UN Chief Ban Ki-Moon will visit Islamabad later on February 4 to discuss a probe into former Premier, Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. UN Investigation Commission to probe Bhutto’s death have been demanded by the Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, has said that government wanted a probe by the United Nations because it did not want the investigations to be ‘prejudiced and politicized.‘

Earlier, a spokesman for Ban had said such a commission could be established soon but that further consultation with Pakistan ‘was needed to examine the commission’s mandate.’

Ms. benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun and suicide attack at a campaign rally in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007, just two months after returning to Pakistan from exile to compete for a third term in power. Later, Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) went on to win parliamentary elections in February and Asif Ali Zardari (her widower) became the president of Islamic Republic of Pakistan; and General Pervez Musharraf was forced to resign.

There has been reports blaming an al-Qaeda-linked militant for the killing by the US-allied former military ruler and refused to seek a UN probe. Pakistani and US officials have pinned the blame on Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud, but he denies any involvement.

The Pakistan People’s Party has criticized Musharraf’s handling of the probe, claiming adequate security had not been provided for Bhutto, even the circumstantial evidences had been deliberately removed thus called for a wider inquiry by the UN to establish the identity and motives of the assassins.

Pakistan has become biggest victim since Bhutto’s assassination. Among several attacks; Marriott Hotel in the capital Islamabad was bombarded that claimed at least 60 people and wounded more than 260.

Input from Agencies

ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador in Pakistan Anne W Patterson said on Sunday that Pakistan needed further support of international community to fight against terrorism. This she said while talking to media persons on the re-opening of five stars Marriot Hotel in Islamabad.
The Marriot Hotel was closed after the suicide attack on September 20 in which more than 60 persons were killed and many others were injured. Extraordinary security arrangements have been made in the Marriot Hotel for the customers as it has been reopened after 98 days of the blast.

American Ambassador Anne W Patterson, Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Al-Assery and Sadruddin Hashwani were present on the re-opening ceremony of the hotel. Addressing on the occasion Hashwani said he will continue to serve the poor people of the country as it is the duty of the every Muslim to follow the rituals of Islam.-SANA

Recent 26 November Mumbai shoot out which is decaled by some as India’s 9/11 though is condemnable, but this symbolic attack on western outlets of Taj and Oberoi has a double edged consequences. On one hand it unfolds the destruction in the commercial hub of India and on the other an opportunity where India, Pakistan and USA attempting to use this event for their own strategic advantages ignoring the basic fact that the catastrophe has far reaching repercussions for the peace initiative in the region. Indian security failure is floating on the surface and historic rivalry has forced India to deny any lapse and refuse intelligence share and it leveled allegations forthwith on Pakistani home grown LeT which was an easiest target, if one is familiar with Indo Pak relations. India at all times will have a few people set to rock and roll due to LeT’s past presence in Kashmir on the name of ‘struggle for independence.’ Though its pre mature to establish the true perpetrators behind in the absence of joint or UN mission investigation but it’s an eye opener how fragile is the security of India which claims to be the biggest economic cum military power in the region, but has been meagerly kneeled down by around 10 outlawed individuals in few hours which raise eye brows on country’s safety procedures on its nuclear command and control. Their concentration must be to stop any future Mumbai style attacks and the key is to counter the far right activities of RSS and VHP, and move forward towards true emancipation of its people by addressing Muslim & Christian minority treatment concerns and a viable solution to the bone of contention ‘Kashmir’. Unless the situation is improved where Washington plays a role to pave way for an Indo-Pak peace deal where EU, China, Russia are on board to add economic incentives and geographical advantages, these rivalries will continue. These attacks whether it’s at Marriott Islamabad or Taj at Mumbai will continue as both countries since its inauguration in 1947 have locked horns in intelligence warfare and RAW and ISI both are fighting this war to its own strategic advantages.

Looking at the situation in the region it’s the safety & security and supply to US soldiers in Afghanistan which seems paramount and takes precedence in this whole fiasco which to me, has stopped this war and further escalation. Indian military advisors are concentrating on giving options to its leadership of attacks on training camps of LeT or MDI at Murreedke and Muzaffarabad, concentrating large scale troops on the eastern border, air strikes inside military installation of Pakistan or naval blockade of Karachi port which all are countering complications. They intend to manipulate the hot pursuit opportunity, the venue which is opened by the precedents of US drone attacks on western borders of Pakistan, it requires bravery and political will. Whereas Pakistan is ready for it as they can digest friendly fire of its ally, but cannot ignore a single missile of its arch rival India which will spark frenzy in its public if it ignored. Its intelligentsia has more or less unanimously withdrawn unilateral non nuclear combat statement of President Zardari too which has a military backing, so they are ready to rock and roll with all its potential to defend its soil.

