Lack of Command Worsens Karachi Conditions: CJP.

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry has said that the lack of command has worsened conditions in Karachi.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry Thursday during hearing of Hajj arrangements corruption case said that in January 75 persons have been killed in Karachi. He said the lack of command is responsible for the worsening law and order in Karachi. He said the I.G. Police Sindh and D.G. FIA are contractual employees

What Mirza Saying is Correct: Rehman Malik

KARACHI: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that what Zulfiqar Mirza is saying is correct. He said he was visiting Karachi on directives of the Prime Minister but have no intention to interfere in administrative matters. 

The interior minister was talking over a statement of provincial home minister that he was not taken into confidence over the operation in Karachi. 

Talking to media at Karachi airport on Thursday Rehman Malik said that the target killers were captured on our intelligence. The interior minister said that the terrorism can be curbed with intelligence sharing. 

He said terrorists, whatever their origin is, want to destabilize Pakistan. 

Replying a question Malik said that all political parties are agreed over the agenda of maintenance of peace in Karachi. 

Responding to another query, the minister said the government will not amend the blasphemy law.  

Govt Decides to Convene APC on Karachi Situation

KARACHI: In its efforts to curb the ongoing political violence in Karachi, the government decided on Thursday to convene All Parties Conference in the city on January 27, ARY NEWS reports.

The decision emerged at meeting between Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah held here today.

Earlier today, addressing a session of the Sindh Assembly, Mirza said he was not taken into confidence over the Rangers operation in Karachi.

Subsequently, Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed that Mirza was unaware of the operation.

Mirza Says Not Taken into Trust Over Operation

KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza has said he was not taken into confidence over the decision of Rangers operation in Karachi. 

Speaking at the floor of Sindh Assembly on Thursday during question hour, Mirza said that the notification about Rangers powers in Karachi was issued with his signature but he was not taken into confidence over the operation in Karachi. 

He said he can withdraw Rangers powers if the practice would continue in future. 

Nawaz Wants Timeframe on 10-Point Agenda

ISLAMABAD: The chief of his own faction of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif has urged Pakistan Peoples Party-led government to give a timeframe for the implementation of his 10-point program which he called ‘national agenda’, ARY NEWS reports.

Addressing a high-level meeting of his faction in Punjab House, Islamabad, PML-N chief was of the view that few sections of the agenda could be implemented even “within 45 minutes”. 

He regretted delay by the government in implementing the agenda, and urged the Prime Minister to show progress in this regard.  

“Not giving a timeframe by the government is regrettable… PML-N wants progress.”

JI Demands Security for Sunday Rally in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has called for foolproof security arrangements for protest rally scheduled on Sunday, January 23 in the provincial metropolis.
The rally is part of the countrywide protest campaign against drone attacks, price hike, and lawlessness and proposed amendments in Blasphemy Law.
Addressing a news conference, district Chief JI Peshawar, Baharullah Advocate claimed that more than 0.1 million people will participate in the sit-in and protest rally.
He added that national, provincial leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami will lead the workers from their respective areas.
The rally, he said will be completely peaceful and there will be no harm to public and private properties saying that the party had organized peaceful rallies in past and informed the officials had assured full support in this regard.
He demanded of the government for provision of required security and protection to around 450 contingents of the party workers, who will attend the rally.
Expressing concern over growing US-drone attacks inside Pakistan, he said the intrusion was the violation of sovereignty of country and called for taking staunch stand over the issue.
The JI activist alleged that a large number of floods affected and deserving people have been ignored as most of Watan cards were distributed on political grounds in the province. -- (APP)

Sui-Karachi Gas Pipeline Blown up

KASHMORE: A pipeline supplying gas from Sui to Karachi was blown up at Tangwani area in Kashmore.

Police have vacated the village and cordoned off the area as gas discharge from the damaged pipeline still continued.  

Firing Incidents Claim 5 Lives in Karachi

KARACHI: Firing incidents claimed five lives in various areas of metropolis. According to the police, two people were shot near Juria Bazar after which victims were taken to the Civil Hospital Karachi where they succumbed to injuries.

Deceased were identified as Haji Fareed and Saeed Arif Gulliu. Both of them were reportedly affiliated with a political party.

Previous day, three people were also shot dead. Police said that incidents of firing took place in Orangi Town, Pirabad and Eidgah areas.

