Kite string claims minor’s life

LAHORE - A stray kite string claimed life of a two-year-old girl in the Sabzazar police limits on Sunday.
Noor along with her father Jameel and four years old brother Hamza were on their way home on Sunday morning after visiting a market when a stray kite twine slit Noor’s throat. As a result, Jameel lost control on bike and fell on the road. They were rushed to a nearby hospital where Noor succumbed to her injuries while condition of Hamza was also said to be critical.
Meanwhile, police arrested three persons from the area on the charges of kite flying. Patrolling officers of Subzazar, Hunjarwal and Iqbal Town were also suspended over the mishap. Inquiry against SHO Subzazar Sharif Sindhu has also been ordered in this regard. A senior police officer said that they were trying to locate the house from where the kite was being flown.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif took notice of the deadly kite-flying incident and ordered strict action against violators. He announced Rs. 500,000 for aggrieved family and directed the authories concerned to take action against responsible.
Meanwhile, a 20 years old man was severely wounded by sharp kite string which cut his throat in Sialkot. The wounded man shifted to hospital where his treatment continued.
It should be mentioned that despite ban imposed by the Punjab government over kite flying due to losses of life and property, violation of the ban is common and innocent citizens especially children fall victim and the police and local administration is silent and doing nothing to take action against the violators of ban.

Army should not get involved in political matters: JI

The Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday formally responded to ISPR’s statement and clarified its position over party chief Syed Munawar Hassan’s controversial remarks, saying that Pakistan army is not entitled to directly involve in political affairs.
Speaking to media representatives after a meeting of the party’s Majlis-i-Shura (Supreme Council), General Secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Liaqat Baloch said his party has rendered sacrifices to safeguard ideological as well as geographical boundaries of the country and has always acknowledged Pak Army’s sacrifices.
On Sunday, JI chief Syed Munawar Hasan’s recent controversial statements of giving the certificate of martyrdom to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakeemullah Mehsud and deriding military personnel who have rendered sacrifices in the war against terrorists, drew strong ire of the army which asked the JI chief to tender an unconditional apology.
Liaqat Baloch said that Pakistan Army should not get involved in political affairs directly, adding that ISPR’s statement, in which the army asked Syed Munawar Hassan to apologize to the nation, is a political statement which the military should have avoided.
“The nation is being involved in unnecessary debates,” said Liaqat Baloch who did not respond to reporters’ questions in his brief chat with the media.
The JI leader said his party leadership reviewed in the meeting the situation arising out of Syed Munawar Hassan’s statement.
In his remarks he issued in a TV talkshow last week, the JI chief had declared the killing of ruthless Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud in missile strike as ‘martyrdom’, stating that Pakistan army soldiers who have rendered sacrifices in the ongoing fight could not be called ‘martyrs’ for their cooperation with the US.
The statement drew strong ire of the army which asked him to tender unconditional apology. Various political parties, including the PPP, ANP and ANP, condemned the JI’s remarks urging him to take his words back.
ISPR in a statement condemned the remarks as ‘irresponsible’ and ‘misleading’, saying that declaring the dead terrorists as shaheeds is insult of the shahadat of thousands of innocent Pakistanis and soldiers of Pakistan's armed forces.
During the Majlis-i-Shura meeting, Baloch said the country would have to get out of the drone war in order to establish sustainable peace.
He further said that martyrdom was a dignified rank which could only be conferred by “none other than Allah”.

