Two more lose lives in Karachi firing incidents

Updated at: 1600 PST, Sunday, January 31, 2010

KARACHI: At least two more people were killed in firing incident by unidentified miscreants in Karachi areas of Qasba Colony and Pirabad, raising the overall death toll to 14 in firing incidents in last two days, Geo News reported Sunday.Some unidentified miscreants gunned down two people including a political party activist in Qasba Colony in Friday night, triggering the tension in the area.Yesterday, at least 12 people were killed in the ongoing firing incidents in the city.Also today, a child was killed and a man injured in firing incident by some unidentified armed men in Qasba Colony.Some unidentified men shot down another man in Orangi Town area of Pirabad today. Heavy contingents of police and the Rangers have been deployed in Orangi Town, Qasba Colony and the adjacent areas.Sindh Governor and Chief Minister took notice of these gory incidents and directed the concerned authorities to submit report in this connection.

PCB cancels IPL NOCs to players

Updated at: 1920 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revoked all the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued to its players for participation in the third edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).A statement from the board said all the NOC's issued to players for IPL-III stand revoked."In future, if any player receives an invitation for participation in IPL events, PCB will decide the matter after consulting relevant government authorities," the statement said.The board has issued NOCs to total 26 players while 11 players were included in the auction, naming star all-rounder Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, Abdul Razzaq, Saeed Ajmal, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, Muhammad Amir, Umar Gul, Sohail Tanveer, Rana Naveed and Misbah-ul-Haq.A spokesman for the sports ministry also said that in future if any Pakistani player gets an offer to play in the IPL he would have to approach the PCB which would have to seek fresh NOCs from relevant ministries including security clearance and approval from foreign ministry.The board has canceled the NOCs at a time when governmental pressure was mounting on IPL franchises to include Pakistani players.

Bulls return as KSE regains 9,600 level

Updated at: 1903 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010

KARACHI: Positive activity was witnessed on the last trading day of the week as benchmark-100 index crossed 9,600 psychological barrier.The local bourse kicked-off the day in green zone and maintained the positive stance till the closing bell. Investors, however, avoided taking new positions amid upcoming monetary policy announcement by the central bank on Saturday.Stocks ended 34 points above at 9,614 points on Friday.Market turnover stood at 180 million shares. Lotte Pak proved itself a true volume leader as it remained on top, adding Rs1/share to close at Rs11.35.Meanwhile, parallel KSE-30 index closed at 10,056 points with a gain of 38 points. Experts said market could post some gains next week after a technical correction.

Saddam Hussein was a 'monster': Toni Blair

Updated at: 1724 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010

LONDON: Former British prime minister Tony Blair told the Iraq war inquiry Friday that Saddam Hussein had been a "monster" and he could not have been allowed to develop weapons of mass destruction.Blair said the threat posed by the Iraqi leader had been barely tolerable before the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, but the attacks showed the West could no longer risk him reactivating his weapons programmes."My assessment of risk prior to September 11 was that Saddam was a menace, that he was a threat, he was a monster, but we would have to try and make best," he said.This assessment "completely changed" after the attacks on New York and Washington.The former premier told the public inquiry into the 2003 war that Saddam was in charge of "an appalling regime" and "we couldn't run the risk of such a regime being allowed to develop WMD (weapons of mass destruction)".Blair also described Saddam as a "profoundly wicked, almost psychopathic man".He said the question of removing Saddam had been suggested in early 2002, ahead of his meeting with then US president George W. Bush at the president's ranch in Crawford, Texas -- but he denied they struck a deal there.He said he agreed that Britain was "going to be with you (Bush) in confronting and dealing with this threat", Blair said, but added that exactly how they were going to deal with Saddam remained an "open question".The day-long evidence session by Blair, who left office in 2007, has been eagerly awaited in Britain.

SC reserves decision in promotion case

Updated at: 1254 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) has reserved the decision in the case of promotion in top bureaucracy on Friday and stated that if promoted officers want to express their views they could inform the court in a written form.A three- member bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry heard the case. Attorney general continued arguments regarding eligibility of the officers. Chief justice has asked the attorney general to take care of public interest instead of government. Attorney general replied that Supreme Court has authority to review any administrative decision.Attorney general in his arguments said all officers of grade 21 were equally eligible for the promotion. The lawyer of one of the affected officer Ikram Chaudhry in his arguments said King law rules in the absence of democracy and law whereas law is the king in democracy. He said the authority practiced by prime minister in connection with the promotion of officers has proved that king law is exists here. The court has reserved the decision at the end of the hearing and said promoted officers could present their views within seven days through establishment division.