Plea for Imposition of Emergency in Karachi

ISLAMABAD: A petition Friday filed in Supreme Court here pleaded for imposition of state of emergency in Karachi due to worsening law and order in the metropolis. 

Petitioner Dr. Tariq Asad requested for declaration of emergency and military operation in Karachi to curb lawlessness.

Meanwhile, Dr. Basit Advocate in his arguments before a bench of the apex court during PCO Judges contempt case hearing said that the weakness of politicians provides opportunity to military to assume power. 

He said the Generals also neglected the court orders on November 03,2007, so action should also be taken against them. 

President Summons Mirza to Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Ali Mirza immediately to Islamabad to discuss the talks with allies on law and order situation in Karachi.

Mirza had raised his objections over the recent operation by rangers in Orangi Town of Karachi. 
He said that he was not taken into confidence about the operation.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik also admitted that Mirza was not taken on board about the decision.

President Zardari will discuss with Sindh home minister about his differences with Interior Minister Rehman Malik. 

Nabeel Gabol Meets Prime Minister Gilani

ISLAMABAD: People's Party MNA from Lyari Nabeel Gabol, who has recently tendered resignation as the state minister for ports and shipping, called on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday.

Gabol discussed the situation of Karachi with Prime Minister Gilani and expressed his reservations over operation in his constituency without taking him into confidence, sources said. 

Prime Minister Gilani told him that his resignation was not approved so far and directed him to resume his responsibilities, sources further said. 

According to sources, Nabeel Gabol will take his resignation back after assurances from the prime minister. 

He will also meet with President Asif Ali Zardari during his stay in Islamabad.

Qaim Says Not Gave Operation Orders

BHITSHAH: Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah Friday said he did not give orders for rangers operation in Karachi.

Talking to media persons at Bhitshah on Friday Qaim said what the Rangers did was in their power. Shah said there is confusion regarding the operation. He said the police know the city's condition better, but rangers have been given police powers and can take action.

He said in result of the operation in Karachi several target killers have been arrested.

Replying a question about amendments in the local government law, Sindh Chief Minister said that the final decision can be made after consultation with the coalition partners.  

PML Q Leaders Visit Nine Zero

KARACHI: The leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) reached a consensus on Friday after a meeting at the MQM headquarters (NineZero).

“The leadership of the two parties have reached a general agreement to steer the country out of socio-economic problems,” said Deputy Convener of MQM, Dr. Farooq Sattar

The PML-Q delegation was led by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayed and others while MQM leadership was represented by Dr. Farooq Sattar, Wasim Aftab, Nasrin Jalil, Babar Ghouri, Haider Abbas Rizvi and others.

Farooq Sattar said that the various issues discussed included law and order, shortage of supply of natural gas to the province of Punjab, crisis in the industrial sector of Faisalabad, situation in the province of Balochistan and overall situation regarding socio-economic problems of the country.

Parliamentary Exchanges to Take Pak-Sri Lanka Ties to New Heights

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday called for enhanced parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to take the existing cordial friendly ties between the two countries to new heights.
The Prime Minister stated this in a meeting with Chamal Jayantha Rajapaksa, Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament, who alongwith a parliamentary delegation called on him at the PM House here on Tuesday afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Sri Lanka which are based on mutual and shared interests in maintaining regional peace, security and stability. He added that Pakistan fully supports the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

 The Prime Minister congratulated the government and people of Sri Lanka in eliminating terrorism from their country and also asked the Speaker to convey his profound felicitations to the Sri Lankan President on his re-election for the second term. He also asked the Speaker to convey his invitation to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to undertake his long awaited official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience in 2011.

The Prime Minister, while expressing his satisfaction on the overall status of bilateral relations, hoped that the next round of consultations for expansion of the ambit of Free Trade Agreement between the two countries to make it a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be scheduled soon to open new vistas of enhanced trade, investment and economic ties between the two sides.
Noting that Sri Lanka was the major beneficiary of the training offered by Pakistan for its defence personnel, the Prime Minister called for expansion in defence cooperation and offered sale of defence equipment to meet the Sri Lankan needs. He also underlined the need of cultural cooperation, particularly through religious visits from Sri Lanka to the historical Budhist sites of Pakistan.
The Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament, while conveying the best wishes of his younger brother and President of Sri Lanka to the Prime Minister, thanked the later for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit and agreed to the proposal of strengthening the parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people contacts to bring the two countries ever closer.
He also underscored the importance of expansion in trade and economic ties and informed the Prime Minister that a Sri Lankan technical team would soon visit Pakistan for negotiating the expansion of FTA to CEPA.
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan, Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naek, Secretary Senate and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

Economic Challenges to be Shared with Political Leadership, Says PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the Economic Challenges of Pakistan would be shared with all the political leadership of the Parliament to seek their proposals for resolving the financial difficulties of the country and the people.
The objective behind the reconciliatory process and consultation with political leadership is to develop consensus and take decisions in the larger national interest.

