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Pakistan News And Discussion-10
<b>Musharraf may axe PM Shaukat Aziz</b><!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Islamabad, March 18: As President Pervez Musharraf deftly distanced himself from the move to suspend the Chief Justice, putting the onus on the government in the face of nationwide protests, speculation is rife that the axe may fall on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz for forwarding allegations against Iftikar Muhammad Chauhdry. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd--> <!--emo&Big Grin--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Here goes Amreki goat. <!--emo&Big Grin--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<b>India-Pak terror pact sinking fast</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->NEW DELHI: With Pakistan refusing to discuss 'older' terrorist attacks or violence directed at Kashmir, the mood here after the first meeting of the joint anti-terror mechanism is grim. It has led to disappointment in the Indian side because, according to sources, it signalled no change in Islamabad's attitude to terrorism.

At last week's meeting, Pakistan made it very clear that it would not include old cases within the ambit of the mechanism. Kashmiri terrorists too would remain out of its purview. Nevertheless, India laboured on, giving photographs and other evidence of terror attacks in Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag, among others. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I think we should bend over even more and come up with even more CBMs, to show our utter sincerity in "peace at any cost"... Dang!
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->I think we should bend over even more and come up with even more CBMs, to show our utter sincerity in "peace at any cost"... Dang!<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Make these greater thinkers of India to live near border along with family, future thinking could bring some dividend. <!--emo&Big Grin--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I was hoping after Sarojni Nagar blast thinker may think better but nothing moved between ears, Daftar/ Sachivalaya etc could have made difference..
<b>Pakistan's Next Chief Justice Seeks Spiritual Solace In India</b><!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Rana Bhagwan Das, the man who may become Pakistan's next chief justice, was on Monday seeking spiritual solace far from the tumultous protests at home over the sacking of his superior, news reports said. Das, the only Hindu judge in Pakistan's apex Supreme Court, is slated to succeed former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry who was sacked for alleged misuse of authority by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on March 9.

Away from the political storm in Pakistan over the issue, Das has spent the past 20 days in Lucknow, about 500 kilometres south-east of India's national capital Delhi, attending religious discourses, IANS news agency reported.

<b>The low-profile Das is a member of the Hindu Sindhi community from the Pakistani region of Sindh, most of whom migrated to India after partition of the country into India and Pakistan in 1947.

He has been attending the daily spiritual discourse of Hindu guru Ma Lila Sanjnani in Lucknow, capital of India's Uttar Pradesh state, while also attending functions to celebrate Cheti Chand, the Sindhi new year festival.</b>

The Pakistani judge has visited Lucknow around this time for the past seven years to attend spiritual discourses organized by the local Sindhi community.

<b>He has reportedly refused the hospitality of the local government and judges, saying he prefers to live like an ordinary devotee and attends daily discourses with 300 others.

"I have come here solely on my routine spiritual mission and would like to confine myself to this,"</b> Das is said to have told a senior judicial official.

With Das in India, the senior-most judge available has taken over Iftikar Chaudhry's duties in Pakistan's Supreme Court. Chaudhry still holds office but is not allowed to function. He is due to appear before a panel of senior judges on Wednesday to answer the charges against him. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<b>Beginning of the end </b><!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Musharraf talks a lot about strategy but he is a person with myopic vision who has never needed to make sense when he talks. So, he talks, and talks but never reflects or listens. The people are tired of him and desperately want to see the back of him. But he talks and talks and cannot see the writing on the wall. May Allah help Musharraf and Pakistan.
The writer is the Director of the London Institute of South Asia <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-Mudy+Mar 18 2007, 01:22 PM-->QUOTE(Mudy @ Mar 18 2007, 01:22 PM)<!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->The previous government was also the same, with the same babus and the same corruption<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
You missed how much we were against Vajpayee Lahore bus stupidity, track 2 and offering base after 9/11. Previous govt never escaped us and same was with corruption. They know how they got treated outside India. It doesn't matter who rule, fools get elected and they can be bought by lowest bidder and foreign trips. Atleast we are educating people don't send fools, criminals to Parliament or Rajya Sabha.

