US drone attacks will jeopardize war on terror: PM Gilani

DAVOS: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani warned United States on Friday, the war against terrorism, being fought by Pakistan, will be endangered if US remains bent upon carrying out drone attacks on Pakistan soil. “Our efforts to curb cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan will enormously be affected in the event of persistent US policy of drone strikes on Pakistan soil against suspected militants.” This PM Gilani outlined talking to media after partaking World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. PM informed mediamen, his PPP-led government in Pakistan had been profoundly successful to part the local tribes with the terrorists however, he feared, US drone incursions have not been proving fruitful to help Pakistan in its efforts against war of Terrorism. “US administration led by President Obama has no differences with us as we both have identical goals to accomplish but US drone intrusions on Pakistan soil have raised negative sentiments towards US among the people of Pakistan.” Gilani stated and applauded President Obama’s method to win the hearts of people to become triumphant.

Biden-Lugar Bill will be presented in few days: Haqqani

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to US, Hussain Haqqani has said that so long US considers Pakistan its friend, US assistance would not stop and added that Biden-Lugar Bill has not died down, it would be presented in few days with the signatures of its new movers besides till now there was no hitch in its approval.

He said that the majority of both the Houses were not in favour of slapping more restrictions on Pakistan. US President Barrack Obama has also supported the Biden-Lugar Bill. He said that the Congress couldn’t get time to discuss Biden-Lugar Bill on agenda, but there was no such thing that the Bill for Pakistan couldn’t be approved. This Bill was presented in the Senate Committee and now it would be presented in the Congress in few days, he said.

Hussain Haqqani said that this Bill would be approved in few weeks and, thereby, the disbursement of fund would kick off. Biden-Lugar Bill has been named as Boosting ties with Pakistan Act.

South Africa snatch top ODI ranking from Australia, winning series 4-1

PERTH: South Africa has become the number one team in one-day international cricket when they beat the world champions Australia by 39 runs in the final One-day International here at WACA on Friday to take the five-match series 4-1. Chasing 289 to finish the series with a 3-2 loss, Australia were all out for 249 runs in 49 overs and not only lost the series but also their top position in the ICC rankings which they were enjoying for the last several years. Debutant Lonwabo Tsotsobe made the perfect start to his ODI career with two wickets in his first four overs to play a key role in South Africa’s victory. He removed two of the danger men, Shaun Marsh and Ricky Ponting. No Aussie batsman except Michael Hussey (78) and Brad Haddin (63) could resist against South African bowlers. Michael’s brother David Hussey also made a useful contribution of 32. The Husseys had come together at 4 for 53 and added 69 runs. Earlier, Hashim Amla narrowly missed his first century of the series but together with AB de Villiers set the stage with a solid 118-run partnership and JP Duminy provided the late entertainment with a quick half-century to take South Africa to 288-6 in 50 allotted overs. Amla's 97 ended when he tried to guide Hopes through the cordon and tickled the ball to Brad Haddin, while de Villiers (60) picked out David Warner on the square-leg boundary. Later, Duminy smashed an unbeaten 60 from 42 deliveries. He helped South Africa add 53 in the batting Powerplay, which was taken at the start of the 43rd over, and raised his half-century from 33 balls with a super six over long-off from Nathan Bracken.

IPL tribunal bans Asif for one year

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) tribunal has decided to impose one-year ban on Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, accordidng to report received here on Friday. The IPL officials have informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of this decision. After receiving the test report of Asif’s blood sample, the IPL drug tribunal has confirmed that Mohammad Asif had used banned drugs during the IPL series previous year. The ban will be effective from September 22, 2008 and he cannot play IPL cricket up to September 15, 2009, according to the decision. However, Mohammad Asif said I am sorry that I have been banned just for using eye-drops.

