AGL 40.22 Increased By ▲ 0.21 (0.52%)
AIRLINK 127.00 Decreased By ▼ -0.99 (-0.77%)
BOP 6.61 Increased By ▲ 0.01 (0.15%)
CNERGY 4.51 Decreased By ▼ -0.09 (-1.96%)
DCL 8.54 Increased By ▲ 0.06 (0.71%)
DFML 41.65 Increased By ▲ 0.17 (0.41%)
DGKC 87.03 Increased By ▲ 0.45 (0.52%)
FCCL 32.50 Increased By ▲ 0.36 (1.12%)
FFBL 65.35 Decreased By ▼ -0.07 (-0.11%)
FFL 10.22 Decreased By ▼ -0.03 (-0.29%)
HUBC 109.60 Decreased By ▼ -0.89 (-0.81%)
HUMNL 14.58 Decreased By ▼ -0.17 (-1.15%)
KEL 5.12 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.19%)
KOSM 7.65 Increased By ▲ 0.53 (7.44%)
MLCF 41.61 Decreased By ▼ -0.04 (-0.1%)
NBP 59.65 Decreased By ▼ -0.44 (-0.73%)
OGDC 194.46 Decreased By ▼ -0.23 (-0.12%)
PAEL 28.25 Increased By ▲ 0.30 (1.07%)
PIBTL 7.83 Decreased By ▼ -0.17 (-2.13%)
PPL 152.25 Increased By ▲ 1.08 (0.71%)
PRL 26.60 Decreased By ▼ -0.28 (-1.04%)
PTC 16.05 Increased By ▲ 0.05 (0.31%)
SEARL 82.15 Increased By ▲ 3.95 (5.05%)
TELE 7.50 Increased By ▲ 0.11 (1.49%)
TOMCL 35.45 Decreased By ▼ -0.22 (-0.62%)
TPLP 8.25 Increased By ▲ 0.34 (4.3%)
TREET 16.16 Increased By ▲ 0.27 (1.7%)
TRG 52.75 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.02%)
UNITY 26.70 Increased By ▲ 0.15 (0.56%)
WTL 1.26 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.79%)
BR100 9,918 Decreased By -2.1 (-0.02%)
BR30 30,797 Increased By 45.1 (0.15%)
KSE100 93,464 Increased By 239.2 (0.26%)
KSE30 28,953 Increased By 68.1 (0.24%)
Print - 2009-04-12
Atlas Bank ratings remain under watch

Atlas Bank ratings remain under watch

The JCR-VJS Credit Rating Company Limited had placed the entity ratings of A-/A-2 (Single A Minus / A-Two), assigned to Atlas Bank Limited (ABK), under Rating Watch-Developing status on October 23, 2008 on account of the merger negotiations with KASB Bank
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
SPCBL placed under Rating Watch Developing status

SPCBL placed under Rating Watch Developing status

JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Limited has placed the entity ratings of A-/A-3 (Single A Minus / A-Three) assigned to Saudi Pak Commercial Bank Limited (SPCBL) under Rating Watch Developing status. This rating action has been taken in view of the agreement
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Heroin smuggling bid foiled

Heroin smuggling bid foiled

The staff of Drug Enforcement Cell (DEC) has foiled 1.5 kg heroin smuggling bid during snap checking at Jinnah International Airport on Saturday. According to details, the staff of DEC have recovered 1.5kg of heroin from the possession of a Pakistani pass
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
BISE annual examination from April 28

BISE annual examination from April 28

The Higher Secondary Certificate Part-I & II (Class XI & XII) annual examination 2009 of Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education Hyderabad for all groups will be held from April 28 2009.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
SPCBL placed under Rating Watch Developing status

SPCBL placed under Rating Watch Developing status

JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Limited has placed the entity ratings of A-/A-3 (Single A Minus / A-Three) assigned to Saudi Pak Commercial Bank Limited (SPCBL) under Rating Watch Developing status. This rating action has been taken in view of the agreement
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
IEEE-IIEE seminar on e-Indus 2009 on April 25

IEEE-IIEE seminar on e-Indus 2009 on April 25

The students branches of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Institute of Industrial Electronics Engineering (IIEE) are organising a seminar on e-Indus 2009 at the IIEE auditorium here on April 25.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Setting up school for underprivileged students commended

