No threat to democracy in Pakistan: Zardari

ISLAMABAD - Amidst the on-going political blame game, and fears of military taking over the reigns, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has assured that there is no risk of derailment of democracy in the country.

Mounting violence, political crisis prompting Pakistanis to stock up on food

LAHORE - People across Pakistan are stocking up on essential items, including food in anticipation of the political crisis in the country taking a turn for the worse in the coming days.

Kayani meets Gilani, threatens to impose emergency in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asfaq Parvez Kayani met Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday morning and reviewed the deteriorating law and order situation in the country on the eve of the proposed “Long March” from Karachi to Islamabad by the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Kayani meets PM as confrontation looms over sacked judges

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Wednesday met Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani against the backdrop of a confrontation looming over restoring Supreme Court judges sacked two years ago, with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif bent on leading a countrywide ‘Long March’ of lawyers to force the issue.

Kandla Port Trust to build four new cargo berths

AHMEDABAD - The Kandla Port Trust (KPT) in Gujarat will construct four new dry cargo berths at the port at an investment of Rs.702 crore (Rs.7.02 billion), officials said.

Post-Sharif poll bar, Gilani appeals for calm

ISLAMABAD - Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday appealed for calm and deplored the violent protests and ransacking of public property by supporters of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif in the wake of his being barred, along with his brother, from contesting elections.

Zardari offered business deal: Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday accused President Asif Ali Zardari of offering him and his brother a ‘business deal’ in return for letting the duo off in an election disqualification case.

Landmark changes proposed in Pakistan’s constitution

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s constitution could see revolutionary changes with the country’s provinces being given greater autonomy and the federal government responsible only for defence, foreign affairs and finance if a bill on this clears parliament.

Durrani sacking dominates Pakistani media

ISLAMABAD - The sacking of Pakistani National Security Adviser Mehmud Ali Durrani for admitting that Ajaml Amir Kasab, the sole terrorist arrested during the Mumbai mayhem, belonged to this country dominated the Pakistani media Thursday, with more than one newspaper saying his removal reflected the divisions in the nation’s top leadership.

Nawaz thrice turns down Zardari invites

ISLAMABAD - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari desperately wants to meet his estranged ally Nawaz Sharif to mend fences but the former prime minister has rejected three invitations on this score, and his party says it is not interested in ‘photo sessions’.

Indian Science Congress begins in Shillong Saturday

SHILLONG - The stage is set for the inauguration of the Indian Science Congress Saturday in Meghalaya capital Shillong by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Demonstration delays launch of new Thai cabinet

BANGKOK - Thousands of anti-government demonstrators Monday delayed the launch of Thailand’s new cabinet by surrounding parliament building in Bangkok, barring legislators from entering the premises in the morning.

Zardari suppressing Benazir probe: PPP leaders

LONDON - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari may be suppressing the investigation into the assassination of his wife Benazir Bhutto, a British newspaper reported Saturday quoting members of his own ruling party.

Can India afford to remain frozen in inaction? (Comment)

Finally it is out in the open. The Indian defence minister, A.K. Antony, has said that war with Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack is not an option. And once again we find ourselves trapped in a dead end.