Hague court to rule on Sudan president genocide charge

Hague court to rule on Sudan president genocide charge

By Geraldine Coughlan BBC News, The Hague

Appeal judges at the International Criminal Court are to decide whether Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir should be charged with genocide.

In issuing its first arrest warrant against a sitting head of state, the ICC said Mr Bashir could be held responsible for war crimes in Darfur.
Bu the Hague court earlier rejected the prosecution's request to include charges of genocide.
The prosecution appealed and judges will rule on this on Wednesday.
The International Criminal Court found there was enough evidence to believe that the Sudanese president was responsible for murder, extermination, torture, rape and attacks against civilians in Darfur.
The warrant did not include the most serious war crime of genocide as the judges found there was not enough evidence to believe the government of Sudan intended to destroy the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups.
Whether or not the court decides to include genocide in the warrant, the Sudanese president could continue to evade arrest.
The ICC has no police force, and relies on the obligation of states themselves to ensure suspects are sent to The Hague to face international justice.

South Sudan hungry 'quadrupled in a year'

Page last updated at 19:25 GMT, Tuesday, 2 February 2010

The number of people needing food aid in south Sudan has quadrupled in a year to more than four million, the UN's World Food Programme says.

The WFP wants to ensure the people have enough food to last until their next harvest in October.
Southern Sudan's agriculture minister Samson Kwaje blamed the surge on internal conflict and drought.
The region is recovering from a two-decade civil war and remains one of the least developed parts of the world.
Although the civil war with the north ended in 2005, some 2,500 people died in conflicts between rival communities in Southern Sudan last year - far more than in Darfur, the UN says.

Cash shortfall

Since the end of the war, millions of former refugees have returned home to start their lives again from scratch.
The BBC's Peter Martell, in the southern capital, Juba, says the situation in the region is grim.
And many in the south fear that tensions will rise further in the run-up to elections in April, our correspondent says, potentially putting even more people at risk.
The WFP is preparing thousands of tonnes of food to feed some of the millions it fears will be cut off when the rains start.
But the organisation also says it remains more than $480m (£300m) short of the food aid needed for Sudan.
Mr Kwaje - who said the WFP's figures represented half of the region's population - blamed the rising hunger on conflicts between rival ethnic groups.
But he also blamed incursions by the Lord's Resistance Army - a feared guerrilla army originally based in Uganda but now marauding across several countries.
The new WFP figures come from an annual assessment in which some 2,000 people across Southern Sudan were asked about what food they ate and where it came from.

The WFP's Leo van der Velden said: "This spike in the number of hungry people in Southern Sudan comes just ahead of the rainy season when roads become blocked and communities are cut off from food assistance."
As well as preparing for the first national multi-party elections in 24 years, Southern Sudan is also due to vote in an independence referendum next year.

Foreigners killed in north west Pakistan explosion

Page last updated at 07:38 GMT, Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Police say three Westerners are among six people killed in an explosion near a girls' school in north west Pakistan.

A group of journalists and aid workers was travelling in an army convoy when it was hit by a roadside bomb in the Lower Dir area, officials said.
At least 19 people, including school girls, were injured in the blast.
Pakistani troops carried out a major offensive in the area last year to crush Taliban militants who have often attacked girls' schools.
The BBC's Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says a bomb was detonated when a military convoy was passing a road beside the school in Koto, a heavily populated village in the Lower Dir district in North West Frontier Province.
The convoy was on the way to Maidan, an area of Lower Dir district which is the base of a pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Sufi Mohammad, and a stronghold of Taliban militants, our correspondent says.

