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Sep 12, 2024 اردو ► PRINT EDITION ► BR MARKETS ► Dollar to PKR ►
Print - 2009-01-01
Yuan ends 2008 up 7.05 percent

Yuan ends 2008 up 7.05 percent

China's yuan rose against the dollar on Wednesday, posting a full-year gain of 7.05 percent in 2008. But traders said the weakness of the Chinese economy and the instability of global markets meant the yuan was unlikely to perform nearly as well next year
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Euro up against dollar

Euro up against dollar

The euro climbed on Wednesday as tumbling US yields dogged the dollar, but the single currency was set to post its first full-year drop in three years after the financial crisis sparked a rush into the safety of the greenback. The dollar has slid into yea
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Dollar slips as year-end flows

Dollar slips as year-end flows

The US dollar fell against a basket of currencies on Tuesday, pressured by position adjustments ahead of the year-end and its diminishing yield appeal. Sterling continued its downtrend, hitting a 6-1/2-year low against the dollar and approaching parity ve
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Asian currencies face gloomy 2009

Asian currencies face gloomy 2009

Asian currencies, many ending their worst year this decade, gained on the weakening dollar on Wednesday in a brief year-end respite from a sell-off that investors expect will resume in 2009. Non-deliverable forward (NDFs) contracts showed investors bettin
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Australian dollar has worst year ever

Australian dollar has worst year ever

A holiday lull trapped the Australian dollar in a narrow trading range around $0.6900 on Wednesday, barely budging from $0.6911 seen here late afternoon on Tuesday and short of resistance around 70 US cents. The local dollar fared better on a battered Bri
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Party girl Paris defends Australian shopping spree

Party girl Paris defends Australian shopping spree

American socialite Paris Hilton has declared herself a saviour who shops for the greater good in tight economic times. In Sydney to host an exclusive New Year's dance party, the 27-year-old heir to the Hilton hotel fortune this week drew criticism for spe
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
China, Vietnam settle long-disputed land border

China, Vietnam settle long-disputed land border

Communist China and Vietnam on Wednesday said they had settled their long disputed land border, only hours before a deadline was due to expire and nearly 30 years after they fought a border war. Beijing and Hanoi - who normalised relations in 1991 and are
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Nato and US forces killed 17 militants in Afghanistan

Nato and US forces killed 17 militants in Afghanistan

International military forces helping Afghanistan to fight Islamic extremists said Wednesday they had killed 17 militants in separate operations. The US military said troops under its command had killed 11 armed militants Tuesday in an operation against t
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Record Sydney crowd gets New Year party started

Record Sydney crowd gets New Year party started

A record crowd of up to 1.5 million Australians and tourists watched a massive fireworks display alongside Sydney's world-famous Opera House Thursday, kicking off global New Year celebrations. The show included never-before-seen lightning and thunder effe
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Former top spy cleared of activist's poison murder

Former top spy cleared of activist's poison murder

An Indonesian court on Wednesday cleared the former deputy head of the country's spy agency of masterminding the 2004 poisoning murder of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib. Prosecutors had been seeking a 15-year jail term for the former State Intell
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Second raid on Iran Nobel laureate: rights group

Second raid on Iran Nobel laureate: rights group

The Iranian government raided Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi's law office in Tehran less than 10 days after closing the headquarters of her human rights watchdog group, a rights advocacy group said on Tuesday.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Bangladesh poll winner Hasina offers to share power

Bangladesh poll winner Hasina offers to share power

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Wednesday she was willing to share power with the disgruntled opposition after winning a massive majority in Bangladesh's parliamentary election this week. A senior opposition party leader did not rule out co-op
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Columbia crew had no chance to survive: NASA

Columbia crew had no chance to survive: NASA

Astronauts on the shuttle Columbia were trying to regain control of their craft before it broke apart in 2003, but there was no chance of surviving the accident, a NASA report said on Tuesday. From the crew's perspective, the shift from what appeared to b
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Lobbyist sues New York Times over McCain article

Lobbyist sues New York Times over McCain article

A Washington lobbyist on Tuesday sued The New York Times for publishing an article that she says suggests she once had a romantic relationship with 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain. The lawsuit, filed by lawyers for Vicki Iseman i
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Bombs kills six in North Iraq

