News for 'Asif Ali'

Can't prosecute Saeed for lack of evidence: Pak

Can't prosecute Saeed for lack of evidence: Pak

Rediff.com29 Jul 2009

Jamaat ud-Dawa chief and Lashkar-e-Tayiba founder Hafiz Mohammed Saeed cannot be prosecuted for involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks without 'concrete evidence' against him, Pakistan's top law official said on Wednesday. "The government has the evidence provided by the United Nations Security Council that can only keep Saeed behind bars for a certain period of time under the Maintenance of Public Order law," said Attorney General Latif Khosa.

'Aggressive' Gilani to axe Rehman Malik?

'Aggressive' Gilani to axe Rehman Malik?

Rediff.com23 Jul 2009

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is reportedly unhappy with Interior Minister Rehman Malik, a key aide of President Asif Ali Zardari, for announcing some decisions without apprising the cabinet.

Clinton phones Zardari ahead of India visit

Clinton phones Zardari ahead of India visit

Rediff.com17 Jul 2009

Ahead of her visit to India, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has assured Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari of America's continued support for the democratic government in Islamabad. In a telephone call to Zardari late on Thursday night from Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, Clinton said the US will continue to rally the world to support the government and people of Pakistan.

Dr Singh invites Pak PM, President to WC semis

Dr Singh invites Pak PM, President to WC semis

Rediff.com25 Mar 2011

Launching cricket diplomacy to give a fresh impetus to bilateral ties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday invited President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to watch the India-Pakistan cricket encounter in Mohali on March 30 when he will also be present.

Embarrassed Pak downplays Zardari's 'confession'

Embarrassed Pak downplays Zardari's 'confession'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2009

Playing down President Asif Ali's remarks that Pakistan 'created and nurtured' militants to achieve short-term objectives, the government on Thursday said the statement should be seen in the context of the situation that prevailed after Soviet forces pulled out of Afghanistan. Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said the President was referring to the period when the "West left Pakistan high and dry after the withdrawal of Soviet troops" from Afghanistan.

Zardari to relinquish key powers: Report

Zardari to relinquish key powers: Report

Rediff.com8 Jul 2009

In a significant move, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has agreed to relinquish some key powers like appointment of the army chief and dissolution of Parliament.Pakistan's political parties have also reached a basic consensus on the move, which they claim will bolster Pakistan's democratic constitution, which has been heavily altered by the country's successive military rulers. Zardari also wants to restore Pakistan's constitution as it was made in 1973.

Lawyer asks Pak Prez to pardon Sarabjit

Lawyer asks Pak Prez to pardon Sarabjit

Rediff.com27 Jun 2009

Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh's counsel on Saturday appealed to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari to either pardon him or commute his death sentence to life imprisonment, three days after the Supreme court dismissed his appeal against the capital punishment.

Zardari thanks Jolie for million dollar aid

Zardari thanks Jolie for million dollar aid

Rediff.com23 Jun 2009

The Pakistan President made a 'thank you' call to the Hollywood actress for donating a million dollars for the people displaced by anti-Taliban military operations in the country's northwest.

Double games don't work in Pakistan

Double games don't work in Pakistan

Rediff.com22 Jun 2009

President Zardari is losing political support very fast not only in public but also in Parliament. A majority of the people of Pakistan supported the latest offensive against the Taliban in Swat valley. This offensive displaced about 3.5 million people. More than five weeks have passed and the operation is not yet complete.

US addressing intelligence gaps in Pakistan

US addressing intelligence gaps in Pakistan

Rediff.com19 May 2010

The US may re-look its human and technical intelligence apparatus in Pakistan following the attack on seven CIA officers in Khost and the failed New York bombing plot, writes security expert B Raman

PM, Zardari shake hands before crucial meet

PM, Zardari shake hands before crucial meet

Rediff.com16 Jun 2009

Dr Singh and Zardari shook hands after they posed for a group photo with leaders of other Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member nations -- Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

PM to meet Zardari tomorrow

PM to meet Zardari tomorrow

Rediff.com15 Jun 2009

In the first top-level meeting between India and Pakistan since Mumbai attacks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday and convey New Delhi's "unhappiness" over Islamabad's inaction against the terrorism.

When Zardari almost sent 26/11 culprits to India

When Zardari almost sent 26/11 culprits to India

Rediff.com18 Nov 2011

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari was so scared of a military coup after Osama bin Laden's death that he was ready to create a "new security team" favourable to Americans and promised the US to hand over Pakistan-based 26/11 perpetrators including those from its intelligence agency to India.

