Pokemon Go frenzy leads to robberies and injuries

LOS ANGELES: New mobile game Pokemon Go has become an overnight sensation with U.S. fans but also played a role in armed robberies in Missouri, the discovery of a body in Wyoming and minor injuries to fans distracted by the app, officials and news media reported on Monday.

The "augmented reality" game based on the 1990s Japanese franchise surged to the top of Apple Inc's (AAPL.O) app charts over the weekend. Gamers use their mobile devices to find and capture virtual Pokemon characters such as cuddly yellow Pikachu at various real-life locations.

Five days after its release, the game now is on more Android phones than dating app Tinder, and its rate of daily active users was neck and neck with social network Twitter, according to analytics firm SimilarWeb.

Highlighting a dark side to its popularity, the game was used by four teens in Missouri to lure nearly a dozen victims into armed robberies, police and media reports said.

Police warned players to be vigilant when using smartphones and other mobile devices to search for characters in the game.

"When you?re involved in a game and not paying attention to what?s going on around you, your situational awareness can go down," Greensboro, North Carolina police officer Ben Wingfield told local television.

Developed by Pokemon Company International, Niantic Inc and Nintendo Co Ltd (7974.T), the game uses the GPS mapping and camera systems on players' devices.

"We encourage all people playing Pokemon Go to be aware of their surroundings and to play with friends when going to new or unfamiliar places," Pokemon Company International and Niantic said in an emailed statement.

Police in O'Fallon, a suburb of St. Louis, said they arrested the four teens on Sunday after a robbery victim called police from a convenience store.

"Using the geolocation feature of the Pokemon Go app, the robbers were able to anticipate the location and level of seclusion of unwitting victims," O'Fallon police Sergeant Bill Stringer said in a release.

Social media buzzed with reports of players who suffered minor injuries from tripping and falling while glued to their cell phones and minor incidents while driving and looking for Pokemon.

"I catch myself almost walking into things, so I've kind of started playing a little bit less in the street," said Henry Mendez, 32, a parking valet from Los Angeles.

The game was the most downloaded free app on Apple's app store while Nintendo's shares surged nearly 25 percent for their biggest daily gains in history after Pokemon Go's takeoff. [nL4N19X16B]

Shayla Wiggins, 19, was searching for a water-based Pokemon character near Riverton, Wyoming when she discovered a body near a bridge, where a man is thought to have drowned in shallow water, according to media reports.

"I probably would have never went down there if it weren't for this game," Wiggins told CNN.

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Pokemon Go frenzy leads to robberies and injuries

LOS ANGELES: New mobile game Pokemon Go has become an overnight sensation with U.S. fans but also played a role in armed robberies in Missouri, the discovery of a body in Wyoming and minor injuries to fans distracted by the app, officials and news media reported on Monday.

The "augmented reality" game based on the 1990s Japanese franchise surged to the top of Apple Inc's (AAPL.O) app charts over the weekend. Gamers use their mobile devices to find and capture virtual Pokemon characters such as cuddly yellow Pikachu at various real-life locations.

Five days after its release, the game now is on more Android phones than dating app Tinder, and its rate of daily active users was neck and neck with social network Twitter, according to analytics firm SimilarWeb.

Highlighting a dark side to its popularity, the game was used by four teens in Missouri to lure nearly a dozen victims into armed robberies, police and media reports said.

Police warned players to be vigilant when using smartphones and other mobile devices to search for characters in the game.

"When you?re involved in a game and not paying attention to what?s going on around you, your situational awareness can go down," Greensboro, North Carolina police officer Ben Wingfield told local television.

Developed by Pokemon Company International, Niantic Inc and Nintendo Co Ltd (7974.T), the game uses the GPS mapping and camera systems on players' devices.

"We encourage all people playing Pokemon Go to be aware of their surroundings and to play with friends when going to new or unfamiliar places," Pokemon Company International and Niantic said in an emailed statement.

Police in O'Fallon, a suburb of St. Louis, said they arrested the four teens on Sunday after a robbery victim called police from a convenience store.

"Using the geolocation feature of the Pokemon Go app, the robbers were able to anticipate the location and level of seclusion of unwitting victims," O'Fallon police Sergeant Bill Stringer said in a release.

Social media buzzed with reports of players who suffered minor injuries from tripping and falling while glued to their cell phones and minor incidents while driving and looking for Pokemon.

"I catch myself almost walking into things, so I've kind of started playing a little bit less in the street," said Henry Mendez, 32, a parking valet from Los Angeles.

The game was the most downloaded free app on Apple's app store while Nintendo's shares surged nearly 25 percent for their biggest daily gains in history after Pokemon Go's takeoff. [nL4N19X16B]

Shayla Wiggins, 19, was searching for a water-based Pokemon character near Riverton, Wyoming when she discovered a body near a bridge, where a man is thought to have drowned in shallow water, according to media reports.

"I probably would have never went down there if it weren't for this game," Wiggins told CNN.

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Pakistan rubbishes allegations of sheltering Osama, poisoning CIA chief

WASHINGTON: Pakistan on Tuesday said that the allegation of providing shelter to Osama bin Laden and poisoning the CIA station chief in Islamabad were wrong and baseless.

The ongoing military operation in Pakistan has cleared vast swathes of a territory previously used by many militant groups including the Haqqani Network, said Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US.

“This operation has resulted in killing of 3,500 militants of which 900 belonged to Lashkar-e-Islam, a group that threatened ground lines of communication for facilitating cargo for US troops. Nearly 500 soldiers of Pakistan Army made the ultimate sacrifice in fighting these militants,” the ambassador said in a letter addressed to Congressman Ted Poe.

In a three-page-long letter, he highlighted that “being the worst victim of terrorism and having lost thousands of innocent citizens and soldiers to this menace, our resolve to defeat this threat can never be doubted.”

Congressman Ted Poe has been very critical of Pakistan and questioned the credibility of the military operations against the terrorist groups in an article published a couple of weeks ago.Reacting strongly to those allegations, Jilani said that official documents testify to the fact that terrorism threatens both countries as a common enemy.

The ambassador criticised Congressman Ted Poe’s article saying that it left an impression as if “Pakistan has done nothing to fight terrorism.” He reminded the Congressman that,“Pakistan has helped the United States capture key operatives involved in the tragic 9/11 episode. These included mastermind of 9/11 Muhammad Khalid Sheikh and alleged 9/11 organiser Ramzi Bin Alshibh. The list is not exhaustive and includes many other senior al-Qaeda leaders.”

Jilani asked the Congressman to ensure that accurate facts are presented before the American people. “It is factually incorrect to state that Pakistan is receiving 200 million dollars raise by the House of Representatives.”

APP adds: Talking to APP, Ambassador Jilani regretted such statements and media reports to malign Pakistan saying incorrect information about the country has been consistently proven false over a period of time.

Giving an example, he said the presence of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan has often been cited to question its sincerity in fighting terrorism in spite of the fact that it has been established beyond doubt that he was hiding in Pakistan without information or any help by the State.

The ambassador said the US leadership involved in the specific operation at that time in which Osama was killed has clearly rejected any insinuation of Pakistan’s complicity.This includes the statement by Admiral William McRaven who supervised the operation that there was no evidence that Pakistani government knew about the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden.