Oil dips in Asian trade

Updated at: 0721 PST, Wednesday, February 03, 2010

SINGAPORE: Oil prices dipped in Asian trade on Wednesday bucking a recent trend as the market braced for a larger-than-expected rise in crude inventories, analysts said.New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, fell 42 cents to 76.81 dollars a barrel. London's Brent North Sea crude for March delivery was down 31 cents to 75.75 dollars. Analysts said rallies on the oil market experienced over the past few days had been stemmed by numbers released by the American Petroleum Institute (API) on Tuesday indicating a build-up in US crude stockpiles. "I think it's because of the API (American Petroleum Institute) numbers.... They showed a build-up of 4.7 million barrels of crude which was unexpected," said Clarence Chu, an oil trader with Hudson Capital Energy in Singapore. Analysts had expected US inventories to rise by a median of only 400,000 to 500,000 barrels, Chu added. Market sentiment had been buoyant as equities markets put in strong performances and manufacturing data from the United States hinted at a global economic recovery.But the market was spooked when the API report was released late Tuesday. "The minute the API number was released, the market dropped by around 30 cents," Chu said.The API report serves as the precursor to the US Department of Energy's weekly inventories report out every Wednesday, which provides a snapshot of global energy demand by showing the size of crude stockpiles in the world's largest energy consumer.

US plans increase in drone operations

Updated at: 1118 PST, Wednesday, February 03, 2010

WASHINGTON: The US defence budget for 2011 seeks more funds to enhance drone operations by 65 per cent, citing its success in targeting militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal belt.“With this funding, we will increase the unmanned Predator and Reaper orbits from 37 to 65, while enhancing our ability to process, exploit and disseminate information gathered by this game-changing technology,” said Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen.“As we’ve seen firsthand through eight years of war, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets are absolutely critical enablers for the war-fighter,” he said.US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, while briefing journalists on the 2011 budget, said the new drones would be added to the American military’s arsenal “in a couple of years” and these would be “the most advanced UAVs”.

Death toll in US drone strikes rises to 31

Updated at: 1040 PST, Wednesday, February 03, 2010

MIRAMSHAH/PESHAWAR: In the biggest attack so far by the American spy planes in the Pakistani tribal areas, the US drones on Tuesday rained a barrage of missiles on different locations of Dattakhel Tehsil of North Waziristan Agency (NWA), initially killing 17 people, including militants, and injuring several others.Now, the death toll has risen to 31 while some injured persons are still fighting for their lives, Geo news quoted sources as saying.Government officials in Miramshah, the main town of North Waziristan, said nine spy planes took part in the brazen attack, firing 18 missiles and causing heavy human loss.They had rightly feared the death toll could rise as rescue work could not be started for late in some of the places due to fear of more missile strikes by the unmanned spy aircraft. Besides the militants, several villagers and some foreign nationals were said to be among the victims. The villagers came under attack from the drones while approaching the spot to help retrieve the bodies and the injured from the rubble of the collapsed houses.Tribesmen in Miramshah said the town echoed with heavy explosions when the missiles were fired. They said a series of explosions were heard in distant villages of the restive North Waziristan tribal region.Officials said the Deegan village in Dattakhel Tehsil, where the Taliban last week claimed to have shot down a US drone, suffered the most. The drones fired eight missiles, hitting several houses and vehicles parked inside the mud-walled buildings.Deegan, which is located about 30 kilometres west of Miramshah, has always been the prime target of US drones. “Deegan is considered to be a stronghold of the Taliban but we don’t know whether those killed were militants or villagers,” said a government official, who declined to be named. He said most of the targeted places were located in the mountains.After Deegan, Thooth Narray village in the same vicinity, also suffered when drones fired four missiles at targets there. Officials said four houses were attacked in the village, leaving seven people dead and six injured.Similarly, the US spy planes struck suspected hideouts of militants in Mohammad Khel and Khar Kamar villages. In Mohammad Khel village, a drone reportedly fired two missiles on villagers, who had come out of their houses after the first drone attack and were on their way to help retrieve the bodies and injured from the collapsed houses.Tribal sources said the drones had been flying over the area since early morning and the militants were seen firing at the planes from their anti-aircraft guns, which they had installed on double-cabin trucks.Officials said they could not gather exact details about human and material losses in Tuesday’s attacks due to lack of physical presence of the government in the area. “We don’t have any physical presence in the area and then there is no telephone facility. We do have our security personnel deployed on their checkpoints on hilltops but they are away from the area where drones played havoc,” a government official explained.An intelligence official said on condition of anonymity that the drones mostly targeted small posts set up by the militants. He said it appeared the US forces in Afghanistan wanted to avenge the loss of their drone, which the militants had allegedly shot down in the same area a few days ago.He said initial reports indicated that most of the people killed in Tuesday’s missile strikes were either low-level militants or poor villagers. “I did not hear that any big name had died,” he claimed. It was the biggest missile attack by the CIA-operated spy planes in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.

