SC judgment wiped out any imaginary deal with Musharraf

ISLAMABAD: A landmark Supreme Court ruling that declared General (R) Pervez Musharraf as violator of the Constitution had wiped out the unimplemented parts, if any, of the “deal” which the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) government had worked out for his safe exit prior to his resignation as president in 2008.

All the judges of the apex court, sitting in one panel, handed down a historic judgment on July 31, 2009, which found the state of emergency imposed by Musharraf on November 3, 2007 as violative of the Constitution. It prescribed the former dictator’s trial for high treason under article 6 for suspending the Constitution in his capacity as the Chief of the Army Staff.

Under the deal that former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has talked about, Musharraf was given graceful exit out of the presidential office with an unusual guard of honour amid vociferous taunts and boos by different opposition parties.

This happened in August 2008 a few months after Gilani had assumed office of the prime minister and Asif Zardari was yet to be elected as the president. By virtue of his office, Gilani was mainly involved in talks with the establishment on Musharraf’s fate.

However, senior PPP leader Jehangir Badr has quickly contradicted him saying that the PPP had not signed any deal with Musharraf.

“Zardari had given two choices to General Ashfaque Parvaz Kayani that either Musharraf should resign or be prepared for impeachment,” he said.

What weight and worth Gilani’s assertions may carry when they have been denied by a senior party stalwart, who enjoys the confidence of the top PPP leaders including Zardari and Bilawal.

However, at the time there was an unwritten understanding between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that they would mutually decide about their joint presidential candidate after Musharraf’s ouster. But the PML-N was stunned when Zardari put himself up as the contestant without consulting it. This created bad blood at the very outset. Not only the previous government gave Musharraf safe exit as per the deal but it also kept dragging its feet on enforcing the Supreme Court decision to try him for high treason for nearly four years till March 2013 when its term exhausted. He traveled out of Pakistan without any hindrance by the government.

He comfortably lived in and out of Pakistan, but he decided to return to Pakistan last year to contest the general elections. After that, his woes intensified and he is in deep trouble since then.

Whatever the deal, it was swept away by the PPP’s massive electoral defeat and PML-N’s convincing triumph.

In the meantime, while holding hearing on the case of implementation of its July 2009 judgment, the Supreme Court finally asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to arraign Musharraf on high treason charges or face contempt proceedings in the last quarter of the previous year. As a result, he was left with no choice but to order the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to probe the matter. Then, the case was filed with the special court, which will decide Musharraf’s fate.

“The responsibility of decision about the treason case is on the court; the judiciary is free,” Information Minister Senator Parvaiz Rashid says. “The complainant in Musharraf’s case is the State and not the government. It is up to the judiciary to decide if the steps taken on November 3 by Musharraf constitute a violation of article 6 or not.

If everyone is equal, then every citizen is answerable before the court of law.”

The Nawaz Sharif government denies that the PML-N was part of any deal that the PPP signed with the establishment on Musharraf in 2008.

If there is such an agreement, Musharraf should present it in court, Parvaiz Rashid stresses.

Gilani was right when he said that Musharraf stepped down after striking a deal that he would be given a safe exit. On his resignation, Musharraf was allowed such exit from Pakistan. However, Gilani slipped when he stated that after signing a deal with the establishment, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should not have violated it. Where is that accord?

“The establishment had also taken Nawaz Sharif into confidence at the time of striking the deal for Musharraf’s safe exit. At the time of the Bhurban Accord, when the issue of impeachment of Musharraf came up, the establishment contacted me as well as Nawaz Sharif and it was agreed that Musharraf would be provided a safe exit from Pakistan if he stepped down from the Presidency,” Gilani said.

Court bars Lucman’s appearance on any channel

ISLAMABAD: Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) here on Wednesday directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to ensure that “Mubashir Lucman shall not be allowed to conduct any programme on any TV channel till the final decision of the instant writ petition”.

Justice Siddiqui noted, “If any channel is found accommodating him (Lucman), strict action in accordance with law may be taken against that channel.”

