The Londoner

RAWALPINDI: The US will establish Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in NWFP, FATA and some parts of Balochistan for rapid industrial growth and creation of employment opportunities in these underdeveloped and war-affected areas. US Embassy Political and Economic Officer Darren McKinnon stated this during his visit to Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Wednesday, accompanied by US Embassy Commercial Expert Naheed Aslam. According to a press release, he said the legislation regarding establishment of ROZs was underway and would be approved by the American Congress very soon. “The most important feature of these industrial zones is that entire production made in a ROZ will be exported duty-free to USA,” he said. To read the full article visit here .

Decades-old demand to restore the old Bahawalpur province got a new boost on Thursday when Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani, former information minister during Musharraf’s regime, demanded of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to issue an executive order, fulfilling the commitment made by former governor general Ghulam Muhammad to the people of this area at the time of abolition of its separate status in 1954. Durrani warned if the poverty-stricken people of Bahawalpur area, who were fast joining religious groups because of rising poverty and joblessness, were not given their right in the shape of a separate province, then the time would soon come when the military would be called in those areas too to conduct operation on the pattern of Balochistan and Fata. Read The Full Story Here .

ISLAMABAD: The government plans to link the Gwadar seaport with the rest of the country through rail and road networks, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Wednesday. Responding to a suggestion of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) parliamentarian Ghous Buksh Mehar during the debate on the 2009-10 budget in the National Assembly, he said the government would develop the infrastructure in Balochistan and link Gwadar to other parts of the country. He said the Gwadar port was being used to import wheat and fertilizer, adding it would be transformed into a business and economic hub that would generate employment opportunities for the local population. Read the full story here .

Shahid Afridi’s four wickets overwhelmed the Dutch amateurs, while South Africa shaded it against New Zealand by one run FIRST POSTED JUNE 10, 2009 Pakistan qualified yesterday for the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 at the expense of Holland after all-rounder Shahid Afridi put in the fourth best T20 bowling performance ever, taking 4 for 11 off just four overs. The Dutch had previously beaten England in the opening fixture of the tournament, but chasing Pakistan's 175-5 proved too much for them as they were all out for just 93. Read the full story here .

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani has suggested construction of another deep-sea port and a shipbuilding yard at Makran coast. Speaking to the editors and senior journalists at the Chief Minister House on Tuesday he said that the site for the new port would be decided after the proposal is finalised. However, the shipbuilding yard could be set up at Ormara. He said that he was also making efforts to set up Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in different areas of the province that would help in providing resources for resolving the long time financial crisis of the province. The chief minister pointed out that possibly, these ROZs would be established in Quetta, Khanozai, Makran, Nasirabad, Khuzdar and some other areas, where industries would be set up with the US financial assistance. To read the full story click here .