Abbottabad incident: Corps Commanders’ Conference held at GHQ

138th Corps Commanders’ Conference was held today at General Headquarters Rawalpindi. General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) chaired the meeting.

One point agenda was the Abbottabad incident in which Osama Bin Laden was killed by US forces. The Forum discussed the incident and its implications and on military to military relations with the United States.

Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani presiding over the 138^th Corps Commanders’ Conference  held  at General Headquarters Rawalpindi on Thursday. (5-5-2011) - Photo ISPR

While admitting own shortcomings in developing intelligence on the presence of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, it was highlighted that the achievements of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), against Al Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates in Pakistan, have no parallel. The Forum was informed that around 100 top level Al Qaeda leaders / operators were killed / arrested by ISI, with or without support of CIA. However, in the case of Osama Bin Laden, while the CIA developed intelligence based on initial information provided by ISI, it did not share further development of intelligence on the case with ISI, contrary to the existing practice between the two services. Nonetheless, an investigation has been ordered into the circumstances that led to this situation.

COAS made it very clear that any similar action, violating the sovereignty of Pakistan, will warrant a review on the level of military / intelligence cooperation with the United States.

The Corps Commanders were informed about the decision to reduce the strength of US military personnel in Pakistan to the minimum essential.

As regards the possibility of similar hostile action against our strategic assets, the Forum reaffirmed that, unlike an undefended civilian compound, our strategic assets are well protected and an elaborate defensive mechanism is in place.

The Forum, taking serious note of the assertions made by Indian military leadership about conducting similar operations, made it very clear that any misadventure of this kind will be responded to very strongly. There should be no doubt about it.

The Forum reiterated the resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and to fight the menace of terrorism, with the support and help of the people of Pakistan.

DELEGATION OF LAKHI MARWAT DISTRICT BAR CALLS ON HCJP IFTIKHAR MUHAMMAD CHAUDHARY

A 10 Member delegation of Cabinet Members of Lakhi Marwat District Bar headed by President, Mr. Najeebullah and consisting other office bearers called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice. Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary today i.e. 15.03.2011 in Supreme Court Building, Islamabad.

The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan congratulated the Bar Members and said, “a lawyer being a professional, always remains in the pursuit of the legal knowledge and he always remains a student of law in his whole life”.

The delegation thanked the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan and praised the National Judicial Policy which proved fruitful for lawyers as well as litigants and enhanced the public confidence in courts by providing a speedy and expeditious disposal to them. Further, they informed his lordship that due to the Policy, almost all the old cases have been disposed of in their District and they have achieved the target of speedy justice. Moreover, due to the Judicial Policy the strength of lawyers has increased and they have been encouraged to join the profession of law. The delegation informed his lordship that the movement of rule of law, supremacy of Constitution and independence of judiciary instilled a new spirit and provided a common platform to lawyers to cooperate with one another.

The delegation invited Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan to visit Lakhi Marwat Bar, his lordship conveyed his gratitude, extended his thanks and assured to visit them in suitable time

Banking Court acquits Hanif Kalia, Munaf Kalia, Javed Khanani and others in Money laundering case

Hanif Kalia

Judge Mir Muhammad Sheikh of Banking Court Karachi Friday acquitted for lack of evidence three directors of M/s Khanani & Kalia International in money laundering scam of 2008.

Hanif Kalia, his brother Munaf Kalia, partner Javed Khanani with other accused Atif Aziz Polani and some bank managers were facing trial under Pakistan Penal Code, Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947 & Pakistan Electronic Crimes Ordinance 2007.

Munaf  Kalia

According to prosecution, FIA arrested Hanif Kalia, Munaf Kalia & Javed Khanani on allegation of illegally transferring money through Hawala in 2007. FIA arrested them from Karachi and Lahore, sealing offices of K&KI across country. FIA Crime Circle Karachi registered case against them (FIR 76/2008) US 406, 409, 420, 468, 471, 477A, 109 PPC RW Sections 5/8, 22/23 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947 & Sections 7, 8, 20 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance 2007.

Javed Khanani

FIA widening scope of investigation also arrested co-accused Masood Abbas, Syed Wajahat Ali of Allied Bank Limited’s Bahadurabad branch, Tehsin Ahmed of Habib Bank Limited Hasan Square & Arifur Rehman of MyBank Cloth Market Branch Karachi.

On Friday, Justice Mir Muhammad Sheikh pronounced verdict, acquitting all accused due to lack of evidence. They were already acquitted in case registered under PECO 2007 by Judicial Magistrate concerned, who was heading special tribunal to deal such cases.

Three days final notice: DCO Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed ordeded to cancel defaulter's plots

DCO Karachi
Muhammad Hussain Syed

City District Government Karachi has decided to cancel allotments of plots in case of non payment of dues within 3 days. The amount deposited for such plots will also be confiscated.

DCO Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed has directed Recovery Officers of Revenue Department to cancel the allotment of plots by CDGK and defunct KDA, if the allotees did not pay the dues within three days.