The IHC bench was hearing a civil miscellaneous application of the Shohada Foundation of Pakistan Trust (SFPT) through its Trustee Ihtesham Ahmad against the ARY television channel and its anchor Mubashir Lucman for airing contemptuous programmes against the superior judiciary.

The IHC bench noted in its order, “Let secretary Ministry of Information, Islamabad, and chairman Pemra be directed to appear in person to explain as to whether there exists any code of conduct for the electronic media and anchorpersons who are found ridiculing the institutions of the country like the judiciary, the Army and other sensitive institutions and how many complaints have been filed against such persons and TV channels and what action has been taken so far?”

The court order further said, “It is a matter of great concern that Mr Mubashir Lucman, the anchorperson conducting a programme with the name of ‘Khara Sach’ on ARY, has been found crossing all limits of decency, morality and respect for the institutions and limits prescribed by the organic law of the country. His conduct is resulting in spreading hatred against the institution of the judiciary, which is totally uncalled for, but surprisingly, neither the government nor Pemra has taken any action against him.”

After issuing the above order, Justice Siddiqui adjourned the hearing till the last week of June.The petitioner has nominated the Federation through the secretary Ministry of Information, secretary Ministry of Interior, chairman Pemra and Mubashir Lucman, anchor ARY TV channel, as respondents.

The petitioner through his counsel Kalsoom Akhtar advocate contended before the court that that some anchorpersons, particularly Mubashir Lucman, are conducting such programmes which are prejudicial to the integrity, honour, respect and independence of the superior judiciary.

The petitioner referred to an order of the IHC that Pemra could not implement. The order was related to the same matter that reads, “Since, it appears to be the genuine apprehension of the petitioner and ordinary citizens of the country that a defamatory campaign has been launched against the honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan and other judges of the Supreme Court and high courts and there is every likelihood that in order to further scandalise the courts and create sensation, the interested persons are bent upon fabricating material and using the electronic media as a tool in spreading the same so that they may achieve their nefarious designs. Mr Ansar Abbasi, renowned journalist, through his columns dated October 6 and 7, 2012, published in The News had also indicated about the plot. Therefore, Pemra is directed to ensure that no programme containing un-commendable, malicious and wicked material is telecast by any of the channels in which a person of the honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan and other honourable judges of the superior courts are criticised, ridiculed and defamed. This court is conscious of the fact that none is above the law and if there are allegations of misconduct against any judge of the superior courts interested persons may opt for the mechanism provided under article 209 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and any device alien to organic law of the country can be termed as nothing but an attempt to abrogate the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

The petitioner contended that Pemra had taken no substantial steps to implement the said order of this honourable court and Mubashir Lucman on the ARY TV channel continuing extending the campaign against the former chief justice (retd) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and judges of the Supreme Court, particularly Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, in a clandestine manner.

The petitioner said Lucman has crossed all the ethical limits of journalism and conducts contemptuous and defamatory programmes wickedly against the honourable judges of the Supreme Court. He ridicules the judges and noble citizens showing their pictures, such as Baba ji etc. Thus he does not follow and practice the norms of journalism and blackmails the noble and respectable professionals and judges.

The petitioner said Mubashir is the same anchor whose real face was exposed along with Mehr Bukhari to the whole world while conducting a planted interview.The petitioner prayed to the court that chairman Pemra may be directed to produce before the court the recorded programmes on CDs titled ‘Khara Sach’ conducted by him on May 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 2014 and some other dates thereafter up to May 31, 2014.The petitioner further prayed that Lucman may be dealt with in accordance with the law and be restrained from conducting programmes being in excess of his right to freedom of speech.

Imran Khan says PTI not joining any alliance

 

LONDON: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has declared that his party will not be part of any opposition alliance and was not in discussions with any party in this regard.
Khan confirmed to The News that he was in London to attend a fundraiser and to spend time with his children and had no intention of being part of any alliance.

Khan told The News exclusively that reports that he was taking his party into an alliance were “absolutely” incorrect.

The confirmation from Imran Khan came as the Chaudhry brothers and Dr Tahirul Qadri entered into an agreement to launch a joint movement against the current set-up.

