US reaffirms confidence in safety of Pak nuclear assets

WASHINGTON: The United States has reaffirmed its confidence in the safety of Pakistani nuclear assets following Sunday night's terrorist attack on Karachi's Jinnah International Airport.

We believe the Pakistani Government understands the importance of protecting all of its arsenal including things related to its nuclear program Deputy Spokesperson at the State Department Marie Harf said at the daily briefing.

We know that they care about this a great deal and have no reason at this point to think it's anything but safe she added when asked about the U.S. views on safety of Pakistani nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, in the wake of terrorist assault on Karachi airport the State Department has said the United States stands steadfast in its commitment to the people of Pakistan in their efforts to counter terrorism and build a peaceful future.

We support Pakistan's efforts to bring all those involved in planning and executing this attack to justice spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement. Regrettably she noted the Pakistani people face violent assaults from numerous groups.

She also expressed the United States sincere condolences to those affected by this heinous attack on pilgrims in Balochistan and said Washington strongly condemns those responsible. Extremist violence against innocent Pakistani men, women and children of any faith is an assault on universal human values.

We encourage the government to take steps to protect and improve the lives of members of Pakistan's minorities and take concrete steps to promote tolerance and religious freedom.

India stops Sikh pilgrims from boarding Pak train

LAHORE: After some unforeseen technicalities, around 1,000 Sikh pilgrims arrived on Sunday at the Wagah border via bus from India.

In anticipation of Indian Sikhs intending to perform their pilgrimage at Punjab’s historic Gurdwaras, the Pakistani government had dispatched a special train to Attari in India to transport Sikhs to the Wagah Railway Station.

But India refused sending the Sikh pilgrims on that train citing ‘security concerns’ and fear of bomb blasts.Talking to ‘The News’, Foreign Office (FO) officials in Islamabad said the Indian government had taken the decision due to fear of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Some media reports in Pakistan suggested that the move was made in advance and the pilgrims had been advised by the Indian authorities to cross the Wagah-Attari border by foot.

Representatives of Sikh pilgrims said they had come to Pakistan to practice their religious rituals at Gurdwaras, especially Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, 40 km from Rawalpindi.

They said both the Indian and Pakistan governments could not be blamed for the inconvenience they faced travelling to Lahore. They expressed their gratitude for the warm reception by a Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) officials in Pakistan. They referred to the concerns of the Indian government as a ‘misunderstanding’ and said Sikhs in Pakistan enjoyed equality in all affairs of the state.

Pak, India should continue steps to improve relations: US

WASHINGTON: Pakistan and India should continue with efforts to mend their relations as improvement in relations is vital for the South Asian neighbours, a State Department spokesperson said.

Broadly speaking we believe that India and Pakistan should continue steps to improve the relationship between the two countries, Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said.

Her comments at the daily briefing came in the backdrop of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's travel to New Delhi where he held a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi after attending the new Indian leader's inaugural ceremony.

Obviously it is incredibly important for them to do so the spokesperson said when asked about Washington's position on improvement in relations between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Harf however did not have more specifics about what that should look like or what it might entail. The spokesperson agreed with a reporter who saw hope in future relations between the two countries in view of an early meeting between their leaders and the exchange of gifts between them.

 

Altaf Hussain in high spirits, upbeat mood: acting Pak HC

 

LONDON: The acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Imran Mirza, has said that MQM leader Altaf Hussain is in “high spirits” and hopes that he will “come out of the situation.”
After meeting Altaf Hussain for about 20 minutes at the Wellington Hospital in West London, Imran Mirza said that Altaf was thankful to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for expressing concern and for asking the Pakistan High Commission to arrange consular access to him.

Imran Mirza spoke to the media after Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office on on Thursday granted consular access to the MQM. Mirza visited Altaf Hussain in London’s Wellington Hospital and spent 20 minutes with him.

According to the Foreign Office in Islamabad, the Pakistan High Commission also sought details of the case against the MQM chief. The Foreign Office added that all possible legal assistance would be provided to the MQM leader.

