Germany in 40bn euro debt swap with Pakistan: Gulf Times

By Anwar Elshamy

SETTING an example of innovative financing for development, Germany, Pakistan and the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria have signed a new type of debt swap on the sidelines of the Second International conference on Financing for Development being held in Doha.

Under this Debt2Health agreement, Germany cancelled 40mn euros of Pakistani debt on the condition that Pakistan invests 20mn euros in domestic health programmes supported by the Global Fund.

The agreement was concluded by the Heidermarie Wieczorek Zeul, the special envoy of the UN General secretary for the conference and Federal Minister of economic cooperation and development, Germany and Hina Rabbani Khar minister of state for finance and economic affairs, Pakistan and Dr Michel Kazatchkine, executive director of the Global fund. Speaking at a press conference, the Minister of Economic Co-operation and Development of Germany Wieczorek-Zeul said that Pakistan is only the second country to benefit from the Debt2Health creative financing instrument.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Germany in 40bn euro debt swap with Pakistan: Gulf Times

Pakistan sets army on alert: Focus Information Agency

Islamabad.

Pakistan set its army on alert due to the worsening of the crisis with India over the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, ITAR-TASS reports.According to a source who preferred to stay anonymous, a representative of country’s military units informed that due measures have been taken in response to the increasing Indian military forces on the border to Pakistan.

“In case of emergency, Pakistan’s army will send extra military contingent at the border to India”, the source said, adding that the official decision will be taken over the next 24 hours. According to him, Pakistan’s army is “ready to resist to any kind of aggression”. For that purpose, an army of 100,000 soldiers would be placed on the borderline to India.

Content take from the following source: Pakistan sets army on alert: Focus Information Agency

Gulf looks overseas for food sources: SFGATE

Adam Schreck, Associated Press

In the dunes around this sun-scorched desert village, where camels still plod along dusty roads an hour south of Dubai's skyscrapers, they're making the wasteland bloom.

Row upon row of bell peppers grow plump in a temperature-controlled greenhouse. Lilies and roses bud nearby, and strawberries are on their way, all thanks to sophisticated water-saving irrigation.

Yet even high-tech establishments like the Mirak Agricultural Services farms here and elsewhere in this riverless country will never feed the region's rapidly growing population. It's that realization that is persuading wealthy Gulf Arabs to look far beyond their shores for more fertile acreage - tens of thousands of acres, in some cases.

There are simply too many mouths to feed and not enough water. Lush urban landscaping and ambitious agricultural projects here and in Saudi Arabia - which once spent so much on farm subsidies that it exported surplus wheat - are quickly draining aquifers, including some that are millennia old and cannot be refilled.

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Pakistan May Build Up Troops on Indian Border: WSJ

By ZAHID HUSSAIN

ISLAMABAD -- A Pakistani official warned Saturday that troops would be diverted from its war against al Qaeda and Taliban militants and deployed on the Indian border if Pakistan felt threatened by its neighbor in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

A senior security official accused India of heightening tension between the two nuclear-armed nations by blaming "elements from Pakistan" for the coordinated terrorist attacks against Indian commercial capital which killed 195 people.

"The next 48 hours are critical in determining how things unfold," the top security official told a group of journalists. He said the war on terror wouldn't be Pakistan's priority in the event of India military buildup on eastern borders.

Indian officials see Pakistan's complicity for the worst terrorist attacks on their soil which they said were carried out by Islamic militants with links to Pakistan. Pakistan has demanded that India present hard evidence and has strenuously condemned the attacks. President Asif Ali Zardari also said that nobody backed by Pakistani state was involved.

"If they have evidence they should share it with us," Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Saturday on his return from Delhi. "Our hands are clean."

As the tension mounted Pakistan also backed off a pledge made Friday to send the chief of its Inter Services Intelligence agency in person. Pakistan's top civil and military leaders met on Saturday night to discuss the unfolding situation. It now appears likely an ISI will visit Delhi instead.

Pakistan said it was willing to help India into the investigation into last week's grisly attacks and share intelligence, but won't be brow beaten. Mr. Zardari on Saturday warned India of any "overreaction" and vowed to take action against Islamic militant group found involved in the attack.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan May Build Up Troops on Indian Border: WSJ

Lockheed to supply F-16, C-130, P 3 Orion to Pakistan: APP

KARACHI, Nov 26 (APP) - Lockheed Martin, USA will supply upgraded F-16 jets, C-130 transport planes and P 3 Orion surveillance aircraft to Pakistan armed forces. This was stated by President Lockheed Martin, Middle East and Africa, Gen (rtd) James Jamerson in an interview here Wednesday.

To a question, he said that he had meetings with top officials of Ministry of Defence, Chief of Naval Staff and Air Chief of Pakistan Air Force.

“I have discussed with the Naval Chief the Orion aircraft up-gradation project,” he said mentioning that Orion aircraft were being upgraded for Pakistan Navy in the United States and they will soon come to Pakistan.

Regarding the supply of F-16 jets, he said that these fighters were upgraded and overhauled in Pakistan as well as in USA.
“We are also supplying equipment and parts to Pakistan for F-16s overhauled in Pakistan. Similarly, we are also upgrading F-16s in USA for supply to Pakistan,” said the Lockheed Martin President.

James said that his company was also upgrading a number of C-130 for Pakistan Air Force in USA.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Lockheed to supply F-16, C-130, P 3 Orion to Pakistan: APP

Pakistan offers UN help to combat high sea piracy: Dawn

By Our Correspondent

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 25: Pakistan on Monday offered to help the international community combat the menace of piracy off the coast of Somalia and the Red sea.The offer to supplement United Nations’ efforts to combat piracy was made at a meeting between Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Adbullah Hussain Haroon and Belgian Minister of Defence Pieter De Crem and heads of UN peace-keeping operations.

They were discussing issues relating to the peacekeeping troops presently being deployed by the United Nations world over under the UN Security Council mandate.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan offers UN help to combat high sea piracy: Dawn

Pakistan to Buy German Submarines: DW

Pakistan, which has relied on French defense suppliers, is buying German-made submarines for the first time, but is still technologically behind its nuclear rival India.

Pakistan has formally agreed to buy three Type 214 German submarines under deal worth more than $1 billion (773.7 million euros) that the two countries are expected to sign within the next few months, according to a media report on Wednesday.

The German shipbuilding company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) will construct the diesel-electric submarines in a shipyard in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, Pakistan's English-language daily The News reported.

"The commercial contract has been finalized up to 95 percent," said Walter Freitag, the chief executive officer of the HDW, the largest conventional submarine maker in the world.
Freitag, who was interviewed by the newspaper during a defense products exhibition called IDEAS 2008 in Karachi, said that once the contract is signed, the first submarine would be delivered to the Pakistan navy in 64 months, with the rest delivered in the following 12 months.



For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan to Buy German Submarines: DW

Construction of Pakistan-China Friendship Center kicks off: China View

ISLAMABAD, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The construction of the proposed Pakistan-China Friendship Center kicked off here on Wednesday.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, the Minister for Planning and Development, Makhdoom Shahabuddin said the project signified a special feature of cultural relations between Pakistan and China.
He pointed out that China had made commendable contributions to Pakistan's economic development and the Friendship center would provide a wide range of facilities to promote understanding in some fields of life especially in education and exchange of programs related to integrated development of the youth.
Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui pointed out that the ties between the two governments were established dozens of years ago while the cultural communication between people in both countries had a history of thousands of years.
Concrete efforts are needed to deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries, Luo said, adding that the Pakistan-China Friendship Center would help enhance people to people communications.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Construction of Pakistan-China Friendship Center kicks off: China View

Pakistan 'mulls US drone action' : BBC

By M Ilyas Khan
BBC News, Karachi

Pakistan's PM Yousuf Raza Gilani says his government is considering "a number of options" to counter attacks by US drones inside its territory.
His statement came after Pakistan's air force chief said his force was equipped to tackle the drones militarily.
US-operated pilotless drones have launched more than 20 missile attacks in Pakistani tribal areas since August.
The government is under immense public pressure to defend its territory against such attacks.
The drone attacks are believed to have been largely on-target, hitting Taleban and al-Qaeda hideouts in the north-western Waziristan tribal region.
There have been few civilian casualties, officials say.
But Pakistani media and opposition parties term these attacks as a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan 'mulls US drone action' : BBC

Rupee firms: Dawn

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

KARACHI: The Pakistani rupee ended firmer on Monday on expectation the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will approve a $7.6 billion stand-by arrangement for the country, dealers said. IMF officials are due to meet in Washington on Monday to discuss a stand-by arrangement for Pakistan, according to the Fund’s Web site.