Four foreign journalists killed in Dir blast

Updated at: 1131 PST, Wednesday, February 03, 2010

LOWER DIR: A massive explosion has been reported near girls school in tehsil Blambutt located in Lower Dir, reportedly killing four foreign journalists and injuring scores others on Wednesday morning, Geo news reported.According to preliminary details, some security forces also came under attack as the bomb was planted on a roadside, which targeted the convoy of foreign journalists.The rescue efforts are underway as the security forces have cordoned off the entire blast site. Also, few local journalists have sustained injuries amid explosion, sources saidSome girls have been reportedly caught under the debris of school building, sources said further.

Sports minister wants Pakistan Cricket Board to raise issue of player security

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP) – 1 hour

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan's sports minister has asked the country's cricket board to raise the issue of player security with Australian and international cricket authorities after a Pakistani player was attacked by a fan during a one-day international at Perth last Sunday.
"I have asked the Pakistan Cricket Board officials to raise this serious security breach with both Australian cricketing authorities and the ICC," Ijaz Jhakrani told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Pakistan player Khalid Latif escaped serious injury when a spectator ran onto the field at the WACA Ground and attacked him from behind.
Australia won the match by two wickets and clinched the one-day series 5-0.
Copyright © 2010 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Offensive kills up to 80 militants: military

Tuesday, 02 Feb, 2010

SAWAI: A Pakistani military commander said Tuesday a new air and ground offensive had killed up to 80 militants in the northern extremity of the lawless tribal belt on the Afghan border.

The paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) stepped up an offensive targeting Taliban havens in Bajaur district after a suicide bombing killed 17 people at a military checkpoint on Saturday.
Bajaur, which is at the northern tip of the semi-autonomous tribal belt, has seen a spike in attacks and Pakistan is under US pressure to do more to eliminate the extremist menace to ease the conflict in Afghanistan.
The raids are concentrated around Mamoond, about 12 kilometres (eight miles) northwest of Khar, a notorious Taliban hideout which Pakistan failed to clear in past offensives against militant havens.
“When we started the operation it was estimated that there were about 1,000 militants present in the area and 80 of them have been killed so far,” Colonel Rana Munnawar told reporters at a briefing in the village of Sawai.
There was no independent confirmation of the death toll. Local officials have given a combined toll of 43 militants killed since Saturday, and said two other militants were found hanging from a pole outside Khar.
Four soldiers have been killed, Munnawar said. Militants from nearby districts Swat and Dir, where Pakistan quelled a major Taliban uprising last year have also joined the fight, he added.
Pakistani troops backed by jets, helicopter gunships and commandos swung into action Sunday in Sawai, some 22 kilometres northwest of Khar, where they have come under mortar and rocket fire, Munnawar said.
He claimed the offensive had dislodged a Taliban command and control system, but expected main operations to take another 15 days.

The colonel said troops had also captured the strategic height of Khaza, where the militants had attacked from bunkers and set up a training centre.
Pakistan first launched operations in the district in August 2008 and has claimed several times to have eliminated the Islamist militant threat.
US officials call Pakistan's tribal belt the most dangerous place on earth and, following the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan, the headquarters of Al-Qaeda, which has links to Taliban and other extremist networks. -AFP

