Chronology of Pakistan
June 2003 (Continued IV)
Sherpao acquitted in Ring Road reference
June 21: An accountability court Peshawar acquitted Water and Power Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, former senator Haji Gul Sher and three other accused in the Ring Road land acquisition reference. The court pronounced that the prosecution could not prove its case against accused Aftab Sherpao, Haji Gul Sher, Mosam Khan, a former Tehsildar, and Patwaris Dilawar and Nisar.
Afghan, US troops launch operation along Pak-Afghan border
June 21: US-led troops and Afghan militiamen launched a massive operation on Saturday against suspected Taliban and al-Qaeda members along Afghanistan's eastern border with Pakistan, US and Afghan officials said in Kabul.
Second phase of anti-Thal movement begins
June 22: A motorcade, carrying leaders and workers of the Anti-Thal Canal Action Committee (ATCAC), Hyderabad for Umerkot to mark the beginning of the second phase of its campaign against the Thal canal. The motorcade was aimed at creating awareness among the people about imminent negative repercussions of the canal on agriculture sector and overall economy of Sindh.
Musharraf says he may quit Army in three years
June 22: President General Pervez Musharraf reiterated that he planned to step down as Army chief, saying this could happen within the next three years. "I do agree in principle that I should not be a combination of president and the Chief of Army Staff and sooner or later I have to give up this appointment of Chief of Army Staff," he told BBC television's Breakfast with Frost program in an interview earlier this week.
Mohmand Agency tense over troops deployment
June 22: Situation on the Pak-Afghan border in Mohmand Agency remained tense amid reports that Pakistan and Afghanistan have deployed troops to meet any eventuality arising out of the dispute over the demarcation of the Durand Line. Sources told The News that Pakistan has increased troops on the border with Afghanistan's Kunar province with the consent of local tribesmen. It is for the first time that Islamabad has been able to extend the writ of the government to Khuezai-Bezai area of the agency. However, local tribesmen said people in Anargay, part of Essakhel Dara, exchanged fire with the militia and personnel of the armed forces for three hours, but no casualties have been reported. It was also learnt that Pakistani troops were patrolling the area. The authorities have also ordered aerial surveillance.
Farooq wins NA-255 byelection
June 23: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement's Dr Farooq Sattar emerged victorious in the by-election to the National Assembly constituency NA-255 by securing 73,334 votes in Karachi, according to unofficial results. His closest rival was Aslam Mujahid of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, who could muster only 17,154 votes.
Control in Mohmand Agency established: Paramilitary official killed
June 23: A paramilitary official was killed and another wounded as clashes between Pakistani forces and pro-Afghan tribesmen in Mohmand Agency along the Pakistan- Afghanistan border continued for the third consecutive day. Senior government officials in Peshawar said that the clashes occurred in the Salala Pass in Khugakhel area, barely a kilometre inside the Pakistani territory. An ISPR press release stated that the Pakistani troops had established their presence in the entire area, except a small pocket in the Salala Pass near the border area, where some people were occupying hilltops and firing on them. "Our forces are exercising maximum restraint," the press release said.
Land allotted to 62 army officers: BoR tells LHC
June 23: The Punjab Board of Revenue informed the Lahore High Court that it had allotted agriculture land to some 62 senior army officers, including President Gen Pervez Musharraf, Gen Aziz Khan and former interior minister Gen Moinuddin Haider in Cholistan and other districts of the Punjab from time to time on the requisition of the GHQ. The information was furnished by the BoR while responding to a petition of M.D. Tahir who had alleged that over 100 army officers had been allotted land at significantly lower rates in different districts of the Punjab. He had requested the court to take notice of such allotments and proceed against both the BoR and the allottees. The BoR submitted that there were 62 senior and 56 junior army officers who had been allotted land at a rate of Rs60 per unit under four allotment schemes issued by the Punjab government, on the requisition of the GHQ. However, the board showed inability to disclose the exact measurement of the area allotted to the army officers and the names of the corresponding allottees saying it had no concern with that. "Only the GHQ can furnish this information since the board has been simply complying with the government instructions regarding allotment which was made under Section 10(3) of the Colonization of Government Land Act," the board gave the reply.
