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Print - 2009-04-24
9,000 acres of land to be brought under sunflower cultivation

9,000 acres of land to be brought under sunflower cultivation

As many as 9,000 acres of land will be brought under sunflower cultivation in Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur and Sambrial tehsils of Sialkot district. According to Agriculture Department sources, the sowing of sunflower has started in various parts of the distric
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
10 killed, 30 injured in accident

10 killed, 30 injured in accident

At least 10 people were killed and some 30 others injured when a passenger AC coach (LYC 8255) skidded off the road and plunged into a deep ravine near Danda Shah Bilawal area on Mianwali road, some 65 km away from here in the Union Council Lawa early Thu
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Fraud in BISP, FSP schemes unearthed

Fraud in BISP, FSP schemes unearthed

A special squad of Pakistan Post unearthed fraud in Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Food Support Programme (FSP) cases in Sammasatta and recommended suspension of the postman and transfer of the Sammasatta postmaster. Moreover, two senior Muza
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Spanish speech contest held at NUML

Spanish speech contest held at NUML

Spanish speech contest was organised by the Spanish Department in National University of Modern Languages (Numl) here on Thursday. A large number of diplomats from embassies of Spanish speaking countries were present on the occasion.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Punjab government to set up DTLs

Punjab government to set up DTLs

With a view to checking the quality of medicines and ensuring prompt disposal of cases against drug mafia, the Punjab government is going to establish Drug Testing Laboratories (DTLs) in Rawalpindi and Faisalabad. Director General Health Punjab, Dr Muhamm
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Pakistan facing threat from external forces: Nawaz

Pakistan facing threat from external forces: Nawaz

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was facing threat from external forces, while the US drone attacks were fanning hatred in the country. He said this while talking to a British delegation led by British For
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Wapda workers hold demonstration

Wapda workers hold demonstration

The Wapda workers held a demonstration in support of their demands urging the Wapda authority to upgrade pay scales of technical staff here on Thursday. The workers, who assembled outside Bakhtiar Hall, marched towards various roads of Lahore demanding Wa
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
ADB to shift office to Serena Hotel complex

ADB to shift office to Serena Hotel complex

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided to shift its offices from OPF Complex to Serena Hotel Office Complex to assure complete security of the staff. The decision was made in the wake of increasing terror strikes in Pakistan along with threats and s
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Senate body urges members to take country out of economic crunch

Senate body urges members to take country out of economic crunch

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance on Thursday met and urged the elected representatives to not only reduce their expenditure but also make efforts to take the country out of the severe economic crunch. The Secretary Senate informed the meeting that
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
SCCI for signing FTAs with Afghanistan and CARs

SCCI for signing FTAs with Afghanistan and CARs

The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has called for signing free trade agreements with Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs) including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on the pattern signed with Saarc countries. The
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
PIAF urges government to cut gas tariff

PIAF urges government to cut gas tariff

The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has demanded of the government to cut gas tariff immediately, instead of putting off its decision in this regard till July, as existing high rates of gas has already multiplied the miseries of
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
FFC's net profit increases to Rs 2.686 billion

FFC's net profit increases to Rs 2.686 billion

The profit after tax of Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited (FFC) has increased to Rs 2.686 billion in the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as compared to Rs 1.741 billion earned in the corresponding period of 2008. The earning per share of the company has surge
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
FFC's net profit increases to Rs 2.686 billion

FFC's net profit increases to Rs 2.686 billion

The profit after tax of Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited (FFC) has increased to Rs 2.686 billion in the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as compared to Rs 1.741 billion earned in the corresponding period of 2008. The earning per share of the company has surge
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
NIB earns Rs 787.639 million profit after tax

NIB earns Rs 787.639 million profit after tax

NIB Bank Limited has posted strong results with a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 787.639 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as compared to Rs 48.762 million earned in the corresponding period in 2008. The board of directors of the bank in it
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
NIB earns Rs 787.639 million profit after tax

NIB earns Rs 787.639 million profit after tax

NIB Bank Limited has posted strong results with a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 787.639 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as compared to Rs 48.762 million earned in the corresponding period in 2008. The board of directors of the bank in it
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
PPP NWFP ministers hold open kutchery