“Altaf Hussain is not well. He will undergo more tests, doctors have to keep him under further observation and then the next decision will be made. I cannot say much more on this situation,” the Pak diplomat said.

Imran Mirza said: “Altaf Hussain was in high spirits. He has faith in the British justice system. He will come out of it. He was upbeat psychologically. He thanked PM Sharif for showing solidarity with him. We are also thankful to the British government for allowing us access to Altaf Hussain on short notice. It does not normally happen so quickly. Altaf Hussain is confident that he will be fine.”

Mirza said the MQM leader had not asked for any consular help but he said the Pakistan High Commission would continue to liaise with the FCO and Scotland Yard on the issue. “Altaf Hussain has told us that he is being looked after well and his needs are being fulfilled. It was a cordial meeting and he has told his workers not to worry.”

MQM leaders Babar Ghauri, Khawaja Sohail, Saleem Zaidi, Qasim Ali Raza, Saleem Danish, Arshad Vohra and many others visited the hospital where Altaf Hussain is being kept. They were carrying bouquets and cards.

However, MQM leader Wasay Jalil said the delegation was not allowed to meet Altaf Hussain.Answering the questions from The News, Babar Ghauri said the MQM was thankful to the PM of Pakistan for standing by the MQM in this “difficult hour.”

He thanked Nawaz Sharif for taking personal interest in the case and for arranging consular access. Ghauri said: “All our workers in the UK and around the world are saddened by what has happened. Altaf Hussain should not have been arrested. Whatever the reasons, only the UK authorities know, legally this was not fair, this action should not have been taken.”

Ghauri said that Altaf Bhai is loved by millions of people. “There is always a reaction to an action but MQM has controlled the situation. I salute our workers. There is a legal way of doing everything and we believe in the supremacy of the law.”

He told The News that Altaf’s heart beats for his people and he is always concerned about them. “Nothing can separate him for his people. When he spoke, he said he has been through many tribulations but he will stand by his people and will face off all the challenges. We will deal with every situation accordingly and will not bow to any undue pressure.”

Ghauri said that the money recovered from the MQM office and Hussain’s home are not really such “big amounts.” He said it is normal for people to have properties of millions and billions and huge cash amounts. “We have legal proof and justification of how these amounts were in our possession, we have receipts and confirmations and we will prove this in court. It’s a conspiracy that Hussain has been arrested. We will present our case if it goes to the court.”

Ghauri confirmed to The News that MQM officials are in touch with British officials and are doing their best to get the situation resolved. “Our leader is not alone, the whole nation is with him.”

NNI adds: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) continued staging sit-ins to show solidarity with its chief Altaf Hussain. MQM leader Farooq Sattar said that reports of Hussain’s medical tests will arrive soon following which the decision to record a statement to the police will be made.

He said that the sit-in protests would continue until assurance of Hussain’s health is received. While talking to media persons, Dr Farooq Sattar said that life in Karachi would continue as normal. He said that Altaf Hussain was still receiving treatment in hospital, adding that the doctors performed some medical examination on the MQM chief. The MQM leader said that Altaf Hussain also met his 11-year-old daughter.

Online adds: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad said Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain would emerge as victorious from this critical situation spawned as a result of his arrest by British police.

Addressing the participants of the Numaish sit-in moments after midnight, the governor said he thanked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his persistent cooperation, adding the federal government was in constant liaison with the high commission in Britain for the purpose.

Sindh governor Ebad also thanked federal interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, former president and co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari and all other political leaders who extended sympathies towards the Muttahida, its workers and Altaf Hussain.

Pak Army fully prepared to defeat any aggression: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has said that the Pakistan Army, in unison with other services, is fully prepared to deter and defeat any aggression across the entire spectrum of threat, says a press release.

