He brought an ex as his date to the Golden Globes and reportedly hung tight with Camilla Belle (Taylor Swift's frenemy) all night at the Art of Elysium Gala on Saturday. But there was one babe who really got Jake's attention late into the night after the Golden Globes...
Mila Kunis!
The gorgeous duo were seen getting way chatty and just a little grabby at CAA's Golden Globes after-party at Sunset Tower.
"They ended up talking in a corner practically the entire party," dishes a source at the exclusive bash. "They were laughing and smiling a lot. It was really flirty and they both looked like they were having a lot of fun."
Still, the partygoer says the two didn't go home together.
As we've said a dozen times, Mila is hands-down our fave babe around right now, so big props to Jake if this is the dating route he's trying to go. And according to our last poll, you all are totally into a Kunis-Gyllenhaall hookup.
Unfortunately, sources close to Gyllenhaal tell us the two definitely aren't dating (just yet).
"They are just really good friends," dishes a Jake pal about the current status of his relationship with Mila.
Breaking News Jake Gyllenhaal not only brought his ex, Jenny Lewis, to the Golden Globes, but he apparently had his eyes on a few other women.
The actor was reportedly spending time chatting up a select few at various after parties, states. Gyllenhaal reportedly got cozy with Scarlett Johansson and then the newly single Mila Kunis.
However, he reportedly ended the night chatting up his former ‘Brokeback Mountain’ costar Michelle Williams.
It could be just for the sake of their children, but Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus seem to be spending some time together.
The two were recently out to a movie together in Burbank along with two of their children, states TMZ. The former couple filed for divorce back in October and things seemed to be pretty icy between them as cheating rumors floated around.
Now, it is unknown what the exact status of their relationship might be, but the divorce has not yet been called off. Well, at least they can stand being around each other.
Do you think Billy Ray and Tish will finalize their divorce?
On Friday evening, the 16th annual edition of the Critics’ Choice Awards took place in Hollywood. Were the winners practicing their Academy Awards acceptance speeches when they took to the stage at the Palladium?
Certainly Best Actor champ Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”) will need to find new way to say “thank you” as he is expected to win most of the other precursor awards on his way to the podium at the Kodak Theater. However, Best Actress winner Natalie Portman (“Black Swan”) remains locked in a close race with Annette Bening (“The Kids Are All Right”). Both are expected to prevail in their respective categories at the Golden Globes Sunday so we will have to wait for the SAG Awards for a rematch. The HFPA kudos could crown “The King’s Speech” as Best Drama Picture. Will that be a mere bump in the road for “The Social Network” which has swept the critics prize this year” “The Hurt Locker” did the same last year — it lost to “Avatar” at the Globes — before prevailing at the Oscars as Best Picture.
It seems Natalie Portman is quickly getting used to being pregnant and finding it to not be all that bad. Portman is expecting her first child with Benjamin Millepied and everything has been smooth sailing for now, states. “I feel great. I’m through my first trimester,” Portman says about enjoying everything so far.
And lucky for her, she seems to be having a problem-free pregnancy: “It’s been really calm and good.”
Do you think Natalie Portman will have a boy or girl?
Jennifer Love Hewitt is about to take her chances behind the camera with her directorial debut with a feature.
Hewitt will make her debut with the ghost story ‘Wait Till Helen Comes’ that will be produced through her company Fedora Films and Just Believe Prods, states Variety. The film is based on a novel by Mary Downing Hahn and focuses on the ghost of a child that forms a close and dangerous friendship with another child.
Hewitt has previously directed segments of her show ‘The Ghost Whisperer.’ She is reportedly also working on some other projects that she hopes to have out in the near future.
Will you check out Jennifer Love Hewitt’s feature directorial debut?
Lee Najjar is quickly finding out how difficult it is to date a woman on a reality show and, um, be married to someone else. The Atlanta-area businesssman has long been rumored to be seeing Kim Zolciak, but now there’s more photos and videos of him hitting the net.
Last night, Kim Zolciak’s storyline took a 360. First Kim reveals a sudden reconciliation with Big Poppa. After being dropped off at Kandi Burruss’ home, Kim Z reveals she and Big Poppa – despite breaking up after the end of last season – are back together.
