US missile attack kills 8 in Miranshah

Updated at: 0926 PST, Thursday, October 23, 2008
MIRANSHAH: Eight people have been killed when US drone struck Miranshah in North Waziristan attack.

According to reports, US drone fired two missiles at a maddarssah in Danday Darpakhel killing eight people. Locals said that commander Sirajuddin Haqqani has been established the maddarssah.

Among the deceased, five belonged to Wazir tribe of Wana whereas three belonged to local Dawar tribe.

One killed in Karak accident

Updated at: 1118 PST, Thursday, October 23, 2008 KARAK: One person was killed and ten others injured when a vehicle carrying newspapers overturned at Indus Highway in Karak. According to hospital sources, a coach had plunged into gorge at Spyina Banda area when driver has lost the control due to over speeding. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. Police have registered the case.

Dialogues would resolve tribal areas issues: Mahmood Shah

Updated at: 1130 PST, Thursday, October 23, 2008
ISLAMABAD: Former secretary of FATA Brigd(r) Mahmood Shah said that passing a resolution during in-camera session is a positive effort, which would produce better results.

Talking to Geo News, Shah said that dialogue is the only way to resolve the issues of tribal areas and troops would leave the area if local law enforcement agencies organized themselves.

Militants hideouts targeted in Bajaur

Updated at: 1155 PST, Thursday, October 23, 2008
KHAR: Security forces gunship helicopters carried out air strikes at militants’ positions in Loi Sam area in Bajaur Agency. According to reports, several feared dead during bombing whereas a weapon depot has also been destroyed.

Govt wants to resolve NAPA issue through dialogue: Shazia Mari

Updated at: 1224 PST, Thursday, October 23, 2008
KARACHI: Sindh minister for information Shazia Mari said that the government is not against the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) but the Hindu Gymkhana is owned by the Hindu community.

She said that the NAPA can continue its work at the same place or at any other substitute place.

Shazia Mari said this in an exclusive talk with Geo News in the Media Forum held under the ministry for population welfare here at a local hotel.

She said that the government does not want to compel any but it also wants to resolve the issue of the building, where the NAPA came into existence, through dialogue.

Shazia Mari further said that the doors of the government are open all time for dialogue with the NAPA management.

Minister for population welfare Jam Mehtab Daher also addressed the forum

23 killed in Bajaur Agency operation

Updated at: 1241 PST, Thursday, October 23, 2008
KHAR: Gunship helicopters have started shelling in charming, Cheenar, Kohi and Babarha areas of Nawagai Tehsil destroying various underground hideouts and bunkers of militants.

Security forces in their latest crack down killed 5 militants while 18 militants were killed in the last night operation in Mamund Tehsil.

Security forces by heavy artillery shelling and Mortar Guns pounded militant positions through out the night in Charmang, Cheenar, Hashim, Kohi and Babarah areas of Bajaur Agency.

Security forces backed by Heavy artillery, Tanks and Armed Personal Carriers are marching towards important areas of Tehsil Khar some 18 kilometers from Headquarter Khar.

Security forces have taken control of Loysam and the surroundings areas, where militants were having a strong hold.

LHC issues notice to chairman Wapda

Updated at: 1325 PST, Thursday, October 23, 2008 LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notice to chairman Wapda against on a petition filed against imposing Neelum-Jehlum surcharge on industrial units. Pakistan Paper Board and other industrial units filed the petitions. LHC has also approved the petition against raise in electricity tariffs on March 1 2008 for formal hearing.