ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Monday said there is no shortage of sugar and the government is abiding by the Supreme Court’s order issued on October 30.

Shahbaz Sharif was talking to media after greeting the Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf on his son’s wedding.

He said 70 percent stock of sugar is being supplied from sugar mills to corporate sector in line with the SC order while the 30 percent is for the common consumers.

Punjab Chief Minister hoped that the sugar crisis will soon be overcome.

He said Rs300,000 will be given to the bereaved families of the Rawalpindi suicide attack’s victims.

On the occasion, Raja Pervez Ashraf said 2,500 MW electricity will come on line by December this year.

ISLAMABAD: The 132nd birth anniversary of poet philosopher Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated on Monday across the country with national zeal, fervor and enthusiasm.

Various Cultural, educational and literary organizations organized different programmes across the country to mark the day in a befitting manner and pay homage to the great poet who envisioned the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of subcontinent. The newspapers published special edition and electronic channels aired special programmes to highlight role and service of Dr Allama Iqbal for Muslims of sub continent and getting separate homeland.

The main event held at Mazar E Iqbal in Lahore where a change of guard ceremony was held in a befitting manner and a smartly turned Pak Navy contingent assumed duties.

Marching to the tunes played by the Pakistan Navy band, the Naval contingent took positions at the four corners of the mazar while simultaneously, Rangers were ceremoniously moved out by their Officer Incharge.

The ceremonial guard mounting followed by floral wreath laying at the mazar of Allama Iqbal by Commodore Syed Hasan Mustafa SI(M), Commander North, on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, officers and men of the Pakistan Navy .

The ceremony was witnessed by a large number of senior civil officials, school children and general public who thronged the mazar to pay homage to the great philosopher and poet of the east on the eve of his birth anniversary.

Various literary, social and religious organisations also laid floral wreaths at the mazar while Iqbal Day functions were held at a number of places.

Iqbal Academy Pakistan organized Iqbal Day function at Aiwan e Iqbal Complex which was presided over by Dr Javed Iqbal. While Dr Israr Ahmad, Prof Fateh Mohammad Malik, Iftikhar Arif, Zaid Hamid and others addressed on the occasion.

Paying rich tribute to Allama Iqbal, speakers at seminar on “Iqbal Concept of Welfare State” here said that Dr. Iqbal based his thoughts on the Holy Quran and promoted humanity in his interpretations.

They said he aroused the Muslim from disillusionment and reminded them about their future.

Speaking on the occasion, Kokub Khawja, a senior Lawyer said that the vision of Allama Iqbal and his thoughts were instrumental in awakening the Muslims from deep slumber which was coupled with the sustained efforts of Quaid Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that led to the birth of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

“In fact, Allama Iqbal taught courage to the Muslims of the present era, and called upon the Muslims to pursue the knowledge in accordance with the Islamic culture”, he said.

He termed Allama Iqbal the most versified with philosophical thoughts in Persian language.

Hamayun Iqbal Shami, a bureaucrat and philanthropist said on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the great poet that this is an apt opportunity for the World’s Muslims to realize the poet’s ideals and thoughts which are the glory and grandeur of the Islamic world.

“He neither promoted the Western image of Islam nor was in favour of Talibanization, rather he had painted the real picture of Islam through the concepts taken from the Holy Quran”, he said.

Dr. Sajid Khakwani, the educationist said that our educational system lacks the philosophy of Allama Iqbal regarding promotion of welfare state. “Sorrowfully, our educational system does not have practical concept of life which is widely seen in the teaching of Allama Iqbal”.

He said that we should reorganize our system, particularly by taking help from Iqbalyat.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Seoul also celebrated birth anniversary of renowned poet, thinker and philosopher, Allama Iqbal.

The event was organized for the first time in South Korea in a befitting manner.
Prominent Korean scholars including Professor Min, Hee Sik of Gandhara Civilization, Professor Sung, Kwon Won of Korea Pakistan Friendship Association, Professor Lee, Seng IK and Professor Changnam Suh delivered the key note on the scholarly vision of literary giant, Allama Iqbal.

Allama Iqbal was born in Sialkot, the eldest of five siblings. Iqbal’s father Shaikh Nur Muhammad was a prosperous tailor, well known for his devotion to Islam, and the family raised their children with deep religious grounding.

