US drone strike kills six in N.Waziristan

MIRANSHAH: A US drone missile attack Tuesday killed at least six suspected militants in the 11th such strike targeting Pakistan's northwest Taliban stronghold this month, intelligence officials said.

The strike took place at 6:30pm (1330 GMT) in Degan village, 30 kilometres (18 miles) west of Miranshah, the main town of the tribal North Waziristan district and a known hub of Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants.

“Two missiles fired by a US drone hit a compound which was being used by militants,” a senior security official in the area said. “One missile hit a compound and the other hit a vehicle outside it. Six militants were killed.” The death toll had initially been put at three.

Another security official confirmed the hit and casualties, saying that the nationalities of those killed was not yet known.

“It is also not clear if any high-value target was present in the area at the time of the attack,” he said, adding that the death toll may rise.

A volley of drone strikes has hit the northwest this month, all targeting North Waziristan, a bastion of Al-Qaeda fighters, the Taliban and the Haqqani network.

The drone strikes are a source of friction between the United States and its ally Pakistan, which says they are a violation of its sovereignty.

US officials say the missile strikes are carried out under an agreement with Islamabad that allows Pakistani leaders to decry the attacks in public, but Islamabad denies this. –Agencies

Marshall Plan needed for Pakistan: Zardari

LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday called on the international community to give more resources to fight terrorism and build a developed Pakistan.
Addressing a reception held for leading citizens in Lahore, the President said, “We have to convince the world to give us the resources to take on the monster of terrorism.”
Pakistan is facing numerous challenges, he said adding this century will belong to Asia and the world is looking towards Pakistan.
“There is a natural instinct in the nation of Pakistan and it is shown by the people and political forces including PPP and PML that they turn their weaknesses into strength,” he remarked.
He said, “Time and again I have been asking the world for a Marshall Plan for Pakistan like the one they had for Europe.”
“Yes, they have not agreed as yet but can I, will I make them agree? I can promise you that one day they will come to our position. One day they will realise that root of all the wars in Afghanistan goes through Pakistan,” he added.
He assured that Pakistan would want to help its neighbourhood and the region as a active participant.
“But they have to look at the situation with a regional outlook. The problems cannot be solved indigenously by Pakistan or any other country. It has to be a collective effort,” the President stressed.
President Zardari said he is dreaming of a Pakistan in which investors come from all over the world to set up projects.
He reiterated that Pakistan wanted better relations and more trade with its neighbouring countries. He urged all the political forces to unite together in the war on terrorism.
He said the people of Pakistan today stand shoulder to shoulder with their brothers in the army, police and paramilitary forces.
“We stand together against the terrorists who want to change our way of life. This far we have come through political maturity and for that I congratulate  the Prime Minister, parliament, leader of the opposition and all political forces for political ownership of the war.”
He said the solution to this war is collectiveness and they have collected together under the banner of Pakistan to fight by believing that this is their own war.
“Before the arrival of the democratic dispensation the big question mark was whose war it is. We have found the answer that this is our war as they are killing our brothers and sisters,” he concluded.

Three army personnel injured in blast near Rawalakot

ISLAMABAD: Three military personnel were critically injured in a suicide attack on an army vehicle near Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir on Saturday.
According to the SSP Rawalakot, Sajjad Hussain, the vehicle was travelling through the Dothan area on the outskirts of Rawalakot when the bomber rammed his vehicle into it.
The injured were shifted to Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot and the area was cordoned off.
Police were collecting body parts of the bomber for further investigation.

Federer faces tough opponents in Australian Open

MELBOURNE: Roger Federer faces a potential quarter-final against Russian bogeyman Nikolay Davydenko following Friday’s Australian Open draw, as the world number one chases a 16th Grand Slam title. Davydenko, the sixth seed, has beaten the Swiss legend at their previous two meetings and could pose another test as top-seeded Federer goes after a fourth Australian title.
Davydenko beat Federer in straight sets in the semi-finals at Doha this month and also mastered him at the ATP World Tour Finals event in London in November.
Federer will open the tournament against Russian world number 36 Igor Andreev and could face either Lleyton Hewitt or Marcos Baghdatis, both former Australian Open finalists, in the fourth round.
Serb Novak Djokovic, who beat Federer in the semi-finals of the 2008 Australian Open on the way to winning his first Grand Slam, was drawn in the same top half of the men’s draw as the world number one.
Third-seeded Djokovic is drawn to face French Open finalist Robin Soderling of Sweden in the quarters before a potential tilt at Federer in the semis.
In the bottom half of the draw, world number two and defending champion Rafael Nadal could run up against British title contender Andy Murray in the quarters.
Nadal, who beat Federer in last year’s five-set final in Melbourne, opens against Australian Davis Cup player Peter Luczak, while fifth-seeded Murray takes on a qualifier first up.
Another prospective quarter-final looms between US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, the fourth seed, and Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick.
Veteran Frenchman Fabrice Santoro, 37, who will become the first player to participate in 70 Grand Slam tournaments stretched over four decades, faces Croatian 14th seed Marin Cilic in the first round.

US ready to review new screening policy: Holbrooke

LAHORE: US Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrook, said that the United States is ready to review the new screening regime instituted at US airports.
He was speaking to the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, at the Governor's House in Lahore on Friday.
           
President Zardari said that the United States' policy of conducting secret drone attacks against militants on Pakistani soil will undermine national consensus on the war against terror.
Richard Holbrooke said that the purpose of his visit was to refocus US policy on the region and to gather support for Pakistan. He appreciated the role Pakistan is playing against global militancy and assured full support in its efforts.
The envoy assured president Zardari of the immediate release of $349 million due as part of the Coalition Support Fund and $125 million for the Tarbela Power Plant upgrade process.
President Zardari stressed the need for basing partnership between the two countries on mutual respect, trust and interest.
The President also called for allowing greater market access to Pakistani goods in the US and European markets.
The president said that democratic stability in the country is dependent upon the development agenda and that a plan was needed to overcome local economic problems. 

Pakistan demands compensation for shifted Davis Cup ties

KARACHI: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has filed a compensation claim with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) after losing the right to host three David Cup ties due to the security situation in the country. “We have filed a claim for a total compensation of around $100,000 for the three David Cup ties against Oman, the Philippines and Hong Kong that have been moved from Pakistan since last year,” PTF President Dilawar Abbas said on Tuesday.
The ITF shifted the ties to venues in those three countries after security concerns expressed by Pakistan’s opponents over the scheduling of their matches in Lahore and Islamabad.
The ties against Oman and the Philippines were moved last year while Pakistan are due to travel to Hong Kong to play a Davis Cup Group II first round match in March.
“The ITF initially rejected our compensation claim but...will now consider it again next month at a meeting,” Abbas said.
“If the matter is not resolved by the ITF it can also go the Court of Aarbitration for Sport,” he added.
He said the ITF argued that Pakistan was given a share of the money from international sponsorship of the ties and due to the security situation no country would play in Pakistan. —Reuters

Drone attacks intensified after Khost blast: US

WASHINGTON: A US general, who oversees America’s war efforts in the Pakistan-Afghan region, has acknowledged that there has been an increase in drone attacks at suspected militant targets inside Fata since the assassination last month of seven CIA agents.

Separately, the US military chief has said that a relationship with Pakistan is ‘absolutely critical’ to the United States and that’s why he has invested so much in grooming up this relationship.