Ghana beats Nigeria to reach African Cup final

Updated at: 2258 PST, Thursday, January 28, 2010
LUANDA: Ghana reached its first African Cup of Nations final in 28 years Thursday after Asamoah Gyan scored tosecure a 1-0 win over Nigeria.Gyan broke the deadlock in the 21st minute against the run of the play to send the Black Stars into the biennial tournament's final for the first time since 1992. World Cup qualifier Ghana will next face the winner between Algeria and Egypt, who played later Thursday in the other semifinal. Nigeria dominated from the start and created a dozen good chances but was unable to break down Ghana's rock-solid defense.

Ghana beats Nigeria to reach African Cup final

Updated at: 2258 PST, Thursday, January 28, 2010
LUANDA: Ghana reached its first African Cup of Nations final in 28 years Thursday after Asamoah Gyan scored tosecure a 1-0 win over Nigeria.Gyan broke the deadlock in the 21st minute against the run of the play to send the Black Stars into the biennial tournament's final for the first time since 1992. World Cup qualifier Ghana will next face the winner between Algeria and Egypt, who played later Thursday in the other semifinal. Nigeria dominated from the start and created a dozen good chances but was unable to break down Ghana's rock-solid defense.

Oil edges higher in Asian trade

Updated at: 0859 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010
SINGAPORE: Oil rose in Asian trade Friday, but remained below 74 dollars as concerns about demand and a strengthening US dollar kept a hold on prices. New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, was up 15 cents to 73.79 dollars a barrel. London's Brent North Sea crude for March delivery gained 17 cents to 72.30 dollars. The euro lost more ground against the dollar in Asian trade Friday as worries deepened about the state of the European economies in light of Greece's debt woes, dealers said. The European currency fell to 1.3939 dollars in Tokyo morning trade from 1.3966 in New York late on Thursday, and to 125.34 yen from 125.56. The dollar was flat at 89.92 yen. Oil is traded in US dollars and a rise in the currency makes the commodity more expensive to holders of weaker units.

Bin Laden blames industrial nations for global warming

Updated at: 1444 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010
DUBAI: Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden blamed industrial nations for global warming, and urged a boycott of the US dollar to end "slavery," in an audiotape aired by an Arabic television on Friday. "All industrial nations, mainly the big ones, are responsible for the crisis of global warming," he said in the message attributed to him by the pan-Arab news channel based in Doha. "We should stop using the dollar and get rid of it. I know that there would huge repercussions for that, but this would be the only way to free humankind from slavery... to America and its companies," he added.

6 dead in Azerbaijan military shooting

Updated at: 1504 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010
BAKU: Two soldiers in Azerbaijan shot and killed four fellow servicemen before committing suicide, the defence ministry said Friday. "Two soldiers opened fire killing four servicemen and wounding two before killing themselves," ministry deputy spokesman Temur Abdullayev told foreign news agency. He said the incident occurred on Thursday evening but refused to provide any further details. "We will issue a statement with more details later," he said.Azerbaijan's news agency, however, quoted military sources as saying the two soldiers who carried out the shooting had been shot and killed while trying to flee the scene. It said a local division commander was among the dead victims.

12 militants killed in Mohmand, Bajaur

Updated at: 1724 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010

PESHAWAR: Security forces have killed 12 terrorists during operations in Mohmand and Bajaur Agencies on Friday.Meanwhile, 2 soldiers embraced Shahadat during the ongoing offensive.According to FC media cell, terrorists attacked military check post in Mulla Syed area of Bajaur Agency, which was effectively responded, killing 10 militants.Moreover, armed forces held 3 terrorists.On the other hand, troops killed 2 militants in Mohmand Agency. Terrorists attacked security forces with rockets in Dogar area of Kurram Agency, resultantly killing a civilian. In addition, forces detained 8 suspected militants in District Dir, while area’s national jurga backed the ongoing military search operation.