But it doesn’t stop there. In a later scene, Kim says she got the “surprise of her life” - Big Poppa popped the big question and she said yes of course. Kandi says “it’s hard to find a good friend”. The photo on the right is of Big Poppa aka Lee Najjar and his wife, who is ironically also named Kim, and strangely enough looks a lot like Kim Zolciak. Lee is an extremely wealthy real estate developer in Atlanta.
This news is interesting considering the fact that Kim confirmed she and Big Poppa were still together just a week ago during her appearance of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens.” She even went as far as to reveal that she and Big Poppa had been intimate a week earlier.
“There is NO more Big Poppa and Kim FYI. The show was filmed months ago things have changed..So happy.” She has however spent the past few months sporting an “engagement” ring she claimed was a gift from Big Poppa. Not exactly sure how one can be engaged to a still married man, but evidently anything goes in Kim’s world.
Breaking News KARACHI: Various parts of country including Karachi and Quetta were jolted by earthquake of mammoth 6.3 magnitude on Richter Scale after midnight towards Wednesday morning.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, the epicenter of the quake was found to be in Balochistan area of Kharan.
According to US Geological survey, the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.4 on Richter Scale, saying the epicenter is 55 kilometers to the west of Dalbadin in Balochistan.
The areas which felt severe jolts included Karachi, Bahawalpur, Thatta, Sukkar, Shikarpur, Badin, Hyderabad, Quetta, Naseerabad, Kharan, Lahore, Sargodha and Dera Ghazi Khan.
There are no initial reports of damage or casualties from any part of the country thus far. There are reports regarding tsunami in Indian Ocean as well.
Panicked people in large number rushed out of their houses along with children and are currently staying out in plains in Nazimabad, Jauhar More and Al-Karam.
Following the immense tremors, City Government made its entire staff on alert along with their machinery.
Geo436 ISLAMABAD: A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck southwestern Pakistan, the U.S. Geological Survey reported on Tuesday.
It said the quake was very shallow at a depth of 10 km (6.3 miles). It struck 55 km (34 miles) west of Dalbandin at 1:23 a.m. local time on Wednesday (2023 GMT on Tuesday).
There was no immediate report of damage from the area which lies close to Pakistan's troubled border with Afghanistan.
The Pacific Tsunami Center said the onshore quake had not triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean.
A major quake of this magnitude is capable of causing widespread and heavy damage and could pose fresh strains on a country still reeling from devastating floods last year which left more than 10 milllion people homeless.
On Oct. 8, 2005, a 7.6 magnitude quake 95 km (60 miles) northeast of the Pakistani capital Islamabad killed over 70,000 people.
Earthquake Breaking News: An shallow 7.4-magnitude earthquake has hit south-western Pakistan, in a desert area bordering Iran and Afghanistan, the US Geological Survey says.
The quake struck at a depth of just 10km (6.2 miles) at 0123 on Wednesday (2023 GMT on Tuesday), some 55 km (34 miles) west of Dalbandin in Pakistan.
It was located several hundred kilometres from the Pakistani city of Quetta and the city of Zahedan, Iran.
The 7.6-magnitude Kashmir earthquake of October 2005 killed 73,000 people.
The area hit by the recent earthquake is sparsely populated and is located in a seismically active zone.
The historic city of Bam, west of the latest epicentre inside Iran, was devastated by an earthquake in 2003.
The Pakistani province of Baluchistan is a focus of some militant activity, sharing a long and porous border with conflict zones in southern Afghanistan.
No immediate details of any damage were available, but reports said the quake was felt in neighbouring provinces.
Pakistan is still dealing with the aftermath of devastating floods in the 2010 monsoon season, as well as battling Taliban militants in several tribal areas.
Earthquake In Karachi 2011 Exclusive Video
7.4 Earthquake: Southern Pakistan
KARACHI: Various parts of country including Karachi and Quetta were jolted by earthquake of mammoth 6.3 magnitude on Richter Scale after midnight towards Wednesday morning.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, the epicenter of the quake was found to be in Balochistan area of Kharan.
According to US Geological survey, the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.4 on Richter Scale, saying the epicenter is 55 kilometers to the west of Dalbadin in Balochistan.
The areas which felt severe jolts included Karachi, Bahawalpur, Thatta, Sukkar, Shikarpur, Badin, Hyderabad, Quetta, Naseerabad, Kharan, Lahore, Sargodha and Dera Ghazi Khan.
