No group claimed responsibility for the attack. But government put blame of such attacks on suspected Taliban. Taliban militants have carried out several attacks on security forces in Darra Adam Khel, in the past.
Officials said that the bomber tried to hit a security check post and exploded his bomb near its gate. NNI

They said that SSGCL technician team rushed to the site for repairing the damaged portion following which gas supply would be restored to the affected areas in the suburb of the city. The law enforcement agencies registered a case against unidentified men.-SANA

A three member bench of the apex court comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed and Justice Ch. Ijaz Ahmed gave the directives while hearing suo moto regarding existence of private torture cells by the police, a statement said on Thursday.

The court further ordered that after completion of this process a detailed report shall be submitted to the Court till June 8. “As far as the question of maintaining the torture cells by the police is concerned, in this behalf few reports have been submitted denying the allegations but we are not satisfied with the same because perusal of the report published in daily “Khabrain” date 13.1.2009 reveals that there were so many persons who died in custody of the police”, the order of the court said.

Shah Khawar, Additional Advocate .General, Punjab and Mr. Tahir Alam, SSP, Operation, Islamabad appeared before the Court on Court notice while Naseem Akhtar with her daughter appeared as complainant. Mr. Shah Khawar requested the court to grant some time to the SSP so that he may conduct inquiry personally and redress the grievance of the applicant. NNI

The Prime Minister said that “the UK Policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan: The Way Forward” announced by the British Prime Minister yesterday has many aspects which require careful examination and further clarifications.

He said that the policy acknowledges Pakistan’s position that military option alone cannot resolve the problems of insecurity, insurgency and terrorism while placing emphasis on the development dimension which his government has been advocating since long.

He however stressed that the policy must also recognize that the problems faced by Pakistan today are rooted in decades old conflict in Afghanistan; that Pakistan and Afghanistan have distinctly different political and institutional traditions and hence they must not be bracketed together for finding solutions of the problems faced by them.

The Prime Minister assured the British delegation of his government’s steadfast and unwavering commitment to fight the menace of extremism and terrorism but highlighted the urgency of capacity building of Pakistani Law Enforcing Agencies and Armed Forces as promised by important countries like US and UK.

The Prime Minister apprised the British MPs of the sense of anxiety generated amongst the people of Pakistan in and outside the country because of the arrests of Pakistani students in UK and urged them to play their role in ensuring that the people of Pakistani origin are not discriminated against in any way.

He added that since no evidence was found against the arrested Pakistani students, they should not be deported and be allowed to complete their studies.

He welcomed the heightened exchanges between Pakistan and UK in all levels and underlined the importance of people to people contacts and parliamentary exchanges for eliminating any possible misperceptions and misunderstandings in otherwise cordial relations between the two countries.

The British delegation expressed their understanding of the ground realities and the challenges being faced by Pakistan. They agreed with the Prime Minister on the need of evolving mechanism to check cross border movement of undesirable elements from both sides.

The leader of the delegation appreciated Pakistan’s role and sacrifices in the campaign against terrorism and assured that the British government will extend full support in this regard.-APP

This causes a loss of Rs5.5 billion to the local importers of tea, it said. The association has called for immediate attention of the government to the issue and demanded withdrawal of 10 per cent import duty on tea to resolve the problem.

Since the smuggled tea evades duties and taxes it is sold at a discount. This type of incentive is becoming a great source of attraction even for the legal tea importers and a large number of them have naturally diverting their buying towards the smuggled tea. If this trend is allowed to prevail the tea business is likely to be the haven of the smugglers.
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Riots and protests spread across Balochistan after bodies of central president of Balochistan National Moment (BNM) Ghulam Mohammad Baloch, leader of Baloch Republican Party Sher Mohammad Baloch and member of central committee of BNM Lala Munir Baloch were found in Paidarek, Balochistan.

