India denies access to Rahat Fateh

NEW DELHI: Noted Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was detained at the IGI Airport on Sunday evening by Indian revenue intelligence sleuths for allegedly carrying a huge amount of undeclared foreign currency Sunday.

The officials of Pakistan High Commission reached the office of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Monday to meet the singer but the Indian authorities denied the access to the star.

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir also called Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Sharat Sabarwal and discussed the matter. The Indian envoy was asked by the Foreign Secretary to ensure that "no official should misbehave with Rahat during interrogation".

Bashir also called up Pakistani High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik and directed him to "take immediate steps for securing release of Rahat".

"The matter should be taken up formally with Indian foreign office," he said, adding that "contact with Indian authorities for updates in the case must be maintained throughout". Pakistan HC in New Dehli has constituted a team to pursue the matter.

Khan, who is a hit Bollywood playback singer, arrived on a flight from Karachi and was intercepted by personnel from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence acting on some prior information, official sources said.

They said the singer was carrying a huge amount of foreign currency which he did not declare to the immigration authorities. Two other persons accompanying him have also been detained, the sources said.

Ban imposed on pillion riding in Khi for two days

KARACHI: Sindh government has imposed a ban on pillion riding in the city for next two days ahead of Rabi-ul-Awal.

According to the notification issued by Sindh home department, ban would be implemented by midnight of Monday and would be effective till midnight of February 16.

The ban shall not be applicable on women, children below the age of 12 years, senior citizens, disabled persons, journalists, personnel of law enforcing agencies in uniform and employees of essential services.

Through another notification, the home department re-imposed ban under Section 144 of Cr. P.C. on carrying all kinds of weapons from midnight of Monday till midnight of February 16.

Consequently all permission letters allowing relaxation for carrying of weapons stand suspended.

All the Station House Officers have been authorized to register complaint under the law in case of violation of the ban on pillion riding and carrying weapons. 

Qadri indicted in Taseer murder case

RAWALPINDI: Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi on Monday charged Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri in Governor Salman Taseer murder case.

Qadri had confessed to killing Taseer, objecting to his calls to reform the blasphemy law, which sentences to death those convicted of defaming the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

One of Qadri's lawyers, Malik Mohammad Rafiq Khan, told after an anti-terrorism court session held behind closed doors: The judge examined the record and said that apparently the accused committed murder and terrorism. 

"The judge read out the charges to the accused. The accused pleaded not guilty," Khan said in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The next hearing will be held on February 26, when witnesses and evidence will be presented, the lawyer added. 

Taseer's killing was the most high-profile political assassination in Pakistan since former prime minister Benazir Bhutto died in a gun and suicide attack on her motorcade at the end of an election rally on December 27, 2007.

Pak urges India to immediately lift ‘Protective Custody’ of Rahat

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday urged India for immediate lifting of ‘Protective Custody’ of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, detained in India for allegedly carrying foreign currency. 

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir spoke with Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad and urged that the internationally renowned singer be released. 

Rahat Fateh Ali was detained at the Indian airport on Sunday for possessing foreign exchange, higher than the permissible limit, when he arrived at the airport to board for a flight to Karachi.

The Foreign Office was closely monitoring the situation relating to the arrest of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday. 

According to the Foreign Office the Indians have released 12members of the team, but still have three including Rahat in custody. 

Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi has also constituted a two-man Task Force which was at the Indian Department of Revenue Intelligence to meet Rahat and pursue the matter. 

"Our High Commissioner spoke with Indian Acting Foreign Secretary Vivek Katju this morning again insisting the protective custody be lifted," a statement from the Foreign Office said. 

The Interior Minister Rehman Malik also talked to Pakistan's High Commissioner to New Delhi Shahid Malik on Sunday to inquire details about the detention.

Davis enjoys immunity: Fauzia Wahab

KARACHI: Secretary Information Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Fauzia Wahab has said that Raymond Davis, accused of killing two Pakistanis in Lahore, enjoyed diplomatic immunity, Geo News reported on Monday.

Addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club, Fauzia Wahab said that Pakistan is the signatory of Vienna Convention, therefore, all the diplomats enjoy immunity, adding that diplomats cannot be arrested under this convention.

She said that Davis possess diplomatic passport, therefore, he enjoys immunity.

Fauzia Wahab further said that United States is the biggest market of Pakistani products. A large number of Pakistanis are living there, she said and added that 80 percent remittance of Pakistan came from the US.

PPP CEC approves dissolution of Federal Cabinet

ISLAMABAD: PPP's Central Executive Committee (CEC) has approved the dissolution of federal cabinet, Geo News reported. According to the report, the CEC meeting, jointly chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the Presidency, held on Friday to discuss the matter of Cabinet dissolution/reduction. The meeting okayed dissolution of federal cabinet.