PPP NWFP ministers hold open kutchery

NWFP Minister for Finance Engineer Muhammad Humayun Khan and the Provincial Minister for Population Welfare Saleem Khan held a joint open kutchery at the People's Secretariat, Hayatabad, Peshawar on Thursday and listened to the problems of the people who
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Suffering at the hands of MLOs

Suffering at the hands of MLOs

The medico-legal officers of medico-legal section at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) where 70 percent of Karachi's medico-legal cases are reported have been accused of collecting bribe from visitors. The Medico-Legal Officers known as MLOs have
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Seventh e-banking conference, exhibition held

Seventh e-banking conference, exhibition held

New Technology and change is beneficial both for Banks and Customers as they are time savings, said Talib Baloch Managing Director Pakistan Software Export Board here on Tuesday.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
LESE experts visit arms manufacturing cluster in Peshawar

LESE experts visit arms manufacturing cluster in Peshawar

Technical experts from Light Engineering Services Centre (LESE) on Thursday visited small arms manufacturing cluster on Kohat Road here and inspected the standard of production units and improving quality of the products.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Inkasar Khan assumes charge

Inkasar Khan assumes charge

Muhammad Inkasar Khan, PSP/PPM on Thursday has assumed his duties as Senior Superintendent of Police, Discipline and Inspections at the CCPO's Office Lahore. In order to ensure his accessibility to the general public regarding any complaint, gross miscond
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Water level at Mangla enough for meeting Rabi season need

Water level at Mangla enough for meeting Rabi season need

Water level at Mangla, the second largest water reservoir of the country, came at the level of 1140.40 feet which was more than 100 feet above than the dead level 1040 feet on Thursday morning which is considered enough water for meeting Rabi season need.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Iranian ship for carrying out seafood stock assessment due today

Iranian ship for carrying out seafood stock assessment due today

An Iranian ship, MV Firdous I is arriving in Karachi on Friday to carry out 'stock assessment' of Pakistani coastal areas and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) so as to ascertain the presence of seafood and to find out new fishing grounds. The Director Genera
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Opium worth billions of rupees seized in Pishin

Opium worth billions of rupees seized in Pishin

Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) foiled narcotics smuggling bid and seized opium worth billions of rupees in a raid in Pishin, said a statement here by the ANF regional office on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, the ANF raiding party unearthed 1,270 kilograms of
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Export of livestock suspended to control meat prices

Export of livestock suspended to control meat prices

The federal government has suspended export of livestock and allowed import of Halal meat to control prices in the country. According to sources, the government has chalked out a comprehensive strategy to control prices of meat by increasing its supply.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
'Who will bother about pollution on city roads?'

'Who will bother about pollution on city roads?'

The single bench of Islamabad High Court comprising Justice Mohammad Ramzan Chaudhry here on Thursday during hearing of writ against ban on motor-boating business at Rawal Lake View Park remarked that the authorities seemed too much concerned about pollut
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Sindh University to conduct test for schoolteachers today

Sindh University to conduct test for schoolteachers today

The University of Sindh (SU) will conduct test of candidates for schoolteachers, beginning from Friday, at all district headquarters of the province. According to a University spokesman, a total of 22 teams, under supervision of team leaders comprising th
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
IHC reserves verdict on joint venture of CDA, World Call

IHC reserves verdict on joint venture of CDA, World Call

The Islamabad High Court here on Thursday reserved its judgement on a plea moved against award of laying copper cables in the Capital. The single bench of Justice Mohammad Munir Peracha reserved its judgement on a writ filed by Webcom. The counsel for Web
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Swat peace deal: strict action to be taken against saboteurs: ANP

Swat peace deal: strict action to be taken against saboteurs: ANP

Awami National Party's (ANP) Central Secretary, Senator Zahid Khan on Thursday said that strict action would be taken against saboteurs of Swat peace deal. "Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) has been asked to vacate Bunner and surrender their a
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Pakistani students not to be deported: Lord Nazir

Pakistani students not to be deported: Lord Nazir

Lord Nazir Ahmed, the Kashmir-born life-time member of the House of Lords has asked the British government not to deport Pakistani students. These UK-based Pakistan students were released by the British Greater Manchester Police owing to lack of any evide
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Government to set up HRD board at a cost of $600 million: Assef

