News for 'President Asif Ali Zardari'

'For US, India is strategic ally, Pak a hired gun'

'For US, India is strategic ally, Pak a hired gun'

Rediff.com14 Dec 2009

Khan said Zardari does not want to 'ruffle any feathers in New Delhi' or blame India for being involved through Afghanistan for terrorist attacks in Pakistan. 'He basically does what Americans want him to do. He is petrified of anything where he would get Americans upset,' Khan told his biographer Frank Huzur in an interview.

Pak signs deal to handover Gwadar port to Chinese firm

Pak signs deal to handover Gwadar port to Chinese firm

Rediff.com18 Feb 2013

Pakistan and China on Monday signed an agreement to hand over control of the strategic Gwadar deep sea port to a Chinese company, with President Asif Ali Zardari saying the move would give new impetus to bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

Gilani authorised to trim his cabinet

Gilani authorised to trim his cabinet

Rediff.com4 Feb 2011

The ruling Pakistan People's Party has authorised Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to dissolve his jumbo cabinet and form a smaller council of ministers amid demands for political reforms from the opposition and international donors.

'Pak committed to finding solution to Kashmir row'

'Pak committed to finding solution to Kashmir row'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2013

Pakistan's top leadership has re-affirmed its support for the people of Kashmir, saying confidence-building measures initiated with India should lead to the resolution of the dragging dispute over the region. In messages issued on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day that is observed on February 5 every year, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf reiterated Pakistan's political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people.

'Pak won't allow soil to be used against India'

'Pak won't allow soil to be used against India'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2009

President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan will not allow its territory to be used against India for any acts of terror and is ready to cooperate with it to punish the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks. "Pakistan is ready to cooperate with India to punish the perpetrators of the terror attacks in Mumbai. Pakistan has assured that it would not allow its territory to be used against India for any acts of terror," Zardari told the Financial Times.

'Saeed issue not a major hurdle in Indo-Pak ties'

'Saeed issue not a major hurdle in Indo-Pak ties'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2009

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari does not believe that India's demand to take action against Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, the mastermind of the terror attacks on Mumbai, is a 'major hurdle' and was hopeful that relations would be normalised soon between the two neighbours."I don't think the issue of Hafiz Saeed is a major hurdle in the normalisation of our relations. I am hopeful that ties between the two countries will be restored very soon," Zardari said.

Pakistan PM gets more time from court

Pakistan PM gets more time from court

Rediff.com25 Jul 2012

Pakistan Premier Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday got a temporary reprieve as the Supreme Court extended till August 8 the deadline for him to approach Swiss authorities to revive graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, a case that had cost his predecessor his job

Bill to make ISI accountable withdrawn from Pak Senate

Bill to make ISI accountable withdrawn from Pak Senate

Rediff.com14 Jul 2012

A bill aimed at making the Inter-Services Intelligence more accountable to Parliament and government has been withdrawn from the Senate by the Presidential Spokesman, who had submitted it in his private capacity, Farhatullah Babar, the spokesman of President Asif Ali Zardari, had submitted the bill to the upper house of Parliament last week.

Pak invites India to anti-narcotics conference

Pak invites India to anti-narcotics conference

Rediff.com8 Nov 2012

India is among the 12 countries invited by Pakistan to participate in a regional ministerial conference on countering narcotics trafficking that is being hosted by Islamabad next week.

Indian Parliamentary delegation in Pak for SAARC meet

Indian Parliamentary delegation in Pak for SAARC meet

Rediff.com4 Nov 2012

Pakistan on Sunday sought the support of SAARC countries in fighting the menace of illegal drugs, that were being used as a "weapon of war", as parliamentary delegations from India and other members gathered for a meeting of the regional grouping.

PPP to announce PM candidate on Friday morning

PPP to announce PM candidate on Friday morning

Rediff.com22 Jun 2012

The name of the Pakistan People's Party's nominee for the office of the prime minister will be announced at a press conference at 11 am on Friday, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said on Thursday.

Pak no failed State, Holbrooke tells House panel

Pak no failed State, Holbrooke tells House panel

Rediff.com6 May 2009

Holbrooke declared before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday, "We do not think that Pakistan is a failed State. We think it's a State under extreme test from the enemies who are also our enemies and who have the same common enemy -- the United States and Pakistan. It just isn't (a failed State). But it is a State under enormous social, political and economic pressure. And India is always a factor."

