InfoAnda - Pakistan submits landmark reforms to parliament

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

South Korea raises war ship that sank near North | | 15 April 2010
A 6.4-magnitude quake hits South Pacific | 12 October 2009
Cameron Diaz ranked most dangerous Web celeb: study | | 20 August 2010

Nigeria threatens to arrest bank debtors, seize assets | International | | 20 August 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Pakistan submits landmark reforms to parliament

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Pakistan submits landmark reforms to parliament AFP - Saturday, April 3 Send IM Story Print ISLAMABAD (AFP) - – Pakistan on Friday submitted to parliament a sweeping package of landmark constitutional reforms, stripping President Asif Ali Zardari of key powers in a move to bolster parliamentary democracy. The 18th amendment, which rolls back four decades of infringements by military rulers on Pakistan's 1973 parliamentary constitution, is expected to sail through parliament with the required majority and pass into law. The move has been hailed as a triumph that could ease political instability in the US ally in the war on Al-Qaeda but also one that could build pressure on the government to re-open graft cases against the unpopular president. Under the constitutional reforms, Zardari would no longer have the power to dismiss the prime minister, dissolve parliament -- as enacted multiple times in the past -- or appoint the head of Pakistan's powerful armed forces. The 18th amendment would put no bar on prime ministers standing for more than two terms in office -- allowing Pakistan's popular opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, who was toppled by Musharraf in 1999, to again become premier. Zardari, who is scheduled to address a joint session of parliament next Monday, issued a statement congratulating rival political parties for stitching together the package and called on parliament to adopt the bill "soon". A euphoric Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the lower house that the package was "unprecedented in the history of Pakistan". "It is historic. Some people think that the prime minister will be stronger now. But in fact these constitutional amendments will strengthen institutions," he said. The reforms will effectively make Zardari a titular head of state who can only formerly appoint heads of the armed forces, dissolve the national assembly and appoint provincial governors on the advice of the prime minister. A judicial commission will be responsible for appointing judges and lawmakers on Friday began the process of debating the package. "This is a bill which will ensure parliamentary supremacy," Raza Rabbani, head of the parliamentary committee on constitutional reform told the lower house of parliament while unveiling the package. The reforms also devolve greater autonomy to Pakistan's provinces and will rename North West Frontier Province, which dates back to British colonial rule, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in a nod to its Pashtun-majority population. Supporters of the package say that devolving greater power to the provinces, could address some of the grievances of Islamist and separatist insurgents who are destabilising NWFP and southwestern Baluchistan respectively. "The package is the first significant development in 37 years towards stability of the country and the democratic system," said Jafar Ahmed, political analyst and head of Pakistan Studies at the University of Karachi. "It is an attempt to ensure the supremacy of the parliament, strengthen democracy and bar dictatorship. The constitution will be more parliamentary, it will strengthen the federation and widen provincial autonomy," he said. Although Zardari is immune from prosecution while in office, the supreme court is increasing pressure on the government to reopen scores of graft cases at home and abroad, after it scrapped an amnesty shielding politicians. Tainted by corruption allegations, Zardari is nicknamed "Mr Ten Percent" and spent 11 years in jail on charges ranging from corruption to murder, although his supporters point out that he was never convicted on those charges. "Since Zardari will be a weak president now, the judicial contest he is facing will be interesting to watch in the days to come," said Ahmed. Critics say the package stops short of reviewing the colonial-era status of Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal belt on the Afghan border, which the United States has said is now a global headquarters for Al-Qaeda. US officials say hundreds of Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants fled into the tribal badlands after the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan and were able to carve out safe havens outside direct government authority. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Sounds heard in China mine where 153 trapped AP - Saturday, April 3 SKorean fishing boat apparently sinks; 9 missing AP - Saturday, April 3 Pakistan submits landmark reforms to parliament AFP - Saturday, April 3 3 German soldiers killed in north Afghan clash AP - Saturday, April 3 China mine accidents multiply -- 28 dead, 192 missing AFP - Friday, April 2 News Search Top Stories On Good Friday, criticism of pope likened to anti-Semitism French strike paralyses cross-Channel ferries US sees biggest job growth in three years Hamilton fastest in Malaysia GP, but cautious Did comet smashup unleash Earth's mini Ice Age? More Top Stories » Related Full Coverage Financial falloutLatest news on global credit crunch. All Full Coverage » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Abortion doctor killer gets life; no parole for 50 yrs Did comet smashup unleash Earth's mini Ice Age? Granny fined $1,500 for selling goldfish to child Hamilton fastest in Malaysia GP, but cautious Sherpa to carry Hillary's ashes to Everest summit More Most Viewed » 'Rare' fossil of new dinosaur species found in US Hollywood stars help prevent suicide after Twitter alert Junkies and junk-food addicts share craving mechanism Toad is a telltale for impending quakes: scientists More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Saturday, 3 April 2010
White House slams Karzai comments as 'troubling'
On Good Friday, criticism of pope likened to anti-Semitism
Preacher compares attacks on pope to anti-Semitism |
Iran blocks news website: French broadcaster
Bissau leader bids to resolve army, government rift |
China's iPad look-alikes brace for the real thing
White House troubled by Karzai attack on West
Sounds heard in China mine where 153 trapped
On Good Friday, criticism of pope likened to anti-Semitism
Study: Smoke Alarms + Sprinklers + Closed Doors = Saved Lives
Japanese cellphone ringtone 'cures hayfever'
U.S. Unemployment Holds Steady, While Payrolls Jump In March
Obama, Medvedev to sign landmark nuclear arms pact
SKorean fishing boat apparently sinks; 9 missing
Gabourey Sidibe, Tina Fey Host "Saturday Night Live" In April
Pakistan submits landmark reforms to parliament
Carrie Underwood, Black Eyed Peas Confirmed For "Idol Gives Back"
3 German soldiers killed in north Afghan clash
Mars Rover Misses Designated Phone Home Time As Winter Nears
Three Dead After Blast At Washington State Refinery
China mine accidents multiply -- 28 dead, 192 missing
Doctor Refuses Care To Obama Supporters
California AG: Numerous Faults With ACORN But No Crimes In Videos
Special Report: iPad striptease: It's what's inside that counts |
UN chief tours troubled ex-Soviet Central Asia
Afghan rival says Karzai undermines war on Taliban
iPad still awaits the rush |
Pakistan attorney general quits amid graft dispute
Reviews praise Apple iPad battery life, ease of use |
Sharp to launch advanced 3D panels for mobile gear |
China journalist club shuts website after attack |
Taiwan's HTC says Apple suit not affecting operations |
Iran nuke envoy pushes for dialogue, not sanctions
Microsoft sues UK game controller maker |
U.S. appeals court rules for eBay in Tiffany spat |
New website brings crowd sourcing to fashion |
Toshiba to make sub-25nm flash memory: Nikkei |
France says arms sale to Pakistan held up
Under the radar, Apple's Asian suppliers work furiously
Most US firms in China optimistic despite challenges: survey
News
John Forsythe dies, 92 |
Janet Jackson calls film role intense, cathartic |
US regulators to probe MGM Mirage's Macau business: report
Indian designers go back to their roots
Stockholm's Green City award for what you can't see
JAL lenders to demand cuts to international service: report
Terrence McNally ready for a break after long year