Setting up school for underprivileged students commended

The noble initiative undertaken by Defence Society Residents Association (DSRA) Educational and Welfare Trust School to provide quality education to the underprivileged students from low-income areas around DHA was commendable.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Ibad appeals to people to help eradicate polio

Ibad appeals to people to help eradicate polio

Sindh Governor, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, has appealed to the people to come forward and help in the governments efforts towards the eradication of polio. He was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day campaign against polio at the Governor House here
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Tourism promotion vital to support economy: minister

Tourism promotion vital to support economy: minister

Tourism industry is a pivotal factor that earns substantial amount for certain Western economies while nations like Maldives, Tanzania, Mauritius and some African countries totally rely on tourism. "However, Pakistans share in this multibillion trade stan
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
District government bans effluent disposal in Phulleli Canal

District government bans effluent disposal in Phulleli Canal

The District Government Hyderabad, under Section 144 Cr. P.C., has imposed ban on dumping of waste and other toxic effluents in the New Phulleli Canal. The canal is the main source to provide water for irrigation and drinking purposes, not only to Hyderab
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Parkinsons disease to double by 2030

Parkinsons disease to double by 2030

The number of people in the world with Parkinsons disease will double by 2030, according to Doctor Sarwar Siddiqui, Consultant Neurologist, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Though the cause of the disease is still not known, remarkable progress has be
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Bangladesh seeks suggestions on South Asia Regional Task Force

Bangladesh seeks suggestions on South Asia Regional Task Force

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr Dipu Moni said on Saturday that Bangladesh has taken initiatives to float the planned South Asia Regional Task Force to address a series of emerging challenges in a co-ordinated manner.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Lowari tunnel to be opened for traffic early next year

Lowari tunnel to be opened for traffic early next year

Tunnelling process of Rs 8 billion Lowari Tunnel project on Nowshera-Dir-Chitral Road (N-45) has been completed while its civil works are being done now on war footings and the project would likely to be opened for traffic by early 2010.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
APHC leader re-arrested fourth time

APHC leader re-arrested fourth time

Senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) and the Chairman of Democratic Freedom Party in occupied Kahsmir, Shabbir Ahmad Shah was re-arrested fourth time after getting bail from the court. According to Kashmir Media Service, Shabbir Sha
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
AJK to be made model welfare state: Yaqoob

AJK to be made model welfare state: Yaqoob

AJK Prime Minister Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan said here Saturday that Azad Jammu Kashmir would be made a model welfare state through launching mega development projects of public interests. He was addressing a press conference at the PWD Rest House here
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
News Editor of PBC Karachi passes away

News Editor of PBC Karachi passes away

A News Editor of Radio Pakistan, Karachi, Jamal Haider Siddiqui, died here on Saturday at a local hospital, family members said. Late Siddiqui, 52, was suffering from cancer for quite some time and was under treatment. He had served Radio Pakistan in vari
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Saarc CCI hails import of over 100 items via Wagha

Saarc CCI hails import of over 100 items via Wagha

Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Saarc CCI), Pakistan chapter, on Saturday hailed the decision of ministry of commerce of Pakistan to allow import of over 100 items through land route from India through Wagha border. Appreciating the decision of th
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Nust holds third undergraduate convocation

Nust holds third undergraduate convocation

The 3rd undergraduate convocation of Nust School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Seecs) was held here on Saturday at the newly built Nust Campus at H-12, Islamabad. Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Federal Minister for Science and Technol
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Multan fears security threat over opening of boys hostels

Multan fears security threat over opening of boys hostels

The public and social circles in Multan have expressed extreme worry over opening of boys hostels across the city, as these hostels have no security checking arrangement therefore, are posing a sign of danger to the peace loving citizens.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Easter being celebrated today

Easter being celebrated today

Easter marking culmination of the 40-day lent season, which is time of fasting, alm-giving, repentance and spiritual renewal, is being celebrated by the Christian community in Pakistan like other parts of the world on Sunday (today) with religious fervour
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Comstech launches technology forum for OIC countries

Comstech launches technology forum for OIC countries

Organisation of the Islamic Conference Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Co-operation (Comstech) has launched a Technology Forum for OIC countries. Sources told APP, the Forum would provide an opportunity to all member countries of Organi
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Chinese team visits Air Headquarters

