Violence grips Karachi again

Firing on rally leaves 11 dead

Scores of vehicles, motorbikes set ablaze; MQM, ANP condemn bloodshed

Karachi—Eleven people were killed, 35 injured while scores of shops, vehicles and motorcycles were set on fire by the rioters when outlaws opened indiscriminate firing at a rally in the down town areas of Lyari Monday. Among the victims who lost their lives as a result of stampede including four women and a baby girl. One of the women who were killed in the incident was identified as Ghazala Batool, an employee of PIA. In the horrifying act of violence some of the passers by heading towards their homes trapped in the violence and lost their lives in the dirty game of politics which by no means can be described as a part of a civil society.

Pakistan, Turkey to further boost relations

Islamabad—Addressing joint news conference along with his Turkish counterpart Prime Minister Gilani said the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Turkey is unique and shared by the people of the two countries. He said the High Level Cooperation Council is a special forum that brings the Cabinets of the two countries together to review bilateral relations in different fields. Its first meeting was held in 2010 where a comprehensive framework was designed to bolster mutual cooperation. He said the second meeting of High Level Cooperation Council jointly chaired by him and the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan here decided to further expand cooperation in different sectors. He said both the countries tuseday signed several agreements for cooperation in the sectors of energy, higher education, road infrastructure, archives and promotion of bilateral trade and investment. He expressed the confidence that the agreements will serve another milestone and give impetus to the brotherly relations. Prime Minister Gilani said Turkey is a best and time tested friend of Pakistan. He said both countries cooperate with each other at regional and international fora. He said Turkey always stood by Pakistan in times of trial.

Pak under pressure over restoration of NATO supplies: Hina

Chicago—Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Tuesday said that President Asif Ali Zardari talked about the sovereignty of Pakistan in the Nato conference. Talking to Pakistani media persons here, she said Pakistan needed to establish relations with US and other countries. She said Pakistan and US both wanted peace in Afghanistan. She said that Pakistan did not want to suspend Nato supply route on permanent basis and the PPP government was facing pressure for restoration of the route.

Budget will be crucial for Govt

THE coming budget, which government rightly claims to be its fifth consecutive one, will also be its test case. National budget for any country reflects the hopes, and aspirations of the people. It is not jugglery of figures or a production of mere statistics It shows a country or a nation’s goals for social welfare, its right to educate its youngsters, and aim at unleashing their productive energies. Our students, from nursery to professional colleges, are our hopes for the future. They are our national assets, assets on which the future edifice of a country has to be raised. Unfortunately this vital question has remained unanswered till date, especially during the last four years, where lavish expenses on unproductive sectors, on organizing free rides around the world for unknown entities, have been more importantly emphasized.

NA Speaker directs PM to file response over conviction

Islamabad–Speaker National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza has directed Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to file a response regarding his conviction by the Supreme Court in the contempt of court case, on Tuesday. The NA speaker is to announce her decision on the prime minister’s disqualification in about three days time, for which she has officially asked for Gilani’s response. According to Article 63(2) of the Constitution, the speaker is duty bound to decide on the prime minister’s disqualification within a period of 30 days.

Documentary on BB’s life receives top US award

New York—An inspiring documentary on the life and mission of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto on Monday received the Peabody award, the most coveted prize in electronic media, at a glittering presentation ceremony held for the 38 recipients in various categories. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the PPP Chairman and her son, was in attendance at the two-hour ceremony, and was recognized by Patrick Stewart of Star Track fame, who was presenting the awards.

24 dead, dozens injured in Indian trains collision

Hyderabad — A passenger train rammed into a parked freight train and caught fire before dawn Tuesday in southern India, killing at least 24 people and injuring dozens more. Rescuers worked for about six hours to pull some 70 survivors from the twisted and smoldering wreckage near the southwestern border of Andhra Pradesh state. At least 40 people were hospitalized with injuries, with about 10 in critical condition, local police chief Charu Sinha said.