Iqbal’s thought recalled

LAHORE  - The 136th birth anniversary of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was observed with traditional zeal across the country on Saturday.
The day dawned with special prayers, followed by change of guards at the Iqbal’s mausoleum and continued with special ceremonies to pay tribute to the veteran. Station Commander Punjab Commodore Akbar Naqi attended the ceremony. Throughout the day, Iqbal’s followers kept pouring at his resting place.
Punjab Governor Ch Muhammad Sarwar and other dignitaries visited the mausoleum, laid wreaths and offered Fatiha. Talking to the media, the governor called for following the teaching of Allama to cope with confronting challenges. “There is dire need of following the teaching of Iqbal. The nation should be untied.”
The Pakistan Post arranged a postal stall at Mazar-e-Iqbal where the commemorative stamps issued on Iqbal so far along with other general stamps were placed for sale. The stall remained open from 9 am to 5pm.  Special sittings, walks, exhibitions were organised to mark the day while TV and radio channels aired special programmes highlighting various aspects of Allama Iqbal.
The Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust and Tehreek-i-Pakistan Workers’ Trust jointly arranged a sitting to mark the day
Noted people, including The Nation Editor-in-Chief Majid Nizami Prof Dr Zahid Munir Amir, Dr Muhammad Ajmal Niazi, Allama Ali Qasuri, Begum Bushra Rehman, Prof Attaur Rehman, Dr Farid Ahmad Paracha, Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali, Waleed Iqbal, Justice (r) Nasira Javed Iqbal, Pir Syed Muhammad Kabir Ali Shah Mujaddadi Gilani, Sajjada Nashin Astana-i-Aliya Choora Sharif, Col (r) Jamshed Ahmed Tarin, Justice (r) Mian Aftab Farrukh, Mian Farooq Altaf, Dr MA Sufi, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Mian Habib Ullah, Safia Ishaq, Khurshid Ahmad, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Manzoor Hussain Khan, Engineer Malik Muhammad Tufail, Prof Dr Parveen Khan attended the event.
Paying tribute to the legend, Majid Nizami called for following Iqbal’s philosophy. “Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had true the Allama’s dream of a separate homeland for the Muslims of sub-continent,” he recalled and stressed the need for forging unity to fix problems plaguing Pakistan.
Justice (r) Nasira Javed Iqbal laid emphasis on education of women to make Pakistan as dreamt by the Allama.
Pir Syed Muhammad Kabir Ali Shah observed that Allama Iqbal had great esteem and veneration for the saints. Waleed Iqbal said: “We can defeat our enemies by following the teaching of Islam.”
Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali stated: “Allama Iqbal strove to establish a relationship of love and devotion with the Holy Prophet (PBUH).”
Professor Ataur Rehman said: “The Allama was instrumental in securing Muslims’ freedom. Begum Bushra Rehman said “We must strive to comprehend Allama Iqbal’s poetry.”
Dr Farid Ahmad Paracha said Kashmir should be freed from India. Dr Niazi praised Dr Nizami for disseminating the ideology of Pakistan. “Love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is more powerful than the nuclear energy,” he said. Allama Ahmad Ali Qasuri observed the thoughts of Iqbal grantee success.
Prof Dr Zahid Munir remarked that the cause of all our troubles lies in our relentless pursuance of the materialism. The solution to our self-created problems lies in resorting to spiritualism.
NPT Secretary Shahid Rashid told the audience that the trust educated 1.3 million students under its Pakistan Awareness Programme.
A resolution was adopted unanimously, calling upon the government to expand the boundary of Iqbal’s mausoleum so that the visitors could offer fatiha easily.

VVIPs security on high alert

LAHORE - Following the death of Taliban Chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike, the police have intensified the security for the very, very important persons (VVIPs) including Punjab Chief Minister to fend off any possible terror assault.
“Leading politicians are facing serious threats (by militants) since the new government came into power. We already have made proper security arrangements for the VVIPs to ensure foolproof security,” Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khan Baig told this reporter by phone on Saturday. He said the personnel of law enforcement agency have been put on their toes and “We have taken unprecedented security measures to maintain peace.”
Taliban vowed to target Punjab province as revenge after death of TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud. The intelligence officials forwarded the threat-alerts to Punjab Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, IGP, and CM’s Secretariat, urging the authorities to step up security for the VVIPs and high-profile personalities.
An official of the Punjab Home Department said that in addition to 50 Elite Force personnel at least 14 newly-inducted commandoes were already doing security duties with the chief minister. “They are highly trained in security affairs. Some of them are retired armed forces personnel,” the official added.
Security has been put on high alert across the country after the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan threatened to avenge the killing of their top commander.
An official in the Central Police Office (CPO) said that the Sharif family was on the hit list of the terrorists and the militants could target leading politicians to avenge the killing of Mehsud. The intelligence agencies also warned the provincial governments that the terrorists were planning to assassinate high-profile personalities including Punjab Chief Minister, Governor, and top judges as well.
Hundreds of policemen are providing security to Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif and family while over two 2000 cops are deployed on the routes during the VVIP movement in Lahore on daily basis.
Sources said that at least 350 personnel of the Punjab Elite Force, 444 jawans of the Lahore police and Punjab Constabulary are on-guard at the private residences of the Sharif family located in the Raiwind, Model Town, and DHA areas.
On the other hand, majority of the religious and public places are left at the mercy of militants as there is no visible police deployment since the police are focusing on the security of VVIPs.
Sources also revealed that many VIPs, and VVIPs were requested by the security agencies to restrict their movement and avoid unnecessary traveling. Since the intelligence agencies had conveyed to the Punjab CM that he was on the hit list of the terrorists, the leading politicians were also asked to inform the concerned quarters before visiting any place.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on Saturday disclosed to the reporters that the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were continuously receiving threats from terrorists. The minister added that the holy month of Muharram was at stake as there was a risk for terror activities.
Security experts say that war on terrorism provided an opportunity to the enemies of the country to conduct proxy war against Pakistan. “This dirty war is bleeding Pakistan, inflicting losses to security forces and hurting the innocent civilians, women and children,” they said. They say that anti-Pakistan forces are supporting some TTP leaders to undertake suicide attacks or use IEDs for blasts in sensitive areas inside Pakistan.
Recently US-led Nato/Isaf commander endorsed Pakistan’s assessment and viewpoint that Kabul-New Delhi nexus was harboring safe havens across the Durand Line. He further contended that hostile agencies in connivance with Afghan NDS conduct subversive activities inside Pakistan to derail the peace process between the government and TTP.
The arrest of Latifullah Mehsud by US Special Forces revealed that terrorist attack in Upper Dir targeting Major General Sanaullah Khan Niazi was undertaken by agencies hostile to Pakistan. He further proclaimed that terrorist attacks against Peshawar Church, in Qissa Khawani Bazaar and on the bus of Peshawar Secretariat staff were also planned and sponsored by hostile intelligence agencies.
It may be mentioned here that at least 23 TTP commanders arrested by Pak Army during Operation Rah-e-Raast in Swat, had revealed that foreign elements were involved in supporting militants in Pakistan to conduct target killings, bomb blasts, suicide attacks, assaults on civil and military installations, and forced abductions including ethnic and sectarian violence.

