PML-N MNA Faiz Tamman resigns

KARACHI: A day after PPP MNA Amir Yar Warn tendered resignation from membership of the National Assembly as his fake degree case was being heard by the Supreme Court of Pakistan another legislator, this time from PML-N, Muhammad Faiz Tamman, resigned from the membership.

Muhammad Faiz Tamman who won on PML-N ticket from NA-61 (Chakwal-II) presented his resignation to the Speaker National Assembly, which she accepted.

He cited personal reasons for it. Tamman defeated Punjab former chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in the polls.

Floods kill 115 in southern China

BEIJING: A torrent of floods caused by heavy storms have killed 115 people in southern China, with 21 people still missing as weather reports show rains beginning to subside. Emergency rescue teams have been dispatched across southern China to help the 685,000 people evacuated as a result of the flooding, which has caused £1.53 billion in damages, a statement on the Ministry of Civil Affairs website said. But one official said the worst may be over. "The rain was pretty severe earlier, but now the weather is improving," said the official surnamed Chen who answered the phone at the Hunan Water Bureau information office. Like many Chinese officials he would give only his surname. China's rainy season, which began this month, follows the worst drought in a century for southern China's Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi regions. The drought affected 61 million people, leaving millions without drinking water and 12 million acres barren since last year. The floods hit 13 provinces, including Guangdong, Sichuan and Zhejiang, and damaged more than 80,000 homes and affected more than 10 million people, said a statement posted on the State Flood Control and Disaster Relief Headquarters website. China's huge land mass means severe storms can cause floods in one region, while other parts of the country can experience drought.

Floods kill 115 in southern China

BEIJING: A torrent of floods caused by heavy storms have killed 115 people in southern China, with 21 people still missing as weather reports show rains beginning to subside. Emergency rescue teams have been dispatched across southern China to help the 685,000 people evacuated as a result of the flooding, which has caused £1.53 billion in damages, a statement on the Ministry of Civil Affairs website said. But one official said the worst may be over. "The rain was pretty severe earlier, but now the weather is improving," said the official surnamed Chen who answered the phone at the Hunan Water Bureau information office. Like many Chinese officials he would give only his surname. China's rainy season, which began this month, follows the worst drought in a century for southern China's Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi regions. The drought affected 61 million people, leaving millions without drinking water and 12 million acres barren since last year. The floods hit 13 provinces, including Guangdong, Sichuan and Zhejiang, and damaged more than 80,000 homes and affected more than 10 million people, said a statement posted on the State Flood Control and Disaster Relief Headquarters website. China's huge land mass means severe storms can cause floods in one region, while other parts of the country can experience drought.

Expo Pak receives orders worth $80 million

Expo Pak receives orders worth $80 million

Staff Report

KARACHI: Expo Pakistan, which concluded on February 28, 2010 has generated $80 million worth of business orders for the domestic entrepreneurs with most of the orders coming from Yemen, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Kenya.

Besides, some delegates from other countries have indicated willingness for joint ventures with Pakistani entrepreneurs, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) claimed on the conclusion of the mega trade event.

Chief Executive TDAP, Syed Mohibullah Shah met with various delegations from foreign countries at Karachi Expo Centre and said Yemeni delegation has signed 19 contracts worth $20 million for the purchase of rice, petroleum products, textiles and garments and surgical items. Similarly, negotiations for four more contracts are in progress, he added

He said Hong Kong delegation has also signed four contracts, while six orders are in the final stage of negotiation. Kenyan delegation has finalised four contracts with Pakistani exhibitors while four agreements are being negotiated.

Shah said Malaysian delegation has shown keen interest in enlarging free trade agreement (FTA) with Pakistan and expand number of items under trade. He said Brazilian delegation has also expressed keen desire to have joint ventures with Pakistani partners in chicken based food items.

Moreover, South Korean delegations are negotiating contracts for the purchase of cosmetic items, hand knotted carpets, cotton yarn and surgical items. They are also interested in having joint ventures to have biogas and bio fuel facility in Karachi.

