Nizam-e-Adl Regulation to be implemented in next two days: Afrasiab Khattak

PESHAWAR  (2009-04-30 Qiyadat) Awami National Party leader Afrasiab Khattak has said on Thursday that the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation (NAR-2009) will be implemented in next two days. Talking to media outside the Parliament, Afrasiab said that Nizam-e-Adl and Talibanisation were two different things and should not be seen in a narrow context. He said the government has not announced any general amnesty and it would take strict action against anyone taking up arms after the promulgation of NAR-2009. Afrasiab said that root of the problem does not lie in Swat rather it emanates from FATA, a stronghold of parallel government. ANP leader said the NWFP government remains in contact with TNSM chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad and there are absolutely no differences between the province and the center.

PESHAWAR  (2009-04-30 Qiyadat)The leader of Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) Maulana Sufi Muhammad said ulema are biggest obstacle in Shariah enforcement. Addressing a jirga in Gambat Maidan area in Lower Dir, Maulana Sufi Muhammad said operation in Swat and Buner would boost Talibanisation. He offered to hold talks with government for ceasefire in Maidan. Maulana Sufi said government's candidates for Qazi's are not qualified on the other hand TNSM candidates are not acceptable for the government. He said those who will not lay down arms after establishment of Dar-ul-Qaza would be considered as rebel and their funeral prayers will not be offered.

KARACHI (2009-04-29 Qiyadat) 31 persons were killed and several injured including one constable while 20 vehicles were set on fire in Surjani and Khawaja Ajmer Nagri area of the metropolitan on Wednesday, police said. One person Jumma Khan was killed in Surjani town while another unidentified person was also shot dead in Khawaja Ajmer Nagri during a cross fire between two groups. The bodies were shifted to Abbassi Shaheed Hospital. The area was tensed as miscreants set ablaze at least nine vehicles including two passenger coaches in Khawaja Ajmer Nagri.

ISLAMABAD (2009-04-25 Qiyadat)President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said Pakistan is committed to eliminating extremism and militancy from the society but it required massive support and assistance by the international community to fight effectively this battle against terrorism and extremism. The President was talking to French special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Pierre Lellouche who called on him here at the Aiwan‑e‑Sadr. During the meeting matters pertaining to regional security situation, Pakistan‑French bilateral ties and Pakistan‑Afghanistan relations were discussed. Among others the meeting was attended by Secretary General to the President Salman Farouqi, Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Senator Rehman Malik and Secretary Foreign Affairs Salman Bashir. French Ambassador to Pakistan Daniel Jouanneau was also present during the meeting. The President thanked France for their support at a recent meeting of the ‘Friends of Pakistan’ forum in Tokyo. Pierre Lellouche conveyed French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s strong support for the government of Pakistan in the war on terror and said that France was fully aware of the problems confronting the region, and was looking forward to contributing effectively to their resolution. The French envoy said that the purpose of his visit was not only to familiarize himself with what Pakistan needed most at this critical juncture but also to assure the government and people of Pakistan of solid French support. He said that it was a good omen that the world community was converging to the view that Pakistan must be helped.

KARACHI (2009-04-25 Qiyadat) Tension prevailed across Karachi today after the killing of a political activist yesterday. At least persons including three brothers were injured in firing incidents in different areas. According to police, incidents of aerial firing were reported from North Nazimabad, Pahar Ganj, Qasba colony, Banaras and Metroville. A vehicle was torched in Qasba colony. Four people including three brothers sustained bullet injuries in two different incidents in Karachi on Saturday. Three brothers, Sardar Alam, Aziz-u-Rahman and Saeed Alam were injured when some armed men opened fire on them at Banaras colony area. The injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed hospital. In another incident, one Gul Muhammad was injured in firing at Ahsan Abad near Sohrab Goth and was shifted to hospital. 

