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Obama unveils new US policy for Pakistan, Afghanistan

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Barack Obama Friday said Al-Qaeda is ‘actively planning' attacks on US from safe havens in Pakistan.

Unfolding a new US strategy to defeat Taliban and Al-Qaeda, Obama said Pakistan must be 'stronger partner' in destroying Al-Qaeda safe havens. In this connection, he said Pakistan would be provided financial assistance of 1.5 billion dollars each year for the next five years.

However, he said US would not provide a blank cheque to Pakistan “as they also needed to prove their commitment in war against terror.”

President Obama warned the situation in Afghanistan is increasingly perilous. He said he would plunge 4,000 more US troops into the unfinished war, triple US aid to Pakistan to 7.5 billion dollars over five years, attempt to peel away more moderate Taliban factions and lead a global civilian surge to Afghanistan.

"Attacks against our troops, our NATO allies, and the Afghan government have risen steadily. Most painfully, 2008 was the deadliest year of the war for American forces."

"I want the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan and to prevent their return to either country in the future," Obama said.

"That is the goal that must be achieved. That is a cause that could not be more just. And to the terrorists who oppose us, my message is the same: we will defeat you. "

He said US will not turn blind eye to Afghan government corruption.

The US President proposed setting up a new contact group on Afghanistan including Iran to tackle the Taliban and Al-Qaeda insurgency.

Snowstorm, floods hit northern US states

CALIFORNIA: A heavy blizzard dumped wet snow on volunteers as they rushed to build dikes against rising flood waters in North Dakota, as officials used explosives to try break up ice jams on swelling rivers.

The storm's blustering winds knocked out power to towns across the largely rural prairie state and made many roads impassable as it dumped snow and freezing rain, officials said.

Several bridges and roads were already closed due to flooding as an unusually heavy snow pack began to melt on top of saturated land that has not yet fully thawed.

More snow was forecast to fall on the Red River valley in the coming days and rain could worsen flood conditions by the weekend, the weather service predicted.

Low-lying homes across the state were evacuated as rivers and creeks spilled over their banks, although damage was largely restricted to water in basements. No injuries were reported in a situation report issued at 7:30 pm (0130 GMT Thursday).

About 20 people from homes south of Fargo were evacuated with airboats that sluiced through ice-covered floodwaters after sandbag dikes began to leak.

Blackhawk helicopters were to be used to dump sand and salt down river of the ice jam to help get the water flowing again and reduce flood pressure on the city. Officials warned they may not know if the operation was successful until Thursday.

Heavy snowfall prompted thousands of volunteers in Fargo to reinforce temporary dikes and levees after the projected crest of the mighty Red River was raised to a record 41 feet (12.5 meters) by Saturday. Snowplows cleared streets for trucks delivering sandbags to neighborhoods along the river, where volunteers from as far away as Iowa and Montana mingled with high school and college students whose classes were cancelled. Hundreds of volunteers passed along sandbag

Hearing of petitions against governor rule in Punjab adjourned

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) has adjourned the hearing of miscellaneous applications filed before the Lahore High Court (LHC) against governor rule in Punjab till March 31.

A full bench of LHC headed by LHC chief justice heard the petitions. Lawyers while giving the arguments said the matter is also under trial in Supreme Court and apex court will conduct the hearing of case on March 30.

IPL second edition schedule released

CAPE TOWN: The opening match and final of the second edition of IPL, shifted overseas to South Africa, are to be held at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town and the Wanderers in Johannesburg respectively on April 18 and May 24.

The semi finals are to be held on May 22 and 23 in Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively, as per the full schedule of the Twenty20 League available.

In a double header on the first day, last year's winners Rajasthan Royals would take on Royal Challengers, Bangalore, while Mumbai Indians would clash with first edition's runners-up Chennai Super Kings at Cape Town.

In all, the 59 matches will be held in eight cities: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, East London, Kimberly, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth.

