PML-N will not cast vote of confidence in favor of govt: Ch Nisar ----- Says MQM leader sitting in self-imposed exile should refrain from using unsuit

PML-N will not cast vote of confidence in favor of govt: Ch Nisar

----- Says MQM leader sitting in self-imposed exile should refrain from using unsuitable language

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and senior PML-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has categorically said that PML-N will never cast vote of confidence in the favor of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and added that his party will never support the falling government.

Talking to media persons outside the Parliament House here Wednesday, Ch. Nisar said, “N-League have no link with the corrupt and ineligible government”, and added that N-league had always played the role of active opposition in the parliament and criticized and demanded accountability from government openly on the floor of the house.

He said that whenever the revolutionary leader of Asia, the MQM chief, speaks live on the media, he never remains in his conscious. He advised the MQM chief to refrain from using irresponsible language during speech which does not suit to a leader of political party.

Nisar warned the MQM leader that if he does not refrain from using unsuitable language during his speeches, N-league will make public the statements of his previous wife which she recorded about the character and political behaviour of the Altaf Hussain.

He said MQM chief was sitting in self-imposed exile for the last 19 years and was not coming to the country was enjoying loyalty to Queen Elizabeth for having UK passport in his lap.

“MQM was established by a military dictator Gen Zia-ul-Haq and came again into power using the shoulder of another dictator Pervez Musharraf”, the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly recalled.

Chaudhry said that Nawaz Sharif had never begged pardon from a military dictator and never used informal language against any political party during his speeches, adding that a military dictator forcibly put him in exile after usurping the powers of democratically elected government.

Responding to a question, he said that President Asif Ali Zardari never care about his status and portfolio and speaks without thinking. He referred a wrong statement regarding Nawaz Sharif during his speech on the occasion of third anniversary of Benazir Bhutto. “Nawaz Sharif never talked to Benazir Bhutto in Punjabi language”, he added.

“Those who were speaking about bringing revolution in the country are not ready to leave the treasury benches,” Nisar said and added that they were sitting in the arm-pit of military dictator during his rule and supported his unconstitutional rule.

He said that JUI-F demand regarding new Prime Minister was his party’s own statement and he would not comment over it.

Intelligence agencies must behave politely: Ch. Nisar -------- Calls for taking action against officials who maltreated Shahzain Bugti

Intelligence agencies must behave politely: Ch. Nisar

-------- Calls for taking action against officials who maltreated Shahzain Bugti

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: Opposition Leader in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said that officials of law enforcement agencies must behave in a polite manner. He sought legal action against officials who dragged and humiliate Shahzain Bugti, leader of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP).

Speaking on the floor of the house, Chaudhry Nisar said that Balochistan is a sensitive area and neglecting it would create trouble for the state which is already in the grip of severe crises.

“Arresting and humiliating the JWP leader would add fuel to the fire,” the opposition leader said and added that intelligence agencies must be brought under certain restraints.

Nisar further said that government has not made any arrest in a case of journalist who was kidnapped and beaten cruelly in the federal capital.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that mother of Shahzain talked to him on telephone and said that her son was innocent. Rehman Malik said that Shahzain was arrested jointly by the Frontier Constabulary and Police officials and case of keeping illegal weaponry was not yet registered against him.

“Government was treating the Baloch in better way”, Rehman Malik said and added that huge cache of weaponry was recovered from Shahzain’s convoy. He said that situation in Balochistan was normal after the government imposed ban on five organizations.

Shahzain Bugti, grandson of late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, was arrested on the charges of keeping huge quantity of illegal arms and was shifted for joint investigation by the intelligence agencies.

While Shahzain denied such allegations of keeping illegal weapon and termed it a conspiracy hatched by the security agencies to trap him.

Boat service at Hunza Lake stopped

Boat service at Hunza Lake stopped

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

GILGIT, Dec 20: Due to cold wave of weather in Hunza, Attabad Lake’s water got frozen and boat service for supplying goods and transportation of the locals was stopped which was the only service for ferrying locals.

Attabad Lake was naturally formed due to land-sliding in the last summer leading to evacuation of large number of people from the low-lying areas and government has established scores of relief camps for the locals in safe areas and spillway was also dug to make way for outflow of soaring water in Attabad Lake.

Sources said that cold weather has touched freezing point in Hunza and the adjoining areas due to which water of Attabad Lake got frozen and boat service was stopped to supply services, thus, cutting the link between people of Gojal, Upper Hunza and other adjoining areas.

Several locals and scores of other people belonging to business community remained stranded in Husani area and demanded the government for immediate help.

Govt of Pakistan neglected victims of terrorism: American NGO report

Govt of Pakistan neglected victims of terrorism: American NGO report

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

ISLAMABAD, Dec11 (INP): Around 2100 innocent Pakistani nationals were killed and numerous others sustained critical injuries as a result of war on terror, drone attacks and militant’s attacks in Pakistan and the government of Pakistan was not paying attention to redress suffering of the terrorism victims in meaningful way, an American non-governmental organization revealed on Saturday.

“A special fund of Rs $10 million was paid by the American Congress to Pakistani officials to compensate victims of terrorism but the victims and their families were deprived of funds by the government,” the report said.

According to report of the US-NGO, scores of innocent Pakistani nationals were killed and injured while Pakistani officials, relief organizations and also the military of Pakistan was not paying due attention in providing relief to the affectees of drones, military operation and militants attacks.

Expressing disappointment over the issue the report said that masses will lose confidence in the government if they were not compensated, furthermore, this in return will create problems for country already facing numerous challenges. The government should devise a mechanism for extending relief to the deserving victims on priority basis.

Parliament can privatize entire Hajj Operation: Hamid Kazmi ---AG should represent Hamid Kazmi in apex court: Members Committee

Parliament can privatize entire Hajj Operation: Hamid Kazmi

---AG should represent Hamid Kazmi in apex court: Members Committee

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 : Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi on Friday said that government is ready to privatize the entire Hajj operation provided the parliament passes the bill in this regard.

He was responding queries during his appearance in the National Assembly Standing Committee for Religious Affairs held here under the Chairmanship of Maulana Mohammad Qasim.

Hamid Saeed Qazmi said that several stories of corruption were published against him but he has not blamed anyone nor criticized anybody keeping in view Pakistan’s cordial relation with Saudi government.

When asked by members of the committee to pinpoint those involved in Hajj scam as he has already confessed in the Supreme Court that corruption was committed, Hamid said that he has not blamed anybody rather he has received letters informing him about the corruption. “The case is in the court and let it be decided and everyone who has committed sin should be punished,” Hamid Saeed said adding that irregularities were not reported in Pakistanis Makatibs during Hajj.

Kazmi stated that excessive crowed in the Hajj this year was one of the reason which contributed to the difficulties of the Saudi officials to manage arrangements for the pilgrims as Saudi officials told me that this year pilgrims came in large number because last year ‘sine flu’ has halted many Muslims from performing Hajj. Also to perform Hajj in relatively cold weather Muslims from nearby countries came in great number.

Members of the committee asked whereabouts of Ahmad Nawaz and about progress in the FIA report submitted to the apex court, Hamid said that Ahmad Nawaz who was middle-man between the Secretary and the Religious Ministry went underground and the officials concerned were searching him. He further said that if Ahmad Nawaz was arrested then everything will be surfaced. Regarding report of FIA, Hamid said that investigation was in progress and all the officials concerned were summoned and case is under process in court.