As late as last year, the White House also rejected media accusations that are sometimes published by journalists seeking public spotlight.The ambassador said that despite the fact that such reports had been rejected by the top US military and civilian leadership, repeating these allegations calls into question the reasons for using such erroneous story again and again.

Recalling documents collected from the Osama Bin Laden compound, he said a brochure ‘Jehad in Pakistan’ reportedly written by Bin Laden and released by office of Director National Intelligence in March this year lists the reasons why Bin Laden considered Pakistan as an enemy and outlines al-Qaida’s elaborate strategy to destroy Pakistan.

The brochure can be viewed at the DNI’s website and is yet another testimony to the fact that terrorism threatens Pakistan and the United States as a common enemy, he added.World court rejects Beijing’s South China Sea claims

AMSTERDAM/BEIJING: An arbitration court ruled on Tuesday that China has no historic title over the waters of the South China Sea and has breached the Philippines’ sovereign rights with its actions, infuriating Beijing which dismissed the case as a farce.

A defiant China, which boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, vowed again to ignore the ruling and said its armed forces would defend its sovereignty and maritime interests.

China’s state-run Xinhua news agency said shortly before the ruling was announced that a Chinese civilian aircraft had successfully tested two new airports in the disputed Spratly Islands.

And China´s Defence Ministry said a new guided missile destroyer was formally commissioned at a naval base on the southern island province of Hainan, which has responsibility for the South China Sea.

"This award represents a devastating legal blow to China´s jurisdictional claims in the South China Sea," Ian Storey, of Singapore´s ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, told Reuters. "China will respond with fury, certainly in terms of rhetoric and possibly through more aggressive actions at sea.

"The United States, which China has accused of fuelling tensions and militarising the region with patrols and exercises, urged parties to comply with the legally binding ruling and avoid provocations.

"The decision today by the Tribunal in the Philippines-China arbitration is an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

US officials have previously said they feared China may respond to the ruling by declaring an air defence identification zone in the South China Sea, as it did in the East China Sea in 2013, or by stepping up its building and fortification of artificial islands.

China claims most of the energy-rich waters through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.

Finding for the Philippines on a number of issues, the panel said there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within its so-called nine-dash line, which covers almost 90 percent of the South China Sea.

It said China had interfered with traditional Philippine fishing rights at Scarborough Shoal and had breached the Philippines´ sovereign rights by exploring for oil and gas near the Reed Bank. None of China´s reefs and holdings in the Spratly Islands entitled it to a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, it added.

China´s Foreign Ministry rejected the ruling, saying its people had more than 2,000 years of history in the South China Sea, that its islands did have exclusive economic zones and that it had announced to the world its "dotted line" map in 1948."China´s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards," it said.

However, the ministry also repeated that China respected and upheld the freedom of navigation and overflight and that China was ready to keep resolving the disputes peacefully through talks with states directly concerned.

In a statement shortly before the ruling, China´s Defence Ministry said its armed forces would "firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and maritime interests and rights, firmly uphold regional peace and stability, and deal with all kinds of threats and challenges"The judges acknowledged China´s refusal to participate, but said they sought to take account of China´s position from its statements and diplomatic correspondence.

"The award is a complete and total victory for the Philippines ...a victory for international law and international relations," said Paul Reichler, lead lawyer for the Philippines.

Vietnam said it welcomed the ruling. Taiwan, which maintains that the island it occupies, Itu Aba, is legally the only island among hundreds of reefs, shoals and atolls scattered across the seas, said it did not accept the ruling, which seriously impaired Taiwan´s territorial rights.

"This is the worst scenario," Taiwan Foreign Minister David Tawei Lee told reporters, promising unspecified "action" from Taipei.

The ruling is significant as it is the first time that a legal challenge has been brought in the dispute, which covers some of the world´s most promising oil and gas fields and vital fishing grounds.

It reflects the shifting balance of power in the 3.5 million sq km sea, where China has been expanding its presence by building artificial islands and dispatching patrol boats that keep Philippine fishing vessels away.

The Philippines said it was studying the ruling. "We call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety," Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay told a news conference. "The Philippines strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea. "Japan said the ruling was legally binding and final.

Oil prices jumped following the findings, with Brent crude futures up almost 3 percent at $47.87 per barrel at 1130 GMT.

The court has no power of enforcement, but a victory for the Philippines could spur Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei to file similar cases.

Ahead of the ruling, around 100 members of a Philippine nationalist group demonstrated outside the Chinese consulate in Manila, calling on Beijing to accept the decision and leave the Scarborough Shoal, a popular fishing zone off limits to Filipinos since 2012.

In China, social media users reacted with outrage at the ruling. "It was ours in the past, is now and will remain so in the future," wrote one user on microblogging site Weibo. "Those who encroach on our China´s territory will die no matter how far away they are.

- Originally published in The News

 

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Faisal Edhi fears drop in donations after propaganda against foundation

Late humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi’s son Faisal Edhi is determined to stand in the way of any challenge that the Edhi Foundation may face post its founder’s demise.

“People will continue to give us the same love and respect that they did when Edhi was alive,” he said during an interview with Geo News.

He spoke at length about propaganda against the charity foundation, fearing that it may result in a drop of donations. 

Quoting an example he said rumours of his father's death were deliberately spread during Ramazan by 'some people' to keep people away from donating money.

“Certain elements spread negative propaganda and rumours in order to keep people from donating to the foundation,” he said.

When asked who spreads these rumours, Faisal believed “those who are backward, reactionary and hold extremist views” are responsible. “Mullahs and capitalists have always distressed Edhi,” he said.

He apologized the inconvenience state funeral caused for the public, but added that he would not waste resources of the foundation in a confrontation.  

“People are more than welcome to visit his grave whenever they like,” Faisal said.

He added that the foundation would be run according to his late father’s wishes and all the senior members who worked with his father would continue to be a part of his team as well.

 

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Zayn Malik launches clothing line which features Urdu script

Former boy band singer Zayn Malik launched a fashion line that pays tribute to his South Asian roots. After composing a song in Urdu, Malik has now launched a clothing line that is inspired by the Urdu language.

Zayn Malik’s debut album Mine of Mine has been launched with a corresponding fashion line. The collection consists of 23 pieces of clothing that feature the Urdu script. The words ‘Zayn’ and ‘Mind’ are written in bold letters on hoodies and jackets.

Speaking to Vogue, Zayn said “Everything was created with the idea that this is something I would want to wear. I wanted to approach this as an opportunity to extend my ideas as an artist, and to give fans another facet of who I am.”

He stated that the idea behind the use of Urdu script on the clothes was to give his fans and insight into a different facet of his life.

“My family is from Pakistan, so having artwork in Urdu has huge significance to me,” said the 23 year old.

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Zayn Malik launches clothing line which features Urdu script

Former boy band singer Zayn Malik launched a fashion line that pays tribute to his South Asian roots. After composing a song in Urdu, Malik has now launched a clothing line that is inspired by the Urdu language.

Zayn Malik?s debut album Mine of Mine has been launched with a corresponding fashion line. The collection consists of 23 pieces of clothing that feature the Urdu script. The words ?Zayn? and ?Mind? are written in bold letters on hoodies and jackets.

Speaking to Vogue, Zayn said ?Everything was created with the idea that this is something I would want to wear. I wanted to approach this as an opportunity to extend my ideas as an artist, and to give fans another facet of who I am.?

