Withdrawal of Asif Zardari not true: Sherry Rehman

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman late Friday said co-Chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari was not withdrawing from the presidential race and any news of his giving up Presidential contest she termed “rumor”.

She said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) possesses the numbers required to win the presidential election and it would see Asif Ali Zardari as President on September 6.Talking to journalists outside the Parliament House here, she said PPP enjoys clear majority in the parliament and being a major party it has the right of Presidentship. “In all provinces our party has adequate representation. We enjoy comfortable majority and our opponents are only spreading misinformation,” she said while responding to a question.

Asked about contacts with PML (N), she said in politics there are always contacts and doors of negotiations should remain open, adding that PPP followed a policy of national reconciliation, which was in the interest of the people as well as the country. “PPP is promoting political reconciliation as Shaheed Benazir Bhutto laid her life for promotion of reconciliation,” Sherry said. She said Asif Ali Zardari wants strong relations with all political parties because PPP believes in establishment of democratic norms in letter and spirit.

To another question Sherry Rehman said, “It is the real time to strengthen democratic forces and stabilize the democratic institutions and after September 6 there will be consolidation and stabilization in the country.

McCain makes huge gamble with VP pick :

DAYTON: John McCain made what some analysts say is one of the riskiest wagers in US political history by naming Sarah Palin as his running mate, potentially putting a national security novice a heartbeat away from the presidency.

In one sense the pick was an immediate success, sparking an avalanche of media coverage which swamped talk of Democrat Barack Obama's soaring convention speech and elevation as the first black major party White House nominee just late Thursday.Pat Buchanan, a former Republican presidential candidate, said on television channel that the pick of the 44-year-old mother of five was the "biggest political gamble in American political history." The upside is that the charismatic Alaska governor will delight the conservative right which has been wary of McCain, is a fit with the "change" theme consuming the electorate and makes a pitch for women voters yet to warm to Obama.

She is youthful, energetic and with a young family brings a trace of glamor and flamboyance to the previously staid McCain campaign, and she can be billed as an anti-Washington reformer. And her selection allows McCain to tap into the historic theme of this election: if Obama wins, America will get its first African-American president. Should McCain win, the country will have its first female number two. But the pick is such a gamble, because Palin has zero foreign policy experience, no exposure to the fierce crossfire of the national political battle, and will be portrayed by Democrats as a right-wing extremist.

The number one knock on Palin is that in a time of global turmoil she has no obvious credentials to serve as US commander in chief should McCain, who was 72 Friday and has had cancer twice, die in office or have to step down through ill health. Palin will also have a challenge in going head-to-head in a vice presidential debate with Obama's vice presidential pick Joseph Biden, a senator with decades of national security experience.

World Bank asks Pak to do more to safeguard economy :

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has asked Pakistani government to do more to safeguard the economy against further shocks.

However, the Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, Isabel Guerrero has acknowledged the steps taken to support the economy amid a hike in global food and fuel prices. During her visit Guerrero reconfirmed the lender’s ongoing commitment to Pakistan -- noting that investment programmes in are on track - despite the prevailing political and security uncertainty. The World Bank team met with high level government officials today including the finance minister Naveed Qamar, Prime Minister Yousuf Gilani and PPP leader Asif Zardari. The two sides also discussed different infrastructural projects in the fields of power, water management, public health and nutrition.

Death toll in Kohat suicide attacks mounts to 7, many migrate :

KOHAT: Death toll in Kohat suicide attack has mounted to seven while 32 including 25 security men were injured in three suicide attacks on Friday.

According to sources, suicide bombers attempted to ram three explosive-laden vehicles at security forces camp in a building near Kohat tunnel in Darra Adamkhel. The first suicide bomber drove his double cab towards the building housing security forces, but security personnel opened fire on the vehicle before he could reach the structure. As the bullets struck the car, it exploded at the gate of the complex. Second car was blasted after hitting the wall whereas third suicide bomber left the car at the gate of the camp and managed to flee. Two persons were killed in the blastInspector of tunnel security forces William Johnson and 32 others including 25 security men wounded in the blast.