Chairman Maulana Mohammad Qasim concluding meeting of the standing committee directed the authorities concerned to present detailed report of alleged corruption happened in the last flight ferrying the pilgrims to the standing committee within a week.

Member of the committee unanimously recommended that despite Advocate Latif Kosa who has demanded Rs 5.5million to represent the federal Religious Ministry in the apex court, the Attorney General will be made counsel to defend Religious Ministry in the apex court. The committee also recommended banning ‘Kidmatgar’ official service providers from performing hajj, they should facilitate and provide services to the pilgrims during hajj.

The committee further recommended unanimously that Hajj Policy 2011 may be finalized with consultation of the Standing Committee and policy of Parliament’s Hiring Review Committee may also be continued for the next year.

Members of the committee recommended to privatize the entire Hajj Operation in order to end corruption once for all.

14 districts of Balochistan including Quetta facing acute load-shedding

14 districts of Balochistan including Quetta facing acute load-shedding

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

QUETTA, Nov 23 : Long hours unscheduled load shedding in 14 districts of Balochistan including Quetta has added to the difficulties of the violence-hit people while KESKO officials has said that tower repair work is underway after its completion power supply shortage will be restored.

Bolan, Mastung, Khusdar, Noshki, Pashin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Zoab, Sherani and Quetta were facing acute shortage of power supply as load shedding hours were reported doubled recently, sources added on Wednesday.

KESKO officials said that one tower of Sibbi-Quetta 220KV main transmission line was destroyed by the miscreants as a result of which at least 42 Grid stations in Balochistan were affected and added to power shortage.

“Quetta and its suburbs were facing 4 to 6 hours load-shedding, districts headquarters were facing 12 hours load-shedding while rural areas remained in darkness for18 hours in a day,” KESKO officials added that tower repair work is underway which will be completed soon.

Locals demanded of the government to immediately redress their sufferings and ensure restoration of power supply to the affected areas on war-footing basis.

Taliban of Waziristan kidnapped VC Ajmal Khan: Commander Tariq Afridi

Taliban of Waziristan kidnapped VC Ajmal Khan: Commander Tariq Afridi

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

KOHAT, Nov 09: Commander Tariq Afridi of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned organization, on Monday rebuffing the allegations leveled against him has said that he was not involved in kidnapping of Vice Chancellor Ajmal Khan.

“Taliban of Waziristan has kidnapped Ajmal Khan VC of Islamia College Peshawar,” Tariq afridi blamed Taliban of Waziristan in the case, adding some clues show that Taliban of Waziristan had kept VC Ajmal in their custody.

Tariq Afridi, who hailed from Darra Adamkhel of Khyber Agency, said in an interview with media that he had kidnapped VC of Kohat university identified as Lutfullah Kakakhel and was released when the government accepted our demands of releasing 50 Taliban prisoners and paying Rs 5 million in cash.

Tariq Afridi who is working under the command of Chief of TTP Hakimullah Mehsud, successor of Baithullah Meshud, former chief of TTP, has been blamed for the suicide attack in Darra Adamkhel Masjid where some 85 worshippers were killed and over 100 got injured.

Sources said that Tariq refuted the allegation of suicide bombing rather he blamed ‘Blackwater’ (Xe), saying that suicide attack on the Darra Masjid was the handiwork of American Agency.

“Tariq Afridi flew away from Darra Adamkhel after security forces started search operation against militants in the area and settled in Upper Orakzai where Taliban have made hiding sanctuaries,” sources said.

Taliban have released two video tapes showing VC Ajmal with two armed men standing behind him and warned the government to negotiate terms of Ajmal safe release with them, otherwise he will be beheaded by 20^th Nov if the government failed to fulfill their demands.

“Ajmal Khan urged the government to fulfill demands of Taliban because he is heart patient and could not live for longer time in their custody,” the video tape said.

On the other hand, public sector universities in Khyber Paktunkhwa went on strike for indefinite period to pressurize the government to ensure safe release of Ajmal Khan immediately and student and teachers of the campus also held protest.

Official sources said that informal contacts have been established with the kidnappers, adding that Ajmal was said to be in North Waziristan. An official claimed to have made considerable headway in the case.

“Taliban have put forward their demands, including money and release of their commanders,” official sources said.

TTP blames Blackwater (Xe) for Mosque blast in Dara Adamkheil

TTP blames Blackwater (Xe) for Mosque blast in Dara Adamkheil

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

PESHAWAR, Nov 06 : Former spokesman of the banned Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Azam Tariq has denied involvement of his organization in the attack on a Mosque in Dara Adamkhel and alleged that US and Blackwater were responsible for the dastardly act in which innocent many worshippers were perished and sustained injuries.

Azam Tariq, who hailed from Dara Adamkhel, in telephones to news agencies from an undisclosed location, denied that the blast was the handiwork of any Pakistani militant group or the banned TTP.

“It is the work of Blackwater,” Tariq said in reference to the US security firm renamed Xe.

Azam Tariq was active in Dara Adamkhel, his native town but was forced to flee the area after military operation and was presently hiding in Taliban sanctuary in Upper Orakzai and working under the direct command of Chief of TTP Hakimullah Mehsud, the successor of Baithullah Mehsud.

TTP’s second in Command Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud said that Blackwater was behind most of the incidents wherein innocents were targeted.

“Blackwater is doing its job of destabilizing Pakistan by targeting Masajids and killing innocent people and putting the blame on the shoulder of Taliban.” Wali also blamed media for its partial behavior.

“Most of the calls of responsibility of the attacks were fake,” Wali said. He said through fake calls, Taliban were held responsible for certain attacks which have nothing to do with the objective of Taliban. Wali also urged the media to cover both sides of the incidents and shun its biased policy towards TTP.

Elders of Dara Adamkheil said that residents of the area where the blast occurred were pro-government and participated in the military operation against the militants and they suspect Taliban hand in the attack.

Defence and security analyst Brig Rtd Mehmood Shah speaking to a private TV channel said that as security forces were conducting search operations in Upper Orakzai against the militants, retaliatory attacks cannot be ruled out.. Shah also said that Azam Tariq might be behind the coward attack.

The United States has condemned the two terror attacks on mosques in Darra Adamkhel and Peshawar on Friday, adding that US will continue to work with the government of Pakistan to combat violent extremism and terrorism.

Malik meets Altaf, discusses political, law & order situation

Malik meets Altaf, discusses political, law & order situation

By Saleem Mehsud

LONDON, Nov 03 : Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday held one-on-one long meeting with Chief of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain and discussed the prevailing situation in the country especially the law and order situation in Karachi.

On this occasion, Rehman Malik conveyed good-will message of Prime Minister Gilani to MQM Chief and informed him regarding the steps taken by the government against criminals in the mega city especially against those involved in the incident of Shershah. He also apprised the MQM chief of details of recently concluded Pak-US Strategic Dialogue.

During the meeting which was later on attended by members of MQM Rabita Committee, Altaf Hussain said that continuous price hike of daily used commodities, petroleum prices, prolonged load shedding of gas and electricity and other such problems were adding sufferings of the people.

