Rahat Fateh Ali Khan unites Bollywood and Qawwali in UK shows

Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, known for both Bollywood hits and Qawwali, Sufi devotional music that dates back more than 700 years, is taking the two genres to Britain in August for three concerts.

Khan, who performed at last year's Nobel Peace Prize awards, said his brief British tour would include classical music from Pakistan as well as popular songs from Indian movies, including the recent film "Sultan".

In one of his first interviews with international media, Khan spoke about the challenges faced by the Pakistani music industry and his efforts to promote the musical legacy of his uncle, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a Qawwali master who died in 1997. 

Q: What can people expect from your concerts in London, Manchester and Coventry?

A: "We'll be performing three segments for viewers and listeners. The first one is the music they've been listening to for many years. The other segment we'll perform is what they miss, and that's the 'unplugged' version. And the third segment, which is the most important (one) that they miss, is Qawwali. We'll perform all three segments over more than three hours."

Q: What is it like to be part of an acclaimed musical family?

A: "I think that our family is very fortunate, very lucky, that on their own merit, from themselves, using whatever means necessary, singing Qawwali, in all corners and areas, in every place, singing in villages, they've promoted it. Its reputation, its respect, they've increased this for the listeners. It's not a bad thing to have done. It gives birth to spirituality and brings peace to life that everyone would have experienced, whoever is a Qawwali listener, they would see how calm they are."

Q: If there was anyone in the world you could collaborate with on a song, who would it be?

A: "He is no longer in this world. Michael Jackson. I'm a fan of his, a very big fan. Unfortunately, it did not happen. After him, the next person I liked was Whitney (Houston). And even she ... I think I'm so much late." 

Q: What is the future of the music industry in Pakistan?

A: "In Pakistan, there's the unfortunate situation that there is no music label there to promote music like there used to be ... (But) Pakistani artists are still recognized. This is their greatness. I will say that the pride within them, the frustration, the power, it is this which takes them forward." 

Q: What's the main difference between working in the Pakistani and Indian film industries?

A: "The difference in working in Pakistan is that in the past 40 years, Pakistan's music has not been accepted by the masses. It's only in the last 10 years that people in the industry have taken it into their hearts, or started to think about it. It's only been 10 years. Before that, the circumstances were really bad. People didn't even want their children to learn. But in the Indian film industry, from the moment a child is born, he is taught music, he is taken for classical classes." 

Q: What's next for Rahat Fateh Ali Khan?

A: "My upcoming projects are quite different, in which there is also international collaboration ... we'll launch this in 2017. And then there's "Jag Ghoomeya" (a song from the movie "Sultan"), which has just been released. People have liked it quite quickly and its had millions of hits just within days. It's a great song, very soulful tune, very Bollywood. And let me tell you that people are listening to Bollywood a lot. So for me, it's necessary to give importance to Bollywood. Because this way, then people will listen to my music. And when they listen, then I will sing whatever I wish, whatever's right, to the audience, and they will listen to it." 

Q: You were taught the Qawwali form by your uncle. Are you passing on this tradition? Who are you teaching, who is your prodigy?

A: "My brother, Wajahat Ali Khan, and my son, Shazman Ali Khan. My son, Shazman Ali Khan, he's 12 years old. Today, he's producing the kind of work that people who are around 36 years old usually produce ... He creates the music himself. He's started by himself to start playing the harmonium and he can even pick out my faults because he loves to listen to his grandfather, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. In today's world, where there's Justin (Bieber), this generation he's in, as a 12-year-old child, should listen to Justin. But at this age, he's listening to maestro Nusrate Fateh Ali Khan. He doesn't even listen to me." 

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?

A: "I always think that for each day of my life, the tune of that day is particular to that day. Each day brings a different tune and I follow whatever it is."

Read More

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan unites Bollywood and Qawwali in UK shows

Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, known for both Bollywood hits and Qawwali, Sufi devotional music that dates back more than 700 years, is taking the two genres to Britain in August for three concerts.

Khan, who performed at last year's Nobel Peace Prize awards, said his brief British tour would include classical music from Pakistan as well as popular songs from Indian movies, including the recent film "Sultan".

In one of his first interviews with international media, Khan spoke about the challenges faced by the Pakistani music industry and his efforts to promote the musical legacy of his uncle, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a Qawwali master who died in 1997. 

Q: What can people expect from your concerts in London, Manchester and Coventry?

A: "We'll be performing three segments for viewers and listeners. The first one is the music they've been listening to for many years. The other segment we'll perform is what they miss, and that's the 'unplugged' version. And the third segment, which is the most important (one) that they miss, is Qawwali. We'll perform all three segments over more than three hours."

Q: What is it like to be part of an acclaimed musical family?

A: "I think that our family is very fortunate, very lucky, that on their own merit, from themselves, using whatever means necessary, singing Qawwali, in all corners and areas, in every place, singing in villages, they've promoted it. Its reputation, its respect, they've increased this for the listeners. It's not a bad thing to have done. It gives birth to spirituality and brings peace to life that everyone would have experienced, whoever is a Qawwali listener, they would see how calm they are."

Q: If there was anyone in the world you could collaborate with on a song, who would it be?

A: "He is no longer in this world. Michael Jackson. I'm a fan of his, a very big fan. Unfortunately, it did not happen. After him, the next person I liked was Whitney (Houston). And even she ... I think I'm so much late." 

Q: What is the future of the music industry in Pakistan?

A: "In Pakistan, there's the unfortunate situation that there is no music label there to promote music like there used to be ... (But) Pakistani artists are still recognized. This is their greatness. I will say that the pride within them, the frustration, the power, it is this which takes them forward." 

Q: What's the main difference between working in the Pakistani and Indian film industries?

A: "The difference in working in Pakistan is that in the past 40 years, Pakistan's music has not been accepted by the masses. It's only in the last 10 years that people in the industry have taken it into their hearts, or started to think about it. It's only been 10 years. Before that, the circumstances were really bad. People didn't even want their children to learn. But in the Indian film industry, from the moment a child is born, he is taught music, he is taken for classical classes." 

Q: What's next for Rahat Fateh Ali Khan?

A: "My upcoming projects are quite different, in which there is also international collaboration ... we'll launch this in 2017. And then there's "Jag Ghoomeya" (a song from the movie "Sultan"), which has just been released. People have liked it quite quickly and its had millions of hits just within days. It's a great song, very soulful tune, very Bollywood. And let me tell you that people are listening to Bollywood a lot. So for me, it's necessary to give importance to Bollywood. Because this way, then people will listen to my music. And when they listen, then I will sing whatever I wish, whatever's right, to the audience, and they will listen to it." 

Q: You were taught the Qawwali form by your uncle. Are you passing on this tradition? Who are you teaching, who is your prodigy?

A: "My brother, Wajahat Ali Khan, and my son, Shazman Ali Khan. My son, Shazman Ali Khan, he's 12 years old. Today, he's producing the kind of work that people who are around 36 years old usually produce ... He creates the music himself. He's started by himself to start playing the harmonium and he can even pick out my faults because he loves to listen to his grandfather, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. In today's world, where there's Justin (Bieber), this generation he's in, as a 12-year-old child, should listen to Justin. But at this age, he's listening to maestro Nusrate Fateh Ali Khan. He doesn't even listen to me." 

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?

A: "I always think that for each day of my life, the tune of that day is particular to that day. Each day brings a different tune and I follow whatever it is."

Read More

Obama praises Muslim contribution towards America in White House Eid Milan

President Barack Obama recognized the efforts, contributions and achievements of American Muslims and called for tolerance in the American society in his speech made at the White House Eid celebration.

?You?re the doctors we trust with our health, the entrepreneurs who create jobs, artists who inspire us and activists for social justice who are on the front line in the fight for equality; you are the athletes that we cheer for,? said the president to a number of Muslim attendees.

Obama spoke of the role that Muslims have played in building the American society, as artists, architects, doctors, police personnel and members of the army who risk their lives to keep America?s freedom intact.

The Muslim war veterans present at the event were cheered for by the president and the people in attendance.

Speaking further about the role of Muslims that keep people safe, the president mentioned Malik Aziz, deputy police chief of Dallas in his role at helping uplift the city still shakes by the recent attacks o law enforcement.

The president?s speech was met with loud cheers as he continued to speak highly of American Muslims and emphasized on tolerance and respect toward them.

?No, no, no, Michelle is gonna come down and scold me,? he jokes as chants of ?4 more years? rang loud during his speech.

?Muslim Americans are as patriotic, as integrated as American as any other members of the American family and whether your family has been here for generations or you?re a new arrival you?re an essential part of the fabric of our country,? added Obama, and urged them to reject hatred and discrimination, reiterating the need for Muslim Americans and "all Americans" to stand together and "look out for one another."

 

 

Read More

Girl attacked with acid for refusing marriage proposal in Karachi

KARACHI: A teenage girl was reported to have received 50 percent burn wounds after a man threw acid at her for daring to reject his marriage proposal, insider her residence located in Khwaja Ajmer Nagri, on Thursday.

Sixteen-year-old Sana, daughter of Abdul Ghafoor, was attacked by her landlord’s son, Usman.

Arrested by the Sir Syed Town police following the incident, the boy had been released from jail only three days ago where he was sent last month after the girl had complained of his misbehaviour.

The girl was taken to the Civil Hospital by her parents in a critical condition where the medico-legal officer confirmed that 50 percent of her chest and face were burnt. She was currently being treated at the hospital’s Burns Ward.

With lax laws and even shoddier implementation affording perpetrators freedom to operate, gender-based violence remains rampant in Pakistan and females bear the brunt of what truly is a matter of national shame.