Kingsmead in Durban, which has a large number of South Asians, has been allotted the lion's share of 16 matches while the Centurion Park in Pretoria would host 12 ties.

The Wanderers in Johannesburg and Newlands in Cape Town come next best with eight matches each, with the latter playing host to four of these on the first two days of the cash-rich, high-profile competition.

Seven matches are to be held in St George's Park in Port Elizabeth while Buffalo Park in East London has been allotted four matches.

Two matches each have been handed over to Outsurance Oval in Bloemfontein and De Beers Oval in Kimberley.

There are a total of ten double headers (two matches back to back at the same venue) with Durban hosting half of these.

Rallies all over country to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW)

ISLAMABAD: Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) is being observed with great reverence and religious fervor all over the country today (Tuesday) and security is high alert on this occasion.

Official and private buildings, bazaars, mosques and roundabouts have been tastefully decorated in all big cities of the country. Special security arrangements have been made on the eve of the Eid-I-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH).

Mahafil-e-Milad and public meetings are being held in connection with the Eid-I-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) and people will pray exclusively for country’s security, inter-Muslim solidarity and restoration of peace in the country.

In Lahore, buildings, mosques and markets have been beautifully decorated and a torch-bearing rally has been taken out.

Full preparations have been made to celebrate the Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) also in other cities.

The day began with special pray after Namaz-e-Fajr in the mosques and a salute with 21 martyrs was presented to mark the celebrations.

On this occasion, Badshahi Mosque, Minar-e-Pakistan, Assembly Hall, WAPDA House and other buildings have beautifully been illuminated while mahafils of Naat and speeches continued throught the night in various mosques and parks of the city.

In Peshawar too, Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) is being observed with great reverence and religious fervor and security remains on high alert with enhanced police patrolling as well as elaborate security measures at all sensitive places to avoid any untoward incident on the occasion.

Various bazaars, buildings, mosques and roundabouts have been elegantly decorated and special arrangements have been made for illumination in Peshawar.

The central procession of the Eid-e-Milad will be taken from Milad Chowk and going through its traditional routes of Hashtnagri, Karimpura, Ghanta Ghar, People Mandi and end at Qissakhwani Bazar.

Special prays will be held on this occasion.

US shuttle Discovery set to soar to space station

WASHINGTON: The US space shuttle Discovery is on Wednesday to head to the International Space Station to complete an overhaul of the power-generating systems on the orbital outpost.

Weather permitting; Discovery will lift off from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida, at about 9:18 pm (0118 GMT Thursday).

Discovery's seven astronauts, including Japan's Koichi Wakata, are to deliver the fourth and last pair of power-generating solar panels to the ISS.

The launch, originally set for February 12, had been delayed four times due to problems with control valves, which channel gaseous hydrogen from the shuttle's three main engines. Three of the valves were replaced with newer ones.

Pakistan secure first victory in Women’s Cricket World Cup

CANBERRA: Pakistan clinched its first victory after defeating Sri Lanka by 57 runs in ICC Women’s Crocket World Cup.

In group B match, Pakistan elected to bat first after wining the toss against Sri Lanka. Pakistan scored 161 after losing 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Pakistani players displayed a much better performance as compared to first match.

Openers Nain Abidi and Bisma Maroof gave 47 runs start. Abidi scored 26 runs. Sajida Shah scored 21; Urooj Mumtaz 20 and Sana Mir scored unbeaten 22 runs. In reply, Sri Lanka managed to score 104 runs.

Iran says open to Afghan meeting offer from U.S.

TEHRAN: Iran said on Saturday it would consider an invitation from its old foe the United States to attend a meeting on Afghanistan and it was ready to offer any help to its neighbour as it battles a Taliban insurgency.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday that President Barrack Obama's government intended to invite Iran to an international conference on Afghanistan planned for this month.

Britain to take majority stake in Lloyds Banking Group

LONDON: The British government said Saturday it will take a majority stake in Lloyds Banking Group and guarantee 260 billion pounds (290 billion euros, 365 billion dollars) worth of its toxic assets.