The rupee was quoted closing at 78.90/79.00 to the dollar compared with Saturday’s close of 79.06/16. “The rupee has been strengthening slowly for the past few days following the decision to enter an IMF programme,” said a currency dealer. The loan should help the rupee stabilise, at least in the short term, after a sharp depreciation this year as a balance of payments crisis developed, dealers said.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Rupee firms: Dawn

Steel bar prices drop by Rs7,000 per ton: Dawn

By Aamir Shafaat Khan

KARACHI, Nov 24: The price of steel bars (sarya) plunged to Rs55,000-56,000 from Rs61,000-62,000 per tons two weeks back following cut in prices of billets by Pakistan Steel.

The cut in steel bar prices may provide some relief to the people as the cost of construction, which surged substantially, may come down to some extent.However, the importers and dealers of steel products feel that the prices of steel products could further come down if the Customs resolves the clearance problem.

President Karachi Iron and Steel Merchants Association (KISMA) Shamoon Bakar Ali said that the prices of steel items had fallen sharply in world markets. For example, he said billet price has declined to $350 per ton from $700 per ton few months back. Similarly, the price of galvanised items has plunged to $600 from $1,000-1,200 per ton.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Steel bar prices drop by Rs7,000 per ton: Dawn

Petrol may cost less than diesel: Dawn

By Sher Baz Khan

ISLAMABAD, Nov 24: The government is mulling over a proposal to make petrol cheaper than diesel to enable the country’s refineries to operate at their full capacity and save foreign exchange.

Industry sources told Dawn that the proposal had been forwarded to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani by the ministry of petroleum and natural resources.At present, petrol (premium motor gasoline) is being sold at Rs66.66 a litre and high speed diesel at Rs61.14.International crude oil prices have come down to $53 a barrel from a peak of $147 a barrel in July. But since refineries in the country are operating generally at half their capacity, the government has to spend foreign exchange on the import of refined petroleum products.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Petrol may cost less than diesel: Dawn

Military rift with Pakistan hurts war: Washington Times

Sara A. Carter

Two senior U.S. military officials say the U.S.-led war on terror is facing challenges in part because Pakistan's young military officers don't have the same relationship with their U.S. counterparts that their predecessors had.

In a recent interview with The Washington Times, Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said a top priority for the Pentagon is healing the longtime rift between the two militaries, which he said has deprived both nations of the trust needed to combat extremism.
"We don't know each other well enough, and us participating with them in their country is equally as important as them participating with us in our country," he said.

Army Maj. Gen. John M. Custer agreed. The commander of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., he said U.S. forces are "dealing with guys who don't have any exposure to us."

"The older military leaders love us, they understand American culture, and they know we are not the enemy, but they are aging out of the force," he said.

Tensions with Pakistan's army go back long before the emergence of the Taliban and al Qaeda, both officers said.

"There's not a Pakistani junior officer that doesn't know who former Senator Pressler is, and there's not a junior officer in the U.S. military that knows who Senator Pressler is," Adm. Mullen said.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Military rift with Pakistan hurts war: Washington Times

Pakistan Air Force prepares to induct UAVs into service: Janes

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will formally induct unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into service for the first time in 2009, the chief of the PAF has told Jane's.

This comes five years after the PAF launched a programme to acquire UAVs for intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance operations.

In addition to the Bravo+ UAV, which, according to PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, has been built indigenously, the air force will also receive the Falco UAV produced by Selex Galileo of Italy. The two systems will be used mainly for aerial reconnaissance and information gathering, although the PAF will later also induct UAVs equipped with weapon systems to carry out offensive operations.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan Air Force prepares to induct UAVs into service: Janes

Pakistan can stop drone raids: air force chief: Reuters

By Zeeshan Haider

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan's air force is fully capable of stopping missile strikes by pilotless U.S. drones but it is up to the government to decide whether to do that, the air force chief said on Tuesday.

U.S. forces in Afghanistan have carried out at least 26 air strikes by unmanned aircraft on militant targets in northwest Pakistan this year, according to a Reuters tally, more than half since the start of September.

Pakistan supports the U.S.-led campaign against militancy but does not allow foreign troops or strikes inside its territory. It says the attacks violate its sovereignty and undermine efforts to deal with militancy by inflaming public anger.

The attacks put pressure on the civilian government to stand up to the United States and opposition parties have been critical of the government's failure to stop the strikes.
Air force chief Air Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed said it was up to the government to decide whether to stop such strikes through diplomatic and political means or by force.

"The air force is ready for any type of air defense," Ahmed told reporters, referring to various types of unmanned aircraft.

"First this nation, you people, our parliament, our government, has to debate how we have to engage the foreign UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). Whether we have to engage them diplomatically and politically to resolve it or engage them militarily," he said.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan can stop drone raids: air force chief: Reuters

AirBlue Pakistan Sets Off Flights to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi next month: Pakistan Daily

Written by www.daily.pk

Monday, 24 November 2008 02:07

With zestful plans to provide excellent, proficient, cozy and comfy service to travelers – at home and abroad – Pakistan’s fast growing new generation largest airline in the private sector – airblue – sets-off service to two new overseas destination – Sharjah and Abu Dhabi from next month – December.

The service to Sharjah is being initiated from the Lahore, the Punjab metropolis as well as Islamabad, the Federal Capital.

While the flights on Lahore - Sharjah - Lahore circuit shall begin on December 01, the Islamabad - Sharjah – Islamabad service is scheduled to be launched with effect from December 15.
Yet, another destination being introduced by AirBlue is Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The airblue flights to Abu Dhabi shall commence from Islamabad on December 15.

Amid its mounting popularity and to meet the traveling needs of people from all segments of society – AirBlue – has decided to explore optimal destinations, Syed Nasir Ali Managing Director of the magnificent airline told.

We feel optimistic of grand success with the new venture as well, he said by adding; not only that the service is being set in motion on peoples’ intense demand – the fare shall also be competetive and affordable.

He expressed optimism that still more new destinations shall be introduced by AirBlue in Pakistan as well as countries to the East.
At present, in addition to several destinations in Pakistan – AirBlue operates flights to Manchester in UK – as well as to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates [UAE] and to Muscat.Oman.

Increase the number of flights is also being contemplated in the light of the increasing digit of patrons – the clients, who have extended unique acclaim and ovation for the airline – and that too in a short span of time, Syed Nasir Ali said.

Listing yet another marvelous accomplishment of airblue, the Managing Director said; ‘Our next destination in UK is going to be London’.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: AirBlue Pakistan Sets Off Flights to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi next month: Pakistan Daily

Pakistan cricket signs $140.5 million TV deal: AFP

Pakistan cricket signs $140.5 million TV deal

LAHORE, Pakistan (AFP) — Pakistan cricket officials on Sunday signed a five-year, 140.5 million dollar television rights deal with the Gulf-based Taj Entertainment Network, the cricket board said.

The deal, described as "excellent" by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Salim Altaf, allayed fears that broadcasters might bid less for Pakistani cricket because foreign teams have been refusing to tour the country over security concerns.

