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India-Pakistan
5 die in small arms attack in Karachi
2016-10-30
At least five persons were killed and many others injured after two unidentified miscreants targeted mourners gathered in Nazimabad area in connection with month of Muharram on Saturday.

The death toll is feared to go up as at least two people are critically injured.

The gun attack took place in a residential area near a police station in Nazimabad No 4 area of the city. A Rangers station is located merely half a kilometer from the attack site.

According to police, two gunmen riding a bike entered a street in Nazimabad and attacked a majlis (Shia religious gathering) which was under way in a tent.

Rescue officials confirmed that five people perished in the firing incident. Those killed or injured in the attack were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Police and Rangers reached the scene, cordoned off the area and launched a probe.
Initial probe suggests that there were four attackers. Two assailants targeted the male participants of the majlis while their accomplices gave them a cover.

According to an eyewitness, two gunmen wearing helmets opened fire on the male section of the majlis at 5:45 and escaped.

Taking notice of the incident, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah made a telephone call to Sindh police chief and asked him to bring the perpetrators of the terrorist attack to justice.

On the other hand, IG police Mushtaq Mehr asked for a report about the attack.

Police say many empty shells of 9mm firearm were recovered from the scene of attack.

According to the police, the participants had not informed the department of a gathering in the area which was why there were no security arrangements.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned attack on innocent people in Nazimabad Karachi and directed the concerned authorities at the Federal and provincial levels to hunt down the culprits on immediate basis.

Expressing deep grief and sorrow over the loss of innocent lives during the attack, the Prime Minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and grant of courage to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.

The Prime Minister prayed for swift recovery of those injured during the attack.

This heinous attack will not go unpunished. We will not allow terrorists to disturb peace in Karachi. The perpetrators do not deserve mercy and they will be brought to task sooner, the Prime Minister stated.

In a separate statement, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali condemned the terrorist attack.

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India-Pakistan
Pakistan rejects 'baseless' comments from Afghanistan
2013-07-03
[Pak Daily Times] Pakistan Tuesday rejected as completely baseless the comments and ideas attributed to it by Afghan officials relating to alleged power-sharing formula with the Taliban or attempting to bring fiefdoms to Afghanistan.

"This is a fabrication as no such notions have been expressed by any Pakistani official," Foreign Office said in a statement here.

"We are playing a constructive and positive role to facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process," added the statement.

In his telephone conversations with President Karzai since taking office last month, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to support the efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, it said.

"The negative statements from Afghan leadership and officials tend to vitiate the atmosphere and constrain development of close and cooperative ties between the two countries. We hope that Afghanistan will reciprocate our constructive efforts, refrain from attributing misleading ideas to us and work together for sustainable peace and stability that is so vitally important for progress and prosperity of the two countries and the region," said the FO statement.
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India-Pakistan
Nawaz urges Pak, India to talk, avoid allegations
2009-08-20
[Geo News] Pakistan and India should continue dialogue process and enhance people-to-people contacts to further strengthen bilateral ties, said Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He was talking to Indian High Commissioner Sharrat Sabharwal, who called on him at his residence in Murree on Wednesday. Nawaz Sharif said that peace process, started in 1999, should continue and instead of allegations and counter allegations, both countries should adopt positive attitude. Bilateral problems should be resolved through negotiations, he added. Nawaz Sharif said that if issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, are resolved, a new era of development would usher in the region, ensuring peace and prosperity for both countries. The PML-N chief also stressed the need for increasing trade relations between Pakistan and India. Indian High Commissioner conveyed good wishes of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and said that his efforts for peace and democracy were appreciated in India.
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India-Pakistan
Nawaz demands Musharraf's trial
2009-07-04
[The News (Pak) Top Stories] Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday asked the PPP-led government to take a look again at the Charter of Democracy (CoD) he had signed with late Benazir Bhutto to get Pakistan on a truly democratic path or else the loser would be the State.

Talking to the Pakistani media here, Nawaz devoted most of his interaction castigating former president Pervez Musharraf, who fearing uncertainty about his future in Pakistan, had taken up a permanent residence in London, only a stone's throw from the posh abode of Nawaz Sharif himself.

Goading the former general, the PML-N Quaid said Musharraf's crimes against Pakistan were so horrific that he had no choice but to stay out of Pakistan.Nawaz said it was regrettable that the former military general had not yet been brought to stand trial for his misdeeds.

He said it took him and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto two years to sign the historic Charter of Democracy (CoD), which clearly recommended accountability of Pervez Musharraf, restoration of the judiciary, supremacy of the rule of law and formation of a truth and conciliation commission.

"By implementing the charter in its true spirit, the PML-N and the PPP could have achieved what has not been achieved in the last 60 years. "The milestone document became the basis for our election manifestos, but today, its value is not more than a piece of paper, signifying nothing.

