I am not against reconciling with Benazir: Musharraf

     Islamabad: Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf has said that he is not averse to the idea of a reconciliation with the country's former prime minister and PPP chairperson, Benazir Bhutto. "We want the opposition to understand our point of view on important issues. If the opposition listens to us and understands our position, it will be good for the country," the Daily Times quoted Musharraf as saying during a meeting with a delegation of ruling party senators led by PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. The president also ruled out military operations in Balochistan and said the government wanted a political settlement without compromising the security of state assets. The president said there were many development projects underway in Balochistan that would help the province and no one would be allowed to hinder them.

India the favourites against Pak: Steve Waugh (Go To Top)

     Kolkata: Former Australia cricket captain Steve Waugh today said that the "Men in Blue" will have an edge over Pakistan in the forthcoming cricket series against their arch rival. Pakistan will play three Tests and five one-day games on their first tour of India for six years starting later this month. Waugh, who is in Kolkata on a tsunami fundraiser programme, said Pakistan had unlimited potential but it was not consistent in performance. "They (Pakistan) are going to struggle because India is a very good side, some excellent players, they have some very good young bowlers. Pathan is one of the most promising bowlers in world cricket and if they can attack together, I think India will start the series as favourites. Pakistan have unlimited potential. If they could harness their powers then it will be a close series," he told reporters after auctioning five cricket bats in the function.

Shiv Sainiks cause minor damage to Mohali pitch (Go To Top)

     Mohali: A handful of Shiv Sena activists today caused "very minor damage" to the pitch at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) ground which is scheduled to host the first Test between India and Pakistan next month. According to sources, as many as ten activists jumped over from Gate No. 3 of the sprawling complex and ran through the spectator stand after jumping over the water channel to reach the playing area. But before they could cause any serious damage to the pitch, the "trespassers" were nabbed by the security personnel deployed by PCA, Association Treasurer GS Walia said. "Damage is minor because the Watch and Ward staff of the stadium managed to nab the miscreants before they could reach the actual pitch," he said. Six of the activists were overpowered by security personnel and handed over to the Mohali Police. "If there had been a delayed reaction from the Watch and Ward staff, substantial damage could have been caused to the pitch as some of the intruders were carrying a 'sambal' (instrument used for digging mud)," Walia said. Mohali Superintendent of Police Rakesh Aggarwal said four of the miscreants managed to flee from the spot. He said a case under various sections of the IPC relating to trespassing, vandalism and causing damage to property had been registered. Aggarwal said the Sainiks, who identified themselves as residents of Hissar and Jind districts of Haryana, also managed to partly damage the iron grill installed around the stadium. Additional security personnel have been deployed in and around the stadium following the incident. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena's Delhi unit president Jai Bhagwan Goyal claimed responsibility for the incident saying it was part of the party's plan not to allow any match to be played in India. "We will not allow any match to be played till Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism in India", he said.