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Tuesday 30 April 2013

Imran Khan addresses public rally in Mianwali

By on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

PTI will move Pakistan towards a prosperous country by totally eliminating corruption, he said.


(Web Desk) - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday said that his party would introduce the system of justice and humanity, if voted to power.

Addressing a public meeting at Mianwali, he said the linguistic politics and the politics of regionalism would be buried and there would be only one nation for which Pakistan was created.

He said we will move Pakistan towards a prosperous country by totally eliminating corruption. He said those nations could not develop where there is corruption.

He asked the people to be prepared to cast their votes on the 11th May which would bring an economic revolution in the country and youth will be provided with jobs.

Criticizing the past provincial governments in Punjab he said they had enjoyed 5 years terms in office but nothing has been changed and the condition of the people is deteriorated.

He enumerated that during the last five years in Punjab province 40 thousand people were killed‚ 70 thousand were abducted and 128 thousand incidents of thefts were recorded.

He said 1260 police officials are on the security duty of Sharif family which cost to the national exchequer 2 billion rupees in the past 5 years.

He questioned that the parties which ruled 5 times in the provinces‚ but nothing was changed and if they won the 6th time‚ the result would be the same and nothing will change again‚ thus the people should use their votes carefully.

Karachi: Explosion heard in Defence area

By on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

KARACHI: An explosion has been heard in Defence phase V area of Karachi, as reported by the rescue sources.
The sources told that the blast occurred in a car at Badar Commercial Street.
Further details are yet to be ascertained.

Karachi: Five bodies recovered from Defence

By on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

KARACHI: Five family members were found dead in their house in Defence phase IV Tuesday, Geo News reported.
According to police, five bodies bearing bullet wounds were recovered from a house located in Defence area. Initial reports suggest that the man and owner of the house killed his wife and three children before committing suicide as the bullets were fired from the same pistol.
Police have already brushed aside the chances of any heist as the valuables of the house were in place and nothing was missing.
The deceased man was identified as Jamal Durrani who was the finance director of a sugar mill.
The neighbours told that they heard the gunshots but were not certain about the time of the incident. Rescue teams reached the spot while police cordoned off the area and started investigation.

Two MQM activists shot dead in Hyderabad

By on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

HYDERABAD: Unidentified armed men gunned down two workers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Hyderabad, Geo News reported.
Police said the incident took place in Mehboob Ground Latifabad area. The deceased have been identified as Manzoor Ahmed and Nadeem Ajmiri.
Another person was injured the firing. All the deceased belong to MQM.

Karachi violence claims 5 more lives

By on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

At least five people were killed in firing incidents in different parts of Karachi.


KARACHI (Dunya News) – According to details, some unidentified persons opened fire in Lyari and shot dead two people.

In another incident of firing, a man identified as Muhammad Ismail was gunned down whereas another man was killed in Orangi Town.

On the other hand, a man who was injured in firing incident in the jurisdiction of Manghu Pir Police Station succumbed to his wounds in hospital.

Meanwhile, police have arrested 24 suspects during an operation in Guzri area of Clifton. According to police the suspects were wanted in cases of murder, attempted murder and extortion.

In a separate operation conducted in Maripur area, Rangers arrested banned TTP activist Saeed Alam and his accomplice. According to sources Saeed Alam belong to Baituallh Mehsud. Both the arrested persons have been shifted to some undisclosed location for further investigation.

Benazir murder case: Musharraf sent on 14-day judicial remand

By on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The ATC ordered two weeks judicial remand for ex-president Musharraf in Benazir Bhutto murder case.


RAWALPINDI (Dunya News): An anti-terrorist court in Rawalpindi ordered two weeks judicial remand for the former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in the Benazir Bhutto’s murder case on Tuesday.

Pervez Musharraf was not presented in the court due to security reasons.

Talking to media personnel after the hearing, FIA’s special prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali alleged that Musharraf was not cooperating with the investigation team.

Earlier, the court had sent him on a physical remand last week. Since then Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) investigator have been questioning the former military ruler in the high profile murder probe.

Moreover, an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi rejected Musharraf’s plea for reconstitution of the joint investigation team (JIT).

Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack outside Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh on December 27, 2007 while Musharraf was president. She was killed after addressing an election campaign rally in the city.

The ATC had indicted Musharraf in the case in February 2011, and in August the same year he was declared a proclaimed offender and his property was attached because of his absence.

Musharraf returned to Pakistan last month after nearly four years of self-imposed exile to contest the May 11 general election.

Election officials had barred Musharraf from running for the National Assembly earlier, effectively derailing his attempts to regain a place in politics by standing at the polls.

Although Musharraf’s legal battles have provided an electrifying sideshow in the election race, he commands scant popular support and the outcome of the drama is unlikely to have much impact on the final results.
 

Election candidate killed in Jhal Magsi

By on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Abdul Fateh was contesting elections as an independent candidate in PB-32 constituency.


QUETTA (Dunya News) - An independent candidate from Balochistan’s Jhal Magsi area was killed by unknown assailants on Tuesday.

As per details, Abdul Fateh Magsi was kidnapped on Monday and his bullet-riddled body was found earlier today.

Following the incident, the Election Commission of Pakistan has announced to postpone elections in PB-32 constituency.

Police have started investigations, but no arrests have been made so far.
 

Monday 29 April 2013

PPP ANP, MQM to contest polls despite attacks

By on Monday, April 29, 2013

Say govt giving free hand to terrorists, ECP cleared 50 candidates belonging to banned outfits.


