Pak PM says his country will not take orders from the US
Islamabad: Daily Ausaf, June 23, 2010. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan will not take orders from America and will follow an independent foreign policy. However, he stressed on the importance of adhering to UN resolutions, in the context of the recently imposed restrictions on Iran. Speaking to the media, he said that important decisions are taken after consultations in the National Assembly.
Talking about the situation in Pakistan, the Prime Minister rubbished claims of a conflict between the judiciary and the executive, saying his government respects the supremacy of the judiciary.
Richard Holbrooke?s helicopter attacked
Islamabad: Daily Ausaf / Jasarat, June 23, 2010. Afghan Mujahideen attacked a helicopter carrying US special envoy to the region, Richard Holbrooke, NATO commander Gen Stanley McCrystal and the Governor of Helmand. The attack took place as the helicopter was landing in Marjah.
America paying Taliban to protect NATO forces
Islamabad: Daily Jasarat / Ausaf, June 23, 2010. America has been paying billions of dollars to the Taliban in order to safeguard its convoys passing through insurgent strongholds. This was revealed in a congressional report, which further reported the illegal use of private companies that not only encourage corruption within the government but also pay large sums to the Taliban to ensure safe passage.
Taliban in a win-win position in Afghanistan
Kabul: Daily Jasarat, June 21, 2010. As troubles mount for ISAF forces in Afghanistan, it is becoming increasingly clear that Taliban is in a win-win situation. Last week, insurgents downed a NATO helicopter and killed six soldiers in Kabul. According to a Jasarat analyst, Afghan as well as NATO officials acknowledge that it is impossible to militarily defeat the Taliban. In spite of loses, Taliban rank and file remain highly motivated. In fact, the worsening situation has led to United Nations reducing its personnel in the country.
At the same time, the Afghan government released 14 captured militants, to encourage their reintegration into the society. The much anticipated offensive in Kandahar, in the meanwhile, has been aborted as the civilians continue to support the Taliban there.
Pakistani political parties across the spectrum ? Pakistan People?s Party, Pakistan Muslim League, as well as members of the defunct Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) -- are all in favour of the Taliban emerging as a mainstream political party in the future. In fact, President Asif Ali Zardari and his main rival Nawaz Sharif are both eager to provide political and economic patronage to Taliban, the analyst said.
17 banned organisations become active again in Punjab
Islamabad: Daily Ausaf, June 22, 2010. According to intelligence agencies, as many as 17 banned militant groups have restarted their activities in the Punjab province and have begun holding religious functions and collecting funds from the general public.
These organisations are known to be active in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Pind Dadan Khan, Mandi Bahauddeen, Etak, Khariyan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. The principal group is believed to be Ghazi Force, which came into existence after security forces stormed the Red Mosque in 2007. The group, named after the slain radical cleric, has links to the Pakistan Taliban and has carried out terror attacks in Pakistan.
The Interior Ministry, meanwhile, revealed that militant groups have also activated networks in Sindh.
Dr. Zakir Naik banned from entering Britain
Islamabad: Daily Ausaf, June 22, 2010. Pakistani political parties and the media strongly condemned the recent restriction on Dr. Zakir Naik's travel to Britain. Dr. Naik, a spiritual and religious preacher based in India, is widely acclaimed for advocating Islam as the solution to today's most pressing problems. He does not carry any history of inciting hatred based on religion, they said.
They expressed surprise over Indian scholars remaining quiet on the issue. Dr. Naik is not only popular in India but also in Pakistan, Europe, Africa, as well as the United States and Britain.
Punjab Governor accuses CM of mishandling food subsidy
Lahore: Daily Ausaf/Jang, June 25, 2010. Coming to the defence of President Asif Ali Zardari, Governor Salman Taseer accused Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif of not fulfilling his pledge to solve the food crisis in the province. He accused Sharif of mishandling the Rs 60 crores spent every month on food subsidies. He also rubbished the notion of 'non-political' governors, terming it as contradictory to the spirit of democracy.
Shahid Raheem is a media researcher with ORF |
