Pakistan reeling on 109-4 against Australia’s 454-5 dec

Updated at: 1258 PST, Sunday, December 27, 2009 MELBOURNE: Pakistan, struggling to avoid follow-on, were 109 runs for four wickets at stumps on second day of the first Test against Australia on Sunday here at the MCG. After the surprising declaration by Australia captain Ricky Ponting an hour before tea, Pakistan batsmen played under pressure and lost their first wicket at 26 when opener Imran Farhat was out lbw by fast bowler Neil Johnson at 9. Pakistan were 33-1 at tea and later they lost three more wickets in the final session. Faisal Iqbal was dismissed by off-spinner Nathan Hauritz caught Michael Clarke for 15 when Pakistan reached 59. Then, captain Mohammad Yousuf joined opener Salman Butt and they added 25 runs before Butt was lbw to Shane Watson after scoring responsible 45. Later, Yousuf who was batting at ease got an edge from glove to give catch to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin just a minute befor the stumps. He made 22. Earlier, Ricky Ponting called his men in when night watchman Nathan Hauritz was given out on 75 - his highest Test score - by review leaving Pakistan an hour to bat out to tea. Hauritz was lbw to Abdur Rauf after three hours at the crease, Michael Clarke remained unbeaten on 28. However, the off-spinner appears to have exacerbated a groin strain he carried into the match and looked uncomfortable in the latter stages of the innings. Michael Hussey joined the long list of Australian batsman failing to convert a good score into a 100 when he fell on 82 this morning. Pakistan bowlers seemed at a loss what to do on the docile Melbourne pitch and it is a worry that a night watchman like Hauritz should survive the morning spell with a relatively new ball and few problems. Hauritz was dropped on 36 and played the odd false shot but he also contributed a couple of almost batsman like wafts of the willow. Hussey became spinner Saeed Ajmal’s (1-129) first wicket of the match when he was trapped lbw with the score on 382. A referral showed the ball hit slightly outside the line of off stump, but not so much that it warranted a reversal. Hussey and the night watchman Hauritz put on 91 runs in 127 minutes from 178 balls.

Low gas pressure causes closure of CNG stations

Updated at: 1125 PST, Sunday, December 27, 2009 LAHORE: Most of the CNG stations in Lahore have been closed owing to low gas pressure on Sunday morning, Geo news reported. According to sources, the gas consumers in Lahore have lodged many complaints against low gas pressure besides, closure of CNG stations, which has mounted their sufferings. Sui Northern Gas Company (SNGC) has announced not to close CNG stations for two days on 9th and 10th Muharram due to Ashura but by dint of low gas pressure CNG owners were forced to keep stations shut. Several CNG stations have hung boards reading ‘CNG sale suspended, sorry for inconvenience’, witnesses said. People said they got installed CNG kit on their vehicles against rising oil prices but owing to closure of gas’s sale at CNG stations, their effort seems to be going in vain.

Thousands of pilgrims flock to Karbala for Ashura

Updated at: 1226 PST, Sunday, December 27, 2009 KARBALA: Hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims have gathered in the Iraqi city of Karbala for marking the end of the religious eve of Ashura. The final processions will take place under tight security with more than 20,000 police deployed and marksmen placed on buildings. Some pilgrims will march in the city, flagellating themselves with chains. Iran, which has the world's biggest Shia population, is monitoring its own events for signs of opposition unrest. The event mourns the 7th Century killing in Karbala of Imam Hussein (R.A), a grandson of the last prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Peace Be Upon Him). In previous years, Iraq has seen attacks on pilgrims attending the ceremonies by militants trying to instigate violence between Shia Iraqis and the Sunni minority. Over the past week, police reported a number of bombings directed at Shia pilgrims. Two pilgrims were killed on Saturday by a roadside bomb in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. The Iraqi authorities say thousands of members of the security forces have formed cordons around Karbala. Dogs trained to detect explosives are being used at checkpoints and helicopters are providing extra surveillance. Checks are being made for swine flu among some 60,000 foreign pilgrims expected to attend the ceremonies, provincial governor Amal Adin al-Her told media. Black flags of mourning have appeared across the city and most of the pilgrims are dressed in black. "I came to show my belief in Imam Hussein," said Mohammed Abdul Hussein, 40, who travelled from the neighbouring Iraqi province of Babil. "This event has nothing to do with personal motivations or politics." Worshippers are also set to gather in other countries with large Shia communities such as Pakistan and Bahrain.