KARACHI (Dunya News/ Web Desk) - PPP‚ MQM and ANP have demanded that elections should be held on stipulated date, announcing they would fully participate in elections.

Addressing a joint news conference Monday, PPP leader Taj Haider‚ ANP s Bashir Jan and MQM s Abbas Haider Rizvi said they would not be deterred by the terrorist attacks and would take part in the democratic process.

Taj Haider said PPP‚ ANP and MQM have been fighting against terrorists and that is why they were being targeted during the election campaign.

He alleged that terrorist outfits are in fact militant wings of rightists  parties.

He said condemnation of the rightist parties of the acts of terrorism is nothing but an attempt to influence the public opinion.

Taj Haider called for action against the terrorist organizations. He said media and human rights organizations should also take notice of the situation.

ANP leader Bashir Jan said they believe that elections were the solution to crises being faced by the country. He said institutions were strengthened during the last five years and some circles are not happy over this.

He was of the view that Election Commission‚ caretaker government and terrorists are responsible for the current situation.

MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said terrorists are targeting moderate and secular political parties of the country during electioneering. He said no one is taking action against terrorists who are playing havoc with human lives.

He said PPP‚ MQM and ANP would not surrender to religious extremists and would fight terrorists together.

Rizvi said election activities are going on unhindered only in one province while these three parties are being targeted in other three provinces.

Crime increased in Punjab during last 5 years: Imran

By on Monday, April 29, 2013

70,000 people were kidnapped in Punjab during last five years and provincial govt remained silent.


MURREE (Dunya News) - Chairman Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf has announced that if voted to power‚ his party would arrange local bodies elections within the first 90 days.

Addressing a public meeting at Murree on Monday afternoon he said the decades old police‚ development‚ education and health problems would be easily addressed by the people of the concerned villages where these facilities will be built.

He said the work of MNAs and MPAs is to formulate policies and not to run the local government systems. He blamed that the important local bodies systems were deliberately corrupted by the previous governments to gain monetary benefits.

He said his party has given tickets to 80 per cent new candidates.

Suicide blast kills eight, injures 43 in Peshawar

By on Monday, April 29, 2013

The blast hit a police van and a passenger bus on Arbab Road.


PESHAWAR (Web Desk) - A suicide attack on a busy roadside killed at least eight people and wounded 43 others in Pakistan s northwestern city of Peshawar on Monday, police said.

Violence has spiked in Pakistan in recent weeks ahead of national polls on May 11 with more than 50 people killed in attacks since April 11, according to an AFP tally.

The blast took place at Peshawar s Jehangir Abad neighbourhood on Arbab Road close to a police vehicle and also damaged a passing bus.

"At least two people were killed in the bomb blast," Dunya News correspondent confirmed.

"A police vehicle was the apparent target but a bus passing close to it suffered the most damage," local police official Mohammad Faisal said.

The injured were shifted to Khyber Teaching Hospital while the blast site was cordoned off.

SC to resume hearing of treason petitions against Musharraf

By on Monday, April 29, 2013

A three-member SC bench will resume hearing of treason petitions against Pervez Musharraf today.


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, will today (Monday) resume hearing of petitions seeking initiation of a high treason case against former president Pervez Musharraf.

Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer Ibrahim Satti will continue his arguments in the case. During previous hearings of the case the counsel of former president had also filed an application for constitution of the full court in this regard.

Meanwhile, a three-member bench, headed by the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, will resume hearing the matter relating to permission to overseas Pakistanis to cast vote in the upcoming general elections.

During previous hearing, the Supreme Court had granted last opportunity to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to make voting arrangements for overseas Pakistanis.

Alleged TTP activist arrested outside Multan Press Club

By on Monday, April 29, 2013

An activist of banned TTP was arrested while pasting group’s pamphlets in the Multan Press Club.


MULTAN (Dunya News) – According to details, two members of banned Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were busy in pasting group’s pamphlets in the Multan Press Club, carrying directives for the people to stay away from the upcoming elections.

The Press Club management informed police who caught one alleged TTP activist while the other managed to escape from the scene.

The arrested youth is identified as Usman Ghani and stated to be a student of Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan. Police have shifted him to some undisclosed location for further investigation.
 

Sub-inspector among four killed in Karachi violence

By on Monday, April 29, 2013

At least four people have been killed in different shooting incidents in Karachi.


KARACHI (Dunya News) - Four people were killed in separate incidents of violence in different parts of the provincial capital on Monday.

Sub-inspector of Araam Bagh police station was killed in shooting incident in Chisti Nagar area of Orangi Town. The victim was on the way to drop his son at school.

In another incident, 30-year-old Sarfaraz was shot dead near Natha Khan Bridge.

Separately, Two people were killed when unknown gunmen opened fire on a vehicle near Chamra Chorangi in Korangi area.

Two people including Anwar and Abdul Hanif got injured in hand-grenade attack near Mosmiyat Chorangi within limits of Mubeena Town police station.

Sunday 28 April 2013

Miscreants target election offices in KP

By on Sunday, April 28, 2013

The security forces have cordoned off the areas.


KOHAT (Dunya News) - Two bombs exploded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Peshawar and Kohat areas on Sunday killing at least eight persons and injuring 30 others.

An election office of an independent candidate Nasir Khan was targeted on Charsadda road in Peshawar’s Maqsoodabad area killing at least three persons and injuring 15 others.

According to initial reports the bomb was planted on a motorcycle.

The victims were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar.

