PM calls high-level meeting for LG reforms on Sept 27 :

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has called a high level meeting on September 27 in order to introduce new reforms in the present local government system.

Chief ministers of four provinces, Chairman of National Reconstruction Bureau, representatives of local government, federal and provincial officials will attend the meeting.The meeting will focus to eliminate anomalies and to improve the local government system. Proposals will be sought from all concerned departments in this regard.

Musharraf regime’s accords with US need be made public: NS

LAHORE: Muslim League-N Quaid, Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that the agreements, which were made with the US during Musharraf regime, should be made public.On his arrival from London at the Allama Iqbal International Airport here, talking to the media, Mian Nawaz Sharif said that the US and the Allied Forces attitude towards Pakistan were unacceptable.

He said that the policies should be framed on economic and other issues instead of six/ eight persons huddled in a room for formulating the policy.Nawaz Sharif said that some people were creating instability for their personal interests, which would dent the democracy. Responding to a question, Nawaz Sharif said that he has no intention of running government in association with any Q-League and added that had the alliance with Q-League been possible, it would have been done in the presidential election. Nawaz Sharif said that judges’ restoration in such away was the validation of Pervez Musharraf’s actions. Following the vote of confidence, President Asif Zardari should vent out those sentiments, which his party has already expressed, he said.

Gates backs Afghan border strikes :

LONDON: While U-S Defence Secretary Robert Gates said that Washington would prefer for Pakistan to tackle militants itself, he insisted that U-S forces have the right to strike at militants inside Pakistan.

In an interview with foreign TV, Gates said that militants are the "common enemy" of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the coalition forces. He said his country's goal is to partner with the Pakistanis and enable them to deal with militancy on the border themselves. Asked if Pakistan had authorised air strikes on its soil, he said that the US would take "whatever actions necessary" in self-defence. Washington would prefer for Pakistan to tackle militants itself, he added. Gates, fresh from a visit to Afghanistan, is in London for talks with other Nato ministers. Earlier on Thursday, he said that increasing militant violence there might prompt a change in US strategy, but gave no details. 'Whatever necessary'Speaking to media security correspondent Frank Gardner, Gates welcomed the Pakistani army's "much more aggressive" approach to militants along the border in recent weeks.

Hurricane Ike destroys 49 U.S. oil-producing platforms :

WASHINGTON: At least 49 offshore oil platforms, all with production of fewer than 1,000 barrels a day, were destroyed by Hurricane Ike as it raced across the Gulf of Mexico, and some may not be rebuilt, the Interior Department said Thursday.

It said in the latest hurricane damage assessment that the platforms altogether accounted for 13,000 barrels of oil and 84million cubic feet of natural gas a day. There are more than 3,800production platforms in the Gulf producing 1.3 million barrels of oil and 7 billion cubic feet of gas each day. Most remain shut down. The report by Interior's Minerals Management Service said the agency was conducting helicopter flyovers of the Gulf waters to investigate unconfirmed reports of oil spills and oil sheens, but that it was too early to issue any definitive findings. “There are no reports of oil impacting the shoreline or affecting birds and wildlife from releases in the Gulf of Mexico federal waters,'' said the agency.

Cricket team coach Lawson, trainer David's leaves extended :

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team coach Geoff Lawson and trainer David Iyre have got their leaves extended as there is no international or domestic cricket presently for the team and now they will come to Pakistan on September 27.

Coach Lawson and trainer Iyre had to return Pakistan today after their leave but as the Pakistan cricket team has no cricket assignment these days they applied for an extension in their leaves that the Pakistan Cricket Board accepted. It is mentioned that this was for the fourth time in the last five months that Lawson have went to Australia. Pakistan is beginning its cricket season on October 4 from the National Twenty20 Championship after when the Pakistan team will leave for Canada to participate in the four-nation InternationalTwenty20 Championship.

Villagers foil militants’ bid to hostage school children in Dir :

PESHAWAR: Showing extreme courage and boldness, the local people of a village in Dir Upper district after exchange of brutal firing, foiled attempt of the armed militants while trying to hostage around 300 students of a school and successfully freed the students after brief hostage.

