Red carpet premiere of ‘Season of the Witch’

NEW YORK: Tending to red carpet duties for his soon-to-be-released movie, Nicolas Cage was on-hand for Relativity Media”s premiere of “Season of the Witch” in New York City on Tuesday night.

Held at AMC Lincoln Square Theater, the Oscar winning actor was joined at the event by fellow cast members including Robert Sheehan, Stephen Campbell Moore, Claire Foy and Ron Perlman.

Due out in theaters on Friday, the Dominic Sena directed work finds “14th-century knights transport a suspected witch to a monastery, where monks deduce her powers could be the source of the Black Plague.”

Denying that he took the role only to pay off reported multi-million dollar debt, Cage recently told USA Today, “(Season) I needed to do more than (for) necessity reasons, but because I genuinely connected with the … material. But there”s always that other element too, you know, as a result of what has happened that has been made very public.”

WikiLeaks founder fears US indictment

The WikiLeaks boss Julian Assange said he expects further attacks on his character and a US indictment.

In an interview after bail, he said he is expecting leaked information on his alleged sexual assaults to hit the media today and suggested he is aware of US plans to indict him on charges of espionage as a result of the not-so-secret Virginia-based grand jury investigation.

According to Assange, his US based legal firm consider the situation potentially serious and a reinforcement of concerns the Swedish extradition attempt is aimed at removing him to a jurisdiction more inclined to allow easy extradition to the USA. The US Department of Justice would only say the investigation into the WikiLeaks matter was ongoing.

After a judge at Westminster Court allowed bail for Mr Assange earlier this week, unknown authorities appealed on the grounds he would abscond, but Mr Justice Ousely rejected the submissions denied the appeal at the High Court hearing yesterday and set the bail conditions. Many prominent people have contributed to the bail fund and are supporting Mr Assange.

As he emerged from court yesterday after hearing a statement by the judge that his cooperation with police indicated he would not try to evade justice, he was greeted by cheering supporters and world media representatives.

Saying justice is clearly not yet dead, he thanked his legal team and his supporters, adding his time in solitary confinement had made him conscious of others in solitary all over the world in far worse situations than his current predicament.

Pak receives $4.43b remittance in 5 months

Pakistani overseas have sent 4.43 billion of dollars remittances to the country during the last five months.According to the report released by SBP, 1.4 billions dollars were received from UAE and that was the highest amount and 84 million of dollars were received from USA. The report further said, in November 2010, an amount of $926.89 million was sent, while in August 2010, an amount of $933.06 million was received as remittances. State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis had undertaken a joint initiative called Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) with a view to facilitating the flow of remittances through formal channels. Pakistan has been reported as a top nation which has shown the highest growth in the world in remittances despite global financial crisis.

Increasing External Intervention in Pakistan

US Ambassador has recently emphasized on ‘urgently needed’ reforms like Reformed GST, and is strongly lobbing to ensure its proper legislation. The United Kingdom has also declared RGST as indispensable for the survival and growth of the Pakistan’s economy and has declared that the donors could never come forward to extend financial assistance unless the well-off segment in Pakistan is made to pay taxes.

United States wants a direct and all-time presence at our political, financial, and defense scene on permanent basis. This is the most outrageous demand any country in the world has ever made but it is very painful for the citizens of Pakistan that our foreign office gives very lame and soft responses to these highly vital issues, obviously on the advice of sitting Government. Recent statement of the US ambassador regarding Reformed GST is also an open interference in the internal affairs of our country. Pakistan needs to deal with US with stern and tough hands over such interferences. US interference has been allowed in the change of command and promotions in the Pakistan armed forces and the structure and role of security forces of Pakistan and conditionality have been attached, which impinged hard on the defense of Pakistan. In the meantime, Zardari-led government continues to facilitate the US-Nato agenda of so-called “war on terror” for its personal gains by further pushing Pakistan into worst position. This is in spite of a rising public resentment against the US-Nato; nearly 90% of Pakistanis consider America quite negatively due to its wrong policies. Disappointing and disturbing as it is, the so-called “war on terror” has been so far worked in favor of Zardari. The Zardari regime never minds spilling Pakistani blood. It is in that background that in spite of an absolutely abysmal political management performance, loss of public support and credibility, Zardari led regime is still enjoying full support of UK and Nato and continues to receive the full support of its masters in Washington also.

