Madonna wants to meet Amitabh

Madonna is currently busy with her divorce, A-Rod and her Sticky & Sweet tour however the Queen of Pop is eager to meet Shehenshah of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan some day.In an interview when Madonna was asked, Madonna is synonymous with song and dance, just like Bollywood movies. Does Bollywood appeal to y4eou?She said, Thank you for the compliment! To me, Indian cinema means musicals. When I was in India, I really wanted to see a Bollywood flick but didn’t manage to do so. But I have heard a lot about Mr Amitabh Bachchan, I would love to meet him some day.What about you Big B? Are you eager to meet Madonna?

Suspect US spy killed in S Waziristan

WANA: Militants shot dead a man in South Waziristan, suspect of spying for the United States on Wednesday. According to sources, a bullet-riddled body of an alleged US spy was found dumped in Warsak. Meanwhile, militants fired rockets at FC fort in Jandola area. Security forces retaliate the fire. However, no loss of life was reported. Also, in Jandola, officials recovered three missiles and defused them.

Katrina On Her Filmography

In a conversation with Katrina, we came across a very interesting thing. When spoken about her filmography, it seems that the lady has comfortably put behind all her flops and is on a high talking of her hits. It seems that the beautiful actress has forgotten her first and last films that did not do great at the box office.Browsing through her filmography, Katrina made a sensuous debut with Boom along with other beauties of the industry. However, after a big failure with the film- the lady got re launched in 2005 with Sarkar and Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya. After bagging appreciation in 2005, Kat made a hit pair with Akshay Kumar and gave hits like Namstey London and Welcome in 2007. The actress also made a good pair with Govinda in Partner and grabbed another hit for herself in the same year.Talking about 2008, Katrina became one of the most popular actresses with Race and Singh Is King with Akki again gave her the heights of fame and success. And how can we forget Yuvvraaj (2008) with boyfriend Salman that was like a red mark in her progress card.

75 more hostages freed in Kurram Agency

PESHAWAR: Seventy-five more persons made hostage by tribes have been released here brought the number of hostages released to 159 since Tuesday.According to sources, armed men killed one, injured another person and kidnapped three others near Hangu two days back. They were belonged to Kurram Agency.After the incident, Tori and Bangesh tribes abducted dozens of people belonged to each other’s clan among which 75 were released today. Efforts are underway for the release of remaining people

Bipasha: Nothing To ‘crore’ About

The actress has just lost out on a juicy Rs 1.5 crore for no fault of her own. Bips was slated to perform this New Year’s at a five star hotel in Mumbai. A lot had been said and written about her leaving Katrina and the rest behind in terms of remuneration. But owing to the unfortunate terror attacks on the city not too long ago, all five star hotels are being extremely cautious. Bipasha’s performance was subsequently called off. The dusky beauty though is more professional than we thought. She’s in favour of the decision taken by Hotel Sahara Star but won’t leave without compensation. Way to go, girl!

Kasab is not a Pakistani: Pak high commissioner

Updated at: 2015 PST, Wednesday, December 17, 2008 NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s high commissioner to India, Shahid Malik has said that Ajmal Kasab is not a Pakistani citizen.He said that Maulana Masood Azhar was also not present in Pakistan

No military action against Pakistan: Manmohan assures Asfandyar

ISLAMABAD: Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Satyabarata Pal Wednesday ruled out any possibility of military action against Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks. He conveyed this message of Indian PM Manmohan Sigh during a meeting with ANP Chief and Chairman National Assembly Committee for Foreign Affairs, Asfandyar Wali Khan here at Pukhtoonkhwa House (former Frontier House), said a press release issued here. He said that the Indian army had remained in their peace position and no troops movement towards the Indian-Pakistani border or LoC was being contemplated. He also recalled the Indian troops’ movement in the year 2002 in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in the Indian Parliament and said, “ it is not the case now.” Pal said that the Indian government was satisfied from day one that the civil government in Pakistan was not involved in the attacks. He, however, emphasised mutual cooperation to fight terrorism in the region as both the countries were equally suffering. He also emphatically denied any threatening call against Pakistan having been made from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India. He said that during the past 61 years never a call has been made by any Indian minister to the President or Prime Minister of Pakistan, which would otherwise be against the norms of protocol. The India High Commissioner requested Asfandyar Wali Khan to personally convey this message to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner along with the High Commission Counselor called on Asfandyar Wali Khan to enquire about his health and expressed relief on his narrow escape in a suicide attack at Wali Bagh. He expressed condolences on the tragic killing of innocent persons including the personal servant Yar Zamin Khan and sympathized with their families. Central Additional Secretary General of ANP, Hasham Baber and Central Information Secretary Zahid Khan were also present in the meeting. Both sides discussed the prevailing disturbed situation in the region and agreed that certain elements were bent upon derailing the peace process and rapprochement between India and Pakistan. Asfandyar Wali Khan said that two generations of both sides of the divide have been indoctrinated to consider each other as enemies. Those apprehensions are so deep rooted that the smallest act of terrorism can cause to reverse the process of friendship to square one, he added.