President in trouble for inaction on CoD: Nawaz

Updated at: 1556 PST, Friday, January 29, 2010

PESHAWAR: The leader of PML-N Mian Nawaz Sharif said President Asif Zardari disappointed us by not implementing Charter of Democracy (CoD) and it also created problems for him.Addressing a press conference here, Nawaz Sharif said country is facing through critical phase and revolutionary measures are needed. He said principles are necessary for the success of democracy and one should follow it first before anyone else. Sharif urged the government to accept supremacy of constitution and decisions of court. He also demanded to provide good governance to the public as it is in the interest of the country.

Australia 86-0 at lunch vs Pakistan

Updated at: 0630 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010
SYDNEY: Australia were 86 for no loss in second innings against Pakistan at lunch on day 3 of second Test match here at SCG, Geo news reported.Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes have put good show making unbeaten opening stand of 86 runs with Watson (51) shone with quick half century while Hughes playing on watchful 31 runs.Australia's openers capitalised on a flattening pitch and a Pakistani reprieve to advance to 0 for 86 in their second innings, reducing to 120 the tourists' overall lead. Shane Watson raised his 1000th Test run with a lofted pull stroke that Danish Kaneria, fielding at fine leg, dropped over the boundary rope on a morning that saw the hosts restore a degree of parity to proceedings. Pakistan added just two runs to their overnight first-innings total as Doug Bollinger (4 for 72) snuffed out Kaneria with his fifth ball of the morning. That took Pakistan's lead to 206 - their second-highest first-innings advantage over the Australians in 54 years of competition between the two countries - although with the SCG pitch nowhere near as threatening as the opening day, the Australians would not have entirely counted themselves out of the contest.

China pulls out of $40 billion Australia gas deal

Updated at: 1240 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010
SYDNEY: Chinese energy giant PetroChina Co. Ltd. has pulled out of a $40 billion deal to buy natural gas from a project off Australia, leaving Woodside Petroleum Ltd. looking for new customers. Reasons for letting the preliminary agreement lapse were not given, but analysts said Tuesday it was probably because PetroChinahad become dissatisfied with the cost in the two years since the deal was signed. Woodside informed Australia's stock exchange on Monday that an early stage agreement for the Browse Basin liquefied natural gas project off Western Australia state had not been settled by a Dec.31 deadline and had now lapsed.

Iran bans contact with 60 groups including BBC, HRW

Updated at: 1515 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010
TEHRAN: Iran has banned its citizens from having contact with 60 organisations including the BBC, Human Rights Watch and opposition website Rahesabz as well as US-funded broadcasters, state media have reported. The deputy intelligence minister in charge of external affairs said that the 60 blacklisted groups were suspected of being involved in efforts by Western governments to topple the Islamic regime as part of a "soft war" and that it was an offence to communicate with them. "Any kind of contact by individuals or legal entities with those groups involved in the soft war is illegal and prohibited," state media quoted the deputy minister as saying on Monday without giving his name. The blacklisted organisations also included US government-funded Voice of America and Radio Farda as well as US-based pro-monarchist satellite channels, Israeli public radio and the outlawed rebel People's Mujahedeen. The deputy minister also called on the public to avoid "irregular contacts with embassies or foreign nationals or centres linked to them".

JUI-F to support GB govt in time of need

Updated at: 1545 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010
LAHORE: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Ali Shah said Maulana Fazlur Rehman rose to occasion at every critical juncture to save the government of President Asif Ali Zardari.Addressing the media after meeting JUI-F Secretary General Bilal in Lahore, he said if the new government is jeopardized, then the JUI-F will side with the government.Syed Mehdi maintained the Zardari government could not be dismantled in December; nor will it fall in March, adding he urged all and sundry to work concertedly in the larger national interest and strengthen the democratic institutions.The GB CM said the other provinces including Punjab will invest for the progress and welfare of Gilgit-Baltistan, calling upon the federal and provincial governments to cooperate to establish the quality educational institutions, hospitals and industry.

