Parveen Shakir be Remembered

KARACHI, Pakistan news update: 24th November, is the birthday of legendary Urdu poet, Parveen Shakir. She started writing at an early age, initially under the pen name of Beena, and published her first volume of poetry, Khushbu, to great acclaim, in 1976 and won Pakistan’s Adamjee Award.

She received two undergraduate degrees in English literature and linguistics.

She was Urdu poet, teacher and a civil servant of the Government of Pakistan. Shakir was born on 24th November, 1952 in Karachi.

She was a teacher for 9 years before joining the Pakistan Civil Service, where she served in the Customs department.

In 1986, she was appointed second secretary, CBR in Islamabad.

In 1990, she taught at Trinity College, Connecticut, USA, and then did her masters in public administration at Harvard University in 1991.

She married Naseer Ali, a doctor by profession, whom she later divorced. Parveen was killed in a car-truck collision in Islamabad on December 26, 1994, when she was only 42. With the premature end of her poetic career, Urdu poetry suffered an irreparable loss. She is survived by her son, Syed Murad Ali.

Her poetry was a breath of fresh air in Urdu poetry. She used the first-person feminine pronoun, which is rarely used in Urdu poetry even by female poets. The feminine perspective of love and the associated social problems were her theme. Critics compare her poetry to that of Iranian poet Forough Farrokhzad.

Her first book, Khushboo, won the Adamjee Award. Later she was awarded the Pride of Performance.

She subsequently published Sad-barg (Marsh Marigold), Khud kalami (Conversing with the Self), Inkaar (Refusal), Maah-e-Tamam (Full Moon) and Kaf-e-Aa’ina (The Edge of the Mirror), all to great acclaim.

Asif Ali Zardari, Altaf NRO Among Beneficiaries

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Government of Pakistan Saturday released the list of the beneficiaries of the National Reconciliation Ordinance on the directives of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

State Minister for Law Afzal Sindhu in a news conference here said that a total of 8041 people including 34 politicians, bureaucrats and three ambassadors took benefit from the ordinance.

On top of the list is the name of President Asif Ali Zardari while his several close associates, both political and bureaucratic, including Rehman Malik, Salman Farooqi and his brother Usman Farooqi and Hussain Haqqani are also included, he said.

The list, which also reflects a brief introduction of the cases dropped against each name under the NRO, also includes the name of serving and former ministers, federal and provincial secretaries, ex-chief secretaries, existing or former members of the national and provincial assemblies and others, he added.

The politicians that benefited from the ordinance include Nawaz Yousaf Talpur, Ex-MNA and former minister, Nusrat Bhutto, Ex-MNA and the PPP Secretary General Jehangir Badar, Ex-minister for commerce and Presently Defense Minister Ahmad Mukhtar, Ex-MNA Malik Mushtaq Ahmed Awan, Ex-MNA Rana Nazir Ahmed, Ex-MPA Mian M Rashid, Ex-MPA Tariq Anees, Ex-MPA Mian Tariq Mehmood Dina, Ex-Minister of education Sindh Agha Sirajuddin, Former Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Sherpao and Ex-Provincial minister Ghani-ur-Rehman, he said.

Ex-senator Haji Gulsher, Ex-Provincial Minister Habibullah Khan Kundi, Ex-MNA Mir Baz Muhammad Khan Khethran, Ex-Federal Minister Anwar Saifullah Khan, Ex-Provincial Minister Sardar Mansoor Laghari, Ex-Mayor Sargodha Ch Abdul Hameed, Ex-chairman Zila Council Lahore Ch Shaukat Ali, Ex-MNA Haji Kabir are also included in the list.

Haji Nawaz Khokhar late, Altaf Hussain, Babar Ghouri, Farooq Sattar, Saleem Shahzad, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Ch, Haji Qadeer, Malik Mushtaq Awan, Mian Muhammad Rasheed, Mian Tariq Mehmood, Shoaib Bukhari are also included in the list of Politicians who took benefit from NRO.