The COAS, Gen Sharif, visited the Command and Staff College, Quetta, on Friday.While addressing the participants of the course, the COAS said that Pakistan Army had the unique accomplishment of having been employed on various fronts against two different types of threats i.e. conventional and sub conventional for the last over one decade and was respected for its achievements and sacrifices the world over.

The COAS exhorted the need for future leadership to remain abreast with the latest global and regional developments and focus on their professional grooming.While elaborating on his vision, the COAS emphasised that the army should carry its glorious legacy as a national army suffused with an enhanced degree of professional ethos, pride and esprit de corps.

It is an army which continues to be reflective of Pakistan’s aspirations manifesting the collective will and resilience of its proud citizens, a symbol of national unity and cohesion.Earlier, on arrival in Quetta, the COAS was received by Commander Southern Command, Lieutenant General Naseer Khan Janjua.

Pak journalist turns out to be Indian agent?

 

BAHAWALPUR: A Geo News cameraman was subjected to thrashing and a bid was made to snatch his camera here the other day.Geo News cameraman Asif Kabir was going to the channel’s office located in Model Town A, when three bike riders wearing helmets intercepted him.
The cameraman told this correspondent: “The three men called me a traitor and an Indian agent and assaulted me. They thrashed me and I received slaps and punches. I repeatedly told them that I’m a poor servant and have nothing to do with any issue but they never stopped and kept punching me. They also tried to snatch my camera.”The Geo cameraman said that when a car appeared on the spot, the three men escaped

Pak govt must defend media freedom: US, UK, EU

ISLAMABAD: The United States, the United Kingdom and Delegation of the European Union on Friday called upon the Government of Pakistan to resolutely defend the media freedom in the country, adding that gags on the media and attacks on journalists were not acceptable.
While marking the World Press Freedom Day today, May 3, and supporting freedom of expression, they have also made mention of the recent assassination bid on Geo’s top anchor Hamid Mir and called upon the government to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The European Union Delegation, in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Pakistan, expressed in a statement its deep concern over the steadily deteriorating environment for media freedom in Pakistan.

“The recent attacks on well-known journalists Raza Rumi and Hamid Mir are only the latest in a large number of incidents. Since 2008, thirty-four members of the media have been killed, making Pakistan one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists,” says the EU, while underlining that freedom of expression is a fundamental principle in a democratic society given its essential role for the realisation of other human rights. The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions, while welcoming the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to investigate the case of Hamid Mir, expects that similar attention will be paid to all other cases. They note that in many cases the offenders have not been brought to trial.

“The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions therefore call upon the Government of Pakistan to ensure that all abuses committed against journalists are duly investigated and that appropriate action is taken against perpetrators while the public is provided with information on the outcome of enquiries,” adds the statement.

A strong appeal was also made to the government to resolutely defend the media freedom, this being an important component of freedom of expression as defined in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is party and has already made a strong commitment to uphold as part of the GSP Plus scheme.

“The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions reiterate their call on the Government of Pakistan to create an environment where the media can work freely, effectively and without fear. The Delegation and Member States Missions stand ready to assist Pakistan in developing the necessary conditions for this,” adds the statement.

The US Embassy, which earlier gave two statements in support of Hamid Mir, on Friday while marking the World Press Freedom Day, said it recognises, honours and underscores the essential role of independent media in fostering and protecting freedom of expression and democratic principles.

“The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the United States and in many places around the world, the press fosters active debate, provides investigative reporting, and serves as a forum to express different points of view, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalised in society,” said the statement.

British High Commissioner in Pakistan Philip Barton, in a hard hitting statement, said: “It is hard to escape the fact that 2014 has so far been a particularly bloody year for journalism in Pakistan. A range of media houses from across the political spectrum have been attacked. Journalists and their support staff have been targeted and in some cases, tragically, killed.”

Saying that Pakistan remains one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a journalist, the high commissioner adds: “Since my arrival in Pakistan at the beginning of the year, I have been struck by the vibrancy of the country’s media. This breadth and diversity is striking and is proof of how far the industry has come since 2008’s deregulatory reforms.”

