US terms Taseer death a big loss

Pak must make efforts to root out extremism

WASHINGTON: Terming the slaying of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer as a loss for Pakistan, the US has said the country has to make efforts to root out extremism and bring greater peace and stability. “This is an individual who had worked hard to promote tolerance, and his loss is a great one for Pakistan,” White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, said.

“We remain committed to the efforts that the Pakistani government is and must undertake to root out violent extremism and to bring greater peace and stability to that country and to that region of the world,” he said.
Gibbs was responding to questions about the assassination, which is said to be a reflection of violent extremism in the country.
Meanwhile, Lawrence Cannon, the Canadian Foreign Minister, in a statement also expressed his condolences to the people of Pakistan on the assassination of Taseer.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Governor Salman Taseer, and to the Pakistani people, in the wake of his vicious and cowardly assassination,” Cannon said.
“His death is a loss to the people of Pakistan and all those who shared his commitment to the promotion of tolerance and legal reforms in that country,” he said. -Online

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Posted in: assassination,country,death,extremism,Governor,Governor Salman Taseer,loss,Pakistan,Pakistani,Salman Taseer,US,White House

India in tears as Pakistan bans onion exports

NEW DELHI: Dubbing Pakistan’s decision to ban onion exports across the Wagah border as “shocking”, India Thursday said the issue has been taken up with the concerned authorities in Islamabad. “It is shocking and unfortunate that Pakistan has banned onion exports to India via land route. We have urged them that the contracted quantities which were to come via the land route should be released,” Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said here, reported PTI.

He said the government is also exploring “all the opportunities.” Authorities in Pakistan stopped 300 trucks of onions bound for India at the Wagah border, saying exports had to be curbed to control rising prices in their own country.
Sharma said that state-run State Trading Corporation (STC) and PEC had contracted onions from Pakistan. “The matter has been discussed with the High Commissioner in Islamabad, who has already met the concerned officials in the neighbouring country.”
He said whatever decisions are taken should be implemented prospectively and the convoy of trucks should not have been stopped.

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Posted in: cotton,country,decision,External,External Affairs Ministry,India,issue,onion,Pakistan,PEC,prices,STC

Pakistan Day parade cancelled

ISLAMABAD: Federal government has decided to cancel the annual Pakistan Day – March 23 – armed forces parade for the fourth consecutive year due to the current security situation of the country. The Pakistan Day Parade, the biggest event of the country’s armed forces, which was scheduled for March 23 this year, has been cancelled by the federal govt with due consultation with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Shamim Wynne and military leadership, sources said.

Sources told that military leadership was of the view that since a large number of troops are deployed at the eastern and western border of the country and are engaged in war on terror thus it would not be possible to move them for Pakistan Day parade. Moreover by canceling the parade expenditures worth of million of rupees could be saved.
Sources said moreover, since high profile personalities such as the president, prime minister, diplomats and large number of people come to witness the parade, their security is also important. Last Pakistan Day Parade was held at Sports Complex Islamabad during the era of President Gen Pervez Musharraf in 2007. -Online

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Posted in: armed forces,country,forces,leadership,military,military leadership,Pakistan,Pakistan Day,Pakistan Day Parade,security,Staff Committee,war on terror

Musharraf grieves over assassination

ABU DHABI: Chief of All Pakistan Muslim League, (APML) Pervez Musharraf while expressing grief over the assassination of Governor Punjab, Salman Taseer has said that this was not only loss of the PPP but the whole country. According to a statement issued from the Abu Dhabi Secretariat, former President Pervez Musharraf was of the view that it is the loss for the whole country. He was a seasoned politician and always worked for betterment of the country, he added.

Musharraf further said that it seemed that the current government has failed to cope with terrorism from the country. He also expressed grief and sorrow with the family of Salman Taseer.

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Posted in: assassination,country,grief,loss,Musharraf,Pervez Musharraf,President Pervez Musharraf,Punjab,Salman Taseer,that

Acting US AfPak envoy arrives today

ISLAMABAD: Acting US special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Frank Ruggiero is arriving in Islamabad on his maiden visit to the region on Wednesday (today). Diplomatic sources say that Frank Ruggiero assumed the post of Acting US special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan following the death of predecessor Richard Holbrooke last month.

