Zarar Shah confesses involvement in Mumbai attack

Updated at: 1513 PST, Wednesday, December 31, 2008
WASHINGTON: Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zarar Shah captured in the crackdown on militants earlier this month in Pakistani has confessed the group's involvement in terror attacks in Mumbai, a US media report said on Wednesday.

Shah has also implicated other LeT members, and had broadly confirmed the confession made by the sole captured militant Ajmal Kasab to Indian investigators -- that the 10 assailants trained in Azad Kashmir and then went by boat from Karachi to Mumbai, the Journal reported quoting a senior Pakistani security official.

The journal said Pakistan's own investigation of terror attacks in Mumbai have begun to show substantive links between the LeT and 10 gunmen who took part in the Mumbai mission.

Pakistani security officials were quoted as saying that a top Lashkar commander, Zarar Shah, has admitted a role in the Mumbai attack during interrogation.

The paper quoted a person familiar with investigation as saying that Shah also admitted that the attackers spent at least a few weeks in Karachi, training in urban combat to hone skills they would use in their assault.

The admission, the official told the paper, is backed up by US intercepts of a phone call between Shah and one of the attackers at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, the site of a 60-hour confrontation with Indian security forces.

A second person familiar with the investigation was quoted by the Journal as saying that Shah told Pakistani interrogators that he was one of the key planners of the operation, and that he spoke with the attackers during the rampage to give them advice and keep them focused.

Shah, the journal said, was picked up along with fellow Lashkar commander Zaki-ur- Rehman Lakhvi during the military camp raids Azad Kashmir.

COAS calls on President, PM

Updated at: 1443 PST, Wednesday, December 31, 2008

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has held important meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday.

General Kayani called on President Asif Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and discussed with him professional matters.

Later, the army chief called on premier Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the PM secretariat.

He discussed with the prime minister prevailing situation in the region following Mumbai terror attacks and other important issues. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi also attended the meeting.

India calls meeting of envoys today

Updated : Monday December 22 , 2008 7:16:02 AM

NEW DEHLI: India has convened a two-day conference of India's Ambassadors and High Commissioners on Monday (today), amidst its efforts to build global pressure on Pakistan, in the wake of Mumbai attacks. Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is expected to tell them the efforts made by the government so far. The conference, to be attended by over 120 Heads of Indian Missions, will deliberate on the diplomatic challenges before India has convened a two-day conference of India's Ambassadors and High Commissioners , amidst its efforts to build global pressure on Pakistan, in the wake of Mumbai attacks. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the meeting of over 120 Ambassadors and High Commissioners convened for the conference.

Four dead bodies found in Swat

Updated : Monday December 22 , 2008 10:26:30 AM

MINGORA: Curfew has been imposed in Nanguly area of Swat, while four unidentified dead bodies found from Kanju and Faizabad areas of the valley on Monday, sources said. According to the sources large number of masked men entered in Kanju Township in the night and kidnapped two persons from the area. Their dead bodies were found at roadside in the township this morning. A body was also found at Kanju Chowk, while the fourth dead body taken from Faizabad. Sixteen persons have become victims of target killing incidents in the district during recent days, sources said. Meanwhile, the security forces continued artillery shelling at the positions of miscreants in tehsil Matta and Kabal last night.

Seven killed in Waziristan missile attack

Updated : Monday December 22 , 2008 9:26:23 AM

WANA: At least seven people have been killed in a suspected missile strike in a suburb area of South Waziristan agency, ARY OneWorld reported Monday. The missile hit a house belongs to local tribal elder in Karakhel area, west of agency headquarter, Wana. Seven casualties have so far been confirmed however, their nationalities have not yet known. Two vehicles were also destroyed in the strike, added a news agency.

Manmohan Singh reviews security preparedness

Updated : Sunday December 21 , 2008 3:20:06 AM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh late Saturday met the top defence brass and reviewed the security preparedness in the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attacks, well-placed sources said. The high-level meeting was also attended by Defence Minister AK Antony, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan and the three services' chiefs - army chief General Deepak Kapoor, navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta and air force chief Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major, the sources said. During the three-hour meeting at South Block, the prime minister evaluated the security preparedness across the country and the troop response, they said. The exercise came a day after India put its armed forces on high alert. "The army, navy and air force, which were already on alert, were Friday put on high alert," a defence source said on condition of anonymity. On Thursday, Defence Minister Antony had reviewed the security environment along the land and maritime borders in a meeting with the three service chiefs and the defence secretary. "The services were asked to put a suitable mechanism in place to ensure proper analysis and follow-up of all relevant inputs. The security of vital coastal and offshore assets was discussed with a view to ensuring that these remained fully secured," defence spokesman Sitanshu Kar had then said.

Nine killed in Ghakhar Plaza incident: Gen Farooq

Updated : Sunday December 21 , 2008 2:17:46 AM

RAWALPINDI: Chairman Disaster Management Cell General Farooq said that Six persons were killed, 50 others injured and 10 were missing due to collapse of fire devastated Ghakhar plaza here on Saturday evening. The bodies of four victims were recovered from the debris and all injured have been shifted to hospital. While talking to media man he said the investigation to determine the actual causes of fire eruption have been started. The injured were rushed to Cantonment, District Headquarter (DHQ) and Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH). He added that all markets and shopping plazas in Saddar had also been closed while WAPDA suspended power supply to avoid any untoward incident and telephone lines in the area were also disturbed for hours. The police cordoned off the whole area for protection of public. The six-storied Gakhar Plaza had more than 450 shops and almost 400 stalls and kiosks and was the biggest center of garments, shoes, leather garments and goods. The upper stories of the building have a big store of CDs, godowns of garments besides a hotel. All shops were turned into ashes. Soon after the collapse of the plaza, officers and Jawans of Pakistan Army, led by Station Commander Brig Sajjad Azam, reached at the site along with heavy machinery and started rescue work. The citizens also joined hands with army jawans to help remove the wreckage.