Expressing grave concerns over difficulties of the people at large, Altaf Hussain asked Interior Minister that people were living in miserable condition and the government should initiate immediate measures to provide relief to the poor masses.

Altaf Hussain called for across the board operation against land-mafia, extortionists, drug-mafia and other criminals to achieve lasting peace in Karachi saying that the victims of Shershah Market should be given justice on war-footing.

On the occasion, members of MQM Rabita Committee once again presented their reservation before the Interior Minister and expressed dissatisfaction over time and again failure of the government to meet the reservations of the Committee presented earlier.

Rehman Malik informed the MQM leaders that all their reservations will be addressed and all the stakeholders will work jointly for the betterment of the masses and to strengthen democracy in the country.

“Mutually all of us will steer the country out of alarming difficulties,” Malik said.

The Interior Minister also conveyed condolences on behalf of the President Asif Ali Zardari over murder of Imran Farooq and assured help and cooperation on the part of government for arrangements of burial of Imran Farooq.

90% area of Orakzai Agency cleared, repatriation of IDPs from tomorrow: Maj Gen FC

90% area of Orakzai Agency cleared, repatriation of IDPs from tomorrow: Maj Gen FC
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

HANGU, Oct 26 : IG Frontier Constabulary Maj Gen Nader Zaib on Tuesday said that 90 percent area of Orakzai Agency has been cleared from militancy and repatriation of the IDPs of Orakzai Agency will be started from tomorrow (Wednesday).

Nadir Zaib during a press briefing here at the recovered area of Orkazai Agency which was considered strong hold of the militants said that some 654 militants were killed and 250 were arrested during the operation launched in the area against the militants while 67 security forces personnel got martyred and 213 sustained injuries.

Nadir Zaib said that at least two to three percent total damaged was estimated in the area as a result of operation and the operation was conducted with slow pace due to presence of civilians and also to avoid huge damages in the area.

IG FC added that some 32,000 families were displaced as a result of operation against the militants whose repatriation process will be started from tomorrow (Wednesday) as 90 percent of the area is clear, adding, security forces have destroyed several hideouts of the militants in the area which were used to plan various terrorists attacks in Pakistan.

“We have received information regarding presence of Al-Qaeda members in the area but they were either killed in the operation or move to other places and safe places,” Nadir Zaib said that recently we were facing low level resistance in Mamozai area which will be cleared also.

Nadir Zaib further said that 95 percent schools were destroyed in the area and we were trying to restore the buildings of schools in makeshift shelters.

During the press briefing he said that the cleared area of Orakzai Agency is bordering Afghanistan and the Valley of Tirah and to claim complete peace in the regions will require time as security forces will also start operation in the Valley of Tirah where militants were hiding and also operation is underway in Mamozai area of Orakzai Agency which will be completed soon.
Reports say that in Mamozai area of Orakzai six militants and a Pakistani soldier were killed in a gunbattle which started when insurgents attacked troops stationed there.
Security forces have been targeting militants in Orakzai since March when Pakistan dispatched troops there to kill or capture insurgents belonging to or allied with the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
The Pakistani military declared victory in Orakzai in June, but violence has continued.

Fehmida condemns US drone strikes, says some parliamentarians not against strikes in FATA

Fehmida condemns US drone strikes, says some parliamentarians not against strikes in FATA

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 : Speaker National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza on Saturday vehemently condemned the US drone strikes in the tribal belt bordering Afghanistan and blamed some parliamentarians for supporting such attacks which are counterproductive.

Speaking in talks show at private TV channel, Dr Fehmida, first Woman Speaker of parliament in the Muslim world, said when the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton came to Pakistan in July 2010 on state visit, she met with parliamentarians and held discussions with them over various current issues and also learned about their view point on various issues.

Dr Fehmida said that during our meeting with Hillary Clinton we condemned strongly drone attacks in the tribal belt and also urged her to convey our message to the US government for stopping such attacks which were contributing to anti-Americans sentiments in the region.

Hillary Clinton on the occasion said that she had met parliamentarians and also seek their viewpoint over various hot issues including US drone attacks but there was mix response as some of the parliamentarians favored US drone attacks while others were against drone attacks. “All the parliamentarians were not against US drones,” Hilary said that your demand lacks unanimity.

When asked to identify names of the parliamentarians who are not against US drones, Dr Fehmida responded negatively and said that it is not good to identify names of those parliamentarians.

Dr Fehmida further said that opposition was performing its role efficiently in the parliament and refuted the blame that government is enjoying with friendly opposition. She said that our party is strictly following the policy of reconciliation and did not want confrontation with any party or state-institutions.

Responding to question about general view prevailing in the country at large that political parties were not democratic as one and same leader leads the party while such parties were claiming for strengthening democratic instructions in the country Dr Fehmida Mirza said that such allegations were wrong and baseless because only person of qualities could lead a political party.

FATA MNA demands govt to stop drone attacks

FATA MNA demands govt to stop drone attacks
--- Pay heed towards solution of core problems

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 : Fata MNA Kamran Khan on Wednesday critically hinted upon the role of both, those sitting on the ruling benches and the opposition, saying that people at large were facing numerous problems and government failed to redress their sufferings which may lead the country to terrible situation in future.

Independent candidate of North Waziristan Agency (NWA) Kamran Khan during a talk show at private TV channel has said that innocent people were being targeted by US drone attacks in NWA and government was not paying heed to the core issue.

“The government is just committing hollow claims,” MNA added that being part of the recent government nothing fruitful could be expected from the government in future.

Responding to a question regarding the next coming session of the national assembly and strategy of the Fata representatives, MNA said that we can’t hope better from the floor of the house as we have already submitted our demands to the house but despite hollow commitments nothing was gained from the house.

MNA said that Nato helicopters were violating airspace of Pakistan and recently in a village in NWA at least 21 people including 18 of a family were critically injured in an attack carried out by Nato-choppers and I personally went there to met them. This incident of violating airspace of Pakistan by the Nato-helicopters was not reported in any news channel nor any newspaper had reported the incident, MNA added.

Kamran said that we have time and again informed the government to take stern action against the airspace violation by the Nato-choppers and also to stop the US drones attacks in the tribal region bordering Afghanistan but government had turned deaf ear to the issue.

Kamran further said that US drone in the past were targeting the suspected areas rarely which was counterproductive and contributing towards anti-American sentiments in the area but recently US drone had doubled its attacks and claimed lives of several innocents in few days.

“Being tribal our people will never accept attacks conducted by foreigners and if the same situation continued in the region this would create unbearable condition for the fragile government which had been confronted with many problems already at hand,” MNA added.

Kamran had also criticized members of the opposition as they were just criticizing the government and not coming with any written and result-oriented agenda regarding solution of core problems which the country is facing such as price hike, target killing in Karachi, unemployment, economic problems and the prime issue of fight against terrorism on the behalf of US and several other problems.

“Opposition should put suggestion on the table regarding solution of the core problem which could be discussed unanimously,” MNA added that only then we could seek their solution.

Kamran strictly criticized the government for not solving the issues and its involvement in fight against media and judiciary and also demanded government for stopping drone attacks in tribal areas.

