Fazlullah’s aide Shah Doran killed

MINGORA , Jun 25: There are reports of killing of Incharge of FM Radio in Swat and deputy Chief of Tehreek Taliban Shah Doran.

Pakistan needs greater help for displaced people: UN 

UNITED NATIONS, June 23: A top U.N. humanitarian envoy wrapped up a two-day visit to north-west Pakistan on Monday, calling on donors to step up their assistance to help the millions of people

BISHKEK,Jun 23: The United States and Kyrgyzstan signed a deal on the transit of non-military cargo to Afghanistan that will effectively keep open a US air base Bishkek had ordered closed, officials said.

WASHINGTON, Jun 18: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton fell and broke her elbow on Wednesday while en route to the White House but will resume her full duties soon as the top U.S. diplomat, the State Department said.

LONDON , Jun 17: New York oil prices breached 71 dollars on Wednesday, ahead of the latest update on US energy stockpiles, as traders monitored political tensions in major crude producer Iran.

Federal cabinet approves 2009-10 budget proposals

ISLAMABAD , Jun 13: The federal cabinet has approved the upcoming budget proposals on Saturday.The cabinet met with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in chair to review and finalize the suggestions of upcoming budget for fiscal year 2009-10.

Federal cabinet approves 2009-10 budget proposals

ISLAMABAD , Jun 13: The federal cabinet has approved the upcoming budget proposals on Saturday.The cabinet met with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in chair to review and finalize the suggestions of upcoming budget for fiscal year 2009-10.

TEHRAN,Jun 14: Mir  Hussain Musovi  won Irani presidential elections by 65per cent of vote.According to UNS a close aide of Musovi ,"Mousovi wins presidential elections with huge margin, here on Friday.According to Irani tv Mir elected new Irani president.

10 killed in Bannu operation; curfew relaxed till 2pm

BANNU,Jun11: At least ten extremists have been killed in the operation of security forces in District Bannu.The District Police Officer (DPO) Bannu Kamran Zeb told Media curfew has been relaxed till 2pm.The security forces continued overnight the operation against the tribes of Janikhel and Bakakhel, killing over ten extremists.

ISLAMABAD , Jun 10: A plot to target intelligence agencies and important personalities has been foiled, sources of intelligence agencies said here on Wednesday.

RAWALPINDI,Jun09: At least 27 extremists have been killed and 22 others apprehended in various areas of Malakand during the last 24 hours of Swat Operation, one security man embraced Shahadat and 9 others were injured in the operation.

KARACHI , Jun 9: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani is presently chairing a meeting to review the law and order situation in Karachi and recent spree of political activists’ target killing in the provincial capital.

Skirmishes between Lashkar, militants continue in Upper Dir

Terrorists want to overthrow Pak govt;US seeking extra $200m for IDPs: Holbrooke

ISLAMABAD,Jun 3: Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke Wednesday said that the terrorist elements were bent to overthrow the democratic government of Pakistan.US want to extend any possible help to Pakistan.He was addressing a news conference alongside Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

War against militancy; every section of society must rise to occasion: President

ISLAMABAD, Jun 1: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said the war against militancy is a total war and each and every section of the society must rise to the occasion to “defeat the mindset that creates and nurtures militancy”.

Militants kidnap cadets, staffers of Razmak College

 NORTH WAZIRISTAN , Jun 1: Militants have kidnapped cadets and staffers of Razmak College who were heading to Bannu from the College.According to latest information Two buses and 16 students and 6 staff persons were released while 15 students and 12 staff members still under the custody of miscreants the sources told to UNS.

RISALPUR,May28: Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman Thursday said that air force destroyed several hideouts and caches of ammunitions of militants and paved the way for the military to make advance in the troubled areas of Swat.He said that air force is completely supporting the military in its ongoing efforts in

CJP takes suo moto notice of Baloch leaders’ murder

 ISLAMABAD,May27: The Chief Justice of Pakistan Wednesday took suo moto notice on a news clipping appearing in Daily The News regarding murder of three Baloch Senators in Quetta.The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry ordered the Chief Secretary Balochistan to submit

He may be a hit among the poor in the provinces but Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is unlikely to pass a popularity test with Iran's arty upper middle-class who have faced tightened censorship under his presidency.

 Security forces storm into Mingora: ISPR

 ISLAMABAD,May23: Security forces stormed into the main town in the Swat valley and fought street battles Saturday in a bid to capture the capital of the northwest district from militant control, the military said.The director general of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Athar Abbas told a news

Gilani says militants forced to take extreme measure

ISLAMABAD,May19: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said militants by challenging the writ of state forced government to take extreme measure and they didn’t left any choice except military action.

Charges that scores of villagers died in US bombings against the Taliban have led to demands for a halt in air strikes amid warnings that civilian casualties are driving Afghans to join the insurgency.

