Wasim seeks Yasir?s inclusion in Pakistan?s ODI squad

Former captain and 'Swing Ka Sultan' Wasim Akram has suggested that Pakistan should include Yasir Shah in the playing side for the upcoming matches against England, which poses a strong batting line up.

“In past, while in England, we played Mushtaq. Imran bhai played Abdul Qadir in the team, because leg-spinners can be useful in such conditions,” he said while talking exclusively to Geo News in Southampton after the 1st ODI.

England defeated Pakistan by 44 runs on D/L method after rain interrupted England’s chase of 261 runs twice.

Wasim added that Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz are good bowlers with batting advantage, but both of them are bowlers of similar style.

 “You don’t need bowlers to ball dot-balls in middle, you need wicket taking bowlers in middle overs as well, and such a bowler is Yasir Shah. So, Pakistan must utilise his abilities,” the former captain said.

On question about Azhar’s captaincy, Wasim said that Azhar needs to learn how to exploit opponent’s weakness, hoping that the young captain will learn from his experience with time.

Commenting on Pakistan’s loss in 1st ODI against England, Wasim said the team is young and inexperienced, and he’ll give them a benefit of doubt for this defeat, but added that players will have to work really hard for the remaining matches.

“I think England outplayed us in every department, batting, bowling, fielding. We started off well, Azhar scored 82 but then he got out at the wrong time, he should have stayed till end and transform his 80s into century,”

“Malik and Sarfaraz were looking good but then rain interruption broke the momentum and we lost two quick wickets which restricted us from posting a better score,” he added.

Wasim looked unhappy with Sharjeel Khan as well and said that the flamboyant opening batsman must learn that every team is not Ireland.

“Sharjeel’s innings against Ireland was brilliant without any doubt, but he must realize that every team is not Ireland and he can not pull every delivery which is coming at 90mph,”

“England knew what Sharjeel’s weak points were, they did their homework properly to get Sharjeel out quickly,” said Akram.

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Eight terrorists killed in operation near Pak-Afghan border

RAWALPINDI:  Eight terrorists have been killed during a combing operation near the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman, the ISPR said on Thursday.

A huge amount of explosives and weapons were recovered during the operation.

Among the weapons and explosives recovered were IEDs, rockets and detonators.

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Eight terrorists killed in operation near Pak-Afghan border

RAWALPINDI:  Eight terrorists have been killed during a combing operation near the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman, the ISPR said on Thursday.

A huge amount of explosives and weapons were recovered during the operation.

Among the weapons and explosives recovered were IEDs, rockets and detonators.

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Toxic food kills two in Khuzdar

KHUZDAR: At least two people died and five others fell in in Vadh District after they ate toxic food for dinner.

All seven people belonged to the same family. They are under treatment at the Khuzdar Civil Hospital.

Doctors said that the deaths were caused due to food poisoning.

In April this year 24 people died after consuming toxic sweet in Layyah during a birthday celebration. The accused confessed to have mixed pesticide in sweets after he had a fight with his elder brother who owned the sweet shop, police said.

 

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Toxic food kills two in Khuzdar

KHUZDAR: At least two people died and five others fell in in Vadh District after they ate toxic food for dinner.

All seven people belonged to the same family. They are under treatment at the Khuzdar Civil Hospital.

Doctors said that the deaths were caused due to food poisoning.

In April this year 24 people died after consuming toxic sweet in Layyah during a birthday celebration. The accused confessed to have mixed pesticide in sweets after he had a fight with his elder brother who owned the sweet shop, police said.

 

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Biden says US understands ´intense feeling´ in Turkey over Gulen after coup

ANKARA: US Vice President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he understood the "intense feeling" in Turkey over the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen whom Ankara accuses of masterminding the July 15 failed coup and wants to see extradited.

Biden´s one-day trip to Ankara was largely aimed at repairing damage to ties caused by the botched coup and Turkey´s impatience over the failure of the US to rapidly surrender Gulen.

Speaking at a news conference with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Biden said work was continuing by US legal experts to evaluate the evidence produced by Turkey that needs to "be supplied to an American court" for an extradition.

"I understand the intense feeling your government and the people of Turkey have about him (Gulen). We are cooperating with the Turkish authorities."

He added that the US has "no, no, no, no interest whatsoever in protecting anyone who has done harm to an ally. None. But we need to meet the legal standard requirement under our law."

He said it would be an impeachable offence for US President Barack Obama to order the extradition of a foreign national.

"We have no reason other than to cooperate with you (Turkey)... It always takes time... It is never understood why the wheels of justice move deliberately and slowly. It is totally understandable why the people of Turkey are angry," he said.

Turkish officials have warned that if Pennsylvania-based Gulen is not extradited, relations will suffer further and anti-American sentiment will deepen in the country.

Yildirim said if the process of extraditing Gulen is expedited, Turkish people´s disappointment would be dispelled "very quickly".

´I do apologise´

Meeting later with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Biden sought to counter head-on Turkish disappointment that Western officials had not come sooner to express solidarity after the coup.

"The American people stand with you," Biden told reporters, sitting next to Erdogan at the presidential palace in Ankara. "But I do apologise. I wish I could have been here earlier."

But he added that Ankara needed to produce more if it was going to ensure the extradition of Gulen.

"How long it will take will depend on how much evidence is able to be presented. Thus far, until yesterday, there has been no evidence presented about the coup.

"When you go into an American court you cannot say ´this is a bad guy´. You have to say ´this is a guy or a woman who committed the following explicit crime´" said Biden.

He also expressed astonishment at speculation inside Turkey that the United States wanted to protect Gulen.

"Can you imagine us being happy with another military state (in Turkey)? We did not get on so well with your previous military states. So what motive could we possibly have?" he added.

For his part, Erdogan said Gulen´s extradition "as soon as possible" was Turkey´s biggest priority.

"I believe that the United States will take necessary steps that will meet Turkey´s rightful expectations on this issue," he added.

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Afghan forces kill two gunmen to end American University attack

KABUL: Afghan security forces killed two gunmen who attacked the American University in Kabul, police said early on Thursday, ending an assault on the compound that killed at least one person and sent hundreds of students fleeing in panic.