Asif becomes first IPL player to be banned

LAHORE: Mohammad Asif is the first IPL player who has been dope tested positive and subsequently banned. The IPL was participated by well-known cricketers from India, Pakistan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka but only Mohammad Asif of Pakistan’s dope test proved positive. Mohammad Asif participated in the first edition of the Indian Premier League where he represented Delhi Daredevils. He was initially auctioned for $225,000 while Delhi Daredevils bought him for $650,000 and he thus became one of the costliest Pakistani players in the IPL. Asif in the eight matches of the opening season of the IPL, bowled 32 overs to claim eight wickets. His best bowling was against Deccan Chargers when he took two wickets for 19 runs. Asif’s contract with Delhi Daredevils was already surrendered on his own request a few days before the ban has been imposed on him for which he told that he now wants to concentrate on playing only for Pakistan.

Shoaib Akhtar injured, out of series against Sri Lanka

LAHORE: Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar has been ruled out of next month's two-match home Test series against Sri Lanka due to a knee problem, an official said Friday. "There are loose bones in his knee which would need keyhole surgery. That will take two to three weeks' recovery and that means he is out of the Sri Lanka Test series," team coach Intikhab Alam told media. Intikhab Alam said such injures were common for fast bowlers. "When such an injury occurs one must not wait and have a quick operation," said Alam. Shoaib Akhtar, whose career has been blighted by injury and discipline problems, was dropped from the third and final one-day match against Sri Lanka earlier this month when he was not found 100 percent fit. Then-captain Shoaib Malik questioned his commitment and fitness after the second match, but before the third denied he had named Akhtar and instead said he had been talking about all 11 players on the team. Sri Lanka return to Pakistan on February 14 to play a three-day side match and two Tests -- the final dates of which are yet to be announced. Akhtar had operations to his both knees in early 2006, forcing him to sit out Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka and England that year. The controversial bowler, 33, was this year awarded a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) contract, only after playing three Twenty20 matches in 2008. A hamstring injury forced him to sit out all three one-day matches against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi last November. He missed out on a contract last year because of injury and indiscipline. In response, Shoaib Akhtar publicly criticised the PCB, which imposed a five-year ban on him last April. The ban was later reduced to 18 months with a fine of seven million rupees (100,000 dollars) by the high court in Lahore. On appeal, the court later suspended the ban but upheld the fine. A subsequent appeal is pending.

1st ODI: India beat Sri Lanka by 6 wkts

DAMBULLA: India defeated hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets in the opening One-day International here on Wednesday. They achieved the winning target in 48.1 overs. Earlier, India put Sri Lanka into bat after winning the toss and restricted them to 246-7 in the allotted 50 overs. Veteran batsman Sanath Jayasriya played central role by hammering 107 runs off 110 balls with ten fours and one six. He was later declared the man-of-the-match. Ishant Sharma was the most successful bowler from India, taking three wickets whereas Zaheer Khan and Pragyan Ojha claimed one wicket each. In reply, India’s start was disastrous as Sachin Tendulkar back to pavilion after making just five runs. However, Gautam Gambhir (62) and Suresh Raina (54) took India out of trouble and added 113 runs for the second wicket and laid the foundation of victory. Later, captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni (61) and Rohit Sharma (25) cruised to victory with 11 balls left. Both were not out to see their team take lead 1-0 in the fivee-match series. Magician spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, Mashrafe Mortaza and Thilan Thushara could get only one wicket each while Ajantha Mendis failed to get any wicket.

Serena Williams into Australian Open final

MELBOURNE: Serena Williams moved within a one win of a 10th Grand Slam title and fourth in Australia with a dominating 6-3, 6-4 win over Elena Dementieva on Thursday. The second-seeded Williams has a sequence of winning the Australian Open every alternate year since 2003. Roger Federer, seeking a record equaling 14th Grand Slam singles title to match Pete Sampras' career record, was playing American Andy Roddick in the night semifinal. No. 2 Federer, who is 15-2 against seventh-seeded Roddick, who beat defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal set up an all-Spanish final against Fernando Verdasco when he beat No. 6 Gilles Simon 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 on Wednesday night, Verdasco ousted 2008 runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (2), 3-6,6-3, 6-2.