PTI spokesperson Shireen Mazari had said that Khan was in London not for any political meetings but speculation remained rife that the presence of three anti-PML-N party leaders at the same time could lead to the formation of an alliance. But Khan poured cold water on any such development and said that any decision in the future would be taken in consultation with his party.

Separately, speaking to The News Dr Tahirul Qadri said that the Chaudhry brothers had come to London to meet him only and news that the PTI and the MQM were becoming part of the alliance were “misleading” and “media fabricated”.

He told The News that it was just a “coincidence” that Imran Khan, himself and the Chaudhry brothers were present in London at the same time but “the original meetings were planned between them only and had nothing to do with Imran Khan or his party”.

Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) sources told The News that the Chaudhry brothers wanted to meet Dr Qadri in Canada but the lengthy visa process for the country meant that it was more convenient for Dr Qadri to meet them in London.

A source explained: “Dr Qadri is presiding over a meeting of PAT office bearers on Saturday evening in London and a Europe-wide party convention on Saturday in Birmingham. All other speculation is wrong.”

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.

Modi didn’t hand over any charge sheet, says Sartaj

 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had not been presented any charge sheet by his Indian counterpart during the meeting in New Delhi, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz stated categorically on Wednesday.
He discussed Kashmir issue during his meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. He brushed aside criticism that Nawaz Sharif did not meet the Kashmiri leaders of Hurriyat, who anyway were not in New Delhi, and that the premier had omitted the ‘K’ word in his statement before leaving Delhi.

On his return from New Delhi, Sartaj Aziz felt the need to take the media into confidence because of front page media reports that Modi had read the riot act to Nawaz Sharif and that he also presented a ‘charge sheet’ to Nawaz.

“The purpose of meeting with the Hurriyat leaders is not mere formality. When there are discussions on Kashmir we take their views. This time there was nothing substantive on Kashmir on the agenda. However, it was raised during the talks. When the prime minister and I point out that all issues of mutual concern were raised, then Kashmir is part of that concern,” he said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held a one-on-one meeting on Tuesday in New Delhi after delegation level talks in which issues of concern to both sides were discussed, including the disputes that have so far hampered advancement of bilateral relations.

“The delegation level meeting and the 50-minute one-on-one meeting were polite and firm diplomacy where there was sincerity, warmth and determination to move forward. There was no ‘charge sheet’ rather it was clear that both sides were of the view that confrontation should be converted into meaningful cooperation,” explained Sartaj Aziz in a meeting with the media at the Foreign Office.

Added to this was the first press conference of Indian minister external affairs Sushma Swaraj who stated, “The voice of talks gets lost in the sound of bomb blasts. That is why bomb blasts should stop so that we can talk and our voices can be heard. Talks will get subdued under the din of bomb blasts. He (Modi) conveyed it to Sharif in these many words.”

Sartaj Aziz did not shy away from the fact that concerns about terrorism by both prime ministers found their way to the table.“As you all are aware, all aspects of terrorism have been discussed at different levels in our region. We believe that such issues can be handled only through constant interaction between the concerned authorities of the two countries,” Sartaj Aziz explained while reading from a prepared text.

However, he said the issue of terrorism and other outstanding issues were discussed in a cordial atmosphere, “where both the sides expressed their views on all issues of common concern. There was clear recognition of each other’s concerns and the need for mechanisms to address them”.

While responding to queries, Sartaj Aziz pleaded for patience over all outstanding issues, saying one had to understand that it was Modi’s first day in office, theirs was a ‘ceremonious’ meeting despite which he went into a lengthy meeting with Nawaz Sharif.

“Both agreed that this was an opportunity for beginning of new ties and a new page in our relations. This time around was also different because both the prime ministers have full mandates unlike the last time when Vajpayee had one year left. Both sides have economic progress on their agenda. It is also different from other Indo-Pak governments because we mean it when we say if there is no peace there is no progress,” said Sartaj Aziz sounding an optimistic note.

If Nawaz Sharif did not mention Kashmir in his statement, Wednesday saw Modi beginning the process to abrogate Article 370 that is said to legally bind the disputed Himalayan state with India.