KARACHI (2009-04-25 Qiyadat) Funeral prayer of the worker of Awami National Party (ANP) Suhail Khatak, who was gunned down by unknown assailants her, was held here on Saturday. A large number of party representatives and workers attended the funeral prayer held here in Sultanabad area. Unknown assailants killed Suhail Khatak here in Aram Bagh area on Friday

WASHINGTON    (2009-04-23 Qiyadat) Pakistani Ambassador to the United States of America Hussain Haqqani has said that there are not direct threats from Taliban to takeover Islamabad and ruled out guesses of people that Taliban have possessed potential to capture Islamabad overnight. In an interview with a US Television channel here on Wednesday, Hussain Haqqani was of the view the Taliban were isolated in mountainous regions and were not as close to Islamabad as is being portrayed. Haqqani claimed the situation is under control and is being monitored by the Pakistani military. “Pakistan is facing many challenges in terms of threats posed by Taliban but Government is cognizant with its responsibilities and geared up to take the Taliban bull by the horns” Ambassador maintained adding, “Swat peace accord was aimed at disarming Taliban.” He questioned US army’s success in Iraq even after collapsing seven years.

WASHINGTON    (2009-04-23 Qiyadat) US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that Pakistan's policy of ceding territory to Islamic extremists poses a serious threat that cannot be overlooked. During testimony before the foreign policy committee in the House of Representatives, Clinton called on Pakistanis "to speak out forcefully against a policy that is ceding more and more territory to the insurgents, to the Taliban, to al-Qaeda, to the allies that are in this terrorist syndicate." Taliban militants in Pakistan's Swat valley have continued to extend their authority since last week's agreement with the government allowing the militants to impose strict Islamic codes on the population in the northwest region. The United States has criticized the deal cut with the Taliban, citing similar arrangements that have failed in the past, emboldened the militants and their Islamist agenda and risked further the destabilization of the Pakistani government. "I don't hear that kind of outrage or concern coming from enough people that would reverberate back within the highest echelons of the civilian and military leadership of Pakistan," Clinton said. "We cannot underscore the seriousness of the existential threat posed to the state of Pakistan by the continuing advances now within hours of Islamabad that are being made by a loosely confederated group of terrorists," Clinton said. She added that their goal is to overthrow the Pakistani government and take control of the nuclear-armed state.

KARACHI     (2009-04-20 Qiyadat)  President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the Sindh Government to setup a Reform Committee for jails. This was disclosed by Sindh Senior Minister, Pir Mazharul Huq in Sindh Assembly after question hour here on Monday. It was during this hour that questions relating to Home and Jail departments were asked. He pointed out that accomodation in jails has become limited and President has directed vertical expansion of the jails, after taking all care about security aspects. Pir Mazhar said that in view of non‑availabiility of space, prisoners are rather thursted in the jails. He said the committee will come into being within few days and will work on war footing to make recommendations for jail reforms. The President, he said, has also issued directive for imparting technical training to jail inmates and said that wherever such facilities are available, the same should be improved further.

RAWALPINDI (2009-04-20 Qiyadat) Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Kahn has said that a great revolution would bring PML-N governments in all four provinces and at federal level with in six month. He said it is the bad luck that the rulers feel ashamed to be called Muslims during their foreign visits. Addressing a big public gathering at Haroon Chowk near Kuri Road in Dhoke Kashmirian Nisar said that the future of the youth and country will be brighter after the revolution. He asked the PML-N leaders not to support the police and the revenue officials, land mafia and tyrants if any official was caught doing this he would be de-seated from his party post.  He said that MQM Chief Altaf Hussain should have to know that PML-N is faithful to the masses and Islam but he (Altaf) himself is the puppet of foreign governments and enemies of Islam. Nisar Ali Khan announced funds of over 30 million for various mass projects of water supply, filtration plants, tube wells, construction of roads and construction of schools. He said the circumstances of Balochistan are worse and law and order situation is becoming worse in Punjab also. MPA Chaudhry Sarfaraz Afzal, Majeed Aqil Raja, Chaudhry Ansar Iqbal and other PML-N leaders also spoke on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD (2009-04-20 Qiyadat) The policy making Committee of National Judicial Counsel Sunday decided that in future no judge would take oath as acting governor nor accept any government office at federal or provincial level. The meeting presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry held here on Sunday. The committee expressed concern over the assuming of government posts by some retired judges. It said the government itself should avoid offering such offices to retired judges. The body also stressed the need to follow constitution in this regard.

TOKYO (2009-04-17 Qiyadat) President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday called on Emperor of Japan Akihito and discussed with him matters of bilateral interest. The President conveyed to Emperor Akihito the message of good wishes from the people of Pakistan and thanked Japan for its support and cooperation in hosting the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) meeting and the donors conference. The Japanese emperor exhibited a rare gesture by receiving President Zardari at the entrance of palace.