Government to set up HRD board at a cost of $600 million: Assef

Government is well poised to establish Human Resource Development Board at a cost of dollars 600 million with an objective to enhance skilled youth for the socio-economic prosperity of the country. "We want to establish a Board comprising members from bot
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Revisiting Nizam-i-Adl regulation: immediately, the sooner the better

Revisiting Nizam-i-Adl regulation: immediately, the sooner the better

In 2001, on return from Afghanistan Maulana Sufi Muhammad offered himself to be taken into protective government custody fearing he would be lynched by the parents of young men he led to a quixotic expedition to fight on the side of the Taliban regime aga
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Judge raids police station to recover detainees

Judge raids police station to recover detainees

Civil Judge Dev Sagar, on the directives of District and Sessions Judge Umerkot, raided Umerkot police station to recover detainees alleged to be in illegal captivity of police. He, however, failed to recover Sajid Ranghar and Samad Mahar, father of a det
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
World Book, Copyright Day observed

World Book, Copyright Day observed

Rich tributes paid to the men of letters and creative publications of authors across the world on the World Book and Copyright Day on Thursday. Different literary organisations across the world marked the day with literary activities to promote book readi
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
The vital role of CSR

The vital role of CSR

Quoting the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), a Recorder news report states that in addition to providing foreign direct investment (FDI), employment opportunities and contribu
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Earth Day in focus

Earth Day in focus

Marking the anniversary of the launch of environmental movement in 1970 in the United States, Earth Day has come to be vigorously celebrated on April 22 across the world, including Pakistan. The idea sparked by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, who proposed the
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Nature, structure of economic growth

Nature, structure of economic growth

Economic growth, commonly measured by an increase in the real income per capita of a country, is a complex phenomenon. Its complexity stems from its multiple dimensions related to multifarious determinants, diverse sources and numerous uses. Different cou
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Re-positioning for power projects!

Re-positioning for power projects!

The current financial crunch and near meltdown, specially of the financial sector in the developed world, makes all serious viewers to ponder. That controlled economics like that of the ever-growing China have floundered is another reason to stop and thin
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Daylight saving - a torture?

Daylight saving - a torture?

Time change from 15th April is a sick joke with the people of Pakistan. If anything, it proves beyond doubt, elections or no elections, democracy or no democracy, bureaucracy is reigning supreme as bureaucracy including millions of employees of government
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Nizam-i-Adl

Nizam-i-Adl

Nizam-i-Adl has been enforced in Swat and will be implemented in other areas of Fata region. Qazi courts have started functioning. During a recent address of Sufi Mohammad at Mingora, he stated that existing High Courts and the Supreme Court of Pakistan a
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Cricket in Asia

Cricket in Asia

The Indian Premier League, is really a big question for the people of Asia and the governments. The Indian Premier Leage which is totally an Indian based series is not taking place in India... this is something noticeable and of course, shocking. People a
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold rises

US MIDDAY: gold rises

New York gold futures jumped above $900 an ounce on Thursday, trading at a three-week high on a combination of stronger trade buying, a lower dollar and weaker tone in US stock markets. Gold for June delivery rose $15.60, or 1.7 percent, at $908.10 an oun
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: soya surges

US MIDDAY: soya surges

Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures rallied early Thursday on strong weekly export data from the US Agriculture Department, traders said. Buying escalated when old-crop May soyabeans surpassed its 200-day moving average of $10.59-3/4 a bushel. May soy
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: copper falls

US MIDDAY: copper falls

Copper prices fell more than 5 percent early on Thursday on demand concerns as losses in equity markets reflected ongoing economic turmoil. Copper for three months delivery on the London Metal Exchange hit a day's low of $4,290 a tonne at 1606 GMT, and cl
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: sugar higher

US MIDDAY: sugar higher

Raw sugar futures on ICE Futures US at 1139 GMT. July raw sugar contract gained 0.12 cent to 13.67 cents per lb. Dealing from 13.53 to 13.71 cents. Volume in July contract at 6,268 lots.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: wheat rallies

US MIDDAY: wheat rallies

Wheat futures on all three US exchanges soared early Thursday led by the Minneapolis spring wheat market amid planting delays due to soggy fields in the northern Plains, traders said. Minneapolis May wheat was up 13-1/2 cents at $6.67 a bushel early, with
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Gold climbs in Europe