Backed by USA, IMF is dictating the government to introducing reforms in GST and enhancing tariff rates of electricity and gas as well as price of petroleum products. The tax system overhaul, under the terms agreed with the IMF, entails taking away tax exemptions and slapping 15 per cent tax on services, further fueling the hardships already being faced by common people. The conditionalities imposed by the IMF have broken the backbone of a common man. Poor man in Pakistan is paying a hell a lot of tax indirectly and is being further burdened by IMF’s policies. Obviously tax base should be broadened but it should be the direct taxation and should be collected from ultimate thieves, feudal and land mafias who have been eating country like termites since its creation.

Pakistan’s “economic curse” is that the ruling elite, bureaucrats, politicians and the military establishment have worked absolutely in their own interest, and not that of the people at large. Pakistani leadership has been living beyond its means for decades. Its government expenditure, where in the world would you see a country in dire straits giving scores of Prado’s (12.5 million), Land Cruisers (16.5 millions), fleets of Toyota Hilux, Sedan’s & even Range Rovers (b/t 12.5 – 15 million) to its ministers & provincial & federal officers. The personal weaknesses of our top leadership are weakening the defense of Pakistan and endangering the sovereignty and integrity of the country but their greed seems to have no end. The cat is now out of bag. The latest Wikileaks revelations have disclosed the crooked interactions that took place behind the smokescreen of American diplomacy. The US government has not denied the authenticity of the released cables and none of the Pakistani leaders quoted in the leaks has denied having said what was reported. For us also, there is no valid point to dismiss WikiLeaks as rubbish, nothing new or even a conspiracy.

The United States has denied any involvement in the Pakistani political system as it reaffirmed its support for the so called civilian rule, saying the return of democracy has strengthened the key regional country. We have an effective relationship with President Zardari and that will continue, they say. No doubt, Pakistan and USA have very close relations since 1947 on the basis of “needs”. One, on the military side, there is extensive cooperation between the Pakistani military and the United States military, and the people of Pakistan would welcome that to continue. Though USA has always helped Pakistan both militarily and financially as well as in natural disasters and both the countries do understand the need of long lasting relationship, but in the present regime USA is controlling Pakistan like a puppet. The only reason is that the actions of our top leadership in the present regime constantly remained below dignity that encouraged the US authorities to dictate it in every sphere otherwise in normal course they keep very decent relations with other nations. Take the example of India; it is considered far superior and economically respected nation in the world and US as well as other nations interact with them with dignity and respect only due to its credible leadership.

USA should realize that their explicit involvement in the affairs of Pakistan is counterproductive. Rather than reconfiguring them as friends and saviors, the Pakistani beneficiaries of US aid rather become subsumed. Zardari is supported by the US despite political repression of Pakistan’s citizens. Will the association with Zardari, having a most corrupt history, being at the lowest of his popularity, and having no loyalty even to his own country and his countrymen can prove trustworthy for US in the long run? Generally, political relationships with such like people do not work on long term basis. The people of Pakistan consider Zardari as oppressor who, instead of stopping corruption, is inflicting more and more taxes on the poor. Due to unconditional support of US Authorities to such an unpopular leader ultimately create resentment against USA and its all activities are seen by the people of Pakistan very negatively. If USA wants long term relations with Pakistan it should work for the people to win their hearts instead of underhand dealing with the ruling elite, as the people of Pakistan are frustrated by the vulgar nature of political system prevailing in Pakistan.

Pakistan is blessed with excellent human capital with majority of the youth, second to none, the people are very, very talented. Face of the people that is presented by our ruling elite for its own objectives is not real. There are few people involved in extremism and most of the people I would say above 95% are very simple, loving, peaceful, and moderate. People to people frequent contact would bring positive results for USA. I urge US government to be soft in immigration visa policy for most young Pakistanis professional, journalist, student and labor class men and women to work in USA, and to invest maximum of its aid in the education sector in Pakistan. Every well meaning Pakistani should be grateful and appreciate those having the commitment to help establish strong institutions. It should result in greater public trust in the entities including US helping them achievement of long-term prosperity, sustainability and social well-being.