TOKYO (2009-04-17 Qiyadat) Encouraged by the donors’ conference here Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari said the financial pledges and commitments made by donors and friendly countries give new hope to Pakistan ‑ a frontline state in the war against terrorism. “I assure that with the support of world, Pakistan will overcome its challenges and get rid of the menace of terrorism and militancy”, the President said in his brief opening remarks at the donors’ conference co‑chaired by Japan and the World Bank. President said he was hoping for the out‑of‑box solutions, adding, Pakistan welcomes the proposed opening of FODP Secretariat in Islamabad. He thanked Japan for hosting and organizing the conference and said he looks forward to the support and assistance of international community for Pakistan to tackle the challenges of economy and terrorism. The United States and Japan announced $ one billion each, with Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE and Turkey pledging $ 700 million, $ 330 million, $ 300 million and $ 100 million respectively to help Pakistan meet its short‑term financial requirement. Japanese Foreign Minister, Hirofumi Nakasone speaking on the occasion said keeping in view Pakistan’s determination for economic reforms and counter‑terrorism, Japan has decided to extend US $ one billion in assistance. In extending this aid, he said, Japan intends to undertake swift and more effective assistance for poor affected by economic reforms, while also providing assistance towards capacity building and other areas so as to enhance the Government of Pakistan’s capacity to implement economic reforms. He said it was necessary for the international community to extend full support to Pakistan to overcome its challenges.Vice President of the World Bank Ms. Isabol Guerraro was appreciative of the encouraging response of the donors and hoped the conference will resolve the problems faced by Pakistan.

TOKYO (2009-04-17 Qiyadat) Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Tashihiro Nikai called on President Asif Ali Zardari here on Thursday and discussed matters of bilateral interest. The Japanese Minister told the Pakistani leader that the Japanese government will facilitate the import of mangoes from Pakistan by the private sector, and a delegation of mango experts will visit Pakistan soon to remove all hurdles in this respect. President Zardari said Pakistan will establish a special economic zone for the Japanese companies and investors in Karachi on an area covering 2500 acres of land. Tashihiro Nikai said Japan is satisfied with Pakistan economic strategy and program, as despite the global economic recession the country economic prospects look positive and the economy was track of growth. The President highlighted the need of increased people to people contacts, particularly enhanced enrolment of Pakistani students in Japan, which currently stood at around 200, to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. During the meeting, the two sides also discussed the prospects of increased trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Japan, with particular focus on the promotion of trade and investment ties. They also exchanged views about the matters relating to the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) ministerial meeting and the donors conference being hosted by Japan here on Friday. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Kamar Zaman Kaira, Advisor on Finance and Economic Affairs Shaukat Tareen and Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik were also present in the meeting.