Textile exports to be enhanced after GSP Plus status: Sarwar

The Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar has said textile exports will be enhanced after a GSP Plus status for Pakistani products in European Union markets.
He said this while talking to Information Minister Pervez Rashid who called on him in Lahore Saturday.
The Governor lauded the lobbing done by the Punjab Chief Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif and Minister of State Khurram Dastagir Khan under the Prime Minister’s instructions for achieving this goal.
Punjab Governor said that Pakistan’s soft image has been enhanced at world level due to united efforts by country’s all stake holders on issue of GSP Plus status.
Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said that Pakistanis living abroad are the real assets of country and they should be provided with the maximum possible facilities to get benefit from their services.

Students show solidarity with fainting fellow

LAHORE  - The Cooper Road Government Islamia College for Women students staged a demonstration on Friday against the administration, for what they called, sluggishness to shift their unconscious fellow to hospital.
The protesting students demanded action against college principal for the chaos. “We want justice. Take action against the responsible,” they chanted. On Thursday, BS (Hons) student Maham made a request to Principal Farzana Shaheen to let her go home as she was feeling unwell but was denied permission over security issues, an official said.  Later, Maham fell unconscious and was taken to Lahore General Hospital. However, her condition is said to be out of danger.
On the other hand, Farzana said:  “It was my duty to identity the boy who came to pick her.” It was also reported that students took to the streets after an anti-principal group aired rumours of the death of the girl.

Anti-drone resolution filed in Punjab Assembly

LAHORE  - A high-level meeting of the PTI Punjab here on Monday carried a resolution against the US drone attacks on Pakistanis soil and for raising voice on the floor of the Punjab Assembly to have Nato supplies halted.
According to media reports, Opposition leader Mian Mahmudur Rashid of the PTI also submitted an adjournment motion in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat for taking up the issue of drone attacks and Nato supplies on the next session of the Assembly. On the same subject, PML-Q MPA Amir Sultana Cheema also filed a motion.
The PTI meeting chaired by PTI Punjab President Ejaz Ch vowed through the resolution that the fight against drones will be carried out all over Punjab and the PTI will raise voice in the Punjab Assembly for barricading Nato supplies besides mobilizing public opinion on this issue through rallies.
Ejaz Ch said that provincial council meeting of the party will be held on the 24th of November and will be presided over by PTI chairman Imran Khan.
Ejaz Ch said that the CM has devolved powers to his son and the local body bill was evidence to the fact that the family power politics will continue even after the local body elections. The PTI leadership demanded the CM present speak on the first 100 days of his government’s performance in the assembly. He said every sector including health, education, energy and law and order have deteriorated at a rapid pace.
Andleeb Abbas Secretary Information Punjab stated that the increasing number of dengue patients and deaths falsified the CM claim in the last two years that dengue has been illuminated from Punjab.

