Afghanistan, Pakistan pledge cooperation against extremism

KABUL: Afghanistan and Pakistan have vowed to work more closely to combat extremism, Hamid Karzai’s office said Wednesday after talks between the Afghan president and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Karzai’s office said in a statement that the pair spoke by telephone on Tuesday evening and discussed areas where the two neighbours could cooperate more, including on economic ties.

“Both sides emphasised more cooperation and coordination between security institutions of the two countries in the war against terrorism,” the statement said.

Karzai also invited Gilani to come to Afghanistan on an official visit for further talks, which the Pakistani prime minister accepted, it added.

The pledge comes amid continued unrest in Afghanistan, where more than 150,000 foreign troops are battling Taliban insurgents whose leadership are widely believed

Iran bankrolling Karzai govt: NYT

Afghan President Hamid Karzais chief of staff, Umar Daudzai, has been receiving regular cash payment from Iran, which is trying to expand its interests in the Afghan presidential palace, The New York Times reported.
Citing unnamed Afghan and Western officials in Kabul, the newspaper said Iran had been using its influence to help drive a wedge between the Afghans and their US and NATO allies. The payments, which officials say total millions of dollars, go into a secret fund that Daudzai and Karzai have used to pay Afghan lawmakers, tribal elders and even Taliban commanders to secure their loyalty, the report said. The Times cites unnamed officials as saying that the Iranian payments are intended to secure the allegiance of Daudzai, a former ambassador to Iran who consistently advocates an anti-Western line to Karzai and briefs Karzai every morning. Last August, when President Karzai wrapped up an official visit to Iran, Maliki brought to the presidential plane a large plastic bag filled with wads of euro bills and handed it to Daudzai, according to the report.

MQM, ANP involved in Karachi target killings: Fazl

Staff Report

NOWSHEHRA: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP) are involved in the target killings in Karachi, said Jamiat-e Ulema-e Islam chief, Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman.

Fazal-ur-Rehman,during an Iftar party with flood victims in Noshehra, said that the government has not only failed in maintaining law and order in the country but also in providing relief to the flood victims.

“The international agencies and non-governmental agencies should come forward to help the needy flood victim people.” The JUI-F chief added. SAMAA

Swat, FATA students visit China

Staff Report

RAWALPINDI: China Electronic Technology Group (CETC) invited 20 students from war affected areas (Swat and FATA) for an official visit to China.

According to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Pakistan, the first batch of ten students visited China from August 13-20 2010; the second batch will visit China in September 2010.

The purpose of this visit was to strengthen the friendly bond between the two countries and boost the morale of people, particularly young students

of war affected areas.

Such activities and visits will further strengthen the friendship of the two countries and create opportunities for the youth of war hit areas to witness dividends of progress and stability attained by China. SAMAA

China, Vietnam, Iran win UNESCO heritage honours

PARIS: World culture body UNESCO added 15 sites to its top heritage list this weekend, including an imperial palace in Vietnam, temples in China, an Australian penal colony and a historic bazaar in Iran.

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China, Vietnam, Iran win UNESCO heritage honours

Madonna in Paris to direct her new movie

PARIS: The Material Girl is illuminating the City of Light, where she’s shooting her latest film, W.

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Madonna in Paris to direct her new movie

Zardari flies to Europe amid outcry

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday left for official visit of France.

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Zardari flies to Europe amid outcry

President Zardari leaves for France

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday left for official visit of France.

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President Zardari leaves for France

President Zardari to visit China in July

BEIJING: At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari will pay an official visit to China from July 6-11, announced Chinese foreign ministry here Tuesday.

“We warmly welcome President Zardari”s visit to China”, said Spokesman Qing Gang while making announcement of the President visit, at the regular press briefing here at the foreign office.

He said that President Hu Jintao will have talk with President Zardari, Premier Wen Jiabao and Mr. Jia Qingline, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People”s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) will also meet President Zardari.

He pointed out that during these meetings, leaders of both the countries will exchange views on “deepening bilateral relations and promoting pragmatic cooperation in various fields”.

Both sides will also discuss matters of common interest, he added.

Qureshi for meaningful talks with India

CAIRO: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is currently in Egypt on an official visit, has said that Pakistan wants meaningful talks with India on the basis of mutual respect and parity.

He expressed these views at his meeting with Arab League’s Secretary General Ammar Musa here on Wednesday.

Qureshi said both Pakistan and India will have to resolve all their outstanding issues for the establishment of peace in South Asia, says a statement released by Foreign Office today.

The statement said that democratic government of Pakistan is faced with numerous challenges. However, people and government of Pakistan are determined for elimination of militancy.

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