Gates to give Obama Afghan troop plan soon

WASHINGTON: U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates will give President Barack Obama his formal recommendation on new U.S. troop deployments to Afghanistan within days, the Pentagon said on Thursday. "I would think in the coming days the secretary hopes to be able to present the president with his recommendation," said Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell. He said Obama would also receive a recommendation from the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen. "How soon after that (the president) makes decisions that would lead to deployment orders, I can't tell you precisely," Morrell said at a news briefing. The United States has 36,000 troops in Afghanistan and the Pentagon is considering plans to increase the force to possibly more than 60,000 troops over the next 12 to 18 months. Morrell was speaking a day after Obama met for the first time with the heads of the U.S. armed forces to discuss a range of topics, including Afghanistan and Iraq. Obama emerged from the meeting to say the United States would soon face difficult decisions on Iraq and Afghanistan but gave no details.

Strike in France
PARIS: More than one million French workers downed tools in the first general strike to hit a major industrialised nation since the start of the global financial crisis.

Unions said more than two million public and private sector workers took to the streets across France to protest against President Nicolas Sarkozy's handling of the economic crisis, saying too much had been done to bail out fat cats and banks, and not enough to protect jobs and help workers make ends meet.

Air traffic controllers, train drivers, teachers, nurses, and tax inspectors were joined by private sector workers including bank clerks and staff from the firm that runs the Paris stock exchange. Some schools were shut, flights were cancelled, and the Palace of Versailles cwas losed in a rare show of unity between unions, although "Black Thursday" did not bring total transport paralysis.

N Korea scraps all accords with S Korea

SEOUL: North Korea announced Friday it is scrapping all political and military agreements with South Korea, accusing Seoul of pushing relations to the brink of war. The communist state said all agreements on ending confrontation would be nullified, including one covering their Yellow Sea border -- the scene of bloody naval clashes in 1999 and 2002. The statement from the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea further raised tensions after months of frosty relations. "The confrontation between the north and the south in the political and military fields has been put to such extremes that inter-Korean relations have reached the brink of a war," Friday's statement said. "Under such situation it is self-evident that there is no need for the DPRK (North Korea) to remain bound to those north-south agreements."

Nawaz asks Zardari to restore deposed judges before long march

LAHORE: The chief of PML-N Mian Nawaz Sharif said in the larger interest of the country, he has once again asked President Asif Ali Zardari to fulfill his promise and restore judges before lawyers’ long march. Addressing a gathering of lawyers belonged to Sindh and Balochistan in Raiwind, Nawaz Sharif said free judiciary is vital for country’s security because justice would be started reaching to common man after restoration of deposed judges.

India: Special court to hear Ajmal Kasab’s case

NEW DELHI: A special court has been set up to put Ajmal Kasab under trial for his alleged involvement in Mumbai attacks. According to an Indian TV channel, home minister of Maharashtra has dismissed reports of Ajmal Kasab’s death, saying he is alive and still in detention in a prison. His security has been beefed up in the prison, the minister added. He said a special court has also been set up which will hear Ajmal Kasab’s case.

Bangladesh bars war criminals' way to flee

DHAKA: The home ministry has taken necessary measures so that the war criminals cannot leave the country, Home Minister Sahara Khatun said today. "After parliament's decision over the trial of the war criminals, the home ministry has already sent the list of the war criminals to all possible places so that they cannot leave the country," she said replying to a question from reporters after 23th convocation of the Bangladesh Ain Samiti in the city. The home minister also called upon all concerned to play active roles in maintaining law and order of the country. Parliament yesterday unanimously passed a resolution calling on the government to ensure immediate trial of the war criminals. The historic motion came five days into inauguration of the ninth legislature. It is meant to affirm the ruling Awami League's (AL) electoral pledge that if voted to power, it would put on trial those who had committed atrocious crimes against the nation during the Liberation War in 1971. “Measures be taken immediately to try the war criminals,” reads the resolution adopted amid thunderous desk-thumping. The proposal was piloted by Mahmud-us-Samad Chowdhury, AL lawmaker from Sylhet-3. Taking part in discussions on the motion, Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina said her government is now gathering experts' opinions on the issue from across the globe. The foreign ministry is working on the matter. Urging Speaker Abdul Hamid to take the resolution as a property of the House, she said: “The war criminals will be brought to justice, no matter what.” Following the discussions, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Tajul Islam said the trial would be held in a credible and transparent manner so there arises no question over the proceedings.