Karachi violence claims 27 lives within 4 days

Updated at: 1049 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010
KARACHI: Another person was brutally killed by unidentified shooters on Tuesday morning, taking the tally of target killings to 27 persons within 4 days of extreme chaos, violence and tension here in metropolis; meanwhile, nearly 2 dozen more injured victims are being treated at separate hospitals in city, Geo news reported. On Monday, at least 7 more people were gunned down by late night when some unidentified armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire in the Nazimabad and Khwaja Ajmer Nagri localities of metropolis city, mounting the death toll to 26.According to reports, unknown armed men started firing near Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, killing four people, two of them on the spot. While two more succumbed to injuries in hospital. Immediately after the incident, the hospitals’ doors were closed.Later, another incident of incessant firing occurred near Abbasi Phatak located underneath Nazimabad Bridge, killing 5 persons on the spot including a youth who resided in nearby flats, police sources said.Two persons were gunned down in Orangi Town and Qasba Colony as the deceased persons were reportedly hailing from two different political parties and used to serve as their activists, sources claimed.The incident seems to be the part of recent spate of target killings in mini-Pakistan, according to police.

Talks to free Israeli soldier halted: Hamas

Updated at: 1536 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010
LONDON: Negotiations between Hamas and Israel over a prisoner swap involving captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit have stopped, a senior official in the Islamist movement said in an interview aired Tuesday. "Up to this moment, we fail to achieve this process," Mahmud Zahar told the British broadcaster. "After the interference of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, there was a big regression and retraction. For this reason, everything has stopped," said Zahar, one of the leaders of Hamas in its Gaza Strip stronghold. Although Israel is reportedly prepared to release about 450 prisoners in exchange for Shalit, Netanyahu has vowed not to free several high-profile Palestinians who Hamas insist must be part of any deal. Shalit, now 23, was captured by Hamas fighters and militants from two other groups in a cross-border raid from Gaza in June 2006.

Nearly half a million have fled Haitian capital: UN

Updated at: 1606 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010
GENEVA: Nearly half a million people have fled Port-au-Prince for the Haitian countryside following the devastating earthquake that destroyed the capital, the United Nations said on Tuesday. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 90 percent of the people leaving the capital for rural areas were staying with relatives, and supporting these host families was now a priority. Prices of basic commodities such as rice and sugar are rising as a result of the influx of people, the UN said, and medical centres are short of stock and equipment for emergency care. "The government has revised the number of people leaving Port-au-Prince for outlying departments to 482,349 people, as of 31 January," the UN body said.

Bilour seeks govt intervention on Karachi killings

Updated at: 1803 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

PESHAWAR: NWFP senior minister Bashir Bilour, denouncing the recent spate violence in Karachi, called for the government’s intervention to stop the ongoing incidents of target killing. In a statement from Peshawar on Monday, Bilor slammed wave of target killings in Karachi and demanded its immediate halt. He emphasized that the government should arrest the culprits, who were mostly targeting the Pakhtun inhabitants. Bilour further said that safety of life and property of citizens should be ensured. He urged the Sindh Government take immediate measures to curtail target killings so that any untoward incident could be averted in future

Shoaib Malik named captain for T20 against Australia

Updated at: 1806 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

MELBOURNE: Allrounder Shoaib Malik has been appointed captain for the only Twenty20 International which will be played against Australia here at the MCG on February 5.Pakistan team will not have the services of T20 captain Shahid Afridi as he is facing a ban for two T20 matches for his ball-biting in the fifth and final One-day International at Perth.This may be recalled that Shoaib Malik was removed from captaincy after the ODI home series against Sri Lanka in January last year.

SRK stands by his IPL statement

Updated at: 1006 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010
New York: Under attack from Shiv Sena for his remarks on the IPL, Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan on Tuesday said he was not apologetic for favouring the inclusion of Pakistani players and termed the activities of the party as "undemocratic". Standing by his comments, Shah Rukh asserted he believed that every Indian would agree that India is a "good country" and that "everyone is welcome as a guest", but at the same time said too much importance was being attached to the words of "just an actor". "It makes me feel that activities like this are unhealthy, undemocratic, its insensitive but this is the world is and you can only say what you believe in and stand by it and hopefully I will have the strength to do so," Khan told reporters when asked about the Shiv Sena protests back home. "As an Indian I'm not ashamed, guilty or unhappy about what I said neither am I sorry," he said. Following the IPL snub, Khan who is also the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders franchise, had spoken against ignoring the Pakistani players and said he would take in cricketers from across the border if his team had an empty slot. Shiv Sena activists reacted angrily terming it an issue of patriotism, burnt the posters of his upcoming film 'My Name is Khan,' and took their protest to his bungalow in Mumbai. The party has threatened to not allow the screening of the film, unless the actor apologises.