In the armed shootout between the villagers and the miscreants, two of the militants blew themselves up to avoid arrest while the third one fled from the scene, said police official, DSP Younus Khan. The local villagers of Nehag Darra and the district police upon receiving information about militants’ assault at a school rushed to the site and besieged the entire vicinity to block the ways of their escape. The law enforcers asked the militants to surrender to which they did not pay any heed and instead opened fire upon the villagers and the police. The local people exchanged fire with the militants and as a result the school students were safely freed from the militants custody. The police said that the suicide attackers were three in number and among them two have blown up themselves in bid to avoid arrest while third one escaped from the scene. According to independent sources, around 12 militants’ hostage around 300 students in a school at Nehag Dara in Maskari, far-flung and remote area, in Upper Dir area.

Day in the Picture :

Day in the Picture :

Google climbdown on abortion ads :

Google is to change its policy on adverts about abortion following a legal challenge from a Christian pressure group.
It had refused a Christian Institute advert, saying it did not allow the advertising of websites with "abortion and religion-related content".
The institute threatened to use British equality laws to contest the decision.
But after an out-of-court settlement, Google will now allow religious groups to advertise about abortion.
It means when the word "abortion" is typed into the search engine, internet users will no longer just see adverts with details of abortion clinics and support groups, but could also find links to religious groups which may oppose abortion.

YouTube bans some weapons footage :

YouTube is to ban footage showing weapons being used to intimidate people on its website in the UK.
The new policy was being introduced because of "particular concern" in Britain over the subject, the site's owners, Google, said.
MPs criticised video-sharing websites, including YouTube, in July, saying they should be doing more to vet content.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith welcomed the YouTube ban and called on other internet sites to follow suit.
YouTube said the introduction of the new rule on weapons and intimidation would be the first time the site had made a policy change targeted specifically at the UK.

Merged banks' names cybersquatted :

Internet addresses corresponding to recent bank mergers are already being hoarded and sold online.
In "cybersquatting", likely addresses are bought cheaply in the hope of selling to the businesses involved, or as a medium for advertising.
Domain names for the merged Bank of America/Merrill Lynch as well as for Lloyds TSB/HBOS have been snapped up.
In one case, the domain name has already been listed on eBay, with the site directing visitors to the auction.
As reports of Lehman Brothers' intent to sell itself first surfaced last Friday, cybersquatters had already spotted Barclays, HSBC and Bank of America as potential buyers.
Accordingly, barclayslehman.com, hsbclehman.com, hsbclehmanbrothers.com and bofalehman.com had been acquired.
With the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America this week, cybersquatters registered bankofamericamerrilllynch.com and bofaml.com.

UK wants right to pay to pollute :

The UK government wants the right to buy its way out of half its CO2 reduction targets, according to a leaked document.
It says EU nations should be allowed to trade away 50% of their emissions reductions - up from the 30% currently allowed by the European Commission.
The money would go towards clean energy projects in developing countries.
But because some of these schemes would have gone ahead anyway, CO2 is not always saved, warn environment groups.
European nations are currently expected to make around 70% of their carbon reductions on home turf, leaving 30% available for trade.
Reducing that domestic obligation to 50% could allow an extra billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, according to WWF.

Action agenda for speedy justice to Balochistan women discussed :

ISLAMABAD: A high level meeting Wednesday discussed action agenda to bring to light recent cases in Balochistan and provide speedy justice to women across the province.

Federal Minister for Women Development Sherry Rehman chaired the meeting which was also attended by the Law Minister Farooq H. Naek, Members Parliament, high officials from different ministries, police officials and prominent members of civil society. “The meeting was a significant step towards drawing an urgent response to the recent cases of gender crimes in Balochistan. There was special focus on the Naseerabad honour killing case and the rape case reports of a widow in the Sui area,” said Sherry Rehman while talking to media after three-hour long meeting.

The Minister informed that the participants also deliberated on long term measures to root out structures and institutions that strengthen this kind of cultural terrorism against women and discussed how to devise an immediate response to the crimes against women in Balochistan. She told media that the specific purpose of interactive, consultative exercise was to bring to light facts regarding the recent cases in Balochistan and to devise an action agenda to ensure the delivery of speedy justice to the victims.

