Israel restricts access to Al-Aqsa mosque

Israeli police on Friday restricted access to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound amid tension over Israel’s deadly commando raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld also said police “are on high alert across the country and particularly in Jerusalem,” adding that hundreds of officers are deployed around the Old City.

Only women and men over 40 will be allowed to attend Friday prayers at the mosque compound, he said. The site is the third holiest in Islam and the holiest for Jews because their Second Temple stood there before Romans destroyed it in 70 AD. The area has often been the site of clashes in the past.

Tension has been high since Israeli commandos stormed an aid flotilla set up to break the Gaza embargo, killing nine of the activists on board on Monday

US keeps in close contact with Egypt's military

WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates conferred with his Egyptian counterpart on Wednesday, his third conversation in a week with Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi amid a wave of unrest shaking Egypt. "Secretary Gates spoke by phone with Field Marshal Tantawi again today," press secretary Geoff Morrell said in an email. With the United States seeking to keep the lines of communication open with Egypt's powerful military, Gates' conversation with the defense minister followed a phone call earlier Wednesday between the US military's top officer, Admiral Mike Mullen, and Cairo's army chief of staff, General Sami Enan. In his conversation with the general, Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "expressed his confidence in the Egyptian military's ability to provide for their country's security, both internally and throughout the Suez Canal area," spokesman Captain John Kirby said in a statement. The Pentagon offered no further details about Gates' conversation with the defense minister. US officials and analysts view the role of Egypt's army as crucial in eventually resolving the crisis, and the administration is hoping that longstanding US defense ties with Cairo will provide some leverage. The White House said earlier that US contacts with various levels of the Egyptian armed forces had helped rein in possible violence before Wednesday.

Egypt army holds 'key' to power: Israeli politician

 JERUSALEM: The Egyptian army holds the key to who will be the next rulers of Egypt, a senior Israeli politician said on Wednesday, as an unprecedented wave of anti-government protests gripped the country.

"The main power that will decide what power or regime Egypt will have in the future is the armed forces," he said late on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"The key is in the hand of the armed forces," the source said, as the massive protests continued to paralyse the country, with demonstrators calling for the removal of President Hosni Mubarak.

"So far they are functioning very well, the situation is very well controlled."

Earlier on Wednesday the protests turned ugly in central Cairo as hundreds of supporters of the Mubarak regime clashed with anti-government forces, leaving three dead and more than 600 injured, as the army looked on helplessly.

Israel's leaders have said the greatest fear is that extremist Islamic elements will take advantage of the political turmoil to establish an Iran-like regime in Egypt.

But the source said the choice of a new government was more likely to be influenced by Egypt's secular military leaders.

"In the future, the leaders of the armed forces will decide, along with Omar Suleiman and Tantawi, who will run the country," he said, referring to Egypt's new vice president, Suleiman, and Defence Minister Mohammed Hussein Tantawi.

"They cannot affect the elections but they can create an atmosphere for calm for the elections," he said.

Israel would welcome any new government that included Tantawi and former intelligence chief Suleiman, who has had a long history of involvement with both Israel and the Palestinians, the source said.

"Their approach towards Israel is very good. I hope that they will continue to be part of the Egyptian regime," he said. "I believe we can talk with them... I hope that they will be part of the leadership."

US urges citizens to leave Egypt

WASHINGTON: The State Department issued a stark travel warning for US citizens in Egypt, urging those who want to leave to "immediately" head for the airport, adding that any delay was "not advisable." "All remaining US citizens who wish to depart Egypt on a US government flight and who are able to do so should immediately proceed to the HAJ Terminal 1, Hall 4 as soon as possible on February 3," the State Department said in a statement, referring to the location within Cairo's international airport. "Additional US government flights after Thursday are unlikely." Days of protests turned increasingly violent in the key US ally, with gunfire aimed at anti-regime protesters leaving at least two dead in Cairo's central Tahrir, or Liberation, Square in the early hours Thursday.