TOKYO (2009-04-15 Qiyadat) President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday vowed to retrieve the country from various challenges including economic and security through home‑grown strategies and by following the policy of reconciliation and dialogue. The President was addressing the Pakistani community here, after he arrived in Tokyo to attend the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) ministerial meeting and the donors’ conference being hosted by Japan. He said whenever the PPP came into power it had to confront with different problems, but the party always faced the situation with great courage and took the country on forward path by converting the weaknesses into strength. The President said the present PPP government despite the economic crisis it inherited from the previous regime conceived and implemented a home‑grown strategy to save the country from the massive impact of global recession. He said the PPP government also engaged the world community to get them realize the problems faced by Pakistan, a front‑line state in the fight against terrorism, and help the country. The President said the concept of FODP initiative, launched by him in New York in September, was also part of this engagement which was aimed at helping Pakistan and the region, facing the menace of terrorism and militancy which could affect the peace of whole world.“As today’s world has turned into a globe, no country can avoid the impact of any happening in any part,” he added. The President said there was a growing sense of realization in the world about the problems faced by the Muslim world, adding, whereas the Muslim countries were also alive of the situation and were striving to present the true image of Islam before the world contrary to what was being portrayed by the extremist elements. He said as Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance, brotherhood and harmony, the forces who are portraying Islam in a wrong way by following the path of aggression, will face defeat. The President said with this approach the present government was talking to the world, telling them that the majority of people in Pakistan including in the tribal areas were moderate and peace‑loving.“If the people in Wana vote for PPP candidates, it gives a message that if they cannot fight (with the militants) they can express their opinion by giving vote to moderate elements,” he said. Referring to the peace agreement with Malakand Division (Swat), the President said that is not a Shariat Bill rather Nizam‑e‑Adl Regulation ‑ an agreement negotiated and reached between the provincial government and local people in Swat. He said the regulation is aimed at providing speedy justice to the people of that area, which had their own views and opinion about resolving the problems faced by the people in that area. The President, however, added that now with this regulation in place, the people with whom the provincial government has reached the agreement are responsible for the establishment of peace in Malakand. He further said that this agreement should not be taken as a weakness of the government or the state, rather is meant to resolve the issues through the policy of dialogue and reconciliation, which is hallmark of the PPP.“We talk about dialogue in Balochistan, in Wana and in the whole of Pakistan, as Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto also talked of reconciliation in her last book.”The President said the PPP government wanted to get the world realize that the issues can be resolved through dialogue and in this way defeating those elements who want clash of civilizations. He referred to the PPP government’s engagement with the world community to resolve the issues amicably and said it is always democratic dispensation which believes in dialogue and development for the benefit of people and country instead of individual benefits by the dictators. The President said the PPP government wants strengthening of institutions, poverty alleviation, as well as tackling all other challenges, adding, the FODP ministerial meeting is expected to come up with effective support from the international community for the democratic Pakistan. He also referred to the appointment of special envoys for Pakistan by the major countries and it was a positive development and will help Pakistan get much needed assistance support for development and progress.“Our spirits are high. We have never accepted defeat and will Insha Allah take the country out of various challenges.”Foreign Minster Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Information minister Qamar Zama Kaira, advisers to PM Rehman Malik and Shokat Tareen, PNDF Chairman Muhammad Akhtar Shaikh, PMLN Japan President Rana Abrar Hussain, Senior Vice president, Mahr Hafiz shams, Genral Secretary Miyan Muhammad Akram, PPP Leaders and workers also attened the speech of President Asif Ali Zardari. The President Asif Ali Zardari said that Nizam-e-Adl Regulation, not Sharia, had been enforced in Malakand Division, adding the government could reconsider the regulation if peace was not restored. Addressing the Pakistani community in Tokyo, President Zardari urged the international community to extend an emergency financial assistance to Pakistan. Terrorists could become powerful if urgent aid was not given, he noted.The president said Friends of Pakistan was the best forum to bring improvement in the country's fragile economy.

TOKYO (2009-04-15 Qiyadat) President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday arrived here via Dubai on a three‑day official visit to attend the meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan and donor's conference being hosted by Japan. The President was received at the Haneda Airport by senior officials of Japan's Ministry of External Affairs, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pakistan's ambassador in Japan Noor Muhammad Jadmani and Japan's envoy in Islamabad Chihiro Atsumi. Besides presiding over the FODP ministerial meeting and participating in the donors' conference, President Zardari will also hold bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. The President will also meet the Emperor of Japan. He did a speech in a New Otani Hotel's Rei room to have an  about 250 audience with the Pakistani community in Tokyo. The FODP meeting will consider proposals to extend support and assistance to Pakistan, a frontline state in the war against terrorism, through long‑term and sustainable engagement. The initiative of FODP forum was introduced by President Zardari in September 2008 in New York. Since then, the two expert‑level meetings of the forum have been held in UAE to discuss ways and means to help Pakistan. Pakistan is seeking world support in various areas and has finalized its proposals, with particular focus on five clusters including development, security, energy, institution building, and trade and finance. At the donors' conference being held simultaneously, Pakistan will seek direct budgetary assistance for its immediate financial needs.

