it had given to Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP); however said it has not withdrawn its demand for restoration of the constitution and trial against former president Pervez Musharraf. Talking to Geo News in Lahore, PML (N) spokesman Siddiqul Farooq said after President Asif Zardari’s clarification and Prime Minister’s contact with Shehbaz Sharif, the ultimatum expired itself. “H .... Full Story Link

Murder attempt: Kazmi hurt, driver killed Updated at: 1634 PST, Wednesday, September 02, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Federal Religious Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi has been injured in a firing incident in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani directed an inquiry into the murder attempt at the federal minister.

The federal religious minister was attacked when he was passing through Melody Market after he left his office.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants were two motorists riding a bike, who attacked at t ... Full Story Link

Saleem Altaf sacked as Board’s COO Updated at: 0944 PST, Tuesday, September 01, 2009

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sacked its chief operating officer Saleem Altaf.A PCB spokesman said that a termination letter has been sent to Altaf, a former Pakistan Test cricketer. When contacted, Altaf said that he is yet to receive any such letter. Altaf said that he reserves the right to take legal action against the PCB move.Altaf becomes the latest former Test cricketer to lose his job with the PCB. Earlier Abdul Qadir, a former Te .... Full Story Link

Oil rebounds in Asia Updated at: 1007 PST, Tuesday, September 01, 2009

SINGAPORE: Oil rebounded modestly in Asian trade Tuesday after overnight declines on new worries about the global economic recovery, analysts said. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for October delivery was 24 cents stronger at 70.20 dollars a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for October delivery added six cents to 69.71 dollars a barrel. Both contracts had closed below 70 dollars Monday after a sharp Chinese equity sell-off triggered wor .... Full Story LINK

Afghanistan Commander's Report Submitted, But Secret Updated at: 0627 PST, Tuesday, September 01, 2009

TEXAS: The U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, has delivered his eagerly-awaited assessment to his bosses in Washington and Brussels, but the document is being kept secret. Pentagon officials say it will be followed by international consultations and possibly requests for more U.S. and international forces. According to a NATO release, General McChrystal writes that "the situation in Afghanistan is serious, but su .... Full Story LINK

Five militants killed, indefinite curfew in Khyber Agency

BARA: Five militants were killed and houses of five militants demolished in ongoing operation of security forces in tehsil Bara of Khyber Agency. Indefinite curfew has been imposed in the area.

According to FC sources, the operation re launched in the area after a gap of one month. Five militants including two commanders were killed and nine wounded during the operation whereas five houses of militants were also demolished. Security fo ... Full Story Link

Musharraf meets Hafeez Pirzada, Babar Ghauri, Qusoori Updated at: 0245 PST, Friday, July 24, 2009

LONDON: The former president of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf held meeting with renowned lawmaker Hafeez Pirzada, former foreign minister Khursheed Qusoori and MQM leader Babar Ghouri here on Thursday.

According to sources, former president Musharraf has met with lawmaker Hafeez Pirzada, PML-Q leader and former foreign minister Khursheed Qusoori, MQM leader Senator Babar Ghauri and Faisal Sualeh Hayat here.

Heavy downpours cum thunderstorm continue in Karachi Updated at: 0721 PST, Friday, July 24, 2009

KARACHI: The heavy downpours with thunderstorm have started to fall in parts of Karachi including Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan, Saddar, Shahra-e-Faisal, Nazimabad, New Karachi, National Highway and South Karachi early on Friday morning meanwhile, reports of power breakdown in scores of localities have too reached here.

Pakistan lose test series 2-0 vs SLanka Updated at: 1743 PST, Tuesday, July 14, 2009

COLOMBO: In another dramatic day of test cricket at its very best, Sri Lanka trounced Pakistan by 7 wickets to win the best of three test series 2-0 with a match to spare. Pakistan, who had completely won Day 2 of the second test at Colombo, had made a fantastic comeback to actually carry a 28 run lead with 9 wickets in hand into day 3. Fawad Alam and Younis Khan, the two overnight batsmen continued to enjoy fantastic batting conditions early on .... Full Story

KSE-100 index closes at 7632 down 53 points Updated at: 2004 PST, Tuesday, July 14, 2009

KARACHI: Selling pressure eroded values of leading scrips at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Tuesday as 100-Index dipped 52.99 points to close at 7631.66, dealers said. The turnover volume was high at 210.960 million shares as prices of 138 scrips recorded gains while 171 sustained losses and 13 remained unchanged. A dealer at a leading brokerage house said that the market was bullish in the morning but fell on selling pressure at the close. .... Full Story