He stated that the idea behind the use of Urdu script on the clothes was to give his fans and insight into a different facet of his life.

?My family is from Pakistan, so having artwork in Urdu has huge significance to me,? said the 23 year old.

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Army has nothing to do with coup posters: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army has nothing to do with the posters urging Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif to launch a coup, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

“Reference posters with #COAS pic being displayed across various cities; Army or any affiliated organisation have nothing to do with it,” Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa wrote on his Twitter account.

Meanwhile politicians reacted to the presence of these mysterious posters.

Pakistan People's Party stalwart Aitezaz Ahsan said that there was no threat to democracy and the military neither wants nor it is in a position to launch a coup. 

He alleged that the government was involved in hanging the banners calling Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif to intervene and launch a military coup, aiming to intimidate and embarrass the opposition.

“There is neither threat to the democracy nor the Army is ready to take over but the government is itself displaying these banners with a purpose to put the opposition under pressure and to scare the opposition that the democracy is in danger,” he said while talking to media persons at the Parliament House on Tuesday.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed on Tuesday said the government has no courage to order the removal of banners installed by a so-called political party with the pictures of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif calling him to intervene and launch a military coup.

“A so-called political party has displayed the banners in Islamabad which are against the Constitution, but the government has not got the courage to order to remove these banners,” he said while talking to media persons here.

He said the hanging of the banners is a challenge to the writ of the government. The opposition leader said questions were also raised on the position of General Raheel. “I could say with firm belief that General Raheel Sharif did not even know about the politics done through these banners,” he added.

Thousands of banners were displayed on Tuesday in several cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Hyderabad seeking the army chief’s intervention.

A full-fledged campaign was also launched on the social media giving the impression that martial law is about to be imposed.

Ali Hashmi, the man who claims to be behind the banner campaign making undemocratic demand from Pakistan Army which not only damages the repute of COAS General Raheel Sharif but also of army as an institution, while talking to The News said that he wanted "those who are actually running the country to come forward and take over the country for real".

"Who is running the foreign policy of the country?" said Ali Hashmi adding: "Whether its foreign policy or natural calamity, it’s the army that comes forward".

Though Ali Hashmi claimed to be independent but tongues are wagging how a single person could hang tens of thousands of banners across Pakistan in just one night without any help from those who could do it.

Hashmi said that he has not received any response from the government or opposition or Pakistan Army regarding his undemocratic demand, which tantamount to high treason.

It is not the first time that Ali Hashmi has done this as just a few months ago when General Raheel Sharif had announced that he will not take any extension and would retire in November this year, he for the first time came out with his banner campaign demanding from General Raheel not to talk of retirement. Regarding his earlier campaign Hashmi said that it was too early for COAS to announce his retirement and that he did not want him to retire.

This time, Mr Hashmi has come forward with a demand which he in fact intended to make in his first banner campaign but could not make, i.e. asking General Raheel to impose Martial Law in the country.

"General Raheel should impose martial law in the country and make a government of technocrats and head it himself," Ali Hashmi said while explaining his recent banner campaign.

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Army has nothing to do with coup posters: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army has nothing to do with the posters urging Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif to launch a coup, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

?Reference posters with #COAS pic being displayed across various cities; Army or any affiliated organisation have nothing to do with it,? Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa wrote on his Twitter account.

Meanwhile politicians reacted to the presence of these mysterious posters.

Pakistan People's Party stalwart Aitezaz Ahsan said that there was no threat to democracy and the military neither wants nor it is in a position to launch a coup. 

He alleged that the government was involved in hanging the banners calling Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif to intervene and launch a military coup, aiming to intimidate and embarrass the opposition.

?There is neither threat to the democracy nor the Army is ready to take over but the government is itself displaying these banners with a purpose to put the opposition under pressure and to scare the opposition that the democracy is in danger,? he said while talking to media persons at the Parliament House on Tuesday.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed on Tuesday said the government has no courage to order the removal of banners installed by a so-called political party with the pictures of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif calling him to intervene and launch a military coup.

?A so-called political party has displayed the banners in Islamabad which are against the Constitution, but the government has not got the courage to order to remove these banners,? he said while talking to media persons here.

He said the hanging of the banners is a challenge to the writ of the government. The opposition leader said questions were also raised on the position of General Raheel. ?I could say with firm belief that General Raheel Sharif did not even know about the politics done through these banners,? he added.

Thousands of banners were displayed on Tuesday in several cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Hyderabad seeking the army chief?s intervention.

A full-fledged campaign was also launched on the social media giving the impression that martial law is about to be imposed.

Ali Hashmi, the man who claims to be behind the banner campaign making undemocratic demand from Pakistan Army which not only damages the repute of COAS General Raheel Sharif but also of army as an institution, while talking to The News said that he wanted "those who are actually running the country to come forward and take over the country for real".

"Who is running the foreign policy of the country?" said Ali Hashmi adding: "Whether its foreign policy or natural calamity, it?s the army that comes forward".

Though Ali Hashmi claimed to be independent but tongues are wagging how a single person could hang tens of thousands of banners across Pakistan in just one night without any help from those who could do it.

Hashmi said that he has not received any response from the government or opposition or Pakistan Army regarding his undemocratic demand, which tantamount to high treason.

It is not the first time that Ali Hashmi has done this as just a few months ago when General Raheel Sharif had announced that he will not take any extension and would retire in November this year, he for the first time came out with his banner campaign demanding from General Raheel not to talk of retirement. Regarding his earlier campaign Hashmi said that it was too early for COAS to announce his retirement and that he did not want him to retire.

This time, Mr Hashmi has come forward with a demand which he in fact intended to make in his first banner campaign but could not make, i.e. asking General Raheel to impose Martial Law in the country.

"General Raheel should impose martial law in the country and make a government of technocrats and head it himself," Ali Hashmi said while explaining his recent banner campaign.

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US to fight Taliban along with Afghan forces

KABUL: The senior US commander in Afghanistan will have greater freedom to strike at the Taliban under broad new powers approved last month by President Barack Obama, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Tuesday.

Carter, on an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, said the powers granted to General John Nicholson would allow ?much more efficient use and effective use of the forces we have here as well as the Afghan forces.?

The new authorities give US forces greater ability to accompany and enable Afghan forces battling a resilient Taliban insurgency, while also allowing greater use of US air power, particularly close air support. Previously, Nicholson ? who commands both the Nato-led Resolute Support mission and a separate US counter terrorism mission ? was only allowed to take action against the Taliban ?in extremis,? or moments when assistance was needed to prevent a significant Afghan military setback.

?Whereas previously he waited until a situation had developed in which Afghan forces really needed our enabling support, now he?s able to look ahead,? Carter said at a talk with American troops at the Bagram air base, flanked by Nicholson.

?That?s a better way of making use of what we have here now,? he said.Afghan forces, fighting largely on their own since the Nato-led mission ended most combat operations in 2014, have frequently asked for more combat assistance from their allies, particularly for close airstrikes.

Nicholson said the broader authorities were being used ?almost daily? in support of Afghan forces. He pointed to a significant pickup in the pace of US operations 18 months after the end of the main Nato combat mission.

A US military official said the new authorities had been used a couple of dozen times since they were approved by the White House in June.Carter?s visit comes days after Obama shelved plans to cut the US force in Afghanistan nearly in half by year?s end, opting instead to keep 8,400 troops there through to the end of his presidency in January.