ISLAMABAD,May06: Haji Pervaiz, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s MNA from Rawalpindi, has resigned from his seat of the Parliament after he was found guilty of letting

 ISLAMABAD,May03: President Asif Ali Zardari will arrive Monday evening for his first official visit to Washington, during which he will hold talks with President Barack Obama on bolstering bilateral

Curfew in Shangla to prevent Taliban entry

 SWAT,May02: Curfew has been imposed in Alpuri, district headquarter of Shangla and other key roads as heavy contingents of security forces reached at Shangla top.Sources said unannounced curfew has been imposed in Alpuri,

FoDP pledge $5.28 bn to help stabilise Pakistan: FM

KARACHI,Apr17: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Friday that Friends of Pakistan (FoDP) have pledged up to 5.28 bn dollars to help stabilise Pakistan in Tokyo ministerial meeting.

Nizam-e- Shariat decisions could not be challenged in courts: Sufi Muhammad

MALAKAND,Apr15: Tanzim Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad said a peace public gathering will be held in Mingora on April 19.

Obama offers vision of world without nukes

SYDNEY,Mar17: England marched into the final and further cemented themselves as favourites with a strong win after defeating the West Indies by a huge margin of 146 runs in a one-sided Super-Six match here at the Drummoyne Oval on Tuesday.

Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry restored as Chief Justice of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD,Mar16: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani early Monday morning announced reinstatement of the deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and other judges.

Mission to be accomplished at all costs: Nawaz

 LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif said on Sunday that the long march would be taken to its logical conclusion.Talking to UNS, Nawaz said the rally would now go to Data Darbar and then leave for Islamabad.

BERLIN, Nov 5: Twenty people have been killed by a fire on board a bus on a German motorway set off by a passenger smoking in the toilet, police said Wednesday.

Nation expects more even after impeachment of President

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

Address other crucial issues also the ruling coalition partners in their own wisdom are bent upon impeaching the President and they may be having a rationale that this action will shut the doors for dictatorship once for all and allow the democracy to take its roots.There are no two opinions that there is no system of Government better than democracy as it provides an opportunity to the masses to elect their representatives who are answerable to them and if they fail to come up to their expectations, they are rejected by the same people in the next elections. This is exactly what happened in the Feb.18 elections.

Part of US aid to be used for F-16 up gradation

NEW YORK,Jul24: The Bush administration plans to shift nearly $230 million in aid to Pakistan from counterterrorism programs to upgrading that country's aging F-16 fighter planes.

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PESHAWAR,Jul17: The clashes that continued since four months in the border area of Pewar in Kurram Agency have been stopped by the efforts of jirga and tribal announced five- day ceasefire.

 Protesting lawyers hit out at Zardari

ISLAMABAD,Jul10: Lawyers, in the second phase of movement for the restoration of the deposed judges, in their countrywide protest on Thursday demanded of the coalition partners to implement the Murree Declaration in letter and spirit and vowed to fight for the cause of the restoration of judiciary and the rule of law.The protesters warned PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari not to delay the restoration of the deposed judges and play with their sentiments.

Good news  for WTP readers:'WORLD TRIBUNE PAKISTAN-URDU EDITION' is coming soon

Good news for WTP readers:'WORLD TRIBUNE PAKISTAN -URDU EDITION' coming soon

Mor than nine killed in blast near Danish embassy in Islamabad

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

ISLAMABAD , June 2: More than nine killed ,seven injured in huge blast near Danish embassy in F-6 II area in the Red Zone of the federal capital Islamabad on Monday. The seven wounded to be in a critical condition the hospital sources said.. Some sources said that the death toll is more than thirteen.The car blast near the Denmark embassy damaged a boundary wall of the building, while nearby UNDP office premises were also damaged in the blast. According to sources 10 to 15 kilogram explosives were used in the blast, which also shattered the vehicles parked in the area. Huge clouds of smoke were seen over the area. The blast created four feet deep crater sources said.

NOWSHERA, May30: The Afghan Commissionarate had announced to close down the Jalozai Refugee Camp after its complete vacation of the refugees. Addressing a press conference here Friday, the spokesman for the Afghan Commissionarate and in charge repatriation process Jalozai Camp, Maqbool Shah Roghani said all the buildings of Jihad University, Jihad Hospital and tube-wells were handed over to the Peshawar district administration.

Impeachment only through consensus: PM

 ISLAMABAD, May29: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani says that the impeachment of President Musharraf can only be done through consensus among all coalition partners.Talking to the media in Islamabad, the Premier said the coalition government can take a unanimous decision in the Parliament. The PM said the country cannot survive confrontation and every step should be taken in line with the law and constitution.He said the government is ready to confront any challenge.To a question, the prime minister told news men that the government has inherited the menaces of price-hike, electricity crises and judges issue from the previous governments.

Pakistan to request to UN for setting up International Commission to probe Benazir’s assassination

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

ISLAMABAD, May 22 : Pakistan Thursday decided to send formal request to the UN Secretary General to establish an ‘International Commission’ to probe the assassination of former Prime Minister and leader of Pakistan People Party Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Law Minister Farooq Naek briefing newsmen here at Foreign Office said they will meet UN Secretary General next month to formally hand over the request from Pakistan government to constitute the International Commission to probe and trace the culprits involved in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto who was killed in Rawalpindi on December 27, last year.The Foreign Minister said national sovereignty and integrity would be protected at all cost and there will be no compromise

SHARM EL SHEIKH (Egypt), May 19; Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday discussed ways and means to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The two leaders who met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East discussed issues of mutual interest as well as the prospects of enhanced cooperation in various fields including defense, trade and investment, science and technology, agriculture and tourism.

