Pakistan needs three years to recover: Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari warned that it could take more than three years to rehabilitate after devastating floods which affected 20 million people.

In an interview with Western journalists, Zardari denied that the country’s worst humanitarian disaster would impair the military’s fight against Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants, conducted under US pressure in the northwest.

And while he welcomed international aid, which has been led by the United States, he called on Washington to make more efforts to win over hearts and minds from entrenched anti-Americanism, such as by reducing tariffs on cotton exports.

“Your guess is as good as mine, but three years is a minimum,” Zardari told reporters Monday when asked how long it would take Pakistan to go through relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation after the floods.

“I don’t think Pakistan

PC to Maoists: No ifs and buts, fax me

New Delhi, Feb. 23: The Centre on Tuesday said it will not accept any pre-conditions for talks with the CPI (Maoist) rebels and urged them to abjure violence and come to the negotiating table.

In the absence of an “authentic statement” from the Naxals, Union home minister P. Chidambaram said, “I would like no ifs, no buts and no conditions. I would like the statement to be faxed to 011-23093155 (home ministry control room). Once I receive the statement, I shall consult the PM and other colleagues and respond promptly,” he said. Mr Chidambaram was reacting to top Maoist leader Kishenji’s statements in the media offering a 72-day ceasefire if the government halted its anti-Naxal offensive.

Namrata Biji Ahuja

12,000 Cops to Ensure Karachi Security on Eid

KARACHI, Pakistan News: On the directives of Home Minister Dr Zulfikar Ali Mirza, the police have finalised security plan for maintenance of law and order on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha throughout the Province.

According to the plan over 12000 strong police force would be on deployment, especially in Karachi while installation of security cameras have been ensured for monitoring of major Eid congregations.

Under the plan all SHOs are in continuous contact with the management and office-bearers of Masajid, Imambargahs, organisers of Eidgahs and shopping centres, bachat bazaars and cattle markets.

The police are carrying out picketing, patrolling and snap checking at all entry and exit points while arrangements were complete for the force deployment in the city.

Besides, deployment of police in plain cloth for gathering intelligence at police station level, the mobile and special squads patrolling are also part of the plan to give a sense of security to people.

During Eidul Azha, the parking would be kept at a distance from Msajid, Imambargahs, Eidgahs, shopping centres, bachat bazars and congested public places, hotels, fast food outlets etc for fool proof security while bomb disposal squads are also on duty.

Deployment of traffic cops at all busy roads, light signals, inter-sections and round-abouts has been made and arrangements made to keep people informed about alternate traffic routes.

Implementation of Code of Conduct issued by the Home Department is also being ensured. Under the security plan, Control Room in West Zone with telephone number 37712926, East Zone with telephone No 99231246 and South Zone with No 99201197 and 99201196 are functioning round the clock for taking an immediate action.

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12,000 Cops to Ensure Karachi Security on Eid was first posted on November 28, 2009 at 9:16 am.