BY IBRAHIM SAJID MALICK

Pakistan is prepared to show flexibility and demonstrate to the world that Islamabad is ready to resume dialogue with India in any format, a well placed source within Pakistan foreign office told Examiner Saturday.

A statement issued yesterday confirmed that Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir visit to New Delhi for a meeting with his counterpart on February 25th.

Our sources tell us that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has instructed Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the foreign secretary to take this new thaw in diplomacy forward and do not allow any technical or format disagreement derail the process.

Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Pakistani Foreign Secretary called his Indian counterpart Ms Nirupama Rao to convey Pakistan's acceptance of the invitation for talks. In the brief conversation, the two sides agreed that the agenda for the meeting would be decided through diplomatic channels.

A statement issued by the prime minister's office today said, "Pakistani side should raise all core issues and impress upon India the need for their expeditious resolution through resumption of the Composite Dialogue."

However, our sources tell us that Pakistan is keen on moving forward regardless of the format of the dialogue.

Pakistan has been demanding resumption of 'composite dialogue' to address all open issues but India has indicated that she wants to take one step at a time.

Composite dialogues between the two South Asian nations came to a screeching halt on November 2008 when a group of terrorists attacked key locations in Mumbai, India.

India wants to address issues of terrorism alleged presence of India-specific terror infrastructure on Pakistan's soil.

South Asian experts do not anticipate breakthrough on core disputes but view recent re-engagement between India and Pakistan positively.

Rhetoric over the agenda is seen in "as the domestic compulsion of two governments otherwise keen to engage."

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ISLAMABAD: Presidency spokesman Farhatullah Babar has said neither the emergency is imposed in country nor is it in the offing, Geo news reported. He said following the issuance of notification regarding appointment of judges from law ministry, there is not such kind of situation in country, which should ask for imposition of emergency. He said the emergency will not be clamped in country at any cost.

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Peshawar, Feb 13: The teachers of NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar, started boycott of classes and protest movement..

 

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ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said the eradication of terrorism and sectarianism from societies can bring development and prosperity to the country and the entire Islamic world. In his message on the Shahadat of Hazrat Imam Hassan (may Allah be pleased with him), the President stressed the need for following the teachings of the great Shaheed based on piety and abstinence from evil deeds. President Zardari mentioned the saying of the Last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (May peace be upon him) who said: "Hassan and Hussain (may Allah be pleased with them) are the heads of heaven's youth. Their friend will be my friend and their enemy will be my foe." He said Hazrat Imam Hassan (may Allah be pleased with him) declined to accept the rule of power and worked for the honor of his Grandfather's religion. He expressed satisfaction over the efforts of Markazi Imam Hussain Council for holding a conference on the Shahadat of Imam Hassan (may Allah be pleased with him) on February 13, to be attended by scholars and religious leaders from all schools of thought.

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BADIN: At least 9 persons died while as many sustained injuries in a traffic accident here in Badin on Saturday morning, Geo news reported. According to details, the accident took place as a passenger bus and a car met a head-on collision, resulting in the deaths of 9 persons and injuring as many others. The rescue efforts, shortly after the accident, have been kicked off; meanwhile, wounded men are being shifted to hospital for medical attainment, hospital sources said.

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LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif met with Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at the Army House in Rawalpindi today, Geo news reported. Chief Minister Shahbaz and General Kayani exchanged views about armys cooperation to enhance the professional capabilities of Punjab Police in tackling terrorism. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing training courses at Elite Forces regional centers with the help of army. In addition, they also evaluated the possible threats being faced by installation of sensitive agencies. After the meeting, CM Shahbaz told media at Islamabad airport he thanked COAS over army cooperation in extending training for Punjab police. He said army training will help Punjab police counter terrorism in professional and in a much better way. The meeting also reviewed ongoing projects of FWO and NLC in Punjab, he added.

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