Pull out of forces begins in South Waziristan

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT

 WANA,May16: Security forces have started to pull out from different areas of South Waziristan following release of security personnel by the local Taliban.Initially the contingents of security forces have moved out of Spinkai Raghzai area to head towards Jandola and Tank.The law enforcer died while cleaning the area of the landmines. The political authorities informed that the security forces are being readjusted in Jandola camp close to Spin Kagzai area.However he clarified that there would be reduction in number of troops deployed in the areas close to Pak-Afghan border. The decision to withdraw troops from Spin Kagzai and Kot Kai areas was taken keeping in view the difficulties of the local tribesmen.

KHAR,May15: Tribesmen on Thursday staged demonstrations against the US strikes on the Damadola area of Bajaur Agency. Addressing a rally in Khar Bazaar, the Jamaat-e-Islami Bajaur Amir Sardar Khan and others condemned the US attacks and deplored that the government did not express sympathy with the tribal people. They said the situation in the tribal areas and Swat worsened owing to the wrong policies of President Pervez Musharraf. The political administration had made strict security arrangements by deploying contingents of Bajaur Levies at the bazaar.

US expresses concern over China’s weapon links in Iraq and Afghanistan

WASHINGTONmAY16: Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said Thursday that the United States has concern on the use of Chinese weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the Asian giant's continued sale of arms to Iran.Giving a briefing to the Congress in Washington, John Negroponte said that the United States has conveyed its concern to China about Chinese weapons or Chinese-designed weapons showing up in some of these battle areas, be it Iraq or Afghanistan. He told that the US military in Iraq had said its troops had found Chinese-made missiles which they believe were smuggled in by groups in Iran aiming to arm militants fighting US-led forces.

ISLAMABAD, May 13: The Senate on Tuesday resumed debate over shortage and price-hike in respect of food items and the necessities of life and the members criticized the government for not taking effective steps to control the situation.Taking part in the discussion, Senator Babar Ghauri claimed that previous government effectively tackled the issues of wheat shortage and oil prices.

 Saudi warns Iran over Lebanon 'coup'

RIYADH,May13: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal warned on Tuesday that Iran's relations with the Arab world would be affected if Tehran was supporting what he described as a "coup" in Lebanon."Iran's relations with all Arab countries -- if not all Islamic (countries) -- would be affected if Iran was supporting the coup that took place in Lebanon," Faisal told reporters.His comments came after six days of deadly sectarian fighting pitting Shiite opposition groups led by the Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah against supporters of the Western-backed government.

DARRA ADAMKHEL,May11: The security forces backed by tanks launched a massive operation against suspected militants holed-up in a private school in turbulent Darra Adamkhel town Sunday.

PPP, MQM alliance to strengthen Pakistan:Zardari Altaf

LONDON,May10: The Chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Altaf Hussain has said alliance between Pakistan Peoples Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement is for the stability of Pakistan. He said during his meeting with Asif Zardari, issues like national stability, increasing prices of electricity and flour were discussed.

UNITED NATIONS, May2: Asia-Pacific countries reached an agreement at a U.N. meeting in Bangkok to boost their collaboration on developing renewable energy in a bid to decrease their reliance on fossil fuels and enhance their long-term energy security, the world body said Thursday.

KARACHI,APR28: Pakistan People’s Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Monday reached over a power sharing deal in Sindh, sources said.

According to the sources under the power sharing deal eight MQM ministers and five advisors would take oath on this Friday.

Co-chairman of Pakistan People’s Party Asif Ali Zardari has signed over the deal.

Muttahida has not yet announced about its expected ministers and advisors in Sindh coalition government.

The names of the cabinet members would be announced within next 24 hours, sources added.

Tehrik-e-Taliban cancels peace deal with government

PESHAWAR,Apr28: Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has cancelled its peace deal with the government of Pakistan on Monday.The government has failed to implement promises made under the peace accord, Taliban spokesman Moulvi Muhammad Umar said in a statement. The government has not pulled down its troops from tribal areas as it had promised under the agreement, which shows the intentions of the government about enforcement of the deal, he added.

Tension erupted in troubled Kurram Agency again;food crisis irk tribals

PARACHIINAR,Apr26: Tension erupted in already troubled Kurram Agency (FATA) on Friday once again when militants set on fire a town of Turi tribe consisting of more than thirty houses along with Masjid & Imam Bargah located near village Pewar on Pak-Afghan border. According to details this occurred when militants violated the peace treaty and seize fire once again by setting on fire a town named Gubazana near village Pewar located on Pak-Afghan Border. The militants used petrol and other explosive for destroying the whole Town consisting of more than thirty houses ,while the security Forces personals were watching this game of fire as silent spectators, some eyewitness present there said to reporters on condition of not exposing their names.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Dr. Naseem Ashraf and PPP Senator Anwar Baig exchanged hot words in meeting of the Senate standing committee on sports today. The committee was discussing mattes pertaining to PCB.