Of that number, around 3,000 will be advising Afghan troops, and 3,300 will be working as ?enablers? in support roles, Nicholson said. An additional 400 troops based ?over the horizon? ? outside Afghanistan ? will round out the US contribution to the Nato mission. An additional 2,150 US troops will be focused on counter terrorism operations, he said.

As an example of how the new authorities are being used, Nicholson cited ?combat enablers? the United States had provided to the Afghans in their fight to expand the territory they control around the northern city of Kunduz. Such enablers can serve in a broad variety of roles, such as engineers or electronic warfare specialists.

He contrasted that with the US role last year, when Kunduz was briefly captured by the Taliban. At that time, the city was defended by Afghan forces battling largely without Nato?s support.

?It?s more of an offensive nature to that operation that we?re assisting,? Nicholson told reporters in Bagram.Americans have been backing up Afghan troops fighting Taliban militants in other hotly contested regions, including Uruzgan and Maiwand in Kandahar province in the south.

?I think all the uses have been right in line with the intended purpose that the president gave us,? Nicholson said.The Taliban have made major gains and are estimated to control more territory than at any time since they were driven from power by a US-led campaign in 2001 aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and denying it a safe haven in Afghanistan.

Carter, who met both Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah as well as senior US military commanders, said it was ?critical? that the national unity government formed after disputed elections in 2014 maintained stability.

Ghani thanked the United States as well as other Nato allies who last week pledged to maintain support for Afghanistan. He also praised Afghan forces, who he said had been ?standing tall? since the departure of foreign combat forces. 

AFP adds: US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter reiterated Washington?s support for ?courageous? Afghan security.Carter?s cautious praise came as President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the ?environment of trust? between Washington and Kabul at a joint news conference in the Afghan capital.

?The Afghan security forces have demonstrated the motivation, the will and the resilience in the face of a persistent enemy,? Carter said.?I have confidence in the ability of the Afghan forces... and I commend them for fighting courageously last year during a tough fighting season.?

But Carter offered a blunter assessment to US troops at Bagram air base north of Kabul, saying that without international financial and military support ?Afghan forces aren?t going to be able to solidify their control over the country?.

?And this democratic national unity government ain?t going to be able to do it,? he added, hours after his meeting with Ghani. ?Everybody knows that.?The Pentagon chief?s unannounced visit follows a renewed commitment to Afghanistan from Nato, which said over the weekend it would keep forces there until the end of 2017 at least.

Most are American, but around 40 countries have deployed troops there. Their official role is to train the Afghan forces, which are now responsible for their country?s security.Both Carter and Ghani also addressed the role of Afghanistan?s neighbour Pakistan, long accused by Kabul of sponsoring militants including the Taliban.

Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed by a US drone in Pakistan earlier this year in a strike that Islamabad said violated its sovereignty.But Carter, while stressing the US would work with Pakistan ?wherever it can? on extremism, warned that Washington would ?continue to target and strike terrorist leaders everywhere in the world where they might threaten Americans or our interests and our friends?.

?Pakistan has a fundamental decision to make,? added Ghani, who has loudly demanded in the past that Pakistan take action against the Taliban. ?There is no difference between good terrorists and bad terrorists.?

About 13,000 Nato troops are stationed in Afghanistan under the Operation Resolute Support to train and assist Afghan security forces.Nato has agreed about 12,000 will stay until at least 2017, though in reality local troops are likely to need foreign support and funding for years to come.

?Originally published in The News

 

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PM convenes special cabinet meeting to discuss deteriorating situation in IoK

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has convened a special cabinet meeting on Friday at Governor House Lahore to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Indian-occupied Kashmir, a statement issued by PM?s media office on Tuesday said.

According to the statement, the cabinet will discuss the oppressive actions of Indian security forces against innocent civilians and the overall situation in Kashmir after the brutal assassination of Burhan Wani.

 Earlier, on the directions of the Prime Minister, the Foreign Office called Indian High Commissioner and conveyed strong concerns of the Pakistani government and people on the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and increasing oppression by Indian security forces.

In addition, a detailed briefing was also given to the ambassadors of all permanent members of the United Nation Security Council regarding the atrocities of Indian security forces in Kashmir.

The prime minister will take the cabinet into confidence on these measures and also chalk out a future course of action on that issue.

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Death toll in occupied Kashmir clashes mounts to 35

SRINAGAR: Indian-occupied Kashmir´s main hospital struggled to treat hundreds of patients wounded in four days of clashes Tuesday, as medics warned that many could lose their eyesight from shotgun injuries.

As the overall death toll from the violence rose to 35, ambulances continued to deliver more victims to Srinagar´s Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS) where patients were sometimes forced to share beds.

An administrator said staff had been ordered not to speak to the press but wards were crammed with young boys and men, many of whom had suffered serious eye injuries caused by the firing of pellets by Indian troops.

An AFP correspondent who toured the teeming wards saw two patients to a bed, as doctors worked non-stop.

"Doctors are working in operating theatres round-the-clock. We´ve operated on 90 for serious eye injuries since Saturday morning," said a doctor in SMHS where many volunteers were helping to tend to the injured.

"Most of them have lost their eyesight in one eye. They are going to walk out of the hospital as one-eyed boys," the doctor added.

One of the youngsters told AFP he had been injured when paramilitary troops opened fire towards him and a group of his friends with pellet guns as they walked out of a mosque in Srinagar on Friday evening.

"I can´t see anything right now," the boy said, declining to give his name as he wiped away tears that were dripping out of the sides of his bandaged eyes.

A senior state administrator said at least 1,000 people have been injured in the clashes in Kashmir, which is India´s only Muslim-majority state, since Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani was martyred last Friday.

Much of the worst violence has been in the south of the capital Srinagar where security forces have used live fire, non-lethal pellet guns as well as tear gas to disperse crowds.

On Monday, hundreds of protesters tried to storm a military airbase about 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Srinagar before being repelled.

The death of 22-year-old Wani has sparked the deadliest clashes in Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were held against Indian rule.

Tens of thousands have died in the fighting since 1989.

Kashmir has been divided between rivals India and Pakistan since their independence from Britain in 1947, but both claim the picturesque Himalayan territory in its entirety.

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Wahab promises Pakistan will back ?younger brother? Amir

LONDON: Pakistan?s Wahab Riaz has insisted Mohammad Amir has the support of all his team-mates as he prepares to make his return to Test cricket at Lord?s on Thursday.

Fellow left-arm quick Amir?s career came to a dramatic halt during a Test against England at Lord?s in 2010, when he and new-ball partner Mohammad Asif were caught bowling no-balls to order on the instructions of captain Salman Butt as part of a tabloid newspaper sting operation.

All three received five-year bans from cricket and together with sports agent Mazhar Majeed, jail terms.

Amir, who served three months in an English young offenders institute, has only featured in the international game?s shorter formats since his return to Pakistan duty in January.

But the 24-year-old?s career will come full circle if, as expected, he makes his Test return in the first of a four-match series at Lord?s on Thursday.

Riaz, who made his Test debut at The Oval six years ago and also played in the controversial match at Lord?s, said Amir could handle being in the spotlight this week.

"I think he will deal with all those things," said Riaz at Lord?s on Tuesday.

"He is ready to answer with his performance -- and that is what counts."

Not all of Amir?s Pakistan colleagues welcomed him back with open arms to start with, but Riaz was adamant Tuesday the talented 24-year-old now had the support of the whole touring squad.