LPG price likely to be stable in Feb

Updated at: 1502 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010
KARACHI: The LPG prices are expected to remain stable in February as the gas price went down by $3 per tonne in monthly contracts in international market, Geo News reported Tuesday.According to LPG industry sources, the LPG price may scale down by 25 paisa in view of the price slump by $3 in international market.However, diesel price is expected to remain pegged at the present level, as the fuel price surged in international market.The LPG is still being imported into the country, as a ship carrying 33,000 tonnes of the gas anchored at Port Qasim. While, another ship is expected to arrive here during the current month.

Nearly half a million have fled Haitian capital: UN

Updated at: 1606 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010
GENEVA: Nearly half a million people have fled Port-au-Prince for the Haitian countryside following the devastating earthquake that destroyed the capital, the United Nations said on Tuesday. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 90 percent of the people leaving the capital for rural areas were staying with relatives, and supporting these host families was now a priority. Prices of basic commodities such as rice and sugar are rising as a result of the influx of people, the UN said, and medical centres are short of stock and equipment for emergency care. "The government has revised the number of people leaving Port-au-Prince for outlying departments to 482,349 people, as of 31 January," the UN body said.

Election symbols allotted for NA-55 by-poll

Updated at: 1928 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010

LAHORE: The Punjab Election Commission, releasing the final list of candidates contesting by-election in NA-55, allotted them election symbols.The polling will be held on Feb 24 in this constituency. According to the election commission, 25 candidates will contest in NA-55 Rawalpindi. PML-N candidate was allotted lion while Awami Muslim League candidate was allotted with ‘Kalam dawat’ symbol. Apart from PML-N and AML, no other major party has fielded its candidate here.

Pakistan win 6 gold medals in South Asian Games

Updated at: 1545 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010

DHAKA: Pakistan won gold and silver medals in the singles event of squash to take the gold medals tally to six in the South Asian Games here on Tuesday.The men’s singles final in squash was played between Pakistan’s Aamir Atlas Khan and Farhan Mehboob and Aamir defeated his cousin Farhan in three straight sets 12-10, 11-7 and 11-7 to win the gold medal.In weightlifting, Pakistan’s Usman Rathore won the gold medal in 94kg category of weightlifting while Khurram Shehzad, also from Pakistan, secured gold for the country in -85kg.In kabaddi, Pakistan thrashed Bangladesh 17-11 while Zahid Iqbal won gold for the country in judo.In all, Pakistan’s tally of medals reached 16 – six gold, eight silver and two bronze while India are still going ahead of all the participating countries with 17 medals.in the Games. The fourth group, consisting of 56 players, of Pakistan contingent left here for Dhaka, Bangladesh to take part in the South Asian Games.

Loans worth Rs256b written off in 38 years

Updated at: 1351 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan told the Supreme Court that various government banks and financial institutions written off loans worth over Rs256 billion during last 38 years, Geo News reported Tuesday.Of them, there are borrowings upto a limit over Rs500,000 worth Rs213 billion and Rs43 billion upto a limit below Rs500,000.The central bank tabled a report to the apex court bench in this connection in a suo motu case being heard by a three-judge bench headed by Justice Sardar Muhammed Raza.According to the report, the loans amounting to Rs11.22 billion with a limit of Rs500,000 and above were written off to at least 1424 people during a span from 1971 to 1996.Another 22021 people got loans worth over Rs202 billion written off from 1997 to 2009. Similarly, in the period from 1971 to 2009, at least 640,000 people got their loans worth below Rs500,000 written off.According to the SBP report, there is no record of Indus Bank and Banker Equity among the defaulters.The SBP said in its report that these loans include the capital, markup and other various charges.The committee comprising the presidents of the five banks requested the court to become party to the case. On this, the court issued notices to the parties and adjourned the hearing sine die.