Gold climbs in Europe

Gold rallied to a three-week high above $900 an ounce on Thursday as Wall Street equities extended losses after data showed US existing home sales fell to a much lower-than-expected annual rate in March. Falling stocks and ongoing jitters over the health
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: cocoa and coffee climb

US MIDDAY: cocoa and coffee climb

US cocoa and arabica coffee futures rose in early trade Thursday on the backs of a firmer commodity complex and weaker dollar, traders said. Arabica coffee for July delivery rose 0.65 cent to $1.1840 per lb by 9:00 am EDT (1300 GMT). Session range $1.1730
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Cocoa bounces in London

Cocoa bounces in London

Cocoa futures recovered in a technically driven bounce on Thursday, while arabica coffee edged up as the market looked to build on Wednesday's sharp gains and sugar rose on trade and investor buying. In cocoa, investors defended net long positions to squa
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
World oil rises: US crude stocks highest in 19 years

World oil rises: US crude stocks highest in 19 years

Oil rose on Thursday as a fall in the dollar and stock market gains outweighed rising US inventories. US crude settled 77 cents higher at $49.62 a barrel, after earlier trading down to $48.37. London Brent crude traded up 30 cents to settle at $50.11 a ba
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Copper tumbles

Copper tumbles

Copper tumbled more than 5 percent to its lowest in two weeks on Thursday, tracking equity markets that turned lower after weak US data and on concerns the price does not reflect poor demand prospects. US stocks fell and European shares turned negative af
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
New York cotton settles at six-month high

New York cotton settles at six-month high

Cotton futures finished on Thursday at a six-month top on investor and fund buying and the market could move up further due to strong chart-based signals, brokers said. The most-active July cotton contract climbed 1.32 cents to close at 52.11 cents per lb
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
FROM A RINGSIDE SEAT

FROM A RINGSIDE SEAT

Our majority of politicians have become the real fear mongers. They speak in the National Assembly with one point agenda to make the people believe that the country's existence is in real danger. Nothing new will you hear when you watch them talking at va
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
New PPSC member takes oath

New PPSC member takes oath

Former Provincial Police Officer Shaukat Javed, newly appointed Member Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), took oath of his post held in the Committee room of PPSC here on Thursday. Chairman, PPSC, Shehzad Hassan Pervez administered the oath.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
UK's top share index slips

UK's top share index slips

Weakness in banks and drugmakers outweighed gains in commodity stocks and retailers, nudging Britain's top shares down by the close on Thursday. The FTSE 100 finished 0.3 percent or 12.43 points lower at 4,018.23, after adding 43.2 points, or 1.1 percent
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Parc's role in agricultural research lauded

Parc's role in agricultural research lauded

Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission (PC) has said that Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (Parc) is playing a vital role in innovative agricultural research and lauded the efforts of agricultural scientists.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Philippines shares decline

Philippines shares decline

Philippines share prices closed 0.24 percent lower on Thursday amid a rising budget deficit and reduced economic growth prospects, dealers said. The composite index shed 5.01 points to 2,068.30. Decliners led advancers, 54-28, with 50 issues unchanged. Th
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Singapore shares up

Singapore shares up

Singapore shares closed 0.90 percent higher on Thursday as investors picked up bargains following recent declines, dealers said. The blue chip Straits Times Index added 16.57 points to end at 1,859.98 on volume of 1.55 billion shares worth 1.25 billion Si
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
European spreads tighten

European spreads tighten

European spreads tightened on Thursday after a better-than-expected Eurozone PMI figure and, according to one analyst, as a delayed response to Wednesday's US house price data. By 1431 GMT, the Markit iTraxx Crossover index, made up of 45 mostly "junk"-ra
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
European spreads tighten

European spreads tighten

European spreads tightened on Thursday after a better-than-expected Eurozone PMI figure and, according to one analyst, as a delayed response to Wednesday's US house price data. By 1431 GMT, the Markit iTraxx Crossover index, made up of 45 mostly "junk"-ra
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Thursday's midday trade: Wall Street declines