The Prime Minister was chairing the Mid Term Economic Review meeting held here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat today. The economic review  meetings are held regularly every month.

The Prime Minister said that since the Budget was passed unanimously by the Parliament, the financial challenges of the country also need to be shared to find solution through collective wisdom. The people of Pakistan, he directed, be kept informed of the economic challenges and measures to be taken to confront these challenges.
The Prime Minister directed that five member Committee formed for dialogue with all the Parliamentary parties should immediately contact the leadership of the parties to ascertain their availability for consultation on National Economic Challenges.

The Minister for Finance briefed the participants on the state of national economy and the economic challenges being faced by the country in wake of the devastating floods, war against terrorism, national security needs and international recession.
            
The Secretary Finance in his presentation apprised the participants of the meeting about the budgetary position and probabilities at the close of financial year.  He also elaborated upon the impact of floods, war against terror, energy shortage and international price hike on the economy in general and the Budget in specific.
As per details, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday urged political leadership of the country to stand united to collectively find a solution to the economic challenges. Chairing the mid-term economic review meeting here at the PM Secretariat, Gilani said since the Budget was passed unanimously by the Parliament, the financial challenges of the country also need to be shared, to find a solution through collective wisdom.
The Prime Minister directed that a five-member committee be formed for dialogue with all the parliamentary parties and it should contact their leadership to ascertain their availability for consultation on national economic challenges. He said the political leadership needs to come up with proposals for resolving the financial difficulties of the country.
Gilani said the people of Pakistan need to be kept informed of the economic challenges and the measures being taken to confront these.
The Minister of Finance briefed the participants on the state of national economy and the economic challenges being faced by the country in wake of the devastating floods, war against terrorism, national security needs and international recession.
He said the objective of the reconciliatory process and consultation with political leadership was to develop consensus and take decisions in the larger national interest.
The Secretary Finance in his presentation apprised the participants of the meeting about the budgetary position and probabilities at the close of financial year. He also elaborated upon energy shortage and international price hike, the state of economy in general and the budget in particular.

Govt has No Plan to Amend Blasphemy Law, Says Rehman Malik

NOWSHERA: Interior Minister, Rehman Malik on Thursday reiterated that government has no intention to bring any amendment in blasphemy laws, owing to its sensitivity, the people should not play up the issue after the government categorical stance on the subject.
The Interior Minister was talking to newsmen after expressing condolence and offered Fateha for the departed soul of former Governor KPK and PPP leader late Gen Naseerul Babar at Pirpai here at Pirpai village.
The Interior Minister maintained that the matter would be taken up with noted Ulema and religious scholars of different schools of thoughts and office bearers of Wafaqul Madaris and the issue would be amicably resolved.
He said the government has no intention of repealing or amending the blasphemy law. We will ensure the respect of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as part of our faith. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is the last messenger of Allah Almighty and we believe in Khatm-e-Nabbuwat.
The Interior Minister announced to block all un-Islamic materials put on various websites and urged people to inform government if they found any matter of blasphemy on the Internet. He said the government has highest regards for judiciary and its decisions are being implemented in latter and spirit.
Eulogizing the sacrifices and contributions of former Governor KPK and Interior Minister Gen Nassesrullah Babar for the country and PPP, the Minister said that his death is a great loss for the country and people. He said that leaders like Gen Babar are born in centuries and was a brave leader. The vacuum created due to his death would hardly be overcome in near future.
Earlier, the Minister visited the residence of Gen Babar and condolence with his family over his sad demise. He remained there for sometime and offered Fateha for the departed soul.
Later, he visited to Gen Babar grave and laid floral wreath on behalf of resident Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusaf Raza Gilani and Interior Ministry and offered Fateha. Tough security arrangements were made on this occasion.