Bombs kills six in North Iraq

Six people were killed and more than 50 wounded Wednesday in bombings in northern Iraq, where US and Iraqi forces have been struggling to root out insurgents, police said. In the largest attack, a car bomb ripped through a crowded market area in the town
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
India beef up security around captain Dhoni after threat

India beef up security around captain Dhoni after threat

Police have beefed up security around India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni after he received extortion letters from a man claiming to be an associate of the country's most wanted gangster. Police said on Wednesday they had sent more than 45 commando
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
PHF to invite Asian, European hockey teams to play bilateral series

PHF to invite Asian, European hockey teams to play bilateral series

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited the Malaysian Hockey Team to visit Pakistan in February this year to play hockey series, while the PHF will not only talk with the Asian but also invite the European hockey teams to play a bilateral hockey
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Railways hold Airmen 0-0 in PFF league

Railways hold Airmen 0-0 in PFF league

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) failed to capitalise on several chances and were held 0-0 draw by Pakistan Railways in Group-B of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) League-Departmental Phase 2008 on Wednesday. It was the clash between two former National Champio
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Sri Lanka see off brave Bangladesh by 107 runs

Sri Lanka see off brave Bangladesh by 107 runs

Dammika Prasad struck two decisive blows before Muttiah Muralitharan completed a 10-wicket haul to kill off Bangladesh's hopes of an unlikely record run chase as Sri Lanka won the first test by 107 runs on Wednesday. Set a world record 521-run victory tar
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Rain washes opening New Zealand, West Indies ODI

Rain washes opening New Zealand, West Indies ODI

The first one-day international between New Zealand and the West Indies was abandoned because of rain here Wednesday. The West Indies were 129 for five in the 36th over when the players were forced from the field, and play was officially abandoned about t
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Bolt sets sights on lowering sprint records further

Bolt sets sights on lowering sprint records further

Jamaica's triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt believes he can take the 100 metres world record down to 9.58 seconds and go below 19 seconds in the 200 metres. Bolt set new marks of 9.69 and 19.30 seconds to win the 100m and 200m titles respectively in Augu
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Droylsden fail in appeal against FA Cup expulsion

Droylsden fail in appeal against FA Cup expulsion

The FA said on Wednesday that minor league Droylsden's appeal against their expulsion from the FA Cup had failed and confirmed that Chesterfield would take their place to play Ipswich Town in the third round on Saturday.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Mexico hands over record number of fugitives to US

Mexico hands over record number of fugitives to US

Mexico turned over 85 alleged drug smugglers, murderers, sex offenders and other criminals to US authorities this year, a record number of extraditions to the United States as Mexico struggles in a war against violent drug cartels. Mexican and US official
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
International experts join Singapore wheel probe

International experts join Singapore wheel probe

International experts were in Singapore Wednesday to investigate how 173 people got trapped on the world's biggest observation wheel as tourism officials sought assurances over its safety. The experts have gathered to examine what caused the incident at t
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Record 151 US troops die in Afghanistan in 2008

Record 151 US troops die in Afghanistan in 2008

A record 151 US forces died in Afghanistan in 2008, the deadliest year yet in a seven-year war that military officials say is likely to get even bloodier in 2009, as thousands more American troops pour into the country. The number of roadside bombs double
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Iraq seeks departure of Iranian opposition exiles

Iraq seeks departure of Iranian opposition exiles

Iraq said on Wednesday it wants thousands of Iranian opposition exiles at a camp north of Baghdad to leave the country, although it does not plan to expel them by force. Iraqi forces take over responsibility for Camp Ashraf, home to 3,500 exiles of the Pe
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Thai political crisis set to drag on in 2009

Thai political crisis set to drag on in 2009

Supporters of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra vowed on Wednesday to resume their street campaign for new elections in 2009, suggesting no respite from a long-running political crisis as a recession looms. In a sign of the strife to come, lea
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
North Korea to hold elections next year for post-Kim era

North Korea to hold elections next year for post-Kim era

North Korea will use parliamentary elections in 2009 to lay the groundwork for the post Kim Jong-II era, by promoting younger economic experts, a South Korean government think-tank says. The Institute for National Security Strategy, an arm of the National
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Iraq signs military accords with Britain and Australia