Thursday's midday trade: Wall Street declines

US stocks declined on Thursday as bleak reports on housing and the labour market dented hopes the economic slump was abating and outlooks from bellwethers like UPS heightened worries about corporate profits. Even so, as some companies, including Apple Inc
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Indian shares gain 2.93 percent

Indian shares gain 2.93 percent

Indian shares rose 2.93 percent Thursday on firm European and Asian markets and fresh buying in index heavyweights by local funds, dealers said. The benchmark 30-share Sensex rose 317.45 points to 11,134.99, snapping three straight days of losses. The mar
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Asian bond spreads flat

Asian bond spreads flat

Asian bond spreads were flat on Thursday ahead of the release of the "stress tests" on US banks, but sentiment was weak amid a worsening global economic outlook. US regulators will brief banks as early as Friday on how they performed in the tests, designe
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Asian bond spreads flat

Asian bond spreads flat

Asian bond spreads were flat on Thursday ahead of the release of the "stress tests" on US banks, but sentiment was weak amid a worsening global economic outlook. US regulators will brief banks as early as Friday on how they performed in the tests, designe
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Euro jumps in London

Euro jumps in London

The euro rose broadly on Thursday as extreme risk aversion eased on some brighter signs for the economy and banking system, prompting gains in equities, although wariness over the financial system kept gains in check. Sterling also recovered against the d
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Indian rupee strengthens

Indian rupee strengthens

The Indian rupee recouped early losses on Thursday as a strong rise in the share market boosted hopes net foreign buying of stocks of $900 million so far this month could be sustained and increased. The partially convertible rupee ended at 49.92/94 per do
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Sterling rises broadly

Sterling rises broadly

Sterling rose broadly on Thursday as investors took profits on the pound's tumble after the UK's annual budget, although gains were capped by caution about the nation's increasingly grim public finances. Some traders took advantage of the pound's fall to
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Euro, sterling Libor/OIS spread widens

Euro, sterling Libor/OIS spread widens

Money markets on Thursday gave mixed signals on how durable the recent improvement in conditions is, as signs of economic recovery helped narrow some closely-watched spreads but lingering banking sector concerns widened others. The premium banks charge to
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Yuan rises to one-month high

Yuan rises to one-month high

The yuan rose to a one-month high against the dollar on Thursday after the Chinese central bank fixed the mid-point of the yuan outside the firmer end of a range it has mostly maintained since mid-December, though the US currency remained strong in global
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Swiss franc falls

Swiss franc falls

The Swiss franc eased against the euro on Thursday after the head of the Swiss National Bank repeated his dire outlook for the Alpine economy and Swiss export data showed a continued free fall in March. The franc fell some 0.3 percent against the euro com
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Bombings kill 69 in Iraq, top insurgent held

Bombings kill 69 in Iraq, top insurgent held

Iraqi security officials said they captured one of the most wanted leaders of the al Qaeda-linked Sunni insurgency Thursday, an arrest that could deliver a significant blow to an intensified campaign of attacks. Two separate suicide bombings killed at lea
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
China parades naval might

China parades naval might

China paraded its warships and nuclear submarines Thursday in an unprecedented display of maritime might attended by 14 other nations to mark the 60th anniversary of its navy. Fifty-six Chinese subs, destroyers, frigates, missile boats and planes were dis
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Turkey and Armenia draw up 'road map' to mend ties

Turkey and Armenia draw up 'road map' to mend ties

Turkey and Armenia have agreed on a road map to normalise ties after nearly a century of hostility, a move that would boost Turkey's relations with the EU and the US but could upset its ally, oil-rich Azerbaijan. The deal, weeks after President Barack Oba
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Adolf Hitler watercolours go on sale

Adolf Hitler watercolours go on sale

A series of watercolours by Adolf Hitler were set to go on sale at a British auction house later Thursday. The 13 landscapes, which include an apparent self-portrait showing a man with a side-parting sitting on a stone bridge, were due to be auctioned at
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Vatican, Arab League sign peace deal

Vatican, Arab League sign peace deal

The Vatican said Thursday it had signed a deal with the League of Arab States outlining co-operation aimed at promoting "peace, security and stability." The agreement, signed by the Vatican's senior diplomat Dominique Mamberti and Arab League's Secretary-
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Donors pledge over $250 million for Somalia