WTP REPORT

 ISLAMABAD, Apr 25: Speaker National Assembly Friday referred the 2005 Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) scam, in which small investors lost Rs 700 billion, to house standing committee on finance. The decision of the speaker was received by the members by thumping of desks.Finance Minister Ishaq Dar responding to a point of order by Ayaz Sadiq said, it was very unfortunate that small investors were deprived of their earnings in a scam which the previous government tried to cover up.He said 11.6 billion dollars were lost which come to Rs 700 billion, when the stock exchange crashed in 2005.“The scam involved many big names,” he added.Quoting the report of a US forensic team hired by the former government to investigate the scam, Dar said it found wrong doings (in the stock exchange) by a significant number of brokers.“The authorities at the time in order to save themselves hired the American firm,” he said, adding that Pakistani task force formed to investigate also pointed out the culprits.However, Dar said, the government took the plea that they did not have the back-up data of the stock exchange.

Privatization during previous Govt. to be audited

 ISLAMABAD,Apr25: Speaker National Assembly has sent to the standing committee for finance for investigations into the matters relating to the previous government’s scams in wheat purchases inflicting losses amounting to Rs45 billion and Karachi Stock Exchange crash, while the Privatization Minister, Syed Naveed Qamar has announced getting the previous government’s privatization audited.Former government’s financial scandals remained under discussions during the question hour of the National Assembly session here and it was subjected to Vituperous criticisms. To a question, Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar told that the former government earlier exported wheat at $200 per ton and later on imported the same wheat at $500 per ton incurring huge loss to exchequer. He said that in order to avoid any such crisis 1.5 million tons of wheat was now being imported. Similarly, the nation was robbed of over Rs11 billion in Karachi Stock Exchange scandal-2005, he said.

Pak – Afghan border completely sealed

BAJAUR AGENCY,Apr24: The Pak – Afghan border has been completely sealed. Unidentified persons attacked Afghan army fort on Wednesday and at least 18 persons including 10 attackers were killed in retaliatory strike by Afghan army. According to sources, 8 Afghan soldiers were killed in an attack on army fort in the Afghan province Kunnar near border of Bajaur Agency. Retaliatory strike by Afghan army killed at least 10 attackers and later Afghan forces and FC exchanged fire on Pak – Afghan border. The border was completely sealed after the incident.

Army top brasses will meet to PM today

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

ISLAMABAD,Apr24:All the top brasses of Pakistan Army will meet to Prime Minister Sayed Yousaf Raza Gillani under the leadership of Chief of  Army Staff Lt. General  Pervez Kenyani tomorrow  in Prime Minister House Islamabad. According to reliable sources the top commanders of Pakistan Army will discuss the over all security situation of the country especially military and internal security  matters  will be discuss with Prime Minister. The meeting will be attend by all 70 top generals including Core Commanders and Formation Commanders. According to sources this is routine meeting and the Army top brasses will be brief the Prime Minister about the Pak Army preparation and operation capabilities.

Musharraf to continue as President till retirement: Javier Solana

ISLAMABAD,Apr23: The European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana has said war against terror in the region would continue and President Musharraf would retain presidency till retirement.In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Solana said he strongly condemned publication of blasphemous cartoons and film against the Holy Quran and did not believe in the so-called theory of clash of civilizations.The EU foreign policy chief expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would get rid of the menace of terrorism and war on terror would continue. He said negotiations were underway in Pakistan with those who were ready to denounce terror.Solana said the EU has strongly condemned the publication of blasphemous cartoons and production of film against the Holy Quran. He said the EU constitution ensures free speech but abhors insulting other religions.Solana said interfaith dialogue would further bring civilizations closer and patch up dif

UNITED NATIONS, Apr 23: Oscar-Award winning actress and U.N. Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman and senior world body officials have called for greater support for an online petition aimed at eliminating violence against women.

“Every voice counts, and every amount counts,” Ms.  Kidman told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, urging people to add their names to the campaign and donors to step up funding for the cause. “Let survivors of violence around the world know that they can count on us.”

Deadlock in ruling alliance over judges restoration

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

ISLAMABAD,Apr21: There is a deadlock among ruling parties in connection with the finalization of draft resolutions for restoration of judges and Constitutional Package to be presented before National Assembly.The sources said, the Pakistan Democratic Alliance came to a stalemate over some points of the draft resolution including mainly the retirement age of judges and date of their restoration.Had the parties reached an agreement in today’s negotiations, the Awami National Party (ANP) would have also joined them. However, the negotiations will resume tomorrow.

PESHAWAR,Apr21: A grand peace Jirga of Shinwari tribes was held at station ground on Sunday to review law and order situation in Landikotal here on Sunday. The jirga called upon all the tribes to stay peaceful and avoid hostility. The jirga was attended by thousands of tribesmen including tribal Maliks and elite of the area. The jirga warned people against unlawful and immoral activities saying the criminals would be punished.

ISLAMABAD,Apr20: Afghan refugees’ voluntary return operation from Jallozai Camp resumed Sunday after reopening of the Pak-Afghan Highway.The road was closed for all traffic after clashes between a religious group and Kukikhel tribesmen in tehsil Jamrud of Khyber Agency. The UN refugee agency had suspended the return operation of Afghan refugees due to blockade of the highway.