Chinese team visits Air Headquarters

General Xu Qiliang, Commander PLA (Air Force) along with a nine member delegation visited Air Headquarters here on Saturday said a press release. On his arrival at Air Headquarters, Chief of the Air Staff Rao Qamar Suleman, received the distinguished gues
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Use of screened blood for transfusion directed

Use of screened blood for transfusion directed

Taking notice of spread of fatal diseases due to unscreened blood transfusion, the Punjab government has asked the executive district officers (Health) and hospitals administration to ensure use of only screened blood for transfusion so as to check the sp
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
1,200 Sikh yatrees arrived for Besakhi

1,200 Sikh yatrees arrived for Besakhi

Around 1,200 Sikh yatrees arrived here from India through special trains via Wagha Border on Saturday. Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Syed Asif Hashmi and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committees members Sardar Sham Singh, Sardar Soarn Singh an
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
LCCI demands to restore CARE facility system

LCCI demands to restore CARE facility system

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry while criticising the FBR decision to shift CARE password facility for importers to Karachi, has demanded of the Federal Board of Revenue to review its decision and revive the old system of issuance of password
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Ulema Board condemns US drone attacks

Ulema Board condemns US drone attacks

The religious scholars in Punjab under the banner of Mottahidda Ulema Board has condemned the United States for drone attacks in tribal areas of Pakistan, resulting into heavy life losses and urged it to stop this cruel activity immediately.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Five Supreme Court benches at Principal seat constituted

Five Supreme Court benches at Principal seat constituted

The Chief Justice of Pakistan has constituted five benches at the Principal seat to hear a number of cases in the next week starting from April 13. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed and Justice
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Iesco load shedding schedule

Iesco load shedding schedule

According to Iesco spokesman, Iesco would have to save 240-MW electricity during 24 hours as per quota given by National Power Control Centre (NPCC) Wapda/Pepco for Iesco. To cater this load, Iesco load shedding would be consisted upon 2 to 5 durations of
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Justice Ijaz pays surprise visit to subordinate courts

Justice Ijaz pays surprise visit to subordinate courts

Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry of the Lahore High Court (LHC) here on Saturday paid a surprise visit to subordinate courts of the city and found irregularities in record maintenance and various judges were absent from their courts. Justice Ijaz warned the ju
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Consensus among political parties need of hour: Hamza

Consensus among political parties need of hour: Hamza

The country is passing through a critical phase of its history, and the need of the hour is to develop consensus and reconciliation among all political parties to change the destiny of the people, as the country cannot afford confrontation at this point o
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Beneficiaries of NRO to suffer from its revocation

Beneficiaries of NRO to suffer from its revocation

If the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) is revoked then the persons, who availed of its benefit would have to face difficulties. The General Secretary, Jamiat Ulmae-e-Islam (JUI -F), Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said. He was addressing a p
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Pakistan HC to India meets President

Pakistan HC to India meets President

Pakistans High Commissioner to India, Shahid Malik on Friday called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed with him matters pertaining to peace in the region. They also discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and India, and recent developments
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Pakistan Railways to curtail uneconomic trains

Pakistan Railways to curtail uneconomic trains

Proposals are under consideration to decrease unnecessary stoppage and curtail the uneconomic trains, as Pakistan Railways is looking forward to overcome the financial crisis and to improve the Railways standards. Similarly, the number of trains is expect
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Zardari confers military award on Chinese commander

Zardari confers military award on Chinese commander

President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Xu Qiliang, Commander China Peoples Liberation Army (Air Force) at a special ceremony held at Aiwan e Sadr on Saturday. The award has been conferred on for his meritor
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
General Xu calls on CJCSC

General Xu calls on CJCSC

General Xu Qiliang Commander of PLA (Air Force) China called on General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) at Joint Staff Headquarters, Chaklala on Saturday. They discussed perspective plan of bilateral co-operation.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
NWFP law minister leaves for US

NWFP law minister leaves for US

The NWFP Minister for Law, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs, Barrister Arshad Abdullah has left for United States on a one month official tour. Provincial Minister would return back on May 5, 2009. During this period, he would participate in various
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Services of Allama Kazi eulogized

Services of Allama Kazi eulogized

The teachers and students of the Department of Statistics University of Sindh acknowledging great services in the field of higher education rendered by Founder Vice Chancellor of Sindh University Allama I. I. Kazi paid rich tribute to him for his visionar
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Three-day NYTF moot concludes