The attack at around 6:30 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET) on Wednesday began with a large explosion that officials said was a car bomb followed by gunfire, as suspected militants battled into the complex where foreign staff and pupils were working.

Elite Afghan forces surrounded the walled compound and eventually worked their way inside, according to a senior interior ministry official.

Sporadic gunfire could be heard through the night and, before dawn, police said the operation had concluded.

"The fight is over and at least two attackers are killed," a police official at the scene told Reuters. "Right now a clearance operation is ongoing by a criminal technique team. More details will be announced soon."

Information on casualties remained uncertain, but the Afghan Public health Ministry said one guard was killed and at least 21 people were wounded, six critically. No foreigners were reported among the wounded.

Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told Reuters earlier on Thursday that security forces had rescued around 500 students from the university, which is popular with Afghanistan's elite.

DESPERATE ESCAPES

Terrified students recounted barricading themselves in classrooms or jumping from the second floor in order to escape. Most appeared to have got away.

"Many students jumped from the second floor, some broke their legs and some hurt their head trying to escape," Abdullah Fahimi, a student who escaped, told Reuters. He injured his ankle making the leap.

"We were in the class when we heard a loud explosion followed by gunfire. It was very close. Some students were crying, others were screaming," he said.

Ahmad Mukhtar, who also fled, said the gunmen had got into the university buildings despite security measures including armed guards and watchtowers.

"I finished my class and was about to leave when I heard a few gunshots and a huge explosion, followed by more gunfire," he said. "I ran toward the emergency exit with other students, climbed the wall and jumped outside."

Islamist militant groups, mainly the Afghan Taliban and a local offshoot of Islamic State, have claimed a string of recent bomb attacks aimed at destabilizing the country and toppling the Western-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani.

No one has taken responsibility for the university raid.

It was the second time this month that the university or its staff had been targeted.

Two teachers, an American and an Australian, remain missing after being abducted at gunpoint from a road nearby on Aug. 7.

The American University of Afghanistan has about 1,700 students and advertises itself as the country's only not-for-profit, "non-partisan", co-educational university. It opened in 2006 and caters to full-time and part-time students.

Taliban insurgents control large swaths of Afghanistan, and Afghan security forces are struggling to contain them, especially in the provinces of Helmand to the south and Kunduz to the north.

NATO ended its combat mission in December 2014 but thousands of troops remain to train and assist Afghan forces, while several thousand more U.S. soldiers are engaged in a separate mission focusing on al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The United States said it was closely monitoring the situation in Kabul following the university attack and that forces from the U.S.-led coalition were involved in the response in an advise-and-assist role.

State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the U.S. Embassy was working to account for all of its personnel and to locate and assist any U.S. citizens affected by the attack.

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Final of PSL second edition to be played in Lahore: Sethi

LONDON: Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chairman Najam Sethi has said that preparations for the second edition of PSL are complete, the final of which will be played in Lahore.

He was exclusively talking to our correspondent Wadood Mushtaq in London. Sethi said world's leading cricketers will be participating in the league, of which the final will be played in Lahore on March 8 or 9, 2017.

Pakistan has not staged major international cricket events on its home grounds ? barring a few limited over matches against lowly ranked Zimbabwe last year ? since terrorists attacks targeted the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009.

Earlier in July, Sri Lanka?s fast bowler Lasith Malinga and South African all-rounder Albie Morkel joined the players? roster for the second edition of the league, ahead of the players? draft.

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

Malinga and Morkel joined former Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum and current England ODI and T20 captain Eoin Morgan in having signed up for PSL.

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

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Rifts within PTI after backing out of Karachi alliance with PML-N

KARACHI: Rifts appeared within Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday after it ditched Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the election for the chairman in Karachi's district West.

PTI leader Imran Ismail said that the decision to form an alliance with Nawaz-league was made by Ali Zaidi. He claimed that his side abided by the agreement and that it was the PML-N which deviated.

Admitting to have met Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader and Karachi mayor-elect, Waseem Akhtar, in jail, Ismail said he had no discussion on politics during the meeting.

The alleged alliance with MQM, however, seems to have caused difficulties for PTI as party leader Ali Zaidi promised to dissociate him if it turned out that the PTI candidate voted for Muttahida in the election for chairman for district council.

Amid statements by PTI Karachi chapter leadership, PTI central information secretary Naeemul Haq also disapproved of the PTI-MQM alliance in Karachi and said the matter was being investigated.

"PTI cannot approve any relationship or association with Altaf's MQM. Our policy is not to cooperate with any elements who support Altaf," Haq said on Twitter.

To this, Imran Ismail responded saying, "I wish Haq would once have asked me before issuing the statement".

Slamming PTI's defection from the alliance, PML-N leader Senator Nihal Hashmi reacted, "Imran Khan's inconsistency is being transferred to party's lower ranks".

"PTI has only one principle: power and else everything is meaningless for them," he added.

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Rifts within PTI after backing out of Karachi alliance with PML-N

KARACHI: Rifts appeared within Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday after it ditched Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the election for the chairman in Karachi's district West.

PTI leader Imran Ismail said that the decision to form an alliance with Nawaz-league was made by Ali Zaidi. He claimed that his side abided by the agreement and that it was the PML-N which deviated.

Admitting to have met Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader and Karachi mayor-elect, Waseem Akhtar, in jail, Ismail said he had no discussion on politics during the meeting.

The alleged alliance with MQM, however, seems to have caused difficulties for PTI as party leader Ali Zaidi promised to dissociate him if it turned out that the PTI candidate voted for Muttahida in the election for chairman for district council.

Amid statements by PTI Karachi chapter leadership, PTI central information secretary Naeemul Haq also disapproved of the PTI-MQM alliance in Karachi and said the matter was being investigated.

"PTI cannot approve any relationship or association with Altaf's MQM. Our policy is not to cooperate with any elements who support Altaf," Haq said on Twitter.

To this, Imran Ismail responded saying, "I wish Haq would once have asked me before issuing the statement".