There are no initial reports of damage or casualties from any part of the country thus far. There are reports regarding tsunami in Indian Ocean as well.
Panicked people in large number rushed out of their houses along with children and are currently staying out in plains in Nazimabad, Jauhar More and Al-Karam.
Following the immense tremors, City Government made its entire staff on alert along with their machinery. SAMAA
Time in Pakistan was 01:30 am, most of the people were asleep. At least weather’s mild, 14° C. earthquake
Earthquake of 6.3 felt in Karachi. I personally felt the strong tremors. My building was just shaking. Allah Khair Rakhey, Aameen.
I still see the electric wires are still jolting..
Earthquake in Karachi!!
Earthquake Details
* This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
Magnitude 7.4 (Preliminary magnitude — update expected within 15 minutes)
Date-Time
* Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 20:23:18 UTC
* Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 01:23:18 AM at epicenter
Location 28.940°N, 63.930°E
Depth 10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
Region SOUTHWESTERN PAKISTAN
Distances
* 55 km (34 miles) W (271°) from Dalbandin, Pakistan
* 263 km (164 miles) W (269°) from Kalat, Pakistan
* 301 km (187 miles) ESE (102°) from Zahedan, Iran
* 793 km (493 miles) NE (41°) from MUSCAT, Oman
Location Uncertainty Error estimate not available
Parameters NST= 8, Nph=0, Dmin=0 km, Rmss=0 sec, Gp=115°,
M-type=”moment” magnitude from initial P wave (tsuboi method) (Mi/Mwp), Version=B
Source
* NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
Event ID pt11018001
* Did you feel it? Report shaking and damage at your location. You can also view a map displaying accumulated data from your report and others.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik has announced that partial curfew will be imposed in some part of Karachi starting from today (Sunday).
Speaking to the media after a meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Malik also said that pillion riding would be banned in those areas affected by the violence.
Malik did not explain what he meant by “semi-curfew”, but Sindh province home ministry spokesman Sharfuddin Memon told AFP “it is for the authorities to decide for how long they would like a troubled area to remain under curfew.”
“It is responsibility of the federal and provincial governments to protect the people,” Malik said, justifying the decision to impose the partial curfew, without disclosing which areas would be affected.
Malik also said, without elaborating, that there was “a third element trying to deteriorate the situation in Karachi.”
Updated from print version (below)
Karachi killings continue: Violence triggers political turmoil
The reverberations of the continuing violence in Karachi caused a stir across the national political stage on Saturday, with parties calling for a debate on the fresh flaring up of violence in the metropolis.
As the 48-hour death toll in Karachi hit 27, including the killing of a Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader, parties belonging to both the opposition and treasury benches submitted adjournment motions in the parliament to debate the violence.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik, the government’s specialist troubleshooter, also sprung into action and held a number of meetings with different stakeholders, including two with the MQM, after rushing to Karachi.
In the two meetings held at the Sindh Governor House between MQM leaders and Malik, the former complained about the targeting of its activists and leaders.
Disgruntled, the MQM delegation, which included Deputy Convener of the MQM’s central coordination committee Farooq Sattar, is reported to have stressed that promises made to the party by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani only a few days ago during his visit to their headquarters were not being fulfilled. Sources told The Express Tribune that the MQM wanted to meet Gilani once again to remind him of his ‘promises’.
Malik is also said to have called MQM chief Altaf Hussain to assure him that those involved in the killing of party activists would be arrested soon.
“On one hand our workers are being killed, on the other police and law enforcement agencies are arresting our activists,” said a source quoting the discussion that took place at Governor House.
The sources added that the MQM had handed over a list of suspects allegedly involved in the targeted killings as well as areas in which to launch an operation to stop the violence.
The federal interior minister is reported to have said: “We are going to establish permanent Rangers check posts in sensitive areas to deal with the target killing incidents”.
Since Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah was out of the city Senior Minister Pir Mazharul Haq, represented the PPP and assured coalition partners that all issues would be resolved and that even the local bodies system would be restored after consultations with the MQM.
Another meeting is expected today in the Chief Minister House with Qaim’s return to the city.
Parties seek debate
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Saturday sought a debate in the National Assembly on the Karachi violence. Stressing that it was the need of the hour, he asked the government to convene a session and also called for action against those responsible for the killings.