PESHAWAR,Apr18:A Taliban commander blamed for the deadliest attack on US troops since they entered Afghanistan in 2001 has been killed in a shootout with security forces in Pakistan, American and Pakistani officials said, reports Channel 4, quoting an American news agency.Police killed Ahmad Shah, also known as Mullah Ismail, at a roadblock near Peshawar, a senior Pakistani intelligence official said. Two US security officials confirmed Shah’s death in a shootout and said Pakistani authorities had his body.All three officials spoke to the news agency on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.

Multi-pronged strategy on cards to counter terrorism, extremism: PM

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

ISLAMABAD, Apr18: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday reiterated the government’s resolve to fight terrorism and extremism, and said a multi-pronged strategy was being evolved to confront the issue effectively. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan was currently facing challenges of food and energy crises, but the government was determined to confront these on warfooting for which various initiatives had already been taken..Talking to the US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson at PM House, the Prime Minister said Pakistan was consistently fighting terrorism and sacrificed a lot in this regard including the assassination of its leader Benazir Bhutto. Gilani said the government would pursue both long and short term initiatives which include political, socio-economic and administrative measures to address the issue.

Govt to take up dams construction issue with Indian FM

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI 

ISLAMABAD, Apr 18: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Friday assured National Assembly to forcefully take up the upstream dams construction issue with the Indian Foreign Minister during his visit to Pakistan.“We are cognizant of the issue. Certain violation of the Indus River Treaty have been committed by India and the government would take up the issue with visiting Indian Foreign Minister in May,” Qureshi informed the House in response to a calling attention notice.MNAs Marvi Memon, Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Dr Abdul Kadir Khanzada had drawn the attention of the Minister towards construction of controversial water projects by India on rivers Jehlum and Chenab.

ISLAMABAD,Apr17: Prominent lawyer Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim has prepared the draft of resolution for the restoration of deposed Judges at the instruction of government. He has sent the draft to the Law Ministry.

The resolution asks government to withdraw authorities and privileges vested in and exercised by one person. It also demands supremacy of law and independence of judiciary after election of February 18.

According to the draft of proposed resolution, the National Assembly of Pakistan will ask government to reinstate deposed Judiciary. The resolution describes that authority to remove judges can only be exercised under article 209 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

PESHAWAR,APR16: President Awami National Party (ANP) NWFP Afrasiyab Khattak has said that a new plan of peace and reconciliation in NWFP will be tabled before the provincial legislature for debate.The ANP provincial chief was talking to media after a meeting of the party’s provincial cabinet at Bacha Khan Centre in Peshawar.

Reconciliation policy to continue: Gillni

LAHORE, April 16: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Wednesday that PPP would continue to pursue the policy of reconciliation as it wanted to take along all political parties. He was talking to the media persons after meeting the PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif at his residence at Raiwind.Asked whether the process of talks for reconciliation with the MQM was over, he said, “There are ups and downs in politics, but the policy to seek reconciliation will continue.”Mian Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab Dost Muhammad Khosa, Zulfiqar Khosa, Hussain Nawaz and Hamza Shahbaz were also present on the occasion. To a question, the Prime Minister said that decisions on all issues would be taken in consultation with the coalition partners.

ISLAMABAD,,aPR15: The Beijing Olympic torch will arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday night. The Olympic torch last came to the country in 1964.Fans waited with bated breath as a grand rehearsal was conducted Tuesday on the eve of Islamabad leg of the Torch Relay for this year's Beijing Olympics.The torch will arrive in Islamabad from Muscat in a Chartered plane.

UN urged to take legal action against acts of blasphemy

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

ISLAMABAD,Apr15:The Lower House of the Parliament Tuesday strongly condemned the publication of the sacrilegious and shameful sketches of Holy Prophet (Peace by upon Him) in the newspapers of Denmark. The House unanimously adopted a resolution by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman and called on UN to take all necessary legal, political and administrative steps to curb this trend and ensure the respect for all religions in these societies.Reading the resolution the Minister said that the House also strongly condemns the release of an offensive and derogatory documentary on Islam entitled “Fitna” by the Dutch Parliamentarian Geert Wilder.

PARACHANAR,APR15: The student staged a protest demonstration against putting the Matric examinations on hold.Kohat Education Board examinations commenced from today, but in view of the law and order situation in Kurram Agency, it has been postponed, which resenting the students staged a protest demonstration on College Road, sit-in at the Political Agent’s office, voiced slogans against the exams’ postponement and demanded immediate measures from the officials of Board and administration for the holding of examinations.

BEIJING, Apr 14:President Pervez Musharraf has called upon the Chinese Investors to contribute maximum to the industrialization of Pakistan to generate employment opportunities that would help curb the menace of extremism and terrorism. Addressing the Pakistan-China Business Forum here Monday, the President pointed out that Pakistan offers great opportunities for investment in various sectors including joint ventures with a win-win situation for both sides.

NA passes resolution on UN inquiry into BB murder

ISLAMABAD,APR14: National Assembly Monday passed a resolution regarding holding the inquiry into former PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto’s murder through UN.Federal Law Minister Farooq H Naik tabled the resolution, which recommended the house to contact UN for probe into the grievous death of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, so that an international Investigation Commission is set up to investigate into the unfortunate incident.The commission will be aimed at uncovering the miscreants behind her murder, those who funded this crime and organized it. And the commission will drag the culprits to the dock.