Slamming PTI's defection from the alliance, PML-N leader Senator Nihal Hashmi reacted, "Imran Khan's inconsistency is being transferred to party's lower ranks".

"PTI has only one principle: power and else everything is meaningless for them," he added.

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Two MQM Rabitta Committee members detained at London airport

LONDON: Two members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Rabitaa Committee were detained on Wednesday at the Heathrow airport in London, sources told Geo News.

They said that MQM leaders Shabir Qaimkhani and Kaiful Wara were taken into custody and questioned about deportation from the US at the airport.

Sources said UK Border Agency detained both leaders for three hours and were inquired about their travel details.

They further said that both MQM members are now at the party’s London secretariat.

In extraordinary developments on Tuesday, MQM Pakistan distanced itself from controversial anti-Pakistan statements made by the party leadership in London, with Deputy Convener Farooq Sattar taking control of the party leadership.

Sattar, flanked by senior leaders of the party, announced at a press conference in Karachi that future party decisions would be made by the MQM Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

On Wednesday, party chief Altaf Hussain formally handed over the party powers to the Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

In a statement issued by the party on its website, the MQM supremo accepted the decision announced by Farooq.

“I respect the decision MQM leaders have taken in their press conference. As founder of the party I hand over powers to makes decisions and, organising the party to the Rabita Committee,” the statement said, BBC Urdu reported.

The party's website is blocked in Pakistan.

 

 

 

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Qaim challenges youth

Former Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Wednesday challenged the youth to stand in the sun for six hours without drinking water like he used to do.

When asked about his age by a reporter during a press conference, 83-year-old Qaim simply replied, ?I am young than many young men.?

He said that he used to stand in the sun for up to six hours without even drinking water.

Earlier in August, the young and energetic Sindh Minister for Sports Sardar Mohammad Bux Mahar challenged his counterpart in Punjab to match his 50-pushup record.

Mahar did 50 pushups in less than 40-seconds in a video circulating on various platforms and after setting the bar at 50 challenged the Punjab sports minister to show if he was fit enough for the challenge.

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Qaim challenges youth

Former Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Wednesday challenged the youth to stand in the sun for six hours without drinking water like he used to do.

When asked about his age by a reporter during a press conference, 83-year-old Qaim simply replied, “I am young than many young men.”

He said that he used to stand in the sun for up to six hours without even drinking water.

Earlier in August, the young and energetic Sindh Minister for Sports Sardar Mohammad Bux Mahar challenged his counterpart in Punjab to match his 50-pushup record.

Mahar did 50 pushups in less than 40-seconds in a video circulating on various platforms and after setting the bar at 50 challenged the Punjab sports minister to show if he was fit enough for the challenge.

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Waseem Akhtar to run Karachi affairs from jail

 

KARACHI: Newly-elected mayor of Pakistan?s largest city Karachi said he will run the teeming metropolis via "video link" from his prison cell.

Speaking during a press conference after being elected, he said,?Chief Minister Sindh should give me an office in Central Jail. I will look after the local affairs via video link.?

Waseem Akhtar, while talking to the media after the announcement of results, thanked the ruling party for accepting the mandate of Karachi.

Newly-elect mayor said that he doesn?t want to discuss the grievances of the past and just wants to move forward for the betterment of the citizens of the city.

He said that all political parties would be taken on board for the development of the city, adding that he was the mayor of Karachi, not of MQM.

Earlier, Waseem Akhtar who was arrested last month, arrived in an armoured police vehicle at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation building to cast his vote in the final round of elections that has his party in an unassailable lead.

Akhtar is a member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which swept local elections in December, but he could not take office because of legal challenges that prevented members of the city council from casting their vote.

"He will open an office in jail and via video link he will conduct council sessions," Mahfooz Yar Khan, Akhtar?s lawyer, told reporters outside the council building as his client voted inside.

"He can run Karachi via video link for five years."

On Tuesday, police lodged a case of treason against MQM?s leader, Altaf Hussain, and sealed the party?s headquarters after Hussain had incited supporters to attack the office of a TV channel in clashes that left one dead.

How Akhtar will manage to run the city is far from clear, with the courts not expected to release him before he likely takes oath on August 30.

MQM officials have said they will ask authorities to provide him with a well-furnished office. Police will escort him to any meetings he is allowed to attend on the outside.

Akhtar was arrested on July 19 on suspicion of sheltering and providing medical treatment to alleged militants and criminals. He also faces earlier charges of inciting riots.

This is not the first time a mayor will operate his office in jail and via video link.

The mayor of Illigan, a city in Philipines, has been holding office inside a prison for almost seven months.

 

 

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Government to address KCCI concerns over industrial property valuation: Federal Tax Ombudsman

KARACHI:  Federal Tax Ombudsman, Abdul Rauf Chaudhry said Wednesday the government would resolve concerns highlighted by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Talking to Geo News, Mr. Chaurdhy said that after consultation with FPCCI, FBR introduced property valuation and procedure.

Mr. Chaudhry assured the business community of discussing property valuation with relevant quarters to address concerns over industrial property

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Waseem Akhtar to run Karachi affairs from jail

KARACHI: Newly-elected mayor of Pakistan’s largest and richest city Karachi said he will run the teeming metropolis via "video link" from his prison cell.

Speaking during a press conference after being elected, he said,”Chief Minister Sindh should give me an office in Central Jail. I will look after the local affairs via video link.”

Waseem Akhtar, who was arrested last month, arrived in an armoured police vehicle at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation building to cast his vote in the final round of elections that has his party in an unassailable lead.

Akhtar is a member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which swept local elections in December, but he could not take office because of legal challenges that prevented members of the city council from casting their vote.

"He will open an office in jail and via video link he will conduct council sessions," Mahfooz Yar Khan, Akhtar’s lawyer, told reporters outside the council building as his client voted inside.

"He can run Karachi via video link for five years."

On Tuesday, police lodged a case of treason against MQM’s leader, Altaf Hussain, and sealed the party’s headquarters after Hussain had incited supporters to attack the office of a TV channel in clashes that left one dead.