Poison should not be used where honey can deliver

LAHORE - The drone attack did eliminate Hakimullah Meh-sud, but it has completely failed to weaken the government and opposition parties’ collective resolve to continue their “peace offensive” to restore normalcy to troubled areas through talks with the much-reviled TTP.
So, what Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, PTI Chairman Imran Khan and some other leaders said against the drone attack and in favour of the need for peace talks on Monday might not be liked by those who want to use military operation as the first and the only option against the militants, who are responsible for killing countless innocent people in various parts of the country. While the real objective of both sides is peace the disagreement is just over the modalities to be used to achieve it. Before trying to establish which strategy is better and why, answers to certain questions should be clear in all minds.
Are political and religio-political leaders criticising the killing of Hakimullah Mehsud because he was a religious leader and his death created some kind of vacuum? No. He was not a religious leader at all and his TTP brought a bad name to Islam through its acts.
Do they regard him as a hero because of any service rendered by him? No. He did not have any service to his credit. Did he really render any kind of service in any field? No.
In fact, they are critical of the drone attack only because of its consequences for the peace process, not for any love lost for the dead TTP leader. They say it was an assault on the government’s efforts to bring peace and tranquillity.
The contacts for talks with the TTP leaders had been started in the light of decisions taken at an all-party conference on September 9.  The conference participants were of the opinion that peace should be given a chance, and in case it fails to yield the desired results military option should be used as an alternative. At no stage was the use of force ruled out.
It is fact that the Pakistan Army conducted military operations in some areas and succeeded in curbing insurgency there. Hundreds of thousands of then displaced persons are now living peacefully in their homes, which is a big achievement.
But in the light of the experience gained from the operation, the leadership has now decided to use the talks’ option first. What’s the harm in trying a new strategy to avoid more killings on both sides? Elders believe that poison should not be used where honey can bring the same results. If talks fail, the government would be justified in using all options available to it to extirpate insurgents challenging its writ.
No one should forget that the foreign troops have to leave the region one day. But the people of Pakistan have to live in their country, no matter what the situation. If the Taliban give up militancy and agree to live within the limits set by the country’s constitution, and the killings come to an end, it will be in everybody’s interest. But if killings continue even at this juncture, the post-2014 situation in Pakistan would be equally turbulent.
Pakistan is a sovereign country and has the right to take any decision and adopt any strategy to safeguard its national interests. And when the government, the opposition parties and the military leadership are on the same page – and are in favour of talks with the Taliban - nobody should oppose the idea. Also, Pakistan has the right to block Nato supplies in case the drone attacks continue.
The opponents of talks should not forget that the situation in Pakistan is not very ideal. On many an occasion the security agencies had to pay ransom to get some kidnapped people released. Normally, it is not even conceivable that security agencies would pay ransom; but this has happened in the Islamic Republic.
At present, peace is hostage with the TTP people. And it is the duty of everyone in the country to play his/her role to let peace rule supreme. Rescuing peace through talks is not a big deal.
Force doesn’t bring the desired results in all situations. When the US gave shelter to the Shah of Iran after his ouster as a result of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iranian students stormed into the US Embassy in Tehran. They took more than 50 American people hostage.
The US launched Operation Eagle Claw in April 1980 to have the hostages released. But the military rescue attempt failed. Later on, the US tried its best to bring Iran under pressure, but in vain. More than 50 US hostages remained in Iranian custody for 444 days till they were released as a result of mediation by Algeria. Militarily, Iran had just no comparison with the US. But it humiliated the super power for well over a year. Iran-US relations strained since then have not normalised even today, although there is a change in the thinking of the new Iranian leadership.
This example should make it clear that at times talks are a better option than the use of force. Even the success of government-Taliban talks would not improve the Taliban’s image any way. A majority of people think that the Taliban are defaming Islam, and their opinion will remain unchanged even after talks.

Politicians join PTI

LAHORE - Several political figures of Lahore, Faisalabad and Mandi Bahauddin, keeping in view political scenario of their constituencies, joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf on Sunday.
In the provincial metropolis, Mian Abdul Waheed, a former nazim, joined the PTI along with his supporters during a meeting with party leader Mian Muhammad Azhar and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed.  While political figures of Faisalabad and Mandi Bahauddin including Mudassar Iqbal Kamboh, Faisal Mukhtar Gondal, Dr Sagheer and Afzaal Lodhi announced to join the PTI during a meeting with party’s provincial president Ejaz Chaudhry.

