Nawaz Urges Govt to Restore Peace in Balochistan

Expressing grave concern over the worsening law and order situation in Balochistan, Nawaz Sharif called upon the incumbent government to restore peace in the province.

Addressing the party’s organizing committee in Quetta, Nawaz said that every Pakistani is worried for Balochistan and its peace; the country is passing through hard times, he added and vowed to save the country at any cost. Expressing grave concern over the worsening law and order situation in Baluchistan, Nawaz said that targeted killing of Pakhtuns, Balochs and natives is on with no solution in sight. Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and Karachi are burning. He called upon the government to redress the grievances of Baloch people.Under which law Nawab Akbar Bugti was assassinated? he asked.

Nawaz said the government’s foreign policy has failed.

Chief Pakistan Muslim League-N Nawaz Sharif has vowed to expel the allies of General Musharraf from his party, trendpk.Com reported on Saturday.

Nawaz urged the party officials to settle mutual differences and strengthen the party.

Pakistan passing through a transition phase: Sheikh

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh has said that Pakistan is passing through a transition phase and that a gradual transfer of administrative and financial powers from centre to provinces is in process.

Addressing a gathering at Pakistan Development Forum (PDF) here on Sunday, the Finance Minister described 18th Amendment and NFC Award as his government’s big achievements.

Speaking on this occasion, Punjab’s senior minister Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa said that recent flood had ravaged south Punjab, causing losses worth Rs80 billion.

“No government is in a position to undertake reconstruction and rehabilitation work alone,” he said.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Governor Owais Ghani said his provinces needs Rs29 billions to rehabilitate flood-hit people. Trend Pk

Shujaat distances himself from ML factions

Staff Report

LAHORE: PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain says that he will not join the Muslim League factions if their objective is to attain power.

Speaking at a ceremony held to mark the Allama Iqbal Day in Islamabad today, Hussain said, “Pakistan is passing through a difficult time. If the nation doesn’t unite, only Almighty Allah can save it.”

He said the nation has forgotten the teachings of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal. Trend Pk

PM pays homage to Sep 6 martyrs

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani renewed his government’s pledge to make Pakistan a strong and invincible country by inculcating unity, faith and discipline in lives of Pakistani people.

In a message on Pakistan Defence Day, the Prime Minister said September 6 is a red letter day in the history of Pakistan when the armed forces with the solid support of the people exhibited unprecedented valor in thwarting grave threats to the country.

“On this day, we pay homage to our valiant martyrs and our ancestors who defended their country heroically.”

He said Pakistan is facing gigantic and myriad challenges and is passing through a critical period of history. Our security is challenged by multi-dimensional and multi-directional threats. Our adversaries taking full advantage of the situation on the one hand are adding to the difficulties of Pakistan and

Super Flood at Kotri; Cracks Appear in Surjani Bund

News Trends: Army has taken control of Kotri Barrage after an exceptionally high flood hit it, while water flow in Sukkur and Guddu Barrages decreased despite high flood over there.
The flood torrent that has devoured thousands of acres agricultural land and other property is just hours away from the Arabian Sea. Hyderabad is out of threat now, however seepage has started from Surjani Bund near Thatta. A super flood wave is passing through Kotri while the Flood Commission authorities warned that water level would surge in the next 24 hours, which put some localities of Hyderabad, Sajawal, Thatta and other adjoining areas. The administration strengthened the safety dykes around Hyderabad that ward off the flood threat at least for the time being. Water pressure has been increased on the protective embankments as a tide of 890, 977 cusecs is passing through Malakatiar due to which Malakatiar City, Wasi Maluk Shah and other adjacent areas have been evacuated.
On the other hand, the erosion being developed in Aqil loop bund has been plugged. Some 300 villages of Thatta are still under water forcing the afectees to stay under open sky. According to Met Department, water would enter into the sea on a slow pace, but warned that the gravity of moon could hit the water back that could deluge Thatta and other areas. An inflow of 919,686 cusecs is being recorded in Kotri Barrage with an outflow of 89,881 cusecs. Inflow in Guddu and Sukkur Barrages has slid by 35,0000 and 33,0000 cusecs.