“Pakistan knew about the U.S. strikes”, confirms Pentagon :

WASHINGTON: In the face of this latest outrage, the Pentagon late Wednesday has accepted responsibility for the most recent cross-border missile attacks in Pakistan but insisted the strikes were upon a legitimate target.

Speaking under conditions of anonymity, a Pentagon official confirmed that rockets were fired into Pakistani territory, but held that they targeted and struck an ammunition depot under Taliban control.“The appropriate Pakistani officials were aware of the target, as it had been under observation for some time” he insisted. He added that three members of the Taliban and a member of Al-Qaeda were killed in the attack and that no civilian casualties were incurred

Shoaib could play in T20 cup after paying fine: PCB

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to seek the Lahore High Court’s help for inclusion of Shoiab Akhtar in the forthcoming National Twenty20 Cricket Tournament.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Wednesday, PCB Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi said Akhtar was not included in any team of the event while Islamabad had included him in its team.He said Board was unaware of his inclusion in Islamabad team. According to PCB legal advisor, Tafazul Rizvi, Akhtar could represent Islamabad team only after paying fine of Rs7.0 millions. However, PCB has now planned to seek court’s help in this regard. Meanwhile, PCB had termed the representation of every star player mandatory in the events.

KSE trading volume drops to three months’ lows :

KARACHI: Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) witnessing yet another sustained lackluster trading recorded the three months’ lowest volume of trading today.

The market opening in a negative environment remained downbeat throughout the trading session, which resulted in the KSE-100 index erosion by 8 points and wrapping up at 9,216 points. The volume of trading today aggregated to 5.5 million shares, which is the lowest since July 2007. Volume leader Engro Chemical shares rising by Rs1.44 closed at Rs186.14. Analyst believed that the market trading activities could further sag in the upcoming days.

U.S. yearns to work together with Pakistan: Richard Boucher

LONDON: U.S. Foreign Secretary for South Asian affairs Richard Boucher said Thursday that U.S. wants to combat war against terror together with Pakistan as he termed long lasting friendship being dependent on mutual understanding and cooperation.

Talking to journalist in Brussels he justified that U.S. is engaged against suspected Taliban in Pakistani tribal areas bordering Afghanistan to help Pakistan’s army combat against Taliban.He admired the actions being taken by Asif Ali Zardari government to curb war on terror and regretted the loss of innocent lives in US-led coalition forces strikes in Pakistan.

Militant hideouts pounded in Bajaur, 14 killed :

KHAR: At least 14 militants were killed when security forces pounded their hideouts here on Wednesday.

According to sources, security forces continued shelling on militants’ hideouts in Bajaur Agency while 14 militants were killed in Lowi Sam and Rashkai after heavy bombardment by security forces.Meanwhile, security forces continue operation against militants in Tang Khataa and Chaharmang of Khar Tehsil.Fresh contingents of security forces reached Khar Headquarters while unannounced curfew continues in Bajaur Agency.

Seven killed in U.S. missile strike in South Waziristan :

WANA: Suspected U.S. drones fired four missiles Wednesday in a northwestern Pakistani tribal area near the Afghan border killing 7 people while 3 others were injured, officials said.

"Four missiles were fired by suspected U.S. drones in Baghar Cheena area in the restive South Waziristan on Wednesday evening," a senior security official told a foreign news agency.Meanwhile, the Pentagon has claimed that U.S. led coalition forces carried o ... Full Story

Oil prices slip to 90 dollars :

NEW YORK: Oil prices fell Tuesday flirting with the 90-dollar mark to reach new seven-month lows amid turmoil on the financial markets which could spur lower energy demand, traders said.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for October, plummeted 4.56 dollars to close at 91.15 dollars a barrel. London's Brent North Sea crude for delivery in November tumbled to 89.22 dollars, a seven-month low and a fall of 3.16 dollars. OPEC on Tuesday cut its world oil demand growth forecast for 2008 to 1.02 percent from 1.17 percent previously, in the face of falling demand already occurring in the United States, the world's biggest energy consumer. The price of crude oil has now plunged by 10 dollars in the last two sessions to lose 38 percent since striking record highs above 147 dollars in July.