"It is an excellent deal which will run from 2009 to 2013 for a period of five years and will start from our home series against India," Altaf told AFP.

The Taj Entertainment Network, which operates TEN Sports and is owned by Gulf-based businessman Abdulrahman Bukhatir, also held Pakistan cricket broadcast rights from 2004 to 2008.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan cricket signs $140.5 million TV deal: AFP

Pak, Brunei lay down roadmap on defence co-op: Daily Mail

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and Brunei will cooperate in the field of defence particularly joint military exercises, technology transfer and procurement of defence hardware from Pakistan. This was decided in the third meeting of Pakistan-Brunei Joint Working Committee on Defence Cooperation held in Brunei last night, says a message from Pakistan’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur issued here Friday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary Defence, Lt Gen ® Syed Athar Ali from Pakistan side and Permanent Secretary (Defence) Dato Majid from the Brunian side. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Brunei, Major General ® Syed Haider Jawed also attended the meeting. The meeting took stock of the present level of Pakistan-Brunei bilateral defence relations and observed that there were immense possibilities for their expansion.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pak, Brunei lay down roadmap on defence co-op: Daily Mail

UN voices concern over US attacks: Dawn

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 21: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern over cross-border attacks on suspected militant targets inside Pakistan by the United States.

“The secretary-general is concerned,” his spokesperson Michele Montas said at a noon briefing when asked to clarify media reports in Pakistan quoting her as saying that the latest attack was a “bilateral issue”.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: UN voices concern over US attacks: Dawn

Pakistan army flexes muscles to shoot down drone aircraft: Monsters and Critics

Islamabad - Pakistan's army on Friday carried out a training exercise in which pilotless aircraft drones were shot down by anti-craft guns and short range surface-to-air missiles, a military statement said.
The exercise was carried out as public pressure on the government in Islamabad is increasing to use force to halt air raids by US drones that target suspected militant hideouts in Pakistan's tribal region.
'The elements of army air defence demonstrated their shooting skills by targeting the drones flying at different altitudes,' said the statement.
The indigenously built man-portable surface-to-air missile Anza II, the anti-aircraft Oerlikan and an unnamed 57 mm radar-controlled gun were used in the exercises that were conducted in a semi-desert area near Muzaffargarh in central Pakistan.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan army flexes muscles to shoot down drone aircraft: Monsters and Critics

Pakistan's Rupee Strengthens for a Fifth Week Against Dollar: Bloomberg

By Farhan Sharif

Nov. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan's rupee posted a fifth weekly gain, its best winning streak in a year, after the government said it expects to receive the first installment of an International Monetary Fund bailout this weekend. Bonds fell.

The currency closed at a six-week high after the government said it expects a minimum $3.2 billion of a $7.6 billion IMF loan to be transferred to the central bank as soon as the fund's executive board approves the payment. The rupee tumbled as much as 26 percent this year, reaching a record low last month as concern mounted the government would default on its overseas debt obligations.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan's Rupee Strengthens for a Fifth Week Against Dollar: Bloomberg

New Re1, Rs2 aluminium coins: The News

Friday, November 21, 2008By our correspondentKARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) started issuing new Re1 and Rs2 aluminium coins from Thursday. These coins have different metal composition, colour and weight but their design and diameter are same as the existing coins introduced in September 1998.In a handout issued here, SBP said the existing coins of Re1 and Rs2 will also continue to remain in circulation as legal tender.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: New Re1, Rs2 aluminium coins: The News

Pakistan conventional products’ exports in Qr. 1 soars by 44pc: The News

KARACHI: Pakistan exports of conventional products during the first quarter of the current fiscal year surged by 44 percent, while those of textile products declined by 0.97 percent. Federal Statistics Department released data said that the exports of conventional products during July-October amounted to $3.023 billion as compared to $2.225 billion in the same period last year. Rice, sports goods, engineering, leather products, footwear, surgical and other products were included among those, whose exports were seen rising.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan conventional products’ exports in Qr. 1 soars by 44pc: The News

Korea to lend $205m to Pakistan: Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Korea signed two loan agreements worth $205 million under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) on Thursday.Economic Affairs Division Secretary Farrakh Qayyum and Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Shin Un signed the agreements on behalf of their respective governments, while State Minister for Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar witnessed the signing ceremony. The first agreement was in connection with a ‘framework arrangement’ between the two governments concerning loans from EDCF for the years 2008-2011.Under the agreement, Pakistan would be entitled to avail the EDCF loan from Korea up to $160 million at the interest rate of 0.1 percent with repayment period of 35 years including a 10-year grace period.Under the second agreement, Korea would provide Pakistan $45 million EDCF loan concerning Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) substations for the Rural Distribution Construction Project. The loan would be utilised to design, procure and install equipment with technical assistance from Korea for the construction of 132/11 KV sub-stations in GEPCO region.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Korea to lend $205m to Pakistan: Daily Times

Pakistan to go to WB for water compensation from India: Pakistan Link

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will go to the World Bank (WB) to seek compensation from India for reduced water flow in the Chenab River and design defects in Baglihar Dam, Indus Water Commissioner Jamaat Ali Shah said on Wednesday. Shah reiterated that Pakistan had demanded water, not monetary compensation, from India for the losses incurred due to decreased water flow in the Chenab. He said both countries had exchanged data about the water flow in the Chenab River during his recent visit to India, but India had objected to the data compiled by Pakistan and asked for a visit to Marala Headworks for inspecting the water flow. The commissioner said Pakistan has authorised India to visit Marala, adding that a demand for compensation for the water losses and an assurance of honouring the Indus Water Treaty in the future has also been put up.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan to go to WB for water compensation from India: Pakistan Link

Pakistan needs aircargo makeover: AirCargo

Thursday, 20 November 2008

A Pakistan study has estimated that total air cargo in the country will increase from about 330,000 tonnes in 2004-05 to about 866,000 tonnes in 2015-16.
However, it has highlighted problems with the country’s air cargo handling facilities that will hinder growth if not rectified.

They include a lack of ground and aircraft capacity, charging anomalies, the lack of foreign cargo operations, security, lack of cold storage facilities and inefficient business processes.
About 95 per cent of Pakistan’s exports are by sea, but the tiny percentage of air freighted items are estimated to be worth eight per cent of the total value.

Exporters in the study complained there were security problems -- such as a lack of suitable lockers with strong rooms -- at Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar airports for gems, jewellery and other valuables.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan needs aircargo makeover: AirCargo

Pakistan's Chief Justice Awarded Medal of Freedom: Harvard Law Record

Honorable Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry inspired a lawyers' revolution against autocracy
Matt Hutchins

On March 9, 2007, Pakistani Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry said "no" to President Pervez Musharraf's request that he resign, and his defiance sparked a revolution of lawyers who refused to allow guns to drown out the voice of the law.

Chaudhry said, "I felt that I was only doing the duty of my conscience." But as the rule of man threatened to overwhelm the rule of law, his defiance guided Pakistan's march to justice. "It was the proclamation of a new manifesto for Pakistan, a declaration that the pursuit of justice cannot be subverted."

The military stormed the Supreme Court and placed the justices under house arrest, but lawyers intensified the pressure on the foundation of the government, eroding support for the dictator. The march to the rule of law toppled Musharraf, and on August 18, 2008, he entered his resignation from the presidency.

The Medal of Freedom is the highest honor given by the Harvard Law School Association, and has previously been awarded to the team which litigated Brown v. Board of Education and to South African President Nelson Mandela.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan's Chief Justice Awarded Medal of Freedom: Harvard Law Record

Legend Miandad given key Pakistan cricket post: CNN

(CNN) -- Former national captain and coach Javed Miandad has been handed the task of reviving Pakistan's ailing cricket fortunes.

The 51-year-old was appointed director general by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday, and immediately outlined his goal to bring international matches back to the subcontinent nation following recent internal security problems.

