28 April 2013

KARACHI: The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) has decided to consider the proposal of allowing admission on sports basis to the athletes having represented the country.

Zaki Ahmed Zaki

KARACHI: The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) has decided to consider the proposal of allowing admission on sports basis to the athletes having represented the country.

This was revealed by the newly appointed Chancellor of the SSUET, Engr Mohammad Adil Usman, who is also the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), during a session with a group of sports journalists here at the campus on Saturday.

“In pursuance of the Aligarhian spirit we will continue supporting sports and will do everything possible to serve the community,” he asserted.

“The Aligarhian philosophy is based on the fact that physical fitness leads to mental fitness. Our athletes used to excel in academics too. It’s very heartening to know that the same trend has continued at the SSUET as quite a few outstanding athletes have secured above average grades in their studies,” Usman, who is a great grandson of the legendary Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, remarked.

“We will surely look into the possibility of granting admission to the athletes having attained national colours from the next academic year,” the SSUET Chancellor declared.

Usman, who captained the Aligarh Muslim University’s badminton team and was also a billiards and snooker player, said he wanted to have greater facilities for indoor games at the SSUET. “We will be emphasising developing more facilities for indoor games besides taking care of cricket and football outfits. Our plans include procuring tables for billiards and snooker to let our students unfold their talents in cue sports,” he added.

27 April 2013

25 April 2013

ECP to finalize security plan for May 11 polls today

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan will meet today to finalize security plan for the upcoming general election amid growing concerns as violence grips large swathes of the country.

Election campaign in Punjab continues smoothly while rest of the federating units suffer from deadly violence with political parties demanding level playing field in the run-up for the May 11 polls.

According to reports, representatives of provincial governments, ministry of defence and interior would also attend the meeting to devise comprehensive security plan for the election.

The meeting would decide as to where the army would be deployed to maintain the law and order during the election. Sources said that details about the sensitive polling stations would also be presented in the meeting.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=98286

Lyari protesters block road near Karachi port

KARACHI: Residents of Lyari on Thursday staged protest against the alleged Rangers operation, suspending traffic form Shershah and Tower to Karachi port, Geo News reported.

Early commuters faced difficulties in reaching their work places as the road was blocked near ICI Bridge.

Activities at the Karachi port were also badly affected due to the protest.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=98309

Karachi: Several held in Rangers operation

KARACHI: The Pakistan Rangers Sindh on Thursday launched a search operation in different parts of Karachi, Geo News reported.

According to reports, the paramilitary troops carried out search operations in Green Town area of Shah Faisal Colony and Faqira Goth area of Sohrab Goath after closing entry and exit points of both the neighborhoods.

The Rangers also recovered weapons of different calibers during raids on several houses..

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=98300

One killed, 3 injured in Parachinar blast

PARACHINAR: A man was killed while three others were injured when a blast occurred in Parachinar area after a tractor trolley collided with an improvised explosive device (IED) fixed on roadside Thursday morning, Geo News reported.

According to initial reports, a tractor trolley hit an IED along the road near sports complex that caused the blast. Resultantly, one man was killed while three others were wounded who were shifted to Parachinar hospital for treatment.

Rescue teams reached the spot and kicked off relief work while the security forces cordoned off the area.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=98307

Pakistani-American faces terrorism charges after threats to county officials

VIRGINIA: An American citizen of Pakistan origin has been arrested for allegedly issuing threats to County officials, Geo News reported here on Thursday.

According to reports, Saad Lodhi was taken into custody after being accused of issuing threats to County authorities.

According foreign media reports, Saad Lodhi started making threats after federal lawsuits he filed against Fairfax County were dismissed.

The reports said Lodhi sent threatening emails to several county officials.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=98306

Two cops, two militants killed in Karak shootout

KARAK: At least two policemen were killed and another injured after an armed clash between the law enforcers and militants, Geo News reported Thursday.

According to police, two militants were also killed in a shootout that took place near Babra Banda area. Two policemen Mustafa Khan and Zahid Khan were killed while Assistant Sub-Inspector Murshid Khan was injured.

The injured officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=98304

23 April 2013

Musharraf presented before anti-terrorism court in Benazir murder case

RAWALPINDI: Amid high security, former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf was presented before an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Rawalpindi for hearing in the murder case of PPP leader Benazir Bhutto, SAMAA reported.

The former army ruler was brought to the Rawalpindi District Court from his Chak Shahzad farmhouse of Islamabad which is declared sub-jail where he has been confined on 14-day judicial remand. 