“We don’t talk about the source of the explosions in western Pakistan. But certainly, many commentators have noted the considerable pressure that has been brought on the leadership, in particular, of Al Qaeda and also of some other important extremist elements there,” Gen David Petraeus told CNN when asked if the United States had increased drone attacks inside Fata after the CIA blast.

Seven CIA employees were killed and six wounded in Khost on Dec 30 when a suicide bomber associated with Al Qaeda exploded a bomb inside a US base.

US officials later identified the bomber as Humam Khalil Abu Mulal al-Balawi, a Jordanian national with links to both Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

Gen Petraeus was also asked to comment on a video which showed the Jordanian double agent sitting beside the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

Balawi claims that he blew himself up in the CIA base to avenge the death of former TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud in a US drone attack.

“Well, first of all, Baitullah Mehsud and his organisation carried out horrific attacks inside Pakistan, and that is what I think should concern the Pakistanis, as certainly it concerns us,” said Gen Petraeus.

Replying to a question, he said: “There will be loss of innocent life in war, but we have got to make sure that we minimise it and that we try to avoid it just about at all costs.”

In an interview to CNN, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said the campaign in South Waziristan was very challenging and forced Gen Kayani to shift his forces over there.

PML-N demands regulations on security agencies

ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers demand a comprehensive framework to regulate activities of foreign security agencies in Pakistan including DynCorp, on Tuesday.
The PML-N legislatures moved a bill in the National Assembly demanding regulatory framework for the security agencies.
The bill demanded formulation of the regulatory mechanism at the interior ministry level. It said all personnel of foreign security firms must wear uniforms and should not enjoy diplomatic immunity.
Mover of the bill, Khurram Dastagir, claimed that Blackwater was involved in some illegal acts in Pakistan. He also expressed concern over the activities of other agencies like DynCorp and XE.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik informed the house that laws were available to deal with such agencies.
He revealed that out of around 400 Americans residing in Islamabad, some 300 have the diplomatic status.
He did not disclose the status of rest of the Americans, amid reports of the presence of US Marines in Islamabad.
Presently, the US Embassy is in possession of 189 houses in the federal capital.

Mumbai's glamour

Awards ceremony, movie premiere and celebrity calendar –the glitz and glamour world of bollywood.

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor (L) and actress Genelia D’Souza drink tea at a promotion ceremony for the film 'Chance  Pe  Dance' at Kamlistan Studios in Mumbai.

Indian soldier killed in Kashmir border firing

SRINAGAR: An Indian soldier was killed on Monday in cross-border firing in Kashmir, the latest in a spurt of violence in the disputed region that has raised tensions with Pakistan, officials said. The incident comes two days after India said rockets were fired from Pakistani territory. At least seven militants have been killed in separate gun battles, and multiple infiltration attempts foiled by troops in the last week, police say.
Monday's incident was the first time in six months that an Indian soldier has been killed in border firing.
“There was an unprovoked firing from across the border in Poonch area, we lost one BSF (Border Security Force) jawan (soldier),” Vinod Sharma, a spokesman for the border guards said.
India accuses Pakistani troops of cross-border firing to help militants cross the disputed border to join the 20-year revolt in Kashmir and violate a 2003 agreement reached between the two armies. Islamabad denies the charge.
Indian police and security experts say violence may go up in Kashmir because hundreds of Pakistan-based militants may have sneaked into India in the past few months.
“It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to create trouble in Kashmir as India is cutting troops and the general feeling is the situation is getting more and more normal in Kashmir,” said Naresh Chandra, a former Indian envoy to Washington.
India said last month that it is gradually cutting around 30,000 troops in Kashmir and handing over law and order to police as incidents of violence have gone down.
Officials say tens of thousands of people have been killed since a revolt against Indian rule broke out in 1989.

Ten more fall prey to targeted killing in Karachi

KARACHI: Ten more people, including political activists, were killed in different parts of the city on Sunday, as law-enforcement agencies remained unable to control the recent spate of killings.

The tight measures taken for the security of President Asif Ali Zardari and visiting British foreign minister David Milliband in the city could not prevent the incidents of abduction and killing.

Most of these killings, however, were reported in the early hours of Sunday or after sunset.

Two young men were shot dead by unidentified attackers outside a restaurant in Sector 32-D of Korangi.

The Korangi Industrial Area police said that Sabit Hussain, 26, and Mohammad Rizwan, 30, were sitting outside Sharjah Restaurant when two men riding a motorbike arrived and opened fire on them.

Both the victims died on the spot. The bodies were shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

“The victims were residents of Rato Dero,” said Sub-Inspector Ismail Lashir, the SHO of the Korangi Industrial Area police station. “The victims appeared to be labourers but we don’t have more details about them now.”

An hour later, some miscreants set a nearby restaurant, Akram Ghazi Hotel, on fire apparently in protest against the killings.

In a similar attack, a 40-year-old trader was shot dead when he was leaving Abbasi Hotel near the CIA Centre within the remit of Saddar police station.

Nisar Ahmed dealt in herbal medicines under Al-Makkah Traders. Two attackers riding a motorbike fired three gunshots at him before fleeing.

“We have suspended the SHO of the Saddar police station for his failure to keep a check on pillion-riding that resulted in the killing,” said SSP Abdullah Sheikh. “He has also been demoted from sub-inspector to assistant sub-inspector.”

In Surjani Town, a 33-year-old resident of Liaquatabad was on his way to a friend when he was gunned down in the early hours of Sunday.

Police said the victim, later identified as Shahid Iqbal, was on a motorbike when he was targeted.

Another resident of Liaquatabad was found dead with severe torture marks on his torso and mutilated head in Lyari.

The victim was shifted to the Civil Hospital Karachi for medico-legal formalities. He was identified as Mubin Sheikh and stated to be a sympathiser of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. The party said that the victim was abducted when he was visiting the old city area.

A 36-year-old owner of a hotel and activist of the MQM was shot dead in Khamosh Colony, Nazimabad.

Gunmen riding a motorcycle killed Akhlaq Hussain and escaped in the early morning.

The victim was stated to be associated with Unit No 168 of the area’s sector defined under the party’s organisational structure.

The bodies of two unidentified men, aged between 22 and 25, were found within the remit of the Shah Latif police station.

“One of the victims received 25 bullets,” said an official of the Shah Latif police station.

The bodies were shifted to the JPMC for post-mortem examinations. After carrying out medico-legal formalities at the hospital, the bodies were taken to the Edhi morgue at Sohrab Goth for want of identification.

In the Kalakot area, a young man was found killed. Claimed by the MQM as its worker, 19-year-old Zeeshan was reportedly kidnapped along with his 20-year-old cousin, Rehan, while they were returning home from the Chakiwara area.

The unidentified kidnappers killed Zeeshan and tortured his cousin before sparing him. Both the dead man and the injured were shifted to the civil hospital.

The victims were residents of Orangi Town. A man, believed to be in his early 30s, was found dead with multiple bullet wounds and torture marks in the Eidgah area.

The police suspected that the victim was kidnapped before being shot dead by unidentified persons who dumped his body later. “He has been identified as Irfan Lahoti, a resident of Lyari. But, we have not yet found further details,” said an official at the Eidgah police station.

According to Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, the security measures taken by the government including the arrest of more than 50 suspects will deliver results and lead to controlling the situation within a day or two.