Saudi Royal family wants to see Sharifs in power

According to the recently issued Wikileaks’ reports it is a common notion in Pakistan that the Saudi Royal family wants to the Sharif family to be in power and that is why Saudi Arabia is hesitating to help the PPP government. On the other hand Saudi government expressed its disappointment over Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan from London and asked Musharraf to deport him again to Saudi Arabia.

According to the report, a diplomat in the Pakistani embassy in Riaz was of the view that a girl from the Sharif family has been married to a grand son of Shah Fahad bin Abdul Aziz aand therefore Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has become a part of the royal family. The reports have also revealed that the Saudi government was directly involved in the pardon agreement of Mina Muahammad Nawaz Sharif and that Mian Muahmad Nawaz Sharif violated the agreement by participating in active politics.

Saudi envoy to the USA Adil Zubairi also disclosed the facts that the Saudi government allowed Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to go to London on the condition that he would not go back to Pakistan but he ( Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif ) violated the terms of agreement. The Saudi government asked Musharraf to deport Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif back to Saudi Arabia where he would be given all the due respect but his status would be like that of a house-arrest personality. Adil Zubairi also said that at that time there was no alternative of Musharraf while Benazir Bhutto and Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif did not have the capability to fight the menace of terrorism and therefore Saudi government was compelled to support Musharraf otherwise Pakistan would be destabilized that could give Osama Bin Laden to have an access to the nuclear assets of Pakistan.

Wikileaks — Theft or fabrication?

I am beginning to think that the entire Wiki-leaks premise is a fabrication. It seems that this venue can be used for airing ideas that promote the agenda of the various powerful political powers.

Wikileaks could not be able to leak out such information without prior knowledge or consent of USA. The verbal fight between USA and Wikileaks seems to be cosmetic and artistically deceiving the countries affected by these leaks. It is worth seeing that the prime beneficiary of these leaks is United States because one thing is clearly established in the minds of the people of the nations under discussion that how penetrating and how dangerous the US Intelligence system is and how naked the actions and conversation of the Governments ruling in those countries have become in the present situation. The timing of the release of these documents may be intended to capture news cycle headlines in the most spectacular possible manner, while embarrassing U.S. and, Afghanistan and Pakistani officials as well. Every effected nation of these revelations must understand that US has adopted the policy of hurting itself first to deceive others from its own attempt to inflict compound diplomatic and political losses to the other countries. Publishing secret information by the US is decided only after weighing the risks and and its own interest. It’s very strange such a huge cache of information can be leaked to the media so conveniently

Time-frame of the these leaks was between 2004-2009 before the whole Pak Afghan Policy was laid down by the new administration in the White House and prior to the US-PAK Strategic dialogues in which Gen. Ashfaq Parvaiz Keyani himself gave out a long presentation winning many admirers within the US administration. I wonder exactly what we might find from the leaked documents that would really ‘surprise’ any Pakistani leader, or Pakistani journalist, or any Pakistani for that matter? How can this be a fresh and news story in Pakistan1s perspective- based on a ‘leak’? Things are the same which are already in the knowledge of everyone. It’s well known that the USA supported Pakistan in setting up Taliban to fight the Soviet Union. Pakistan had already, and still have, great interests in meddling in Afghani affairs. In spite of clearly reflecting “mistrust” it is written on wall that without each other both the “allies” US and Pakistan can not win this war and where the Pakistani Military needs the United States has to realize Pakistan has legitimate concerns in Afghanistan and should not have allowed such embarrassing leaks, although there is nothing new in that. Anyhow these are no more than pressure tactics. The Soviet Union during cold war managed to infiltrate the US government many times by adopting such tactics.

Wikileaks first published those “pentagon papers” on the Iraq and Afghanistan war, the reactions from mainstream media and governments were enormous in volumes and indignation. Then another leak was released by Wikileaks; Iran supplying new forms of suicide vests for al-Qaida. Another big revelation was “Pakistan’s spy agency collaborated with the Taliban” What is this trash? These facts reported by Wikileaks sound like those typical daily field intelligence reports produced in the order of the thousands. There are surely entities within US government that are allowing Wikileaks to continue and still we should expect for the same.