How Akhtar will manage to run the city is far from clear, with the courts not expected to release him before he likely takes oath on August 30.

MQM officials have said they will ask authorities to provide him with a well-furnished office. Police will escort him to any meetings he is allowed to attend on the outside.

Akhtar was arrested on July 19 on suspicion of sheltering and providing medical treatment to alleged militants and criminals.

He also faces earlier charges of inciting riots.

This is not the first time a mayor will operate his office in jail and via video link.

The mayor of Illigan, a city in Philipines, has been holding office inside a prison for almost seven months.

 

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Gunfire heard at American university in Kabul: Afghan official

KABUL: Gunfire was heard at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul on Wednesday, an Afghan interior ministry official said.

An explosion was also reportedly heard near the university, an Afghan official said. 

There were no further details immediately available.

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Vohra regrets taking call during Waseem?s press conference

KARACHI: Deputy Mayor elect, Arshad Vohra said he learnt a lesson of not receiving phone call’s during a news conference.  

Vohra had taken a phone call during a press conference by Karachi’s newly elected mayor Waseem Akhtar. After speaking on the phone, television cameras caught Vohra whispering in Akhtar’s ear.

Speaking to Geo News, Vohra said an issue should not be made as the phone call was from Sindh Assembly speaker Aga Siraj Durrani.

 

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Altaf?s role will remain as Quaid-e-Tehreek: Sattar

KARACHI: MQM leader Farooq Sattar has said that he along with opposition leader in Sindh Khawaja Izhar will pick up from where they left off with Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah.

Talking exclusively to Geo News, he said, “We have felt that we were facing several issues in decision-making and the core issue was that Quaid-e-Tehreek's health.”

When asked by our reporter that he called Altaf Hussain Quad-e-Tehreek, Sattar said: "See, I called him Quaid-e-Tehreek because this entire movement was started by him and in the constitution, his role will remain as the founder, but decisions will not be taken in London but in Pakistan.”

Sattar said the confusion surrounding the issues has ended after the statement of MQM chief.

He further said that his team would soon meet CM Sindh. Similarly, they were also in contact with the federal government.

Earlier, speaking to media at the old KMC building where the mayoral elections took place, he said those sitting in London had accepted decisions made in Pakistan.

“MQM is working for politics in Pakistan. All of its decision will be made in Pakistan,” Farooq Sattar said.

He was referring to a recent statement issued by the MQM founder Altaf Hussain where he handed over all powers to run the party to the Rabita Committee.

MQM leader Khawaja Izhar agreed to Farooq Sattar. “It is clear that all important decision related to the party will be taken in Pakistan,” Izhar said.

In a statement issued by the party on its website on Wednesday, the MQM supremo accepted the decision announced by Farooq Sattar in a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club yesterday. Sattar accompanied by several senior leaders said that due to mental stress that Altaf Hussain faces, the party decisions will be taken by Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

“I respect the decision MQM leaders have taken in their press conference. As founder of the party I hand over powers to makes decisions and, organising the party to the Rabita Committee,” the statement said, BBC Urdu reported.

The statement adds that the MQM chief will pay attention to his health as directed by the Rabita Committee.

The party's website is blocked in Pakistan.

Sattar, flanked by senior leaders of the party, announced at a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday that future party decisions would be made by the MQM Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

The announcement followed a crackdown by the Sindh Rangers on MQM leaders and offices after party workers stormed media offices on the directives of party chief Altaf Hussain, who lives in self-exile in London. At least one person was killed in the violence that ensued after the provocative speech.

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Vohra regrets taking call during Waseem?s press conference

KARACHI: Deputy Mayor elect, Arshad Vohra said he learnt a lesson of not receiving phone call?s during a news conference.  

Vohra had taken a phone call during a press conference by Karachi?s newly elected mayor Waseem Akhtar. After speaking on the phone, television cameras caught Vohra whispering in Akhtar?s ear.

Speaking to Geo News, Vohra said an issue should not be made as the phone call was from Sindh Assembly speaker Aga Siraj Durrani.

 

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No plans to marry in the future, Imran Khan on Capital Talk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan will appear on Geo News programme ?Capital Talk? on Wednesday.

Imran Khan during the interview with Hamid Mir said he has no plans to marry in the future and there is no future Mrs. Khan on the cards.

He added that with the help of the Almighty he will marry again.

You can watch the complete when Capital Talks airs on 8:05PM PST.

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No plans to marry in the future, Imran Khan on Capital Talk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan will appear on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’ on Wednesday.

Imran Khan during the interview with Hamid Mir said he has no plans to marry in the future and there is no future Mrs. Khan on the cards.

He added that with the help of the Almighty he will marry again.

You can watch the complete when Capital Talks airs on 8:05PM PST.

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Imprisoned Waseem Akhtar elected Karachi mayor: unofficial results

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Waseem Akhtar has been elected the mayor of Karachi on Wednesday.

According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, MQM’s Arshad Vohra has been elected deputy mayor of the city.

Earlier today, Waseem Akhtar cast his vote for the mayoral elections.

He was brought in an armoured personnel carrier (APC) from the central jail to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation building where polling for mayor and deputy mayors took place.

MQM Rehan Hashmi won without contest for chairman from central Karachi.

Polling took place in five of six District Municipal Corporations in the metropolis.

Along with mayors and deputy mayors, elections for chairman and vice chairman of district councils was also held today.

Candidates for chairman and vice chairman have already been elected unopposed in 14 districts in the province, with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) winning all the seats.

These districts include Hyderabad, Sukkur, Matiari, Jamshoro, Sajawal, Tando Allahyar, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushehro Feroze and Qamber Shahdadkot.

On the other side, polls for chairman and vice chairman in eight other districts (Larkana, Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Tharparkar, Khairpur, Sanghar, Dadu and Ghotki) were also held on Wednesday.

A case is pending in the Sindh High Court (SHC) pertaining to the posts of chairman and vice chairman of district council Thatta, due to which polls were not held there.

Polls in Karachi

Having 214 members in the 308-member city council, MQM enjoys simple majority to form its government in the Karachi Municipal Corporation.