Younis’ selection on the cards for Australia ODI series

LAHORE: While young in-form batsman from Multan Naved Yasin is very much likely to get the selectors’ nod for the forthcoming five-match One-day International series against Australia, five others including former captain Younis Khan are set to make the squad.

Well-informed sources told Dawn that the national selection committee has almost completed its homework to pick the squad for the ODI series set to begin from Jan 22 after the third Test ends in Hobart on Jan 18, and have decided to give chance to youngsters after the team’s pathetic performance in the Test rubber.

Besides Younis and Naved, the others are Shahid Afridi, Fawad Alam, Rao Iftikhar and Khalid Latif who will join the team Down Under. Misbah-ul-Haq owing to his poor run in Tests, Faisal Iqbal, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Sami and Khurram Manzoor will return from Australia to adjust the abovementioned six players.

The left-handed Naved has caught the eyes of the selectors by scoring a massive 1055 runs for Multan at a healthy average of 70.33 in the recently concluded Quaid-i-Azam Trophy. In the ongoing Pentangular Cup, he has also scored 93 runs in the lone innings for the Rest of Pakistan squad.

However, Asad Shafiq, who played a key role in Karachi Blues’ Quaid-i-Azam Trophy win this year and being the top scorer of the event with 1104 runs has been ignored, sources said.

Interestingly, Fawad had been recalled by the PCB hurriedly after Pakistan lost the Melbourne Test. Though he was not playing in that Test, Fawad with Abdur Rauf was called back on Jan 1 and now he will again be travelling to Australia.

Sources said Khalid Latif will replace Khurram, whose stay with the squad remained as picnic after only playing the first Test against New Zealand.

Paceman Rao, who has no outstanding performance in ODIs in the recent past, will replace Sami. Younis’ return to the team after taking rest from the series against New Zealand will be demanding much from the seasoned batsman in the series against the world champions.

Former captain Younis, who took rest on the eve of the Test series against New Zealand after losing the ODI series to the same side in the UAE, is struggling for form.

He tried to strike form in domestic cricket but could not play any big innings in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy final, while representing Habib Bank, against Karachi Blues. In the ongoing Pentangular Cup too Younis is yet to play a big knock.

But chief selector Iqbal Qasim had already said on Thursday that Younis was a great player, and regardless of his form in domestic cricket, could be sent to Australia.

Recently, current skipper Mohammad Yousuf has also requested the PCB to send Younis to Australia.

Moreover, sources said there was a question mark over Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in the ODI squad. For it, sources said, Malik will have to play the third Test.

The tour selection committee, sources added, wanted to include Shoaib in the playing XI for the Sydney Test but he was not ready, saying he had a problem in his shoulder.

Similarly, sources said, Kamran Akmal, primarily responsible for Pakistan’s loss in Sydney Younis Khan ... under spotlight once again?

due to his appalling glovework, may also be called back if the tour selection committee goes with him for the third Test, ignoring selectors’ replacement Sarfraz Ahmed who will be leaving for Australia on Saturday.

Meanwhile, sources said an announcement from Abdul Razzaq on Thursday that he had fractured one of his right-hand fingers on the same day (Thursday) while playing a club match, created confusion.

Sources claimed that a PCB doctor Mohammad Riaz had informed the board last Monday that the veteran all-rounder had fractured his finger.

Sources claimed it is a possibility that Razzaq made the announcement after coming to know he would not be chosen for the ODI series; so, it is better to be on the injury list instead of being labelled as ignored.

All-rounder Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, who along with Afridi is already in Australia playing Twenty20 cricket there, is also likely to get a place in the team.

MQM legislators want to part ways with PPP

KARACHI: In a major development that may have a far-reaching impact on the Pakistan People’s Party-led coalition government at the centre, parliamentarians belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement have told their party high command that they want to quit treasury benches and sit on opposition benches because of what they described as an “irresponsible attitude of the Sindh government”.

An MQM statement issued here on Saturday said that all members of the National Assembly and the Senate belonging to the MQM had urged the party’s coordination committee to allow them to sit on opposition benches in parliament.

They complained that although the PPP was enjoying full powers in the federal and provincial governments, MQM workers had been falling victim to targeted killings in Karachi.

They alleged that Lyari gangsters were behind the killing spree. “They are being supported by certain influential elements of the Sindh government.”

They sought permission of the coordination committee to sit on the opposition benches.

The next session of the National Assembly is to begin on Monday and the government may face embarrassment if the MQM MNAs opt to sit on opposition benches. If the 25 MNAs of the MQM part ways with the PPP, then the government will lose majority in the lower house.

However, well-placed sources in the MQM said that although the coordination committee was considering the parliamentarians’ demand, no final decision had so far been taken.

A senior MQM leader told Dawn that he believed the party would continue to support Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in parliament even if it decided to sit in opposition. “We do not want to derail the democratic system, but we fail to understand as to why the federal government is not trying to check killing of our workers,” he said.

He maintained that the final decision would only be taken by MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

Another senior leader told Dawn that the MQM was ready to quit the Sindh government. “We know the PPP does not need us in the province. Most of us believed that we can play a better and constructive role if we leave the coalition and join the opposition in the province.”

GILANI CALLS ALTAF: An MQM leader confirmed that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani called Altaf Hussain and discussed the Karachi situation. However, he did not elaborate.

Earlier, Interior Minister Rehman Malik contacted the London-based members of the MQM coordination committee, assuring them that the government would take action against those involved in target killings.

Towards infamy

Prior to launching into the main subject, the yawning constitutional abyss, I thought it might be suitable, with the country in mourning over the latest non-exploits of its cricket team, to start off on a positive note. A friend has an admirable suggestion.

With Mian Sahib Nawaz Sharif in his state of oppositional hibernation, semi-comatose when it comes to playing the game of an opposition, why not appoint him selector and captain of our cricket team? He plays that game and has ample time to prove himself.

On to the main, the constitution, which has been troublesome from the day it was promulgated and is now under scrutiny by a half-hearted (or incompetent) committee which has been tasked with restoring it to its once pristine condition, to the original 1973 constitution. Our president and prime minister have on countless occasions regaled us with their ‘commitment’ (lacking in the committee) to “restore the 1973 constitution given by the founding leader of the PPP….”

Now, several times in the past, this column has made efforts to explain to readers (hopefully some of them in positions constitutional) the exact spirit in which the grand document was promulgated — in short what were the beginnings and intentions of infamy.

At noon, on Independence Day 1973, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with joy and jubilation promulgated what has now become a shameful contentious document, the third constitution to be presented to the people of Pakistan. Four hour later, at 1600 hours, Prime Minister Bhutto ordered his appointed president, the meek and gentlemanly Fazal Elahi Chaudhry, to sign an order which was notified in the Gazette of Pakistan, Extra, dated Aug 15 1973, No.F.24(1)/73-Pub.

It reads: “The following Order made by the President on 14th August 1973 is hereby published for general information: — Order. Whereas Article 280 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan provides that the Proclamation of Emergency issued on the 23rd day of November 1971 shall be deemed to be a Proclamation of Emergency issued under Article 232 thereof;

“And whereas clause (2) of Article 233 of the said Constitution provides that while a Proclamation of Emergency is in force, the President may, by Order, declare that the right to move any court for the enforcement of such of the Fundamental Rights conferred by Chapter 1 of Part II of the Constitution as may be specified in the Order, and any proceeding in any court which is for the enforcement, or involves the determination of any question as to the infringement of the Rights so specified, shall remain suspended for the period during which the Proclamation is in force;

“And whereas the aforesaid Proclamation of Emergency is in force; “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by the said clause (2) of Article 233, the President is pleased to declare that the right to move any court, including the right to move the Supreme Court, vide clause (3) of Article 184, for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights provided for in Articles 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 and 27 of the Constitution, and all proceedings pending in any court which are for the enforcement, or involve the determination of any question as to the enforcement, of any of the said Rights shall remain suspended for the period during which the said Proclamation is in force.”

