Miliband hails Zardari, Nawaz to defuse crisis

LONDON: Britain welcomed Monday the reinstatement of Pakistan’s deposed top judge and the cancellation of an opposition march as signs of “real political leadership” to defuse a threatened crisis.

“The steps taken to defuse the political crisis in Pakistan show real political leadership by all concerned,” said Foreign Secretary David Miliband in a statement.

President Asif Ali Zardari’s decision to reinstate Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and former premier Nawaz Sharif’s response in calling off the Long March “demonstrate that both men are willing to put the interests of Pakistan first.

“I hope that all parties will now quickly come together around a common agenda to consolidate the political steps made, and to agree measures that will strengthen democracy and impartial justice in Pakistan,” Miliband said.

source : jang.com.pk

President wants Chinese model of agriculture in Pakistan

WUHAN: President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday said that Pakistan wants to benefit from Chinese experience and technology in the field of agriculture for enhanced production that will help his country in overcoming the grain shortage.

“I am very impressed with China’s development in Agri-sector and we want to emulate the same success in Pakistan,” President Zardari said here in his address to China Hubei-Pakistan Agriculture and Water Resources Cooperation Forum.

The president said that Pakistan and China have always enjoyed cordial relations and expressed the hope that his visit will further strengthen these ties particularly in the fields of agriculture and hydro electricity sectors.

He said the prime objective of his visit, the second in four months, was to learn from Chinese model of agriculture and development of hydro electricity projects.

source : jang.com.pk

Blast damages NATO oil tanker in Pakistan: official

PESHAWAR: One person was killed and two wounded in northwest Pakistan on Saturday when a bomb exploded near a fuel tanker destined for NATO forces in Afghanistan, an official said.

The remote-controlled bomb was planted on the main highway linking Peshawar city with the Torkham border crossing, local official Fazle Akbar told by telephone.

The blast partially damaged the oil tanker, but its driver escaped injuries, Akbar said, adding a passer-by was killed and two local men were injured. A security official also confirmed the incident but gave no casualty figure.

The explosion occurred in the troubled tribal district of Khyber, where Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents have carried out a series of attacks on NATO vehicles and terminals outside the northwestern city of Peshawar.

The NATO and US-led forces in landlocked Afghanistan are hugely dependent on Pakistan for their supplies and equipment, around 80 percent of which are transported through the neighbouring country. Militants earlier this month blew up a key bridge on the main supply route for NATO forces and torched several trucks bringing goods from the southern port of Karachi for forces battling a Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan.

source : jang.com.pk

NWFP 7 senate general seats’ candidates elected unopposed

ISLAMABAD: North West Frontier Province (NWFP) seven candidates on senate general seats have been elected unopposed.

Sources said that Zahid Khan, Abdul Nabi Bangash, Haji Adeel of ANP, People’s Party’s Gulzar Ahmad Khan, Waqar Ahmad Khan and Sardar Ali Khan, while JUI’s Haji ghulam Ali were elected unopposed unofficially.

In all 18 candidates were in the field for NWFP’s 11 senate seats. Pakistan Muslim League-N’s three candidates yesterday had withdrawn their papers, which included ML-N Central Secretary General, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra from general seat and Saeeda Ilyas from women seat, while Abul Razzaque from technocrat seat.

source : jang.com.pk

Pakistan for ‘widest possible consensus’ on UNSC expansion

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan called for reforming the UN Security Council “through negotiations and widest possible consensus” as the General Assembly on Thursday launched negotiations aimed at making the 15-member body more effective and more representative to meet the 21st century challenges.

“Our positions will conform to the principles of sovereign equality of states and equitable geographical distribution,” Pakistan’s U.N. Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon told an informal meeting of the 192-member assembly where talks began on five key issues, including the size, composition and power of an expanded council.

“We shall work for a reform model that is responsive to the substantial increase in the number of developing countries in the UN membership since the 60s,” in an obvious reference to dominance of the big powers in the council. “We would prioritize regional interests over individual interests, through accommodation of positions of all member states and regional and other groupings, including in particular Africa and the OIC.”

The council’s reform, which got underway some 16 years ago, was backed by the 2005 world summit held at UN Headquarters in New York. There is widespread support for revamping the U.N.’s most powerful organ to reflect current global realities rather than the international power structure after World War II when the United Nations was created. But all previous attempts, starting in 1979, have failed because rivalries between countries and regions blocked agreement on how to expand the council.

source : jang.com.pk

Karzai due in Pakistan tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: Afghan President Hamid Karzai is scheduled to visit Islamabad for top-level talks Thursday aimed at strengthening ties between the neighbours, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said.

“I can confirm that Mr Karzai is coming to Pakistan on a short visit tomorrow (Thursday),” foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Basit told a foreign news agency on Wednesday.