Trade facilitation PML-N govt’s philosophy: Dastagir

LAHORE - Provision of all possible facilities to traders and business community is the philosophy of PML-N government, which is making all-out efforts to ensure free and expanded economic activities in the country.
Minister of State for Commerce and Privatisation, Engr Khurram Dastagir Khan stated this at a dinner hosted by Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) at a local hotel on Sunday. The REAP Chairman Chaudhry Masood Iqbal and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Iftikhar Ali Malik brought the REAP problems into the notice of the Minister. While, former LCCI president Shahzad Ali Malik, other REAP office-bearers from different parts of Pakistan and a large number of the rice sector community was also present.
The State Minister said that the PML-N government and its leadership was very much serious in re-establish the country’s fragile economy on strong footing that was why it had to take tough decisions on many fronts including Karachi operation for peace, rise in electricity tariff.
He, however, hoped the people would be taking advantages of a developed economy due to results of these decisions within next two years. The N-League government’s sincerity could be well judged from the fact that the Prime Minister had reduced the PM House expenditures up to 70 per cent with a sole of ensuring an early prosperity of the nation, he added.
Khurram Dastagir said that PML-N government was striving to maintain a partnership relation between the public and private sector by incorporating the traders and industrialists’ plausible suggestions in the economic policy making process. “We have to fight out the menace of extremism with the hope and struggle of economic development,” he observed.
He said, the Commerce Ministry meant for taking such measures that lead to expansion of trade and economy and “We want the economic activities to be done in free and responsible manner, and increase the export volumes by competing in the international markets.” However, the trade community had a major responsibility of focusing on product quality and coming up to international accreditations to maintain Pakistan’s trade credibility in the comity of nations, he stressed.
The Minister of State for Commerce and Privatization also assured the REAP members that Commerce Ministry would take early steps to resolve their problems such as establishment of technical institutes for rice; currency swap agreement with Iran; check the working and utilization of funds of QRC Rice Inspection Cell as well as the usage of Export Development Fund (EDF).
Earlier, Iftikhar Ali Malik said that unfortunately, the overall rice exports witnessed 25 per cent decline last year mainly due to poor performance of the relevant trade departments and research institutes. He urged the government to help improve the rice quality and branding and seek technical support from India in this regard.
While, the REAP Chairman Chaudhry Masood Iqbal said that rice was the third major crop in Pakistan and “Our rice brand of ‘Basmatti’ was assumed as an ambassador of Pakistan.” He also expressed concern over the role of TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) in the functioning of the QRC Rice Inspection Cell as well as utilization of the EDF. He also sought government help in establishing the technical and training institutes for rice sector promotion.
He claimed that REAP had the ability to raise the rice export from the current $2.4 billion to $4 billion per annum, provided the rice exporters’ problems were settled down.

US promised no drone hits during talkss: CM

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that if the US wants elimination of terrorism in true sense it would have to support the strategy of Pakistan.
In a statement here Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said the menace of terrorism had caused maximum damage to Pakistan and almost 50,000 innocent citizens including officials of the armed forces, police, Rangers and security agencies had lost their lives due to terrorism.
“Our economy is continuously under pressure and we are facing difficulties in moving ahead,” he added.
He said American attitude was hampering the serious efforts aimed at maintenance of peace and was indirectly encouraging terrorism. The chief minister said that he had expressed reservations over the US aid just because of the drone attacks and the overall American behavior.
He disclosed that while talking to a high level American official, he termed the drone attacks insulting to Pakistan’s autonomy and sovereignty. The US official was a bit surprised at his remarks. After a few days, during a meeting, he assured that the US would not carry out any drone attacks during the dialogue process to be initiated by the Pakistan government. He lamented that this top level guarantee was not honoured even. Shahbaz cautioned that if problems continued to be created for Pakistan, the sincere efforts of the government towards elimination of terrorism would suffer a setback. World community needs to realise the ground reality and must put its weight behind the strategy of Pakistan failing which the elimination of terrorism would get all the more difficult. Earlier replying to a question about drone attacks after his arrival at Lahore Airport from London, Shahbaz said drone attacks by the US was a matter of grave concern for Pakistan and the PML-N would formulate a strategy on drones through consultation.  “Consultation will be made over this issue in the party meeting and a strategy would be evolved soon”, he said.
He said the PML-N had always raised voice against these attacks and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to America also raised this issue with the US President.
Talking about his visit to Turkey, Germany and Britain, he said that the basic purpose of these visits to the three countries was to motivate foreign investors to invest in energy sector in Pakistan so that energy crisis could be resolved.
He said that besides Pakistani and foreign investors, meetings were also held with the local authorities during this visit.  The Chief Minister said that during these meetings, talks were also held on energy crisis being faced by Pakistan and investment in this sector and hoped that these meetings would yield positive results.
He said that serious efforts were being made for dealing with the energy problem and ending loadshedding.
He said that full attention had been paid to the projects of power generation and several agreements have been signed with local and foreign companies in this regard.  He said that during his recent visit, talks were held with Pakistani investors based in Germany, Turkey and Britain as well as international energy companies for investment in power generation sector.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif on his return to Lahore from London after visiting Turkey, Germany and Britain early in the morning on Sunday proceeded to Rawalpindi after a few hours and presided over a high- level meeting at the Commissioner Office to review dengue situation and the measures taken in this regard.
Later, the Chief Minister inquired after dengue patients in the hospital. It may be mentioned that during his foreign visit, the Chief Minister continued to monitor the arrangements made in the province to deal with the menace of dengue.
He addressed meetings in Lahore and Rawalpindi on this issue through video conference from Berlin and London and issued necessary instructions.
The attendants of the patients appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister and said that he would definitely succeed in defeating dengue this year as well as he did in 2011 and 2012.