Pak-UAE Reaffirm: Resolve to Fortify Ties: Boost Bilateral Cooperation

ABU DHABI (United Arab Emirates): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister of UAE Shaikh Muhammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday reaffirmed resolve to further consolidate deep-rooted brotherly relationship for the mutual interest of their people.
Sheikh Mohammad who is also vice President of UAE and ruler of Dubai expressed his warm greetings to President Zardari and hoped that his frequent interaction with the UAE’s leadership will go a long way in boosting their bilateral ties and promoting greater understanding on regional and international issues.
President Zardari during the meeting thanked the UAE government for their generous assistance during the recent devastating floods. He said, his country is thankful to UAE rulers and people of Emirates on their generous assistance for early rehabilitation of IDPs in Swat and Malakand.

He underlined the need that Abu Dhabi Fund should provide the pledged $ 270 million for the Citizen Damage Compensation Programme.
The President emphasized upon further enhancing of bilateral relations and extending mutual cooperation in the realm of trade, education, labour and manpower.
The President also congratulated the UAE’s leader on holding the World Future Energy Summit. He hoped that it will help in providing sustainable solutions for energy security and to meet challenges of climate change.
The two sides agreed on the need to expand, strengthen and take their bilateral cooperation in diverse fields to the level reflective of their warm, deep-rooted and historic ties that date back to the formation of UAE in 1971.
President Zardari and the UAE vice President also discussed peace and security situation in the region. They stressed the need for joint efforts to improve the situation, which was imperative for progress and development in the region as well as in the world.  President Zardari pointed the need for increased coordination in this regard.
The two leaders recalled the historic, brotherly and warm relations between Pakistan and UAE at the people to people and leadership level, which were founded by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and were nurtured by successive governments particularly by the government of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Pakistan Scores Major Diplomatic Victory in Abu Dhabi Summit

ABU DHABI (United Arab Emirates): Pakistan received a major diplomatic gain on the final day of the 2nd Extra-Ordinary Conference of the Parliamentary Union of Islamic Countries (PUIC) when on the intervention of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, the Conference agreed to include the issue of Kashmir in its final declaration.
The 11-point  draft declaration, put for the consideration of the 51 Member Conference had no mention of the age-old dispute although it dealt in detail with the Palestine problem, inter-faith dialogue, rights of minorities in the Islamic countries, the Tunisian unrest and other contemporary issues of the Muslim World.

This anomaly was pointed by Dr. Fehmida Mirza, who led the Pakistan’s Parliamentary Delegation at the one-day Conference. She remarked that though her country fully supported the outcome of the Conference, it pained her heart that the representatives of the Ummah had ignored the plight of over 100 million Kashmiris, who were denied the basic right to self-determination for almost seven decades.
She urged the PUIC not to forget the plight of innocent Kashmiris and express its solidarity with them.
President of the Conference, Abul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, and the Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council put the matter to vote before the House, which was carried unanimously by all Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Parliaments of the Muslim Countries.
As a result, a separate para 12 was added to the final declaration,expressing strong support for the resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
After the adoption of the Declaration, Dr. Fehmida Mirza was approached by numerous Speakers from Muslim Countries, congratulating her on articulately advocating Kashmir’s case.

Political Parties Engaged for Preparing National Economic Strategy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday said the government has engaged all the political parties in the Parliament to seek their suggestions for preparing National Economic Strategy.
After the passage of 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments, responsibility of Parliamentarians has increased manifold, he observed, adding, the vigor and consensus manifested by the political forces on both these occasions is required again to deal with the financial crisis facing Pakistan.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Ms Ghulam Bibi Bharwana MNA and Sajjad ul Hassan MNA who called on him separately here at the PM House on Thursday afternoon.
The Prime Minister said despite economic constraints, the government is releasing essential funds for the development projects.
He asked the Parliamentarians to focus on the timely completion of on-going development schemes and personally monitor the development work to ensure quality.
The Parliamentarians apprised the Prime Minister of the progress on various development projects in their respective constituencies.