Earlier, a bomb exploded neat the election office of NA-39′s independent candidate Syed Noor Akbar Alam on Hangu road in Kacha Pakka village of Kohat region killing at least five people and injuring 15 others.

The blast was heard across Kohat city and caused damage to nearby shops, buildings and parked cars.

District Police Office Dilawar Bangash told that the bomb was a remotely-detonated device planted in a shop which was between the election offices of an independent candidate Noor Akbar who is contesting election from NA-39 and the election office of Awami National Party candidate Khursheed Begum, contesting from NA-14.

He added that at least 10 kilograms of explosive material was used in its making and that the election offices of both the candidates were destroyed in the attack.

Bomb Disposal Squad officials who reach the spot were also of the view that the bomb was planted.

We will restore Pakistan's dignity: Nawaz

By on Sunday, April 28, 2013

PML-N chief says his goal was not power but bringing Pakistan back on track of progress.


ABBOTABAD/MURREE: Addressing an election rally in Abbotabad PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif said it was a pity that Pakistan had no respect in the world despite being an atomic power.

Nawaz said in 1991 Pakistan was progressing fast under his government but a military dictator overthrew the elected government and reversed the wheel of progress.

“Dictator wasted eight years of Pakistan and spoiled the good work done by us,” he said.

He said after Musharraf, President Zardari came to power but his government also did nothing for the country.

“If our government had been allowed to continue Pakistan would have been a different country by now,” he said.

Nawaz said he was appealing for votes because he wanted to bring Pakistan out of the crises it is facing.

He said he would not sit in Islamabad after coming to power but would remain with the people and solve their problems.

“We will rebuild Pakistan with the help of youth and Pakistan will against be on track of progress.


He said the motorway project that was started during his regime will be extended up to Khunjerab Pass near Pak-China border.
Nawaz Sharif said best system of Railway would be introduced up to Havelian. He said highways will also be improved and extended.
He said he will focus on the development of the far-flung areas of the country.

Earlier, addressing a public meeting in Murree, Nawaz Sharif said we will change the lot of people‚ if elected to power. He said our government will construct railway line from Islamabad to Murree.

Nawaz Sharif said that in his previous tenure‚ he had launched mega projects‚ like Motorway and Gwadar Port.
He said PML-N launched mega projects in past which put the country on right track.
Nawaz Sharif said we will establish medical‚ engineering and agriculture universities in the area to enable the local population to get higher education at their doorsteps.
He promised to provide gas and water facilities to Murree and its adjoining areas. Nawaz Sharif said we will grant soft loans to youth so that they could start their own businesses and support their families honorably.

People will not give another term to PML-N: Imran

By on Sunday, April 28, 2013

PTI chairman says PTI will free the country from foreign-aid dependence and loans.


SARGHODA / MANDI BAHAWALDIN (Dunya News) – PTI Chirman Imran Khan Sunday addressed public gatherings in Sarghoda and Mandi Bahawaldin.
Addressing the rallies he said PTI had introduced a new culture in the country and would bring real change after coming to power.

“If he could not keep his promises made with the nation, he would quit the party leadership”, vowed Imran.

“If the PTI comes to power, no influential person would be able to register false cases against the poor in the name of so-called rules and regulations”, said Imran.

The political parties, which have made it their routine to rule over the people in the name of so-called democracy, actually have nothing to do with the problems of the people; their only mission is to amass wealth by hook or crook.

“PPP and PML-N have no future and their dramas will come to an end on the evening of May 11 when people of Pakistan will be celebrating freedom from traditional politics”, he said.

He once against lashed out at Sharif Brothers saying it was responsibility of Punjab CM to produce electricity.

He said that PTI would introduce local government system in the country so that power may be transferred to the grassroots revel.

He said that days of cruel politicians are numbered and the PTI will exterminate them forever from the political scene.

“If the PTI comes to power, it would introduce and promote culture of simplicity in the country”, he said.

“Thana and Katchehry culture would be exterminated from the country once for all.”

He said that it was a recognized fact that Nawaz Sharif supported President Asif Ali Zardari in looting and plundering the nation.

He challenged the PML-N leadership to face him if it has courage to reply his questions.

“Punjab government spent billions of rupees on a single project in Lahore and left the rest of the province at the mercy of fate.

He urged the youth that they should visit door to door to the people and urge them to support the PTI in forthcoming elections.

Imran said PML-N enjoyed 5 terms of government in Punjab and did nothing for the people.

“People of Punjab will not give them another term,” Imran said.
 

Karachi: Blast near PPP rally kills 5

By on Sunday, April 28, 2013


At least five people were killed when a bomb exploded near a PPP corner meeting in Lyari.


KARACHI (Dunya News) – According to details, a bomb planted on a motorcycle went off in Lyari area of Karachi where Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was holding a public rally, killing at least five people and injuring 40 others.


The PPP candidate for PS-111 Adnan Baloch is among the injured. This was the second blast on Saturday.


Earlier, three people were killed and 15 others were injured in a blast at Orangi Town Qasba Colony near Muttahida Qaumi Movement office of Unit No 132.

Blasts can't halt MQM's way to democracy: Altaf

By on Sunday, April 28, 2013

MQM chief Altaf Hussain says imposed Sharia is diametrically unacceptable to them.


NAWABSHAH (Dunya News):- Addressing a public gathering in Nawabshah on Saturday, he said that innocent people being hit in bomb blasts without any justification. It is conspiracy of destructive forces that have nothing to do with the challenges and problems faced by the people; rather their mission is to derail the caravan of democracy for interests of foreign forces.