I am still looking for answer on this -
<b>Regarding Pakistan and India's relationship, could you list any achievement and direct number of causalities caused by Pakis to Indian citizens?</b>

I have seen great success on India's International Dimplomacy e.g with Pakistan, Bangladesh, SriLanka......
[right][snapback]65797[/snapback][/right]
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Mudy: Who was previous to previous govt? You can still keep looking for answer but sometimes silence (of convenience?) conveys more than words can.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Mudy: Who was previous to previous govt? You can still keep looking for answer but sometimes silence (of convenience?) conveys more than words can. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Some people just want to save King and Queen and they want others to follow them because they can't think beyond them, whether country goes to hell.
Selective Amnesia is greatest medical finding.
Yes Mudi, the country has not gone to hell, it is very much on the move.Continued interaction and dialogue with Pakistan is essential , as apart from other foreign policy aspects, in today's world one has to to keep the world community with you.Actions and inactions of India cannot be3 Pakistan centric, as there is world beyond. The economic activities, social interactions and commercial interactions of Indians need intensive interaction for India with the rest of the world.Kashmir is not the only item in the agenda, despite the fact that most Inidan internet surfers are quite at home to give expert opinion on how to deal with Pakistan.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Yes Mudi, the country has not gone to hell, it is very much on the move<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Sure, it’s not hell, its heaven, its on move. Lets start from latest Nandigram, farmers suicide, children are abused in country Capital and police protection given to perpetrators, rulers are corrupt, protecting foreigners for money using diplomatic mission and govt machinery, woman gets raped in Day light in Capital and they say in big city this will happen, murderers are ministers, biggest corrupt man is railway minister, to stay in power deals are made with killers, terrorist are given protections, quaterly bomb blast. For vote they are protecting Afzal and SIMI and own citizen are living in refugee camps. Here I am not talking about Mushy or Pakistan; I am talking about India and Moron Singh Govt.

Both of them are very much proud of their country and both claim they are growing. Yes, they should pat on their back for greatest achievement by seeing bank balance. Dawood also gets everyday pleasure seeing his bank balance.

Oh yes, India Shinning, same is with Pakistan shinning. Be proud! Hurray!!! great achivement.

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->despite the fact that most Inidan internet surfers are quite at home to give expert opinion on how to deal with Pakistan<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Failed to see any GOI achivement other then dead Indians.
<b>Elections on time, no emergency, says Musharraf</b>
* Admits mishandling of CJ’s suspension
* Says inspector who led attack on Geo now missing
* Govt concerned about missing people

Who were behind "missing people" coverup?
proxy PM ?

[center]<b><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Ships rounded up for Gwadar port opening</span></b>[/center]


Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

<b>Ravish Ji :</b>

You have L-Mail.

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<b>More than 100 killed in Pakistan tribal war</b>

[center]<b><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>US opposes IPI pipeline</span></b>[/center]

NEW DELHI : The United States has told the Indian government that it is opposed to plans to build a natural gas pipeline from Iran to India through Pakistan, US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said on Wednesday.

“During my trip, I have made it clear at the highest levels of the Indian government that the United States opposes the development of the Iranian pipeline to India,” Bodman said in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires.

If constructed, the 2,600-kilometer on-land pipeline is expected to carry 150 million cubic meters of gas a day and will cost about $8 billion to build. The project has been delayed because of the US opposition to Iran’s nuclear programme.

“We believe that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, and anything that will support that endeavour is something that we oppose,” Bodman said.

Indian officials say they do not want Iran to develop nuclear weapons, but at the same time stress that more time is needed for diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iran nuclear crisis.

