Rupee, o/n rates end flat

The rupee has been supported by remittances, which rose 20.2 per cent to $10.88 billion in the first 10 months of the 2011/12 fiscal year.—File Photo

KARACHI: In the currency market on Friday, the rupee ended almost flat at 90.73/93 to the dollar, compared with Thursday’s close of 90.86/91.
The rupee has been supported by remittances, which rose 20.2 per cent to $10.88 billion in the first 10 months of the 2011/12 fiscal year, compared with $9.05 billion in the same period last year.
In April, remittances totalled $1.14 billion.
Overnight rates in the money market closed at 11.90 per cent, the same level as on Thursday.

US supply trucks cross Afghan-Pakistan border: officials

Tanker trucks, used to transport fuel to Nato forces in Afghanistan, are seen parked near oil terminals in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi on May 17, 2012. – Photo by AFP

PESHAWAR: Pakistan allowed four containers of office supplies for the US embassy in Kabul to cross into Afghanistan for the first time following a six-month blockade, officials said on Friday.
The trucks were permitted to cross as Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari prepares to meet Nato leaders at a key summit in Chicago, accepting a last-minute invitation after his foreign minister indicated Pakistan was willing to call time on the blockade.
Islamabad closed its Afghan border crossings to Nato supplies on November 26 when US air strikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, leaving hundreds of containers of international supplies stranded at the port in Karachi and plunging relations with Washington to a new low.
The four trucks of US embassy supplies crossed Pakistan’s northwest Torkham border into Afghanistan, the officials told AFP on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to release the information to the media.
“I can’t give you the exact number but a lot more will go to Afghanistan in coming days. These all are diplomatic shipments, I mean non-Nato supplies,” one of the officials said.
In Kabul, the US embassy said it could not confirm the shipment.
There were conflicting accounts of when the trucks crossed, with one source saying they began moving earlier in the week and another saying they passed through on Friday.
Almost 300 containers of US embassy supplies, including stationery, computers and printers, are understood to have been stranded in Pakistan by the blockade.
Pakistan and US officials are still negotiating rules, fees and logistics for resuming the Nato transit lines, and Islamabad has not said when Nato supplies will resume.

Facebook leaps in market debut

NEW YORK: Facebook shares leapt some 12 percent in opening trade Friday, then pared their gains, as the wildly popular social network made a splash in its market debut.
The shares, priced at $38 on Thursday in the largest-ever initial public offering (IPO) for a technology company, jumped to $42.55 in the opening Nasdaq trades before settling back with more moderate gains.
Trading opened at 1530 GMT, after what appeared to be a delay in the debut.
Less than 10 minutes later, the shares were up only 5.3 percent at $40.

13 year old attempts suicide after dismissal from school

FAISALABAD: A thirteen year old student of class six, Umer tried to commit suicide by self-immolation after he was dismissed from his school by the Headmaster over non attendance.
The suicide attempt left 80 percent of the child’s body severely burnt.
According to Umer’s father, they had gone for a family wedding and when the child went to school after two days he was removed by the Headmaster.
The next day they sent an explanation note with the child, but the Headmaster did not accept it. On the third day the father accompanied his son to school but the Headmaster refused to listen to him.
When they reached home, Umer went outside and set himself on fire. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. According to Doctors, Umer has received severe burns and they are attempting to save his life.
Headmaster Ghulam Fareed said that the father of the child had been called over his repeated absences, after which this incident took place.
According to the DCO Faisalabad, Umer had been absent several times and the school administration had summoned his parents about this. When the student returned home and asked his father to come to school, the father refused. It was after this that the student attempted suicide by self-immolation.

PA adopts South Punjab, Bahawalpur resolutions

LAHORE - The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday unanimously approved two resolutions, espousing restoration of Bahawalpur state and creating South Punjab province.
The resolutions were tabled by Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah. Earlier, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and opposition parties in the house agreed on bringing the resolution for the restoration of Bahawalpur province.
The assembly also unanimously adopted a resolution calling for creation of South Punjab province.