Muharram 9th processions being taken out in country

ISLAMABAD: The processions in connections with the ninth of Muharramul Haram are being taken out across the country today.

A Majlis-e-Aza was held in Lahore area of Nicholson Road and later procession of Shabih-e-Zul-Janah was taken out attended by thousands of mourners amid heavy security around the Imambargah.

Also, the central procession of Muharram 9th has appeared from Pando Street Islampura and will end back on Pando Street.

On this occasion, walk-through gates were installed for the procession and the majlis.

In Islamabad also, the central mourning procession has emerged from central Imambargah in G-6; the procession will route through to Melody Chawk Islamabad.

The security for the today’s procession has further been beefed up in wake of yesterday’s terror incident in Karachi area of Paposhnagar. The procession has set off from Nishtar Park and will route through MA Jinnah Road to Husainia Iranian Imambargah Kharadar.

Nazim Karachi Mustafa Kamal said the City government made best arrangements in connection with Muharramul Haram and police and the CPLC have been provided with the facility of Command and Control room to monitor the procession from Nishtar Park to Tower with modern technology and cameras.

The procession of Ninth Muharram is on its way to the Central imambargah in Skardu.

In Multan also, the Muharram ninth is being observed with great religious reverence with majalis and processions being held across the city.

Both government hospitals functioning in the Federal Capital, have made special arrangements to meet any untoward incident during Ashura day of Muharram-ul-Harram.

According to hospital sources, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Federal Government Services Hospital (FGSH) has deployed additional staff in the emergency ward to provide better services.

Joint Executive Director PIMS Dr. Jehanzib Aurakzai said that a plan has been chalked for Ashura day and it will be ensured that doctors and paramedical staff are available in the hospital round the clock.

He said sufficient medicines and surgical equipment have been provided to the concerned departments while hospital staff have been directed not to leave the hospital till completion of duty hours.

He said all senior doctors will be on call to handle any emergency like situation while hospital's ambulances will also be on alert.

Spokesman of FGSH Dr. Sharif Astori said that all senior doctors will remain on duties in the hospital during Ashura day while paramedical staff have also been assigned special duties during these days.

He said special teams have been formed while sufficient medicines have been provided to the concerned departments. He added surgeons have been asked to remain in touch and immediately rush to the hospital in case of any emergency.

Lahore Capital City Police Officer Muhammad Pervez Rathore has directed that parking for all Majalis and Muharram processions be made at a safe distance, at least 200 meters away.

He said 134 mobile squads, 85 motorcycles, 75cars and 11 cars of Elite Force would also be deployed to ensure law and order at the venues. He said all entry and exit points of Majalis would be manned and rooftop deployment be made at Imambargahs, Majalis and routes of Ashura processions. He directed all divisional SPs to personally check deployment and patrolling of the mobile squad in their respective areas, besides paying random visits to sensitive places.

The CCPO said ulema and media had a leading role in maintenance of law and order and eradication of terrorism in the city. He also appealed to citizens, religious leaders and mosque administrations to depute guards at all places of worship from their own locality, so that they can recognize prayer sayers and point out any suspicious person. The CCPO appealed to ulema for cooperation on limiting the use of loudspeakers only to places of worship.