دادو کینال، انڈس ڈولفن کو بچا لیا

ڈولفن کو جمعرات کے روز دادو کینال سے زندہ بچا لیا گیا ہے

سندھ میں جنگلی حیات کے تحفط کے لیے کام کرنے والے ادارے نے دریائے سندھ میں مردہ پائی گئیں نایاب نسل کی دو انڈس ڈولفن کا پوسٹ مارٹم کروانے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے۔ جبکہ تیسری ڈولفن کو جمعرات کے روز دادو کینال سے زندہ بچا لیا گیا ہے۔

یہ دونوں نایاب ڈولفن تین روز کے وقفے سے مختلف کینالوں میں سےمردہ حالت میں ملی ہیں۔ حکام کے بقول پوسٹ مارٹم کے بعد انڈس ڈولفن کی اموات کی درست وجہ معلوم ہوسکےگی۔

جنگلی حیوانات کے تحفظ کےصوبائی کنزرویٹر حسین بخش بھاگت نے بی بی سی کو بتایا کہ وہ اس بات پر غور کر رہے ہیں کہ کہیں مختلف صنعتی اداروں کے فضلے کی وجہ سے دریائے سندھ کا پانی آلودہ تو نہیں ہوگیا ہے؟ ان کا کہنا تھا بہتے ہوئے تازہ پانی میں کوئی بھی مچھلی یا انڈس ڈولفن کی موت واقع نہیں ہوتی۔

حکام کےمطابق پوسٹ مارٹم کے لیے انہیں صرف ایک مردہ انڈس ڈولفن مل سکی ہے جس کو بعد میں مٹی کے ڈھیر میں دفنا دیا جائیگا تاکہ دو تین ماہ بعد اس کی ہڈیوں کا پنجرا حاصل کیا جا سکے جو تحقیق کے لیے کسی یونیورسٹی یا ادارے میں استعمال کیا جائیگا۔

انڈس ڈولفن کے تحفظ و افزائش کے مناسب اقدامات نہ کرنے کی وجہ سے ہر سال دسمبر اور جنوری کے مہینوں میں ان کی اموات واقع ہوتی ہیں۔ جنگلی حیات کے حکام کے مطابق دو سال قبل تین انڈس ڈولفن مردہ پائی گئی تھیں جو دریائے سندھ کے پانی کے ساتھ پنجاب کی حدود میں سے سندھ میں گڈو بیراج کی طرف بہتی آ رہی تھیں۔

	پاکستان میں انڈس ڈولفن کی کل تعداد آٹھ سو اکیس کے قریب بتائی جاتی ہے

حسین بخش بھاگت کے مطابق پانچ سال قبل تو انہوں نے پنتالیس انڈس ڈولفن دریائے سندھ سےمردہ حالت میں نکالی تھیں۔ بھاگت کا کہنا ہے کہ تب ان کی موت کی وجہ پانی کی کمی اور چھوٹی مچھلیوں والی خوارک کی عدم دستیابی تھی۔

بقول بھاگت انڈس ڈولفن دریائے سندھ میں وہاں اپنا بسیرا کرتی ہیں جہاں انہیں زیادہ گہرا پانی ملتا ہے جس میں سے وہ اپنی چھوٹی مچھلیوں والی خوراک تلاش کرتی ہیں اور با آسانی سانس لے سکتی ہیں۔

دریاء سندھ میں سکھر بیراج کے روہڑی کینال میں گزشتہ ہفتے ایک انڈس ڈولفن دو دنوں تک پھنسی رہی اور مقامی لوگوں نے ڈولفن کو کینال کے ریگولیٹر سے نکال کر باہر پھینک دیا۔ جبکہ تین دن بعد سانگھڑ ضلع کےمٹھراؤ کینال سے ایک مادہ انڈس ڈولفن مردہ پائی گئی جس کا وزن پینتالیس کلوگرام تھا۔

پاکستان میں انڈس ڈولفن کی محدود تعداد دریائے سندھ میں گڈو اور سکھر بیراج کےدرمیانی حصے میں پائی جاتی ہیں جہاں مقامی سندھی زبان میں اس کو اندھی بلہن یا نابینا ڈولفن کہا جاتا ہے۔ ان کے بارے میں کہا جاتا ہے کہ یہ پانی کے مخالف سمت میں اپنا سفر جاری رکھتی ہیں اور چھوٹی مچھلیاں اور دریا کا گہرا پانی ان کی زندگی ہے۔

انڈس ڈولفن کی نسل پاکستان میں تیزی سے ختم ہو رہی ہے اور ان کی پاکستان میں کل تعداد آٹھ سو اکیس کے قریب بتائی جاتی ہے۔ سندھ وائلڈ لائف پروٹیکشن ایکٹ انیس سو بہتر کے تحت انڈس ڈولفن کا شکار ممنوعہ ہے اور خلاف ورزی کرنے والوں کو دو سال کی قید اور جرمانے کی سزا ہوسکتی ہے۔

ماحولیات اور جنگلی حیات کے تحفظ کے عالمی ادارے آئی یو سی این نے انڈس ڈولفن کو نایاب نسلوں کی جنگلی حیات کی اپنے ریڈ ڈیٹا بک میں دو ہزار دو میں شامل کیا تھا۔

