Indian troops martyr one more Kashmiri youth

The troops killed the youth in Zachaldara area of Handwara during a siege and search operation. Indian army claimed that the killed youth was a militant.

On the other hand, two persons were killed and four others injured in different road accidents in Pantha Chowk, Sonamarg, Pattan and Budgam areas. A man was killed after he was hit by a stone at Shirpora Bala in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, five shops were damaged in a fire that broke out at Bohri Kadal in Srinagar.

Priyanka Chopra to speak at MTV’s Youth Marketing Forum

Youth Icon and one of India’s leading actors, Priyanka Chopra, will be speaking at the MTV Youth Marketing Forum on ‘The Age of Sinnocence and Cinema’ scheduled on the April 29, 2011 in Mumbai at ‘The Comedy Store’ – Palladium.

Priyanka Chopra, a prodigious performer who has entertained millions with her histrionics over the years, is truly a perfect blend of beauty and intellect. At the Youth Marketing Forum, Priyanka Chopra will share her views on the evolution of Indian Cinema and its depiction of youth culture in films over the years. Her own journey, being a case in point…from being a beauty pageant winner to carving a niche for herself in Bollywood with fan following worldwide.

Titled ”MTV Age of Sinnocence’ the day-long event will engage a colossal convergence of thoughts, experience and ideas.

Ali Zafar’s cameo in Luv Ka The End

Ali Zafar seems to have become Yash Raj’s blue eyed boy. The Pakistani pop singer, who debuted with Tere Bin Laden and will also be seen in YRF’s Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, even makes a cameo appearance in Y Films’ Luv Ka The End.

Ali would be seen playing a rock star by the name of Freddie Kapoor in this teen flick which stars Shraddha Kapoor and Taaha Shah. He will be seen performing on the track ‘Fun Fun Funaa’ which incidentally he has only sung. Apparently, it was director Bumpy’s idea to have Ali make a special appearance since he has a huge fan following among the youth.

Coalition on the rocks:JUI-F decides to join Opposition benches in Centre

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam on Thursday announced to sit on the Opposition benches in the joint session of the Parliament convened by the President on Dec 18, trendpk.com learnt.

Sources revealed that the JUI is likely to give a proper application to the Speaker National Assembly to get their seats allotted in Opposition benches. Former federal minister Maulana Ataur Rehman who resigned in protest against the sacking of Azam Swati, ex-minister for Science & Technology, has returned his official vehicle and staff and vacated his office as well, party sources divulged. On the other hand, JUI is also considering to part ways with the provincial governments both in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.

JUI ministers from GB and Balochistan met with Maulana Fazalur Rehman and deliberated upon the status quo.

Maulana also asked his partys ministers to stay ready to quit anytime soon. It merits to mention that Haji Gulbar Khan, Minister for Health, Youth Affairs and Ashr-o-Zakat besides two parliamentary secretaries at GB. Balochistans Deputy Speaker Syed Mutee Ullah also belonged to JUI besides three other cabinet ministers.

The JUI-F had first announced its decision to part ways with the PPP-led coalition government after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani sacked JUI-F member and Minister for Science and Technology Azam Khan Swati from the federal cabinet.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Defence Ahmed Mukhtar has stated that Pakistan Peoples Party had chalked out a strategy to bring JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman back into the government. He was optimistic that PPP would woo Maulana, adding that he would return to the government soon.

Govt takes unpopular decisions occasionally, says Gilani

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said that unpopular decisions were imperative sometimes and RGST fate will be decided in the National Assembly.

Addressing 19th convocation of University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, the PM said the world was making progress very fast and our youth should compete it in every field. He urged the students and teachers to come forward and play their role in economic and social uplift. He said we should improve our educational system and to enhance technical training adding that no country can fight nations with strong institutions and quality of governance. The PM said only those nations had achieved their goal who based their growth on knowledge, research and creativity and countries which acquired knowledge in fields of science, engineering and technology were economic rulers of the present time.