He expressed these views while addressing a meetingof Ulema and Mushaikh of the District Peace Committee Lahore held at Capital City Police Headquarters here on Saturday. He saida foolproof Ashura security plan had been chalked out after consultation with leaders belonging to various religious schools of thought and 184 potential trouble points had been identified in the city.

He said police officers and more than 25,000 policemen would provide security to Majalis and processions while armed personnel would also be deputed to provide security for functions to be held daily. Similarly, Lahore police will provide security to297 Imambargahas and 787 mosques along routes of the procession.

He said crises management centres had been set up in the city which would function around the clock while a special control room was set up in the CCPO office for coordination among various agencies.

He said the code of conduct would be strictlyimplemented during Ashura and 1068 members ofthe District Peace Committed would be present on the routes ofthe procession and Majalis, especially at sensitive places.Similarly, strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Ordinance wouldbe ensured, he added.

In Karachi, the Saddar Town Administration completed arrangements for cleanliness along the route of Muharramprocession, Imambargahs and places of Majalis on Muharram 9 and 10,repair of roads and lighting.

The Town's B and R Department has carpeted the roads, repaired the footpaths while M&E Department repaired the high mast lights around Imambargahs and adjoining streets and erased wall chalkings.

The TMA has deployed sewerage disposal staff to ensure plugging of leakages along the Muharram procession routes.

The TMA is regularly supplying water to Imambargahs and Sabils since Muharram 1.

The Nazim Saddar Town visited Hussainian Iranian Imambargah Kharadar, Boulton Market, Denso Hall, Khaliqdina Hall, Tibet Centre, Burns Road, Regal Chowk, Preedy Street, Empress Market etc and reviewed the arrangements for Muharram processions.

For continuous monitoring of arrangements the Town's Central Control Room at its Central Office is functioning round the clock and people can contact at telephone numbers 99211390 and 99211429.

Democratic forces have to strengthen federation: Gilani

Updated at: 1340 PST, Sunday, December 27, 2009 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the life and death of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto has become a torchlight for the people of Pakistan because she strived for the restoration of democracy, public welfare, national security and political awareness in the masses. Premier urged upon key role of democratic forces for the strength and stability of democracy and federation in Pakistan. “She was known for her wisdom, vision and love for peace throughout the world and she was recognized for all that at international level. As a matter of fact she presented the true picture of her name and lived and died exemplary,” he said in a message on the second martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Prime Minister said today (27th December) the second death anniversary of the former Prime Minister and Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is being observed with great reverence. He said this day has become the symbol of national grief in the history of Pakistan because the most popular and beloved leader of the people of Pakistan was assassinated on this day. The Prime Minister said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto guided her people with her thoughts and ideologies. When she was wanted for her love for peace and enlightened approach the barbarians, the enemies of Pakistan killed her. People like her are very rare in this world, the Prime Minister said. Yusuf Raza Gilani said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a true picture of democracy during her lifetime and her martyrdom became the symbol of bravery, courage and Pakistan-hood. “It was my good luck and I feel myself blessed that I had a chance to work as her political colleague, I learnt a lot from her and I still get guidance from her thoughts while performing my duties as Prime Minister,” the Prime Minister said. Premier Gilani said the most important heritage she left for us is the philosophy of fortitude. We are trying to solve the problems while working on same principles, the Prime Minister said. Independence of Judiciary, internal independence of Gilgit Baltistan, rights of the people of Balochistan, consensus on NFC Award, honouring the decision of Supreme Court on NRO, war on terrorism, charter of democracy, charter of Bhurban establishment of coalition government in center, the election of the President, Speaker National Assembly, Chairman Senate are such great initiatives of our government which are based on approach the spirit of Shaheed Mohtarma, the Prime Minister said. In the same way, the Prime Minister said, the government introduced many programmes and launched many projects like, Benazir Income Support Porgramme (BISP), Benazir Tractor Scheme (BTS), Benazir Green Card (BGC), Benazir Housing Schemes (BHS), Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS), Re-employment of the dismissed employees, increase salary of government employees and education, textile and trade are the sectors benefitted by the government. Lets pledge to work with an indomitable will and utilize the best of our energies to fulfil the mission of our great leader, the Prime Minister said. He said today on the occasion of her second death anniversary lets promise that we will be determined against the terrorists and will make our country a true reflection of the thoughts of Iqbal, Quad-d-Azam and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed to make the homeland invincible and prosperous. This is the best way to pay homage to BB Shaheed and thus she would really be able to rest in peace, the Prime Minister said. He said that May Almighty Allah give us courage, dedication and guidance to serve our country and the nation (Ameen).