India and Iran are in the process of discussing the price of gas that would be pumped through the pipeline. With its economy growing at around 9 percent annually, India needs natural gas to meet its burgeoning energy needs. Bodman’s three-day official visit to India ended later on Wednesday. ap

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Nuggets from the Urdu press</b>
<b>Pashto and Punjabi films are vulgar</b>
As reported in daily Express, Pakistani actress Meera said that Urdu films shall be made in Pakistan. Pashto and Punjabi films shall not be made as they spread nudity. She said a joint production between India and Pakistan would be inaugurated on 14 August. She is in favour of showing Indian films in Pakistan to save the crumbling film industry.  <!--emo&Big Grin--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->

<b>Murshidat on the rise in Morroco</b>
As reported in daily Express, a movement is on the rise in Morroco where women murshidat have emerged who do all the religious teaching except the leading of prayers. A woman murshid of a Rabat mosque, Khadija Alaktami, said that women are more eligible for religious duties as God has created women as being more sensitive and kind hearted. After the serial bombing by religious fanatics in Casablanca, where 41 people died, the Moroccan government decided to train women murshidat to preach moderate Islam.

<b>Teacher sending students for jihad</b>
According to daily Express, a man filed an FIR in Dera Ismail Khan that an Arabic teacher, Qari Zia, in a government school, sent his son and another student Mohammad Zikria for jihad in Afghanistan. The students had been missing since the 16th of Feburary. Qari Zia, who is also the imam of the Abu Bakr mosque, denied the charges. Ahsanullah from Dodian in Punjab contacted the parents of students and told them that the students are with him and that Qari Zia shall be left alone. Ahsanullah is also believed to belong to an outlawed terrorist organisation.

<b>Altaf Hussain’s truth</b>
According to Daily Pakistan, Altaf Hussain said in a telephone address that religious parties are teaching distorted history to the new generation o Pakistan. He said Allama Iqbal didn’t present the idea of a separate country in his address in Allahabad in 1930. The rule of Khulfa-e-Rashideen was undemocratic and our mullahs or politicians don’t speak the truth. That is why I am called a terrorist, he said.

<b>Police operation for World Cup</b>
As reported in daily Express, a police officer said that a gambling den started operating again after a police operation against it. Officers give orders for the operation but after the police raid, phones started ringing and our jobs got in danger. He said the recent operation only improved the rates of gambling for the World Cup.

<b>Tomb of Jesus, his wife and son</b>
As reported in daily Khabrain, the famous director James Cameron and a Jewish intellectual Samacha, have attacked Islam and Christianity by claiming to discover the tomb of Jesus. In a documentary film, they claim that Christ married Mary Magdalene and had a son whose name was Judas. The tomb of Jesus was discovered in Jerusalem in 1980 which had five boxes with the name of five personalities whose names are mentioned in the Bible.

<b>MMA clerics caught cheating in exams</b>
According to daily Nawa-i-Waqt, a MMA member of the provincial assembly of the NWFP, Dildar Ahmad, and the son of national assembly member Israr ul Haq were declared proclaimed offenders by a court in Azad Kashmir. Fake candidates Nisar Ahmad and Sultan were caught red handed giving exams for the BA degree in the places of these two MMA members.

<b>Kidnapping drama to avoid madrassa</b>
Daily Nawa-i-Waqt reported that a young boy, Saleem Iqbal, who was studying in a madrassa run by Qari Yousaf Mohammad disappeared when returning from the madrassa. The parents received a phone call demanding Rs 5 lac to release their son. After a few days the boy returned home and said that that he created this drama to avoid going to the madrassa where students were facing harsh treatment. He said he wanted to rent a car for sight-seeing and distribute the remaining money between friends. The police arrested all three friends.

<b>Bhands, mirasis and artists</b>
As reported in daily Khabrian, the standing committee on culture took notice of calling musicians bhands or mirasi and said they shall be called artists. The chairman of the committee, Ataya Anayatullah, asked for funds worth Rs 3 crore that went to ministry of sports after the separation of the sports and culture ministries. 

