Pak’s ambivalence in cracking down on Saeed clear : NYT

New York, Sep.19 (ANI) : Pakistani authorities may have filed cases against Lashkar -e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafeez Mohammad Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, but Islamabad’s actions are being considered as a mere ‘hogwash’.

The New York Times, while reporting the actions taken against Saeed, said the ambivalence of Pakistani authorities in cracking down on the LeT’s fouder leader was clear.

The newspaper highlighted that the Pakistan government has never been serious regarding putting a check on Saeed and his covert terror activities being run under the LeT’s charity organization Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

“Even after he was placed under house arrest in December, the government took steps to soften the blow, allowing him, for instance, to hold a defiant news conference before his confinement began,” it said.

While the Pakistan government has been maintaining that it is seriously carrying out the probe regarding the 26/11 massacre, and tried to show the same to the international community especially the US by booking Saeed under the anti-terrorism act, its ‘bluff’ was laid bare when Saeed’s lawyer disclosed that the case registered against his client were ‘very weak’.

“I have gone through both the FIRs against Saeed thoroughly. The charges against my client are very weak. He has expressed his views like any other Pakistani,” Saeed’s lawyer AK Dongar told a private television channel.

Pakistani authorities also revealed that they have not received any instructions for arresting Saeed despite the registration of two cases against him. (ANI)

Musharraf ‘shedding crocodile tears’, says ex- Pak SCBA chief

Islamabad, Sep.19 (ANI): Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association’s former President Aitzaz Ahsan has said that former President General Pervez Musharraf is ‘shedding crocodile tears’ while admitting that removing Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry from office in 2007 was a mistake.

Referring to Musharraf’s speech at Trinity University in Saint Antonio, Texas, where the former general admitted that he had committed a mistake while sacking the then Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) from office, Ahsan said Musharraf had committed not only one but two mistakes by removing the higher judiciary and imposing an emergency in the country on November 3, 2007.

Talking to a private television channel, Ahsan said the government and the ‘independent’ judiciary should play their role in trying Musharraf under high treason charges.

He said it was not the right time for lawyers to take their struggle to roads, as they did previously while demanding restoration of the judiciary, The News reports.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has denied that Musharraf had taken the cabinet into his confidence before promulgating the Provisional Constitutional Ordinance (PCO) and imposing the emergency rule in 2007.

Interacting with media persons during an Iftaar party hosted by PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, several party leaders rejected the notion regarding Musharraf consulting the cabinet before taking the illegal and extra-judicial actions. (ANI)

Gilani rejects inking safe passage deal for Musharraf

Islamabad, Sep.19 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has denied inking any ‘safe exit’ deal to facilitate former President General Pervez Musharraf’s safe passage from the country after he stepped down from the Presidency.

In an interview to a private television channel, Gilani said: “If there had been such a deal, it would have surfaced by now, as the media is very vibrant today.”

Gilani also said would be wrong to say that Musharraf has been ‘pardoned’, as neither he has been convicted by the court of law nor been ‘indemnified by parliament’.

When asked whether there is any possibility of invoking the Article Six of the Constitution against Musharraf, Gilani reiterated that he was willing to do it if parliament passed a unanimous resolution.

“I am for it. We must create history. But at the same time, we should not rock the boat. If there is a unanimous resolution, the whole nation would be together,” The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

Commenting on the Baloch issue, he said the government is preparing a package for the insurgency hit province which would include constitutional, administrative and economic reforms. (ANI)

Pak issues prohibited arms license to US security firm

Islamabad, Sep.17 (ANI): Pakistani authorities have issued 86 licenses for prohibited weapons to a security company which has been hired by the US embassy in Islamabad.

Interior Ministry sources revealed that the licenses were issued to Inter Risk following Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s approval, The Daily Times reports.

According to a private television channel, the highly sophisticated weapons have been imported from the US and each of them cost about 800,000 rupees.

When enquired about the US embassy’s contract with the private security firm, a spokesman said it was no secret that the embassy had hired Inter Risk. He said the deal was finalized in April itself. (ANI)

US Ambassador meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Update- US Ambassador)

New Delhi, Sept 18 (ANI): The United States Ambassador to India, Timothy J Roemer, today met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at his residence.

The meeting took place after Roemer met Union Home Minister P. hidambaram.

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Chidambaram, Roemer said bringing the culprits to justice and going after Saeed were important to both India and the United States.

“Swift and mighty punishment for the six Mumbai suspects in Islamabad, is important for United States and is important for India. And going after Saeed is very important and dismantling the infrastructure of LeT in that region is extremely important to the United States and to India,” said Roemer.