The injured were shifted to CMH Kohat. Security forces have cordoned off the area. Militants blew off the bridge, Rosiano Qillay, which connected Adam Khel Pass to Indus High Way on Friday night.The tensions in the area have forced several inhabitants to migrate of to nearby safer places.

Lohan hits out at 'bully' father :

Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan has lashed out at her father calling him a "public embarrassment" and a "bully" on her MySpace blog.
The star was responding to an interview with her father Michael, in which he said that he thought Lohan's girlfriend Samantha Ronson was "using" her.
"His recent attack on my life and my loved ones is simply for an addiction that he has - fame," the actress said.
The Mean Girls star and her father have been estranged for many years.

Europe seeks overseas film boost :

The European Commission is to expand a pilot scheme to put more European films into Asian and Latin American cinemas.
One of the scheme's co-ordinators said the plan would provide a counterbalance to the large amount of Hollywood product in cinemas around the world.
European film officials are promoting the scheme at the Venice Film Festival.
In return for a subsidy, some 50 companies have already agreed to show a certain number of European titles each year. That network will now expand.
Getting its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this weekend is Inju - the Beast in the Shadows, directed by Barbet Schroeder, a veteran both of Hollywood and of French cinema.
The thriller, which is gruesome at times, stars French actor Benoit Magimel and is set in Japan.

Wagner says goodbye to Bayreuth :

Wolfgang Wagner has bid farewell to the Bayreuth opera festival in Germany after 57 years at the helm.
The 88-year-old blinked back tears as the annual music festival, founded by his grandfather - composer Richard Wagner, came to a close on Thursday.
"I hope you leave the stage a happy man," said festival spokesman Peter Emmerich, in a speech to Wolfgang.
Wolfgang's tenure officially comes to an end on Saturday, but the battle to become his successor remains wide open.
Wolfgang agreed to step down as head of the prestigious music festival earlier this year.

Chemical coat to mean drier socks :

Almost any surface or fabric can be made waterproof but remain breathable thanks to a former military technology.
The process was originally developed to ensure soldiers' clothing remained impermeable to chemical weapons.
Shoe maker Hi-Tec has signed a deal with the developers of the process to use the technology to waterproof many of its shoes.
The first commercially available shoes treated with the process were shown off in London this week.

Ofcom seeks help on mobile rules :

The good and bad aspects of the UK's mobile phone networks are being sought by Ofcom.
The telecoms regulator wants help from consumers and industry on areas that need more regulation or where the rules can be loosened.
It is also looking for ideas on how best to extend mobile networks across the entire nation.
It said rule changes might be necessary given the rapid pace of technological change in the industry.

Powerful Gustav heads to Caymans :

Hurricane Gustav is moving towards the Cayman Islands as it continues to threaten Cuba and the US Gulf Coast.
The storm has already killed at least 71 people as it passed through the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica.
Gustav could develop into a category three storm over the weekend as it passes over warm waters.
The warnings came as New Orleans buried some of the last unidentified victims of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city three years ago.
Both New Orleans and coastal Mississippi have been holding commemorations for the victims of Hurricane Katrina on the anniversary of the storm sweeping ashore.

McCain picks female running mate :

US Republican presidential hopeful John McCain has picked Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, as his surprise running mate.
At 44, she is three years younger than Barack Obama and is credited with reforms during her first term, but she is relatively unknown in US politics.
Mr McCain appeared with her on stage at a lively rally in Dayton, Ohio.
Analysts say Mrs Palin was chosen to rejuvenate the campaign of Mr McCain, who is celebrating his 72nd birthday.
The announcement ended weeks of speculation about his potential choice, in which Mrs Palin was mentioned only as a long shot.

US keeping a close eye on situation in Pakistan: Admiral Mullen

WASHINGTON: US chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Admiral Mike Mullen has said that Pakistan Army Chief, Gen.

Ashfaq Pervez Kayani knows well “what is best for Pakistan” and what are its needs and problems.Talking to media here at Pentagon, Admiral Mullen said US is keeping a close eye on developments taking place in Pakistan and the ways to prevent the situation from getting worse. This what US mission is all about, he added.He termed Pakistan an important ally in war on terror and that the US-Pakistan military ties of are of strategic nature.Admiral Mike Mullen said that now the right way of approaching Pakistan is through the newly elected democratic government.Now we should look ahead of president Musharraf who no longer holds the office of the head of state, he asserted.