Meanwhile, the Awami National Party, which is a coalition partner of the PPP, submitted an adjournment motion in the Senate to debate the Karachi killings. Party senators Azim Khan and Afrasiab Khattak filed the motion in the Senate secretariat, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s legislators in the upper house of parliament also filed separate adjournment motions to discuss the issue in the next session.
Similarly, Amir Muqam of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) filed an adjournment motion in the National Assembly secretariat to hold debate on the subject.
Former town naib-nazim killed
The killings continued in Karachi, with the latest victims including the former SITE Town naib-nazim Badshah Khan. He was gunned down while getting into his car outside his house in Orangi Town in the limits of the Mominabad police station. He was hit by four bullets and died on the spot. Fifty-year-old Khan had been affiliated with the MQM since 1993 and won the local bodies election in 2005. His funeral, held at the KMC ground in Baldia Town, was attended by a large number of MQM leaders and workers.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain has condemned the assassination and termed it as an attempt to stir more violence in the city. He said that all political parties in the city needed to exercise restraint and unite against elements conspiring against peace. He made a passionate appeal to the people of Karachi to see through the conspiracy.
Moreover, in a press conference at the Khurshid Begum Memorial Hall, the MQM coordination committee has asked president, prime minister, interior minister as well as the governor and chief minister of Sindh to ensure the arrest of the killers of innocent people, including Badshah Khan.
Member of the MQM Coordination Committee Gulfraz Khan Khattak said that concrete steps need to be taken for the protection of the life and property of the people.
Separately, Ziarat Khan, aged 35, was shot dead outside his home in Surjani police limits. Three people were hurt in firing in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and one in Baldia town.
Saeed, who was said to be a member of Sunni Tehreek, was killed and at least five people injured in a firing incident in Ranchore Lane late Saturday night. In the Mominabad police limits, two PPP activists, Zubair Kala and Tahir Baloch, were gunned down in firing near Urdu Chowk.
Police claims arrests
Capital City Police Officer Karachi Fayyaz Leghari while talking to The Express Tribune said that around 4,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city, adding that the situation on Saturday was much better due to the security measures.
He also claimed to have made major arrests in connection with the violence.
“We are conducting raids in parts of the city and the raids will continue where necessary,” the city police chief said. He further said that six arrested persons were involved in firing on a passenger bus, an attack on an ANP leader, the killing of a journalist and various other incidents of targeted killing.
ANP blames Malik, Mirza
Awami National Party (ANP) Sindh chapter chief Shahi Syed holds Interior Minister Rehman Malik, and Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza responsible for the targeted killings in the city.
Talking to The Express Tribune Syed said that, “governments are responsible for the targeted killings in the city; when there was target killing during Pervez Musharraf’s regime, we held him responsible and protested against him – and now the present government is responsible. Syed added that the intelligence agencies of the country are under Rehman Malik and the Sindh security is with Zulfiqar Mirza, so both are responsible for the situation.
Syed said that inquiries should be conducted into the killings of party workers – even if it means starting from the killing of MQM activists.
When asked about the main reason behind the target killings in the city, Syed answered, “Reconciliation is the main reason behind the target killings, which is another word for ‘begharti’ (unscrupulousness)”.
Meanwhile, the interior minister during a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman asked him to play his role in stopping the violence in the metropolis.
The interior minister also discussed the prospects of JUI-F’s rejoining the government as a coalition partner. A JUI-F legislator said his party chief has declined to join the government, but expressed readiness to play a role in bringing peace in Karachi.
Tags: Ali Shah, Central Coordination Committee, Curfew, Deputy Convener, Farooq Sattar, Home Ministry, Interior Minister, KARACHI, Massive Killing, Ministry Spokesman, Movement Leader, Mqm Leaders, MQM-A & ANP, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, National Political Stage, Partial Curfew, Partial curfew to be clamped in parts of Karachi, Partial Curfew To be Imposed in Karachi, Political Turmoil, Ppp, Provincial Governments, Rehman Malik, Reverberations, S Central, Shah Malik, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, target, target killings
Breaking News ANP Leader Bashir Jan Injured in Karachi Target Killing. He is alive and Serious condition in Hospital. Bashir Jan and his bodyguard injured. Breaking News KARACHI: General Secretary of the Awami National Party (ANP) chapter Sindh Bashir Jan has been injured in a firing incident by unidentified miscreants near Hasan Square area of Karachi on Thursday.