Heavy rain disturb Mumbai normal life Updated at: 2059 PST, Tuesday, July 14, 2009

MUMBAI: Heavy rains in Mumbai crippled normal life on Tuesday. The heavy downpour accompanied by gusty winds since last evening led to traffic snarls at various places.Suburban trains were also running late due to water logging on the tracks.Several low lying areas including King’’s circle, Sion, Andheri Milan subway, Hind Mata were inundated.Visibility at Mumbai International Airport was described as poor. Airport sources said visibility was res .... Full Story

969 families repatriated to Buner, Swat thus far: ISPR Updated at: 0100 PST, Wednesday, July 15, 2009

SWAT: As many as 245 families have been sent back to Swat Valley through government transport, Inter Services Public Relation (ISPR) spokesman told media on Tuesday.According to ISPR, more 429 families of IDPs have repatriated Swat Valley through private conveyances while the number of IDPs’ families returned to Buner is 295 whereas 429 families used their own vehicles to get back to Swat.The total number of families of IDPs repatriated to Swat V .... Full Story

Malik wants judicial probe of each target killing Updated at: 2149 PST, Wednesday, July 15, 2009

KARACHI: The federal Interior Minister Rehma Malik Tuesday said the jurisdiction of Crisis Management Cell has been widened in Karachi for peace in the city; the Cell will have cooperation of IB and other agencies.

Addressing the journalists accompanied with Sindh Governor Dr Isratul Ibad and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah at CM House after a meeting with Sindh CM, he said CMC will have link with Sindh governor, CM, police and ... Full Story

Sri Lanka 74 runs ahead of Pakistan with seven wickets remaining Updated at: 1905 PST, Sunday, July 12, 2009

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka were 164-3 in their first innings at stumps on the first day of the second cricket Test here on Sunday after bowling Pakistan out for 90. Skipper Kumar Sangakkara was unbeaten on 81 and Thilan Samaraweera was on 13.The three batsmen dismissed were Malinda Warnapura leg-before to Umar Gul for 11, Tharanga Paranavitana caught by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal off Saeed Ajmal for 26 and Mahela Jayawardene lbw off Ajmal for 19.Off-sp .... Full Story

Atta sellers charging extra price to face action in Sindh Updated at: 1904 PST, Sunday, July 12, 2009

KARACHI: Sindh government taking notice of Atta being sold at higher rates has directed all the district officers to make functional the price control committees and to present a report on daily basis.In this regard instructions by the Chief Secretary Fazl-ur-Rehman have been given to all the district officers of Sindh.The items of every day use are continuing to be sold at higher rates. It is in this context that decision has now been taken to i .... Full Story

Thousands camp in tents after 6.0 quake in China Updated at: 1822 PST, Sunday, July 12, 2009

GUANTUNXIANG: Thousands camped in tents in southwestern China on Saturday after a magnitude-6.0 earthquake destroyed thousands of homes, killed one person and injured 320, state media reported.At the epicenter of Thursday's quake in Yao'an county, nearly 22,000 people took shelter in some 3,000 tents, and emergency crews rushed in quilts, rice, cooking oil and other supplies, a local news agency said.The quake displaced some 250,000 people, the r .... Full Story

All set for repatriation of 23,040 displaced families of Malakand Updated at: 2115 PST, Sunday, July 12, 2009

PESHAWAR: All the arrangements have been completed by the government and other social-welfare organizations for the smooth and dignified return of 23040 Internally Displaced Families of Malakand Division that will formally start from Monday (tomorrow).The district administration of Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda and Nowshera districts and others relief organizations have made special arrangements to help facilitate IDPs upon their return process that w .... Full Story

Shumaila Rana matter to be dealt under law: CM Punjab Updated at: 2358 PST, Sunday, July 12, 2009

Updated at: 2358 PST, Sunday, July 12, 2009
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif Sunday termed the incident involving PML-N member Shumaila Rana as regrettable and that decision in this regard will be made in accordance with the law.

He said that while talking to media on the occasion of performing the inauguration of MRI center at a private hospital here.