Several injured in Kohat attempted suicide attack :

KOHAT: Several people have been wounded in an attempted suicide attack at security forces camp in Kohat on Friday.According to reports, an explosive-laden vehicle has reached at the gate of security forces camp in north of Kohat tunnel that was exploded by the firing of security forces. Eighteen security men were injured in the blast. The wounded have been shifted to CMH Kohat where two were reported in a critical state. Meanwhile, Kohat tunnel has been closed for traffic.

Pitt and Clooney at Venice debut :

The Venice Film Festival has opened with the premiere of the Coen brothers' dark comedy Burn After Reading.
The film, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, is showing out of the competition at the annual event.
Before the screening, the stars posed good-naturedly for pictures and signed autograph books for fans lining up along the red carpet.
There are 21 movies competing for the coveted Golden Lion this year, with entries from Ethiopia and Turkey.
The festival continues with a fly-on -the-wall film about fashion designer Valentino Garavani - billed as a glimpse into a world of bygone glamour.
The movie was directed and produced by special correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, Matt Tyrnauer.

Internet Explorer gets makeover :

Microsoft has released the second "beta" or test version of its latest browser Internet Explorer 8 (IE8).
It remains unclear when a final version of the program will be shipped, with the test version currently available for download.
IE8 offers a few surprises compared to the initial beta version released in March.
New features will include improved privacy and search functions, and ways to keep track of portions of web pages.
The release debuts two functions that were not available in the March release. However, many in the blogosphere have noted that several of the improvements in IE8 have been available on other browsers for some time.

Obama launches historic campaign :

Barack Obama has accepted the Democratic Party's historic nomination to run for president of the US in front of a crowd of some 75,000 people.
In an address at the party's national convention in Denver, he promised he would do his best to keep alive the American dream of opportunity for all.
"America, we are better than these last eight years," he told cheering crowds. "We are a better country than this."
Mr Obama is the first African-American to be nominated by a major US party.
In his speech, Mr Obama promised to reverse the economic downturn afflicting the US and restore the nation's standing in the world.
He also attacked the record of the Bush administration and his Republican rival for the presidency, John McCain.

Leaking mushroom soup halts plane :

A Ryanair plane was forced to land in Germany after a passenger had an allergic reaction to mushroom soup.
The soup leaked onto the man from a jar in an overhead locker on a flight from Budapest to Dublin on Monday, the airline said.
His neck reportedly swelled up and he struggled to breathe, forcing the plane to divert for emergency medical help.
On the same day, another Ryanair flight had to make an unscheduled landing in France after losing cabin pressure.
A spokeswoman for Ryanair said the jar contained "a vegetable oil/mushroom soup type substance".
"It is procedure when a passenger requires medical attention to divert to the nearest airport," she said.
"The cabin crew and pilot take that decision."
The Boeing 737 landed at Frankfurt Hahn Airport where the man was treated by doctors.
The plane was delayed for two hours before continuing its journey to Dublin.

Putin blames US for Georgia role :

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has accused the US of provoking the conflict in Georgia, possibly for domestic election purposes.
Mr Putin told CNN US citizens were "in the area" during the conflict over South Ossetia and were "taking direct orders from their leaders".
He said his defence officials had told him the provocation was to benefit one of the US presidential candidates.
The White House dismissed the allegations as "not rational".
Georgia tried to retake the Russian-backed separatist region of South Ossetia this month by force after a series of clashes.
Russian forces subsequently launched a counter-attack and the conflict ended with the ejection of Georgian troops from both South Ossetia and another rebel region, Abkhazia, and an EU-brokered ceasefire.

Nawaz says won’t give confidence vote to PM :

WASHINGTON: Chief of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Nawaz Sharif said that if Prime Minister Gilani obtain fresh vote of confidence, his part would sit on opposition benches.