Mahmood-ul-Hassan elected SBC Vice Chairman

KARACHI: Former president Karachi Bar Association (KBA) Mahmood-ul-Hassan was overwhelmingly elected as Vice Chairman of Sindh Bar Council here on Friday. The election for the Vice Chairman, Chairman Executive Committee of SBC was held at Managing Committee’s meeting. Out of total 42, 27 members attended the meeting in which two staged a walkout, while one vote was cancelled. A member SBC Abrar Hassan objected to the election of Vice Chairman but it was rejected by large majority. Mahmood-ul-Hassan got 24 votes to secure the win. Talking to media, newly elected SBC Vice Chairman said that Sindh Bar Council would continue the struggle for restoration of deposed judges.

India to sign IAEA deal on Monday

VIENNA: India is set to sign an inspection agreement with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog on Monday, India's ambassador to the agency said. The inspection deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a precondition of a United States-led agreement allowing nuclear nations to supply India with nuclear material and technology for its domestic power sector. "We have set some time aside for this on Monday," Saurabh Kumar, India's ambassador to the Vienna-based IAEA said on Thursday, referring to the signing of the pact. He declined to give further details of the agreement, which must be ratified by Delhi before it can come into effect. The draft agreement in July said India would be required to make its declared civilian reactors -- 14 out of 22 -- subject to regular IAEA non-proliferation inspections. The agency hopes to have the reactors under inspection by 2014. In August, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei hailed the draft as a positive step after it was approved by the agency's board of governors. "I believe the agreement is good for India, is good for the world, is good for non-proliferation, is good for our collective effort to move towards a world free from nuclear weapons," he said. The 45 nations which make up the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) agreed in September to lift a three-decade global ban on nuclear trade with India, paving the way for the fuel and technology deal. The ban had been in place since 1974, when India carried out its first nuclear test explosion.

New Petroleum Policy: 100 wells to be dug this year

ISLAMABAD: The new petroleum policy envisages provision of surplus production directly to the provinces instead of the federation with a view to bring prosperity in areas where oil and gas are extracted. This was stated by Advisor for Energy Dr. Asim Hussain at a news conference here on Friday. He said the oil companies will set up a special fund for speeding up activities for exploration of oil and gas. This year 100 new wells will be dug for exploration of oil and gas, he added. Asim Hussain said China is investing 5 billion dollars in energy sector of Pakistan.

India yet to receive probe report from Pak: Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: India’s External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee has said that Pakistan should stop talking through media and communicate through proper channels.

"We have not received any information from Pakistan about the investigation in the Mumbai terror strike. All we are getting is media reports,” Mukherjee told reporters here.

He further added, "Pakistan should communicate through proper channels and not through media.”

Refusing to comment on the media reports, Mukherjee said, "We have provided Pakistan all the evidences about the attack and expect them to investigate the matter and inform us".

Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik had told reporters on January 17 that he had asked a three-member team to probe the Mumbai attacks and examine the Indian dossier and submit the preliminary findings in 10 days.

FIA presents Mumbai attacks probe report

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has presented its investigation report on Mumba attacks to the Interior Ministry. Interior Ministry Sources Friday urged the media to refrain from making speculations regarding the contents of the report. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry held a high level meeting today in which the Law Ministry also reviewed the FIA’s report. It has also been learned that Pakistan will share the findings of the report with India using diplomatic channels.