According to the diplomatic sources Ruggiero, who was Holbrooke’s deputy until the death of the veteran diplomat would arrive in Pakistan on January 5 (today) amid political chaos in the country. During his visit, the US envoy will hold talks with the country’s top political and military leadership on the current security situation in the region. Sources added that during his stay Pakistani leadership would again comment on unremitting drone attacks in the country, war against terrorism, needs of Pakistan besides political turmoil that has heated up the country in frosty conditions in Pakistan since last few days. -Agencies

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Posted in: Acting,Afghanistan,AfPak,country,death,envoy,Frank Ruggiero,Holbrooke,Pakistan,that,US

‘Power crisis breathing last’

Kaira says various power plants in pipeline

LALAMUSA: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that work on various power generation projects, including Thar coal project has been started. Talking to the media after attending a ceremony here n Sunday, he said after the completion of these projects, the country would not only be able to generate electricity for its own use but would also be able to export the extra power.

He said the previous government did not give priority to power generation which increased the gap between electricity demand and generation capacity over the years. To a question, Kaira said the work of exploration for natural gas, in particular digging new wells, is in progress to ensure uninterrupted gas supply. He was hopeful that the situation would soon improve.

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Posted in: allies,country,crisis,electricity,gas,generation,increased,Power crisis,PPP,projects,that,work

Wheels of change set in motion: Altaf

Says ending heredity politics is MQM’s agenda

MULTAN: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Quaid, Altaf Hussain has said that revolution has become fate of the country, people of lower and middle classes, comprising 98 per cent of the total population of the country are only guarantee for survival and stability of country. Altaf Hussain said this in his telephonic address to MQM Zonal Organization Committee, party’s women wing, Legal Aid Committee, social forum and office bearer of APMSO here at party’s Multan Zonal Office.

He said that country’s politics was confined to few families who were ruling the nation generation after generation and do not let legible and sincere people to come forward and play role for development and stability of the country. The MQM Quaid said steering the country out of the prevailing gloomy law and order and economic scenario we needed to end the culture of hereditary politics and provide opportunity to educated and sincere youth who feel heartfelt grief over sufferings of country and its people.

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Posted in: Altaf,altaf hussain,country,development,Hussain,leadership,MQM,Pakistan,party,Punjab,that

Ashraf switches on 201MW power plant

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf inaugurated the 201MW Reshma Power Plant, currently contributing 40MW as test generation to the national grid, at Raiwind near here Saturday.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Minister said that energy is the greatest challenge to the present democratic government, which it inherited by previous regime. The utter failure of the past government is manifested from the fact that it did not add even a single mega watt to the national grid, thus widening the power supply and demand gap in the country, he added.

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Posted in: Ashraf,ceremony,country,Dam,energy,generation,hydel power,law,power projects,project,projects,that

Kayani rejects USA pleas for NWA onset

WASHINGTON: Pakistani Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani will not eliminate insurgents’ safe havens within his country where Taliban and al Qaeda elements launch attacks from against coalition troops in Afghanistan, according to the Washington Post, because he doesn’t trust US motivations and is hedging his bets for when America’s strategy fails.

Recent US intelligence has validated this premise as Kayani refused to budge despite personal appeals from President Obama, General David Petraeus and other US military leaders and diplomats. Kayani’s rationale is based on many factors.
He is hesitant to launch attacks against terrorist sanctuaries because it could incite domestic terrorism and uproot local communities. Plus, anti-American sentiments run high throughout Pakistan, and launching an offensive into North Waziristan would cost the military public support.
Kayani is believed to be the most powerful man in Pakistan – more powerful than even the president and prime minister – and many have suggested that, if he ever wished, he could easily execute a coup and seize complete control of the country.

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Posted in: country,extremists,India,kayani,North,NWA,Pakistan,rejects,Taliban,that,US,USA

Factory output stays sluggish

LSM down 2.07 per cent in 4MFY11

Ghulam Raza Rajani

KARACHI: Pakistan’s industrial output continued to show downward trend and contracted by 2.07 per cent in the first four-month of the current fiscal year mainly due to decline in production of petroleum, chemical and fertiliser sectors, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS).

During the period, two subsectors decline in production as Oil Companies Advisory Committee (OCAC) reported 13.86 per cent drop in production, and Ministry of Industries down by 4.55 per cent, while Provincial Bureau of Statistics showed a growth in production by 3.64 per cent. On the other hand, month of October also saw the decline – slightly higher by 2.81 per cent over the same period last year, worrying industrial output of the country.
The FBS data further reveals that petro

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Posted in: billion,Bureau,cent,country,decline,FBS,Federal Bureau of Statistics,fertiliser,financial,fiscal,Ghulam Raza Rajani,that

Govt oblivious to B’stan issue: Sharif

LAHORE: PML-N Quaid, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has blamed the government for ignoring the Balochistan issue, which would make the situation more severe with the passage of time. Addressing the Workers Convention in Lahore, PML-N Chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that it seemed that Balochistan is not included in the policy of the government, adding that the history of Dhaka-Fall is repeating in the Balochistan.