TOKYO (2009-04-14 Qiyadat) Hectic engagements await President Asif Ali Zardari in Tokyo, who will be arriving here on Wednesday to attend an important meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) and a donors’ conference being hosted by Japan on April 17. Besides presiding over the Freinds Of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) ministerial meeting and participating in the donors’ conference, President Zardari during his three‑day stay in Japan will also hold bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. The President will also meet with the Emperor of Japan. He is also expected to have an audience with the Pakistani community in Tokyo. “The hosting of FODP meeting and donors’ conference by Japan is a message from the world community that it is with Pakistan and will not leave it alone in this critical hour,” Pakistan’s Ambassador in Japan Noor Muhammad Jadmani told. He said the participants of FODP will consider the proposals to extend support and assistance to Pakistan, a frontline state in the war against terrorism, through long‑term and sustainable engagement. He said the Japanese side was eagerly looking for President Zardari’s visit, which is very important as it will provide Pakistan an opportunity to present its case before its friends. The initiative of FODP forum was introduced by President Zardari in September 2008 in New York. Since then, the two expert‑level meetings of the forum have been held in UAE to discuss ways and means to help Pakistan. Jadmani said Pakistan is seeking world support in various areas and has finalized its proposals, with particular focus on five clusters including development, security, energy, institution building, and trade and finance. Similarly, he said, at the donors’ conference being held simultaneously, Pakistan will seek direct budgetary assistance for its immediate financial needs. President Zardari’s meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister on April 16 will help further strengthen the close and friendly relations that already exist between the two countries, he added. “President’s visit to Japan is aimed at further deepening Pak‑Japan multi‑dimensional cooperation and finding new ways and means towards further promoting mutually beneficial cooperation,” said Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit in a weekly briefing in Islamabad. Pakistan and Japan enjoy friendly and cooperative relationship in different fields and Japan is the biggest trade and development partner. The two countries have established a wide network of institutional mechanism for consultations in different fields. Japan is also a major investor in Pakistan and several projects have been completed and others are currently at various stages of implementation with the help of Japan’s assistance that had contributed to the development of various sectors in Pakistan. 

ISLAMABAD ( 2009-04-14 Qiyadat ) President Asif Ali Zardari has authorized the governor NWFP to promulgate the Nizam-e-Adal Regulation 2009 after the passage of a unanimous resolution by the Parliament Monday. The President inked his approval to the resolution, ensuring the supremacy of the constitution and Parliament. The President had referred the matter to the Prime Minister for debate in the Parliament. The peace agreement was signed between Provincial Government of NWFP and Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi, on February 16. Earlier, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani congratulated the National Assembly on the passage of the resolution. He said that by supporting the implementation of the agreement signed by the provincial government, the National Assembly was respecting the mandate, desire and the will of the Provincial Government. The Regulation provides for Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi through courts in the Provincially Administered Tribal Areas of the NWFP except the Tribal Area adjoining Mansehra district and the former State of Amb. The Regulation was submitted to the President by the NWFP Governor and the President had asked the Prime Minister to lay it before the Parliament considering it expedient for supremacy of the Parliament.

ISLAMABAD ( 2009-04-14 Qiyadat ) National Assembly on Monday adopted a unanimous resolution recommending the President to accord approval to Nifaz‑e‑Nizam‑e‑Shariah regulation for furthering objective of peace in Swat. The Resolution was moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan. The MQM legislators stayed away from the voting process. Speaking in the House after passage of the historic resolution, the Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani congratulated the House. The Prime Minister said that by supporting the implementation of the agreement signed by the provincial government, the National Assembly was respecting the mandate, desire and the will of the Provincial Government. He said that it was the manifesto of the PPP to make the Parliament sovereign and supreme institution and passage of this resolution was a major strive in this direction. The Regulation provides for Nifaz Shariat‑e‑Muhammadi through courts in the Provincially Administered Tribal Areas of the NWFP except the Tribal Area adjoining Mansehra district and the former State of Amb. The Regulation was submitted to the President by the NWFP Governor and the President had asked the Prime Minister to lay it before the Parliament considering it expedient for supremacy of the Parliament. After signing of the agreement between the NWFP Government and TNSM on February 16,2008, the law and order situation in Swat had started improving. Earlier, Dr Babar Awan said that some legislators during their speeches had only read the rules partiality and gave the impression that the National Assembly had no power to debate this issue. He also mentioned that some MNAs had pointed out that such a resolution can be moved but only by giving it a three‑day notice. Babar Awan said that the rules allow the Speaker to allow presentation of a resolution of urgent nature anytime. In this connection he referred to resolutions,adopted by the National Assembly on Palestine,Kashmir and many other issues which were also moved under Rule 159.

