Justice Jillani hears first case as CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jilliani, who took oath of his office on Thursday, said the Supreme Court would continue to play its role to safeguard the constitution of Pakistan, Geo News reported. He gave these remarks while hearing first case as Chief Justice of Pakistan here. Attorney General Munir A Malik greeted Justice Jillani for assuming the charge of head of the apex court. The AG also assured the newly appointed Chief Justice of fully cooperation. Munir Malik further said the entire nation expected from Justice Jilani that he would be an exemplary Chief Justice. On this, Chief Justice thanked Munir A Malik and remarked that the apex court would continue to play its role to safeguard the constitution-

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Pak-US relations moving in positive direction: FO

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesman, Aizaz Chaudhry said Pakistani-US relations were moving forward in a positive direction, adding that difference still existed over drone attacks. During the weekly news briefing, Chaudhry told reporters that US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel had not made any threatening statements and bilateral relations were discussed during his visit to Pakistan. The FO spokesman said the Interior Ministry who answer questions relating to the Haqqani network. Chaudhry further said that no one was allowed to meet Mullah Baradar or his family. Commenting on relations with India, Chaudhry said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharid wanted friendly relations with all neighbours. The FO spokesman expressed hope that composite dialogue with India would start soon and would address all issues.

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Govt will support action against absent ministers: Nisar

   ISLAMABAD: The absence of Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi led to a protest by the Opposition in the National Assembly. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also voiced his concern stating that those ministers who do not attend the session should vacate their seats. The interior minister said they were all answerable to Parliament as he called for a privilege motion to be brought against ministers who do not attend sessions. Nisar further said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had directed ministers to attend Parliamentary sessions and the government would support measures taken against those who do not attend. The interior minister also appreciated the services of former Army Chief Kayani and former Chief Justice Chaudhry.

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PM Nawaz visits South African Embassy

      ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the South African Embassy
Thursday to express his condolence on death of Nelson Mandela. PM Nawaz conveyed his heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family and the people of South Africa. On this occasion Nawaz Sharif said that death of Mr Nelson Mandela is a great loss to the world. He was a man of foresight and great wisdom and his services towards reconciliation human rights and democracy will be remembered, PM added. He recalled his meeting with Nelson Mandela in 1991 in Harare and said that it was an honour and pleasure meeting such a great person. Mr Nelson Mandela twice visited Pakistan and he wanted peaceful resolution to the issues between Pakistan and India. In his remarks in Condolence Book PM said Mr Mandela memory will serve as a beacon for the coming generations in their quest for human dignity and equality. (PPI)

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LB polls in Sindh will be held on Jan 18: ECP

             KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dismissed
 a second request by the Sindh government seeking an extension in the date for holding local bodies (LB) polls in the province. According to the ECP, LB polls in Sindh will held on January 18. Earlier on Thursday, Chief Secretary Sindh had held a meeting with Acting Chief Election Commissioner and had informed him of the provinces reluctance to hold polls on January 18 - See more at: http://www.geo.tv/article-130011-LB-polls-in-Sindh-will-be-held-on-Jan-18-ECP

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Fire breaks out in Karachi cloth market

KARACHI: A fire broke out in a cloth factory located in F B Industrial area of the metropolis on Thursday morning, Geo news reported.

According to the sources, the officials declared the fire as third-degree inferno after which fire brigades were called out at the spot.

The fire fighters managed to overcome fire after some time.

It is pertinent to mention here that the same factory caught fire earlier this year in the month of April.

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Pak Rangers personnel martyred in Indian firing

SIALKOT: A Rangers personnel was martyred in unprovoked firing by Indian troops at the Line of Control (LoC), Geo News reported Thursday.

Military sources said India continued violation of LoC, as the fresh incident occurred in Sialkot’s Chaprar sector.

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Three dead, 15 injured in Dadu bus accident

DADU: At least three people died and 15 more injured after a passenger bus turned turtle here on late Thursday night, Geo News reported.

Police said that the rashly driven Karachi-bound bus, which started its journey from Larkana, went out of driver’s control after he stepped on it to reach the next stop in the shortest time.

The unfortunate coach met with the accident as it approached Khairpur Nathan Shah, which is located near Dadu.

One man’s recklessness resulted in three on-the-spot fatalities and dozens of other serious and minor casualties.

The injured were shifted to Chandka Medical College Hospital.

According to hospital sources four of the casualties were critical.

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Faisalabad: Two minors killed after fireworks explosion topples house

FAISALABAD: An explosion in a stack of fireworks toppled a house it was stored in killing two minors and injuring a woman, Geo News reported.

Rescue sources a boy, 4, and a girl, 6, were killed after the roof of the house came crashing down on them while they slept.

They added that as to what caused the fireworks to explode was subject to further investigation.

Reportedly the fireworks were to be used for the celebrations of a marriage ceremony shortly.

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To dig for other option if talks failed: Khattak

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pervez Khattak Thursday said that in case the proposed dialogue failed to produce a solution, some other option will have to be dug out.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a special meeting here.

At the outset of the meeting, flowers were placed on the vacant seat of Law Minister, Israrullah Gandapur, who was assassinated in a suicide attack on Wednesday, the first day of Eid-ul-Azha.

IG Police Nasir Durrani was also present at the meeting.

Earlier, talking to media persons Pervez Khattak said that simultaneous mention of peace talks and fight was beyond his understanding.

He regretted that despite the fact that participants across the board endorsed peace talks at the All Parties Conference, peace could not be restored to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

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Six-year old girl falls prey to child abuse in Lahore

LAHORE: In yet another case of child abuse, police has claimed to have arrested a man for allegedly subjecting a 6-year old girl to sexual abuse at Railway Line quarters, Geo News reported Thursday. Nadeem, the man arrested on charges of sexually abusing a girl who is only six years old, sells fruits on a push cart. According to police, the age of the accused man is about 20 years. The girl has been shifted to Services Hospital for medical examination. Meanwhile, the provincial minister for health, Khalil Tahir Sindhu visited the hospital to enquire about the girl’s health.

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Only MQM can pull country out of crisis: Altaf Hussain

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief, Altaf Hussain Thursday said that MQM is the only party of Pakistan that can pull the country out of the quagmire of problems and difficulties, Geo News reported. In a statement issued here, the MQM Chief said the parties that only came up with the slogans and advises lacked to the courage to make bold decisions keeping in view Pakistan’s stability. Altaf Hussain said that MQM is not only able to resolve the internal issues but also possesses the courage to make decisions under the foreign policy of the country with a focus on Pakistan’s integrity.

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