<b>Aise azadi pe hazar bar lanat</b>
As reported in daily Nawa-i-Waqt, a brother and sister in Germany are in love and are living together and have four children. 30 year old Patrik has gone to court to repeal the law restricting the marriage of siblings. Patrik was raised in a foster home and met his mother and sister after age 23. He started living with his sister, Sosan, after the death of his mother. The lawyers are hopeful that this ancient law will be repealed, as has already happened in France.

<b>Positive dope tests of Shoaib and Asif</b>
According to daily Khabrain, the unofficial result of Nandrolin tests of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif from London were positive. The sources of the Pakistan Cricket Board claimed that these cricketers were not included in the World Cup because of injuries. The test was conducted to save these bowlers from strict regulations of World Anti Doping Agency and International Cricket Council which could fine these players and the PCB.

<b>Women body building show in Pakistan</b> <!--emo&Big Grin--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
As reported in daily Nawa-i-Waqt, the Pakistan Body Builders Federation secretary Sheikh Iqbal has said that there are over 300 gyms for men and 40 health clubs for women in Lahore. People prefer health clubs over parks and gardens. He said a female body building show is being contemplated for Pakistan which would be conducted strictly under Eastern traditions and restrictions <!--emo&Big Grin--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->  <!--emo&Big Grin--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo--> .
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>The beginning of the end? </b>
FT
Moeed Yusuf
<i>No matter how one looks at it, Musharraf seems headed towards losing out  </i>
President Musharraf has sent the entire country reeling by filing a reference against the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Beyond the interpretation of the president’s move, stricto senso, which suggests that he has the right to force the issue if he is aware of misconduct on the part of the CJ, the majority view is that the move was guided by political motives. Some analysts are predicting that the current event will amount to Musharraf’s final unraveling. Indeed, there are signs that he may be repenting the move.

<i>Could the ongoing situation be his undoing?</i>
Not really. Given the lack of coherence among the opposition, it is unlikely that the current anti-Musharraf sentiment would retain its momentum long enough to unseat him. While Musharraf is now standing on a slippery slope, the final push is unlikely to come from the opposition; it would require a reversal of US policy towards Musharraf. Domestic pressure will play a part, but only if Musharraf is also compromised on the external front.

<i>Will Washington give up completely on Musharraf; if so, why will that force his ouster? </i>
Prior to the US mid-term elections in 2006, the majority of analysts in Pakistan were contending that a Democratic victory would force Bush to scale down the War hysteria, thus leading to reduced pressure on Islamabad. In response to such misplaced opinions, I had pointed to several reasons why a Democratic Congress would spell further trouble for Pakistan (‘Democrats and Pakistan’, TFT, December 8-14 2006). A key element of my argument was that the Democrats would pressure the Bush White House to give up its ‘one-man’ policy and call for a return to genuine democracy. That has indeed been the case.

Dick Cheney’s surprise visit two weeks ago followed by Richard Boucher’s presence in Islamabad makes clear that the US wants more. The Republicans are now playing the Democratic card, in essence suggesting to Musharraf that they will be unable to ward off demands from Democrats that call on the White House to push Musharraf harder. In other words, they are hinting that Musharraf must deliver faster and more tangibly.

This position indicates that the tide is fast turning against Musharraf. In reality, the Bush administration is using the Democratic plea as a cover up. Granted, it remains worried about domestic opposition. However, the real change is coming from within. Consider that the changed face of Bush’s security team is not as amenable to Pakistan’s position as their predecessors. The bottom line is that Washington is now unlikely to cease pressuring Musharraf to deliver more aggressively.

From Musharraf’s point of view, the tide could not have turned at a worse time. Just as domestic opposition within the country is burgeoning, courtesy persistent policy errors (not limited to the move against the CJ), his external support is also beginning to wane. What is more, regardless of what he desires, it is impossible for Musharraf to deliver with any greater success than he has attained thus far.

Consider that the US has drastically overestimated Musharraf’s ability to continue with his pro-US line in the war on terror. In the face of challenges at home, it is impossible for Musharraf to grant any further concessions. In addition, he simply cannot afford to continue taking the blame for Karzai’s persistent failure to rein in militants within his own territory.