جنگلی حیات کے تحفظ کے لیے کام کرنے والے ماہرین کا کہنا ہے کہ انڈس ڈولفن کی نایاب نسل کی افزائش کے لیے حکومتی سطح پر بے دلی سے کام کیا گیا ہے جس کی وجہ سے انڈس ڈولفن کی شرح پیدائش تیس سال میں آٹھ فیصد سے زیادہ نہیں بڑھ سکی۔

PM denies differences with Nawaz

Updated : Saturday December 20 , 2008 2:33:52 PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the political forces of the country to stay unite, denying any differences with PML-N chief and former premier, Mian Nawaz Sharif. He was talking to reporters after attending closing ceremony of 10-day celebrations on the conferment of International Award for Human Rights on Benazir Bhutto by United Nations held here Saturday. The PM said situation at international arena demands the political forces of the country to stay unite for the sake of country’s interests. Earlier, the PM announced five civil awards, to be conferred on two human rights organisations and three human rights activists every year, for outstanding performance in the area. Addressing the gathering, PM Gilani said the names of recipients would be announced each year on Dec 27 on the eve of 'Youm-e-Shahadat' of Benazir Bhutto and the award will be conferred by the President on August 14 on the eve of independence day. The Prime Minister also announced Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Rights Fund with an initial amount of Rs.10 million that will be utilized for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country. He said Human Rights Monitoring Committees were being established at provincial and district levels with powers to curb any human rights violation in their respective areas. Prime Minister Gilani called upon every citizen to join hands to uproot evil from the society. He also urged the NGOs, media and civil society to come forward and help the government in making the country an evil-free society.

Gakhar Plaza collapses in Pindi; deaths feared

RAWALPINDI: Many casualties feared as Rawalpindi’s Ghakhar Plaza which caught fire last night demolished here Saturday noon, reported ARY OneWorld.

Fire had broken out in six-story commercial center in downtown metropolis late night Friday, gutting almost ninety percent of the shops, near 400 in numbers.

On Saturday noon, more than half of the six-story commercial plaza caved in completely when firefighters and personnel of other relief agencies were busy in extinguishing fire, that could not be controlled despite hours of efforts.

Some 40 people were trapped in the building, while rescue activities were underway to evacuate them from the debris.

Firefighters had already been warned of the incident keeping the dangerous condition of the building. The other part of the building might also be collapsed, reported ARY OneWorld.

Pentagon wants $2.6b for anti-terror war

Updated : Friday December 19 , 2008 7:27:28 PM

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon wants to give the Pakistani military as much as $2.64 billion (Rs12,487 crore) to buy better weapons and provide more training for its battle against insurgents. About $400 million is included in an emergency wartime measure for the second half of this fiscal year that is now being reviewed by the White House, according to a 6 November memo from acting comptroller Douglas Brook. The remainder—$2.2 billion —will be sought over the next five years, starting with $573 million in the fiscal 2010 budget, Brook wrote. The money will be controlled by US central command so that it can be disbursed quickly, he stated. The request reflects US concern that Pakistan needs more help in shifting its focus from a potential conflict with India to its fight with the Taliban and Al Qaeda extremists in its northwest provinces. Those militants pose a threat to coalition forces in Afghanistan and increasingly to Pakistan itself. Suicide bombings perpetrated in Pakistan by suspected Islamic extremists grew to 57 in 2007 from two in 2002, according to the US National Counterterrorism Center’s most recent annual report. More than 2,000 people were killed in terrorist related incidents in 2007, up 137% from 2006. US intelligence agencies in July 2007 said Osama bin Laden’s network is resurgent in the northwest provinces and also poses a direct threat to the US homeland. The proposed Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund is separate from current aid programmes, including one that reimburses Pakistan for its military operations in the mountainous northwest region and a five-year $3 billion pool of combined economic and military assistance. Pakistan since 2001 has received about $6.7 billion in reimbursements. This funding will continue and will be sought through emergency legislation, Brook said. The new fund is necessary to ensure Pakistan has the tools and resources to perform more effectively in its counterinsurgency role, Brook wrote. Such funding would allow for a significantly greater Pentagon role in training and equipping Pakistani forces than we have seen in recent years, congressional research service Pakistan analyst Alan Kronstadt said in an emailed statement. Pentagon spokesman Army lieutenant colonel Mark Wright said the fund is still considered a topic under general discussion, and it would be premature to put anything out at this time. There is not a final proposal to put forward yet, and even if there were, it would still be inappropriate to discuss it before it had been presented to Congress, he said in an email.

