Plague kills 39 in Madagascar
Antananarivo: A plague spread by rats has killed 39 people in recent weeks in Madagascar, the health ministry said on Thursday. “There is an epidemic in Madagascar which is currently affecting five districts (out of 112). Eighty-six people have been inflicted by the plague, of which 39 have died,” said the ministry in a statement read to AFP.
Tassaduq Jillani sworn in as new CJ of Pak
Islamabad: Tassaduq Hussain Jillani was today sworn in as Pakistan’s new Chief Justice, replacing activist judge Iftikhar Chaudhry who led a crusade against corruption and misgovernance. President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath to him at a ceremony at the presidency. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, federal ministers‚ judges of the apex court lawyers, diplomats and Chaudhry.
UN chief calls for equality for lesbians, gays
United Nations: In the wake of Indian Supreme Court’s ruling that gay sex is illegal, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has stressed on the need for equality and opposed any discrimination against lesbians, gays and bisexuals. he Secretary General “re-affirmed that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
US lawmakers accuse Pak of playing double game
Washington: As the United States seeks Pakistan’s co-operation to facilitate the smooth withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan, top American lawmakers have accused Islamabad of playing a double game with Washington. Arguing that there is no letup in Pakistan’s effort to support terrorist groups, the lawmakers questioned the recent move of the Obama Administration to release the blocked security assistance to Islamabad.
1 soldier killed, 6 hurt in bomb blast in pak
Karachi: One paramilitary trooper was killed and six others were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in this southern Pakistani city today.
The blast occurred in landhi area of country’s biggest city. About five kilogrammes of explosives attached to a motorcycle were detonated when a Pakistan Rangers vehicle carrying 10 personnel was passing through the area.
Pak has no info on building of wall on loC: Aziz
Islamabad: Pakistan has no information of reported plans to build a wall along the loC and any “unilateral” action by India cannot make the ceasefire line the permanent border, PM’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz has said.
Tasnim named new Pak foreign ministry spokesperson
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday appointed Tasnim Aslam as the new spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, replacing Aizaz Chaudhry who is tipped to be appointed as the Foreign Secretary. Aslam was earlier the Additional Secretary (Europe) and the spokesperson of the Foreign Office during 2005-07.