A political party requires 155 votes to get its candidate elected for the mayor office.

 

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Imprisoned Waseem Akhtar elected Karachi mayor: unofficial results

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Waseem Akhtar has been elected the mayor of Karachi on Wednesday.

According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, MQM?s Arshad Vohra has been elected deputy mayor of the city.

A total of 295 out of 308 were cast out in Karachi mayoral elections.

According to the results, the female voter turnout was 99 percent.

Earlier today, Waseem Akhtar cast his vote for the mayoral elections.

He was brought in an armoured personnel carrier (APC) from the central jail to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation building where polling for mayor and deputy mayors took place.

MQM Rehan Hashmi won without contest for chairman from central Karachi.

Polling took place in five of six District Municipal Corporations in the metropolis.

Along with mayors and deputy mayors, elections for chairman and vice chairman of district councils was also held today.

Candidates for chairman and vice chairman have already been elected unopposed in 14 districts in the province, with Pakistan People?s Party (PPP) winning all the seats.

These districts include Hyderabad, Sukkur, Matiari, Jamshoro, Sajawal, Tando Allahyar, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushehro Feroze and Qamber Shahdadkot.

On the other side, polls for chairman and vice chairman in eight other districts (Larkana, Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Tharparkar, Khairpur, Sanghar, Dadu and Ghotki) were also held on Wednesday.

A case is pending in the Sindh High Court (SHC) pertaining to the posts of chairman and vice chairman of district council Thatta, due to which polls were not held there.

Polls in Karachi

Having 214 members in the 308-member city council, MQM enjoys simple majority to form its government in the Karachi Municipal Corporation.

A political party requires 155 votes to get its candidate elected for the mayor office.

 

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Pakistan win toss, elect to bat first in ODI against England

SOUTHAMPTON: Pakistan on Wednesday won the toss and decided to bat first against England in the first One Day International at Southampton.

This ODI at Southampton is the first in a five-match series.

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Pakistan win toss, elect to bat first in ODI against England

SOUTHAMPTON: Pakistan on Wednesday won the toss and decided to bat first against England in the first One Day International at Southampton.

This ODI at Southampton is the first in a five-match series.

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Sending official reference to UK govt against MQM chief: Nisar

KARACHI: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar on Wednesday visited Karachi and on the occasion said that official reference against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain will be sent to the British government.

The federal interior minister was talking to media personnel at the Governor House after a meeting with Governor Sindh Ishratul Ebad.

He said that Karachi cannot be held hostage over one person?s phone call.

?We all are on the same page regarding Karachi?s law and order,? Nisar said.

The federal interior minister said that the security of the media houses should be improved. He was referring to the recent unrest in the city in which MQM protesters tried to wreak havoc in Karachi following an inflammatory speech by the MQM chief inciting party workers to attack media houses.

 

 

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Pakistan Juniors Kick off European Tour with 6-3 win

LAHORE: Pakistan's under 21 hockey team opened its second leg of the European tour on an impressive note routing the Voordaan club 6-3 on Wednesday at Groenekan Netherlands.

According to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), six different players got on the scoring sheet. Three goals were scored in the open play with similar numbers coming through penalty corner conversions.

Sohail Riaz Shan Irshad and Dilber scored the field goals in lively attacking moves engineered by both the flanks and the mid field. Mubashar Ali Abubakr and Hasan Anwar found the target through astute planning and accurate shooting in penalty corners drills.

 

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London has accepted decisions taken by MQM in Pakistan: Farooq Sattar

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement leaders Farooq Sattar and Khawaja Izhar ul Hasan on Wednesday said those sitting in London had accepted decisions made in Pakistan.

The two leaders were speaking to media at the old KMC building where the mayoral elections are taking place. “MQM is working for politics in Pakistan. All of its decision will be made in Pakistan,” Farooq Sattar said.

He was referring to a recent statement issued by the MQM founder Altaf Hussain where he handed over all powers to run the party to the Rabita Committee.

MQM leader Khawaja Izhar agreed to Farooq Sattar. “It is clear that all important decision related to the party will be taken in Pakistan,” Izhar said.

“Exactly how MQM offices were sealed they will be unsealed. All allegations on Waseem Akhtar are baseless,” Izhar said. “We call for transparent investigation into the issue so that Waseem Akhtar can serve the city as soon as possible.”

The MQM nominated mayor has been accused by police in a challan presented in an Anti-terrorism court today of being involved in the May 12, 2007 massacre where over 40 people were killed in Karachi. He is currently in jail.

In a statement issued by the party on its website on Wednesday the MQM supremo accepted the decision announced by Farooq Sattar in a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club yesterday. Sattar accompanied by several senior leaders said that due to mental stress that Altaf Hussain faces, the party decisions will be taken by Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

“I respect the decision MQM leaders have taken in their press conference. As founder of the party I hand over powers to makes decisions and, organizing the party to the Rabita Committee,” the statement said, BBC Urdu reported.

The statement adds that the MQM chief will pay attention to his health as directed by the Rabita Committee.

The party's website is blocked in Pakistan.

Sattar, flanked by senior leaders of the party, announced at a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday that future party decisions would be made by the MQM Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

The announcement followed a crackdown by the Sindh Rangers on MQM leaders and offices after party workers stormed media offices on the directives of party chief Altaf Hussain, who lives in self-exile in London. At least one person was killed in the violence that ensued after the provocative speech.

 

 

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PML-N candidate pushes PTI?s Imran Ismail

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Ismail was pushed by PML-N’s candidate for deputy mayor.

Video from the incident showed Ismail being pushed away from the rostrum by the PML-N candidate as he was giving a press conference.

The incident took place after Ismail said his party would support the elected mayor for the betterment of Karachi.  Following this statement, PML-N workers started chanting slogans of traitor and telling Ismail to move away from the rostrum.

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MQM, Karachi Ittehad face off at polling station

KARACHI: Tension flared up at District West polling station following announcement of unofficial results for chairman and vice chairman.

MQM and Karachi Ittehad faced off when MQM’s nominee Izharuddin Ahmed was unofficially announced as chairman against Karachi Ittehad’s candidate for the position.