ISLAMABAD ( 2009-04-12 Qiyadat ) Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani formally invited the PML (N) to rejoin the federal cabinet as both democratic parties have a common objective to strengthen the democratic institutions and to steer the country out of its present challenges. He extended this invitation to President PML (N) and Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, who met him at the Prime Minister here this afternoon. Stressing the need for cooperation between the two major mainstream political parties in the greater national interest, the Prime Minister said that one of the major preconditions in the way of PML (N) to rejoin the federal cabinet have been fulfilled with the restoration of judges.

TOKYO ( 2009-04-11 Qiyadat ) Japan is considering providing up to one billion dollars in economic aid to Pakistan over the next two years, a newspaper reported on Saturday. The Japanese government will reveal details of the planned aid in Tokyo on April 17 at a meeting of donors to be co-hosted by the World Bank, a business newspaper said. The assistance -- a combination of yen loans and grants -- is designed to help poverty-stricken areas of Pakistan that could become breeding grounds for terrorists, the newspaper said. Funds will also be used to build infrastructure and provide education and job training, it said. Conference participants, including Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and US envoy Richard Holbrooke, are expected to agree on giving around four billion dollars in aid to Pakistan over a two-year period, the daily said. Japan has sought to contribute to US-led efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan since US President Barack Obama's administration reviewed its policies and appointed Holbrooke as regional envoy. Japan, which has been officially pacifist since World War II, is hoping to expand its role in international security short of dispatching troops. "We must show our strong commitment as the chair nation," a Foreign Ministry official said, according to a business newspaper.

ISLAMABAD ( 2009-04-11 Qiyadat ) PNDF Chairman Muhammad Akhtar Shaikh condemned the recent killings of three Baloch leaders and demanded of the United Nations to probe into the killing of Baloch National Movement Chief Ghullam Muhammad Baloch, Lala Munir and Sher Muhammad Baloch, the Baloch leaders in Balochistan. He strongly condemned the killing and expressed the hope that the perpetrators of the killing would be brought to justice. The PNDF Chief made an appeal to all Baloch nationalist must unite and join hands to get their rights. PNDF Chairman Shaikh Muhammad Akhtar said that today the situation in pakistan is same like 1970. He also demanded the Pakistani authorities to thoroughly investigate these three deaths and to bring those responsible to justice.

ISLAMABAD ( 2009-04-9 Qiyadat )President Asif Ali Zardari will visit Tokyo from April 15 to 17 to attend an important meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan and a donor’s conference. “President’s visit to Japan is aimed at further deepening Pak‑Japan multi‑dimensional cooperation and finding new ways and means towards further promoting mutually beneficial cooperation,” said Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit at his weekly briefing on Thursday. During his stay in Japan, President’s audience with the Emperor of Japan is expected. The President will preside over the ministerial meeting of FODP on April 17, the spokesman said. Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso will hold a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and exchange views on bilateral relations and international affairs. The spokesman said Pakistan and Japan enjoyed friendly and cooperative relationship in different fields and Japan is the biggest trade and development partner. He said the two countries have established a wide network of institutional mechanism for consultations in different fields. He said Japan is also a major investor in Pakistan and several projects have been completed and others are currently at various stages of implementation with the help of Japan’s assistance that had contributed to the development of various sectors in Pakistan. The President will also attend the inaugural session of the donor’s conference. Main elements of the bilateral segment of the programme include calls by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry and President of Japan international Cooperation (JICA). The President will also receive the President of Japan Pakistan Parliamentarian Friendship League, a group of prominent businessmen and representatives of media. The spokesman said hosting of FODP meeting and donors’s conference signifies Japan’s acknowledgement of Pakistan’s contribution made in the global campaign against terrorism and extremism and its support for Pakistan’s progress and development.

WANA ( 2009-04-8 Qiyadat ) A suspected US missile strike killed three militants and wounded four other people in South Waziristan area bordering Afghanistan on Wednesday, security officials said. "Drones initially flew over mountains around Gangi Khel, where the Taliban have some positions. There was some ground fire towards one of the drones and they left the area," said one security official, on condition of anonymity. Gangi Khel is a village around five kilometres (three miles) west of Wana, the main town in the semi-autonomous South Waziristan district. "Drones returned after some time and targeted a vehicle, which was parked near some shops. Three people were killed in the attack. Four others were wounded -- they were either shopkeepers or local residents," the official said. Two security officials described the three dead as militants, revising an initial death toll of two. It was not immediately clear whether any high-value targets were killed. Another security official had earlier said it was not known whether the target was a vehicle or a house.

