CJ quits bench hearing son’s case

Kamran Khan appears in SC, denies having documentary proof against Dr Arsalan

Islamabad—Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Thursday stepped down from the bench hearing the suo moto notice over allegations that Arsalan Iftikhar, son of the chief justice, had received Rs300 to 400 million from the owner of Bahria Town. The Supreme Court also resumed its hearing of the suo moto notice which was now being heard by a two-judge bench comprising Justice Jawwad S Khwaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain. During the hearing, Zahid Bukhari, the counsel for Malik Riaz, requested the court for more time.

US losing patience with Pak: Panetta

Kabul—Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Thursday the United States was reaching the limits of its patience with Pakistan because of the safe havens the country offered to insurgents in neighboring Afghanistan. It was some of the strongest language used by a U.S. official to describe the strained ties between Washington and Islamabad.

Seven infants die in Services Hospital fire

Lahore—Seven infants died while 19 others sustained serious burn injuries after fire erupted in the nursery of Services Hospital here on Thursday. Eye witnesses claimed that the fire, which erupted suddenly at the nursery of children ward, engulfed the whole ward all of sudden. They further claimed that as the ward caught fire, medics on duty ran away from the nursery.However, the hospital spokesperson said that the staff ran away to save their own lives. Eye witnesses claimed that fire started after wires of the air conditioners were burnt by fire. At least 25 infants were present in the nursery at the time of the incident.

SCO rejects mily interventionism

Beijing—When the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states concluded their latest summit on Thursday, they unanimously rejected military intervention as a way to resolve international hotspot issues. According to a statement that came after the summit, all SCO member countries oppose military intervention in Syria and reject the idea of a regime change in the country. The leaders also rejected the idea of using military means to solve the Iranian nuclear dispute, instead choosing to support dialogue and other diplomatic methods.

Pakistan has a silver lining on its horizon , PM to address the nation, says Zahid Malik

Havelian—Opening a new chapter in Havelian on Wednesday, third in a row in a short span of time, Nazriya Pakistan Council (Trust) Islamabad will launch a campaign amongst youths to create awareness about objectives and dreams of Pakistan. Hazara Division is a fertile land of committed and devoted persons who love Pakistan. This was the reason the ceremony to open new chapter attracted a large number of elites including, men of pen, businessmen, intellectuals and students which was held at Al-Arqam Academy of Excellence. Zahid Malik, Chairman NPC and Editor-in Chief of Pakistan Observer presided over the ceremony.

Terrorists strike 16 people die, 40 injured in Quetta blast

Quetta —Sixteen persons were killed and forty injured in bomb blast in Madrassa on Sariab road imparting religious education. The bomb was planted on a bicycle and was exploded with remote control. The incident took place today Thursday at midday. The terrorists have intensified their activities and Quetta city. The injured were taken to various hospitals including CMH. The parents of the injured complained of non availability of medicines in the civil hospital. Several leaders of the JUI including Maulana Wasay senior minister for Planning and Development along with other JUI leader visit the site of incident and express their deep concern on this horrible incident.

Iran-Pak Gas Pipeline Zardari-Nejad agree to pursue project

Beijing—President Asif Ali Zardari and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during their meeting Thursday on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Beijing, agreed to vigorously pursue the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project as well as supply of electricity to Pakistan. Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the two leaders also agreed to resolve urgently the issue of credit for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline so as to complete it expeditiously. Relevant minister and officials from both sides will now meet to further take forward the decisions taken in principle.