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

Iraq express concern over Iran unrest Updated at: 1154 PST, Thursday, June 18, 2009

TEHRAN: Iran's opposition was set to hold marches and a day of mourning Thursday for slain protesters as they keep up pressure on the authorities over the disputed presidential election in the country's biggest crisis since the 1979 revolution. Thursday's first rally was set for 2 pm (0930 GMT) in front of the offices of the United Nations and the second at 4 pm at Imam Square, according to people who took part in marches on Wednesday. Meanwhile, .... Full Story

Five killed in SWaziristan drone attack Updated at: 1446 PST, Thursday, June 18, 2009

WANA: At least five people were killed as a US drone fired missiles in South Waziristan.According to sources, two US drones fired five missiles at hideouts of Taliban commander Mullah Nazir in Shah Alam and Raghzai near Wana. Both hideouts have been completely destroyed in the attack. Five bodies have been recovered from the rubbles. Rescue operations are underway as causalities feared to be rise. Mullah Nazir is a former member of Wana peace com .... Full Story

Forces kill 34 terrorists in last 24 hours: ISPR Updated at: 1620 PST, Thursday, June 18, 2009

RAWALPINDI: The security forces killed at least 34 terrorists and apprehended seven others, while 5 soldiers were injured in Malakand during the last 24 hours.

According to a press release issued by ) Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Security forces carried out clearance operation around Mingora and recovered 15 rifles, while 5 suspected terrorists were also apprehended including Mohtamum Madrassa Fiaz during search operation a ... Full Story

More than 100 Iranian reformists arrested -reformer

TEHRAN: More than 100 reformists, including Mohammad Reza Khatami the brother of former president Mohammad Khatami, were arrested on Saturday night, leading reformist Moh....Full Story

35 extremists killed in FR Bannu

BANNU: At least 35 extremists have been killed in the fresh action by the security forces in FR Bannu area of Janikhel.

The security forces continued the operation against the militants on the seventh day in the FR Bannu areas of Janikhel and Bakakhel.

The bombardment on the hideouts of militants is in progress from Janikhel Fort. The jet fighters and gunship helicopter are being used in the operation.

The curfew remained relaxed today from 9am to 3pm. During this time, a la.... Full Story

South Africa defeat England by 7 wkts Updated at: 0159 PST, Friday, June 12, 2009

NOTTINGHAM: South Africa unleashed their awesome bowling power to inflict a morale-sapping defeat on England by seven wickets in the World Twenty20 Super Eights on Thursday. Left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell grabbed three wickets as England were shot out for 111 after Paul Collingwood elected to take first strike in good batting conditions at Trent Bridge. The Proteas strolled their way towards surpassing the modest target, winning the game in .... Full Story

Finance Advisor releases Economic Survey 2008-09 Updated at: 2039 PST, Thursday, June 11, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Despite inhospitable domestic and international environment, Pakistan’s economy grew by 2 percent in the financial year 2008-09.According to Economic Survey 2008-09, launched jointly by Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Shaukat Tarin and Minister of State for Finance, Hina Rabbani Khar, here on Thursday, the economic growth of 2.0 percent seems reasonable although it implies definite slippage against 4.1 percent growth of last year .... Full Story

US stresses Indo-Pak dialogue for peace in region Updated at: 2341 PST, Thursday, June 11, 2009

NEW DELHI: Pitching for resumption of the India-Pakistan dialogue, the US on Thursday said it is pressing Islamabad to take firm and urgent action against extremists and terrorists operating in its territory. "US has welcomed better relations between the two countries. The pace, scope and character of the relationship has to be decided by the two countries," US under secretary of state William Burns told reporters here. The US has made it clear .... Full Story

66 extremists killed in last 24 hours: ISPR Updated at: 1607 PST, Thursday, June 11, 2009

RAWALPINDI: During last twenty four hours, at least 66 terrorists were killed and nine others were apprehended; while, one civilian was killed and 2 were injured in various areas of Malakand, Bunnu and South Waziristan. According to ISPR press release, at the same time, four soldiers embraced Shahadat and 12 were injured including an officer.Security forces secured Kotka Saifullah and Sara Bangal. Terrorists fired 2 rockets at Bannu city, resulta .... Full Story

Suicide attack in Peshawar kills 3, injures 13 cops Updated at: 2324 PST, Thursday, June 11, 2009

PESHAWAR: Three people were killed and 13 policemen injured in a suicide attack at Ring Road in Peshawar on Thursday.

The blast also destroyed two police mobile vans, sources said.

The injured are being taken to nearby hospitals as relief activities have gone underway at the site of the blast.