Karachi Ittehad’s nominee Azizullah Afridi meanwhile was unofficially declared vice chairman opposite MQM’s candidate Gul Faraz Khattak.

Workers from both the parties began protesting and chanting slogans when the unofficial results came out.

MQM’s Izharuddin Ahmed reportedly received 36 votes. Karachi Ittehad’s Azizullah Afridi got 44 votes.

Karachi Ittehad refused to accept the results for the district and carried out a sit-in outside DC office. Party’s candidate Asif Khan, who lost to Izharuddin, claimed that 20 votes had been tampered. A total of 67 votes were registered at the polling venue.

According to reports, workers from the parties also blocked roads in the area and started brawling with the opponents.

Karachi Ittehad is made up of PPP, PML(N), PTI, ANP, Jamat-e-Islami and JUI.

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Metropolitan Police launches operation Vitality ahead of Notting Hill Carnival

LONDON: The Metropolitan Police will be executing over 200 search warrants across London to target and disrupt those aiming to use the upcoming Notting Hill Carnival as a cover for committing crime and violence.

A statement issued by the Metropolitan Police on Wednesday claimed, 55 people have been arrested as part of Operation Vitality; the intelligence-led operation designed to keep the 50th Notting Hill Carnival safe for both those attending and those taking part in the celebration.

Officers in Lambeth executed 11 warrants and arrested 5 individuals on suspicion of possession of class-A drugs and two for possession of class-B drugs along with a cash seizure of approximately £2,000.

During a raid in Barnet officers recovered a firearm and arrested four individuals. In a separate raid in the same area two suspected were arrested on suspicion of possession of ammunition and possession with intent to supply class-B drugs. 

Officers also seized two machetes from an address in Camden.

Operation Vitality runs in tandem with the Met's Trident Gang Crime Command which provides enhanced intelligence, enforcement and diversion activity for the most harmful gang members in London.

Superintendent Robyn Williams, the Met?s spokesperson for the Notting Hill Carnival said, "Well over one million people attend the Notting Hill Carnival every year; given these huge numbers, crime is low. What we want is for those one million people to enjoy the event without worrying about the crime and violence that has been caused by the small minority in the past.

Borough commander Tariq Sarwar, of Kensington and Chelsea said, "Carnival is a fantastic event bringing many visitors to the borough from around the world to take part in the festivities. I appreciate that the celebrations together with the high volume of people passing through the area will have an impact on local businesses and residents. 

?Today?s operation will ensure that some of those persons intent on causing harm and disruption to the Carnival will be prevented from doing so. This will help to ensure that those people who are there to enjoy themselves can do so and it will enable the area to be returned to normality at the earliest for the local businesses and resident," Sarwar added. 

 

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USGS records 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar

YANGON: A powerful earthquake hit Myanmar on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey the quake registered a 6.8 on the Richter scale. 

The USGS adds that the epicenter of the quake was 84 kiometres below the surface level and was felt as far as the Thai capital of Bangkok, AFP reported.

Meanwhile Reuters added that there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The quake shook buildings in Myanmar's largest city of Yangon as well as in other towns and cities, witnesses said.

 

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Explosion rips through Dubai apartment building

DUBAI: An explosion ripped through a fifth-floor apartment located in the city's Al Khail Gate community sparked fear among residents and left at least two people injured according to local media reports. 

According to area residents, the explosion took place around 11:20AM on Wednesday in building Number 39 in Phase 1 of the Al Khail Gate community in Al Quoz.

?It was a very loud noise. Everyone in the surrounding buildings heard it...and we heard people screaming,? an Indian was quoted by Gulf News.

Area residents claimed they saw rubble from the destroyed walls of the apartment was lying on the ground, while the balcony of the flat on the floor immediately below the affected apartment was also damaged. 

Police and ambulances arrived on the scene and a man and woman were shifted to the hospital. 

Eyewitnesses say they initially suspected the explosion to be a result of a gas explosion but ruled that out after they claimed a gas cylinder and stove could be seen intact in the apartment. 

Residents gripped by fear made frantic calls to their loved ones to make sure they were safe. One woman was quoted by Gulf News to have said, "my friend and child had walked past that building just a couple of minutes before the explosion. Thank God they had a narrow escape."

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Erdogan says US has ?no excuse? to keep coup suspect Gulen

ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he would tell U.S. Vice President Joe Biden that Washington has "no excuse" for not handing over the Pennsylvania-based cleric blamed for last month's failed coup.

Erdogan, who is due to meet with Biden in Ankara later on Wednesday, said Turkey would continue to provide U.S. officials with documents to demand the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999.

Gulen, once an Erdogan ally, denies any involvement in the July 15 coup attempt and has condemned it.

But Turkish officials say a network of Gulen supporters for years infiltrated Turkey´s military and public offices to create a "parallel state".

"We will tell him that FETO´s leader is in your country," Erdogan said, using an acronym for "Gulenist Terror Organisation", the name Ankara has given Gulen´s network.

"If a country wants a criminal in your country to be extradited, you have no rights to argue with that.

"Erdogan said Turkey and Washington were strategic partners and keeping Gulen would not benefit the United States.

Biden, who arrived in Turkey on Wednesday, was guided by Turkish officials around the parliament, which was damaged during the coup attempt. He is also expected to meet with the prime minister.

Rogue troops commandeered tanks, jets and helicopters to attack state institutions in Istanbul and Ankara last month in the failed coup bid that killed 240 people and triggered a massive purge of thousands of suspected Gulen followers in Turkey´s armed forces and civil service.

Washington has said it needs clear evidence to extradite Gulen.

Its failure to do so - and the perception of a slow response to the coup from Western allies - has angered Erdogan and chilled relations with Washington and the European Union.

The U.S. State Department has confirmed documents submitted by Ankara constituted a formal extradition request, although not on issues related to the coup.

Hours before Biden´s arrival, Turkish forces launched a major operation inside Syria to clear Islamic State militants out of the Syrian frontier town Jarablus, backed by US-led coalition warplanes.