Sharifs greedy for power: Farzana Raja

Islamabad:(News Desk) Federal Minister and Benazir Income Support Programme chairperson Farzana Raja has said that Sharif brothers are longing to grab the power.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday outside the parliament, she said that PPP was a national party and people would elect it in the next general elections.
Farzana said the government would give good news to the people in the budget as PPP considers service to the people as ritual .She said although the country was facing energy crises but the government was making all out efforts to resolve these issues.
Some 3,000 mega watts of electricity were added up to national grid during last four years, while new energy projects were on the cards of the government.
“The crises may have been reached to its pinnacle, if government not allowed IPPs to generate electricity.

PML-N holds (dis)organised 'anti-government' rallies

GUJRANWALA: Taking its protest against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to the streets, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) organised anti-government rallies in multiple cities on Sunday.
The PML-N had earlier announced the commencement of its protest movement against Gilani for his refusal to step down after being convicted in a contempt case.
In Gujranwala, rally organisers made arrangements for around 8,000 to 10,000 people.
According to correspondent Atta Chauhan, the people gathered at the venue protested against the government by burning effigies, with unruly members of the crowd causing problems at the rally spot.
Members of the PML-N youth wing also had a fight with the rally organisers when they tried to get on the stage. The youth wing members were pushed off the stage and told to stay away from it.
Media boycott Karachi rally
PML-N also organised an anti-government rally at the Karachi Press Club. PML-N leaders Saleem Zia, Marvi Memon and Mushahid Ullah were present with other members of the party.
According to Express News correspondent Quratul Ain the rally was poorly organised and had turned chaotic. Media personnel were also mistreated and decided to boycott the rally.
The PML-N also took out a protest rally in Peshawar.

Junior Asian Hockey: Pak-India clash ends in 2-2 draw

MELAKA: The encounter between arch rivals Pakistan and India ended in a 2-2 draw in the Junior Asian Hockey tournament here on Sunday.
Pakistan earned lead over India twice but could not maintain it at the end as India leveled the score.
Daler Hussain got Pakistan an early lead against India netting a goal in the fifth minute which was equaled by India in the 20th minute through a penalty-corner.
The match between the two teams was going 1-1 draw at the half-time.
In the eighth minute of the second half, Mohammad Irfan of Pakistan scored a goal on the rebound of a penalty-corner as Pakistan leading again 2-1.
However, India.leveled the score 2-2 in the 58th minute and the match ended in a draw.
Earlier, China defeated Sri Lanka 5-0 in the tournament.
Now, Pakistan will play against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

New Pakistan will be based on independent judiciary: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said Sunday that participants of the PTI rally had gathered to make a new Pakistan.
“This Pakistan will be free, the judiciary will be free and the police will not be politicised.”
Addressing the rally, Khan said that an independent judiciary would be the basis for the new Pakistan.
The PTI held a rally in Islamabad to show its support for the judiciary following Prime Minister Gilani’s conviction in the contempt of court case.
Khan said those who wanted to continue with corruption would never let the judiciary be free. “The day the judiciary is destroyed will also be the day democracy is destroyed.”
Imran Khan further said that the Prime Minister was adamant on saving the money of a criminal and if the orders of the Supreme Court were not implemented than the PTI would organise the largest march in the history of Pakistan.
The PTI Chairman also voiced his criticism of Nawaz Sharif calling on the PML-N President to hold rallies in Quetta and Karachi if he wanted to become the prime minister.
Khan announced that the PTI would hold a rally in Liaqatbagh, Rawalpindi on May 27. He called on the youth of the country to stand by him and said he wanted to ask Parliament why they passed the judgment against the Supreme Court ruling.
“No one abides by your resolution,” Khan said while refereeing to the pro-Gilani resolution passed recently by Parliament.
The PTI chairman next turned his attention to drone attacks, stating that if his party was in Parliament they would resign if the attacks were not stopped.