According to details, two persons on a motor-cycle hurled a hand grenade at Ring Road and when police was stationed in the area a ... Full Story

U.S. warplane errs in bombing Afghan targets: Pentagon Updated at: 0558 PST, Tuesday, June 09, 2009

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon admitted on Monday that a U.S. warplane erred in bombing its target in Afghanistan, leading to death of dozens of civilians. "There were some problems with some tactics, techniques and procedures, the way in which close air support was supposed to have been executed in this case," said Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell of the air strikes on May 4 in the western Farah province. Afghan officials blamed the strikes for killin .... Full Story

Operation likely against Baka, Jani Khel tribes as Bannu under curfew Updated at: 1203 PST, Tuesday, June 09, 2009

BANNU: An indefinite curfew has been clamped in Bannu as police contingents patrolling in the area.Security forces are preparing to launch an operation against Baka Khel and Jani Khel tribes after negotiations between administration and Baka Khel and Jani Khel tribes ended at failure.Earlier, political administration had made an appeal to Baka Khel and Jani Khel tribes to hand over militants present in their areas. However, a jirga called for thi .... Full Story

Pentagon offers assistance for Malakand operation Updated at: 1131 PST, Tuesday, June 09, 2009

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon said Pakistani military action against militants in Swat Buner and Dir is encouraging and offered to provide assistance for the successful completion of the operation.

"Wherever those threats exist, we would be encouraging of the Pakistani military taking it to them head on and defeating them," Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters at a press briefing.

"I am not going to go through a strategy; ... Full Story

Ireland get 138–run target vs BD

NOTTINGHAM: The great fielding and bowling of Ireland contained the batting line of Bangladesh to 137 runs in World Twenty20 group A match against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge here on Monday.

Sri Lanka win toss, put Australia into bat

NOTTINGHAM: Sri Lanka's captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to field in the World Twenty20 group C match against Australia at Trent Bridge here on Monday.

Ireland knock BD out of World T20

NOTTINGHAM: Ireland qualified for playing in the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 2009 as they defeated Bangladesh by six wickets to knock them out of the tournament here at Trent Bridge on Monday.

Chasing 138, Ireland achieved their target in 18.2 overs by losing four wickets.

Locals kill 13 extremists in Upper Dir Updated at: 1525 PST, Sunday, June 07, 2009

UPPER DIR: The tribal lashkar comprising the locals killed at least 13 extremists including foreigners in Upper Dir, Geo News reported Sunday.

Also, several hideouts of extremists have been destroyed.

According to sources, the people in Darra Kot area, the local residents earlier gave deadline to the foreigners to leave the area; on the lapse of deadline, people took the action.

Earlier, in clash with tribals, four extrem ... Full Story

Misbahul Haq vows to deliver best in T20 World Cup

LORDS: Vice captain of Pakistan Cricket team Misbahul Haq said he is optimistic that Pakistani team will perform well in Twenty20 World Cup tournament as Pakistani cricketers are used to of Twenty20 type of cricket.

ICC T20 World Cup kicking off today Updated at: 0111 PST, Friday, June 05, 2009

LONDON: The ICC World Twenty20 tournament is kicking off today with England to be facing the Netherlands in the opening match at Lords.England are feeling positive ahead of their first Group B match following a convincing win over the West Indies in a warm up game on Wednesday.Captain Paul Collingwood said, "We know we're going to have to play to our absolute potential to get to those semi-finals, but there's a lot of confidence around at the mom .... Full Story

Oil prices near 70 dollars Updated at: 0353 PST, Friday, June 05, 2009

NEW YORK: Oil prices approached 70 dollars per barrel on Thursday after a new forecast from US investment bank Goldman Sachs anticipating global economy recovery.New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in July, hit a high of 69.60 dollars per barrel before closing at 68.57 dollars, up 2.45 dollars from Wednesday's close. Thursday's close was the highest since November 4. London's Brent North Sea crude for July delivery .... Full Story

Obama pushes for resolution of Mideast issues Updated at: 1757 PST, Friday, June 05, 2009

DRESDEN: US President Barack Obama Friday pressed Israel and the Arab states to make "hard choices" on the road to peace, in a vigorous follow-up to his landmark speech to the Muslim world.Obama said his government had created the "space, the atmosphere," to revive stalled peace moves, but warned that the United States could not force the parties to make historic compromises needed to defuse years of tensions.The president spoke after talks with .... Full Story

PM urges US to waive Pakistan's debt to overcome economic problems Updated at: 1842 PST, Friday, June 05, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilanion Friday called upon the United States to write off its debt to help Pakistan overcome the present economic difficulties accentuated by the war on terror, growing crisis of IDPs and the negative impact of global recession.The Prime Minister was talking to Richard Holbrooke, US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan who called on him at PM House.The Prime Minister urged the US administration to .... Full Story

Suicide bomber kills 38 in Dir Bala mosque Updated at: 2011 PST, Friday, June 05, 2009

DIR: A suicide bomb ripped through a mosque packed with worshippers here on Friday, killing 38 people and wounding dozens more in the deadliest such attack in more than two months.

The bomb exploded at the mosque in the remote, mountainous village of Hayagai Sharqai in Upper Dir, which borders the district of Swat, where the military has focused its blistering air and ground assault against the militants.