MMA opposes Pak-US military drive
June 23: The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal opposed the alleged Pak-US joint military operation being carried out in tribal areas and announced support to the tribesmen in their resistance against the "invading" forces. Addressing workers' gathering after a meeting of MMA leaders held at Markaz-e-Islami in Peshawar, MMA central leader and JUI-F secretary general Maulana Fazlur Rahman said:"I want to make it clear that the resistance of tribesmen in Mohmand Agency against joint operation carried out by Pak-US forces would be legitimate one.”
Italy releases 15 Pakistanis
June 24: An Italian judge ordered the release of 15 Pakistanis arrested last August in Italy's territorial waters after investigators dispelled suspicions that the men were linked to the Al Qaeda terror network , court sources in Rome said. Italian officials arrested the men after the coastguard intercepted their vessel, the Sara, off the coast of Sicily, following a tip-off from Italian intelligence services. They were charged with conspiracy to carry out terrorist and subversive acts and jailed in Caltanissetta, in the southern island of Sicily.
$3bn US aid package for Pakistan
June 24: US President George W Bush announced a 3-billion dollar aid package for Pakistan after talks with President General Pervez Musharraf at Camp David and assured full support to promote peace in South Asia. "I will work with the United States Congress on a three billion dollar economic assistance package to help advance security and economic opportunity for Pakistani citizens," he told reporters after the meeting. However, Bush said he would not hand over US F-16 fighter jets that Pakistan has paid for but which fell foul of 1990s anti-nuclear sanctions. Bush said that substantial military assistance would be contained in the large aid package. He has said Musharraf had been a "strong advocate" for the sale of F-16s to Pakistan, but added "in the package that we discussed, the five year, three billion dollar package, half of that money goes for defense matters, of which the F-16 won't be a part." Bush said the US was providing 31 million dollars for initiative on broad-based political participation and for education particularly for women and girls.
Musharraf a courageous leader, says Bush
June 24: President George W Bush praised President Pervez Musharraf as a "courageous leader" who had offered "essential" help in the US anti-terror campaign."President Musharraf is a courageous leader, and a friend of the United States. America has a strong relationship with Pakistan," Bush said after meeting Musharraf at his Camp David retreat. "Pakistan's support was essential in our campaign against the Taliban."Bush appreciated the political and educational reforms initiated by President Musharraf and added that this country was committed to democracy. Bush praised Musharraf for setting out to build "a modern Pakistan that is tolerant and prosperous," but said that "will require movement toward democracy."
US to provide C-130s, P-3C Orion, Cobra helicopters
June 24: The United States was likely to provide surveillance aircraft C-130s and P-3C Orion, and Cobra and Huey helicopters to strengthen the border security arrangement on the western borders and along the Arabian Sea, in addition to the radio equipment to communicate with the US military, The News reported. This military hardware was part of the US budget proposed for 2004 (starting October 1) that had recommended $395.2 million total assistance for Pakistan, including $75 million for the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and $200 million for the Economic Support Fund (ESF).
Mohmand tribesmen end resistance to security forces
Jun 24: The Mohmand Rifles hoisted Pakistani flag at Tora Bora area of Mohmand Agency, situated on the Pak-Afghan border as the tribesmen ended their resistance to law enforcing agencies. After successful Jirga between the Commandant Mohmand Rifles Colonel Iqbal, Political Agent Sahibzada Anees and elders of Halimzai and Utmarkhel tribes, the Pakistani forces reached the remote Tora Bora area in the agency, situated on the Pak-Afghan border. The Mohmand Rifles have taken position at the area and situation is now under control, the political authorities told The News. Pakistan Army was deputed at Muhammad Gar and Elazai while Anargai area is controlled by Mohmand Rifles, they informed.
Sindh Assembly reposes full confidence in Musharraf, Jamali
June 24: The Sindh Assembly reposed its full confidence in the leadership of President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali and endorsed their policies. The provincial assembly reposed its confidence through a resolution moved by the Sindh Education Minister, Irfanullah Marwat, after general discussion on provincial budget was completed.
