D. I. Khan car bomb blast claims 4 dead
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least four persons were killed in a car bomb blast at Lakki Marwat area here.

Sources said that a car bomb blasted at Baramkhel area of Lakki Marwat here. Police told that one white colour car no sooner reached near Marwat canal, it blasted with a bang, which killed four persons. Parts of human bodies were seen splintered in the car.

Police apprehend that the suicide bomber was present in the car, who wanted to reach some targeted place. Bomb disposal squad has been called.

Following yesterday’s suicide attack, D. I. Khan town was under cufew and security forces continued patrolling the town.

	Peace Jirga leaves for talks with Maulana Sufi at Deolai
	SWAT: Defunct outfit Tahrik-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) and Swat Peace Jirga are holding talks today, as a delegation of national peace Jirga has left for Deolai. Sources said that the defunct outfit TNSM and Swat Peace Jirga are holding talks today at Deolai area of Tehsil Kabal here, which would mainly focus on future strategy for the restoration of permanent peace in the district. Later on, TNSM caravan will reach Landakai from Deolai en-route Shahderai and Shamozai and finally to the Mingora town. TNSM spokesman, Amir Izzat Khan said that the peace march aims at wiping out the fears and panic from among the affected people. The peace caravan will stay put in Swat until peace restored in the entire district. Swat education department said that government boys’ schools all across the district have been declared open, while the private schools in the area were already open.

Clinton says China still confident in US Treasuries

BEIJING: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said here on Saturday that China was still confident in US Treasury bonds, as she expressed her nation's appreciation for the investments.

Explosion rocks DI Khan, eight dead, dozens injured

D I KHAN, Feb 20 (APP): At least eight persons were killed and dozens injured in powerful explosion during a funeral procession near Imam bargah Kotli Imam Hussain here Friday, police said. The blast believed to be a suicide attack ripped through during the funeral procession of one Sher Zaman.

The injured were rushed to the district headquarters Hospital for treatment where emergency has been declared.

The mourners and family members of the deceased protested over the incident and resorted to aerial firing. Police rushed to the scene and started search operation.

President, PM condemn blast in D I Khan

ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Friday strongly condemned the blast in D I Khan that killed and injured several people. The President and the Prime Minister said the government would not bow down to the extremists, militants and terrorists and would take all necessary measures to establish the writ of the government.

President Zardari said such acts of violence, bomb blasts and terrorism were a serious threat to the country and directed local administrations to take strict measures so that no such incidents recur.

Prime Minister Gilani taking a strong note of the tragic mincident sought a report from the provincial government. He said the government was committed to ensure law and order across the country.

He directed that law enforcing agencies to ensure strict security measures at all large gatherings and invstigate the matter to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The President and the Prime Minister in their separate messages to the families of the deceased prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his blessings and to grant courage to them to bear this irreparable loss.

They also directed the provincial authorities to provide best possible medical care to the injured.

President, PM condole death of Shujaat Hussain’s mother

ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday expressed sorrow over the death of mother of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, leader of Pakistan Muslim League(Q). In their separate messages, President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani condoled with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on the demise of his mother. They prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.

Heat waves and extreme drought to increase with climate change: UN

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (APP): The severe drought and searing heat will oppress wide swathes of the earth with increasing frequency this century, according to a forecast by scientists who met this week in Beijing, the UN weather agency said today. “The combination of record heat and widespread drought during the past five to ten years over large parts of southern and eastern Australia is without historical precedent and is, at least partly, a result of climate change,” according to a statement endorsed by the scientists at the meeting co‑sponsored by the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The statement was also released at UN Headquarters in New York.

The continental United States and Mexico, the Mediterranean basin, parts of northern China, southern Africa and Australia and parts of South America were cited as particularly prone to harsh drought, WMO said in a press release relaying the results of the International Workshop on Drought and Extreme Temperatures.

In addition, severe heat waves are expected to increase everywhere, especially in the continental western US, northern Africa, the Middle East, central Asia, southern Africa and Australia, the agency added.