In 2015, as monitored by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), 939 women became victims of sexual violence, 279 of domestic violence, 143 women were attacked with acid or were set on fire, 833 women were kidnapped, and 987 cases of honour crimes occurred in which a staggering majority of victims were women.

In July last year, a teenage girl's ex-fiancé, a policeman, threw acid on her, her brother and a child following her family’s refusal of his marriage proposal. Raheela, 19, was returning home from a beauty parlour when police constable Zeeshan alias Ali, who was posted at the Boat Basin police station, threw acid on her, her brother Jan Muhammad and nephew Hadi in Metroville II, Abul Hassan Ispahani Road.

Acid attacks are made possible by the easy availability of acid as a cheap cleaning fluid, or for use in the cotton industry. Laws introduced last year set a minimum sentence of 14 years and a maximum of life for acid attacks, but owing to the dysfunctional legal system just 10 percent of cases make it to the courts.Unless and until the issue is taken and considered seriously on the part of the rulers, governments, law department, prosecutors and courts the heinous crime of throwing acid on the faces and bodies of the people, particularly women, cannot be controlled.

Acid throwers are going unchecked due to one reason or the other and a number of such cases are pending with different courts for disposal.

Though the laws dealing with such offences have now been made stricter, there is a dire need for timely disposal of such trials so that the victim families could get justice and the acid throwers the punishment for their crime.

In an incident, four men facing trial for the heinous crime of acid-throwing had managed to slip away from the City Courts premises after a sessions judge rejected their bail applications.

- Originally appeared in The News

Read More

Trump sharpens attack on Clinton, vows law and order if elected

CLEVELAND: Donald Trump accused Democratic rival Hillary Clinton of a legacy of "death, destruction, terrorism and weakness" as US secretary of state and declared himself a friend of the working class in a speech on Thursday accepting the Republican presidential nomination.

Trump´s speech was designed to set the tone for the general election campaign against Clinton, an answer to Republicans who say the best way he can unify the divided party is to detail why the Democrat should not be elected on Nov 8.

As the crowd roared: "Lock her up," Trump waved them off and said: "Let´s defeat her in November.

"The remarks by Trump, 70, closed out a four-day convention that underscored his struggle to heal fissures in the Republican Party over his anti-illegal-immigrant rhetoric and concerns about his temperament.

The event was boycotted by many big-name establishment Republicans, such as 2012 nominee Mitt Romney and members of the Bush family that gave the party its last two presidents.

Illegal immigrants, Trump said, "are being released by the tens of thousands into our communities," where he said they were straining resources, taking jobs away from American citizens and in some cases, committing crimes.

In his speech, Trump offered little in the way of details about his policies but rather portrayed himself as a fresh alternative to traditional politicians, willing to consider new approaches to vexing problems and help working-class people who may feel abandoned.

Laying out his case against Clinton, he denounced nation-building policies that were actually put in place to some extent by George W. Bush, without mentioning by name the Republican president who launched wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Trump said nation-building pursued by Clinton in Iraq, Libya, Egypt and Syria had made a bad situation worse.

He blamed her for the rise of Daesh (Islamic State) militants and blasted her willingness to accept thousands of Syrian refugees.

"After 15 years of wars in the Middle East, after trillions of dollars spent and thousands of lives lost, the situation is worse than it has ever been before.
This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton: death, destruction, terrorism and weakness," Trump said.
 

Read More

Teenage domestic worker beaten to death in Malir Cantt

KARACHI: A young boy lost his life to the barbaric temper of his employer at a house in Phase I of the Malir Cantonment on Thursday.

Sixteen-year-old Anas, son of Abdullah, breathed his last at the Jinnah Hospital where he was brought in a critical condition. He was severely beaten up by his employer, Aneela, with a stick.

The woman was reported to have lost her temper after her son was hurt while playing a game with Anas. 

The boy, according to police, hailed from Jacobabad and had been working at the woman?s house for the past 10 years.

The police had registered a case but no arrests had been made so far, particularly since the woman hails from an influential family. 

Human rights experts say the data on violence against children working as domestic workers is one of the hardest to collect. Cases of violence surface at the worst possible situations, when a child is brought to the hospital after being severely beaten or when the employer fears that the victim might die, says Memon, who is the coordinator for Sindh with the movement ? a consortium of NGOs working for child rights in the country. ?The daily abuses are conveniently shoved under the rug and hundreds of thousands are living a miserable life.?

- Originally appeared in The News

Read More

Teenage domestic worker beaten to death in Malir Cantt

KARACHI: A young boy lost his life to the barbaric temper of his employer at a house in Phase I of the Malir Cantonment on Thursday.

Sixteen-year-old Anas, son of Abdullah, breathed his last at the Jinnah Hospital where he was brought in a critical condition. He was severely beaten up by his employer, Aneela, with a stick.

The woman was reported to have lost her temper after her son was hurt while playing a game with Anas. 

The boy, according to police, hailed from Jacobabad and had been working at the woman’s house for the past 10 years.

The police had registered a case but no arrests had been made so far, particularly since the woman hails from an influential family. 

Human rights experts say the data on violence against children working as domestic workers is one of the hardest to collect. Cases of violence surface at the worst possible situations, when a child is brought to the hospital after being severely beaten or when the employer fears that the victim might die, says Memon, who is the coordinator for Sindh with the movement â€" a consortium of NGOs working for child rights in the country. “The daily abuses are conveniently shoved under the rug and hundreds of thousands are living a miserable life.”

- Originally appeared in The News

Read More

Socialist leader Mairaj Muhammad Khan passes away

KARACHI: Pakistan People?s Party founding member and socialist leader Mairaj Muhammad Khan passed away at a private hospital after prolonged illness. He was 77.

His family confirmed that he was brought to a private hospital after he complained of breathing difficulties. He breathed his last at the hospital.

His funeral will be held at Sultan Masjid, Defence Housing Authority after Friday prayers. He will be buried at the DHA graveyard.

Mairaj Muhammad Khan was born in 1938 at Farkhabad, UP district in India. After independence he shifted to Karachi.

During his student days in Karachi University he was active in student politics. Soon he began to be known as an intellectual in the left political circle.

All through his life he raised his voice for the oppressed.

Impressed by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto?s socialist ideas he joined the Pakistan People?s Party. In Bhutto?s government he became the labour minister. But in 1973 he left the party claiming that Bhutto had drifted from the party?s socialist stance.

Even though he was not part of the government he led a movement against General Ziaulhaq?s military dictatorship. During the same time he found the Communist Party.

In 1998 he joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf but left the party because of his strong socialist inclination.

 

Read More

MPs? body approves changes in bills against honour killings, rapes

ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Committee of the Joint Sittings on Bills on Thursday approved the amendment bills on the law against honour killings and rape after the government removed the reservations of its allied parties, including the JUI-F and opposition parties.

After getting approval of both the bills, the government will table them in a joint sitting of both the houses of parliament by the first half of August.

The meeting of the committee was chaired by Law Minister Zahid Hamid and reviewed the bills moved by former senator PPP Sughra Imam ? the Amendment Bill Anti-Honour Killings Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2014 and Anti-Rape Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2014.

Under the anti-honour killing bill, the clause giving pardon by family members to the person who kills in the name of honour is to be removed.Under the Anti-Rape Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2014, whoever prints or publishes the name or any matter which may make known the identity of any person against whom an offence under Section 376 is alleged or found to have been committed (hereafter in this section referred to as the victim) shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.

The anti-rape bill seeks to make a DNA test compulsory as part of the procedure and investigation in all rape cases.During the meeting, the officials of the law ministry gave a briefing to the committee on the amendments that were introduced in these bills and told to the committee that under the new amendments in the law, the punishments were made stricter.

Special Assistance to the PM Barrister Zafarullah Khan told the committee that honour killing was among the worst of the crimes. Naeema Kishwar of JUI-F said it was a sensitive issue as Islam never allows the torture on women but if ?Qisas? is removed, then it will be violation of Islamic teachings.

Senator Farhatullah Babar said if strict punishments are not imposed, then it will serve no purpose. Barrister Zafarullah replied that under the new amendments, the judges were bound that rather than using Section 309 and Section 310 for agreement between the parties they should announce their decision under Section 311.

Talking to newsmen after the meeting, Law Minister Zahid Hamid said that all these bills were deferred in the joint sitting of both the houses of parliament on the basis of reservations of the political parties.

He said the parliamentary committee took all the parties on the board and removed reservations of political parties and after consensus a legal shape was given to the bills.He said the arguments of religious parties on the issue of ?Qisas? were accepted and it was decided that despite the right of Qisas, the convict has to spend 25 years in jails. He said there was need to protect the identity of the victim of rape and enhance punishment for the criminals.

- Originally appeared in The News

 

Read More

Pakistan Stock Exchange declared Asia?s best market

LAHORE: Although decades of internal political disputes and low levels of foreign investment have led to slow growth and underdevelopment in Pakistan ? which has a nominal GDP of $270 billion and a per capita income of $5,000 ? the embattled country has succeeded in attracting very positive reviews between January and July 2016 from numerous Western media houses, the World Bank and the globally-acclaimed credit rating agencies like Moody?s, etc.

For example, the most recent July 20, 2016 report of the Indian edition of Quartz, a digital global business news publication, which was initially sponsored by internationally known firms like Messrs Credit Suisse, Boeing, Chevron and Cadillac, etc, has revealed that Pakistan has beaten major Asian economies this year in stock market performance as the country?s benchmark equity index, the KSE 100, has been the fifth best performing throughout the world.

