Breaking News New Delhi: With a dead end in sight for the Lokpal bill panel, Anna Hazare on Thursday threatened to go on a hunger strike again saying that the government is not interested in a strong bill.
Upset with the government, Anna Hazare said that he will go on a fast again from August 15.
"It looks like the Centre doesn't want to bring a strong Lokpal bill. It seems will have to go for a hunger strike again," said Hazare.
Is the Lokpal dream over?
Meanwhile, it could be the end of the road for the Lokpal Bill as the government and Team Anna have been unable to reach a consensus after seven meetings.
The two sides are not seeing eye to eye on core issues like the inclusion of the prime minister within the ambit of the Lokpal bill. They will meet again on June 20. If a consensus is not reached, two versions of the bill may be sent to the Cabinet for approval.
The government meanwhile has said that its draft will be ready by June 30 and bill will be tabled in Parliament in the monsoon session.
The government hopes to now rope in the Opposition as well so that it doesn't alone shoulder blame for the breakdown of talks. The Opposition has sought a debate in Parliament on the Lokpal bill.
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 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
Breaking News LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has decided to sever ties with federal cabinet, CNews reported Monday night.
According to details, MQM’s central Rabta Committee held its simultaneous meetings in London and Karachi.
According to Rabta Committee decision, two MQM ministers will tender their resignation in first phase. Federal Ports and Shipping Minister Babar Ghauri and deputy convener of the MQM, Dr Farooq Sattar are abroad and will tender their resignations tomorrow.
A decision regarding quitting Sindh cabinet will be made soon. MQM decides to separate from Federal cabinet
MQM Announces To Quit Coalition Government.Meetings of MQM held in Karachi and London
decided to separate from govt
According to Rabta Committee decision, two MQM ministers will tender their resignation in first phase. Federal Ports and Shipping Minister Babar Ghauri and deputy convener of the MQM, Dr Farooq Sattar are abroad and will tender their resignations tomorrow.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has decided to sever ties with federal cabinet.
According to details, MQM’s central Rabta Committee held its simultaneous meetings in London and Karachi.
According to Rabta Committee decision, two MQM ministers will tender their resignation in first phase. Federal Ports and Shipping Minister Babar Ghauri and deputy convener of the MQM, Dr Farooq Sattar are abroad and will tender their resignations tomorrow.
A decision regarding quitting Sindh cabinet will be made soon.
Tag: Coalition Government, Committee Decision, Deputy Convener, Dr Farooq Sattar, Federal Cabinet, Federal Ministers, Geo News, Ghauri, Government Meetings, KARACHI, London, Meetings of MQM held in Karachi and London, Meetings of MQM held in Karachi London, Monday Night, MQM, MQM Announces To Quit Coalition Government, MQM Announces To Quit Government, MQM decided to leave coalition partner PPP Faisal Ali Sabzwari, MQM decides to separate from Federal cabinet, MQM was a fierce opposition while in coalition Government, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Ports, Prime Minister, Rabta, Resignation, Resignations, S Central, Simultaneous Meetings, Ties
The Soyuz TMA-20 (No. 230) was scheduled to fly to the International Space Station, ISS, at the end of 2010. In the ISS schedule, the mission was known as 25S. As of November 2001, the expedition was expected to last 152 days and return to Earth in May 2011.
Above: The primary crew of the Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft during preparations for flight in Baikonur in November 2010 (left to right): NASA astronaut Catherine Coleman, Russian cosmonaut Dmitry Kondratyev and Italian astronaut representing European Space Agency, Paolo Nespoli. Credit: NASA
According to early schedules, Soyuz TMA-20 would be launched on Nov. 30, 2010. By the time the spacecraft arrived to Baikonur launch site on Oct. 3 2010, its liftoff was scheduled for Dec. 13, 2010. However in the process of unloading, or a day later during the installation of the spacecraft into its test rig at Site 254, engineers discovered some damage to the railway car, which was used to transport the spacecraft from the assembly center in Korolev, near Moscow to Kazakhstan. In reports by semi-official Russian media, industry sources rushed to blame the train machinist, who allegedly violated safety rules while driving the train, which caused one of the attachments of the spacecraft inside the railway transporter to break and the spacecraft to "fall." However posters on the forum of the Novosti Kosmonavtiki magazine said that the spacecraft was not secured correctly in the car by the manufacturer.