Crude oil dropped "for reasons that have very little to do with the underlying fundamentals," said Mike Fitzpatrick, from MG Global. "Prices of assets of all classes continue to be driven down by efforts to raise cash and avoid risk."

Rains expected in some parts of country :

ISLAMABAD: The Met office has forecast rains with strong winds in some parts of country during the next 24 hours.According to the Metrological department, scattered rains are expected in Islamabad, upper Punjab, NWFP and Kashmir with strong winds.

The maximum temperature expected in Lahore and Karachi is 36 centigrade, Islamabad 35 centigrade, Peshawar 36 centigrade, Quetta 34 centigrade while the Turbat is likely to be the hottest area with maximum temperature of 45 centigrade.

UN would not allow N. Korean long-range missile tests: US

WASHINGTON: North Korea would not be allowed under a United Nations resolution to carry out an engine ignition test for a long-range missile like that reported Tuesday, a senior US official said.

The South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, which quoted intelligence sources, said the engine was presumed to be for the Taepodong-2 missile with a range of 6,700 kilometres (4,150 miles), one that could reach the US west coast. "No, (I) can't confirm it," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters when asked about the report which said the test was conducted at a launch site being developed in North Pyongan province, opposite China. But McCormack added: "Any ballistic missile activity of the kind reported would be not permitted under (UN Security Council) 1718.

" Chosun Ilbo quoted one intelligence source as saying that a "US spy satellite, KH-12, spotted that rocket engine tests took place at Tongchang-ri this year." The site was near completion, the source added. Another source told the paper that North Korea had sporadically conducted engine tests in a continuing attempt to develop long-range missiles since its failed test-firing of a Taepodong-2 in July 2006. North Korea conducted a nuclear weapons test in October 2006. It is not known whether it has the technical capacity to fit an atomic warhead to a missile.

Army Chief Kiyani to visit China next week :

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Kiyani would fly on 5-day visit to China on 22 September to mark his first ever visit to any country after he took over Army Chief seat, army sources said.

Some senior army officials would accompany him. During his visit Kiyani plans to visit some of China’s army training camps to analyze the latest defensive technology and war-based machinery inducted recently in Chinese army, sources added.According to sources, he would hold meeting with Chinese President and his counterpart General Chin.

Admiral Mullen meets General Kayani in Rawalpindi :

RAWALPINDI: The meeting between Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and top US military commander Admiral Mike Mullan is underway in Rawalpindi here on Wednesday.

Both military chiefs discussed the issues related to the war on terror and Pak-Afghan borders. Besides this, both military chiefs would also discuss statements issued by the two sides regarding recent US attack inside Pakistan’s territory.Army chief General Kayani lodged a protest with the top US military commander over the recent violations of its territorial boundary by Afghanistan-based foreign troops.US commander would also hold separate meeting with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also.

US denies helicopters fired on in Pakistan :

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon on Monday denied that US-led coalition helicopters based in Afghanistan were fired on in Pakistan and forced to turn back.

The incident "did not happen" said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman, adding that after studying the facts, a statement by a Pakistani security official "didn't appear to be accurate."Earlier there were conflicting reports that shots were fired when US-led coalition helicopters based in Afghanistan neared the border with Pakistan. The gunfire was said to have broken out late Sunday about 100 metres (yards) from the South Waziristan tribal area, where Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters are believed to be sheltering. There were no casualties.

Lehman bankruptcy shakes world financial system :

NEW YORK: Lehman Brothers declared itself bankrupt Monday and Wall Street rival Merrill Lynch had to be taken over in a new financial earthquake that sent global markets into a slump and panicked central banks.

The US Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England injected tens of billions of dollars into money markets after the fall of the finance titans under the weight of the massive financing of bad loans. Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy on Monday after a frantic weekend of negotiations failed to arrange a rescue. In the fallout, Bank of America took over Merrill Lynch in a 50 billion dollar deal, insurance giant AIG was reported to have sought a massive emergency loan to head off its own crisis and a group of banks set up a 70-billion-dollar global emergency fund."You've probably seen more in one day of financial history than we've seen since the great crash of 1929," Macquarie Private Wealth associate director Marcus Droga said.

