ISLAMABAD: Pakistan would not tolerate any incursion on its territory by US forces targeting militant groups, the country’s interior minister said on Thursday, calling for Washington to provide the intelligence Islamabad needs to take them out itself.
Rehman Malik also rejected US allegations that Pakistan’s intelligence agency aids or has ties with the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network, a powerful guerrilla group that straddles the mountainous border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“The Pakistan nation will not allow the boots on our ground, never. Our government is already cooperating with the US…but they also must respect our sovereignty,” he told Reuters in an interview, insisting that Islamabad wanted US intelligence, not troops, to root out insurgents inside Pakistan.
Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, this week accused Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence directorate (ISI) of using the Haqqani Network to wage a “proxy war” on Nato and Afghan troops in Afghanistan.
Some US intelligence reporting has alleged that the ISI specifically directed, or urged, the Haqqani Network to carry out last week’s attack on the US embassy and a Nato headquarters in Kabul, according to two US officials and a source familiar with recent US-Pakistan official contacts.
“If you say that it is ISI involved in that attack, I categorically deny it. We have no such policy to attack or aid attack through Pakistani forces or through any Pakistani assistance,” Malik said.
The 20-hour battle in the Afghan capital stoked tensions between Washington and Islamabad, which were already running high following the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a surprise US Navy SEALs raid inside Pakistan last May.
Since then, American officials, including the ambassador in Islamabad and Mullen have issued unusually blunt criticism of Pakistan’s failure to curb the Haqqani group.
The military calls the shots in Pakistan on defence and security policy but Malik is a prominent member of the civilian government and considered close to President Asif Ali Zardari.
This week he had a meeting with the director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, who quizzed him on the Haqqani Network.
“Blame Game”
During the interview to Reuters, Malik conceded that elements of the Haqqani network, which analysts say can draw on a pool of roughly 10,000 to 15,000 fighters, are partly based in Pakistan’s unruly ethnic Pashtun tribal region of North Waziristan on the Afghan border.
However, he said the Americans had so far not provided Pakistan with intelligence that would help it go after them.
“Our capacity to trace them in that area is limited. Give us the information and we will operate,” he said. “Let’s have information, let’s have a proper investigation and if there is a requirement, let’s have an operation.”
“We are fighting a common enemy but unfortunately not with a common strategy. Instead of a blame game we have to sit together. We are not part of the terrorism, we are part of the solution.”
One option for the United States — another cross-border raid, like the mission that killed bin Laden — may be tempting in some quarters. But the risks are high and the backlash from Pakistan would be fierce, almost certainly harming what counter-terrorism cooperation exists.
“This is going to be very unfortunate if it happens because it’s going to grow a lot of anti-US feelings,” Malik said.
Washington and Islamabad became strategic allies in the “war on terror” after the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, but their relationship has been fragile and trust has seeped away on both sides in recent months.
The US administration suspects that Islamabad plays a double game with militants, hunting some down but shielding others to guarantee it has a proxy stake in the political future of Afghanistan when foreign forces withdraw in 2014.
Rejecting allegations that Islamabad has ties with the Haqqani Network, Malik said: “If they have some kind of proof they must come forward.”
“For us, whether it’s the Haqqanis or Tehreek-e-Taliban, or LeJ, they are all terrorist outfits and we will leave no stone unturned to go against them.”
Reflecting the growing anger in Washington, a US Senate committee on Wednesday voted to make aid to Islamabad conditional on fighting the militants. The United States has allocated about $20 billion for Pakistan over the last decade.
Malik said there was not enough understanding that Pakistan had made huge sacrifices of blood and treasure fighting militancy on its soil since 2001, which the government this week put at 35,000 lives and $68 billion.
“Pakistan should be given some trust, and this trust deficit should go away, because we are fighting a war,” he said. “There is not a day that is not 9/11 for my country.”
ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani on Thursday visited a relief camp set up for the flood affected people at Sanghar.
General Kayani met with the flood affected people and assured them that the army would continue to help them in their time of need.
He was also briefed about the situation following the rains in the province.
Gen Kayani also took an aerial view of other areas affected by the devastated rains.
Each year, the Iranian Armed Forces display the country's latest military achievements and products in nationwide parades on September 22.
During the parades, different classes of Shahab missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and various types of electronic warfare systems were displayed.
Iran has recently made good progress in the air industry and has succeeded in gaining the technical know-how for producing stealth aircraft and drones.