Younis Khan replaces Malik as captain

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appoint Younis Khan as captain of the national team after Pakistan’s humiliating defeat against Sri Lanka, said chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt. He announced this while talking to media here at the PCB headquarters on Tuesday. Ijaz Butt told that Shoaib Malik on the PCB request has stepped down from the captaincy after the debacle of the Pakistan cricket team in the recent home series. Malik led Pakistan to their worst one-day defeat -- by 234 runs -- in the third and final one-day international in Lahore on Saturday which gave Sri Lanka a 2-1 series win. "Malik has accepted to step down after the Sri Lanka defeat and we have appointed Younus as the new captain for an indefinite period," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt told reporters. The one-sided defeat sparked a furious reaction in the cricket-mad country and the PCB asked the team management to give a report on the reasons for the heavy defeat. The sports committee of the Senate also summoned Malik, coach Intikhab Alam and chief selector Abdul Qadir on February 9 to explain the defeat. The 26-year-old Malik was appointed skipper after Pakistan's first round exit from the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. Younus will take up the role in the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka next month.

Big US firms announce over 70,000 additional job cuts

NEW YORK: US seven major business firms Monday on the first day of the week announced further relieving of over 70,000 of their employees in the wake of the global recession. Among the companies, which resorted to massive downsizing, machinery manufacturing giant firm Caterpiller topped the list by relieving of their 20,000 employees, while the world’s largest pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and telecommunication organization Sprint Nextel have announced 8,000 job cuts. Besides, Home Depot, Dutch Financial Group sacked 7000 of their employees and Texas Instrument 3,400. American economy continued its downward spiral with business economists predicting many more U.S. job losses in 2009.

Israel violates ceasefire, launches air strike in Gaza

GAZA CITY: Two people were wounded on Tuesday in an Israeli air strike targeting a Hamas militant on a motorcycle in the southern Gaza Strip, witnesses and medics said. The militant hit by the strike in the southern town of Khan Yunis was seriously wounded, they said. A passer-by was also wounded. The raid came several hours after an Israeli soldier was killed and three others were wounded in an explosion near the Gaza border east of Khan Yunis. The incidents marked the deadliest flare-up of violence since Hamas and Israel declared mutual ceasefires on January 18 that put an end to a 22-day war in the coastal enclave.

Zardari seeks Europe help to end US strikes

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that European countries should play their role to end the US missile strikes in Pakistan. He was speaking to European diplomats at a dinner here on Tuesday. The President said that Pakistan is itself a victim of the terrorism. “We will not allow anyone to use our soil for terrorist acts against any country,” he said, adding that Pakistan has strongly condemned the Mumbai terror attacks. President Zardari further said that government was investigating the information provided by India with regard to Mumbai attacks. The finding of the probe will be shared with international community also, he said.

US will go after Al-Qaeda wherever it is: Gates

WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday the United States will "go after Al-Qaeda wherever Al-Qaeda is," and said Washington's position has been relayed to Pakistan. "Both President (George W.) Bush and President (Barack) Obama have made clear we will go after Al-Qaeda whereever Al-Qaeda is, and we will continue to pursue that," he told lawmakers. Asked whether that decision has been transmitted to the government of Pakistan, Gates said "Yes, sir."

Sri Lanka crush Pakistan by 129 runs to level series 1-1

KARACHI: Responsible batting by Tillekeratne Dilshan and Thilina Kandamby and accurate bowling guided Sri Lanka to level the One-day International series 1-1 here at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

The first match was won by Pakistan easily by eight wickets at the same venue yesterday.

Chasing an improbable target of 291, Pakistan began disastrously as they lost three quick wickets for only 17 runs.

However, opener Salman Butt and captain Shoaib Malik made a remarkable recovery as both added 108 runs for the fourth wicket but then the world class spinners – Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis – wiped out the remaining wickets for just 36 runs to win the match by an impressive margin of 129 runs.

Muralitharan and Mendis both claimed three wickets each for 19 and 29 runs, respectively whereas paceman Nuwan Kulasekera got two and Sanath Jayasuriya and Thilina Tushara took one wicket each.

For Pakistan, Salman Butt top scored again after hitting an unbeaten hundred in the first ODI yesterday at the same venue. Today, he made 62 with six boundaries. Hew as ably supported by Shoaib Malik, who contributed 54 with five fours and one six.

No other batsman could make any significant score as Pakistan were all out for 161 in 34.5 overs. Eight of their batsmen failed to enter into double-figures.

Earlier, Dilshan and Kandamby hit half-centuries to help Sri Lanka reach a challenging score of 290-8.