Plea against NA Education body dismissed

Updated : Friday December 19 , 2008 7:51:55 PM

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court here Friday dismissed a plea for a bar on inquiry by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Education into reported award of extra marks to a daughter of the Chief Justice of Pakistan. The apex court also vacated a stay granted earlier by SC Justice Zawwar Hussain Jafferi against proceedings of the committee in the case. A three-member bench comprising Justice Faqir Mohammad Khokhar, Justice M Javed Buttar and Justice Chaudhry Ejaz Yousuf observed that the plea was premature and the petitioner should have approached the Islamabad High Court first. The bench observed that on technical grounds too the apex court could not entertain the plea as it had not received any written verdict from the Islamabad High Court over a similar petition dismissed by it on December 4 after observing verbally that it could not bar the NA body on Education from its proceedings. Another observation of the bench was that parliamentary bodies were independent constitutional bodies working under the Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly and the power to bar their proceedings lay with Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman of the Senate. Raja Abdur Rehman, counsel for Shamshad Ahmed, former chairman Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, apprised the bench that he had filed similar pleas with the Registrar office of IHC which were turned down. The bench said that the concerned clerks in the office could not act like judges. If they had turned down his request, the counsel for the petitioner should have put his case before the Chief Justice of IHC. The bench said that it was the sole prerogative of courts to decide merits of a plea. About a point raised by the petitioner, Justice Faqir Mohammad Khokhar said that Article 68 dealt with conduct of the judges and their duties while the case being probed by the NA body was of a different nature. Justice M. Javed Buttar remarked that the petitioner should not seek its observation over the matter further. To a query by the bench about written orders of IHC about the writ, Attorney General Sardar Latif Khosa replied that he had not received any written verdict. Agha Tariq, legal advisor of FBISE, apprised the court that all the relevant record was submitted to the IHC which had sealed it and the hearing of the case would be held on January 13. The petitioner had prayed that the National Assembly Standing Committee on Education through its chairman be pleaded as party and the said committee and all other forums should be restrained from taking any action or holding proceedings whatsoever till the disposal of the matter by the apex court as well as the Islamabad High Court.

Pentagon wants $2.6b for anti-terror war

Updated : Friday December 19 , 2008 7:27:28 PM

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon wants to give the Pakistani military as much as $2.64 billion (Rs12,487 crore) to buy better weapons and provide more training for its battle against insurgents. About $400 million is included in an emergency wartime measure for the second half of this fiscal year that is now being reviewed by the White House, according to a 6 November memo from acting comptroller Douglas Brook. The remainder—$2.2 billion —will be sought over the next five years, starting with $573 million in the fiscal 2010 budget, Brook wrote. The money will be controlled by US central command so that it can be disbursed quickly, he stated. The request reflects US concern that Pakistan needs more help in shifting its focus from a potential conflict with India to its fight with the Taliban and Al Qaeda extremists in its northwest provinces. Those militants pose a threat to coalition forces in Afghanistan and increasingly to Pakistan itself. Suicide bombings perpetrated in Pakistan by suspected Islamic extremists grew to 57 in 2007 from two in 2002, according to the US National Counterterrorism Center’s most recent annual report. More than 2,000 people were killed in terrorist related incidents in 2007, up 137% from 2006. US intelligence agencies in July 2007 said Osama bin Laden’s network is resurgent in the northwest provinces and also poses a direct threat to the US homeland. The proposed Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund is separate from current aid programmes, including one that reimburses Pakistan for its military operations in the mountainous northwest region and a five-year $3 billion pool of combined economic and military assistance. Pakistan since 2001 has received about $6.7 billion in reimbursements. This funding will continue and will be sought through emergency legislation, Brook said. The new fund is necessary to ensure Pakistan has the tools and resources to perform more effectively in its counterinsurgency role, Brook wrote. Such funding would allow for a significantly greater Pentagon role in training and equipping Pakistani forces than we have seen in recent years, congressional research service Pakistan analyst Alan Kronstadt said in an emailed statement. Pentagon spokesman Army lieutenant colonel Mark Wright said the fund is still considered a topic under general discussion, and it would be premature to put anything out at this time. There is not a final proposal to put forward yet, and even if there were, it would still be inappropriate to discuss it before it had been presented to Congress, he said in an email.

Senate body on Defence for improving security situation

Updated : Thursday December 18 , 2008 10:07:45 PM

PESHAWAR: Senator Nisar A Mammon, Chairman Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production has said that improvement in the security environment is essential for the stability and prosperity of the country. He made these remarks during a briefing given to him on security situation in FATA at Governor's House here on Thursday. Members of the Standing Committee on Defence Syed Dilawar Abbass, Naeem Hussain Chatta, Ms. Sadia Abbassi and Mrs. Rukhsana Zubari were also present on the occasion. Senator Nisar A. Mammon said that for the improvement of security situation and maintenance of law and order persistent efforts on collective basis are needed. He said that the problem of militancy in FATA could be resolved by political and administrative measures. He said that the progress in economy, establishment of a healthy political culture and promotion of social values are linked with the security and integrity of the country. The Chairman Standing Committee on Defence thanked the Additional Chief Secretary FATA for giving a detail and enlightened briefing on situation in five agencies of FATA. Earlier Habib Ullah Khan Additional Chief Secretary FATA briefed the Senate Standing Committee on the security situation in FATA. He highlighted that this is a natural issue and must be dealt as such. It requires a consensus approach by all political parties, civic societies and religious leaders. He informed the committee that substantial development efforts through consultative process are underway but the implementation is slow due to the security situation. He requested the committee members' support so that peace is restored within the shortest possible time. The members of Standing Committee on Defence made queries about the efforts being made for the maintenance of public order in FATA. Later Senate Standing Committee held a meeting with a delegation of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Sharafat Ali Mubarak, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry was leading the delegation. Talking to the delegation the Chairman Standing Committee said that economic policies must ensure a balanced growth in all the parts of the country. He said that the less developed areas needs appropriate incentives for boosting economic activity. On this occasion President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce informed the Senate Standing Committee about the factors responsible for the decline in the industrial production and slowdown of business activities.

