ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has referred Nizam-e-Adal Regulation, 2009 to Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. The President referred the regulation with the advice that the Prime Minister may consider placing it before the parliament for debate.

While ANP Government has shown the concerns over this referral, NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that any further delay in promulgation of the regulation would only complicate the matter. While talking to GEO Tv; Minister has revealed that if this decision is delayed; leadership of ANP might review their alliance with PPP government. He further said that President Asif Ali Zardari could have signed this regulation himself; as he had authority to do that however ANP government has not been taken in confidence and not consulted before referring this regulation to Parliament.

He said ANP leadership wishes that all the presidential powers should be moved back to Parliament and it should have authority to decide policy matters; however swat law and order situation can not alow any further delay.

According to the sources An emergency meeting of the Awami National Party’s think-tank held here on Sunday to review the progress made in connection with enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl Regulation. ANP spokesman told that Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti, President NWFP Afrasiab Khatak and several other leaders took part in the meeting and discussed progress made so far regarding enforcement of NAR, and overall situation of the province. ANP’s future line of action in this regard also came under discussion.

While Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan Sunday said that President Asif Ali Zardari has decided to place Nizam-e-Adal Regulation, 2009 before the parliament to let the lawmakers express their viewpoints over the rule.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari has also convened a meeting of parliamentary parties of NWFP for holding consultation on Nizam-e-Adl.

Input from agencies

Islamabad: Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Thursday said restoration of deposed judiciary has boosted the popularity of Sharif brothers, prime minister and army chief while Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has become the most popular judge of the world.

Expectations of masses are touching skies, which will be a test for the revived judiciary. “Masses will expect help in matters which are beyond the jurisdiction of the Apex court,” said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW. He said that restoration has injected new blood in judiciary, lawyers, bar associations, media, civil society and opposition while it has clipped powers of people acting like dictators.

“Chief Justice faces tasks like restoration of dignity of the Supreme Court, disqualification of Sharif brothers, NRO, PCO judges, PCO based Islamabad High Court and validity of its decisions, steps taken by Musharraf, missing persons and controversial privatisations etc,” he said.

He said that restored judiciary should try to keep system stable, avoid policymaking and such popular decision which are against the interest of Pakistan. Government will not be able to keep PML-Nawaz out of power for long. It should soon resolve some outstanding issues including that of governor of Punjab, reservations of lawyers and opposition over restoration etc.

PPP has already lost the moral ground by expressing political immaturity many times. If it continued to press incoherent policies, it may find itself reduced to interior Sindh in the next elections, said Dr. Mughal. He said that nation is rightly pleased after achieving a goal but it should also prepare to attain other important goals. -PEW

About 2.30 am Monday Prime Minister Sayed Yousaf Raza Gilani through an executive order reinstated Chief Justice Iftkhar Muhammad Chaudhry. First indication came from Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar of Pakistan Muslim League (N).

As former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is leading a massive long march removing all the blocks from Lahore to Islamabad late Sunday night, Army Chief General Kayani held two meetings with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and later with President Asif Ali Zardari.

State run PTV announced that Prime Minister will any time the nation. Its expected that Prime Minister will make important statement to bring an end to confrontational crisis Pakistan is witnessing after removal of Mian Shehbaz Sharif as Chief Minister of Punjab.

President of All Pakistan Bar Ali Ahmad Kurd, who was to lead Long March at the Constitution Avenue of Islamabad, was Sunday disallowed to proceed to Federal Capital from Quetta by air by authorities.

In another development Deputy Attorney General of Pakistan Abdul Hye Gilani, a close kin of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani tendered his resignation Sunday.“I have resigned from the post of Deputy Attorney General of Pakistan in protest against all these acts,” Abdul Hai Gilani said.

Pakistan Army’s Chief of Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Gilani once again met Prime Minister Gilani Sunday. So far no comment was available from official sources on latest meeting of Army Chief with the PM.

Earlier Punjab government under Governor Salman had announced that if needed the civil government will ask Pakistan Army to help it for the maintenance of law and order.

Its no doubt case of too little too late for President Zardari who has hardly spent 7 months in the Presidential Palace. Though he made a big concession to his rival Nawaz Sharif by making yet another commitment to file a review petition before the Supreme Court to clear Pakistan Muslim League’s leader from electoral ban. This concession did not work as the emotionally charged crowds milled in Lahore’s main Mall Road to follow Mian Nawaz Sharif who inspite of Section 144 and other restrictions announced to hold a public rally at GPO Lahore.