Iran successfully tested a home-made radar-evading UAV with bombing capabilities in June 2009. Also in 2008, the country's Defense Industries launched production lines of two well-known home-made fighter jets, namely Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) and Azarakhsh (Lightening).
Sejjil missiles, considered as the third generation of Iran-made long-range missiles, were displayed during the parades at the mausoleum of the Founder of the Islamic Republic, the Late Imam Khomeini, in Southern Tehran.
The solid-fuel, two-stage Sejjil missile with two engines, is capable of reaching a very high altitude and therefore has a longer range than that of the Shahab 3 model.
The missile has boosted the Islamic republic of Iran's defense capabilities.
During the parades Shahab 1, 2 and 3, Qadr, Sahab and Zelzal missiles were also displayed.
The liquid-fuel Shahab 3 missile has a range of up to 1,250 miles (2000 kilometers) and is capable of carrying a 1,000-760 kilogram warhead.
The Iranian Army also displayed an upgraded version of the Zolfaqar battle tanks during the parades.
Zolfaqar is a second generation of Iran's main battle tank (MBT). The test prototypes of the tank were evaluated in 1993. Six semi-industrial prototypes of the tank were produced and tested in 1997.
The Zolfaqar-1 uses a fire control system which enjoys a 'fire-on-the-move' technology. The Zolfaqar mounts a laser-warning pod on the turret. Its design enables the tank to use an Iranian-made package of reactive armor.
Zolfaqar-2 is a prototype tank used as a test bed. The Zolfaqar-3 also features considerable upgrades to the fire control system, chassis, engine and main gun, with a 125mm autoloader.
During the parades, the Iranian armed forces displayed different weapons and military tools and equipment, including different kinds of fighters, helicopters, drones, ground-to-ground missiles, air-to-ground missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, tactical and armed vehicles, surface and underwater vessels, electronic and telecommunication equipment, light and mid-light weapons, different kinds of artillery and mortar-launchers, air defense systems and engineering and logistic equipment.
On Sunday, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi also informed that the country would display its latest military achievements and products in nationwide parades on September 22.
"The latest achievements of the Defense Ministry which have been supplied to the Armed Forces recently will be displayed by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Islamic Republic Army during the September 22 parades," Vahidi said during a visit to a defense industry plant on Sunday.
"These achievements" he said "are the latest missile, air, electronic and telecommunications, armored, naval and anti-air tools, weapons and equipments produced in the country."
Tehran launched an arms development program during the 1980-88 Iraqi imposed war on Iran to compensate for a US weapons embargo. Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and fighter planes.
Yet, Iranian officials have always stressed that the country's military and arms programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country.
The country stages several air, land and sea wargames each year to test its newly produced weapons and equipments.
Saif, Bebo prays for Pataudi on Kareena's birthday Read more: Saif, Bebo prays for Pataudi on Kareena's birthday | Kareena Kapoor | Saif Ali Khan htt
turns 31 today but unlike previous years, this year Bebo skip any sort of party or enjoyment due to senior Pataudi's ill health. In a span of less than a month, Nawab Pataudi was admitted to the hospital twice. Family priorities come first for Bebo and on looking at Saif’s father’s ill health, she has decided to cancel her birthday party. News is that the duo will go on a religious outing on her birthday to seek the blessings and pray for Sr. Pataudi’s good health.
A close friend of Kareena’s said, “Kareena is an extremely understanding girl, and also family oriented. Though we were planning a big bash for her, she has now opted for a low key affair with very close family and friends.”
Meanwhile, beau Saif is extremely touched by Kareena’s gesture and has planned to surprise his lady love with a special gift. Another source added, “Saif`s extremely secretive. He loves surprising his ladylove. So none of us will even have a clue about what he has up his sleeve. However, it`s understood that Mr. Pataudi is not keeping well, so the birthday will be more of a family affair rather than the usual brouhaha that`s expected.”
With the impending wedding, Kareena Kapoor acts like a dedicated bahu
After splitting wide apart from his long time girlfriend Bipasha Basu, the handsome and the sexiest man John Abraham said that he is currently enjoying his present status but also admits that he too wants to fall in love and get married someday. John is rumored to be dating Priya Marwah, a model and actress Deepika Padukone but the hunk vehemently denied.
"I am overtly fond of Deepika. She is a lovely girl. But I was certainly not dating her. I have nothing to lose when these rumors make headlines. I just feel bad for the girls involved," replied the actor.
"I don't want to be known as a guy who is roaming around with five women. I was very fair in my relationship with Bipasha. I guess I need to change a bit now. I'll speak more frequently and clearly hereafter," added the actor.