It was signed by Fazal Elahi Chaudhry, president, and by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, prime minister, and countersigned under Article 48(3) of the constitution by Shah Nawaz Khan, joint secretary.

If there is to be a return it must be a return to the constitution that had a four-hour life, from noon to 1600 hours on Aug 14, 1973, not to the shorn and shredded constitution which was operable thereafter for the period needed by the prime minister and chairman of his political party to deal with, or rather to ‘fix’, his political opponents, have them arrested and incarcerated until they were temporarily tamed, men such as Khair Bakhsh Marri, Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, Ataullah Mengal and Wali Khan, worthy political foes, all men of enduring commitment who have no replacements in this barren political landscape in which we are now adrift.

Where were Yousuf Raza Gilani and Asif Ali Zardari, and all their trailing coat tails, in 1973? Gilani’s political journey began during Gen ZiaulHaq’s martial law in 1978 when he joined the Central Working Committee of the Pakistan Muslim League. He was later a cabinet member in the government of Muhammad Khan Junejo. He crossed over to the PPP in timely manner in 1988. Zardari was a mere youth, some 18 years of age, presumably at college before joining his father’s cinematic empire. It was not until his 1987 fortuitous marriage that he leapt onto the political scene. And as for the rest — nowhere. So what do they know of history?

The constitution as it has evolved, with all its wicked amendments (starting with the second) has brought luck and joy to no man who has used it to gain or perpetuate power, nor to the nation in whose name it was made. As the years have passed and it has been amended, re-amended, suspended, put to bed for a while, it has grown more and more open to contentious interpretation, or to many a misinterpretation, so muddied and muddled has it become.

This has just been evidenced in the NRO case with their lordships’, all 17 of them, decision in the matter which has provoked some constitutional experts into bitter criticism against the citing of Eighth Amendment articles — and rightly so. They have no place in a democracy. Theocracy and democracy do not mix.

MQM-PPP Sindh coalition govt in danger

KARACHI: MQM Parliamentarians asked the party’s Coordination Committee (Rabita Committee) for permission to abandon the coalition government in Sindh and sit on the opposition benches.
In a statement issued by the party, it says despite repeated calls by the MQM the federal and provincial governments have failed to take concrete measures to crackdown on target killings in the Karachi.
The statement also says that some elements in the Sindh Government were protecting gangs in Lyari, who are allegedly involved in the target killings of MQM workers.
Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah admitted that there were differences between the MQM and the PPP over the local bodies system and said that he was working to keep the coalition intact.

I am a world champ from Pakistan, says Amir Khan

KARACHI: British boxing prodigy of Pakistani descent Amir Khan says as he considers himself a world champion from Pakistan and that his visit should also serve as an assurance that the country is safe for holding sporting activities.
The 23-year-old believes the world community should stop portraying Pakistan negatively because of some incidents of violence. He feels that although there has been some violence in the country, things should not be blown out of proportion.
‘Pakistan is a beautiful country. It is a great sporting nation. The world must support it by coming here for sporting activities. If Pakistan is isolated then the talent here will not be groomed,’ Khan told a press conference on Thursday.
Khan, also known as 'King Khan' for his sensational feat at the 2004 Athens Olympics where he grabbed the silver at the age of 17 after losing to Cuban hero Mario Kindelan in the final, said he will also try to convince English cricketers to visit Pakistan.
Pakistan has seen a slump in international sporting activities since the attacks on the visiting Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore. Cricket being a high-profile sport was hit badly when International Cricket Council shifted the Champions Trophy to South Africa last years after several countries including England refused to play in Pakistan because of security concerns, while hockey is also suffering owing to violence in the country.
Khan, who turned professional after the Athens Games and became a sensation in the UK and his country of origin Pakistan after winning the WBA light-welterweight title last year, defeating Ukrainian Andreas Kotelnik, is on a visit to Pakistan on an invitation of Pakistan Boxing Federation.
The world champion will watch the Benazir Bhutto international boxing tournament finals on Friday, the first international sports tournament after the attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers.
Raja Iqbal Amir Khan, commonly known as Amir Khan, also a cousin of England cricketer Sajid Mahmood, says he is proud of his Pakistani roots and even considers himself a Pakistani world champion.
‘When I was in London to support the Pakistani cricket team at Twenty20 World Cup final, there were two champions from Pakistan – the Pakistan cricket team and the second one was me,’ said Khan who says he never faced any discrimination or racism in England because of his Pakistani descent.
‘I have never faced any problem, discrimination or racism. People in UK love me and see me as a fellow Briton just like the way Pakistanis see me as their countryman,’ said Khan who is also known as the ‘Golden Boy of UK’ since he became the youngest British boxing Olympic medallist.
Khan promised he will at least fight once in Pakistan in his career but it will not be before 2011 or 2012 because of his professional commitments.
‘I want to promote boxing in Pakistan and I will definitely have at least one fight here in my career but that cannot be expected before 2011 or 2012. But one fight in Pakistan is something I will surely like to happen,’ said Khan in an exclusive interview with Dawn.com.
The Briton, whose boxing idol is legendry former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, said although professional boxing was exciting, he missed the amateur version of the game as he cannot participate in Olympics being a professional.
‘I must say amateur boxers should come into professional boxing only after some experience, not before that,’ said Khan.
Khan’s Dec 5 fight last year against Dmitriy Salita of the United States was seen in the Western media with much interest as he was a British Muslim while the American was Jewish. The Briton, however, says he never saw the fight as a clash between civilisations or religions.
‘It was all made up in the media. He (Salita) belongs to another religion but I took it professionally rather than making it a religious issue,’ said the world champion who successfully defended his title by thrashing mandatory challenger Salita in just 76 seconds in Newcastle, England, to break the unbeaten record of the American.
Having an impressive record of 22 victories and a loss against Colombian Breidis Prescott, Khan he said would love to have Pakistani boxers train with him at his Bolton academy, adding that he expected enormous improvement in Pakistani boxing within a year.
‘With a younger president of Pakistan Boxing Federation and promotion of the game, I can see huge changes and vast improvement in Pakistani boxing. Boxing is a sport for the brave. You need a brave heart for boxing. Boxing is not poor man’s game in the UK. It is a rich sport. So my advice for Pakistani boxers is to work harder and aim high, and I am sure they will achieve success’ said Khan.
Khan, however, did not agree that Britain can ever become the next Cuba in amateur boxing, saying it was not likely to happen as most of the British boxers turned professional.
‘No, I don’t think Britain can be what Cubans are in the amateur boxing because the British boxers usually turn professional, while Cubans don’t as they have restriction on joining professional ranks,’ said Khan attired in a white coat, jeans and boxing-style white leather shoes.
Khan’s father Shajaad Khan said his son’s achievements came because of his hard work and his parents’ support.
‘We (Khan’s parents) are behind him. If he wants to box, we will never stop him. Whenever he says it’s over, we will never force him to box. But since he is into boxing, he has our support,’ says Shajaad Khan.
‘Amir has always been a down-to-earth kid. He replies each and everyone’s e-mails. Once he sent an e-mail to British champion Prince Naseem Hamed when he was just 11. Naseem never replied. When Amir had a chance to meet Naseem, he asked why he never replied to his e-mail. Now he (Amir) still remembers this and never forgets to reply to e-mails from his fans,’ Khan’s uncle Tahir Mahmood told Dawn.com.
Khan will leave Karachi on Saturday for his ancestral town Rawalpindi where he will spend some time before leaving for UK.

