Musharraf phones Altaf, praises Mustafa Kamal

LONDON: Former president Pervez Musharraf has congratulated MQM chief Altaf Hussain on Karachi Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal for being named as the second most efficient mayor in the world.Speaking to Altaf Hussain here on telephone, Musharraf said that Mustafa Kamal did a great job for the development of Karachi. The former president said it was an honour for the whole country. Musharraf praised Karachi Nazim and Sindh Governor for their hard work, commitment and proper coordination on several development projects. MQM chief thanked former president for his support to the city government and other local bodies organizations during his presidency. linke.....

Shoaib suffers strain injury, placement doubted

DUBAI: Shoaib Akhtar’s participation in first One Day International against West Indies to be played in Abu Dhabi has struck a serious setback and has been doubted as the Rawalpindi Express suffered a late Side Strain Injury here on Tuesday. He partook with vigorously in the practice session but that ended in strain injury and his participation in the first ODI against Indies would be decided on Wednesday before match.Once again Pakistan cricket team hitting new headlines in its foreign tour, and Shoaib Akhtar was the centre peace of all that news, according to Geo News Shaoab Akhtar participation in first ODI was doubtful.linke....

Australian media blast Ponting eleven after India defeat

SYDNEY: The Australian media believe India's record victory has signaled the end of the world champions' dominance and exposed shortcomings caused by player retirements. "Australia have lost before but it's been a long time since they were so comprehensively taken apart. Everyone knew they could be beaten but not broken. No one expected them to be brushed away like dust off a table," Australian newspapers said.The defeat was Australia's biggest in a Test since 1999, when Steve Waugh's team lost to the West Indies by 10 wickets in Jamaica. It was also India's biggest victory by runs in their history.linke....

India may put off tour due to ‘dangerous’ situation

ISLAMABAD: India is considering to call off its cricket team’s tour of Pakistan early next year because of what its Ministry of External Affairs believes is a ‘dangerous’ security situation in the country.Cricket fans in Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the home series against India that will include three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 International in January-February 2009, but it is feared that they would be left frustrated as signals coming from across the border are not very positive.linke....

Manzoor fifty keeps Pakistan afloat

ABU DHABI: Where Chris Gayle biffed Pakistan's pace attack to all corners of the Sheikh Zayed Stadium during the first half of West Indies' innings, Pakistan struggled to find that fluency under lights. The loss of only one wicket was in their favour, however, and by the half-way mark of their chase they had reached 118 for 1, with the required run rate 7.08. Khurram Manzoor was batting on his second fifty in as many games, while veteran Younis Khan had just started to open up. West Indies' new-ball pair of Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor began accurately. Both hit a short-of-a-length area at pace and squeezed runs dry. The first boundary came in the fifth over when Powell allowed Manzoor room to cut, and in that over Powell twice drifted down the pads to allow Manzoor more runs and Pakistan just a little impetus.linke...

Murray into Masters tennis semis, Federer bid alive

SHANGHAI: Britain's Andy Murray moved into the Masters Cup semi-finals on Wednesday while Roger Federer kept his title defence alive against Radek Stepanek, a late replacement for the injured Andy Roddick.Murray overcame some dogged resistance from Gilles Simon to follow Novak Djokovic into the last four 6-4, 6-2 before Federer was also made to work for his 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 win.Roddick became a last-minute withdrawal after rolling his right ankle, joining world number one Rafael Nadal (tendinitis) on the sidelines and renewing concerns about the rigorous tennis schedule.linke......

Kuwaiti court orders stock exchange closed

KUWAIT CITY: A Kuwaiti court on Thursday ordered the temporary closure of the country's plummeting stock exchange, and the order went into effect within an hour. The ruling by the Administrative Court in Kuwait City stemmed from a lawsuit filed by attorney Adel al-Abdul Hadi on behalf of two stockbrokers concerned about the steep falls in the Kuwait Stock Exchange. The court's order was to take effect immediately and continue until the next court hearing Nov. 17. linke....