Calling on “all” in Pakistan to support a free and fair press, where journalists can go about their vital work without fear, intimidation or harassment, the high commissioner noted: “Journalists, bloggers, media organisations and individuals must be allowed to operate and to express themselves freely and safely in line with international standards. The recent surge in violence against journalists in Pakistan highlights the need for action in this area.”

Pakistani journalists, he added, have played a central role in embedding public support for democratic values – “witnessed so clearly in last year’s historic elections”. Freedom of expression, he says, is fundamental to a strong democracy.

“An open and effective press serves to improve the environment for long-term social, political and economic stability. Journalists are crucial to this work,” he adds.

EU calls on Pak government to protect media freedom

BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) has called on the Pakistani government to protect media freedom in a statement issued here on Friday.

In its statement the EU said an atmosphere should be created in the country in which the media can operate with freedom and it was ready to assist Pakistan in this regard. Expressing concern over media freedom in Pakistan, the EU in its statement said freedom of expression was essential in a democratic society.

The EU welcomed the Pakistani government’s investigation on the attack on senior Geo News anchor Hamid Mir, stating that people should be kept aware of probes conducting into attacks on journalists.

According to the EU 34 journalists had been killed since 2008 and Pakistan was the most dangerous country for journalists. The EU said that trials were not held in several cases of attacks on journalists and the Pakistani government should investigate them.

No one to be allowed to use Pak soil against any country: PM

 

LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed that Pakistan would not allow its land to be used against any country as British Prime Minister David Cameron stated that Pakistan’s enemies were the enemies of Britain.
The two leaders expressed these views during talks at 10-Downing Street. Both the leaders underlined their commitment to fight terrorism together.

The prime minister was joined in the two-hour-long talks by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Adviser to the PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to the PM on National Security Tariq Fatemi, Pakistan’s acting High Commissioner to the UK Imran Mirza and others.

David Cameron was assisted in the talks by Foreign Secretary William Hague and Foreign Office Minister Sayeeda Warsi.Nawaz Sharif paid a visit to his British counterpart as the British parliamentarians called for a cut in the aid programme to Pakistan and diverting funds to poorer countries unless “clear evidence” is produced that Pakistan is playing its role in reducing extremism.

Increasingly, British MPs believed that the UK fund was not being properly spent in the fight against radicalism. However, it is becoming clear that the threat to the UK from Pakistan has significantly reduced recently whereas it had gone up in the case of the Middle Eastern flashpoint countries.

Nawaz Sharif thanked Prime Minister Cameron for his country’s financial help and told Cameron that it was “something that we value very much”.

David Cameron said thatBritain and Pakistan had a “vitally important” relationship that was based on trade, development and the fight against terrorism.

He added: “The enemies of Pakistan are my enemies too because we want to defeat the extremism, the terrorism that threatens your country and so many others in the region.”Nawaz Sharif said he welcomed the UK’s announcement that the two countries would fight extremism together.

Nawaz Sharif said, “Pakistan has paid a heavy price in its fight against terror and we are determined to eliminate terrorism in Pakistan and will never allow anybody to use its space for launching an attack in Afghanistan, or for that matter, anywhere in the world,” he said. “This is our policy, which we have recently formulated,” he said.

“We believe that we will work together to fight against terror and also to pull Pakistan out of the problems it’s facing,” Nawaz Sharif said.

After holding talks at 10-Downing Street, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressed a conference where the UK and Pakistani business community was present. Nawaz Sharif told the conference that his government had turned around country’s economy within a year. “Pakistan today offers tremendous investment opportunities. We have brought structural reforms and introduced great policies as the UK and Pakistan remained committed to strengthening economic cooperation.

“I have today met my friend, David Cameron, who was the first to visit Pakistan after the PML-N government assumed power. The UK has offered help in all areas including education and defence. The role of the Department for International Development (DFID) has been brilliant,” said Nawaz Sharif.