Whatever the reason, during the final leg of the trip, (which could be the responsibility of the Kazakh railways, if the railroad would ultimately be blamed), the spacecraft was reportedly shifting around inside its transporter along with movements of the train. However, on Oct. 7, Kazakh railway company said that on Sept. 30, 2010, it transferred the train to Russian authorities at the entrance to Baikonur with no complains from the Russian side. A day later, Kazakh railways also said that speed data recorded during the movement of the train showed no violations of any rules, no emergency breaks had ever been engaged and the train was driven by a highly experienced crew. In the end, Russian officials had never filed any formal complains against Kazakh rail ways and RKK Energia officials later quoted the possibility of damaging the spacecraft during its unloading in Baikonur upon the arrival to the launch center.
Although initially officials told that the problem would not affect the launch schedule, by Oct. 5, Russian media reported that the damage to the spacecraft itself was significant enough to require a return of the spacecraft to Korolev for refurbishment. The bottom shield of the descent module, SA, reportedly shifted by 1.5 millimeters, possibly causing small cracks in the structure and damage the shield's attachment locks. In addition, a special covering on the propulsion section of the spacecraft was breached.
By October 8, after weighing an option of returning Soyuz TMA-20 to Korolev, Russian space officials made a decision to replace its descent module, SA, in Baikonur. The hardware prepared for Soyuz TMA-21 would be used. Despite an additional time needed for repairs, Russian officials said that the launch of Soyuz TMA-20 would still take place before the end of 2010, possibly with a delay of few days, comparing to the previous schedule. The launch date of Dec. 27 was initially quoted, but a delay from 10 days to two months was considered likely by European officials involved in the mission. By October 12, a new descent module has arrived to Baikonur onboard a transport plane. Along with it, a group of engineers flew to Baikonur to support three-shift work on the replacement of the descent module. According to Roskosmos, the replacement was completed by October 16, 2010. Four days later the spacecraft was ready for tests at the vacuum chamber. By Oct. 22, the launch date for the Soyuz TMA-20 had been set for December 15, 2010.
Tallest crew member
Another complication in the runup to the Soyuz TMA-20 flight was caused by the record height -- 188 centimeters -- of the European astronaut Paulo Nespoli. According to president of RKK Energia, Vitaly Lopota, a custom-built seat and related hardware had to be manufactured, after the company had first discovered how tall Nespoli was. Nespoli was believed to be the tallest crew member ever to fly onboard Soyuz.
Breaking News Awaz Apni Karachi: Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Raza Haider shot dead by firing of two unidentified gunmen in North Nazimabad 2. Raza Haider was a member of Sindh Assembly.
Unseen forces are trying to target MQM, says Sabzwari Senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Faisal Sabzwari while talking to Awaz Apni News expressed grieve on the murder Raza Haider. Sabzwari said that “Raza was my colleague in the provincial assembly. He was closely affiliated with MQM. Most MQM leaders receive threats on regular intervals.” “We are trying to gather information at the moment. All we know is that Raza went to a funeral where he was shot,” Sabzwari added. Sabzwari was of the view that unseen forces are trying to target MQM. He urged that MQM will publish all findings into the killings.
Malik requests people remain calm Interior Minister Rehman Malik speaking on the occasion said that people should avoid speculation. He said that proper investigations will be carried out into the matter. He further said that forces are trying to initiate a fresh wave of violence in our economic hub Karachi. Malik was of view that earlier terrorist tried to destabilize the country by adopting tactics to initiate sectarian violence. “I will request people to stay calm. I request everyone to cooperate with the authorities. All those involved will be brought to justice.”Interior Minister said.
Another explosion happened near juice corner in Begum Kot area. Prior to blasts, journalists received SMS stating that three blasts will be occurred in different areas of Lahore today
New Delhi: With a dead end in sight for the Lokpal bill panel, Anna Hazare on Thursday threatened to go on a hunger strike again saying that the government is not interested in a strong bill.