Iqbal was educated initially by tutors in languages and writing, history, poetry and religion. His potential as a poet and writer was recognized by one of his tutors, Sayyid Mir Hassan.

He became proficient in several languages and the skill of writing prose and poetry, and graduated in 1892.

Following a custom, at the age of 15 Iqbal’s family arranged for him to be married to Karim Bibi, the daughter of an affluent Gujrati physician.

Iqbal entered the Government College in Lahore where he studied philosophy, English literature and Arabic and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude. He won a gold medal for topping his examination in philosophy.

While studying for his masters degree, Iqbal came under the wing of Sir Thomas Arnold, a scholar of Islam and modern philosophy at the college.

Arnold exposed the young man to Western culture and ideas, and served as a bridge for Iqbal between the ideas of East and West.

Iqbal was appointed to a readership in Arabic at the Oriental College in Lahore, and he published his first book in Urdu, The Science of Economics in 1903. In 1905 Iqbal published the patriotic song, Tarana e Hind (Song of India).

At Sir Thomas’s encouragement, Iqbal travelled to and spent many years studying in Europe. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College at Cambridge in 1907, while simultaneously studying law at Lincoln’s Inn, from where he qualified as a barrister in 1908.

In Europe, he started writing his poetry in Persian as well. Throughout his life, Iqbal would prefer writing in Persian as he believed it allowed him to fully express philosophical concepts, and it gave him a wider audience. It was while in England that he first participated in politics.

Following the formation of the All India Muslim League in 1906, Iqbal was elected to the executive committee of its British chapter in 1908. Together with two other politicians, Syed Hassan Bilgrami and Syed Ameer Ali, Iqbal sat on the subcommittee which drafted the constitution of the League.

Working under the supervision of Friedrich Hommel, Iqbal published a thesis titled: The Development of Metaphysics in Persia.

LAHORE: Iqbal Day marking the 132nd birthday of national poet Dr Allama Mohammad Iqbal is being celebrated on Monday (today) across the country with national fervour and enthusiasm.

The government has declared holiday in the schools, colleges and universities, while there will be local holiday in the courts. Change of Guard took place at the Mazar-e-Iqbal followed by floral wreath laying ceremony in the morning.

Various literary, social and religious organisations laid floral wreaths at the mazaar while Iqbal Day functions were held at a number of places.

Allama Iqbal was born in Sialkot, Punjab, India ; the eldest of five siblings. Iqbal’’s father Shaikh Nur Muhammad was a prosperous tailor, well-known for his devotion to Islam, and the family raised their children with deep religious grounding.

Iqbal was educated initially by tutors in languages and writing, history, poetry and religion. His potential as a poet and writer was recognised by one of his tutors, Sayyid Mir Hassan, and Iqbal would continue to study under him at the Scotch Mission College in Sialkot. The student became proficient in several languages and the skill of writing prose and poetry, and graduated in 1892.

Following custom, at the age of 15 Iqbal’’s family arranged for him to be married to Karim Bibi, the daughter of an affluent Gujrati physician. The couple had two children: a daughter, Mi”raj Begam (born 1895) and a son, Aftab (born 1899). Iqbal’’s third son died soon after birth. The husband and wife were unhappy in their marriage and eventually divorced in 1916.

Iqbal entered the Government College in Lahore where he studied philosophy, English literature and Arabic and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude. He won a gold medal for topping his examination in philosophy. While studying for his masters degree, Iqbal came under the wing of Sir Thomas Arnold, a scholar of Islam and modern philosophy at the college. Arnold exposed the young man to Western culture and ideas, and served as a bridge for Iqbal between the ideas of East and West. Iqbal was appointed to a readership in Arabic at the Oriental College in Lahore, and he published his first book in Urdu, The Science of Economics in 1903. In 1905 Iqbal published the patriotic song, Tarana-e-Hind (Song of India).