He said that the two countries had agreed to work on new roadmaps and the two countries had agreed to enhance cooperation in all areas including trade, economy, education and health sector.

The PM said that his country was keen to increase UK investment in Pakistan as more than 100 UK companies were working in Pakistan and making a lot of profit.

Nawaz Sharif said that his government came into power through free and fair elections. He said that he was aware of the challenges being faced by Pakistan but he was determined to deal with these challenges. He said that since coming to power, his govt had worked on a priority basis vis-a-vis the energy crisis and output of the economy. He said that Pakistan’s economic indicators looked optimistic and almost all areas of the economy were showing signs of progress.

“We inherited an economy in dire straits. There was lack of confidence in state institutions when we took over. We worked beyond the call of duty to turn around the economy and we have succeeded. The Pak rupee has gone up significantly and the capital market outlook is appearing optimistic. The Pakistan economy appears to be back on track,” said the premier.

Nawaz Sharif said, “I am privileged that the people of Pakistan have given me a mandate. I am trying to make Pakistan a tolerant and vibrant country. I count on my friends in Britain to march with us and help us in making Pakistan a liberal society.”

On the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said, “Militancy is a challenge and we consider it very serious and Nawaz Sharif is determined to deal with it.”

He said that it was courageous of PM Sharif that he initiated a dialogue with the Taliban. “It is to Nawaz Sharif’s credit that dialogue process with the Taliban is going on the right direction. We have to exhaust this option first and foremost. If dialogue fails, the whole country will be on one page to fight the TTP. We must eliminate terrorism to make Pakistan move forward,” he said.

Answering questions, Nawaz Sharif repeated that it was in Pakistan’s interest to establish peace through dialogue. “Otherwise Pakistan does have other options including the use of force,” the prime minister said.The premier said that his govt was encouraging militants to put down their weapons and come to the dialogue table.

Pak govt, army committed to ending extremism: Dobbins

ISLAMABAD: The government and the army in Pakistan are determined to eliminate extremism, the US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan James Dobbins said in an interview with state-run TV on Sunday.
The United States is supportive of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s efforts to engage the Pakistani Taliban in talks for ending militancy. “We support Pakistan’s efforts to establish the rule of law in Pakistan to eliminate violent extremism, not just the violent extremists who attack Pakistan, but the violent extremists who operate from Pakistani territory and attack neighbouring societies,” he said.

Dobbins held detailed talks with Pakistani political and military leaders that largely focused on Islamabad’s counter-militancy efforts and its contributions to the US-led international campaign aimed at stabilising Afghanistan.

“We believe that the Nawaz government and the Pakistan Army are also committed to moving to reduce and eventually eliminate this kind of violent extremism and we think that would be very positive in terms of Afghanistan’s future development.”

He added that Pakistani leaders are also determined to use force if necessary to confront the security challenges facing their country.Dobbins acknowledged cross-border militancy as a mutual problem that the United States is prepared to help both countries address. He also urged them not to officially support militant forces.

“I think all of the states of the region need to avoid employing militancy as an instrument of policy, (which) has been a long-term strategy that has created a cancer in societies and, in particular, in Pakistan society, which is now threatening the actual existence of the state and its democratic institutions,” he said.

The American envoy avoided direct comments on Afghanistan’s reluctance to formally recognise its porous 2,500-kilometer border with Pakistan as an international frontier. So long as both countries continue to postpone any kind of formal resolution on the larger legal issues involving their common border, he said, Kabul should at least prepare to work with Islamabad to regulate cross-border movements to discourage militant activity.

Dobbins said that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan under Prime Minister Sharif have improved, admitting that Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s recent criticism of Islamabad has caused friction.

“There continue to be irritations,” said Dobbins. “President Karzai has been critical of Pakistan — he has been equally critical of the United States, to be fair. I think both of the likely candidates for the presidency in Afghanistan — and it looks probable that those will be Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, although we are still awaiting final results and I don’t want to prejudice those — will look for a close relationship with the United States, and I think both of them will also look to an improved relationship with Pakistan.”

