we can still bank on the smile

“This is indeed a new era in bilateral cooperation between the countries,” Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar stated on her first trip to India as FM. Let’s be honest. The notion of a ‘new era’ arriving has been reiterated far too many times now – and if these talks go the way they usually do, then we’ll be left waiting for a long, long time for the era that never arrived.
There are hopes that these rounds of Pak-India talks will be different but the language says something else.

"Pak Puts On Its Best Face," noted The Times of India, while mass circulation Hindi newspaper Navbharat Times said India was “sweating over model-like minister.”
So, do we really need a caption here? – AP photo

Damage control: Fury prompts govt to offer olive branch

By Zia Khan

Published: July 23, 2011

MQM blames Zulfiqar Mirza for spike in violence. PHOTO : REUTERS

ISLAMABAD:  A fresh wave of deadly violence in Karachi on Friday provoked a reaction from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in the National Assembly, prompting Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to offer an olive branch in damage control.

Earlier on Friday, the MQM legislators also walked out of a Sindh Assembly and Senate session over the same issue.
Both the MQM and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had shown restraint overnight, and refrained from going overboard in their criticism of each other.
However, angered by the killing of its supporters in various localities of Karachi, MQM members squarely blamed the controversial PPP leader, Sindh Senior Minister Zulfiqar Mirza, for the violence, calling him a ‘notorious patron of terrorists’ and an ‘engineer of violence’ against political opponents.
Just a few days ago, Mirza had claimed that he had met with Afaq Ahmed, the jailed leader of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) – Muttahida’s arch rival in Karachi.
MQM lawmakers staged a token walkout to protest against the latest killing spree in Karachi when it was joined by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in an apparent attempt to consolidate their bid for a joint parliamentary opposition.
MQM lawmaker Sajid Ahmed was the first to raise the issue in the house.
Flaring tempers and stirred emotions created a panic in the ranks of the ruling PPP, inducing Prime Minister Gilani to condemn the killings and promise a probe.
“Karachi is an important economic hub. We can’t afford the city to plunge into violence. We all will have to look for a solution,” said Gilani.
The premier said the government would make sure that peace was restored and order established in the city. He did not elaborate, however. He did not respond to allegations against Zulfiqar Mirza and the Sindh government either.
He restricted himself to a condemnation of incidents that took place in Malir and Landi localities earlier in the day.
‘Innocent’
While the MQM legislators remained focused on the spike in Karachi violence, PML-N members kept defending a party colleague who escaped from the custody of Islamabad police last week.
MNA Anjum Aqeel, who is facing a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) probe, was brought to the house by police after Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi ordered his production overnight.
In an uncharacteristic, emotional speech to the house, Anjum pleaded not guilty and said charges against him were ‘fabricated’ at the behest of former law minister Babar Awan.
He offered himself up for an inquiry by a bipartisan committee of the house.
Another PML-N lawmaker Khawaja Saad Rafiq also blamed Awan and Interior Minister Rehman Malik for wrongly involving Aqeel in a criminal case.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2011.

Japan supported water plant completed in Karachi

Updated 2 hours ago

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KARACHI: A water filtration plant has been completed in Karachi at a cost of 90,952 dollars (approximately. Rs7.7 million) with the assistance of Japan and in collaboration with Al-Khidmat Foundation.

The project was executed under the scheme of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The inauguration ceremony took place at a local hotel which was attended by the Consul General of Japan, Masaharu Sato and Niamatullah Khan, the President of Al-Khidmat Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Masaharu Sato said that the implementation of this project would be a driving force for spreading better health conditions in Karachi, and that it will be inspiring to see the residents enjoy better standards of living.

Inviting international and local NGOs and businesspersons, Niamatullah Khan celebrated the philanthropic efforts of Japan and the Pakistani NGO.

Vowing to achieve its objective to improve sanitation and human health conditions in communities, Japanese government and the NGO had agreed and signed on this carefully selected project for seven sites throughout the city on July 12, 2010, and since then both parties have made endeavours to set up water purification plants to diminish the cost of drinkable water and threat of water-borne diseases, and raise living standard in less privileged communities.

 

Ebad directs KESC to provide relief to consumers

Updated 5 hours ago

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KARACHI: Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad has directed KESC to provide relief to consumers by ensuring the availability of electricity, Geo News reported.

In a statement issued here from Governor House, Dr. Ebad directed KESC officials to concentrate on decreasing the hours of loadshedding rather than closing field operations.

