PESHAWAR: In yet another grisly attack, at least five persons including two policemen were killed and twenty one received multiple injuries when a suicide bombers hit a checkpost located near the State Life building in Saddar bazaar locality on Thursday.

Reports reaching here said that suicide bomber blew himself up closed to the checkpost killing five persons and injuring dozens others who were later rushed to Lady Reading hospital. Sources said that some of the injured are said to be in critical condition. Senior minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour while confirming the death told said that it was a suicide attack, which played havoc in the busy Saddar bazaar locality.

People said that it was a powerful blast, which damaged the adjacent PIA building and leaving the windowpanes of nearby shops smashed. Some of the building developed cracks because of the intensity of the blast. Law enforcement officials, district administration and police and rescue staff reached the spot and started rescue operation and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.

Meanwhile, in their separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the bomb blast near State Life Building on Arbab Road.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message reiterated the perpetrators of such heinous crime would not be spared. He expressed condolence over the loss of innocent lives and said the government was committed to root out terrorism from the country.The Prime Minister vowed that the terrorists were the country’s biggest enemies and effort would be made to banish the scourge of terrorism from the country.-SANA

PESHAWAR: Sixteen persons were killed including ten police officials when a suicide bomber blew up his explosive?laden vehicle at a security check post in Hari Chand area in Charsadda district on Wednesday. Among the deceased included DSP Tangi, Bahadar Khan, SHO Mandani Police Station, Jehangir Khan and ASI, Qayyum, said District Police Officer (DPO) Charsadda, Muhammad Riaz.

He said the suicide bomber rammed his explosive packed vehicle into the check post at Hari Chand causing huge explosion which resulted in the death of sixteen people and injuries to several others. At the time of attack, police had made Nakabandi and several security officials were present on the occasion, he added. He said that the attack might be retaliation for killing of a suicide bomber by Charsadda police a few days ago.

The suicide attacker was gunned down by SHO Jehangir Khan when the bomber was on his way to blew himself up at a public gathering being addressed by Provincial President of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)S, Sikander Sherpao in Charsadda, the DPO said.

Soon after the incident, Police and rescue teams reached the site of the blast and evacuated the injured to hospitals for treatment. Emergency has been declared at all the hospitals in Charsadda and Peshawar districts for providing medical cover to the injured. The DPO said that the death toll may rise because condition of some of the injured is critical.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the suicide attack at a check post in Charsadda. In their separate messages, the President and Prime Minister vowed that the perpetrators of such a heinous crime would be brought to justice. They directed the concerned authorities to investigate into the matter. They ordered the provincial government to provide best medical treatment to the injured of the blast.

President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in the suicide attack. They prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.-APP

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic death of Alamzeb Khan, MPA NWFP, in a bomb blast in Peshawar on Wednesday. In a condolence message, the Prime Minister offered his heartfelt sympathies to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul.

In a separate message to the President ANP Mr. Asfandyar Wali Khan, the Prime Minister lauded the invaluable contribution of late Alamzeb Khan for the strengthening of democracy in the country and well being of the people of his area. The Prime Minister said that he was a prominent political figure of NWFP and a seasoned politician who always upheld the democratic norms throughout his political career.

Condemning the cowardly act of terrorism in a strongest term the Prime Minister said that those playing with the lives of innocent people would be brought to justice. He directed the law enforcing agencies to apprehend the culprits forthwith. The Prime Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the brother of late MPA and his driver who were injured in the said incident and directed the hospital authorities to extend them maximum medical care.

Also President Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Secretary General, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed have condoled the death of a Member of the NWFP Assembly Alamzeb Khan of ANP. In their separate condolence messages, the PML leaders prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.-SANA

Kabul: Several blasts and gunfire rocked the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday ahead of a visit by US special envoy Richard Holbrooke, causing unknown number casualties. A senior police official said that gunmen and suicide attackers had struck at two locations in the Afghan capital Kabul but no casualty figures have been confirmed so far.

In one incident, gunmen attacked the Justice Ministry in the city centre. Two were shot dead by security forces and one is believed to still be there. Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks and said that they carried out the attacks in response to the treatment meted to the Taliban prisoners in Afghanistan.-SANA

The world’s largest democracy is going through one of the most critical phases of its 61-year old life. We should call it India’s mid-life crisis; a period of dramatic self-doubt where one tragedy is being matched or answered by a greater tragedy. It seems that competition – one of the main features of marketing – has begun to apply even in the gory field of terrorism. We are being pushed into the dirty pit of terrorism in a cyclical motion. Terrorism has begun to apply the rules of communication. Communication is a two-way process. Terrorism is increasingly following in the footsteps of communication; where ‘our terror’ is being answered by ‘their terror’ or vice versa. This phenomenon is alternatively known as ‘tit-for-tat terrorism.’ It is in this framework that Malegaon September 2008 blast must be looked into.