The meeting took after reports of two FIR’s against Saeed came late last night.

He has been charged under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act for making anti-state speeches where he urged activists of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the frontline organisation for LeT that he heads, to wage a ‘jehad’.

Saeed has also been charged for heading a charity collection drive during the Ramazan month according to the police.

Earlier, Roemer had called on Pakistan to take action against Saeed.

“There are five, probably six, suspects currently being held in Islamabad in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It is extremely important that these six people be brought to justice and put behind bars and receive sentences commensurate with their crimes against India, US and the world,” a news channel quoted Roemer, as saying

“I hope that in future the action on 26/11 includes people like Hafiz Saeed. Recently he was put into an Interpol red flag list,” he added.

The remarks follows Chidambaram’s visit to US, where he had briefed several ministers under the Barack Obama administration about Islamabad’s inaction against perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.

The attacks, which drew widespread condemnation across the world, began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, killing at least 173 people and wounding at least 308. Among the dead were 28 foreign nationals from 10 countries.

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only attacker who was captured alive, has disclosed that the attackers were members of LeT, which is considered a terrorist organization by the Government of India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others.

Interpol has also issued a Red Corner Notice against Saeed, and Zaki -ur- Rehman Lakhvi (another mastermind of the 26/11 attacks). The notice was issued after a Mumbai court issued non-bailable warrants against both terrorists. (ANI)

US Ambassador Roemer calls for action against Hafiz Saeed

New Delhi, Sept 18 (ANI): Pressurising Pakistan, the United States said it wanted swift and mighty punishment against the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, the United States Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer said, bringing the culprits to justice and going after Saeed were important to both India and the United States.

“Swift and mighty punishment for the six Mumbai suspects in Islamabad, is important for United States and is important for India. And going after Saeed is very important and dismantling the infrastructure of LeT in that region is extremely important to the United States and to India,” said Roemer.

The meeting took after reports of two FIR’s against Saeed came late last night.

He has been charged under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act for making anti-state speeches where he urged activists of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the frontline organisation for LeT that he heads, to wage a ‘jehad’.

Saeed has also been charged for heading a charity collection drive during the Ramazan month according to the police.

Earlier, Roemer had called on Pakistan to take action against Saeed.

“There are five, probably six, suspects currently being held in Islamabad in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It is extremely important that these six people be brought to justice and put behind bars and receive sentences commensurate with their crimes against India, US and the world,” a news channel quoted Roemer, as saying

“I hope that in future the action on 26/11 includes people like Hafiz Saeed. Recently he was put into an Interpol red flag list,” he added.

The remarks follows Chidambaram’s visit to US, where he had briefed several ministers under the Barack Obama administration about Islamabad’s inaction against perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.

The attacks, which drew widespread condemnation across the world, began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, killing at least 173 people and wounding at least 308. Among the dead were 28 foreign nationals from 10 countries.

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only attacker who was captured alive, has disclosed that the attackers were members of LeT, which is considered a terrorist organization by the Government of India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others.

Interpol has also issued a Red Corner Notice against Saeed, and Zaki -ur- Rehman Lakhvi (another mastermind of the 26/11 attacks). The notice was issued after a Mumbai court issued non-bailable warrants against both terrorists. (ANI)

UK fitness TV teaches bhangra workout class!

London, September 17 (ANI): A new British TV station, dedicated entirely to fitness, is offering a string of classes, including those on Bhangra.

The Fitness TV, a 24-hour station, also hosts a high heel workout class for the women who refuse to get out of their beloved stilettos. Other workouts include those based on Salsa, Hip Hop and Disco.

“Just like a personal trainer, the channel allows viewers to tailor workouts to their own levels of fitness and interests and can be easily scheduled around busy lives,” the Sun quoted a spokesman for the TV shows as saying.

“Programmes range from children’s classes including a mobility and balance workout for pre-schoolers, kids’ yoga and street dance for teenagers, while pensioners and the less mobile are offered Chairobics.

“For the more adventurous, there are boot camp-style workouts and dance-based exercise sessions for Strictly Come Dancing fans, including Bhangra, Cheerleader and 70s Disco.

“There’s even a High Heels workout for more glamorous viewers,” the spokesman added.

Fitness TV founder Luan Underwood, a former personal trainer and mum-of-two, said: “We are positioning the channel as an additional workout option, not as a replacement to gyms, fitness and wellbeing classes.

“We would like to capture the imagination of the 80 per cent of UK citizens that have never visited a gym and inspire them to do so.