Earlier, Washington was satisfied with clandestine guarantees, allowing them a virtual carte blanche as far as targeting militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan was concerned. However, that not having delivered to Washington’s satisfaction, the US has now shifted to requesting a swift ‘elimination’ of the Taliban without any ifs and buts. Musharraf will not concede the troop casualties an overly aggressive campaign would extract; he is not in a position to clear the mess flowing from Karzai’s failure, and he would not be able to survive the domestic backlash of the heavy collateral damage the US-proposed approach would result in.

The ultimate outcome is obvious. Musharraf will soon realise (if he already has not) that even the slightest hint that he may be prepared to toe the US line in the next phase on the war on terror could provide the very anti-Musharraf momentum the domestic opposition is looking for. Having failed to convince Washington to adopt a softer position, he will be forced to present himself as defying further US pressure, even if that means putting himself out of favour with the Americans. Already, Musharraf is being made to realise the fundamental flaw in pinning his personal survival solely on external support.

Political history across the globe suggests that when in a difficult situation, a leader’s ability to survive rests on support among the domestic population. As soon as Musharraf let go of a balanced domestic-foreign equation with his outright neglect of a need to remain diplomatic about his controversial Balochistan and Waziristan policies, he had compromised his position. Soon, he will have no option but to return to seeking domestic support. In the process he will have to brace for the impact of a reversed outlook from Washington.

<i>What would such a change in Washington’s position imply for Musharraf? </i>
Two fundamental issues are likely to force him to make an exit.
First, the economic ‘miracle’, which Musharraf terms his greatest achievement, is likely to collapse. Independent economists have for some time been questioning the sustainability of the current export-led growth model. There seems to be a consensus that GDP growth is being sustained through external support, without which domestic anomalies would force the artificially created ‘bubble’ to burst. Indeed, despite government claims to the contrary, the investment climate is gradually unravelling. Trade deficits are at a record high, and losses are being made up through privatisation proceeds and ‘terror money’. Exports have also plummeted in the recent past for reasons that lead back to structural problems in the economy.

Clearly, these problems cannot be rectified overnight. Moreover, despite the widely acknowledged fact that the Rupee remains overvalued, political considerations are not allowing for the much-needed downward revision. The government on its part has persisted with its obsession to look good, completely ignoring key fundamental changes that are long overdue.

While there are relevant members within the present cabinet who are keen to raise concerns about the inevitable outcome, the top brass already has its hands full with the political turmoil. Thus, despite realising the economic situation, the government is extremely reluctant to acknowledge anomalies in the economic make-up. Be that as it may, given that Musharraf’s political fortunes are dwindling faster than expected, it is already too late for the authorities to rectify the situation in time for the country to cope with the impact of a substantially downsized US support. In all probability, Musharraf’s miracle will end up becoming one of his worst nightmares in times to come.

Second, with the change of heart in the Congress, Bush’s ‘one-man’ policy will have come full circle and will necessarily have to be revised. While this will be counterproductive for the US goals in the war on terror, given that no Pakistani leader could assist the US more sincerely and boldly than Musharraf has done thus far, such a realisation may only set in once Musharraf is gone.

For the moment it seems highly unlikely that the Democratic House would alter their ‘pressure-Musharraf’ stance. Lawmakers in Washington are likely to continue pushing Bush to prompt Musharraf to allow for a truly representative democratic set-up. Moderate political opponents (read PPP) are already lobbying in Washington for a favourable outcome. In all likelihood, the pressure on Musharraf will become overbearing in the coming months. If he remains steadfast, Washington may employ coercive tactics. These could entail legislative bills to restrain aid to Pakistan. It won’t be surprising if the AQ Khan affair is brought back to the forefront, with a possible talk of sanctions.