According to The News, several cities of Balochistan including Quetta hit by protest against kidnapping and killing of Baloch leaders. A shutter down strike is being observed in Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Mushkay, Awaran and other areas. Angry protestors hurled stones on cars and set a blaze four vehicles in Quetta whereas PPP office set on fire in Panjgur. Protestors threw stones at DC office in Gwadar.

Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira Friday said that recent killing of three Baloch leaders is being probed at high level and it would be inappropriate for anyone to raise finger at the process. Talking to a private television channel in a telephonic interview the Minister said that Balochistan Chief Minister has constituted a high level investigation team at IG level and the matter is being probed.

Besides, he said that the Chief Minister has also ordered a judicious inquiry into the incident and the stakeholders are expected to wait and see the outcome. If some people have reservations over the members of inquiry teams, they have the right to express it he said adding but suspecting the governments’ intention is inappropriate. The government at center as well as at the province sincerely wants to reach the culprits of this unfortunate incident but a process had to be followed.

He said the PPP lead coalition government sincerely wants to solve the problems of Balochistan province and it wants to take the local political leadership on board in this regard. It is need of the hour that the stake holders instead of suspecting each other should come forward with open heart for amicable solution of the problems , the Minister said.

Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naek and acting Chairman Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali have strongly condemned the brutal murder of three Baloch nationalists and termed it a ‘heinous conspiracy’ against the federation. In a statement issued here on Friday, they said the killings of Baloch leaders was an attempt to sabotage government’s sincere efforts for creating a conducive atmosphere for national reconciliation in the country.

Farooq Naek and Jamali appreciated the services of slain Ghulam Muhammad Baloch, Sher Muhammad Bugti and Lala Munir and said they were true patriots and human-loving personalities. They appealed to the people of Balochistan to remain peaceful and expressed the hope that the culprits behind this heinous crime would soon be arrested and brought to justice. They sympathized with the bereaved families and prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved families to bear the loss with equanimity.

The US Embassy has condemned the killing incident of three Baloch leaders in Balochistan, saying the deceased had played an important role in the release of abducted UN official John Solecki. According to a statement issued here from US Embassy, the slaying of Baloch nationalists was condemnable, as they had cooperated with the government for the safe return of Solecki. The statement further said Pakistani authorities should bring the culprits involved in this heinous act to the court of law.

While The United Nations has expressed “serious concern” over the killing of three ethnic Baloch leaders that has sparked off riots in that Pakistani province. It called for an immediate investigation into the deaths of the three, who supporters say went missing on April 2 after being detained by security forces. The victims were members of the committee that was recently formed by the government of Pakistan to investigate the case of missing persons in the province, most notably abducted UN worker John Solecki, who was freed last Saturday.

Input from Agencies

The prominent social welfare activist Abdul Sattar Edhi phoned Rehman Malik and pleaded for search of Edhi ambulances to ensure evasion of ambulances’ exploitation in terrorist activities, the channel quoting sources added. Malik lauded Edhi’s resolve against extremism and assured him of ambulances’ search following his plea.

He made announcement of awarding Rs 10,00000 to police officers in case they identify and arrest terrorists in Karachi.-APP

At the outset of the hearing, Police officials informed that F.I.R. of the incident had been registered. They submitted the incident of flogging took place in the Kabbal Tehsil of Swat in the month of January. However, the girl has refused to appear before the court denying the incident. The eight-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is hearing the case.-SANA

Senior police official Wazir Khan Nasir said that 50 bodies and 60 people were recovered from the container. It was reported that the deaths apparently occurred because of suffocation. The dead and the unconscious victims were transferred to the Bolan Medical Complex hospital in Quetta.

The death tolls might rise as many of the unconscious victims were in critical condition, therefore, an emergency was declared in major hospitals in Quetta to cope with the situation, officials said. It is stated that most of the victims were hailed from Afghanistan and the area was cordon off and search operation was being carried out for detaining the driver.-SANA

The citizens of Lahore and the numerous groups will get together tomorrow to protest on the Mall Road. Concerned citizens in Karachi are also protesting at the Karachi Press Club.