Injured Bashir has been shifted to Jinnah Hospital.
Rabta Committee (Coordination Committee) of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) expressed grief over the firing incident involving ANP leader.
Shahid Said, an ANP leader said the black flags would be flown in protest over two terror incidents involving killing of News reporter Wali Khan Babar and terror attack at Bashir Jan in Karachi.
ANP also announced three-day mourning over the killing of News reporter Wali Khan Babar and terror attack at Bashir Jan.
Breaking News A federal judge was killed and a congresswoman gravely wounded Saturday in a shooting outside of a Tucson, Arizona, grocery store, according to police and government officials. In all, six people died and 12 were wounded in the shooting, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Arizona, according to Rick Kastigar, bureau chief for the Pima County Sheriff's Department. President Barack Obama later said Chief Judge John Roll of the U.S. District Court for Arizona was among the dead. A 9-year-old girl also died in the attack, according to authorities. The child, whose identity had not been released, was pronounced dead at a hospital. An Arizona law enforcement source and a federal law enforcement source identified the suspect as Jared Lee Loughner. Other law enforcement sources put his age at 22. U.S. Capitol Police said the suspect was in custody. Police recovered a 9mm Glock handgun, according to senior law enforcement sources. Dr. Peter Rhee of University Medical Center in Tucson, said Giffords, 40, had undergone surgery for a single gunshot to the head that passed through her brain. Giffords was among five patients listed in critical condition, Rhee said. At least two victims with gunshot wounds were transported to another hospital, Northwest Medical Center, according to spokesman Richard Parker. Kastigar declined to comment on a possible motive for the attack. Police have set a news conference to discuss developments in the case for 6 p.m. (8 p.m. ET). Tucson police Chief Roberto Villasenor said his department had secured the homes and offices of some unnamed federal officials as a "precautionary measure." Although U.S. Capitol Police said there was no evidence of a broader threat involving federal officials, the agency said it had advised other members of Congress to take "reasonable and prudent precautions regarding their personal safety and security," the agency said in a statement. Obama said he had directed FBI Director Robert Muller to travel to Arizona to support the investigation. An FBI spokesman said the agency was sending agents to the scene, Rhee, in a brief news conference at the hospital, said that Giffords had been moved to intensive care from surgery and said he was "very optimistic" about her recovery. "I'm about as optimistic as it can get in this situation," he said. He said the next 24 hours will be key for determining the extent of her recovery. Giffords, a Democrat, was first elected in 2006. She has served as chairwoman of the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee and also holds seats on the House Science and Technology and Armed Services committees. She won her third term in a closely contested race against a Tea Party-sponsored candidate and was one of three Democratic legislators who reported vandalism at their offices following the March vote on health care reform. She is married to Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, a NASA astronaut who is scheduled to lead a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. Roll was a 1991 Bush appointee to the federal bench. The chief judge on the U.S. District Court for Arizona, he was originally from Pennsylvania. Giffords' colleagues in Congress reacted quickly to the shooting. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, said the attack was committed by a "wicked person who has no sense of justice or compassion." "Whoever did this, whatever their reason, they are a disgrace to Arizona, this country and the human race, and they deserve and will receive the contempt of all decent people and the strongest punishment of the law," he said.
Obama called the attack an "unspeakable tragedy." "We do not yet have all the answers," he said. "What we do know is that such a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society." House Speaker John Boehner said he was "horrified" by the shooting. "An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve," he said. "Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society." Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said an incident like this could have a chilling effect on the frequent weekend listening post sessions many members of Congress have with their constituents. "It does give you pause," Pingree said. Story Cover from Onlinedesk
Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) estranged ally, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in a late night meeting decided to come back to the fold if the Prime Minister Gilani took concrete steps to remove its reservations, CNewsworld reported.
MQM rejoins coalition govt, rejects comeback to Cabinet
MQM rejoins coalition govt, rejects comeback to Cabinet Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who visited Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters ‘Nine Zero’ in Karachi for the first time to woo back erstwhile coalition partners, said that MQM reservations over petroleum prices and RGST have been addressed. The PM said that he reversed POL prices to its earlier rates and delayed RGST bill to get consensus as per wishes of MQM chief. He asked all political forces including MQM leader Altaf Hussain to come forward and jointly help introduce an accountability bill to remove allegations of corruption. The PM said that problems of MQM ministers in Sindh government would be removed. He invited the MQM ministers to rejoin coalition government.