Pakistan in sight of victory against Aussies

Updated at: 1311 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010

SYDNEY: Pakistan took full control of the second Test match here at the Sydney Cricket Ground when their bowlers grabbed eight wickets of Australia’s second innings on Tuesday.Australia were reeling at 286 for eight when the play ended on the third day of the five-day match.Michael Hussey, who came at number four is still at the crease struggling on 73. The other batsman is tail-ender Peter Siddle (10 not out).Pakistan need only two wickets to go for chasing an expected easy target to beat Australia at their own ground.Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria captured four wickets for 117 runs while seamer Umar Gul claimed three for 62. Fast bowler Mohammad Asif took one wicket while Mohammad Sami could not get any wicket.Earlier, openers Shane Watson and Phill Hughes provided a solid start of 105 after Pakistan were all out for 333 with an impressive lead of 206 runs.Australia were 86 for no loss at lunch but lost three wickets in the second session.First, Hughes went for 37, later captain Ricky Ponting lost his wicket for 11, then Watson fell for 97.Australia resumed at 199 for three after tea but Danish Kaneria destroyed their batting line taking three more wickets. He dismissed North (2), Haddin (15) and Johnson (3) before Asif removed Micheal Clarke for 21.Umar Gul claimed the eight Australian wicket getting Nathan Hauritz out four.

Oil stays above 81 dollars in Asian trade

Updated at: 0854 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010

SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged up in Asian trade Tuesday, supported by higher consumption of heating fuel due to a cold snap in the northern hemisphere, analysts said. Data showing that the US manufacturing sector posted its strongest pace of activity since April 2006 also bolstered prices, with analysts saying that a firmer recovery in the world's biggest economy is good for energy demand. New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in February, was up 32 cents to 81.83 dollars a barrel in morning trade. Brent North Sea crude for February delivery gained 11 cents to 80.23 dollars. "It's an encouraging sign to see quite reasonable declines in the stockpiles of distillates... so you've got a bit of momentum in the market," said Mark Pervan, senior commodities analyst at ANZ bank in Melbourne. Prices were also lifted by news of robust activity in the US manufacturing sector, in a further sign that the US economy, a key engine for global growth, is well on its way to recovering from a deep recession. The Institute for Supply Management said its manufacturing index, also known as the purchasing managers index, climbed to 55.9 percent in December from 53.6 percent in November, for a fifth consecutive month of expansion. The figure was stronger than the consensus estimate of a modest rise to 54.3 percent. Any number above 50 percent indicates growth. "Most analysts are brushing over their 2010 outlook and I think most of the market is taking a more favourable outlook on demand than last year," Pervan said. London-based consultancy Capital Economics said the rebound in the US manufacturing index "should restore some faith in the sustainability of the industrial recovery." However, its said "the continued decline in construction spending illustrates that the recovery is still far from being an economy-wide phenomenon."

People stranded in train rescued after 25 hours in China

Updated at: 0937 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010

SHANGDU: More than 1,400 passengers were rescued on Monday (January 4), 20 hours after their train was trapped by a snow storm in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, state television (CCTV) reported.Train No. 1814, travelling from Harbin in northeastern Heilongjiang province to Baotao in Inner Mongolia, was stopped in Shangdu county by heavy snow on Sunday evening (January 3).All 15 carriages were partially buried by snow and doors were frozen. Local rescuers rushed to the site, and digged the train out by Monday evening, said CCTV.Snow was measured as deep as 3.1 metres in parts of Inner Mongolia. Another 12 trains were also reportedly stranded in the province, with thousands of passengers trapped and later rescued from the freezing temperatures as low as minus 34 degrees Celsius, according to state media.Bad weather affected large swathes of northern and northeastern China on Sunday, with snow and plunging temperatures expected to continue into the first full week of the new year, according to weather forecasts.

PM chairs cabinet’s defence committee meeting

Updated at: 1346 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010
ISLAMABAD: A meeting of defence committee of cabinet is underway in Prime Minister House here. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is chairing the meeting discussing. Federal ministers for defence, defence production, finance, interior affairs, information and minister of state, members of committee Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majeed, Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani and heads of three armed forces are taking part in the meeting. According to sources, the participants of the meeting briefed about challenges country is facing regarding defence and security issues. The meeting is also discussing war against terror and other related issues.

Nawaz offers Fateha at Quaid mausoleum

Updated at: 1556 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif visited the mausoleum of Founder of Pakistan Muhammed Ali Jinnah, Geo News reported Tuesday.Mian Nawaz Sharif arrived in the federal capital along with MNAs Ahsan Iqbal and Khawja Saad Rafique after completing his Quetta visit.He was received by PML-N Sindh leader Ghaus Ali Shah, Salim Zia, Mamnoon Hussain, Elahi Bux Soomro, Sardar Rahim and Sindh CM’s Advisor Qaqar Mehdi.PML-N chief laid floral wreath at the grave of Pakistan’s founder and offered Fateha Khawni there.Later on, Sharif reached Ghaus Ali Shah’s residence to participate the party’s organizing committee.On this occasion, Ahsan Iqbal told media that the party leaders came to the city to share the grief of the people here, adding the N-League is against the extremists clad whether in shalwar and qameez or in paints and shirts.