Opposition moves resolution against US drone attacks in PA

Opposition leader in Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed on Monday moved a resolution against US drone attacks, demanding to halt NATO supply routes and raise the matter in United Nations Security Council.
The resolution stated that the House condemns the US drone strike that attempted to sabotage the peace talks. It also demanded the federal government to halt NATO supplies and raise the matter in United Nations Security Council along with all other options.
The drone strikes are fomenting extremism, unrest and terrorism in the country, the resolution further stated.

PM directs Nisar to take political parties into confidence post Hakimullah’s killing: Rashid

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on Monday said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to hold talks with political leaders following the killing of Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike.
Talking to media persons here in Lahore the information minister said that the interior minister will brief the prime minister about these talks in the next two days. Chaudhry Nisar will also decide if an All Parties Conference (APC) needs to be called.
The information minister said that provincial assemblies will decide on resolutions against drone attacks and if there is a resolution submitted in the National Assembly, the government will consult with allies and opposition parties.
He said it was in the larger interest of the country to move towards dialogue with the Taliban.

Buzz off dengue!

LAHORE - All is set to mark anti dengue day throughout the province on Sunday (today).
Seminars, symposiums, sittings, walks and programmes have been organised at the level of the schools and departments, especially Environment Department, to create awareness against dengue. Public departments and schools are open today to participate in the awareness campaign.
Distribution of pamphlets on cleanliness and door to door to campaign other than constituency level dengue programme are being organised on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The health department Punjab, labour unions and NGOs have also finalised programs to create awareness against dengue.
Punjab Minister for Law and Local Government, Rana Sanaullah Khan chaired the Central Emergency Response Committee for Dengue here on Saturday. Provincial Minister for Health Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Minister for Food, Bilal Yasin, Mujeebur Rehman Shami, VC King Edward Medical College University Prof Dr Faisal Masood, representatives of District Administration, NGOs, Media and other concerned officers attended the meeting. It was decided that the cases against private practitioners, who misdiagnose dengue fever, would be referred to the Healthcare Commission.
It was also decided to take action against those who do not adopt anti-dengue preventive measures, under Dengue Regulation Act.
Addressing the meeting the Minister said that overall dengue situation is under control. He said the weather is slowly changing and dengue mosquito would die with the decrease in temperature. He said creating awareness about dengue disease is a national cause, for which media and citizens would have to work in close coordination.
Rana Sanaullah said that, unfortunately, no dengue vaccination has so far been invented, therefore, only preventive measures and effective awareness are the powerful weapons against the dengue disease. He said the larva of dengue mosquito gets eliminated at 15 degree centigrade, while mosquito itself dies at 10 degree centigrade. He said, with the decrease in temperature of weather, dengue mosquito would be wiped out.
He said that the dengue affected patients getting late treatment have fewer chance of their recovery. He said spread of dengue disease is directly linked with the social behavior of citizens, who should act upon maintenance of cleanliness inside and outside of their houses, alongwith strictly adopting preventive measures.
He said that mass media can play a highly effective role in creating awareness among the general public with regard to dengue disease, besides urging them to take preventive steps.
Rana Sanaullah reviewed the administrative arrangements for holding of Dengue Day, while heads of various government institutions briefed him regarding concrete steps taken by them. The Minister was informed that the number of high-risk union councils in Lahore have been reduced from 19 to 16, while 100% sweeping of these union councils would be ensured till Monday.
The meeting was informed that, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 9300 dengue cases have occurred and 35 deaths have been reported. He further informed that dengue affected persons of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are coming to Punjab for medical treatment. Prof Dr Faisal Masood informed the meeting that number of training courses have been conducted for General Practitioners with regard to dengue treatment. He said that many dengue patients are brought to government hospitals who are already in serious condition, due to which it becomes difficult to save their lives.
More pour in: Fifty-two more people were tested positive in the province on Saturday. Out of 52 new cases, 37 were reported from Lahore.  So far 1026 confirmed cases have been reported from across the province.
Meanwhile, special squads of the City District Government on Saturday killed 266 stray dogs in different parts of Lahore and dumped them at Mehmood Booti landfill site. The squads killed 56 stray dogs in Gulberg and Wahga Town, 54 in Samanabad and Nishtar Town, 53 in Shalimar and Ravi Town, 52 in Aziz Bhatti and Data Gunj Bakhsh Town and 51 in Iqbal Town.
Separately, District Coordination Officer Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi has directed the officials to ensure cleanliness and carryout necessary patchwork and insecticide spray on the route of Muharram processions.
Chairing a meeting held here on Saturday to review arrangements for Muharram, he directed the officials to remove hanging wires and make proper security arrangements along the routes of processions and at venues of Majalis-e-Aza. Besides officials from various departments including Revenue, Towns, Rescue 1122, LESCO, PTCL, Civil Defense and Bomb Disposal squad, leadership of Shia community attended the meeting. The DCO sought proposals from Shia leaders for improving security during the sacred month of Muharram. He directed officials to take stringent action against those fanning sectarian violence. He directed various departments to complete arrangements at the earliest and report to his office. 