Amongst Government servants and others, who had benefited from NRO and got themselves cleared from NAB cases include Ex-Additional Director General FIA and Presently Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Pakistan’s Ambassador in the US Husain Haqqani, Principal Secretary to the President Suleman Farooqi, Ex-Advisor to Prime Minister A R Siddiqi, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to UK Wajid Shams-ul-Hassan, Ex DG Intelligence Bureau Brig Imtiaz, Ex-MD Printing Corporation of Pakistan Pir Mukarram.

The minister said that the number of politicians who benefited from the NRO is very few. Out of total 8041 persons who benefited from the law 7793 belong to Sindh province, he said.

“The spouse of the prime minister was not among the beneficiaries of NRO,” the state minister said. The minister said that three diplomats, including Hussain Haqqani, Wajid Shams-ul-Hasan and AR Siddiqui also benefited from the law.

Sindhu said that total 71 cases including 31 murders and 11 attempts to murder against MQM chief Altaf Hussain were withdrawn under the Ordinance.

Answering to a question, he said, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was honorably acquitted by the court.

The cases against politicians were constructed for political victimization, he said, adding that, Cases against PPP leadership were made during the period of Chief Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif for that he has regretted the act.

It was also mentioned in the charter of democracy that most of the cases were constructed to victimize political opponents, he said. Cases made during the period of former President Farooq Leghari were also based on malafide intentions, he said.

Till 28 November, 2009, NRO is protected under constitution and it will lapse after 28 November, he said. Situation will get cleared after November 28. We will accept the verdict of Supreme Court on the issue, he said.

If any beneficiary of NRO found guilty will be dealt in accordance with the law, State Minister for Sindh said this while answering to a question. “We will accept the verdict of Supreme Court with open heart. We will accept the court decision even against President. We must live in the Present,” Sindhu added.

“The article 48 of the Constitution provides amenity to the President. President is symbol of federation. We must honor the office of President,” he said.

Beneficiaries of NRO may be politicians, may be bureaucrats will be dealt according to law, he said.

“We had pressure of NRO even before elections. It was misinterpreted and people were misguided on the subject during election campaign. We contested election under NRO. I do not have any moral pressure. Pressure should be on those who constructed baseless cases,” he said.

10 Killed In Drone Attack in N Waziristan

MIRANSHAH: At least eight militants have been killed in suspect US drone attack in Macchikhel area near Mir Ali.

According to reports, eight militants have been killed in the missile attack. Earlier, four persons were killed in a drone attack near Miranshah two days ago.

Pakistan Concerns be Taken into Account Afghan Politics: Gilani Tells U.S

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday welcomed the U.S. initiative Pakistan take on trust and seeking entry into the ongoing review of Afghan politics. The Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan’s concerns about the possible effects of increased U.S. forces in Afghanistan, particularly in the border province of Helmand and then cross the Afghan Taliban in Pakistani territory, take into account the new policy.

He called for regular consultations and coordination between the two sides in the deployment of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, strengthening the mechanism of border Coordination Center, the fencing of border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the introduction of the telemetry system to contain the supply of arms and drugs and stop the flow of undesirable elements from Afghanistan to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister was referring to Gen. James L. Jones (R), USA National Security Advisor to President Obama, who on Friday asked the PM House. The Prime Minister noted that the reimbursement of U.S. claims Pakistan Coalition Support Fund was too late and urged to be resolved without delay in order to strengthen the hands of Pakistan in its ongoing operations against extremists and terrorists.

He noted that the provision of access to markets and the establishment of reconstruction opportunity zones through Rozs project approval and delivery to the U.S. promises to help Pakistan in energy sector can be very helpful in removing the misperceptions about the U.S. prevalent among the general public in the country.

In this regard, requested that the solar system supply generators based on Swat, Malakand and other areas affected by terrorism. The Prime Minister recalled that U.S. Secretary of State during his recent visit to Pakistan had agreed to the resumption of strategic results-oriented dialogue on the basis of the roadmap provided by Pakistan and declared that the dialogue must be scheduled in the near future.