In a telephonic interview to US weekly, Nawaz said that if patch up had been done with Peoples Party, than it is also possible with PML-Q. He said that presentation of guard of honour to former President Musharraf hurt nation’s sentiments. PML-N always practiced politics of principles. Replying to a question about war against terror, Sharif said that anti-terror war could only be win through dialogues and its best example is Ireland. Pakistani people were the actual power who forced Musharraf to resign, he added.

Regulatory duty levied on 379 luxury items, SRO issued :

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a SRO increasing regulatory duty by 15 to 50 per cent on 379 luxury items including non-essential goods and food items. The SRO will be effective from today. These items include luxury cars (1800 CC and above), refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines, televisions, LCDs, plasma, furniture, ceramics, tiles, cooked food, fruits, vegetables, perfumes and shampoos.

8 killed in Bannu police van blast :

BANNU: At least eight people have been killed and several others injured when a police van blown up with explosives near Karam bridge in Bannu on Thursday.According to reports, police van was traveling to jail from police line when hit by explosives. The van later fell into the river because of the intensity of the blast.The injured and bodies were shifted to Bannu Hospital where emergency has been announced. It is feared that death toll could be rise as many injured reported in a critical state. Police have started investigations of the incident.

Bill Clinton vows to back Obama :

Former President Bill Clinton has given his firm backing to US Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, saying he "is the man for this job".
Senator Joe Biden, accepting the nomination to run for vice-president, also praised Mr Obama's leadership.
Earlier, Mr Obama was formally named as Democratic candidate for the White House, the first African-American to be nominated by a major US party.
He made a surprise late appearance at the convention to rally the crowds.
Coming on stage at the end of Mr Biden's address, Mr Obama joked that the party's convention was "going pretty well" and praised his wife, Michelle, and Hillary Clinton for their speeches.
Mr Obama was not expected to speak until Thursday, when he will formally accept the party's nomination to stand against Republican John McCain in the 4 November election.

Housewives star announces split :

Michael Bolton and Desperate Housewives actress Nicollette Sheridan have ended their engagement, they have announced.
The pair first started dating in 1992 and spent five years together. They rekindled their romance in 2005 before getting engaged the following year.
A publicist for the singer and Sheridan said the split was amicable.
The 44-year-old actress, who plays Edie Britt in Desperate Housewives, was born in Worthing, West Sussex. Bolton, 55, has sold more than 50 million records.
Sheridan got married to LA Law actor Harry Hamlin in 1991 but the relationship ended a year later.
Bolton, who was married to Maureen McGuire between 1975 and 1990, started out as the lead singer with hard rock band Blackjack before finding success as a solo artist.
He and Sheridan recorded a duet together, The Second Time Around, which appeared on the 2006 album Bolton Swings Sinatra.

X Factor denies contestant claims :

The X Factor's producers have dismissed claims that contestant Alan Turner's place on the show was in jeopardy over claims he lied to judges.
The Daily Mirror has reported claims from Turner's father that his son lied about not knowing his real family.
An X Factor spokesman said the show and Alan, 23, "refute all claims made" and that his place was "never in jeopardy".
But Turner's father, Alan senior, told the BBC he had enjoyed a relationship with his son for many years.
He said he last saw his son four years ago, but that he regularly spoke to him by telephone until a year ago.

Computer viruses make it to orbit :

A computer virus is alive and well on the International Space Station (ISS).
Nasa has confirmed that laptops carried to the ISS in July were infected with a virus known as Gammima.AG.
The worm was first detected on Earth in August 2007 and lurks on infected machines waiting to steal login names for popular online games.
Nasa said it was not the first time computer viruses had travelled into space and it was investigating how the machines were infected.

Slice of royal wedding cake sold :

A large slice of cake made to celebrate the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles has been sold for £1,000 at an auction house in Gloucestershire.
The nine inch (23cm) square piece was given to Moyra Smith, a cleaner at Clarence House in London, by a royal chef in 1981.
The slice is decorated with the royal coat of arms in icing and was preserved in clingfilm.
It comes with a signed thank you letter to Mrs Smith from the royal couple.
Chris Albury, from the Dominic Winter Auction House in South Cerney, said: "We have seen numerous small pieces of official presentation cake slices from this wedding over the years but this piece is altogether on a different scale.
"The decorative icing of the royal coat of arms is very skilled and while there is some cracking and damage it is in remarkably good condition.
"We understand that 23 wedding cakes were officially made and this is most likely one from a single-tier cake sent to the staff at Clarence House.