India so far is surviving with the diplomatic process and complaints to USA, in the absence of any concrete intelligence sharing mechanism, its unwillingness to involve UNO, far reaching complications if they go to war and USA’s strategic disadvantages if Pakistan pulls out from Western border, but small scale skirmishes cannot be ruled out. Pakistan though is resilient to pull out around 100,000 troops from western border risking the onslaught on supply lines which has far reaching consequences the way war of terror will be fought in future in the region, thus it is acting as a deterrent to avoid conflict too. This will also bring parties to table to redraw country’s contribution towards its future role addressing its concerns. Though US may shift some of its supplies and logistical dependency to central Asia but it will be far expansive and will require old rival Russia’s support which requires time to activate and Russia can manipulate to its advantage too in the time of need.

It also supports the philosophy that Pakistan can only be governed and run by Pakistanis only as any attempt by outsiders will not only unite this crowd of 160 million into a nation but will lead to a general revolt against any civil Govt who is in support of the Westerners. It will increase radicalization at 180 degrees and will raise global Muslim support against it. Unfortunately, any invasion will cause to increase the terrorism by non state actors and jihadi organizations that are under no control. With more than 160 million people, Pakistan which has four times the population of Afghanistan or Iraq, twice of Iran, two thirds the population of the entire Arab Middle East and above all nuclearly armed one of the powerful armies in the world needs little tip on the shoulder for their contribution in the war on terror. Pakistan faced more deadly suicidal attacks than any country since 9/11 in any one calendar year around 100 in 2007 alone. It lost over 1200 soldiers in a war which was brought to its soil by the foreigners. Its people are restless at western borders where India milked the situation by 500% increase in its consulate presence in Afghanistan and left no opportunity to weaken Pak control in FATA and still India is crying wolf.

In the Western region of Pakistan, the history tells that without the support of local people and the Pakistan’s military no war can be won. India either must understand the tenacity of the situation and come clean with a viable solution to Kashmir and improve its human rights record on minorities where in 2002 alone around 5000 people died in Gujarat and international silence amounts to criminal negligence and their groups like RSS and VHP continue to raising funds even from Britain in order to erect ‘Ram Mandar’ in place of Babari Mosque in Ajodhya. With this mind set where India remains in a denial mode to accept the sovereignty and security of Pakistan as a viable neighbour in order to avoid headlines on their own internal instability due to separatist movements in India, and a 61 years old home grown Kashmiri insurgency for a right of ‘self determination’ in full swing begs the question whether war is the ultimate solution to put this matter to rest or peace could pave way for these old rivals to live like normal neighbors who solve their issues through a powerful dialogue.

Of course this region is fertile enough to have similar incident here and there like Marriott and Taj/Oberoi and outside interference is so ripe that any attack, at any particular time can spark media frenzy to bring them both from the table talk to the brink of war but it’s their own leadership’s wisdom which can foster bilateral peace initiatives and resolution to their bilateral issues such as Kashmir and emancipation of minorities who are slaughtered at the hands of religious fanaticism which hinder progress of both countries and its people. Time has come that India stops running its elections on war issue with Pakistan and run it on poverty, peace, Kashmir’s future and housing, health and employment as India still is poverty stricken despite its economic growth. Pakistan too does not afford military hype and it needs to concentrate on freeing judiciary, attaining true democracy where parliament is strong and people’s inclusion. As it stands Indian war slogans and civilian leadership’s inefficiency to jointly work on so called ‘charter of democracy’ have contributed to open the old log book where longer military regime shorten the civilian rule and make civilian rules accountable for their mal administration & corruption with the aid of a nexus between military generals and judges.

ISLAMABA: Federal Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah has admitted that the suicide blast at Marriot Hotel was occurred due to the failure and incompetence of security agencies and Capital Development Authority (CDA). Briefing the Senate’s Standing Committee on Interior which met here Saturday at Parliament House, he said the security agencies and CDA failed to take timely measures even a traffic constable had reported the presence of suspected dumper at the entrance of Marriot Hotel.