This is a chance for you to stand up and be counted against the forces of extremism and aggression who are hellbent on destroying our beloved city Lahore and the country. If we will not raise our voices then we are condemned to be victims of history.

Let us march on the Mall Road in Lahore tomorrow, to counter darkness with peaceful protest – OUR STATE MUST FIGHT THE TERRORISTS
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Time:4:00pm – 5:00pm
Location:The High Court Lahore/Press Club, Karachi
City/Town: Lahore/Karachi,

Originally written by Raza Rumi

The only hope left with masses is – four of the terrorists are captured alive other than the one who has been identified as Afghan national outside the training center. The building has been cordoned off with intention to keep the forensic evidences intact.

Once Operation was ended up – police started firing; and pumped several shorts in the air; a traditional sign of celebration;flashed “V” signs- to announce victory and shouting “Allah-o-Akbar” for overpowering the terrorists.

The rounds given to police are purchased with the money– common people like us; pay in shape of taxes to government. Despite the fact that police has taken control of terrorists; Firing in air is still prohibited and illegal. Government has made it prohibited firing in air and if common men fire in air- police is liable to arrest them even if the intention is only jubilation.

According to Pakistan penal Court section 337 H-2 is applicable against the crime of Firing in air; it is bailable offense if intention is to celebrate but recently Pakistan Penal Court has incorporated it with anti-terror act. If someone is injured during firing in air; this becomes an un-bailable offense and minimum imprisonment defined is three years.

In wake of today’s incident – Footage on TV indicates that policemen kept firing in the air even after the operation was completed. Single bullet costs approximately 20-26 rupees to government if it is bought from ammunition companies that manufacture bullets in Pakistan. In case of imported bullets this costs increases accordingly. TV footage revealed that policemen kept firing in air for long. I am surprised why police was violating law while it is incumbent upon them to enforce law, If Any of the precious life of any passerby is lost due to firing– who will be accountable for it.

For many people in Pakistan firing in air was important for raising the morale among policemen but still it is advisable not to do such actions that are prohibited. Police is supposed to protect people and enforce law in country rather to violate it.

Policemen were firing as if they have conquered Delhi and celebrating this way. Masses pay taxes to government for their security and to maintain law and order in the country not for fake celebrations of police. Police is incapable of controlling street crimes in country; while it is widely known that attacks on Sri Lankan Cricket team was the failure of Pakistani law enforcement agencies. I would suggest Police forces instead of wasting time in such things they should focus on their duties; This incident would have been impossible without the assistance of rangers where uniformed high ups of police fall in the gutters.

“Writ petition, pending before the J&K high court reveals that from 1990 to 2007, 455 cases had been sent by the state government to the government of India for sanction, out of which 279 cases were sanctioned for prosecution,”

the spokesman of the APDP, Ghulam Nabi Mir, told reporters during the Association’s monthly meet here.
The troopers, he said, were committing “war crimes” and “worst kind of human rights abuses” with impunity. “The legal impunity is the main reason for the enforced disappearances. The state has no will and determination to prosecute the perpetrators.”

The association also demanded the arrest of the former deputy superintendent of police, Abdul Rashid Khan Alias Rashid Billa, the main accused in the Soura triple murder case. It said Billa was present in Valley and moving freely. “He is a perpetrator of war crimes and is involved in many cases of disappearances. He is enjoying state patronage,” the APDP said.

Billa, apart from being involved in several cases of disappearances, was also accused of killing three scooter-borne youth in June 1999. They were intercepted by police near Soura police station and then allegedly done to death by the accused. While the body of one was fished out from Dal Lake , other two bodies were exhumed from a little known village, Kitchama, near Sheri in north Kashmir ’s Varmul district.

