Maiden official delegation after Mumbai attacks leaves for India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s maiden official delegation is leaving for India today, following Mumbai attacks, which would be attending Saarc Economic Council meet there. The four-member delegation headed by Commerce Secretary, Salman Ghani is leaving here for attending Saac Economic Council meet in New Delhi. Talking to Geo News here, federal commerce secretary said that the Pakistani delegation, attending the Saarc Economic Council two-day meet beginning February 10, comprises of commerce joint secretary, officials of the Foreign Office and Federal Board of Revenue. Salman Ghani said that the matters relating to non-tariff free trade without any barriers and boosting economic interactions among the Saarc countries would be focused. The recommendations of this Council would be presented in the Saarc commerce ministers’ meeting in Colombo slated at the end of this month. Salman Ghani is expected to meet his Indian counterpart also during tour over there.

Two charged with arson, Australian wildfires death toll rises to 130

SYDNEY: Two people have been charged with arson after wildfires raged through southeastern Australia at the weekend, killing at least 130 and destroying more than 700 homes, police said Monday. A 31-year-old man accused of lighting a major blaze that burnt through about 200 hectares (495 acres) of bush land in Peats Ridge on the New South Wales central coast was due in court Monday after spending the night in a jail cell. A 15-year-old boy who allegedly set off an explosive that started a small scrub fire in the Blue Mountains near Sydney on Sunday was released on bail after being charged and will appear in court next month. Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd has said that this could not be called anything but murder. Australia finally deployed army to control the fire sprawling on an area of 3,000 square kilometer, which is nearly three-times more than the Hong Kong area. Police have confirmed the death toll thus far at 130 all of them in Victoria state, while thousands have been evacuated.

Kashmir not on Holbrooke's agenda on trip to India

WASHINGTON: Reiterating that Kashmir was never part of US special envoy Richard Holbrooke's portfolio, the US has said he will travel to India as part of his mission to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. "India is an important country in the region and has interest in Afghanistan. And he wants to hear from the Indian government in terms of how we can all better contribute to peace and stability in Afghanistan," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters here. Holbrooke will visit Pakistan, Afghanistan and India after a security conference in Germany this week, and "he'll stay there as long as he feels he needs to," Wood said. The envoy left for London Wednesday on Way to Munich. "Then from there he will head to Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, in that order," he said, adding that Holbrooke told him "in essence this is an orientation trip". Holbrooke, well known for his role in brokering the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995 to end the armed conflicts in Bosnia, was named by Obama Jan 22 as special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Mumbai probe going in right direction: Ban Ki-moon


ISLAMABAD: Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon Wednesday expressed his satisfaction over Pakistan’s investigations into Mumbai attacks.

Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani here, he urged Pakistan to cooperate with India in its probe into the Mumbai incident.

On the occasion, the Prime Minster said Pakistan is against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and those who commit criminal acts outside the country will also be brought to justice.

Ban Ki-moon described the Kashmir standoff as the most important issue of South Asia and appreciated Pakistan’s role in war on terror.

PM Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan is committed not to allowing use of its territory for terrorist activities.

The UN Chief termed the PM’s statement issued two days ago regarding formation of legislation for bringing to trial even those elements who perpetrate crimes outside Pakistan. However, the Prime Minister on the occasion said he had discussed this with the Interior Minister who had informed that an Act already exists in this regard.

Kashmir solidarity day being observed today

ISLAMABAD: Kashmir Solidarity Day is being observed today (Thursday) across Pakistan as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir with full zeal and fervour, featuring large public rallies, seminars, T.V shows, human chains and many others events to express solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir. The day is a regular annular event being marked to support the indigenous freedom struggle of the people of occupied Kashmir, their right to plebiscite promised to them by the United Nations as well as to condemn Indian aggression on the held valley, its illegal occupation, its tyrannical rule and atrocities done against the innocent people. The day is a public holiday in the country and all government offices, banks, educational institutions and businesses remain closed. Banners have been put up in bazaars and streets to express solidarity with the Kashmiris. The day began with special prayers for the Kashmir cause at mosques. Rallies and processions are being organised in the federal and provincial capitals, divisional, district and Tehsil headquarters across the country.

UNHCR senior official kidnapped, driver killed in Quetta

QUETTA: A senior official of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been kidnapped here on Monday. According to initial reports, unknown persons opened fire on the car of head of UNHCR Balochistan John Solecki as soon as he left the home for office. Syed Hashim Raza, the driver of Solecki has been killed in the incident whereas attackers abducted John Solecki. Senior police officials have reached the scene after the incident. Police have cordoned off the area and launched search operation for the recovery of the UNHCR official. Meanwhile, the spokesman of UNHCR said investigations are underway about the reports of kidnapping. Security has beefed up at the offices of UN and foreign NGO’s after the incident.

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.