Countrywide high alert sounded

LAHORE - Amid serious threats of possible retaliatory attacks by militants, a fresh high-alert has been sounded across the country after the killing of TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike on Friday.
In addition to the intelligence agencies, the security and paramilitary forces are put on high alert to fend off revenge attacks. “Obviously, intelligence input hints the Taliban could launch reprisal assaults in a desperate attempt to target key government installations and security forces to avenge Mehsud’s death,” a senior official of the Interior Ministry told this reporter by phone on Saturday.
The governments in all the four provinces are strictly directed to intensify the security of religious scholars, leading politicians and top officials because of the anticipated backlash by TTP elements. An official of the Punjab Home Department said the law-enforcing agencies had been put on high alert across the province and massive search operations were also underway to check the movement of suspected persons.
“Heavy contingents of police and paratroopers are put on guard around the jails, airports, police headquarters and important government installations to ward off any possible terror assault. The police in the big cities of the province, particularly in Lahore, stepped up snap checking of the vehicles at the entry and exit points.
The general public has been appealed to quickly report to the police and law enforcing agencies in case they notice abnormal behaviour of strangers.
Defence and security experts say killing of the TTP leader in the US drone strike has also dimmed the hopes of expected peace talks between the government and TTP militants.  At this stage, the chances of negotiations are low and, to some extent, seem unlikely, an official said, adding the drone strike had further complicated the situation.  “The Pakistani problems can only be solved by the country’s leadership. They also have the political will and firm resolve to fight the terrorists. Our leaders must protect the interests of the country and shed away all external pressures with courage,” the official suggested.
Recently, the government made serious efforts to convince TTP militants to engage in peaceful dialogue, but because of division in the militants’ ranks, they continued terror attacks by targeting civilians and security personnel in different parts of the country.  The government and the armed forces are on the same page as regards employment of counterterrorism methodology. Both are committed to find a peaceful way out to eliminate the menace of terrorism, political pundits say.
Although the government’s go-slow policy on terrorism is causing frustration, there is a need for all political parties to support the government in their plans to deal with terrorism, they added. The American CIA’s drone programme, targeting militants in Pakistan’s tribal areas, has long been accused of causing civilian casualties.  The United Nations concerns over legitimacy of drone strikes specifically increased after a group of nations, including Russia, China and Pakistan, requested action against the use of drone strikes.
Staff Reporter from Peshawar adds: Following the killing of banned TTP Chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike in North Waziristan Agency, security was put on high alert in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to prevent any possible terror acts in the province.
Strict identity checks are being ensured in red zone and its adjoining areas, including US consulate in Peshawar, governor house, chief minister house, provincial assembly, high court, local courts and other important places.
More law enforcement personnel were deployed at exit and entry points of the province and further stepped up checking at all security pickets besides thorough monitoring on all exits and entry points.
Moreover, search of passers-by were underway in Peshawar city. There was also a random snap checking being conducted in Peshawar. Police patrolling was also increased in Peshawar in addition to the monitoring of all routes leading to the provincial capital.

Govt doesn’t want to stop talks process: Rashid

LAHORE - Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid on Saturday said the government did not want to stop the process of peace talks and hoped the Taliban would also reciprocate the government sentiments.
While talking to media persons here on Saturday, the minister expressed the resolve of the government that it would not let the dialogue process die down and expressed the hope the Taliban would also show the same spirit.
The Friday drone hit in North Wazirastan which killed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) head Hakimullah Mehsud along with others has spread a wide impression that the long-awaited dialogue process between the Pakistan government and the TTP has run into fiasco.
The minister said ups and downs were part of the process and the government never shirked the course of negotiations despite the fact that it had paid a heavy price in the form of the recent killing of a major general and about 50,000 civilians, army men and the security personnel in the war on terror.
When asked about any nexus between the premier’s recent visit to the US and the killing of Mehsud, Perviaz Rashid categorically denied they had any link and said America had its own perception about the drone attacks and Pakistan had its own, “and we stick to it.”
When asked with reference to PTI Chief Imran Khan’s stand on halting Nato supplies, the minister appeared not supporting this idea and said in the past halt to Nato supplies failed to halt the US drone attacks. He said the party voicing for stopping the Nato supplies to stop the drone attacks could not prove that this measure had proved effective. He said after the Salala incident Pakistan did not allow transportation of the Nato supplies through its territory, but it could not stop the drone attacks.  To a question, the minister said war could not end a war, but it further flared up the fire which the government wanted to extinguish.