Osama killing: Kayani demanded that Obama publicly explain

Osama killing: Kayani demanded that Obama publicly explain

Rediff.com3 May 2012

An "emotional" Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed happiness while his powerful army chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani was left "shocked" and demanded a public explanation from American President Barack Obama when the United States told them about Osama Bin Laden's killing in Abbottabad.

Pak PM's son named in drugs scam; Gilani cries foul

Pak PM's son named in drugs scam; Gilani cries foul

Rediff.com21 Apr 2012

Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force has named Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's son as an accused in a case of alleged irregularities in the import of controlled drugs, prompting the premier to say that he was being punished for backing President Asif Ali Zardari before the judiciary.

Pak parties trying to patch up PPP and PML-N

Pak parties trying to patch up PPP and PML-N

Rediff.com2 Mar 2009

Smaller parties in Pakistan have launched a bid to patch up differences between President Asif Ali Zardari and the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif before matters reach a point of no return.

Pak's glamorous minister faces challenge within party

Pak's glamorous minister faces challenge within party

Rediff.com13 Aug 2012

Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar is facing a challenge from within her party, with Pakistan People's Party leader and parliamentarian Jamshed Dasti saying he will contest the next general election from her constituency in Punjab.

PPP nominates three candidates for PM polls

PPP nominates three candidates for PM polls

Rediff.com21 Jun 2012

Faced with a non-bailable arrest warrant against Makhdoom Shahabuddin, its first choice for prime minister's post, ruling Pakistan Peoples Party on Thursday fielded senior leader Qamar Zaman Kaira at the last minute besides a "covering" candidate.

Pakistan judiciary vs executive: What comes next?

Pakistan judiciary vs executive: What comes next?

Rediff.com21 Jun 2012

The confrontation between the two will continue in other forms and other arenas, but to describe the recent judgement disqualifying Gilani as a judicial coup would be overstating its significance and implications, says B Raman.

Obama, Clinton call up world leaders

Obama, Clinton call up world leaders

Rediff.com24 Jan 2009

Making an aggressive move on its foreign policy front, the new United States administration has reached out to key world leaders, with President Barack Obama himself calling heads of the states of Canada, Saudi Arabia and Britain, besides United Nations chief Ban Ki-Moon.Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reached out to as many as 21 foreign leaders including Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Pak constitutional reforms package tabled

Pak constitutional reforms package tabled

Rediff.com2 Apr 2010

A landmark constitutional reforms package aimed at striking down the Pakistani president's sweeping powers and strengthening democratic institutions was tabled in Pakistan's parliament on Friday, with the ruling Pakistan People's Party describing it as a "bill of hope".

Makhdoom Shahabuddin to be new Pakistan PM

Makhdoom Shahabuddin to be new Pakistan PM

Rediff.com20 Jun 2012

The ruling Pakistan People's Party has nominated senior leader Makhdoom Shahabuddin for the post of premier following the Supreme Court's disqualification of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. Shahbuddin is also a Sajjada Nashin or the descendant of a Sufi saint like his predecessor Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Biden arrives in Pakistan

Biden arrives in Pakistan

Rediff.com9 Jan 2009

President Asif Ali Zardari today conferred one of Pakistan's highest civilian honours on US Vice President-elect Joseph Biden in recognition of his "consistent support for democracy and socio-economic development" in the country.

Prime Minister Gilani may be in more trouble

Prime Minister Gilani may be in more trouble

Rediff.com17 Jan 2012

In yet another embarrassment for the beleaguered Pakistan government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended the licence of a lawyer close to President Asif Ali Zardari, as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani faced the possibility of a case being filed against him for alleged misuse of authority.

Pak govt moves to avert showdown with judiciary

Pak govt moves to avert showdown with judiciary

Rediff.com15 Feb 2010

As lawyers paralysed the working of courts across the country, Pakistan government has moved to avert a showdown with the judiciary by initiating steps to end the row over the apex court striking down appointments made by President Asif Ali Zardari.

Obama, Meera Shankar attend Holbrooke's memorial

Obama, Meera Shankar attend Holbrooke's memorial

Rediff.com15 Jan 2011

United States President Barack Obama joined world leaders in paying rich tributes to late Special Envoy for Af-Pak region Richard Holbrooke, calling him a leading light who served the country until his final moments. "It is no coincidence that his life story so closely paralleled the major events of his times," Obama said, eulogising Holbrooke, who died on December 13, at a memorial ceremony, also attended by visiting Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday.