Musharraf, who is also chief of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), was escorted by security personnel as the court premises were completely cordoned off. He was presented before the judge Habib Urrehman.

The ATC had indicted Musharraf in the case in February 2011, declaring him a proclaimed offender.

Witnesses in the Benazir murder case were presented in the court for today’s hearing.

Dozens of lawyers and supporters of Pervez Musharraf were also present outside the court, chanting slogans against each others. 

Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack outside Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh on December 27, 2007 soon after addressing an election campaign rally in the city.

The court later adjourned the case till May 3.

Also, a two-member bench comprising Justice Jawwad S Khawja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain is hearing five identical petitions against Musharraf seeking his trial under Article 6 of the Constitution for imposing emergency and subverting the Constitution in 2007.

On Monday, the caretaker government refused to put Musharraf on trial for treason, telling the court that it was beyond its mandate.
 
Musharraf returned last month after nearly four years of self-imposed exile to take part in May 11 general elections despite the possibility of arrest on various charges and death threats from the Pakistani Taliban. 

Boston bomb suspect charged, could face death

BOSTON: Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has told investigators his brother was the leader in last week's deadly attacks, and that no international terrorist groups were behind them, CNN reported.

The network cited an unnamed US government source as saying that "preliminary interviews with Tsarnaev indicate the two brothers fit the classification of self-radicalized jihadists."

"Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, wounded and held in a Boston hospital, has said his brother (Tamerlan, 26) -- who was killed early Friday -- wanted to defend Islam from attack," CNN quoted the source as saying. But the surviving suspect indicated that international groups were not part of the brothers' acts, the report said.

The younger Tsarnaev, 19, could face the death penalty after being charged Monday for his alleged role in the attacks that left three people dead and 200 wounded.

Dzhokar Tsarnaev was arraigned in his hospital bed on charges of using and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction, and malicious destruction of property by means of deadly explosives, the US Department of Justice said.

The charges Monday, a week on from the twin marathon bombings, as Americans marked the time the bombs went off with a moment of silence observed across the nation, from the White House to the New York Stock Exchange.

If Tsarnaev, a naturalized US citizen of Chechen descent, is convicted of the federal charges, he faces time behind bars -- or even the death penalty.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=98003

Oil prices down in Asia on weak China data

SINGAPORE: Oil prices eased in Asia on Tuesday as data showing weak Chinese manufacturing activity fuelled concerns over demand in the world's second-largest economy, analysts said.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in June dropped 43 cents to $88.76 a barrel on its first day of trade, while Brent North Sea crude for June shed 34 cents to $100.05 in mid-morning trade.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=98001

22 April 2013

Imran Khan hires helicopter to attend polling rallies across country

KARAK: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan has started using a helicopter for attending polling rallies across the country, SAMAA reports.

Time is short and challenge very hard to reach polling rallies spread from Karachi to Chitral and Khyber Pakhtukhwa. People want to see the key leadership of the political parties in all rallies.

First, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif started using a helicopter to reach in polling rallies in every part of the country and now Imran Khan has also followed him by hiring a helicopter for travelling rally to rally in different parts of the country.

Imran Khan used his helicopter to reach in Sunday’s rallies. When his helicopter appeared in sky at Karak rally, his supporters welcomed him with loud slogans.

The PTI leader was received warmly and taken to the stage amid loud slogans of the rally participants.

http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=65000&CID=1

Mr. Nizami Condolence Meeting Sadat-e-Amroha

By Zaki Ahmed Zaki

Karachi April, 22 - Mr. Z. A. Nizami devoted his life for establishment and promotion of city besides for the improvement of the education. This was stated by Mr. Adil Usman, Chancellor, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology while addressing a condolence meeting held at Sadat-e-Amroha Society Hall, Karachi.

He said that he found Mr. Nizami a man with outstanding qualities and that he always helped everyone without any bias towards cast, colour or creed. Mr. Nizami was a dynamic personality and also contributed to the Saudi government for the extension of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. He also mentioned that Mr. Nizami’s vision was very vast and he became the Lifetime President of AMOBA (Aligarh Muslim Old Boys Association) and the Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology.

Dr. Professor Taufeeq Ahmed Nizami, younger brother of Z. A. Nizami came from India to attend the condolence meeting and highly appreciated the efforts made by AMOBA and hoped that it will continue his mission onwards.

Commissioner Karachi, Mr. Hashim Raza Zaidi also paid tribute to Mr. Nizami and said that he has dedicated the conference hall of Civic Centre after Z. A. Nizami to acknowledge his services.