More than 40 scientists from climate and agricultural research institutes, universities and environmental monitoring organizations participated in the conference, which ran from 16 to 17 February and was co‑sponsored by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

The increase in Australian droughts and heat waves could be a temporary climate event lasting 10 to 30 years, according to several presentations at the conference that noted that these events have occurred in the historical climate record elsewhere in the world.

However, they added, the Australian events are also consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report, which says that the world has been more drought‑prone during the past 25 years.

Several participants detailed examples of droughts and heat waves, such as those in Europe in 2003, in south‑east Australia in 2009, and currently in northern and central China, which are the worst drought in half a century

To help agriculture, rangelands and forestry cope with the phenomenon, they recommended the development of a standardized drought index that can be practically applied to a wide range of agricultural purposes across the world.

Other recommendations included more proactive drought planning, efficient water use and wider introduction of new drought‑tolerant crop varieties.

WMO said it has been developing monitoring and prediction tools, with CMA and other partners, to increase awareness of extreme climatic hazard in the agriculture and forestry communities.

It added that World Climate Conference‑3, which is being held from August 31 to September 4, 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland, will address these issues through several presentations on the connections between climate variability and change and agriculture, the agency said.

Pakistan stresses ‘widest possible consensus’ on UNSC expansion

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 20 (APP): Pakistan called for reforming the UN Security Council “through negotiations and widest possible consensus” as the General Assembly on Thursday launched negotiations aimed at making the 15‑member body more effective and more representative to meet the 21^st century challenges.

“Our positions will conform to the principles of sovereign equality of states and equitable geographical distribution,” Pakistan’s U.N. Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon told an informal meeting of the 192‑member assembly where talks began on five key issues, including the size, composition and power of an expanded council.

“We shall work for a reform model that is responsive to the substantial increase in the number of developing countries in the UN membership since the 60s,” in an obvious reference to dominance of the big powers in the council.

“We would prioritize regional interests over individual interests, through accommodation of positions of all member states and regional

and other groupings, including in particular Africa and the OIC.”

The council’s reform, which got underway some 16 years ago, was backed by the 2005 world summit held at UN Headquarters in New York.

There is widespread support for revamping the U.N.’s most powerful organ to reflect current global realities rather than the international power structure after World War II when the United Nations was created.

But all previous attempts, starting in 1979, have failed because rivalries between countries and regions blocked agreement on how to expand the council.

The Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, has 15 seats. It includes 10 non · permanent members elected for two‑year terms that come from all regions of the world, and there are five permanent members with veto power whose support is essential for any reform to be adopted, the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France.

Despite the general agreement on enlarging the council, member states remain sharply divided over the details.

In July 2005, the so‑called Group of Four, India, Germany, Japan and Brazil, aspired to permanent seats without veto rights on a 25 · member council, with six new permanent seats without veto power, including two for the African region, and four additional non‑permanent seats.

The Italy/Pakistan‑led “Uniting for Consensus” (UfC) group opposed any expansion of the permanent members on the Security Council. It sought enlargement of the council to 25 seats, with 10 new non‑permanent members who would be elected for two‑year terms, with the possibility of immediate re‑election.

The African Union’s called for the Council to be enlarged to 26 seats, one more permanent seat than the G‑4 proposal. Its proposal for six new permanent seats was the same as the G‑4’s, except that it would give the new members veto power.

“The willingness to find a negotiated solution is a significant shift from the divisiveness of the past,” the Pakistan ambassador said, referring the last December’s decision to build consensus on taking this process forward towards a ‘negotiated’ solution.

“It offers an opportunity for a breakthrough, for a reform that is no longer hostage to the ambitions of a few, but that would accommodate

the interests and positions of all member states, and promote the larger objectives of the United Nations Organization, thus enhancing its unity, effectiveness, credibility and legitimacy.”

Terming the start of the negotiations as an important landmark, Ambassasdor Haroon assured that Pakistan will play an active and constructive role in the process.