India may move troops to peacetime positions: Report

India may move troops to peacetime positions: Report

Rediff.com14 May 2012

India is likely to thin out troops from wartime positions on the border with Pakistan, where they were deployed after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, according to a media report on Monday.

Pak to engage China to counter Indo-US nuke deal

Pak to engage China to counter Indo-US nuke deal

Rediff.com18 Sep 2008

In its bid to offset the impact of Indo-US nuclear deal, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari will take up the acquisition of nuclear fuel technology from China during his forthcoming visit.

Pakistani people will foil any bid to overthrow govt: Malik

Pakistani people will foil any bid to overthrow govt: Malik

Rediff.com9 Dec 2011

Pakistani people would foil any attempt to overthrow the elected government, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Friday as speculation mounted in the country of possibility of a silent coup.

Working very hard to improve Indo-Pak ties: China

Working very hard to improve Indo-Pak ties: China

Rediff.com10 Apr 2012

China is "working hard" to improve ties between India and close-ally Pakistan, despite facing heavy criticism from within and its expression of happiness over President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to India is "no hollow diplomatic gesture", a state-run daily said on Tuesday.

Musharraf on Facebook: NRO was a big mistake

Musharraf on Facebook: NRO was a big mistake

Rediff.com22 Dec 2009

Former pakistan president Pervez Musharraf has described as a "mistake" his decision to promulgate the National Reconciliation Ordinance, a graft amnesty that was recently struck down by Pakistan's Supreme Court.

Top US officials on way to Pak to talk terror

Top US officials on way to Pak to talk terror

Rediff.com18 May 2010

Two top United States security officials are traveling to Pakistan on Tuesday to meet the country's civil and military leadership and press for more aggressive action against Al Qaeda-allied groups. Central Intelligence Agency Director Leon Panetta and the National Security Advisor General James Jones, who are embarking on a visit to Islamabad, will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, Army Chief General Ashfaq Kiyani.

Pak SC summons Cabinet sec; adjourns contempt case till Mar 7

Pak SC summons Cabinet sec; adjourns contempt case till Mar 7

Rediff.com28 Feb 2012

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday summoned Cabinet Secretary Nargis Sethi as a witness in contempt proceedings against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and adjourned the high-profile case till March 7.

'Musharraf did colossal damage to Kashmir issue'

'Musharraf did colossal damage to Kashmir issue'

Rediff.com26 Oct 2009

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has blamed former President General Pervez Musharraf for the current chaotic scenario in the country and said that he (Musharraf) had done 'colossal damage' to the long pending Kashmir issue.

SC breather for Pak PM in contempt case, next hearing on Feb 1

SC breather for Pak PM in contempt case, next hearing on Feb 1

Rediff.com19 Jan 2012

Pakistan's embattled Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday appeared before the Supreme Court to face a contempt notice for not reopening graft cases against Asif Ali Zardari, saying he was unable to act as the president enjoyed complete immunity under the Constitution.

Interview/A S Dulat, former RA&W chief

Interview/A S Dulat, former RA&W chief

Rediff.com17 Jan 2012

'Whether he wins or he doesn't win, one thing is for sure: Imran Khan is making an impact, especially with the youth in Pakistan,' former RA&W chief A S Dulat tells Sheela Bhatt.

A coup in Pak will destabilise the region: NYT

A coup in Pak will destabilise the region: NYT

Rediff.com12 Jan 2012

Pakistan could see a repeat of the "disastrous" pattern of civilian governments being cast aside by military coups, American media reports said, declaring that a stable Islamabad was of critical interest to Washington.

China backs Pak's right to use N-energy

China backs Pak's right to use N-energy

Rediff.com25 Aug 2009

China has supported its 'all-weather' ally Pakistan's right to use nuclear energy for "peaceful purposes" to overcome its crippling power shortage, a spokesman of President Asif Ali Zardari said today.

Obama calls PM, briefs him on Af-Pak

Obama calls PM, briefs him on Af-Pak

Rediff.com1 Dec 2009

Less than a week after they met in Washington, DC, United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday called Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and discussed his administration's Af-Pak policy and climate change with him.

Pak parliamentarian demands ISI chief's resignation

Pak parliamentarian demands ISI chief's resignation

Rediff.com16 Dec 2011

A Pakistani parliamentarian has demanded that Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha should resign following the claims that he travelled to Arab countries to discuss a move to oust President Asif Ali Zardari.

'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.