FATA MNA Maulana Abdul Malik urges Govt to pressurize US to stop drone attacks in tribal belt, initiate development schemes

FATA MNA Maulana Abdul Malik urges Govt to pressurize US to stop drone attacks in tribal belt, initiate development schemes
By Mohammad Saleem Mahsud

ISLAMABAD, Oct 06 : MNA Wana Maulana Abdul Malik on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the drone attacks in the tribal belt wherein several innocent people lost their lives and urged the government to take concrete steps to stop US drones strikes and initiate developmental projects in area along Pak-Afghan border.

Talking to newsmen here at Parliament lodges Maulana Abdul Malik who is representing Wazir tribe of South Waziristan Agency said that government should put pressure on America to stop drone attacks in the tribal belt where the dwellers were living fearful life.

The MNA lamented upon the issue of drone attacks and said that such attacks were giving strength to anti-American sentiments in the tribal belt which in return proved better for the Taliban fighters in gaining sympathies of the locals.

“Nato forces should respect Pakistan territorial sovereignty and refrain from attacking Pakistani forces,” the MNA said . He said attack which was carried out by Nato helicopters killing three security personnel was an unbearable offence.

Maulana Abdul Malik argued that government should initiate development projects on war-footing in the area after ending prevailing tense situation in tribal area.These projects wold not only bring in much needed facilities but also provide a source of income to the people who are turning to the Taliban to earn a source living for their families.

One driver killed, 40 Nato-oil tankers torched in Quetta, TTP claimed responsibility of attack

One driver killed, 40 Nato-oil tankers torched in Quetta, TTP claimed responsibility of attack
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

QUETTA, Oct 06 : Banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility of the attack wherein one driver was killed and some 40 Nato-oil tankers were set ablaze by armed men here at Akhtarabad Terminal of Quetta Bypass on Wednesday while Torkham border remained closed on the seventh consecutive day, official sources said.

Talking from undisclosed location spokesman TTP claimed responsibility of the attack on Nato-oil tankers in Quetta and said that attacks were reaction of drone attacks in North Waziristan Agency.

“Up to 40 Nato-oil tankers were parked at Aktharabad Terminal when a group of militants opened indiscriminate fire at the tankers, killing a driver on the spot and setting 40 oil tankers on fire,” sources said.

Law enforcement agencies officials and fire-brigade arrived at the scene and started extinguishing fire to save the remaining tankers. After four and half hours of hectic efforts fire-brigade officials succeeded in controlling the fire.

IG Balochistan Police Malik Mohammad Iqbal told a private TV channel that police officials with its limited resources were not responsible for the security of the tankers stationed in the terminal. He said they were investigating the incident to nab the criminals involved.

Meanwhile Torkham border, main land supply route for Nato forces in Afghanistan remained closed for the seventh consecutive day, after a cross-border Nato helicopter attack that officials blamed for the death of three Pakistani soldiers.

Scores of oil tankers and trucks loaded with supplies for Nato forces are parked at Torkham border, Ring road Terminal Peshawar, Azakheil Camp Nowshera and other camps due to closure of the vital Torkham border crossing. The standing tankers and trucks owners are impatiently waiting for crossing the border as they fear more attacks from the militants.

“Chaman border is open for Nato-oil tankers and trucks and only Torkhum border, the main supply route, was closed a week earlier by Pakistani officials due violation of Nato helicopters,” officials added.

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has urged Pakistan to reopen the vital route "as soon as possible".

Since the key route was closed, on Thursday last local Taliban militants have claimed three raids in which nearly 60 trucks were torched, and vowed more attacks.

Three people were killed in one incident when about 20 Nato-oil tankers were set ablaze by attackers armed with Molotov cocktails near Islamabad.

In a similar incident on Friday in the south, heavily armed gunmen set fire to more than two dozen trucks and tankers carrying fuel for the 152,000-strong foreign forces fighting the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan.

Two NATO trucks were also torched by unknown assailants in the Qalat district of Baluchistan on Monday.

“The attacks on Nato-oil tankers were to avenge US drone attacks and halt the Nato supply route through Pakistan,” spokesman Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Azam Tariq said while claiming responsibility of dual attacks a few days earlier.

On the other hand, United States has massively increased its drone campaign in Pakistan's lawless northwest tribal region on the Afghan border, which it calls the global headquarters of Al-Qaeda and is a hub of militants fighting in Afghanistan.

(Published in frontier post)

TTP claims attacks on Nato-tankers in Islamabad & Shikarpur

TTP claims attacks on Nato-tankers in Islamabad & Shikarpur
=======Torkham route remains closed on fifth day for Nato-supplies
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

PESHAWAR, Oct 04: Banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Pakistan on Monday claimed responsibility for the two recent attacks on Nato supply convoy in Pakistan while Nato supply through Pak-Afghan border of Torkham remained suspended for the fifth dayon Monday.

TTP spokesman Azam Tariq Mehsood told a private TV channel from undisclosed location that fighters of TTP carried out both the attacks in Islamabad and Sindh and threatened to carry out more attacks in the future.

He further said that Taliban will not allow the Nato forces to use Pakistani soil as supply route. “This is also to avenge drone attacks,” he added.

Sihala Police Station officials have registered a case against five unidentified militants and also arrested five suspects and shifted them for interrogation.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik taking notice of the burning of Nato supply tankers, directed IG Islamabad Syed Kalim Imam to submit a report of the incident within 24 hours.

Two of the injured in the attack on NATO tankers in Rawalpindi were lying in critical condition in DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi.

According to the sources at Torkham border, the containers packed with Nato supplies are not being allowed to cross the border; their clearance is hitherto suspended. Sources said around 200 Nato containers are standing in the area and waiting clearance to cross the border into Afghanistan.

It should be mentioned here that Pakistan suspended the supply line after the martyrdom of security personnel in a shelling from helicopters of the allied forces, which violated the country’s airspace.

A high-level team of Pak Army was sent to Afghanistan for probe into the violations of Pakistani airspace by Nato forces. The Pak team is probing the incident along with Nato officials.

The incidents of attacks on Nato containers are on the rise in Pakistan. Some days back, Nato oil containers were attacked in Shikarpur, where several oil tankers were destroyed. Nato supply oil tankers were attacked in Islamabad during Monday night.

Reports say that 12 people were reportedly killed when 28 Nato oil tankers were torched by alleged militants early Monday morning in Rawalpindi, a city near Pakistan's capital Islamabad.
According to local media, nine men on motorcycles opened fire at a NATO convoy near the DHA Phase II area of Rawalpindi, an area which is only about half-an-hour ride south of Islamabad.

This is the third attack on Nato supply trucks over the past three days following the air strikes by NATO helicopters in Pakistan's territory on Thursday, which killed three Pakistani troops and injured three others.

Six Ulema held for violating section 144

Six Ulema held for violating section 144

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

MIRPUR KHAS, Sep 18 : At least six Ulema were arrested on the charges of violating section 144 imposed by the district government due to prevailing tense situation in the city to avert any untoward incident, police sources said.

According to details, in Hairabad area two religious groups were at cross roads over the ownership of Masjid and seminary, keeping in view the sensitivity of the situation in the city the district government has imposed section 144 according to which the leaders were not allowed to held large gatherings and rallies.

Instead of imposition of section 144 in the city, Ulema held protest rallies in the city due to which police official arrested Secretary Publication of Ulema Action Committee Haroon Mavia along with six other Ulema and shifted them to undisclosed location.