Airline plot ‘buck stops with me’: Obama

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama declared Thursday “the buck stops with me” over huge intelligence flaws exposed by an Al-Qaeda attack on a US jet and vowed sweeping and costly new measures to fix them. Obama, speaking before the publication of two first probes into the thwarted Christmas Day bombing, blamed US spy agencies for failing to properly connect and analyze signs an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Yemen was planning the attack.
But, trying to temper criticism that his administration is too soft on terror, he said the United States was “at war with Al-Qaeda” while promising that terrorists would not be able to redefine the American way of life.
“I am less interested in passing out blame than I am in learning from and correcting these mistakes to make us safer,” Obama said in a televised statement in the State Dining Room of the White House.
“Ultimately the buck stops with me. As president, I have a solemn responsibility to protect our nation and our people, and when the system fails, it is my responsibility.”
Obama also signaled that despite a gathering political witch hunt in Washington, there would not be immediate firings or resignations among top spy chiefs over the attempt to bring down the Northwest jet on Christmas Day.
“It appears that this incident was not the fault of a single individual or organization, but rather a systemic failure across organizations and agencies,”he said.
Obama said the US homeland security system and intelligence community broke down in three main ways, allowing 23-year-old Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to board a jet bound for Detroit with hidden explosives.
He said that US spies failed to “aggressively” combat the Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula group that planned the attack, then failed properly analyze intelligence. He also cited mistakes in the US terror watch list system.
“Rather than a failure to collect or share intelligence, this was a failure to connect and understand the intelligence that we already had,” Obama said.
To remedy the failures, Obama directed that specific individuals or teams must be assigned to follow up on intelligence leads to ensure accountability and close attention to suspected threats.
He said intelligence reports on threats to US security must now be handed around the clandestine community more quickly and better analyzed, and he vowed improvements to watch listing procedures.
Though warning there were no “silver bullets,” Obama also vowed “significant investments” in aviation security. “We are at war,” Obama said.
“We are at war against Al-Qaeda, a far-reaching network of violence and hatred that attacked us on 9/11, that killed nearly 3,000 innocent people, and that is plotting to strike us again.
“We will do whatever it takes to defeat them.”New details, meanwhile, began to emerge of the planning of the plot, blamed by the United States on Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen.
The Arab country's Deputy Prime Minister for Defense and Security Affairs Rashad al-Aleemi said Abdulmutallab had met Anwar al-Awlaqi, a US-Yemeni cleric also linked to the Fort Hood massacre.
The United States has accused Awlaqi of terrorist links and said Nidal Hasan, the US military officer accused in the November military base shootings in Texas that killed 13 people, had also been in contact with the cleric.
Aleemi said Abdulmutallab may also have been recruited by Al-Qaeda while at university in London.
Deepening the conundrum in a widening front on the US anti-terror fight, Aleemi also warned that American military intervention in Yemen could backfire and strengthen jihadists. But the US military played down its role.
“Yemen is a sovereign government just like Pakistan is. We want to work with government officials in ways that are helpful to them,” Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
Nigeria, smarting from US criticisms of its aviation security procedures, offered to provide Washington's investigators images of Adbulmutallab going through security checks at Lagos airport on December 24 before flying to Amsterdam.
Justice Minister Michael Aondoaaka told reporters the images would prove that security staff had done their job.
Nigeria has demanded it be removed from a US aviation watchlist of 14 countries, including Iran, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, introduced after a security review ordered by Obama.
Abdulmutallab was indicted on six counts Wednesday by a US grand jury for attempted murder and trying to use a weapon of mass destruction aboard a US plane and could face life imprisonment.

Drone attacks will continue in Pakistan: McCain

ISLAMABAD: In a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari here on Friday, US Republican Senator John McCain said that there were some differences between Pakistan and the US regarding drone attacks but that both countries have the same views against terrorism and democratic values, DawnNews reported. The Senator said that drone attacks inside the Pakistani territory will continue to destroy the strong holds of Taliban extremists but that the US has no intentions of incursions in Pakistan.
“The (drone) attacks are imperative to defeat the enemy,” he said. “With an improved decision making process the civilian causalities are totally minimized.”
He maintained that in the past both countries have had a trust deficit, but now the US was confident of building a better relationship with Pakistan.
“We can not succeed in Afghanistan without a stable and prosperous Pakistan.”
He added that the US will not start incursions inside Pakistan. “Whenever such an action is required, we will take the Pakistani government in confidence. It is a fact that terrorists inside tribal areas of Pakistan are real threat for US forces in Afghanistan.”
“The financial assistance through the Kerry-Lugar bill is the US taxpayer’s money and we have to take deep look at how the Pakistani government is going to spend it,” he added.

Charitable Pakistan hand Australia Sydney win

Test matches are not won in a day and Australia provided a stunning example of it in Sydney. The ever charitable Pakistan were at the receiving end of it. After dominating proceedings for the first three days, the visitors stumbled on the fourth, falling 36 runs short against a target of 176 with over a day to go.

The hosts would not have believed their luck, coming to bowl after a super century by Michael Hussey (134*) and a heroic 38 from fast man Peter Siddle. Combining together at 257-8 on day three, the two men put on 123, although Siddle was given a life today by Kamran Akmal that punctuated his miserable series behind the stumps. While all the rave was about Hussey's knock and his supposed rebirth in test cricket, Siddle deserves more than a pat on the back for his effort. His innings symbolised Australian cricket's spirit, something that has remained present for the past two decades. It also drove home the point that no matter how inexperienced or fragile an Aussie side might seem, they know how to win. After Siddle was dismissed and Doug Bollinger in quick succession, Imran Farhat and Salman Butt walked out chasing a meagre total with over a 100 overs to play, at least.

The Pakistani openers started in customary fashion and for a moment it looked as if a struggle of 15 years was finally going to pay a reward. Their partnership of 34, although nothing to boast about, was big in terms of the target on hand and the ease with which it was achieved. Even as Farhat fell for 22, followed by Faisal Iqbal and Butt for 7 and 21 respectively, things didn't seem too bad. Mohammad Yousuf and Kamran Akmal's presence at the wicket would have given a lot of comfort to the visiting fans, especially as they eased through Nathan Hauritz’s spell before tea to take their side to 77-3. Yousuf creamed the off-spinner thrice for fours going into tea and at that point it seemed like a tactic to derail the opposition before going into a break. The Pakistani captain, however, continued in the same vein, or at least attempted to when he scorched a straight drive right into Hauritz’s left thumb en route to his chest. The bowler held on, blood, broken nail and damaged bone all withstanding. That was a heroic moment, the kind of moment that deflates the opposition and unnerves the shed. There have been quite a few tales of perseverance and 'magic' through the course of the two test matches between Pakistan and Australia but none greater than Hauritz's, a man with seemingly ordinary skill and a lot of humility. He's transformed from a 'should we play him' or 'should we not' to a certainty in the Aussie squad purely for his courage.