PM Approves: Sizeable Grant for FATA Projects to Benefit People

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday approved provision of Rs 30 million for each MNA from FATA for projects aimed at benefiting the common man.
Talking to a delegation of FATA MNAs led by Haji Munir Khan Orakzai here at the PM House, he asked the FATA MNAs to work out details of specific projects along with their exact financial implications.
The Prime Minister assured the FATA delegation that the government would streamline the procedure of prompt disbursement of funds for the development projects of FATA region.
Regarding long over due demand of the elected representatives of FATA for the construction of FATA House in Islamabad, the Prime Minister announced that he would himself lay down the foundation stone.
The Prime Minister urged the MNAs from FATA to extend complete support to the government with respect to eradication of Polio from the FATA region.  He asked them to create awareness among the people about this fatal decease affecting the children in the area.
The Prime Minister reiterated government’s intention to interact with all the parties and groups in the Parliament on national challenges confronting the country prior to the next Session of the Assembly on February 24.
He said he would direct the financial team of the government to brief the members of the parliament from FATA on the financial situation and due consideration would be accorded to their proposals.
He said the government was confronting the challenges and has been able to confront because of its policy of political reconciliation as well as representation of PPP in all the four provinces and regions of the country.
The leader of the FATA delegation, Haji Munir Khan Orakzai, MNA said the elected representatives from FATA had supported and would continue to support the government on its efforts to improve conditions of the people in the backward areas. He specifically appreciated Prime Minister’s initiative for development of the backward areas in DG Khan.
The Members of the delegation assured the Prime Minister that they would extend all possible help in creating awareness among the people of the region about the ill-effects of Polio virus through traditional means of communication.
The delegation asked for timely disbursement of funds allocated for various projects in FATA and to streamline the system for release of funds. They drew the attention of the Prime Minister that a number of reconstruction projects following the floods and military operations need immediate attention in the interest of the people of the region.
The delegation included Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, Minister of State for Postal Services Abdul Raziq, Senator Engr Rashid Ahmed Khan, Senator Haji Khan Afridi, Senator Hafiz Rasheed Ahmed, Minister Noor ul Haq Qadri, Sajid Hussain Turi MNA, Jawad Hussain MNA, Muhammad Kamran Khan MNA, Shaukat Ullah MNA and Zafar Beg Batanni MNA.
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Food & Agriculture Mr Nazar Muhammad Gondal and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Zaheer Speaks on the Role of the Pakistani-American Media

Mohsin Zaheer is a Pakistani-American journalist and editor based in New York whose work spans two decades. He won the New York Community Media Alliance's Ippies Award in 2009 and has been the beneficiary of numerous Pakistani-American awards. ) In 1989, Zaheer joined Daily Khabrain, Lahore, Pakistan's largest Urdu-language newspaper as a staff reporter, eventually becoming the Deputy Editor of Reporting. Zaheer moved to the U.S. in 1999 and joined the staff of Sada-e-Pakistan, an Urdu-language weekly, as editor. He set a new trend for Pakistani-American media by reporting on local issues and activities taking place in the U.S. His coverage focused on the 9/11 attacks and the wide-raging issues within the Pakistani-American community in its aftermath. Zaheer has written extensively on the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. He is also founder of “The Pakistani Newspaper" (www.pn.com.pk), the first online publication for the Pakistani American community that launched in 1996. He continues to contribute news stories and columns to Daily Khabrain, Lahore. Zaheer earned his Masters in Political Science and History from the University of Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan. 

Zaheer spoke with NYCMA's Nora Kurtz on the role of Pakistani-American media.

NK: What needs does your publication provide that readers can't find in mainstream English-language media?

MZ: Many of our readers cannot read the mainstream media because of the language barrier.  But much of the time, ethnic media can use mainstream media as a source of information.  If there is big news, we may reproduce the story according to how The New York Times first reported it and allow them to find out what's happening in New York, the U.S., and even internationally. As well, there are many issues that are underreported in mainstream media that concern our community. We try our best to cover these issues. 

Additionally, New York is a very diverse community. Pakistanis, for example, are very far from Pakistan. So ethnic media covers what's going on in the native country, as well as current news from the New York Pakistani community. 

NK: What specific issues do you hope to target in the coming months?

MZ: Our first focus is on the Republican takeover in the House.  The immigration reform is pending, and while it used to be on Obama's priority list, Republicans are not too much in favor of these reforms, so we're looking to follow any developments with immigration reform. 

Of big concern to the Pakistani community is the economy, especially in terms of how lower income communities are dealing with unemployment. We will continue to cover job opportunities and any economic aspects with specific regard to immigrant concerns. 

Because Sada-e-Pakistan is an ethnic newspaper, we focus more on day-to-day activities and events in the community. This especially means covering social and political activities.

NK: How do you see immigration reform with the new Congress?