Police sources said that detained Ullamas were arrested under section 144 and other cases of attacking police personnel and creating law and order situation in the city were also levelled against them.

On the other hand, after the arrest of the members of Ulema Action Committee, complete strike was observed in the entire city and enraged mob blocked certain main roads by placing barricades on them.

Meanwhile, in Madianah Masjid, Ameer of Ulema Action Committee Maulana Shabir Karnalvi has warned the government to release the detained Ulema and also transfer TTPO city immediately otherwise Ulema will remain on roads to record protest against the incident.

Extra contingents of police were called in due to prevailing tense situation in the city.

Journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman shot dead

Journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman shot dead
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

DARGAI, Sep 17: A renowned journalist and primary school teacher Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Siddiqui was shot to death by unknown miscreants here at Dargai Bazar on Friday.

Sources said that Mujeeb-ur-rehman was returning from Dargai Bazar to home when he was ambushed by unknown miscreants, injuring him at the spot. The locals rushed to the spot after hearing fire shots and shifted the injured to Dargai Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, who hailed from tehsil Dargai, was working as a local journalist for the last twenty years with various local and regional newspapers and was also a primary school teacher.
Siddiqui was an active member of Dargai Press Club and had also served as finance secretary of the press club.

Members of Dargai Press Club headed by President Zahir Shah held a protest demonstration to condemn the cold-blooded killing of Siddiqi and demanded the government to take stern action against those involved in the killing of prominent journalist.

They also blocked the GT road and main Highway for all kind of traffic to exert pressure on the government and further warned the government to carry out demonstrations if the culprits were not immediately put behind the bars. They were carrying play cards inscribed with slogans condemning the cold-blooded murder of Siddiqui.

Protestors also demanded the government to provide security to the journalists working in the far-flung and terror-torn tribal areas.

However, no arrest was yet made in this regard.

Rs.2.78bn damage caused by flood in Fata/FR areas: FDMA

Rs.2.78bn damage caused by flood in Fata/FR areas: FDMA
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

PESHAWAR, Aug 26 (INP): As the flash-flood played havoc in the entire country, FATA also suffered severe losses where at least 86 persons were killed and 77 sustained injuries.

“Total cost of damaged caused by flash-flood was estimated as Rs 2.78 billion in seven tribal areas and six FR areas,” spokesman of Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) said while talking to private TV channel here at Peshawar on Thursday.

Spokesman said that some 4,614 houses were damaged partially and 637 houses were completely washed away by the flash-flood.

According to figures issued by FDMA, at least 7724 acres of irrigated land and standing crops on it, 980 safety dykes, 155 connecting bridges, three hospitals, 2030 kilometers roads, 27 educational institutions, 64 irrigation schemes and 103 water supplying schemes were washed away by the gushing waves of the flash-flood.

FDMA spokesman said that initial figures of damages caused by the deadly flood in seven tribal areas and six FR areas was recorded and further we were collecting figures of the far-flung tribal areas which will soon be made public.

Flood damages estimated at Rs.200bn in KP: Bashir Bilour

Flood damages estimated at Rs.200bn in KP: Bashir Bilour
--- Says MQM is martial law’s product
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

PEAHAWAR, Aug 25 : Senior Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bashir Ahmad Bilour Wednesday said that the floods have caused damages of an estimated Rs.200 billion in the province while the federal government has not paid a single penny to KP government.

“Smart cards will be issued to the flood-victims and they will be given Rs. 20,000 in cash initially,” Bilour said while talking to private TV channel here at Peshawar.

Bashir said that center has promised to compensate the flood-effected and also said to pay 50% compensation to the effected of KP but still they have not given even a single penny to redress the sufferings of the victims.

Responding to a question regarding the activities of the banned organizations in the flood-ravaged areas, Balour said that no member of any banned organization will be allowed to work there and they will also be barred from fund raising campaigns.

Commenting on the statement of MQM Chief Alraf Hussain in which he had favored the Martial Law administrators and asked the generals to take action against the landlords, Bashir said that MQM is the product of Martial Law and war of personal gain is going on in Karachi due to which code of conduct and ethics did not prevail there.

In the last Bashir demanded the Federal government to give the due share to KP soon in order to recede the suffering of the people who had already suffered too much in the wake of war on terror.

Rehman vows to hang Sialkot tragedy killers at same site

Rehman vows to hang Sialkot tragedy killers at same site
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

SIALKOT, Aug 22 : Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Sunday that the culprits responsible of double murder of two brothers in Sialkot will be punished at the same place where they committed the crime.

“Local citizens will not be allowed to create their own justice system,” Malik said to the media persons while visiting the family of the deceased brothers for condolences.

He also added that a change is being proposed to increase punishment for ignorance on the part of police from two years to ten years.

Rehman Malik said that police have played a key role in the double murder and pledged that all those cops involved in the gruesome murder of the two brothers would be awarded exemplary punishment. He said there is no difference of opinion on this between the federal and provincial governments.

“It was a negligence on the part of Police,” Interior Minister said and termed the incident as ‘national tragedy’ and asked the media not to exaggerate the incident as it would earn bad name for country.

Malik said that the culprits will be punished without giving consideration to any political pressure or motive. He maintained that the names of those behind this crime would be enlisted into Exit Control List (ECL) and urged the people of Sialkot to testify in the case.

The Interior Minister assured that the eyewitnesses of the killing would be given sufficient security and added that some ten accused have been held so far including police officials. He warned that a ten-year sentence would be awarded to those keeping illicit arms.

Governor Punjab Salman Taseer also accompanied the interior minister and offered condolences with the bereaved family in Sialkot.

Talking to media, Taseer condemned the incident, and added that the killers are not human being. However, he refrained from pinning allegations on anyone, saying that the truth would come out after investigations.

Both, Governor Punjab Salman Taseer and Interior Minister Rehman Malik lauded the steps taken by the Chief Justice of Pakistan in the case and said that it would leave good impression in the mind of general public regarding judicial system in the country.

Zimbabwe woman arrested at Karachi airport on drug smuggling charges

Zimbabwe woman arrested at Karachi airport on drug smuggling charges
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

KARACHI, Aug 21 (INP): A foreigner woman was arrested by Airport Security Force and recovered one kilogram heroin from her here at Karachi Airport on Saturday, Airport sources said.

The woman identified as Mandia Caroline who hailed from Zimbawe was about to board PK-603 for Dubai when ASF officials got suspicious about her and upon snap checking recovered one kilogram heroin from her custody.

ASF have sized her passport and other documents and after initial investigation handed over her to Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) for further investigation.

Rulers turned deaf ears to the cries of victims of cruelties: Mufti Saeed

Rulers turned deaf ears to the cries of victims of cruelties: Mufti Saeed
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

SRINAGAR, Aug 21 : Former Chief Minister and chief of PDP Mufti Saeed on Saturday said that the on -going bloody game in the occupied valley was unbearable as every day innocent fell victim to the atrocities of occupation forces.

“Routine killing of innocent youth by the forces was strongly condemnable,” Mufti Saeed said.

Mufti Saeed said that the sitting government was not taking any notice of the atrocities being done by the security forces and it is better to call the government ‘pitiless’.

Saeed said that rulers had turned deaf ears to the cries of the victims of atrocities as they had never paid any attention to provide justice to the masses.