Turkey is both a NATO member and part of the US coalition in the fight against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. But US-Turkey relations have been complicated by that conflict.

Washington backs the Syrian Kurdish YPG rebels against Islamic State.

Ankara is worried the YPG´s advance emboldens Kurdish insurgents in its mainly Kurdish southeast.

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MQM chief Altaf Hussain hands over party leadership to Rabita Committee

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain has formally handed over the party powers to the Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

In a statement issued by the party on its website on Wednesday the MQM supremo accepted the decision announced by Farooq Sattar in a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club yesterday. Sattar accompanied by several senior leaders said that due to mental stress that Altaf Hussain faces, the party decisions will be taken by Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

?I respect the decision MQM leaders have taken in their press conference. As founder of the party I hand over powers to makes decisions and, organizing the party to the Rabita Committee,? the statement said, BBC Urdu reported. The party's website is blocked in Pakistan.

The statement directs workers, elected representatives, and party leaders to work with the Rabita Committee to strengthen the party movement.

The statement adds that the MQM chief will pay attention to his health as directed by the Rabita Committee.

In extraordinary developments on Tuesday, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan distanced itself from controversial anti-Pakistan statements made by the party leadership in London, with Deputy Convener Farooq Sattar taking control of the party leadership.

Sattar, flanked by senior leaders of the party, announced at a press conference in Karachi that future party decisions would be made by the MQM Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

The announcement followed a crackdown by the Sindh Rangers on MQM leaders and offices after party workers stormed media offices on the directives of party chief Altaf Hussain, who lives in self-exile in London.

Several anti-Pakistan slogans were raised during the party chief's live telephonic speech on Monday. At least one person was killed in the violence that ensued after the provocative speech.

 

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No discussion with PM on Kalabagh dam: Ex-Wapda chief

LAHORE: Zafar Mahmood who recently resigned as chairman Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has told Geo News that he had no discussion with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the Kalabagh dam.

He further said that Wapda had the complete record of Kalabagh dam and this had been turned into documentation which he one day plans to present in front of the nation.

Mr Mahmood dismissed reports of being pressurised over the Nelum-Jhelum project and Tarbela extension project.

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Turkey launches anti-IS operation in Syria

KARKAMIS: Turkey´s army backed by international coalition air strikes on Wednesday launched an operation involving fighter jets and tanks to drive Islamic State jihadists out of a key Syrian border town.

The air and ground operation, the most ambitious launched by Turkey in the Syria conflict, is aimed at clearing jihadists from the town of Jarabulus, which lies directly opposite the Turkish town of Karkamis, the prime minister´s office said.

Euphrates Shield

The operation - named "Euphrates Shield" - began around 4:00 am local time (0100 GMT) with Turkish artillery pounding dozens of IS targets around Jarabulus.

Turkish F-16 fighter jets and coalition war planes also hit targets inside Syria while an AFP photographer then saw around a dozen Turkish tanks cross into Syria to support the operation. 

Tensions had flared across the Syria-Turkey border the previous day following rocket fire from Jarabulus which landed inside Turkey, with the Turkish army firing howitzer rounds in response. 

The operation also appeared aimed at pre-empting any assault on Jarabulus by pro Kurdish militias, who also oppose IS but are accused by Turkey of seeking to carve out a Kurdish region in northern Syria.

"God willing, we will get a result in a short time" to kick IS out of Jarabulus, Interior Minister Efkan Ala told the state-run Anadolu news agency, saying Turkey was working with coalition partners and moderate Syrian opposition.

Turkish authorities had late Tuesday ordered the evacuation of Karkamis for safety reasons, raising expectations that an offensive was imminent.

Tanks head to border

The AFP photographer in Karkamis saw 11 Turkish tanks crossing the frontier and then firing on Jarabulus.

They were followed by several smaller military vehicles believed to be carrying pro Ankara Syrian rebels who had also crossed over.

Syrian activists have said hundreds of pro-Ankara rebel forces are waiting on the Turkish side of the border to take part in a ground operation to seize Jarabulus from the jihadists.

Air strikes by Turkish jets also echoed through the skies. The effects of one air strike on the northern outskirts Jarabulus were easily visible, sending up a cloud of black smoke and sand.

Turkey will want to show with the operation that it is serious about taking on IS, which has been blamed for a string of attacks inside the country, the latest a weekend attack on a Kurdish wedding in Gaziantep that left 54 dead.

Ankara was long accused of turning a blind eye to the rise of IS in Syria and even aiding its movement to-and-fro across the border, claims the government had always vehemently denied.

The launch of the operation comes as US Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Ankara to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with agreeing a unified strategy on Syria set to be a crucial issue.

Biden is likely to face expressions of alarm from Turkey about the activities inside Syria of the People´s Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Washington sees as an ally but Ankara regards as a terror group.

Saleh Moslem, the head of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the YPG´s political wing, tweeted that Turkey was now in the "Syrian quagmire" and would be "defeated" like IS.

Special forces on ground

The air strikes by Turkish F-16s were the first such assaults since a November crisis with Russia sparked when the Turkish air force downed one of Moscow´s warplanes.

A dozen IS targets were completely destroyed in the air strikes. Turkish artillery meanwhile destroyed 70 IS targets, television said.

Security sources quoted by Turkish television said a small contingent of special forces travelled a few kilometres into Syria to secure the area before a possible larger ground operation.

The incursion by Turkish special forces and tanks is the first such into Syria since February 2015, when hundreds of Turkish troops crossed the border to move the relics of the grandfather of the founder of the Ottoman Empire.

The movements have come at a critical juncture for Turkey in Syria´s five-and-a-half year war, with signs growing it is on the verge of a landmark policy shift.

Ankara has always called for the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, putting Turkey at odds with his main supporters Iran and Russia.

However Prime Minister Binali Yildirim acknowledged at the weekend for the first time that Assad was one of the "actors" in Syria and may need to stay on as part of a transition.

Turkey has been shaken by one of the bloodiest years in its modern history, with a string of attacks by IS jihadists and Kurdish militants and the botched July 15 coup.