At Sir Thomas’’s encouragement, Iqbal travelled to and spent many years studying in Europe. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College at Cambridge in 1907, while simultaneously studying law at Lincoln’’s Inn, from where he qualified as a barrister in 1908. Iqbal also met a Muslim student, Atiyah Faizi in 1907, and had a close relationship with her. In Europe, he started writing his poetry in Persian as well. Throughout his life, Iqbal would prefer writing in Persian as he believed it allowed him to fully express philosophical concepts, and it gave him a wider audience. It was while in England that he first participated in politics. Following the formation of the All-India Muslim League in 1906, Iqbal was elected to the executive committee of its British chapter in 1908. Together with two other politicians, Syed Hassan Bilgrami and Syed Ameer Ali, Iqbal sat on the subcommittee which drafted the constitution of the League.

Working under the supervision of Friedrich Hommel, Iqbal published a thesis titled: The Development of Metaphysics in Persia.

Iqbal Academy Pakistan will also organise Iqbal Day function at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex at 4:00pm, which will be presided over by Dr Javed Iqbal. While Dr Israr Ahmad, Prof Fateh Mohammad Malik, Iftikhar Arif, Zaid Hamid and others will address on the occasion.

Bazm-e-Iqbal Allama Iqbal Medical College will organise a special sitting on Allama Iqbal Tuesday (tomorrow) at 10:00am, which will be presided over by Dr Israr Ahmad while Ayaz Amir and Prof Muzaffar Mirza will address the sitting.

Texan police officer Kim Munley who shot Fort Hood gunman hailed as a heroine

A police officer who intervened to stop a shooting spree at America’s biggest military base was hailed today as a heroine as she received treatment for the wounds received in a shoot-out with the gunman.

Major Nidal Hasan, an army psychiatrist due to be posted to Afghanistan, shot dead 13 people and wounded 30 others after opening fire with two handguns at Fort Hood yesterday afternoon.

But the death toll from the rampage could have been far worse had it not been for the actions of Sergeant Kimberly Munley, a civilian police officer stationed at the base who was the first on the scene as Major Hasan picked off his victims.

Sergeant Munley managed to hit Major Hasan four times but was herself hit by a bullet that passed through both her legs, according to witnesses.

Colonel John Rossi, briefing reporters at Fort Hood this morning, said that Major Hasan’s victims, who were killed in a part of the base used to process soldiers for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, had all been unarmed. Sergeant Munley had been the first armed person on the scene and had immediately taken him on.

“Her efforts were superb,” he said.

Colonel Steven Braverman, commander of the base hospital and Major Hasan’s supervisor, said that Sergeant Munley was in a stable condition in a nearby community hospital.

She is likely to return home to a hero’s welcome, although her Twitter page – which features a picture of her with the country music star Dierks Bentley at the Fort Hood “Freedom Fest” on July 4 – suggests she is not the type to have her head turned.

Her Twitter biography reads: “I live a good life … a hard one, but I go to sleep peacefully @ night knowing that I may have made a difference in someone’s life.”

It emerged today that Major Hasan, a Muslim who had argued with his comrades against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and had been trying to get out of the Army, shouted “Allah akbar” – Arabic for “God is great” – as he launched the attack.

Lieutenant-General Robert Cone, the base commander at Fort Hood, said that soldiers who witnessed the rampage heard him shout out the invocation as he opened fire.

General Cone told NBC’s Today programme that Major Hasan was not known to be a threat or risk at the base. Colonel Braverman said the same.

RAWALPINDI: Thirty-three militants have been killed while 4 security personnel have embraced Shahadat during the last 24 hours in South Waziristan Agency where operation Rah-e-Nijat continues.

According to ISPR, the important phase of operations has commenced on all three axes.
On Jandola-Sararogha axis the important stronghold of Sararogha has been surrounded from three sides.

On Shakai-Kaniguram axis, Karama has been encircled and clearance of Kaniguram has commenced. On Razmak-Makeen axis security forces have reached the outskirts of Makeen.

Security forces moving forward have reached the outskirts of terrorists stronghold of Sararogha. The town has been surrounded from three directions. All the important features and ridges around Sararogha have been taken over by security forces.

During the process of closing forward intense fire exchange took place. 13 terrorists have been killed while there is no loss of security forces.

Clearance of the Sararogha town will commence in next 24 hours. There is substantial presence of terrorists in the town.