“This is a historic day in the United Nations,” Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann said. “Finally, today, we are about to enter into the substance of this reform.”

Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, whose country recently hosted a ministerial meeting of 80 countries to discuss remaking the council, said that “everybody feels the pressure of the international situation, be it in the peace and security (area), be it in the financial aspect.”

But Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yesui said he viewed the negotiations as a continuation of talks in the assembly’s working group. “The problems remain,” he said. “We have to see how people present their views in this new forum.”

German Ambassador Thomas Matussek, whose country is seeking a permanent seat as a reflection of its economic might, said prospects for compromise “are better than they were before, because against the backdrop of the international financial and economic crisis everybody talks about global governance.”

The question, he said, is whether countries want the world to be run by small groups of economically and politically powerful nations or “by the only legitimate global institution that we have, and that is the U.N.”

D’Escoto, the General Assembly President, said the first negotiations, on March 4, will tackle the different categories of Security Council membership. That session will be followed by meetings on the veto and regional representation later in March.

The size of an enlarged council and its working methods as well as the relationship between the council and the General Assembly will be up for consideration in April.

A second round of negotiations is scheduled for May.

Chances for a deal remain to be seen, and some diplomats said talks could stretch into next year.

U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said President Barack Obama’s administration supports council expansion “in a way that will not diminish its effectiveness or its efficiency.”

“We will make a serious, deliberate effort, working with partners and allies, to find a way forward that enhances the ability of the Security Council to carry out its mandate and effectively meet the challenges of the new century,” she said.

China’s Yesui said Beijing supports expansion of the Security Council “and we think priority should be given to an increase of the representation of developing countries, particularly from African countries.”

Govt determined to take all possible steps for durable peace in Balochistan: President

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said the government is determined to take all possible steps for durable peace in Balochistan, which can be ensured with empowerment of people and development. He also underlined that all stakeholders should be on same page to make concerted efforts towards the development of province. The President expressed these views at a review meeting on Balochistan held here in the Presidency today. The meeting was jointly chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. Briefing was given on development activities, prevalent law and order situation and security measures in Balochistan. The meeting was attended among others by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Sherry Rehman, Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik, Governor Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani and Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kayani. Earlier, Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani briefed the President and Prime Minister on the development activities and rehabilitation of quake victims in the province and highlighted various schemes being started by provincial government for empowerment of downtrodden and destitute and alleviate poverty. Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik also briefed the meeting about the prevalent law and order situation and security measures being taken by the law enforcing agencies. He informed the meeting that law and order situation is improving in the provinces. He also apprised the President about progress to recover UN employee John Solecki, who was kidnapped in Quetta on February 2. The meeting was held in continuation of previously held consultative meetings held in the Presidency with parliamentarians and provincial government of Balochistan.

President, PM meet, discuss regional situation

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency. Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was also present during the meeting. They discussed matters pertaining to regional situation, a press release said.

Rise in safe havens for Taliban in Pakistan: Holbrooke

WASHINGTON: U.S. special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke has said that the number of safe havens is on the rise in Pakistan. He said this during a meeting held here to review U.S. policy for Pakistan and Afghanistan and was attended by General David Petraeus and other officials. Holbrooke said success in Afghanistan is not possible only through use of military means. He said extremists responsible for 9/11, Mumbai attacks and occupation in Swat stem from same roots.

Kurd appeals youths to participate long march, sit-in

RAWALPINDI: President Supreme Court Bar Association Ali Ahmed Kurd Thursday appealed students and youths to vigorously take part in long March and sit-in to be staged on March 16 next month. Rule of law is indispensable today, which can only be attained by all out support extended by the people of Pakistan including youths and students, he maintained. He urged students to leave no stone unturned for elimination of injustice from country and to make lawyers’ movement a great success.