He said, “We know that what real motives behind these terror attacks are. The MQM would not accept the Sharia Law imposed by force against the will of the people.”

He said that the MQM would upgrade academic system if comes to power, adding that schools would be upgraded to colleges without discrimination of male and female students.

He said with confidence that the MQM would form the government after forthcoming elections.

While highlighting women rights, Altaf said that women enjoy equal rights as compared to men. They should be treated equally in every walk of life without any discrimination.

It is regrettable to say that innocent women are badly and unscrupulously misbehaved under the pretexts of so-called traditions and rituals which have nothing to do with reality.

The object of such tactics is just to make women deprive of their fundamental rights enunciated by Islam and the great prophet (peace be upon him).

He said that feudal system has trapped the masses in its cruel clutches. Politicians come and go but the poor are bound to remain on the point from their forefathers had started their journey. Their fate is in the hands of feudal lords who have enslaved the Haris in the name of so-called rules and regulations.

“If any Hari tries to raise voice against outdated system, he is trapped in fake and fabricated and bogus cases forever”, said Altaf Hussain.

He said that if MQM comes to power, it would root out slavish traditions forever and introduce positive, creative and constructive activities in the country so that Pakistan may be make a progressive and advanced country particularly in the region.

 

Two killed, 14 hurt in blasts near MQM office

By on Sunday, April 28, 2013

Two men were killed while 14 people injured in blasts erupted at MQM local office in Karachi.


KARACHI (Dunya News) – The incident occurred at Orangi Town Qasba Colony near Muttahida Qaumi Movement office of Unit No 132.

The windowpanes of nearby buildings were broken as a result of the blast.

MQM leader Wasih Jalil said unit office was closed for the last three days and there was no report of any casualty of any party.

Earlier addressing a rally in Nawabshah, MQM chief Altaf Hussain had said that MQM, PPP and ANP were being targeted by the terrorists.

 Having information about the blast, security forces cordoned off the site of occurrence and started search operation. However, no group or outfit has accepted the responsibility of the blast.

Situation is the metropolis is going from bad to worse with the passage of time and destructive forces tend to put stumbling blocks in the way of general elections.

Interim government apparently has failed to maintain law and order situation in the metropolis.

Friday 26 April 2013

ANP electoral office in Karachi hit, 12 hurt

By on Friday, April 26, 2013

Another bomb has exploded in the area of Mominabad in Karachi on Friday night.


Karachi (Dunya News):- According to ANP Sindh president Shahi Syed, the blast exploded outside the office of ANP candidate Bashir Jan, injuring many persons.

Shahi Syed further said that he had received threats from unknown elements for so many times, adding that Bashir Jan is sound and stable.

He complained that he would discuss the matter with caretaker chief minister and complain that the ANP candidates were not being provided proper security.

ANP leader Mian Iftikhar while talking to Dunya News said that such tactics are being used in order to threaten them from launching election campaign.

Being followers of Bacha Khan, the ANP would not surrender before terrorists who have nothing to with peace and prosperity of the country.

He said that party leadership has guided the party workers and candidates to avoid of big gathering, rather, they should launch door-to-door campaign.

Heavy number of security forces and Rangers have reached the site of occurrence and cordoned off the main area for search operation.
The injured persons have been shifted to nearby hospital for first aid.

Zardari, 'Khilarhi' jointly targeting me: Nawaz

By on Friday, April 26, 2013

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif says that he would change the destiny of the people if comes to power.


LAYYA (Dunya News):-Addressing a public gathering in Layya on Friday, he said that rulers have made the country a barren land where neither there is bread to eat nor water to drink nor employment.

People are dying of hunger and starvation while the rulers are collecting wealth for their vested interests.

Factories have closed due to energy crisis; millions of workers are bound to wander in the streets without any job. There is an unending chain of protests, demonstrations in the country. The question is that who is responsible for this chaotic situation.

He said, “We always spoke truth with the nation. When the people of south Punjab were drowning, we supported them without any discrimination. It was Shahbaz Sharif who installed a base camp there in the flood-hit areas and focused his full attention for regeneration and restoration of the people.”

He said that the nation may make assessment by observing ads on TV screens that which party contributed for the nation and which political group neglected and rejected the masses.

He added that he had not come to Layya for votes; rather, his mission is to make the people understand about their well wishers and bad-wishers.

He said that the dictator who toppled his government was actually enemy of the nation. I was put behind the bars without any justification. In this way, the direction of the country was changed in wrong way, leaving the people at the mercy of the fate.

Throwing light on nuclear power, he said that the ex-US President had offered him $ 5 billion but he rejected the offer, with the aim that Pakistani nation is not for sale. It wanted to live as an independent nation in the world.

“Only a sincere and brave person can take such bold step for the bright future of the nation”, said Nawaz.

He said that some politicians are shouting slogans of change. Actually they have no vision and programme. They are trapping the youth just for their personal aims.

“PML-N is being targeted for taking turns; the reality is that we served the nation without any personal interest. We introduced new technology in the country. We installed industry and constructed network of road across Pakistan” said PML-N chief.

He concluded that the PML-N has a team of experts who have ability to cope with challenging crises and can resolve issues faced by the nation on priority basis.

“If the PML-N is given an opportunity to come to power, it would lay foundation of agricultural and industrial units, multiply the ratio of exports, create millions of jobs for workers and labourers who are real force of the nation”, said Nawaz.
 