To another query, Sartaj Aziz said that the issue of the Mumbai attacks raised by Modi had nothing new.

“For the last five years the Indian government has talked about the Mumbai attacks and asked us to expedite the trial process so justice can be met. Our response has been that it is an ongoing process. No assurances were asked for in this regard and none were given,” he said.

The issue of terrorism was raised by both sides but unlike what is being said in the media it was done by both in a very civilised tone, with Nawaz Sharif suggesting mechanisms to look into different aspects of the issue and what kind of formation is to be set up.

Sartaj Aziz said the Lahore Declaration which is historical and signed under a BJP government was raised by Nawaz Sharif.“We said that it was a good starting point and Modi said his government had respect for Vajpayee. The declaration states that there will be no interference in each other’s affairs, and efforts will be intensified regarding different issues including Jammu and Kashmir.

The PM’s adviser hinted that the structure of the composite dialogue might undergo a change.“The composite dialogue started in 1998 and covers eight main issues facing Pakistan and India. But so much time has passed and many incidents have occurred; it is the job of the foreign secretaries to decide on how to move forward,” he said.

“Previously it had eight subjects but since then a lot of changes have taken place. The prime minister said there is need for this to be reviewed to take the process further. The agenda will be set by the two foreign secretaries but we have to give them time as their government came into being only yesterday,” Sartaj Aziz said.

On MFN, there has been a lot of progress and some loose ends like non-tariff issues have to be tied up through meetings of the commerce secretaries and the commerce ministers.“Pakistan has a clear stance on Kashmir as without its resolution the objective of long-lasting peace could not be achieved,” he said.

Any action against freedom of media ‘unacceptable’: CPNE

QUETTA: The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) Standing Committee has announced that suspension of licence of any TV channel and declaration of any newspaper would be intolerable, Geo News reported.

The CPNE committee issued its statement after meeting here Sunday. It asserted that any action against freedom of media would be unacceptable at any cost.

The meeting deeply reviewed the situation, emerged after attack on Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir.

It expressed concerned over coverage pertaining to DG ISI and called upon all the media organization to ensure implementation on code of conduct.

The statement further says despite the plea of Defence Minister was being heard in the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), cable operators had shut down Geo TV transmission in various areas, adding hurdles were being put in the circulation of Daily Jang newspaper as well.

The CPNE termed all such actions illegal and demanded action against those responsible.

The meeting also showed its concerns over media houses infighting.

Ban on any channel unacceptable: PUJ

LAHORE: The Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ), in its emergency meeting held here on Tuesday, categorically stated that the journalist community would not tolerate any ban/suspension of any channel of Jang/Geo, adding that the economic murder of journalists on such a large scale would not be acceptable at any cost.
According to a press release, the PUJ office-bearers said no one would be allowed to ban Jang/Geo or any other channel to punish the mistake of a person, as thousands of employees are attached with these channels. They said if any such action was initiated, they would resist it with full force.

The participants also called upon the federal government to intervene to counter the conspiracies being hatched against the fourth pillar of the state.

The meeting was chaired by PUJ President Hafiz Abdul Wadood in which senior journalists Moeen Azhar, Salman Ghani, Shoaib-ud-Din, Naeem Mustafa, Khawar Naeem Hashmi, Mian Habib, Ch Khadim Hussain, Nasir Naqvi, Amer Sohail, Abdul Majeed Sajid, Asim Naseer, Waheed Butt and Ziaullah Niazi participated.

It was also decided in the meeting that these journalists would meet all the stakeholders to find out a solution to the complex situation. The meeting also passed a resolution in which it was stated that the journalist community would not become part of any plan of any institution, adding that the community would not tolerate any curbs on the media and journalists.

The resolution also expressed solidarity with the workers of Jang/Geo, saying the community would protect their rights. The resolution also urged the cable operators to immediately restore the transmission of those channels that had been shut due to different reasons. The participants also announced to visit the Jang/Geo offices on Wednesday (today) to show solidarity with the workers of the group.