Briefing the committee about the blast, IG and SSP Islamabad said police had been tipped off about the terrorist plot that a bomb blast might be operated in Red Zone by using a vehicle having common or diplomatic number plate.

They told the committee that heavy security arrangements had been made in and around the Red Zone, but the security was not so intensified around Marriot Hotel as it, according to them, did not lie inside self-declared security zone. Director General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Tariq Pervez told the committee members that the explosive-laden dumper reached at Marriot via Margalla.

He said the explosives used in Marriot were same as were used in blasts at Danish embassy Islamabad, GHQ Rawalpindi and suicide attack on FIA building Lahore. Pervez accused CDA officials of being responsible of excessive loss of human lives and assets.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani while expressing dissatisfaction over the overall law and order situation in the country has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fight terrorism. Chairing the cabinet meeting here at Prime Minister’s Secretariat on Wednesday, the Prime Minister stressed the need for stringent measures with utmost vigour and strategy to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the society.

He urged for an effective strategy to deal with terrorist incidents in a more coordinated manner in order to provide an environment of peace and security to the people of Pakistan. While discussing the law and order, the Prime Minister said that criminals do not have any ground to stand on therefore they must be pursued relentessly.

He said that the law of the jungle cannot be allowed to persist as we are deeply concerned about the life and property of the people of Pakistan. “Today’s Cabinet is haunted by the legacy of Marriott Hotel suicide bombing,” the Prime Minister said as he mentioned the deadliest suicide attack at the Islamabad Hotel that took 53 innocent lives including the Czech Republic envoy and injured 266 others.

The members of the Cabinet desired that stern action by the law enforcing agencies must be taken as their intelligence agencies are failing miserably to lay hand on the perpetrators of terrorism in the country. The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to arrange in-camera briefing for the cabinet on the current scenario.

The Advisor for Interior Rehman Malik briefed the members about the actions taken by the government. He said that the Ministry of Interior is in close coordination with the provincial governments to ensure peace in FATA. He said concerted efforts are underway with the assistance of Pakistan Army and other law enforcing agencies to bring the law and order situation under control.

The meeting offered fateha for the deceased and observed a one-minute silence for those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The Prime Minister expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives and condemned the abduction of Afghan Ambassador-designate to Pakistan by some miscreants. He said a search operation has already been launched to recover the missing envoy and the scope of search would be widened, if required.

Regarding presidential election, the Prime Minister observed that with President Zardari’s election with thumping majority, parliamentary elections have been completed. He mentioned President Zardari’s address to the joint session of the parliament in which he deliberated upon significant issues including Pakistan’s security, renaming of NWFP, provincial autonomy, reforming the tribal areas, reforms in FCR Laws and all issues of national importance and balance of powers between the President, Parliament and Executive, has been lauded by all political leaders as well as members of the civil society.

Under the Pakistan Accelerating Economic Transformation Programme, the Cabinet approved in principle the proposal by the Finance Division regarding introduction of consolidated supervision in financial sector by the State Bank of Pakistan. The enforcement of this mechanism will ensure the supervision of the banking sector by the State Bank.

The Cabinet also accorded approval, in principle, the amendments to the anti-money laundering Ordinance 2007. The Amendment will address the financing of terrorism, expansion in the list of predicate offences and definition of money laundering in accordance with the best international practices.

The Cabinet also approved the summary of the Ministry of Interior regarding signing of MoU between Pakistan and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for facilitating government of Pakistan to review the training curricula in order to enhance the professionalism of Pakistan police force.

The Cabinet also accorded approval of the summary of the Ministry of Interior pertaining to signing of visa abolition agreement between the governments of Pakistan and France and Guyana for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The Cabinet approved the ratification of agreement between the governments of the Islamic Republic of Tajikistan on cooperation in combating illicit trafficking of narcotics drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals.

The Cabinet also approved summary of the Revenue Division regarding initiation of negotiations of agreement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the government of Venezuela for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. The Cabinet also approved the issuance of Long Distance International (LDI) License to China Mobile Pakistan (CM Pak) which is the largest mobile operator both in China and internationally and has now acquired 100% shares of Paktel.-APP

The Security Council today strongly condemned the weekend’s terrorist attack in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, which claimed more than 50 precious lives when a bomb rocked the Marriott Hotel, with foreign diplomats among the casualties and several dozen injured. The 15-member body stressed the importance of bring those behind the bombing to justice, calling on all States to cooperate with Pakistani authorities.