PM Gilani dares PML-N to resign from assemblies

LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Sunday that Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif should read the constitution before chanting slogans in support of the judiciary.
The prime minister met with officials from the Lahore Press Club and said that it was clearly stated in the constitution how decisions would be implemented. “There is no need of opposition or support from the provincial governments to implement Supreme Court orders.”
Gilani also called on the PML-N to resign from the assemblies and if Imran Khan supported them then by-elections would be held immediately.
Prime Minister Gilani further said that Nawaz Sharif fled the country after striking a deal with a dictator.
“Nawaz Sharif was in Jeddah when Zardari and Gilani were facing a dictator.” Gilani added that they would continue to face dictators while the PML-N would be on the sidelines.

Demi Moore no longer Mrs Kutcher on Twitter

Actress Demi Moore and actor Ashton Kutcher attend a news conference at the United Nations Headquarters.

LOS ANGELES: Actress Demi Moore, who announced late last year that she was ending her marriage to actor husband Ashton Kutcher, has finally made the split official…by changing her Twitter name.
“So hard finding a name that was fun somewhat playful and available. So for now it will be @justdemi It could grow on me!” Moore said on the popular microblogging site, dumping her old user name – @mrskutcher.
“Thanks everyone for your help in finding my new name!” she tweeted to her more than five million followers.
The 49-year-old Moore was treated for “exhaustion” in January, two months after the couple split amid reports of Kutcher’s infidelity with a woman less than half Moore’s age.
A call to emergency services released in January features one woman telling the operator that Moore “smoked something, it’s not marijuana but it’s similar to incense… and she seems to be having convulsions of some sort.”
Moore and Kutcher, 34, announced their separation in November, after months of media reports about problems between the couple, who married in 2005. She had earlier been married to actor Bruce Willis for 13 years.
The actress made her name in movies including “Ghost” (1990), “A Few Good Men” (1992), “Indecent Proposal” (1993) and “G.I. Jane” (1997), as well as for a 1991 Vanity Fair magazine cover photo of her naked and heavily pregnant.
Kutcher is best known for TV shows including “That 70s Show” and “Punk’d,”and last year replaced troubled actor Charlie Sheen in the popular comedy “Two and a Half Men.”

Nawaz declares “go Gilani, go” movement a war to save judiciary

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif addresses a public gathering in Taxila on Saturday. – 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Saturday declared his party’s “go Gilani, go” movement a “war to save judiciary and to end corruption,” News reported.
Assailing the current rulers belonging to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Nawaz blamed them for poverty and inflation in the country, adding Pakistan’s sovereignty was at stake because of them.
Speaking to inaugural rally of “go Gilani, go” movement in Taxila, the PML-N chief vowed to sacrifice everything for saving the country from its ‘corrupt rulers.’ “Our movement is not for power,” he added.
He vowed to bring back $ 60 million from Swiss banks. “Money in Swiss banks belongs to poor people of Pakistan,” he added.
Sharif said that the country is in jeopardy and he has arrived to save it. He urged the public to remain on their toes for the “long march.”
In his address, in Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s constituency, Sharif said “Why PM Yousuf Raza Gilani does not write letter to Swiss authorities. The letter will have to be written for bringing back $60 million in accordance with law.”
He thanked the people of Taxila for turning up in big numbers for the rally. “We have arranged this massive rally on three days notice only…what would have happened if we had 30 days for the arrangements?” he added.
“I am today before the people for the sake of Pakistan and future of our people. It is my duty as well as of the citizens’ to work for the solidarity and integrity of the country at this critical juncture,” said the PML-N chief.
He said the PPP was not at all concerned over the serious law and order situation in Lyari, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Sharif accused the PPP government of destroying the country during its four years tenure and as a result people were facing numerous problems.
He said President Asif Ali Zardari did not honour the agreement and commitment with the PML-N including on the restoration of judges of the superior judiciary.
The PML-N had to start long march for the restoration of judges, he said, adding that people were fully aware of the facts.
He recalled that during his tenure as prime minister, Pakistan was progressing and developing. “In my tenure, Pakistan became an atomic power in May 1998. Despite international pressures, PML-N government conducted successful nuclear tests. Later, the then Indian Prime Minister A B Vajpayee travelled to Lahore in a bus and extended hand of friendship,” he added.
Earlier, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in his address strongly condemned the PPP government’s policies of ‘loot and plunder’ and not accepting verdict of the Supreme Court sentencing PM Gilani.
The opposition leader also described the rally as ‘just a teaser’ for the movie ‘long march.’