Dobbins also said Pakistan’s role in promoting the peace and reconciliation processes with the Taliban in Afghanistan remain important.Although the Taliban remain unwilling to meet with the current Afghan leadership, he said that the United States is hopeful that the outcome of the presidential election and the impending reduction of Western forces in the country will compel insurgents to re-evaluate their position an consider engaging government entities, which, he said, will be widely recognised and broadly respected.

He called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to enhance border cooperation to counter violent extremism plaguing the region and advised against “employing militancy as an instrument of policy”.

Hamid Mir respects Pak army: Sanaullah

LAHORE: Law Minister Punjab Rana Sanaullah has stated every Pakistani including Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir respect Pakistan Army, Geo News reported.

Rana Sanaullah said some elements wanted confrontation of army with media and the government, adding these elements were neither well-wishers of the government nor the military.

He said demonstration in favor of army by a banned outfit was not goodwill for the military.

He said Amir Mir gave statement in emotional way, of with Director General ISPR gave an appropriate answer.

Rana said some channels wanted to take business revenge from Geo News, adding blockade of Jang and Geo would not benefit anyone but would have negative impact on the society.

He said blockade of Jang and Geo was no option, adding it would further deteriorate the situation.

Pak officials take loans, forget pledges: IMF

 

WASHINGTON: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Pakistan Mission chief Jeffery Franks has said that Pakistani officials in times of financial crisis take loans and forget their pledges as soon as they are out of the crisis.
In a TV interview, Jeffery Franks said that several IMF programmes with Pakistan could not succeed due to the fact that when officials face financial difficulties, they make all sorts of pledges but as soon as they get out of the crisis they forget to fulfil them. He said this practice must end now.The IMF Pakistan Mission chief said it seems the new government will meet the promises made relating to reforms, particularly in the energy sector and taxation system.

IMF sees surge in Pak economy

WASHINGTON: The International Monitory Fund (IMF) says the Nawaz Sharif government has cut the load shedding hours and Pakistan has seen a surge in its economy.

The IMF said the government has collected more taxes and it seems economic reforms will continue.

Talking to Geo News, IMF Pakistan Mission head said: “We are approving loan since the Nawaz- government seems resolved to introduce economic reforms”.

He said that in the past IMF programs with Pakistan could not succeed as the governments in Islamabad got loans in difficult times but forgot their promises.

Khwaja Asif distinguishes Musharraf from Pak army

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence, Khwaja Asif Thursday said there was a difference between General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and the institution of Pakistan army.

“As a Minister for Defence, I value and regard services of the army,” Khwaja Asif said while speaking to Geo News senior anchor Hamid Mir in an exclusive interview as part of ‘Capital Talk’ programme.

The Defence Minsiter noted that his speech which was presently being run on various TV channels was the one he made 8 years ago in the National Assembly.

Khwaja Asif in the said speech in 2006 from the floor of the lower house had severely criticized the the role of Pakistan army.

Khwaja Asif distinguishes Musharraf from Pak army

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence, Khwaja Asif Thursday said there was a difference between General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and the institution of Pakistan army.

“As a Minister for Defence, I value and regard services of the army,” Khwaja Asif said while speaking to Geo News senior anchor Hamid Mir in an exclusive interview as part of ‘Capital Talk’ programme.

The Defence Minsiter noted that his speech which was presently being run on various TV channels was the one he made 8 years ago in the National Assembly.

Khwaja Asif in the said speech in 2006 from the floor of the lower house had severely criticized the the role of Pakistan army.

No information of Iranian Border Guards being brought to Pak: Aziz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security, Sartaj Aziz says there is no information of abducted Iranian Border Guards being brought to Pakistan.

In an interview on Geo News programme ‘Jirga,’ Aziz said Iran was leveling allegations against Pakistan but was not providing any evidence pertaining to the guards being brought to Pakistan.