Mr. Shamim Hadi said that he had a close relation with the Nizami family since the last 40 years and that Mr. Nizami cared for everyone and he was born to help improve the world. He further said, that the establishment and management of Sir Syed University is one of his greatest achievements.

Sajid Raza, Secretary, Amroha Trust said that Mr. Nizami was an international standard town planner and that he produced 45 town schemes for Karachi which is a remarkable feat.

Hilal Naqvi, gave a tribute to Nizami by reciting a poem about him.

Those who also spoke on the occasion included, Syed Jamshaid Rizvi, President of The Institution of Engineers Pakistan, Mr. Farhat Adil, Chairman of The Institution of Engineers Pakistan and Syed Muhammad Sibtain, Mr. Qamar Razi, and Tahir Hussain, the ex-presidents of the Amroha Trust.

Political parties breaching code of conduct badly, Sindh police complain to CEC

KARACHI: Sindh police have complained to the Chief Election Commissioner trough a letter that political parties are breaching polls’ code of conduct badly and uninformed rallies and gatherings are creating security issues, SAMAA reports.

Sindh police have mailed a letter of complaint, against political parties, to the Chief Election Commissioner that political parties are undermining code of conduct and not informing about their political rallies 72 hours before the event.

The letter has been mailed by AIGP (Admin) to the CEC, saying rallies and gatherings are being held across the province including Karachi but none has bothered to inform the police about those.

The police have requested the CEC in the letter that the political parties should be bound to inform the police, timely about political activities, otherwise security cannot be provided on one or two hours’ notices.  

http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=64993&CID=1

 

 

20 April 2013

Boston Marathon bombing suspect captured - police

WATERTOWN, Massachusetts: Police captured a 19-year-old man on Friday night suspected of carrying out the Boston Marathon bombings with his older brother after a day-long manhunt using helicopters and heavily armed officers in a Boston suburb.

The Boston Police Department said on Twitter that the suspect was in custody and officers were sweeping the area. Authorities identified him earlier as Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, one of two brothers believed to have carried out Monday's attack at the world-famous event, killing three people and injuring 176.

Police cars and armored vehicles surrounded a house in Watertown on Friday night shortly after police told a news conference that the suspect fled on foot and was still on the loose.

The apparent break in the investigation came after an intense manhunt that virtually closed the city of Boston.

Monday's bombing on the finish line of the marathon was described by President Barack Obama as "an act of terrorism." It was the worst such attack on U.S. soil since the plane hijackings of September 11, 2001.

Images showed that the three-story house where Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was caught had a tarp-covered boat parked on a trailer in the backyard.

Earlier on Friday, Colonel Timothy Alben told a news conference that officers went door-to-door in Watertown and searched houses.

During the search for the men on Friday, two Black Hawk helicopters circled the area. SWAT teams moved through in formation, leaving an officer behind to ensure that searched homes remained secure, a law enforcement official said. --REUTERS
http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=64917&CID=2

MQM not to quit electoral race: Altaf

KARACHI/LONDON: Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain said the assassinations of the party workers is a conspiracy meant to steer the party out of the elections, SAMAA reported Saturday.

In a statement issued from London, the MQM chief Altaf said the criminal people have been left to go scot-free for the murder of the party’s workers and office-bearers.

He said a plot has been put on anvil to pave the way for the rejected elements; but, Muttahida will not let go of its democratic right at any cost. 

http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=64912&CID=1

Musharraf likely to be produced before ATC today

ISLAMABAD: Former President General (rtd.) Pervez Musharraf is expected to be produced before an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in the federal capital, SAMAA reported Saturday.

Earlier, his statement was recorded at Islamabad police headquarters in Sector F-11 amidst tight security shortly after 2 pm. Former President Musharraf was yesterday shifted from his farmhouse to the police headquarters in Islamabad to fulfil the conditions of his transit remand.

Former president said in his statement that he did not detain the judges; instead, they were taken in protective custody—a decision made jointly by the entire federal cabinet.

The officer investigating the case against the former president has been changed, as SHO Rana Mubarak took charge from Sultan Mehmood. Police officials said the officer was changed after anti-terrorism clauses have been included in the case, as according to the law, an officer to the level of inspector investigates into the cases of terrorism. 

It should be mentioned here that the Law Ministry issued a notification yesterday for setting up an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad.

http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=64918&CID=1

House fire kills three children in Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: At least three children were killed as a fire engulfed a house in Razabad area of the city, Geo News reported Saturday.