IDB provides $200 million to Pakistan

KARACHI: The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has provided a $200 million aid to Pakistan.The spokesman for State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Syed Waseemuddin told Geo News on Thursday that the IDB has provided 200 million dollars in aid to the country.Sources in the finance ministry said the amount paid by the bank is the initial tranche of loan while more funds would be provided in the next few days to meet the shortage in the foreign exchange reserves and to maintain it at a two-month level. linke.....

OPEC basket price fell more to $47.73

LONDON: OPEC's reference crude oil basket dropped more to $47.73 a barrel on Thursday from Wednesday's$49.94, OPEC said on Friday. The reference basket comprises 13 crudes.linke....

Rupee against dollar up by paisa 5

KARACHI: The value of rupee against dollar at the end of the inter-bank market today closed higher by paisa 5 to Rs80.40 for a dollar.Forex market dealers said that the value of rupee stabilizing during the current week restored the confidence of the people, especially the investors. On the other hand, the value of dollar in the open market is seen even lower than that of the inter-bank, as it is being bought at Rs79.50 and sold at Rs80.00.linke.....

Stock markets continue to move lower on economic sentiment

TORONTO: Stock markets deepened their losses as Friday morning wore on, with investors putting their optimism aside once again to focus on the struggling global economy.Toronto's S&P/TSX composite index dropped 271.45 points in morning trading to 9,081.14, after gaining 430 points or five per cent Thursday.The Canadian dollar was at 81.95 cents US, down 0.59 of a cent.Media conglomerate Canwest Global Communications Corp. (TSX:CGS) reported a billion-dollar quarterly loss after writing down its Canadian TV operations by $1.01 billion, which "reflects a deterioration in the near-term profit expectations." Its stock declined eight cents to 72 cents, down from $7.50 a year ago.linke.....

U.S. helicopter crashed in Mosul, two dead

BAGHDAD: Two U.S. soldiers were killed in a helicopter accident in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Saturday, a military spokeswoman said.The helicopter involved was an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, a small scout helicopter fitted with weapons. It hit overhead cables as it was attempting to land."There has been a helicopter incident in Mosul. They're classifying it now as a hard landing when it came in contact with wires," Captain Charles Calio said earlier on Saturday.linke....

Sacked worker kills Indian-American CEO in U.S

CALIFORNIA: An Indian-American CEO of a semiconductor company was shot dead along with two other persons by a laid-off employee of the firm in northern California, police said.Sid Agrawal, the chief executive officer of SiPort Inc, the company's vice president of operations Brian Pugh and an unidentified woman was killed when several rounds were fired on the premises of the firm in Santa Clara on Friday.linke....

At G20, Bush sticks to his free-market principles

WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush emerged from the G20 summit Saturday satisfied with having preserved the principles of free market economics, while leaving his successor wide room for maneuver. After 24 hours of hosting world leaders in what a senior administration official called an "extraordinarily successful summit," Bush will be confronted anew with the urgency of the crisis, including decisions to be made over the fate of the country's "Big Three" auto manufacturers.linke...

Four dead, 19 injured in China tunnel collapse

BEIJING: Four people have been confirmed dead and 19 injured in China after a subway tunnel collapsed and the survival chances for 17 others still missing is slim, state media said on Sunday.The accident happened Saturday in the east Chinese city of Hangzhou, trapping construction workers underground while the tunnel was swiftly flooded with water from a nearby river, China’s official news agency reported.

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Afghanistan bomb blasts, clashes claim 10 militants’ lives

KABUL: Afghanistan bomb blasts and clashes have claimed 10 militants’ lives, while the Allied Forces have confirmed the death of one Nato soldier.Troops, meanwhile, killed five militants in an operation aimed at Al-Qaeda in the eastern province of Paktia on the border with Pakistan, the US military announced. The troops also detained a "significant Al-Qaeda associated militant known to finance militant operations and to assist Taliban leaders with the movement and training of Arab and foreign fighters into Afghanistan," it said.Some 8 militants were caught from different areas of Zormat province, while a similar operation in the adjacent border province of Khost about 10 suspected militants were detained, the statement said. Another five militants were killed in the southern province of Uruzgan in a gunfight with troops, another coalition statement said. US and the Allied Forces said that one Nato soldier was killed as a result of bomb attack on a patrol party.linke.......

