Pak-Malaysia to boost defence coop

10th Joint Committee of Defence Coop reviewed

Islamabad—Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to further strengthen their defence and strategic relationship following the conclusion of 10th Pakistan-Malaysia Joint Committee of Defence Cooperation (JCDC) Meeting held in Islamabad. A high-powered Malaysian delegation led by Dato Sri Dr Haji Ismail Haji Ahmed, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia attended the JCDC meeting and held constructive meetings with several top officials of Pakistani defence establishments. The two sides also agreed to the need for further promotion of closer cooperation particularly in areas of Defence and Defence Production.

Opposition parties weighing grand anti-PPP alliance

Islamabad—The victory of Abdul Qadir Gilani, son of the former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and a candidate of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in the recent by-election of the NA-151, Multan, has raised concerns in the ranks and files of all the opposition parties compelling them to reassess their political strategies. An independent candidate Shaukat Hayat Bosan who despite enjoying support of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) could not upset the Gilanis’ apple cart and went down fighting with 60,764 votes against Qadir GIlani’s 64,340 votes.

300 rockets from Pak territory fired: Kabul

Kabul—Afghanistan Sunday claimed that more than 300 heavy artillery shells and rockets were fired from Pakistani territory into Dangam district of eastern Kunar province in Friday and Saturday, killing at least four people. According to the province spokesman, Afghanistan warned Pakistan that any further cross-border shelling could significantly harm relations, just days after the leaders of the two strife-torn neighbours met to talk peace.

Mukherjee wins Indian presidency

New Delhi—Former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee was elected Indian president on Sunday after votes from national and state lawmakers were counted in the race for the mainly ceremonial post. Some analysts believe Mukherjee, a veteran from the ruling Congress party, may take a more active approach to the job than his predecessors as India struggles with a parliamentary deadlock and slowing economic growth.

Former Sri Lankan rebel slams south Indian politicians

Colombo—A former Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger rebel who is now in the custody of the government slammed south Indian politicians for using the Tamil issue in Sri Lanka for their political gain. Kumaran Pathmanathan, better known as KP, who was once the chief arms procurer for the Tamil Tiger rebels, said that politicians in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu including former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi were using Sri Lanka to secure votes at elections. “But innocent people who don’t know their political agenda believed them but it is sad and unfortunate how this pack of politicians used them as a tool to strengthen their vote base,” Pathmanathan told state media on Sunday.

US govt sued for Yemen drone deaths

Washington—The families of three US citizens killed in drone strikes in Yemen last year — including Al-Qaeda preacher Anwar al-Awlaqi — have filed a civil lawsuit against top US officials. The family members argue that the US government’s killing of the three men “violated fundamental rights afforded to all US citizens, including the right not to be deprived of life without due process of law.”

Vast Namibia water source found, enough for 400 years

Angola—A newly discovered water source in Namibia could have a major impact on development in the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa. Estimates suggest the aquifer could supply the north of the country for 400 years at current rates of consumption. Scientists say the water is up to 10,000 years old but is cleaner to drink than many modern sources.