No let-up in Tunisia protests

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Tunisian riot police stormed a protest camp to disperse demonstrators who have held a round-the-clock sit-in for five days demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi on Friday.

Protesters threw stones at police, who then fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, but security forces chased after the mostly rural and young protesters through narrow alleyways in central Tunis’ Casbah district before destroying their campsite and possessions.Police fired tear gas at demonstrators on a day many had hoped would see a return of calm to the country following Thursday’s (January 27) cabinet re-shuffle that saw many of the former faces in dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s regime leave, but some felt Ghannouchi should have gone too.President of the Tunisian Union for the Defense of Human Rights, Mukhtar Al-Tariki, explained that the Prime Minister had promised concessions.I told the prime minister to immediately stop the tear gas and stop using force, so that the people can decide what to do. He told me it had already been done. Now I arrive and I see that the tear gas had stopped, at least here. I asked the prime minister to release those arrested, he told me he was going to do it right away, and I asked for the army to retreat and stop clearing up the square, he promised me that he would do that too, said Mukhtar Al-Tariki.We tried to say to the authorities that what’s happening here is unacceptable, I told the Prime Minister in the morning not to do anything and to let the situation calm down naturally and we can find a negotiable solution, he added.Protesters who had camped outside the prime minister’s office for several days began negotiations with representatives of the interim government in the morning in a bid to end the stand-off but shortly before sunset, stone throwing youths were chased out of the area by riot police and soldiers.The force used by police will likely ring alarm bells for some Tunisians who fear old security practices will need substantial reform to protect human rights.Police tore down tents and kicked around their belongings before displaying weapons found in the abandoned possessions such as an axe, machete, and several knives.

Defence Day being observed with simplicity

ISLAMABAD: In view of the flood devastations, Pakistan Defence Day is being observed with simplicity but with national spirit on Monday (today).

All functions and ceremonies with respect to this day have been canceled.

Government has directed to the armed forces to postpone all ceremonies in connection with the Defence Day and all expenditures that were to be incurred for holding the ceremonies should be diverted to the flood affectees relief fund.

On the occasion of Defence Day tribute would be awarded to the martyrs of 1965 war by putting flowers on their graves and prayers for them.

All the cantonments have also postponed the festivities, which they organized every year on this occasion including the defense exhibition.

Meanwhile Air Force day on Sept 7would also be observed with simplicity. SAMAA

Pak Army officials call off US visit after being misbehaved

RAWALPINDI: A delegation, comprising officials from Pakistan Army, has resolved cancellation of US visit after they were mishandled by US officials of Transport Security at Washington Airport, Geo News reported.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) sources, a delegation of Pakistan Army was invited to Central Command meeting in US where delegation announced calling off visit after arrival at Washington airport when US security officials misbehaved Pakistan army officials.

Delegation has been called back to country.

Meanwhile, US Defense Department has strongly deplored the incident, sources said.

Pentagon Urges WikiLeaks Halt Future Public Releases

The Pentagon urged to the management of the website WikiLeaks to hand over thousands of leaked US military documents and halt future public releases.
Pentagon spokesman informed that the Defense Department demands that WikiLeaks return immediately to the US government all versions of documents obtained directly or indirectly from Pentagon databases or records, appearing to imply that hackers may have helped WikiLeaks obtain classified files.
It is pertinent to mention that around 70,000 classified documents on Afghanistan were published by WikiLeaks in late July.

US defense officials in Pak for DCG meetings

ISLAMABAD: A US Defense Department delegation is in Pakistan to attend Defense Consultative Group (DCG) meetings with Pakistan civilian and military counterparts here.

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US defense officials in Pak for DCG meetings

LHC frees woman accused of blasphemy

ISLAMABAD: Lahore High Court freed a mentally ill woman Thursday who had been held without trial for 14 years on allegations of desecrating the Quran, her defense lawyer said.

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LHC frees woman accused of blasphemy

Pentagon tightens media rules for US military

WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has tightened rules on media relations for the US military, only days after the top general in Afghanistan was sacked over disparaging comments he and aides made in an interview.

In a three-page memo sent to senior military and civilian Pentagon staff, Gates said he was “concerned that the department has grown lax in how we engage with the media, often in contravention of established rules and procedures.”

The former Central Intelligence Agency director said “leaking of classified information is against the law, cannot be tolerated, and will, when proven, lead to the prosecution of those found to be engaged in such activity.”

The memo instructs Pentagon officials to notify the Defense Department”s assistant secretary for public affairs “prior to interviews or any other means of media and public engagement with possible national or international implications.”

Data Darbar volunteer sacrifices his life preventing bomber

LAHORE: A volunteer at Data Darbar set an example of courage when he sacrificed his life in trying to prevent the bomber here late Thursday night.

Salim Akhtar, who neither was a policeman nor a government servant, used to work as a volunteer at Data Darbar. The CCTV footage of Data Darbar carnage shows that when red light at a walk through gate installed at the entrance of Data Darbar blinks, Salim Akhtar jumps to action without any fear of risking his life and runs after the suspect and immediately after that a powerful blast occurs.

Salim Akhtar could have saved his life by continuing to stand at the door but his sense of duty proved much stronger than his instinct to save his own life. He lost his life along when the bomber blew himself up.

Courts have no sympathies with criminals: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Friday said courts have no sympathies with criminals and a case be built against any suspect apprehended in the course of investigation into incidents of terrorism.

A three-judge bench, headed by the Chief Justice, heard the case of suo motto notice taken in connection with recovery of Hassan Sharjeel – missing son of Islamabad based journalist Shakeel Turrabi.

IG Islamabad told the court that father of the missing son has received a letter which says that Hassan Sharjeel is in Khost area of Afghanistan and is safe. The Chief Justice in his remarks said these ‘police tactics’ are aimed at diverting attention from the main issue.

The IG said a lead has been found during investigation into the act of terrorism in Rawalpindi Parade Lane Mosque that also indicates link with Hassan Sharjeel.

The Chief Justice on this said unfortunately such acts of terrorism have become a frequent occurrence and stressed upon production of evidence in case there is any culprit for building a case.

Later, the hearing was adjourned till January 9.

Anti terrorism policy needs to be reviewed: Raza Rabbani

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Parliamentary Committee on National Security Mian Raza Rabbani has said it is imperative that country”s policy against terrorism be reviewed in the backdrop of evolving situation in the region.

Mian Raza Rabbani said in a chat with the journalists after the meeting. He said all countries were reviewing their anti terror policy, therefore, Pakistan was also doing so.

Director General Military Operation and the Defense Secretary briefed the committee on the anti-terrorism policy.

Rabbani told committee would soon present its recommendations to the government. The present government was attaching much importance to the recommendations and was implementing them as well.

The next meeting of the committee will be held on July 7th and 8th.

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