He further said that political and district administration has become helpless in controlling the situation in the occupied state while Indian occupation forces have created havoc in the valley by targeting innocent youth every day which is unbearable any more.

Three C-130 carrying relief goods arrived in Quetta

Three C-130 carrying relief goods arrived in Quetta
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

QUETTA, Aug 16 : Let. Gen. Zia-ud-Din, Commander Southern Command, on Monday visited the flood-ravaged areas of Balochistan and directed the concerned authorities to expedite the relief activities and urged the effectees to register their families in the relief camps.

“Three C-130 aeroplanes had arrived in Quetta carrying food-items including drinking water, dates, clothes and other items of daily use which will be distributed among the flood-effected people of Balochistan,” ISPR sources said that food items would be dispatched to the flood-hit areas of Balochistan through trucks.

Gen. Zia-ud-Din visited Rohjan Jamali, Dera Allahyar, Dera Murad Jamali, Dadar and Sibi and also directed the concerned authorities to expedite relief efforts to the reach the stranded people soon.

During his visit, he advised the affected people to register their families in the relief camps established in Sibi and Quetta which will facilitate the relief camp officials to provide items without hesitation and also easy for the affected people to withdraw items from the camp.

The ISPR sources said that provincial government and the army officials jointly established five relief camps in Sibi, Nolang, Quettan, Dadar and Dera Murad Jamali to extend relief to the effected people.

Eight minors killed of gastro in Miranshah

Eight minors killed of gastro in Miranshah
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

MIRANSHAH, Aug 16 : At least 10 children were killed due to breakout of gastroenteritis disease on Monday in North Waziristan Agency on Monday, said sources.

According to details, gastroenteritis killed eight people in Asad Khel Moseeqi area of North Waziristan and several affected children have been shifted to nearby hospitals where they are being provided medical treatment.

The children said to be suffered from gastro epidemic by drinking contaminated water in relief camps.

The waterborne gastroenteritis killed several dozen people last week as more cases have also been reported elsewhere across the flood-plagued country.

Over two weeks of heavy rains and floods have so far killed over 1,600 people, displaced 20 million people and destroyed some 700,000 homes in Pakistan which is experiencing worst floods in its history.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a case of fatal cholera disease over the weekend in Pakistan. It has estimated that some 36,000 people have been affected by breakout of cholera in the country, which is entangled with waterborne diseases while it is still facing the ravaging floods and monsoon rains.

The Pakistani health ministry has sent a red alert to the WHO for starting an emergency treatment against the diseases which are spreading faster along the flowing polluted water which is mixing tap and well water with sewerage and other contaminations.

In badly-affected Nowshera and Charsadda areas of the province, three million people are challenged by typhoid, hepatitis A and B, respiratory tract infection, scabies, cholera and other diseases.

2,600,000 people waiting for help in KP: Afrasiab

2,600,000 people waiting for help in KP: Afrasiab
--- Fund raising campaign needs expedition
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

PESHAWAR, Aug 11 : Provincial President of Awami National Party (ANP) Afrasiab Khattak has said that the federal government has not provided due share in the foreign aid to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where hundreds of thousands of people were waiting for the assistance.

“Some 2,600,000 people are waiting for government help in different areas of the province,” Afrsaib Khattak said that the scope of devastation could increase.

In an interview with a private TV Channel here at Peshawar, Khattak said that the current pace of fund raising for the flood-effected people was very slow and needed to be speeded up.

Afrasiab said that the province of KP was badly hit by the recent flood in its history and the estimated devastation as compared to the remaining country was large where need for aid and relief was growing with each passing day and KP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain has also informed the centre to give big share of aid to KP for the rehabilitation of the displaced people.

“The government of KP was supplying food and other necessaries to the displaced people living in relief camps and government schools,” Khattak said that to overcome the entire situation created by the flood was out of reach of KP government as from DIKhan, Tank to Chitral the whole areas were badly effected by flood and people of adjacent areas can’t help each other as they done during displacement which took place after the security forces operation in Swat against the militants.

Khattak said that only in Swat the estimated devastation was out of imagination as there remains no connecting and main bridge in the way from Mangora to Kalam and the people were facing acute shortage of food items because all the main routes were washed away in the recent scourge of flood. The area needs immediate construction of temporary bridges to connect the areas with the entire province in order to ensure supply of items of daily use to the area, if the bridges were not constructed timely then helicopter service will be required for transportation of goods to the area.

“Different kinds of diseases were developing in the flood affected areas which require immediate vaccination of the residents to overcome the diseases,” Khattak said that provincial government lacks such vaccines and there is dire need of drinking water in the flood-ravaged areas.

Responding to a question regarding distribution of funds Khattak said that all the institutions along with army should join hand to carry out the work but there is need of survey on large scale to collect the data of estimated devastation then according to facts and figures the aid would be distributed in transparent way. He said that we have already experienced the process and collected the data of Malakand where damages were done at the result of war against militants and in the meantime when the government was releasing cash cheques to the effectees the flood outburst halted the process.

Afrasiab said that there is dire need to mobilize the locals and international community for help of the flood-affected people in order to ensure timely supply of aid to the displaced people waiting for help.

Rehman Malik vows to recheck all arms-licenses in Karachi

Rehman Malik vows to recheck all arms-licenses in Karachi
By Saleem Mehsud

KARACHI, Aug 11: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday said that all the arms-licenses issued by the government will be re-checked and those failed to undergo the process will loose their licences and arms will be confiscated.

Talking to media persons here at Karachi Airport, he said that comprehensive plan was envisaged for security during Ramazan and there is no threat of terrorist activities during the holy month, but security will remain alert.

The minister said that intelligence agencies have information that people are keeping upto 50 weapons on a single license and therefore it is required to recheck them.

Commenting on the law and order situation in the mega city, he said that Karachi is country’s business hub and thousands of people from all parts of the country have relatives here and those creating law and order in the city would be dealt with iron hands.

Responding to a question regarding progress in investigation of assassinated leader of MQM, he said the law enforcement agencies were investigating the incident and soon the investigations will be made public.

He insisted upon all the coalition partners to cooperate the government in establishing environment of peace in the city.

سندھ میں اونچے درجے کا سیلاب

High flood tide passing through Guddu,

To read more flood news

visit:

www.sindhflood.blogspot.com
by: imran ALi Khan (Sindh)
Student, (Sir Saleem Mehsud)

Six more killed including MQM activist, a Cop, six injured in Karachi

Six more killed including MQM activist, a Cop, six injured in Karachi
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

KARACHI, Aug 07 : At least six persons including an activist of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and a police official were killed and six others sustained bullet injuries in the incident of aerial firing and target killing at various locations of the metropolitan city on Saturday, police sources said.

An activist of MQM identified as Amir Siddiqui 30, was gunned down by unidentified armed miscreants in Qasba Colony area.

In Zakaria Ghot near Super Highway a dead body of a person identified as Hanif 23, was recovered which was shifted to a nearby hospital for autopsy. Hospital sources said that dead body of the young had marks of injuries.

In Mangopir area unknown miscreants gunned down father and his son when they opened indiscriminate fire at them, killing them at the spot while another person was killed by armed men in Orangi Town whose identity was not yet ascertained.