During search at Kotkai the security forces recovered 1200 Rounds of 12.7 mm, 12 Grenades, 1x 75 mm RR, 1 x RPG-7, 3 x 12.7 mm guns, 2 x AK 47, 1 x SBRL and 25 Kgs Potassium.

During search operation at Shishamwam forces recovered 1 x 12.7 mm gun with 2 spare barrels and 1 Automatic weapon (type unknown).

Security forces moving from two directions surrounded the town of Karama, a stronghold and training centre of Uzbek militants. Fierce fighting is going on between security forces and foreign terrorists present in the area. 17 terrorists have been killed. 2 soldiers got injured.

Search and clearance operation of Kanigurm has commenced. Forces are facing stiff resistance and receiving fire from different parts of the town including mortar fire.

Fighting in streets is going on and house to house search is in progress. Terrorists have converted the houses into strong bunkers and are holding towers in strength and with snipers. During exchange of fire 3 terrorists have been killed.

During sanitization of Kund Mela an elaborate IED making factory has been discovered along with 2 suicide jackets and 50 Kgs of explosive.

After securing Asman Manza feature 1 Km north of Kaniguram 1 x 14.5 mm gun, 4 grenades, 5 Kgs explosive and 1 rifle with telescope has been recovered.

Security forces have cleared Nawazkot and have reached the outskirts of Makeen, the base of terrorists in SWA. Makeen is the nerve centre of TTP.

During consolidation and expansion at Sharkai Sar security forces recovered 1 x twin barrel of 14.5 mm gun with 2000 rounds and 1 x SPG-9 along with 8 rounds.

During search of a compound in Nawazkot, Uzbek and Arabic literature has been found.

Terrorists fired rockets at Green Ridge, resultantly 2 soldiers got injured.

Security forces are in control of most of the leading routes thus denying freedom of movement to terrorists in the area.

Intelligence intercepts have revealed that terrorists are in great disarray and disorganized. The loss of important areas, confiscation of major weapons and ammunition and ration dumps have lowered their morale to a great extent.

Desertions have been reported and they are making desperate moves.

In operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat and Malakand 8 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Mankial near Bahrain, Piochar, Besh Banr, Durushkhela, Alamganj and Shalpalam.

Security forces conducted search operation at Shangla, Sambat, Roria, Qambar and Gulibagh and apprehended 11 suspects.

PESHAWAR: The spokesman of Tahreek-e-Taliban Hakeemullah Mehsud claimed that Baitullah Mehsud is alive and hiding at undisclosed location.

According to an Arabic Television, Hakeemullah said Baitullah gone into hiding as a part of strategy and no contact with him after attack.

ISLAMABAD: Shab-e-Mairaj-un-Nabi (SAW) was observed across Pakistan on Monday night with great respect and religious fervour; the followers of Oneness of Allah made remembrance of Him with His glorification and prayed for the national security and integrity.

It is celebrated on the 27th day of the month of Rajab in the Islamic calendar 10 Nabawi. In this journey, the instruction for the five daily prayers (Salah in Arabic, Namaz in Persian and Turkish) that Muslims perform was given.

This miraculous incident occurred as unmatched occurrence in the human history, which hitherto remains on human capacity of rationalization, inexplicable.

This day celebrates the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him)’’s Isra and Mi”raj. Isra is the name for his night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and Mi”raj is the term for his ascension to Heaven, where he met with other prophets and spoke with Allah Almighty.

Viewing the great importance of the night, the Muslims of the whole world observe this night as thankfulness to Allah and they offer nawafil to attain more proximity to Allah.

Special mahafil (gatherings) of zikr-o-naat regarding Shab-e-Mairaj were held at mosques and houses where special prayers were offered.

The mosques of the city were beautifully illuminated with electric decorative bulbs and lamps. The Muslims specially offered nawafil at mosques. Muslims presented the bouquets of tender and affectionate naats in devotion to the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).

The main gathering of today’s Mairaj night started at Jamia Masjid Memon Muslihud Din Garden (Khori Garden) after Isha (late night prayer). A central gathering was organized at World Madni Center Faizaan-e-Madina under the aegis of Tehreek Dawat-e-Islami.

In Lahore also, the night was observed with all the religious zeal and respect. All the mosques were decorated with lights and lamps.