Aziz added that if the need arose Pakistan was willing to conduct a joint operation with Iran. “If there is information it should be shared with us.”

Iran claims five border guards were abducted by militants and brought to Pakistan and one from the group has been executed.

On Wednesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discussed the issue in a telephone call with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

In the weekly Foreign Office briefing on Thursday, Spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said authorities had combed Pakistani territory in search of the missing Iranian guards, however, there were no clues that they were in Pakistan.

The spokesperson said the Iranian guards went missing at least 5-10 kilometers inside Sistan and an organization, Jaish-ul-Adl, claimed the responsibility for the missing guards.

Aslam added Pakistan will extend all possible cooperation to Iran for the recovery of these guards.

Pak envoy summoned by Iranian foreign ministry

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan Ambassador Nour Mohammad Jadmani on Wednesday over the issue of reported killing of its border guard.

Pakistan assured Iran that it would take action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime if the Iranian government provided credible evidence in this regard.Tehran issued a warning to Islamabad after reports emerged that an Iranian soldier abducted and taken across the border into Pakistan by extremists had been executed.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed “grave concern” about the fate of Jamshid Danayifar, who was kidnapped along with four other border guards on February 6 by rebel group Jaish-ul Adl.

“We did all we could to secure their release,” Zarif told the state television after a cabinet meeting. “But it is disappointing that the Pakistani government has failed to secure its borders, and allows terrorists to operate on its soil.”

Zarif’s remarks came after his ministry summoned Pakistani Ambassador Nour Mohammad Jadmani, demanding “swift and serious action” to secure the release of the soldiers, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Chairman of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Alaeddin Boroujerdi also emphasised that the Government of Pakistan was responsible for the safety of the Iranian border guards kidnapped and taken to Pakistan.

Talking to IRNA, he noted that Iranian officials had been constantly in contact with Pakistan’s interior and foreign ministries over the issue.“According to the international law and neighborly relations, it is the responsibility of the Pakistani government to guarantee the safety of Iranian border guards who were recently abducted into Pakistan by terrorist groups,” Boroujerdi added.

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli warned — without elaborating — that Iran “reserves the right to utilise all its ability in its border areas.” Jaish-ul Adl said on its website on Sunday that Danayifar had been killed, warning of further executions should Tehran refuse to release prisoners.

Iran’s interior ministry says it is awaiting Islamabad’s official position amid media reports that local Pakistani authorities have confirmed the group’s claim. The rebel group is active in the restive Sistan-Baluchestan province that borders both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the reported killing as an “appalling act” and urged that the perpetrators should be brought to justice.The Secretary-General “expresses his solidarity with the government and people of Iran, who are confronted with this appalling act amid the annual Nauroz celebrations held to commemorate in peace the start of a New Year,” the statement said, referring to the Persian New Year.

APP adds: Pakistan on Wednesday expressed sorrow and grief over the reported killing of one of the five Iranian border guards, who were abducted from the Sistan-Baluchistan border last month.Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement issued here on Wednesday said, “We condemn this terrorist act, and share the grief and agony of the families of the martyr and the other border guards.”

The spokesperson said in the wake of the border incident, the Government of Pakistan has extended all possible support in tracking the whereabouts of the missing Iranian border guards.

She said during the last meeting of the Joint Border Commission held in Quetta on February 19-20, a Border Coordination Committee was also established to assist the efforts.The spokesperson said, “The Government of Pakistan stands ready to act on any credible and actionable intelligence made available to it.”

She said, “However, our investigations have neither corroborated nor established the entry into or presence within Pakistani territory of the Iranian border guards.”The spokesperson said Pakistan deeply values its brotherly relations with Iran.

US cuts Pak aid by $10m to help Ukraine

WASHINGTON: A key US congressional committee passed a legislation for new financial assistance to Ukraine, by reducing a small portion of the US aid to Pakistan under the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Bill.