Operation continues in Bajaur Agency

Updated : Thursday December 18 , 2008 11:00:33 PM

KHAR: One militant was killed and several others injured during ongoing operation against Taliban in scattered areas of restive Bajaur Agency on Wednesday. Official sources said that security forces, backed by artillery fire, gunship helicopters and mortar guns, pounded militants' positions at Tehsil Mamond's areas Gangi, Damangi and Kharkay and dismantled their several dens and hideouts. The sources feared death of several militants in the offensive. The troops have made advancement in the troubled areas of Tehsil Nawagai and have started patrolling. Meanwhile, local administration have further strengthened security in the agency and established check posts for safety of people. The administration has launched crackdown against miscreants at Feeja and its adjoining areas near the agency's headquarters Khar after some unknown miscreants fired rockets at security check post the other night. Assistant Political Agent Khar, Iqbal Khattak told reporters that 55 people have been arrested under FCR during different raids in this connection. He said that interrogation has been started and elements involved in the attack would be brought to justice.

Doubt tops SAG Award film nominees

Updated : Thursday December 18 , 2008 10:40:50 PM

LOS ANGELES: Film drama "Doubt" Thursday earned five nominations for Screen Actors Guild awards, including for best ensemble cast, to lead all other movies as Hollywood continued its march toward the Oscars. Joining "Doubt," about a Catholic priest and nun engaged in a battle of wits over charges of sexual abuse, in the race for best ensemble cast were " Milk ," about slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk, and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," which tells of a man who ages backward. Those movies each earned three SAG award nods. "Slumdog Millionaire," a tale of romance and money set in India, and "Frost/Nixon," which recounts the interviews of disgraced former U.S. President Richard Nixon by British TV host David Frost, also saw their actors land in the race for best ensemble cast and pulled down two nominations apiece. The Screen Actors Guild represents some 120,000 film and television actors, and winning a SAG award at the group's Jan. 25 ceremony can give actors momentum heading toward February's Oscars, the world's top film honors which are given out by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The race for best actor in a movie will see Brad Pitt , who plays Benjamin Button, competing against Frank Langella for his portrayal of Richard Nixon and Sean Penn as Harvey Milk . Joining them are Mickey Rourke , who is enjoying a comeback in his career as a faded sports star in "The Wrestler," and Richard Jenkins in the low-budget immigration drama " The Visitor ." The best leading actress race has Meryl Streep , who plays the nun in "Doubt," up against Kate Winslet as a frustrated housewife in "Revolutionary Road" and Angelina Jolie as a mother fighting to find her lost son in " Changeling ." Along with those three in the best actress race are Anne Hathaway in "Rachel Getting Married" and Melissa Leo for the independent film " Frozen River ." Nominees for supporting actor in a film included Philip Seymour Hoffman as the priest in "Doubt," the late Heath Ledger for " The Dark Knight" and Dev Patel in "Slumdog Millionaire. They were joined by Josh Brolin in "Milk" and Robert Downey Jr. in the comedy " Tropic Thunder ." Rounding out the nominees for best supporting actress were Amy Adams and Viola Davis in "Doubt," Spanish actress Penelope Cruz for " Vicky Cristina Barcelona ," Kate Winslet for "The Reader" and Taraji P. Henson in "Benjamin Button." SAG also gives out awards for television and, as in the film arena, SAG split its nominations among a variety of shows. Competing for best cast in a TV drama will be the actors in "Boston Legal," "Dexter," " House ," "Mad Men" and " The Closer ," and nominated for best comedy casts were the actors in " 30 Rock ," "Desperate Housewives," "Entourage," "The Office" and "Weeds."

Pakistan protests airspace intrusion by Indian jets

Updated : Thursday December 18 , 2008 1:28:24 PM

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad, Manpreet Vohra here Thursday and registered its formal protest over recent airspace violations by Indian air force. Foreign Office summoned India’s envoy after receiving Pakistan Air Force’s report on the incident, in which the Indian fighter jets crossed into Pakistani airspace over Kashmir and over Punjab province last Saturday. Government said its own fighter jets were scrambled to chase off the intruders, but it also played down the incident by describing the violations as "technical" and "inadvertent". India's deputy high commissioner, Manpreet Vohra, was given a written protest against the intrusions, saying they contravened a 1991 agreement aimed at preventing such incidents, the foreign ministry spokesman said.

Govt to tap all resources for Fata development

Updated : Thursday December 18 , 2008 5:11:35 PM

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said that government has it as the first priority to tap all the resources for the establishment of peace in the tribal areas. Addressing the high-level meeting here, he said that the peace in the tribal areas will guarantee the peace in the whole region and for the purpose a meeting would be held at President House every fortnightly. Also, an officer would be appointed at the President House who would be responsible to liaise between the tribal representatives and the state functionaries responsible for FATA affairs including Governor, Advisor for Interior, Minister SAFRON, Chief Secretary, IGFC and others. The president said that the government is working on a new model of economic growth in FATA areas, under which the local people would be incorporated in the projects for the provision employment opportunities. Earlier, Frontier Corps Inspector General elaborately briefed the meeting over law and order situation in FATA, saying the situation in the areas has been brought under control and the writ of the government has been restored. He said Mohmand and Bajaur Agencies will also witness the government’s sway by the end of the current month. A high-level meeting was held with President Asif Ali Zardari in the chair, reported ARY OneWorld on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Governor NWFP Owais Ahmad Ghani, who is also agent of the President for the tribal areas, Minister of States and Frontier Region Najamuddin Khan and Advisor Interior Rehman Malik, besides senior officials of the Interior and Finance Division and the frontier government and the Inspector General Frontier Corps. The MNAs from FATA areas demanded that negotiations should be sought to resolve the problems instead of using force in the troubled areas. The MNAs also demanded that secure housings should be provided to those displaced in the security forces operation in the areas.(Last updated at 1740)

Asif to face Indian doping tribunal in London

Updated : Wednesday December 17 , 2008 10:36:30 PM


KARACHI: Pakistani paceman Mohammed Asif will face an Indian doping tribunal in London next month after the hearing was shifted to a neutral venue at the fast bowler's request, his lawyer said Wednesday.