"I will use my connections to convince teams to tour Pakistan and our cricket will be back to normal soon," he said. "My priority will be to restore the image of Pakistan cricket, which has been hit by controversies in the recent past."

This year's ICC Champions Trophy was scheduled to be played in Pakistan but it has been postponed after countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa refused to take part due to violence stemming from political turmoil and terrorist attacks.

The PCB is also embroiled in a row with star fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has received bans for breaching its code of conduct and also for taking banned drugs -- as has fellow paceman Mohammad Asif.

Miandad, whose third stint as Pakistan coach ended in controversy in 2004 after a home series loss to India, has since had an acrimonious relationship with the PCB.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Legend Miandad given key Pakistan cricket post: CNN

Pakistan smells rat in ratings downgrade by S&P: The News

Thursday, November 20, 2008
By Khalid Mustafa

ISLAMABAD: The downgrading of Pakistan’s rating by Standard & Poor’s on October 6 by two notches and then on November 14 by one notch seems to be the part of international politics, as it has increased the vulnerability of Pakistan many times.Owing to this very factor, banks have started showing hesitation in opening of L/Cs of the importers, a senior official in the Finance Ministry.

To substantiate Pakistan economic managers’ view, JP Morgan in its latest comment doubted the downgrading of Pakistan by S&P saying: “S&P decision to downgrade Pakistan to CCC last week, based on the ‘ongoing delay by Pakistan in securing external assistance essential for the immediate stabilization of its balance of payments position,’ was curious.”Finance ministry official said that the authorities concerned were shocked over the apparently politically dominated decision of S&P to further downgrade Pakistan rating on November 14 as during the period between October 6 and November 14, the government of the day had to set its direction to move IMF to bailout its economy.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan smells rat in ratings downgrade by S&P: The News

China to set up car manufacturing plant in Pakistan: APP

RAWALPINDI, 18 Nov (APP): China has shown interest to set up car manufacturing plant which was commendable and appreciable and will open avenue of trade between two friendly countries.
There would be a tremendous investment in the country due to this plant.
These views were expressed by the President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) Abdul Rauf Chaudhry here on Tuesday.
He said Pak‑ China friendship was deep rooted and time tested.
He lauded China for making huge investment in Pakistan saying this shows bonds of love and affection towards each other.
RCCI president said this project would persuade other countries to make investment in Pakistan.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: China to set up car manufacturing plant in Pakistan: APP

The Prince of Wales opens exhibition of Pakistan embroidery: APP

LONDON, Nov 19 (APP)- Heir to the British throne Prince Charles of Wales Tuesday attended the opening of a unique exhibition of contemporary textile works using traditional Pakistani craft skills.
The exhibition titled ‘Threads of Change’ showcased result of a unique collaboration between skilled rural women artisans in Pakistan and international designers at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, in East London.
The exhibition is part of a long-term social development project designed to improve income of skilled women artisans from Pakistan.
It is for the first time their work has been shown to international buyers and retailers. The aim of the exhibition is to provide women direct access to European markets for high quality textile products, soft furnishings and couture.
Organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN) in Pakistan, the exhibition is the result of a three-year pilot project led by the Gender Section of the Secretariat and RSPN. It represents their ongoing commitment to gender issues, poverty reduction and economic empowerment.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: The Prince of Wales opens exhibition of Pakistan embroidery: APP

Pakistan Airline to Pledge New York, Paris Hotels to Raise Cash: Bloomberg

By Naween A. Mangi

Nov. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan International Airlines Corp., on course for a fourth straight annual loss, plans to raise 30 billion rupees ($379 million) by pledging two hotels as it struggles to raise funds amid the credit crunch.

``We are an organization no one wants to invest in,'' Managing Director Mohammad Aijaz Haroon said in an interview in his Karachi, Pakistan office yesterday. The airline's Roosevelt Hotel in New York and Hotel Scribe in Paris will be put into a new business, which state-owned companies will be invited to invest in, he added.

The nation's largest airline also plans to cut 5,000 jobs, or 28 percent of its workforce, by shifting workers to outsourcing companies after failing to get a cash injection Pakistan's cash-strapped government. The carrier, which is 88 percent state-owned, is also battling higher fuel costs and a travel slowdown caused by the global recession.

``There are no prospects for this airline,'' said Habib-ur- Rahman, who manages 4.5 billion rupees in stocks and bonds as chief executive of Karachi-based Atlas Asset Management Ltd. ``It's a drain on the national exchequer and the government should examine its viability and wind it up.''

PIA, as the carrier is also known, posted a loss of 38.4 billion rupees in the first nine months compared with 10.9 billion rupees a year earlier.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan Airline to Pledge New York, Paris Hotels to Raise Cash: Bloomberg

Monsanto to bring latest cottonseed technology to Pakistan: Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Monsanto has plans to bring in Pakistan the latest cottonseed technology (BG-II and RRF), currently only available in USA and Australia. According to company's official, Monsanto's cotton traits have demonstrated better season long control of cotton bollworm compared to other Bt technologies.

Independent research trials conducted in China and India have demonstrated significant higher cotton yield and better fiber quality compared to other Bt cotton varieties. Tolerance to CLCV is critical for any germplasm to succeed in Pakistan. Most researchers working on CLCV tolerance are using Monsanto's cotton traits as background genetics.

Monsanto has strong pipeline of cotton technologies to help cotton growers improve their yield and manage their operations more efficiently. Cotton is an important cash crop for Pakistan. It accounts for 8.2 percent of the value added in the agriculture sector and about 2 percent to GDP, adds over $2.8 billion to the national economy.

In Pakistan, the challenge is to raise virtually static cotton production since the last several years. The projected targets for cotton yields are not being met due to continuing crop losses. Boll worm & Leaf Curl Virus CLCV have played havoc with crops in many areas of the country. All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and farmer groups are continuously requesting the authorities to bring latest agriculture technologies in cotton so that Pakistan can regain its lost position in the world as a leading cotton producer.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Monsanto to bring latest cottonseed technology to Pakistan: Daily Times

New York bar confers its highest honour on ex-CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry: APP

NEW YORK, Nov 18 (APP): One of the world’s largest bar associations has conferred its Honourary Membership on Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the deposed chief justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Court, at a solemn ceremony here.

The 23,000-member New York City Bar Association’s President, Patricia Hynes, presented the award—a framed citation -- to justice Chaudhry on Monday in recognition of his efforts to uphold the rule of law.

“This is a very proud moment for our association,” Ms. Hynes told Chaudhry as a large gathering of lawyers and other guests gave him a standing ovation.
“We are proud to be your colleagues,” she added as justice Chaudhry profusely thanked the bar members for the honour done to him.

The former chief justice addressed the gathering after his formal introduction by a U.S. judge, Jed Rakoff, who praised his courage in upholding rule of law.
He told the audience about some of justice Chaudhry’s important judgments, which went against the establishment, despite the pressures brought on him. He paid tributes to him for standing up to President Pervez Musharraf so that the cause of justice was upheld, a stance that endeared him to the people.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: New York bar confers its highest honour on ex-CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry: APP

Opportunities for Pakistan in the Global Financial Slump: Economistan

FREE MARKETS:Many opportunities abound for countries like Pakistan due to the dynamics of the essential commodity prices coupled with low shipping rates. Time to harness these to our advantage.

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
By Saad Sarwar Muhammad

Monday, November 17, 2008

The whole world is undergoing a major financial crisis which has caused the downturn of almost all the developed world economies with job losses, bailouts and financial losses becoming the order of the day. In such unprecedented times of financial trouble the developed world is looking towards developing countries with huge reserves and financial muscle. Countries like China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey fit the bill. They were invited in the recently held summit of the G-20 to help the developed economies recover from the slump and in some way bail out the developed countries from the fiasco they are in.

