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Pakistan News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

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  ***  Attack on SIA kills 13 in Lahore  ***  6 girls burnt alive as hostel catches fire in Rawalpindi  ***  Islamabad stand gets tacit US endorsement   ***  PM advises President to appoint PHC judges   ***  Gates warns of "more dark days" and "much fighting" in Afghan war
Latest Articles

 • New dimensions of counter-terrorism

 

 A major shift has taken place in the disposition of the Pakistan Army and the intelligence agencies towards the Pakistan-based Afghan Taliban in January-February 2010. Some of the well known Afghan Taliban leaders and TTP activists have been arrested in different cities, especially from Karachi

 • One out of three killed by drones is a civilian, says study

 

 One out of every three killed by US drone in Pakistan is a civilian, says a report by the New America Foundation. The Washington-based think-tank had issued a similar report in October last year, which showed these strikes were decimating the militants, killing their leaders as well as low-level activists. But the latest report warns that civilian deaths in these strikes were alarming as 32 per cent of drone victims in Fata over the past six years have been civilians

 • British troops are facing crisis of morale, warns army head

 

 The treatment of British soldiers on their return to Britain from tours abroad is so poor that it is threatening to undermine the war effort, according to the head of the army. General Sir David Richards, chief of the general staff (CGS), said defence budget cuts are having a “cumulative and corrosive effect on our soldiers and their families”.

 • US wants hassle-free visa for its nationals

 

 Washington wants Islamabad to put in place a restriction free and uniform visa regime for its diplomats and embassy staff posted here allowing them to carry out ‘full range of activities’. “We look forward to creation of a visa mechanism that will enable US officials do their jobs without interference,” US Ambassador Anne Patterson said in a statement issued by the embassy’s Office of Public Affairs

 • Washington concerned over Blackwater’s work

 

 Gates made the pledge to lawmakers after receiving a letter from Carl Levin, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who urged the defence secretary to reconsider awarding a possible one billion dollar contract to the firm, now known as Xe, due to allegations of wrongdoing. “He is looking into it and he takes it seriously

 • U.S. repudiates U.N. council remarks on Mideast clash

 

 A U.S. official denied on Friday that Washington had consented to a U.N. Security Council statement to reporters voicing concern about the fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinians.Gabon`s U.N. Ambassador Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet, president of the Security Council for March, read the nonbinding remarks on behalf the 15 council members after a closed-door discussion of the violent clashes

 • Follies of the past

 

 A US delegation led by the Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, met President Zardari in Lahore. The president took up serious issues with Holbrooke keeping in view present and past circumstances in the region. Of great significance was President Zardari’s mention of fighting a ‘rival ideology’ in the past along with the US and the West
 
Top News

 • Attack on SIA kills 13 in Lahore

 

 Dead include security personnel, woman, five-year-old girl

 • 6 girls burnt alive as hostel catches fire in Rawalpindi

 

 Initial probe suggests fire broke out because of short circuit

 • Islamabad stand gets tacit US endorsement

 

 Pakistan has genuine interests in Afghanistan which need to be protected and Pakistan cannot send its troops to North Waziristan before consolidating its gains in South Waziristan and Swat

 • PM advises President to appoint PHC judges

 

 Those recommended for appointment are Yahya Afridi, Zia-ur-Rehman, Imtiaz Ali, Syed Sajjad Hussain Shah, Sher Mohammad Khan, Abdul Samad Khan and Sardar Shaukat Hayat

 • Gates warns of "more dark days" and "much fighting" in Afghan war

 

 Robert Gates warned on Monday that NATO allies would see `more dark days` and `much fighting ahead` in Afghanistan

 • Taliban reintegration to be key agenda of Pak-Afghan talks

 

 Taliban reintegration and the political solution of Afghan crises are likely to be the key agenda of Pak-Afghan consultations as Afghan President Karzai is due to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday

 • US eyes now on Punjab, Karachi, Quetta: JI chief

 