Three-day NYTF moot concludes

Pakistan has a largest group of youth between 10-24 years of age with nearly 54.2 million individuals forming 34percent of its total population and by 2025 the number of this age group is expected to increase to 64.8 million. It was announced at the concl
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
PIA service to Kurram Agency demanded

PIA service to Kurram Agency demanded

Turi Bangash tribe of Kurram Agency has called for revival of PIA service between Peshawar and agency headquarters to retrieve the stranded tribesmen hostage in their areas since last two years. Addressing a press conference here at Peshawar Press Club (P
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Provinces, LEAs asked to provide data of missing persons

Provinces, LEAs asked to provide data of missing persons

The federal government asked the provinces and all law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to provide latest information regarding the missing persons so that the matter should be resolved immediately. The interior ministry has issued directives to provinces and
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
PML-Q will give fundamental rights to minorities: Shujaat

PML-Q will give fundamental rights to minorities: Shujaat

President Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that his party would soon come into power and serve the poor segment of the society. He stated this while addressing a function organised by his party in connection with the East
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
OLPL placed under rating watch

OLPL placed under rating watch

JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Ltd (JCR-VIS) has placed the unsolicited entity rating of AA(p) (Double A rating category) assigned to Orix Leasing Pakistan Limited (OLPL) under Rating Watch - Negative Status. This action has been triggered by the decision
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
OLPL placed under rating watch

OLPL placed under rating watch

JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Ltd (JCR-VIS) has placed the unsolicited entity rating of AA(p) (Double A rating category) assigned to Orix Leasing Pakistan Limited (OLPL) under Rating Watch - Negative Status. This action has been triggered by the decision
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Flaws in public healthcare

Flaws in public healthcare

At least 400 children suffering from diarrhoea and 500 from pneumonia die daily in Pakistan due to non-provision of government health services to them, the National Coordinator of Peoples Health Movement, Dr Tanvir Ahmad has said in a press interview in K
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Pakistani lawmakers meet Ethiopian parliament speaker

Pakistani lawmakers meet Ethiopian parliament speaker

Pakistan parliamentary delegation headed by Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, which is visiting Ethiopia, South Africa to attend 120th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference called on Degefe Bula, Speaker of the House of Fed
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Back to the future

Back to the future

At Wednesdays Punjab PPP parliamentary party meeting, chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari himself, it was decided to invite the PML-N to rejoin the government at the Centre, and in case of the latters refusal to do likewise in Punjab.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
High energy prices strangling economy

High energy prices strangling economy

The week ended 4th April was witness to two unprecedented events. Firstly, the Chief Justice of Pakistan established an Enquiry Commission, under the chairmanship of the former Justice Bhagwandas, to examine the fixation of petroleum and gas prices. Secon
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Global downturn spawns job mart quicksand in South Korea

Global downturn spawns job mart quicksand in South Korea

South Koreas newest batch of university graduates lives in fear of being trapped at the bottom of the pay scale in a group of workers dubbed "The 880,000 Won Generation". The figure, equal to about $650, represents about what a temporary staff or contract
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Israels Cairo embassy at 30 lonely but hopeful

Israels Cairo embassy at 30 lonely but hopeful

Rabab Hassan, a willowy 27-year-old Egyptian with a face not soon forgotten, has an unusual question that she puts to new suitors. "I tell him where I work, and ask if hes comfortable with that. I wont change my work," she says from her desk at the Israel
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Drone attacks

Drone attacks

With every passing day, Pakistans sovereignty, freedom and independence seemingly are withering away in the thin air and, God-forbid, more and more of our friends and well-wishers are ruthlessly offering comments that Pakistan is fast slipping into a fail
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Californias anti-tax crusaders talk revolt

Californias anti-tax crusaders talk revolt

Taking inspiration from a landmark 1970s tax revolt, a determined group of activists say the moment is right for another voter uprising in California, where recession-battered residents have been hit with the highest income and sales tax rates in the nati
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Ostrich farm is symbol of South Africas failed land reforms

Ostrich farm is symbol of South Africas failed land reforms

Stripped of furniture and without running water, this ostrich farm outside Pretoria is a sad example of South Africas wobbly efforts to bring blacks onto properties still owned mainly by whites. Small-scale farmers who had rented the farm have now abandon
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Police kill three kidnappers in an encounter