Indian spy Sarbajit Singh injured in prisoners' attack

By on Friday, April 26, 2013

Sarbajit was sentenced to death for his involvement in bomb blasts in Lahore and Faisalabad in 1990.


LAHORE (Dunya News) – The fellow prisoners at Kot Lakhpat jail attacked Indian spy Sarbajit Singh on Friday.
He received severe head injuries and was later shifted to Jinnah Hospital for medical treatment.

Sarbajit was awarded death sentence for his involvement in bomb blast in Lahore’s Bhati Chowk area in 1990.

His family members have visited Pakistan several times and made many mercy appeals to President to revoke Sarbajit’s death sentence.

Pakistan to seal Afghan border on May 11

By on Friday, April 26, 2013

The officials say the measure is aimed at preventing terrorist attacks during the elections.


ISLAMABAD (AP) - Pakistani officials say they ll seal their border with Afghanistan and restrict the movement of Afghan refugees on May 11 during parliamentary elections.

Officials at the Interior Ministry and the election commission said Friday the measure is aimed at preventing terrorist attacks during the vote.

Officials did not say how they would restrict the movement of hundreds of thousands of people spread out across the country or close the porous border.

Pakistan announced similar measures in the past but failed to take action. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.

About 1.6 million registered Afghan refugees and 1 million other Afghans live in Pakistan. They are a legacy of their home country s repeated conflicts. Pakistanis often accuse them of importing terrorism and crime.
 

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MQM observes day of mourning over Karachi blast

By on Friday, April 26, 2013

Six people were killed after a powerful blast ripped through Nusrat Bhutto Colony on Thursday.


KARACHI (Dunya News) – A shutter-down strike is being observed in most parts of the Sindh province following yesterday’s blast in Karachi that killed six MQM workers while injured 16 others.


In the wake of the strike call made by the coordination committee of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), all educational institutions, petrol pumps and business outlets were reportedly closed while roads wore a deserted look on Friday.


The attendance in government offices was also thin as employees could not reach their destinations because of non-availability of public transport.


The matriculation exams scheduled for today were also postponed in Karachi.


Several social, transporters, and trade & business groups confirmed full support for the strike soon after the appeal made by MQM.


The MQM chief strongly condemned the attack on its office. MQM chief Altaf Hussain said that militants were trying to keep his party away from polls.

Russia: Fire at psychiatric hospital kills 38

By on Friday, April 26, 2013

The deadly blaze raised new questions about security standards at Russia's medical institutions.


MOSCOW (AFP) - Thirty-eight people, mostly psychiatric patients, were killed in a fire that raged Friday at a psychiatric hospital in the Moscow region, trapping the inmates inside behind barred windows.

The deadly blaze raised new questions about security standards at Russia s medical institutions, in particular psychiatric hospitals, after a string of fires in the last years.

The fire broke out on the roof and spread rapidly throughout the hospital in the small town of Ramensky around 40 kilometres (25 miles) outside Moscow, the health ministry said.

"According to preliminary reports, 38 people were killed, including two medical staff," said ministry spokesman Oleg Salagai, cited by the RIA Novosti news agency. The emergency situations ministry said in a statement that 41 people were in the building at the time. It listed those missing as two female members of staff and 36 patients.

"Twelve bodies have been found" so far, it said as firefighters searched through the rubble after more than 100 battled to extinguish the fire.

Russia s Investigative Committee said in a statement it had opened a criminal probe into failure to observe fire security regulations, causing multiple death.

Two patients and one member of medical staff escaped the fire in the one-storey brick building which had a partly wooden roof, the emergency situations ministry said. Most of the patients apparently died in their sleep from inhaling fumes, but they would have been unable to escape from the fire which raged through the building with bars on the windows, Rossiya 24 television reported, citing law enforcement officials.

The patients slept soundly as they had taken medication in the evening, the ITAR-TASS news agency reported, citing a spokesman for the rescue operation. The smoke alarms did activate in the hospital and woke a nurse who managed to save two patients, the rescue operation spokesman said.

"When the nurse came out into the corridor, the fire was burning and the flames were spreading quickly. She managed to bring out only two patients: a woman and a young man," the spokesman said.

Channel One television said that the emergency services had been slow to react, with the fire brigade taking an hour to get there.

"There were bars on all the windows of the hospital. Most of those killed died in their beds and it appears that they were not even able to save themselves," a security source told the Interfax news agency.

Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyev, a protege of President Vladimir Putin from the ruling United Russia party, was already at the scene, officials said. The Moscow region announced a day of mourning to be held on Saturday.

The fire was the latest tragedy to hit a medical institution in Russia which still suffers from outdated Soviet-era infrastructure.

May 2007 two died and 12 injured in a village psychiatric hospital in Russia s southern Rostov region.

In December 2006, a fire in a Moscow drug rehabilitation clinic killed 45 women. Many of the victims were trapped by metal bars on the windows that staff could not open and an emergency exit was boarded up, officials said.

In March 2006, a fire in a nursing home in southern Russia killed 63, also due to violations of fire safety regulations and the lack of a nearby firefighting station.

Voting right for overseas can’t possible, SC told

By on Friday, April 26, 2013

AG has informed the Supreme Court that overseas Pakistanis cannot be given the right to vote.


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary heard a case regarding giving the right to vote to overseas Pakistanis.

Attorney General Irfan Qadir informed the apex court that overseas Pakistanis cannot be given the right to vote as legislation is required for this purpose.

The court was told that 7 countries including Australia‚ Bahrain and Canada are willing to facilitate the overseas Pakistanis in this regard.
 