Afghan MPs blame NATO for arm supply to Taliban

KABUL,Apr14: Internal Security Affairs Commission of the Wolesi Jirga or lower house of the parliament on Sunday blamed NATO and Afghan forces for supply of arms to the militants in southern Afghanistan. However the NATO forces and Afghan intelligence in their statement said they had mistakenly dropped items which later were commanded by Taliban. The parliamentary commission claimed the operation had not been a mistake and the sacks dropped in the southern province were arms the NATO forces offered to Taliban. Zalmai Mujaddedi head of the parliamentary commission claimed NATO forces from Kandahar province carried several containers of arms to Taliban dominated areas in Arghandab district of southern Zabul province 27th or 28th of March. The arms included numbers of Kalashnikovs, different guns, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and 550000 bullets, he added, the arms were loaded in Kandahar and were carried by helicopters rented from a Kazakh company. People have witnessed the arms supply in the southern Zabul province, he argued.

WASHINGTON, April 13: The coalition government will strive for growth in agriculture and manufacturing sectors for Pakistan’s sustainable economic progress, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said Saturday evening, while also pledging to facilitate foreign investment and use all available resources to meet fast-expanding energy requirements.He told a gathering of Pakistani Americans and US officials at the

ISLAMABAD,Apr12: After the strong reservations of the PML-N on the constitution of a parliamentary committee for the deposed judges, both the PPP and PML-N have agreed on the formation of a cabinet committee to finalise the issues connected with the issue to restore the judiciary within the timeframe agreed to in the Murree Declaration.

KARACHI,Apr12: Director-General of National Police Bureau(NPB) Dr Shoaib Saddal who was appointed as Inspector General of Police Sindh has assumed charge of his duties.

The appointment of Dr. Shoaib Saddal is a part of high level reshuffle in police department being made after formation of the new government.

Argentina's former tennis player Gabriela Sabatini carries the flame in Buenos Aires
©AFP - Rolando Andrade

DAR ES SALAAM,Apr12:The Olympic torch was to emerge from a protest-plagued odyssey through Europe and the Americas Saturday for a low-risk albeit drastically curtailed African leg.It was due to arrive at around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) in Tanzania, where an official statement said Dar es Salaam "is determined to be the first city to host a trouble-free relay and will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Buenos Aires."After stumbling through an obstacle course of pro-Tibet protests in recent days, controversy again preceded the flame's arrival in China-friendly Tanzania

LARKANA,Apr12: Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah Saturday said matters including investigation into the April 9 violent incidents in the city and the ongoing dialogue with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) will be considered at a special provincial cabinet meeting on Sunday.He was talking to media after offering fateha at the mausoleums of Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto here in Garhi Khuda Buksh.

  BOAO, April 12 (APP) President Pervez Musharraf  Saturday planted a sapling at a tropical garden on his way to Sanya, signifying the deep-rooted and evergreen friendship between Pakistan and China. The President planted “vatica mangachagpoi blanco” and expressed the hoped that Pak-China friendship would flourish and grow like a tree in the beautiful garden that is home to thousands of plants from across the world.The president and his entourage were taken around a beautiful garden, built along a hilly terrace with several lakes and water falls, at an eco-friendly vehicle

KHALID AZIZ
ISLAMABAD - The Capital Development Authority (CDA) remains helpless against the influential persons using residential areas for commercial purposes.
A fresh survey conducted by the Authority itself states that 795 residential units in various sectors of the federal capital host commercial activities. Out of these, 325 have been turned into the offices of national and international organisations, 87 into guesthouses, four into restaurants, 255 into schools and 124 into beauty parlours, clinics etc.

KARACHI,Apr10: The Pakistani software products are 10 percent better in quality than those of India; still, Pakistan has 98 percent fewer software exports in comparison with the neighbouring country.The  former president of Pakistan Software House Association, Hamza Mateen said exports volume of Indian software industry is $30 billion; whereas, Pakistan software exports are only $400 to 500 million.

Discussion on Kashmir part of Composite Dialogue process;Qadeer’s issue is over: FO

ISLAMABAD,Apr10:Pakistan   on Thursday said discussion on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will be the main part of the composite dialogue between Pakistan and India and it will be an important issue in the review meetings of the 4th round of talks being held here next month. “Pakistan believes that focus needs to be on the resolution of the core dispute of Kashmir which has caused so much suffering to Kashmiri people in the Indian held Kashmir,” said the Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq at his weekly briefing. He expressed the hope that Kashmir issue will be resolved as soon as possible.The spokesman said Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretaries of Pakistan and India will meet in Islamabad on May 20 and 21 for the review of the 4th round of Pak-India Composite Dialogue process.

BAGHDAD,Apr9: U.S. troops destroyed an al qaeda training camp north of Baghdad last week that contained a large weapons cache of missiles, machine guns and mortar rounds, the U.S. military said on Wednesday.

ISLAMABAD,Apr9: Expressing concerns over the immediate repeal of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), the tribal elders have called for a genuine elected Jirga to replace the black laws with Sharia. "There are concerns amongst the tribal people over the immediate repeal of the FCR as it is being worried that whether the US hands are not operative behind this for the completion of its agenda in the tribal areas", Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Amir Jamat-e-Islami (JI) told a news conference here Tuesday after his meeting with elders from all eight agencies.