Iran's IAEA envoy says it will continue uranium enrichment :

TEHRAN: Iran's ambassador to the UN atomic watchdog said on Monday that his country would continue enriching uranium in defiance of UN Security Council demands, the state-run news agency reported.

"Stating that Iran did not obey the United Nations Security Council resolution asking it to halt uranium enrichment shows this reality -- that Iran found no logical and legal reasons for doing so," Ali Asghar Soltanieh said. "Therefore it cannot give up its undeniable right under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) charter," agency quoted him as saying. The IAEA on Monday accused Tehran of continuing to stall over a UN probe into its disputed nuclear programme, refusing to provide access to documentation, individuals or sites which could reveal the true nature of its activities.

Dr. Aafia’s son Ahmed handed over to Pakistan :

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan government handed over custody of Dr. Aafia’s son Muhammad Ahmed to Pakistani authorities in Kabul on Monday.

According to foreign ministry sources, officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan met today in Kabul after which Afghanistan’s interior ministry official Daud Panj Sheri handed over Muhmmad Ahmed to Pakistani ambassador Asif Durrani. It may be mentioned here that US officials claimed to have arrested Dr. Aafia and her three children from Ghazni in 2003. One of the three children had already died while there was no information about her daughter whether she would be handed over to Pakistani official or not. It is expected that Muhammad Ahmed will be sent to Pakistan by the first available flight.

US to boost military presence in Afghanistan by 1,800 :

WASHINGTON: The US military presence in Afghanistan will grow by a maximum of 1,800 troops by the end of January, foreign media has calculated, based on figures provided by the Pentagon Monday.

A Marine Air-Ground Task Force of "up to approximately 2,000 Marines" will be deployed in November, a Department of Defense statement said. Meanwhile, Marines sent in April -- up to 3,900, according to the Pentagon -- are finishing their deployment in November and leaving Afghanistan.

That means the total US contingent of some 33,000 soldiers -- according to the latest Pentagon figures -- will shrink slightly before it grows with the arrival of reinforcements in early 2009. In January, a US army combat brigade of some 3,700 soldiers, originally destined for Iraq, will be sent to Afghanistan to serve under the command of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), according to the DoD statement. In total, 5,700 US soldiers will be sent to Afghanistan and 3,900 will be withdrawn -- a net increase of 1,800, bringing the total US presence close to 35,000.

Petrol price down Rs5, diesel up Rs3.50 :

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has revised petroleum prices whereby petrol price has been slashed by Rs5 per litre while rates of High Speed Diesel and koresene oil have been raised by Rs3.5 per litre.

The new petroleum prices will remain effective for next 15 days. According to sources, the government is still giving a subsidy of Rs. 10 per litre on diesel. The new prices, which will be effective from Tuesday, will help cut gross sub ... Full Story

British FM condemns New Delhi attacks :

LONDON: Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband condemned Saturday's deadly bomb attacks in New Delhi, saying they were a "terrible reminder" of the threat posed by violent extremism.

Five synchronized bomb blasts ripped through crowded markets in the Indian capital, killing at least 22 people and injuring dozens more. "Today's indiscriminate bomb attacks in markets and shopping areas in New Delhi are a terrible reminder of the threat from violent extremism," Miliband said in a statement. "I condemn unreservedly all such acts of indiscriminate terrorism. My condolences and sympathies go out to all the victims and to all those families that have suffered today,” he maintained.

Political leadership should avoid differences for democracy: Fehmida Mirza

ISLAMABAD: The first international day of democracy is being observed today throughout world including Pakistan.Acting president Dr Fehmida Mirza has said in her message on the occasion that the political leadership should be united avoiding differences for stability of democratic process.