Any move against voice of media to be resisted

 

LAHORE: PFUJ President Rana Azeem said any move meant to silence the voice of the media would be resisted.
Speaking at an event organised by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists at a local hotel here on Sunday, he said as the elected president of the PFUJ, he would set up a four-member committee which would accelerate contacts with journalists throughout the country to get them united against any move against media freedom.

The senior journalist said the entire community held the armed forces and security agencies in great esteem, but, at the same time, demanded that the assailants of Hamid Mir be dealt with according to the law.

He said no curbs against any media groups including Geo, was acceptable to the journalists community of Pakistan. The event was also addressed by Abdul Hameed Chhaapra and Nasir Naqvi. Other senior journalists were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ameerul Azim, rejecting curbs on Geo and said banning a TV channel is tantamount to restricting millions of people’s access to information.

Speaking at an event organised by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists at a local hotel here on Sunday, he said access to information was the right of every citizen and no one could be deprived of it. He said once all journalists get united, no one could even think of banning any media group.

Will resist any move to topple govt: Fazl

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has stated that they would back the government and prevent it from topple if anyone tried do so, Geo News reported.

Talking to media here Thursday, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said they did not accept foreign agenda in Pakistan, adding that objectives could not be achieved through power.

He criticized the role of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), saying it should be accepted that the commission seemed totally helpless in the polls.

Fazl said it is the responsibility of the government to take the coalition partners into confidence over the issues.

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.

Closure of any newspaper, channel not acceptable: CPNE

 

LAHORE: The Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) in its emergent meeting held at the Aiwan-e-Iqbal in Lahore unanimously declared that closure of any media house or cancellation of licence or declaration of any channel or publication will not be acceptable as it is not in the national interest. Any such action will be tantamount to a grave crisis and will do irreparable harm to the democratic Pakistan, says a press release on Wednesday.
The meeting was chaired by President of CPNE Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami. The CPNE further resolved that sanctity of defence as well as media institutions is equally important as both are national institutions. It was further resolved that Pakistan armed forces and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are our vital national institutions and it is our collective responsibility to defend and safeguard their honour and dignity.

The meeting called upon all the media houses to show responsibility while reporting/commenting about these vital security organisations. It also discussed at length the recent reference filed by the Ministry of Defence with Pemra and expressed satisfaction that the government and aggrieved national institutions had taken a legal course instead of taking an arbitrary decision. However, the meeting expressed deep concerns over the present constitution of Pemra and showed apprehensions regarding its ability to deliver a just and fair decision, due to its ad-hoc structure.

The meeting strongly condemned the attack on senior journalist Hamid Mir and demanded that the government should take immediate and swift action to ensure the safety of all the media persons associated with national media organisations.

The meeting also declared that the right to freedom of speech is enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and the state should provide adequate protection to journalists against life threats emanating from any quarter. The meeting appreciated the federal and Sindh governments’ decision to constitute a Judicial Commission and Joint Investigation Team for the investigation of this attack and expressed the hope that perpetrators would be brought to justice without any fear or favour.

The meeting appealed to all the media organisations, including APNS, PBA and PFUJ, to unite at this hour of need and subside the tensions between different media organisations. It further requested these organisations to play their role in creating harmony and solidarity among the media houses and work together for the safety and protection of press freedom and journalists.

The meeting also expressed concerns over reports of life threats to senior journalist Iftikhar Ahmad and other media persons and demanded that the government should take immediate action in this regard.

The meeting was attended by Arif Nizami (Pakistan Today), Shaheen Qureshi (VP CPNE, Jang Group), Imtiaz Alam (South Asia Journal), Salman Ghani (Daily Dunya), Umer Shami (Daily Pakistan), Khalid Qayyum (Daily Express), Mumtaz Tahir (Daily Aftab), Sajjad Bukhari (Daily AbTak), Naveed Chaudhry (Daily City 42), Baidar Sarmadi (Daily Front), Baidar Bakht Butt (Daily Jang), Hafiz Iqbal (Daily Insaf), Khawaja Munawarul Hasan (Daily Musawat), Khalid Farooqi (Daily Awaz), Zulfiqar Lodhi (Daily Tijarat), Asghar Ali ( Daily Jurrat), Siddique Asghar (The News), Adeel Niaz (Jahangir Times), Asad Kashif, Adeeb Jawadani (Monthly Moon Digest), Munir Ahmad Naulakha (Musawwar International) and Taufique Rehman (Daily Saadat).