Gaddafi charged for cleric kidnap :

Lebanon has indicted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi over the disappearance of a prominent Shia Muslim cleric during a visit to Libya 30 years ago.
It is widely believed in Lebanon that Sheikh Moussa Sadr, who was revered locally, was kidnapped and killed on the orders of senior Libyan officials.
Libya has always denied involvement and says the sheikh left the country safely on a plane bound for Rome.
Col Gaddafi is accused of conspiring to kidnap and false imprisonment.
The charges carry the death penalty, but correspondents say it is highly unlikely that Col Gaddafi will ever stand trial in Lebanon.

Russia faces fresh condemnation :

Seven of the world's leading industrialised nations have jointly condemned Russia's decision to recognise Georgia's breakaway regions.
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the US and UK said Moscow's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia violated Georgia's integrity and sovereignty.
Earlier, the UK's foreign secretary said Western countries should re-examine their relations with Russia.
David Miliband also warned Russia not to start a new Cold War.
Speaking during a visit to Ukraine, Mr Miliband said Moscow had not reconciled itself with the new map of the region and that the West should should look at ways to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and gas.

Indian Naveen Kumar wins Indo-Pak Rustam Dangal :

LAHORE: Beating the Pakistani wrestler Bashir Bhola Bhala, the Indian wrestler Naveen Kumar Singh has won Indo-Pak Rustam Dangal here on Tuesday.Making it look easy a silver medalist in Beijing Olympics Indian wrestler Kumar showed beating Pakistani wrestler a child’s play at Punjab Stadium in Lahore.Earlier, wrestlers Garlal Singh, Hardeep Kumar, Usman and Zahiri won their counters.Applauding the games’ role to strengthen Indo-Pak ties the champion Naveen said that more wrestling events must be held between both neighboring countries which would help streamline ties between both the countries.

KSE- index dips over 400 pts, security put on high alert :

KARACHI: As KSE-100 index today further sank by over 400 points and barely floated above the psychological barriers of 9000 marks, while most of the blue chips showed down-locks, a state of emergency was declared and KSE security was put on high alert fearing riots breaking out by the small investors gone broke. The market hit by the intensifying political uncertainty in the country carried over yesterday’s sluggish trend, as it opened today in total disarray and chaos, when the investors made a beeline for selling shares in panic, which sent most of the blue chips at down locks and the benchmark KSE-100 index eroded by 403 points pegged at 9027.Analysts attributed this pathetic situation in KSE to the lackluster attitudes of the local and foreign investors due to disheartening political developments in the country, besides the economic factors such as the sagging economy and liquidity crunch that kept haunting the market.

Increase in electricity price under consideration: Pervaiz Ashraf

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has said that considering an increase in petroleum prices, the government could also increase electricity prices.Speaking in Senate, Pervaiz Ashraf said the government was taking various steps to curb power shortage in the country. He said a comprehensive strategy to meet the power demand on emergency basis had been chalked out.The Federal Minister said the government wants to resume closed power generation units and at the same time to increase power production capacity of the existing units.

SHC judges strength raise to 40 :

KARACHI: The number of judges of Sindh High Court (SHC) has been increased from 28 to 40 on Wednesday.

Sources said law ministry has issued a notification to raise the number of judges from 28 to 40 and restoration of eight deposed judges. According to notification, Anwer Zaheer Jamali would be the chief justice of SHC. The summary had been issued earlier but notification has been released today

Songwriter joins Idol judge panel :

Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi, who has written tracks for Gwen Stefani and Kylie Minogue, is joining American Idol as a judge.
The 37-year-old will join Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson in the latest series of the hit show.
DioGuardi has also written and produced for artists including Christina Aguilera and Leona Lewis.
"I'm going to be a straight-shooter," she said. "I'm just somebody who's really honest and gives my opinion."
"If I feel the need to be hard with someone in order to get that across, I will be.
"And if I feel I need to be softer and more nurturing with some of the contestants, I'll be that."