Rescue sources said that the fire broke out on the second floor of a building, killing three children. Cause of the fire was yet to be known. Fire tenders were busy in dousing the blaze.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97595

19 April 2013

Pervez Musharraf shifted to police headquarters

ISLAMABAD: Former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf has been shifted to the police headquarters here from his farmhouse in Chak Shahzad.

According to the law anyone granted a transit remand must be kept within police jurisdiction. Musharraf is expected to remain at the police headquarters until he is presented before an Anti-Terrorism Court.

Earlier on Friday, the former president was arrested and presented before Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Abbas. After a brief hearing the court issued a written order to grant him two-day transit remand. He was shifted to his farmhouse in Chak Shahzad which was declared sub-jail

The judicial magistrate further said that the police should abide by the Islamabad High Court’s order and include Section 7 of the anti-terrorism law in the charges against the former president and submit a report.

Speaking to Geo News after the hearing, Musharraf said he returned to Pakistan out of his own will and respects the courts. He expressed his determination to face the consequences.

ISLAMABAD HIGH COURT ORDER

In its order the Islamabad High Court has held Inspector General Police Islamabad responsible for Pervez Musharraf fleeing from the premises of the court on Thursday. The court has directed the Defence Secretary to take action against those responsible.

US REACTION

According to a press release by the US Embassy, the United States takes no position on the return of former President Pervez Musharraf or the legal proceedings against him. This is an issue to be resolved solely in accordance with Pakistan’s Constitution and laws.

The press release further states that the United States reaffirms it is backing democracy in Pakistan, and does not support any particular political party or individual candidate.

INVESTIGATION OFFICER REPLACED

The officer investigating the Pervez Musharraf case, Sultan Mehmood, has been removed. Rana Mubarak has been appointed as the new investigation officer.
http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97484

LHC allows Chaudhry Wajahat to contest elections

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has allowed PML-Q leader Chaudhry Wajahat to contest elections.

Chaudhry Wajahat who is the brother of PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat, is the party’s candidate from NA-104 (Gujrat). The LHC dismissed the appeal against Wajahat and directed that electoral symbol of the cycle be allotted to him.

Chaudhry Wajahat was been appointed as an MNA twice.
http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97522

No foreign mission approached Pakistan over Musharraf: FO

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office Friday said that no country or foreign mission has contacted or approached the Foreign Ministry with regard to former president General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf, Geo News reported.

Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Chaudhry in his weekly briefing

here said that, so far, none of the world nations had made any diplomatic contact over Musharraf’s arrest.

To a question he said European Union election observers were already in Pakistan and receiving briefings while National Democratic Institute

had also indicated its interest for the same.

He said that Pakistan had urged the concerned stakeholders including United States to devote their energies towards making Afghanistan peaceful, progressive, prosperous and stable country in the post-withdrawal period.

"Pakistan is in contact with all concerned on the issue of peaceful Afghanistan in the post-withdrawal period and monitoring the evolving situation", said he.

The spokesman while responding to the allegations by Kabul about Pakistan's involvement in terrorist activities inside Afghanistan, said, "Pakistan does not believe in allegations and counter allegations."

"We are convinced that peace, stability and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Pakistan's own interest," he added.
http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97511

Three alleged attackers of Sohrab Goth police station arrested

KARCHI: Police claimed to have arrested three alleged attackers of Sohrab Goth police station in a targeted operation that conducted in Sachal Goth area of Karachi, while weapons were also recovered, Geo News reported.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malir Javed Bhatti, the arrested accused were involved in Sohrab Goth police station attack and killings of two policemen.

He said that the accused are affiliated with a banned organization and they are being interrogated.

Police added that the accused had managed to get their companions escaped in an attack on Sohrab Goth police station.
http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97513

MQM will not boycott elections: Sattar

KARACHI: MQM Deputy Convener Farooq Sattar said Friday that the party would not boycott the upcoming elections at any cost.

During an emergency news conference of the MQM’s Coordination Committee, Sattar said the new delimitation in Karachi was a conspiracy and the killing of party workers and candidates was all part of a pre-planned script.

Sattar added that political parties had started their election campaigns while the MQM was burying party workers. “The killing of MQM workers has become the norm.”

According to Sattar, four MQM supporters were kidnapped, tortured and killed on Friday. He informed the media that the MQM would issue its list of candidates for the upcoming elections on Saturday.
http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97524

7 killed, 35 injured in road accident

BAHAWALPUR: At least seven people were killed and 35 injured when a speeding bus rammed into tree near Chak 7 BC on Hasilpur Road here Friday evening.