Yousuf's departure and Misbah-ul-Haq's formality, which was over after two balls, put the onus squarely on Umar Akmal who not only had the responsibility of scoring the runs put also to protect the tail, which now well and truly includes his brother Kamran. Kamran, as predicted, was the first to go after flirting with danger on many occasions. His misery and the 'oh ah' moments were finally over when he edged a Mitchell Johnson delivery to Brad Haddin.

Mohammad Sami offered resistance and the younger Akmal, who was forced to go for the runs did a fine job with him. He scored 49 off 81 balls, a very patient knock by his standards. Sami's departure left him with no option though and he was dismissed attempting a big shot of Bollinger only to be caught by Johnson who took a great running catch over his shoulder.

Umar Gul and Danish Kaneria played around a bit, but clearly the game had been lost by their batsmen. Kaneria went first and then Gul whose wicket prompted great celebrations at the SCG. It was relief and joy mixed into one, particularly for Ricky Ponting who had faced a lot of flak for his decision to bat first on a green wicket. Memories of the first day were all but wiped clean by a superb effort by the home team, one that is still the top side in the world, although unofficially.

Johnson picked up three wickets, Bollinger two and Hauritz another five-wicket haul against Pakistan, this time a career best 5/53. Already, the critics are calling the Sydney turnarounds one of the most memorable wins for Australia. It was hard earned against a Pakistani side that bowled brilliantly but batted and fielded like club cricketers. They have a lot to learn from Australia and although getting motivated for the Hobart test after such an agonising defeat will be hard, they will have realised a five day game cannot be won by doing well in sessions.

Yemen police capture key Qaeda chief

SANAA: Yemeni police on Wednesday arrested a key Al-Qaeda chief believed to be behind threats that saw several foreign missions in the capital Sanaa close their doors, a security official said.
Mohammed al-Hanq had evaded arrest on Monday during a security force raid in Arhab, 40 kilometres north of Sanaa, in which two of his relatives were killed and three other people wounded.
“Mohammed al-Hanq and two others who were wounded were captured in a hospital in Amran,” province, north of Sanaa, the official told AFP.
They were found in a hospital in Reedah, in Amran, he said.
The US embassy, which had closed for two days due to security concerns over an Al-Qaeda threat against foreign interests, cited “successful” security operations north of the capital as it reopened for business on Tuesday.
The British and French embassies, which also closed their doors, resumed operations on Wednesday.

SC questions military’s role in missing persons’ case

ISLAMABAD: In the missing persons’ case’s proceedings on Wednesday, Justice Javed Iqbal, who heads the bench hearing the case, stated that individuals taken by intelligence agencies were considered as missing persons.
The military’s role was also brought into question over the disappearances of these individuals.
Justice Javed Iqbal said in the missing persons’ cases “there is always a mention of brigadiers and majors, who has given them power?”
“Frontier Corps has no rights to arrest and detain any person,” Justice Iqbal said, adding that the court will be satisfied even if one person was recovered and the anxiety of one family was over.
Meanwhile, Justice Raja Fayyaz said “there is a Gestapo-like reign of terror…anyone can come into a house, where is the enforcement of law?”
Incidents involving hundreds of missing persons have been reported to the court in the past four years. Relatives of the missing allege they were picked up by intelligence agencies.

Pakistan on top but Australia fight on

Pakistan let their foot off the pedal in the final session of the second test against Australia to give the hosts an outside chance of coming back in the Sydney test. The visitors remain in the driving seat, however, after having picked up eight Australian wickets for 286 runs- a lead of 80.

Danish Kaneria's 4-117 from 33 gruelling overs led the Pakistani charge after Umar Gul's initial burst that accounted for a dangerous Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting and Nathan Hauritz. Kaneria could have had another five-for at the SCG had it not been for some shoddy glovework by Kamran Akmal who thrice dropped a determined looking Michael Hussey. Hussey was standing at the crease on 73 after being dropped at 27, 45, 52 along with Peter Siddle who had managed to stand firm for his 10 runs.

Starting the third day at 331-9, Pakistan added just two runs to their total. Australia's second guard looked a lot more assured and barring a few gifts by Pakistan, they looked completely in charge. They were given stability and spunk at the top, particularly by Watson, who looked in ruthless form in his 105-run opening stand with Phil Hughes (37). Watson, who spanked 11 fours and 3 sixes, before falling frustratingly at 97, offered only one chance, at 24 off the bowling of Umar Gul. Danish Kaneria made a meal of it at long leg much to the cheer of the colourful crowd who saw the ball trickle over the rope for six. Karma had its way with Kaneria, although it went a bit too far.

The rest of the Aussie batsmen looked pretty ordinary. Michael Clarke, who has seemed to be in a world of his own during this series, was picked up by a Mohammad Asif in-dipper, a carbon copy of the first innings dismissal expect this time the ball hit the pads rather than the stumps. Opener Phil Hughes, Marcus North, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin were all spun out by Kaneria. The captain could only take the ball out of his leg-spinners hand after the latter apparently suffered cramps. The fact that Pakistan have taken the new ball could mean that Kaneria would not be required to bowl tomorrow. That puts the onus squarely on Asif, Gul and Sami to end the resistance being put up by Hussey and Siddle.

Mohammad Yousuf will be mindful of the fact that any target over a 100 could present a tough challenge, and judging by Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka they do not fancy small totals too much. As ever, Ponting and his men will start day four with the belief that they can still win this test and that is what makes this contest so much more interesting.

Somali pirates free Pakistani vessel: maritime watchdog

NAIROBI: Somali pirates have freed a Pakistan-flagged vessel and its crew of 29 after using it to hijack a UK-owned car carrier in the Indian Ocean, a maritime watchdog reported on Tuesday. The Shazaib, alternatively known as Shahbaig, and its crew of 29 Pakistanis were released by the pirates on January 2 some 900 nautical miles north of the Seychelles, Andrew Mwangura of the Seafarers Assistance Programme said.
“All 29 crew are well except one who broke his leg,” he said.
The injured crew member has received medical attention onboard the FS Surcouf, a French frigate from the European Union’s anti-piracy mission Atalanta, said Ecoterra International, an environmental NGO monitoring maritime activity in the region.
The Shazaib, a fishing vessel, was seized on December 6.
On January 2, the pirates used it as a “mother ship” from which to launch their small and faster skiffs and captured the more valuable VC Asian Glory.
The UK-flagged, UK-owned car carrier and its crew of 25 – eight Bulgarians, 10 Ukrainians, five Indians, two Romanians – were en route from Singapore to Saudi Arabia with 2,300 vehicles from Korean manufacturers Kia and Hyundai.
The latest release brings to at least 13 the number of foreign vessels held by Somalia’s sea bandits together with close to 300 seamen.
Undeterred by an armada of foreign naval missions, ransom-hunting pirates launched more than 200 attacks in 2009 and hijacked a total of 68 vessels, mainly in the Indian Ocean.
In recent weeks however, they have carried out two successful attacks in the heavily-patrolled Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest and most strategic maritime routes.