BB murder case: Musharraf sent on physical remand till April 30

By on Friday, April 26, 2013

The ex-dictator appeared before the ATC on Friday.


RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) - The anti-terrorism court has sent former president Pervez Musharraf on physical remand till April 30 in Benazir Bhutto murder case.

The ex-dictator appeared before the ATC on Friday after FIA arrested him. During the course of proceedings, FIA requested the court for physical remand of Musharraf.

The court allowed FIA while dismissed another plea seeking change in FIA’s investigation team.

Earlier, the FIA arrested Musharraf after his plea to extend interim bail was dismissed.

The formal proceedings for the arrest were completed by the FIA Deputy Director at Musharraf’s farmhouse in Chak Shahzad late Thursday which has been declared sub-jail.

During the interrogation, the former president was asked why Benazir Bhutto was not provided security upon her return to Pakistan, to which Musharraf replied that she was provided complete security. Musharraf also refused to accept the allegations against him and said Benazir Bhutto became the target of terrorists.

Thursday 25 April 2013

Car blast kills 4, injures 15 in Karachi

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

The blast ripped through a car with green number plate in Nusrat Bhutto Colony.



KARACHI (Dunya News) – According to sources, the bomb exploded in a car with green number plate: GL 0053 near office of MQM killing at least four people and injuring 15 others.

Police and rescue teams rushed to the area after the incident while the injured were shifted to hospital. Police cordoned off the area and started search operation.

According to police, blast caused damage to windowpanes buildings and windscreens of vehicles.

Emergency had been declared at Abbassi Shaheed Hospital after the incident.

Womens voting in polls is religious obligation: Ulema Council

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Pakistan Ulema Council says that use of vote by women in the elections is Islamic responsibility.


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Religious scholars form the Pakistan Ulema Council have issued a Fatwa which declares the non-casting of vote a sin, adding that voting is an Islamic responsibility.

The Fatwa further states that women have equal rights to vote, adding that it is not religion that bars them from voting but the feudal system.

Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council, Tahir Ashrafi said that misusing the name of Islam should be stopped immediately.
 

Dual nationality case: PML-N's ex-MNA gets 15-month jail

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013




PML-N's ex MAN Zahid Iqbla has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment in dual nationality case.


SAHIWAL (Dunya News): A local court on Thursday sentenced Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz worker Zahid Iqbla to 15-month imprisonment in dual nationality case.

Session judge Mushtaq Ahmed awarded him the jail term and fined Rs 15,000. He was immediately arrested by police that shifted him to civil line police station.

After legal procedure, the ex-MNA Zahid Iqbal would be shifted to central jail Sahiwal.

He is the candidate of PML-N from NA 162.
 

PTI to uplift farmers' living standard

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

PTI chairman Imran Khan says that PTI would uplift the poor farmers for progress and prosperity.



PAKPATAN :(Dunya News) While addressing a public gathering in Pakpatan on Thursday, he said that the Punjab government has wasted all the resources of the province on a single project of Metro Bus while millions of people have become unemployed due to loadshedding.

He said that in world politics rival forces are invited to have a dialogue with each other but Mian Nawaz Sharif has no courage to face him.

He said that Mian Brothers have made politics a game and now they are trying to come to power for next turn.
He said socio-economic of the country has destroyed due to criminal negligence of the rulers who are two sides of the same coin.

While lashing out on Mian Nawaz Sharif, he said that PML-N gave relaxation to the PPP government which looted the masses in the name of law and order.

He said that welfare funds would handed over to the local body government.

He said that corruption is the main issue of the country but the PTI has pledged to root out corruption forever.

FIA allowed to probe Musharraf in Benazir murder case

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

ATC has allowed the FIA to include ex-president in the investigation of the Benazir murder case.


RAWALPINDI (Dunya News): The Anti Terrorism Court has allowed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to include former president, General (retd) Pervez Musharraf in the investigation of the Benazir Bhutto murder case.

The FIA team will interrogate Musharraf at his farmhouse in Chak Shahzad which has been declared a sub-jail as a precautionary measure. The ATC has also allowed the FIA to arrest the former president if deemed necessary.

While talking to the media, the prosecutor general FIA Chaudhry Zulfiqar said that Musharraf would be included in the investigation through his remand.

Pervez Musharraf’s counsel Afshan Adil said that he has not been given an opportunity to prepare the case regarding additional sections of different acts.

According to the FIA sources, former president Pervez Musharraf would be presented before the trial court for remand but the schedule would be kept secret as a security purpose.

Musharraf is accused of involvement in a conspiracy to murder Benazir Bhutto, who died in a gun and suicide attack in December 2007. It is one of the three cases he is fighting in the courts since returning home last month after four years in self-imposed exile.
 

Measles claim another life, toll rises to 62

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

The government has decided to launch nationwide vaccination from June.


LAHORE (Dunya News) – Another child has succumbed to measles, rising the overall death toll to 62 in the Punjab province.

The deceased minor was identified as Ali Raza who was undergoing treatment at Mayo Hospital of Lahore.

According to sources, hundreds of children are admitted to different public hospitals where vaccination is being provided to the affectees by the government. However, the spread of the epidemic is still not under control.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to launch nationwide vaccination from June.

ECP meets today to finalise security plan for polls

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will meet today to finalize security plan for polls.


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News – A meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan will be held today to finalize security plan for the upcoming general elections.

The representatives of all provincial governments, Interior Ministry and Defence Ministry will also participate in the meeting.