He said foreign buyers have shown keen interest in the handicrafts of Pakistan, which are being displayed for the first time at Expo Pakistan 2010. “A very large buying house from France for various super markets has told me to make a bulk purchase of some handicraft items which are being displayed at Expo Pakistan”, he added. He said TDAP would hold seminars for these exhibitors in the near future to further expand their production capacity and designing expertise so that they can be able to meet export targets.

Shah said these exhibitors have been given the space free of cost at Expo Pakistan and also an allowance to encourage them to come to this mega exhibition.

He said trade delegations from Argentine, Japan, USA, Malaysia, Sweden and South Korea have met him on the second day.

Shah said Expo Pakistan was the outstanding success in the backdrop of global recession, disturbed law and order situation in the country and reluctance of foreign buyers to visit Pakistan in the presence of travel advisories from their countries.

He pointed out that top bosses and senior executives of large companies with huge turnovers and suppliers of 400 super stores have come to Expo Pakistan this year.

He added handicraft sector has attracted a lot of attention from foreign buyers and generated sufficient orders. This sector needs support, he added.

Quick response made to Chile earthquake 27 February 2010 The British Red Cross has released £50,000 from its Disaster Fund to help those affected by the massive earthquake in Chile this morning. The earthquake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, struck an area 115 km north-east of Concepcion this morning at around 06.30 GMT. Reports from the Chilean government say that the death toll is already more than 100 people, and this is expected to rise quickly as assessments are made. There are tsunami warnings in place in Chile, as well as other countries and islands in the Pacific, including Hawaii and Easter Island. Pete Garratt, relief operations manager, said: “With these death toll reports from areas 250km from the epicentre we expect the situation in the worst-affected areas closer in to be much worse. Our fear is that this quake will have had large scale impact.” The Disaster Fund donation will support the work of the Chilean Red Cross, who are already working on the ground to assess the situation and help those affected by the quake. The Chilean Red Cross has volunteers and staff trained to respond in the aftermath of disasters. In 2007, when an earthquake measuring 7.7 struck the northern coast, it provided mobile medical units, emergency food packs, hygiene kits and psychological support. The Chilean Red Cross is also a member of the National Commission for Civil Protection in Chile, the body set up to co-ordinate disaster relief responses between government and other agencies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has also released 300,000 Swiss francs (c. £140,420) from its Disaster Emergency Response Fund.

Nation celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi with religious fervor

ISLAMABAD: The nation on Saturday is celebrating Jashan-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal of lunar year with religious reverence and fervor, renewing the pledge to follow true teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him).

A large number of processions, comprising faithful on foot, motorcycles, cars, big trucks, vans and other vehicles, holding banners, green flags and placards, are being taken out in various cities of country including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Hyderabad and others.

The day will begin with special prayers for development, safety, peace, unity and brotherhood amongst the followers of Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Special security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order situation all across the country on the occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal.

Newspapers and magazines are publishing special supplements while television channels and radio stations arranging special ‘Naatia Mushairas’ and quiz programmes on Seerat-e-Mustafa (PBUH) to celebrate the memorable eve.

All major government and private buildings, residential and commercial plazas, markets, mosques, roundabouts and even houses have been tastefully illuminated with colorful lights.

Mahafil-e-Milad and public meetings are being held in different parts of the country, while faithful are actively participating in the programs organized by different local, religious and social organizations.

Na’at and the Holy Quran reciting competitions would be held throughout the day in almost every nook and corner of the country to revive the real spirit of Islam and offer respect to the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

There have been adopted special security arrangements in the Federal Capital, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and other cities and towns across the country to avoid any untoward incident. Participants of Mahafil would be properly verified and checked by security personnel.

Milad processions would be taken out from different areas of twin cities, reciting Na’ats and Darood o Salam for the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

Major event of the day would be the annual National Seerat Conference to be held later in the day in which prominent Ulema and scholars from across the country would deliver lectures on the seerat, services, teachings and holy deeds of Holy Prophet of Islam Hazrat Mohammed Mustufa (Sallalah o Aleh e Waaleh-e-Wasallam).

Selected Ulema and scholars would present their articles on this year’s theme “Preaching strategy in the light of Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings.”

Besides, such conferences would also be held at provincial headquarters, divisional and district levels to pay respect and homage to Allah Almighty’s Last Messenger (SAWW).