According to Rescue 1122 and Police sources, a speeding bus, on its way to Bahawalnagar, lost control and rammed into a tree while saving a motorcyclist.

Rescue teams rushed to the site of accident and shifted the injured to hospital.

The Police have registered a case. (APP)
http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97523

18 April 2013

Judges detention case: Musharraf arrives in IHC for pre-arrest bail

 SLAMABAD: Amid tight security, former military ruler Pervez Musharraf appeared in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday to get pre-arrest bail in Judges detention case, SAMAA reported.

Tight security measures were taken at the court on the occasion of former president’s appearance. He was escorted by body guards and security personnel.

Earlier‚ the court had granted interim bail to him and ordered to deposit security bond amounting to Rs. 500‚000 against the bail and appear in the next hearing. 

http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=64821&CID=1

 Islamabad High Court rejects Musharraf's bail plea, orders arrest

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Thursday rejected former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf bail plea in judges’ detention case and ordered his arrest, SAMAA reports.

Musharraf, however, left the court premises along with his personal security guards and avoided arrest.

The single-member bench comprising Justice Shaukat Siddiqui, while rejecting the plea for extension in bail, ordered the police to include anti-terrorism clauses in the charge sheet.

Eyewitnesses said that after the court’s orders the police did not try to arrest former military ruler and he left the court premises along with his protocol officers.

After the judgment, anti-Musharraf lawyers raised slogans against the ex-president.

However, Musharraf’s counsel said that they would not accept orders of the court.

Earlier, Musharraf arrived at IHC amid tight security measures that were taken at the court. 

http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=64822&CID=1

PTI announces candidates for Karachi NA seats

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced the names of its candidates to contest the general elections from Karachi constituencies for National Assembly, SAMAA reported Thursday.

According to the PTI spokesman, Subhan Ali Sahil will be fielded for National Assembly’s NA239 seat, Naaz Baloch for NA240, Zahid Hashmi for NA243, Khalid Maqsood Advocate for NA244 and Dr. Arif Alvi will contest for NA250 seat.

http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=64813&CID=1

Candidates may withdraw nomination papers today

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set today as the deadline for election candidates to withdraw their nomination papers as well as submit the certificates mentioning their party affiliation, SAMAA reported Thursday.

The phase for decisions on appeals by the election tribunals is over. Meantime, today is the last day for the electoral candidates to file certificate from their respective political parties showing their party affiliations.

The ECP will issue the finalized list of candidates on Friday.

The appellate tribunals have completed delivering verdicts on appeals and objections against the decisions of Returning Officers (ROs). The Election Commission says that appeals which are not decided by this deadline will automatically now stand dismissed under The Representation of Peoples Act.

According to the ECP’s spokesman, those who do not file party affiliation certificates by today (April 18), would be considered as independent candidates.

The commission will allocate electoral symbols on April 19 and will issue finalized list of candidates the same evening on Friday.   

http://www.samaa.tv/newsdetail.aspx?ID=64804&CID=1

60-70 dead, hundreds hurt in Texas plant explosion: media

CHICAGO: Some 60 to 70 people were killed and hundreds were injured by an explosion at a fertilizer plant outside Waco, Texas, local media reported, citing the local emergency manager.
The report could not be immediately verified by AFP, but KWTX television cited West Emergency Management Services Director George Smith as confirming the death toll.
The explosion comes as the United States was on edge as it pieces through deadly explosions that hit the Boston marathon on Monday, followed by letters, apparently poisoned with ricin, sent to President Barack Obama and a US senator.
Firefighters responding to the scene in West were also injured in a secondary blast, according to radio traffic by emergency managers being broadcast by CBS News.
"There has been an explosion on the fire scene, there are firefighters down at this time," a dispatcher said.
A man on the scene reported that "the restroom is severely damaged we have many people down."
Firefighters also said they were setting up a triage unit at an apartment building where people were trapped.
The explosion at the West Fertilizer plant occurred just before 8:00 pm (0100 GMT), Waco Assistant Fire Chief Don Yeager told.
The cause was not immediately known but he said it was a anhydrous ammonia explosion.
Fire departments from nearby jurisdictions rushed to the scene in the small town of West, north of Waco, where the blast was so powerful that it knocked down some nearby buildings, and set fire to others.
"An explosion has ignited adjacent structures to the plant," Yeager said.
The injured were being rushed to local hospitals.
Neighbors told local media that their windows were blown out by the force of the explosion.
http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97283