The Council, in a presidential statement read out by Ambassador Michel Kafando of Burkina Faso, expressed “its deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and to their families, and to the people and Government of Pakistan.” UNSC urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolution 1373 (2001) and consistent with resolution 1624 (2005), to cooperate actively with the Pakistani authorities in this regard.

“The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” according to the statement.

“The Security Council further reaffirms the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. The Council reminds States thatthey must ensure any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

On Saturday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon deplored the attacking, saying in a statement issued by his spokesperson that “no cause can justify the indiscriminate targeting of civilians.”

It has been confirmed that deadly suicide attack on Luxury Marriott hotel was a well designed surgical operation against secret agents of US and its allies countries. “It is obvious that Marriott had become the main hub of international spies now a day”, An Islamabad based analyst disclosed.

She told that two floors of the Marriott were reserved for US officials and secret agents. “It is open secret that hotel lifts were not stopped at these floors”, She added, on condition of anonymity. She disclosed that an officer of British Scotland Yard was also a permanent resident of the hotel. “These spy rackets were the original target of the blast”, she asserted.

The Pentagon Officials confirmed the deaths of two US marines in blast who were staying in the hotel. Pentagon officially announced that its two marines succumbed to injuries in the blast. These agents were posted in US embassy in Islamabad; their names have yet not been disclosed.

Furthermore Danish foreign minister Per Stig Moeller also confirmed that an embassy official was dead but a secret agent of Denmark intelligence agency PET was gone missing since the deadly blast. 53-year-old Detective Inspector Karsten Krabbe, a security adviser to the Danish mission, had now been identified as being among those killed in the bombing. “It is with deep sorrow that we have learnt with certainty that PET has lost a competent, trusted and highly appreciated officer,” PET Director General Jakob Scharf said.

“We have lost all contact with him, he was talking about a member of the intelligence service stationed at Islamabad”, he told a local channel. The missing officer had been sent to Pakistan to improve security for Danish staff here. The Danish intelligence agency, PET, said in a separate statement that one of its agents, a security advisor, was missing, presumed dead. A second PET official was unhurt, it said.

It would deemed worthy to mention that an Urdu national daily The Jung has pointed out towards the secret activities going on in Marriot Hotel. It was reported that suspicious Steel Boxes were allowed entering without any particular scanning few days back this suicide blast took place.

However The Adviser to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik had declined The theory that the presence of two US marines in hotel was the total attraction to the terrorists in a press briefing when he issued footage of how the suicide bomber along with dumper truck loaded with 600kg of explosive; blew himself in front of Hotel gate causing deadliest ever attack in Islamabad.

GUJRANWALA: In connection to Marriot hotel blast that left at least 60 dead and 250 injured, five suspected terrorists were arrested in separate raids late on Sunday night.
A private TV channel reported that the two suspected persons were apprehended in Gujranwala.

It was reported that one of the men was the Imam Qari of a local mosque, while the other allegedly belonged to al-Qaeda and was also involved in the assassination bid on former president Pervez Musharraf’s life.

Three other suspected terrorists were arrested from a Kharian District mosque located between Lahore and Islamabad. Kharian, also called ‘Kharian Cantt’, is a prominent garrison town housing one of the largest army bases in the country.-SANA

Pakistan has released security camera video footage of a suicide attack
The attacker blew himself before the big blast and no other attack was made at the Marriot hotel here Saturday evening. Sources revealed that this has been revealed in close circuit TV footage during the investigations that the suicide attacker driving the truck blown himself before the explosion after which the front part of the truck caught fire.

Meanwhile, security guards advised people to move away from the truck and tried to extinguish the fire but the fire moved from the front part to the back of the truck after which a loud blast occurred and it spread destruction to a large area.

Czech Republic’s ambassador among 53 dead in Islamabad hotel bombing
Ambassador Ivo Zdarek was among those foreigners who died when a suicide bomber driving a dumper truck crashed through security gates and detonated explosives in front of the building. Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik said two Americans were confirmed dead as well as one Vietnamese national. Officials in Pakistan said other foreigners in the group included people from Britain, Germany and the Middle East.