PM to dissolve Federal Cabinet soon: Badar

ISLAMABAD: The Central Executive Committee of Pakistan People’s Party Friday reached a decision during its meeting to dissolve the Federal Cabinet.

This was announced by Senior PPP leader Jehangir Badar at a news briefing along with PPP Information Secretary Fauzia Wahab after the party’s CEC meeting here.

He said Co-Chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari has authorized Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to make the decision of dissolving the Federal Cabinet. The Prime Minister can dissolve the Cabinet by taking PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari into confidence, he added.

“Resignations have been submitted to the PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari who would use them as and when required,” Jehangir Badar said.

He said Federal Minister for Commerce Amin Fahim was the first to hand over his resignation to the Co-Chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari.

Jehangir Badar said the CEC meeting was held with an agenda to discuss the challenges being faced by the country with particular reference to the economic condition and war against terrorism.

He said all the CEC members reposed confidence in the PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and paid tribute to him for all the achievements made during the past three years of PPP-led government.

To a question, Jehangir Badar said that the decision to dissolve the Federal Cabinet was not made on the proposal of Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif.

Earlier, the CEC meeting was held with Co-Chairman PPP and President Asif Ali Zardari in the chair here at President House.

The decision of dissolving the Federal Cabinet was made with a view to reducing the present size of the cabinet which comprises of an army of 60 ministers. The cabinet had, for its enormous size, been facing severe criticism from the cross sections of society.

Kashmir settlement imperative for peace: Fehmida

ISLAMABAD: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly said that the peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people was imperative for the peace and development of the region.

"Pakistan would extend its unwavering moral, political and diplomatic support to the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their unalienable right of self determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions", she said this in her message on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day being commemorated on February 5 (Saturday).

Madam Speaker said that this day serves as an opportunity to recognize the countless sacrifices of the brave people of Kashmir who have remained resolute and steadfast against the oppression, spreading more than six decades.

She said that Pakistan remains firmly committed to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the People of Kashmir.

She assured the Kashmiri People, of Pakistan's continued moral, political and diplomatic support at all regional and international forums till realization of their objective.

She said that Kashmir issue was included for the first time in the agenda of extra-ordinary meeting of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Islamic Countries held in Abu Dhabi with efforts of Pakistan's Parliamentary delegation.

She said that it is an important diplomatic success and hope that it will give a new strength to struggle of right of self-determination of Kashmiri people.

She called upon the United Nations and International Community to playtheir due role in bringing and end to the repression, violence and human rights violations being committed against the people of Kashmir.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza called an end to the human rights violations in theoccupied Kashmir.

She also urged for association of Kashmiri people in the dialogue process so that the dispute comes to its peaceful settlement in accordance with due aspirations and wishes of Kashmiri people.

Mirza orders strict security during Rabi-ul-Awwal

KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza on Friday condemned the bomb blast at the shrine of Baba Haider Sain in Lahore and condoled with the bereaved families.

Mirza in the view of Lahore blast directed Inspector General of Sindh police to ensure foolproof security around major shrines of Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur regions, adding district and town police officers should remain in close coordination so as to avoid any untoward incident.

He directed police to chalk out a solid security plan for the shrines with help of Auqaf Department and install CCTV Cameras and walk-through gates at the sensitive places.
He directed police to ensure frisking of visitors of shrine with help of volunteers of the Auqaf Department.

Home Minister directed that to build boundary walls around the shrines, adding that the hawkers and the food stalls should be removed from the shrine courtyards. He directed police to brief private security guards deployed at shrines about the security plan. He asked for sharing of intelligence reports with other law enforcers.

Mirza directed IGP Sindh to alert the police on the eve of Rabiul Awal and ensure foolproof security around the mosques, Imambarghas and other public places. He directed to provide security to the gatherings and procession, being organized on the eve of Rabiul Awwal.

PM takes Asfandyar into confidence over cabinet reduction

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has started contacts with the coalition partner after the approval of dissolution of Federal Cabinet by PPP’s Central Executive Committee, Geo News reported.

Prime Minister telephoned ANP Chief Asfandyar Wali and head of parliamentary group of FATA to take both the leaders into confidence over all decisions including new Federal Cabinet.

Sources told Geo News that PM Gilani made first telephone call to Asfandyar. ANP Chief will reply to PM after holding consultations with his party members.

Gilani also contacted with the parliamentary head of FATA via telephone and took him into confidence about the decision taken by PPP’s CEC.

Munawar demands Fazl to quit Kashmir Committee

ISLAMABAD: Jamat e Islami (JI) Ameer Syed Munawar Hassan Friday said that Kashmir committee tried to sabotage the Kashmir cause and demanded the committee’s chairman Maulana Fazlur Rehman to resign.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Al Khidmat Foundation’s office in Islamabad, JI Ameer said that whole nation will express solidarity with the Kashmiris on February 5.