In a new round of bailing out struggling British banks, the state will increase its ownership of the group from 43 percent to 65 percent. Lloyds Banking Group has also pledged to lend a further 28 billion pounds over the next two years as part of the package.

Under the government's insurance scheme terms, LBG has to take the first "hit" of up to 25 billion pounds on its toxic assets before the government steps in. The deal was hammered out between bank and Treasury officials in recent days.

India urged to reply soon Mumbai probe questions asked: Rahman Malik

ISLAMABAD: Interior Advisor, Rahman Malik has urged upon India to reply soon the 30 questions relating to the Mumbai investigations put forward.

Accompanied by Interpol Chief, Ronald Noble, addressing a joint press conference, Interior Advisor Rahman Malik said that the most vital information was related to DNA. He said that only 13 days were left in the remand of the Mumbai attacks accused. Pakistan has interrogated Zaki ur Rahman and other accused, but India didn’t reply.
Rahman Malik said that Pakistan has assured all out cooperation. He said that Pakistan would further approach Interpol for information relating to the terrorists.

On this occasion, Interpol Chief, Ronald Noble said that Pakistan and its people were more hit by terrorism and the world community was with Pakistan in war against terror. Ronald Noble was all praise for FIA carrying out investigations and termed their report as comprehensive and complete. However, he said that Interpol didn’t receive any report from India. He said that India should take the lead in investigations in a bid to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Ronald Noble said that Mumbai attacks were partially planned in Pakistan. He said that seven countries including India were used for Mumbai attacks. When quizzed on Lahore ambush, he said that it has some similarity with the Mumbai attacks, but nothing could be said until the final report and he hasn’t discussed this matter with the officials here.

Zardari-Nawaz conflict harmful for democracy: Sheikh Rashid

KARACHI: Awami Muslim League Chief, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said that President Zardari and Nawaz Sharif clash was harmful for democracy.

Talking to newsmen at the airport on his arrival here, Sheikh Rashid said that Zardari-Nawaz fight was of no use albeit it would be a loss to democracy. He said that by reinstating the deposed chief justice, the nation should be relieved of this issue.

Sheikh Rashid said that he would not participate in the lawyers’ sit-in and added the sit-in could also lead to a debacle”.

Iraq suicide bomber kills 28, 58 injured

BAGHDAD: A suicide bomber on a bicycle blew himself up killing at least 28 people and wounding 58 more outside a police academy in the Iraqi capital on Sunday in the bloodiest attack in weeks, officials said.

The bomber activated his vest as he sped into the crowd in central Baghdad on busy Palestine Street, an interior ministry official told. "The death toll has reached 28 dead and 58 wounded. The majority of the dead were police or recruits," the official said.

Police academies across Iraq have come under repeated attack as Al-Qaeda and other insurgents continue to target security forces around the country.

The injured have been shifted to the hospital, while the death toll rise feared.

Ministry approves import of 50,000 tons petrol

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Petroleum has approved import of 50,000 tons of petrol to meet the petroleum consumption for the months of March and April while a summary, seeking provision of US dollars for the import of diesel, has been moved to Ministry of Finance on Saturday, sources privy to ministry said.

Sources in Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources told Geo News the repair work on the Attock Refinery has also cut its 50 per cent petroleum production whereas Pak Arab Refinery Company (PARCO) has been managing to produce 75 per cent of its potential owing to financial crisis leading to petrol import in March and April.

The diesel consumption will likely to surge in next three months due to wheat harvesting. While 600,000 tons of diesel will be imported in next two months to come, sources informed.

India beat NZ by 58 runs in third one-day match

CHRISTCHURCH: An unbeaten 163 by Sachin Tendulkar led India to a comprehensive 58-run win over New Zealand in the third one-day international here Sunday and ensured they cannot lose the series.

