Dollar becoming more Stronger against Rupee

In the Intra-day trade this month rupee become a record low of 91.28 to the doller, Analysts says that this is due to the country economic health and weakening current account.

According to the data of State Bank of Pakistan The current account recorded a provisional deficit of $2.154 billion in the first six months of the 2011/12 fiscal year, compared with a surplus of $8 million in the same period last year.

Dollar is becoming more stronger as compared to the Rupee due to the economic pressure on rupee.

Pakistan won hockey series against China

Pakistan on Sunday completed a clean sweep of China in their four-match hockey series. Pakistan won the final match 2-1 to emerge unbeaten in the series after taking the first three games in Karachi and Faisalabad earlier this week by 3-0, 5-3 and 3-1.

Pakistan gained the early lead when Vice-captain Shakeel Abbasi made a field goal in the first major attack of the match.

Fareed Ahmed drew the second in the 26th minute to double the lead, while China’s lone goal came in the 33rd minute when Dong Yang dodged Pakistan’s defence in the final moments of the first half.

“The Chinese played a much improved game today. They kept us tight,” said Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran. “We had a clear edge on them in the first two matches but they had a good come back in the last two,” he added.

Pakistan, however, gifted the series trophy to their rivals to acknowledge their support for the violence-hit country.

“China lost the hockey series but won the friendship series by coming to Pakistan. So, we will give this trophy to them,” Asif Bajwa, the secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation, said at the awards ceremony.

“They have proved that there is no security threat to any foreign team in Pakistan and sport is fully protected over here,” he said.

Pakistan, which last hosted an international major hockey event seven years ago, hopes the Chinese tour will help convince other foreign teams to visit.

The country is also working to resume a bilateral hockey series with India.