No pressure on govt to release Davis: Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Dispelling the impression that Government is under pressure to release the American citizen allegedly involved in killing of three citizens in Lahore. The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that rule of law is supreme in the country and no one is above the law. The matter is subjudice, he added, and we will respect the law of the land. The Prime Minister was talking to Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Balochistan Sardar Aslam Reasani and Information Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwah, Mian Iftikhar Hussain who called on him prior to the meeting of Council of Common Interest (CCI) at PM's Secretariat. The Prime Minister observed that passage of 18th Constitutional Amendment has provided real provincial autonomy for the first time in the history of the country. He hoped that transfer of enhanced financial resources and administrative powers to the provincial governments will enable them to improve the service delivery to the masses. The participants apprised the Prime Minister of distribution of Smart Cards among the flood affectees in their respective provinces. They also discussed with him the projects initiated for the reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure in the provinces.

Car bomb kills 7 in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: A car bomb exploded near a police station in Budabar area of Peshawar on Wednesday, killing at least seven people and wounding another 10, police said. "The bomb was planted in a car. Seven people have been killed and 11 wounded," police and hospital sources said. Geo News footage showed a destroyed car and shops badly damaged, with dozens of local people assisting ambulances and police with the rescue effort.

Peshawar car bomb toll rises to nine

 PESHAWAR: A car bomb killed nine people and wounded another 15 in a bustling market in Peshawar on Wednesday, a hospital chief said.

"We have received nine dead bodies. There are three children and one woman among the dead," Abdul Hamid Afridi, the head of Peshawar's main Lady Reading Hospital, said.

"Fifteen people were also injured. Children and women are among the injured as well."

Name of Raymond Davis put on ECL: Malik

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the name of Raymond Davis, involved in the shooting incident in Lahore, has been put on the Exit Control List (ECL) on the directions of the Lahore High Court (LHC). Responding to points of order in the Senate the Interior Minister said that the law has taken its course into the shooting incident and two cases have been registered by the Punjab Police against the accused persons. He said that the matter is subjudice and all the information will be provided to the courts. He clarified that Raymond Davis traveled to Pakistan on a diplomatic passport. About target killings in Karachi the Interior Minister said that police powers have been given to the Rangers to check violence in the provincial Metropolis. He said anti-Pakistan forces want to destabilize the country but they would not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs. Rehman Malik said that a plans been finalized to issue electronic arms licenses to the people through NADRA. The licenses to be in the form of Smart Cards will contain the weapon numbers. He said that this system will be replicated in the provinces. The Interior Minister said that a Directory containing names of all those killed in the acts of terrorism is being compiled which will be made public. He said that the terrorists are maligning the name of Islam and we will not go into negotiations with them until they surrender their arms.

Sherry agrees to withdraw Blasphemy amendment bill

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Wednesday said that Sherry Rehman has agreed to withdraw Blasphemy amendment Bill. Talking to parliamentary delegation here, Gilani said that Sherry decided to withdraw the said bill in accordance with the party policy. Prime Minister urged religious parties to come forward with the policy to restrain the misuse of Blasphemy law. Gilani made it clear that no committee was constituted to amend the said law.

FIA obtains Saud Aziz cell phone record

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has, in the latest development on Benazir Bhutto’s murder case, recovered the record of cell phone kept and used by former CPO Saud Aziz during the murder of former prime minister of Pakistan, Geo News reported Wednesday.

However, it has been learnt through reliable sources that Saud Aziz had once again provided misleading information regarding the use of his cell phone.

The FIA when succeeded in obtaining record from the relevant mobile phone company, found that the cell phone remained in the use of Saud Aziz’s accountant, who has also been taken into custody, sources said.

Court decision in Raymond case to be accepted: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday categorically said that the Government has no intention to amend the Blasphemy law, however its misuse should be prevented.

"Neither the Government has moved a bill nor any Committee has been formed to amend the said law as both the treasury and opposition benches are on the same page and are unanimous on this sensitive issue," Prime Minister told the Lower House of the Parliament in response to a point raised by leader of the Opposition Ch. Nisar Ali Khan about policy statement by the prime minister regarding Blasphemy Law.