Obama names three key members of White House staff

WASHINGTON: President-elect Barack Obama on Sunday announced three key members of his White House staff ahead of his January 20, 2009 inauguration.Obama in a statement announced from Washington that Pete Rouse will serve as senior advisor..Obama also announced the names of two deputy chiefs of staff. Mona Sutphen and Jim Messina will be the deputy chiefs of staff.Obama said in the statement: “These individuals were important additions to a team with the experience and ability to help our nation overcome pressing challenges at home and around the world".

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Sri Lankan rebels claim killing of 20 troops

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers said Monday they have beaten back an offensive against their frontlines in the far north of the island, killing at least 20 government troops and wounding scores of others. There was no immediate comment from the Sri Lankan military but the defence ministry said air force fighter jets and helicopter gun ships had stepped up aerial strikes in the area.

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34 miners trapped in flooded coal mine in China

BEIJING: Thirty-four workers were trapped when a coal mine in central China's Henan province flooded Monday, state media reported.The accident at the Gaomendong Coal Mine near Pingdingshan city happened at about 7:20 am (2320 GMT Sunday), China’s official news agency reported.Forty-two miners were at work at the time of the flooding, and eight managed to escape.Nearly 3,800 people died in Chinese coal mines last year, according to official figures.

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Deposed CJP awarded lifetime membership of New York Bar

WASHINGTON: Deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Chaudhry Iftikhar has been awarded the life time membership of New York Bar here on Tuesday, Geo T.V. reported.According to sources, deposed CJP said addressing the New York Bar the lawyer would continue their struggle until the success of their movement and added that war on terrorism in Pakistan could never be accomplished without the independent judiciary.He thanked for receiving li ... linke.....

Further remand of financial scandal accused sought

LAHORE: The accused allegedly involved in illegal transfer of billions of dollar abroad were presented in the local court here for seeking further remand. Sources said that Munaf Kalia after six days of remand, Javed Khanani after eight days, while Rustam Ali and Tariq Mahmood each after remand of 11 days were presented in the court of Civil Judge Judicial Magistrate, Faisal Jamil. FIA officials said that some more evidences were obtained from the accused, while heavy amounts have also been recovered in raids, therefore, they would seek further 5 or 7 days of remand of all the accused.linke....

Security forces continue pounding militants’ hideouts

SWAT: Security forces continued shelling militants’ hideouts in different parts of tehsil Kabal in Swat on Monday.According to sources, security forces using heavy artillery against militants in Kabal Khas, Akhwankalay and Zora during operation. However, no loss of life was reported.Meanwhile, Kanju-Kabal Road has been closed for traffic

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Over 1000 dengue patients in Lahore

LAHORE: The number of patients suffering from dengue fever has crossed 1000 in Lahore.According to government released figures, the number of dengue patients climbed to 1050 in Punjab while blood samples of patients coming with high fever are being sent for tests.The district administration has intensified the fumigation campaign

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NATO supply trucks leave for Afghanistan

PESHAWAR: Container trucks and oil tankers bound for U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan left for Afghanistan on Monday.The vehicles were to start moving again later Monday under new armed escorts after a temporary closure to allow a review of security at the Khyber Pass. The convoys carry food, fuel and other goods, including military vehicles.

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Five militants killed in Bajaur Agency

BAJAUR: Security forces carried out action in various areas of Bajaur Agency, killing five militants while reports of increase in the number of deaths are also being received. Security forces kept pounding militants’ hideouts with mortar shells during last night in Dama Dola, Saprai, Badan and Kaga areas of Tehsil Mamond.Six important positions of the militants have been destroyed in the fresh military action.