Bill against child molestation adopted

 The National Assembly witnessed a little verbal clash among the members of parliament from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Muttahida Qaumi Movement over the issue of allegations levelled against Altaf Hussain.
Besides, the controversial memo issue was slightly discussed by only one member of the house. The house also adopted a bill to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and code of criminal procedure, 1898, (the criminal law, amendment) bill, 2011 regarding punishment for a person who molests an underage and commits unnatural or carnal intercourse. It was moved by PPP MNA Justice (Retd) Fakhar-un-Nisa.
PML-N legislator Qudsia Arshad was the only MNA, who on point of order demanded of the judicial commission to investigate the matter of memo. ?It is an important matter and the commission should conduct probe into it so as to unmask the faces behind the controversy,? she added.
Raising the issue about Zulfiqar Mirza, MNA from MQM Sajid Ahmed said Pir Mazharul Haq had claimed that the allegations against Altaf Hussain were baseless. ?Pir Mazharul Haq should be called in the house for details,? he added. On this, PML-N legislator Shireen Arshad said Zulfiqar Mirza was a respectable person, as he informed the nation about the extortionist and corrupt mafia on oath. She said all of his documents should also be shared with the nation.
Another MNA from PML-N Rohail Asghar was of the view that four incidents of swearing on Quran by the government ministers happened, due to which the country was facing acts of terrorism, killings and other issues. He said it should not be practiced in politics.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, responding to the point raised by the MNAs on human rights issue, informed that Punjab was at the top of the list in crime rate, as 6242 murders, 192 kidnappings and over 2000 rape cases were witnessed in 2010. He said the provinces should take steps to control crimes. Earlier, MNAs Muhammad Pervaiz, Nisar Tanveer, Tasneem Siddiqui, Shireen Arshad Khan and Nighat Parvin expressed their concerns on human rights issues.
Speaking on point of order, PML-N legislator Abdul Qadir Baloch demanded investigation into the reason for terrorist attacks on armed forces, which claimed several precious lives. He said the parliamentary committee on Karachi and Balochistan brought no fruitful results and it should be probed. On it, PPP chief whip Khursheed Shah said dates were fixed for visiting Balochistan, however the visit was delayed as most of the committee members went to perform Haj. Speaking on point of order, PPP-S Chief Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao drew the attention of the house towards Lowari Tunnel project, saying that work had been stopped on it.
Responding to the issue of Lowari Tunnel, Minister for Communication Dr Arbab Alamgir said work on Lowari Tunnel project would be started soon after payment of Rs two billion. He said the Korean company had stopped work on the project due to shortage of funds, but now after receiving Rs two billion the work would be resumed.
On the issue of urea fertilizer, which would be debated in the house today (Wednesday), Parliamentary Secretary for Industries Pir Haider Ali Shah, while responding to queries on a call attention notice by different MPs, said that local production of urea fertilizer in the country was four lakh ton, which was more than the requirement.
In response to a question by notice of Yasmeen Rehman and other legislators, he said the government was purchasing urea from international market at Rs 3000 per bag and was providing Rs 1300 to Rs 1500 subsidy on each urea sack. He said in order to control the shortage, two lakh metric ton urea had reached Karachi and five lakh metric ton would arrive till December. He said it was also a responsibility of the provinces to take initiatives against smuggling. While, MNA Raza Hiraj said a resolution was moved to debate on urea fertilizer issue on Wednesday. It was against the rule 259 to take business on this matter.
The National Assembly also offered Fateha for martyred personnel of security forces in Balochistan. Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada requested the house to offer Fateha for the security forces personnel, who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty and former minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi led the Fateha. Earlier, a bill moved by MNA Justice (Retd) Fakhar-un-Nisa Khoker regarding amendment to the Pakistan Penal Code 1860 and the code of criminal procedure 1898 (the criminal law, amendment) bill 2011 was laid in the house. The statement of objects and reason says that ?Child-molestation is increasing in different places in the country and even at public places, like bus stands, railway stations, roadside hotels or other hotels, children are molested and the molestation has become a business that is run at the cost of future of innocent, poor and needy children. It requires harsh measures to control it and punish the person involved in such heinous business.?
Meanwhile, MNA Nauman Sheikh on the behalf of ANP President Asfandyar Wali presented this report on the bill to provide of preservation, protection and assertion of sovereignty of Pakistan (the sovereignty of Pakistan bill 2010) moved by Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and to the committee on 12th January 2010.
The 18-member committee comprising Asfandyar Wali, Palwasha Khan, Farahnaz Isphahani, Fuazia Habib, Nauman Islam Sheikh, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Mir Amir Ali Kahn Magsi, Aftab ahmed, Ayza Amir, Raja Muhammad Asad, Humair Hayat Khan Rokhri, Muhammad Hamza Shabaz Sharif, Fasisal Saleh Hayat, Ghias Ahmed Mela, Rana Asif Tauseef, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rahman, and other members. The committee in its meeting held on January 21, 2011 considered the bill in details. The majority of the members did not approve the said bill and recommended that the same may not be processed with by the National Assembly for legislation.
According to the statement of objects and reasons of the considered bill, ?there are many forces both inside and outside Pakistan who are weakening the defence of Pakistan and endangering the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. A vulnerable economic situation is being used to force Pakistan to take the steps, which are not in the national interest. It is, therefore, necessary to enact this law.
Definitions: In the act, unless there is anything repugnant to the subject or contact (a) ?Armed forces? means the army, navy and air force of Pakistan?.(b) ?Foreign country? means a country other than Pakistan; (c) ?Parliament? means the National Assembly and the Senate; and (d) ?President? means the president of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
According to the certificate to be issued by the president:(i) The sovereignty and dignity of Pakistan have not been compromised in any manner (ii) No compromise has been made on security or effectiveness of the nuclear program of Pakistan (iii) No understanding has been reached with any foreign country for interference in the change of command or promotions in the Pakistan Armed forces or in the structure or rule of the security forces of Pakistan (iv) No conditionality has been accepted from any source to weaken the defence of Pakistan against foreign aggression.