World Bank urges more Pakistan economic reforms
Pakistan stocks extend gains to end at 19-month high
US reviewers rave over Apple iPad
NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan
US anger at election claims prompt Karzai call
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok's main shopping district |
ElBaradei defies officials in Egypt with outdoor speech
Russia to help Venezuela's nuclear bid: Chavez
US-TECH Summary
French strike paralyses cross-Channel ferries
Gunmen kill up to 25 people in Baghdad: officials |
Israel warns of new Gaza assault as US urges restraint
iPad still awaits the rush
CORRECTED-Sudan's opposition Umma party sets polls deadline
China journalist club shuts website after attack
North Korean cargo train sparks Kim trip speculation |
Sharp to launch advanced 3D panels for mobile gear
Pentagon boosting Afghanistan eyes in the sky |
Karzai tries to smooth spat with U.S. over speech |
Putin bolsters oil, defense ties with Venezuela |
Thai protesters target Bangkok's tourist centre
US sees biggest job growth in three years
Red Bull's Webber on top in final Malaysia GP practice
6 Afghan soldiers killed by friendly fire
Rescuers enter Chinese mine where 153 are trapped
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok's main shopping district
iPad still awaits the rush |
Rescuers to enter Chinese mine where 153 trapped
Special N.Korean train arrives in China: report
FBI probes 'resign' ultimatum sent to governors
Thousands of vets missing out on better benefits
Kim seeks maiden LPGA win at first major of season
One dead, 8 missing in search for S.Korea sailors
3 adults, 3 children dead in Minneapolis fire
Japan asks China for 'appropriate decision' on yuan
Pentagon boosting Afghanistan "eyes in the sky"
Obama Gives Long Answer To A Short Health Care Question
FAA Relaxes Rule On Pilot Use Of Antidepressants
Obama Says More Sanctions Coming Against Iran For Nuclear Weapons Program
Second American woman charged in plot to kill Swede
News
Iranian firm got parts to enrich uranium: report
Titans shows muscle but can't slay Dragon |
Report: Charlie Sheen wants to exit Men |
Don McKay falls short of dark comic intentions |
Elton John concert to go ahead despite Mayan anger
iPad seekers queue for first shot at new Apple gadget
Report: Charlie Sheen wants to exit "Men"
'Dynasty' actor John Forsythe dead at 92: publicist
Billboard singles reviews: Stone Temple Pilots, Macy Gray
"Red" a superb rendering of modern art history
Ahmadinejad "more determined" in face of world pressure
Gunmen storm Sunni enclave in Baghdad, kill 24
Yemen upholds death sentence in Israel spy case
Afghan upper house backs Karzai election decree |
Gunmen in army uniforms massacre 25 people in Iraq
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok shopping district |
Ahmadinejad rejects Obama's "beautiful words" to Iran
Jews outraged at Vatican scandal comparison |
iPad seekers queue for first shot at Apple gadget
Sudan says election to start on time despite protest |
Yemen upholds death sentence in Israel spy case |
Greek PM calls for end to cronyism |
U.N. chief troubled by Kyrgyz media crackdown |
Thai protesters occupy capital's commercial center
Rescuers and divers enter China's flooded mine
Divers enter Chinese mine where 153 are trapped
North Korean cargo train sparks Kim trip speculation
Deposition: Levada defends decision on Ore. priest
SKorea says sailor's body found; 45 still missing
Sudan vote 'free and as fair as possible': US envoy
Reports: NKorean train arrives in China
US anger at election claims prompt Karzai call
Apple iPad has chips from Samsung, Broadcom, TI |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Courtney Love is back with a vengeance
Preachers Will Go Barefoot For Easter Services
"Married Too" a familiar blend of laughs, melodrama
Rubio Lands Rudy Guiliani's Endorsement In Florida
CORRECTED: "Titans" shows muscle but can't slay "Dragon"
Obama Signs Emergency Declaration For Flood-Hit New Jersey
Obama Addresses Jobs Report At Visit To Stimulus-Backed Factory
Struggling JAL to cut 50 routes: reports
Courtney Love is back with a vengeance |
Red a superb rendering of modern art history |
Billboard singles reviews: Stone Temple Pilots, Macy Gray |
Married Too a familiar blend of laughs, melodrama |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01