Pakistan will engage with any govt in New Delhi, says envoy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan says peace is in the mutual interest of both Islamabad and New Delhi but there should be no preconditions and while it is for the people of India to elect anyone they want, Pakistan will not hesitate to engage with any government which emerges to promote bilateral cooperation.

These remarks were made by High Commissioner for Pakistan to India Abdul Basit while talking on “Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: Challenges and Opportunities” at Jamia Millia Islamia, (Central University) in Delhi.

Both sides, he reiterated, have to make a fundamental decision whether they want to have a normal relationship or a perpetual paradigm of mutual mistrust and animosity.Later, the high commissioner told The News that he told the gathering that the dialogue process was in the interest of both countries and “This is not a favour by one country to the other”.

After the terror attacks on Mumbai, New Delhi has been reluctant to resume the Composite Dialogue rather picking and choosing when and on which topic it wants to engage.

Just as there is great interest in Pakistan to see which party and consequently which candidate grabs the Delhi Sarkar, in India too there is curiosity about what official Pakistan thinks.

Basit was asked several questions regarding terrorism, Afghanistan, Pak-US relations, China and how Islamabad would engage with the new Indian government if Narendra Modi emerged as the prime minister.

“I was clear that we cannot cherry pick issues for discussion. All issues are important and need to be addressed. It is nevertheless understandable that some issues could be resolved earlier than others,” he told The News.

The participants were told that there was no need to reinvent every time they met because over the decades both countries had made some significant progress such as the Indus Waters Treaty and the Composite Dialogue framework. “It is necessary we build on past accomplishments and move forward by fully abiding by bilateral agreements and commitments, but it is very important that we cannot have a dialogue process with preconditions. Preconditions are inherently antithetical to a sustained dialogue process”, he pointed out.

“Pakistan has always been keen to have normal relations with India on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest and in this regard we want to resolve all our issues including Jammu and Kashmir and achieve peace through a peaceful peace process”, he added.

To several queries about the present environment in Pakistan, Basit underlined that the people of Pakistan were progressive and democratic minded who take great pride in their Islamic ethos and heritage.“There is no conflict between Islam and modernity. Our society has come a long way and stereotypes and narratives on Pakistan are misplaced and passé”, he explained.

 

Kareena Kapoor Khan: Karisma looks younger than any Bollywood actress

 

 Kareena, 33, feels Karisma is lucky to have a toned body.

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan feels her elder sister Karisma looks younger than any contemporary female stars today.

“She (Karisma) has two kids, but she doesn’t look like a mother of two. She looks younger than any Bollywood actress even today. She is the most beautiful girl as her heart is of gold. When you see her she looks radiant as ever,” Kareena told PTI.
Kareena, 33, feels Karisma is lucky to have a toned body.

“She has very toned body and she is genetically blessed. I am more of a Kapoor, but she is more like my mother,” Kareena said.

The ‘Jab We Met’ star said she might also open her own fashion label after being the face of many fashion labels.

“It is not a plan or thought in my mind as of now. May be yes, sometime later,” she added.

We don’t need any reality show to prove our love: Gauahar Khan

The 30-year-old actress, who will again be seen with Kushal in upcoming TV show 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' after their stint in 'Bigg Boss', says she does not need any reality show to keep their relationship going.