MQM leader Raza Haroon lauded PM Gilani’s efforts to address the problems of masses by reducing POL prices. MQM leader announces to return to government benches but denied returning to Federal Cabinet.
Earlier, PM Gilani was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival at the ‘Nine Zero’. Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malilk, CM Sindh Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Sindh Ishratul Abad accompanied the premier to the MQM headquarters.
The prime minister was welcomed by the MQM leaders Babar Khan Ghouri, Raza Haroon and other Rabita Committee members. Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad accompanied the premier.
Earlier, the PM met twice with Sindh Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad within hours today and also had a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari. Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Sindh CM Qaim Ali shah associated the premier during meetings. The Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) estranged ally, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in a late night meeting decided to come back to the fold if the Prime Minister Gilani took concrete steps to remove its reservations. MQM in its Coordination Committee’s joint meeting discussed the strategy in view of the PM’s expected visit to Nine Zero Friday. It was decided to rejoin the coalition government and would not let the premier return empty handed.
It is worthy to note that the PPP-led coalition lost its parliamentary majority after the separation of the Muttahida and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) from it.
After announcing the withdrawal of the increase in the petroleum prices, the PPP government is hoping that the MQM will review its decision of sitting on the opposition benches. Gilani was expected to make some important announcements at the MQM headquarters, sources said.
The MQM has 25 seats in the National Assembly and six seats in the Senate. The PM will achieve an important milestone if he succeeds to win back the party’s support. The PPP has already geared up its efforts to save its government at the Centre as Interior Minister Rehman Malik has been in touch with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan to remove the MQM’s reservations.
The sources said that Malik had been making calls to Altaf Hussain from the Governor House, but all such contacts were being kept secret.
The two-member committee comprising Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Rehman Malik constituted by President Asif Ali Zardari to woo the MQM is keeping the president informed about the latest developments.
High level meetings took place in Karachi on Friday to discuss the current political situation and the government’s strategy to deal with it, ahead of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s meeting with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders.
MQM in its Coordination Committee’s joint meeting, discussed the strategy in view of the PM’s expected visit to Nine Zero Friday. It was decided to rejoin the coalition government and would not let the premier return empty handed.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani arrived in the city on Thursday night and was due to visit the MQM’s headquarters Nine-Zero today in a bid to save his crumbling government.
The PPP-led coalition lost its parliamentary majority after the separation of the Muttahida and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) from it.
After announcing the withdrawal of the increase in the petroleum prices, the PPP government is hoping that the MQM will review its decision of sitting on the opposition benches.
Gilani was expected to make some important announcements at the MQM headquarters, sources said.
The MQM has 25 seats in the National Assembly and six seats in the Senate. The PM will achieve an important milestone if he succeeds to win back the party’s support.
The PPP has already geared up its efforts to save its government at the Centre as Interior Minister Rehman Malik has been in touch with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan to remove the MQM’s reservations.
The sources said that Malik had been making calls to Altaf Hussain from the Governor House, but all such contacts were being kept secret.
The two-member committee comprising Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Rehman Malik constituted by President Asif Ali Zardari to woo the MQM is keeping the president informed about the latest developments
Governor Punjab Salman Taseer Has Been Killed In An Attack bY His Own Security Personell
Salmaan Taseer killed by terrorists in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Governor Punjab Salman Taseer was reported dead after a firing incident on his convoy in Kohsar Market here today. According to the sources a policeman opened burst on the governor.
Salmaan Taseer (Punjabi, Urdu: سلمان تاثیر) was a Pakistani businessman and politician and the former Governor of the province of Punjab. He was a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and had also served as a minister in the caretaker cabinet of Prime Minister Muhammad Mian Soomro under Pervez Musharraf. Taseer is also the chairman and CEO of the First Capital and Worldcall Group. He was appointed to the post of governor on 15 May 2008 in place of outgoing governor, Lt Gen (R) Khalid Maqbool. by former President, Pervez Musharraf at the request of the PPP establishment.