Iraq signs military accords with Britain and Australia

Baghdad signed on Tuesday military accords with Britain and Australia that give their troops a legal basis to stay in Iraq after the expiry of the UN mandate on December 31, the Iraqi government said. "With the authority of the government of Iraq given to
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Hamas must stop firing rockets as first step: White House

Hamas must stop firing rockets as first step: White House

President George W. Bush believes the militant group Hamas needs to stop firing rockets at Israel as a first step to a cease-fire and he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the White House said on Wednesday. "President Bush thinks that Hamas need
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Egypt's ruling party attacks Hamas and allies

Egypt's ruling party attacks Hamas and allies

Egypt's ruling party accused the Islamist Palestinian movement Hamas on Wednesday of adventurism, irresponsibility and ignoring Egyptian advice on Gaza. The National Democratic Party (NDP) said in a statement that Egypt was the victim of an organised camp
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Hamas ready to halt attacks if Israel lifts Gaza blockade: Russia

Hamas ready to halt attacks if Israel lifts Gaza blockade: Russia

Hamas is ready to halt its attacks on Israel if the Jewish state lifts its blockade of Gaza, Russia's foreign ministry announced on Wednesday. In a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the head of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, "voi
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Two Titanic passengers' letters to be auctioned

Two Titanic passengers' letters to be auctioned

Two letters from Titanic passengers are to be auctioned in New York this month, one of them featuring an excited description of the doomed ship just moments before setting sail. Letters on White Star Lines stationary inscribed with "On board RMS Titanic"
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Bomb explodes in Spain's Basque area, one injured

Bomb explodes in Spain's Basque area, one injured

A car bomb exploded Wednesday outside a regional television station in northern Spain following a warning call from the armed separatist group ETA, police said. The blast caused significant damage and one person suffered an ear injury, television broadcas
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Sri Lanka says 12 Tigers killed as troops close in on rebel town

Sri Lanka says 12 Tigers killed as troops close in on rebel town

At least 12 Tamil Tiger rebels were killed by government forces closing in on a key rebel-held town in northern Sri Lanka, the defence ministry said Wednesday. Government troops recovered the bodies of six rebels while snipers killed another six as the mi
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Indian rupee posts biggest yearly fall since early 1990s

Indian rupee posts biggest yearly fall since early 1990s

The Indian rupee on Wednesday posted its biggest yearly fall since a balance of payments crisis in the early 1990s as the global financial crisis triggered a surge in capital outflows, but is expected to gain early in 2009.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Easy money keeps dollar rates low

Easy money keeps dollar rates low

Interbank dollar lending rates mostly eased in Europe and Asia on Wednesday amid expectations that money markets would continue to heal into the new year, while US short-term debt rates held near zero.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Sterling rises

Sterling rises

Sterling rose in holiday-thinned trade on Wednesday, but was set for its worst yearly performance against the euro since the single currency's inception almost a decade ago as a bleak UK economic outlook hobbled sentiment. Worries about rising unemploymen
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Dollar rises in London

Dollar rises in London

The euro fell against the dollar on Wednesday and was poised to post its first annual fall versus the US currency in three years as a historic financial crisis sparked a rush into the dollar this year.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Credit spreads widen

Credit spreads widen

Credit derivative indexes were slightly wider, in extremely thin trading on the last day of the year on Wednesday. By 1040 GMT, the investment-grade Markit iTraxx Europe index was at 177 basis points, according to data from Markit, 1 basis point wider ver
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Credit spreads widen

Credit spreads widen

Credit derivative indexes were slightly wider, in extremely thin trading on the last day of the year on Wednesday. By 1040 GMT, the investment-grade Markit iTraxx Europe index was at 177 basis points, according to data from Markit, 1 basis point wider ver
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Asian bonds end year steady

Asian bonds end year steady

Asian bond markets ended a year marked by a surge in risk premiums on a steady note on Wednesday with investors now looking ahead to new debt issues that could come as early as January.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Asian bonds end year steady

Asian bonds end year steady

Asian bond markets ended a year marked by a surge in risk premiums on a steady note on Wednesday with investors now looking ahead to new debt issues that could come as early as January.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Indian shares end year down 52.45 percent

