2. China’s biggest bank ‘Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’ will open two branches in Karachi and Islamabad. (Jang)

UNITED STATES
1. JI has announced a referendum against America’s intervention and drone attacks in Pakistan. The party has requested people to participate in the referendum which will be conducted on 16th September. (Ummat)

2. US embassy has sought the service of a prominent lawmaker, Sharifuddin Pirzada to resolve complications in acquiring land in Islamabad. US embassy wants 100 acres of land from the Punjab government to construct US consulate on Baidyan road. Both federal and provincial governments have not taken any decisions on the request so far. (Jinnah)

3. Talha-Al-Saif writes in his column that the US administration, from the White House to the Pentagon, is panicking after the Chinook helicopter with 31 commandoes aboard was shot down by the Taliban.  The world has seen the economic ruin of America and the world has now witnessed the military ruin of America with the Taliban shooting down the Chinook helicopter. Saif congratulates the Mujahideen and their supporters for making this possible. (Al Qalam Weekly, 12-18 August)

4. Pakistan’s military leadership has advocated using of diplomatic channels to tell the US that if aid to Pakistan is stopped, the war on terror would be weakened. Sources said that Pakistan’s envoy to the US, Hussein Haqqani is given the task of meeting with US administrators and Congress members who sympathize with Pakistan and taking them into confidence. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani would visit US, France and Britain and apprise them of Pakistan’s stand. (Jinnah)

5. Several editorials have appeared on the tension between Pakistan and America over the restriction on the movements of American diplomats in Pakistan. Their basic thrust is: “America should understand that Pakistan is dealing with terrorism and hence these restrictions have been put in place not only for the US but for all foreign ambassadors to ensure their safety. America should respect Pakistan’s sovereignty. ….It is a matter of shame for Pakistan that due to Pakistani leaders’ weakness, USA has imposed its war on Pakistan. ….America has stopped aid to the Pakistan Army and hence it is time to say good bye to America since there is no need for Pakistan to accept anything that is not in its interests. (Daily Intekhab Edit, Ummat Edit, Jang Edit, Nawa-i-Waqt Edit, Jinnah Edit)

6. Speaking to News-5, Gen Retd Hamid Gul said since US diplomats were banned from entering Peshawar, fewer bomb attacks were noticed there. He also said that the US aid is less than 1% of Pakistan’s GDP and that Pakistan can go without US aid.  (Khabrain)

INDIA
1. According to flood control Centre in Qasoor, India has released floodwaters from the Sutlej River and as a result 15 villages have been submerged and standing crops have been destroyed. (Ummat, Nawa-i-Waqt)

2. Talking to News-5, Weather department DG Arif, said India had informed them in advance before releasing water. He said excess water flow in Sindh is rain water. (Khabrain)

3. Raja Talib Khan, a member of the PML-N AJK Organizing Committee said that the independence of Kashmir and it merging into Pakistan was the destiny of Kashmiris and that they would sacrifice all for it. (Ausaf, 16 August)

4. ‘Z Company Hacking Crew’ had hacked more than 200 Indian websites and floated slogans of freedom and messages against the molestation of women by Indian Army officials. (Ummat)

5. Indian check post officials were violating the trade agreement and had stopped trucks from coming into AJK for the third consecutive day, said sources. (Ummat)

6. JuD chief Hafiz Saeed while addressing a Quranic session said that India is Pakistan’s eternal enemy and has always tried to harm Pakistan’s interests. He said that even at present India’s conspiracies against Pakistan are known, despite which the government is enhancing friendship and trade with India. (Daily Pak)  

TERRORISM-EXTREMISM
1. A close associate of Baitullah Mehsud and TTP commander Fazal Mehsud was arrested by CID police from Karachi who recovered weapons from him. But a court has accepted the bail application of Fazal Mehsud as the allegations against him were not proven.  (Jinnah, Jasarat, Urdu Point)

2. Maulana Muhammad Mansoor said that those who support the cause of Jihad and support the families of Mujahideen will be rewarded by God. Quoting the Prophet and the Quran, he stressed that the Mujahedeen who fight for Allah should be helped and those who help them will get rewards on the Day of Judgment. Mansoor also asked people to give their Zakat and alms to ‘Al Rahmat’ volunteers. (Al Qalam Weekly, 12- 18 August)

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
1. PPP’s senior minister Amin Fahim had a meeting with JUI-F chairman, Maulana Fazlur Rahman and he conveyed a message from the government inviting him once again to join the government. Maulana said that any decision will be taken by the party’s central leadership. (Nawa-i-Waqt)

2. After a meeting between President Zardari and Ishrat-ul-Ibad, MQM has decided to rejoin the government. Apart from the Sindh cabinet, MQM will be given the opportunity of seat adjustment in AJK and GB. (Khabrain, Nawa-i-Waqt, Daily Pak)

3.  Prominent lawmaker AK Dogar has registered an amendment to his petition in the Lahore High Court for the disqualification of PM Gilani under Article 6. According to the amendment plea, Gilani be disqualified for post of PM as he has been creating a rift between the SC and the government. (Khabrain)

4. Chief of Jamhuri Watan Party, Talal Bugti said it does not seem possible to set up one single party in Balochistan. He warned that it is not possible for the government to make new provinces, and if the government was able to save the country, it will be a great job. (Nawa-i-Waqt)

5. Daily Pak editorially complimented PPP leader, Raza Rabbani for writing a letter to President Zardari warning him against forming more provinces. (Daily Pak Edit)

BALOCHISTAN
1. Makhdum Javid Hashmi, the senior Deputy President of PML-N has voiced serious concern over the situation in Balochistan, saying that had he been living in Balochistan he too would have demanded its freedom. (Jasarat, Jang)
2. The chief of Jamhuri Watan Party, Talal Bugti, while talking to media, has alleged that retired Generals are involved in the kidnapping, murdering and throwing of mutilated bodies of Balochs. He said that they are carrying out such activities under instructions from RAW, Mossad and Black Water. (Nawa-i-Waqt).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWAH (NWFP/FATA)
1. Khyber Pakhtunkhwah government has placed an indefinite ban on bicycle riding. Security forces have been given permission to fire on those who violate the ban. (Jasarat)

2. In three remote control bomb blasts, 12 persons including 6 important commanders of militant groups were killed in Tirah Valley. (Daily Pak, Jinnah)

PUNJAB
1. On the request of the IG of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to write a letter to the federal government to take action against those police officials who took part in an Iftar party hosted by US consulate. (Urdu Point, Nawa-i-Waqt)

SINDH
According to a report, in last 24 hours 105 incidents of loot and theft have been recorded in Karachi. (Jasarat)

POK NEWS
1. Employees of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Social Welfare Department and Special Education Centres have not received salaries since April as the funds have been mismanaged.  (Ausaf, 16 August)

2. Members of some social circles in Gilgit City said that ‘Mohsin Industries’ was providing jobs and those who oppose it are treacherous. (Ausaf, 16 August)

3. Daily Dharti editorial says: JKLF Chief Yaseen Malik met with JKLF (Amanullah Group) Chief Amanullah in Pakistan to discuss the merger of all factions of the JKLF to make a single party, as it originally was, which would provide a solid platform for Independent Status of Kashmir ideology. This would be great news for freedom fighters and it would have a positive effect. (Daily Dharti Edit)