TEHRAN,Apr9: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the United States on Tuesday of using the attacks of September 11, 2001 as a "pretext" to attack Afghanistan and Iraq. "On the pretext of this incident a major military operation was launched and oppressed Afghanistan was attacked. Tens of thousands of people have been killed until now," he said in a speech broadcast on state television.

NEW DELHI, April 8: Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Chairman of All Parties Conference welcomed the statement of Amnesty International which demanded the Indian government to institute an enquiry into the recently discovered graves of unknown Kashmiris in Uri sector.

LAHORE,Apr8: The son of Dr Sher Afgan Khan Niazi said Tuesday that if his father’s condition worsens, a lawsuit against the Sharif Brothers would be filed.

QUETTA, April 8: Newly elected Speaker Balochistan Assembly Mir Mohammad Aslam Bhutani and Deputy Speaker Syed Matiullah Agha took oath here Tuesday during assembly session.Outgoing Speaker Jamal Shah Kakar administered oath to incoming Speaker Mir Mohammad Aslam Bhutani who later administered oath to Syed Matiullah Agha of his office.

ISLAMABAD,Apr8: The government has decided to soften the restrictions placed on the nuclear scientist and national hero, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. A private TV channel has disclosed that he would be allowed to meet his friends and close relatives at least twice a month, and have meals with them. He would be able to meet at least six close friends and relatives as nominated by him.

BEIJING,Apr8: China has slammed pro-Tibetan activists in Paris and London who disrupted the Olympic torch relay and lashed out at Washington for interfering in its rule of the Himalayan region. Following high-profile demonstrations in London and Paris, with a further protest subsequently breaking out in San Francisco, where the relay makes its next stop on Wednesday, China moved swiftly to hit back.

WASHINGTON,Apr7: Democrats have called on President George W. Bush to refocus US counter-terror efforts to Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying that over-emphasis on Iraq has allowed Islamic extremists to regroup along the Afghan-Pakistan border.

ISLAMABAD,Apr6:The Religious Affairs Ministry has failed to formulate new Haj policy so far and the delay will cause problems for the intending pilgrims to find accommodation in Makkah and Madina.The residential buildings, which were usually hired previously by Pakistan, have been booked by other countries. 

Ban Ki-moon has become the first Asian in more than 30 years to be elected secretary general of the United Nations.

Supporters of the South Korean foreign minister, who in January 2007 takes over from Kofi Annan, say he is a consummate mediator and a world-class administrator. The world's top powers seem to agree, casting aside concerns he may be too low-profile and too uncharismatic to lead in difficult times. In his own words, Mr Ban sees himself as a "harmoniser, balancer, mediator".

WASHINGTON,APR5: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Clinton made nearly $109 million since they left the White House, capitalizing on the world's interest in the former first couple and lucrative business ventures. The Clintons reported $20.4 million in income for 2007 as they gave the public the most detailed look at their finances in eight years. Almost half the former first couple's money came from Bill Clinton's speeches.

AMMAN,Apr4: A UN official said on Friday that an estimated 700 people had been killed in the fighting between Iraqi government forces and Shiite militiamen last week."The conflict of the last few days we estimate has claimed more than 700 lives -- 700 people have been killed and more than 1,500 wounded,"

NEW YORK,Apr4: Chinese officials in New York have accused the Western media of misleading the public about Tibetan protests last month, complaining of ``distorted reports and coverage'' in major outlets.

LONDON,Aprt3: Britain has said that it would work towards calling early meeting of Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to end Pakistan's suspension from the councils of Commonwealth. British Foreign Minister David Miliband stated this in a telephonic conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi

ISLAMABAD,Apr2: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Wednesday said that the detailed strategy to cope with the terrorism and extremism in the wake of consultations with coalition parties and taking stock of the whole situation.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 2:  The 21-member cabinet of NWFP took oath in Peshawar on Wednesday. Governor Awais Ahmed Ghani administered the oath to the new ministers. Chief Minister of NWFP Ameer Haider Hoti was also present in the oath taking ceremony that was also attended by the top civil officials, private tv channel (Geo) reported.

ISLAMABAD, Apr 01: President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday urged the Muslim world to optimise its potential and to collectively focus energies to avert the looming crises in energy, water and food sectors.Inaugurating the 13th General Assembly meeting of OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) President Musharraf said the Muslim world faces the threat of being marginalised.He said only through collective efforts the Ummah can confront the formidable challenges facing it.

World waiting for climate change solution:UN chief

UNITED NATIONS, Apr1: The world is waiting anxiously for a durable solution to the pressing issue of climate change, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told participants at U.N.-sponsored talks which began in Bangkok on Monday.

NEW DELHI, March 31: Awami National Conference (ANC), a breakaway faction of the National Conference has demanded a time frame for settlement of Kashmir issue.