Police sources said that in Ranchor line, Federal B area, University Road and Block 11 areas sporadic aerial firing was reported wherein at least six persons were injured and they were shifted to hospitals for medical treatment.

Some residents of Kati Pahari, Site area, Metroval, Qasba Colony, Aligargh Bazar and Bughari Mahallah areas told to private TV channel through telephone that tension still prevail in the said areas which erupted after the killing of MQM, MPA Raza Haider. The said areas were still under control of armed persons who were wandering openly and have forced the locals and traders confined to their houses. “We were facing acute scarcity of food items as we cannot move outside,” the locals said.

The locals also demanded the police force and Rangers to do something extra-ordinary to redress their grievances.

SP Site Town Shahjahan Khan said that in Metroval Site area police personnel have arrested more than 15 suspects involved in the incidents of arson attacks and creating law and order situation in the city.

The detainees were shifted to respective police stations and investigations were in progress.

In a meeting held here at Karachi the Sindh government coalition partners signed 10-point code of conduct amid at restoring peace and defusing political tension in the country’s commercial hub.

The meeting was attended by Raza Rabbani of PPP, MQM’s Raza Haroon and Afrasiab Khattack of ANP and signed the document on the behalf of their parties wherein it was decided to eliminate those forces which were creating law and order situation in the city and further high level judicial commission would probe the killing of Raza Haider.

Sindh coalition partners also agreed to give compensation to the families of those killed in the five days unrest which took at dozen of lives.

On the other hand Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani who during his visit to Karachi held meeting with the members of coalition partners and sought their cooperation in eliminating the outlaws from the city.

Prime Minister ruled out the possibility of army deployment to restore peace in the country’s financial hub. Speaking to newsmen in Karachi, Gilani said the government will not give any leniency to people, who were found involved in targeted killing.

Peshawar suicide blast injured succumbs to injuries

Peshawar suicide blast injured succumbs to injuries
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

PESHAWAR, Aug 07: An official of Food Department who was earlier injured in the suicide blast in Peshawar Saddar and admitted to Leady Reading Hospital was pronounced dead on Saturday.

Asghar Hameed, an official of Food Department had sustained critical injuries in the suicide blast wherein Commandant FC Safwat Ghayur was martyred. He was admitted in the hospital but despite all the efforts by the doctors he succumbed to his injuries.

With the death of Asghar Hameed, the death toll in the suicide blast soared to five.

One killed in road mishap, four injured in roof collapse

One killed in road mishap, four injured in roof collapse
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

RAHIM YAR KHAN, Aug 07: A cyclist was run over and crushed to death by a speedy passenger coach while a woman and her three children sustained injuries when roof of dilapidated house caved in here at Shakiabad Colony area on Saturday, police sources said.

According to details, a person identified as Mohammad Waqas s/o Rehmat Ali, resident of Ashrafabad who was going to city on cycle was run over and crushed to death by a speedy passenger coach at the bypass.

Locals rushed to the spot and shifted the dead body to the nearby hospital and after autopsy the dead body was handed over to the heirs.

Police registered the case against the coach driver who managed to flee from the scene.

In another incident, roof of a dilapidated room caved in and as a result four of same family who were sleeping suffered multiple injuries.

People of the locality rushed to the house and rescued the injured from the debris of the house and shifted them to nearby hospital.

The injured were identified as a widow Naseem Bibi and her three children Shahzad Rafiq, Shahbaz Rafiq and Ajaz Rafiq.

Patient killed in rival groups clash in Hospital

Patient killed in rival groups clash in Hospital
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

GOGRA, Aug 07: One person was gunned down and a woman sustained bullet injuries when two rival groups traded fire here at Tehsil Head Quarter Hospital Gojra on Saturday.

According to details, members of two rival groups who came to hospital for medical check up opened fire at each other at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, killing a patient on the spot and inflicted injuries to a woman.

Soon after the incident heavy contingent of police arrived at the spot and arrested members of both the groups involved in firing. A case has been registered and police started investigation.

Two die as epidemics break out in DIK

Two die as epidemics break out in DIK
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Aug 07 : At least two children were killed of gastro and five others were admitted to hospital having same infection of gastro as the recent flood has devastated several residential areas of Dera Ismail Khan city.

Source said that in Juta area a kid identified as Ameen was pronounced dead having symptoms of gastro while another kid death was reported from Bataiser area. Five other children with same symptoms of gastro were admitted to the hospital who were brought from suburbs of the Dera city where flash-flood played havoc.

As many people were rendered homeless and vast irrigated lands of Dera Ismail Khan were inundated when the gushing waves of recent flood entered the area, peole were unble to get clean drinking water. As a result epidemics broke out in the area which have added to the difficulties of the people already under stress.

Locals have demanded the government and Station Commandar Brig Sarfaraz Khan to take immediate notice of the epidemics in the flood-affected areas and send medical teams to overcome the situation at hand.

Seth Nisar accused in Bank of Punjab case arrested; hands over to NAB on remand

Seth Nisar accused in Bank of Punjab case arrested; hands over to NAB on remand
By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

LAHORE, Aug 07: Another co-accused in the Bank of Punjab scam was arrested by the National Accountability Authority (NAB) officials here at Lahore on Saturday and produced before the Lahore High Court which handed over him remand for 20 days to NAB officials.

Sources said that an accused and proclaimed offender in the Bank of Punjab scam identified as Seth Nisar who was traced by the officials of NAB while he was talking on telephone reportedly this morning. The officials raided the traced place and arrested the accused.

NAB officials produced the accused in LHC and the court after hearing handed over him to the NAB officials on 20 days remand.

“The accused had been declared as proclaimed offender by the court of law in the Punjab bank scam,” official sources said.

“The detainee was a co-accused is involved in the scam revolving rupees 10 billion from the Bank of Punjab through corrupt practices,” officials of NAB said that investigation were in progress from the prime accuse Hamesh Khan in the fraud case.

Three killed 10 injured as police fires at protest demo

Three killed 10 injured as police fires at protest demo

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

SAWABI, Aug 06 : At least three protesters were killed and ten others sustained injuries when police resorted to straight firing at protesters demanding an end to load shedding here at Topi on Friday.

Sources said that locals were protesting against unscheduled and long hours load shedding at Topi when police opened indiscriminate firing at them, killing three protesters at the spot and inflicting injuries to ten others.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospital where medical staff was not available.

The enraged mob after the shoot out set Wapda office at fire and blocked the road for all kind of traffic.

The deceased were identified as Hamid, Subhan and Murad whose dead bodies were handed over to their heirs.

Seven more dead as target killing continues in Karachi

Seven more dead as target killing continues in Karachi
--- Death toll in recent spat of targeted killings rises to 92; 230 injured

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

KARACHI, Aug 06 : Some seven more people fall prey to the incidents of targeted killings in the city on Friday.

The latest spell of brutal target killings started after the killing of MQM MPA Raza Haider on Monday has so far claimed 92 lives, while 230 others were injured.

Most of the areas were still under control of the outlaws who were killing innocent people and no effective measures were being taken on part of the government.

In a press conference held here at Karachi on Friday, Interior Minister Rehman Malik along with Home Secretary Sindh Dr Zulfiqar Mirza told the media persons that at least 195 suspects have been arrested and after grilling nine of them were found involved in the incident of targeted killing.