A report on sensitive polling stations will also be presented during the meeting.

Nushki: 2 injured in PPP's electoral office blast

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

At least two persons got injured when miscreants targeted electoral office of PPP in Balochistan.


NUSHKI: (Dunya News):-According to sources, the incident occurred on Thursday when unidentified armed men hit electoral office of PPP’s candidate Sardar Umer Gorgaij in District Nushki, leaving two person hurt.

The victims were shifted to nearby hospital while miscreants escaped after throwing grenade on the office.

Having information of the incident, security forces reached the site of occurrence and started search operation.

It is worthy of note that new phase of terrorism has started in the country after the interim government announced the date for forthcoming general elections.

Some elements are trying to sabotage the democratic process which is only a ray of hope for nation which has been giving sacrifices in war on terror for last 10 years.
 

Karachi: Firing incidents claim 2 more lives

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

At least two people were killed in firing incidents in different parts of Karachi.


KARACHI (Dunya News) – Target killing continues in Karachi as two more people were gunned down in the city on Wednesday night.

According to details, some unidentified gunmen opened fire and shot dead a man in Sakhi Hasan area. The identity of the deceased is not yet known.

In the second incident, a man was gunned down in Landhi area in firing by some unidentified assailants.

Meanwhile, Rangers launched targeted operation in Shah Faisal Colony, Green Town and Sohrab Goth. Rangers conducted house-to-house search during the operation and arrested several suspects.
 

PML-N should avoid targetting president: Presidency

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013







Chief Election Commissioner has received the letter written on the behalf President Asif Zardari.


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News):-President Asif Ali Zardari has written a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner according to which the PML-N is making false propaganda against the president under the guise of election campaign.

President’s spokesman Farhatullah Baber handed over the aforesaid letter to the Chief Elections Commissioner.
He was of the view that some political parties are scandalizing the president for their vested interest in polls.

“Being head of the state, President Asif Ali Zardari has not participated in any political ceremony or political meeting. The court has really appreciated the positive role played by the president for consolidation of democratic culture”, said the letter.

According to the letter, president is bound to follow the constitution; that is why he can’t react the allegations leveled against the PML-N regarding corruption and lawlessness in the country.

It has been requested to the chief election commission that the PML-N should be stopped from releasing irresponsible statements against the president.

ECP issues final list of 16,692 candidates

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

List of 4,671 candidates for NA and 10,958 for provincial assemblies have been finalised.


ISLAMABAD (Online) - The Election Commission has issued the final list of the contesting candidates (16,692) for the National and Provincial Assemblies.

A total of 16692 candidates will contest for the National and Provincial Assemblies.

For the general seats of National Assembly 4671 candidates are in the run while for the Provincial Assemblies 10958 candidates will contest.

For the seats reserved for women 258 candidates are in the run for National Assembly while 559 will contest for the Provincial Assemblies.

For the seats reserved for non-Muslims 71 candidates are in the run for National Assembly while 175 will contest for Provincial Assemblies.


About 67 ex-Nazims in Lahore join PTI

By on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Imran Khan says Thana and Katchehry culture would be exterminated from the country.


LAHORE (Online): Another setback for Nawaz League as at least 67 former Nazims (Mayors) from Lahore, which was stronghold of PML-N, have joined Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf on Wednesday.

In a ceremony arranged in Lahore, Imran Khan vowed to introduce local body system and promised if PTI comes to power; his government would conduct local-government elections within 90 days.

Khan criticized the previous PPP and PML (N) governments for not holding local bodies’ elections.

“Pakistan is the only country where there is no local bodies system,” he said, adding instead of having improvements in the system introduced by former President Pervez Musharraf, they abolished the system.

He said that PTI is committed to putting in place local bodies system, adding that carrying out development work is the responsibility of local bodies.

Cricket-oriented politician said that ex-chief minister Shahbaz Sharif was in possession of more funds as compared to the prime minister but he did nothing for the sake of the province and the country.

He said that nowhere in the world members of Parliaments were given welfare funds; their functions are only legislation.
“If the PTI comes to power, it would introduce and promote reforms in the country”, said Khan.

Thana and Katchehry (Courts and police station) culture would be exterminated from the country, he vowed.

While quoting a Hadis, Imran said that the faithful can’t be deceived by the same trick twice, emphasizing that the conservative and corrupt politicians should not be elected in next general elections.

He vowed to introduce new development projects in the country if the PTI is given opportunity to sever the nation.

Imran Khan reiterated that his party would not enter into electoral alliance with anyone instead they will make alliance with the people of Pakistan.

Khan said that his party has decided to independently contest elections, adding his party will make alliance with the people of Pakistan.

He said that if comes to power they will introduce austerity measures and will stop all lavish spending by the previous governments.

Khan also urged overseas Pakistanis to take responsibility for development of 50,000 villages across the country.

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Swat: Two women among six injured in cracker blast

By on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The injured were being shifted to the Madyan Civil Hospital.


MADYAN: At least six persons including 2 women were wounded in a cracker blast that took place on Wednesday morning.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and the injured were shifted to the Madyan Civil Hospital.

According to police, a person identified as Aziziullah brought home a rust-covered item from nearby fields. He was trying to remove the corrosion that the cracker exploded, injuring two women and four others.

2 children succumb to measles, toll rises to 60

By on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The caretaker Punjab government has failed to curb the spread of the measles epidemic.


LAHORE (Dunya News) – At least two children have been succumbed to measles in Lahore, rising the overall death toll to 60 in the Punjab province.