Aamir Khan- Trend Setter Or Follower?

Aamir Khan’ is the name we hear very often these days. Be it the promotions of his forthcoming film- Ghajini or direct and indirect remarks on his rival Shah Rukh Khan- the hot actor with 8 packs has made news with everything he has done.Get ready for yet another piece of news about Mr. Perfectionist and SRK. After being two hours late at the Van Heusen fashion show, Aamir Khan had a gala time answering the questions by media. In fact, it looked like it was the best opportunity for him to reply to Shah Rukh’s overflowing superiority complex, witnessed at the cover page inauguration function of Filmfare magazine recently. Apart from that, Aamir was seen complimenting and appreciating the hot hunk Salman Khan to the fullest.Though the actor gave it back to SRK with his witty answer, we still think that Aamir is a mere follower of trends set by the top actors of Bollywood. Watch the video to know how.

Terrorists may strike on Dec 27: Zulfiqar Mirza

HYDERABAD: Sindh Home Minister Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza said late Wednesday, terrorists might strike on the eve of first death anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto on December 27.Talking to media in Hyderabad Home Minister feared, terrorists could take the advantage of death anniversary of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto by carrying out terror attacks as he informed, many intelligence agencies have reported, "The terrorist have become active to strike on December 27 when there will be too many people busy in the programs related to BB’s death anniversary."He said that the necessary measures have been taken to avoid terror attacks while responding to a question on Talibanization in Sindh Mirza said, “People of Sindh are being terrorized in the name of Talibanization nonetheless, he ruled out any concealed activity by Taliban in Sindh.”

Faran ready to work in Pakistani movies

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani National Hollywood Actor Faran Tahir has said that if Pakistan Film Industry makes an offer to him, he will accept it. "But the quality of script of the film will be his priority," he said while talking to a local news agency. He said he believed in quality work and would like to do something different for Pakistan's film industry. Faran said that one enthusiastic team could bring quality work for audience. He said that Pakistani people are very energetic and the country has produced hundreds of renowned writers, singers and actors. He said that he was among the top fifty popular Hollywood Stars adding that at present he was working in three Hollywood films

Bahrain arrests group suspected of planning terror act

MANAMA: A group planning a terrorist attack in the Gulf state of Bahrain has been arrested, state security officials said in a statement on Wednesday. "A group of people were arrested early Tuesday," they said. "They were planning to detonate locally-made explosives containing flammable materials and large amounts of small iron balls," it said, in an attack timed to coincide with Bahrain's national day celebrations

Paris Hilton home burglarized, jewelry missing

LOS ANGELES: Celebrity heiress Paris Hilton's house was broken into Friday by a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gloves who forced open the front door and made off with belongings, police said.Hilton was not home during the early morning burglary, said Richard French, spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.The burglary as reported by a security guard at Hilton's gated Los Angeles community, French said.Police did not release the value of the stolen items. But French said the robber "ransacked" Hilton's bedroom.Hilton, 27, a member of the family that founded the Hilton Hotel chain, is a fixture of the Hollywood social scene. She starred in reality television show "The Simple Life" and has pursued a career as an actress and singer.