Trusted sites thwart net hijacks :

US researchers have found a way to thwart hack attacks which intercept data passing from a PC to a website.
These "man-in-the-middle" attacks are hard to spot because they involve hi-tech hackers who have total control over data streams.
Developed by computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon the defence involves sites designated as trusted "notaries".
Software compares responses received by trusted websites and tells users if it looks like data is being intercepted.

iPhone ad rapped as 'misleading' :

A television advert for the iPhone misled consumers, the Advertising Standards Authority has ruled.
Two complaints to the watchdog noted that the advert said "all the parts of the internet are on the iPhone".
But the ASA said because the iPhone did not support Flash or Java - two programs that form part of many webpages - the claim was misleading.
Apple had argued its claim referred to availability of webpages, rather than their specific appearance.
The iPhone employs a web browser called Safari, which is built on freely available software. Many webpages, however, employ small software programs like Flash and Java to display graphics and animations.
Those programs are proprietary software, and Apple opted not to enable them on the iPhone. The result is that pages viewed with Safari may look different to those same pages viewed on other browsers.
The ASA said the advert "gave a misleading impression of the internet capabilities of the iPhone".

Pole trek needs last explorer :

Descendants of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team are looking for a final budding explorer to complete their ancestors' journey to the South Pole.
Legend has it Sir Ernest recruited his expedition members with an advert promising "small wages", "constant danger" and a "doubtful safe return".
A century later, the new team wants someone with a "relentless passion to succeed" and a supply of "good jokes".
They will also have to be fit and their cup must always be "half-full".
Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, best known for leading the Endurance expedition of 1914-16, never made it to the South Pole.
But he came close to being the first on his 1908-1909 Nimrod mission.
Aiming to finish the job, the 21st century expedition is being led by Army Lt Col Henry Worsley, a relation of Frank Worsley, the skipper on Shackleton 's ship the Endurance.
Their 80-day trek leaves in October - exactly 100 years after the Nimrod expedition.

Thai police and protesters clash :

Thai riot police have clashed with anti-government protesters who stormed the Thai prime minister's office compound in Bangkok.
Hundreds of officers briefly confronted the intruders at Government House.
Earlier, thousands of demonstrators invaded government buildings and a state-run TV station.
The protesters say Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is a proxy for ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and is now in self-imposed exile.
After the intruders ignored a deadline to leave the prime minister's headquarters, hundreds of riot police moved in during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Clinton urges party to back Obama :

Hillary Clinton has called on Democrats to unite behind Barack Obama as the party's presidential candidate, saying she was his "proud supporter".
Speaking at the party's nominating convention, Mrs Clinton said they could not afford to lose to the Republicans.
"Whether you voted for me or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose."
Mr Obama, who beat Mrs Clinton in the primary race, will formally accept the party's nomination on Thursday night.
He will stand against Republican John McCain in the presidential election on 4 November.
Mrs Clinton, who was given a standing ovation as she took the stage, thanked those who supported her through her primary campaign but said Mr Obama was now "my candidate".
"We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines," she said.

Zardari saddened by Nawaz’s decision :

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari Monday expressed sadness over the Pakistan Muslim League-N’s decision to disunite with the ruling coalition.“I apologize to Nawaz Sharif if he feels we have made any mistake,” Zardari said in a televised statement.Zardari said he was deeply grieved over Nawaz Sharif’s decision to break up with the coalition because both parties defeated a dictator.

PPP co-chairman said he was serious about the reinstatement of deposed judges and the government wanted deposed judges back, but PPP-led government had political support from many quarters in removing General (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf and the reinstatement of judges would deprive PPP of their support.Asif Zardari said he was sorry if Nawaz Sharif’s feelings were hurt but PPP would still like to be a partner with PML-N to strengthen democratic process in the country.He said all the judges would be restored and that there were no two opinion on that matter.