The United Nations had approved a resolution on November 8 last year to observe every year the international day of democracy to promote a sense of democracy all over the world.On the world day of democracy, a democracy quiz show will be held among the university students under the UN Information Centre and the Centre for Civic Education Pakistan.Besides this, various programmes have been scheduled regarding promotion and education of democracy and they include the prize distribution ceremony of national essay writing competition, screening of a documentary film on democracy and a seminar on democratic civic education.Acting president Dr Fehmida Mirza said in the message on the world democracy day that the democracy is inevitable for peace, stability and development.She said that the people’s participation in the affairs of the country would ensure fundamental independence, equality, achievements of the needs of the people and restoration of law and order.

Pervez Elahi’s resignation is result of PPP-PML (Q) deal: Qazi Hussain

LAHORE: Ameer of Jamaat Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that Chaudhry Pervez Elahi’s resignation from the position of opposition leader and decision to get ministries is the result of a deal between the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (Q).

He was addressing at a Iftar party in Lahore.Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that the constitution-breaker and the judiciary-destroyer, Pervez Musharraf ahs been given protocol and no case against him is being considered.He said that the Swiss bank is saying that $600 million are present in the account of Asif Ali Zardari and he should explain that from where this amount has come.Ameer of Jamaat Islami said that the country cannot be stabilized by forgiving everything through NRO.He said that no such solution of the Kashmir issue would be accepted which is against the expectations of the Kashmiri people.

Moon festival celebrated in Hong Kong, Beijing :

BEIJING: Moon festival of autumn season was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm in Hong Kong and Beijing on Sunday.In this festival, thousands of colourful lanterns are illuminated and traditional cake for eating is prepared.

Because of moon cake, this festival is also called moon festival.This is an important festival of Chinese calendar when farmers celebrate the joy of full moon with their families before harvesting crop.This festival is celebrated on the 15th date of the eighth lunar month of the Chinese calendar and the moon on this date is the most brightest of the whole year.This time, lanterns of various shapes were lit right in the evening at the Victoria Park in Hong Kong due to which atmosphere became very beautiful.

Rs30b decline in Govt. borrowings recorded: SBP

KARACHI: The government borrowings recorded a fall by Rs30 billion in one day.Central Bank statistics showed the volume of government loans in the week ending August 30 at Rs136 billion, while on September 1, declining by Rs30 billion pegged at Rs106 billion.

Similarly, the government borrowings from the Central Bank, which was at Rs150 billion on September 1, declined only in one day to the level of Rs49 billion. On the other hand, private sectors’ volume of loans also seen plummeted substantially by Rs20 billion.

Security forces killed 64 militants in Bajaur :

KHAR: Security forces claimed to have killed 64 militants in an intensified operation in various parts of the troubled Bajaur Agency, as the locals continued shifting to safer places.

Sources said were killed in the aerial blitz at Loisam, Rashkai, Tang Khatta and other areas of the violence-hit agency. The security forces also claimed to have destroyed almost all the militants’ positions and inflicted heavy casualties on them in these areas.Sources said that the security forces continued pounding hideouts of the militants in their strongholds in Loisam, Tang Khatta, Rashkai, Khazana and Bhai Cheena.The bombing with jet fighters and gunship choppers and artillery shelling on the militants’ strongholds.The security forces started advance movements in different areas and for the first time patrolled Loi Jowar, Tangi, and Charmang areas, the strongholds of the militants in the agency.

Due to consolidated and effective operation, the security forces succeeded in re-establishing the government’s writ in Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur Agency, and most parts of the Utmankhel and Khar subdivisions.Meanwhile, curfew remained imposed in Siddiqabad, Tauheedabad, Bilalabad, Shandai Mor and other parts of the agency for the eleventh straight day, paralysing the routine life and creating acute shortage of edibles and other necessary items in theses areas.

Unscheduled load shedding throughout country, violence in Karachi :

KARACHI: The Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) did the worst load shedding also on the weekly holiday of Sunday in the residential areas of Karachi.However, the KESC officials refused to tell the reasons of the load shedding.

The citizens of Karachi demonstrated all day against longer load shedding in the city.According to the KESC sources, electricity demand stood at 2,300 mw while there was a shortage of 900 megawatt.More than 80 grid stations of the city tripped throughout the day because of overloading due to which the citizens were deprived of electricity for three to four hours besides load shedding durations in sizzling heat.