 Munawwar Hasan said on Saturday there seemed to be no end to the war on terror as the US was conspiring to extend it from Fata and the NWFP to Punjab, Karachi and Quetta

 • Pakistan wants friendly ties with India: FM Qureshi

 

  Qureshi on Sunday underlined Islamabad`s willingness to establish friendly relations with all neighbouring countries, including India

 • Malik confirms death of top commanders

 

 Malik has claimed that a key militant commander from Swat had been killed in a helicopter blitz in Mohmand Agency

 • Police submit charges against five Americans

 

 Pakistani police submitted on Tuesday charges of plotting terrorism against five young Americans detained last year, a lawyer said

 • Ready to go ‘extra mile’ if Pakistan acts against terror

 

 Indian PM tells members of Saudi Shura Council all problems can be solved if Islamabad cooperates with New Delhi

 • One out of three killed by drones is a civilian, says study

 

 One out of every three killed by US drone in Pakistan is a civilian, says a report by the New America Foundation
 
Analyses
Religious Analyses

 • Dutch anti-Islam politician creates stir in UK

 

 e invitation to Parliament, and Wilders` stunning political gains in the Netherlands this week, highlight a growing dichotomy in Europe: concern at the increasing number of Muslims who reject long-cherished liberal values, against the liberal tradition of welcoming the world`s unfortunates and embracing multiculturalism

 • Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) key to achieve peace, progress: Gilani

 

  Gilani said life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are a foundation to achieve peace and security and lead Muslims to a new phase of progress and prosperity

 • Loving the Holy Prophet (SAW)

 

 On the twelfth of Rabi-ul-Awwal, Muslims all over the world hold special gatherings to commemorate and celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

 • French ‘burqa women’ make their case

 

 A few timid burqa-wearing Muslims are coming out of the shadows, telling French audiences they are not submissive women and asking to be spared from a ban on the full Islamic veil

 • Minaret ban

 

 The uproar sparked by Sunday’s referendum in Switzerland resulting in a ban on the construction of new mosque minarets should prompt serious reflection.No doubt the idea of holding a referendum on something of no immediate concern to the country in terms of its security or socio-cultural harmony had sinister motives
 

Cultural Analyses

 • Ajrak making hamstrung by financial woes

 

 Ajrak is said to be an integral part of Sindhi culture but its industry in Sukkur has reached its lowest ebb due to government inattention. Recently dozens of Ajrak-making industries have been closed due to financial crisis, rendering hundreds of craftsmen jobless

 • Fusing art and passion

 

 Ajmal Husain, a painter of the very first rank and one of Pakistan’s most prodigious artists, has become a legend in his lifetime. During the last 60 years he has produced an astonishing variety of one-man exhibitions that have received considerable critical acclaim, both at home and abroad

 • Entertainment apathy

 

 They have raised a pertinent point, though the unresponsiveness of official quarters should be blamed on the state rather than on any one government. Decades of apathy towards the creative and performing arts have taken their toll: film, which really was an industry once, barely merits the description while quality theatre work is rarely seen or supported by the government

 • Japan’s grandeur comes to life in eco-friendly calendars

 

 Depicting splendours and magnificence of Japan’s great architectures, its amazing seasons and stunning landscapes, this year’s exhibit of Japanese calendars was more colourful than ever. The annual Japanese calendars exhibition has become an attractive crowd-puller, becoming quite popular each year among the citizens of Islamabad and Rawalpindi

 • Care for a bite out of the Great Wall of China?