He said US court sentenced Dr Aafia Siddiqui to 86 years of imprisonment, adding that Davis Raymond should be sentenced to 172 years on the charges of killing two Pakistanis.

President Zardari calls Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Friday night telephoned PML-N Quaid Mian Mohammed Nawaz Sharif.

Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that current political situation was discussed during the telephonic conversation between the two leaders.

PM, President rings Fazal; try wooing to rejoin cabinet

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani late Friday telephoned chief JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rehamn, inviting the latter to rejoin federal cabinet, Geo News reported.

As per sources, while trying to woo JUI-F chief Fazal, the duo said during the telephonic conversation, that the new cabinet was going to be formed under new mandate, insisting that inclusion of JUI-F in federal cabinet would help government run matters of national interests.

However, according to sources, the spokesman to JUI-F, Mufti Abrar told Geo News that Fazalur Rehamn declined the invitation to rejoin cabinet.

Also, he said that Fazal told them that his party had decided not to rejoin PPP-led federal government, adding that formation of new cabinet was PPP’s internal affair.

Kashmir Solidarity Day today

MIRPUR: Arrangements have been finalised to observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day throughout Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, besides rest of the world on Saturday (today) to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people, Geo News reported.

Observing of this day means renewal of the pledge to provide all-out moral, political and diplomatic support to their legitimate right to self-determination being denied by India for the last 63 years by keeping Held Kashmir under unlawful and forcible occupation.

In AJK, all necessary arrangements have been finalised to observe the day with traditional zeal and fervour, and with the renewal of the Kashmiris’ firm resolve to continue their struggle for liberation of their motherland from the Indian yoke in order to reach their ultimate destination - Pakistan, through the accession of entire J&K state to this country under the spirit of the historic July 19, 1947 resolution, unanimously passed in the meeting of All Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar.

It would be a public holiday today throughout the country and in Azad Kashmir to show solidarity with the Kashmiris living under the subjugation of India.

Kashmiris too observe the solidarity day every year not only to renew their deep-rooted love and affection for Pakistan but also to reiterate their commitment to get their freedom from the Indian occupation.

It may be mentioned here that the day is observed every year in continuation of the first call given by then prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1975.

The day will dawn with special prayers for the martyrs of Kashmir, success of the freedom struggle and expression of solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Rallies mark Kashmir Solidarity Day

MULTAN: Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed across the country with the pledge to continue moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiris in their fight to win right to self-determination.

Different political parties took out rallies to mark the event wherein large number of people participated.

The main rally was taken out by Jamat-i-Islami, led by JI leader Asad Ullah Bhutto. The rally started from Hussain Agahi chowk and it culminated at Clock Tower Chowk. The demonstrators were carrying banners, placards inscribed with slogans in support of Kashmiris.

The rally was also joined by students from Jamiat Tulba-e-Islam under leadership of Tayyab Majeed and Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman. "Shabab Milly" workers led by Sheer Babar Khan also participated in the rally.

In Sialkot, the people participated in All Parties Kashmir rally which began from Sialkot cityIs congested Allama Iqbal Chowk and would end at District Courts after passing through from all the main roads and bazaars.

The participants were holding agitational banners and placards and they chanted anti-India slogans. Several local Kashmiri leaders, local candidates of various mainstream
political parties, senior journalists and the members of Sialkot District Bar Association (DBA) participated in this rally.

In Attock, a rally was organized by Jammat-e-Islami activists led by party's Deputy Secretary Punjab Maulana Abdul Jalil Naqshbandi and District Ameer Iqbal Khan.

Pakistan Muslim League (N) also staged demonstration protest in support of Kashmiris. The demonstration was led by Sheikh Athar Mumtaz, Shahid Mukhtar and Babu Nafees and joined by scores of PML-N stalwarts.

PML-N Women Wing led by Sultana Shaheen also took out rally to mark the day. The rally started from Chungi No 8 and ended at Chungi 9.

Jamat Ulma Islam (F) also staged demonstration at Hazoori Bagh. The protest demonstration was led by Syed Khursheed Gardezi. The protestors were carrying banners and placards. They stressed upon to speed up political, moral and diplomatic support for the people of occupied Kashmir.

Aamir tol consult lawyer to appeal against ban

DOHA: One of the Pakistani cricketing trio, Mohammed Aamir, who has been charged with spot-fixing and faced ban for five years from international cricket by ICC anti-corruption tribunal, stated after the decision rocked the cricket world that he would consult his counselor first before making mind to appeal against ban, Geo News reported late Saturday.

He said he was disappointed at ICC’s tribunal’s decision, adding that he had not even thought of such an unsympathetic punishment.

It is pertinent to mention here that ICC’s anti-corruption tribunal, which heard spot-fixing case against temporary suspended Pakistani trio, Mohammed Asif, Salman Butt and Mohammed Aamir, pronounced ruling against suspects on Saturday.

The tribunal banned Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamir for ten, seven and five years from international cricket respectively.