Police kill three kidnappers in an encounter

Local Police Saturday killed three kidnappers, including a high profile criminal, after a chase and armed encounter here near Chamkani area in the outskirts of Peshawar. Among the gunned down kidnappers, one is a high profile criminal, wanted in numerous
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Efforts on to expedite pace of uplift schemes in Northern Areas

Efforts on to expedite pace of uplift schemes in Northern Areas

The federal government is taking concrete steps to accelerate pace of development activities in Northern Areas (NAs) including Gilgit and Baltistan under public sector development programme. Official sources told newsmen here on Saturday while briefing ab
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Continuation of zero-rated sales tax facility for exports demanded

Continuation of zero-rated sales tax facility for exports demanded

Knitwear apparel sector has demanded continuation of the zero-rated sales tax regime for export sectors particularly for textile since any shift in the system would hurt this vital sector of the economy. This demand has been made by Adil Butt Chairman Pak
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
FPSC announces 445 vacancies for CSS candidates

FPSC announces 445 vacancies for CSS candidates

The Federal Public Service Commission has announced the number of vacancies to be filled on the basis of final result of the CSS Examination 2008 with prescribed provincial/regional and womens quota.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Punjab rich in mineral resources

Punjab rich in mineral resources

The Province of Punjab is endowed with tremendous natural resources. It is equally rich in mineral resources as in agriculture. In order to develop and promote mineral resources, the Mines and Mineral Department is giving special importance to the develop
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Need underlined for establishing maximum trauma centres

Need underlined for establishing maximum trauma centres

The Vice Chancellor Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Professor Dr Naushad Ahmed Shaikh has underlined the need for the establishment of maximum numbers of trauma centres along with highways and leading city roads in order to co
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Truce call as 100,000 rally in London Tamil protest

Truce call as 100,000 rally in London Tamil protest

Some 100,000 demonstrators marched through central London Saturday to demand a truce in Sri Lanka, as hundreds staged similar protests in Scandinavia against Colombos offensive on Tamil rebels. Waving flags and placards and chanting for a truce, they stre
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Germans march for world free of nuclear weapons

Germans march for world free of nuclear weapons

Thousands of people demonstrated against the foreign military presences in Iraq and Afghanistan on Saturday during traditional Easter peace marches held across Germany.USPresident Barack Obamas call for a world free of nuclear arms was also a major theme
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Georgia president opponents rally for third day

Georgia president opponents rally for third day

Several thousand protesters rallied in the Georgian capital Saturday for a third day of demonstrations against President Mikheil Saakashvili, but the opposition-led movement appeared to be dwindling. At least 4,000 people protested outside Georgias parlia
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Arab foreign ministers discuss Middle East peace process

Arab foreign ministers discuss Middle East peace process

Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa and six Arab foreign ministers met in Amman on Saturday to appraise the Middle East peace process following the coming to power of a new right-wing government in Israel. The meeting came at the invitation of the Jor
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Iran says it controls entire nuclear fuel cycle

Iran says it controls entire nuclear fuel cycle

Iran now controls the entire cycle for producing nuclear fuel with the opening of a new facility to produce uranium fuel pellets, the Iranian president said Saturday. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made the speech two days after the inauguration of the facility whic
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Egypt detains man transporting $2 million for Hamas

Egypt detains man transporting $2 million for Hamas

Egyptian police have detained a man they say was transporting $2 million to north Sinai to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip to the Islamist group Hamas, security sources said on Saturday. The man, Hassan Mohamed Hassouna, was detained in Cairo along with h
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Japan near deal with China on North Korea message: Prime Minister

Japan near deal with China on North Korea message: Prime Minister

Japan is nearing agreement with China on how the UN Security Council should respond to North Koreas rocket launch, Prime Minister Taro Aso said after meeting his Chinese and South Korean counterparts on Saturday. Aso met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Sou
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Earth shifted 15 centimetres in Italy quake: satellite images

Earth shifted 15 centimetres in Italy quake: satellite images

The earth in the region of LAquila, the central Italian town hit by a major earthquake Monday, shifted by up to 15 centimetres (six inches), the Italian space agency said Saturday. It compared interferogram satellite radar images taken before and after th
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Suicide bomber kills 12 Sunni militiamen in Iraq

Suicide bomber kills 12 Sunni militiamen in Iraq

A suicide bomber killed 12 Sunni Arab militiamen queuing to collect overdue pay cheques at an Iraqi army post south of Baghdad on Saturday, and wounded 32, police said. A series of attacks this week have alarmed Iraqis as they ponder whether a sharp drop
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Afghan cleric defends contentious marriage law