Setable Pakistan needed for secure India: Kuldip
June 24: "Without removing all doubts and taking measures for building confidence, the Pakistan and India cannot establish good friendly relations." The parliamentarians of both the Pakistan and India and intellectuals expressed these views at a reception hosted by the provincial minister and Sindh Democratic Alliance Chief, Imtiaz Shaikh at his residence in Karachi. Addressing the gathering the leader of Indian Parliamentary delegation, Kuldip Nayyar said that India was ready to give all concessions and facilities to Pakistan for the improvement of the relations. He further said that his country would also extend all cooperation for the development and prosperity of the neighboring country, Pakistan. He was of the view that both the countries could resolve their problems through dialogue.
US package tied to certain goals: Washington Post
June 25: The $3 billion US aid package for Pakistan is tied to an annual review of Pakistan's cooperation in the war on terrorism, control of the spread of nuclear weapons and steps towards democracy , The Washington Post reported. Quoting a senior official in the Bush administration, the newspaper said the package would be evenly divided over five years and is part of a "long-term commitment" by Presidents Bush and Gen Musharraf based on specific goals the two countries agreed on. The package still has to be approved by Congress, but the paper believes that the initial prospects for congressional approval are favorable. The assistance plan would help the Bush administration "maintain pressure on President Musharraf to take concrete steps that would seal his promises to help combat Al Qaeda, stem the transfer of weapon technologies and restore democracy," the report said.
Elected govt should repeal blasphemy law: Musharraf
June 25: President Pervez Musharraf said that the blasphemy law was discriminatory and the new elected government should try to repeal it. Talking to journalists after addressing a select gathering at the US Institute for Peace in Washington, the president said that the new assemblies should do legislation to get rid of this law.
Diplomat concerned over Okara farms situation
June 25: The political counsellor of the Swedish embassy expressed concern over the state of affairs on the Okara military farms, and urged the government to resolve the matter in an impartial manner. The Swedish diplomat, Dag Juhlin-Dannfeldt, who along with a retired army officer, Kamran Shafi, and a team of People's Rights Movement, visited the military farms, was quoted as saying this in a statement issued by the People's Rights Movement (PRM) after their return from the farms. The diplomat said it was clear that the situation in Okara was extremely tense and serious human rights violations were being committed there. He said the state should acknowledge the fact that the overwhelming majority of tenants were unwilling to accept the contract system and that their right to tenancy was protected by the law.
Pakistan to get $600m annually, says Shaukat
June 25: During a press briefing after the Camp David meeting, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz gave a more detailed breakdown of what had been discussed on the economic side of the $3 billion economic aid package for Pakistan, and announced Washington would sign a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) with Islamabad. $3 billion over 5 years translates into $600 million yearly, which means $300m for the economic side and $300m for the defense. Of the economic $1.5 billion two-thirds of it at Pakistan's option can be used for debt relief. Currently we owe $2 billion to the US. The US will allocate $600 million in its annual budget beginning fiscal year 2004 which starts Oct 1 2003.
Indian MPs apologise for Gujarat massacre, Babri mosque razing
June 25: The Indian parliamentary delegation wrapped up its eight-day unofficial visit to Pakistan by offering apology for the massacre of Muslims in the Gujarat State and the razing of Babri Masjid. "The Pakistan is an undeniable reality. We recognize it from the core of our hearts. We want that the governments of Pakistan and India should start dialogue even on the issue of Kashmir," said the delegation leader Kuldip Nayyar at meet-the-press programme of the Lahore Press Club. He expressed his grief over the communal violence in Gujarat and the destruction of the historic Babari Masjid and said these two incidents had distorted the image of his country as a secular nation. Kuldip, who is a member of upper house of India, said that they support Pakistan's sovereignty, freedom and prosperity.
No intention to relinquish power soon, says Musharraf
June 26: President Pervez Musharraf declared in no uncertain terms that he will not relinquish power any time soon, saying, "I know the people of Pakistan want me to continue as the President of Pakistan." He made the same statement twice, first at the US Institute of Peace and then at the inauguration of the new Pakistan Chancery in Washington where he said that he had a firm grip on the nation's affairs.
