Pakistan: Quick News 22/04/09

Caymanmama.com - Pakistan News

Nawaz sees Taliban march as a threat to Pakistan and democracy

New York (Dawn.com): In an Interview published in the USA Today, Nawaz Sharif has expressed his concerns over the Sharia deal with the Taliban. He said that after the deal Taliban has strengthened themselves and are now planning to invade other parts of the country. He said, that the government should draw a line and the deal with the militants should be tied up with, that, democracy will not be allowed to deteriorate and the writ of the government will be honored.'

While refraining to comment on the President's position, Nawaz Sharif said, 'Our motto is to get the country back on the rails of democracy, strengthen institutions like the judiciary and media and take necessary steps to prevent anybody from abrogating or suspending the constitution.'

Nine arrested Pakistani students released by UK

London (Dawn.com): Still in custody of the UK Border Agency, 9 arrested Pakistani students have been released by the Police and are now facing deportation. UK boarder agency spokeswoman issued statements in the regards saying, 'We are seeking to remove these individuals on grounds of national security. The government's highest priority is to protect public safety. Where a foreign national poses a threat to this country we will seek to exclude or to deport, where this is appropriate.'

The parents of the arrested Pakistani students had pleaded for innocence of their arrested children and had demanded their early release.

Kasab needs a translator, the dossier must be translated into Urdu says Kasab's lawyer

Mumbai (Dawn.com): The proceeding against Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor of the Mumbai attacks ended yesterday with Ajmals lawyer requesting that the Ajmal cannot understand English or Hindi and as such cannot follow the proceedings, also the dossier provided to him must also be translated into Urdu.

Ajmal's newly appointed Lawyer Abbas Kazmi had been recently appointed, he still has to go through 11,000 pages charge sheet prepared by the authorities.

Joe Liberman urges Obama to appoint 'war czar' to handle problem of extremism in Pakistan

Washington (Dawn.com): While speaking against the US strategy of bracketing Pakistan with Afghanistan, the US senator, Joe Liberman said, 'We cannot afford to fail in Pakistan, or in Afghanistan.' These are two unique countries and peoples in one theater of conflict, but the conflict in each country is different and must be understood on its own terms.'

'That position now needs to be expanded to include Pakistan,' he added. 'It is critical that … we have a single high-ranking person at the NSC, whose full-time job is managing the interagency process for these wars.'

Karachi Stock Exchange activity slow - index drops by 68 points

Karachi (Business Recorder): The Karachi Stock Exchange index fell by 68 points yesterday after breaching 8,000 points by mid day. This followed by the withdraw of foreign fund of $5.276 million.