 

 The Great Wall never looked so tasty: a team of Chinese confectioners have built a 10-metre long replica of the structure entirely out of chocolate in a bid to entice Chinese to eat more of the sweet stuff
 

Economical Analyses

•  Budget deficit jumps to Rs 403bn in first six months

 

 The consolidated budget deficit of the federal and provincial governments has jumped to Rs 403.25 billion in the first half of the ongoing fiscal year

•  Foreign outstanding loan surges to $55.39b: Hina

 

 Hina Rabbani Khar Thursday apprised the National Assembly that the total outstanding foreign loans against Pakistan were $ 55.39 billion so far

•  Pakistan eyes five billion dollars in foreign investment

 

 Pakistan aims to attract foreign investment worth five billion dollars this year, but needs to tackle reform, maximise anaemic growth and stem rampant violence to clinch its ambitious target

•  Economic woes

 

 THE outgoing Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin has spelled out the challenges to the Pakistani economy in the months ahead, much of this being common sense

•  U.S Jobs Opening At Record Low: 50 Percent Fewer Than 2007

 

 Latest news Updates, U.S Jobs Opening At Record Low: 50 Percent Fewer Than 2007, Some stark news was buried in the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics today, which should come as a sobering reminder for Americans currently looking for a job
 

Social Analyses

 • Plastic bags playing havoc with environment

 

 Despite the existence of laws banning production and sale of polythene bags in three provinces of the country, the industry continues to flourish, choking drainage systems in major cities and blotting the landscape in every nook and corner of the country

 • 81,080 US nationals visited Pak in 5 years, Senate told

 

 Around 81,080 US nationals were provided visas in the last five years, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi informed the Senate

 • Rights of Women & Children

 

 A healthy and educated mother, therefore, plays an extremely important role in making sure that her children are physically healthy, intellectually wise and academically outstanding

 • Stealing of Chenab

 

 India`s water stealing policy and of-late change in the rain cycle has made water shortage a worst problem for Pakistan in the past few months. Just a few decades ago, Pakistan was considered to have a profusion of quality water

 • VVIP movement

 

 GRIDLOCK has become an unfortunate, ugly reality in many Pakistani cities. Various reasons are cited for this such as the increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, failure of the traffic police to do their job and the complete lack of civic sense that most drivers display
 
Political Analyses

•  Sky is the limit for Pakistan’s women fighter pilots

 

 Ambreen made Pakistani history by becoming one of the country’s first female fighter pilots, but on Sunday she was due to swap her flight schedule for an arranged marriage

•  Obama considers new US nuclear strategy: report

 

 Administration rejects proposals that the US declare it will never be the first to use nuclear arms Officials say US has been quietly deliberating whether to withdraw tactical nuclear weapons from Europe

•  US revamps media approach in Pakistan, Afghanistan

 

 Holbrooke’s adviser says US communications staff being increased in both Kabul, Islamabad Some media experts sceptical new message machine will change opinion amidst anti-US Afghan, Pakistani population

•  PM says good news about constitutional changes soon

 

 Gilani reassured that the nation would hear good news soon about repealing the dictatorial amendments to the Constitution but did not give a timeframe

•  Army denied vital equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan, claims former SAS head

 

 British troops were deprived of the right equipment to fight wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and were still being hampered by a lack of resources, the former head of special forces has claimed

•  Kashmir Solidarity Day

 

 LIKE past, the observance of the Kashmir Solidarity Day—on Feb-5 and that too, with one voice is a clear expression of the bona fide reality that India can in no way delude the world opinion – any more

•  Pakistan Role in UN Peacekeeping

 

 UN peacekeepers—soldiers and military officers, civilian police officers and civilian personnel from many countries—monitor and observe peace processes that emerge in post-conflict situations and assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they have signed

•  General Sir David Richards: Forces reach `turning point` in Afghanistan

 

 Sir David said they have reached a “turning point” in the battle against the Taliban. He suggested troop numbers could begin to decline as early as next year while the majority would be withdrawn by 2015

•  All eyes on Pak-India talks

 

 The talks which began yesterday, ended within a few hours. Salman Bashir Pakistan`s Foreign Secretary and the Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao held one to one talks in New Delhi at the princely historic Palace, the Hyderabad house

•  ‘Successful’ Swat model?

 

 As reported by this newspaper, military experts have dubbed the ‘clear, hold and develop’ strategy adopted by the Pakistan Army in Operation Rah-e-Rast as the ‘successful Swat model’
 

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