He also revealed that he wouldn't mind falling in love again. "I really don't know what my life holds for me. I am very happy with my present state of being. But I can fall in love again," said John and surprised us by adding, "I want to get married," and quickly followed it up with, "Yes, I have this tag of the sexiest man but married men are attractive too."
Bigg Boss’ season 5 has roped in many controversial and well known celebrities as they usually do and when Madhuri Dixit announced on twitter that she is returning to India with her husband and children, news started doing the rounds that the dhak dhak lady has been approached by the channel. But Madhuri vehemently denied of being approached or accepted any such offer and at the same time quipped that she is really excited to come back home.
Madhuri was surprised to hear the news of her participation in ‘Bigg Boss 5’ and thus tweeted:" Excited! Should be back in Mumbai by middle of October! No idea where Big Boss rumor came from." The makers of Bigg Boss are said to have offered Madhuri a lucrative amount to be a part of the show.
Madhuri tweeted that she is coming back to India with her family as her husband feels that there are enough scope available for him in the country.
‘Bigg Boss 5’ will go on air from October 2. Very soon, Madhuri will be seen hosting a cookery show with master chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
Randeep Hooda, Mahie Gill and Jimmy Shergill starrer ‘Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster’ is all set to release on September 30 but before the release of the film, the makers got a big shock when a steamy scene shot between Mahie Gill and Randeep Hooda was leaked online. The video was highly searched.
“The video was from the shoot. Someone might have shot the sequence in his or her mobile and decided to play mischief. The production team thankfully got to know about it and the video has been blocked now," said a source.
Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film is set in a small town. It is about a beautiful woman, her husband and an ambitious gangster. The story is packed with intrigue, betrayal and ambition
Gangster Ravi Pujari threatens Vivek Oberoi, Sohail Khan Read more: Gangster Ravi Pujari threatens Vivek Oberoi, Sohail Khan | Sohail Khan | Vivek Ob
Underworld and Bollywood has a long relationship but after lying low for quite sometime again the underworld goons started to threaten the Bollywood celebrities. Vivek Oberoi has now been targeted by Ravi Pujari who is currently hiding in Bangkok. The gangster made a call to Vivek and asked him to pay Rs 2 crores for his safety.
Vivek Oberoi’s father Suresh Oberoi has lodged a police complaint and asked them police protection for his son. The conversation between the actor and the gangster was like a film style, "Saale bahot don bana hai na tu film mein, now listen to me, Khoka de ya tu Khallas. Aaj kal bahot chaap raha hai tu," this is what Pujari told Vivek.
Vivek is not the only to get extortion call from Ravi Pukjari but actor turned producer Sohail Khan and Ritesh Sidhwani also received threatening calls from the underworld goon. They too lodged a police complaint and provided police protection.
Well, even today Bollywood is not safe from the underworld.
On Tuesday IG Sindh Wajid Durrani, AIG Saud Mirza and DIGs appeared before the court. Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmani said the court did not seek daily crime reports and ordered the IG Sindh to submit details of how many criminals were arrested and charged.
Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali remarked that information should be provided on what measures the police were taking to counter crime and what was the progress. Justice Jamali said this information would help root out corrupt officials in the police force. Justice Jamali added that the police should rise above politics and take action against criminals.
A five-member bench of the apex court had reserved the judgement in suo motu case on law and order situation in Karachi. The bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Anwer Zaheer Jamali, Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Ghulam Rabbani completed the hearing of the case on September 15th.
The bench in its interim order directed the Additional Inspector General Police (AIG) Sindh, Saud Mirza, to instruct all four Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) of Karachi to ensure that there is no extortion in their respective areas.
The CJ also ordered that police should inform the court in writing about the progress in cases against criminals on daily basis.
OLOMBO: Sri Lanka on Wednesday left out seasoned batsman Thilan Samaraweera and unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis for next month's Test series against Pakistan.Samaraweera, who turns 35 on Thursday, has been one of Sri Lanka's most reliable batsmen in recent years with 4,683 runs, including 12 centuries, in 68 Tests at an average of 52.61.
Mendis, 26, has claimed 62 wickets in 16 Tests with an unique bowling action where he appears to flick the ball from his fingers, making it turn sharply.
Both players were part of the enlarged squad for the recent Test series against Australia, and while Mendis was ignored for all three matches, Samaraweera was dropped for the final game.