MQM to submit privilege motion in NA

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement has decided to submit a privilege motion against PML-N in the National Assembly (NA) and Senate, said sources on Tuesday.

The decision was taken during a joint session of the members of national, provincial assemblies and the Senate here at Nine Zero.

The meeting was also attended by MQM’s parliamentary leader in NA Dr. Farooq Sattar and Babar Khan Ghauri, the party’s parliamentary leader in Senate and members coordination committee.

The Privilege Motion will seek to move NA and Senate against anti-democratic and anti-constitutional acts rendered by PML-N.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), had submitted a privilege motion against the statements issued by Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Monday, August 23.

At least 87 PML-N members signed the

Hyderabad at flood risk, schools to remain closed till Aug. 27

HYDERABAD: A super flood of over 9,00,000 cusecs of water is passing through Kotri Barrage that is more than its capacity of 8,75,000 cusecs, endangering urban localities in Hyderabad and risking inundation.

Irrigation experts were of the view that water inflow would increase by about 9,50,000 cusecs in the coming days. They said 74 RL is considered as safe but the water level may go up to 75.2 RL, which is very dangerous. Water inflow at Kotri has increased by 38,292 cusecs in one day.

The floodwater has developed a breach at RBOD drain in Hyderabad. Several villages have been inundated in Latifabad and Wahdat Colony. Some areas of Hyderabad and Jamshoro have been flooded as water pressure has increased in Kotri.

According to district administration sources, on account of constant surge in the flow of water at Kotri Barrage, fears of anticipated floods in

60 villages inundated in Shikarpur

SHIKARPUR: Flood water continued to wreak havoc across the country as water submerged in Shikarpur, destroying more than 60 villages. Three women drowned, two died of gastroenteritis in Ameer Shah.

Five people were swept away as the roof of a house collapsed in Muzaffargarh.

More than 16 breaches in Begari and Sindh Canal in district Shikarpur have not been built, even after 13 days have passed. Over 16 villages are inundated with flood water: passing through Shikarpur, into Golo Daro, Jacobabad and Indus Highway.

The flood also destroyed agriculture crops spread over 35 acres of land.

Thousands of people were stranded in 50 villages of katcha area. They are facing shortage of food items and other necessities.

Raging water in Kotri Barrage threatened the villages of Sajan Detho, Sehrish Nagar, Gul Baig Chandio, Latifabad no. 4, Panhor and

Last US combat brigade exits Iraq

BAGHDAD: The last US combat brigade pulled out of Iraq at dawn on Thursday, a key milestone in the withdrawal of American forces more than seven years after the US-led invasion ousted dictator Saddam Hussein.

Under the cover of dark, the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, crossed the border into neighbouring Kuwait ahead of the planned declaration of an end to US combat operations in Iraq by an August 31 deadline.

The pullout came two days after a suicide bomber killed 59 people at a Baghdad army recruitment centre in Iraq’s deadliest attack this year, sparking concern the country’s forces are incapable of handling security on their own.

“Yes, they did,” Lieutenant Colonel Eric Bloom told AFP, when asked if the 4th Stryker Brigade had crossed into Kuwait. “The last one crossed at about 6:00 am this morning.”

“They have a few more days to

I will supervise relief work myself: Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday, while presiding over the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) meeting that he will supervise rehabilitation work himself, and announced the formation of the NDMC which will transparently collect funds for the flood affected people.

“I myself supervise the relief and rehabilitation process for the flood victims to get it done in a transparent manner,” said PM Gilani in the NDMC meeting.

The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and attended by all the chief ministers, Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Chairman of NDMA and heads of organisations concerned.

PM Gilani assured that qualified and talented people will be appointed by the NDMC, their names will be announced soon.

He said close coordination and better

Next Page »