Following the investigation, the SDPO and other policemen were charged with murder. While the case landed up in the court, the SDPO was dismissed from service. “The inquiry conducted by the CID department had indicted Billa in the disappearance case of Fayaz Ahmad Beigh, university employees who was arrested from KU campus in 1997,” the APDP added.-SANA

A procession leader said that he noticed a “suspicious looking woman,” dressed in black and with her face covered, walk into the tent and sit down, adding that when someone asked the woman who she was, there was a huge explosion. The blast caused panic and grief among the masses. It was the deadliest attack in Iraq this year and the third straight day of bombs targeting Shiite pilgrims.-SANA

Sardar Aseff Ali urged the donors that grant not debt was the need of the time. He said that given the existing economic situation, the country should be looking at other alternatives to debt, adding that even soft debt needed careful review because it had to be returned unless written off.

He said that the public-private partnership and direct foreign investments needed to be encouraged, considering poverty statistics of the country and a situation where painful exercise of rationalization of public sector development programme had to be undertaken.

The ADB fact finding mission led by Jesus Felipe gave a presentation on ‘policy implications of structural transformation in Pakistan,’ with the purpose of the consultation being ‘accelerating economic transformation programme in Pakistan in the context of Pakistan’s fiscal and external problems compounded by the international economic situation.’

The delegation explained that ADB’s role was to contribute to the development of a program that led to upgrading and diversification i.e., structural transformation of economic base in partnership with the country’s public and private sector.

It focused on the need of structural transformation, particularly in the industrial and exports sector. He emphasized that Pakistan should pay attention to increasing the level of sophistication of exports particularly in textiles.

Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali in his concluding remarks thanked the ADB mission and underscored the need for increased value addition in view of insignificant value addition in exports. One participant suggested that the fastest way to value addition was to bring technology through joint venture as it would have low gestation period but significant impact. Another stressed on the need for ‘indigenous industrialization.’ Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Economic Affairs also attended the meeting.

While reviewing MINFAL summary on Wheat Procurement Policy-2009 ECC noted that present government’s earlier announcement of Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) has resulted in increase of wheat cultivation area, simultaneously encouraging farmers to judiciously use the input in wheat cultivation.

ECC endorsed in principle Cabinet’s earlier approval for increasing wheat procurement targets from 5 million tones to 6.5 million tones and directed MINFAL and Ministry of Finance to jointly work out the domestic distribution and export strategy where needed.

ECC advised MINFAL to interact with Provinces and PASCO to cross check and finalize their wheat procurement ceiling, storage and distribution strategy by 1st March 2009. ECC further directed MINFAL to rework on its Wheat Procurement Policy-2009 in consultation with provinces and other stakeholders, and resubmit a comprehensive proposal in next ECC meeting.

ECC approved Ministry of Industries and Production’s summary for allocation of additional 35 MMCFD natural gas from Mari Gas Field to Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited effective October, 2009 with certain modifications.

ECC approved Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources proposal for gas supply to 50 MW power projects by diverting 12 MMCFD gas from SSGC system to PPIB, Ministry of Water and Power for 05 years for power generation in accordance with Natural Gas Allocation & Management Policy – 2005.

ECC was informed about rising milk prices trend, without benefit to small farmers. Ministry of Livestock and Dairy Development briefed ECC about its Milk Collection Processing and Dairy Production and Development Programme which is in progress and is designed to support farmers in reaping dairy products development-based benefits.

ECC constituted a Committee comprising reps of MINFAL, Ministry of Livestock and Dairy Development and Planning Commission to formulate a strategy for provision of benefits of stable milk prices to small farmers.

ECC directed Ministries of Petroleum and Finance to jointly work out a plan to hedge petroleum products taking an advantage of declining international market oil prices, and submit a comprehensive technical and financial proposal to ECC for consideration.

ECC considered Ministry of Industries and Production summary on provision of seed money for Pakistan Stone Development Company’s (PASDEC) Marble Cities Project, and reconfirmed it earlier approval to arrange loan of Rs.400 million from the banking system, enabling PASDEC to develop infrastructure for proposed marble cities which has tremendous potential for growth and development and could boost national economy.