Pak serious about fighting extremism: NATO chief

BRUSSELS: Militants fighting NATO forces in Afghanistan are also trying to destabilize Pakistan, and the alliance should therefore take a more regional approach to the Afghan conflict, NATO's chief said on Thursday. NATO needed to bolster its contacts with Pakistan because its stability was crucial to the success of the NATO's Afghan mission, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said. "We should increase military-to-military engagement in Pakistan and deepen the political dialogue," de Hoop Scheffer told reporters at the start of a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers in the Polish city of Krakow. "I can say again that I believe the Pakistani government is serious about fighting extremism. What we need in NATO is to stop seeing Afghanistan in isolation and to start seeing it in a more regional approach." "That is why we deepen our cooperation with Pakistan because the same people are trying to destabilize the situation in Afghanistan and in Pakistan," Scheffer added. NATO heads an international force battling Taliban militants in Pakistan's neighbor Afghanistan. The Pakistan army is struggling to quell Taliban insurgencies dotted across its own northwest region. Earlier this week, NATO expressed concern after Pakistan signed a pact with Islamists to introduce Islamic law in the northwestern Swat valley in an effort to take the steam out of a Taliban uprising there. Western officials fear the move will only encourage Islamist militancy in the region at a time when U.S. President Barack Obama has ordered 17,000 more troops to go to Afghanistan. On Thursday, the radical Muslim cleric who prized the offer from Pakistan's government to restore Islamic law in the Swat valley, Maulana Sufi Mohammad, sent emissaries to his Taliban son-in-law to seek peace in the region.

The News, Geo staffer killed in the line of duty

President, PM, others condemn incident, order inquiry PESHAWAR: As Maulana Sufi Muhammad’s peace rally, comprising hundreds of activists, entered the Matta Tehsil to talk to the militants for restoring peace in Swat, some unknown persons shot dead a young journalist and correspondent for The News and Geo News in Mingora. Musa Khankhel was accompanying the caravan of the Tanzim Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) from Mingora to Matta to cover the crucial event that had created high hopes for peace in the valley. His young brother Isa Khankhel, who is also a journalist, told The News that he was in the line of his journalistic duty when some unknown persons kidnapped him at gunpoint. “Musa was picked up at gunpoint from the rally,” Isa said, adding he had no idea who the perpetrators of the brutal killing were. A local journalist, Mehboob Ali, said other journalists returned from Matta town, but Musa preferred to stay there. “He was trying to get some information about the negotiations between the TNSM and the Taliban militants,” he added. However, Mehboob said it could not be ascertained as to who was accompanying the slain journalist. “Nobody saw him when he was being kidnapped, so it cannot be said who picked him up,” he added. Musa’s bullet-riddled body was found in Dedpanai area, some four kilometres off Matta town, in the evening. ìHe received 12 bullets at feet, hands and head,” his brother told The News by telephone while weeping. Musa was the fourth journalist killed in the valley. Sirajuddin was killed in a suicide bomb blast during the funeral of a slain DSP in Mingora in Feb 2008, while another journalist, Azizuddin, was killed in bombardment in Peuchar. A reporter of a local newspaper, Qari Muhammad Shoaib, was gunned down by the security forces in Mingora when he was returning home from hospital.The government has been issuing statements of “bringing the perpetrators of journalists’ killing to justice” just to soothe the community. Its assurances have proven false and not a single killer of the journalists has so far been arrested, let alone giving them exemplary punishment. The killing of the journalist not only eclipsed the hopes for peace but also shocked and saddened the journalist community across the country. Musa had been receiving threats for the last several months but he had refused to bow to any pressure. His family said he was manhandled and intimidated several times. “I have been receiving death threats from a powerful force. They are after me. They want to kill me,” he had communicated his apprehensions to his organisation. His organisation also took up the issue of threats with the authorities from whom he was allegedly receiving the threats. On Wednesday morning, he and his brother Isa were not allowed to cover the press conference of the NWFP Senior Minister Bashir Bilour at the Circuit House, which he instantly communicated to his office. Inspector-General Police, NWFP, Malik Naveed, told Geo News that some foreign hand could be involved in the killing of Musa. Musa was born on Feb 4, 1981 in Mingora. He started work for The News several years ago while got associated with Geo News on May 21, 2007. He was single and had five brothers and three sisters. The slain journalist was a brave reporter who continued his journalistic duty in the “valley of death” during escalated conflict and violence and faced all dangers fearlessly for the more than 20 months of turmoil. He did not leave Swat and preferred to inform Geo’s viewers and The News readers about the happenings in the valley. His colleagues in the valley brought his body to Makanbagh Chowk (square), and strongly protested his killing. They demanded of the government to bring the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice and provide security to other journalists. His funeral will be held at 2 pm in Mingora. Our Islamabad correspondent adds: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, federal ministers, journalist organisations and leaders of various political parties have strongly condemned the killing of Musa Khankhel and expressed their deep grief and shock over the tragic incident. In their separate messages, the president and the prime minister conveyed their condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family. They prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. They have ordered an immediate inquiry into this tragic happening and asked the concerned authorities to take action to arrest and bring the culprits to justice. Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik and Federal Minister Sherry Rehman also condemned the murder of Geo and The News correspondent. The adviser directed the inspector-general police, NWFP, to submit a detailed report on the murder. Terming the killing an attack on the freedom of the press, Rehman Malik and Sherry Rehman reiterated the government’s commitment to bring the culprits to justice and give them exemplary punishment. MQM chief Altaf Hussain, PTI Chairman Imran Khan and President National Peace Jirga on Swat Enam-ur-Rehman also condemned the brutal killing of the journalist and condoled with the bereaved family. Also, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists condemned the incident and announced a countrywide protest against the killing of Musa Khankhel. The media organisations would stage demonstrations across the country today to press the government for the arrest of the culprits.