Congregations would be organized in all important cities of the country where the preachers and scholars would highlight the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) besides delivering lectures on His way of life.

For faithful, Eid Milad-un-Nabbi is a highly regarded religious festival when they express gratitude and thank to Allah Almighty for blessing the universe with His last messenger and Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Death toll in Gujrat old feud shooting rises to 15

GUJRAT: The death toll in Gujrat old feud shooting has mounted to 15 while several others sustained injuries when two armed groups clashed in Gujrat by late Saturday night, Geo news reported.

According to police, the gunbattle took place in Sheikhpur Sariya village located in the limit of Kakrali police station.

Gujrat Acting DPO Afzal Virk said that the incident was a result of old enmity between two notorious groups. He said Muhamma Akram urf Labbu group had an old enmity with another Nadeem urf Deema group of his village over murders of five people.

Muhammad Akram was working on his tube-well when the armed men of Deema group opened indiscriminate firing on them. As a result, he along with his three sons was killed.

This led to a gunbattle between both groups, resulting in killing of nine others. The assailants then fled the scene after the attack.

On the other hand, Kharian DPO Mian Sultan cordoned off the area with heavy contingent of police.

Kayani rebuffs ‘double game’ allegation on Pak intelligence

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said Wednesday that 2273 officers and soldiers had embraced martyrdom during the ongoing war against terrorism.

In a chat with senior journalists in Islamabad, Army chief Gen Kayani rejected the allegations of double game leveled against Pakistan intelligence agencies, saying that 73 intelligence officers had embraced martyrdom in Pakistan, while 11 others were martyred in Afghanistan.

The COAS said that one 3-star General, two 2-star generals and five brigadiers were also among the martyrs.

While in Afghanistan, 1682 soldiers of allied forces had been killed during the last eight years, he commented.

A large quantity of weapon was seized in Swat with the help of Swat people, he said, adding the arms were recovered during the past two and half months.

Bearish spell continues as KSE sheds 63 points

KARACHI: The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) remained under selling pressure on Wednesday as stocks ended close to 9,600 psychological level.

The local bourse was positive in the opening, however, heavy selling in banking and energy sectors changed the direction towards red zone.

Investors avoided taking new positions amid continuous rupee devaluation against dollar.

The KSE-100 index lost 63 points to close at 9,603 points.

Total market turnover decreased to 145 million shares, while Lotte Pak was witnessed as the volume leader with a loss of Rs0.37/share to close at Rs10.72.

Meanwhile, parallel KSE-30 index closed at 10,038 points with a loss of 109 points.

Market experts expect a correct phase near the level of 9,500 points.

Nato Committee meeting underway

BRUSSELS: The meeting of top military commanders from 63 nations is currently underway at the Nato’s headquarters in Brussels, Geo News reported Wednesday. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani is at the Brussels meeting of army chiefs of different countries at the special invitation of NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola. Together with the Chiefs of Defence of all 28 NATO member states, 35 Chiefs of Defence of Partner countries and Troop Contributing Nations are also present at NATO's Military Committee conference. That is, top military commanders from 63 nations - almost a third of the world's 192 countries - gathered at NATO Headquarters to discuss the next phase of the expanding war in South Asia and the bloc's new Strategic Concept. Among those who are attending the two-day Military Committee meeting are General Stanley McChrystal, in charge of all U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan; Admiral James Stavridis, chief U.S. military commander in Europe and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander; Pakistani Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Israeli Chief of General Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the military committee is the highest forum of NATO, which meets regularly to discuss various strategic issues. Kayani during his two-day visit will present Pakistan’s perspective on the security situation in the region and will also emphasise the need for a comprehensive approach to deal with the complex security situation. Kayani also held meeting with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to discuss matters of mutual interest and briefed the latter on South Waziristan Agency operation. Nato Secretary General lauded the efforts of Pakistan against terrorism. Former American secretary of state Madeleine Albright has been invited to speak about the Strategic Concept on behalf of the twelve-member Group of Experts she heads, whose task it is to promote NATO's 21st century global doctrine.

Kayani urges NATO to realize Pakistan strategy

BRUSSELS: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Wednesday urged the need to enhance cooperation between the Nato and Pakistan army in intelligence sharing department to achieve success in terror war.