ISLAMABAD ( 2009-04-8 Qiyadat ) President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday while expressing firm commitment to fight extremism vowed that Pakistan will never give in to the militants and extremists. Talking to a Unites States Congressional delegation led by Senator John Kyl at the Aiwan‑e‑Sadr, the President said the fight against extremism cannot be won only through military means alone. Zardari said military was only one aspect of the solution and the government has resorted to a strategy of dialogue with reconcilable elements that are willing to give up violence. He said the international community has also realized the significance of this approach and added that same realization was also reflected in President Obama’s review strategy. The delegation comprised members of the US Senate and House of Representative from both Republican and Democratic parties. Matters relating to new US initiative announced by President Obama to fight militancy and terrorism in the region with focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan came under discussion. President Zardari said Pakistan appreciates the focus of international community on helping Pakistan fight militancy and extremism. He said Pakistan needs economic assistance to help alleviate poverty besides special police force will be equipped with modern weapons and equipment. This would help fight militants and extremism more efficiently. Referring to the upcoming meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan, the President said he will soon be going to Tokyo to attend the meeting and he expects generous political and strategic support of the international community to Pakistan.

TOKYO/ NAHA ( 2009-04-07 Qiyadat ) Japan Police arrested a man for throwing hot coffee on American Consul General Kevin Maher in Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture. According to police, Maher had gone to a coffee shop near the American Consulate, when a 43-year-old man who had just purchased hot coffee suddenly threw the beverage at him, yelling “Get out of Okinawa.” The suspect forcefully pushed the consul general in the chest. Maher held the man until police arrived, and the suspect was charged with assault. Maher was unharmed in the incident, police said.

TOKYO ( 2009-04-06 Qiyadat )The 30^th death anniversary of former prime minister and founder PPP chairman, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was observed, The ceremony of the death anniversary was held here in Japan on sunday at saitama city near Tokyo capital of Japan, with a pledge to follow his principles and transform Pakistan into a true democratic welfare state. The ceremony of the death anniversary was organized by Pakistan Peoples Party Japan, PNDF Chairman Muhammad Akhtar Shaikh, Pakistan Association Japan President Nida Khan Achakzai and others addressed the 30^th death anniversary ceremony of former prime minister and founder Pakistan Peoples Party chairman, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Addressing to ceremony PNDF Chairman Muhammad Akhtar Shaikh said that Bhutto is a symbol of inspiration and courage. He gave awareness to masses for their rights. Altaf Mehmood But convener Supreme Council of Pakistan Association Japan also joined the ceremony.                     

LARKANA ( 2009-04-05 Qiyadat )The 30^th death anniversary of former prime minister and founder PPP chairman, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was observed across the country on Saturday with a pledge to follow his principles and transform Pakistan into a true democratic welfare state. Main ceremony of the death anniversary was held  at Garhi Khuda Bux, in Sind Province, the final rest place of Quid-e-Awam, who preferred to sacrifice his life for cause of democracy instead of bowing down before the dictatorship. Thousands of Bhutto lovers including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Speaker and Deputy Speaker National Assembly, members of federal cabinet and  party workers, people belonging to various section of the society visited the final rest place of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his martyred daughter Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and sons Shaheed Shahnawaz and Murtaza Bhutto and offered fateha and paid homage to the great leaders. Late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, first elected prime minister of Pakistan was hanged by then dictator General Zia on April 4, 1979.  General Zia had unconstitutionally took over the rule and removed the elected prime minister and imposed martial law. Garhi Khuda Bux is a city now called “Martyrs of democracy” has gained an importance especially after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto as hundreds of thousands of spirited party workers thronged to this small town and can be seen chanting slogans to pay homage to their shaheed leaders. One can hear slogans like “Jeay Bhutto sada Jeay” and “Zinda hey BB Zinda hey” by workers gathered here from every nook and corner of the country. Senior PPP leader Dr. Israr Shah said Bhutto is a symbol of inspiration and courage. He gave awareness to masses for their rights. He was voice of deprived segment of society. Israr Shah, who was student leader in Z.A Bhutto’s era, said that former prime minister had a very humble and charismatic personality. Besides, he never compromised over the principles. Bhutto preferred death over compromise. He is physically not with us but his wisdom, his vision, his manifesto and his thought is still alive...Bhutto is a martyr, he will always rule the peoples’ hearts,” remarked Shah.  A function was organized here at PPP central secretariat to observe the 30^th Martyrdom Anniversary of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The function started with Quran Khawani and prominent PPP leaders addressed the session to highlight the achievements and services of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his Shaheed daughter Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for the betterment of masses and flourishing democracy and strengthening democratic institutions.