In Pakistan’s political history its remained a proven fact that he who rules heart of Punjab-City of Lahore rules Pakistan. Sunday was a day of Nawaz Sharif. Many PML (N) leaders and PPP’s stalwart breaking their detention managed to reach GPO (General Post Office).

Destination of protesting marchers remained Islamabad Monday to force Zardari government to reinstate pre Nov.3, 2007 judiciary.

Police half heartedly baton charged and fired tear gas shells at different localities of Lahore but motivated political workers from different parties could not be blocked to follow Mian Nawaz Sharif. People carrying pictures of Nawaz Sharif and deposed Chief Justice Iftkhar Chadhry.

Punjab government, under Governor Salman Taseer, created road blocks at all the roads leading to Islamabad by placing containers and other road blocks. Islamabad’s hotels and guest houses were repeatedly raided by Police since Saturday night to arrest any suspected lawyer of opposition politicians.

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday categorically rejected the idea that Pakistan is involved in barbaric act of violence and terrorism in Mumbai. Addressing a press conference after special cabinet meeting held here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, he said that the cabinet feels that finger pointing or coming to hasty conclusion would be playing into hands of common enemy that is terrorists.

The Foreign Minister said that it is in the interest of both Pakistan and India to lower the tension and avoid blame game instead of mud-slinging; however, the both countries would have to join hands to deal with the menace of terrorism, as the government attached highest importance to friendly and good neighborly relations as they are essential for regional peace and stability, he stated.

He said that Pakistan has offered unconditional support and assistance to India to un-earth the hands behind the barbaric act of violence and terrorism in Mumbai; he, however, made it clear that Indians have not sought immediate cooperation as they themselves have no clear of idea of what happened.

He said that the terrorism is a common threat to both the nations and we stand shoulder to shoulder to the Indian people to defeat this common enemy and defeat this menace. The Foreign Minister said that the people and all state institutions of Pakistan stands united against terrorism and extend their fully moral and material support to the Indian government and the Indian people.

The cabinet decided that all political forces would be taken into confidence and in this regard Prime Minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has already approached the leadership of PML (N) and PML (Q), he added. He said the government would put across its point of view before political leadership both in and outside parliament so as to be ready for any eventuality.

He told a questioner that there was complete harmony between the government and the armed forces and they are in consultation on the latest situation. He said that the cabinet unanimously condemned the barbaric act of terrorism in Mumbai and it offered its condolences to the government of India, people of India and the bereaved families.

The cabinet appealed to the people of Pakistan to maintain unity in this challenging time. Asked why the Government felt it necessary to convene a special cabinet meeting on the issue, the Foreign Minister said it is a serious situation and Indians feels it is 9/11 for them and being a responsible elected government, they cannot remain oblivious to the seriousness of the situation.

However, the cabinet in its meeting discussed in detail the evolving situation after the Mumbai incident. The Foreign Minister returned from New Delhi on Saturday morning gave in-camera briefing to the cabinet. National Security Advisor Mahmood Ali Durrani and Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik were also present on the occasion.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Sunday. The two leaders in their exclusive meeting exchanged views on the matters of national importance including the prevailing security situation as well as the challenges facing the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned the joint Parliament session to meet here at Parliament House on October 8, at 5 p.m in which the members of parliament will be given an in-camera briefing on the law and order situation in the country. A notification issued by the National Assembly Secretariat here on Sunday said: “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 54 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President has been pleased to summon Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) in joint sitting to meet in the Parliament Building , Islamabad on Wednesday, the 8th October, 2008 at 5.00 p.m”. -APP

QUETTA : At least six people were injured, two of them seriously, when two blasts occurred after brief succession, in a CD Center and a Shopping Plaza, here in main commercial area, on Sunday afternoon, in jurisdiction of city police station, police said. The first blast took place when a home-made explosive device went off in Asif CD Center near Munir Afghan and Afghan CD shops in Nitha Singh Street. The owners of the shops and four others got injured.

City police officials reached the spot soon after the explosion and rushed the injured to the Civil Hospital for treatment. The second blast occurred in Dawood Shopping Plaza and police said that a gas cylinder exploded. Police reached at the scene and examining the nature and cause of the cylinder blast.