The Governor directed Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan to take immediate and necessary steps to ensure that KESC staff was protected.

On Wednesday, KESC announced that it was closing field operations and offices due to lack of security. KESC spokesperson said that despite court orders, the government had failed to provide adequate security to its staff.

 

Return of prisoners to Karachi directed

Updated 3 hours ago

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KARACHI: Return of Prisoners to Karachi jails, who were shifted to various other jails of Sindh few days ago, have been directed, Geo News reported.

According to the sources, this decision was taken after consultation between Governor Sindh Ishrat ul Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.

It is pertinent to mention here that shifting of prisoners took place after the decision taken by MQM to sit on opposition benches. Majority of the shifted prisoners belonged to MQM.

Zardari, Karzai discuss post-US scenario

Updated 17 hours ago

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KABUL: President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday reiterated to continue the ongoing fight against terrorism and extremism till the restoration of regional peace. The one-on-one meeting between the two leaders at the presidential palace, focused on a range of issues including bilateral relations and regional situation with specific reference to Afghanistan's scenario after start of leaving of US troops.

President Zardari who arrived here on a day-long visit to offer Fateha and condolence over the death of younger brother of Hamid Karzai.

Briefing media spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that President Zardari told his Afghan counterpart that Pakistan was a strong supporter of Afghanistan's peace and stability.

He said Pakistan believed that the solution to Afghan problem rested with its people who must be given opportunity to decide about their future.

President Zardari said it was the time to prioritize the well being of Afghan people who had been suffering the effects of war-ravaged economy for decades.

He said Pakistan would act as a supportive neighbour to Afghanistan in its efforts to attain development, peace and prosperity.

The Afghan President Hamid Karzai thanked President Zardari and his delegation for this gesture.

Polling on AKJ 2 legislative seats begins

Updated 51 minutes ago

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KARACHI: Polling on two Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly seats has begun in the city , Geo News reported. The polling is underway for LA-30 Jammu and LA-36 Kashmir Valley-I.

The Election Commission has completed all arrangements while police and Rangers have been deployed at sensitive polling stations.

Tahir Khokhar of MQM and Abdul Rashid of PML-N will contest each other on LA- 30 seat. The contestants from PPP and Muslim Conference had earlier announced their withdrawal from both the constituencies in favour of the MQM.

In Karachi, 73 polling stations have been set up for the LA-30 seat.

Salim But of MQM is contesting in LA-36 Kashmir Valley-I where PPP and Muslim Conference had already stepped for MQM.

Twenty-five polling stations have been set up in LA-36 constituency while the stationary to be used in the polling has been delivered to the polling stations.

A dangerous Saudi affair

by Ahmad Ali Khalid on July 19th, 2011 (11 hours ago) | Comments (50)

Life in Saudi Arabia is good – oil rich, tax free incomes, multiple servants, big villas and security.  Even labourers, remark on the improved quality of life in Saudi as compared to Pakistan. For them this is an opportunity to support their families in the relative security of the Kingdom.

It seems Pakistani expat workers are satisfied with life. Even migrant labourers who I have conversed with personally say life is better in Saudi than in Pakistan, and the incomes they receive give their families back home a fighting chance. Personally, I’ve had good experiences and memories of living in the Kingdom for many years. But let’s face it – there is a conflict between personal gain and ethical integrity when it comes to Saudi Arabia.

One can witness a pervasive sort of racism,  a form of Saudi supremacy that views other types of Arabs and particularly the South Asian expats (who are mostly labourers) as inferior and mere ‘commodities’ who can be bought and sold ruthlessly. Expats are not human beings but a commodity to be bartered and acquired.

Connected to racial supremacy is an attempt to insulate the regime from criticism by using the cloak of religion. Saudi textbooks are filled with references to hate; the Islamic Studies curriculum in the country is simply barbaric. I’ve experienced first-hand being taught by an Islamic Studies teacher in one of the most prominent private schools in Riyadh, about the dangers of having non-Muslims as friends and about the evil conspiracies hatched by Christians, Jews and Shias.

In Pakistan, Saudi petro-dollars have funded factories of hate in the form of the madrassa system. ‘Petro-Islam’ is a nightmare scenario – capitalism and a dangerous ideology locked in a tight embrace. It is because of the sheer amount of money behind this austere and dangerous theology that it can easily overwhelm the moderate elements in any given society.