The 25-year-old tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone during the Indian Premier League (IPL) competition held between April and June this year and has since been suspended from all cricket.

The tribunal will quiz Asif about the outcome of the test result and could ban him from all cricket for two years.

It comes after a first hearing held in October proved inconclusive and the next one set for November 29 had to be put off due to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Since then the tribunal was unable to hold the inquiry in India due to strained relations between Pakistan and India.

Asif's lawyer Shahid Karim said the IPL tribunal agreed to shift the hearing.

"We requested to IPL tribunal that since there has been a delay in the proceedings due to the aftermath of the Mumbai incidents, it should be shifted to a neutral venue, so it will now be held on January 24 in London," Karim said.

The tribunal comprises former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Bapat, the former vice chancellor of India's Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, and lawyer Shirish Gupte.

After Asif's A sample tested positive in July, his B sample also tested positive for nandrolone a month later, but his lawyer says a disparity with the quantity found in the two samples has given Asif confidence to win the case.

The fast bowler also tested positive for nandrolone in 2006, along with fellow paceman Shoaib Akhtar.

Asif further faces a possible ban or fine from the Pakistan Cricket Board after he was detained in Dubai while returning from the IPL on charges of possessing an illegal drug.

He was held for 19 days before police deported him.

Shoe-thrower brought before judge

Updated : Wednesday December 17 , 2008 3:33:10 PM

BAGHDAD: The Iraqi journalist who became a star in the Arab world when he hurled his shoes at visiting US President George W. Bush, appeared before a judge on Wednesday, his brother said. Durgham al-Zaidi said he and another brother were told by the investigating judge that 29-year-old Muntazar al-Zaidi "had cooperated well," but gave no details. Under Iraqi law, Zaidi faces up to seven years in jail for "offending the head of a foreign state." Durgham al-Zaidi said his brother had been taken to Ibn Sina hospital in the heavily fortified Green Zone after being badly beaten by security guards and suffering a broken arm and ribs, as well as injuries to an eye and a leg. He was unable to say whether Muntazer had sustained the injuries while being overpowered during Sunday's protest or after his arrest. There was no immediate information about the journalist's condition on Wednesday. Zaidi grabbed the world's attention on Sunday when he threw his shoes at Bush during the US leader's farewell visit to the country which was invaded by US-led forces in 2003. He jumped up during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and shouted: "It is the farewell kiss, you dog," and threw two shoes at the US leader. Bush ducked both shoes and Zaidi, who works for private Iraqi television station Al-Baghdadia, was wrestled to the ground by guards after the action, regarded as the supreme mark of disrespect in the Muslim world.

Pakistan to continue anti-terro war: PM

Updated : Tuesday December 16 , 2008 5:36:35 PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said if India provides the substantiated evidences, then Pakistan will take up action against those responsible, adding Pakistan will continue its crackdown on the terrorists, reported ARY OneWorld on Tuesday. Talking to the US senator at the PM House here, the Prime Minister said that after Mumbai attacks, Pakistan offered to assist India over investigation in Mumbai carnage; however, India has failed to present any proof whatsoever. The US senator said that Pakistan should co-operate with India in connection with Mumbai incidents. US senator John Kerry urged the government of Pakistan to effectively bear down on the terrorists, adding Kerry said Pakistan has a very vital role in the war against terrorism. It is not clear what kind of 'co-operation' Kerry is hinting at in the absence of any substantial proofs, which in his words, "I am very very confident that India will hand them to Pakistan when the time comes for it." are kept cherished to India and have been kept at bay when it comes to handing them to Pakistan. Earlier, the next Foreign Relations Committee chairman U.S senator John Kerry called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister House. The meeting discussed regional situation after Mumbai carnage and other bilateral issues. U.S. ambassador to Pakistan and other US officials were also present on the occasion.

Bush touts relations with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia

Updated : Thursday December 18 , 2008 2:54:10 AM

CARLISLE: President George W. Bush said on Wednesday he is leaving to his successor a stronger anti-terrorism partnership with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia forged in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. For Bush, who leaves office on Jan. 20, the 2001 attacks were a defining moment of his presidency. In a speech at the U.S. Army War College, he praised the coalition of countries that sided with Washington to fight terrorism. "We will leave behind a strong coalition of more than 90 nations composing almost half the world who are committed to combating terror and sharing intelligence and keeping our citizens safe," Bush told War College students, who are studying military and intelligence methodology. "This coalition includes Pakistan. A country that was a supporter of the Taliban before Sept. 11 today is a strong partner of the United States," Bush said. While the Bush administration formed a close relationship with former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, relations between with the new government in Islamabad are still developing. Strains emerged over Pakistan's anger at U.S. air strikes on its territory near the Afghanistan border, which serves as a base for Taliban and al Qaeda-linked fighters. The United States has also pressed Pakistan to assist its nuclear rival India after attacks in Mumbai in which some of the attackers were suspected of ties to groups in Pakistan. The U.S.-Saudi relationship is another delicate one President-elect Barack Obama will inherit next month. U.S. ties with Saudi Arabia deteriorated in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks and the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, which leaders of the two countries have tried to mend. Despite improved security cooperation, Bush's pleas for OPEC relief from soaring oil went largely ignored when prices were hitting new highs. Now with oil prices declining, OPEC on Wednesday decided to cut oil production, which was criticized by the White House. Bush praised Saudi relations, saying: "A nation that produced 15 of the 9/11 hijackers now serves as a staunch ally in the war on terror." Bush said improved intelligence had choked off terrorist financing and derailed plots. He also touted better CIA on-the-ground intelligence and a program to interrogate key terrorism leaders. "Like the struggle against communism during the Cold War, the struggle against terror will be a generational conflict, one that will continue long beyond my presidency," Bush said. "As my administration leaves office next month, we will leave behind the institutions and tools our country needs to prevail in the long struggle ahead," he said.

