Nation observes ‘Love the Holy Prophet Day’ today

Govt calls Army to protect Diplomatic Enclave

Protesters enter high security Red Zone, 11 hurt in police firing

Islamabad/Karachi—The Interior Ministry called the Pakistan Army here on Thursday as over a thousand enraged protesters attempted to enter Islamabad’s heavily-guarded diplomatic enclave in a bid to register their protest against a US-made anti-Islam film. At least 11 people were injured as police fired live rounds and tear gas to break up a large crowd of over 1,000 students, many armed with clubs. The enraged students clashed with law enforcement agencies, pelting them with stones. Several protestors were eventually able to sneak into the high security Red Zone.

SC disqualifies dual national lawmakers

Islamabad—The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that lawmakers holding dual nationalities were not eligible to hold any public offices and declared all such lawmakers as disqualified. A three-judge bench led by the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had earlier reserved its ruling in the case relating to legislators holding dual nationality.

AG Irfan Qadir removed as prosecutor of Malik Riaz

Islamabad—The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) Thursday detached the Attorney General of Pakistan Irfan Qadir as the prosecutor in a contempt of court case against real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain. During hearing of contempt of court case against Malik Riaz, the SC also sought a list of senior lawyers from the registrar for the appointment of new prosecutor in the case. It should be mentioned that the SC removed AG Irfan Qadir from the Malik Riaz contempt case due to his biased behaviour.

Hina meets Kerry, discusses war on terror

Washington—Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar met chairman of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator John Kerry and other members of the committee here on Thursday. Sources said that Pak-US bilateral relations, war on terror, alleged hideouts of Haqqani network in NWA and release of Shakil Afridi were raised by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman.

Indian Army Chief opposes withdrawal from Siachen

New Delhi—The Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh made it clear that the Indian military would not like to move out of the “strategically important” icy Siachen heights for which a “lot of blood has been shed”. Interacting with Media here, General Bikram said the Army has conveyed its views to the Government which has to take a final decision in this regard. “It is very important and we mustcontinue to hold that area and we have held that view always. We have lost our lives and lot of blood has been shed to get into these areas and occupy the heights and positions.

Karzai replaces nine Provincial Governors

Kabul—President Hamid Karzai introduced sweeping changes at the local government level Thursday, replacing nine provincial governors out of the country’s 34 provinces. The Office of Administrative Affairs reported the names of new provincial governors in Takhar, Kabul, Helmand, Baghlan, Maidan Wardak, Laghman, Logar, Badghis and Faryab.

Tunisian Minister of State calls on PM

Islamabad—Hedi Ben Abbes, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf here on Thursday and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries. Welcoming the Tunisian Minister of State, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf congratulated the government and people of Tunisia on their transition from dictatorship to democracy.