ISLAMABAD,Mar31: Prime Minister Sayed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday emphasized upon the members of his Cabinet to gear-up their energies and focus upon the 100 days programme to ensure that the government is determined to deliver.He was presiding over the first meeting of the new Federal Cabinet here at the PM Secretariat this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the government should not lose sight of the mandate bestowed upon them by the people of Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS, Mar 31: More than 20 U.N.  departments, agencies, programmes, and funds have pledged their support to implementing a landmark treaty on the human rights of persons with disabilities, which opened for signature a year ago.The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted by the General Assembly in December 2006 along with its Optional Protocol, is only three ratifications short of the 20 needed to enter into force and become an internationally legally binding document.

ANP to get NWFP CM slot after six decades of struggle

BY MUHAMMAD ILYAS KHAN

PESHAWAR, Mar 30: History is in the offing when Amir Haider Khan Hoti, a joint candidate of ANP and PPPP for the slot of NWFP Chief Minister is likely to be elected unopposed as the opposition parties have decided not to field their candidate against the coalition partners. The Awami National Party will finally fill the slot of NWFP chief minister after struggling for long 60 years. The ANP has emerged the single largest party in the province after bagging 31 provincial assembly ten national assembly seats.The nationalist party has also won two seats each in Sindh and Balochistan  Assemblies. According to sources, some independent candidates, won from FederallyAdministered Tribal Areas (FATA) have also close affiliation with ANP.  

ISLAMABAD,Mar29:The National Assembly Saturday made history by passing a unanimous resolution of vote of confidence in Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.  Parliamentary leaders in the Lower House of the Parliament Saturday announced their support to Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for the vote of confidence in the Prime Minister under clause (3) of Article 91 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Film on Islam to counter Dutch anti-Islam film

WTP REPORT

ISLAMABAD,Mar29:A Pakistani   has announced to make a film to counter Dutch film that portrays Islam as a ticking time bomb aimed at the West .An anti-Islam film released on the Internet last week by a far-right Dutch politician. According to details  Syed Mudassir Shah has announced  to make a film to counter Geert Wilders’ Film against Quran (the holy book of Islam).Talking to "WORLD TRIBUNE PAKISTAN" Syed Muddassir Shah said that in his film, "we will expose the true face of Islam".He said Islam is a religion of peace and harmoney and the message of our Prophet Mohammad PBUH is peace harmony and love for all human being.The basic theme of the proposed film is peace,harmony and love which proved in Sunnah of Prophet PBUH

ISLAMABAD, Mar 29: Following are the highlights of new government’s plan as announced by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani after securing unanimous vote of confidence:

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

ISLAMABAD,Mar25:(WTP EXCLUSIVE)The Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif refused to accept the US demands and conditions regarding Pakistan role in war on terror and relaxation to Presigent Perwez Musharaf in the new emerging political situations after Fb18 election in Pakistan.

BY HAMID MIR

ISLAMABAD,Mar23: PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari has categorically said that the Makhdoom from Multan will be the new PPP prime minister for five years and not for three months. He has already briefed his coalition partners about the reasons which forced him to nominate Makhdoom Yousuf Raza Gilani rather than the Makhdoom from Hala, Amin Fahim. He informed them that he himself is not interested in the job and will not make a Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain out of Gilani.

BY IFTIKHAR MASHWANI

ISLAMABAD,Mar22: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Saturday named Yousuf Raza Gillani as its nominee for Prime Minister.Co-Chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari announced the name of Yousuf Raza Gillani as the PM candidate in a statement read out by the spokesman of PPP Farhatullah Babar.

RIYADH,Mar21: The Middle East's first women-only hotel has opened in Saudi Arabia. It will cater primarily to businesswomen, who work completely covered from head to toe in public and have to observe strict segregation.

UNITED NATIONS, Mar 19: The UN human rights chief has urged all States to sign on to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to strengthen their law enforcement so that victims of such discrimination can receive greater justice.So far, 173 out of 192 UN member states have ratified the convention

 ISLAMABAD,Mar16: The Awami National Party (ANP), after coming to power, will push for the resolution of the prevailing volatile situation in the NWFP and the tribal belt through dialogue and will oppose the use of force.

Muslim FMs agree to revise OIC Charter

ISLAMABAD, Mar 13:The foreign ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries have agreed changes to the Charter of the Muslim world’s main representative body, officials said.“We have concluded a historic act” with the consensus on a revised charter after two years of debate within the 57-member body,” Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, foreign minister of Senegal, told a press conference in Dakar yesterday, IINA reported. Gadio said, there was a “99.99 percent chance” that the changes would be formally approved by OIC leaders at their Summit on Thursday and Friday.

Fatima Bhutto

I have spent the last two months in Larkana, my hometown. Larkana is a wonder, truly it is. It offers some of the most wondrous delights Pakistan has to offer. Dilip Sweets, in the heart of the city, makes a coconut mithai you would die for. Hand on heart, it's that good. In Resham Gali, the fabric bazaar, you can find lavish ajraks -- block--printed in the most beautiful of colours ranging from the usual maroon red to the rarer khaki green (khaki wasn't always a dirty word, you know). The denizens of Katlai Sera make an aloo bun kabab, pure heaven for us rare Pakistani vegetarians. And in Ali Goharabad, in the middle of the usual garbage and unrefined sewage lines that are all too common, lies a little nursery. A small cage of green plants, tended to with the utmost care -- an oasis of nature in a cement city.