Texas fertilizer plant explosion leaves injured: authorities 

WASHINGTON: A major explosion at a fertilizer plant outside the Texas town of Waco Wednesday left several people injured, and was so powerful it set fire to nearby buildings, authorities said.
The West Fertilizer facility had an anhydrous ammonia explosion, Waco Assistant Fire Chief Don Yeager told AFP by phone.
The cause was not immediately known. Fire departments from nearby jurisdictions rushed to the scene in the town of West, north of Waco, where the blast was so powerful it knocked down some nearby buildings, and set fire to others, Yeager said.
"An explosion has ignited adjacent structures to the plant," he said. The injured were being rushed to local hospitals, Yeager said, noting that he did not have any fatalities.
He could not immediately say how many people were hurt. The explosion comes as the United States, already on edge, pieces through deadly explosions that hit the Boston marathon on Monday, which were followed by letters, apparently poisoned with ricin, sent to a US senator and the US president.
April 19 will be the 20th anniversary of the Waco siege, a deadly confrontation between federal authorities and heavily armed locals there. After a 51-day standoff a gun battle broke out with US agents and the Branch Davidian compound burned. Dozens of people were killed in an incident that many far-right groups see as a symbol of egregious US government overreach.
http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=97281

SSUET to have collaboration with Spanish Malaga University

By Zaki Ahmed Zaki

KARACHI, April 18 _ Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology and University of Malaga, Spain, Wednesday agreed in principle to have collaboration between the two for Masters and PhD programs besides exchange of students and faculty members in various disciplines of engineering.

The agreement reached at a meeting held between Chancellor SSUET, Engr Adil Usman and Dr Javier Poncela, a visiting Professor from the reputed Spanish Malaga University.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid Hasan Rizvi, Chairman Electronics Department, Prof Dr Bilal Alvi, Registrar Shah Mahmood H. Syed, Dr Makhdoomi, Dean of Engineering, Dr Najeeb Ahmed, Associate Dean Engineering, Director QUE, Prof. Zakaullah, Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Consultant, Yahya Waliullah, Director IT and Statistics and M. Aamir, Assistant Professor Electronics Engineering.

During discussion Dr Javier sought collaboration between the two universities with focus on research and development.

He said he has seen the facilities available at this university and he was of the opinion that such collaboration between the two institutions will be of mutual benefit, particularly for collaboration in PhD programs, exchange of students and faculties and possibilities of undertaking joint research programs.

In his remarks Chancellor SSUET Engr. Adil Usman said the university looks forward for this collaboration in higher engineering courses, Masters and PhD.

“We will evolve a system to get benefitted from the Malaga University” he stated.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi said the university will welcome such collaboration as far as possible and would further discuss faculty exchange in particular as well as Masters and PhD programs.

Registrar Shah Mahmood H. Syed informed that SSUET has collaboration with many US and UK universities and would like to have the same relationship with Malaga as well.

He said the two sided should identify some concrete steps to achieve the objective and sign MoU for the purpose and to make the collaboration effective.

Later, the two sides went into another session to discuss and sort out technical details for the proposed collaboration.

On the occasion the Chancellor presented the SSUET’s traditional souvenir

12 April 2013

Zaki Ahmed Zaki

Condolence messages late Engr. Z. A Nizami

Mr. Z. A Nizami’s death was a national loss. They noted that Mr. Nizami would live long remembered for his valuable services to the nation in many fields.

            Scholars, Educationist and prominent figure of country said that’ the entire nation particularly Karachi’s have lost intellectual personality by the death of Z. A Nizami.

Some of the informative prominent figure of the country name as under:

1. Quaid MQM, Mr. Altaf Hussain.
2. Administrator KMC Commissioner Karachi, Mr. Hashim Raza Zaidi
3. President Karachi City Association , Prof. Siraj Bukhari
4. Vice Chancellor Fedral Urdu University, Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal
5. Sunni Ithad Council , Shabzada Fazal Kareem
6. Chief Al Mustufa Welfare Trust, Haji Hanif Tayyab.
7. Secretary Information NPP, Mr. Tariq Mehboob
8. Ameer e Jamat e Islami  Mr. Syed Munawar Hussain.
9. Vice Chancellor Karachi University  Dr. Muhammad Qaiser
10. Vice president Functional Leauge (Sindh) Mr. Pirzada Yasir Sayeen