18th amendment, transfer of powers to provinces and many other decisions were the big achievements of the present govt, said Prime minister. He further said all stake holder should be on board in the process of privatization of educational institutions. Replying to a question, the PM said restoration of students unions was provincial matter and federal govt would not interfere.

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.

5 federal ministries transfer to provinces approved

Implementation Commission has approved to transfer 5 federal ministries to the provinces, trendpk.Com reported on Tuesday.

The meeting of the commission held under rhe supervision of Mian Raza Rabbani in Islamabad. Establishment Division briefed the participants about the future of employees of the said ministries. It was told to the meeting that these employees would be appointed in different departments.

The ministries to be transferred include: Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry for Youth Affairs, Ministry of Zakat & Ushr, Ministry of Population Welfare and Ministry of Special Affairs. It is pertinent to mention that around 3,918 employees are currently working with the said ministries.

Fed. Cabinet endorses transfer of five ministries to provinces

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has officially approved the transfer of five ministries from the Federal Government to the provincial governments on Wednesday.

The Federal Cabinet held a meeting today to accord its formal approval for transfer of five ministries from center to provinces.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, the chief ministers of all four provinces, federal ministers and top officials attended this cabinet meeting.

According to sources, ministries of Local Bodies, Zakat & Ushr, Special Measures, Youth Affairs and Population Welfare will be handed over to provinces.

The cabinet also reviewed recommendations of the Constitutional Reforms Committee regarding appointments of judges in the top judiciary.

The official announcement of the transfer is expected soon today and after that all ministries will

Cabinet to endorse transfer of five ministries to provinces

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet is meeting today to accord its formal approval for transfer of five ministries from centre to provinces.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, the chief ministers of all four provinces, federal ministers and top officials will attend this cabinet meeting.

According to sources, ministries of Local Bodies, Zakat & Ushr, Special Measures, Youth Affairs and Population Welfare will be handed over to provinces.

In addition, it will consider recommendations of the Constitutional Reforms Committee regarding appointments of judges in top judiciary. Trend Pk

Shahid Kapoor in Kunal Kohli’s next

“I’m really looking forward to working with Shahid,” says Kunal Kohli. The director tweeted on Sunday morning: “Shahid Kapoor and me working together in my next film. Will hopefully sign the heroine in the next few days. Will keep you posted.” The yet untitled film will be starting in April once Shahid wraps up the shooting for Mausam. Kohli will be producing-directing the film.

Kunal’s film with Shahid is a love story and will have music by Pritam while Prasoon Joshi is writing lyrics. Has he finalized the actress? “I haven’t decided the actress. I wouldn’t want to speculate as I don’t believe in it. I will tell you once it’s finalized. We’ve just finalized Shahid. He was going away to Punjab to shoot Mausam and I was releasing Break Ke Baad. In the middle of it we finalized and signed.”

Kohli had earlier announced a film with Saif Ali Khan. He had also written about it on Twitter (now deleted) as to how things didn’t work out between him and Saif. So, is Shahid doing the same film as what was earlier being done by Saif? “It’s a completely different script,” says Kohli. Why didn’t Saif’s film go through in the first place? “Saif was signed by Ashtavinayak to do a film. He requested me to come in and see if I could do a film with him. I wasn’t ready with that script. I was also simultaneously working on this script for a while. I felt this is the script I want to make first, so I am making this film. That film I will do later when I am fully happy with the script.”

Having worked with seasoned actors like Aamir and Saif, Shahid is a much inexperienced actor in comparison, even though he’s wonderfully talented. “Shahid has done Kaminey, Jab We Met, Vivah, he has done some brilliant films. I am sure Mausam will be another brilliant film. He is a very very interesting talent,” says Kunal.

Kohli’s latest Production Break Ke Baad released last Friday. Talking about the response to the film, Kohli says,” Break Ke Baad is getting a good response from the youth specially. It’s too early. Let’s see how it goes.”

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