"Its implementation could have formed the basis for punishing the military dictator, who tampered with the Constitution of Pakistan, killed Nawab Akbar Bugti, and threw out my constitutional government," lamented Nawaz, adding that unrest in Balochistan, terrorism in Pakistan, and drone attacks were the legacy of the Musharraf era.

Even more regrettable, he said, was the continuation and preservation of Musharraf's legacy by the current federal set-up.Nawaz said Pakistan had been pushed to the brink by military dictators, who never respected the supremacy of the Constitution and trampled over it whenever they desired, without taking into account the possible implications for the progress of the nation.

"If Pakistan was not de-tracked again and again by military adventures, we would today not be staring in the face of total gloom. I absolutely have no doubt that all the problems that we face today, including extremism and militancy, would not have raised their head were it not for the military coups."
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India-Pakistan
God strikes Mian Tufail dead
2009-06-26
[Geo News] Various political and religious leaders have expressed deep sorrow and grief over the sad demise of former chief Jamat-e-Islami (JI) Mian Tufail on Thursday. Leaders including Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Provincial Minister Raja Riaz, Finance Minister Punjab Tanveer Ashraf Kaira, Senator Pervez Rasheed, PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and others expressed condolence over the death of JI's former Chief Mian Tufail and prayed success for the departed soul in eternal life.
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India-Pakistan
Punjab ready to welcome IDPs, says Nawaz
2009-05-30
[Geo News] Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are welcome in Punjab.

Talking to federal minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmed here on Friday, Nawaz Sharif said the IDPs, hailing from Swat valley and Malakand Division, have offered an exemplary sacrifice by being parted with the luxurious lives for the sake of safeguarding the upcoming future of the entire people of Pakistan.

"The terror attacks and bombings like coward activities could not derail country away from democracy", he asserted.

Federal minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmed, on the occasion, thanked PML-N and Punjab government over their extended help for the assistance and rehabilitation of IDPs.
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India-Pakistan
PML-N warns US against interference in Pakistain matters
2009-04-24
[Geo News] The central leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and leader of opposition in National Assembly (NA) Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has asked US not to interfere in the matters of Pakistan relating to internal affairs. He ruled out reports on change of N-league policy adding, "PML-N is waiting for the outcomes of ongoing dialogue between the government of Pakistan and chief of TNSM Sufi Muhammad". Nisar was talking to media after he met with PML-N chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif here at his residence on Thursday afternoon. Opposition leader in NA said we have extended our support to Nifaz-e-Adl regulation accord but he also hinted at his party's several reservations over the agreement. He said the resolution to the rising problems of Swat is not as simple as it is being portrayed. "Eighty per cent peace has been established in Swat", he remarked highlighting, "Government is presently avoiding use of power and force in Swat while our party is analyzing the situation in the valley at the moment". He hoped his party would apprise nation of its policies on Swat soon.
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India-Pakistan
ŽŽTaliban may be in Karachi but not in SindhŽŽ: Qaim
2009-04-16
[Geo News] Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that Sindh province has no threat of Talibanisation. However, he did not rule out the possibility of Talibans in some areas of Karachi and interior Sindh.
But not in Sindh. Just in places in Sindh.
Talking to journalists here on Wednesday, Qaim said that the country was being administered under 1973 Constitution. The MQM has its own opinion on Nizam-e-Adl regulation, however, it could not affect the alliance with the government, he added.

Replying to another question, the chief minister said that IRSA has been asked to ensure the distribution of water among the provinces according to Water Accord of 1991. He said Water Accord 1991 was signed during the premiership of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and now it is his responsibility to ensure the implementation on the accord. The Chief Minister said that the Provincial Government is making all out efforts to provide available water at the tails of all canals with effective water management. Responding another question, the chief minister hoped that NFC Award would be approved by June of the current year. In this connection, the Chief Minister said that he would discuss the issues of the province in a meeting with the Prime Minister.
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India-Pakistan
Winds of change have started blowing: Nawaz
2009-03-15
Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Saturday said winds of change have started blowing in the country. Addressing the gathering here at his residence, Nawaz Sharif said it seems the long march has already achieved its goal. Â"Pakistani nation wants change and now no one can stop it from coming,Â" he said adding Â"anyone who tries to stop it will be blown away.Â" He said the sit-in will be staged at the same place where it was announced to be staged. Nawaz Sharif said now the people will be provided justice at their doorstep.
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India-Pakistan
Nawaz inviting army by calling for civil disobedience: Watto
2009-03-15
Federal Minister for Industries Mian Manzoor Ahmed Watto has said on Saturday that government has decided not to allow sit-in at the Constitution Avenue, Islamabad and vowed to safeguard the life and property of the people.

Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is inviting army takeover by inciting people towards Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) as the aftermath of CMD could lead to country at the mercy of another dictator, Minister added. Addressing a news conference in Lahore, he said federal and provincial governments are responsible to provide security to the people amidst lawyers' long march. He said government has evolved mechanism not to allow the marchers to come to Islamabad and stop them wherever they are.