Thirty alleged Al-Qaeda members arrested in Turkey: report

Updated at: 0718 PST, Thursday, December 18, 2008 ISTANBUL: Turkish police on Wednesday arrested 30 people suspected of belonging to the Al-Qaeda network, a news agency reported. Anti-terrorist police arrested 15 suspects in Istanbul and 15 more in two other regions of the country, the report said without giving further details. They also seized documents and other material during the operation, the report added. The arrests are the latest in a string of detentions in Turkey. In August, eleven alleged members of Al-Qaeda were arrested in southeastern Turkey, accused of establishing a group named the Muslim Revenge Brigade in order to carry out attacks. They are due to be tried later this month. A Turkish Al-Qaeda cell was held responsible for attacks in Istanbul in November 2003 against two synagogues, the British Consulate and a British Bank which left 63 people dead and hundreds more wounded. Last year, seven men were jailed for life over the bombings, among them a Syrian national who masterminded and financed the attacks.

Mumbai crowds flow back to cinemas

MUMBAI: After a fortnight of playing to near empty cinemas, Bollywood is breathing a sigh of relief as a new Shah Rukh Khan film pulls in audiences in a city still recovering from November's deadly attacks.Cinema audiences in movie-mad Mumbai fell to a trickle in the aftermath of last month's terror attacks in which 179 people were killed."People were so scared and the mood was so low that watching a movie at a theatre was out of the question," said industry analyst Amod Mehra."In the last two weeks, theatres have been running empty, more so in Mumbai, but also in the rest of the country."But Khan, Bollywood's most bankable star, has worked his magic at the box-office.In his new romantic comedy, he plays a boring introvert who gets a makeover, turning into a snazzy dancer to woo his wife.Reviews for "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" have been far from glowing but that hasn't stopped audiences from flocking to cinemas to see the 43-year-old Khan in action."Our theatres were full at around 60 per cent on Friday and then went up to around 85 per cent over the weekend," said Shonali Shroff of Fame Cinemas.Industry experts said even Khan would have been hard-pressed to save the film if it had opened two weeks earlier.Coupled with the global financial crisis, the attacks came at a bad time for Bollywood.Several productions had already been shelved, marketing budgets slashed and stars were asked to renegotiate pay packages.But the success of "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" has encouraged film producers.The next feel-good flick is expected to be "Jumbo", an animated movie dubbed by some of Bollywood's biggest names.The movie about a baby elephant will be released on Christmas day by businessman Shailendra Singh's Percept Picture Company."It's the festive season and a time for fresh beginnings," Singh said."Let's hope it heralds good things for the industry."

UN chief urges India, Pak to continue dialogue for peace

NEW YORK: UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has urged India and Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue, as he condemned last months’s attacks in Mumbai. “They are two big neighbouring countries and they should maintain and improve their relationship through continuous composite dialogue which they have initiated, through mutual respect and understanding,” he told his year-end press conference at UN Headquarters in New York. At the same time, the secretary general said the view of the international community and the United Nations was very clear that terrorism could not be justified under any circumstances, and stressed the need for all countries to fight terrorism. Responding to a question by a Pakistani correspondent about the exacerbation of tensions in the subcontinent following the incursion by Indian warplanes into Pakistani territory and India's attempt to crush a civilian non violent disobedience movement in occupied Kashmir, Ban said there had been some periods when India and Pakistan had been at war and there were tension over some issues like Kashmir. "Peace between the two countries will have great implications not only in the sub continent, but also throughout the world," Ban added.

Hollywood star scandals quiet in 2008

LOS ANGELES: Politics was not the only arena that saw change in 2008, Hollywood also felt different as stars like Britney Spears and Robert Downey, Jr. overcame past personal troubles and let their work speak for them.In 2007, the tabloids brimmed with celebrity scandals.Spears attacked a paparazzo with an umbrella and flashed her private parts in public. Celebrity heiress Paris Hilton spent three weeks in jail for violating probation in a case of driving under the influence, and actress Lindsay Lohan saw her hard-partying life turn to DUI arrests and stints in rehab.This past year stood in stark contrast."I would definitely say the golden age of the shock starlet seems to have ebbed," said Seth Abramovitch, editor of Defamer, a celebrity news Web site. "It peaked last year and they all sort of went into nesting mode."Spears, 27, began 2008 on a downturn as she was twice hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation. But her life soon quieted down as a Los Angeles family court granted her visits with her sons, and her father took over her affairs.Things got so slow for Spears that last month she told Rolling Stone magazine she felt old and boring. But quietude appears to have been a boon for the pop diva, because this month she released the chart-topping comeback album "Circus."Since 2005, when he argued with TV interviewer Matt Lauer about psychiatry and jumped on Oprah Winfrey's couch proclaiming his love for Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise has battled his own image problems.But this month Cruise acknowledged his past issues, saying he acted "arrogant" and just could have "handled things better." He also won acclaim for his comedic role in the movie "Tropic Thunder," parodying a nasty movie studio executive."I think he's been very smart about the way he has been resuscitating his career and reshaping his image," said David Hauslaib, editorial director of celebrity Web site Jossip.Celebrity watchers said Robert, Downey Jr. returned to Hollywood's A-list and revived his drug- and arrest-plagued career by starring in hit comic book movie "Iron Man," which earned $582 million at worldwide box offices.Downey also earned Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his role as an Australian actor playing a black American action hero in "Tropic Thunder."