Man-of-the-match Dilshan made an impressive 76, his 15th ODI fifty, and Kandamby 59 for his maiden fifty to give impetus to the innings during their 99-run third wicket stand after Sri Lanka were sent into bat by Pakistan.

Chamara Kapugedera scored a breezy 39-ball 44 and skipper Mahela Jayawardene chipped in with 24 to bolster the tourists.

Sri Lanka raced to 43 without loss as Sanath Jayasuriya (19) and Dilshan cut loose against some wayward bowling by Pakistan.

Jayasuriya was out when he went back to play a short delivery from paceman Umar Gul, while Kumar Sangakkara (16) was run out.

From 66-2, Dilshan and Kandamby steadied the innings. Dilshan hit 11 boundaries during his 88-ball knock before was caught by Misbah off Shoaib Akhtar.

The 26-year-old Kandamby batted with resolve, hitting four boundaries off 79 balls.

Umar Gul was the pick of Pakistan bowlers with 4-58.

KSE slips 122 more points to 5,136

KARACHI: Selling pressure continued to erode values of leading scrips at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Wednesday, as KSE-100 Index lost 122 points to close at 5,136. The stocks market opened negative and remained volatile throughout the session. Trade volume was recorded at 90 million shares. OGDC drew maximum activity which lost Rs1.96 to close at Rs44.50. Buying by financial institutions failed to support the market as banks continued to off load shares kept with them as mortgage. Foreigners also sold their stake which also contributed in fueling selling pressure. KSE-30 Index dipped by 152 points to finish the day at 4,782.

Agreement reached for NATO supplies’ new route


DOSHANBE: The US Commander in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, says an agreement has been reached for new overland transport routes into Afghanistan through countries other than Pakistan.Western troops in Afghanistan had been seeking different ways of getting supplies because convoys were coming under regular attack. General Petraeus said agreements have been reached for additional logistical routes to Afghanistan through the north. They were .... Full Story

24 militants killed in Mohmand assault

PESHAWAR: Security forces on Wednesday killed 24 militants, including a senior commander, in Mohmand Agency. According to official sources, security forces backed by helicopter gunships pounded the suspected militants’ hideouts in Pandyali, Lakrao and Safi tehsils of Mohmand Agency, killing 24 more militants. In Safi tehsil, nine militants, including a senior commander Abdul Wali also known as Omar Khalid were killed and eight other ... Full Story

Selling pressure continues at KSE

KARACHI: Selling pressure continued to erode values of leading scrips at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Tuesday, as 100-Index lost 22.47 points to close at 5258.28, market sources said. The turnover volume was improved to 142.906 million shares as 114 scrips sustained losses and 130-recorded gains while 12 remained unchanged. The market capitalization was eroded by Rs 149 million to Rs 1.677 trillion. OGDC was the volume leader with a t .... Full Story

World must stop unhelpful statements on Pakistan: General Tariq


ISLAMABAD: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Tariq Majid has said that the world must stop criticizing Pakistan.He said this while meeting with ambassador of Republic of Turkey, Rauf Engin Soysal, who called on him at Joint Staff Headquarters to exchange views on the regional situation and matters related to bilateral defence cooperation.Commenting on Pakistan’s efforts towards eradication of terrorism and repetitive rhetor .... Full Story

Barack Hussein Obama takes oath as 44th US President

WASHINGTON: Amid high expectations of a change in some controversial policies pursued in the last eight years, Barack Hussein Obama assumed power on Tuesday as the first ever African-American of the United States. US Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administered the oath of office to Barack Obama. Crowds streamed into the U.S. capital, jamming subway cars and packing the National Mall from the Capitol building to the Washing ... Full Story

	Zardari for further strengthening of bilateral relations with China
	ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Monay said bilateral relations with China will be cemented further by means of promoting cul ...Full Story

	Govt. first priority is to fight militants: President Zardari
	ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Monday that our first priority was to fight the militants to establish the writ of g ...Full Story

Meeting for sighting Safar moon on January 27

ISLAMABAD: The meetings of zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees for sighting the moon of Safar, 1430 Hijri, would be held on January 27 (Tuesday) at their respective headquarters. Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Mufti Munibur Rehman is scheduled to attend the meeting of Sindh Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee at Karachi.