Two US marines killed in Marriott blast: Pentagon
The US Department of Defence at Pentagon has confirmed the deaths of its two marines in Marriott blast in Islamabad. According to GEO News, the Pentagon said that its two marines succumbed to injuries in the blast. The soldiers were deployed in US embassy in Islamabad. Pentagon said names of the US marines could not be revealed prior to informing families of the victims.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, though suspicion fell on al-Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban. Analysts said the attack served as a warning from Islamic militants to Pakistan’s new civilian leadership to stop co-operating with the U.S.-led war on terror.

All roads lead to FATA says Rehman Malik
Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman A Malik said preliminary investigation revealed that Saturday’s bomb blast at Marriott Hotel had links with FATA and Waziristan. “It is yet premature to blame any particular group or individual for the blast, however, all roads lead to Waziristan,” the Advisor told media at a press conference on Sunday.

Explosive identified as TNT and RDX
He said a high-quality military type explosives identified as TNT and RDX were used in the explosion – the severest one in the country’s history. Besides this, aluminum powder was also used that caused fire which gutted the whole building in no time. Malik said the attack was meant to sabotage Pakistan’s integrity, democracy and economy. “Our enemies don’t want to see democracy flourishing in the country,” he stated.

Glorification of militants
So far 53 people are dead including four foreigners while 266 are injured who had been shifted to various hospitals. The Advisor called upon the national media not to glorify militants, saying that it must be stopped. “They (militants) are the ferocious people who are killing innocent people, but the anchors, host and other media persons do not condemn them.”

Law Enforcement and Investigation
He said an investigation team headed by Director General FIA had been formed which was working hard to dig out facts about this tragic incident. He commended Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies for brilliantly foiling the nefarious designs of over 3,000 militants who attacked Bajour to establish their control. “We launched operation in Hangu and Khyber just to restore peace there,” he added

Islamabad attak directed on nation’s resolve against terrorism: Sherry Rehman
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman Saturday strongly condemned the suicide attack at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad. “This is an attack on the nation’s resolve against terrorism, reiterated by President Asif Ali Zardari in his first address to the Parliament on Saturday. She said the timing of the blast is an indication that the terrorists find Pakistan’s democracy as a threat to their existence. “It is the government’s determination and the power of national consensus against the extremists groups that has pushed them into trying every avenue to challenge our security.” said Ms Sherry Rehman talking to the media after the suicide attack.

Red Alert in Pakistan
Security has been bolstered in Pakistan’s largest city in the wake of the Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad. Police are on high alert to help guard across the country.

Input from Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad hotel suicide blast was the deadliest attack among 10 others blasts in the history of federal capital. According to sources, 1000-kg explosives were used in the Saturday’s suicide blast in Islamabad. More than 100 people have lost their lives in these ten suicide attacks in Islamabad so far, report says.

The first ever suicide blast was carried out by an Egyptian national in November 19, 1995 in front of Egyptian embassy in Islamabad. The explosives-laden truck ripped through the embassy, killing 14 persons.

A suicide bomber blew himself in Imam Bari shrine in Islamabad on May 27, 2005 which killed at least 20 people. Suicide bomber blew himself in front of the Marriott hotel in the federal capital in January 26, 2007, killing one guard and injuring five other persons.

One more suicide blast occurred in the premises of Islamabad airport on February 6, 2007. Suicide bomber was killed and three security guards sustained injuries in the blast. More than 20 persons were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the lawyers’ convention in Islamabad district court in July 18, 2007. The blast happened little before arrival of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in the convention hall.

Residents of Islamabad were not still out of Lal mosque’s operation trauma when Lal mosque was re-opened on July 2, 2007 and violence broke out once again. The violence ended in the form of suicide attack at Aabpara market near Lal mosque, killing 15 persons including seven security men.

One foreigner was killed and at least 15 persons hurt when a suicide bomber ripped through a foreign restaurant in March 15, 2008. On June 2, 2008, six people were killed and 25 others injured in car bomb attack outside Danish embassy.

At least 19 persons were killed and more than 40 others injured when in twin blasts in federal capital. The suicide blast was carried out at a time when Ulema were holding a convention on the eve of first anniversary of Lal Masjid operation. Security was on high alert across the city.-SANA