KARACHI: The Karachiites are still starving for the electricity, which is still absent in various areas of the metropolis after the lapse of even three days; the situation has triggered protest demos in several parts of the city, where a man lost his life.

The power supply remained suspended for hours in some areas; the KESC’s shoddy policies have kept many areas plunged into darkness even now; these areas include Malir City, Liaquatabad, Shahra-e-Faisal, Defence, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Mujahid Colony.

The prolonged power outages in these areas spawned the raft of demonstrations throughout the city. The angry demonstrators kept National Highway blocked for several hours near Malir City, protesting against the protracted power outages. The infuriated people set ablaze tyres on the roads and pelted the passing vehicles with stones.

Similarly at Shara-e-Faisal, the incensed people staged protest demonstrations at Natha Khan Goth, FTC Flyover and Nursery by setting things on fire on roads and pelting stones. However, police broke them up by baton charging and shelling them.

The desperate people attacked the KESC office in Lines Area, PIB and Malir and went on the rampage there; however, the staff managed to flee.

Also on MA Jinnah Road, the people plagued by power-outages set tyres on fire and kept it plugged for hours.

The citizens put up great protest at Punjab Chawrangi, in Korangi Industrial Area, Baloch Colony, Rashid Minhas Road, Lasbelah, Pak Colony, Bara Board and North Nazimabad. During a protest here near Hyderi, a youth—Hassan 20—was killed by a stray bullet.

The residents of Liaquatabad, Gharibadad and the adjoining areas obstructed the main thoroughfare for traffic as protest and staged a sit-in on the road.

The affectees said they have been facing the problem of power breakdowns for last five days and the water supply to the area is also stanched; the gas pressure in the area is also down. These residents demanded the government to immediately restore the power supply.

ISLAMABAD: Shab-e-Mairaj-un-Nabi (SAW) is being observed across Pakistan on Monday night with great respect and religious fervour.

Special mahafil (gatherings) of zikr-o-naat regarding Shab-e-Mairaj are being held at mosques and houses where special prayers are being offered.

The mosques of the city have been beautifully illuminated with electric decorative bulbs and lamps. The Muslims are specially offering nawafil at mosques. Muslims are presenting the bouquets of tender and affectionate naats in devotion to the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).

The main gathering of today’s Mairaj night started at Jamia Masjid Memon Muslihud Din Garden (Khori Garden) after Isha (late night prayer). A central gathering is being organized at World Madni Center Faizaan-e-Madina under the aegis of Tehreek Dawat-e-Islami.

In Lahore also, the night is being observed with all the religious zeal and respect. All the mosques have been decorated with lights and lamps.

This day celebrates the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him)’’s Isra and Mi”raj. Isra is the name for his night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and Mi”raj is the term for his ascension to Heaven, where he met with other prophets and spoke with Allah Almighty.

It is celebrated on the 27th day of the month of Rajab in the Islamic calendar. In this journey, the instruction for the five daily prayers (Salah in Arabic, Namaz in Persian and Turkish) that Muslims perform was given.

Celebrations on this day tend to focus on children and youth, who visit the mosques to hear the perspective of Isra and Mi”raj. After prayer, food and treats are served.

ISLAMABAD: Shab-e-Mairaj-un-Nabi (SAW) will be observed across Pakistan on Monday night with great respect and religious fervour.

Special gatherings regarding Shab-e-Mairaj will be held in mosques and houses where prayers will be arranged, Geo News reported.

This day celebrates the Prophet Muhammad’’s Isra and Mi”raj. Isra is the name for his night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, and Mi”raj is the term for his ascension to heaven, where he met with other prophets and spoke with Allah.

It is celebrated on the 27th day of the month of Rajab in the Islamic calendar. In this journey, the instruction for the five daily prayers (salah in Arabic, namaz in Persian and Turkish) that Muslims perform was given.

Celebrations on this day tend to focus on children and youth, who pay a visit to the mosque to hear the story of Isra and Mi”raj. The story usually focuses on how the Prophet Muhammad’’s heart was purified by two archangels and filled with knowledge and faith in preparation to enter the seven levels of heaven. After prayer, food and treats are served.