Little attention is given in Pakistan about the treatment of Pakistani labourers. If the Saudis will not speak about the suffering of these people then why should we remain silent? It is understandable that Pakistanis within Saudi cannot protest, but why do Pakistanis living outside who have witnessed first-hand the harsh treatment of their fellow citizens choose to remain silent? The Gulf countries practice a modern day equivalent of slavery, and our media should be more vocal about it, instead of weaving tales about Mossad and RAW.

The treatment of Pakistani labourers as sub-humans is deeply pervasive. The underlying logic of this treatment is that a non-Saudi can never be an equal; they are always meant to serve. Pakistanis like to criticise Europe’s hostility to immigrants but the anti-immigration feeling in Saudi Arabia is deeply toxic and yet it is never scrutinised.

A famous Pakistani defence of Saudi Arabia is that it is an ‘Islamic country’ and ergo a good place to raise the kids. But there is very little ‘Islamic’ about the country – in my time in Saudi, I talked to converts to Islam who travelled from as far as America and the UK to see for themselves the ‘Islamic’ Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Privately, they reveal a story of disillusionment and profuse disappointment.

Many were shocked by what they see in Saudi. They talk about a hypocrisy running deep within the society. Whilst the elite enjoy a hedonistic lifestyle of drinking and private nightclub-style parties, the religious police make life hell. I once saw a mullah in a GMC reverse on one of the main roads in Riyadh just to tell a woman to put her burqa on properly.

I find we are confused about our reaction to the prospect of a ‘Saudi Revolution’. When Mubarak was toppled and Ben Ali fled, the reaction amongst Pakistanis was positive, after all these dictators were merely pawns of the West. But talk about Saudi, and again there is that sense of unease and discomfort. After all, for all their faults the Saudis still do some great work. Many Pakistanis and indeed Muslims around the world have a sense of deep respect in regards to the provision of the Hajj. Indeed, the Saudis have continually done a fantastic job in improving facilities, crowd control and should be given credit for handling such a difficult event with efficiency.

But on the issue of faith, some Pakistanis are naive in thinking that a Muslim country can never be unjust with another Muslim country; they refuse to accept that in the reality of real politick there is no ‘Islamic Ummah’.

It is this sense of moral unease we have when we talk about Saudi Arabia that has haunted Pakistani hearts and minds. On the one hand, we receive great remittances from Pakistani workers who are employed in the Kingdom, but on the other hand everyone knows that they are discriminated against and have little or no rights. But yet again the response is that those Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia should be grateful that they even have a job because of the deteriorating economic conditions back home. In this cold, utilitarian world where money talks, it is impossible that the Pakistani government will fight for its citizens rights in front of the Saudi Royal family.

The old adage, ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’, comes to mind. Pakistan is trapped in an abusive marriage (or maybe a delusional affair?) when it comes to Saudi.
Today the Kingdom is launching a great counter-revolution trying to contain the ‘Arab Spring’ by buying off Arab militaries, supporting dictators, issuing fatwas against the protestors and involving the Pakistani security forces in controlling protests in Bahrain which has become a stage for its great feud with Iran. Pakistan is very much a supporter of tyranny in the greatest political awakening of the 21st century, and this will hurt only Pakistanis in the end.
Ahmad Ali Khalid is a freelance writer and blogger based in the UK. He can be reached at ahmadalikhalid@ymail.com 
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.