CNewsworld ISLAMABAD: An air of panic permeated across the county as soon as the news regarding the killing of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer broke out.
Reports of violent protests are pouring in from various parts of country, as commercial centers and business hubs were also closed.
At least three people were injured in firing incidents in Badami Bagh area of Lahore.
Commercial activities have been halted in Karachi as well.
Enraged people turned out on Shara-e-Faisal and protested against the killing of Salman Taseer.
Police have been put on red alert in Gujranwala region to avert any untoward incident.
PPP workers resorted to protests in Siakot, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore and Karachi against the governor’s killing.
Activists of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have started protest in various cities across the country following the assassination of Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, Mfarhanonline reported.
Following the reports of ransacking by enraged PPP workers, security has been put on high alert.
The protests were witnessed in Multan, Lahore, Gujranawala, Sialkot, Faisalabad and others big cities.
Geo436 LAHORE: Punjab government Tuesday announced public holiday for tomorrow in mourning over the assassination of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer.
Meantime, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani formally announced three-day nationwide mourning starting from tomorrow with flag to remain hoisted at half mast across the country.
However, the universities in Sindh will function as usual, according to Governor House spokesman.
The Sindh Education Department said that all educational activities will remain open on Wednesday.
Mfarhanonline ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday condemned the assassination of Punjab governor and political ally Salman Taseer, and ordered an immediate inquiry into the killing. Governor Punjab Salman Taseer Photos and Videos Salman Taseer Dead Pictures, Videos
Salmaan Taseer (June 12 1964 – January 4 2011) was a Pakistani businessman and politician and the former Governor of the province of Punjab. He was a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and had also served as a minister in the caretaker cabinet of Prime Minister Muhammad Mian Soomro under Pervez Musharraf. Taseer was also the chairman and CEO of the First Capital and Worldcall Group. He was appointed to the post of governor on 15 May 2008 in place of outgoing governor, Lt Gen (R) Khalid Maqbool.by former President, Pervez Musharraf at the request of the PPP establishment. He died on January 4, 2011 in Islamabad when he was shot in the chest and on neck by his own security guard and succumbed to his wounds..
Governor Salman Taseer killed by Elite personnel
Mfarhanonline ISLAMABAD: Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, was shot dead Tuesday by one of his guards in the federal capital, police said.
Taseer was vocal on a range of subjects, including speaking out against the blasphemy law in recent days.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed Taseer was gunned down by one of his own elite security force protectors after he reached Kohsar Market in Islamabad.
The suspected assailant, Mumtaz, was taken into custody, he said.
He said that all Elite Force person have been arrested
An eyewitness told Cnewsworld that the attacker was also killed by his fellow Elite Force guards.
Mfarhanonline ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday appealed for calm after the assassination of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, and ordered an immediate inquiry. He called on workers and supporters of his Pakistan People's Party (PPP), of which Taseer was a leading member, "to remain calm" to allow a proper investigation. "The prime minister has ordered for a high level inquiry into the incident and submit the report at the earliest. The culprits involved in the assassination, he said would be brought to justice," his office said. Gilani expressed "deep drief and sorrow" over the murder, it added.
Mfarhanonline ISLAMABAD: Governor Punjab Salman Taseer was dead after one of his guards, named Qadri, opened firing on the governor when he was going towards his car in Kohsar Market here today. According to the sources, a policeman of elite force opened burst on the governor. He received bullets on his chest and neck. He was rushed to Poly Clinic but succumbed to the injuries. The police have arrested six-suspected man from the spot. Salman Taseer had publicly supported the woman, Asia Bibi, who has been convicted of blasphemy.
Mfarhanonline ISLAMABAD: Governor Punjab Salman Taseer was dead after one of his guards, named Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri, opened firing on him when he was going towards his car in Kohsar Market here today. Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed to the media that the guard has been arrested. He has confessed that he opened firing on the governor because of his support of Asia Bibi, he added. Asia Bibi had convicted of blasphemy. According to the sources, a policeman of elite force opened burst on the governor. He received bullets on his chest and neck. He was rushed to Poly Clinic but succumbed to the injuries. The police have arrested six-suspected man from the spot. Salman Taseer had publicly supported the woman, Asia Bibi and requested President Asif Ali Zardari to pardon her. He had termed anti-blasphemy law as black law.