Sino-Pakistan resolve to advance relations

Updated : Tuesday December 16 , 2008 8:34:12 PM

BEIJING: China would work with Pakistan to push forward the bilateral strategic and cooperative partnership, said Vice President Xi Jinping here on Tuesday. Xi made the remarks in a meeting with Tariq Majid, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan. Hailed the relations between China and Pakistan, Xi said the two nations enjoyed profound friendship, which had stood the test of international changes. China and Pakistan set up diplomatic ties 57 years ago. Xi said the two countries witnessed increasing mutual trust in politics and expanded cooperation in various areas. China valued the traditional friendship with Pakistan, and was ready to advance relations with the south Asia country, he noted. Echoing Xi's remarks, Majid said his country attached great importance to the relations with China, and would join in China to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Later this day, Majid also met with the Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie. Liang applauded that the two countries have witnessed satisfactory achievement on military cooperation, in accordance with the sound development of bilateral relations. China will work jointly with Pakistan to deepen exchanges and cooperation in every military aspect such as anti-terrorism, said Liang. Attaching great importance to bilateral relations, China pays much attention to maintaining the China-Pakistan friendship. China always handles and develops relations with Pakistan with strategic and long-term perspectives, Liang added. Majid agreed to advance the relationship with China under today's global situation. Majid was here for the Sixth Sino-Pakistani Defense and Security Talks.

ڈیڑھ ہزار عامر اور دو لاکھ کے باؤنسر!

عامر خان کی فلم گجھنی کے آنے سے پہلے ہی زبردست تذکرے ہیں

ڈیڑھ ہزار عامر
ملک کے کئی ملٹی پلیکس سنیماگھروں میں جب لوگ’رب نے بنا دی جوڑی‘ فلم دیکھنے پہنچے تو عامر کی فلم گجنی کے ہیئر سٹائل میں انہیں کئی لوگ نظر آئے۔ پورے ملک میں ڈیڑھ ہزار ایسے ’عامر‘ ملٹی پلیکس کی ٹکٹ کھڑ کیوں سے لیکر سنیما گھر میں ٹکٹ چیکر اور کینٹین بوائے تک عامر کی فلم کی پبلیسیٹی کرتے نظر آئے۔ اور لوگ شاہ رخ کی فلم رب نے بنا دی جوڑی کو بھول کر عامر کی فلم گجنی کی باتیں کرنے لگے۔ عامر پبلیسٹی کا انداز تو نیا اور نرالا ہے لیکن ہمیں ڈر ہے کہ شاہ رخ اسے اچھے انداز میں نہیں لیں گے۔ ارے بھئی آپ نے تو کنگ خان کی حدود میں ہی قدم رکھ دیا۔

تین کروڑ کا گیت

	سلمان کی فلم ویر جلدی آنے والی ہے

اقتصادی مندی نے بالی وڈ پر اثر ڈالا ہے اس لیے کئی فلموں کا بجٹ متاثر ہوا ہے۔ خبریں یہی ہیں لیکن ہم یقین کیسے کریں کیونکہ ابھی تو سلمان خان کی فلم’ویر‘ کا ایک گیت محبوب سٹوڈیو میں فلمایا گیا جس پر تین کروڑ روپے خرچ ہوئے۔ فلم کی کہانی بھی سلمان خان نے لکھی ہے۔ سلمان گیت فلمانے پر تین کروڑ روپے لگیں یا چار، لیکن اب ایک ہٹ فلم کی اشد ضرورت ہے، یہ ہم نہیں آپ کے سارے پرستار کہہ رہے ہیں۔

پانچ سو پچپن
نا! ہم کسی سگریٹ کا برانڈ نہیں بتا رہے بلکہ یہ نمبر دراصل شاہ رخ خان کا لکی نمبر ہے۔ خان کی کار کا نمبر بھی یہی ہے اور تو اور خان کے ملازمین کو جو موبائیل دیے گئے ہیں ان میں بھی پانچ سو پچپن نمبر ہونا ضروری ہے اس کے لیے خان ہمیشہ موبائل کمپنی سے ایسا ہی نمبر مانگتے ہیں۔ سٹارز کتنے توہم پرست ہوتے ہیں یہ کوئی راز کی بات نہیں ہے۔

	شاہ رخ کا لکی نمبر 555 ہے

کیا آپ جانتے ہیں کہ امیتابھ بچن گیارہ نمبر کو اپنے لیے لکی مانتے ہیں سنجے دت کا لکی نمبر فور فائو فور فائی ہے اور ایشوریہ رائے اور فلمساز فیروز نڈیاڈوالا وہ کرنسی نوٹ جمع کرتے ہیں جس پر سات سو چھیاسی لکھا ہوتا ہے؟