Last spacewalk of US shuttle era ends

WASHINGTON: Two US astronauts wrapped up the last spacewalk of the shuttle era Tuesday at the International Space Station, where Atlantis is docked on the final mission of the 30-year US program. Americans Ron Garan and Mike Fossum, who were already aboard the ISS as part of the six-member international Expedition 28 crew when Atlantis arrived on Sunday, successfully completed their repair and maintenance tasks at the lab. The main objective -- of retrieving a failed ammonia pump from the orbiting outpost and placing it into the shuttle's payload for return to Earth -- was tackled early in the six hour, 31 minute spacewalk. The duo then turned their efforts toward attaching a Robotic Refueling Module experiment to the lab. The joint US-Canadian project aims to test technologies for repairing and refueling satellites in space. The Atlantis crew of four American astronauts helped support the spacewalk, which was choreographed by mission specialist Rex Walheim and formally ended at 3:53 pm (1953 GMT). A total of 160 floating trips have been carried out by astronauts and cosmonauts to build the ISS over the past decade. The last-ever spacewalk by astronauts from a US shuttle crew was completed on May 27 during Endeavour's final visit to the orbiting outpost. American astronauts Mike Fincke and Greg Chamitoff's seven and a half hour trip helped move the global space tally past 1,000 hours of spacewalking to construct, maintain and repair the ISS. The next spacewalk by US astronauts is not scheduled until the fall of 2012, NASA said. Tuesday's outing marked the 249th spacewalk by US astronauts in history, and brought the total time spent on spacewalk assembly and repair of the ISS to 1,009 hours and nine minutes, mission control in Houston said. On Monday, NASA decided to extend Atlantis's mission by a day, so the astronauts will now spend 13 days on their final journey to space before the US shuttle program closes down forever. Atlantis's key mission is to take advantage of the massive cargo space available one last time in order to restock the space station with a year's worth of food and supplies. The Atlantis crew began work on Monday with their six colleagues at the ISS to transfer nearly five tons of goods to the orbiting outpost and succeeded in unloading the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module. Other supply ships from Europe, Japan and Russia will be able to stock the ISS when the shuttle program retires after Atlantis, but the space available on the shuttle is unparalleled. (AFP)

Protests against Aamir Khan’s ‘Delhi Belly’

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's new film has been a hit at the box office but has also led to protests and even a court case against its dialogue and content, which critics say is vulgar and offensive. The comedy "Delhi Belly", starring the actor-producer-director's nephew Imran Khan, revolves around three, scruffy, debt-ridden room-mates who unwittingly fall into a life of crime with a mafia boss. The film, which is mainly in English with a profanity-peppered dialogue and toilet humour, had by Monday taken a total of 487.5 million rupees ($10.9 million) since it opened on July. But with India as a whole still a conservative place, not everyone is happy. On Monday protesters stormed a cinema in the western city of Kolhapur, forcing a screening of the film to be cancelled. Another theatre was attacked in the central city of Indore following action by a right-wing Hindu organisation that called for the movie to be banned for having too much abusive and vulgar language. Even in India's more liberal entertainment capital, Mumbai, a complaint was filed in court, accusing Aamir Khan, who has a cameo role, of showing "obscene" acts and outraging and insulting religion or religious beliefs. Industry analysts, however, have said the film has aroused public interest as it was a reflection of young people in modern, urban India. (AFP)

Ten killed, over 20 hurt in Karachi mayhem

KARACHI: At least ten people were killed and more than 20 hurt in different incidents of firing in the city in reaction to Zulfiqar Mirza's statements against MQM chief, Geo News reported Thursday. After the fiery speech of Zulfiqar Mirza unknown men came out on the streets of Karachi and opened firing and set ablaze several vehicles, Geo News reported. Reports of firing in Shah Faisal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, University road, Golimar, Ancholi, Abul Hassan Isphanai Road and Liaquatabad were received while dozens of vehicles were set on fire in different parts of the city, including an oil tanker. Shops, hotels, fuel stations were shut after the firing that griped the whole city. Reports from interior Sindh also confirmed the firing incidents and anger against Zulfiqar Mirza's comments. Owing to the city situation, Federal Urdu University and Karachi University have cancelled the papers that were scheduled for today. The Karachi Transport Ittehad (KTI) has announced that no transport will be brought on roads due to security reasons while traders will also remain closed and not take part in any business activity. Fear has gripped the entire city and forced the citizens to stay indoors. People from different areas reported severe firing in the area and said that due to shortage of public transport and deteriorating situation, they could not reach offices.

Federal cabinet meets in Quetta: Judicial commission to probe Bugti murder

By Shahzad Baloch

Published: July 14, 2011

A division bench of the court was hearing a petition against the non-implementation of court orders regarding the arrest of the accused. The petition had been filed by Nawabzada Jamil Akbar Bugti. PHOTO: APP/FILE

QUETTA:  At its first-ever meeting in the Balochistan capital on Wednesday, the federal cabinet decided to constitute a judicial commission under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge to probe the murder of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Bugti.