Quartz India, which is viewed by over half a million unique visitors every month, has stated: ?The Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) grouping is passe and the top emerging markets are losing sheen. The British exit (Brexit) has battered stocks the world over and currencies across economies are weakening. In times like these, guess what?s working for the global equity markets? Pakistan. The South Asian nation, mostly in the news for terrorism and political violence, has beaten major Asian economies this year in stock market performance. In 2016, Pakistan?s benchmark equity index, the KSE 100, has been one of Asia?s best performing. In fact, it is the fifth-best performing stock index globally. Bloomberg even referred to Pakistan as an Asian ?tiger,? in a report.?

The eminent media outlet, which is run by 175 staffers pulled from prominent journalism brands like Bloomberg, the New York Times, the Economist and the Wall Street Journal, etc, has added: ?The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) ? also known as the Pakistan Stock Exchange?has stood out in recent years, despite a troubled political and security environment. But not all its listed companies are traded on it ? in fact, less than a fourth were actively traded in 2014. Nonetheless, improving political and financial stability is helping revive Pakistan?s stock markets. There?s also been some support from a 2012 government amnesty programme, which allowed investors to pour money into shares until June 2014 without their source of funds being questioned. This doubled the average traded volume on the KSE.?

Quartz has maintained: ?Launched in 1988, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets index first included Pakistan in 1994. In 2002, the KSE was shut down due to a stock market crash. Six years later, in 2008, it was temporarily closed following the global financial crisis. Faced with such shutdowns, MSCI dropped Pakistan out of the emerging markets index till this year. Over time, investors have regained confidence in the country?s equity markets. Investment in infrastructure, coupled with aggressive government spending, is making Pakistani markets attractive to investors. Further stability in politics will only help. Meanwhile, the Chinese have announced large investments in the country. When China?s $46-billion investment to build a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor actually happens, it will boost trade and make critical infrastructure, such as power, easily available to individuals and industries alike.?

An April 27, 2016 report of the Moody?s Corporation, which had reported revenue of $3.5 billion in 2015 and employs approximately 10,800 people in 36 countries, had said: ?Pakistan?s B3 issuer rating balances strengthening growth and progress on structural reforms against a relatively high government debt burden and political risks. Moody?s assessment of Pakistan?s ?Moderate? economic strength encompasses the sovereign?s very low per capita incomes and the large size of its economy. Economic output, previously anemic, has picked up over recent years and is now rising at a relatively healthy pace. GDP growth has edged up to average 4.1 per cent year-on-year since FY2014, from 3.4 per cent between FY2010-13. The implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will likely support activity further, and in concert with energy sector reforms will improve the operating environment for investment.?

The US credit rating agency had held: ?Moody?s assessment of institutional strength as Very Low reflects Pakistan?s weak but improving rankings on governance survey indices, specifically the World Bank?s Worldwide Governance Indicators. It also takes into account the central bank?s management of inflation and monetary policy, and progress on reforms under the ongoing IMF programme. Moody?s ?Very Low (-)? assessment of Pakistan?s fiscal strength reflects the country?s moderately large debt burden and weak revenue base, which lower debt affordability relative to peers. The share of foreign currency debt to total general government debt has considerably declined in the last five years. But such borrowing still comprises about a third of total public debt, leaving government finances exposed in the event of exchange rate depreciation or financial market volatility.?

The report had observed: ?Moody?s assessment of Pakistan?s vulnerability to event risks as High is driven by political risks, both domestic and geopolitical. The government?s relatively large annual borrowing needs, in particular owing to large rollover requirements, are also a constraint. However, recent efforts to lengthen the maturities of domestic debt will likely contain these risks in the future. At the same time, modest external financing needs limit external vulnerability risks.?

Meanwhile, a July 14, 2016 report of a renowned American media house Bloomberg had termed the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) the best of the Asian markets.The Bloomberg report had contended: ?Pakistan has regained the ?tiger? status in the region with 15 per cent rise and increasing rate of annual growth.?

The report had stated that the Pakistani economy was moving ahead to even stronger points with stable output. Bloomberg had further noted: ?Reforms in the privatisation programme and better relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have strengthened Pakistan?s economy.? According to the report, inclusion of Pakistan in countries with emerging markets status will increase foreign investment significantly. ?Meanwhile, foreign investors are looking at the rewarding outlook in Pakistan after Chinese investment of $46 billion under the CPEC project.?

The American media house had said that transnational investors were considering Pakistan the best market for gains after reduced performance of the Chinese economy and interest rates in the United States.

The report had read: ?Pakistan was downgraded to frontier status in December 2008, four months after the Karachi Stock Exchange imposed a rule that caused near total paralysis of market activity for more than three months. The Morgan Stanley Capital International?s Frontier Markets Index currently features 16 Pakistani companies that make up about 9 per cent of the gauge. The Karachi Stock Exchange KSE-100 Index has gained 15 per cent this year, making it the best performer in Asia. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif averted an external payments crisis in 2013 through a loan programme of the IMF and is dedicated to boosting economy to its fastest pace of the decade,? according to the report.

Last but not the least, in February 10, 2016, the World Bank President Jim Yong Kim had opined that Pakistan was on the path of increased economic growth and prosperity.He was talking to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in separate meetings.

Mr Kim, who was then on his first visit to Pakistan, had applauded the prudent economic policies of Pakistan government, saying that the country?s economic outlook had become stable which was the result of the efforts of its financial team.

He said Pakistan had an opportunity to become more ambitious in reforming its economy and reducing poverty in the country.At the meeting with the prime minister, the WB chief had highlighted the importance of pressing forward with economic reforms, stating that his institution for the Dasu hydropower project and Tarbela-IV extension project would help the government in improving the energy mix and reduce dependence on expensive fuels.

- Originally appeared in The News

 

Read More

MPs? body approves changes in bills against honour killings, rapes

ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Committee of the Joint Sittings on Bills on Thursday approved the amendment bills on the law against honour killings and rape after the government removed the reservations of its allied parties, including the JUI-F and opposition parties.

After getting approval of both the bills, the government will table them in a joint sitting of both the houses of parliament by the first half of August.

The meeting of the committee was chaired by Law Minister Zahid Hamid and reviewed the bills moved by former senator PPP Sughra Imam â€" the Amendment Bill Anti-Honour Killings Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2014 and Anti-Rape Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2014.

Under the anti-honour killing bill, the clause giving pardon by family members to the person who kills in the name of honour is to be removed.Under the Anti-Rape Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2014, whoever prints or publishes the name or any matter which may make known the identity of any person against whom an offence under Section 376 is alleged or found to have been committed (hereafter in this section referred to as the victim) shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.

The anti-rape bill seeks to make a DNA test compulsory as part of the procedure and investigation in all rape cases.During the meeting, the officials of the law ministry gave a briefing to the committee on the amendments that were introduced in these bills and told to the committee that under the new amendments in the law, the punishments were made stricter.

Special Assistance to the PM Barrister Zafarullah Khan told the committee that honour killing was among the worst of the crimes. Naeema Kishwar of JUI-F said it was a sensitive issue as Islam never allows the torture on women but if ‘Qisas’ is removed, then it will be violation of Islamic teachings.

Senator Farhatullah Babar said if strict punishments are not imposed, then it will serve no purpose. Barrister Zafarullah replied that under the new amendments, the judges were bound that rather than using Section 309 and Section 310 for agreement between the parties they should announce their decision under Section 311.

Talking to newsmen after the meeting, Law Minister Zahid Hamid said that all these bills were deferred in the joint sitting of both the houses of parliament on the basis of reservations of the political parties.

He said the parliamentary committee took all the parties on the board and removed reservations of political parties and after consensus a legal shape was given to the bills.He said the arguments of religious parties on the issue of ‘Qisas” were accepted and it was decided that despite the right of Qisas, the convict has to spend 25 years in jails. He said there was need to protect the identity of the victim of rape and enhance punishment for the criminals.

- Originally appeared in The News

 

Read More

Yasir Shah ?up there with spin greats?, says Cook

MANCHESTER: Alastair Cook has insisted Moeen Ali remains England?s first-choice spinner, while saying Pakistan?s Yasir Shah is "up there with the greats", heading into Friday?s second Test at Old Trafford.

Ali took just two wickets during a 75-run defeat by Pakistan in the first of a four-Test series at Lord?s last week.

By contrast leg-spinner Shah, Pakistan?s specialist slow bowler, had man-of-the match figures of 10 for 141.

Yet for much of his career 29-year-old off-spinner Ali has been regarded as a top-order batsman.

The Worcestershire all-rounder found himself thrust into the role of England?s frontline spinner following the retirement of Graeme Swann during England?s 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia in 2013/14.

Ali?s 27 Tests have yielded 68 wickets at an expensive average of over 41 apiece.

By contrast, the 30-year-old Shah has taken 86 wickets in just 13 Tests at an average of 23.

England added leg-spinner Adil Rashid to a 14-man squad for this match and kept him in a 12 announced Thursday.

But England captain Cook, speaking to reporters at Old Trafford on Thursday, made it clear that Rashid would play in addition to Ali, but not instead of him.

"Moeen is our first-choice spinner for this match," Cook said. "If we go with the four seamers and one spinner Moeen will be that spinner."

It is 16 years since Chris Schofield became the last England leg-spinner selected for a home Test.

All of Rashid?s three Test appearances to date came away to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last year where he took just eight wickets at an expensive average of 69.50.

Cook said the Yorkshireman was making encouraging progress, having starred in England?s recent one-day series win at home to Sri Lanka.