Tendulkar, utilising his full array of textbook and improvised shots, was the stand-out figure as India scored 392 for four after being sent into bat first. It was the highest international ODI score against New Zealand, but the Black Caps were on target to overhaul it when they reached 166 without loss before the middle order self-destructed and they were all out for 334.

The win, completed in 45.1 overs, gave India an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series with only two matches remaining.

New Zealand had reason to think luck was on their side when they won the toss and had an early success with the dismissal of Virender Sehwag, India's danger man in their previous matches, for only three. Gautam Gambhir followed for 15 and India were two for 65 in the 13th over when India stepped up to a level New Zealand had no answer for. Yuvraj Singh joined the imperious Tendulkar and they piled on 138 in 16.4 overs for the third wicket. During the batting power play they added 69 runs with overs of 13, 13, 12, 17 and 14, propelling India from 105 after 20 overs to 206 after 30. Yuvraj kept his running to a minimum, with 10 boundaries and six sixes in his 87 which came off only 60 balls. On a ground with short boundaries, the Indian innings produced 18 sixes in all, equalling the world record for an international innings, and New Zealand added 13 to set a record 31 sixes in a match. Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni kept the scorers busy as he cracked 68 from 58 deliveries to continue the destruction of the New Zealand bowlers

The 20-year-old New Zealand quick Tim Southee went for a humbling none for 105 off 10 overs. The most successful of the New Zealand bowlers was Kyle Mills with two for 58, while Jacob Oram took none for 34 off eight.

Faced with a mammoth total and an asking rate of 7.86 per over, New Zealand had no choice but to attack from the start and Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder raced to 166 by the 22nd over before the innings fell apart.. Ryder posted his first ODI century before playing a half-hearted shot and was caught by Zaheer Khan off Harbhajan Singh for 105, including 12 boundaries and four sixes. But there was no other New Zealand innings of note until bowlers Mills and Southee came together at 251 for eight and restored a little pride after the pasting they took with the ball. Mills cracked 54 and Southee 32 before they fell in successive balls to end the game.

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Nawas vows to root out ‘politics of hypocrisy, fraud’

FAISALABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif Saturday said he would not sit in rest until he roots out what he called the politics of hypocrisy and fraud.

Addressing a public meeting in Faisalabad, Nawaz Sharif said the real court of people is before me right here.

He said the parliament should represent this parliament of people ‘that is here in front of me.’ We do not accept the Supreme Court of Islamabad, he said.

The PML-N Chief said Shahbaz Sharif is the constitutional chief minister of Punjab.

He said he cannot see Pakistan People’s Party getting weaker and invited PPP workers to come and participate in his rally.

Nawaz Sharif pointed out that a whole year passed but no progress was made towards getting to the perpetrators of Ms. Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

He said Pervez Musharraf tried to meet him when he visited Mecca and other places outside Pakistan but “we never met him because he (Pervez Musharraf) violated the law and the Constitution of our country.”

“I faced a seven-year long exile but never joined hands with the violators of law and the Constitution.”

He recalled that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto once said that Pakistan flag will be hoisted again at the residence of the deposed chief justice.

“We never wanted to take oath from Pervez Musharraf but we had to take that painful step on the demand of Zardari Sahab.”

Nawaz Sharif said he is still ready to for reconciliation which, he said, will not be for ministries and personal interests but for the 160 million people of Pakistan.

“Reconciliation will only be for the restoration of judges and the future generations of the country,” he asserted.

He said those who damaged Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s monument cannot be members of Muslim League. We tried a lot to find these people but failed, he added.

He asked the PPP workers to come and take out a rally along with him for demanding arrest of the slayers of Ms. Bhutto.

Nawaz Sharif on the occasion questioned the participants of the rally as to who broke the promises made on August 5 and 7? Who made mockery of the judiciary? Who is following the policies of a dictator? Who is turning a blind eye to the people’s mandate? Who snatched prime minster’s powers? Who is indulging in political wheeling dealing?

The participants replied to these questions by taking the name of President Asif Ali Zardari.