The commission, however, was promptly rejected by Bugti’s eldest son Nawabzada Jamil Bugti who said he had no expectations from the incumbent government.
Akbar Bugti was killed during a military operation in 2006.
The decision was taken during the meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, that focused on the implementation of the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package.
When asked if the move was an attempt to delay the Balochistan High court orders that sought arrest warrants of the accused nominated in the Bugti murder case, Federal Minister for Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said it is not a conspiracy.
“We are talking about the apex court which is appropriate considering the sensitivity of the case,” she said.
Awan claimed that the government has implemented 60% of the Balochistan package while another 25% will be implemented in the next two months.
She said that the prime minister has lifted the ban on recruitment in government departments while the Establishment Division had indicated 6,700 vacant posts between grades 7 and 20 in different departments of the federal government.
“These posts will be filled up by candidates from Balochistan,” she said, adding that the selection board will conduct the test and interview in Quetta shortly.
Nationalists and missing persons
Prime Minister Gilani said that a committee has been constituted to hold talks with Baloch nationalists and will work in consultation with the governor and the chief minister.
The premier also expressed ‘concern’ over the issue of missing persons and said that a judicial tribunal and a public commission are already looking into the issue.
Foreign forces, hostile agencies
Repeating his mantra, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that foreign forces and hostile security agencies are involved in creating a law and order situation in Balochistan.
The interior minister claimed that the situation in Balochistan vis-à-vis terrorism-related, ethnic and sectarian killings was “comparably better than in other provinces.” Over the past three years, 134 Punjabi-speaking people have been killed while another 45 have been killed in sectarian violence, he said.
While ruling out involvement of security forces and intelligence agencies, the minister said that 116 bullet-riddled bodes have been recovered in the last two years.
Regarding allegations of harassment by the Frontier Corps (FC) and coast guards personnel, Malik said that the government had abolished 35 FC check posts and curtailed the powers of the coast guards. “The FC will be removed once recruitment in provincial forces, including the police, is completed,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2011.

Gilani in Quetta: PM offers talks to Baloch nationalists

Published: July 13, 2011

Will chair first cabinet meeting in provincial capital today.

QUETTA:  Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday reiterated his offer of holding talks and negotiating with Baloch nationalists, saying the nationalists should convey their concerns to the government as it is ready to address their reservations.

“Most of the people in Balochistan have become emotional due to injustice and discrimination in the past but the current government is serious in addressing their grievances and removing the sense of deprivation,” told party workers at the Governor House.
“I fulfilled my promise of holding a meeting of the federal cabinet in Quetta. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is an ideological party and stands on its promises. I have taken notice of lawlessness in Balochistan and have also asked the interior minister to ensure his presence in Balochistan every month to monitor the situation,” he said.
The prime minister will chair the first-ever federal cabinet meeting here on Wednesday in which participants will review the prevailing political situation in the country with a specific focus on the recent developments in Balochistan.  Prime Minister Gilani and most of his cabinet members arrived here on Tuesday for a two-day visit to discuss Balochistan’s issues.
“The government is paying special attention in bringing about socio-economic sustainability in Balochistan by promoting trade and economic activities,” he said.
The prime minister also said that Pakistan wants to take part in Afghanistan negotiations at an equal level and is in talks with the US on this matter. “Pakistan wants friendly ties with its neighbours India, Afghanistan and Iran. We want a stable and strong Afghanistan which is also in the interest of Pakistan,” he said.
Prime Minister Gilani also held a meeting with a delegation of Balochistan Chamber of Commerce during which he said that the Afghan transit trade will help Pakistan’s economy.
He said that his visit to Balochistan was meant to keep a check on the performance of institutions engaged in development projects.
The prime minister was received at the airport by Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani and other provincial ministers.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2011.

Commissionerate system approved by Sindh Assembly amidst MQM protest

Session chaired by Shehla Raza approves local govt system, MQM says federation is trying to divide the Sindh province. PHOTO: APP/INP

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly approved the commissionerate system on Wednesday amidst a dramatic display of protest by leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).
The session chaired by Speaker Shehla Raza also approved the Sindh Local Government Ordinance 1979, the Sindh Police Act 1861 and the Land Revenue Ordinance, 2011.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Faisal Sabzwari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is trying to impose its agenda and not allowing them to speak up in the Sindh Assembly.
“Our resignations should be accepted – it is the government’s behaviour that has forced us to demand a place in the Opposition benches,” he said.
However, the deputy speaker asked them to sit on the government benches till their resignations are approved.
The session has been adjourned till July 22.
MQM protests local govt bill
Speaking to the media outside the Sindh Assembly MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari said that the MQM had walked out of the session to protest the PPP’s agenda.
He said that the MQM had requested a Sindh Assembly session to protest the violence in Karachi. He added that police did not take any action against target killings, and people were targeted and shot dead in front of the media in broad daylight.
He further added that all “unlawful acts have been approved in the session today”.
He said that the MQM’s  adjournment motions were not considered in the session and that the party was not allowed to speak.
He added that the MQM would foil the government’s attempt to divide the province of Sindh.
He further said that “fake cases”  were lodged against MQM members, and that the PP was trying to victimise its workers.