Gauahar Khan might have expressed her love for actor Kushal Tandon on a reality show but the actress now wants to keep her relationship private.
The 30-year-old actress, who will again be seen with Kushal in upcoming TV show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ after their stint in ‘Bigg Boss’, says she does not need any reality show to keep their relationship going.
“We had expressed our love for each other on a reality show but now it has become very personal. We don’t need any reality show again to prove how much we love each other. Joining the same show together was just a coincidence. It’s not a medium to keep our relationship going. I am just loving the whole idea of being in love,” Gauahar told PTI.
The couple met on ‘Bigg Boss’ and love blossomed between the two on show, which Gauahar won.
The ‘Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year’ actress says she is happy with the way Kushal brings the best in her and helped her on the Colors’ stunt-dare reality show.
“Kushal is one of the best human beings I have ever met. He backs me up whenever I need him and at the same time he keeps me pushing till I achieve the goal, He helps me to bring out the best in me,” Gauahar said.
The fifth season of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ will be hosted by filmmaker Rohit Shetty and will have celebrities like Dayanand Shetty, Salman Yusuff Khan, Mugdha Godse, Ranvir Shorey among others. The show will be on air from March 22.
Gauahar says Rohit is the show’s best host, which is based on the American ‘Fear Factor’.  “I took part in the show to overcome every possible fear in my life. And when I heard that Rohit (Shetty) is hosting the show, I grabbed the offer. I feel he is the best host till now. He is encouraging and very big factor for all of us on the show to complete all the task,” she said.
Apart from her small screen commitments, the actress is all geared up to release her first film, whose last set of schedule she will shot soon.

Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck don’t want any more kids

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have two daughters Violet, 8, Seraphina, 5, and son Samuel 2.

Star couple Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck don’t want to expand their family anymore.
The 41-year-old ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ star, who raises daughters Violet, 8, Seraphina, 5, and son Samuel 2, with Affleck, 41, will not be having anymore children, she has told a friend, reported Radar online.
“Jennifer told her pal that the difference between having two kids and three is massive and Sam would complete their family,” a source said.
“In fact, Jen admits she and Ben had only planned on having two children, and Sam was a wonderful but genuinely true accident.”
“They love their kids, but she is really had her hands full with three since Sam was born in 2012 and while things are starting to settle down, it has been pretty exhausting, especially with Ben being so busy,” the source added.

Aamir Khan: I will not align with any political party

 "I want to be away from politics," said Aamir Khan.

 Aamir Khan said here today that he doesn’t support any political party and would not align with any of them at an event related to his TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’.
“I want to be away from politics. I want to align with issues that are important. I support a thought and not a party. I want to support an issue irrespective of any political party. I would not wish to align with any party,” Aamir told PTI.
Aamir claimed that he cried during the show, while talking about a touching incident of forgiveness.
“I felt I cried too much on the show. I am an emotional person. I cry when I hear heartbreaking stories. There are times when I cried and the channel people cut that part as 15 minutes of crying is too much, since there are other important issues to talk about,” he said.
Aamir said that he visited Gaya in Bihar yesterday to announce the second season of the ‘Satyamev Jayate’ TV show, from the very spot where one Dashrath Manjhi broke a mountain and made a road for villagers.
“This is an inspiration to all the people who wish to do something. I salute his courage and determination,” Aamir said.
The second season of the show has a new feature where people may vote for their opinions on any issue which they wish to follow.
“We have introduced a vote for change campaign where people can vote and give their opinion on any issue. We plan to give these (poll) details to the government,” he said.
It has also been decided to air the second season of the show in three slots, so that people could absorb the issue, he said.
Incidentally, Aamir is also one among the many people who sang the title track of ‘Satyamev Jayate 2′

ECB did not see enough change to warrant any moves: Draghi

FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank decided not to take any action at its meeting on Thursday because economic and monetary conditions had not changed enough to warrant it, ECB President Mario Draghi said.
The bank left interest rates unchanged but also failed, as many had expected, to suspend weekly operations to soak up money it spent on sovereign bonds at the height of the euro zone debt crisis, known as sterilisation.
"The suspension of sterilisation is one of the instruments that is in our list but we didn't see any development in the money markets that would lead to that unwanted tightening of monetary conditions that would justify the use of this instrument," Draghi told a news conference.
He also said a survey of conditions showed no major changes to prompt any moves.
"We saw our (economic) baseline by and large confirmed," he said. Pausing the so-called sterilisation of the Securities Markets Programme (SMP) would have added around 175 billion euros in liquidity to the market.