US asked to address causes of terrorism: Musharraf for moderation in Muslim states
June 26: President Pervez Musharraf urged the United States to help resolve issues like Kashmir and Palestine because they are the root causes of terrorism. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Pakistan's new Chancery in Washington, the President said that after 9-11, the world had gone through a major strategic change. The focus had shifted from Europe to the Middle East and South Asia, said the president while urging US policymakers to pay more attention to resolving conflicts like Palestine and Kashmir.
SC Bar offices in Karachi, Lahore closed
June 26: The Supreme Court announced that Supreme Court Bar offices in the Lahore and Karachi registries had been closed as they were being misused by the Bar, prompting immediate criticism by the Bar members. The Supreme Court decision has come two days ahead of the proposed release of a white paper by the Bar about the working of the judiciary in the last three years.
Legislators 'forced' to stay away from NA
June 26: ISI men and police officials of various districts are chasing each and every MNA, pressing them to hospitalize themselves or use some other tactics for abstaining the National Assembly session scheduled for June 28 for voting on the no-confidence motion against the speaker. This was alleged by PML-N parliamentary leader Javed Hashmi while speaking at a seminar on Pakistan's Future: Military or Civilian Government, in Lahore.
Pakistan, US sign TIFA and S&T agreements
WASHINGTON: Pakistan and the United States signed two agreements in Washington to further enhance bilateral trade and investment and bolster cooperation in the field of science and technology. The first agreement, Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), was signed by Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz and US Trade Representative Robert Zoerllick. President General Pervez Musharraf graced the function by his presence. The second agreement on increasing bilateral cooperation was signed by Foreign Secretary Riaz H Khokhar and Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs Lady Dobriansky. Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz said a new era of cooperation between Pakistan and the United States has begun and these agreements synchronise with this new era. He said the TIFA is a prelude to signing of FTA, which could, however, take some time.
Yahya Bakhtiar dies
June 27: The noted lawyer and one of the Muslim League old guard, Yahya Bakhtiar, died in Quetta at the age of 81. He leaves behind his wife, Eva, and two sons and two daughters. Yahya Bakhtiar had obtained his early education in Quetta and Lahore and later gone to London to study for the Bar. He was the first person to challenge Ayub Khan's martial law in the Supreme Court in 1958. He joined the Pakistan People's Party in 1974 after leaving the Council Muslim League. Mr Bakhtiar was attorney-general when Z.A. Bhutto was prime minister and later headed the legal team that led a spirited but ultimately futile court battle to save Mr Bhutto from the gallows. He had played an important role in the framing of the 1973 consensus Constitution in his capacity as attorney-general. He had also filed constitutional petition challenging the imposition of a martial law by General Ziaul Haq. The court dismissed the petition on technical grounds, but allowed the military ruler to legislate. The case is known as Begum Nusrat Bhutto vs Chief of Army Staff. Mr Bakhtiar was arrested and tortured in jail during the period of Gen Zia, his family once receiving his blood-stained clothes from jail. He was appointed attorney-general again when Ms Benazir Bhutto became prime minister in 1988. Mr Bakhtiar represented Pakistan on the International Court of Justice where the issue of Pakistan's prisoners was taken up. He again represented the country at the ICJ when Sir Zafarullah Khan retired as the ICJ president.
Two Pakistanis among eight indicted in US: Kashmir freedom struggle
June 27: US authorities announced the arrest of eight people - including at least two Pakistanis - for conspiracy to train and participate in Jihad in Kashmir. The suspects were produced before Magistrate Judge T. Rawles Jones, Jr in US District Court in Alexandria for initial hearing. The 42-count indictment, returned on June 25 by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, and unsealed today identifies at least two of the eight suspects as Pakistani nationals. One of them, Mohammed Aatique, 30, is a work (H-1) visa holder while Khawja Mahmood Hasan, 27, is a naturalized US citizen born in Pakistan. But at least one more suspect, Masoud Ahmad Khan, 31, also has a Pakistani name although his nationality was not disclosed.
Polluted water claims 10 lives in Karachi
June 27: At least nine children and a woman lost their lives after consuming contaminated water in Muslimabad, Landhi Town in Karachi. Reports said that around 700 people, mostly children, were affected and provided medical aid at different hospitals and at a camp, set up by Landhi Town and Edhi Centre near Shumaila Public School, Muslimabad, Landhi.