He said, in this connection, government will not allow the state machinery to arrest women, weak and aged people and will treat them with honour and respect. The Minister said Punjab Chief Secretary and Additional Inspector General of Police have been assigned to work out modalities with Mian Nawaz Sharif, Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Imran Khan about their strategy of long march so that adequate security could be provided to them. "Government will leave no stone unturned to provide security to the political leaders. PPP believes in reconciliation with all political parties and does not want confrontation with political forces", he said adding, and "We want political resolution of the problem and promote democratic traditions."

"The PML-N, PPP government in the Punjab was dismissed as a result of Supreme Court (SC) verdict and PPP leadership expressed their regret with Shahbaz Sharif with a view that it will destabilize democracy," he remarked.

Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal said there is complete unity among President, Prime Minister and the government and they are running the affairs smoothly. "The government's long march policy is that, this problem should be resolved in a democratic method and all the decisions taken should reflect democracy," he added.

Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Syed Aseff Ahmed Ali, on the occasion, informed, "The government has no objection on the peaceful long march by the lawyers" but added, "The lawyers are being made instrument to achieve political motives." He said the deposed judges cannot be reinstated without legislation.
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India-Pakistan
Nuclear Pakistan's defence invincible
2008-12-26
LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that defence of Pakistan is impregnable and no foreign power can look at our country with evil designs. India would have imposed a war on us in the wake of the Mumbai attacks had Pakistan not been a nuclear power, he said. He expressed these views here on Thursday while addressing a function organised to mark 133rd birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The function was held under the aegis of Nazria-e-Pakistan Trust.

The ceremony was also addressed by Editor Nawa-i-Waqt and Chairman Nazria-e-Pakistan Trust Majid Nizami, Mr Justice (Retd) Dr. Javed Iqbal, Vice Chairman NPT, Professor Dr. Rafique Ahmad, Patron NPT, Syed Fasih Iqbal, Journalist Nusrat Mirza, Professor Dr. Perveen Shaukat, Former Chief Minister NWFP, Pir Sabir Shah and others. He said late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the founder of Pakistans nuclear programme while Nawaz Sharif completed this programme and carried out the explosions. Shahbaz said that if India provided solid evidence of Pak involvement in the Mumbai carnage, Islamabad would be ready to extend its cooperation. The Chief Minister also gave away gold medals to the activists of Pakistan Movement. He said people like Majid Nizami had been confronting the dictators all along their life.

Such people are present in every province and that is the reason that Pakistan is secure so far, he added. He said that it was quite unfortunate that the former rulers compromised on the sovereignty of the country for getting few dollars from abroad. He said that India was involved in creating unrest in Balochistan and an Indian Army Colonel also masterminded Samjhota Express attack. 'These are proven facts but international community never raised its voice against India but on the fake incident of Mumbai international community has made hue and cry , he said.

He was of the view that Pakistan would be developed by Pakistani people and not by any foreign power. An embezzlement of Rs 150 billion was unearthed by audit department in the City District Govts and present govt wanted to take action they were given stay by our courts, he said. He said that the one who awarded stay to the corrupt people in fact is a bigger corrupt. He said that PML(N) would continue efforts for the independence of judiciary under the leadership of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and would not sit idle till this goal was achieved.

He appealed to the nation to be peaceful and united during the holy month of Muharram and warned that enemy was trying to create unrest in the country.
Earlier he granted Rs 75 lakh for the welfare and medical facility of activists of Pakistan Movement.
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India-Pakistan
Nawaz returns, vows to contest elections
2007-11-26
Former premier Muhammad Nawaz Sharif returned to the country on Sunday after eight years of exile and vowed to contest the general elections. Talking to reporters after arriving in Lahore from Medina at 6.25pm, he said all decisions regarding participation in polls would be made on the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM)’s platform.

He said the APDM would participate in the elections if Gen Musharraf withdrew the emergency declaration he issued on November 3 and released opposition members who had been jailed. “Everything that was done must be reversed and drawn back completely,” he said. “You must have a level playing field for fair elections.” He said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would never welcome ‘turncoats’, adding that he wanted to unite the PML and the PML-N.

No deal: He said he had made no deal with President General Pervez Musharraf. “I haven’t met any Pakistani government functionary over the last eight years, although there were a lot of overtures from the Pakistani side to meet me and to talk to me,” he said. He said he has not changed his position on Musharraf, “He is not a legitimate president of the country. I do not accept that, not at all.” He said he had refused recent attempts by Gen Musharraf to meet him in Saudi Arabia because the two men “are poles apart”.

The PML-N chief said there was “no question” to him ever agreeing to a power-sharing deal with Gen Musharraf as president and himself as prime minister. A spokesman for Gen Musharraf told CNN on Sunday that there was no agreement or understanding with Nawaz.
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