"He really impressed in that one-day series. He is improving all the time and he bowled really nicely in the nets today."

England had few answers to Shah at Lord?s but, despite the short turnaround, Cook was confident they could play him better at Old Trafford.

Linchpin

"One thing he does very well is he doesn?t bowl many bad balls, which is the skill of a great spinner," said Cook.

"How many wickets has he taken in his first 13 matches? He is up there with the greats.

"When he bowls bad balls you have to cash in and he is obviously the linchpin of their bowling attack.

"They rely on him and if we can play him better it will put pressure on their other bowlers."

Cook added: "The great spinners I?ve faced... I remember facing (Sri Lanka?s Muttiah) Muralitharan for the first time and the first 30-40 balls you are thinking you are never going to score a run against him.

"But the more time you get against him, you get more in."

No England batsman made a hundred at Lord?s and opener Cook, whose first-innings 81 was his side?s best score, admitted: "Lack of runs cost us."

Both Ali and James Vince, yet to make a fifty in his four-Test career, were guilty of reckless shots in the second innings.

England coach Trevor Bayliss has encouraged the side to play positively but Cook was adamant the Australian was not urging players to lose their heads.

"Trevor?s big thing is being positive in defence and attack," said Cook.

"Maybe in some of those shots we didn?t get that balance right.

"These guys likes James Vince and Alex Hales have only played a handful of Test matches and will take time to learn and get better.

"Vince has a lot of talent and has a lot of time to play his shots. I am encouraged, but like all of us they are desperate for a big score."

Read More

Yasir Shah ?up there with spin greats?, says Cook

MANCHESTER: Alastair Cook has insisted Moeen Ali remains England’s first-choice spinner, while saying Pakistan’s Yasir Shah is "up there with the greats", heading into Friday’s second Test at Old Trafford.

Ali took just two wickets during a 75-run defeat by Pakistan in the first of a four-Test series at Lord’s last week.

By contrast leg-spinner Shah, Pakistan’s specialist slow bowler, had man-of-the match figures of 10 for 141.

Yet for much of his career 29-year-old off-spinner Ali has been regarded as a top-order batsman.

The Worcestershire all-rounder found himself thrust into the role of England’s frontline spinner following the retirement of Graeme Swann during England’s 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia in 2013/14.

Ali’s 27 Tests have yielded 68 wickets at an expensive average of over 41 apiece.

By contrast, the 30-year-old Shah has taken 86 wickets in just 13 Tests at an average of 23.

England added leg-spinner Adil Rashid to a 14-man squad for this match and kept him in a 12 announced Thursday.

But England captain Cook, speaking to reporters at Old Trafford on Thursday, made it clear that Rashid would play in addition to Ali, but not instead of him.

"Moeen is our first-choice spinner for this match," Cook said. "If we go with the four seamers and one spinner Moeen will be that spinner."

It is 16 years since Chris Schofield became the last England leg-spinner selected for a home Test.

All of Rashid’s three Test appearances to date came away to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last year where he took just eight wickets at an expensive average of 69.50.

Cook said the Yorkshireman was making encouraging progress, having starred in England’s recent one-day series win at home to Sri Lanka.

"He really impressed in that one-day series. He is improving all the time and he bowled really nicely in the nets today."

England had few answers to Shah at Lord’s but, despite the short turnaround, Cook was confident they could play him better at Old Trafford.

Linchpin

"One thing he does very well is he doesn’t bowl many bad balls, which is the skill of a great spinner," said Cook.

"How many wickets has he taken in his first 13 matches? He is up there with the greats.

"When he bowls bad balls you have to cash in and he is obviously the linchpin of their bowling attack.

"They rely on him and if we can play him better it will put pressure on their other bowlers."

Cook added: "The great spinners I’ve faced... I remember facing (Sri Lanka’s Muttiah) Muralitharan for the first time and the first 30-40 balls you are thinking you are never going to score a run against him.

"But the more time you get against him, you get more in."

No England batsman made a hundred at Lord’s and opener Cook, whose first-innings 81 was his side’s best score, admitted: "Lack of runs cost us."

Both Ali and James Vince, yet to make a fifty in his four-Test career, were guilty of reckless shots in the second innings.

England coach Trevor Bayliss has encouraged the side to play positively but Cook was adamant the Australian was not urging players to lose their heads.

"Trevor’s big thing is being positive in defence and attack," said Cook.

"Maybe in some of those shots we didn’t get that balance right.

"These guys likes James Vince and Alex Hales have only played a handful of Test matches and will take time to learn and get better.

"Vince has a lot of talent and has a lot of time to play his shots. I am encouraged, but like all of us they are desperate for a big score."

Read More

Rangers arrest Asad Kharal from Hyderabad: sources

HYDERABAD: Paramilitary Rangers on Thursday evening rounded up Asad Kharal, who had fled from the custody of Rangers in Larkana, from Hyderabad, sources told Geo News.

The raid leading to the arrest of Muhammad Ali alias Asad Kharal was conducted on an intelligence tip-off, according to sources. He was whisked to an undisclosed location immediately after arrest.

Sources said that Asad Kharal is being grilled on multiple issues.

Asad Kharal, worker of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), is alleged of corruption worth millions of rupees and acting as a ‘front man’ for a key figure in the Sindh provincial government.

Earlier, Rangers arrested him in Larkana, but he was set free by his supporters who confronted the paramilitary soldiers, raising serious questions about the handling of law and order in the province.

In an official statement on July 15, Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar said the Karachi operation has been extended to other parts of Sindh.

"Criminals take kidnapped hostages to rural Sindh. The operation will target every criminal," the DG Rangers asserted.

The row between Sindh government and Rangers deepened over Asad Kharal last week when the paramilitary personnel and police briefly surrounded the residence of Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal, in an apparent move to arrest Asad Kharal and Tariq Siyal - brother of the home minister.

Previous reports also suggested that over 10 close aides of Tariq Siyal and Asad Kharal have already been arrested from different parts of Larkana.

Read More

NAB writes letter to ECP, declares Sharmila Farooqui ineligible for govt post

KARACHI: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has written a letter to Election Commission of Pakistan that Pakistan People?s Party (PPP) leader Sharmila Farooqui is accused in a case, therefore, she could not hold public office.

The letter, available with Geo News, stated that as per law, Farooqui was ineligible to hold public office or being elected due to the conviction for 21 years with effect from April 28, 2001.

After entering into a plea bargain with NAB in 2001, Farooqui was declared ineligible for any government post for 21 years in Steel Mill reference.

She is currently the Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh for culture and tourism.

Read More

Rangers arrest Asad Kharal from Hyderabad: sources

HYDERABAD: Paramilitary Rangers on Thursday evening rounded up Asad Kharal, who had fled from the custody of Rangers in Larkana, from Hyderabad, sources told Geo News.

The raid leading to the arrest of Muhammad Ali alias Asad Kharal was conducted on an intelligence tip-off, according to sources. He was whisked to an undisclosed location immediately after arrest.

Sources said that Asad Kharal is being grilled on multiple issues.

Asad Kharal, worker of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), is alleged of corruption worth millions of rupees and acting as a ?front man? for a key figure in the Sindh provincial government.

Earlier, Rangers arrested him in Larkana, but he was set free by his supporters who confronted the paramilitary soldiers, raising serious questions about the handling of law and order in the province.

In an official statement on July 15, Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar said the Karachi operation has been extended to other parts of Sindh.

"Criminals take kidnapped hostages to rural Sindh. The operation will target every criminal," the DG Rangers asserted.

The row between Sindh government and Rangers deepened over Asad Kharal last week when the paramilitary personnel and police briefly surrounded the residence of Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal, in an apparent move to arrest Asad Kharal and Tariq Siyal - brother of the home minister.

Previous reports also suggested that over 10 close aides of Tariq Siyal and Asad Kharal have already been arrested from different parts of Larkana.

Read More

NAB writes letter to ECP, declares Sharmila Farooqui ineligible for govt post

KARACHI: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has written a letter to Election Commission of Pakistan that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Sharmila Farooqui is accused in a case, therefore, she could not hold public office.

The letter, available with Geo News, stated that as per law, Farooqui was ineligible to hold public office or being elected due to the conviction for 21 years with effect from April 28, 2001.

After entering into a plea bargain with NAB in 2001, Farooqui was declared ineligible for any government post for 21 years in Steel Mill reference.

She is currently the Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh for culture and tourism.

Read More

Misbah says ?no disrespect? in press-up routine

MANCHESTER: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was adamant his unusual press-up celebrations at Lord?s were in no way aimed at England.

Misbah marked his maiden Test appearance at ?the home of cricket? with a first-innings century.

The 42-year-old, who in the process became the oldest player to score a Test century for 82 years, marked his hundred by performing several press-ups.

It was a gesture repeated by the whole Pakistan team in front of the Lord?s Pavilion after they wrapped up a 75-run win, with more than a day to spare, to go 1-0 up in the four-match series.

The press-up routine has become the squad?s way of thanking army staff who put them through a pre-tour boot camp.

"No disrespect for opposition -- they (England) are a fine team and we know their strengths," Misbah told reporters at Old Trafford on Thursday, a day out from the start of the second Test at the Manchester ground.

"The celebrations were nothing to do with England, only a gesture for those we worked with."

Meanwhile the skipper confirmed key leg-spinner Yasir Shah would be fit to play in the second Test.

Shah, who in the series opener took a match-winning 10 for 141 ? the best figures by a Pakistan bowler in a Lord?s Test ? was hit on the shoulder batting in the nets on Wednesday.