“Mr Karzai will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani,” he said.

“It is part of our democratic government’s efforts to enhance our relations with Afghanistan in all areas.”

Karzai’s visit comes with the United States conducting a massive review of policy in the regional fight against extremists in South Asia. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have been invited to contribute to the review.

US President Barack Obama has decided to send 17,000 more soldiers to fight an escalating Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan, where government officials demanded that the new troops deploy along the porous Pakistan border.

source : jang.com.pk

US in contact with Pakistan over Swat agreement: State Deptt.

WASHINGTON: The United States State Department had no specific comment to offer on the Swat peace agreement, saying it is in contact with the Pakistani government to learn about the full strategy.

“We are in touch with the government in Pakistan, we are discussing the issue, but that is all I have for you at the moment,” a State Department spokesman said at the daily briefing in his cautious response to questions on the development that Pakistan said would help bring peace to its restive valley in the northwestern province, bordering Afghanistan.

Spokesman Gordon K. Duguid, asked to comment on enforcement of Shariat-based justice system in Swat said, “As I understand that Islamic law is within the constitutional framework of Pakistan, so I don’t know that is particularly an issue for anyone outside of Pakistan to discuss.”

Pressed if Washington saw the agreement as a good or bad development, he said “We have seen these sorts of actions before, what is important is that we are all working together to fight terrorism, and particularly to fight the cross-border activities that some Taliban engage in, in attacking in Afghanistan.”

Asked if the United States shared NATO’s comments on the possible impact the agreement may have in terms of providing sanctuaries for militants, he said: “We are a part of NATO, I saw those comments, I did not see the full context of them, however. So I won’t, I don’t have anything further to offer on that.

source : jang.com.pk

Militancy great threat to democracy: President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the need for standing united against the militancy and militants, which is a great threat to democracy.

“A great threat to democracy comes from militancy and militants who want to impose their political and ideological agenda through bullet instead of ballot. We must stand united and not let them succeed”, President Zardari said in his message on the first anniversary of February 18 elections.

“Tolerance, reconciliation and dialogue have illumined our path on the road to democracy after the February 18 elections last year.

“We will continue to be guided by these principles in our long haul in dealing with all those who will respect the Constitution and rule of law and who seek to bring change through ballot instead of bullet,” the President stated.

President Zardari complimented the people of Pakistan particularly all political parties and workers who waged a heroic struggle and offered huge sacrifices to force the dictatorship hold elections.

“On this occasion our thoughts go to those hundreds of martyrs of democracy led by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who laid down their lives for the cause. Their cause was to make the usurper relinquish power and give it back to the people.

“They are our heroes and heroines who will continue to shine on the canvas of time and inspire generations even in a distant age and clime. But for their sacrifices we may not have witnessed democracy as is witnessed today”, he added.

The President reiterated the commitment to preserve, protect and enhance democracy; not to let anyone usurp the rights of the people and not to let dictatorship strike again.

“On this day let us reiterate our commitment to preserve, protect and enhance democracy. Let us vow not to let anyone usurp the rights of the people; not to let dictatorship strike again.”

The President said this requires rededication to the principles of parliamentary democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law, adding, “We all must join hands to make the Parliament the embodiment of the will of the people truly strong and supreme.”

source : jang.com.pk

Pakistan to seek 4.5 billion dollars from IMF

KARACHI: Pakistan is to ask for an additional loan of 4.5 billion dollars from the International Monetary Fund to patch up an economy wilting under a widening trade deficit, an official said Tuesday.

The request will be on top of a 7.6 billion dollar advance already agreed with the IMF, and comes as Pakistani officials meet creditors to review how the cash is being spent. At the talks in Dubai, which are due to last until February 26, Pakistani and IMF officials will assess financial targets set for the country to qualify for the second installment of the loan, a finance ministry official said.

“During that meeting, Pakistan will ask for an additional loan of 4.5 billion dollars,” the official told on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized by the government to release the information. It was not immediately clear whether the IMF would grant the request.

Pakistan got 3.1 billion dollars in the first tranche of a 23-month standby IMF loan last November, with subsequent payments dependent on Islamabad’s fulfilling targets set by the international fund. Among other tight demands, the IMF wants a reduction in Pakistan’s deficit and huge borrowing from the central State Bank. The country approached the IMF last year for a rescue package as it grappled with a 30-year high inflation rate and fast-depleting reserves that held barely enough to cover nine weeks of import bills.

source : jang.com.pk

Swat situation affected entire country: Holbrooke

NEW DELHI: U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke Monday said the Swat situation affected the entire country.

Talking to journalists after arriving here, Holbrooke said he learned about the Nizam-e-Adl accord and Swat ceasefire when he was in the plane and therefore has very limited knowledge on the new developments. I would talk to the U.S. Ambassador on the ceasefire agreement, he added.