Indian shares end year down 52.45 percent

Indian shares finished the year 52.45 percent down from their 2007 close on Wednesday as the market was battered by the global economic slowdown. The benchmark 30-share Sensex index ended the day 0.71 percent, or 68.85 points, lower at 9,647.31 - leaving
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
FTSE ends up but still registers worst annual loss

FTSE ends up but still registers worst annual loss

Britain's FTSE 100 index closed out 2008 on Wednesday with its biggest annual fall since its launch in 1984, sent reeling by the global credit crisis and looming world-wide recession. The UK benchmark registered its third straight daily rise, closing up 4
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
KCCI president congratulates Salim Raza

KCCI president congratulates Salim Raza

President Anjum Nisar, Senior Vice President M. Jawed Bilwani, Vice President Mohammed Ali, and former Presidents Siraj Kassam Teli, Tahir Khaliq, M. Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), have congratulated Sa
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
ICAP seminar on 'National, International Economic Crisis' held

ICAP seminar on 'National, International Economic Crisis' held

As banks in the flagging economy of Pakistan struggle due to dwindling deposits and lack of investment avenues, one banker thinks the situation could have been worse had wise steps not been taken by SBP governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
'Malaysia to open trade investment, tourists centres in Pakistan'

'Malaysia to open trade investment, tourists centres in Pakistan'

The President of Pakistan-Malaysia Friendship Association, Shahid Jawed Qureshi, has said that Malaysia is soon opening a trade and investment centre in Karachi, and tourist centre in Islamabad. Talking to Business Recorder, he said that both these
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Year 2008 most painful for stock market

Year 2008 most painful for stock market

The year 2008 was the most painful period for stock market investors as share prices plunged 58 percent (67 percent in dollar terms) to 4-year low, compared to the gain of 40 percent (38 percent in dollar) in 2007.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Atlas Bank donates Rs 1.69 million for Balochistan quake

Atlas Bank donates Rs 1.69 million for Balochistan quake

The staff of Atlas Bank Limited donated an amount of over Rs 1.69 million for the Balochistan earthquake relief effort. This donation was collected to help the families still suffering from the after-effects of the earthquake.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Local trader shot dead by robbers

Local trader shot dead by robbers

A local trader was killed by unknown armed men during a bid of robbery in Gorabari Town, Thatta District on Wednesday. According to police report, the trader identified as Noor Khan was shot dead by some armed men during a bid of robbery. The robbers mana
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Financial assistance: KSE board of directors to invite EoI

Financial assistance: KSE board of directors to invite EoI

The Board of Directors of the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) has decided to invite Expression of Interest (EoI) for providing one-time financial assistance from the Member-Financees out of KSE's own funds for the payment of their final losses at National Cl
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
2008 - The year that was

2008 - The year that was

Pakistan's economy has undergone multiple shocks like political battle, energy shortage, unsavoury law & order on the domestic front and soaring oil and food prices and global financial crunch on external sides resuling in its worst performance throughout
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Mumtaz Bhutto asked to recognise writing on wall

Mumtaz Bhutto asked to recognise writing on wall

It is high time for Mumtaz Bhutto to recognise the writing on the wall, and resign from politics, as he enjoys no support from the masses. This was said by a statement issued by Sindh Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ayaz Soomro on Wednesday in
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
'PML-N, Q workers favour merger'

'PML-N, Q workers favour merger'

Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-e-Azam) consider the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) as their "common enemy". "(President) Zardari has no policy at all as right from the beginning, he has been issuing confusing statem
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
JCR-VIS reaffirms IFS rating of NICL at AA+

JCR-VIS reaffirms IFS rating of NICL at AA+

JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Ltd (JCR-VIS) has reaffirmed the Insurer Financial Strength rating of National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) at 'AA+' (Double A Plus) with a 'Stable' outlook. NICL is incorporated as an un-quoted public limited company wit
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
JCR-VIS reaffirms IFS rating of NICL at AA+

JCR-VIS reaffirms IFS rating of NICL at AA+

JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Ltd (JCR-VIS) has reaffirmed the Insurer Financial Strength rating of National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) at 'AA+' (Double A Plus) with a 'Stable' outlook. NICL is incorporated as an un-quoted public limited company wit
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Traders suffer from inauthentic reporting