But scans revealed no significant damage and Misbah said: "That was a wake-up call for him.

"It was a bit of a concern -- but after the scan I think he?s okay. So no worries."

England off-spinner Moeen Ali took just two wickets at Lord?s.

He was milked by Misbah in the first innings, although the veteran batsman did hole out for a duck off Ali second time around.

"I back my ability to attack spinners, and use sweeps.

"That paid off in the first innings. It?s a match between ball and bat, sometimes you win it, sometimes it?s the ball."

?Challenge?

 England are set to recall hard-hitting all-rounder Ben Stokes after he missed the first Test with a knee injury.

"They (England) can try to attack Yasir, it?s up to them what they want to do," said Misbah.

"We have to be ready for that challenge and Yasir knows that."

England could also opt to play two spinners by giving a home debut to leg-break bowler Adil Rashid, all of whose three Test appearances to date came against Pakistan in the UAE last year.

"Adil got five wickets in the first Test in the UAE, so we respect whoever is playing," Misbah said.

Pakistan?s desire to play two spinners had been hampered by off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez?s 12-month suspension for an illegal action last year.

Hafeez has yet to undergo a re-test on his action, with a knee injury during the World Twenty20 in India in March hampering his bowling training.

However, he could undergo a re-test during the gap between the end of the second Test and the start of the third at Edgbaston on August 3.

"That could give us a big advantage, if we have him (bowling) when the opposition have four or five left-handers," said Misbah.

"He couldn?t work on it before the injury, so now he needs time to get ready before he is tested."

Both Hafeez and fellow opener Shan Masood struggled against the new ball at Lord?s, with Hafeez?s first-innings 40 the pair?s top score.

"That can happen in these conditions against the new ball," said Misbah.

"Don?t be impatient, we have to give them confidence and back them. We?ve got to believe they can deliver, that?s the only way."

Read More

Brazil arrests 10 for planning to attack Rio Olympics

SAO PAULO: Brazil arrested 10 people on Thursday on suspicion of belonging to a group backing Islamic State (IS) and preparing acts of terrorism during next month?s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Thursday's arrests are the first based on the Anti-terrorism Law sanctioned by President Dilma Rousseff in March this year, just two months before she was suspended.

Meanwhile, the presidency said that interim President Michel Temer had called an emergency cabinet meeting. The justice ministry said in a statement that the operation spanned nine states in Brazil, Reuters reported.

A court in the southern state of Parana said there were indications that the group was planning to use weapons and guerilla tactics to achieve its aim.

The arrests were made in the southern states of Sao Paulo and Parana. Justice Minister Moraes however termed the terrorists to be disorganized and added that the group did not have any specific targets for their planned attack.

The Justice Minister further added that the group relied on WhatsApp and Telegram for communications. All those detained are Brazilian and include one minor.

Brazil?s interim government's military aide said concerns about terrorism had ?reached a higher level? after the attacks in Nice, France. 

 

Read More

Nisar directs DG Rangers to withdraw men from VVIPs security

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan asked Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar to withdraw all personnel deployed for the security of the VVIPs in Karachi, sources told Geo News on Thursday.

Sources revealed that Nisar, during a telephonic conversation with DG Rangers, said that the federal government would ensure Rangers stay in Sindh as per the decision of Supreme Court.

He said that the Rangers would also be provided with complete legal cover in this regard, according to the sources.

Sources further said that the issue would be discussed with Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah today or tomorrow.

The Sindh government seems to be at crossroads with Rangers over extension of the paramilitary powers which expired yesterday.

Last week, DG Rangers General Bilal Akbar had announced that the paramilitary will extend the Karachi operation to other parts of Sindh? a decision which did not go well with the Sindh government.

Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah on Tuesday had said that Rangers have been given special policing powers only in Karachi, not in rest of the province.

The last time extension had been granted to stay of Rangers in Karachi was from July 20, 2015 till July 19, 2016. The federal govt had granted the extension in stay for another term on the request of the provincial government.

The services of the paramilitary force are invoked by the provincial government for the maintenance of law and order and combating crimes under Article 147 of the Constitution.

 

 

Read More

Debt-hit SriLankan Airlines to lease planes to PIA

Debt-hit Sri Lanka carrier to lease planes to Pakistan

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's cash-strapped national carrier is in talks to lease some of its new Airbus aircraft to Pakistan and Iran to reduce a $1 billion loss, a minister said Thursday.

State Enterprise Development Minister Kabir Hashim said SriLankan Airlines was about to conclude a deal with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to lease out one Airbus A330.

"The aircraft will be operated for PIA by Sri Lankan crew and it will be based in London," Hashim told reporters.

"It will fly to Islamabad and Lahore and we are also in talks to give them three more Airbus A330 planes," he said.

Iranian national carrier Iranair had also shown interest in a larger A350 which Sri Lanka is due to take delivery of in a few months´ time, the minister said.

SriLankan, which has accumulated losses of $993 million, plans to scrap several European flights in the coming months and is looking for an equity partner to revive the business.

The government has cancelled five of eight A350 aircraft ordered, together with the A330s, by former strongman premier Mahinda Rajapakse in a controversial $2.3 billion deal in 2013.

The government has paid a $15 million penalty for cancelling one plane in the first batch of four A350 planes due to be delivered from October this year, Hashim said.

Rajapakse and several relatives are under investigation over alleged corruption in the bumper 2013 deal.

SriLankan Airlines was profitable before the former president cancelled a management agreement with Emirates in 2008 following a personal dispute.

SriLankan had refused to bump fare-paying business-class passengers down to economy class and give their seats to members of Rajapakse´s family.

An angry Rajapakse removed the Emirates-appointed CEO of SriLankan Airlines from his post and replaced him with his own brother-in-law, who had no airline or corporate experience.

Read More

PM Nawaz finally reaches Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday finally reached Islamabad after staying away from PM House for almost 60 days on account of his cardiac surgery in London and later in the wake of an infection in his leg following his return to the country.

The premier, along with his family, reached Lahore airport through a chopper from Jati Umrah. Therefrom, he flew to Islamabad through a special plane.

"Prime Minister at work during the flight to Islamabad," said PM's daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her tweet. "Allah has been Kind."

PM Nawaz Sharif is due to preside a National Security Council meeting in Islamabad on Friday (tomorrow).

Sharif had undergone an open-heart surgery in London in May and returned to Lahore this month on the advice of his doctors after recuperating from surgery.

He was running official affairs of the country through a camp office in Lahore since his return to the country on July 9.

The premier was to arrive in Islamabad on Monday, but he could not travel after developing an infection in his leg.

Read More

Nisar directs DG Rangers to withdraw men from VVIPs security

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan asked Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar to withdraw all personnel deployed for the security of the VVIPs in Karachi, sources told Geo News on Thursday.

Sources revealed that Nisar, during a telephonic conversation with DG Rangers, said that the federal government would ensure Rangers stay in Sindh as per the decision of Supreme Court.

He said that the Rangers would also be provided with complete legal cover in this regard, according to the sources.

Sources further said that the issue would be discussed with Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah today or tomorrow.

The Sindh government seems to be at crossroads with Rangers over extension of the paramilitary powers which expired yesterday.

Last week, DG Rangers General Bilal Akbar had announced that the paramilitary will extend the Karachi operation to other parts of Sindhâ€" a decision which did not go well with the Sindh government.

Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah on Tuesday had said that Rangers have been given special policing powers only in Karachi, not in rest of the province.

The last time extension had been granted to stay of Rangers in Karachi was from July 20, 2015 till July 19, 2016. The federal govt had granted the extension in stay for another term on the request of the provincial government.

The services of the paramilitary force are invoked by the provincial government for the maintenance of law and order and combating crimes under Article 147 of the Constitution.

 

 

Read More

Parliamentary committee to finalise names of ECP members on Monday

ISLAMABAD: The government and the opposition have picked names to fill vacant seats in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which will be finalized by a parliamentary committee in its meeting on Monday.

Speaking to media outside the Parliament House on Thursday, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah said that efforts will be made to have unanimously one name from both government and opposition sides.

Dar said that the procedure of appointment of ECP members will be held in accordance with rules. He said the consensus of the prime minister and the opposition leader was necessary to fill such posts.

He said all the names received from government and opposition parties from all four provinces will be sent to the office of the National Assembly (NA) speaker and then would be referred to the parliamentary committee for final approval.

The minister said that efforts were being made to follow the constitutional limit of 45 days to notify the names on July 25 following the due procedure and law. He said that several joint meetings of government and opposition were held to resolve the matter in a positive way and expressed hope that names will be finalized with consensus.

He said virtually the committee starts its work when it receives names of members from opposition and governments of four provinces. The names included retired judges and bureaucrats of grade 22 or above, he added.

Syed Khursheed Shah said realizing its national responsibility the opposition has tried its level best to present the name of those who were non-controversial. He added names of only those persons were included who were known for transparency and had no political background.

He said that the opposition finalized all names after detailed discussion with all opposition parties.

Shah, however, admitted that there was immense pressure in finalization of names from opposition to ensure that names were non-controversial.

He said that opposition had collected three names from each province and the process was completed with satisfaction of all nine opposition parties including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Read More

Parliamentary committee to finalise names of ECP members on Monday

ISLAMABAD: The government and the opposition have picked names to fill vacant seats in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which will be finalized by a parliamentary committee in its meeting on Monday.

Speaking to media outside the Parliament House on Thursday, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah said that efforts will be made to have unanimously one name from both government and opposition sides.

Dar said that the procedure of appointment of ECP members will be held in accordance with rules. He said the consensus of the prime minister and the opposition leader was necessary to fill such posts.