"No-one is reluctant," said Riaz.

"We all take him as our young brother -- he is a part of our family. We are all behind him."

He added: "What has happened has gone now.

"I want him to take five wickets in this Test match to get his name back and to get his image back which has been spoilt.

"If you make a mistake it doesn?t mean that you are out of (excluded from) this world."

?Cheated?

 But former Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja, who was commentating at Lord?s in 2010, was less certain about whether Amir deserved a second chance.

"I tend to disagree a little bit because I?ve always felt that Pakistan has a bad history of fixing and all that kind of stuff," said Raja, a member of the MCC world cricket committee meeting at Lord?s on Tuesday.

"It?s an emotional subject for me, but on the other hand, he is a great talent.

"I?m sure his mates will help him. Initially, there was a little bit of concern regarding his comeback among the Pakistan players also because they felt cheated in a way.

"Then they calmed down and now they are trying to get along with him."

He added: "I stick by my initial reaction but if he?s making a comeback, all the best to him."

However, committee chairman Mike Brearley said Amir deserved an opportunity to make a return to Test cricket.

"I think he was like King Lear, ?more sinned against than sinning?," explained former England captain Brearley in a reference to the Shakespeare play.

"He was sinning, he did wrong, he was very foolish indeed.

"But he was misled by senior players and I think there has to be a gradation in guilt.

"It seems to me that what he got was about right. He served his time, he has been in prison, he has been disgraced and he has been stopped from playing for five years.

"He has also shown remorse and taken part in education programmes in Pakistan."

Asked if Amir would get a tough reception from the Lord?s crowd on Thursday, Brearley replied: "None of us are without mistakes and he was a young fellow and misled. I hope he?s given a generous response."

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Wahab promises Pakistan will back ?younger brother? Amir

LONDON: Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz has insisted Mohammad Amir has the support of all his team-mates as he prepares to make his return to Test cricket at Lord’s on Thursday.

Fellow left-arm quick Amir’s career came to a dramatic halt during a Test against England at Lord’s in 2010, when he and new-ball partner Mohammad Asif were caught bowling no-balls to order on the instructions of captain Salman Butt as part of a tabloid newspaper sting operation.

All three received five-year bans from cricket and together with sports agent Mazhar Majeed, jail terms.

Amir, who served three months in an English young offenders institute, has only featured in the international game’s shorter formats since his return to Pakistan duty in January.

But the 24-year-old’s career will come full circle if, as expected, he makes his Test return in the first of a four-match series at Lord’s on Thursday.

Riaz, who made his Test debut at The Oval six years ago and also played in the controversial match at Lord’s, said Amir could handle being in the spotlight this week.

"I think he will deal with all those things," said Riaz at Lord’s on Tuesday.

"He is ready to answer with his performance -- and that is what counts."

Not all of Amir’s Pakistan colleagues welcomed him back with open arms to start with, but Riaz was adamant Tuesday the talented 24-year-old now had the support of the whole touring squad.

"No-one is reluctant," said Riaz.

"We all take him as our young brother -- he is a part of our family. We are all behind him."

He added: "What has happened has gone now.

"I want him to take five wickets in this Test match to get his name back and to get his image back which has been spoilt.

"If you make a mistake it doesn’t mean that you are out of (excluded from) this world."

‘Cheated’

 But former Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja, who was commentating at Lord’s in 2010, was less certain about whether Amir deserved a second chance.

"I tend to disagree a little bit because I’ve always felt that Pakistan has a bad history of fixing and all that kind of stuff," said Raja, a member of the MCC world cricket committee meeting at Lord’s on Tuesday.

"It’s an emotional subject for me, but on the other hand, he is a great talent.

"I’m sure his mates will help him. Initially, there was a little bit of concern regarding his comeback among the Pakistan players also because they felt cheated in a way.

"Then they calmed down and now they are trying to get along with him."

He added: "I stick by my initial reaction but if he’s making a comeback, all the best to him."

However, committee chairman Mike Brearley said Amir deserved an opportunity to make a return to Test cricket.

"I think he was like King Lear, ‘more sinned against than sinning’," explained former England captain Brearley in a reference to the Shakespeare play.

"He was sinning, he did wrong, he was very foolish indeed.

"But he was misled by senior players and I think there has to be a gradation in guilt.

"It seems to me that what he got was about right. He served his time, he has been in prison, he has been disgraced and he has been stopped from playing for five years.

"He has also shown remorse and taken part in education programmes in Pakistan."

Asked if Amir would get a tough reception from the Lord’s crowd on Thursday, Brearley replied: "None of us are without mistakes and he was a young fellow and misled. I hope he’s given a generous response."

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Malinga, Morkel join players? roster for second edition of PSL

LAHORE: More foreign stars have joined lucrative Pakistan Super League (PSL) as Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Lasith Malinga and South African all-rounder Albie Morkel are latest players to join the players’ roster for the second edition of the league, ahead of the players’ draft.

A statement from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed that both the players have agreed to be the part of players’ draft which will be held in October this year.

Malinga and Morkel have joined former Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum and current England ODI and T20 skipper Eoin Morgan as the latest players to have signed up for PSL.

Malinga, who captained Sri Lanka to the 2014 ICC World T20 trophy, had to withdraw from last year’s player draft because of an injury.

Known for his famous yorkers, “Malinga the Slinger” has picked up 299 wickets in 221 T20 matches.

Morkel’s impressive T20 record â€"3,767 runs and 230 wickets in 287 matches â€" will attract interest as teams look to bolster their line-ups for conditions in the United Arab Emirates.

According to PSL, the player retention ahead of the second edition is currently open during which franchises have the option of retaining up to 16 players from their existing squads, along with the concurrently open player transfer window giving teams the option of using their draft pick order and / or existing squads to trade.

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Talk about extension in tenure of COAS akin to weakening Zarb-e-Azb: Rashid

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid Tuesday said any talk about an extension in tenure of the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif amounts to undermining operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Talking to media here he said, ?There is still time for the army chief to complete his tenure, and it is not appropriate to talk on this issue.?

The minister said Pakistan would inform the world about the barbarity and atrocities of India in Occupied Kashmir.

?We are bringing before the world the human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir.?

He said Pakistan would continue to make progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

The minister said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was not using official resources in the Azad and Jammu Kashmir (AJK) elections while the Pakistan People?s Party had used official resources of AJK in 2011 polls.

?We go to the AJK as the representatives of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz,? he added.

Pervaiz Rashid said the work done by late Agha Nasir including dramas was a beacon for the media and had assumed the status of an academy.

The parameters adopted by Pakistan Television were reflective of the society he added.

Earlier, The News reported that General Raheel Sharif has been firm, right from the beginning of his tenure as the army chief, on not getting an extension in service on the grounds that it compromises good governance.

A federal minister confided to The News? correspondent that in a private gathering during the first year of his tenure, General Raheel said that even otherwise, being a member of a family which is the recipient of two the most prestigious military awards of Nishan-e-Haider, he would never want to be an army chief on an extension.

This was the spontaneous response of General Raheel to a question hurled in a private meeting of his well-wishers held within eight months of his assuming charge as Chief of Army Staff.

General Raheel became Army Chief on Nov 29, 2013, and is now scheduled to retire on November 30 this year after completing three years in office.