MZ: This issue has been debated for the last ten years in particular, and every time, people were very hopeful, but nothing has been done. By the end of George W. Bush's first term, people were very hopeful, and then again, people were hopeful when Obama’s built his campaign with immigration reform as a priority. Meanwhile, two years later, the Democratic Party has lost the House and the unemployment rate is close to double digits, so if we analyze that with all the previous efforts, I am not hopeful. I don't see any reforms with the Congress coming in 2011.

Yet we cannot judge Obama's job on the basis of the midterm election results. As a journalist, I think Obama’s will show his cards during the second term election. The economy is the main issue of the nation right now, and the Obama administration has been doing its best to improve the economy. If the economy recovers and unemployment goes down, ultimately I would see the 2012 elections going in favor of President Obama.

NK: How has your experience been dealing with the Bloomberg administration?

MZ: I think the Bloomberg administration has done its job very well. The administration has tried to focus more on the development of New York City. They have their own point of view, but they have focused on infrastructure and education, among other issues. 

Before Bloomberg there were concerns about the way Muslims were treated by law enforcement agencies, and once the Bloomberg administration began, he focused more on the city's future and day-to-day affairs. Especially with the Park51 issue, Bloomberg stood with the Muslim community so that gave confidence and support to the Muslim Americans of New York that they have someone who is taking care of their faith and beliefs. I have found that most Muslim Americans are of the view that Bloomberg is doing well. 

But people are concerned because life in New York City is very expensive and outreach to immigrant communities by the Bloomberg Administration has not been satisfying. This is specifically speaking of the outreach to the Pakistani-American community, particularly in terms of housing and small businesses.

Immigrant communities have a lot of problems and the main problem is the language barrier. The biggest need is to cross the language barrier to find the opportunities that are available to everyone, including them. The city needs to make sure that there are opportunities in housing and in the job market. And they need to make sure that all immigrants are aware of these opportunities. If you are not aware of the opportunities, the opportunities mean nothing to you. The mayor and various government agencies should make sure they reach out to immigrant communities as much as possible so that they know what's going on in the city, and they can have equal opportunities to access resources that are available to everyone.

Gilani Says Drone Attacks in Pakistan Counter-Productive

Islamabad: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today condemned drone attacks carried out by the United States in Pakistan's tribal areas, saying they were counter- productive and were undoing the progress made by the government in its campaign against extremism.

"Our military and political leadership had very ably alienated local tribesmen from the militants but when a drone attack is carried out, they get reunited again.

"This shows (the drone attacks) are counter-productive, therefore we condemn them and we are against them," he said while speaking in the National Assembly or lower house of parliament.

The government has told the US to provide drone technology to Pakistan so that security forces could take actions on their own against militants, he said.

"I agree with the member from (the tribal areas) that the drone attacks are counter-productive," he added.

A secret US diplomatic cable recently released by WikiLeaks had quoted American diplomats as saying that Gilani had said during a meeting in August 2008 that he had no problems with drone strikes if they targeted the "right people".

US drones have carried out over 100 attacks in Pakistan's tribal belt this year, including three missile strikes yesterday.

During his speech in parliament, Gilani referred to the recent arrest of Baloch nationalist leader Shahzain Bugti for alleged possession of unlicensed weapons and said he had sought a report on the matter from the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the federal Interior Minister.

Govt Convenes APC on Karachi Situation

KARACHI, Jan 20: Given the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi, the government has called an All Parties Conference on January 27, television reports said. 
Earlier today, Sindh Home Minister Zulifqar Mirza said he was not taken into confidence over the Rangers operation in Karachi.

Former Pakistani Leader Pervez Musharraf in Town

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - He says he wants to return to Pakistan and lead his country once again. Former General Pervez Musharraf, who is in Vancouver on a speaking tour, is trying to build support for his new political movement.

Flanked by handlers and RCMP security at the Westin Grand this afternoon, Musharraf said he is gathering support for his new party, All Pakistan Muslim League

He left the country after resigning as military leader in 2008. But he says he wants to return. This time as a civilian leader. 

Musharraf is rejecting claims he might be simply trying to grab power once again. "The people of Pakistan will bring me into power.  And it is my, I would say, boldness, that I've come back and I am playing on the turf of politicians and trying to get elected."