Gilani warns against any strategic imbalance in region

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said Pakistan will counter any negative trend, through “all appropriate means” attempts at undermining the strategic stability of the region. Addressing the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) meeting here at the PM House Gilani said strategic stability in South Asia was a pre-requisite for enduring peace and prosperity for the people of the region.
“We are mindful of the policies and trends that could undermine strategic stability in our region. Pakistan”will be obliged to counter such negative trends by all appropriate means.”
The Prime Minister said “no one should underestimate the strong resolve of the people, political leadership and the defence forces to protect honour, dignity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Pakistan.”
He said Pakistan was a peace-loving country and vowed that “We will continue to endeavour to promote peace, security and stability in our region.”
Gilani said all state institutions were determined to work in union for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, with the full support of the nation.
“The strength and resilience of our nation has been tested before. I have no doubt that at this particular juncture with Grace of Almighty Allah, we shall overcome all transient challenges and emerge even stronger and victorious.”
The Prime Minister called for the need to review the ongoing counter-terrorism and law enforcement actions.
He appreciated the people and the government of Pakistan for the “exceptional valour, patriotism, and professionalism” of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, police and other agencies that were at the forefront in counter-terrorism.
“Our armed forces and law enforcement personnel continue to render exemplary services and our nation will never forget their heroic sacrifices,” he said.
“I wish to assure you that the whole nation stands firmly united in support of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.”
He said the government convened All Parties Conference to develop complete national consensus to defeat militancy and terror.
“Our political leadership has shown that it is united in war against terror.”
He said over the recent months considerable success has been achieved against terrorists and militants.
Law enforcement actions in Swat, Malakand, FATA and most notably in South Waziristan have been executed with precision and in record time.
He said Pakistan has utilized its own national capacity to execute the counter terror campaign and said the success of these efforts stand out in sharp contrast to what the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan have been able to achieve over the past nine years.

Pakistan spring batting surprise on second day

Pakistan sprung a batting surprise on Australia, showing grit and concentration to end with a slight edge on the second day of the 2nd test in Sydney.

Pakistan reached 331 for nine at stumps on Monday in reply to Australia's 127.

They lost five wickets for 54 runs after the second new ball was taken with Doug Bollinger (3-70), Shane Watson (2-40) and Mitchell Johnson (2-64) leading Aussie attack.

Danish Kaneria was two not out with Mohammad Asif yet to score.

Starting the day in somewhat harmless conditions compared to the first day mayhem, Imran Farhat and Salman Butt displayed application and self assuredness against an entourage of Aussie fast men that looked for blood right from the go. And they were nearly successful too when Peter Siddle induced an Imran Farhat edge that was floored by Marcus North in the slips.

From there on, Farhat and Butt gave the hosts no more chances. The batting was a little circumspect but wise considering the nature of the pitch which still carried a mop of dry, brown grass. Butt, who has a batting average of 41.44 against the Aussies, was more fluent of the two openers scoring 71 from 164 balls while Farhat made a well grinded 53 off 140. The combination of these players seems to have put a foot between the revolving door that is the Pakistani opening slot and good performances against one of the best sides in the world will surely give them a lot of confidence.

Their 109-run partnership was only broken after the introduction of Nathan Hauritz into the attack, who buoyed by some magic words by Shane Warne seems to have found a new life. Farhat was the first to go after top edging a shortish delivery from the spinner to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin. Haddin was also involved in the second dismissal, that of Butt who nicked a full Mitchell Johnson delivery straight through. In the lead up to the first test the captain of Tasmania, George Bailey, had remarked that Salman Butt looked the most threatening of the Pakistani batsmen. Scores of 153 (tour game), 45 and 33 in the first test and 71 so far in this one certainly seem to suggest the batsman is keeping his head.

Faisal Iqbal, who gave good company to Mohammad Yousuf with 27 off 86 balls, then departed after skying one to deep backward point where Shane Watson took a good catch off the bowling of Peter Siddle. That brought to the crease Umar Akmal whose presence almost immediately started producing runs. Out of the first six deliveries that he faced four were boundaries. Hauritz was well and truly spanked. Akmal continued his warrior ways for a good hour, even after the dismissal of captain Mohammad Yousuf who flirted with a wide, short delivery from Johnson after scoring 46 from 56. But just as it seemed the 'pink test' would turn truly red for Ricky Ponting, Akmal bid adieu. His 49 from 48 balls had taken the wind out of the Aussies and would have surely floored them had he stayed for another half-an-hour.

His departure saw a procession of wickets, Misbah-ul-Haq (11) to an attempted pull off Bollinger that travelled only as far as the keeper and Kamran Akmal (14) to a slice to point before Mohammad Sami and Umar Gul fell going for big shots. Brad Haddin picked up five catches behind the stumps.

Pakistan will look towards Mohammad Asif and Danish Kaneria to add 20-30 quick runs tomorrow to stretch the lead of 204 runs a little bit more. The Australians will be a little annoyed for having to come out to bowl at the last wicket but will need to be completely focused when they eventually take guard.

It was an odd day at Sydney, first because of Pakistan's uncustomary batting and second for Australia's strategy-less bowling. It has put Pakistan in a position where they can entertain some hopes of a win.  

Zardari calls for national commitment against terror

KARACHI: Pakistan is a peace-loving country and believes in peace with honour and does not want an arms race in the region, President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said in an address after reviewing the Midshipmen Commissioning and SSC Class passing out parade of the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA).
However, he said “our desire for peace must not be taken as a sign of weakness and our armed forces are ready to meet all challenges”.
He said “we have full faith in our armed forces and the people to defend our country”.
The President said “our armed forces are ready to meet all the challenges and guard against all external and internal threats”.
He stated it was every Pakistani’s duty to fight against external and internal enemies who disrupt the country’s peace and progress.
Zardari also pointed out that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would not disappoint the nation.
The president, at the occasion, emphasised that a strong navy was necessary to meet any challenge to Pakistan’s maritime security.
He said the recent induction of PNS Zulfiqar and helicopters was intended to strengthen the country’s naval fleet.
Zardari said he was pleased that Pakistan Navy was following the path of self-reliance and the construction of submarines in the country was a significant step forward in this direction.
Zardari urged that there should be optimum use of the national resources.
He said “the country is facing new challenges to its security…extremism is a big threat to our existence. We need a united national commitment to fight and defeat militancy.”
The President pointed out that the government has given political ownership to the fight against militancy and terrorism.
He said Pakistan Navy's participation in the Coalition Maritime Campaign (CMCP) has enhanced the navy's professional capabilities in checking arms, drugs and human smuggling.
President Zardari said it has also improved Pakistan’s capacity to fight the threat of militancy to our national security.
“It is reassuring that Pakistan Navy commanded the Maritime Task Force 150 thrice…it shows our resolve towards international peace,” he said.
On the occasion, President Zardari urged young naval officers to dedicate themselves to their profession and protect the sea lanes of the country's communication.
He said he was pleased to learn that Pakistan Naval Academy was training cadets from the brotherly countries of Kazakhstan, Maldives, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Sudan.
The President also congratulated the passing out Midshipmen and the SSC Class cadets.
The President said he was particularly pleased to note that for the first time women officers were also part of this passing out parade.
He said the women officers’ presence at the ceremony reflected the policy of the government to encourage women to play their role in all areas of the national progress including defence.
The ceremony was also attended by the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majeed and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir.