Traders suffer from inauthentic reporting

Traders of the Jodia Bazaar on Wednesday expressed anger at the unauthentic news report aired by a private TV channel about the bomb blast outside the City Court spread panic among the traders and customers and resulted in instant closure of shops and pub
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
'Country returns to democracy but not full parliamentary democracy'

'Country returns to democracy but not full parliamentary democracy'

The country was lucky to get rid of almost nine-year long Musharraf-led military dictatorship in 2008. Despite all the hardships Pakistan faced or still facing, in August 2008 Musharraf was forced to resign. With his resignation, the country returned to w
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Ongoing projects: Senate body on science, technology seeks funds

Ongoing projects: Senate body on science, technology seeks funds

The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has urged the government to release funds allocated to the ministry of Science and Technology to enable it to complete its various ongoing projects and to lift the ban on recruitment to overcome the
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
New York cotton futures climb

New York cotton futures climb

Late investor buying lifted cotton futures to finish on Tuesday at a two-month high and follow-through interest may push the market up into the New Year holiday break, brokers said. The key March cotton contracts climbed 1.72 cents to end at 47.97 cents p
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Copper jumps three percent

Copper jumps three percent

Copper prices bounded higher by almost 3 percent Wednesday after China raised the value added tax on a range of metal ore imports, but metals across the board were poised for their largest annual falls on record.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Oil prices surge 14 percent

Oil prices surge 14 percent

US crude oil ended 2008 up 14 percent a barrel in thin pre-holiday trade on Wednesday, tracking a jump in gasoline as a slowdown in domestic refinery activity sparked fears of tightening fuel supply this winter. US crude oil futures for February settled u
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
London cocoa soars by 66 percent in 2008

London cocoa soars by 66 percent in 2008

London cocoa futures surged by 66 percent in 2008, driven by tight global supplies, making them an outstanding performer among the major financial markets. Robusta coffee futures prices shed 19 percent in 2008, due to ample availability, and white sugar e
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US gold lower

US gold lower

US gold futures closed with moderate losses on Tuesday, falling prey to investors taking profits off the day-earlier run to a 2-1-2-month high once crude oil prices declined, traders said. Gold for February delivery finished $5.30, or 0.61 percent, lower
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold eases in London

US MIDDAY: gold eases in London

Gold eased on Wednesday in thin trade ahead of the New Year break, as oil prices softened and the dollar ticked up against the euro. But the precious metal is set to be one of the only commodities to post a gain year-on-year, supported by interest in bull
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: cocoa, coffee up

US MIDDAY: cocoa, coffee up

US cocoa and arabica coffee futures moved higher in early trade on Wednesday, in thin volume on the last trading day of 2008, traders said. ICE Futures US agricultural products will trade in regular hours Wednesday, close Thursday for New Year's Day and r
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: sugar firms

US MIDDAY: sugar firms

Raw sugar futures on ICE Futures US at 1310 GMT. March raw sugar contract added 0.06 cent at 11.35 cents per lb. Trading from 11.29 to 11.42 cents. Volume was at a very light 1,583 lots.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: corn weakens

US MIDDAY: corn weakens

March corn was off 3/4 cent at $3.95-1/2 a bushel, May was down 3/4 cent at $4.05-3/4 a bushel. Pressured by profit-taking and firm dollar.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: wheat falls

US MIDDAY: wheat falls

March wheat was down 6-3/4 cents to $5.98 a bushel, May was off 5-3/4 at $6.11-3/4. Profit taking weighing on wheat with additional spillover pressure stemming from firm dollar.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: soyabeans higher

US MIDDAY: soyabeans higher

January soyabean futures were up 4 cents at $9.49-3/4 a bushel, March was up 3-1/4 cents at $9.56-1/4 a bushel. Choppy, turns higher after crude oil market pares losses. Dry weather in South America hindering crop development also supportive.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: copper climbs

US MIDDAY: copper climbs

US copper futures crept higher Wednesday in dealings thinned out by the looming New Year holiday but worries linger over demand prospects in 2009 due to an ailing world economy, analysts said. The copper market will be closed on Thursday, January 1, for N
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold slips

US MIDDAY: gold slips

US gold futures slipped in early trade Wednesday on profit-taking before the New Year holiday break and a slightly firmer dollar, traders said. Gold for February delivery fell $10.20 at $859.80 an ounce on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exc
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Senate committee for legislation to ensure women participation in polls

