Khyber Agency—Forces bombarded suspected
militant hideouts with mortar shells Saturday as
the government launched a major offensive
against Taliban fighters threatening the main
city in the country’s volatile northwest,
officials said. The offensive in the Khyber
tribal region marked the first major military
action, the newly elected government has taken
against the militants operating in the tribal
areas along the border with Afghanistan.
Peshawar—Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani
on Saturday declared in a categorical tone that
the center would abide by peace agreements inked
by the NWFP Government with the militants and
has full support to the provincial government in
this regard. He however, made it clear that no
one, whosoever would be allowed to use our land
for carrying out subversive acts and all such
elements would be dealt with iron hand.
Srinagar—At
least 60 people were injured when police and
protesters clashed for a sixth day Saturday in
Occupied Kashmir as resistance to the transfer
of land to a Hindu pilgrim group deepened. The
violent clashes came as a key separatist warned
the unrest may spiral out of control if the land
order is not reversed.
Peshawar—The law and
order situation remained tense in restive Swat
District as different criminal incidents were
reported on Saturday that included killing of
four persons by unknown persons in in tehsil
Kabal, seizure of three bombs in Matta College
Chowk and torching of a barber shop and
electronic goods. The District Police informed
that in village Kala Kalay three persons Baacha
Rehman, Ali Rehman and Usman were shot dead by
unknown accused late lastnight and their bodies
were found in a stream.
Karachi—Customs duty on import of diesel is
likely to come down by 7.5 percent from July 1,
2008, knowledgeable sources told Pakistan
Observer. Currently, 10 percent duty is charged
on import of diesel which is the prime
contributor to the import bill of the country
besides the fuel oil. Pakistan does no import
motor gasoline instead the refineries are
exporting the petrol produced locally.
Rawalpindi—Pak Army Corp Commanders’ 109th
conference will be held in the first week of
July. Pak Army Chief, General Ashfaque Parvez
Kayani will preside over the meeting, which will
be attended by all the Corp Commanders and
Principal Staff Officers.
Karachi—India registered an easy seven-wicket
victory over Bangladesh after chasing a big
target of 284 runs with 40 balls remaining in a
Super Four match of the Asia Cup here on
Saturday at the National Stadium. They achieved
the target for the loss of only three wickets
after Suresh Raina hammered a magnificent
century, his second in the tournament. He
remained unbeaten on 116, scored off 107 balls
with three sixes and 11 fours with Yuvraj Singh
36 not out with the help of two sixes and two
fours.
Islamabad—President general
Pervez Musharraf has reiterated that he would
not resign and continue to play his role for
stabilization of democratic process and security
and development of the country. President Pervez
Musharraf was talking to Sindh governor Dr
Ishrat ul Ebad in presidential camp office
Saturday.
Islamabad—A simple but impressive ceremony
for handing over of four, F-16 aircraft to
Pakistan Air Force was held at PAF Base Mushaf (Sargodha)
on Saturday. Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman,
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations),
Pakistan Air Force received the Fighting Falcons
from Lt Gen Gary L.North, Commander 9th Air
Force and USAF Central Command.