Malik gives Lyari criminals 48 hours to surrender

Interior Minister Rehman Malik. — APP File Photo

KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday gave a deadline of 48 hours for the criminals fighting in Lyari to surrender as the troubled area of Karachi remained tense and continued to portray the image of a battlefield on seventh consecutive day of the “grand operation,” 
 Karachi:(News Reported)
Speaking at a press conference along with Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah, the interior minister warned the miscreants to get ready for stiff action if they fail to surrender before end of 48 hours deadline.
A meeting on law and order situation in Karachi was co-chaired by the chief minister Sindh and the interior minister earlier.
Briefings by the Inspector General Police Sindh and the Director General Rangers and intelligence agencies were given to the participants.
He said that the Rangers along with police will take part in the ongoing operation against the criminals by the deadline end. “A joint operation of police and rangers is inevitable in Lyari,” he added.
The minister said that provisional check posts for the Rangers will be stationed tonight.
He said that the houses will be set ablaze if any rocket launchers recovered from there.
Rangers and police have been directed to take over all exits and entry points to ensure that no weapon is allowed to go in or the criminals are not allowed to leave Lyari or do any other action detrimental to the peace of the area.
The minister said Taliban and banned outfits were also fighting against the security forces in Lyari.
He said that a strict line of action has been formulated against the miscreants. “Four helicopters equipped with machine guns will be observing the operation on ground. Latest satellite system will also be used for the surveillance,” he added.
The minister vowed that Karachi will be prevented from becoming another Swat.
Moreover, the interior minister announced Pakistan Police Medal for SHO Nawaz and Sitara-e-Shujahat for the DSPs and Pakistan Police Medal for SSP for demonstrating courage and leading role by them during the grand operation.
SSP CID Chaudhry Aslam, who is leading the operation in the area and survived during bomb attacks has also been given Sitara-e-Shujahat for his highly dedicated and professional courage demonstrated by him.
Considering the difficulties being faced by the residents due to the present ongoing targeted action, the chief minister ordered immediate provision of relief to the residents of Lyari.
Meanwhile, the locality remained tense and continued to portray the image of a battlefield with reports of at least 38 people including six security officials having been killed and over 100 others being wounded during the past week of the operation there.
The Karachi Board of Secondary Education has also postponed all examinations of classes nine and ten in the area.

Mirpur – new international cricket venue?

An aerial view of Quaid-e-Azam stadium in Mirpur. – File photo

The PCB has chosen the Quaid-e-Azam stadium in Mirpur as a potential venue for international cricket.
MIRPUR:(News Desk)
The cricket coordinator for Azad Jammu and Ksahmir (AJK), confirmed that PCB now hold rights to the stadium, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
With a capacity of 16,000, the stadium has played host to eight first-class matches from 2005 to 2009. It has also hosted many Under-19 international matches against Australia in 2007.
In addition, the region has passed the test regarding security and infrastructure.
“It is a potential venue with a good law and order situation,” Intikhab Alam, the PCB’s director of international cricket, said.
“We have scrutinised various venues around the country and this venue has all the features to be an internationally recognised stadium. There are things that obviously have to be improved and the PCB will ensure all the required facilities for international fixtures.
“The city has quality logistic facilities, including hotels.”
At present, Pakistan has 25 first-class and four major Test venues.

Fehmida Mirza role in Gillani verdict yet to start

ISLAMABAD:(NEWS DESK)
Fehmida Mirza role in Gillani verdict yet to start. The National Assembly President Fehimida Mirza said Thursday that its role is in the judgment of contempt of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has not yet begun, because the detailed order has not yet been published.
Reporters in the Capitol, Mirza said, everything will be legal and in accordance with law. Mirza added that the Supreme Court will announce its detailed order, she will seek legal advice and the role of the Electoral Commission can not comment.
Response to those who tried to make the position of Chairman of the controversy of the National Assembly, Mirza said: This is very unfortunate.