Can’t let Afghans fall into Taliban’s hands: Nato chief

Updated at: 0606 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010

BRUSSELS: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Monday we will never abandon Afghanistan into hands of Taliban, Geo news exclusively reported.Talking to Geo news correspondent, Khalid Hameed Farooqi, he said Nato troops to continue their operations until Afghan security forces gained ability to defend their country.He said we cannot let Afghanistan fall into hands of Taliban unless Afghan security forces become able to take control of their country.Also, Nato chief ruled out stay of troops in Afghanistan forever. “Our goal is to hand Afghan people the security of their country and will stay in there unless the accomplishment of this goal.”

PM phones Altaf, discusses Karachi unrest

Updated at: 1955 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani today spoke to Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain on phone and discussed with him the country’s political situation. According to sources, both leaders exchanged views on the recent spate of violence in Karachi that entered fourth day on Tuesday. The two leaders also discussed to enhance cooperation between PPP and MQM leaders.

PPP conspiring to take over Karachi: MQM

Updated at: 1823 PST, Tuesday, February 02, 2010

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Rabita Committee on Tuesday demanded a medical examination of Sindh Local Bodies Minister Agha Siraj Durrani at any good hospital over use of non-parliamentary language against MQM and City Nazim during Sindh Assembly’s session. Addressing a joint press conference along with other party’s leaders at Nine Zero, MQM’s Deputy Convener Anis Kaimkhani said some members of the Pakistan People Party (PPP) believe in politics of hypocrisy rather than reconciliation. He alleged that PPP had not only supported the infamous Rehman Dacoit Group but also employed its some 5, 000 criminal people in the Police department. “Why Nabeel Gabool’s son was released after being arrested for keeping illegal arms?” he asked Mirza.The MQM leader said that PPP was using negative tactics to take over Karachi. Kaimkhani further said that Home Minister Zulfiqar Ali Mirza carried out bloodshed in Karachi on Yaum-e-Ashur and released several culprits.

Committee formed on team’s poor performance in Australia

Updated at: 1933 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

LAHORE: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt has formed a six-member committee for reviewing the poor performance of the national cricket team on the tour of Australia while he said that the resignation of Iqbal Qasim has not been accepted and he has been asked to continue his job until the Twenty20 World Cup.Talking with media here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday, the chairman PCB said that all matters are now under process so the resignation of Iqbal Qasim cannot be accepted and he has been directed to continue as chief selector.Ijaz Butt said that the PCB has formed a six-member committee which will be headed by Wasim Bari and will include Wazir Ali Khoja, Yawar Saeed, Haroon Rasheed, Zakir Khan and Tafazzul Rizvi.Besides reviewing the team’s performance, the committee will also review the violations of discipline and other matters and then it will submit its recommendations to the chairman.

Female suicide bomber kills 41 pilgrims in Baghdad

Updated at: 1708 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010
BAGHDAD: A female suicide bomber blew herself up among a crowd of Shiite pilgrims on their way by foot to a shrine city in central Iraq on Monday, killing 41 people, including women and children, officials said.The attack took place while the pilgrims had stopped over at a rest station as they made their long journey to Karbala, 110 kilometres (68 miles) south of the Iraqi capital, for a religious festival."At 11.45 am (0845 GMT), a woman wearing an explosives-filled belt blew herself up in the middle of a crowd of pilgrims going to Karbala," said Major General Qassim Atta, spokesman for Baghdad operational command.An interior ministry official gave the toll and said the wounded were being treated at five hospitals in Baghdad.A medical official said initial reports indicated that five women and six children were among the dead.The victims had been travelling on foot from the central province of Diyala and had stopped at a food tent set up for pilgrims heading for Karbala to observe Arbaeen rituals. Arbaeen marks 40 days after the Ashura anniversary that commemorates the killing of revered 7th century Imam Hussein, whose shrine is considered one of the holiest places of Shiite Islam.Tens of thousands of Shiites, including many from neighbouring Iran, make their way at Arbaeen to pay homage at the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, walking as a sign of greater piety.The culmination of Arbaeen is on Friday and pilgrims have for days been seen at roadsides around Baghdad as they make their journeys south.