He said that a Muslim cannot have two opinions on the blasphemy law and being descendant of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), he cannot even think of amending it.

About Sherry Rehman's bill regarding the blasphemy law, the prime minister made it clear that it was not a party policy line and she had moved the bill in her individual capacity. The Prime Minister said he had talked to Sherry Rehman about it and told her that being a sensitive issue it should have been discussed within the party before moving and "she agreed with me".

Gilani said that he called Ulema's conference on Namoos-e-Risalat and made it clear to them that the government has no intention to amend the law. He invited the Ulema to come forward and join hands with the government in its efforts to prevent misuse of the blasphemy law, adding that if the minorities have any reservations , the law can be made more effective in its functioning.

The Prime Minister informed the House that majority of the cases under the blasphemy law have so far been registered against Muslims. He said the government respects the Ulema and they are free to take out rallies but it should not be against the government as it has made it clear that it fully respects the law.

To another point of leader of the opposition regarding the US citizen Raymond Davis, the Prime Minister said the whole world has focused upon Pakistani nations reaction and wants to know whether it would be a mature move or not.

He said Pakistan is a sovereign and responsible state, there is independent judiciary, media and a vibrant civil society, and the government has no intention to take steps which could bring a bad name to the country.

He said that Raymond Davis matter is in the court and it will ask for his relevant record. The government respects the judiciary and whatever decision it gives would be accepted in letter and spirit.

The Prime Minister condemned the blast in Peshawar in which precious lives were lost.

The whole nation and the people of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa in particular had given supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism, he said, adding, they are sacrificing their today for the coming generations.

PM for policies to check misuse of BL

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said that Pakistan is a sovereign state and the country has a sovereign Parliament, independent judiciary, independent media and a vibrant civil society. “We believe in the rule of law and will respect the decisions of the courts in letter and spirit,” he maintained. The Prime Minister was talking to a group of Parliamentarians who called on him separately here at his Parliament House Chamber on Wednesday morning. The Prime Minister asked the Parliamentarians to focus their debate on the national issues. Referring to the American national involved in the killing of three civilians in Lahore, the Prime Minister said the matter is subjudice, and “we should not discuss it till the court decides”. Referring to the Blasphemy Law, the Prime Minister categorically made it clear that the government has no intention to amend the law. Neither he nor the Speaker National Assembly has constituted any Committee to consider the amendment, he said and added Ms. Sherry Rehman has also agreed to withdraw her bill according to the party policy. The Prime Minister offered the religious parties to help the government in formulating the policies to check the misuse of Blasphemy Law against the citizens. Condemning the blast in Peshawar on Wednesday morning, the Prime Minister lauded the innocent citizens who are sacrificing their lives for the safe future of our next generation. He reiterated the resolve of the Government to root out the menace of extremism at all cost. The Prime Minister said that the government is focusing on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the flood ravaged areas despite financial constraints. He maintained that the completion of ongoing projects will help generate economic activity and create employment opportunities. The Parliamentarians thanked the Prime Minister for disbursing the development budget irrespective of party affiliations. They apprised the Prime Minister of various development schemes in their respective constituencies. Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Interior Rehman Malik, Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Haji Munir Khan Orakzai, Ch Iftikhar Nazir, Mrs Khadeeja Waran, Lt Gen (Retd) Qadir Baloch, Ayaz Amir, Malik Nawab Sher Waseer, Ms Rubina Qaimkhani, Haider Abbas Rizvi, Omer Sohail and Ms Shehnaz Sheikh called on the Prime Minister.

System of 1st computerized arms license inaugurated

KARACHI: The very first system for computerized licensing of arms was inaugurated in Karachi on Wednesday, Geo News reported. Sindh Home Minister, Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza on the occasion, termed the start of the computerized licensing of arms as the first step towards elimination of illegal weapons in Sindh. Dr. Mirza performed the inauguration of the computerized issuance of arms license and management system here at Sindh Home Department. He described the system as a gift for the citizens of Karachi under which 30 licenses per day will be issued and its per license fee would be Rs4,500.