ECC reviewed Key Economic Indicators (KEI) and overall price situation in the country and noted that overall Consumer Price Index-based inflation has registered a deceleration by 2.8% during January 2009 vs December 2008. ECC further noted that forex reserves during January 2009 stood at $ 10.3 billion that included impact of IMF’ first tranche of disbursement and other positive inflows.

ECC noted that overall workers’ remittances during July-December 2008 amounted to $ 3640.0 million showing an increase of 18.7%. ECC was informed that FBR has collected Rs.628.7 billion during first six months of CFY (July-December 2008), posting an increase of 22.7% compared with same period of last year.

Foreign Direct Investment during (July-December, 2008) amounted to $ 2327..3 million registering a healthy growth of 12.6% compared with the last year’s period under review. ECC was informed that out of 2.5 million tones of wheat earmarked for import, 1.76 million tones has arrived to supplement existing stock which stood at 1.666 million tones as on 1st February 2009.

It noted that existing sugar stock was reported to be around 1.173 million tones to supplement open market needs. ECC was informed that USC management has taken special measures to ensure quality and quantity of food items on USC’s nationwide outlets.

It however directed Ministry of Industries and Production to ensure that essential food items at USC outlets are provided to buyers in a manner that market prices of said items are equalized. ECC noted that 52 percent of planned quantity of urea has arrived, whereas 48 percent is due by the end of current month.-SANA

Different banks have fixed minimum deposit limit ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 50,000. A leading private bank has increased limit by 100 per cent to Rs 20,000 without any announcement depriving unsuspecting customers of millions of rupees. Some other banks are also planning to increase minimum deposit limit to boost profits, he said. “Banks should stop punishing depositors and State Bank should come up with solid steps to safeguard the interests and savings of masses,” said Dr. Murtaza Mughal.

He said that some foreign banks are adopting novel ways to charge customers having their plastic cards. If the customer keeps his balance sheet clear, he is approached with different ideas to relieve him of some money. The banks simply tell customers that they are not getting anything by issuing a credit card to you. In some cases Rs 800 have been charged for crossing the assigned limit by Rs 2.

The impression that regulator is a silent spectator is adding to frustration, he said. Time has come for central bank to show teeth and muscles. Dr. Mughal said that banks should curtail their expenditures, cut perks of executives to save money. Indulgence in objectionable practices and depriving depositors of their money on one pretext or other will not pay dividends in the end. Interests of banks should not be considered supreme to the interest of accountholders.-PEW

The minister was wanted by the Indian Special Investigation Team set up by the Supreme Court to re-investigate nine riot cases. Maya Kodnani has instigated mobs in Naroda Patiya, which resulted in death of around 100 the Muslims. Though witnesses had named her, she had been dropped from the accused list by the local police. However, the Nanavati Commission, which was probing into the Hindu Muslims riots, had given a clean chit to the Modi government saying there was no evidence against any politician.

The 2002 Gujarat violence describes a series of communal riots between the communities of Hindus and Muslims that took place in the Indian State of Gujarat between February and May 2002.

The riots occurred at the Godhra train burning. The train had left Godhra Station and it was forcibly stopped and attacked by a 500 strong weapon carrying Muslim mob that targeted one of the coaches containing the Hindu religious pilgrims and burnt them alive. 58 Hindu pilgrims, 23 men, 15 women and 20 children perished. This incident was the flashpoint that started the communal Gujarat violence.

‘’Women enjoy an equal right to education. Education is obligatory on both Muslim men and women, even if they have to go to China to seek it,’’

the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Number of schools and other government buildings have been torched over the past two years, in Swat, Bajaur and Mohmand, restive parts of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as the Taliban want to impose a radical Islam and challenge the authority of the government. What Islam would they be looking for to impose if the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said that women have equal right to have education. Taliban are making Islam seem creepy and religion in general seem irrational and violent that is so untrue.