“We also aim to reach people unable to visit fitness facilities, perhaps because they have young children, or time pressures that make it difficult to get to the gym for a few weeks.

“With Fitness TV, people can squeeze in a session at a time to suit them, and because the classes are constantly being updated, they’ll be more motivated to stick to them than they would an exercise DVD,” Underwood added. (ANI)

Musharraf denies misuse of US aid, says Indian media highlighting ‘non-issue’

Lahore, Sep.16 (ANI): Days after former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf’s statement that Islamabad had diverted US aid to strengthen its defence against India was splashed in the media all over, the former general has denied allegations of misuse of army equipment, saying the media has highlighted a ‘non-issue’.

Dr Nasim Ashraf, one of Musharraf’s close friends, told a private television channel that the former President has categorically denied misuse of any US military aid during his regime.

Ashraf said it was wrong to say that the Pakistan Army had violated the agreement regarding the equipments supplied by the US.

“If a unit stationed in Waziristan moved to Kashmir, the equipment would move with it, which was not a violation of the agreement,” The Daily Times quoted Ashraf, as saying.

Responding to a question he said Musharraf would return to Pakistan as soon as his lecture tour is finished.

It is worth mentioning here that in an interview to a Pakistani news channel earlier this week, Musharraf had admitted that he had violated the rules governing the use of the military aid, but justified his action, saying he had “acted in the best interest of Pakistan.” (ANI)

Ambika Soni reaffirms commitment to Public Service Broadcasting Trust

New Delhi, Sept 15 (ANI): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has renewed its commitment of financial support to the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), a Delhi-based NGO.

Under the plan scheme component for production of documentaries through NGOs, the Films Division would grant funds to the PSBT, which has been short-listed for production of documentaries for the current financial year.

In the past also, the Doordarshan and the PSBT have had a successful public-private partnership.

Over the past nine years, a large number of documentary films have been funded by the Doordarshan.

Among the National Non-Feature Film Awards-2007, at least four of such joint productions of the Prasar Bharati and the PSBT have won accolades.

Speaking on the occasion of ‘Commemorating 50 years of Public Television In India’, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni invited suggestions from the luminaries of PSBT Trustees for making the Public Service Broadcaster-Doordarshan more vibrant and interesting while retaining its commitment for healthy entertainment suitable for family viewing.

Soni also reiterated that her Ministry would continue to strive to encourage creative skills so long as they honour the sensibilities of all single television viewing families.

The Minister exhorted the young filmmakers – particularly those who are the beneficiaries of the PSBT-Ministry fellowships, to take up the challenge of making relevant programmes for particularly the marginalized strata of society.

“The Doordarshan is the only channel with the widest terrestrial reach which caters to the remotest and border areas often neglected by the commercial interests of other channels,” she added.

She also invited stalwarts like Shyam Benegal (a PSBT Trustee), who had made the memorable ‘Bharat ek khoj’ serial for Doordarshan in the past, to contribute meaningfully to Doordarshan again.

Adoor Gopalkrishnan (Chairman PSBT)’s new film “Oru Pennum Randaanum”, funded by Doordarshan was screened on the occasion. (ANI)

Tharoor says US should monitor Pak aid in wake of Musharraf’s admission

New Delhi, Sep.14 (ANI): Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor on Monday said he was not surprised by former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s admission that the military aid the U.S. gave to Pakistan was used to strengthen defences against India rather than fighting the war on terror on Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan.

Speaking to reporters outside his South Block office, Tharoor said: “We know Pakistan has been misusing US aid for years. I am not surprised by former President Musharraf’s statement. This confirms India’s stand on the misuse of aid. The United States should monitor aid given to Pakistan more carefully.”

Tharoor’s response came after Gen.(Retd.) Musharraf admitted that he had violated the rules governing the use of the military aid, but justified his action, saying he had “acted in the best interest of Pakistan.”

He did not want to compromise on Pakistan’s interests, he said.

In an interview to a news channel, he said he “did not care” whether the U.S. would be angered by his disclosure.

Musharraf said that had he not supported the U.S. in the war on terror after the September, 2001 attacks, American forces could have entered Pakistan to capture its nuclear assets; it was also possible that the U.S. and India could have jointly attacked the country. (ANI)

Osama declares decades of war on ‘powerless’ Obama

Islamabad, Sep 14 (ANI): Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has said that US President Barack Obama is “powerless” to stop the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a transcript of a tape released by the terrorist organization’s media wing.