The Malegaon blast probe which made headlines all across the world was earth-shattering. Before the probe could completely unearth all the faces involved in the blast; another terror storm rocked the nation’s psyche and Malegaon probe was suddenly put on hold. The worst aspect of 26/11 may be that it consumed the faces involved in Malegaon blast probe but Malegaon can not be put on the back burner. The shocking revelations of Malegaon blast can not be easily erased from peoples’ memories; be it Hindu or Muslim. 26/11 may have overshadowed Malegaon, but it can never be forgotten because it has now been associated with the Mumbai carnage.

Does that sound strange that Malegaon probe has been associated with 26/11?

No. The two fateful events had one similar character: ATS chief Hemant Karkare. And whenever, people would recall 26/11, they will surely remember Hemant Karkare. And the name Hemant Karkare has become synonymous with Malegaon blast probe. There emerges a triangle whose dots will always be connected to each other.

Hemant Karkare’s loss has proved to be a severe blow to the Malegaon investigation. The main character of the script is no more. Can a script be completed without the main character? It might be possible that a film can never be sustained with the death of its protagonist but in real life things are different. Karkare has left behind footprints on the sand. Now it is the job of the directors (read politicians) to guide the new actor (read K.P. Raghuvanshi); to make sure that he follows the footprints left by his predecessor.

The new actor must remember that footprints on sand don’t last long.

The director (Ashok Chavan), his assistant (Chagun Bhujbhal) and the new actor know and understand that Malegaon script has already been drafted. The new players just need to complete the script. Any change or delay in the completion of the script will be detrimental. Audiences are desperately waiting to witness the climax of the story.

The people of Malegaon are not very happy with the track record of K.P. Raghuvanshi; he was the ATS chief when September 8, 2006 blasts took place. But still, we have no grudge against him; our readers will recall that Nanded blast was being investigated by Mr. Raghuvanshi himself. The ATS investigation in Nanded blast was far better than the investigation carried by CBI later. In fact, Mr. Raghuvanshi should be given a free hand to complete the Malegaon probe as early as possible.

With Karkare’s departure, the once media-savvy ATS has suddenly become media-shy. People of Malegaon want ATS chief to assert himself in order to restore the faith of the people. He has not made any remark or addressed a single press conference on the issue of Malegaon probe till now. His long silence is open to misinterpretation. He must speak up his mind in order to put rumour mills to sleep.

It’s your turn to speak up, Mr. Raghuvanshi!

Will you please oblige?

PESHAWAR: At least 25 people were killed and more than 80 injured in a powerful blast at Namak Mandi Chowk of Saddar area here, sources said. According to a local in the city, the blast was so powerful that it was heard in the whole city. The blast occurred outside an Imam Bargah in Koocha Risaldar.

It should be mentioned that several people lost their lives in a blast in past also in the sacred month of Moharram-ul-Haram. The blast ripped through the area when it was usually very crowded, as it was one of the busiest areas and business hub of the city. Soon after the blast, the power went off and the whole area of Kissa Khawni bazaar plunged into darkness.

The contingents of police arrived on the spot and put a security cordon around the blast site. Also, all the injured have been shifted to Lady Reading Hospital. According to Edhi sources, at least 25 people were killed and they have transported 80 injured people. However, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in Peshawar blast. In a message, the both leaders condemned the blast in strongest words.

Sindh Information Minister Shazia Mari also condemned the blast. Various government personalities and political leaders including Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, chairman and deputy chairman of senate, Acting President Dr Fehmida Mirza, Deputy NA Speaker Faisal Karim expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in Peshawar blast. In a message, the President condemned the blast in strongest words. Sindh Information Minister Shazia Mari also condemned the blast. Various government personalities and political leaders including Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, chairman and deputy chairman of senate, Acting President Dr Fehmida Mirza, Deputy NA Speaker Faisal Karim expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.-SANA

PESHAWAR: Two persons were killed and twenty others injured in a blast near Imam Bargah at Hisht Nagri on Monday. Emergency activities were kick started in the area where ambulances were ferrying the injured to a nearby Lady Reading Hospital where emergency was declared. The relief work was hindered due to the congested alleys where the blast occurred.