The world has been undergoing a rollercoaster ride when it comes to the prices of different commodities, the stock market index levels and the value of dollar and yen versus other major currencies. Oil and Gold are two commodities that have hit a nosedive in recent times. Iran has reportedly given the intent to convert its reserves into Gold in order to overcome the deficit that can result in the reduction of price of oil. The value of dollar and yen is soaring at a time against major European currencies giving the indication of more trust in the resilience of the US economy as compared to the EU.

Pakistan has been suffering its own financial crisis lately, which somehow seems unrelated to the recent global recession. Pakistan’s problems have mostly been homegrown based on the energy crisis due to shortage of alternative energy power sources such as hydel, wind, solar and to some extent nuclear. Pakistan’s financial crisis has resulted from the withdrawal of funds from Pakistan’s stock market, the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) since the coming of the new civilian government. Pakistan’s stock market, KSE, has lost close to $36 billion dollars this year in market capitalization. Resultantly, the Pakistani rupee has also borne the brunt with the value of rupee falling from around 60 to a dollar from the beginning of the year to around 80 to a dollar at the moment (many currency dealers have also been arrested in the wake of the rupee devaluation, famous among them the firm of Khanani and Kalia). Not to mention the floor imposed on the KSE to allow the stock market to breathe a sigh of relief. The sigh has converted to deep sleep as the floor remains imposed after many many weeks.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Opportunities for Pakistan in the Global Financial Slump: Economistan

Pakistan offers to sell Kuwait Al-Khalid tanks: Daily Times

NEW YORK: Pakistan has offered to sell its indigenously built Al-Khalid battle tanks to Kuwait to bolster the sovereign Arab emirate’s defence, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Wednesday. Addressing a press briefing following meetings between President Asif Ali Zardari and world leaders on the sidelines of a United Nations meeting on interfaith dialogue, the foreign minister said President Zardari had invited Kuwait to attend the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar, IDEAS-2008, in November, at a meeting with its ruler – Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Zardari said the two countries had a range political, economic and defence ties, but stressed that relations needed to be strengthened further.

Qureshi said the president had also invited the Kuwaiti ruler to visit Pakistan – and the offer was accepted. The minister said Pakistan offered the Al-Khalid tanks to Kuwait describing them as an “attractive purchase because of their price and quality”.

The tank weighs of 46 tonnes and carries three troops. Fitted with a 1,200-horsepower, water-cooled diesel engine and a maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour, it has a 125-millimetre, smooth bore main gun, a 7.62-millimetre, co-axial machinegun and a 12.7-millimetre, remote-firing anti-aircraft gun. The power-to-weight ratio is 26 horsepower per tonne.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan offers to sell Kuwait Al-Khalid tanks: Daily Times

Pakistan cement export in July to October up by 73%: Steel Guru

November 16, 2008
YoY

Daily times reported that cement export witnessed a growth of 73% in four months of 2008 to reach 3.5 million tonnes as total dispatches register an increase of 4% YoY with total sales amounting to 9.8 million tonnes.On the exports front, depreciation of rupee has rendered Pakistani cement as a highly attractive option. The north has primarily contributed to the impressive increase in exports, where exports have taken a leap of a commendable 80% YoY. This is primarily due to the higher demand pouring in from India, which now constitutes 6.5% of exports FY-09. Afghanistan accounts for 28% of the exports.

This is because the incremental exports have primarily been directed towards the cement thirsty UAE, the elaborate construction projects of which have yet to take a hit from the looming economic slowdown.Though sales have increased, capacity utilization has taken a hit by falling to 76.4% which is down by 21% points.

This is primarily because of the expansion ensuing an increase of 1.5 million tonnes YoY in rated capacity, which was unmatched by a 0.35 million tonnes YoY increase in demand. Lucky cement has also made its mark in terms of capacity utilization as its plant in south zone boasts of a level of 117%.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan cement export in July to October up by 73%: Steel Guru

Pakistan cuts petrol, diesel prices from Sunday: Reuters

ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Pakistan has cut petrol prices by 13 percent to give relief to consumers because of a decline in international oil prices, a government authority said.
Oil prices CLc1, which have tumbled more than 60 percent from a record level of $147 per barrel in July, settled down $1.20 at $57.04 on Friday.

Pakistan's latest cut brought the price of petrol to 66.66 rupees per litre from 76.66, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority said late on Saturday. The new prices will be applicable from Sunday.
The government also cut the price of diesel by 11.6 percent, or 7 rupees, to 53 rupees from 60 rupees.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan cuts petrol, diesel prices from Sunday: Reuters

‘Robin Hood’ dishes out Nato booty: Timesonline

November 16, 2008

A Taliban “Robin Hood”, who distributes cut-price food from Nato convoys to the poor, is disrupting supply lines to British and US troops in Afghanistan.

In an audacious raid in Pakistan’s border region last week, two American Humvee armoured personnel carriers and 10 lorries laden with food were seized by Taliban fighters.

In the past year the Taliban have increased attacks on convoys carrying hardware, food and oil as they make their way from Karachi to Peshawar and through the Khyber Pass.

Lorry-loads of hijacked grain have been sold off cheaply in local markets and the Humvees paraded as war “booty”, giving the rebels a propaganda boost. More than 30 tankers with fuel bound for allied forces have been destroyed in bomb attacks on the road this year.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: ‘Robin Hood’ dishes out Nato booty: Timesonline

Pakistan to get $7.6 billion under IMF programme: Tarin: Business Recorder

RIZWAN BHATTI

KARACHI (November 16 2008): Pakistan, after seven years' gap, has finally re-entered the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme to receive $7.6 billion for replenishing its fast depleting reserves, after its friends, multilaterals and other donor agencies and international financial institutions showed reluctance to help it financially.The announcement to this effect was made by Shaukat Tarin, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, at a press conference, along with Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan.Tarin said: "IMF has accepted Pakistan's formal request for funding, and an agreement with IFM has been reached on a rescue package to overcome the country's economic crisis." He said that Pakistan would receive $4.5 billion this year as part of the 23-month IMF deal, while the remaining amount would be received next year.

He said: "The interest rate on the IMF programme will be 3.1 to 3.5 percent, with some changes as per market conditions, which would be repaid during the fiscal years 2012 to 2016."However, he made it clear that this fund would not be used for any non-development expenditures and stock markets, saying that the loan would be utilised for maintaining the declining foreign reserves, besides overcoming its balance of payments crisis. He said that the IMF financing facility would give confidence not only to the markets and the investors but also to other IFIs and friends.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan to get $7.6 billion under IMF programme: Tarin: Business Recorder

China offers $500 million for Pakistan: domain-b

China has offered to lend up to $500 million to Pakistan as part of its obligation to address concerns over the global financial market crisis and the ensuing economic slump.
China's offer was announced in a statement issued by Shaukat Tarin, economic adviser to Pakistan's prime minister.

The move comes after the Japanese offer to lend up to $100 billion to an IMF bailout fund.
China and Japan are the two Asian countries with the largest dispossable resources at their command. But, for China, the only country with a larger foreign-currency stock than Japan, with nearly $2 trillion in reserves, it's a much smaller donation.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: China offers $500 million for Pakistan: domain-b

Pakistan army chief to raise US missile strikes with NATO: AFP

6 hours ago
ISLAMABAD (AFP) — Pakistan's army chief will visit Brussels next week for talks with senior NATO officials about US missile strikes on Pakistani soil near the Afghanistan border, the military said.
The missile attacks by US drones in Pakistan's northwest tribal areas, which US and NATO officials describe as a safe haven for Taliban and Al-Qaeda, have sharply raised tensions between Washington and nuclear-armed Pakistan.
"Army chief Ashfaq Kayani will discuss the complexities of security issues and the need for a comprehensive approach, while fully addressing Pakistan's interest," the military said in a statement.
Kayani will undertake the three-day visit from Tuesday after receiving a special invitation from chief of the NATO military committee admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, it said.
The military committee is the highest forum of NATO, which meets regularly to discuss various strategic issues concerning the organization.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan army chief to raise US missile strikes with NATO: AFP

Terror war will now cost Pakistan $8bn: Daily Times

* Ministry of Finance estimates $34.5 billion losses to Pakistan since 2001

By Sajid Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: The direct and indirect cost of the war on terror borne by Pakistan is likely to increase to $8 billion per annum in the next couple of years from the current $6 billion, an official source told Daily Times on Thursday.According to the official, estimates compiled by the Ministry of Finance indicate that during the eight years since 2001, direct and indirect losses to Pakistan’s economy due to the war on terror have been estimated at $34.5 billion.