U.S. ambassador calls on Sindh Governor, CM

KARACHI: U.S. ambassador Ann W. Paterson Thursday called on Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah separately and exchanged views on mutual interest.Pakistan and US relations, investment in Pakistan and law and order in Sindh province came under discussion at the meeting between U.S. ambassador and Sindh Governor which lasted for one hour.Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan also briefed her guest about the ongoing development projects in Sindh including Karachi.Later, she called on Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah here at CM House. The US ambassador assured the Chief Minister about her country’s continued assistance in connection with the projects relating to health and education.

Govt. to welcome constitutional amendment: Gilani

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Thursday the government is ready to welcome the constitutional amendment brought jointly from the opposition and coalition partners and reiterated President Zardari’s pledge in favor of constitutional amendment announced in national assembly earlier this year.Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said this after visiting Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) to enquire after the health of President PPP Lahore, Azizur Rehman Chanhere on Thursday night. Chan was admitted to PIC after he received heart attack. PM ordered chief executive of the institution to provide best medical facilities to the ailing PPP leader. Briefly talking to media persons on the occasion, PM said that Government is in contact with all political parties on the issues of national interest. To a question he said that all the concerns of PML-N would be removed in order to establish a better relation.Responding to a question about Indian cricket team's visit to Pakistan he said that Government is in contact with India but after Mumbai terrorist attacks present situation is more important than cricket ties. He said that he had a meeting with Chief Minister Punjab in which issues of mutual interest were discussed. Government will take along all political forces in order to set new trends in democracy, he said.

President convenes upper house session today

ISLAMABAD: The upper house of the Parliament is set to house its session here in Islamabad on Friday. President Zardari summoned Senate session at 10 am in Parliament House.Senate is likely to discuss the Pakistan-India tension in the aftermath of Mumbai carnage including overall situation of national defense, and inflation.Government will possibly table legislative bill already approved by National Assembly for its approval from senate.

Oil cleanup drive in Korangi continues

KARACHI: The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) lodged an FIR against the officials that caused the crude oil pipeline damage that led to panic in the Korangi area.The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) also suspended six senior officials and conducted an inquiry and the report will be submitted within the next 48-hours, Daily Times learnt on Thursday. Following the oil rain incident, various activities were seen in the area as the city government and town administration officials were seen busy cleaning the roads and inner streets inundated with thick layers of crude oil. Due to the heavy oil spill, more than 200 houses built along the PARCO main pipeline suffered majorly. The city government, SSGC and provincial health department set up camps in the area, which, were stocked with edible items, medical necessities, and potable water as the main natural gas supply was disconnected. The city government provided all necessary household commodities to the residents who were unable to reach their houses, as there was knee-deep crude oil on the roads besides the foul smell that kept the area inhabitable.The SSGC and Sindh government medical camps also have teams of doctors and paramedics who attended to the area residents who had sinus problems because of the smell of crude oil. The SSGC, through a notification, confirmed that six senior executives have been suspended for their negligence, which led to the incident while a high-level committee was also formed to conduct an inquiry on the matter. “The committee will submit its report within the next 48-hours to determine the causes,” it said. The SSGC also appreciated the cooperation of the city government and others in the operation.

NA education committee meeting to be held on Monday

National Assembly’s standing committee for education has been summoned on December 22 at 11 am. A notification has been issued in this connection.Media has been allowed to cover standing committee session. The notification said the meeting would be presided over by committee chairman Abid Sher Ali. NA standing committee is probing into Farah Dogar’s case. Abid Sher Ali earlier told media that by dismissing a writ petition against NA standing committee on education, the Supreme Court had endorsed that parliament remains supreme.