“The law has been breached and that is why legal system has become active,” Shahbaz Sharif said adding “I kno ... Full Story

140 killed, 800 hurt in China riots Updated at: 1204 PST, Monday, July 06, 2009

BEIJING: Chinese state media says that 140 people have been killed and more than 800 hurt in violence in the country's western Xinjiang region. The official news agency did not immediately give any other details Monday on the number of deaths, but said the death toll ``was still climbing.'' It earlier reported that four people had been killed in violence after protesters from a Muslim ethnic group rioted Sunday in the region's capital Urumqi, ove .... Full Story

SC returns petitions challenging Hafiz Saeed’s release with objections Updated at: 1617 PST, Monday, July 06, 2009

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court while putting objections returned constitutional petitions with objections that challenged the release of Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.The petitions by federal and Punjab government were submitted on Saturday through the office of the Supreme Court registrar.Deputy Attorney General Shah Khawar told Geo News the registrar had returned the petitions as they challenged only the release of Saeed and his close .... Full Story

Power tariff not be raised, orders CJP Updated at: 1715 PST, Monday, July 06, 2009

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordering the government to stay proposed increase in power tariff said an unjustified raise in the rates of electricity cannot be allowed.

A three-member Supreme Court bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry heard the case of suo motto notice taken on proposed rise in electricity tariff.

Chairman WAPDA, Chairman NEPRA and their councils were present ... Full Story

Pak win toss, elect to field in Galle Test Updated at: 1012 PST, Saturday, July 04, 2009

GALLE: Pakistani skipper Younis Khan has won the toss and elected to field in the opening game of the three-Test series here at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.This will be the first Test series between the two teams after attack on Sri Lankan team in Lahore. Ace batsman made come back in the team that consolidates the middle order batting while Ajmal, Amir and Rauf are three debutants for Pakistan. This is the first Test Kumar Sangkk .... Full Story

SBP achieves IMF set targets Updated at: 1843 PST, Friday, July 03, 2009

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has achieved the targets set by International Monetary Fund (IMF) in connection with its assistance to the government besides those relating to the local and foreign assets of the banks.According to a statement issued by SBP, the IMF had asked the government in the previous financial year to bring the debts down to Rs1181 billion. The government has not only achieved this target but it even succeeded in b .... Full Story

NKorea fires two short-range missiles Updated at: 0633 PST, Saturday, July 04, 2009

SEOUL: North Korea on Saturday test-fired two more short-range missiles following similar launches earlier this week, according to South Korean military sources quoted the defence ministry said. "North Korea test-fired two missiles this morning," a spokesman for the defence ministry told media. He said the missiles were launched from a base near the eastern port of Wonsan into the East Sea (Sea of Japan). According to local news agency, o .... Full Story

26 troops martyred in copter crash in Orakzai Agency Updated at: 2110 PST, Friday, July 03, 2009

PESHAWAR: Twenty-six army troops were martyred when a cargo helicopter of Pak Army crashed in Orakzai Agency on Friday.Official sources have said that investigation into the tragic incident is being carried out.According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the helicopter crashed in Orakzai Agency after developing a technical fault.

Over 800 victimized by agent mafia in Saudi Arabia Updated at: 0123 PST, Saturday, July 04, 2009

KARACHI: Over 800 Pakistanis, went to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, have been betrayed by Travel Agent Mafia working in Pakistan, as the money of their return tickets have been refunded here in Pakistan, leaving them in Lurch in Saudi Arabia.

Over 800 Pakistanis went Saudi Arab through separate airlines belonging to various cities who are unable to get back to country due to lack of their return tickets while travel agents in Jeddah h ... Full Story

15 militants killed in S Waziristan bombardment Updated at: 1256 PST, Monday, June 29, 2009

WANA: At least 15 militants were killed when fighter jets bombarded militants’ hideouts in Ladha and Sam areas of South Waziristan during ongoing operation ‘Rah-e-Nijat’.

According to sources, three major hideouts of militants including one established in a school were destroyed and 15 militants were killed during jets bombardment in Ladha and Sam areas. Three persons were killed and seven hurt when a shell hit a house in Kari Khel ar ... Full Story

Indo-Pak consensus to continue bilateral ties Updated at: 1745 PST, Friday, June 26, 2009

TRIESTE: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Friday said Pakistan and India will get along in restoring the composite talks between the two countries.Talking to media here, Shah Mehmood said his meeting with his Indian counterpart SM Krishna turned out very positive and fruitful.Indian Foreign Minster SM Krishna said Pakistan and India should resolve all their outstanding issues mutually; however, if any friend country wants to play a role in t .... Full Story

PM firm on proper apportionment of water to provinces Updated at: 2140 PST, Friday, June 26, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday said the water of a province would not be apportioned to any other province.