He says he can lead again as a civilian if the people want him to. "If there is sincerity, if there is flexibility and the leadership is bold enough to go for give-and-take, we can resolve the dispute. I am for peace. If I get a chance again, I go for peace, yes. Because war is no more the answer."

The ex-leader also praised Canada for forgiving his country over 300 million dollars worth of debt several years ago. 

Hang Mushrraf, Pakistani lawyer appeals to Supreme Court

Islamabad, Jan 21: Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf should be "hanged" for committing high treason and other unconstitutional acts like imposition of emergency in the country; a lawyer has asked Supreme Court.

The demand was made by Abdul Basit, a lawyer representing two Lahore High Court judges, in a contempt of court case involving judges who endorsed Musharraf emergency rule. Appearing before a four-judge bench yesterday, Basit said the Supreme Court had already held Musharraf responsible for the subversion of the Constitution and committing the offence of high treason in 2007.

Asked by the bench as to what should be the punishment for this offence, Basit said: "The punishment for the offence of high treason under Article 6 (of the Constitution) is capital punishment. Hang Musharraf."

The apex court has initiated contempt of court proceedings against members of the superior judiciary who endorsed the emergency by swearing an oath of allegiance to Musharraf. Basit contended that a set of judges took the oath to save the judiciary but should not be described as "Musharraf's supporters".

He said the apex court has complete authority to issue notices to all persons who helped in carrying out Musharraf's unconstitutional steps and violated a restraining order of the court striking down the emergency imposed by the former President.

"Let notices be issued to those responsible, let other dirty linen be washed in public," he said. The principal accused is roaming free and only judges of superior courts who took oaths during the emergency had been issued notices, Basit said.

The Supreme Court had declared the 2007 emergency as unconstitutional and illegal in a ruling issued last year.

PTI

Altaf for Reinstatement of Sacked employees of KESC

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Chief Altaf Hussain has called for immediate reinstatement of all the sacked employees of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC).

Altaf Hussain has said that the administration must restore all the employees to their position, said a statement issued by MQM here Thursday.

Altaf Hussain also appealed to the retrenched employees to stay calm.

The MQM Rabita Committee has also flayed KESC for terminating the services of more than four thousand of its employees.

Gilani for Greater Access to Pakistani Products in World Markets

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday asked the Ministry for Commerce to take steps for greater market access for Pakistani products in new markets abroad.

Talking to Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister of Commerce, at the PM House, the Prime Minister said the export-led growth will help in employment generation and poverty alleviation.

The Prime Minister said import of Pakistani products by European countries was in line with the government’s policy for enhanced trade with the world because “we believe in trade and not aid.”

The policy, he added, will also help enable the government to ensure early rehabilitation of flood hit people.

The Prime Minister observed that national economy was facing lots of challenges.

Reiterating the policy of reconciliation, he said “we will be able to overcome these challenges.”

He said the government was taking all the political parties on board to have consensus on unified economic agenda to provide relief and succor to the common man.

The Prime Minister also asked the Minister to take all the stakeholders on board for implementation of import policy initiatives.

He observed that public private partnership should be the focus of the policy.

Makhdoom Amin Fahim apprised the Prime Minister of the matters pertaining to his ministry.

Nabeel Gabol Withdraw His Resignation

Former State minister for ports and shipping and senior member of Pakistan Peoples Party, Nabeel Gabol, who resigned from his ministry on Wednesday, withdraw his resignation after his meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani on Friday.

Prime Minister assured that the concerns raised by Nabeel Gabol would be addressed. Although the state minister had cited some ‘personal reasons’ for resignation, the sources said he had withdraws his resignation after getting a cold response from the party leadership over his concerns and reservations regarding the working of his ministry.

After Gabol’s resignation on Wednesday, the police conducted a raid on his residence in the port city of Karachi and rounded up his 11 guards and his name was also added in Exit Control List (ECL) on the order of federal ministry. Nabeel Gabol came into Islamabad early on the morning today. On Benazir Bhutto International Airport, talking to media he said that I have some reservations and I will discuss that with party leadership. He further said that resignation from ministry doesn’t means that he is leaving the party, PPP is my party and I am a worker of this party since 26 years.

After the resignation of Nabeel Gabol the news came in the media that President Asif Zardari wants to elect his son Balawal Bhutto from the Lyari Town seat in the next election. It is to be remembered that Nabeel Gabol has a hold on Lyari Town area and Lyari seat is considered as his permanent seat.