He said all the names received from government and opposition parties from all four provinces will be sent to the office of the National Assembly (NA) speaker and then would be referred to the parliamentary committee for final approval.

The minister said that efforts were being made to follow the constitutional limit of 45 days to notify the names on July 25 following the due procedure and law. He said that several joint meetings of government and opposition were held to resolve the matter in a positive way and expressed hope that names will be finalized with consensus.

He said virtually the committee starts its work when it receives names of members from opposition and governments of four provinces. The names included retired judges and bureaucrats of grade 22 or above, he added.

Syed Khursheed Shah said realizing its national responsibility the opposition has tried its level best to present the name of those who were non-controversial. He added names of only those persons were included who were known for transparency and had no political background.

He said that the opposition finalized all names after detailed discussion with all opposition parties.

Shah, however, admitted that there was immense pressure in finalization of names from opposition to ensure that names were non-controversial.

He said that opposition had collected three names from each province and the process was completed with satisfaction of all nine opposition parties including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Read More

Anti-govt movement: PTI did not take us into confidence: Khursheed

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on Thursday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) did not take Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) into confidence before announcing anti-government movement.

PTI chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday announced that his party would launch the movement from August 7.

He said that if the government approves their Terms of Reference (ToRs) and form inquiry committee to probe Panama Papers then they would end the campaign.

The PTI chairman also announced a sit-in outside the office of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) headquarters in Islamabad on July 25.

Khursheed Shah during a press conference today in Islamabad said, “Imran Khan did not take us into confidence before announcing the anti-government campaign. He wouldn’t have taken his own party leaders into confidence before the announcement.”

 He further said that Khan’s ‘solo flight’ would only benefit the government and would cause harm to opposition alliance.

Read More

Anti-govt movement: PTI did not take us into confidence: Khursheed

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on Thursday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) did not take Pakistan People?s Party (PPP) into confidence before announcing anti-government movement.

PTI chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday announced that his party would launch the movement from August 7.

He said that if the government approves their Terms of Reference (ToRs) and form inquiry committee to probe Panama Papers then they would end the campaign.

The PTI chairman also announced a sit-in outside the office of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) headquarters in Islamabad on July 25.

Khursheed Shah during a press conference today in Islamabad said, ?Imran Khan did not take us into confidence before announcing the anti-government campaign. He wouldn?t have taken his own party leaders into confidence before the announcement.?

 He further said that Khan?s ?solo flight? would only benefit the government and would cause harm to opposition alliance.

Read More

Muslim journalist criticized for covering Nice attacks in controversial newspaper column

A columnist for The Sun, Kelvin Mackenzie, on Monday made headlines with his controversial column asking why a Muslim presenter in a hijab covered the Nice attacks in France.

Fatima Manji, Channel  4 news presenter, covered the recent Nice attacks and was the victim of Kelvin?s Islamophobic column in The Sun.

In his article he questioned,?Would the C4 editor have used a Hindu to report on the carnage at the Golden Temple of Amritsar? Of course not. Would the station have used an Orthodox Jew to cover the Israeli-Palestine conflict? Of course not.? Referring to Manji as a ?pawn?, he asked if she was chosen because of her religious beliefs ?to stick one in the eye of the ordinary viewer.?

Fatima Manji took to twitter and explained that she was scheduled to co-anchor that night and her presence was not related to the Nice attack.

And to those asking, yes my presenting tonight was long planned - had thought it might be a quiet Friday, instead very tragic

? Fatima Manji (@fatimamanji) July 15, 2016

Channel  4 news then issued a statement defending Manji, an award winning reporter who has been working with the channel for nearly five years. The broadcaster is also expected to file an official complaint with the press regulator. More than 1400 complaints have been issued with Britain?s newspaper regulator, Ipso. Senior journalists have also taken to social media to criticize the column.

Fatima Manji, on Tuesday, submitted a response through a local UK newspaper the Liverpool Echo saying ?It would be easy to dismiss Kelvin MacKenzie as an embarrassing, and serially embarrassed, relic of a bygone era in British journalism.?

She went on to say, ?But it?s dangerous to regard Mr MacKenzie and those who echo his Islamophobic sentiments as mere pantomime villains. Their soapbox allows them to spread their ill-informed, irresponsible and malevolent invective to millions of readers. Racist and Islamophobic rhetoric has real consequences ? lives have been lost and shattered in our own country.?
 
She called out Kelvin?s column for spewing hate against a faith, ?Kelvin MacKenzie has attempted to smear 1.6 billion Muslims in suggesting they are inherently violent. He has attempted to smear half of them further by suggesting they are helpless slaves. And he has attempted to smear me by suggesting I would sympathise with a terrorist.?

A truck attack on holiday crowds in Nice killed 84 people and injured several others last week. While Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Nice attack, no firm evidence has yet emerged that the 31-year-old attacker, a delivery van driver with a record of home violence and petty crimes, had direct contact with the group.  

Read More

After warming fast, part of Antarctica gets a chill: Study

OSLO: The Antarctic Peninsula, among the fastest warming places on Earth last century, has since cooled due to natural swings in the local climate, scientists said on Wednesday, adding that the respite from the thaw is likely to be brief.

Rapid warming until the late 1990s on the peninsula, which snakes up toward South America, triggered the break-up of ancient ice shelves, which are vast expanses of ice floating on the sea at the end of glaciers, and declines in some penguin colonies.

But a shift to colder winds and more sea ice since then have brought a chill to the region despite the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the scientists wrote in the journal Nature.

"The increase of greenhouse gases ... is being overwhelmed in this part of the Antarctic" by natural variations in the local climate, said lead author John Turner of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

"We're certainly not saying that global warming has stopped. On the contrary," he told a telephone news conference on the study. "We're highlighting the complexity of climate change."

Since about 1998, local air temperatures have fallen about 0.5 degree Celsius (0.9 Fahrenheit) a decade, roughly the rate at which they had previously been warming since about 1950.

Stabilization of the ozone hole over Antarctica, which shields the planet from ultra-violet rays and has been damaged by man-made chemicals, may partly explain the shift in winds that led to the cooling, the study said.

But the build-up of greenhouse gases, mainly from the global burning of fossil fuels, means the cooling may be just a blip in a corner of Antarctica. Temperatures were likely to start rising again and could gain by 3-4C (5.4-7.2F) by 2100, Turner said.

At a Paris summit in December, almost 200 governments agreed the strongest deal yet to rein in global warming, aiming to phase out fossil fuels by 2100. U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who does not believe in man-made warming, says he would pull out if elected.

On the Antarctic Peninsula, about 10 ice shelves, from the Jones to the Wilkins, have retreated sharply or disintegrated in recent decades.

The day after

The splintering of the Larsen B ice shelf in 2002 inspired the opening scene of a Hollywood disaster movie about climate change, "The Day After Tomorrow", where a vast crack destroys a US scientific camp.

In the real world, the worry is that far bigger ice shelves further south in Antarctica will also break up, allowing vast glaciers to slide more quickly into the sea and add to a rise in ocean levels.

Wednesday's study "begs a question as to the climate variability in other regions of Antarctica - where there is far more ice with the potential to melt and cause sea-level rise - as well as in the Arctic and other locations," Martin Siegert, an expert at Imperial College, London, wrote in a comment.

And on the Antarctic Peninsula, in 2014 scientists spotted a new crack tens of kms (miles) long on the Larsen C ice shelf.

"The future of the Larsen C is in the balance," said David Vaughan, director of science at BAS, adding it had probably not yet reached a point of no return.

Some other scientists said a rise in ocean temperatures that are gnawing away at Antarctica's icy coastline from below was more important for sea level rise than the air temperatures studied by Turner.

"The real threat is ocean warming," said Andrew Shepherd of the University of Leeds.

Read More

Suspected boss of online piracy site Kickass Torrents arrested

WASHINGTON: The alleged boss of the world's biggest online piracy site, Kickass Torrents, was hit with US criminal charges Wednesday, accused of distributing over $1 billion worth of illegally copied films, music and other content.

The Justice Department unveiled a criminal complaint against Ukrainian national Artem Vaulin, 30, who was arrested in Poland and is wanted by the US for copyright infringement, money laundering and other charges.

Vaulin is alleged to own Kickass Torrents or KAT, which in recent years has eclipsed Pirate Bay and others to become the world's biggest source of pirated media.

The US criminal complaint said the website offers "a sophisticated and user-friendly environment in which its users are able to search for and locate content" which is protected by copyright.

KAT, which distributes films, video games, television programs, music and other electronic media, is estimated to be the 69th most frequently visited website on the internet, according to a Justice Department statement.

"Vaulin is charged with running today's most visited illegal file-sharing website, responsible for unlawfully distributing well over $1 billion of copyrighted materials," said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell.

Run but cannot hide 

"In an effort to evade law enforcement, Vaulin allegedly relied on servers located in countries around the world and moved his domains due to repeated seizures and civil lawsuits.

"His arrest in Poland, however, demonstrates again that cyber criminals can run, but they cannot hide from justice."

Polish border guard spokeswoman Agnieszka Golias told AFP Thursday that Vaulin was arrested at Warsaw's Chopin airport on Wednesday "during an attempt to enter Poland".

US officials will seek to extradite Vaulin to face charges filed in a federal court in Chicago, which ordered the seizure of one bank account and seven domain names associated with the file-sharing website.

The complaint said officials were able to track and identify Vaulin from records provided by Apple on his iCloud account.

  Service in 28 languages 

According to the complaint, KAT operates in 28 languages and has made available movies that were still in theaters along with other content, earning revenue from advertising throughout its site.