Afghan cleric defends contentious marriage law

A key backer of an Afghan law that critics say legalises marital rape and rolls back womens rights rejected an international outcry as foreign meddling on Saturday and insisted the legislation offers women many protections. The law, passed last month, say
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
US navy eyeballs Somali pirates in hostage stand-off

US navy eyeballs Somali pirates in hostage stand-off

Somali elders sought to mediate on Saturday between the US navy and pirates holding an American hostage in a high-seas standoff that presents President Barack Obama with a nasty new dilemma. Four pirates adrift in a lifeboat far out in the Indian Ocean wi
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
FBI launches criminal probe

FBI launches criminal probe

FBI agents are investigating the Somali pirates who hijacked a US ship and are holding its captain hostage, US officials said Saturday, raising the possibility of federal charges against the men if they are captured.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Fiji military chief returns to prime minister post

Fiji military chief returns to prime minister post

Fijis president returned the country to military rule Saturday and declared a state of emergency in another tumultuous chapter in the South Pacific nations fall from democracy. President Ratu Josefa Iloilo swore in armed forces chief Commodore Frank Baini
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Bangladesh offers contracts to six new players

Bangladesh offers contracts to six new players

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has offered 17 players a contract including six for the first time, the BCB said at a news conference on Saturday. Mahmudullah Riayd, Nazmul Hossain, Naeem Islam, Mahbubul Alam, Imrul Kayes and Rubel Hossain will join 11
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
PCB starts preparations for women ICC World T-20

PCB starts preparations for women ICC World T-20

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started preparations for a formidable Pakistan women cricket team squad for the ICC World T-20 Cricket cup to be played from June 5 in England. Sources in the PCB told Business Recorder that the board has decided to
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Nadal aims to start annual clay domination in Monte Carlo

Nadal aims to start annual clay domination in Monte Carlo

Rafael Nadal begins his annual quest for another season of total clay-court domination at the Monte Carlo Open which starts here Sunday. The Spaniard is joined by wild card entry Roger Federer in what is a high-stakes start on the road to the French Open
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Macheda saves Manchester United again with late winner

Macheda saves Manchester United again with late winner

Federico Macheda saved Manchester United for the second week running on Saturday when the 17-year-old Italian got the decider in a 2-1 win at Sunderland with his first touch seconds after coming on. Macheda, whose brilliant debut goal in stoppage time sec
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Gritty Palermo hold Inter to open up title race

Gritty Palermo hold Inter to open up title race

Palermo potentially breathed life into the Serie A title race with a gritty comeback in a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan at the San Siro on Saturday as Italian football mourned the victims of the Abruzzo earthquake. A minutves. First half goals from Mario Balo
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Kottan, TSG help PFF in forming formidable team for future

Kottan, TSG help PFF in forming formidable team for future

"National Coach Georg Kottan (Austria) and members of Technical Study Group (TSG) will help Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) in forming strong Pakistan and Pakistan U-19 and U-23 teams for coming future assignments. They will select 75 plus players from
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Petrova reaches Ponte Vedra semi-finals

Petrova reaches Ponte Vedra semi-finals

Top-seeded Russian Nadia Petrova booked her semi-final berth at the WTA claycourt tournament here Friday with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) victory over seventh-seeded Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko. Petrova overcame 71 unforced errors with the help of seven aces.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Hewitt books semi-final berth in Houston

Hewitt books semi-final berth in Houston

Australian Lleyton Hewitt reached the semi-finals of the US mens Clay Court Championship on Friday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Spains Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. Hewitt, a former world number one who is battling to come back from left hip surgery, will be vy
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Argentine leaders Lanus stunned by lowly Juniors

Argentine leaders Lanus stunned by lowly Juniors

Argentine championship leaders Lanus slumped to a 2-1 defeat away to bottom-of-the-table Argentinos Juniors on Friday. Argentinos, who claimed their first win of the Clausura tournament, went ahead after 10 minutes at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium wh
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Perry and Campbell lead way as Tiger toils

Perry and Campbell lead way as Tiger toils

Kenny Perry birdied the last hole to tie fellow American Chad Campbell at nine under par and share a one-stroke lead on Friday after two rounds of the US Masters. Perry almost holed his approach at the uphill 18th before sinking a three-footer to complete
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Rossi to donate earnings to quake victims