Clinton looks to boost US image in Asia

Thursday, February 19, 2009 JAKARTA: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton moved on Wednesday to boost US ties with the world’s most populous Muslim nation and its neighbors, pledging a new American willingness to work with and listen to Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia. Her message was received warmly by officials in Jakarta, the childhood home of President Barack Obama, although small and scattered protests were held in several cities, with some Islamic hard-liners setting tires on fire and others throwing shoes at caricatures of Clinton. She said her choice of Asia for her first overseas trip as Obama’s top diplomat was “no accident” and a sign of the new administration’s desire for broader and deeper relations with the continent on regional and global issues. Clinton, who arrived from a stop in Japan and will head Thursday to South Korea and China, was particularly effusive about Indonesia, which she said deserved praise for its hard-won multiethnic democracy and efforts to fight terrorism while respecting human rights. She announced plans to restart Peace Corps programs in Indonesia that were suspended in 1965 when volunteers were expelled after leftists accused them of espionage. And she said the two countries would cooperate on climate change, trade, education, regional security and a host of other issues, while indicating that more development aid was on the way. “I bring greetings from President Obama, who has himself said and written about the importance of his time here as a young boy,” Clinton told reporters at a news conference with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda. “It gave him an insight into not only this diverse and vibrant culture, but also the capacity for people with different backgrounds to live harmoniously together,” she said. Wirajuda said Indonesia could be a powerful bridge to help the United States reconnect with Muslims. “As we have proven, democracy Islam and modernity can go hand-in-hand,” he said. “Indonesia can be a good partner for the U.S. in reaching out to the Muslim world.” Indonesia, a secular nation of 235 million people, has personal ties for Obama, who spent four years here as a child. Among those who turned out at the airport to welcome Clinton were 44 children from his former elementary school, singing traditional folk songs and waving Indonesian and US flags. She smiled and swayed to the music as they sang.