Australia dismiss South Africa to take 94-run lead in Perth Test

PERTH: South Africa were all out for 281 runs in reply to Australia’s 375 on the third day of the second Test match here at WACA ground on Friday.Resuming at 243-8, South Africa could add only 38 runs as Australia succeeded in taking a lead of 94-run first innings lead.The main destroyer from Australia was fast bowler Mitchell Johnson who claimed eight wickets for 61 runs.Australia began their second innings and were 115 for four at tea interval taking an overall lead of 209 runs. Simon Katich made 37 and captain Ricky Ponting scored 32 runs

Iran Sends Warship to Somali Waters

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian state radio says Iran has sent a warship to the coast of Somalia to protect its cargo ships against piracy.
The Saturday report says the ship arrived in Somali waters.
The Iranian ship would join vessels from the U.S., Denmark, Italy, Russia and other countries in patrolling the Gulf of Aden, which leads to the Suez Canal and is the quickest route from Asia to Europe and the Americas.
In November, a cargo ship operated by Iran was hijacked off the coast of Somalia, the second since July.
The ship, with 25 crew members, was carrying 36,000 tons of wheat and was headed for the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.
In October, pirates freed 29 Iranian seamen from the earlier hijacking after Iran paid a ransom for them.

Officers in alleged Iraqi plot released from jail

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Twenty-four Iraqi military and security officers accused of conspiring with former Saddam Hussein supporters have been released from jail, according to an official with the Iraq Interior Ministry.

Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani says the recent arrests of 24 officers were politically motivated.

In an interview, Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani told CNN's Jill Dougherty on Friday the detentions were politically motivated ahead of the January 31 provincial elections and possibly by foreign interests that want to upset Iraq's growing stability.
Al-Bolani had received information in recent weeks from Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's office about a terror plot within the ministry. Officials were investigating the alleged plot when government officials seized two dozen officers from the Interior and Defense ministries.
This week, Iraqi security forces seized what officials said were suspected members of the al-Awda party, an underground successor to Saddam Hussein's Baath party. The Baathist movement ruled Iraq for 35 years but was banned after Hussein was overthrown in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
The prime minister's media spokesman said Thursday that the officers are accused of facilitating the activities of former Baathist regime members, outlaws and terrorists.

Bad weather thwarts Pakistan leader's Afghan trip

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- A meeting between the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan was canceled Friday when bad weather prevented Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari from traveling to the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari (pictured) has met Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai before.

An official in Pakistan's Foreign Office said the meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and top government officials will be rescheduled for the near future.
The visit was to have taken place amid ongoing warfare and tension along the Afghan-Pakistan border and was to have focused on the nations cooperating in the fight against terror.
Some of the Taliban militants conducting attacks in Afghanistan have been based in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province and nearby tribal regions.
The group's resurgence has prompted U.S. commanders and the incoming Barack Obama administration to put more of a focus on confronting militants along the volatile border.

U.S. to send 3,000 more troops to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has signed a deployment order to move an additional 3,000 troops to Afghanistan next year, according to U.S. military officials.

The troops will be part of a combat aviation brigade, the latest approved by Gates for the expected build-up of U.S. troops in Afghanistan throughout next year.
Earlier this year, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. David McKiernan, requested at least 20,000 additional troops be sent there to fight the increasing violence by the resurgent Taliban forces in the southern and eastern parts of the country.
The officials could not say what units are being tapped to go because those units are now being told of their deployment and the announcement has not yet been made public.
The aviation brigade will send a number of much-needed helicopters to the region.
Helicopters are the main transportation of the U.S. military in Afghanistan, where high mountain roads and passes make it difficult for large transport vehicles to move troops and supplies around the country

Iraqi shoe thrower wins hearts in Iran

The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush has won some hearts in neighboring Iran, where one cleric dubbed the act "the shoe intifada [rebellion

Suit seeks to nix existing same-sex marriages

Sponsors of a California ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage are seeking to nullify thousands of marriages performed between gay and lesbian couples. Proposition 8 amended the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Opponents argue that the amendment cannot be applied retroactively.