Al Qaeda’s As-Sahab Media released a video featuring a still image of Osama and audio statement entitled “A statement to the American people,” said the organisation IntelCenter.

SITE Intelligence Group, a terrorist-monitoring firm that translated the address, says Osama blames the wars on the “pro-Israel lobby” and corporate interests.

IntelCenter, another company that monitors terrorist propaganda, reports that the 11-minute video is an address to the American people, two days after the eighth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The group described the release as an address to the American public. Osama usually releases a statement around September or October each year, The Times reports.

In his last previous known message in June, Osama said US President Barack Obama had planted the seeds of “revenge and hatred” towards the United States in the Muslim world and warned of decades of conflict to come.

That audiotape aired on Qatar’s Al-Jazeera news channel less than an hour after Obama landed in Saudi Arabia.

Obama “has followed the steps of his predecessor in antagonizing Muslims… and laying the foundation for long wars,” Osama said in the June release, referring to deadly clashes in Pakistan between the US-backed government and Islamist militants.

“He gave his orders to (Pakistani President Asif Ali) Zardari and his army to prevent the people of Swat from applying Sharia (Islamic) law,” he said.

“Obama and his administration have sowed new seeds of hatred against America. Let the American people prepare to harvest the crops of what the leaders of the White House plant in the next years and decades,” said the Al-Qaeda leader. (ANI)

Fazlullah hurt, may surrender soon

Lahore, Sep.13 (ANI): The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Swat chapter chief Mullah Fazlullah has reportedly been seriously wounded and may surrender soon, a private television channel said.

Sources said security forces have received information that Fazlullah is hiding in a cave somewhere in the Swat and Malakand Division and is hurt.

Troops have cordoned off the place of his reported hiding, the channel said.

Meanwhile, police has released Fazlullah’s one son, Saidullah, and two daughters, Marsia and Maryam who were arrested last month.

Family members of the Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) chief Sufi Muhammad have also been set free.

Muhammad’s wife Shahida, his daughter-in-law Tahira, his daughter Tayyeba and two of his sons, Rahmat and Barkatullah have been released, The Daily Times reported.

Muhammad’s other three sons, Fazlullah, Abdullah and Abdur Rehman, however, have been taken on remand and sent to Haripur Central Jail. (ANI)

After Ladakh, Chinese incursions now reported in Uttarakhand

Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Sep.13 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has reportedly informed the Central Government about possible incursions by the Chinese in his state.

Pokhriyal, quoting reports from locals in Rimkhim in Chamoli district, said the Chinese entered the state on September 5 and left behind biscuit packet wrappers and cigarettes.

He informed both Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Home Ministry about this development and sought their help in curbing what he calls frequent incursions in his state.

He said, “We have shared the information with the Centre and we have demanded for more patrolling force at the Indo-China border.”

About a fortnight ago that the Chinese had ventured as far as the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, Chinese military helicopters had air dropped food packets in the region.

In another provocation, Chinese troops entered 1.5 kilometres into Indian Territory near Mount Gya-recognised as International border by India and China. Chinese troops painted rocks, boulders in Indian Territory red and labeled them “China”. The Chinese Government, however, has denied this charge through its foreign ministry.

Private television channel TIMES NOW quotes the Leh Deputy Commissioner as mentioning in a letter every instance of Chinese incursion and threats to sheperds in the region. The letter states that the Chinese are not only disputing territory, they are actually claiming the land as their own.

China has also raised a stink over proposed visit to Tamang in Arunachal Pradesh by Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. (ANI)

Pak to rake up ‘K’ issue, Indian atrocities in UN General Assembly

Islamabad, Sep.12 (ANI): Pakistan is looking to rake up the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly which is scheduled to be held later this month.

According to sources, in two separate meetings held at the Foreign Office, concerned officials briefed Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi regarding both the Kashmir and Afghanistan issues.

Sources said that it was decided that Islamabad would urge the United Nations to ensure a resolution of the long-lingering Kashmir dispute on a priority basis for durable peace in the region.

“The international community would also be informed about the human rights violations committed by Indian forces in held Kashmir,” The Dawn quoted sources, as saying.

They said the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Shuja Pasha was also present in the meeting.

According to a private television channel, Pakistan is also likely to take up the issue of presence of US led allied forces in Afghanistan

Islamabad has decided to inform the international community about the problems being faced by it due to the presence of NATO forces in Afghanistan, the channel reported.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that resolution of the Kashmir issue is the key to establishing good ties with India and restoring peace in the sub-continent.