PPP unveils package to strip Musharraf's powers

PPP unveils package to strip Musharraf's powers

Rediff.com24 May 2008

The ruling Pakistan People's Party on Saturday unveiled a package of sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at curbing President Pervez Musharraf's powers, including those of dissolving parliament and appointing the chiefs of the armed forces. The party, however, remained mum on reinstating judges sacked by Musharraf during emergency last year, an issue that has strained ties with coalition partner Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League N, which quit the cabinet.

Zardari says tremendous pressure to oust Musharraf

Zardari says tremendous pressure to oust Musharraf

Rediff.com22 May 2008

Dropping hints that Pervez Musharraf's days in office may be numbered, Pakistan's ruling PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday that there is "tremendous" pressure from people who want the President's ouster.

Pranab Mukherjee meets Zardari

Pranab Mukherjee meets Zardari

Rediff.com21 May 2008

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met Pakistan People's Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at Islamabad on Wednesday. Mukherjee arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit on Tuesday, to hold talks with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in India's first high-level contact with the new government. Qureshi and Mukherjee are expected to discuss various issues including terrorism, Kashmir, exchange of prisoners, bilateral trade and confidence building measures.

Pakistan fighting for survival: Zardari

Pakistan fighting for survival: Zardari

Rediff.com23 May 2009

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said his country was 'fighting the war for its survival' and the military operation against the Taliban was the last resort against militants and extremists who challenged the writ of the state. He was talking to a delegation of parliamentarians from Swat and Malakand areas, where security forces are engaged in a major offensive against the militants, a statement from the President's Office said.

I am not powerless, says Zardari

I am not powerless, says Zardari

Rediff.com20 Apr 2010

Presenting a brave face after signing the 18th Constitutional Amendment bill into law, which would subsequently clip his key powers, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said democracy is his strength and that he is not 'powerless.'

Zardari curbs his powers as Pak Prez, signs bill

Zardari curbs his powers as Pak Prez, signs bill

Rediff.com19 Apr 2010

President Asif Ali Zardari signed into law a landmark constitutional amendment bill on Monday that will strip him of his sweeping powers, saying it would help prevent the emergence of dictatorships in Pakistan.

Pak Senate reserves seats for minorities

Pak Senate reserves seats for minorities

Rediff.com17 Apr 2010

Pakistan has reserved four seats for minorities in its Senate whose strength will climb to 104 from 100 under the landmark Constitutional reforms package, a move lauded as "people-friendly" by the community which so far had no representation in the upper house of Parliament.

Zardari stripped of his sweeping powers

Zardari stripped of his sweeping powers

Rediff.com15 Apr 2010

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari was stripped of his sweeping powers on Thursday, as the country's senate approved by a two-thirds majority a "landmark" constitutional reform bill, which also wiped off changes made to the constitution by former military dictators.

Pakistan attorney general resigns

Pakistan attorney general resigns

Rediff.com2 Apr 2010

Pakistan's Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan resigned on Friday citing "lack of cooperation" from the Law Minister, a day after he accused him of obstructing efforts to implement the Supreme Court's order to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari in Switzerland.

'SC orders on Zardari's cases will be implemented'

'SC orders on Zardari's cases will be implemented'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2010

A day after Pakistan's Supreme Court gave the April 5 deadline to the government to reopen graft cases in Switzerland against Asif Ali Zardari, the President's spokesman on Friday said that all verdicts of the apex court will be implemented in letter and spirit.

Pak wants Switzerland to reopen Zardari cases

Pak wants Switzerland to reopen Zardari cases

Rediff.com31 Mar 2010

Bowing to pressure from the Supreme Court, the Pakistan government on Wednesday said it has asked Switzerland to reopen graft cases against Asif Ali Zardari over alleged stashing of $60 million in Swiss banks.

Kites music: Smooth like a bird's flight

Kites music: Smooth like a bird's flight

Rediff.com30 Mar 2010

Rajesh Roshan's score stays true to his tangent, traditionalist style while embracing modern sounds that impart the movie its smooth flight and soaring touch.

Post-Osama killing, Zardari feared coup by army chief

Post-Osama killing, Zardari feared coup by army chief

Rediff.com12 Oct 2011

A week after the covert United States raid in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden, President Asif Ali Zardari sought to reach out to the Obama administration to ask it to stop army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani from staging a coup, a Pakistan-American businessman has said.