According to the official, the loss of lives and economic cost imposed by the war is now rising to an unbearable level and a very negligible portion of these costs is defrayed by the government’s development partners.Since 2001, losses of $5 billion have been estimated in foreign direct investment, more than $5 billion in exports and $5.5 billion in privatisation, the official said.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Terror war will now cost Pakistan $8bn: Daily Times

Pakistan suffered loss of $34bn in war on terror: Qureshi: Dawn

By Masood Haider

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 13: President Asif Ali Zardari has told US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that attacks inside Pakistan by US unmanned Predators in pursuit of militants are undermining Pakistan’s efforts in war against extremists.

Mr Zardari told Ms Rice that these drone attacks were unproductive, and they were contributing to alienation as opposed to winning people over, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told reporters on Wednesday evening.He was addressing a press conference after a meeting between Ms Rice and President Zardari on the sidelines of United Nations interfaith dialogue meeting.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan suffered loss of $34bn in war on terror: Qureshi: Dawn

‘Pakistan to add 20,000MW in 10 years’: The News

Friday, November 14, 2008
By our correspondent

LAHORE: Pakistan is likely to add 20,000MW hydro-electricity generation capacities in next 10 years that besides mitigating power shortage would have sobering effect on the average cost of electricity generation.Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman, Shakeel Ahmad Durrani stated this during an interview with The News. He said the major hydro-electric generation would come from Dialmer Basha Dam that would produce 4500 MW electricity, the construction of which would start by second quarter next year. He said earlier, WAPDA was concentrating on mega dams only that served the dual purpose of providing water for irrigation and generating electricity. He said now it has been decided to explore all avenues from where the hydro-electric generation is possible.He said Bunji a run of the river project would produce 5400MW electricity. Engineering of this project has been completed and its tenders would be invited in early 2010. This project would be completed in seven years and its cost is $6 billion. The project would be built on River Indus near Gilgit, he added.He said Dasu is another run of the river electricity generation project, located 2km upstream on Indus River 69km downstream of Diamer Basha dam. He said feasibility study of the project would be completed within this year. He said tentative project cost is $6.5 billion. The project he added should be completed within a decade as its implementation period is estimated to be 7 years.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: ‘Pakistan to add 20,000MW in 10 years’: The News

Govt turns down Monsanto offer: The News

Friday, November 14, 2008
By Aftab Maken

ISLAMABAD: The government has turned down Monsanto’s offer of introducing second-generation technology of Bt cotton against billions of rupees as seed subsidy to the company for its intention of selling Bt cottonseed in the country. However, the company has been asked to market its high tech seed either by its own or in collaboration with local companies and the federal or provincial governments would not pay for transfer of technology, a MINFAL official told The News on Thursday. The Monsanto, a US based multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation, has offered its high tech Bollguard-II at $20 per acre as its price for selling it to the local farmers during first five years of its inception while $10 per acre for the next five years for enhancing cotton output and to meet the local demand of the commodity.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Govt turns down Monsanto offer: The News

Pakistan Raises Interest Rates Ahead of IMF Bailout: Bloomberg

By Khalid Qayum and Farhan Sharif

Nov. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan's central bank increased its benchmark interest rate by 2 percentage points, the most in more than a decade, as the government seeks a loan from the International Monetary Fund to avoid defaulting on its debt.

The State Bank of Pakistan raised the discount rate at which it lends to commercial banks to 15 percent, Governor Shamshad Akhtar said today in Karachi. The increase was part of conditions for an IMF loan, said Ahsan Iqbal, a spokesman for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party and former deputy chairman of the Finance Ministry's planning commission.
``It was the toughest decision of my life,'' Akhtar told reporters. ``The IMF program will be good for Pakistan as we need to be disciplined.''

Pakistan has been forced to seek funds from the IMF after its foreign reserves shrunk to $3.5 billion as of Nov. 1 from $14.2 billion a year ago, raising concern the country will not be able to pay the $3 billion in debt-servicing costs due in the next 12 months. Higher borrowing costs may also tame inflation, which accelerated to near a three-decade high in October.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan Raises Interest Rates Ahead of IMF Bailout: Bloomberg

Remittances rise to $2.34bn: The News

Wednesday, November 12, 2008By our correspondentKARACHI: Remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis continued to show a rising trend as $2.34 billion was received in the first four months (July-October) of the current fiscal year 2008-09, showing an increase of $264.5 million or 12.71 per cent over the same period of last year.

The amount of $2.34bn includes $0.16 million received through encashment and profit earned on Foreign Exchange Bearer Certificates (FEBCs) and Foreign Currency Bearer Certificates (FCBCs). Monthly average of remittances for the period comes to $586.50m as compared to $520.37m during the same period of the last fiscal year, registering a surge of 12.71 per cent.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Remittances rise to $2.34bn: The News

Orascom's Mobilink commercially launches 'Mobilink Infinity' mobile WiMAX service in Pakistan: Ameinfo

Mobilink, Pakistan's cellular market leader, and Alcatel-Lucent today announced the commercial launch of Mobilink Infinity, a wireless broadband and telephony service for residential and enterprise consumers based on the mobile WiMAX standard, 802.16e-2005 (Rev-e).

Mobilink Infinity went live on October 22 in Karachi, Pakistan's financial capital and major business center. In its very first week, the service attracted several thousands of subscribers. Mobilink, a member of the Orascom Telecom group, estimates that the service will attract 50,000 subscribers by year-end.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Orascom's Mobilink commercially launches 'Mobilink Infinity' mobile WiMAX service in Pakistan: Ameinfo

Pakistan approves big new dam project: Radio Austrailia

The Pakistan government has approved the building of 12 billion US dollar dam on the Indus river in the north of the country.

Water minister Raja Pervez Ashraf says the new Basha dam will produce 4,500 megawatts of electricity as part of efforts to overcome Pakistan's acute power shortage.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan approves big new dam project: Radio Austrailia

Pakistan Expands Unmanned Air Force: Wired

By Noah Shachtman

America's killer drones are getting all the attention, in the fight against Pakistani militants. But Pakistan's military has plenty of unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, too. And they're being used to spy on suspected insurgents, and listen in on their phone calls.

Since 2002, Pakistan has dramatically expanded its robotic fleet in the sky, Defense News reports. The Pakistani Air Force has two UAV squadrons -- and is looking to build up to six.

"Al-Qaida and Taliban fighters use not just mobile and satellite phones for communication, but also sophisticated military radios," Defense News notes. So companies like East West Infiniti are building SIGINT [signals intelligence] for small drones and robotic blimps, to capture those conversations.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan Expands Unmanned Air Force: Wired

Pakistan and Barack Obama: Barracking: Where Obamamania does not apply: Economist

THE global carnival sparked by Barack Obama’s election victory suggests unrealistic faith in his ability to change the way America deals with the world. But in Pakistan people are less drawn to the lofty rhetoric of change than they are repelled by another campaign pledge.

Mr Obama has said that when elected he would authorise cross-border operations to “hunt down” Taliban and al-Qaeda militants operating in the tribal areas of Pakistan. But as the drone missile attacks—and attendant civilian deaths—have mounted (see article), they have fired up both rural radicals and urban, middle-class moderates, whose national pride is wounded.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan and Barack Obama: Barracking: Where Obamamania does not apply: Economist

Gold industry suffers from unfair competition: The News

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
By our correspondent

KARACHI: Pakistan is the eighth biggest consumer of gold in the world and annually imports 127 tonnes of gold but unfortunately there is no consumer satisfaction and Pakistani jewellery industry suffers from unfair competition by those who use low-carat gold and therefore, sell at a lower price.