The $10 million taken from the annual $1.5 billion to Pakistan would be used to carry out programming in the Ukrainian, Balkan, Russian, and Tatar language services of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and Voice of America, the house bill said.

The legislation — HR 4278, the Ukraine Support Act — was passed on Tuesday by an overwhelming bipartisan support of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee.Introduced last week by the Committee Chairman Ed Royce and ranking member Eliot Engel, it promotes Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic institutions while sanctioning those who have sought to undermine its independence and stability.

The issue of moving funds from the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Bill, officially known as the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, was raised during the mark up of the bill by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“My reading of the bill (HR 4278) is that we’re actually taking money from the Pakistani aid budget and putting it into the Ukraine aid budget instead,” Congressman Alan Grayson said.

“In terms of that portion of the budget, I think it’s broadcasting in Pakistan that we’re taking the funds and applying it here,” Congressman Ed Royce said. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for further action.

“Russia’s armed intervention in Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Crimea have created an international crisis. The danger is far from over. If we wish to deter Putin from further aggression, the US and our allies must take immediate action to strengthen Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and target Russian officials and others who are responsible for those actions,” Royce said.

US cuts Pak aid by $10 million to help Ukraine

WASHINGTON: The United States cut $10 million in aid given to Pakistan under the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill and diverted it Ukraine.

Under the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill Pakistan receives $1.5 billion in US aid.

Pakistan’s aid was cut when a key congressional committee passed a legislation of new financial assistance to Ukraine. The $10 million will be used to initiate radio programming in local languages used in Ukraine.

According to Congressman Alan Grayson, the aid cut will come from funds allocated towards broadcasting projects in Pakistan.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for further action.

Nawaz takes pride in Pak democracy

LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s prestige in the world has increased because of the continuation of democracy in the country.

Speaking to the Pakistani media after reaching London from The Hague, where he met several world leaders, Nawaz said Pakistan’s relations with the world powers had improved tremendously because the world now knows that Pakistan is firmly entrenched on the course to democracy.

“The world can see that democracy has been strengthened in Pakistan. Pakistan’s economic indicators are getting better day by day and the state of the overall economy has improved since we came to power. Pakistanis have made a lot of sacrifices for strengthening democracy and for the restoration of judiciary and the rule of law. These sacrifices are acknowledged,” he said.

The PM said his government was trying its best to resolve the problems Pakistan was facing. “The dollar has weakened in comparison to the Pak Rupees, foreign investment is coming to Pakistan, loadshedding is gradually decreasing and in the coming days, this issue will be overcome completely,” he said.

He said in the next 7-8 years, around 21,000MW electricity will be produced in comparison to today’s production of about 17,000MW a day. “We have both short and long term strategies in place. We are focusing on making Pakistan a progressive country in the long term. Our strategy is already working as Pakistan’s stock market is showing great strength. Overall, our manufacturing power has increased and clearly our growth has gone up. These are all good indicators.”

Speaking about the operation against the criminal elements in Karachi, Nawaz said his government had decided to start the operation soon after coming to power. “You can see the results today. It will take time but things will get better and we will continue the operation,” he said.

When asked if the US administration had listened to Pakistan’s pleas of stopping the drone attacks, Nawaz said Pakistan had always maintained that drones were against its independence and territorial integrity. “Our opposition to drones is known to the whole world and we have always said that using drones was a wrong policy and counter-productive. There have been no strikes in the last 90 days or so and there should be no strikes again,” he said.

Nawaz said it was the first time that direct talks were being held with the Taliban to bring an end to militancy in the country and there were signs of progress. He said talks were postponed due to bad weather but would be held again. He said the government had started talks after the Taliban offered ceasefire first.

When asked about the fate of the two men who are in Pakistan’s custody and sought by the Scotland Yard in relation to an investigation into the murder of Dr Imran Farooq, the PM said he didn’t have much knowledge about the request sent to Pakistan by the Crown Prosecution Service. He said Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar was aware of the details of the case and only he could give an informed answer about this matter.