Rossi to donate earnings to quake victims

World Moto GP champion Valentino Rossi will donate his second-income earnings to the victims of the Abruzzo earthquake, which has claimed 291 lives in central Italy. Throughout the coming Moto GP season, which begins on Sunday in Qatar, Rossi will write a
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
IMM speculators pare long US dollar positions

IMM speculators pare long US dollar positions

Currency speculators trimmed their long US dollar positions in the latest week, according to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on Friday. The value of the US dollars net long position was $4.39 billion in the week ending April 7, down fro
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Mobilink beats Ufone in Aligarh Twenty-20

Mobilink beats Ufone in Aligarh Twenty-20

Mobilink, the countrys market leader in cellular services and part of Orascom Telecom, proved its mettle on the cricket field by defeating Ufone convincingly by 35 runs in the Aligarh Twenty-20 Cricket Tournament held in Lahore.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Chinese league hands out record fines after brawl

Chinese league hands out record fines after brawl

Chinas basketball administration has handed out a record 330,000 yuan ($48,290) fine to two clubs and five players for a brawl during a playoff game last weekend. Chinas attempt to bring more contact into the domestic game has resulted in an increase in v
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Russian rouble gains for seventh week

Russian rouble gains for seventh week

The Russian rouble notched up a seventh straight week of gains, hitting fresh 2-1/2 month highs versus a euro-dollar basket on Friday, cheered by fresh peaks in oil prices and domestic stock markets. Dealers said Russias central bank continued to buy doll
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
BoJ set to downgrade view on economy

BoJ set to downgrade view on economy

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) will likely cut its forecasts for the economy in a half-yearly outlook report at the end of April, minutes showed some board members saying at a policy meeting last month, underscoring its concern about the nations deepening recess
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Forex outlook: bank earnings to dictate forex moves next week

Forex outlook: bank earnings to dictate forex moves next week

The dollar may gain next week as the start of US bank earnings releases will likely keep investors cautious and solidify the greenbacks appeal as a safe-haven investment. Swings in stock prices and risk sentiment should continue to dictate price action in
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
East African currencies seen mixed

East African currencies seen mixed

The Kenya shilling is likely to stay under pressure against the dollar in the next week to Wednesday, while the Tanzania unit is forecast to strengthen and the Ugandan unit is expected to weaken.
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
China foreign exchange reserves fall in February

China foreign exchange reserves fall in February

Chinas forex reserves, the largest in the world, fell to 1.9121 trillion dollars at the end of February, from 1.9135 trillion a month earlier, the central bank announced Saturday. At the end of March, the countrys forex reserves rose to 1.9537 trillion do
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Turkish lira ends three-month high

Turkish lira ends three-month high

The lira closed at 1.5610 to the dollar on Friday after closing at 1.5690 on Thursday. The main share index closed at a fresh 3-month high, up 3.23 percent at 28,546.46, and the yield on the new February 2, 2011, bond fell to 12.99 percent, down from the
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Bank of France posts record profit in 2008

Bank of France posts record profit in 2008

The Bank of France posted a record net profit of 2.46 billion euros ($3.27 billion) in 2008 and handed a 1.845 billion euro dividend over to the state, the central bank said on Friday. In its annual report, it also said it had sold 103 tonnes of gold duri
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Bank of France posts record profit in 2008

Bank of France posts record profit in 2008

The Bank of France posted a record net profit of 2.46 billion euros ($3.27 billion) in 2008 and handed a 1.845 billion euro dividend over to the state, the central bank said on Friday. In its annual report, it also said it had sold 103 tonnes of gold duri
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
UK retail shares resilience to fade beyond first quarter

UK retail shares resilience to fade beyond first quarter

British general retailers were among a handful of sectors trading in positive territory in a first-quarter stock market slump, but now look set for declines as currency effects and sagging consumer demand take their toll. On March 31, Marks & Spencer post
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Emerging equity markets tracks Wall Street

Emerging equity markets tracks Wall Street

Emerging equity markets tracked Wall Street and commodity prices higher on Thursday, racking up their fifth consecutive week of gains. News that US bank Wells Fargo forecast a better-than-expected first-quarter profit and that Japan was launching a massiv
Published 12 Apr, 2009 12:00am