Administrators will be apolitical: PPP, MQM

Updated at: 2119 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement have reached an agreement on the appointment of non-partisan administrators before the local bodies elections in Sindh.This was announced by PPP leader Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq and MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar while talking to media persons here outside Bilawal House on Monday.They said a bill in connection with the above will soon been tabled before Sindh Assembly and the date of local bodies polls will also be announced.The meeting of PPP-MQM core committee was held here at Bilawal House under the chairmanship of President Asif Ali Zardari.The meeting reviewed overall law and order situation of the province including Karachi besides the future of local bodies system.Dr. Farooq Sattar said agreement has been reached that the administrators will be non-political and that the local bodies elections will be held in the next 3 to 4 months. The date of elections will be announced soon, he added.It was also came under discussion that the mandate of each party would be respected. Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq said some elements are not happy with the PPP-MQM alliance and not leave any opportunity of creating a rift between the two parties.

Obama proposes $1.2 bln to aid Pakistani military

Updated at: 2122 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday proposed $1.2 billion in funding next year to help train and equip Pakistani security forces to fight Taliban militants.Created by Congress last year, the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund set aside some $700 million in 2009 to train and equip the country's army and other security forces.

Gen Kayani vows to root out militancy despite losses

Updated at: 1836 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said that Pakistan has suffered the maximum in terms of human and economic losses due to terrorism and violent extremism, but it has not dented the resolve of the nation and its armed forces to root out the terrorism in line with own national interests.He made these remarks, while talking to a group of foreign correspondents on his return from Brussels, where he had gone to attend the conference of NATO commanders on a special invitation.The Army chief said he has conveyed the concerns, challenges, contributions and constraints of Pakistan in its fight against the terrorists.The COAS said that he had highlighted the key issues of the conflict that needed to be fully understood and addressed. He drew the attention of the forum towards the huge sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan and its armed forces, due to the effect of ‘Blow Back’.Referring to Afghanistan, Gen Kayani said: “Our objective is to have peaceful, stable and friendly Afghanistan. We cannot wish for Afghanistan anything that we don’t wish for Pakistan”. He reaffirmed that geography, culture and history can neither be separated nor wished away and emphasized that our operations in 2009 have helped improve situation in Afghanistan in terms of squeezing of spaces, better control of areas and continuous logistic flow.The COAS identified five fundamentals that helped in turning the tide and must not be lost sight for future operations. These are: public opinion, media support, army’s capability and resolve, ‘our war’ was not ‘US war’ and a comprehensive strategy based on four different phases namely clear, hold, build and transfer.About the way forward, he said that, the fundamentals should remain strong and intact, short and long term interests be reconciled, strategic direction should be maintained and coordination be effect based.He informed the NATO commanders that our strategic paradigm needs to be fully realized. He said we are the second largest Muslim nation in the World located in a strategic region defined by competing interests and civilizational cross roads, with a prolonged history of conflict. “We have three million Afghan refugees. At present, our operations are in a transitory phase (from hold to build), we must consolidate our gains and fully stabilize the areas secured, lest it falls back to terrorists.” Constraints of capability to absorb and operate, limited cutting edge counter intelligence, counter terrorism capability and limited budgetary space should be factored in, he said.In his concluding remarks, General said Pakistan has contributed to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. “We have the will and resolve to overcome the menace of terrorism in our country and we have the public support. We have also offered to train ANA and ANP, as we have the capacity and wherewithal to do so.” He reiterated that Pakistan should be trusted and enabled.