Senate committee for legislation to ensure women participation in polls

The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to propose amendments in laws to ensure and increase participation of womenfolk in the general elections. The Committee met at Parliament House; under the Chairma
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
NAG to hold exhibition of Masood

NAG to hold exhibition of Masood

A retrospective exhibition of 55-year professional France based Pakistani artist, Masood Kohari would open at National Art Gallery (NAG) by the end of January. Carrying a collection of glass works, ceramics, oil paintings and drawings, the exhibition woul
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Senate body asks bureaucracy to respect elected representatives

Senate body asks bureaucracy to respect elected representatives

Senate Committee on Rules of Procedures and Privileges on Wednesday asked the bureaucracy to respect the elected representatives of the people and to accord priority to their complaints, as and when they visit various ministries and government offices in
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Minister briefed about DGSE programmes, objectives

Minister briefed about DGSE programmes, objectives

Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education Samina Khalid Ghurki has been briefed about Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) and its functions, programmes, objectives in the Committee Room of Minister's office.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Soomro for promoting inter-faith harmony for world peace

Soomro for promoting inter-faith harmony for world peace

Chairman Senate Muhammedmian Soomro has underscored the need for promoting inter-faith harmony and tolerance to spread the message of love, amity and understanding among followers of different faiths and religions to make the present day strife-torn world
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
President condoles with Pir Fazal on sister's demise

President condoles with Pir Fazal on sister's demise

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the demise of the sister of Pir Fazal Ali Shah, Chairman Federal Land Commission and the daughter of Pir Abdul Qadir Jilani, former minister. In his condolence message, the President offere
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Illegal stock of life-saving drugs recovered

Illegal stock of life-saving drugs recovered

Executive District Officer (EDO) Health and District Monitoring Officer (DMO) Attock recovered illegal stock of life saving medicines worth thousands of rupees from a room of duty medical officer in a surprise raid conducted at tehsil headquarters (THQ) h
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
'Benazir Shaheed Volunteer Award' for social activists

'Benazir Shaheed Volunteer Award' for social activists

Minister for Youth Affairs Shahid Hussain Bhutto said 'Benazir Shaheed Volunteer Award' would be conferred on volunteers to recognise their social services. Talking to APP, the minister said the award is a tribute to the meritorious services of Mohtarma B
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Mumbai attacks

Mumbai attacks

I am amazed at the way Pakistani's and the government and media are fretting over killing of some 175 Indians and foreign tourists in Mumbai by 10 individuals, whom India claims to be terrorists from Pakistan.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Arabs cancel New Year's events in solidarity with Palestinians

Arabs cancel New Year's events in solidarity with Palestinians

Many entertainers and organisations in the Arab world have cancelled their New Year's celebrations in a show of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip following four days of a massive Israeli air offensive.
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Cold War humanitarian programme had covert side

Cold War humanitarian programme had covert side

In the locked attic of a German archive is a dusty file that harks back to a long forgotten chapter of the Cold War _ a humanitarian endeavour that, it now emerges, also had a covert side. Marked "Escapee Program," it contains a list of thousands of names
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
The closing of the white mind

The closing of the white mind

Back in 1987, Allan Bloom authored a book with a similar title; it lamented at the intellectual deficit in the US educational system that was imparting knowledge with a specific bent of mind. Events unfolding since August 2007 proved how farsighted (and t
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
LPG pricing controversy

LPG pricing controversy

According to a Recorder Report, the government has put aside a proposal that it was contemplating for a time to cut duty on the import of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This it is said to have done in view of a significant decline in the commodity'
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
A way out of IPI 'dilemma'

A way out of IPI 'dilemma'

Iran will sign a gas deal with Pakistan even if India - the third party to the IPI pipeline project - walks out, Iranian Oil Minister Gholamhossein Nozari has been quoted by an Iranian news agency as saying. Nozari's remarks come against the backdrop of a
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
Is economic recovery on the cards in 2009?

Is economic recovery on the cards in 2009?

Falling growth levels in the US, Europe and the Middle East reflect incontrovertible evidence that these economies are reeling under a recession. It all began when the sub-prime mortgage crisis, triggered by mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures in the
Published 01 Jan, 2009 12:00am
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