PML-N parts ways with ruling coalition :

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif has formally announced to part ways with the ruling coalition led by Pakistan Peoples Party and named Justice (R) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui as presidential candidate of the party. Flanked by Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Justice (Retd.) Justice (R) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Raja Zafar-ul-Haq and other PML-N leaders, Sharif made the announcement while addressing a jam-packed news conference here on Monday.

“After thorough deliberations and keeping all the recent developments into view the party (PML-N) has decided to split with the ruling coalition,” PML-N Chief announced after expressing his frustration on the way “PPP disillusioned” him and his party mainly on the judges issue.PML-N Chief also showed the copy of the agreement made with the PPP outlining the steps regarding the impeachment of the president and restoration of the judges.He said while in exile he and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had many meetings outside the country and agreed on establishing democracy and putting an end to dictatorship in Pakistan. He said a number of agreements were made on various matters between the two leaders which were later given a name of Charter of Democracy. Agreements were also made in Murree to maintain and continue this cooperation, he added.

“We assured Asif Zardari of support without even receiving any ministry but he forced us into getting ministries and our ministers took oath of their office from the (then) president Musharraf despite having reservations,” Nawaz Sharif maintained.He said under the agreement reached between PPP and PML-N, the judges were to be restored after impeachment or resignation of former president Pervez Musharraf. The judges have not yet been reinstated despite president Musharraf’s resignation on August 18.“Facing severe internal and external pressure, I wrote a detailed letter to Co-chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari and allowed him time to ensure implementation on the agreements,” Nawaz said. “But Zardari in an interview said agreements are not Holy Qur’an or Hadith which cannot be changed”.

Dr. Afia is in critical condition, says lawyer :

WASHINGTON: Dr. Afia’s lawyer Elizabeth Fink demanded to US government that Dr. Afia should immediately be admitted to the hospital because of her critical health condition.Addressing a press conference, Elizabeth said Dr. Afia should be hospitalized immediately as her health was worsening.She revealed: “ A letter has been sent by US officials in which they have admitted to have the custody of her son” The lawyer further said Dr. Afia was being incarcerated and abused on the name of search by US authorities.Public campaign would be launched for her release, she said and added post cards would be sent to US government at first step.She said Pakistani lawyer Salim Rizvi has been added to her legal time on Dr. Afia’s request.

Karachi goods transporters’ strike comes to an end :

KARACHI: Goods transporters’ strike that lasted seven consecutive days in the city here has now come to an end on late Monday after 10-hours of negotiations between government officials and Goods Carrier Ittehad.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Qamar Zaman Kaira, Secretary Port, Communication and Provincial Secretary Transport declared the negotiations “Successful” here with leaders of Goods Transport Ittehad and announced the withdrawal of strike.Government has reduced 40 percent toll taxes rates, 15 October deadline was set for committee that would decide and estimate the losses to the goods transporters on account of assassination of Benazir Bhutto, mounting security on Northern Bypass and National Highway were amid the chief demands that government approved during the successful negotiations.The strike was being observed on the call of the Supreme Council of All Karachi Goods Transport Ittehad continued for the seven back-to-back days by the transporters, as their fleets of trucks, trawlers and containers remained parked at the truck stand, which rendered the countrywide transportation of goods from Karachi totally paralyzed.

Meanwhile, the wage earners attached to this profession urged upon the government for accepting the demands of the goods transporters, so that the standstill vehicles could ply on the roads and the daily wage earners attached to this sector could earn their living.

Pak hockey team returns home, Chief Coach resigns :

LAHORE: On admitting debacle in Beijing Olympics Hockey the Chief Coach of Pakistan hockey team Khawaja Zaka Uddin has announced his resignation from the post here on early Tuesday meanwhile Pakistan hockey captain Zeshan Ashraf was very much disappointed with the performance of senior players in the mega event.

On the arrival from Beijing via PIA flight here at Lahore airport on early Tuesday the Chief Coach Khawaja Zaka Uddin regretted with Pakistan Hockey performance and said that he was ashamed as they (players and officials), could not meet the expectations of the nation.“We remained short in scoring and our defence proved weak and the teams in our pool were strong enough therefore I admit our failure and announce my resignation”, he added.