The selectors kept faith in 13 members of the squad that lost 1-0 to Australia on Tuesday and added batsman Dinesh Chandimal, seamer Nuwan Pradeep and reserve wicket-keeper Kaushal Silva for the tour.
The Pakistan series will be played in the United Arab Emirates with the first Test in Abu Dhabi from October 18 to 22, the second in Dubai from Oct 26 to 30 and the third in Sharjah from November 3 to 7.
The Sri Lankam squad for the subsequent five one-day matches and a Twenty20 international will be named later.
Sri Lanka's Test squad:
Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Angelo Mathews (vice-capt), Tharanga Paranavitana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Prasanna Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Rangana Herath, Suraj Randiv, Chanaka Welegedara, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep, Kaushal Silva.
He was flying in Swat's Nusrat Darra area when his official helicopter came under attack at 11:30 am. He received minor injuries in his right leg and was shifted to CMH Rawalpindi via same helicopter.
When John Cena beat Alberto Del Rio at Night Of Champions, he captures his 12th world title. HE has won the WWE Championship 10 times and the World Heavyweight Championship 2 times. Ric Flair of course has his legendary 16 world title runs.
WWE Superstar Chavo Guerrero has vowed to stop watching professional wrestling if he breaks the Nature Boy's legendary record.
He stated Monday night on Twitter:
"If Cena brakes the great Ric Flair's 16 time champ record, I will never watch wrestling again. I call a boycott of Cena matches if he does!"
Guerrero also asked his Twitter followers:
"How many of u are tired of John Cena being champion? Don't get all excited, it's just a question." He wrote moments later, "Wow...it's an overwhelming "tired of Cena" response! It's not me, it's all the fans. I could literally retweet hundreds of tired responses!"
Guerrero later tweeted : "Now, my opinion...Cena is better than me on the mike,but I could out wrestle Cena with my eyes closed and 1 hand tied behind my back! Truth!
"Some are saying that Cena is a great athlete. Really? C'mon. Are u blind? I know Cena & I could beat him in any sport except weight lifting!
"Golf, basketball, bowling, a race, tennis, horseshoes, hitting a baseball pitch, catching a football...anything!!!!
"Lol...some1 just said Cena is a better athlete than Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior! Lol are u retarded? No offense to a challenge person
Jon Gosselin claimed to be supportive of his ex-wife Kate’s stint on “Dancing With the Stars,” but filing a petition for full custody of the kids seem to suggest otherwise.
Jon has lawyered up with attorney Anthony F. List, who has filed a petition with the courts asking that Jon be granted full custody of their eight children.
According to List, Kate is an absentee mom, and he is expected to use “DWTS” as evidence that she does not spend quality time with her kids. Furthermore, List has asked the Berks County Court to review his child support payments.
According to the Associated Press, Jon says in court papers that Kate “abuses” her authority when it comes to his visitation rights, and that an arbitrator didn’t require her to provide proof of the children’s expenses.
Madhuri quit Bollywood when she was at the top of her game, a shockingly unconventional move in an industry where stars hang around much after their time is up. She moved to Denver in US, after she married Dr. Shriram Nene, a cardiovascular surgeon in 1999. She lived a simple life of anonymity there with her husband and two sons Arin and Ryan; though she kept visiting India to fulfill her work commitments.
Madhuri’s last film was YRF’s Aaja Nachle in 2007. She also appeared as one of the judges in reality dance show ‘Jhalak Dikhla Ja’ this year and is currently also associated with leading Chef Sanjeev Kapoor for the Food Food channel.
Madhuri does not plan to buy a new house and intends to stay in her Juhu apartment with her family when she shifts here. She is now working on turning it into a kid-friendly pad. She has also begun looking for a school for her kids Arin (Class 3) and Ryan (Class 1).
Over the course of his 10 reigns as WWE Champion, John Cena has come to learn many of the hardships that come with holding that coveted title, but The Champ has never dealt with anything quite like this. For the first time in the brutal history of the Hell in a Cell Match, three Superstars will enter the unforgiving steel structure for a dangerous Triple Threat bout — and Cena’s WWE Championship will be on the line.
Two weeks after defeating Alberto Del Rio to win the title at Night of Champions, Cena will once again lock up with the underhanded Mexican Aristocrat, but this time the controversial CM Punk will be a part of the mayhem.
It’s a three-way showdown the WWE Universe has been waiting to see since the conclusion of SummerSlam in August. On that sweltering night, The Straight Edge Superstar beat Cena to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship, but was immediately defeated for the title by an opportunistic Del Rio, who was cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase. (PHOTOS)
Immediately after the evening’s contentious events, WWE fans took to FaceBook and Twitter with one question — which Superstar deserved the rematch? Was it Punk since he was the last champion? Or did both The Second City Savior and Cena deserve bouts with Del Rio since they were both technically titleholders?