Afghanpur not Pakhtunkhwa

Let us strike at the root of the trouble. And the only best way-out for resolving our protracted problems is to declare the presently 22 divisions of the country as provinces and each one is declared entitled for equal resources, irrespective of population, topography and area. (Na rahy bans na baji gi bansri).The root cause for all of our basic tribulations is misgovernance and mismanagement because of incompetence of our elites and unmanageability of our masses. But looters are not supposed to be leaders.

So let us to be confined to this non-issue of renaming this ill fated province of this ill fated country.

So my suggestion is that ‘Afghanpur’ is more appropriate and more in consonance with the beautiful people of NWFP, hence I suggest ‘Afghanpur’ instead of ‘Pakhtunkhwa’ to be declared the new name of this province. And I have grounds for my suggestion. All of the people of NWFP, including Chitrali speaking, Hindko speaking, Torwali speaking, Gujro speaking, Kohistani speaking, Kalami speaking and Pashto speaking are of course Afghan in origin but not Pakhtun in toto. So to be harmony, suitability and acceptability among all the people ‘Afghanpur’ is more adequate and becoming.

Aftab Alam Advocate (High Court),

President District Bar Association Swat

12 Days Christmas one free download everyday

Apple have recently introduced a free application called 12 days in the app store for iPhone and iPod touch. This application will offer one free download everyday starting from Dec 26, 2009 till Jan 06, 2009. As per this application announcement today was the first day for a free download. Today apple have offered a free song snow patrol an olive grove facing the sea (2009 version) Here are some screenshots of this free download of first day.

US embassy requests bulletproof vehicles

ISLAMABAD: The US embassy has made formal request to government of Pakistan to provide bulletproof vehicles for its staff deputed in Pakistan.

The sources said concerned authorities started mulling over the request. According to diplomatic rules, the embassy of any country is being allowed to keep twenty-five percent bulletproof vehicles.

The concerned departments of government of Pakistan is considering the aspect that any special permission to US will boost the pressure from European and other countries for getting such permission and it will give loss of billions of rupees in terms of taxes and duty to national treasury.

On the other hand, it was learned that in contrast of interior ministry advice, US embassy has rejected to accept local numbers series and they are using fake number plates despite passing the deadline of November 30.

The US embassy spokesman when contacted said they are in touch with interior ministry about these number series and denied reports of import of armed vehicles.

Change of guards ceremony at Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah mausoleum

The 133rd birth anniversary of the Founder of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah is being celebrated across the country including
Azad Kashmir today, Friday in a befitting manner, Geo news reported.

The
change of guard ceremony was held at Quaid’s mausoleum with guards,
belonging to Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, handing responsibility.

The
government has declared a public holiday on this very occasion.
National flag would hoist atop all government buildings in connection
with the birth celebrations of the founder of Pakistan.

The day dawned with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and its people.

A
smartly turned out contingent of the Cadets from Pakistan Military
Academy, Kakul have mounted the guard at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam on
the occasion of Quaid birth anniversary. Lady Cadets are also included
in the contingent.

Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Chief
Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and other Sindh cabinet members visited
Mazar-e-Quaid and offered prays and laid floral wreath.

Mustafa Kamal, representative of Karachiites, will also visit Quaid’s mausoleum and will offer fateha.