During a meeting with Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Sardar Yaqub Khan, Gilani said resolving the Kashmir dispute was Islamabad’s top priority. (ANI)

Meera’s DNA test demanded by alleged hubby Attiqur Rehman

Islamabad, September 11 (ANI): Lollywood actress Meera’s alleged husband Attiqur Rehman is demanding that DNA tests be conducted on her to prove his claim.

He told a private TV channel that he wanted to “disclose the truth”.

“Why does she not go to the court if the nikkahnama is fake. A DNA test of Meera should be carried out and it will disclose the truth. The medical tests should be prescribed and they will disclose when the abortion took place,” the Daily Times quoted him as saying.

Rehman said that he would move the court to assert his conjugal rights. (ANI)

Younis Khan wants his son to be a champion squash player

Karachi, Sep.10 (ANI): They say fathers always want their sons to follow in their footsteps, but Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan does not want to see his son playing cricket for the country.

Instead of pursuing a vastly lucrative career in cricket, Khan wants his son to become a world class squash player.

“I want my son to become a squash champion and once again take our country on the top in that sport,” Khan said.

Khan regretted that Pakistan, which once produced several champion squash players like Hashim Khan, Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, now does not have any squash player to carry forward the legacy of the erstwhile world champions.

“We have won so many laurels in squash in the past and it’s a pity that we are no more the champions. I would appeal my countrymen to encourage their children to take up games like squash, hockey and football. As for myself, I would love to see my son become a world champion in squash,” The News quoted Khan, as saying.

In an interview with a private television channel, Khan revealed that he also loved football and said ‘the global sport’ was his favourite.

Khan said he would love to participate in a football match involving both the national cricket and football team.

“It’s a great idea and I would love to have cricket and football matches against the national football players as soon as we can get time for it,” he said. (ANI)

Full, comprehensive security for Commonwealth Games: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Sep 7 (ANI): Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram on Monday assured full and comprehensive security will be provided during the Commonwealth Games to be held in October 2010 in Delhi.

Speaking to a private news channel on the security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games, Chidambaram said the participating countries need not have any fear.

“I make this promise that the Commonwealth Games will be conducted under full and comprehensive security. Nobody need fear, no country need fear,” Chidambaram said.

The England shuttlers pulled out of the World badminton Championship (WBC) held in August at Hyderabad, fearing terror attack.

Chidambaram himself witnessed some of the final events at the WBC sitting in the common visitors gallery, to allay any apprehension on the security front.

Noting that threat faced by political leaders should not be underestimated, Chidambaram said, “If a political leader faces a threat, he has to be provided security and I think the government is committed to provide security to every political leader who faces a threat.”

He also negated the reports published in a section of the media, that the security cover by the National Security Guard (NSG) provided to some of the politicians would be withdrawn. (ANI)

Musharraf terms his meeting with Saudi King a success

Lahore, Sep 7 (ANI): Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that his recent meeting with Saudi King Abdullah was a success.

“I was accorded full protocol during my visit to Saudi Arabia to meet King Abdullah, I deem him as my elder brother and can contact him whenever I want,” a private TV channel quoted Musharraf, as saying.

He said during his visit, he discussed the recent political situation of Pakistan at length with the Saudi king, adding that the king had concerns about the situation in Pakistan.

Talking to the channel, Musharraf said the army operation against the Taliban in Malakand had proven successful.

“The operation was undoubtedly successful. The Pakistan Army has always rendered sacrifices and played a vital role to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country,” he said.

Earlier, the ‘royal’ treatment being given to Musharraf during his Saudi Arabia visit has his opponents worried.

The special treatment has sparked speculations that Riyadh is trying to use its influence to ask the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to shun its demand for Musharraf’s trial under the Article Six of the Constitution.

Sources said King Abdullah sent his special airplane to London to fetch Musharraf.

Reports regarding Saudi Arabia cracking its whip on the PML-N and other anti-Musharraf parties has probably forced PML-N to come out with clarifications. (ANI)

Police agree to book Lollywood star Meera for theft

Islamabad, September 4 (ANI): Lollywood actress Meera and her family may be booked for theft, for police are said to have agreed to register a case against them at the insistence of Attiqur Rehman, the man who claims to be the film star’s husband.

According to Dunya News, Attiq had written to the local police in Lahore seeking help in recovering the money he spent on the actress and her film career.

He even accused Meera, her mother and brother of “theft”, reports the Daily Times.

Talking to the channel, Rehman said that he bought Meera a house in DHA Lahore, and also gifted her antique furniture for the house.

He also told the channel that he funded many of her films and TV projects. (ANI)