He expressed these views while addressing the meeting of Nato Military Committee in Brussels. The defense chiefs of 42 countries took part in the meeting to exchange views on Afghanistan’ security situation.

Speaking on this occasion, Gen Kayani said: “Pakistan and Nato need to extend more cooperation in intelligence sharing department.”

He said that NATO needed to understand Pakistan’s strategy to root out terrorism from Swat and Malakand region.

Gen Kayani also emphasized the need to increase Pakistan’s role on the solution of Afghanistan issue.

Cabinet directs TCP to import 0.5mn ton sugar

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said Wednesday that federal cabinet has directed the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to import 500,000 ton sugar to overcome the ongoing shortage in the country. Addressing a joint press conference with Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin here, Kaira said cabinet was briefed about the current sugar situation in the country, on which the cabinet ordered immediate sugar import. He said 500,000-ton sugar would be available in the market before June this year. In addition, the cabinet approved 15 percent raise in salaries of Pakistan Army officers and 20 percent of Jawans. He said the cabinet would increase salaries of civil servants after receiving committee’s recommendations by March this year. Kaira further said a committee has been formed to review the salaries of Balochistan Police. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said economy has stabilized but it is still under pressure from energy crisis and hike in prices of commodities. He pointed out that current account deficit has been improved due to the 24 percent increase in remittance.

Pakistan’s 3rd successive defeat hands Aussies series win

ADELAIDE: Pakistan’s series of failures still continues as they lost the five-match series to Australia, being beaten in the first three consecutive One-day Internationals. However, Pakistan showed a good fighting spirit chasing a difficult target of 287 runs in the third ODI here at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday and at one time it was looking as they can achieve it. But they were all out for 246 runs as Australia won the match by 40 runs. First, Umar Akmal and Fawad Alam set the tempo adding 85 runs for the fifth wicket stand and later Shahid Afridi and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan made 58 for the seventh wicket partnership. Umar Akmal top scored with 59 runs while Shahid Afridi smashed 40 off 29 balls with four boundaries and a six. Other main scorers were opener Salman Butt (34), middle-order batsman Fawad Alam (33) and allrounder Rana Naved (33). The most successful bowler for Australia was seamer Ryan Harris, who captured five wickets for 43 runs, while spinner Clinton McKay bagged three for 48. Harris, who replaced injured Peter Siddle in this match, was later adjudged the man-of-the-match. Shane Watson and spinner Nathan Hauritz took one wicket each. Earlier, Australia batted first after winning the toss and amassed 286 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 50 overs. Opener Shuan Marsh and vice-captain Michael Clarke were the main scorers with 83 and 80 runs, respectively while Michael Hussey (49), opener Shane Watson (33) and Cameron White (28) also made significant contributions to their team’s huge total. Captain Ricky Ponting was the only batsman to be dismissed for a nought. For Pakistan, seamers Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Umar Gul claimed two wickets each while off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and fast bowler Mohammad Asif took one wicket each. Pakistan made two changes against one by Australia. They brought in Mohammad Asif, recovered from his hand trouble, to replace Mohammad Aamer who is out with the groin injury,. They also got Fawad Alam in for Shoaib Malik.

Voting ends in Lanka polls, Fonseka eligibility challenged

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's government said Tuesday that it would challenge the legitimacy of leading opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka, who contested the country's first post-war presidential election.

"We are seeking a court order on the suitability of this candidate because he is not eligible to be declared as a candidate," Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told reporters.

He said they would seek court action to have Fonseka ruled out of the race after the former four-star general was unable to vote in Tuesday's election because his name was not on the electoral list.

Responding to suggestions from ruling-party lawmakers that Fonseka could be disqualified, the country's independent Elections Commissioner gave the opposition figurehead resounding backing in a statement earlier Tuesday.

"Not having one's name on the electoral list is not a disqualification," Dayananda Dissanayake said.

Bogollagama said the government would challenge this assessment.

"What the Election Commissioner has merely expressed is an opinion, but the courts have the ultimate authority to interpret the law," Bogollagama said.

Asked if it was premature for the government to press legal action even before the results of Tuesday's vote were declared, Bogollagama said they were acting within their rights.