Mumbai blasts: Over 20 killed, 141 injured

By Ferya Ilyas / Gibran Ashraf / Jahanzaib Haque

Plain clothed police surround a vehicle which was damaged at the site of an explosion in the Dadar area. PHOTO: REUTERS

MUMBAI: Three near-simultaneous IED explosions in the Indian city of Mumbai killed over 20 people and injured over 141 on Wednesday evening.
Three blasts occured during the evening rush hour in central and south districts of Mumbai at Opera House, Zaveri Bazaar and Dadar, with the blast at Opera House being the biggest of the three. Officials confirmed that IEDs were used in the attacks.
The blast at Opera House was an IED planted in an umbrella while the one at Zaveri Bazaar was planted in an electric box and the bomb at Dadar was hidden in a scooter.
India had mobilised investigation and forensic teams to determine the nature and origin of the blasts.
No official chose to speculate over the perpetrators of the attacks.
Condemnation poured in from around the world, including Pakistan, US and the UK.
End of live updates:
11:00pm
Britain joined the US and Pakistan in condemning the Mumbai blasts as “deplorable acts of terrorism.”
Foreign Secretary William Hague in a statement said:
“I send my deepest condolences to all those who have lost relatives or been injured in the bomb blasts in Mumbai,” it said .”These were deplorable acts of terrorism. The UK stands firmly with India in the face of such atrocities.”
“We are committed to working with the Indian government and our allies and partners to combat the threat from terrorism in all its forms.”
He said a Foreign Office team was in Mumbai to support any British nationals who may have been caught up in the attacks.
A spokesman added investigations were at an early stage and it was unclear whether any Britons were involved.
10:30pm
A circulating Google document containing updated information about police stations, hospitals and what type blood is needed in emergency rooms is helping people in Mumbai.
10:15pm
Chidambaram in a statement says that police are reviewing CCTV footage from the blast sites.
10:05pm
US President Barack Obama condemned the “outrageous” attacks in Mumbai after three simultaneous blasts.
He said: “I strongly condemn the outrageous attacks in Mumbai and my thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and those who have lost loved ones.”
Obama said the US government: “continues to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of our citizens” adding that “India is a close friend and partner of the United States,” and that “the American people will stand with the Indian people in times of trial, and we will offer support to India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice.”
10:00pm
The Indian PM, Manmohan Singh has issued a short statement in which he has directed the Maharashtra Chief Minister to provide all possible relief to the injured and families of the deceased.
He also directed the Home Minister to provide all possible expert assistance to the state of Maharashtra.
Singh urged the people of Mumbai and of the state of Maharashtra to observe calm and stand united.
9:45pm
Eyewitnesses and officials say that motorcycles and scooters used in attacks.
A timeline of terror attacks in Mumbai can be read here.
9:30pm
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan and the Indian Home Ministry confirmed that the death toll has risen to 20, injured still at 113. He told Indian media that most of the casualties resulted from the blasts at Zaveri Bazaar and the Opera House.
The chief minister is also due to visit the JJ hospital where most of the injured have been brought.
Streets in Mumbai now deserted after a heavy downpour and police urging people to return to their homes.
Pakistani ambassador to US, Husain Haqqani tweeted:
husainhaqqani
Latest tragedy in #Mumbai is horrifying. R heart goes out 2 the victims, their families & friends.
9:10pm
According to Times of India, the communication network has been jammed. People are unable to get through phone lines in the city.
All Indian states have been put on high alert.
8:53pm
Prithviraj Chavan, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Maharashtra said that police and other sources had confirmed to him that 13 people have been killed in the blast and 81 people have been injured.
He said that the blasts occurred between 6:40pm and 7:04pm. Chavan said that of the three blasts, the blast at Opera House was the most powerful.
He declined to ‘speculate’ about those behind the attack saying:

“this is an attack on Mumbai, and people are facing a new threat.  But I would not like to speculate on who was involved in the attacks, this will be revealed by the forensic and investigation teams.”