Addressing the National Assembly today, the PM said the issue of water provision was temporary in nature, which has been resolved.

The Prime Minister said the apportionment of water to the provinces on equitable basis and 1951 pact would be put to proper implementation.

Talking to Geo News ... Full Story

Pakistan celebrate T20 World Cup win Updated at: 1126 PST, Monday, June 22, 2009

KARACHI: Pakistan’s historic win in the final of the T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka at Lord’s sparked jubilation across the country and worldwide.

People took to the streets after the match in all major cities of the country including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta and expressed their joy in their own peculiar manner.

They distributed sweets and danced to the beat of drums to celebrate the ... Full Story

ZA Bhutto’s judicial murder case will be re-open: PM Gilani Updated at: 1431 PST, Monday, June 22, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday said majority of Taliban leadership have been killed in Swat whereas chief of Taliban Maulana Fazllulah will be trace out soon.Addressing a gathering of scientists at the 34th International Nathiagali Summer College on Physics and Contemporary Needs held at Quaid-e-Azam University’s National Centre for Physics here, Prime Minister government is fighting on two fronts, the one is restorati .... Full Story

Human chain formed for restoration of world peace Updated at: 1405 PST, Monday, June 22, 2009

JERUSALEM: Israelis, Palestinians and people from around the world gathered in Jerusalem to form a human chain for peace around the old city walls.The event called 'Jerusalem Hug' or 'Big Hug' was created as a gesture to encourage respect and peace in the world, starting in Jerusalem.Those who gathered held hands to form a human chain around the city walls and later hugged one another.One woman who calls herself "White Eagle Medicine Woman" organ .... Full Story

Oil prices below 70 dollars in Asian trade Updated at: 1215 PST, Monday, June 22, 2009

SINGAPORE: Oil prices stayed below 70 dollars a barrel in Asian trade Monday as traders took profits following a recent surge, analysts said. New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in July, was down 39 cents to 69.16 dollars a barrel. The contract expires later Monday. Brent North Sea crude for August delivery eased 24 cents to 68.95 dollars.

Pak named team for Sri Lanka tour Updated at: 1449 PST, Monday, June 22, 2009

LONDON: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced 15-member squad for Sri Lanka tour. Younis Khan will be captain of the team whereas Misbahul Haq would be vice captain.Shahid Afiridi will not be a part of the squad as he has informed PCB about his non-availability. Ace bastman Muhmmad Yousuf is included in the team.Pakistan will play three Test, five one day and one twenty20 match. The team will leave for Sri Lanka on June 26. Squad: Younis Kha .... Full Story

Mixed trend at KSE this week Updated at: 2059 PST, Saturday, June 20, 2009

KARACHI: Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) witnessed a mixed trend throughout this week and the benchmark KSE-100 Index failed to sustain the level of 7,100.The trade began upbeat at the start of this week but the stock market could not maintain this trend in the following days. The trade volume remained week throughout the week and the major Index after witnessing fluctuations closed at 7,040.

Kirkuk blast death toll rises to 35 Updated at: 1941 PST, Saturday, June 20, 2009

BAGHDAD: A suicide truck bomb killed at least 35 people leaving a mosque on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urged Iraqis not to lose faith if a U.S. military pullback resulted in more insurgent attacks. Almost all U.S. soldiers will leave urban centres by June 30 under a security pact signed by Baghdad and Washington last year, and the whole force that invaded the country in 2003 must be gone by 2012. "Don't lose heart i .... Full Story

Forces kill 38 terrorists in last 24 hours: ISPR Updated at: 1549 PST, Saturday, June 20, 2009

RAWALPINDI: The security forces killed at least 38 terrorists and apprehended six others during the last 24 hours. While, six soldiers including an officer embraced Shahadat; 17 soldiers including a Junior Commissioned Officer were injured in Malakand and South Waziristan Agency.According to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces successfully secured Kotlai, Chungai, Zara Khela and commenced operation to .... Full Story

No let up in price hike; power tariff to rise 17% from July 1 Updated at: 2148 PST, Saturday, June 20, 2009

ISLAMABAD: The withdrawal Rs65 billion subsidy on electricity announced in the federal budget is likely increase the power tariff by 17 per cent from July 1.

According to the figures released by WAPDA, Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) is facing a deficit of Rs400 billion.

The report sent to the government by PEPCO prior to the announcement of the budget said the power tariff was kept frozen during the 5-year term of form ... Full Story