He further said that a committee of senior parliamentarians should be formed to resolve the issues being faced in Balochistan. Mian Nawaz Sharif while congratulating the workers over foundation day said hat those who are calling the revolution are part of the corrupt government.

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Posted in: Balochistan,country,Govt,issue,Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif,Mian Nawaz Sharif,Nawaz,Nawaz Sharif,PML,Sharif,that

Hina underlines fiscal discipline

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar Tuesday called for maintaining fiscal discipline in the utilisation of resources at all levels for the welfare of the people and socioeconomic development of the country. She stated this while presiding over the session of the 26th annual general meeting and conference of Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE) here.

The three-day conference has been organised by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in collaboration with Forum of Federation Center for Civic Education, Higher Education Commission, CIDA, USAID and FES.
Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Dr Nadeem-ul Haq inaugurated the conference while Vice Chancellor of the PIDE Dr Rashid Amjad and Anwar Shah also spoke on the occasion.
The purpose of the annual meeting and conference was to provide a forum where leading professional economists, other social scientists and policy makers could exchange ideas of the vital economic and social issues facing Pakistan.
With the passage of the 18th constitutional amendment, Pakistan has taken a major step towards fiscal decentralisation that involves a fundamental shift in the division of powers between provinces and the center. During the conference the 7th NFC award  and the economic implications of the 18th Amendment, reformed GST , challenges and opportunities would also be discussed by the eminent economists and policy makers and suggest measures for a sustainable economic growth for the benefit of the country. Hina Rabbani Khar in her remarks on the topic “Empowering states and provinces or unshackling local governments :does it matter for peace, order, good governance and growth” presented by Anwar Shah Director center for public economics Chengdu, China and World Bank Institute, said that after 18th Amendment and 7th NFC award the federal government has empowered fiscally to the provinces.-Online

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Posted in: Commission,conference,country,economic,fiscal,growth,Hina,Institute,Khar,NFC,Pakistan

Fazl asks Zardari to replace PM

ISLAMABAD: Terming him a threat to the democratic process in the country, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) called upon President Zardari to replace Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

During a press briefing here Tuesday, Fazal asked the President to take strict action against the PM for derailing the democratic process in the country and acting against the reconciliatory policy of the PPP government.
“Bring a new Prime Minister for it is impossible for the democratic process to run in Gilani’s being in power”, the JUI-F chief asked the incumbent government.
He asserted that he was in touch with all the political parties regarding the current political scenario, however added he was expecting some big decision from MQM chief Altaf Hussain.
“We stick to our guns, but the problems facing the country cannot be resolved till the government does not take a solid step”, Fazal maintained. He deplored the political situation in the country. When asked about Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) clash, he said that PML-N has got its own philosophy but it did target MQM first.
Regarding his trip to Saudi Arabia, Fazl said he is going to offer Umrah and added that his tour has nothing to do with Hajj scandal or its investigation. -NNI

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Posted in: chief,country,Fazal,JUI,Minister,MQM,PM,PML,President,Prime Minister,that,Zardari

Reform extension seen positive for PPP-govt

IMF gives more time for RGST approval

ISLAMABAD: Economic experts here Tuesday termed IMF nine-month extension for stand-by arrangement as positive and an opportunity to complete the reform for General Sales Tax and correct the course of fiscal policy and amend the legislative framework for the financial sector.

Pakistan can use this period as an opportunity to further correct the fiscal policy to implement the reformed general sales tax (RGST) in the country, Dr Ashfaq Hassan Khan former Advisor Finance Ministry told APP here Tuesday.

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Posted in: APP,country,fiscal,GDP,IMF,Pakistan,policy,PPP,RGST,Sales Tax,tax,that

President vows radical changes

Zardari inaugurates Benazir Apna Ghar Scheme

Says aim to make history not headlines

Staff Reporter

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday vowed to be a guarantor of future generation of Pakistan saying that the Pakistan Peoples Party government would create a better country than what it received by brining some radical changes in economy and politics.
Addressing a public meeting on the inauguration of Benazir Bhutto Apna Ghar housing scheme for PIA employees here, he said in memory of Bhutto leaders, they would create a bright Pakistan.