"We can challenge the candidacy of even a defeated candidate," Bogollagama said. "We are not saying that he will emerge the winner. We are confident we will win, but we want the court to rule on his candidacy."

FoDP assures help to overcome power crisis

DUBAI: Turkey has assured that it will play a leading role in overcoming the ongoing power shortage in Pakistan’s energy sector.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has said this at Friend of Democratic Pakistan conference in Dubai on Tuesday.

Addressing the participants, Arinc said Turkish companies will provide every help in boosting investment in Pakistan’s energy sector.

He further said Pakistan needed USD50 billions in the energy sector during next 10 to 15 years as country’s power demand is expected to go up by 6 to 7 percent per annum.

Shazia murder case: 3-day police remand for accused

LAHORE: A local court on Tuesday granted three-day police remand to Chaudhry Naeem Advocate arrested in connection with Shazia murder case.

Chaudhry Naeem Advocate, the main accused in Shazia murder case, was presented in the court amid tense environment created by lawyers that also threatened media.

The accused produced before the Cantt court on Tuesday. The relatives of Shazia and large number of lawyers were presented at this occasion.

The lawyers blamed media for creating hype about the case and tried to stop them to cover the event. On the other hand, the relatives of Shazia were expelled from the court.

Earlier, additional district and session judge Shafiqur Rehman has granted the interim bail to Chaudhry Naeem’s wife and sister-in-law till February 3 and directed the police authorities to submit record. Chaudhry Naeem’s son had already got the interim bail.

Parliament not to work against democracy: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday said the Parliament will not perform any act that is against the spirit of democracy and the Constitution. Addressing the National Assembly here, the Premier said: “The government does not want to do anything that is may prove detrimental to the democracy … Parliament will only pass those laws which are in compliance with the Constitution.” He said the government intends to take all the institutions along. The Prime Minister said it is the duty of the government to formulate a policy while the provinces have to work on its implementation. “The government has very good relations with the judiciary and that the former respects the decisions of the latter … the Parliament is duty-bound to honor these judgments,” he remarked. He said the detailed verdict of the Supreme Court is awaited and the judiciary has no complaints whatsoever against the government. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said approval was obtained in advance from the World Bank and other institutions for the rental power plants. “We believe in good governance and we will only take those actions which are in the interest of the country and nation,” he said.

WASHINGTON: The death toll in the Haiti quake could top 100,000, Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told a US news channel Wednesday. The final death

WASHINGTON: The death toll in the Haiti quake could top 100,000, Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told a US news channel Wednesday.

The final death toll could be "well over 100,000," the prime minister told the US television channel after his Caribbean nation was struck Tuesday by a 7.0 quake.

"I hope that is not true, because I hope the people had the time to get out. Because we have so much people on the streets right now, we don't know exactly where they were living.

"But so many, so many buildings, so many neighborhoods totally destroyed, and some neighborhoods we don't even see people, so I don't know where those people are."

Commissioner system to be restored soon: Sindh CM

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah Wednesday said commissioner system will soon be restored in the Province.

Talking to Geo TV, the Chief Minister said all the coalition parties have been taken into confidence in this regard after holding talks.

He said a meeting of the core committee is presently underway to discuss the future of the local bodies system.

Similar meetings held twice in the past had failed to produce any result.

Sources are describing the current meeting as of particular significance.

Zardari vows continuation of reconciliatory politics

LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday said the process of national reconciliation will continue and Pakistan People’s Party will work to promote democracy. The President said this during informal meetings with delegations of PPP leaders and workers here at the Governor House. He said PPP workers sacrificed for restoration of democracy and will continue to render more sacrifices to ensure that democracy continues to survive and strengthen. The process of national reconciliation was started by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and we would take this process forward, he added. On the demand of workers, the President in principle approved setting up Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital at Shahdara. He directed the Evacuee Trust Board to provide land for the project. While talking to PPP leader and former hockey star Qasim Zia, the President said efforts should be made to raise standard of hockey so that the team can bring laurels for the country. The President exchanged views on how to improve training and facilities for the players. The President during his stay in Lahore on Thursday will undertake more meetings with party workers before embarking on a week long visit to main cities of Punjab.