Richard Holbrooke said he could not go to Swat during his recent Pakistan visit and added that not only the people of Swat are facing hardship due to the bad situation there but the entire country including Karachi and Islamabad is also being affected.

Germany names envoy for Afghanistan, Pakistan

BERLIN: Germany on Monday followed the lead of the US and Britain in announcing the appointment of a special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The appointment of Bernd Muetzelburg, currently Germany’s ambassador to India, to the role will “further intensify Germany’s diplomatic engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the foreign ministry in Berlin said.

Germany is currently raising troop levels in Afghanistan to around 4,500 under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Most of Germany’s soldiers are based in the relatively peaceful north.

Last Monday Britain appointed Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles as its envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Cold, dry weather continues across country

ISLAMABAD: The spell of cold and dry weather continues across the country however, cloudy weather is expected in upper and northern areas during next three to four days.

Meteorological Department forecast cold and dry weather in most parts of the country during next 24 hours.

The lowest minimum temperature recorded in Gupis was –8 degrees centigrade, Lahore and Islamabad 6, Karachi 13, Peshawar 7, Quetta –2 and Muree and Muzaffarabad 2 degrees centigrade.

Outgoing Spanish envoy pays farewell call on President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: The outgoing Ambassador of Spain, Jose Maria Robles Fraga Friday paid a farewell call on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency.

The President appreciated the services of the outgoing ambassador in further cementing the ties between the two countries and wished him good luck for his new assignment. The Ambassador said the four years he spent in Pakistan were an important part of his life and thanked the government of Pakistan for facilitating him in performing his duties and further enhancing relations between the two countries.

source : jang.com.pk

PM orders termination of appointments of 3 ambassadors-at-large

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani directed the Foreign Office on Wednesday to discontinue the appointments as Ambassador-at-large of Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada, Ahsanullah Khan and Hameed Asghar Qidwai.

Geo News correspondent Rauf Kalasra quoted well placed sources as saying that prime minister has terminated the appointments of three ambassadors-at-large and a notification to this effect has been issued.

Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada has been working as ambassador-at-large, a portfolio that is equivalent to that of a federal minister since 1996.

Earlier, the spokesman of the Aiwan-e-Sadr in an official handout said that President Asif Ali Zardari did not appoint Pirzada as ambassador-at-large. Ahsanullah Khan served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to United Arab Emirates, he is also a close aid to former President Pervez Musharraf. Hameed Asghar Qidwai is a former banker whose name has been cited in Mehran Bank scandal.

Kasab’s life under threat: Indian media

MUMBAI: The life of Ajmal Kasab, lone surviving gunman captured during the 26//11 attacks on Mumbai, is in danger, Indian media reported Tuesday.

Kasab has been kept under strict security in the jail while the final charge sheet leveled against him is likely to be presented before the court by end of this month, reports said.

Shujaat’s name finalized for Senate seat

ISLAMABAD: The meeting of Pakistan Muslim League-Q parliamentary board is underway here on Tuesday.

According to sources, the names of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain from Punjab and Halim Adil Sheikh from Sindh have been finalized for the Senate polls. While names of Nasir Mengal and Amir Wali Muhammd from Balochistan are under consideration.

PML-Q central leader Tariq Azeem said: “No decision has been taken to make an alliance with any of the parties for the senate elections, however, we may consider seat adjustment at provincial level.”

No decision to make Pirzada ambassador-at-large: Aiwan-e-Sadar

ISLAMABAD: Sharifuddin Pirzada is working as ambassador-at-large, equivalent to federal minister,r since 1996 while spokesman of the Aiwan-e-Sadar said that President Asif Ali Zardari has not decided to appoint Pirzada as ambassador-at-large.

In an official handout, the spokesman said that it has not been decided by the President of Pakistan to make Sharifuddin Pirzada as the ambassador-at-large and there is no truth in reports that Pirzada has been appointed as minister of state.

Flour price increased in Balochistan

QUETTA: Flour price has been increased in Balochistan and the price of 20 kg bag of flour has gone up to Rs50.

Flour bag of 20 kg is being sold at Rs650 to Rs700 in various districts of Balochistan including Quetta for the last two days whereas the same flour is available at fair-price shops at Rs530.

Flour dealers said that the government has abolished quota for bringing flour from Punjab due to which they are not getting flour from Punjab.

Owners of flour mills in Quetta have refused to lift flour from government godowns saying that wheat imported from Ukraine is sub-standard.

Meanwhile, Director Food Balochistan said that reserves of wheat for two months is available in government godowns and there is no scarcity of flour in the province.

He said that an action would immediately be taken against those increasing the prices of flour in the province.