“We are turning their (Bhuttos) words into action and we are not merely raising slogans as we are not political actors. We are making and saving Pakistan,” he added.
The people will remember PPP’s period of governance for its service to people, he said adding, “We have to live in history, while others want to live in tomorrow’s headlines.”
The President said that now prime ministers would only be made by people and not by political influential.
“We are ready to render sacrifices for Pakistan and our next generation will also be ready to do the same. Our leaders preferred death over life and we are not afraid of threats and propaganda as the PPP is a sapling of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for which its workers spilled their blood.”
He said he would keep watch on the performance of the Prime Minister, ministers and government officials.
He said Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life when she was voicing support for raising national flag in Swat and protecting rights of people.
He said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto considered politics as worship and he was also following the same philosophy.
The President assured that housing facilities would be provided to every Pakistani and workers would get ownership in government entities.
On the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he came with a message of happiness, Zardari said adding workers of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would be regularised and their salaries would be increased.
President Zardari said he was only fulfilling his duty by giving rights to workers of OGDC (Oil and Gas Development Company), PIA, Civil Aviation Authority and other organizations. He pledged to fulfill the dreams and promises made by Shaheed Zulfikar Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
He said those who martyred Benazir Bhutto, did not understand that the legacy of Zulfiqar Bhutto lives on in every PPP worker.
Bhuttos were alive in every person and whatever he was doing was to fulfill the vision and mission of the founder of PPP, he added. The President said that he learned his lessons of politics from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
The President said that the PPP should only raise the slogan of Jaey Bhutto. The legacy of Bhutto would be transferred from one leader to the next. Zardari said he realized that people were facing the problems of price hike and unemployment.
He said that the PPP government was fighting the killers of Benazir Bhutto and thousands of PPP workers, army Jawans and policemen. “We will fight those who killed our countrymen, stabilize democracy and give rights to everybody.”
He said nations face challenges in their history as Sri Lanka fought for 40 years to get through difficult times.
The President stressed that nobody should be allowed to impose his views through the gun barrel and dictate his brand of Islam.
He said that the country was facing external and internal enemies who were out to snatch rights of vulnerable sections of people. “Resources of the country belong to the poor people,” he said adding in the new age, after getting ownership rights, labourers and peasants should improve their institutions and leave them in a better shape for their future generations. President Zardari urged the people to work hard by following motto of Quaid-e-Azam and help achieve goals of ending terrorism and alleviating poverty and unemployment. “We are citizens of this soil and our forefathers lived here and we have to save this land and secure future of our children.” He remarked. The President said Bhutto family embraced martyrdom to leave a message and a legacy from which he drew strength to give away rights to the people. Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister for Labour Khursheed Shah, Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah, MNA Faisal Raza Abidi and a large number of PIA workers attended the public meeting.

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Posted in: Ali,benazir bhutto,Bhutto,country,Pakistan,PIA,PPP,President,that,The President,Zardari

Altaf sees revolution coming

BHIT SHAH: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain Saturday said his party’s Sindh Convention will turn out to be the last nail in the coffin of those working for Sindh partition.

Addressing the party’s Sindh Convention held here in Bhit Shah near Hyderabad, MQM chief Altaf Hussain said nobody could block the path of revolution in Pakistan. ‘Conspiracies were hatched in past against the people speaking Urdu and Sindhi languages, however, today’s gathering will drive the last nail into the coffin of these plotters,’ Muttahida founder stressed. ‘Today’s convention proves that Sindh was in the foremost position in the making of Pakistan,’ he added. He also urged the party to seriously decide about staying with the coalition government. Altaf Hussain asked his supporters to guide the party leadership in deciding whether it should quit government coalition or not. Addressing the gathering Altaf Hussain said that feudal system is damaging country’s roots and the nation should get rid of such a system. He said the MQM is taking forward the mission of the Quaid-i-Azam and Sufi saints adding that no one can stop French-like revolution in the country. Hussain said that the MQM has always considered the benefit of the people and it has opposed Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST) on every forum because it is against the interest of the common man. The MQM chief also said that the United States (US) should release Aafia Siddiqui and send her back to Pakistan and the government should make serious efforts for her release.

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Posted in: Altaf,altaf hussain,chief,country,Hussain,MQM,Pakistan,party,Sindh,Sindh Convention,that

Quaid Day observed with renewed pledges

Special Correspondent/ Agencies

KARACHI: The nation celebrated the 135th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah with national spirit and enthusiasm on Saturday and with a pledge to sacrifice lives for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, besides giving equal response to enemy in case of war and making Pakistan strong and prosperous in line with the wishes and vision of father of the nation. The day was declared a public holiday in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for the soul of the great leader Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and prosperity and development of the country.
A 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals given to the Founder of Pakistan. National flag hoisted atop government and semi-government buildings.
The representatives of three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) laid floral wreaths on behalf of their respective services at the mausoleum of the Quaid in Karachi.
Number of political, social, cultural and educational organizations held programmes to mark the occasion in a befitting manner. Radio and television aired special programmes on the life, ideals and achievements of Quaid-e-Azam.

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Posted in: Ali,Azam,country,day,Fateha,father,floral wreath,Founder,Khan,Pakistan,President,Quaid Day