This was the crux of a seminar titled ‘latest trends in jewellery hallmarking’ organised by Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) at the Gems and Jewellery Training & Manufacturing Centre (GJTMC), in Saddar, Karachi.

It was further highlighted that non-existence of hallmarking causes loss of exports and less acceptability of products, both in the local and global markets. Addressing the audience, Project Director (PITMAEM), Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr Shahzad Alam said that in order to improve the quality of jewellery products, complete quality assessment and hallmarking of gold is imperative.

He informed that hallmarking refers to physically marking a piece of jewellery according to specific laws to certify the purity of the metal. Hallmarks are small markings stamped on gold, silver and platinum articles.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Gold industry suffers from unfair competition: The News

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar listed among ten outstanding Asian women leaders: The News

KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar has been listed among the ten outstanding Asian women leaders.

The report published in a newspaper, Asian Wall Street Journal said that SBP Governor, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar was the first woman Governor of Pakistan’s Central Bank placed in a better position for tackling the existing financial crisis in the country.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Dr. Shamshad Akhtar listed among ten outstanding Asian women leaders: The News

AEDB to produce 5,000MW energy: Dawn

ISLAMABAD, Nov 10: Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has planned to produce 5,000MW energy within five to seven years utilising renewable energy resources available in the country.

This generation would certainly help meeting the current energy shortfall, Chief Executive Officer AEDB Arif Allaudin said talking to journalists here on Monday after conclusion of inaugural session of two-day stakeholders’ consultative workshop on ‘development of medium-term renewable energy policy for Pakistan’, jointly organised by AEDB and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The CEO said the board is planning to make medium-term and long-term policy in consultation with concerned stakeholders. He said the board has been assigned by the government with the target of producing 5 per cent energy from renewable resources out of total power generation capacity.

He said the country’s first 50MW wind power project is scheduled to be commissioned in next month. He added five turbines of 1.2MW capacity each would be installed in the first phase of the project.

He said tariff issue will be resolved in consultation with stakeholders and people will get cheaper electricity. He said in an effort to harness the renewable energy resources, AEDB is encouraging private sector to develop renewable energy power projects.Earlier addressing the participants of the workshop, CEO AEDB said that country is facing an energy crisis, adding the board would fully utilise the alternative energy resources available in the country.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: AEDB to produce 5,000MW energy: Dawn

Pharma industry targets $500m exports: The News

Saturday, November 08, 2008
By our correspondent

LAHORE: Pharmaceutical industry, encouraged by crossing $100 million mark in exports, is focusing on achieving a target of $500 million by 2013 provided the government ensures elimination of producers of spurious drugs in local markets which affects the industry’s image abroad.

Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Chairman Kashif Sajjad Sheikh stated this during a visit of Dr Asad Ashraf, Chairman Chief Minister’s Task Force on Spurious Drugs, to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said the whole pharmaceutical industry would support the government and extend full cooperation in its drive against unqualified people, who were defaming the industry.

The chairman of chief minister’s task force on spurious drugs assured that stern action against all such unqualified people would be taken, who were harming the pharmaceutical industry for petty gains. He said the government was well aware of the fact that a few unscrupulous people were tarnishing the image of the whole pharmaceutical industry, which was not only catering to domestic needs but also earning foreign exchange for the country.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pharma industry targets $500m exports: The News

Syria shows the way to Pakistan: The News

Saturday, November 08, 2008 By Rahimullah Yusufzai

The writer is resident editor of The News in Peshawar The way the Syrian government and people reacted to a recent US military raid on a village in Syria near the Iraqi border forced one to reflect on the Pakistani reaction to similar American incursions into its territory. Obviously, the Syrians were angry and protests broke out in Damascus and elsewhere in the country. But a lot more instructive was the strong reaction of President Bashar al-Assad's government, which described the killing of eight Syrians in the attack as a "cold-blooded war crime", demanded an apology and warned of consequences. In comparison, governments in Pakistan whether run by the soldiers or civilians are forever trying to find some justification for such cross-border raids. This is useful to escape the blame for being unable to protect citizens from raids by other powers and defend the country's borders despite spending so much on the armed forces. The reaction by Pakistani governments is belated and mild and no real effort is made to provide facts and figures to the people about the human and material losses resulting from the US ground and missile strikes. The government of President General Pervez Musharraf never demanded an apology from the US for its numerous attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas near the Afghan border and it even failed to ask for monetary compensation for the families of those killed and wounded in the frequent American assaults. The democratically elected government headed by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has adopted the same policy even though it was expected to forcefully plead Pakistan's case in keeping with the aspirations of the nation. In fact, the first major ground offensive by helicopter-borne US forces took place on Pakistan's soil in South Waziristan during the PPP-led government's rule in early September but its reaction was meek and rhetorical, packing a lot of hot air and signifying nothing. The situation has come to such a pass that now the US is 'requested' not to launch missile strikes in Pakistani territory and countries ranging from the United Kingdom to Turkey is asked to intercede on Islamabad's behalf for convincing the US to respect Pakistan's sovereignty. Though it is true that states such as Pakistan with weak economy and weaker political will cannot hope to safeguard their sovereignty from arrogant superpowers such as the US, most Pakistanis still expect their rulers and armies to make a real effort toward this end instead of making hollow claims and raising false hopes. With such low credibility, the ruling elite cannot hoodwink the people, who shouldn't be taken for granted as they are able to fully grasp the situation and arrive at intelligent decisions whenever granted an opportunity. For more on this article, please click on the following link: Syria shows the way to Pakistan: The News

Pakistan Declares Death Penalty for 'Cyber Terror': Wired.com

By Noah Shachtman

American officials can have some pretty over-the-top reactions to hackers and so-called cyber terrorists. Once, I saw a briefing comparing our own Kevin Poulsen to Osama bin Laden and Pablo Escobar -- seriously. But the U.S. has nothing on Pakistan, when it comes to cyber terror paranoia. Yesterday, Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari signed a law making cyber terror a crime "punishable with death."

Executions will only be allowed if the hack attack "causes [the] death of any person," the Prevention of Electronic Crimes law states.

But the definition of what is considered "cyber terror" is alarmingly broad in the law, proposed last year and signed Thursday by the Pakistani president. Not only does it apply to "any person, group or organization who, with terroristic intent utilizes, accesses or causes to be accessed a computer or computer network or electronic system or electronic device or by any available means, and thereby knowingly engages in or attempts to engage in a terroristic act."

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan Declares Death Penalty for 'Cyber Terror': Wired.com

Indian colonel arrested over deadly offensive against Muslims: The News

NEW DELHI: An army officer was arrested on Wednesday in connection with bomb blasts in two western towns that killed five people and were blamed on a Hindu militant group, a government lawyer said.

Officers from the anti-terrorism squad in Mumbai questioned lieutenant colonel Srikant Purohit, a Hindu, for days before finally arresting him.

"He was arrested this morning and is being produced in court," said Ajay Misar, a government lawyer acting in the case.

The officer is accused of helping Hindu militants with bomb-making and other logistics in the attack in the Muslim-dominated towns of Malegaon and Modasa in September.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Indian colonel arrested over deadly offensive against Muslims: The News

Pakistan outsourcing soars: IT Examiner

Now number three RentACoder

By Aharon Etengoff @ Thursday, November 06, 2008 7:40 AM

Pakistan has reportedly attained a number three ranking on RentACoder. According to E-Commerce Times, the online outsourcing marketplace currently lists India and the US as the top two outsourcing destinations.