Chavan added that police was still searching for other bombs that may have been planted.
Arup Patnaik, Mumbai’s police commissioner told local television that an improvised explosive device (IED) was put inside an umbrella at Zaveri Bazaar, one of the three blast sites, reports Reuters.
8:31pm
The entire Mumbai city has been sealed off, curfew imposed.
Indian Home Minister Chidhambaram says that at least 10 people are dead and 54 people have been injured. Injured and death toll could rise.
Chidambaram says that they do not have any information of any other blast or threat apart from the three blasts.
Home Minister has urged people to remain calm and maintain peace. He says that there will be a statement every two hours.
8:20pm
Television footage from CNN-IBN television channel showed debris of twisted metal, motorbikes and cars severely damaged at one suspected blast site, reports Reuters.
Police have cordoned off the blast site and sent in sniffer dogs to examine the area, reports Reuters.
MP of South Mumbai tells NDTV – avoid rumour mongering, avoid messages that spread communal discontent.
8:15pm
At least 100 people has been wounded in the near-simultaneous blasts, the Indian home secretary has confirmed.
8:05pm
A minister in the Maharashtra state government, Chhagan Bhujbal, told reporters that all three explosions had targeted busy areas of Mumbai, including a wholesale gold market, AFP reports.
“It is clear that that the attackers wanted to hurt as many as people as possible. Many people are injured,” Bhujpal said.
Federal Home Secretary R.K. Singh told Times Now television he could confirm two deaths and 100 injured people.
The Indian Home Ministry has termed the blasts as terror attacks, AFP reports.
Mumbai Police and Home ministry are zeroing in on Indian Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba as possible suspects in the attacks.
Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram is conducting a high level meeting.
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Mumbai Police Main Control Room 100
22621855, 22621983
22625020, 22641449
22620111, ext. 100, 22633319
7:50pm
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have condemned the blasts in Mumbai and expressed sympathy with the Indian Leadership on loss of lives and property.

Indian Home Secretary says at least 60 people have been injured.
Police and fire brigade have reached the spot and non-residents banned from entering the area.
Soutik Biswas reports for BBC News, New Delhi:

The choice of locations makes it clear that the blasts were intended to cause maximum casualties. But early footage of one of the blast sites – a ripped-off cover of a bus shelter and a car with its glass shattered – points to a medium-level and possibly crude explosion.

The blasts have been identified as improvised explosive devices, reports Indian media.
7:40pm
The blasts have taken place in strongholds of Shiv Sena with a large population of gujratis, reports NDTV.
Indian Home Ministry has confirmed the blasts.
The BBC reports “The blasts coincide with the birthday of Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab, the sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks which killed nearly 170 people”.
7:33pm
Police is searching for unexploded bombs.
Four people have been killed in Zaveri Bazaar. The bomb was planted in an electric box.
Blast in Dadar west took place in a car. The license plate number of the car is MH 43 A 9384.
7:25pm
Indian media reports 10 killed in the blasts.
According to the police, two blasts took place in the south Mumbai and while one was in central Mumbai.
The markets where the blasts occured were filled with shoppers at the time of the blasts.
NIA team has been rushed to Mumbai, reports NDTV.
7:15pm
According to International Business Times, four people have been killed in the Zaveri bazaar blast.
Traffic in Mumbai has come to a standstill due to panic in the streets.
7:11pm
No deaths have been reported so far.
All injured are taken to the hospitals.
The blasts are reportedly of low intensity.
7:06pm
At least 15 people have been injured in the explosion.
Red alert has been issued in all major cities of India.
According to CNN-IBN, the blasts have occurred in Dadar, Opera House and Zaveri Bazar areas.
6:54pm
The blasts have occurred in Mumbai’s Opera House and Kabootarkhana.
Indian media reports that the explosion could have been a car bomb.
At least 13 people have been injured in the attacks.