Corruption in Afghanistan, dealings with Iran and pressure from Saudi Arabia for military action and much more damaging details are coming out. The creation of deep mistrust between Iran and Saudi Arabia would also see its peak when Wikileaks revealed the dangerous intentions of Saudi King towards Iran. The leaks though interesting but would soon turn into an instrument that can trigger the Third World War suddenly or may be very soon! The remarks or intentions of Saudi King towards Iran can also be seen as a surgical attempt to shift the blame of any future attack on Iran from the shoulders of Israel. This is a very well planned move from the part of America and the Wikileaks that will pay them a long and valuable benefit in playing the game of diplomacy in the Gulf Region. The collapse of relationship between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran would be fast and painful if the reports or leaks provided by Wikileaks would be taken negatively and motive behind these leaks are not anticipated properly.

One thing is quite clear that after these leaks, the relationship between many Muslim countries would face a worst period of roll back. Another very important thing to note is that these leaks have very mild and less disturbing revelations against Israel. It is beyond understanding that why the leaks have less igniting revelations or leaks against the problem state of the Middle East? It can be sensed very easily that these leaks are released or orchestrated keeping in view to the fact that sentiments of Israel or the Zionists may not be hurt. Fact remains there that US game of death Muslim vs. Muslims is running and going on as a policy.

Everybody knows it is not a fight of any nation it is the fight started against Muslims by the pronouncement of crusade by Bush and his accomplices engulfing all religions on the advice of the only self proclaimed terrorist nation of the world. Now the fact must be faced and said boldly. It is fault of our leaders that we allowed these criminals like Bush to do what he did. The present move through Wikileaks is a continuation of Bush policies. The release of these documents for Pakistan will do nothing other than to further undermine our already declining standing in the eyes of international community. It is just an attempt to create gross misunderstandings and diplomatic crisis between the Islamic countries; the dangerous dent inflicted to the relations between Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan being the worst part. We must accept, the popularity of our President is extremely worse at home, but recent developments including the embezzlement and peaked corruption with Hajj Pilgrims by Pakistani authorities further fueled and outraged the Saudi high ups. Since President Zardari took Control, things have taken for the worse in Pakistan. Pakistan has to change positively. With so many foreign influences in Pakistan, it has to be strong enough to handle all the foreign and internal influences and it easily can with determined will. Other wise there is no Future for Pakistan. The King may have rightly said about President Zardari, but the question is, after this leak shall the sitting ruling party would be able to rely on this tested friend? Our President has a slippery skin and nothing hurts him or creates any spark in his heart that will motivate him of improving his image, but the impact of the horrendous remarks of the Saudi King can dissipate the existing warm relationship between these most important countries of the Muslim world.

To achieve their personal objectives the Pakistani leaders have really given free hand to the Americans who have never supported our cause or the Kashmir issue. Instead, they have always betrayed us. What is the use of Embassy extension in a country like Pakistan? Apparently they envisage taking Pakistan as a mini colony or American state where they are allowed to move and act freely. What are we doing? Now, after Afghanistan, they would create situation like Iraq or Afghanistan in our country to settle old scores. We, the Pakistanis, should wake up, stop the construction of this new Embassy and grab back the land extended to the Americans which otherwise is against the constitution and the sovereignty of the country. Our leaders are if doing wrongful acts while in power then they should have to admit and confess their demerits and committed mistakes before the nation and should have to create the atmosphere of self-accountability first by showing sincerity and honesty with the nation and especially with beloved Pakistan instead of condemning and refusing or denying the true facts about them. And as far as Wikileaks’ reports about Pakistani leaders are concerned then all the reports are not wrong and false about Pakistani leaders and it may be possible that some reports are wrongful and false. If our leaders are doing wrongful and definitely all the leaders are not doing much the best with the nation and especially with beloved Pakistan they should have to learn the lesson from these reports and remove their committed mistakes themselves by removing and uprooting corruption from all the departments of Pakistan so that no one could target them or any departments of Pakistan in the future in negative sense or in regard of corruption. They should realize that they have put the future of the country at stake. There are no two opinions that US in fact is trying to commandeer the Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent, which they see as its only real defense against India. Pakistan knows the Americans and the Zionists designs to dismantle Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities which are completely unjust because the Indians and Israel’s nuclear arsenal are acknowledged as legitimate but Pakistan’s not. Pakistan needs less foreign interference, not more. But on current trends the opposite is happening. The clear danger, highlighted by the leaked cables, is that the USA’s unwindable war in Afghanistan is spilling over into its weak, ill-led and much put-upon neighbor – and that Pakistan, too, could become a war zone if our leaders remained senseless as ever.