Following the directive, District Officer Recovery Syed Nasir Abbas has issued notices to all such defaulters to pay their dues within three days.

SECP granted licensed 12 non-profit associations during last quarter

ISLAMABAD, January 18: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) granted licenses to 12 non-profit associations under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984, during the last quarter of 2010.

These associations include, Passenger Welfare Foundation, Brands Foundation, Pine Rural Area Development Organization, Radio Livestock Pakistan, Paving Paths Foundation, Progressive Friends Foundation, Kohsar Progressive Foundation, First Step Foundation, Hadeedian Association, Center for Cultural Dialogue & Research, Conservation and Hunting Association of Pakistan and Snow Leopard Foundation.

The sector-wise breakdown reveals that 5 associations were granted licenses in the social services sector, 2 each in healthcare, education and environment conservation, and one in charity.

Radio Livestock Pakistan has been established in the public sector to provide a platform for the promotion of livestock and dairy sector in Pakistan by establishing a network of FM radio stations to create awareness on these sectors and their related activities.

Snow Leopards Foundation seeks to work for conservation of snow leopards and other wild carnivorous animals across Pakistan, while improving the lives of people who live in the neighbourhood of their habitats. This association has foreign funding from potential donors, i.e., UNDP, Snow Leopard Trust (USA), Panthera, and International Bear Association etc.

Brands Foundation has been founded with a unique concept of promoting brands culture by organizing healthy competition among brands, conduct quality surveys, analysis, rating, and establish international best brand practices.

Passenger Welfare Foundation intends to work for the welfare of passengers by provision of facilities. Pine Rural Area Development Organization has been formed to develop rural areas and Center for Cultural Dialogue & Research to resolve cultural and religious conflicts in the society.

Paving Paths Foundation and First Step Foundation seek to set up and administer hospitals, clinics etc., and to run rehabilitation centres for treatment of drug addicts respectively.

Others include Kohsar Progressive Foundation and Hadeedian Foundation with the objective of establishing and promoting educational institutions, Progressive Friends Foundation aims at helping the poor and the needy, and Conservation and Hunting Association of Pakistan at promoting ethical and legal values of hunting and shooting of animals and birds.

It is expected that new associations will play a significant role in serving the society and the masses in their respective fields.

HRCP slams murder of 2 missing persons, wants activist released

Lahore, January 6: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed alarm at the recovery of dead bodies of two missing persons from Turbat and demanded that both cases must be investigated and the culprits brought to justice and that HRCP activist Siddique Eido abducted by state agents from Pasni on December 21 must be released immediately.

A statement issued by HRCP on Thursday said: “HRCP has noted with grave concern the recovery of dead bodies of Qambar Chakar and Ilyas Nazar from Turbat, who had reportedly been abducted by state agents on November 25 from Turbat and December 21 from Pasni, respectively.

The recovery of the bodies is devastating not only for the families of the two victims, but has also increased distress of families of other missing persons who have pinned their hopes on courts for the safe recovery of their loved ones. These include Siddique Eido, the HRCP coordinator in Pasni, who was abducted by state agents on December 21. Several witnesses of the abduction, including at least four policemen, had seen Mr Eido being taken away by individuals in FC uniforms. It is alarming that even after a fortnight Mr Eido has neither been released nor produced in court. HRCP demands that the government must ensure immediate release of Mr Eido and all other citizens in illegal and unacknowledged detention of the security agencies. An independent and transparent probe must be held not only into the killing of the two persons whose bodies were found on January 5 but in all such cases in Balochistan. The volatile situation in the province is all the more reason why the government must make sure that its agents strictly adhere to due process of law and respect human rights.”

Representatives of USAID visit ICAP

The President Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan, Mr. Abdul Rahim Suriya, Council Members and USAID Representatives Ms. Kris Smathers and Mr. Shiraz Ashraf at the at ICAP House, Karachi.

The representatives of the USAID visited the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) recently, in Karachi. Mr. Abdul Rahim Suriya President, Mr. Pervez Muslim, Vice President South and Mr. Abdullah Yusuf, Vice President North along with other Council members welcomed the representatives. USAID recognizes audit profession in the Country as one of the four pillars to ensure governance and transparency. The participants discussed other areas of mutual interest and the prospective areas where development projects may be considered for development of infrastructure and capacity building of the Institute.

The USAID is actively looking at the local auditors to audit the USAID funding projects and has discussed the role ICAP can play in this regard. The meeting with USAID primarily focused on aspects of capacity building of accountants, contribution of accountants in assisting and developing the local public sector, ICAP’s investigative process and Quality Assurance Program, continuous professional development efforts, activities of ICAP and quality and qualification of our members, etc.

During their visit, presentations were made to USAID highlighting in brief the activities of ICAP, the role it has played in developing the profession, accomplishments to-date, and future strategies. The Institute is in the process of discussions with the USAID to agree on a future course of action for the professional and educational projects.