Afridi available for selection in Test team

Updated at: 1831 PST, Thursday, December 31, 2009

SYDNEY: Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi Thursday said that he would not turn down any opportunity for the return to Test cricket. After team’s defeat to Australia in the first Test, Pakistan captain Muhammad Yousuf said that Twenty 20 cricket was killing country’s cricket. However, T20 captain Afridi told Geo that there were few plays in the Test team who perform better in ODIs and Twenty 20 matches. He suggested Pakistan should hunt new talent for Test matches so that players like Muhammad Yousuf and Younis Khan could be inducted into the team.Afridi was of the view that T20 cricket does not make much difference in the cricket. “I will be available to return to Test cricket if the national team needed my services,” said Afridi.

Most Gulf stocks rebound in 2009

Updated at: 0301 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

KUWAIT CITY: Most Gulf stock markets on Thursday ended 2009 higher following massive losses in the previous year because of the global economic downturn, but their rebound was halted by the Dubai debt crisis.After slumping to a year low in the first three months, five of the seven markets made a strong comeback in the third quarter that continued into the fourth with the Saudi, Dubai and Abu Dhabi bourses each adding more than 30 percent.Barring Kuwait and Bahrain, the remaining five bourses ended the year in positive territory, led by Saudi Arabia which gained 27.5 percent.Capitalising on a high oil price and signs of global recovery, most of the bourses in the energy-rich region reached their highest point of the year in October, after which they started to decline on news of Dubai debt woes and profit-taking sales.The seven bourses added around 80 billion dollars to their capitalisation which ended the year at 680 billion dollars from 600 billion dollars at the end of 2008.That is still far below their end-2007 value of 1.116 trillion dollars, however.The Saudi Tadawul All-Shares Index (TASI), the most capitalised Arab bourse, ended the year 27.5 percent higher at 6,121.76 points after slumping 56.5 percent in 2008.The market-leading petrochemicals industries sector, which includes petrochemicals giant SABIC, surged an impressive 70.2 percent, while banks, the second largest sector, rose 15.3 percent.TASI hit its year's high of 6,548.47 points in late October after plunging to its lowest point of the year at 4,130.01 points in early March.The Saudi market was the least affected by the Dubai crisis after state-owned Dubai World requested a standstill on repayment of billions of dollars in debt.Kuwait Stock Exchange, the second largest Arab bourse, ended the year 10 percent lower at 7,005.30 points after slumping 38 percent in 2008.The Kuwaiti bourse has been severely impacted by political instability and the debt problem of many of its investment firms.The two United Arab Emirates bourses of Dubai and Abu Dhabi made modest increases in 2009 after shedding most of their gains in the last six weeks of the year on Dubai debt woes.The Dubai Financial Market closed the year 10.3 percent higher at 1,803.58 points after rising by more than 46 percent up to mid October. The market dropped massively when Dubai World sought to delay repayment of its debt.In 2008, the Dubai bourse was the biggest loser in the Gulf, falling 72.4 percent.The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange added 14.8 percent to close the year at 2,743.61 points after shedding 47.5 percent in the previous year. Before Dubai's credit problems, Abu Dhabi bourse had increased 33 percent.The Qatar Securities Market -- the least affected in the Gulf last year with a drop of just 28.1 percent -- increased a modest 1.06 percent to close 2009 at 6,959.17 points.But at the end of the year, the Doha bourse capitalisation of 88 billion dollars surpassed both Dubai and Abu Dhabi to become the third largest stock market in the Gulf.The tiny Bahrain Stock Exchange was the biggest loser, shedding 19.2 percent to close 2009 at 1,458.24 points, after slumping 34.5 percent in the previous year.The other small Muscat Securities Market rose 17.00 percent to close the year at 6,368.80 points. In 2008, it dipped 39.8 percent.