"With the Pakistani Rupee depreciating and the Indian Rupee appreciating, costs are 25 to 40 percent cheaper," explained Imran Aftab of TenPearls, a business intelligence and software development company in Herndon, Va.Aftab also noted that the quality of services offered by a relatively untapped Pakistani labour force was "much higher compared to what is available in the saturated Indian market...This provides better value for customers."

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan outsourcing soars: IT Examiner

USDA Attache: Pakistan's 2007-08 Rice Exports Surge: Ali Baba

Editor: Sharon Li
6 Nov 2008 09:49:09 GMT

Unfettered by government intervention or an export ban, Pakistan rice exports surged in MY 2007/08 to an estimated at 4.2 million metric tons, positioning Pakistan to overtake the United States as the world's third largest exporter of rice, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture attache report posted Wednesday on the Foreign Agricultural Services Web site.

Access to last season's strong international prices encouraged farmers to move additional planting area to rice, and as a result, MY2008/09 rice production is estimated to reach a record 6.3 million tons.

In light of this year's bumper crop and the softening of international prices, the Government of Pakistan has announced its intention to purchase one million tons of domestic paddy in an effort to support local prices. The trade is wary of any government intervention in this highly successful, private-sector led market and has responded cautiously to the government's rice procurement scheme.

RICE Production

Based on Government of Pakistan (GOP) data, Post's estimate of MY 2006/07 rice production was increased (5 percent) to 5.45 million metric tons (MMT), the MY 2007/08 production estimate was increased (4 percent) to 5.7 MMT, and the MY 2008/09 estimate increased by (12.5 percent) to a record 6.3 MMT. An expansion in area planted to rice coupled with timely rains and reduced pest activity contributed to this year's record crop production level.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: USDA Attache: Pakistan's 2007-08 Rice Exports Surge: Ali Baba

IT sector Witnesses 30-50pc growth: Dawn

KARACHI, Nov 4: Pakistan’s IT and ITES sector has been growing at the rate of between 30 and 50pc annually. This growth is being witnessed for the past five years with the largest member of companies grossing between $15 and 30m in annual revenue and receiving $100m valuations.

“Many that started with a small number of people have grown to strong 40-50 people product companies or service companies with teams of 300 to one,000 people, and this growth has resulted in high-paid employment for knowledge workers and an increasingly changing image of technology savvy Pakistan,” said Imran Zia, Chairman, Pakistan Software Houses Association in his opening remarks at the annual flagship ICT awards event recently.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: IT sector Witnesses 30-50pc growth: Dawn

Cement export exceeds three million tons: Brecorder

RIZWAN BHATTI
KARACHI (November 04 2008): Cement exports exceeded 3 million tons as 3.497 million tons cement was exported in July-October of the current fiscal year depicting 73 percent growth as compared to 2.025 million tons during the same period of last fiscal year. This was due to huge export orders from Middle East, industry sources said.They said that surged in cement export was due to high demand and its shortage in the region, especially in Dubai, Afghanistan and India, where construction activities are at peak. Following the rising demand for cement on international front, the industry is also rapidly growing and its production capacity has increased by about 50 percent to 37 million tons from 21 million tons.Cement exports in October 2008 also broke all previous records, as over one million tons cement was exported in a single month. However, due to poor economic situation in the country, local dispatches declined by 14 percent during the period under review. Local cement dispatches declined to 6.337 million tons during this period as compared to 7.456 million tons of last fiscal year. But overall cement dispatches increased by 3.71 percent to 9.834 million tons as compared to 9.482 million tons of last fiscal year.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Cement export exceeds three million tons: Brecorder

ICRC seeks $7.8 mn for Pakistan`s earthquake-hit people: Mathaba

The International Committee of the Red Cross `ICRC` Sunday launched an appeal of 7.8 million dollars for the affected people of Pakistan`s southwest.

Officials say that death toll from the October 29th earthquake has crossed the figure in Balochistan.But the ICRC in an appeal through internet said that at least 200 people were killed in the earthquake.Over 70,000 people, including 30,000 children, were left homeless by a quake that measured 6.4 on the Richter scale.It said that 20 to 30 thousands people have been affected and some 4000 mud houses destroyed in Ziarat district, some 60 kilometers from Quetta, the provincial capital.The ICRC said that its priority is to provide tents to the affected people as winter has already approached and the people are living outside houses due to fear of aftershocks.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: ICRC seeks $7.8 mn for Pakistan`s earthquake-hit people: Mathaba

PAKISTAN TELCO PROFIT AFTER TAX RISES TO US$39.3 MLN: TradingMarkets.com

KARACHI, Nov 04, 2008 (AsiaPulse via COMTEX) -- PKTLY Quote Chart News PowerRating -- The profit after tax of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has increased to Rs 3.178 billion (US$ 39.3 million) in the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as compared to Rs 3.012 billion earned in the corresponding period last year.

The board of directors of the company in its meeting held on Thursday declared that the earning per share increased to Re 0.62 in the period under review against Re 0.59 in the same period a year back.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: PAKISTAN TELCO PROFIT AFTER TAX RISES TO US$39.3 MLN: TradingMarkets.com

Saudi Arabia commits $100 million for quake victims: Business Recorder

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD (November 01 2008): Saudi Finance Minister Dr Ibrahim Al-Assaf on Friday committed immediate transfer of $100 million relief and rehabilitation support for earthquake victims of Balochistan. Dr Ibrahim further said that Saudi government would be providing a package of health and relief support along with the financial assistance already committed.During a meeting with advisor to the prime minister on finance and economic affairs, Shaukat Tarin, Al-Assaf expressed sympathy over the loss of precious lives and property during the earthquake, which devastated many areas of Balochistan.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Saudi Arabia commits $100 million for quake victims: Business Recorder

Pakistan can raise $5bn in 30 days: Dawn

By Yousuf Nazar

Given the current ‘political realities’, Pakistan seems to have little option but to go to the IMF. But the truth is Pakistan can raise $5 billion in the next 30 days if it wants to; even if Saudi Arabia does not extend oil credit facility.The United States wants Pakistan to work with the IMF and the government does not want to upset Washington. Otherwise why would it sit on proposals (like the exchangeable bonds and the securitisation of remittances) for months that could have raised a few billion dollars? The proposal from the Chinese to buy minority stake in the National Bank of Pakistan, likewise, was put in cold storage.Raising $5 billion will take Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves to about $12 billion. This would represent a comfortable level of four months worth of next 12 months of imports as Pakistan’s annual import bill is likely to drop sharply to $33 billion from $40 billion in FY 2007-08 due to the collapse of the price of oil and these of other commodities such as edible oil. Four months of import cover is considered a reasonable level and the country can use this time to take steps, such as privatisation or joint ventures in strategic areas, to mobilise funds for its medium- term needs.Just consider the following four of the many ways the government can use to raise $5 billion for meeting the current crunch. These are not necessarily the most desirable options but are far better than carrying a begging bowl around the world.— Pakistan has about $1.8 billion in gold reserves. Borrowing or leasing against gold is a standard international practice. Pakistan can borrow for six months at the rate of around 2.1 per cent from the central bank of a friendly country such as the United Arab Emirates. India did this in 1991 for a short period.— Pakistan can borrow (not beg) at least US$1.5 billion from China on commercial terms by putting its shares in large government-owned corporations as collateral. China has, in the past year, extended loans to other countries (e.g. Congo) on the basis of proper collateral. The cost of loans secured against collateral can be significantly cheaper compared with other options.— Pakistan can get another $800 million in a few days if the US reimburses the remaining amount for 2008 it should pay under the Coalition Support Fund relating to expenditure incurred on combating terrorism. Pakistan has received only one instalment ($364.7 million in September 2008) for this year’s expenses. A senior military source told Internews that the amount for reimbursement was calculated on the basis of six-monthly reports. He said all bills related to the expenditure had been audited jointly by a team of Pakistani military officers and the US embassy.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan can raise $5bn in 30 days: Dawn