According to details, measles claimed two live in Lahore on Wednesday. Two minor girls who were undergoing treatment at Mayo hospital and Children Hospital of Lahore lost their lives in the early hours of the day.

It seems that the caretaker Punjab government has failed to curb the spread of the epidemic.
 

MQM observes day of mourning over Karachi blast

By on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The matriculation exams scheduled for today were also postponed in Karachi.


KARACHI (Dunya News) – A shutter-down strike is being observed in most parts of the Sindh province following yesterday’s blast in Karachi that killed five people while injured 45 others.

In the wake of the strike call made by the coordination committee of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), all educational institutions, petrol pumps and business outlets were reportedly closed while roads wore a deserted look on Wednesday.

The attendance in government offices was also thin as employees could not reach their destinations because of non-availability of public transport.

The matriculation exams scheduled for today were also postponed in Karachi.

Several religious, social, transporters, and trade & business groups confirmed full support for the strike soon after the appeal made by MQM late Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the MQM chief Altaf Hussain also ordered his party workers to temporarily shut down its election offices in Karachi.

The MQM chief strongly condemned the attack on an MQM election camp in Karachi on Tuesday evening. He also said that political and religious parties must condemn all such terrorist attacks. “In an environment like this, who will come out and cast their vote,” the MQM chief said.

Quetta blast injures 13 people

By on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

According to police, the explosives were planted in a motorcycle.


QUETTA  (AFP) - A bomb attached to a bicycle injured at least 13 passers-by near a mosque in Pakistan s southwestern city of Quetta on Wednesday.

The bicycle was parked in front of a private hospital, close to the mosque in the Satellite Town area of Quetta.

The law enforcement agencies and rescue teams immediately reached the site after the blast. The injured have been taken to the civil hospital while the law enforcement agencies have started search operation after cordoning off the area.

Senior police official Fayaz Sumbal said the target of the attack was not yet clear as the injured were mainly bystanders.


There was also no immediate claim of responsibility. The Taliban have stepped up violence ahead of Pakistan s general elections on May 11.

Late Tuesday, a suicide car bomber killed six people and wounded more than 30 others in Hazara Town, a Shiite dominated area in Quetta.

On February 16, a giant tractor bomb killed 90 Shiites from the ethnic Hazara minority in Quetta. On January 10, 92 others were slaughtered by suicide bombers at a snooker hall elsewhere in the city.

Tuesday 23 April 2013

BB murder case: ATC orders Musharraf to be part of investigation

By on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Scuffle between dozens of lawyers and supporters of Pervez Musharraf took place outside the court.


RAWALPINDI (AFP) - Pakistan s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday appeared before an anti-terrorism court for the first time over the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Musharraf was driven to the court in Rawalpindi, the headquarters of the army he once led, from his plush villa on the edge of Islamabad where he is serving a two-week arrest order for other charges dating back to his 1999-2008 rule.

Musharraf is accused of conspiracy to murder Bhutto, who died in a gun and suicide attack in December 2007. It is one of three cases he is fighting in the courts since returning home last month after four years in self-imposed exile.

His arrest and disqualification from contesting elections on May 11 have been a humiliating blow for the former ruler of nuclear-armed Pakistan, previously a key ally of US president George W. Bush in the war on terror.

Despite a heavy police and paramilitary presence, scuffles broke out between lawyers and Musharraf supporters, who threw stones and beat each other with sticks outside the court building, an AFP reporter said.

About 150 lawyers shouted: "Dog, dog, Musharraf dog!" while two dozen supporters chanted "Long live Musharraf!"
"Today it was routine hearing of Benazir murder case and General Musharraf appeared for the first time in this case," his lawyer Salman Safdar told AFP.

Musharraf spent around 15 minutes in court and then another 15 minutes with his lawyer, before being driven back to his home.

Nobody has been convicted or jailed for Bhutto s assassination on December 27, 2007, in Rawalpindi, despite a long-running court case.

In November 2011, the court indicted two police officers and five alleged Taliban militants over her assassination.

In August 2010, it ordered the confiscation of Musharraf s property and the freezing of his bank accounts in Pakistan over his failure, while in exile, to appear to answer questions related to her death.

Safdar told AFP that Musharraf s team asked the court to rescind those orders, given that he was now prepared to appear in court, complained that lawyers had been barred from meeting him and ordered police to investigate.

The court adjourned until May 3.

Musharraf s government blamed Bhutto s killing on Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, who denied any involvement and who was killed in a US drone attack in August 2009.

In 2010 a UN report said Bhutto s death could have been prevented and accused Musharraf s government of failing to give her adequate protection.

Bhutto s son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is chairman of the outgoing Pakistan People s Party, has accused Musharraf of her murder.

On Monday, Pakistan s caretaker government refused to put Musharraf on a separate trial for treason, saying it was beyond its mandate and up to the incoming government, which will be elected on May 11.

Rumours about delay in polls baseless: Malik Habib

By on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Interior Minister urged the people not to listen to the rumours about postponement of polls.


KARACHI (Dunya News):-Interior Minister Malik Muhammad Habib Khan has said that general elections will be held on time.
He expressed these views while speaking at Karachi on Tuesday.

The Interior Minister urged the people not to listen to the rumours about postponement of polls. He expressed concern over law and order sitution in Karachi. He said that security agencies are on high alert to ensure peace and order.

He said that he would hold meetings with all stakeholders for holding of fair polls and ultimately restoration of peace across the country.