ICJ to be moved against HR abuses in IHK

Former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry on Tuesday said that efforts were under way to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the massive human rights violations being committed by brutal Indian forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Barrister Sultan, who recently visited Srinagar, said that discovery of unnamed graves and human rights violations are a matter of great concern for people of Kashmir. He claimed that he is the first recognised AJK political leader who visited Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) in last 64 years.
He said the international community would be motivated to take up the issue with ICJ.
According to the law, he said, no individual can move to ICJ so the efforts are being made to convince a country to move the international court for mitigating the sufferings of people of Kashmir.
He underlined the need for highlighting the Kashmir issue at
international fora in a more effective manner, adding "I will share the first hand information, with international community and expatriate Kashmiris during my visit abroad, gathered from Srinagar."
The former AJK premier termed the increasing trade ties between Pakistan and India 'a step forward' towards resolution of the core issue of Kashmir.
He demanded that genuine leadership of Kashmiris be included in the dialogue process between India and Pakistan as no durable solution could be achieved without taking their input. Barrister Sultan was of the view that resolution of Kashmir issue is imperative for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as in the region of South Asia.
He urged the international community to pressurise India for repealing black laws like Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act (TADA) from IHK to give a sigh of relief to people of Kashmir. He said people of Kashmir would continue their struggle till logical conclusion of the Kashmir issue.

No high treason against Haqqani

 The Lahore High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking to take action under high treason charges against Hussain Haqqani, Pakistani ambassador to the US, allegedly involved in controversial memo scandal.
Helms Foundation through its counsel Advocate Safdar Shaheen Peerzada submitted that Mr Haqqani did not fulfill the requirements of being patriotic citizen of Pakistan. The counsel pleaded that Mr Haqqani allegedly wrote a confidential memorandum (letter) to former US military Chief Mike Mullen against Pakistan Army and Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and this was against the sovereignty country.
He stated the letter was written by Mr Haqqani on behalf of the federal government and it had damaged the image of Pakistan, Army and ISI in all over the world.
He said, later, Mr Haqqani handed over this later to Mansor Ijaz, a US based businessman, who forwarded it to Mr Mullen.
Advocate Peerzada submitted that the role and conduct of Mr Haqqani was doubtful in the whole episode. He further submitted the Mr Haqqani had issued visas to American spies like Raymond Devis for his personal interests and his act fall under the Article 6 of constitution.
He prayed the court to direct the federal government to produce the record of Blackberry (cell phone) and laptop used by Mansor Ijaz.
He further prayed the court to sought report from Mr Haqqani about the controversial letter and initiate proceeding against him under high treason charges.
After arguments, Justice Umer Ata Bandial observed ?Government is probing the matter still and Mr Haqqani is also explaining the issue before government.?
The Judge dismissed the petition saying that it will premature to initiate proceeding against anyone involved in the matter.

Plea admitted for hearing against CJ oath-taking

Justice Mohammad Khalid Mehmood Khan of Lahore High Court on Tuesday overruled an objection raised on a petition, challenging the oath of LHC Chief Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed administered by Punjab Governor Latif Khosa and admitted it for hearing.
Earlier, the LHC registrar office had raised objection that the petition was not maintainable as he the petitioner Advocate Afaq Ahmed was not the grieved person. Justice Khan heard the matter as objection case and removed the objections.
Afaq argued that being the citizen of Pakistan he has every right to move the case but he failed to satisfy the court and sought more time for arguments. On his request, Justice Khan allowed him one weak to prepare his case. The court will resume the hearing on November 28.
Afaq submitted that case against appointment of Mr Khosa as governor and the acquittal of Shahbaz Sharif in a police encounter was pending before the court and both personalities were present in oath-taking ceremony.
He had further pointed out portraits of President Asif Ali Zardari and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, exhibited in the ceremony. He said another case pertaining to holding of political office by the President was also pending in the LHC while Bhutto was convicted by the court. Afaq pleaded that under such situation Justice Azmat Saeed should have not taken oath administered by the Punjab governor.

Revolt likely against MFN status to India

The religious and political parities of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have rejected the Pakistani government decision to grant India a status of Most Favorite Nation (MFN) and have announced to launch a countrywide protest here on Tuesday.
Terming the decision as potentially harmful for the national interest, different organizations of the lawyers also vowed to take an active part in the movement against the wrong stance of PPP led government regarding MFN. Defense of Pakistan Lawyers? Movement has been established in this regard. The lawyers would fight on this platform to enforce the government to retaliate on its decision.