TRON 3D Nights brings the first ever 3D clubbing experience in India

Submerge, one India’s largest promotions and events company for Dance Music has announced plans to host the Tron 3D Nights across Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. These Tron 3D Nights by Submerge will engage the electronic dance music and sci-fi movie fans with the first ever 3D clubbing experience in the country.

Tron 3D Nights by Submerge are scheduled on: 9th December at Trilogy, Mumbai; 11th December at Area 51, Pune and on 12th December at Chancery Pavillion Poolside, Bangalore.

Christopher Lawrence, (rated as USA’s No.1 DJ by the BBC Radio) will set the pulse racing with electronic music while the 3D Act from UK consisting of a Disc Jockey and Visual Jockey will create a unique 3D audio visual experience throughout the party. The Tron 3D Nights by Submerge are set to create immersive live entertainment experiences combining dynamic music and dance with the digital-3D world of TRON: Legacy.

Nikhil Chinapa, Submerge Co-Founder said, “Submerge has always been about creating a unique clubbing experiencing and we are glad to announce that The 3D: Audio Visual Experience is coming to India exclusively through Submerge. Our association with the India Release of the path-breaking 3D movie – The Tron: Legacy is going to make this clubbing experience even more special and we are looking forward to the TRON 3D parties by Submerge which will also feature legendary DJ Christopher Lawrence from America. The combination of the 3D Audio Visual Experience with Christopher Lawrence combined with the India Release of The Tron: Legacy will take clubbing in India to a whole new level.”

So all you people slide on your 3D glasses and get ready to be submerged into the musical world of TRON.

US Envoy reminds of US support to Pakistan through thick and thin

US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Minter has said that the USA has always supported Pakistan through thick and thin, Dunya New reported on Thursday.
Speaking at the ending ceremony of the flight operation for the relief efforts of the flood victims, the US envoy said that US considers Pakistan as her strategic partner. He also said that US has proved its friendship with Pakistan by helping the flood-affectees. American Brigadier General Michael Logata said that 600 US personnel and 26 helicopters participated in the relief operation.
Corps Commander Peshawar Lt. General Asif Yaseen also spoke on the occasion and thanked the US government for helping the flood-affected people. Responding to a question Corps Commander said that the decision of launching operation in North Waziristan would be taken by Pak Army.

Mian Iftikhar confirms offer of presidency to Asfandyar

Provincial Information Minister of KhyberPakhtunkhwa Mian Iftikhar Hussain has confirmed the offers of presidency to Asfandyar Wali Khan during the long march last year, trendpk.Com reported on Wednesday.

Speaking at a conference held at Khana Farhang Iran in Peshawar, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that his party believes in politics of principles. He said that presidency is the prerogative of that party which enjoys majority in the parliament and hence Asfandyar Wali Kham rejected the offer.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain was of the view that peace in Pakistan is conditional with peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also said that there should be communication of information between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the USA.

Pakistans political leadership agreed on drone attack: Wikileaks

The recently issued reports of Wikileaks have revealed that the political leadership of Pakistan has given permission to the USA for drone attacks in the tribal region. According to the report it is an undocumented agreement between the government of Pakistan and the USA.

The report has also revealed the fact that the former president Pervez Musharraf gave permission for the drone attacks and assured the USA to sign the pact of resolution of the Kashmir dispute soon. Wikileaks have also disclosed the fact that the interior minister Rehman Malik advised the prime minister to halt the attacks till the completion of Bajaur operation however the prime minister rejected his advice and said that the attacks should be continued till they are targeting the right people. The reports also say that Pakistani politicians oppose the drone attacks publicly but support it privately. Wikilekas has also proved the fact that US army is present with Pakistan army in tribal areas for better coordination during the drone attacks.

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