The website´s value is estimated at more than $54 million, with annual advertising revenue in the range of $12.5 million to $22.3 million, according to the complaint.

KAT has moved its domains several times after being blocked in Britain, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Belgium and Malaysia, according to the complaint, and has relied on a network of computer servers located around the world, including in Chicago.

Recently, the website allowed users to download illegal copies of recent hit movies such as "Captain America: Civil War," "Now You See Me 2," and "Finding Dory."

Vaulin, who used the screen name "tirm," was involved in designing the original website and ran the site which has been operating since 2008 through a Ukrainian-based front company called Cryptoneat.

According to the Justice Department, KAT´s website "purports to comply with the removal of copyrighted materials" but evidence showed it did not remove content requested by organizations such as the Motion Picture Association of America, the Recording Industry Association of America and Entertainment Software Association.

The move comes with US officials in a long battle to extradite the head of Megaupload, another major piracy site shuttered by the FBI in 2012.

The head of Megaupload, known by the pseudonym Kim Dotcom, is free on bail in New Zealand pending the extradition effort, and recently vowed to revive his operations.

His extradition appeal is set to begin in the High Court in Auckland on August 29 and is expected to last four to eight weeks.

Pirate Bay meanwhile has been able to keep operating despite jail sentences handed down in Sweden against its founders, and the seizure of its web domains.

Authorities say they can seize or shut down illegal file-sharing sites but that the operators often reopen with servers in different jurisdictions.

 

Read More

African study exceeds UN 'test and treat' goal for ending HIV pandemic

NAIROBI: A UN goal to get seven out of 10 HIV positive people to take a test, start medication and suppress the deadly virus in their blood is achievable, a study in East Africa showed on Wednesday, raising hopes of ending the AIDS pandemic.

Almost 80,000 adults in Uganda and Kenya took part in the study, which used community campaigns, free testing and tests at home to encourage people to know their HIV status and get treatment.

After the intervention, 81 percent of people with HIV had an undetectable viral load, because they tested, initiated medication and adhered to it successfully, up from 45 percent two years earlier.

"It is very promising," one of the lead researchers, Maya Petersen of the University of California, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"We reached most HIV positive people in these communities."

UNAIDS, the UN agency dealing with the disease, has unveiled ambitious targets to tackle the epidemic.

By 2020, it wants 90 percent of people with HIV to know their status, 90 percent of diagnosed people to be on treatment, and 90 percent of those on treatment to have suppressed levels of the virus in their bodies.

This translates to 73 percent of all people with HIV having an undetectable viral load.

Pointing to the results of the study in Uganda and Kenya, Petersen said it was possible to meet the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets within a relatively short period.

"Over two years ... communities went from substantially below the United Nations target to achieving it," Petersen said by phone from Durban in South Africa where the results were released at the International AIDS Conference.

Stigma Around Testing

Scaling up HIV treatment in developing countries is of key concern to the experts meeting in South Africa.

Only 17 million of the 36.7 million HIV positive people around the world are taking antiretroviral treatment.

New infections, at 2.1 million in 2015, still exceed the number of people starting antiretroviral treatment each year, Chris Beyrer, president of the International AIDS Society said.

One of the main problems is that people do not know they are HIV positive because of the stigma around testing.

Researchers have tried to address this by setting up large tents in public spaces where people could get tested free of charge for malaria, hypertension and diabetes as well as HIV, Petersen said.

By the shores of Lake Victoria, which has the highest prevalence rates in Kenya, tests were offered on the beach at night so that fishermen, who sleep during the day, could attend.

Using a baseline household census, researchers then visited the homes of community members who had not come for testing and offered them a test.

Nearly half of those who tested newly positive started ART within a week, Petersen said, as they were introduced to and welcomed by local clinic staff immediately.

HIV/AIDS is the main cause of death among 10- to 19-year-olds in Africa, UNAIDS says.

Yet young people proved to be one of the hardest groups to reach with testing and treatment, particularly students who move away from home to attend school and do not want their classmates to see them taking medication, the study found.

The second phase of the study will look at new ways of reaching such groups, Petersen said.

Read More

Karachi law and order: SC calls police investigation report 'misleading'

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a police investigation report related to the Owais Ali Shah kidnapping case.

The SC resumed hearing of the Karachi law and order case today.

During the hearing, Chief Secretary Sindh and IG Sindh presented the report related to the high profile kidnapping case.

In the report, it was said that action has been initiated against 24 officers of DSP ranks, along with four of SSP and SP ranks.

The four police officers included SSP Farooq Ahmed, SP Asad Aijaz, SP Amjad Hayyat, and ASP Tariq Nawaz. All the four officers are facing action due to dereliction of duty.

The court while dismissing the report remarked that the CCTV cameras were not functional on June 20, the day SHC CJ's son was abducted.

The SC while demanding a comprehensive report on the kidnapping of the SHC Chief Justice?s son and the dysfunctional CCTV cameras, summoned Attorney General on the next hearing of the case, July 28.

In the previous hearing, the court had expressed its displeasure over the progress in the case and had remarked that the public has lost its trust in the police. 

Owais was kidnapped by four men from superstore in Clifton area in June. After 29 days of captivity, he was recovered from Tank, an area near South Waziristan where Pakistan's security forces have battled local and foreign militants.

Read More

Asif Zardari to arrive in Dubai today

DUBAI: Co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former President Asif Ali is expected to arrive in Dubai today (Thursday) from the United States.

According to sources, Asif Zardari is en route. The former president was supposed to arrive back in the UAE earlier this week but delayed his departure by two days.

Upon his return to Dubai matters such as the extension of special powers of the Pakistan Rangers in Sindh await the PPP co-chairman. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah along with legal advisors will fly to Dubai to meet with Asif Ali Zardari regarding Rangers powers soon.

Due to the delay in extending the paramilitary force’s special powers in Sindh, the Rangers have stopped various activities to curb law and order including snap checking of vehicles and detaining suspected individuals.

The paramilitary force has played a major role in curbing crime in the southern metropolis of Karachi.

Since 2013, acting under powers bestowed on the paramilitary force under Article-147, the Pakistan Rangers Sindh conducted multiple targeted operations in interior Sindh during which 533 suspects were arrested. Those detained were handed over to the Police and various law enforcement agencies for processing.

Read More

Karachi law and order: SC calls police investigation report 'misleading'

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a police investigation report related to the Owais Ali Shah kidnapping case.

The SC resumed hearing of the Karachi law and order case today.

During the hearing, Chief Secretary Sindh and IG Sindh presented the report related to the high profile kidnapping case.

In the report, it was said that action has been initiated against 24 officers of DSP ranks, along with four of SSP and SP ranks.

The four police officers included SSP Farooq Ahmed, SP Asad Aijaz, SP Amjad Hayyat, and ASP Tariq Nawaz. All the four officers are facing action due to dereliction of duty.

The court while dismissing the report remarked that the CCTV cameras were not functional on June 20, the day SHC CJ's son was abducted.

The SC while demanding a comprehensive report on the kidnapping of the SHC Chief Justice’s son and the dysfunctional CCTV cameras, summoned Attorney General on the next hearing of the case, July 28.

In the previous hearing, the court had expressed its displeasure over the progress in the case and had remarked that the public has lost its trust in the police. 

Owais was kidnapped by four men from superstore in Clifton area in June. After 29 days of captivity, he was recovered from Tank, an area near South Waziristan where Pakistan's security forces have battled local and foreign militants.

Read More

Pakistan Rangers rounded up 533 criminals during targeted operations in interior Sindh

KARACHI: Pakistan Rangers Sindh on Thursday issued a statement highlighting the targeted operation conducted by the paramilitary force in interior Sindh.

According to the Rangers statement, acting under powers bestowed on the paramilitary force under Article-147, the Pakistan Rangers Sindh arrested 533 suspects out of which 478 suspects were handed over to the police for processing while 55 suspects were handed over to various law enforcement agencies including FIA, ANF, Pakistan Customs, FC and the Irrigation Department.

The paramilitary force detained 127 illegal Afghan nationals, 34 members of banned organizations, 16 members of separatist groups, 4 members belonging to a political party?s militant wing, 18 dacoits, 10 smugglers, 11 illegal hunters, 24 drug dealers and 234 suspects involved in various crimes, the statement added.

During the operations conducted in interior Sindh, 2 paramilitary forces officers and 1 soldier laid down their lives while another 2 were wounded.

Read More

Pakistan Rangers rounded up 533 criminals during targeted operations in interior Sindh

KARACHI: Pakistan Rangers Sindh on Thursday issued a statement highlighting the targeted operation conducted by the paramilitary force in interior Sindh.

According to the Rangers statement, acting under powers bestowed on the paramilitary force under Article-147, the Pakistan Rangers Sindh arrested 533 suspects out of which 478 suspects were handed over to the police for processing while 55 suspects were handed over to various law enforcement agencies including FIA, ANF, Pakistan Customs, FC and the Irrigation Department.

The paramilitary force detained 127 illegal Afghan nationals, 34 members of banned organizations, 16 members of separatist groups, 4 members belonging to a political party’s militant wing, 18 dacoits, 10 smugglers, 11 illegal hunters, 24 drug dealers and 234 suspects involved in various crimes, the statement added.

During the operations conducted in interior Sindh, 2 paramilitary forces officers and 1 soldier laid down their lives while another 2 were wounded.

Read More

ATC rejects bail pleas for Waseem Akhtar, Anees Qaimkhani

KARACHI:  An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday remanded Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar till July 25 in police custody.