This news was published in print paper. To access the complete paper of this day. click here

Rawalpindi on top against PIA

 Rawalpindi Region were 127 for 1 at stumps while replying to Pakistan International Airlines U-19 team?s total of 147 all out in the Inter-Region Departments U-19 cricket tournament group A match at the Bhutto Ground on Tuesday.
Adnan Mahmood 65 not out and Sher Latif 58 played well from Rawalpindi. Earlier put in to bat first, Pakistan International Airlines were bundled out for 147 in 53 overs. Akhtar 40, Haris 35, Ahmad 32 played well. For Rawalpindi Zubair Ahmed 4/21, Adil Shabbir 3/35and Adnan Mahmood 2/8 bowled well.
Aslam and Sjid Afridi supervised the match, Allah Ditta acted as match referee and Umer Iqbal acted as official scorer.
In another match of Group B played at Sheikhupura Stadium Sheikhupura, five-star Mir Hamza destroyed Faisalabad Region batting as they were tottering at 63/7 against Karachi Blues at stumps. Munir Ahmad (24) was the only batsman who could reach double figures. Mir Hamza 5/25 and Khurram Shahad 2/8 bowled well.
Earlier, Karachi batting first scored 137 all out in 41 overs. Ahsan Ali (40), Wasim Akbar (32) and Jahangir Javed (26) were the main contributors. From Faisalabad M Farman grabbed 6/32 and Ahsan 3/52 bowled well.
M Rashid & M Arif supervising the match while Shahid Butt acting as match referee and Nasir Khan is the official scorer.

Windies on top against India

MUMBAI (AFP) - In-form Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo capped an impressive West Indies batting performance with unbeaten half-centuries on the opening day of the third and final Test against India on Tuesday.
Edwards (65 not out) and left-handed Bravo (57 not out) put on 117 for the unfinished third-wicket stand as the West Indies reached 267-2 at stumps in their first innings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The tourists suffered a setback even before the first ball had been bowled when key batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was ruled out of the Test due to a calf injury.
But the West Indies made the most of winning the toss on a good batting track, with teenager Kraigg Brathwaite (68) and Adrian Barath (62) adding 137 for the opening wicket to give their team a solid start.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin removed the well-set openers in four overs in the afternoon session, but there was no respite for India as Edwards and Bravo executed attractive shots.
India took the second new ball in the 85th over, but failed to break the Edwards-Bravo stand.
Edwards, who scored a century on Test debut against India in Dominica in July, extended his impressive run in Test cricket as he has so far made two hundreds and three half-centuries in six matches. He has so far hit 10 fours in his 117-ball knock. Bravo, who cracked a brilliant 136 in the last Test in Kolkata, was lucky to survive on 33 when he was dropped by Rahul Dravid at lone slip off left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. He hit seven fours in his seventh Test half-century.
India struggled for success on a first-day pitch which had little in it for the bowlers as they went wicketless in the opening and last sessions. The hosts had to wait for more than three hours for their first wicket, with Ashwin having Barath caught behind. Barath, who scored 62 in the last match, hit eight fours in his 2nd successive Test half-century. Ashwin struck again when he removed Brathwaite, with Virat Kohli holding a bat-pad catch at forward short-leg. Brathwaite cracked eight fours in his third Test half-century. Brathwaite, who turns 19 next month, was dropped on 57 by Venkatsai Laxman at backward short-leg off Ashwin, but failed to capitalise on the chance as he could add only 11 more runs.
The West Indies openers batted patiently in the morning, with Barath playing some handsome shots especially against pacemen Varun Aaron and Ishant Sharma in the opening hour.
Barath fluently drove debutant Aaron through the covers and turned him to fine-leg for fours before cover-driving Sharma for another boundary.
The West Indies made two changes from the side that played in the last Test as they brought in batsman Kieran Powell and paceman Ravi Rampaul in place of Chanderpaul and Kemar Roach.
ScoreCard
WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS:
A Barath c Dhoni b Ashwin 62
K Brathwaite c Kohli b Ashwin 68
K Edwards not out 65
D Bravo not out 57
EXTRAS: (b4, lb10, nb1) 15
TOTAL: (for two wkts; 91 overs) 267
FOW: 1-137, 2-150
BOWLING: Sharma 17-6-33-0, Aaron 16-3-47-0, Ojha 26-7-55-0, Ashwin 27-2-86-2, Sehwag 3-0-23-0, Kohli 2-0-9-0
Toss: West Indies
Umpires: Tony Hill (NZL) and Bruce Oxenford (AUS)
TV umpire: Shavir Tarapore (IND)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)