‘US in state of war with Pakistan’

LAHORE - In the backdrop of US efforts to sabotage talks with Taliban, leaders of different religious parties have asked the government to immediately start dialogue with the banned outfit and the drones should be shot down if the US challenges Pakistan’s sovereignty again along with blocking Nato supplies.
Addressing a meeting of central and provincial leadership at Mansoora on Saturday, JI chief Syed Munawar Hasan asked the government to start dialogue with Taliban without delay even after the US effort to sabotage the talks.
He said the drone attack on Friday which killed TTP top leadership was an attack on the solidarity of the country aimed at sabotaging talks with TTP.
He said federal interior minister had also accepted that the US was sabotaging the talks between Pakistan and Taliban.  Munawar said Pakistan government should pull out of the US war, stop Nato supplies and refuse to bow to any pressure by Washington.
He said JI, being coalition partner of Khyber PK government, would be part of the action for a blockade to Nato supplies.  He urged all the political and religious parties to unite against any US conspiracies to harm the integrity and solidarity of the country.  JI chief said the US and India had been carrying out bloodshed in Pakistan in the name of Taliban since long.
He said the assassins of Major General Sanaullah were also the agents of CIA and RAW, besides those carrying out bomb blasts in Peshawar soon after the announcement of talks.  Munawar said whenever Pakistan took a step for an end to terrorism, the US drone attacks sabotaged such an attempt. He added that in the past, TTP leaders Nek Muhammad and Waliur Rahman were killed in drone attacks when they were holding dialogue with Pakistan government.
Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed said government should shoot down the drones if the US challenges Pakistan’s sovereignty again.
He said whenever talks were initiated the US accelerated the drone attacks. He said America was the biggest hurdle in dialogue between the government and TTP.  He said Pakistan government should alienate itself from this pseudo war against terrorism and stop the drone attacks, which were essential for the success of dialogue with TTP.  He added that the government should also stop the Nato supply line.  Chief of PML-Zia, Ijazul Haq and known defence analyst Lt-Gen (r) Hameed Gul said recent drone strike was not launched for the first time as whenever government had started a dialogue the US sabotaged the process.  They proposed that the government should keep the dialogue process secret.
They maintained that US was in a state of war against Pakistan. They added that the US and India jointly damaging Pakistan.  They demanded that government should revisit its foreign policy with special reference to the US.
US main hurdle in peace
talks: Bilour
 Strongly condemning US drone attacks, Awami National Party (ANP) Senior Leader MNA Ghulam Ahmed Bilour has said that the United States (US) is a main hurdle in peace talks with Taliban, as it doesn’t want peace in Pakistan.
Talking to media persons at Bilour House here on Saturday, Ghulam Bilour said, “Despite killing my brother Bashir Bilour and ANP’s 800 workers by militants, I condemn the drone attack which has killed Hakimullah Mehsud.”
The ANP senior leader said that Hakimullah agreed on holding talks with the government and today (Saturday) a delegation was to leave for holding talks with TTP leadership but the US drone attack in Miranshah targeted the TTP leadership, which means that the US does not want peace in Pakistan.
He said that Taliban killed over 800 ANP’s workers from 2008 to 2013. “I have also lost my brother Bashir Ahmed Bilour in a suicide attack,” he added. Despite all, he said the US drone was condemnable. Bilour said that only Pakhtuns were being killed in Pakistan and Afghanistan whether it is USSR and US wars or even Kashmir.
“We want successful and meaningful talks between government and Taliban as we want peace in Pakistan. But the US is against peace and a main hurdle in restoration of peace in Pakistan,” he added.
Meanwhile, ANP has reiterated its stance that it was totally against US drone as instead of rooting out terrorism, such strikes have further increased it. In a statement, the party said that ANP is also against foreigners terrorists on Pakistan whether they are Uzbeks, Chechens or Arabs, thus, they should also leave Pakistan, as they are also involved in terrorism in Pakistan. It said that a meeting of the party’s organizing committee was held with Senator Haji Adeel in the chair. It said that peace process should not be halted because of the situation developed after the killing of TTP chief.
It asked the government to expedite its efforts for peace talks with Taliban and TTP should also respond positively.  The participants of the meeting also said that allegations levelled by Azam Hoti against Asfandyar Wali Khan were beyond the fact and the party would stand by Asfandyar Wali Khan.