The security of foreign diplomats has been further tightened and extra security personnel deployed in the residences. The decision was taken following the abduction of Afghan’s ambassador Abdul Khaliq Farahi and Iranian Commercial Attaché Hashmatullah Zade. Talking to newsmen on Monday, SSP Cantt. Abdul Qadir said that extra contingent of security personnel were deployed outside offices and residences of the foreign diplomats at University Town and Hayatabad areas of provincial capital. He said that several suspected persons detained in this connection, were being interrogated by the police.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the bomb blast at an Imambargah in Peshawar. He said that these barbaric acts are carried by those elements who want to destroy peace of the country. Prime Minister Gilani prayed for early recovery of the injured and directed the health officials to provide them best medical care.-SANA

Lahore: Security has been put on high alert in the provincial capital after yesterday’s series of blasts at Qaddafi Stadium. Law enforcement agencies arrested more than a dozen suspected people in connection with these blasts and shifted them to some undisclosed location.

Police launched an overnight search operation in the city and arrested more several people due to their links with banned militants’ outfits. They were being interrogated for this alleged involvement in the blasts, sources said. On the other hand, security was been heightened on the last day of ongoing World Performing Arts Council, while Qaddafi stadium has been declared no-go area by the authorities.

Strict security arrangements were made outside all important installations, including five star hotels and government and semi-government offices.-SANA

LAHORE: 3 persons, including a child, were injured when a series of 3 blasts occurred with intervals at the building of Punjab Institute of Language (PIL) near Gaddafi Stadium Saturday night. According to reports, all three blasts were of low intensity while other sources say the blasts could have been triggered by time device. IG Punjab Shaukat Javed has said it is too early to tell who can be involved in these blasts.

The first two blasts happened inside the building which shattered the window panes of the cafeteria there while the third blast occurred at the gate of Punjab Institute of Language building later.

At the time of World Art and Cultur Festival was going on whereas A programme in PIL building in nearby Al-Hamra Cultural Complex. Unfortunately Cultural program was cancelled after the blasts ripped through the building. Hundreds of the foreign artists were there in this cultural festival that was organised under the banner of Rafi Peer Theater. All the artists were evacuated afterwords. Hundreds of people were present there at the time of blasts who came to see cultural performances.

People sitting in the cafeteria and nearby hotels panicked and rushed out to save their lives. Relief activities kicked started at the site of the blasts while fire brigades engaged in dousing the fire that these blasts caused.

Police has cordoned off the area and warned the people to stay away from the blast site as more such blasts could not be ruled out.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has condemned the incident. According to the organisers Rafi Peer theater they will not cancel the festival, festival will continue and will end at its due date on 23rd November. Usman Peerzada has said that it is an attempt to discourage cultural activities and artists in Pakistan. He said all Pakistan is welcome to come to attend this festival. He added that Police is commited to stand by us and management of Lahore has not surrendered.

Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has ordered the investigation as soon as possible.

BHAKKAR, Oct 6 (APP): Twenty persons were killed and 62 others including MNA Rashid Akbar Niwani injured in a suicide bomb blast at Niwani House on Monday afternoon. According to DPO Muhammad Ahmad Kamal, the blast occurred at Niwani House at about 4.45 p.m where an Eid Milan party was underway. As a result, 20 people were killed, while 62 others including MNA Rashid Akbar Niwani sustained injuries.

Those killed include Haji Habibullah, Madah Hussain, Abdur Rashid, Haji Ashiq, Ali Raza, Ashiq Hussain, Allah Nawaz, Ijaz Hussain, Abdur Rehman, Manzoor Hussain, Malik Haider, Zafar Nazim, Manzoor Rathi, Muzamil, Azmat Abbas and Mulazim Hussain. Bodies of other vicitms could not be identified yet. MS District Headquarters Hospital, Dr. Ehsan said that some 62 injured were brought to the hospital and all of them are being provided proper medical treatment.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday strongly condemned the suicide bomb blast at the residence of Member National Assembly Rasheed Akbar Khan Nawani in Bhakkar, injuring the MNA and killing many others. President Zardari in a message expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives and condoled with the families of victims. He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed souls in peace and grant recovery to the injured ones. He said such heinous incidents cannot deter the government’s resolve to fight against terrorism.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the suicide blast, that caused loss of lives and injuries. The PM expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their dear ones in this unfortunate incident. He sympathized with the scores of people who suffered injuries including Rashid Akbar Khan Nawani. The Prime Minister announced Rs. 300,000 each as compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and Rs. 100,000 for each injured in the sad incident.

Prime Minister Gilani said that such heinous crimes are against humanity which cannot weaken the government’s resolve to fight this menace. He asked the Punjab government to initiate immediate inquiry into this cowardly act and bring the perpetrators to book. The Prime Minister directed the local hospital authorities to provide all possible medical facilities to the injured till their full recovery.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman strongly condemned bomb blast in Bhakkar. In a statement the minister said that the government was fully committed to root out terrorism from the country. Sherry Rehman extended heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who lost lives in Bhakkar blast. -APP