The bomb and cylinder exploded with bang sound and triggered panic among the people who came for Eid shopping. The main bazaars gave deserted look a half an hour after the explosions. Civil Hospital doctors identified the customers injured as two brothers Jameel and Abid, Niamatullah, Khizar Ahmed and shopkeepers Munir Ahmed and Rehmatullah. Police experts were investigating into the blast incident. City police station had not registered an FIR till filing of this report.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday strongly condemned the bomb blast in Quetta which caused injuries to a number of people. In their separate messages, they expressed sympathy with the affectees and asked the authorities to ensure best medical treatment for the injured.

Pakistan has condemned the several serial blasts in New Delhi Saturday in which at least 18 people were killed and more than wer 90 injured according to officials. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani while condemning the blasts said that it was a cowardly act by the enemies of humanity. “We share the grief of the bereaved families and the people and the government of India,” the prime minister said in a statement. The blasts at Ghaffar market in Karol Bagh, at Connaught Place and Greater Kailash took place in a quick succession, New Delhi police said.

Television reports said President Asif Ali Zardari after taking oath for the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan who is on a personal visit to Britain also condemned the blasts that took place in crowded market places in the Indian capital. Ms. Sherry Rehman Federal Minster for Information has also condemned the blasts.

Acting President Dr. Fehmida Mirza has condemned the bomb blasts in New Delhi, India on Saturday that killed innocent people. In a message, the Acting President said that terrorism is a global threat and needed a united global response. She said that terrorists have no religion and no creed, and they are simply inhuman. She expressed sympathies with the families of the victims and wished early recovery for the injured.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has strongly condemned the bomb blasts in New Delhi on Saturday, that caused loss of lives. The Foreign Minister in a statement expressed his shock and grief over the loss of human lives and injuries and sympathised with the bereaved families. He said Pakistan which itself is a victim of terrorism condemns this menace in all its forms and manifestations.

Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) head Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also condemned the explosions, urging collective efforts to fight terrorism.

Sindh Minister for Information Ms. Shazia Marri has said Sindh Government strongly condemns the New Delhi serial bomb blasts which rocked the Indian capital on Saturday evening. Ms. Shazia Marri said the blasts are a crime against humanity, and the people and Government of Sindh strongly condemn this brutality. Ms. Marri extended heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in this “senseless act of violence” as well as to the people of India.

Input from agencies

Gilani invites President to address joint sitting on Sept 19
SLAMABAD: President spent Wednesday as his first working day while Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on invited President Asif Ali Zardari to address the joint sitting of the Parliament, to meet the requirement under Article 56 of the constitution. Prime Minister Gilani called on the President at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and discussed with him issues of national importance .

President Zardari stressed the need for effective strategies to cope with challenges facing the country including economy, terrorism. He said the government should take solid steps to strengthen the economy. Situation in tribal areas and the need to fight terrorism and extremism were the major topics to discussion in today’s meeting. President Zardari reiterated the pledge that parliament would be made sovereign and the President would be subservient to it.

He reiterated his commitment to strengthen democratic institutions in the country. The Prime Minister said with Zardari becoming the president, the transition to democracy in the country was completed, and would flourish in the days to come. He said President Zardari would uphold the mission of the two Shaheed leaders Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who fought for the uplift of common man.

Meanwhile Members of federal cabinet called on President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday and greeted him on assuming the highest office. At the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the ministers felicitated President Zardari on becoming head of the state, and discussed with him issues of national importance. President Zardari said after a long struggle, a civilian democratic government was established in the country, which would strengthen the state institutions. He asked the ministers to work hard in their respective areas for the betterment of people. Other issues including economy and food shortage also came under discussion.

However due to political pull game between PML-N and PPP key ministries have been suffering a lot. Several naive Minister from PPP were given two portfolios; for that reasons Ministries including Finance, Agriculture, Health, Defense had suffered alot. And no growth was noticed in last few months. Pakistanis expect President of Pakistan to take immediate steps in this regard and full cabinet should take oath in this week.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that German government’s relaxation in its present policy of exports of small arms to Pakistan will strengthen Pakistan’s capability to fight terrorism. The Prime Minister was talking to Dr. Franz Josef Jung, Minister for Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House on Friday. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Germany which are based on mutual respect and shared perceptions on significant regional and international issues. Read the full story

ISLAMABAD: Unknown assailants attacked the motorcade of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on the Islamabad Highway on Wednesday.Of the multiple sniper shots fired on the Prime Minister’s vehicle, two hit the window on the driver side. However, because of the robust and comprehensive security measures, the Prime Minister and all the member of his motorcade remained unharmed. Sources said Gilani was immediately shifted to another car and driven to Prime Minister House in Islamabad. Chaklala Police claimed it had arrested three people before iftar but did not disclose their identity. Read the full story