There were 566 girl schools — 489 primary, 51 middle, 22 high schools and four higher secondary schools but Moreover, some 40 schools have been occupied by the army in Swat and 150 schools have been burnt depriving 74,000 female students of their education for the past one-year. On January 19, 2009 morning Five schools were bombarded in Swat Valley; attacks came hours after Information Minister Sherry Rehman vowed to reopen all schools in Swat by the end of the school holidays in March.

It is evident that the aim of destroying Government run schools is to pressurize the government and replace the education system. Saturday, August 16, 2008 The News quotes Swat Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan:

“At present, we are using the torching and bombing of schools as a war tactic against the government. Also, this education system has been producing corrupt people and needs to be reformed. Musharraf and Zardari are the production of this education system, but what they made of this country. The doctors produced by this system are also fleecing the people”

Even Parents of the girls who have been stopped from going to schools have been warned against sending their daughters to “un-Islamic” schools. These Tlaibans are of the point that these girls should be given religious education rather to be a part of this un-Islamic system of education. Further more these schools for them are the symbols of Government Authority. It is believed that these premises either destroyed or occupied will be converted into Madrassahs.

Whole world calls education as a guarantee to progress; Talibans are stopping girls from going to schools.
Taliban’s conservative and extremist ideology is promoting violence only- violence against violence. The military launched an operation in November 2007 against these Taliban but the Taliban have gained strength since. They seek to have uneducated society Because they know educated female segment will ultimately undermine their control on them. Educated women are less pliable.

On Jan. 20, Pakistan’s National Assembly in Islamabad passed a resolution that condemned the “ban” imposed by militants on girls’ education and destruction of schools in Swat. On international levels condemnation has been recorded. Despite the fact all efforts have gone to ashes. Because there is no adequate security provided to the girls schools; If situation is too much vulnerable that it has become too easy for Talibans to destroy government run schools; Government should pay more attention to protect its people. Furthermore in Islam there is no restriction in Islam for giving education to females.
[image from Reuters]

The victim 28-year-old Fayyaz Ahmad Mir, was reportedly shot at around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday when he was easing himself in the compound outside the house in the Khirhama Zab area of Lolab. Mir was reportedly taken for a militant by a passing army patrol which opened fire on the villager, leaving him gravely wounded.

Mir’s family said that he had ventured out to answer the call of nature and shortly afterwards they heared the sound of gunfire. When he failed to return, his family came out in search, but was shocked to find Mir writhing in a pool of blood a short distance away.

As the family screamed for help, a large number of their neighbours assembled at the spot and rushed the injured Mir to the sub-district hospital. Doctors there advised shifting the victim to the SKIMS because of his critical condition, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way.

This morning as the victim’s body arrived in his native area, thousands of lamenting people surged into the streets, and took out a procession staging a sit-in on the Khirhama-Lolab road. The demonstrators demanded a high level inquiry into the incident, and accused the army of having shot dead an innocent villager.

The protestors kept up their demonstrations for several hours, chanting slogans against the army and the administration, and holding up traffic on the key route. The senior superintendent of the police (SSP) for Kupwara and other police officers arrived on the scene, and assured the protestors of an investigation, besides getting an FIR under section 307 filed against the army in the Kupwara police station.

Talking to reporters, the deputy commissioner of Kupwara, Muhammad Abbas, said that according to information available to him, the victim had been outdoors in the dark, and the army opened fire on him after finding him in suspicious circumstances.

He said that complete details of the incident were still awaited, but a team of officers had been dispatched to the area immediately after receiving information, and ex gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh had been ordered for the next of kin.

He said that the revenue department had been instructed to prepare a case for providing a government job to one member of the victim’s family. According to the deputy commissioner, the victim had left four children behind him, two of whom were enrolled in school. The district’s social welfare department had been instructed to arrange for the upkeep of the children,’ he said

The officer said that no inquiry had been ordered so far as the report of the SSP was awaited, and further action would be taken only after the police account was available.-SANA