Donors pledge over $250 million for Somalia

International donors pledged more than $250 million Thursday to help Somalia strengthen its security forces and try to stop the rampant pirate attacks that have plagued one of the world's most important waterways. The hefty sum included funding for equipm
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
US says making big progress in eastern Afghanistan

US says making big progress in eastern Afghanistan

US and Nato forces are close to achieving "irreversible momentum" in their battle with insurgents in eastern Afghanistan, a senior commander said on Wednesday. The Taliban and other insurgent groups have been strongest in eastern and southern Afghanistan
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
IMF approves $16.7 million loan tranche for Afghanistan

IMF approves $16.7 million loan tranche for Afghanistan

The International Monetary Fund has approved a disbursement of about $16.7 million to Afghanistan under a lending program for low-income countries, the fund said on Wednesday. The announcement came after the IMF completed the fifth review of Afghanistan's
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Rice gave early waterboarding green light: Senate report

Rice gave early waterboarding green light: Senate report

The CIA first sought in May 2002 to use harsh interrogation techniques including waterboarding on terror suspects, and was given key early approval by then-national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, a US Senate intelligence document said.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
ANC takes strong lead

ANC takes strong lead

South Africa's ruling ANC headed for an overwhelming election victory on Thursday despite a reinvigorated opposition challenge and leader Jacob Zuma was on course to become president weeks after beating graft charges. With about half the votes counted, th
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Colliding Iranian ship towed to Singapore waters

Colliding Iranian ship towed to Singapore waters

An Iranian-registered ship was towed to shallow waters in Singapore after a collision Thursday with an Indonesian vessel, the port authority said. No casualties or environmental pollution were reported in the pre-dawn collision in the island-state's water
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Malaysia bars conversion of children by one parent

Malaysia bars conversion of children by one parent

Malaysia's government announced Thursday it will bar the religious conversion of children without both parents' consent in a major step to ease interfaith conflicts that have strained race relations in this Muslim-majority country.
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Wapda reach semi-final of NBP Football Cup

Wapda reach semi-final of NBP Football Cup

Pakistan Wapda caused sensational win in the NBP National Football Challenge Cup 2009 on Thursday when they eliminated favourite KPT 2-1 to book semi-final berth. According to a message received here, Wapda, which sent weakened team due to preparation for
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
De Villiers ton gives Daredevils thrilling victory

De Villiers ton gives Daredevils thrilling victory

AB de Villiers won the battle of the master blasters against Matthew Hayden on Thursday to give Delhi Daredevils a nine-run win over Chennai Super Kings in an Indian Premier League thriller. South African De Villiers rode his luck to finish unbeaten on 10
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
IPL spurns ICC's match-fixing watchdog

IPL spurns ICC's match-fixing watchdog

The Indian Premier League has refused to enlist the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit despite fears the glitzy Twenty20 event could fall prey to match fixers. IPL officials declined the ICC's offer to provide personnel from its Anti-Cor
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Afridi prefers runs to wickets

Afridi prefers runs to wickets

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said Thursday said he preferred scoring runs to taking wickets, as his fans liked him more for hitting boundaries than dismissing batsmen. The 29-year-old leg-spinner took a career best 6-38 in his 10 mesmerising overs a
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Hiddink admits Chelsea's title hopes are over

Hiddink admits Chelsea's title hopes are over

Guus Hiddink admits Chelsea's title challenge is over after the Blues were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Everton. Hiddink's side are six points behind leaders Manchester United following Wednesday's Stamford Bridge stalemate and Sir Alex Ferguson's te
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Australia strive to stave off Pakistan spin threat

Australia strive to stave off Pakistan spin threat

Australian captain Michael Clarke said his batsmen will study television footage in a bid to get the edge on a threatening Pakistani spin attack in the second one-day international here Friday. Leg-spinner Shahid Afridi took a career-best 6-38 and off-spi
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
Miandad blames conspiracy for Pakistan isolation

Miandad blames conspiracy for Pakistan isolation

Pakistan legend Javed Miandad said Thursday a "conspiracy" seeking to undermine his country was behind its increasing isolation in world cricket. Pakistan were left to play their latest cricket series at the neutral venues of Dubai and Abu Dhabi after Aus
Published 24 Apr, 2009 12:00am
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