Contempt proceedings against judges could go ahead: SC

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday announced its verdict on a law point whether it could initiate contempt proceedings against the judges who took oath under the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO), and whether it could issue contempt notices to generals involved in promulgation of November 3, 2007 emergency in the country in defiance of a seven-member apex court bench's restraining order.

The court rejected the plea and fixed 21st February as the date for hearing to indict the judges.

The court last week reserved its decision. The top court also rejected the plea on employing the assistance of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and presidents of the provincial bar associations in contempt proceedings against the PCO judges.

A four-member larger bench, comprising Justice Mahmood Akhtar Shahid Siddiqui, Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez, heard contempt of court cases against the superior court judges who had taken oath under the PCO in violation of a seven-member bench's restraining order of Nov 3, 2007.

The judges who face contempt of court proceeding include; Justice (R) Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry, Justice Khurshid Anwar Bhinder, Justice Hamid Ali Shah, Justice Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry, Justice Hasnat Ahmed Khan, Justice Syed Shabbar Raza Rizvi, Justice Yasmin Abbasey, Justice Jehan Zaib Rahim, Justice (R) Abdul Hameed Dogar, Justice Sayed Zahid Hussain, Justice Syed Sajjad Hussain Shah.

The Supreme Court in its order said that the proceeding against the judges who took oath under the PCO could go ahead.

It said: "i) In the facts and circumstances of these matters, the Constitution and law does not prohibit proceedings under Article 204 of the Constitution against the respondents even though they may be Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts. We hold that they are not immune from proceedings under Article 204 and the Contempt of Court Ordinance V 2003, for committing contempt of this Court.

ii) Having considered the submissions of learned counsel as to the propriety of initiating contempt proceedings against the respondents and being fully conscious of the status of the respondents, we hold that in the circumstances of these matters, propriety requires that proceedings should be taken against the respondents and they, with the exception of Mr. Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry and Khurshid Anwar Bhindar, be put to trial in accordance with the aforesaid law.

iii) Having considered the record, facts and circumstances and replies in these matters and after due consideration of the arguments advanced on behalf of respondents, we find that there is sufficient material available before us to justify charging the respondents (other than Mr. Khurshid Anwar Bhinder and Mr. Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry,) for committing contempt of the Supreme Court on account of their disobedience of the order dated 3.11.2007 passed by a seven member Bench of this Court."

In the matter of Justice Hasnat Ahmad Khan and Justice Syed Shabbar Raza Rizvi the court issued a separate order.

The order said: "2. It has been asserted by learned counsel representing the said applicants/respondents Mr. Shabbar Raza Rizvi & Mr. Hasnat Ahmad Khan that notices be issued to other persons mentioned in paras (i) and (iii) of the order dated 3.11.2007 including the then COAS and President General Pervez Musharraf and the then Prime Minister Mr. Shaukat Aziz because these persons are equally liable for disobeying the order passed by seven-member Bench of this Court on 3.11.2007.

We have considered the submissions of learned counsel and have also noted the contents of these applications and prima facie find substance in the same. We also find that the contempt alleged against these persons is primarily consequent to issuance of the three instruments viz. Proclamation of Emergency, PCO and Oath of Office (Judges) Order, 2007 and thereby launching an assault on the independence of the Judiciary. It appears, prima facie, that these instruments were issued prior to the passing of the order dated 3.11.2007 and not in disobedience of the same. Therefore, the case for contempt of Court these persons will have to answer is materially different from the charge to be faced by the respondents which arises on account of their disobedience of the order passed by the seven member Bench of this Court on 3.11.2007. The proceedings therefore, against the aforesaid persons may proceed independently and on their own facts, either before this Bench or before some other Bench as may be determined by the Hon'ble Chief Justice of Pakistan. It is, in our opinion, quite unnecessary to link or club the proceedings against the respondents with those which may be taken against the above named persons.

3. The office is accordingly directed to place copies of this order and these applications before the Hon'ble Chief Justice of Pakistan for necessary orders."