A once-in-a-blue-moon New Year's Eve

Updated at: 0448 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

PARIS: For only the second time in nearly two decades, December will end with Earth illuminated by a "Blue Moon," the name given to the second full moon appearing in a single month.For New Year's revellers in the Western hemisphere, the calendar will not quite have turned into the new decade when the perfectly round orb lights up the night sky.Not since 1990 has the world had the opportunity to observe on a mass scale the compounded impact of a Blue Moon and bubbly.The double full moon phenomenon happens on average every 2.7 years, with the most recent in May 2007, and the next set for August 2012.This month, the moon was also at its maximum on December 2.Why Blue? For no particular reason, according to Space.com, a popular science website based in the United States."If there's been a recent volcanic eruption that poured significant ash into the upper atmosphere, it is possible for the moon to take on a blue tint," noted the site's editorial director Robert Roy Britt."That's not expected tonight," he added, as if by way of apology.It also turns out that the term "blue moon" is a misnomer that can be traced back to an editorial blooper 65 years ago in the normally irreproachable magazine Sky and Telescope.The original meaning was the third full moon in a season with four, a more common occurrence.There is also a cocktail -- curacao, gin and a twist -- by that name, and a turn of the (20th) century expression meaning something absurd.

Fireworks over Brandenburg Gate to mark 2010 start

Updated at: 0640 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

BERLIN: Around one million people gathered in central Berlin on Thursday (December 31) to take part in a street party and see the fireworks display above the landmark Brandenburg Gate welcoming the new year 2010.Multicoloured fireworks illuminated the area crowded with Berliners and tourists attending the street party.Giant video screens beamed images of pop stars while party tents and food stalls catered to revellers, many of whom expected to party into the small hours.As the lights went out the well wishers expressed their hopes and dreams for the new year."First of all good health, happiness and above all love. Thats all that is needed," Matthias Hojer said."Lots of fun and less homework," said Noemi, a young reveller from Munich.

Britain welcomes 2010

Updated at: 0740 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

LONDON: Revellers across Britain braved freezing temperatures to welcome the New Year at spectacular fireworks in London and Edinburgh. More than 200,000 people gathered on the banks of the Thames to hear Big Ben strike midnight, while thousands joined the Hogmanay celebrations in Glasgow and Edinburgh.A dry night with mainly clear skies provided onlookers with a perfect view of the seven-and-a-half minute display in London.Up to 80,000 people were ushering in the new year at the huge outdoor celebration in Edinburgh, where temperatures fell to a biting -6C by midnight. Partygoers in central London enjoyed a comparatively balmy 3C.

Bus accident kills 18 in Bangladesh

Updated at: 1008 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010
DHAKA: Police say a speeding bus lost control and crashed into a canal, killing 18 people and injuring another 56in southwestern Bangladesh. Local police chief Awlad Ali Fakir says the accident occurred early Friday in Faridpur district, 64 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of capital Dhaka. He says rescuers recovered 14 bodies from the wreckage of the bus and that another four people died while being taken to hospital.Fifty-six injured people are being treated in hospitals, some of them in serious condition, Fakir says.

Bus accident kills 18 in Bangladesh

Updated at: 1008 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010
DHAKA: Police say a speeding bus lost control and crashed into a canal, killing 18 people and injuring another 56in southwestern Bangladesh. Local police chief Awlad Ali Fakir says the accident occurred early Friday in Faridpur district, 64 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of capital Dhaka. He says rescuers recovered 14 bodies from the wreckage of the bus and that another four people died while being taken to hospital.Fifty-six injured people are being treated in hospitals, some of them in serious condition, Fakir says.

Karachi, Sindh observing strike

Updated at: 1044 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

KARACHI: There is a complete strike in Karachi and Sindh on the call of Sunni Rehbar Council to mourn the deaths of martyrs of Ashura bomb blast on the M A Jinnah Road on December 28 claiming lives of at least 44 innocent people and injuring more than 80.All business centers and Karachi Stock Exchange have been closed. Karachi Transport Ittihad, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Jaffaria Alliance and several other political parties backed the strike call. The transport is completely off the road, however, private vehicles witnessed on the roads. All papers scheduled today have already been canceled.

West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor arrested

Updated at: 1212 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

JAMAICA: West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor is facing charges including assaulting a police officer after an incident at a bar in Jamaica. Taylor, who returned home injured from the Windies' recent three-Test tour of Australia, escaped starting the New Year in police lock-up when he was released on bond and scheduled to appear in court on January 12. According to police, Taylor was a patron in a bar when police ordered it to close as required at 11pm. Taylor, who has played 29 Tests and taken 82 wickets since his Windies debut, allegedly became abusive and matters escalated when police tried to place handcuffs on the cricketer. He was also charged with using indecent language, improper conduct and resisting arrest. It's an ignominious end to a year that started so brightly for Taylor when he skittle.