He hoped that new coach could enhance team performance and maintained that the detailed report of failure would be presented to Pakistan Hockey Federation soon.

Tropic film holds on to top spot :

Action spoof Tropic Thunder has held off competition from a number of new films to stay top of the North American box office for a second weekend.
The comedy, starring Ben Stiller, tells the story of a group of actors who end up fighting in a real war. It took $16.1m (£8.7m) in its second weekend.
It beat campus comedy The House Bunny which opened with $15.1m (£8.2m).
Futuristic adventure movie Death Race, starring British actor Jason Statham, opened in third with $12.3m (£6.7m).
The film, about a brutal car race of the future, is a remake of 1975 film Death Race 2000.

Warner 'sues over Puttar movie' :

Harry Potter maker Warner Bros is suing an Indian film company over the title of upcoming film Hari Puttar - A Comedy Of Terrors, according to reports.
Warner Bros feels the name is too similar to that of its world famous young wizard, according to trade paper The Hollywood Reporter.
A spokesman confirmed the lawsuit against Mumbai-based Mirchi Movies.
The case is reportedly due to be heard in Bombay High Court later. The film is due to open in India on 12 September.
"We have recently commenced proceedings against parties involved in the production and distribution of a movie entitled Hari Puttar," Warner Bros spokeswoman Deborah Lincoln told The Hollywood Reporter.
"Warner Bros values and protects intellectual property rights.

Caesarean babies' 'diabetes risk' :

Children born by Caesarean section have a 20% higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes than those born naturally, says a report in PubMed journal.
This form of diabetes, which can start in early childhood, is on the rise in Europe and scientists are unsure why.
Queen's University Belfast examined 20 past studies, suggesting contact with hospital bacteria rather than maternal bacteria in delivery may be to blame.
The normal risk of a baby developing type 1 diabetes is three in 1,000.

Mums 'accept natural birth risks' :

First-time mothers-to-be will accept greater risks than clinicians for a natural birth, research suggests.
A Sydney, Australia study also found the women prepared to accept higher pain levels, reports the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Researchers asked 102 pregnant women and 341 midwives, obstetricians and other doctors what complications would make them choose a Caesarean section.
The journal editor said doctors were "biased", having seen things go wrong.

N Korea 'develops special noodle' :

North Korean scientists have developed a new kind of noodle that delays feelings of hunger, a Japan-based pro-Pyongyang newspaper has reported.
The noodles were made from corn and soybeans, the Choson Shinbo said.
They left people feeling fuller longer and represented a technological breakthrough, the newspaper said.
North Korea is dependent on foreign food aid. Last month the UN warned that residents were experiencing their worst food shortages in a decade.
But the communist country remains reluctant to allow experts to fully assess the scale of the problem or give them adequate access to deliver aid.

Huge statue of Roman ruler found :

Parts of a giant, exquisitely-carved marble sculpture depicting the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius have been found at an archaeological site in Turkey.
Fragments of the statue were unearthed at the ancient city of Sagalassos.
So far the statue's head, right arm and lower legs have been discovered, high in the mountains of southern Turkey.
Marcus Aurelius was portrayed by Richard Harris in the Oscar-winning 2000 film Gladiator and was one of the so-called "Five Good Emperors".
He reigned from 161AD until his death in 180AD.
In addition to his deeds as emperor, Marcus Aurelius is remembered for his writings, and is considered one of the foremost Stoic philosophers.
The partial statue was unearthed in the largest room at Sagalassos' Roman baths.

Malaysia watches Anwar election :

A special election in the Malaysian state of Penang is likely to see opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim returned to parliament.
The 61-year-old is favourite to win Tuesday's vote in what will be a highly symbolic return to national politics.
The campaign has been dominated by renewed allegations that Mr Anwar committed sodomy - charges he has rejected as a smear campaign.
Just a single seat is at stake but the event has transfixed Malaysians.
Millions have been spent, the day-to-day business of government is on hold, thousands of supporters have flooded into the small area of Permatang Pauh to try to help or hinder Mr Anwar, and there is a heavy police presence in Penang.