Cinematographers use tech to bring visions to life

Thursday, February 19, 2009 LOS ANGELES: Anthony Dod Mantle remembers racing through the slums of Mumbai, desperately trying to keep up with the 7-year-olds who ran ahead of him. There they were, “armed with life’s energy and a world of hope and wonder; and me, overladen with 14 kilos of state-of-the-art equipment and a normal dose of middle age! What more can I say, except that I lost 11 kilos,” quips the “Slumdog Millionaire” cinematographer. Like his fellow Oscar nominees, he had to juggle high-tech equipment with the realities of capturing performances in a sometimes hostile environment. To record the energy of the densely populated streets of India, Mantle chose to shoot with a combination of 35mm and lightweight SI-2K digital cameras. The digital camera helped him to move quickly and discreetly through the slums, and to shoot while running alongside the child actors, getting him into the action without being obtrusive. It’s a camera he never could have turned to a few years ago. “The tools we use in the industry are developing and being re-evaluated all the time,” he says. “This is how it should be.” Keeping up with them, he says, is “one of my main responsibilities as a cinematographer.” Taking advantage of the latest technology, “The Dark Knight” is the first narrative studio feature to be lensed, in part, using Imax film cameras. Wally Pfister, director Christopher Nolan’s longtime collaborator, lensed six key action sequences of “The Dark Knight” with 65mm Imax film cameras and the rest of the film in anamorphic 35mm.

Govt determined to take all possible steps for durable peace in Balochistan: President

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said the government is determined to take all possible steps for durable peace in Balochistan, which can be ensured with empowerment of people and development. He also underlined that all stakeholders should be on same page to make concerted efforts towards the development of province. The President expressed these views at a review meeting on Balochistan held here in the Presidency today. The meeting was jointly chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. Briefing was given on development activities, prevalent law and order situation and security measures in Balochistan. The meeting was attended among others by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Sherry Rehman, Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik, Governor Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani and Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kayani. Earlier, Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani briefed the President and Prime Minister on the development activities and rehabilitation of quake victims in the province and highlighted various schemes being started by provincial government for empowerment of downtrodden and destitute and alleviate poverty. Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik also briefed the meeting about the prevalent law and order situation and security measures being taken by the law enforcing agencies. He informed the meeting that law and order situation is improving in the provinces. He also apprised the President about progress to recover UN employee John Solecki, who was kidnapped in Quetta on February 2. The meeting was held in continuation of previously held consultative meetings held in the Presidency with parliamentarians and provincial government of Balochistan.

President, PM meet, discuss regional situation

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency. Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was also present during the meeting. They discussed matters pertaining to regional situation, a press release said.

President Zardari’s visit to China to promote economic cooperation:FO

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China, starting on February 20, will promote economic and trade relations between the two countries, said Foreign Office Spokesman Thursday. Addressing weekly briefing at Foreign Office, the spokesman Abdul Basit said, “President Zardari’s visit is part of his quarterly visit to China to explore economic cooperation.” President Asif Ali Zardari is visiting China from February 20 to 23 to explore avenues for cooperation with China in the fields of energy and agriculture resources. The President will visit Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, Yichang and Shanghai, the regions that are industrial hubs of China to observe country’s development in agriculture, use of hybrid seeds, science and technology. Replying to a question about the latest development about Mumbai attacks, the spokesman said, “Pakistan is waiting the reply to the question raised out of the preliminary enquiry into the incident on the basis of the information provided by India.” The spokesman said Pakistan always said disputes and conflicts between Pakistan and India should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. He said Pakistan is of the view that there is no room for war to resolve the conflicts in the region. “The Foreign Minister will leave for Washington very soon to participate in the review meeting with American leadership on the issue of fighting terrorism and extremism in the region,” said the spokesman. He expressed the hope that there will be “positive change” in the review of the policy towards the issue of drone attacks as Pakistan has been saying that these attacks have proved counter productive. On the question of formal request for extradition of Ajmal Kasab allegedly involved in Mumbai attacks, the spokesman said, “We have not made any such formal request.” Regarding strong reaction from the world especially from NATO on the “Swat Peace Deal” the spokesman said Pakistan will use all possible means to achieve the objectives of peace and security in the region. The spokesman said the system of ‘Adal’, is basically the system of justice that linked to peace and tranquility in the troubled region. Referring to these reactions, the spokesman said, most of them are speculative adding that Pakistan attaches great importance to fight extremism, terrorism and militants.