Malik Naveed Kh ... Full Story

Pak meet India in Twenty20 warm up today Updated at: 1058 PST, Wednesday, June 03, 2009

OVAL: Pakistan will take on India in Twenty20 warm up match today. This would be the first encounter between the two teams after Mumbai attacks.The money collected from today’s match will be given to the affectees of attack on Sri Lankan team in Lahore.Pakistan and India both faced defeat in their respective warm up openers. South Africa beat Pakistan while New Zealand defeated India. Both teams met in Twenty20 World Cup final two years back. Pak .... Full Story

Meira elected unopposed as first Indian woman speaker Updated at: 1143 PST, Wednesday, June 03, 2009

NEW DELHI: The Congress candidate Meira Kumar has been elected as speaker of the 15th Lok Sabha on Wednesday (June 3). She made history as the country's first woman Speaker. On Tuesday (June 2), 13 nominations were submitted by the leader of the house Pranab Mukherjee to the Lok Sabha secretary general P D T Achary. Among those who backed her bid for the constitutional post were UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition L K Advani, NCP c .... Full Story

Forces regain control of various areas in Adenzai Updated at: 1559 PST, Wednesday, June 03, 2009

SWAT: Security forces regained control of several areas in Adenzai and established check posts as operation Rah-e-Rast is underway in Malakand Division.According to Dir media center, forces took control of Shewa, Ketyari and Asbanar areas of tehsil Adenzai and set up checkpoints in theses areas.Meanwhile, Security forces are advancing towards Kala Kalay area. Crackdown against suspects is underway in different areas of Lower Dir as local Lashkar .... Full Story

Barack Obama arrive in Saudi Arabia on Mideast tour Updated at: 1732 PST, Wednesday, June 03, 2009

RIYADH: President Barack Obama arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on a Middle East mission featuring a historic address to the Muslim world and a new US drive to invigorate regional peacemaking.

Obama flew in aboard Air Force One to a red carpet welcome ahead of talks with King Abdullah as he seeks backing for an emerging US strategy of binding Arab states into a wider search for Israeli-Palestinian peace and to defuse regional tensi ... Full Story

PM urges IHK govt to stop HR violations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said that Pakistan wants peace in the region and resolution of Kashmir issue is vital for the peace in South Asia.Addressing Azad Kashmir Council, he said Pakistan wants constructive and positive negotiations with India, adding the life and property of Kashmiris are not safe in the held Kashmir.He urged the occupying administration to consider the human rights violations in the held Kashmi .... Full Story

U.S. can't impose its values: Obama

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama says the United States cannot "impose" its values on other nations but there are some universal values, including democracy.In an interview with British channel prior to his upcoming trip to the Middle East and Europe, Obama said the rule of law; democracy and freedoms of speech and religion are universally accepted values."Part of what we want to affirm to the world is that these are values that are importan .... Full Story

Oil prices fall in Asian trade

SINGAPORE: Oil prices eased in Asian trade Tuesday after rallying overnight to seven-month high, analysts said.New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in July, fell 67 cents to 67.91 dollars a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for July delivery shed 57 cents to 67.40 dollars.It's probably a natural sort of retreat after a very strong rally, said energy market analysts here.

Intikhab expresses disappointment over fielding performance

NOTTINGHAM: Pakistani cricket team coach Intikhab Alam said fielding performance of Pakistan in a warm up match against South Africa was disappointing.Talking to media here, Intikhab said defeat in a warm up match is regrettable and players should work hard for Twenty20 World Cup.He said every team need time to adjust itself with local environment but this is not an excuse for defeat. Pakistan showed poor fielding performance and players should w .... Full Story

Moon concerned over rehabilitation of IDPs

UNITED NATIONS: The Secretary General United Nations Ban ki-Moon has said that the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Pakistan could become a big ‘Human Tragedy’ if not helped urgently and properly.

In a meeting held here in United Nations, UN chief said Pakistan need urgent help and the issue of IDPs in Pakistan could become worse if world nations do not come to assist Pakistan.

He said Pakistani government alone is not cap ... Full Story

KSE-100 Index slips 66 points

KARACHI: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of Karachi Stock Exchange Monday lost 66 points to peg at 7,210.The stock market started its journey in the green territory but later the investors were seen adopting a cautious approach in reaction to reports regarding imposition of new taxes on the capital market. Selling was particularly witnessed in energy and banking stocks.Trade volume was recorded at 110 million shares.Jehangir Siddiqui Co. drew maximum .... Full Story

Air France flight vanishes; 'very slim' chance of survivors

PARIS: Spotter planes hunted Monday for the wreckage of an Air France jet that was lost in a fierce electrical storm over the Atlantic with 228 people on board. "The prospects of finding any survivors are very slim," a grim President Nicolas Sarkozy said after talking to stunned relatives. "It's a catastrophe the likes of which Air France has never seen." Air France said the Airbus A330 from Rio de Janeiro to Paris was probably hit by light ....

High value terrorist Fidaullah arrested in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police has arrested a terrorist Fidaullah who had been involved in attacking Police Special Branch and FC Check Post.SSP Islamabad Tahir Alam told a news conference that Fidaullah hailed from Buner and that he was a student of a local Madressa.Police went after Fidaullah after getting a lead from Khairullah and Khurram Shahzad who were arrested in the case of attacks on FC Check Post and Special Branch.The SSP said that the a .... Full Story