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Nawaz, Shujaat denounce Geo News stoppage

KARACHI: Political leaders strongly condemned the blockage of transmission of Geo News and other channels of Geo Network.The leader of PML-N Mian Nawaz Sharif termed this as an attack on freedom of press and media.Also, chief of PML-Q Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also denounced the stoppage of Geo News transmission.

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Shazia Murree expresses her shock and awe on Geo News blockade

KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister, Shazia Murree expressed her shock and awe on the sudden blockade of Geo News transmission here.She said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has nothing to do with the disruption in Geo News transmissions and added, “We are trying to find out as to why the cable operators have stopped Geo news transmissions and earnestly endeavouring its restoration

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Journalist society condemns Geo News blockade

KARACHI: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), ATJ, Rawalpindi/Islamabad Union of Journalist and other journalist organizations have strongly condemned the blockade of Geo News transmissions here. RIUJ president has demanded immediate restoration of Geo News transmission, failing which he warned that the journalist community would launch strong protests. linke.....

MQM leader Salim Shahzad reaches Karachi

KARACHI: Senior member of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) coordination committee Salim Shahzad reached Karachi on Monday.Provincial Minister and member of MQM coordination committee Syed Shoaib Bukhari and Naik Muhammad received him at Karachi airport.Talking to Geo News, Salim Shahzad said that he came back to do some organizational tasks and would stay till its completion. linke.....

PBA calls for restoration of Geo’s transmission

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) condemned the blockade of channels of Geo Network and ARY and demanded of the government to restore their transmission.A PBA statement issued by its Secretary General, Syed Sarfaraz Hussain Shah, said democracy is not merely a name of holding elections but it is to allow the organizations to operate under the constitution and law.The statement said PBA is concerned over the stoppage of the channels of Geo and ARY networks and called for immediate restoration of these channels.linke......

India set 293 runs target for England in one-dayer

INDORE: Yuvraj Singh plundered a second successive century off England to steer India to 292-9 in the second one-day international here on Monday.Yuvraj and opener Gautam Gambhir (70) put on 134 for the fourth wicket after a deadly triple strike by 20-year-old fast bowler Stuart Broad had reduced India to 29-3 by the eighth over. Yusuf Pathan celebrated his 26th birthday with an unbeaten 50 off 29 balls, taking 17 runs off the last four deliverie .... linke.....

Pakistan’s credit rating likely to be improved: ADB

NEW DELHI: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that the loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may improve the credit rating of Pakistan.Managing director ADB Rajatnag said in an interview in New Delhi that he hoped that Pakistan would make necessary reforms for bail-out package.He said that the IMF package of $7.6 billion would be helpful in restoring the confidence of the Pakistani people.Rajatnag said that the revival of Pakistan ec .... linke....

Nepal’s political parties agree to have new constitution

KATMANDU: Nepal's political parties have agreed to immediately begin work on a new constitution and enforce it by May2010, an official said Monday. Assembly spokesman Mukund Sharma said the parties who have members elected to the country's Constituent Assembly decided on May28, 2010, as the deadline to have the constitution ready. Soon after elections in May this year, the new Maoist-dominated Constituent Assembly voted to abolish the centuries-o .... linke.....

Agri-loans, utility bills to be waived in quake-hit areas: PM

ZIARAT: Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday said the government will compensate Rs2.9 billion loss caused to property by the devastating earthquake in Balochistan while agricultural loans and utility bills of the affected areas will be written off after assessment. He said this while addressing the people here in Vaam after visiting the earthquake-affected areas.The Prime Minister flanked by Governor Balochistan Zulfiqar Magsi and Chief Min .... linke.....

GEO’s channels blocked in Sindh

KARACHI: Geo Network’s transmission has been stopped on cable in a number of cities across Sindh including Karachi.Cable operators blocked the transmission of Geo Network in a number of areas across the city Monday morning, without assigning any reason for the stoppage. Similar reports of stoppage of Geo’s channels are being received from different parts of Sindh including Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Sukkur.The government as well as ... linke......