Karachi violence: Tension grips city after Mirza's statements

By Faraz Khan

Law enforcement agencies had yet to take any action despite being on high alert. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: The city  shut down early Thursday  morning, shortly after new channels aired former Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza’s statements against MQM.
According to sources, the death toll has risen to five, including two near Sher Shah, one each in Baldia and Malir and earlier a woman in Hussainabad, while over a dozen people have been reported injured.
The Landhi police station was reportedly attacked by a hand grenade. No loss of life was reported.
Meanwhile incidents of arson and firing continued across the city with a mini bus, two lorries and 12 cars were torched in different parts of the city.
According to reports, in Hyderabad a person was shot down and five were injured.
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has taken notice of the violence in Karachi and Hyderabad and ordered DG Ranger’s and IG Sindh to control the deteriorating situation in both cities, after which Rangers and police were directed to take stern action against miscreants.
Meanwhile nearly one dozen suspects including five in Liaquatbad were detained.
Emergency has been declared in city hospitals.
Earlier armed men on motorcycles and in cars opened indiscriminate firing across the city forcing the city to shut down.
One woman had reportedly been killed in a firing incident near Hasan Square while nearly half a dozen others were injured in different parts of the city.
The most affected areas included Malir, Shah Faisal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Liaquatabad, New Karachi, Gulshan, Hasan Square, Federal ‘B’ Area, Sohrab Goth, Saddar, Kharadar, Lines Area, Ranchore Line and others.
Petrol and CNG pumps, shops and all commercial activities had come to a standstill.
Residents staged protests in different parts of the city, chanting slogans against Mirza and burning his effigy. Law enforcement agencies had yet to take any action despite being on high alert.

Mirza calls Altaf Hussain '100 times bigger criminal' than Afaq Ahmed

By Sohail Khattak

Former home minister admits he has had meetings with MQM-H leader Afaq Ahmed.

KARACHI: Sindh Senior minister Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza has said that Afaq Ahmed is the real leader of the Urdu speaking people and he is the second biggest political prisoner after Asif Ali Zardari.
He was addressing the media at a dinner arranged by Awami National Party’s Sindh chief Shahi Syed’s residence, Mardan house here on Wednesday.
Mirza said that “if someone says that Afaq Ahmed is a criminal and a murderer, then I will say Altaf Hussain is a 100-times bigger criminal than Afaq.”
He said that he had met with Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqeeqi Chief Afaq Ahmed twice and that Ahmed was the real leader of the Urdu-speaking community. “The first time I met with Ahmed was when Dr Ishratul Ibad was still the governor and he pressured me not to reveal my meeting with Ahmed. I told Dr Ibad that I had to meet Ahmed since I am their minister”.
Mirza said that Ahmed was facing jail time without being convicted of a crime.
He said that he will continue his fight against criminals, murderers, and extortionist as long as he was alive.
Talking about calls for the division of Sindh, Mirza said that no one had the courage to divide Sindh. He said “I appeal to the people of Karachi and Hyderabad to get rid of these people (who are asking for Karachi to be made a separate province)”.
The former Home Minister of Sindh said that many statements using his name were circulating in the press and today he would clarify truth from fiction.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and the acting Governor of the province, Nisar Koro also spoke at the occasion. Both of them congratulated the people of Sindh and members of the provincial assembly for passing a bill to bring back the commissionarete system in the province.
Qaim ali Shah said that the bill had been passed following proper democratic procedure in the assembly and reflected the wishes of the people of Sindh.
He said “the commissionerate system had been implemented in all the provinces of the country however, the people of Sindh had been waiting for the system to be implemented in Sindh for the past two years. We were not bringing the system as our partners had been objecting to it hence the delay.”
Talking about the local bodies election Shah said that local bodies election are a democratic process and the PPP believed in it, however they will be held in accordance with situation in the province.
Shah also said that local bodies elections will no longer be conducted according the 2001 local government ordinance because there were coalition partners who did not like the local bodies to be held under that law. “We have revived the 1979 system as new law for the local bodies election and this new law could also be amended,” Shah added.
Zardari takes notice of Mirza’s statements
The Presidency issued a statement distancing itself from Zulfiqar Mirza’s outburst following a dinner meeting with the ANP.
According to reports, the Presidency said that Mirza’s statements did not reflect party policy.
President Zardari has also taken a strict notice of Zulfiqar Mirza’s statements and speaking to Dr Ishratul Ibad over the phone, Zardari said that he respects Altaf Hussain and has ordered an answer from CM Sindh within 24 hours.
Dr Ishrat said that Mirza was inciting hatred among the people of Sindh and termed the former Sindh Home Minister’s statements “hate-speech”.
On the other hand PPP leader  Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that Zulfiqar mirza had given a statement in his individual capacity and it does not represent PPP’s stance. Qamar Zaman also said that they respected MQM’s mandate and had respect for MQM chief Altaf Hussain.
Hyderabad Traders union has announced city wide strike on thursday against Zulfiqar mirza’s Statement.

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