SC directs AG to proceed against Malik Riaz, Salman, Arsalan

Islamabad—In the short order penned down during the hearing of the Arsalan Iftikhar case, the Supreme Court directed Attorney General Irfan Qadir to proceed according to the law and take required action against business tycoon Malik Riaz, his son-in-law Salman and the chief justice’s son Arsalan Iftikhar, on Thursday. In the order, the court said that while Malik Riaz claimed Rs327 million was given in cash, the documents presented only provided details of Arsalan’s visits and no proof of monetary transfers.

Speaker’s ruling Lawyers, AG hot words exchange turns into courtroom row

Islamabad—During hearing of the petition filed against the National Assembly speaker’s ruling case in the contempt case against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, an altercation started in the court room on Thursday after lawyers and Attorney General exchanged harsh words. The altercation began after the lawyers and Attorney General Irfan Qadir exchanged harsh words. The argument started when the Attorney General said that all the lawyers had “run away” from the court’s premises when the Supreme Court announced the verdict in the PM contempt case. He said that while the media was still there, there was no lawyer to be seen. Heading a three-member bench, Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry told Qadir not to undermine the reputation of the court by giving such statements.

Kabul moot declares support for peace efforts

Kabul—An international conference titled “Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference” held in Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday announced its long-term support towards efforts for bringing about durable peace and security in the militancy-plagued country. In the one-day conference attended by 30 nations including U.S., China, Russia, Iran, India and Pakistan and several international organizations, the participants assured their full support to Afghan-led peace process, national sovereignty, economic development and prosperity.

US, India claim entering new phase of partnership

Washington—The United States and India sought to dispel doubts over their relationship as a US company signed a deal on nuclear power, long a source of disappointment between the countries. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who once called US affection for India an “affair of the heart,” said that the world’s two largest democracies had entered a “new and more mature phase” in their partnership. “With respect to affairs of the heart, they usually have ups and downs, but that does not make them any less heartfelt or any less of a commitment,” Clinton said as she held annual talks with India.

LBA cancels membership of Zahid Bukhari Lawyers boycott Malik Riaz’s cases

Islamabad—In the general body session on Thursday, all lawyers of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and district bar unanimously agreed that none of them would fight any cases pertaining to Malik Riaz or Bahria Town. While unanimously approving the resolution expressing unity with the judiciary, the lawyers also decided to ban Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s counsel Aitzaz Ahsan and Malik Riaz’s counsel Zahid Bukhari from entering both bars.

Closure of Nato supply routes Northern routes cost US $100 million monthly

Washington/New York—The United States’ reliance on a longer northern route to transport supplies into landlocked Afghanistan following closure of Pakistani lines of communication is costing Washington $100 million a month. “The result of that is that it’s very expensive because we’re using the northern transit route in order to be to draw down our forces and also be able to supply our forces,” Defence Secretary Leon E. Panetta told a Congressional hearing according to a report in the Washington Times Wednesday.

Pakistan for transparent relations with US: PM

Islamabad—Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has said only a politically stable country can successfully meet the objectives of its foreign policy. Addressing the 6th convocation of National Defence University (NDU) here on Thursday, Prime Minister Gilani said instead of making unilateral decisions a country can become powerful if it takes everybody on board. He said Pakistan wanted to have transparent relations with the US keeping in view its national interest and the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. The premier threw light on measures taken by his government to deal with issues related with foreign policy, economy, energy, and political stability.