That Musharraf will eventually lose out in the predicted scenario is a given. Whether he will choose to follow the path of his predecessors and fight till he is pushed out, in the process also putting the country in a compromised diplomatic position vis-à-vis the West, or will allow better sense to prevail and make a voluntary exit will determine his legacy for the most part.
<i>
Moeed Yusuf is a Consultant on Economic Policy at the Sustainable
Development Policy Institute in Islamabad</i><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--emo&Smile--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Bhagwan to dispense justice in Pakistan

KJM Varma | Islamabad

Creating history of sorts, Justice Rana Bhagwan Das, the second senior most and the only Hindu judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, on Saturday took over as the acting Chief Justice. He will now head the Supreme Judicial Council hearing charges against suspended Chief Justice Iftikar M Chaudhry.

Soon after he was sworn in, an SMS message did the rounds of Pakistani mobile phones saying, "For a country created in the name of Islam, the hope of justice for the 160 million Muslims of it rests in (the hands of) Bhagwan (Das).
</span>
[center]<b><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Railways official questions Pak-China rail link project</span></b> <!--emo&:flush--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Flush.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='Flush.gif' /><!--endemo-->[/center]

<i>* Railways GM tells PAC sub-body that cost may be five times higher
* Says operations of 15 new trains equal to one</i>

ISLAMABAD : A top official of the Railways Ministry on Saturday expressed serious doubts about the viability of the Pak-China rail link mega project link because of the huge costs required for the project.

<b>“The cost of this mega project is a big question mark. According to initial estimates by Chinese authorities, <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>the proposed construction of Pak-China rail track through the Himalayas will cost around $5 million per kilometre against the normal estimates of around $1 million to $1.5 million,” said Railways General Manager Asad Saeed, before a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sub-committee.</span></b>

Chaudhry Qamar Zaman Kaira presided over the PAC sub-committee, which met here at the Parliament House, to examine the Ministry of Railways accounts and audit reports related to financial years 1989-90 and 1994-95. MNA Sardar Ashiq Gopang also attended the meeting.

“The estimated construction cost per kilometre is almost five times higher than the normal cost from Havelian to Khunjarab. However, we awarded contracts last month to two different firms, one each from China and Germany, to prepare the feasibility of the proposed track in nine months,” said Saeed.

He said once the study was complete, railways authorities would present it before the government for a decision. “The finance ministry will provide funds if the government approves the project for execution. A huge amount is required, including foreign investment and Chinese support, to complete this project,” said Saeed.

Different routes are currently being employed and questions about the track length and total amount required for the project can only be answered after the route is finalised, Saeed told Daily Times. Saeed also said that 15 new trains had been started recently, but that their operations were equal to those of one train. He said these trains were being run once or twice a week on alternative days on different routes.

<b>“We have received 48 locomotives from China along with bogies but we are still short of locomotives and bogies. We also regularly renovate our old bogies to cater to the needs of passengers,” he said.

Kaira described these mega projects as political tactics and said, “Our minister regularly announces the launching of new trains with new names, but surprisingly without acquisition of new trains.”

He said the minister had also announced that a bullet train would run between Lahore and Rawalpindi by the end of this year while his ministry was yet to complete even the pre-feasibility report for the laying out of a track for this purpose.</b>

Earlier, reviewing the audit report related to the ministry for the years 1989-90 and 1994-95, the sub-committee maintained that the audit paras were so old and directed that an inter-departmental committee be constituted to provide recommendations on the subject.

It also examined a report on ministry grants and observed that the maximum use of funds should be ensured.

Cheers
In a gujju magazine this photo appeared.. <!--emo&:o--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='ohmy.gif' /><!--endemo-->

<img src='http://www.chitralekha.com/chitra_guj/02_04_07/Images/Anukram.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<b>4 ISI men killed</b><!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->KHAR: Unidentified gunmen attacked an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) vehicle in the Rashakai area – 10 kilometres from Khar Bazaar of Bajaur Agency – on Tuesday, killing four officials, including Deputy Director Mohammad Sadique alias Major Hamza, said officials.
.............<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd--> <!--emo&:o--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='ohmy.gif' /><!--endemo-->


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