26/11 attackers got support from India: Pak

26/11 attackers got support from India: Pak

Rediff.com8 Apr 2009

Claiming that the Mumbai carnage had "significant support from within India itself," President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistan needs cooperation from India to build the case for "effective prosecution" of the accused in courts in his country.

Pak governor Taseer assassinated by security guard

Pak governor Taseer assassinated by security guard

Rediff.com4 Jan 2011

Salmaan Taseer, governor of Pakistan's powerful Punjab province and a key aide of President Asif Ali Zardari, was on Tuesday assassinated in Islamabad by one of his security guards who was angered by his opposition to a controversial blasphemy law

Afridi's meeting with Zardari on cards

Afridi's meeting with Zardari on cards

Rediff.com20 Sep 2011

Shahid Afridi may get a chance to meet President Asif Ali Zardari in Karachi, with the former captain likely to request the chief patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board to pave the way for his return to the national team.

Zardari reinstates deposed Chief Justice Chaudhry

Zardari reinstates deposed Chief Justice Chaudhry

Rediff.com17 Mar 2009

Deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and other judges sacked under emergency rule two years ago were reinstated by President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday, a day after the Pakistan People's Party government defused the standoff with opposition leader Nawaz Sharif.

PML-N rejects Zardari's decision

PML-N rejects Zardari's decision

Rediff.com14 Mar 2009

Under intense pressure from the United States and amidst escalating political standoff at home, the Pakistan government on Saturday decided to challenge the disqualification of Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz from contesting elections, in a move seen as an attempt to defuse the crisis.

Gavaskar tears into Kohli over lack of messages remark

Gavaskar tears into Kohli over lack of messages remark

Rediff.com6 Sep 2022

But Gavaskar's sharp wit and sarcasm was evident from what he said next about what exactly was Kohli expecting.

Zardari to lift Governor's rule in Punjab: Reports

Zardari to lift Governor's rule in Punjab: Reports

Rediff.com13 Mar 2009

This came after the beleaguered Zardari was put on notice by the US, which reportedly gave him a 24-hour ultimatum to ease the simmering political crisis in Pakistan amid speculation that a deal brokered by Washington and the UK in consultation with the Pakistan army had been conveyed to the government.

US steps in to ease tempers in Pakistan

US steps in to ease tempers in Pakistan

Rediff.com13 Mar 2009

United States has stepped up diplomatic efforts to defuse the deepening political crisis in Pakistan, with Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke asking the country's top leadership to resolve differences with the PML-N so that they could focus on the war against militancy.

Pak dismisses reports of Zardari delaying return

Pak dismisses reports of Zardari delaying return

Rediff.com11 Mar 2009

Presidential spokesperson Farhatullah Babar contradicted media reports about Zardari going to Dubai from Tehran, where he is participating in a summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation, instead of returning to Islamabad. "The reports of his staying in Dubai and postponing his return to Islamabad are absolutely false, mischievous and seem deliberately designed to cause confusion," Babar said in a statement.

Pak army may intervene: Report

Pak army may intervene: Report

Rediff.com9 Mar 2009

Pakistan's deteriorating political and security situation has fuelled media speculation that the powerful army may be forced to intervene amid reports it has even asked President Asif Ali Zardari to quickly set things right with his political rival and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif.

Ban Ki Moon speaks to Zardari about UN official

Ban Ki Moon speaks to Zardari about UN official

Rediff.com7 Mar 2009

The kidnapping of United Nations High Commision for Refugees official John Solecki and setting up of UN inquiry commission to probe former Pakistan premier Benazir's Bhutto assassination were among the issues that the world body chief .

Pakistan: After Lahore, Zardari's exit is certain

Pakistan: After Lahore, Zardari's exit is certain

Rediff.com6 Mar 2009

A change in Pakistan, however, is inevitable in the weeks ahead. The big question will be whether such a change will make Pakistan a more stable country or push it further towards a failed state.

Zardari to ink $7.6 bn TAPI gas pipeline pact

Zardari to ink $7.6 bn TAPI gas pipeline pact

Rediff.com9 Dec 2010

President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to ink an agreement on the $7.6 billion Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project with the Turkmen and Afghan heads of state at Ashgabat on December 11.

Zardari 'shut up' video taken off the internet

Zardari 'shut up' video taken off the internet

Rediff.com8 Feb 2010

Zardari's "shut up" video mysteriously disappears from internet