G20 summit begins amid protests

LONDON: The G20 summit has opened to discuss the global economy amid protests.Police were out in force as leaders of theG20 financial powers met to discuss the global economy, after sometimes violent clashes a day earlier during which one man collapsed and died and police made 86 arrests. Security was tight at the summit venue, the ExCel Center in east London's Docklands area. Police manned barriers and checkpoints around the security perimeter, and were turning away anyone without accreditation within a half-mile (800 meter) radius. There were no signs of protests as delegates arrived Thursday morning. About a hundred police officers guarded the London Stock Exchange near St. Paul's Cathedral in the financial district, watching a smaller group of protesters who entertained journalists and photographers by playing a giant Monopoly game.Some 4,000 anarchists, anti-capitalists, environmentalists andothers clogged London's financial center near the Bank of England on Wednesday for what demonstrators had branded ``Financial Fool's Day.'' Metropolitan police said arrests up to 3 a.m. Thursday included16 for violent disorder, 11 for possessing police uniforms, and 13for public order offenses. One man in the crowd of demonstrators collapsed and later died at a hospital. He was not immediately identified.

Suicide attack thwarted in Malakand

MALAKAND: Locals in Dargai area of Malakand Agency have thwarted a suicide attack during funeral prayers of SHO shot dead in Sharengal area of upper Dir on Wednesday. According to sources, namaz-i-janaza of slain SHO Qadir Fateh Rehman was underway in Dargai when locals pointed out two suspects and tried to nab them. One of them shot himself while another managed to escape. A hand grenade and a bag were found near the body of the suspect bomber. Levies Force have cordoned off the area and called bomb disposal squad for checking of bag.

Govt to issue 100 licenses for oil, gas exploration

ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday announced new petroleum policy for the year 2009.Addressing a press conference here, Advisor to Prime Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, Dr. Asim Husain said that over 100 licennses would be issued for oil and gas exploration in the country. He said the new liberal policy will attract local and foreign investors and the government will provide them with all facilities in this regard.Dr. Asim said the policy aims at enhancing Pakistan’s energy security and meeting country’s requirements for a period of three to four years. He said the country is producing 67000 barrels of oil per day. The advisor further said that 40 percent income tax would be levied on oil and gas sector.