People of Swat, NWFP not against girls’ education: JUI-S chief

KARACHI: Jamiat Ulema-I-Islam (S) Amir Maulana Sami-ul-Haq has said that security forces have replaced the educational institutions with their bunkers due to which schools are being targeted. He said this while speaking to Sindh Provincial Minister Shoaib Bukhari and other leaders of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) here at it headquarter in Azizabad on Monday. JUI-S chief said, “People of Swat and NWFP are not against girls’ education.” He further said that some internal elements backed by external conspiracies are trying to create unrest in the country. He said that whenever, any peace deal is agreed in NWFP, some external forces sabotage it. My visit to Nine Zero is aimed at uniting the religious and political parties of the country, he said.

Roddick, Berdych into second round of Australian Open


MELBOURNE: Seventh-seeded Andy Roddick was impressive in a 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 win over 31-year-old Swedish qualifier Bjorn Rehnquist in the first match of Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena.He next plays Belgium's Xavier Malisse, who earned a 7-6 (8), 6-1, 6-1 win over Michael Llodra of France.Third-ranked Novak Djokovic, the defending champion, will play Andrea Stoppini in the third match on center court.Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych, seeded 20th, b .... Full Story

Dollar against rupee up by paisa 22


KARACHI: The value of dollar against rupee in the inter-bank market went up by paisa 22, as dollar closed at Rs79.60 today.Forex market dealers said that the demand for dollar swelled up due to flight of foreign capital from the stock market. Forex Association of Pakistan president, Malik Bostan told Geo News that the expatriate Pakistanis remittances were also seen somewhat shrunk, which pushed the rupee under pressure. On the other hand, dollar .... Full Story

King Abdullah donates $1 bln for Gaza

KUWAIT CITY: Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on Monday announced the donation of one billion dollars for the reconstruction of Gaza and called for putting an end to Arab differences."On behalf of the Saudi people, I declare the donation of one billion dollars for programmes to rebuild Gaza," the Saudi monarch said at the opening session of an Arab summit in Kuwait."We have to overcome Arab political differences that led to a division in the Ara .... Full Story

MQM’s Salim Butt elected Dy. Speaker AJK assembly


MUZAFFARABAD: MQM’s Salim Butt securing 29 votes has been declared elected as the new Deputy Speaker of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.AJK LA went into session with Speaker, Shah Ghulam Qadir in the chair for holding an election of the vacant Dy. Speaker slot, when 44 members were present, of them, 29 voted for Salim Butt of MQM, while his contender Mehrun Nisa of Muslim Conference could bag only 15 votes, according to the .... Full Story

Pak seeks world support for resumption of dialogue with India

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Monday that global community should ask India to resume dialogue process with Pakistan. He said this while giving a briefing to foreign envoys at the Foreign Ministry. Qureshi briefed the diplomats on post Mumbai situation and investigations being conducted by Pakistan in this regard. He said that probe into Mumbai attacks was in progress and that Pakistan was in contact with the Ind ... Full Story

SA record thrilling 3-wkt win over Australia in 1st ODI

	MELBOURNE: South Africa defeated Australia by three wickets in the last over of the exciting contest here at the MCG on Friday. ...Full Story

Training camp for series against SL begins tomorrow

KARACHI: In preparation for the One-day International series against Sri Lanka, a training camp will begin tomorrow here at the Na ...Full Story

POA executive committee meeting tomorrow

	LAHORE: The meeting of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) executive committee will be held in Lahore tomorrow. In the meeti ...Full Story

Murli, Mendis to witness tough time: Intikhab

	KARACHI: Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said on Friday that his team is fully prepared to tackle world class Sri Lanka spinners Mutt ...Full Story

Asif leaves for India to receive dues from Delhi Daredevils

KARACHI: Fast bowler Mohammad Asif has left for India to receive his dues from Delhi Daredevils. Before his departure here at t ...Full Story