The ATC also rejected a bail pea of Pak Sarzameen Party leader Anees Qaimkhani.

Police arrested Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders Waseem Akhtar, Rauf Siddiqui, and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) Anis Qaimkhani on Tuesday after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi rejected their bail pleas in the Dr Asim Hussain case.

Police personnel locked the gates leading out of the court premises, with strict security not allowing the MQM and PSP leaders to leave the building. Television footage from the spot showed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) parked outside the building, blocking the gate leading out of the court premises.

The arrested leaders were shifted to the Karachi Central Jail in three separate vehicles under strict security. Further hearing of the case was adjourned to August 3.

The political leaders are suspects in former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain who is facing charges of abetting terrorists and providing them medical treatment at his hospital.

Read More

ATC rejects bail pleas for Waseem Akhtar, Anees Qaimkhani

KARACHI:  An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday remanded Muttahida Qaumi Movement?s nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar till July 25 in police custody.

The ATC also rejected a bail pea of Pak Sarzameen Party leader Anees Qaimkhani.

Police arrested Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders Waseem Akhtar, Rauf Siddiqui, and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) Anis Qaimkhani on Tuesday after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi rejected their bail pleas in the Dr Asim Hussain case.

Police personnel locked the gates leading out of the court premises, with strict security not allowing the MQM and PSP leaders to leave the building. Television footage from the spot showed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) parked outside the building, blocking the gate leading out of the court premises.

The arrested leaders were shifted to the Karachi Central Jail in three separate vehicles under strict security. Further hearing of the case was adjourned to August 3.

The political leaders are suspects in former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain who is facing charges of abetting terrorists and providing them medical treatment at his hospital.

Read More

Five detained over Nice attack to face judge

Paris: Five people detained after last week´s massacre in Nice are due to appear before a judge Thursday, as France is set to pass a law extending the state of emergency.

The government is scrambling to reassure a jittery population after the country´s third major attack in 18 months killed 84 people out celebrating Bastille Day.

Four men and one woman aged between 22 and 40 are due to appear before the court for links to Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel who ploughed a truck into the crowded promenade in Nice.

They include a 40-year-old whom Bouhlel had known for a long time and a 38-year-old Albanian, detained along with his girlfriend and suspected of providing the attacker with an automatic pistol.

A 22-year-old man who received an SMS from Bouhlel shortly before he began his rampage will also appear in court, as well as another man who had been in contact with Bouhlel over weapons.

Like Bouhlel, none of those detained were known to French intelligence prior to the attack.

France´s National Assembly and Senate are also set to pass a bill extending the state of emergency which gives police extra powers to carry out searches and place people under house arrest for six months.

It is the fourth time the security measures have been extended since Daesh (Islamic State) militants struck Paris in November, killing 130 people at restaurants, a concert hall and the national stadium.

On Wednesday, MPs also voted to allow authorities to search luggage and vehicles without prior approval from a prosecutor and to allow the police to seize data from computers and mobile phones.

The legislation also makes it easier for authorities to shut down places of worship where calls for violence and hate are made.

The Daesh (Islamic State) group has said the Tunisian driver was one of its "soldiers" but investigators say that while he showed a recent interest in jihadist activity, there was no evidence he acted on behalf of the extremist group.

The group Wednesday posted a video apparently shot in Iraq, where IS holds swaths of territory, showing two French-speaking jihadists threatening more attacks against France.

French Prime Minster Manuel Valls had warned earlier in the week that the country will face more attacks as it struggles to handle extremists returning from jihad in the Middle East and those radicalized at home by devouring propaganda on the internet.

Political tensions

As part of the government´s reaction to the Nice assault which has exposed it to tough questions over security failures a call has gone out for volunteers in the reserve forces.

"We can say that France, with you, is forming a National Guard," Hollande said Wednesday on a visit to a military training complex in southwest France.

France´s reserve force comprises civilian volunteers in the police, army and paramilitary police, who can be deployed for specific missions.

With elections due next year, the cross-party solidarity seen after last year´s attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish supermarket has all but evaporated.

The government has defended its response to the jihadist threat, pointing to a raft of new anti-terror laws and the deployment of thousands of troops to patrol the streets.

A recent parliamentary commission of inquiry said however the new laws had had a "limited impact" on security.

On Thursday, the Liberation newspaper reported that the place where Bouhlel had entered the Nice promenade at the beginning of his deadly rampage had only been guarded by one municipal police car.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has criticized the article as false and Prime Minister Manuel Valls has accused opponents who suggest the Nice attack could have been thwarted of "lying to the French".

 

Read More

Fawad and Deepika set stage on fire as they walk the ramp for designer Manish Malhotra

Looking as royal as royal can get, superstars Fawad Khan and Deepika Padukone walked the ramp for designer Manish Malhotra’s collection ‘The Persian Story’ and took the audience's breath away.

The Pakistani heartthrob Fawad opened Malhotra’s collection amid loud whistles and cheers and later walked with Deepika as they closed the show at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016.

Looking like a dream, the couple was dressed in traditional outfits. The designer is said to have taken inspiration from Persian architecture for his limited edition collection.

The collection was showcased at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi where 11 designers are set to showcase their collections during the five day fashion extravaganza.

Earlier this year Fawwad and Deepika interacted on the IIFA stage and sent he fans into a frenzy and with their latest appearance fans cannot wait to see the couple share screen space.

[post_gallery]

 â€"Picture source: Indian Express

 

 

Read More

Fawad and Deepika set the stage on fire as they walk the ramp for ace designer Manish Malhotra

Looking as royal as royal can get, superstars Fawad Khan and Deepika Padukone walked the ramp for designer Manish Malhotra?s collection ?The Persian Story? and took the audience's breath away.

The Pakistani heartthrob Fawad opened Malhotra?s collection amid loud whistles and cheers and later walked with Deepika as they closed the show at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016.

Looking like a dream, the couple was dressed in traditional outfits. The designer is said to have taken inspiration from Persian architecture for his limited edition collection.

The collection was showcased at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi where 11 designers are set to showcase their collections during the five day fashion extravaganza.

Earlier this year Fawwad and Deepika interacted on the IIFA stage and sent he fans into a frenzy and with their latest appearance fans cannot wait to see the couple share screen space.

[post_gallery]

 ?Picture source: Indian Express

 

 

Read More

Customs inspector murder case: Arrest warrants issued for model Ayyan Ali

RAWALPINDI: A local court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Pakistani model Ayyan Ali in relation to the Customs Inspector Ijaz Chaudhry’s murder case.

The local court magistrate Ghulam Latif while issuing the arrest warrants, ordered that Ayyan Ali should be arrested within 10 days and presented before the court.

In May, Waris Shah Police had nominated super model Ayyan Ali,who is allegedly involved in the money laundering case, a major suspect in the murder case of the main witness Custom Inspector Ijaz.

Saima Ijaz, the widow of the deceased customs inspector and the main plaintiff in his murder case, had earlier accused the model of being involved in her husband’s murder.

She had also submitted her statement in the murder case earlier. She had said in her statement that her deceased husband was under severe mental pressure before he was killed by unknown assailants on June 2, 2015.

Quoting her husband’s statement she had said that her husband had been threatened of dire consequences for not cooperating in the investigation case of super model Ayyan Ali.

In November 2015, a court in Rawalpindi had finally indicted model Ayyan Ali in the currency smuggling case, over eight months after her initial arrest from the airport with an undeclared half-a-million dollars in cash.

Ayyan Ali was arrested from Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport on March 14 with USD 500,000 and was accused of attempting to illegally take this amount outside the country.

 

Read More

Boxer Mohammad Waseem back in the country post win: Asks government for support

ISLAMABAD: Boxer Mohammad Waseem who returned to Pakistan on Thursday, after winning the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Flyweight title in a tough fight against Philippines' Jether Oliva at the Millenium Hilton Hotel in Seoul, lamented the lack of support he got from the government. 

“I started my career in Korea, my promoter is a Korean and has spent a great amount of money on me but he too says that I am a Pakistani and that my government should be the one to support me,” said Waseem, speaking to Geo News.

He dedicated his win to his parents, family and friends, and "prayers of his countrymen".

Waseem, who hails from Quetta, prepared for the fight under famous trainer Jeff Mayweather at the boxing club of renowned boxer Floyd Mayweather Junior in Las Vegas. Jeff is the uncle of Floyd Mayweather Junior, one of the world’s greatest boxers of his time.

He said while in Pakistan he had begged the Boxing Federation for ten months but did not received any help from them. He added that he spent a year in the United States paying for his training.

Despite the lack of support from his government, Pakistani boxed Mohammad Waseem has won the country many accolades on international forums. Waseem all three fights he played in.

The Pakistani boxer, who switched over to pro boxing early last year, made a dream debut when he knocked out Korea’s Min Wook Lee in the ninth round to win the Korean Boxing Commission (KBC) title on October 4, 2015.

He knocked out Suparyanto Doglo of Indonesia in the third round in his second bout in Bangkok on December 5, 2015.

His last triumph came against Indonesia’s Bajawa whom he knocked out in Seoul the other month.

Post a long and difficult struggle for funds, Waseem managed to take the sport up professionally and is now the first ever Pakistani to have become a WBC Flyweight Silver Champion.

"I hope that now that I have won a title the Pakistan government will support me," he said. 

A popular sport in many parts of Karachi boxing has never received the support it should in the country.

British boxer Amir Khan in one of his many visits to Pakistan inaugurated the Amir Khan Boxing Academy in Karachi's Lyari area and another in Islamabad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More