LAHORE

SENIOR Provincial Minister Raja Riaz Ahmad has said that all-out resources are being utilised by the Punjab government for maintaining l

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Pakistan News

RAWALPINDI: US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton called on the Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani here on Thursday.

The visiting dignitary remained with the Chief of Army Staff for some time and both exchanged candid views on matters of mutual interest.

Issues relating to security situation in the region especially at Pak-Afghan border and Pakistan?s recent offensive against Taliban and al-Qaeda militants in South Waziristan agency were also discussed in the meeting, the sources added.

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LAHORE

CONCERNED Citizens of Pakistan (CCP) slammed the US intervention into Pakistan?s affairs, terming the visit of the US Secretary of State

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Karachi

Illegal hydrants established after cutting main water trunk lines are the reason why connecting areas are facing a shortage of water; a

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LAHORE: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton Thursday said that Pakistani traders will be allowed access to the US open markets while job opportunities will also be provided to Pakistanis in the US.

She announced this while addressing Pakistan?s business community here at Governor House.

Clinton said the US not only wants to extend financial help to Pakistan but it also wants direct US investment to the country.

She said Pakistani businessmen have come up with strong vision for revival of the country?s economy.

The US secretary of state pointed out that democracy, civil society and market economy are the corner stones for development of any country.

She said a Pakistan?s positive perspective has come forward against the terrorists and militants.

?The US will help Pakistan in local energy generation and building dams,? she said, adding, ?the US will continue to play its role towards Pakistan?s progress.?

Hillary Clinton said Washington will also take stock of matters relating to women development and welfare. She lauded Pakistani government?s Benazir Income Support Program.

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LAHORE: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defended US policy and said Washington would not abandon the fight against the Taliban as she faced critical questions from Pakistani students Thursday.

On a day devoted to public diplomacy, Clinton covered her head and chest with a royal blue scarf to visit the shrine of a Muslim saint in the capital Islamabad before touring the 16th century Badshahi mosque in Lahore.

Accompanied by Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Clinton closed her eyes and pressed her fingers together in prayer, then gave alms to the needy at the Bari Imam mausoleum near the heavily guarded seat of government.

Clinton’’s visit to the second largest city in Pakistan, which has been hit by a series of gun, suicide and grenade attacks this year, has been accompanied by draconian security measures a day after a car bomb killed 105 in Peshawar.

Clinton said the “horrific bombing” in the northwestern city left no doubt that “Pakistan is in the midst of a battle against extremists”.

“This is not your fight alone… You”re standing on the frontlines of this battle but we are standing with you,” she said.

Answering questions from students on US intentions and perceived failings, Clinton acknowledged past mistakes and called for a new era, but was treated to applause when she voiced opposition to former US president George W. Bush.

Around 200 students attended the session at one of the country’’s most elite universities, Government College University Lahore, a breeding ground for public servants and often referred to locally as the Oxford of Pakistan.

Following a series of multi-million-dollar investments, Clinton unveiled US support for Pakistan’’s first mobile phone-based social network, designed to enable Pakistanis to connect around shared interests, themes and subjects.

Pakistan’’s relations with the United States, on whom it depends for cash and weapons to fight Islamist militants bombing the country, can be uneasy.

Many Pakistanis blame the US-led “war on terror” and the government’’s alliance with Washington for the attacks sweeping the country, and US missile attacks on Al-Qaeda and Taliban-linked extremists have inflamed sensibilities.

Following previous announcements of cash for poverty, border security and energy development, Clinton pledged a 45-million-dollar investment for higher education in Pakistan and was to meet business leaders later Thursday.

Fending off a question about perceived US bias towards Pakistan’’s arch rival India, Clinton told the hand-picked audience that peace was the way forward.

“If there were peace between Pakistan and India, and the outstanding issues were resolved, Pakistan would take off like a rocket in terms of economic development.

“Pakistan has such an opportunity to be a powerhouse. You are so strategically located,” she said — referring to the possibility of trade opening up to the north, east and west and with the Arabian Sea.

Clinton, who says the United States wants to “turn the page” on its relationship with Pakistan, is devoting significant energy to public diplomacy to counter rising Pakistani criticism of the alliance with Washington.

President Barack Obama’’s administration wants to engage with Pakistan, which traditionally sees the United States as interested only in securing its military cooperation in the fight against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

Clinton has already committed 85 million dollars to countering poverty, 125 million dollars to improving Pakistan’’s woefully inadequate electricity supply and 104 million dollars to law enforcement and border security assistance.

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PESHAWAR: The death toll in Peshawar bomb blast mounted to 109, Geo News reported Thursday.

As many as 42 injured in the blast at Peshawar?s local market are still being treated at Lady Reading Hospital. At least 168 injured were brought to the Hospital, of them 41 were men, 27 women and over 25 were children.

Talking to Geo News, Lady Reading Hospital Chief executive Dr Hameed said at least 42 patient are being medically treated at the hospital; while, other injured have been discharged after giving them the first aid.

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LAHORE

SENIOR Provincial Minister Raja Riaz Ahmad has said that all-out resources are being utilised by the Punjab government for maintaining l

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Pakistan News

SWAT: The security forces, during the continuing search operation in Swat, captured a terrorist leader and 5 other militants from Mingora.

The detained commander is said to be a key member of Ghulshan Char Bagh.

Meanwhile, security men recovered dozens of CDs with Jihadi content and arrested 5 suspects from Khawaza Khela and Balogram areas.

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LAHORE: National team coach Intikhab Alam Thursday said the regular openers would be given chance in New Zealand series; however, this could be changed, if needed.

Talking to media at Gaddafi Stadium here, he said Pakistan are favourite against the New Zealand in the series; however, the Kiwis would also try to prove that their Champions Trophy win was not an accidental one.

The national cricket team coach said the players have been given the schedule for practice and matches and the new boys have been formally introduced to them.

National cricket squad will leave for United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday and the first match would be played on November 3 in Abu Dhabi.

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