]Load shedding and tripping of grid stations affected most the areas of Orangi, Korangi, New Karachi, Surjani Town, North Karachi, Federal B Area, Ayesha Manzil, Azizabad, Jacoblines, Lines Area, Kharadar, Mithadar, , Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Hadid and Saddar.However, the KESC officials have refused to provide any information to media regarding load shedding.Due to tripping of extra high tension coming from WAPDA, the KESC is being given 200 mw electricity.On the other side, the WAPDA sources said that the KESC is being provided electricity in required quantity but load shedding is being done due to poor distribution system.

New Sadar of Pakistan :

Childrens of Asif Ali Zardari :

Asif Ali Zardari with Hamid Karzai :

Nawaz says going before out of country :

Two mortars found in Karachi :

Updated at: 0536 PST, Wednesday, September 10, 2008
KARACHI:

Police have recovered two mortar shells from Shershah's Jahanabad area in Karachi late Tuesday. While one of the mortars was already dead, the bomb disposal squad defused the other one.According to police sources, the residents of Jahanabad spotted the mortars in a sewerage line near a junkyard and informed the Pak Colony Police. The police rushed to the spot along with the bomb disposal squad which defused one of the mortars while the other one was already dead. Police said each of the locally made mortars weighs two kilogram and cannot be detonated automatically.

Security tightened in Peshawar :

PESHAWAR: Peshawar police further tighten the security arrangements after suicide blast at Kohat Road and after reviewing general situation of law and order in the city.

Security has beefed up at markets, key buildings, mosques and Imambargahs. Special contingents of police have been deployed at entry and exit routes whereas police patrolling has been also increased within the city. A ban has been imposed on pillion ride.

Brent crude falls below 100 dlrs a barrel :

Updated at: 0050 PST, Wednesday, September 10, 2008

NEW YORK:

Brent crude oil slipped below the key level of 100 dollars a barrel Tuesday for the first time since April 2, sinking as low as 99.30 dollars in London. The sharp decline in Brent North Sea crude for October delivery came after OPEC's chief signaled the cartel would keep its production ceiling unchanged, despite sinking prices and slowing economic growth. "We are going to stay with the level of production where we are now," OPEC president and Algerian Energy Minister Chakib Khelil told reporters ahead of a formal announcement later in the day.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for October, plunged 3.08 dollars to close at 103.26 dollars a barrel. Oil prices peaked at record high levels above 147 dollars in July but since have trended downward to the psychological barrier of 100 dollars, first crossed in early January.

Possible missile sale to India: Pentagon

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon said Tuesday it has notified the US Congress of a possible sale to India of two dozen Harpoon air to ground anti-ship missiles.

Such a deal would be worth as much as 170 million dollars, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. "India intends to use the Harpoon missiles to modernize its air force anti-surface warfare mission capabilities and improve its naval operational flexibility," the agency said in a statement. Boeing would be the prime contractor. The 84L Harpoon Block II missiles are designed primarily as satellite guided anti-ship missiles.

Notification issued to increase electricity prices :

ISLAMABAD: The government has issued a notification to increase prices of electricity by 31 percent, according to Geo News.

The new tariff rates would not be applicable to domestic consumers using 50 units a month. The rate for 50 to 100 units of consumption would rise to Rs 3.93 per unit while those using 300 to 1000 units would pay Rs 8.53 per unit.Last week PEPCO had forwarded the summary to the prime minister for his approval. The new tariff is expected to be applicable for the month of September.

Rice makes 'full-court press' to win US approval of nuke deal :

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has launched a "full-court press" to win passage in Congress of a landmark US-India civilian nuclear cooperation deal before January, her spokesman said Tuesday.

In a flurry of contacts members of the US Congress, Rice is speaking to key lawmakers by telephone and meeting others in person, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters. "From her perspective, this is a full court press, working with the Congress," McCormack said, using a basketball analogy for an all-out effort to win passage of the deal before President George W. Bush's term ends in January. "She has made a lot of calls. She does have a lot of meetings coming up," McCormack said.US lawmakers returned to work Monday after their August recess -- and are expected to leave Washington again in late September to campaign ahead of the November 4 elections, leaving little time for action on the agreement.