The high point in his tenure was the start of operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in June 2014, something from which his predecessor shied away fearing blowback. The operation is now in its last stages. He is also credited for action against militancy in Karachi and partially restoring calm in the city.

Defence observers believe that General Raheel?s decision would boost the morale of his ranks. They also do not agree that he would be a lame duck chief during the remaining part of his tenure.

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Talk about extension in tenure of COAS akin to weakening Zarb-e-Azb: Rashid

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid Tuesday said any talk about an extension in tenure of the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif amounts to undermining operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Talking to media here he said, “There is still time for the army chief to complete his tenure, and it is not appropriate to talk on this issue.”

The minister said Pakistan would inform the world about the barbarity and atrocities of India in Occupied Kashmir.

“We are bringing before the world the human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir.”

He said Pakistan would continue to make progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

The minister said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was not using official resources in the Azad and Jammu Kashmir (AJK) elections while the Pakistan People’s Party had used official resources of AJK in 2011 polls.

“We go to the AJK as the representatives of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz,” he added.

Pervaiz Rashid said the work done by late Agha Nasir including dramas was a beacon for the media and had assumed the status of an academy.

The parameters adopted by Pakistan Television were reflective of the society he added.

Earlier, The News reported that General Raheel Sharif has been firm, right from the beginning of his tenure as the army chief, on not getting an extension in service on the grounds that it compromises good governance.

A federal minister confided to The News’ correspondent that in a private gathering during the first year of his tenure, General Raheel said that even otherwise, being a member of a family which is the recipient of two the most prestigious military awards of Nishan-e-Haider, he would never want to be an army chief on an extension.

This was the spontaneous response of General Raheel to a question hurled in a private meeting of his well-wishers held within eight months of his assuming charge as Chief of Army Staff.

General Raheel became Army Chief on Nov 29, 2013, and is now scheduled to retire on November 30 this year after completing three years in office.

The high point in his tenure was the start of operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in June 2014, something from which his predecessor shied away fearing blowback. The operation is now in its last stages. He is also credited for action against militancy in Karachi and partially restoring calm in the city.

Defence observers believe that General Raheel’s decision would boost the morale of his ranks. They also do not agree that he would be a lame duck chief during the remaining part of his tenure.

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MQM Rabitta Committee member taken into custody: reports

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Rabitta Committee member Izhar Ahmed has been allegedly taken into custody by Pakistan Rangers in Karachi, reports said on Tuesday.

According to the unconfirmed reports, Izhar Ahmed was arrested from Karachi?s Federal B. Area.

Izhar Ahmed was arrested from the house of another Rabitta Committee member Abdul Haseeb Khan, said the reports.

Meanwhile, the MQM called for the immediate release of Izhar Ahmed.

The party?s Rabitta Committee in a statement appealed to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain to take notice of the incident.

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Clean sweep against England can take Pakistan to top slot in ICC rankings

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket team will be aiming for the top position in the ICC Test ranking when it faces England in a four-match series starting on Thursday.

Pakistan is currently ranked third in the ICC Test ranking with 111 points; a 3-0 win against England will push Pakistan to the top position in the ranking charts.

A win for Pakistan by a 2-1 or 3-1 margin, will help it leapfrog India into second place, a position Pakistan has achieved only once in November last year when it defeated England 2-0 in the United Arab Emirates.

For England, a 2-1 or 1-0 win will be enough for it to go past Pakistan in the points table, currently led by Australia at 118 points. Either of these results will see England lift to 110 points and Pakistan slip down to 107 rating points.

Current ICC Test Rankings
1	Australia	118
2	India	112
3	Pakistan	111
4	England	108
5	New Zealand	98
6	South Africa	92
7	Sri Lanka	85
8	West Indies	65
9	Bangladesh	57

 

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Gunmen spray car with bullets, injure two in Karachi

KARACHI: At least two people were critically injured on Tuesday when unknown gunmen opened fire at a car near DOW University Ojha campus.

According to details, gunmen were trying to rob the men in the car when a security guard accompanying them shot at them,resulting in an exchange of fire.

Gunshots from the security guard injured the robbers, source said.

SSP East Faisal Abdullah said that this was a street crime incident.

The car had a government number plate, police said.

 

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Gunmen spray car with bullets, injure two in Karachi

KARACHI: At least two people were critically injured on Tuesday when unknown gunmen opened fire at a car near DOW University Ojha campus.

According to details, gunmen were trying to rob the men in the car when a security guard accompanying them shot at them,resulting in an exchange of fire.

Gunshots from the security guard injured the robbers, source said.

SSP East Faisal Abdullah said that this was a street crime incident.

The car had a government number plate, police said.

 

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Honda co-develops first hybrid car motor free of heavy rare earth metals

Honda Motor Co Ltd on Tuesday said it has co-developed the world's first motor for hybrid cars that uses no heavy rare earth metals, a breakthrough that would reduce its dependence on the expensive materials, which are controlled mainly by China.

Hybrid vehicles, which combine a gasoline engine and electric motor for better mileage, have gone mainstream in many developed countries but procuring a steady supply of rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium has been a challenge.

Automakers have been trying to diversify their source of the materials to ease their dependence on China, which had in 2010 imposed a temporary, de facto ban on exports of rare earth minerals to Japan as the two nations engaged in territorial disputes.

Honda, Japan's third-largest automaker, said on Tuesday the technology, developed with Daido Steel Co Ltd, will be used in the next Freed minivan to be unveiled this autumn.

The redesigned motor still uses the light rare earth element neodymium, which can be found in North America and Australia, in addition to China.

Honda is aiming for new-energy vehicles, including gasoline-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric and fuel cell vehicles to account for two-thirds of its line-up by 2030, from around 5 percent now.

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Honda co-develops first hybrid car motor free of heavy rare earth metals

Honda Motor Co Ltd on Tuesday said it has co-developed the world's first motor for hybrid cars that uses no heavy rare earth metals, a breakthrough that would reduce its dependence on the expensive materials, which are controlled mainly by China.

Hybrid vehicles, which combine a gasoline engine and electric motor for better mileage, have gone mainstream in many developed countries but procuring a steady supply of rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium has been a challenge.

Automakers have been trying to diversify their source of the materials to ease their dependence on China, which had in 2010 imposed a temporary, de facto ban on exports of rare earth minerals to Japan as the two nations engaged in territorial disputes.

Honda, Japan's third-largest automaker, said on Tuesday the technology, developed with Daido Steel Co Ltd, will be used in the next Freed minivan to be unveiled this autumn.

The redesigned motor still uses the light rare earth element neodymium, which can be found in North America and Australia, in addition to China.

Honda is aiming for new-energy vehicles, including gasoline-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric and fuel cell vehicles to account for two-thirds of its line-up by 2030, from around 5 percent now.

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APS Girls Peshawar student grabs top position in matric exams

PESHAWAR: Army Public School Peshawar student Manal Amir secured first position in Secondary School Certificate (SSC) annual examination 2016, as the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) announced results on Tuesday.

All top three positions were clenched by girls according to the matric results.

Almost two years after the traumatic APS Peshawar attack, students of the region proved that terrorism could not dampen their enthusiasm for gaining education.

More than 140 people including 132 children were martyred in Taliban attack on APS Peshawar on December 16, 2014. 