Mohali Test: India 179 for 1 on first day

MOHALI: In-form Gautam Gambhir cracked his third century in four matches and Rahul Dravid marked his return to form as India recoverd from a shaky start to put themselves on course for a huge first innings total in the second cricket Test against England here on Friday. Gambhir (106 not out) traded belligerence for maturity while born-again Dravid (65 not out) exorcised the demons to star in a bailout act as India reached a comfortable 179 for one at close on a truncated opening day. Virender Sehwag's scoreless exit in only the second over of the day denied India a flying start they are so used to these days. To their credit, Gambhir and Dravid gamely hung on and eventually stitched together an unbeaten 173-run stand that not only pre-empted the fear of a batting collapse but also propped up the hosts on a chilly, gloomy day. Gambhir, who took the cudgel on himself to guide India to safety after Sehwags early dismissal, remained not out on 106 off 229 balls, a knock garnished with 12 fours and a huge six off Graeme Swann. This was his third century in four matches, underlining the magical year he had. Dravid, on his part, finally got a huge monkey off his back with an unbeaten 205-ball 65 that included seven fours and spoke volume of his grit and gumption. Only 72 overs could be bowled on Friday before bad light dropped early curtains on the proceedings 45 minutes before scheduled close. After poor light delayed the start of the match by 20 minutes, a laden sky and a gushing wind made it pretty much home conditions for the visitors and M S Dhoni's decision to bat first looked doomed as India saw Sehwag back in the hut with the scoreboard reading just six.

Pakistan beaten by Singapore in Women Asia Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore outclassed Pakistan 6-1 in the classification match of the Women Asia Cup Hockey Tournament here on Saturday.The classification match was one-sided as Singapore fully dominated the game.Now, Pakistan will compete for the seventh position in the tournament and play against Chinese Taipie tomorrow in this regard.The sole success gained by Pakistan in the tournament was against Thailand whereas they were humiliated by crushin

KSE CFS financing will resume from Monday

KARACHI: Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) CFS financing will resume as usual from Monday.One KSE Director told Geo News that the Board has decided opening of CFS market as usual from Monday and the stock members would be liable to pay the Mark-II market losses on daily basis. Following the opening of CFS market, stock members would have to make 25 percent payments of Mark-II market losses by Monday. Otherwise, National Clearing Company (NCC) would

UAE buys U.S. missiles in $3.3 billion deal

DUBAI: United Arab Emirates and a US defence firm have signed an agreement under which the US would provide UAE a missile defence system worth $3.3. billion. The U.S. Defense Department said it had proposed the sale of air defense systems and helicopters to the UAE with a total potential value of more than $9 billion.The main item in the Pentagon-proposed package was Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, worth up to $7 billion. The syste

Mushahid for govt of national consensus

ISLAMABAD: Secretary General of Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said on Saturday that there was a need to set up government of national consensus.He asked all political forces to end their differences and urged that government of national consensus should be established. Mushahid said present situation poses challenges that no political entity could tackle alone while a national government system would strengthen democr

Fire-ravaged Ghakhar Plaza collapsed in Rawaplindi

RAWALPINDI: Ghakhar Plaza, the busiest shopping centre in Saddar here collapsed after the fire broke out in the building.As per reports, several persons including rescue workers still trapped under the debris as rescue efforts are underway at the incident site.The president and the prime minister, expressing deep concern, have directed the army and the rescue agencies to provide immediate relief.

West Indies, NZ Test ends in draw

DUNEDIN: The first Test between New Zealand and the West Indies ended in a draw after rain washed out the final day here Monday. With New Zealand on 44 for two in their second innings at close of play, the match had already appeared destined to end all-square after many hours were lost to rain earlier in the match. Earlier, the West Indies scored 340 in their first innings, including a quick fire 106 from number eight Jerome Taylor, in reply to New Zealand's 365. All of Friday was washed out and part of Saturday was lost to the wet weather. The second Test will be played in Napier from Friday, with top allrounder Jacob Oram a doubt for the home side.

CJP under constitution can’t be made respondent in any case

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Registrar Office has returned the petition, praying for making Farah Hameed Dogar’s father Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) a respondent in the case of additional numbers given to her, with objections attached to it.Iftikhar Rajput’s lawyer, Barrister Javed Jaffery had filed the petition, which was returned with objections by the IHC Registrar office here. Barrister Jaffery had filed a separate petitio ... Full Story