Ultimately, the West Newbury, Mass. native received the championship opportunity and made the best of his opening by beating the Mexican Superstar — but where did that leave CM Punk? Amid the confusion and conspiracy theories of his bitter war with Triple H and Kevin Nash, The “Voice of the Voiceless” clearly had other scores to settle, but at WWE Hell in a Cell on Oct. 2, he’ll get the rematch he rightfully deserves.
With both CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio coming for his WWE Title inside Satan’s Playground, John Cena is in an unfamiliar position — the underdog spot. Can The Champ retain his cherished prize in the face of two hungry competitors and one seriously dangerous structure?
Just as famous Bollywood families, this glamour world has its own way of celebrating rakhi. Time and again the brother and sister duos of bollywood has celebrated their love and made their presence felt strongly.
Duos like, Ekta Kapoor and Tussar Kapoor, Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, Esha and Ahana Deol or Saif and Soha Ali Khan had made their appearance and presence felt again and again. Films like ‘Shor in the city” and “Zindagi Milegi na Dobara” are the success story of this brother sister duos.
And in this upcoming Rakhsha Bandhan festival Bollywood stars celebrated in style.
Despite high fever, actress Vidya Balan shoots a song sequence for ‘The Dirty Picture’. Vidya is essaying the role of Silk Smitha in the movie and she is totally giving herself to the character of one of the highly anticipated films of the year. Inspite suffering from high fever, she shot a song sequence.
Says a source, "The song was being shot in a lotus pond and it was on a tight schedule. Filming had to be wrapped up within two to three days, as those were the only dates available.
It required Vidya to stay in the pond for over four to five hours during the sequence."
Adds the source, "Vidya started feeling ill on the first day itself as she was in water for so long. She developed high fever.
Though director Milan Luthria asked his leading lady to take a breather, she was keen that the shoot continue."
If the shooting was stalled then the producer has to suffer a heavy loss.
Finally, the secret is out of the bag. The royal wedding which was not yet declared by the royal couple, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor has finally been confirmed by one of the important members of the Pataudi family, Soha Ali Khan.
“They (Saif and Kareena) have been together for quite some time now and their relationship has grown. I can hardly wait for the wedding next year. There will be a number of functions and I am very excited about what to wear", said the younger sister.
The update about their wedding is that designer Ritu Kumar is working on Kareena’s wedding outfit and the groom has already got the wedding ring for his bride.
Saif who is busy with his sci-fi ‘Agent Vinod’ said, “Something big is definitely happening next year. This year we are going to focus on our film Agent Vinod and next year, we are talking about marriage”.
Much has been written and said about Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor’s relationship and nothing came out clear from the couple. Katrina and Ranbir’s proximity got much space in the news report but the duo never accepted that they were couple. It is even said that Kat is the reason behind Ranbir and Deepika’s break-up.
Speaking about her link-up with Ranbir, Kat said, “We did two very wonderful films together and when you are working with somebody in that space and you are spending time together, it's natural. But there was a lot of speculation and everybody getting on board to comment. I don't think that was fair. He's been a great co-star and I think we've both been there in each other's life during the period we've been working together. I think he's been a great guy and he's great on set with everyone and even the interactions I have seen him doing”.
When asked if she has never dated Ranbir, the beautiful actress said, “We've always been friends and the speculation got blown out of proportion and that made it awkward for everyone. But it's just something you have to ignore”.
Reasons to take up walking as exercise:
1. Prevents types 2 Diabetes and can lower Blood Pressure
2. Reduces Breast and Colon Cancer
3. Strengthens your heart and is good for your bones
4. Improves overall fitness and mood.
Calories Burned:
Your weight x distance = energy used walking. Time does not matter as much as distance. If you speed up to walking a mile in 13 minutes or less, you will be burning more calories per mile. But for most beginning walkers, it is best to increase the distance before working on speed. A simple rule of thumb is 100 calories per mile for a 180 pound person. Use this helpful calculator to determine how many calories you will burn with the distance you walk.
Now you know how walking helps and the calories you can burn, so you just need a workout plan to get started. Plan your ideal walking workout with these easy plans from Real Simple.
Put on your walking shoes and start feeling better and living healthier today!
Jin Ki Gerdun Nahi Hoti?”