Napoli win to stay in control of CL destiny

ROME: Napoli kept in the Champions League driving seat with a crucial 2-0 victory over Palermo on Tuesday.

The victory maintained the southerners' grip on third place ahead of Wednesday's games when either Udinese, Inter Milan or Lazio could join them.

With just two games to go, Napoli are ideally placed to qualify for Europe's premier club competition for the second time in a row.

Head-to-head records and not goal difference count if teams finish level on points at the season's end and Napoli have the edge on both Udinese and Inter, although not Lazio.

First half goals from Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik did the damage as Napoli showed they are past the blip that recently saw them lose three in a row and fail to win in five.

They almost got off to a flying start in the derby of the Two Sicilies as Gokhan Inler thudded the post with a rising shot from outside the box.

But goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis had to come to their rescue moments later with two quick-fire saves, first with his knees from Josip Ilicic and then at full-stretch from Abel Hernandez's header.

However, Milan Milanovic inadvertently handled Goran Pandev's cross, the ball rebounding off his thigh onto his arm, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Palermo complained bitterly but Milanovic's arm clearly prevented the ball from going into the danger area and Cavani improved his poor penalty record this season -- he has missed five out of nine -- with the goal from the spot on 16 minutes.

Ilicic produced a moment of magic to skip away from Salvatore Aronica but Paolo Cannavaro came quickly across to snuff out the danger.

But Napoli doubled their advantage when Pandev's great vision released Hamsik to prod home from 15 yards.

Cavani could have had a second but failed to hit the target when escaping alone after the break.

Roma's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season all but mathematically died following a 0-0 draw at Chievo in sopping wet conditions in Verona.

Roma trail Napoli by six points with just two games left, giving them little realistic hope of closing that gap.

Chievo had much the better of the chances and Roma barely troubled home goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.

American international Michael Bradley put Alberto Paloschi in behind the Roma backline but Gianluca Curci saved his left-footed shot.

Finland midfielder Perparim Hetemaj was then put clean through by Rinaldo Cruzado. He tried to dink the ball over Curci but the pitch contributed in him failing to get the ball off the ground and the goalkeeper saved easily. (AFP)

PML-N announces protest campaign against PM Gilani

LAHORE: PML-N has announced the details of the party's protest movement starting from May 04 with a rally in Taxila to be addressed by Nawaz Sharif, Geo News reported.
According to a statement by PML-N, central party leaders would lead protest rallies. The first phase of plan is focused on the Punjab while the leadership of other provinces would decide about the movement.
As per the schedule, second rally is in Gujranwala on May 7, third in Bahawalpur and Sargodha on 8th, fourth in Rawalpindi and Multan on 10th, fifth in Sialkot on 11th and sixth in Gujrat on 12th.
Before the Long March the protest rallies would be concluded with a grand show in Lahore.
PML-N leaders including Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif were contacting party leaders to devise a comprehensive plan to make the campaign successful.
Party chief Nawaz Sharif on Monday asked Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to implement the Supreme Court verdict and resign or face the protest movement

Government, Army had a role in OBL killing: Mukhtar

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar in an interview to a British news agency said that the Pakistani government and Army had a role in the killing of former Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.
According to Mukhtar, the Al-Qaeda chief was located via a mobile phone chip (SIM).
Mukhtar claimed the SIM which led to Osama bin Laden was discovered by an intelligence official. According to Mukhtar, the SIM would not be used for several days and when used would be closed after a brief conversation.
The Defence Minister further said that there was an agreement between Pakistan and US in which Islamabad would give evidence in English or Arabic to Washington, while they (US) would provide Pakistan with evidence in Urdu.
Mukhtar added that evidence recovered from the compound of Osama bin Laden was with the Army and it would take time to decode the CDs.
Later while speaking to Geo News, the Defence Minister revealed that Pakistan and the US were working together in taking action against Osama bin Laden but Washington had not informed Islamabad about a particular date for an operation.