US congressional approval is the final hurdle for the 2005 agreement, which offers India access to Western technology and cheap atomic energy as long as it allows UN nuclear inspections of some of its nuclear facilities.

Asif Ali Zardari to take oath of President today :

ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari will take oath of his office as Pakistan’s new head of state today at the Aiwan-e-Sadr here.

Chief Justice, Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar will administer the oath at a grand ceremony. Afghan President Hamid Karzai will attend the ceremony on the special invitation of President-elect Asif Ali Zardari. Following the oath the President will meet the guests being drawn from all sections of society. He will be presented a guard of honour by a contingent comprising the three armed forces. Asif Zardari will address a press conference and present to the nation his vision to take Pakistan forward, strategy to counter terrorism and to strengthen the economy. It will be followed by the courtesy calls by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, member of the federal cabinet, Chairman Senate, Chief Justice, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the three services chiefs, besides meeting the staff of the President House.

Bush: Pakistan has 'responsibility' to battle extremists

WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush was to describe Pakistan Tuesday as a major war on terrorism battleground, like Afghanistan or Iraq, and urged Islamabad to shoulder its "responsibility" to fight extremists.

Bush, in remarks prepared for delivery to the US National Defense University and released by the White House late Monday, was to say all three countries "pose unique challenges for our country" in the worldwide conflict. "They are all theaters in the same overall struggle. In all three places, extremists are using violence and terror in an attempt to impose their ideology on whole populations," Bush said in the advance text. His message came amid media reports of multiple strikes inside Pakistan recently by US or international troops based in Afghanistan, which accuses its neighbor of abetting or at least turning a blind eye to cross-border violence. "Defeating these terrorist and extremists is in Pakistan's interest because they pose a mortal threat to Pakistan's future as a free and democratic nation," Bush said in the prepared remarks.

"Defeating these terrorist and extremists is also Pakistan's responsibility because every nation has an obligation to govern its own territory and make certain that it does not become a safe haven for terror," he said. Bush, who leaves office in late January, said the United States and NATO would help Pakistan battle extremists, and expressed sorrow for any loss of innocent life, amid complaints in Pakistan and Afghanistan of civilian deaths.

Attacks on Pakistan soil not to be tolerated: Malik

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior, Rehman Malik, has said that NATO attacks on Pakistani soil cannot be tolerated.

Speaking to the media after an Iftar reception at his residence here on Monday, Rehman Malik said that NATO forces attacked inside Pakistani territory in response to provocations from FATA.Malik told the media that four suicide bombers along with 9 accomplices have been arrested since the bomb blast at Wah Cantt, adding that this was a great achievement.He said all of the detained suicide bombers and their accomplices belong to South Waziristan.

Price floor at KSE to remain intact at 9,144 level :

KARACHI: Members of the Karachi Stock Exchange have decided to keep the price floor intact at index level 9,144.However, the formal decision is to be finalized at KSE’s board meeting on Tuesday.

The KSE management had fixed a lower price cap on August 27, to arrest the meltdown in share prices and that cap was expected to be removed by September 6. However, market sources say the floor is not likely to be removed before the first week of October – and until a host of measures are taken to ensure price stability. These likely measures include a commitment by NIT to start buying through the equity market opportunity fund – while transactions such as share buy-outs are also on the cards.Market analysts say the extension in floor is going to frustrate investors – especially foreign investors who are reportedly seeking a quick exit from the market.

Bush to keep troop levels in Iraq for '08 :

WASHINGTON - President Bush is expected to keep U.S. troop levels in Iraq near their current level through the end of the year, then pull home up to 8,000 combat and support troops by mid-January, The Associated Press has learned.

Embracing the recommendation of military advisers, Bush will likely maintain 15 combat brigades and thousands of support forces through the final full year of his administration, according to officials familiar with Bush's expected announcement Tuesday.
It could well be his final major decision on the U.S. troop posture in Iraq as president.