US, UK close embassies in Yemen

WASHINGTON: The United States and Britain closed their embassies in Yemen on Sunday after receiving information that Al Qaeda is planning attacks at American and British targets in that country.
“We know that they have been targeting our embassy, our embassy personnel,” President Barack Obama’s top counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan told journalists in Washington.
It was not clear when the US or British embassies would reopen.
The US mission in Sanaa was the target of an attack in September 2008, which was blamed on Al Qaeda, and in which 19 people died, including a young American woman.
In Yemen’s capital Sanaa, the US embassy issued a message to American citizens in the country, urging them to remain vigilant.
The embassy said the threats came from an Al Qaeda group linked to the failed Christmas Day aeroplane bombing attempt in the United States.
Mr Brennan, the US Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism, told ABC News in Washington that the group had “several hundred members” in Yemen and was posing an increasing threat there.
“This is something that we’ve known about for a while,” he said. “We’re determined to destroy Al Qaeda, whether it’s in Pakistan, Afghanistan, or in Yemen.”
In London, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told the BBC: “This is a new type of threat and it is from a new source which is obviously Yemen, but there are many other potential sources Somalia, as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
AFP adds: A government official in Sanaa said that Britain closed its embassy in Yemen on Sunday, following a similar move by the United States, because of threats from a local branch of Al Qaeda.
“The embassy is closed today (Sunday) for security reasons, and out of fear of possible Al Qaeda reactions,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
But he stressed there were “no direct Al Qaeda threats” against the mission.

Deal to sell Pakistan operations has lapsed: RBS

LONDON: State-rescued lender Royal Bank of Scotland said Monday that a deal to sell its Pakistan unit to MCB Bank for 87 million dollars (62 million euros) had lapsed.

RBS had agreed in August to sell the operations to MCB in a transaction that was expected to be completed in the final quarter of 2009 — but MCB did not manage to gain regulatory approvals, the group said in a statement.

“The agreement with MCB provided that if the necessary regulatory approvals are not obtained and closing of the transaction has not occurred on or by 31 December 2009 then the agreement and the transaction shall lapse,” RBS said.

“The necessary regulatory approvals were not obtained, and closing did not occur, by 31 December 2009 and accordingly the agreement and the transaction have now lapsed,” the bank added.

RBS is 84-per cent owned by the state after receiving a massive bailout from the British government amid the devastating global financial crisis.

Karachi-listed MCB has around four million customers and operates 1,026 branches within Pakistan.

cricket Aamer out as Pakistan announce Sydney squad

LAHORE: Pakistan have announced their squad for the second test against Australia due to be played in Sydney tomorrow.

The tourists have made three changes, all bowlers, with Mohammad Sami, Umar Gul and Danish Kaneria coming in for Abdur Rauf, Saeed Ajmal and the inform Mohmmad Aamer.

Aamer, Pakistan's most successful bowler in the first test will miss the game after having picking up a groin strain.

“He has a groin injury and though it doesn’t appear serious, we decided not to risk him for the Test,” Abdur Raquib, Pakistan's team manager told Cricinfo. “He had a bowl and the on-tour selection committee decided to leave him out.”

The 17-year-old left-armer bowled a total of 51 overs in the first test and operated consistently at speeds of 144-148 kph.

Critics in Pakistan have blasted the 'over kill' of fast bowlers by 'batting' captains in the past and this latest niggle could bring about some more discussion in the national cricket circles.

Pakistan: (probable) 1 Salman Butt, 2 Imran Farhat, 3 Faisal Iqbal, 4 Mohammad Yousuf (captain), 5 Misbah-ul-Haq, 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Kamran Akmal (wk), 8 Mohammad Sami, 9 Umar Gul, 10 Mohammad Asif, 11 Danish Kaneria

Israel acts like the world’s ‘spoilt child’: Saudi FM

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia said on Saturday said Israel was the world’s “spoilt child” and got away with what Riyadh said were violations of international law and war crimes without punishment.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal also urged countries to adopt “a firm and serious stance to put an end to the policy of settlements in occupied Palestinian territories and in Jerusalem”.
“Not reaching solutions (for the Middle East conflict) is (the result of) the special treatment Israel gets,” he said at a news conference with visiting Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu.
“When they violate international law, other countries get punished but not Israel ... Israel has become like the spoilt child of the international community.
“It (Israel) gets away with anything it does without accountability or punishment,” he added.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is backed by Riyadh, has insisted Israel freeze Jewish settlement building before peace talks for a Palestinian state in territory Israel captured in a 1967 war resume. He has rejected a temporary halt to construction ordered by Netanyahu as insufficient.
Israel announced on Monday plans to build nearly 700 new Jewish homes in areas of the occupied West Bank it considers part of Jerusalem, prompting strong US criticism implying they could undermine peace talks.
Prince Saud said the policy of expanding settlements was “a source of deep concern and condemnation for both us and the international community”.
“This policy casts doubts on the seriousness of (Israel’s) commitment to the peace process,” Prince Saud said.
Saudi Arabia floated in 2002 an Arab peace plan that calls for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and East Jerusalem and a “fair” solution to the crisis of Palestinian refugees in exchange for normalised ties with the Arab world.

Govt urged to scrap Gwadar port deal

ISLAMABAD: The Planning Commission’s task force on maritime industry has urged the government to cancel the deal with the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) to operate the Gwadar port.
According to a presentation before Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali, the Gwadar port project is a disaster, as the 40-year concession agreement with the PSA has not yielded any results in its first three years.
“The government and the PSA are in default of commitments. No commercial vessel (has) arrived at Gwadar port in three years and there is no possibility of any (docking there) for many years.”
The task force said the port would be made approachable by road in four years, and a rail link would take between 15 and 20 years.
A rail network that could connect the port with Afghanistan, and through Afghanistan, with Central Asian Republics and China, in addition to cities and towns in Pakistan, was badly needed.
The task force said that goods from 72 ships had been unloaded at the port at a rate of Rs2,000 per ton, which translated into a revenue of about Rs220 million for the PSA.
According to the presentation, the government was to purchase 2,281 acres of land on the waterfront for the PSA. This land was to be given to the port operator for 40 years.
“But purchasing the land does not seem possible because doing so would cost at least Rs15 billion,” said the task force. “And without this land, the PSA is unwilling to invest.”
The PSA had undertaken to spend $525 million in five years, but nothing was spent in the last three years. The PSA was not likely to invest even in the next two years, said the task force.
The concession agreement could be revisited. The best option would be to cancel the agreement, said the task force.
If this happened, a penalty of only $8-10 million would have to be paid. Negotiations with the port operator could be initiated on this issue, said the task force.
The use of three berths at the port was the best alternative, according to the presentation.
Building infrastructure was vital for attracting investments in areas like petroleum storage and refining, oil field-related equipment, construction and fabrication.
The concept of a logistics port should be introduced with appropriate industries, using the only Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) berth in Pakistan, said the task force.
If Gwadar was to be used for government cargos, “trans-shipment to Karachi should be considered”. With the existing berth structure, according to the presentation, there “is no possibility of the … port achieving break even and the government will have to subsidise it for many years”.
The Balochistan government was opposed to the concession agreement with PSA because the Baloch people were not gaining anything from it, said the task force.
The port would not be viable for transshipment or transit until the law and order situation in Afghanistan improved and China was connected via road and rail links with Gwadar, according to the presentation.
The task force pointed out that no facility for supporting the oil industry existed even though the port was on the mouth of Gulf. “Due to this, Pakistan is unable to attract investment in Gwadar from Gulf countries … in the oil and gas sector”.