Mfarhanonline ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday condemned the assassination of Punjab governor and political ally Salman Taseer, and ordered an immediate inquiry into the killing.
Protests are being taken out in different parts of Punjab.
A three member panel has been formed to perform Taseer’s autopsy.
Registrar Lahore High Court has announced that all courts in Punjab will remain closed tomorrow.
6:55pm
President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the assassination of Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer today and directed the Interior Minister Rehman Malik to personally supervise the investigations and report to him urgently.
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that President was informed about the tragic assassination during a meeting of the PPP MPAs of four districts in the Bilawal House after which all the meetings scheduled for today were postponed to a later date.
The President also directed the Party leadership that the birthday functions in connection with Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s 83rd birth anniversary on Wednesday be limited only to holding of seminars at district, divisional and provincial levels without fanfare and without cake cutting ceremonies. Quran Khwani for Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Salmaan Taseer will also be held on Wednesday as part of the birth anniversary functions of Party’s founding Chairman, he said.
The President also asked the Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and MNA Faryal Talpur to participate in the funeral on his behalf. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will also participate in the funeral.
6:10pm
Interior Minister Rehman Malik says the first point of investigation will be to find out whether the suspect Qadri carried out the attack as part of a larger plot or on his own.
Malik confirmed the suspect, Qadri is twenty six-years-old.
In life, Salmaan Taseer was never afraid of controversy and was never one to remain silent even when his stance on issues like militancy and the blasphemy law brought the venom of the right wing pouring on to him. Zarrar Khuhro
5:55pm
Government announced three day country-wide mourning period.
Chief Minister Punjab, Shahbaz sharif has arrived at the hospital.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik says investigation has been ordered into how the assassin Qadri was selected for the security of the governor.
5:40pm
Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that all personnel of the governor’s security convoy have been arrested.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has announced a two week mourning period. All functions of the party have been postponed.
5:30pm
All VIP functions are under threat says Interior Minister Rehman Malik, adding that, “our colleagues criticise us when we increase vip security”.
Governor Taseer was killed to destabilise Pakistan say MQM Chief Altaf Hussain.
One of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer’s last tweets online:
Mera azm itna bulund hae Parae sholon se dar nahin. Mujhe dar hae tu atish e gul se hae Ye kahin chaman ko jala na dein
5:25pm
According to Syed Ali reporting for Express 24/7, the arrival of a huge crowd of people to Polyclinic is causing chaos at the hospital and preventing Governor Punjab’s body from being moved to PIMS for a post-mortem.
5:15pm
The name of the guard who carried out the attack has been confirmed as Mumtaz Qadri.
Saba Imtiaz: According to Rehman Malik, Salmaan Taseer’s guard shot him because he called the blasphemy laws a ‘kala qanoon‘.
5:10pm
Interior Minister Rehman Malik will head the enquiry into Governor Punjab’s assassination.
Karachi has been put on high alert after the attack.
5:06pm
Syed Ali reporting for Express 24/7 confirmed that Governor Punjab has been pronounced dead. Initial reports suggest Taseer received a critical injury in his neck.
5:03pm
The Governor of Punjab was leaving his residence in Islamabad when one of his guards shot him in the chest.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani have condoled over the death of the Punjab Governor.
An eyewitness, while speaking to the police, has provided his account of how the gunman aimed at Taseer and shot him.
5:00pm
The alleged suspect ‘Qadri’ was allegedly part of Rawalpindi’s elite force, Express 24/7 reported.
The suspect is being held and interrogated by Rawalpindi police.
4:50pm
The hospital says the Governor received nine bullets.
4:48pm
Attackers were part of the governor’s convoy, witnesses say.
4:46pm
Police source say they have arrested a suspect in the attack.
Zulfiqar Mirza, Sindh Home Minister Qaim Ali Shah, as well as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Shahbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack.
4:30pm
The governor died on the spot, according to governor house spokesman Farrukh Shah.
According to initial reports, unidentified persons fired upon the governor’s convoy and he was shifted to the Polyclinic hospital for treatment.
Witnesses said that two uniformed personnel attacked him.
The two were recently out to a movie together in Burbank along with two of their children, states TMZ. The former couple filed for divorce back in October and things seemed to be pretty icy between them as cheating rumors floated around.
Activists of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have started protest in various cities across the country following the assassination of Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, 