 

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APS Girls Peshawar student grabs top position in matric exams

PESHAWAR: Army Public School Peshawar student Manal Amir secured first position in Secondary School Certificate (SSC) annual examination 2016, as the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) announced results on Tuesday.

All top three positions were clenched by girls according to the matric results.

Almost two years after the traumatic APS Peshawar attack, students of the region proved that terrorism could not dampen their enthusiasm for gaining education.

More than 140 people including 132 children were martyred in Taliban attack on APS Peshawar on December 16, 2014. 

 

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Third time lucky: Is Imran Khan tying the knot again?

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan is hoping to get married for a third time, sources told Geo News on Tuesday, months after the former-cricketer-turned-politician's divorce with television journalist Reham Khan.

In an interview with an Indian newspaper earlier this week, Khan hinted towards another marriage, saying that despite two failed marriages, he would prefer to tie the knot a third time rather than spending life as a bachelor.

"I led a very envied bachelor?s life. Many people would have loved to have the kind of life I?ve led, but if you get marriage right, it is a very civilised way of life," he said the interview with the Hindustan Times.

But Naeemul Haque, spokesman for the PTI chairman, denied the reports.

"Rumours about IK [Imran Khan] getting married are totally wrong. He is spending time with his boys in England and will be back in Pakistan on Sunday," said Naeemul Haque in a message posted on Twitter.

Trusted family sources told Geo News that Khan discussed plans of a third marriage with his sisters on Eid in Lahore.

One of the sources said it was agreed that a third marriage must happen for various reasons, but they added that his sisters were not aware of any further development over the issue.

However, sources say Khan has taken the advice of Bushra Al Maroof 'Pinky', a member of the Manikka family from Pakpattan who Khan reportedly considers his 'spiritual guru', to tie the knot with a certain girl.

Bushra, the wife of Customs officer Khawar Fareed Manikka, is said to solve people's problems through 'spiritual means', and has allegedly also given a ring to Khan which he is said to be wearing regularly these days.

The exact identity of the girl with whom Khan has allegedly decided to marry has yet to be confirmed by reliable sources.

But, in a statement denying the reports, Khan's spokesman said the rumours were baseless.

He said that Khan has left the decision of his third marriage up to his sisters, and that he would inform the media if he receives any such information.

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Special Court asks Interior Ministry to submit response in high treason case

ISLAMABAD: The Special Court on Tuesday asked the Interior Ministry to submit a response over not providing details of former president Pervez Musharraf’s property in the high treason case.

The three-member Special Court under Justice Mazhar Alam Mian Khel heard the case.

The court observed that the ex-president did not present before it despite its constant summons.

Justice Khel said that Pervez Musharraf's lawyers would not be given further chances for hearing.

The justice said that Musharraf’s lawyers would be allowed to sit during the hearing although the court would not hear their arguments.

The court remarked that the prosecution also expressed lack of interest in the proceedings.

The court subsequently adjourned the hearing until July 19.

In March 2014, Musharraf was formally indicted over treason charges for imposing emergency and the Provisional Constitutional Order on November 3, 2007.

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Special Court asks Interior Ministry to submit response in high treason case

ISLAMABAD: The Special Court on Tuesday asked the Interior Ministry to submit a response over not providing details of former president Pervez Musharraf?s property in the high treason case.

The three-member Special Court under Justice Mazhar Alam Mian Khel heard the case.

The court observed that the ex-president did not present before it despite its constant summons.

Justice Khel said that Pervez Musharraf's lawyers would not be given further chances for hearing.

The justice said that Musharraf?s lawyers would be allowed to sit during the hearing although the court would not hear their arguments.

The court remarked that the prosecution also expressed lack of interest in the proceedings.

The court subsequently adjourned the hearing until July 19.

In March 2014, Musharraf was formally indicted over treason charges for imposing emergency and the Provisional Constitutional Order on November 3, 2007.

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Cop killed youth at S.M.C.H: police

KARACHI: Police on Tuesday identified a constable who gunned down an unarmed youth Abrar at Sindhi Muslim Housing Society last night.

Constable Kalimullah from the Counter Terrorism Department gunned down Abrar.

The cops accused of the murder said that they had spotted a suspicious car near Lucky Star and followed it.

When the car reached Sindhi Muslim Housing Society Kalimullah opened fire at him, initial statement with the recorded with the police stated.

The policemen were scared when they found out at that Abrar and Dilnawaz, who was driving the car, were unarmed, they said.

They fled before the area police arrived at the crime scene.

Police has confiscated weapons of the accused policemen.

Early Monday morning unidentified policemen gunned down Abrar and injured Dilawar who was driving.

According to details, Abrar Hussain and Dilnawaz were trying to close a mobile phone deal when Dilnawaz drove away his car without paying. Abrar hung on to the car as it sped on, eye witnesses said.

A police mobile crossing by opened fire at the car killing Abrar and injuring Dilnawaz, eye witnesses added.

The two, Abrar and Dilnawaz, had met each other through an online portal for selling phones.

Jinnah Hospital Medico-legal officer Dr Shehzad said that Abrar had been shot thrice.

A Geo News reporter who visited the crime scene said that the Dilnawaz’s car had been shot at several time. The car was riddled with about 30 bullets, he said.

Abrar’s family protested against the murder.

 

 

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Underground gas pipeline bursts in Karachi's Mehmoodabad area

KARACHI: An underground pipeline of the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) in Karachi burst on Tuesday, with flames and flammable gas emitting from the hole in the ground.

The fire which engulfed the opening in the ground where the pipeline had burst was later put out.

"The pipeline caught fire this morning, and this happened a week ago as well. The SSGC people came and left after checking the pipeline," said a local resident of the area.

"This pipeline has been leaking at multiple points for some time now. We have complained several times but to no avail," he added.

Another local resident feared the gas leakage might result in a major fire if left unchecked.

No loss of life was reported from the incident, but the pipeline was still said to be leaking gas at the time of filing of this report.

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Underground gas pipeline bursts in Karachi's Mehmoodabad area

KARACHI: An underground pipeline of the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) in Karachi burst on Tuesday, with flames and flammable gas emitting from the hole in the ground.

The fire which engulfed the opening in the ground where the pipeline had burst was later put out.

"The pipeline caught fire this morning, and this happened a week ago as well. The SSGC people came and left after checking the pipeline," said a local resident of the area.

"This pipeline has been leaking at multiple points for some time now. We have complained several times but to no avail," he added.

Another local resident feared the gas leakage might result in a major fire if left unchecked.

No loss of life was reported from the incident, but the pipeline was still said to be leaking gas at the time of filing of this report.

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Thousands of banners in several cities seek army chief's intervention

ISLAMABAD:  After the Chairman US Senate’s Armed Services Committee, Senator John McCain, on Friday said that he is deeply impressed by Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif's leadership skills and hopes that the general continues to lead Pakistan, thousands of banners were displayed in several cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Hyderabad seeking the army chief’s intervention.

A full-fledged campaign was also launched on the social media giving the impression that martial law is about to be imposed. On top of political parties being defamed on the social media is PML-N, followed by PPP, MQM, JUI, PkMAP and ANP. Leaders including Nawaz, Zardari and Maulana Fazlur Rahman are also on the hit list of Facebook intellectuals.

The person, who spent tens of millions of rupees on the posters calling General Raheel Sharif to "take over" as he displayed such posters all over Pakistan, kept on waiting for a response from government, opposition and Pakistan army but he was not given any importance, for which he did all this.