The Prime Minister also drew the attention of the U.S. National Security Advisor to rapidly deteriorating conditions of the road network of communication between Karachi and Peshawar and Karachi and Quetta Chaman between sectors due to the heavy container traffic carrying supplies for the forces of ISAF. It is hoped that the U.S. Pakistan will help in upgrading its road infrastructure to ensure no interruptions in supplies without problems for its forces in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said that while Pakistan is fully committed to making ongoing operations of removal of its territory by terrorists and extremists to its logical conclusion, his forces were too stretched because of continuing tension in the eastern border. It is imperative that the U.S. must be sensitive to the fundamental interests of Pakistan, Kashmir, namely the water problem, the military capabilities of India and the requirements of balance of power in South Asia.

The U.S. therefore, must use its influence with India for resumption of global dialogue and the reduction of tension with Pakistan to allow Pakistan to focus their attention and energies on the fight against militancy and terrorism, he added. General James L. Jones (R), informed the Prime Minister who was sent to Islamabad by U.S. President to ensure the leadership of Pakistan of its sincere intention to continue a long-term strategic partnership based on reciprocal interests and mutual respect.

The U.S. regards Pakistan as its strategic ally and wanted to proceed in a new way forward through consultation and coordination in all relevant bilateral issues including those related to combating terrorism and insurgency, he added.

He agreed with the Prime Minister that the new U.S. policy in Afghanistan should be formulated taking into account the vital interests of Pakistan. James said that the U.S. has pledged to help Pakistan economically, in rebuilding areas affected by militancy and building the capacity of their forces. The U.S. also work to strengthen coordination between their forces and Pakistan through better exchange of intelligence to defeat the common enemy.

He assured the Prime Minister that the Obama administration fully recognizes the concerns of Pakistan on the long-term peace and security in South Asia and keep urging Indian leaders to return to the dialogue process.

Defense Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Senator Sughra Syeda Imam, Secretary of Defense Lt. Gen. Syed Athar Ali (R) and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, were present at the meeting. Ms Anne W Patterson, U.S. Ambassador in Pakistan, was also present during the meeting.

Six Terrorists Killed, 12 Soldiers Martyred in SWA

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Six terrorists have been killed while 12 soldiers embraced shahadat and 2 soldiers injured during the ongoing operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan.

According to ISPR, security forces successfully secured important feature point 5376, 3 kms north of Ahmed Wam on Jandola – Sararogha Axis.

Exchange of fire took place between security forces and terrorists at Ahmed Wam, resultantly 2 soldiers embraced Shahadat and 2 were injured, while 6 terrorists were killed.

Clearance operation at Khawasai is underway.

Security forces conducted search operation in area around Torwam on Shakai – Kaniguram Axis, cleared compounds, and recovered cache of arms and ammunition.

10 wounded soldiers due to engagement with terrorists of Langar Khel yesterday succumbed to injuries and embraced shahadat. Total casualties are 15 soldiers shaheed.

Security forces have fully secured the area from Makeen to Marobi Raghzai and road block has been established at Shah Wali Algad on Razmak- Makeen Axis.

Security forces cleared built up area of Rogha and Mir Khoni.

Terrorists fired rockets at Razmak Camp and Laghr Manza, which was effectively responded by security forces.

Security forces apprehended wanted terrorist Qamar Ali at Shangla during operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat – Malakand.

Security forces conducted search operation at Shalpin, Amankot, Ghalagai and apprehended 3 terrorists.

President Asif Ali Zardari Invite MQM Members To Dinner

PAKISTAN, ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday invited at dinner the members of the Parliament hailing from Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) tonight.
The MQM sources told Geo News that the MQM parliamentarians led by Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Parliamentary leader of the MQM Dr Farooq Sattar would go to President House tonight.

According to sources, the recent meeting at the President House will mull over the overall national political situation, the affairs relating the coalition government, National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), fate of Local Governments and the abolishment of 17th Amendment.

U.S. Strike Kills 4 in The Unmanned Plane SWA

WANA: At least four persons were killed and four others injured in the attack of suspected US unmanned spy plane on Norok tehsil of Mir Ali in South Waziristan Agency (SWA) late on Wednesday night.

According to sources, the identity of injured and killed persons has yet to be ascertained but wounded men have been rushed to hospital for medical attainment.

Drone’s flights over the area are still underway, triggering panic among public, witnesses said.