Malik said police and rangers are working in complete coordination. He said the law and order situation is being brought under control.

The minister said that law enforcement personnel shot and killed some miscreants, who were trying to torch buildings.

The Interior Minister made it clear that no criminal from any gang will be spared and vowed that peace will be restored in Karachi at all costs. He said necessary steps have been taken in this regard.

He said the government agencies were vigilant and they will carry out targeted actions against those found involved in this heinous crime.

Malik said that media was projecting the incidents of targeted killings wrongly by terming every incident of killing as the incident of targeted killing.

He also praised police officials for controlling the situation with meagre resources and also in joint collaboration with rangers they were participating efficiently.

Speaking at the press conference, the Sindh Home Minister rejected the reports of his absence from the scene when the city was on fire. He said he is at work and there should be no anxiety in the media over it.

“I am not an actor to show my face on TV screens. I’m doing my job by supporting police,” he remarked.

The situation on the other hand was very tense in this economic hub of the country as several areas of the city remained under control of the outlaws who set on fire several shops, vehicles and put the private transport in most of the areas out of gear.

People faced severe problems in reaching offices while many remained stranded in the areas where incidents of aerial firing were witnessed and the shopkeepers and traders were forced to close their businesses.

Some of the locals of Qasba Colony, Orangi Town and Pirabad told private news channels by telephone that they were facing acute shortage of food items and water because they cannot come out of their homes when outlaws are present at the streets.

People demanded of the government to take effective measures for their safety as most of the houses were set ablaze by the armed men who were ruling the streets and no official dares to stop them.

Commandant FC laid to rest, conferred upon Sitara-e-Shujaat

Commandant FC laid to rest, conferred upon Sitara-e-Shujaat
By Mohammad Saleem Khan

PESHAWAR, Aug 05 : Frontier Constabulary Chief Sifwat Ghayoor killed in brazen suicide attack was laid to eternal rest in the native graveyard after the funeral prayer was offered here at Police Lines, sources said on Thursday.

Responsibility of the incident was claimed by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. Spokesman of TTP on telephone from unspecified location stated that they had planned the attack and they would further target leaders of ANP and other high officials and government buildings in the province.

The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced one day mourning on Thursday and national flag flew at half mast in the entire province.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik attended the funeral prayer and conferred ‘Sitara-e-Shujaat’ to the martyred Frontier Constabulary chief. He went to the residence of Sifwat Ghayoor and offered Fateha Khawani. Rehman Malik announced residential plot for the family members of the deceased in Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion to the media persons, Rehman Malik said that FC Commandant was a brave man and played vital role in the war against militants. He further said that such cowardly act would not affect the war on terror and said that he will announce a fresh strategy in the evening for countering and eliminating terrorism.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ameer Haider Hoti, Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani, Senior Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour, Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain, Zafar Jagra of PML-N, IG KP Malik Naveed and other notables attended funeral prayer at police line Peshawar and also placed floral wreath at the coffin of the martyred. Large number of locals attended the funeral prayer.

CM KP Ameer Haider Hoti speaking to the media persons after funeral prayer said that militants were losing public support in the entire province and now they have started targeting high profile to resume respect in the eyes of public at large. He said that martyred officer gave courage to the officials of law enforcement agencies who will carry out effective measures for curbing menace of terrorism in the province.

CM KP expressed grief and sorrow over the departed soul of the martyred and said that we all share the grief and it is difficult to fill the gap made at the tragic end of the martyred official.

Responding to a question about other officials whose names are on hit-list of the militants he said that we are doing everything which is humanly possible further life and death is in the hands of Almighty Allah we all have to bow before the decision of the Almighty.

The Commandant of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) Sifwat Ghayoor and four other people were killed and 11 injured in a brazen suicide attack at a busy roundabout in the cantonment area of the city near Deans Trade Center on Wednesday.

Case of the suicide incident had been registered against unknown persons in Police Station East.

FATA Secretariat distributes compensatory cheques among flood victim

FATA Secretariat distributes compensatory cheques among flood victim

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

PESHAWAR, Aug 05 : Assistant Director FATA Relief Operation Hafeez Khan on Thursday said that FATA Secretariat issued cheques of Rs. 300,000 in cash to the families of those 38 tribals died in the flash flood in various areas of FATA and one lacs in cash to each 34 injured.

Assist Director Hafeez Khan, while talking to media persons, said that 538 tents were given to the flood-affected families and three trucks loaded with food stuff were dispatched to Khyber Agency, one truck packed with food items had also been sent to Mohamand Agency, he added.

The Assistant Director FATA said that food packets were also distributed among 300 families in Bajaur Agency while a free medical camp was also established in Tehsil Khar of the same agency to overcome the growing epidemics in the area after flood.

Extra ordinary increase in Malik security

ISLAMABAD, July 27 (Report by: Saleem Mehsud): Federal police has made extra ordinary increase in the security of Federal Minister for Interior Affairs Rehman Malik after receiving new life threats from the terrorists involved in the terrorists activities in the country.

According to well placed sources in the federal police, Rehman Malik received the latest threats following the measures took by the government to ensure the complete writ of the state after the target killing incidents in Karachi and suicide blast in front of Information Minister K-P Mian Iftikhar Hussain.

Sources said that the high-ups of the interior ministry and the federal police thoroughly discussed the situation and make a new security plan for the interior minister.

The old security and police constables were changed while the commandos and new Elite Force ‘jawans’ were deployed to ensure the Rehman Malik security sources added.

The rangers’ men who are the part of interior minister’s security squad are also directed to keep themselves alert during the duty timing.

No survivors, as Airblue flight crash kills 152

ISLAMABAD, (Report by: Saleem Mehsud): A private plane ‘Air Blue’ flight from Karachi to Islamabad, carrying 152 people came down in Margalla Hills Wednesday after losing contact with the control tower of Islamabad airport, killing all the passengers onboard, officials said.

It is worth mentioning that Interior Minister Rehman Malik early claimed that five injured were rescued from wreckages of the plane, however later on he changed his statement and conformed that not a single passenger survived in the heartbreaking incident.

None of the passenger were found alive as the rescuers have retrieved 80 dead bodies from the wreckage of the airliner at Daman-e-Koh and have been shifted to PIMS hospital, said rescue sources.

Airport sources said the flight of Air Blue ED-202 flew from Karachi at 7:50am and scheduled to land at Benazir Bhutto Airport of Islamabad but crashed due to uneven weather a few minutes before landing after loosing connection with control tower.

“There were 146 passengers and six crewmen on board, we are gathering investigation of the incident”, said Civil Aviation spokesman Pervez George.

The body parts of the 80 deceased people were recovered by the rescue workers from the wreckage and sent to nearby hospitals, said Imtiaz Elahi, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Eyewitnesses said people noticed airbus flying at very low altitude near Daman-e-Koh this morning and have crashed due to rough weather. “It was raining. I saw the plane flying very low from the window of my office,” witness Ibrar Hussain said.

After reaching the incident information rescue teams were rushed to the spot however the workers faces difficulties due to bad weather. The workers were making their way on foot to the crash site with some difficulty. Three army aviation helicopters were also took part in rescue operation.

An emergency has been imposed in all hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressing grief over this tragic incident, ordered the authorities to control fire immediately.