نئے سال کاجشن
نئے سال کے موقع پر بپاشا باسو اور قطرینہ کیف ہوٹل میں رقص کرنے والی تھیں لیکن اب نہیں کریں گی۔ لوگوں نے کہا کہ وہ ان حملوں سے دکھی تھیں اس لیے انکار کر دیا ہے۔ بہت خوب لیکن پھر خبر آئی کہ سیلینا جیٹلی لندن اور ملائکہ ارورہ خان سنگاپور رقص کرنے جا رہی ہیں۔ لوگوں نے سیلینا پر اعتراض کیا تو سیلینا کہاں چپ بیٹھنے والی تھیں راز کھول دیا کہ جو ہیروئینیں ممبئی کے ہوٹلوں میں رقص کرنے والی تھیں اس کے لیے انہوں نےمنع نہیں کیا بلکہ ہوٹلوں نے ہی پروگرام منسوخ کر دیا کیونکہ لوگ ڈر کی وجہ سے اس رات شہر کے فائیو سٹار ہوٹلوں میں جشن منانے سے کترا رہے ہیں۔

ممبئی کا خوف

	ملکہ شہراوت بغیر گارڈز گے باہر نہیں نکتلی ہیں

اب تک سنا تھا کہ صرف ملکہ شیراوت ہی ایسی واحد اداکارہ ہیں جو بغیر باؤنسرز کی فوج کےگھر سے نہیں نکلتی ہیں لیکن اب ایک اور ہیروئین نے اسی نقش قدم پر چلنا شروع کر دیا ہے۔ آپ جانتے ہیں ماڈل لزا لیزارس کو؟ نہیں تو جان جائیے کیونکہ وہ اب سلمان کی فلم’ویر‘ کی ہیروئین بھی ہیں۔ خیر جب وہ ممبئی ایئر پورٹ پہنچیں تو انہوں نے ایئر پورٹ سے باہر نکلنے سے انکار کر دیا۔ وجہ ؟ ان کا مطالبہ تھا کہ پہلے انہیں باؤنسر مہیا کیئے جائیں۔ مرتا کیا نہ کرتا فلمساز نے چار باؤنسرز ایئر پورٹ بھیجے جن کا خرچ دو لاکھ روپے بتایا جاتا ہے تب جا کر میڈم نے ممبئی کی سرزمین پر قدم رکھا۔

جان دی سیکسئیٹ

	جان ابراہم سیکسیئٹ مین ہیں

فلم دوستانہ میں ’ گے‘ کردار نبھاتے ہوئے جان نے صرف انڈروئیر میں جو پوز دیے ہیں اس کی وجہ سے وہ ہم جنس پرستوں کے آئیکون تو بن ہی گئے ہیں اب لندن کی ایشیائی ہفتہ وار میگزین ’ایسٹرن آئی‘ کے جانب سے انہیں یہ خطاب مل گیا ہے۔

دو فلمیں ایک موضوع اور ایک ہی لوکیشن
ایسا کیسے ہو سکتا ہے؟ یہ سوال اگر آپ بالی وڈ کی فلموں کے لیے پوچھیں گے تو بے معنی ہی لگیں گے۔ ارے بھئی ہوتا ہے۔ لوگ ایک دوسرے کی دھنیں، کہانی، سب کچھ چرا لیتے ہیں۔ خیر ہم یہاں نئے انداز کے نقل کی بات کر رہے ہیں۔ خبریں ہیں کہ آدتیہ چوپڑہ اور کرن جوہر دونوں ہی ہالی وڈ فلم’ آرلنگٹن روڈ ‘ کی کہانی پر فلم بنا رہے ہیں۔ یعنی موضوع ایک ہی ہوا لیکن حد تو تب ہوئی جب نیویارک اور فلاڈلفیا میں دونوں نے ایک ہی ہوٹل میں اپنی شوٹنگ بھی کی۔

پاپا کے نقش قدم پر
زویا اختر اب اپنے پاپا کے نقش قدم پر چلنے کی تیاری کر رہی ہیں۔ جی ہاں وہ اپنے پاپا جاوید اختر کی طرح نغمہ نگار بن گئی ہیں۔وہ موسیقار آدیش شریواستو کی میوزک البم ’ساؤنڈ آف پیس‘ کے لیے گیت لکھ رہی ہیں اور ان کا لکھا نغمہ امریکی پاپ گلوکارہ ریحانہ گائیں گی۔

عامر نے سلو کی نقل کی

عامر نے سلمان خان کی نقل کی۔ کسرتی جسم بنانے کے لیے نہیں بلکہ ایک ٹی شرٹ پہنا جس پر لکھا تھا ’بینگ ہیومن ‘ اب آپ کہیں گے اس میں نقل کی کون سی بات ہے ؟ تو ہم بتا دیں کہ سلمان خان یہ ٹی شرٹ ہمیشہ پہنتے ہیں کیونکہ یہی ان کی سماجی تنظیم کا نام ہے جس کے تحت وہ غریبوں کی مالی امداد کرتے ہیں۔

سنجے کی پسند مانیتا کے ہاتھ میں
سنجے دت کی لگاتار کئی فلاپ فلموں کے بعد اب ’مانیتا بھابھی‘ نے ان کی فلموں کےانتخاب کی ذمہ داری لے لی ہے۔ بالی وڈ گلیاروں میں خبریں گشت کر ہی ہیں کہ اب مانیتا یہ دیکھیں گی کہ سنجے کون سی فلم سائن کریں اور کون سی فلم کے لیے انکار کریں۔ بے بی کیا واقعی آپ کو اس کا صحیح شعور ہے؟ ہمیں تو لگتا ہے کہ یہ فیصلہ اگر آپ نے اپنے فلمی کریئر میں کیا ہوتا تو شاید آپ کسی فلم میں کام کر رہی ہوتیں۔