PM, President Zardari Co-Chair Key Meeting at Presidency

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: A high level PPP meeting was held in the presidency Tuesday night, being presided over jointly by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, reviewed the political situation in the aftermath of the decision no to take the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) to parliament for legislation.
Also, the meeting discussed a host of political issues ranging from Balochistan, fight against militancy, governance and the problems faced by the common people. It decided to formulate a strategy to handle constitutional issues.

The meeting was attended by Rehman Malik, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Muhammad Afzal Sindhu, Babar Awan, Syed Khursheed Shah, Senator Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Taj Haider, Rahimdad Khan, Sardar Ali, Zahir Shah, Mir Lashkari Raisani, Sadiq Umrani, Rukhsana Bangash, Fauzia Wahab, Fauzia Habib, Mehreen Anwar Raja, Naveed Qamar and Farhatullah Babar.

According to sources privy to presidency, the president also held an interactive session with PPP members of the National Assembly (MNAs) from Sindh at the Presidency to take stock of the overall political situation and development projects in the province.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and provincial ministers were also present at the meeting. Issues concerning setting up of schools and hospitals, infrastructure, upgrading channels irrigation, creating employment opportunities for the youth, water supply schemes and provision of facilities to the public were discussed at the meeting.

Ek Niranjan Movie Review

latest News Updated, Ek Miranjan Movie Review: The biggest challenge for a director to make a movie is a budget and to find a big hero. Puri Jagan never makes a film that appears cheap or suffers from lack of funds, he had crossed that hurdle years back and is always giving something that stands up technically well. Hero? Almost every actor’s dream is to work with him, and hero’s capacity to deliver? Prabhas is not the kind of actor to whom you got teach the ABCs of acting.
He has developed his own unique style like Raviteja, has his own brand of comedy so what does the director need to do? All he needs is a pressure or conflict to drive his story forward in a way that will keep the viewer wondering what will happen next.

We don’t learn from other people’s experience, so we still bring to our screen a heroine who might be genius in her own language but looks just like a porcelain doll. There might be actors who don’t know Telugu but still can emote but here Kangana fails miserably, her looks are no where remotely south Indian and she scares you right in the opening scene itself when she comes playing with the guitar. There is the director’s favourite place Bangkok wherein he’s been shooting for more than 40 days to see what he shot in those 40 days, we waited and waited to see Bangkok and it came post interval..it looked more or less like Mumbai.

The story? Now divide the film into two halves, use the first half for introducing the hero and his contacts and the second half fill it with violence, blood shed and once in a while bring in Ali or Brahmanandam with weird get-ups may be like eunuch or a priest/ascetic for comic relief.

Now the rest of the characters, Posani Krishna Murali barks like usual and he might have in all probability written the dialogues for his own character. Sonu Sood’s recession dialogue makes you think actually if husbands have begun sleeping with their wives just because it’s recession time. If he stole the show in Super, Arundathi this is one more film that brought out his flair for light-hearted acting. He kept the audience wondering if he still was a hero or a villain. May be Puri will be able to answer it right!

What can Prabhas do? Some stories sound interesting when narrated. There is a scene in which Kangana declares her love and he sinks on the floor red-eyed, sobs like a baby, Prabhas is wowie. His work has been improving with every film but sadly the stories/directors are letting him down.

Now the story is all about why he is not Ek Chotu but Ek Niranjan. He plays the role of a kid who’s abducted, grows up yearning for a family and relationships and catches criminals for a living. He keeps catching them till he discovers that one of the criminal is his brother and his love Sameera (Kangana) is another criminal’s sister. There is more to it. Lot of bone crunching stunts, a heroine who looks pale in the first half and almost dead in the second half inspires him to finish off the drama. But the story goes on without him finding his family..so it has to be Ek Niranjan, this is strictly for Prabhas’s fans.
Source: cinegoer.com

President, PM Condemns Attack on Military Vehicle

ISLAMABAD : President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the attack on a military vehicle here on Thursday.

The two leaders in separate messages condemned the terrorist attack on a jeep of the Pakistan Army in G-11 sector. The president and the prime minister said the country will continue its war against the extremists and terrorists and will not rest till their elimination.

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