Ali Hashmi, the man who claims to be behind the banner campaign making undemocratic demand from Pakistan Army which not only damages the repute of COAS General Raheel Sharif but also of army as an institution, while talking to The News said that he wanted "those who are actually running the country to come forward and take over the country for real".

"Who is running the foreign policy of the country?" said Ali Hashmi adding: "Whether its foreign policy or natural calamity, it’s the army that comes forward".

Though Ali Hashmi claimed to be independent but tongues are wagging how a single person could hang tens of thousands of banners across Pakistan in just one night without any help from those who could do it.

Hashmi said that he has not received any response from the government or opposition or Pakistan Army regarding his undemocratic demand, which tantamount to high treason.

It is not the first time that Ali Hashmi has done this as just a few months ago when General Raheel Sharif had announced that he will not take any extension and would retire in November this year, he for the first time came out with his banner campaign demanding from General Raheel not to talk of retirement. Regarding his earlier campaign Hashmi said that it was too early for COAS to announce his retirement and that he did not want him to retire.

This time, Mr Hashmi has come forward with a demand which he in fact intended to make in his first banner campaign but could not make, i.e. asking General Raheel to impose Martial Law in the country.

"General Raheel should impose martial law in the country and make a government of technocrats and head it himself," Ali Hashmi said while explaining his recent banner campaign.

Though Mr Hashmi was not given any importance by not responding to his banner campaign through which he managed to erect tens of thousands of banners across Pakistan in one night but his campaign is clearly denting the credibility of COAS as making undemocratic demand from an army chief who has taken on terrorists head-on and has managed to bag many successes in Pakistan’s fight against terror.

When the army chief himself has announced to retire on due date, how come a person hang tens of thousands of banners across the country making such a demand which only maligns Pakistan army's image in the eyes of general public.

Demand of a single person does not matter but if posters are erected across the country asking COAS to impose Martial Law means the person is trying to tarnish the image of General Raheel Sharif and Pakistan army which has been earned hard through professionalism and dedication.

If the likes of Ali Hashmi are not given shut-up call by Pakistan army, government and opposition, such people will continue to tarnish the image of Pakistan Army and COAS by making undemocratic demands though banner campaigns.

â€"Originally published in The News

 

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Shahbaz Sharif receives UAE minister in Lahore

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif received United Arab Emirates culture and social development minister on Tuesday.

Sheik Noman bin Mubarak met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and inquired about his health. The prime minister’s brother Shahbaz Sharif also attended the meeting.

The prime minister thanked the minister and said that UAE and Pakistan enjoyed strong ties and brotherly relations.

The prime minister returned after 48 days from London on July 9 where he was recuperating from an open heart surgery.

A dedicated Pakistan International Airline (PIA) Boeing 777 aircraft brought the prime minister and his camp office back home from London.

The aircraft landed at the Lahore airport around 7:00PM on Saturday evening.

Security was beefed up in and around the airport for the prime minister’s arrival. According to sources, over 1,800 security personnel were deployed at the airport.

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Shahbaz Sharif receives UAE minister in Lahore

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif received United Arab Emirates culture and social development minister on Tuesday.

Sheik Noman bin Mubarak met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and inquired about his health. The prime minister?s brother Shahbaz Sharif also attended the meeting.

The prime minister thanked the minister and said that UAE and Pakistan enjoyed strong ties and brotherly relations.

The prime minister returned after 48 days from London on July 9 where he was recuperating from an open heart surgery.

A dedicated Pakistan International Airline (PIA) Boeing 777 aircraft brought the prime minister and his camp office back home from London.

The aircraft landed at the Lahore airport around 7:00PM on Saturday evening.

Security was beefed up in and around the airport for the prime minister?s arrival. According to sources, over 1,800 security personnel were deployed at the airport.

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Broadcaster Agha Nasir passes away

ISLAMABAD: Former Director General Radio Pakistan and Managing Director PTV Agha Nasir passed away in Islamabad on Tuesday.

His funeral prayers will be offered after Asar prayers today.

He was born on 9th February 1937 in Mumbai, India.

Agha was a true celebrity in the Pakistani TV industry. He started off as a broadcaster for the Pakistan Radio in 1955, and by the time television came to Pakistan in 1964, he had already made known for himself as a radio writer, broadcaster and producer.

Agha Nasir had directed different Pakistani movies, and had worked with Pakistani stars including Waheed Murad and Talat Iqbal. Apart from direction, he was also a much admired writer.

Agha Nasir also contributed in the design of the logo of PTV. He also produced drama serials, such as Girah and Pani Peh Naam. One of his directions, Taleem-e-Balighan, is considered as the one of the best stage dramas ever to have aired on PTV.

He also received President's Pride of Performance Award.

Agha Nasir authored six books. His latest book 'This is PTV: Another Day, Another World', traces the history of Pakistan?s first television channel.

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Broadcaster Agha Nasir passes away

ISLAMABAD: Former Director General Radio Pakistan and Managing Director PTV Agha Nasir passed away in Islamabad on Tuesday.

His funeral prayers will be offered after Asar prayers today.

He was born on 9th February 1937 in Mumbai, India.

Agha was a true celebrity in the Pakistani TV industry. He started off as a broadcaster for the Pakistan Radio in 1955, and by the time television came to Pakistan in 1964, he had already made known for himself as a radio writer, broadcaster and producer.

Agha Nasir had directed different Pakistani movies, and had worked with Pakistani stars including Waheed Murad and Talat Iqbal. Apart from direction, he was also a much admired writer.

Agha Nasir also contributed in the design of the logo of PTV. He also produced drama serials, such as Girah and Pani Peh Naam. One of his directions, Taleem-e-Balighan, is considered as the one of the best stage dramas ever to have aired on PTV.

He also received President's Pride of Performance Award.

Agha Nasir authored six books. His latest book 'This is PTV: Another Day, Another World', traces the history of Pakistan’s first television channel.

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Ali's gloves, Frazier's jockstrap from famed 1971 fight go on sale

A jockstrap worn by boxer Joe Frazier when he defeated Muhammad Ali for the combined heavyweight title hit the auction block on Monday, along with the gloves Ali wore in that 1971 bout dubbed the "Fight of the Century."

The jockstrap - expected to sell for $10,000 - already met its minimum bid of $5,000 bid by mid-morning, said Ken Goldin, owner of Goldin Auctions of Runnemede, New Jersey.

No bids had yet been received for the gloves, which are expected to sell for more than $1 million, Goldin said.

The auction concludes with live bidding on Aug. 4.

"People used to make jokes about auctioning off jockstraps as an example of something outrageous," Goldin told Reuters. "Here we got one consigned for sale."

The memorabilia went on sale just over a month after Ali's death at an Arizona hospital at age 74. Frazier died in 2011.

Both fighters were undefeated when they met up in the match on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Frazier defeated Ali in a unanimous, 15-round decision.

After the fight, Frazier gave the jockstrap to corner-man David Wolf, according to Goldin. Wolf, who was in the Frazier corner for all three of his fights with Ali, later became a manager for Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini and other boxers.

The jockstrap was found in Wolf's apartment in New York after his death in 2009.

Minimum bids were set at $5,000 for the jockstrap and $250,000 for the gloves.

"Similar (Ali) gloves have sold in the millions,? Goldin said. "And that was before he died."

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