Notification on hike in power tariff withheld

Updated at: 1143 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The notification on raising power tariff by 13.6 percent has been withheld due to difference between government and coalition parties on the issue. Under an agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF), government has to raise the power tariff by 13.6 percent. The government had allocated Rs 66 billion for power subsidies in the ongoing budget with an additional allocation of Rs 55 billion after an approval from the IMF. Sources said the tariff for lifeline consumers would now be increased from Rs 1.6 to Rs 2 per unit and for agricultural tube wells by up to Rs 1.5 per unit. They said the government provided Rs 14.6 billion subsidy for lifeline customers and Rs 42.2 billion for agricultural tube wells.Under IMF’s conditions, the government has agreed to raise the power tariff by 24 percent during the current fiscal year in three phases – six percent in the October-December quarter, 12 percent in January-March and six percent in the April-June period. A 4.4 percent tariff increase was announced in October, and the current tariff hike of 13.6 percent will achieve the targeted 18 percent tariff hike in the two periods.The government is also under pressure from the IMF to reduce transmission and distribution losses and improve the efficiency of the power supply system. During the current quarter, the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) acted against 54,320 customers, including 28,200 reports lodged with the police, and recovered Rs 3.1 billion, the sources said.

Festivities across the world to welcome in New year

Updated at: 1706 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

CANBERRA: Fireworks exploded over Sydney harbour bridge and the Eiffel Tower prepared for its own coloured-light spectacle as the world celebrated a New Year that many hope will be more prosperous and peaceful than 2009.Revellers across the globe at least temporarily shelved worries about their future prospects to bid farewell to the first decade of the 21st century.The financial downturn hit hard in 2009, sending many industrial economies into recession, tossing millions out of work and out of their homes, as foreclosures rose dramatically in some countries.Germany's leader warned her people that the start of the new decade will not herald immediate relief from the global economic ills. South Africa's president was more ebullient, saying the World Cup is set to make 2010 the country's most important year since the end of apartheid in 1994.Other leaders focused on the positive aspects of 2009. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said 2009 had been an extraordinary year for the world -- citing the inauguration of the United States' first black president and international attempts to grapple with climate change and the global financial crisis."The great message from 2009 is that because we've been all in this together, we've all worked together," he said in a New Year's message.Australia got the festivities rolling, with Sydney draping its skies with explosive bursts of crimson, purple and blue to the delight of more than a million watchers.The environmental concerns that accompanied the UN summit in Copenhagen were on the minds of some as the year ended. Venice was set to ring in the New Year with wet feet as high tide was to peak just before midnight to flood low-lying parts of the city -- including St Mark's Square.The last year also offered its reminders of the decade's fight against terrorism, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more recently, rising militant violence in Pakistan. The American Embassy in Indonesia warned of a possible terrorist attack on the resort island of Bali on New Year's Eve.Some festivities went awry. In the Philippines, hundreds of people were injured by fireworks and celebratory gunfire during the celebrations. Many Filipinos, largely influenced by Chinese tradition, believe that noisy New Year's celebrations drive away evil and misfortune -- but some carry that belief to extremes.

Electricity, gas, tariffs hiked by 12, 18 pc

Updated at: 1942 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has approved government’s decision to increase the average rates of electricity by 12 percent and its notification is expected to be issued shortly.The rise in power tariff will be less than 12 percent for the domestic consumers while for commercial consumers the increase will be more than 12 percent. It is worth mentioning here that Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has issued the notification, raising the gas tariff by 18 percent for all the consumers.

Death toll in Laki Marwat blast climbs to 47

Updated at: 1916 PST, Friday, January 01, 2010

LAKI MARWAT: At least 47 people were killed and several other wounded on Saturday after a suicide bomber blew himself up at a volleyball ground in Shah Hassankhel town of Laki Marwat. The blast took place at a time when a volleyball match was in progress at the targeted ground. Laki Marwat DPO Ayub Khan confirmed that 47 people had died in the deadly suicide attack. The DPO said the injured were shifted to the Laki Marwat District Hospital.According to reports a nearby house was also collapsed due to the blast. The Shah Hassankhel is said to be the hub of militants who were forced to flee the area with the help of peace committees.