ICC asks CA for report on Khalid assault

Updated at: 1549 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

PERTH: The International Cricket Council(ICC) has asked Cricket Australia (CA) for a report into the breach of security that allowed a spectator to enter the field of play during the fifth and final One-day International between Australia and Pakistan at the WACA in Perth yesterday and tackle the Pakistan opener Khalid Latif to the ground.The incident occurred in the 46th over of Australia's innings. Latif was brought down from behind by 37-year-old David James Fraser but was uninjured. The spectator has been charged with assault and given a life ban from the ground. He was also fined A$500 (£280)."Obviously the ICC is very disappointed by the incident," an ICC spokesperson said. "There has been a clear security breach. We have asked CA to send us a detailed report on the incident before we can make any comment." Given the ICC's zero tolerance for such breaches, the matter is being viewed with concern and it could be brought up at the ICC executive board meeting in Dubai from 9-11 February.Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, said: "I just hope I never see that again to tell you the truth. I had seen that once a long time ago and that ended up being a horrible incident and seeing it again is a worry.The PCB is thought to be considering pursuing the matter though it has yet to make an official statement. Officials are expected to make an announcement later today.

Govt charges 39pc tax on a liter of petrol

Updated at: 1229 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010
KARACHI: The government is receiving a juggernaut of 39 percent tax on a liter of petrol that becomes Rs19.82/lit.The government yesterday rocketed the petrol price by Rs6.10 to Rs71.21/lit.In December 2009, the ex-factory price of petrol was Rs42.72/lit tagged with Rs4.42 as transportation charges, Rs2.36 as dealers’ commission and Rs1.89 as profit for the oil marketing company, totaling at Rs51.39/lit.Besides, the government charges Rs10 as Petroleum Development Levy and 16 percent as Sales Tax amounting to Rs19.82/lit, which add up to Rs19.82/lit; it means that government is charging 38.57 percent on the per liter of petrol. Experts said the government can slash its taxes to impart relief to the people at large and the business community, which will be instrumental in affording relief to the common man and it will help control the inflation rate as well.

Female suicide bomber kills 41 pilgrims in Baghdad

Updated at: 1708 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010
BAGHDAD: A female suicide bomber blew herself up among a crowd of Shiite pilgrims on their way by foot to a shrine city in central Iraq on Monday, killing 41 people, including women and children, officials said.The attack took place while the pilgrims had stopped over at a rest station as they made their long journey to Karbala, 110 kilometres (68 miles) south of the Iraqi capital, for a religious festival."At 11.45 am (0845 GMT), a woman wearing an explosives-filled belt blew herself up in the middle of a crowd of pilgrims going to Karbala," said Major General Qassim Atta, spokesman for Baghdad operational command.An interior ministry official gave the toll and said the wounded were being treated at five hospitals in Baghdad.A medical official said initial reports indicated that five women and six children were among the dead.The victims had been travelling on foot from the central province of Diyala and had stopped at a food tent set up for pilgrims heading for Karbala to observe Arbaeen rituals. Arbaeen marks 40 days after the Ashura anniversary that commemorates the killing of revered 7th century Imam Hussein, whose shrine is considered one of the holiest places of Shiite Islam.Tens of thousands of Shiites, including many from neighbouring Iran, make their way at Arbaeen to pay homage at the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, walking as a sign of greater piety.The culmination of Arbaeen is on Friday and pilgrims have for days been seen at roadsides around Baghdad as they make their journeys south.

Impeachment only way to remove President from office

Updated at: 1415 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Former Supreme Court Bar President Aitzaz Ahsan said the President of the State could be removed from his office through impeachment at the Parliament despite his ineligibility declared by the Supreme Court, Geo News reported Monday.Talking to media at the SC compound here, he said the President has the immunity from the criminal cases under Artcle-248 of the Constitution.The detailed verdict given by the 13-member SC bench headed by Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday in 2007 mentioned that the President has no immunity in civil cases.

Nawaz not to contest by-polls in NA-123

Updated at: 1100 PST, Monday, February 01, 2010

LAHORE: The leader of PML-N Nawaz Sharif will not contest by-poll from National Assembly constituency 123.According to PML-N sources, Nawaz has decided to withdraw nomination papers filed from NA-123. The spokesman of PML-N senator Pervaiz Rashid while talking to Geo News said Nawaz Sharif wants to give a chance to a worker who resisted the dictatorship to contest the election.

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.