LONDON ( 2009-04-02 Qiyadat )World leaders closed on a deal to jumpstart the sputtering global economy at one of the most important summits of recent decades. After sharp differences over how to restore confidence, representatives of US President Barack Obama and other Group of 20 leaders agreed the IMF could get up to 500 billion dollars in extra funding and a tax haven black list could be drawn up. The British summit hosts expressed confidence an agreement would be clinched from the divisions at the meeting, which is being widely watched by markets and has sparked anti-capitalism riots in London in which one man died. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said in his opening speech to the summit that there was a 'very high degree of consensus.' The summit has focused on measures to regulate financial markets, a clampdown on excessive corporate salaries and tax havens and increasing funding for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Delegations were discussing ways to find hundreds of billions of dollars for the International Monetary Fund and other institutions, diplomats said. Some spoke of up to 500 billion dollars of extra money. There was broad agreement on drawing up a 'shame and name' blacklist of tax havens to force changes in banking secrecy. Tax havens that refuse to share information with other countries will face 'sanctions,' Stephen Timms, financial secretary to the British treasury told reporters. In due course there will be a list produced of countries that don't sign up... what's being discussed today is the timing,' he said. 'The era of banking secrecy is over.' A draft summit communique also called for restrictions on bonuses for bankers to discourage those who run short-term risks. British security forces put up a ring of steel around the Excel Conference centre in London's Docklands district — near the headquarters of many banks blamed for the international crisis. Small pockets of demonstrators built up around the summit and in the main financial district, the day after thousands laid siege to the Bank of England and attacked a branch of Royal Bank of Scotland. One man died after collapsing during the protests. Police said bottles and other missiles were hurled at them as they tried to resuscitate the man. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned in an article for Britain's Guardian newspaper that more than economics was at stake in London. He said that unless decisive action was taken, the crisis could lead to a 'growing social unrest, weakened governments and angry publics who have lost all faith in their leaders and their own future.' Inside the summit, rifts 'persisted' on how to draw up a new rule book for international finance and stimulus measures and combat protectionism, Britain's Business Secretary Peter Mandelson told reporters. France and Germany have demanded tough action by G20 leaders on regulation of global finance. French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel raised fears that the summit could fail by saying they were not happy with draft conclusions distributed ahead of meeting. They vowed to stand together to press for 'non-negotiable' new global finance rules and resisted pressure — notably from the United States and Japan — to pledge new stimulus measures to revive their ailing economies. 'Without new regulations there will be no confidence. And without confidence there will be no recovery. It's a major aim, non-negotiable,' Sarkozy told reporters at a combative joint press conference with Merkel. When asked about his threat to walk out of the summit if leaders failed to agree on sufficient new regulations, he said: 'This is a historic moment and we cannot run away.'  'Everybody is going to have to pick up the pace and I think that there is a recognition based on the conversations that I've had with leaders around the world that that is important,' he said. But Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who last week blamed 'white people with blue eyes' for the global economic crisis, tried to dampen expectations for the summit's final statement. 'We cannot leave with nothing,' he said, noting that traders around the world were looking to London for a sign. We can only hope for the best possible agreement.

LAHORE ( 2009-04-02 Qiyadat )PM Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said on Thursday that President Zardari will decide the role of Pakistan People’s Party in Punjab cabinet. Talking to journalists at Lahore Airport, Prime Minister Gilani said the Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif invited the PPP to rejoin provincial cabinet in a meeting with him yesterday, but any decision regarding the PPP’s role in Punjab will be taken by the president. Gilani said the government is committed to following the Charter of Democracy (CoD) which was signed by two former premiers. Responding to a question, the premier said he himself saw from inside his plane that Shahbaz and Governor Taseer shook hands and there was no grudge between the two.