The attack Saturday on a wedding party for a young couple has horrified the country, with the majority of the 54 victims aged under 18 and including children as young as four.

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Biden in Ankara as Turkey launches operation ?Euphrates Shield? in Syria

ANKARA: US Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Turkey on Wednesday for critical talks with its leadership as Ankara launched a military operation to drive Islamic State jihadists out of a key Syrian border town, television pictures showed.

In the highest-ranking visit by a Western official since Turkey´s July 15 failed coup, Biden will seek to repair relations with its NATO ally after the putsch, which Ankara blames on Pennsylvania-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Euphrates Shield

Operation Euphrates Shield was launched in the early hours of Wednesday when Turkish artillery started pounding IS targets around Jarablusus.

Turkish F-16 fighter jets and coalition war planes also hit targets inside Syria while an AFP photographer reported seeing almost a dozen Turkish tanks cross into Syria to support the operation. 

Tensions had flared across the Syria-Turkey border the previous day following rocket fire from Jarabulus which landed inside Turkey, with the Turkish army firing howitzer rounds in response. 

The operation also appeared aimed at pre-empting any assault on Jarabulus by pro Kurdish militias, who also oppose IS but are accused by Turkey of seeking to carve out a Kurdish region in northern Syria.

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Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz sends SOS letter to UN, Imam Kaba, Pope, others

SRINAGAR: Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Tuesday sent an SOS letter to Pope Francis in Vatican, the Dalai lama , Imam Kaba, Shankrachrya and ambassadors of various countries in New Delhi, UN,EU and OIC regarding the urgent and grave situation in J&K.

Mirwaiz in a letter said that Hurriyat believes that a war is being waged against us by the ?democratic? Indian state, in total violation of all democratic norms. ?The security machinery of India has embarked upon the strategy of ruthlessly crushing us and our resistance to its unprecedented brutality,? Mirwaiz said.

He said that there are not too many choices and options available to us. ?The expectation that the society remain passive or non-violent in the midst of this brutalization is unrealistic. The younger population of the state has been on the streets for the past one-and-half months, with fatal consequences,? Mirwaiz said.

?As I write to you, the present phase of the unceasing and unprecedented violence in Kashmir is over forty days old. Now a sense of extreme urgency has built up due to the inexplicable lack of response from the international community to this explosive human tragedy. Why is the international community being a mute spectator? Is it awaiting some even more massive human tragedy to unfold in Kashmir before voicing their indignation? Aren?t 69 killings in less than 40 days, with over 6,000 youngsters and children injured ? mostly blinded and maimed ? enough for the consciousness of the international community to be stirred?,? Mirwaiz added in a letter.

He said that the Indian Central Reserve Police has itself admitted in court to using 1.3 million pellets in 32 days in Kashmir. ?The indiscriminate and heartless use of the pellet gun at point-blank range on teenagers, with devastating consequences, has elicited enough negative reactions in editorials in Indian mainstream media,? he said.

Hurriyat chief said that the entire population of the Valley is barricaded inside their homes. Mobile phones and internet connectivity has been disconnected. ?The Press has been gagged. Journalists are attacked and harassed on a daily basis. Families are in intense distress without information about their loved ones. Hospitals have been attacked and ambulance drivers shot at with grave consequences for expectant mothers and those needing emergency medical attention. Essential supplies have been blocked, and media operations banned,? Mirwaiz said.

?What is restraining the international community from speaking out against this extraordinary breach of democratic norms and humanitarian impulses? Is it some geo-political strategic imperatives or is it the lure of the Indian market or is it misinformation that is keeping the international community silent?? he added.

He said that Kashmir is akin to a tinder box at present, with extreme volatility in the political situation and without timely international intervention the consequences are bound to be ghastly. ?The Indian state is also making the citizens of India complicit in this brutality by obfuscating and denying them information. There is an embargo on information coming out from Kashmir. Social network sites like Facebook have been forced to remove vital information from their sites under pressure from Indian netizens. No international human rights organization is being allowed into Kashmir for fear of exposure,? Mirwaiz further said.

Hurriyat chairman said that all attempts at dialogue fail because the Indian state is intransigent and insists Kashmir is its integral part ? no matter if it has to kill all Kashmiris for that. They are not prepared to listen to Kashmiris. It has been an endless struggle and every time we confront a dead end.

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Farooq Sattar?s press conference was not a faux fight: Khursheed Shah

ISLAMABAD: Opposition leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah said on Wednesday that Farooq Sattar?s press conference was not a faux fight and praised the way the senior MQM leader presented his stance yesterday.

Talking to the media at Chamber here earlier today, Khursheed Shah said it was obvious from Farooq Sattar?s press conference that it had been delivered under immense political pressure.

Farooq Sattar had announced at a press conference in Karachi that he was assuming charge and that future party decisions would be made by the MQM Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

?MQM London won?t sit in silence,? Khursheed Shah said, adding that the party in London would try its utmost to prevent transfer of power to Karachi.

The opposition leader also claimed that MQM chief Altaf Hussain sat with people belonging to the Indian lobby.

?How much more abuse would article 6 take?? he said, adding that Zia-ul-Haq had hanged the prime minister who had introduced the article in the first place.

Khursheed Shah further said that the government had talked about imposing article 6 on Pervez Musharraf but then let him leave the country.

?The government has tried to deflect attention from Panama Leaks,? he contended.

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US distances itself from Modi?s remarks on Balochistan

NEW YORK: American think tanks have warned Obama administration that Indian PM Modi's open interference in the internal matters of Pakistan have a risk of creating chaos and tension therefore US should give a clear message to India that it does not supports Modi's remarks on Balochistan.

US State Department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner has clarified a day before that US supports Pakistan's territorial integrity however it is distancing itself from Modi's provocative statement over Balochistan in which he blamed Pakistan for human rights violations and violence in Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir.

While talking to a private TV channel, Branks Community College professor Hammad Khan said that America has distanced itself from Modi's offensive remarks whilst keeping in view the concrete facts.

He said that in the light of reports compiled by think tanks US has conveyed a message to India through diplomatic sources that such remarks will increase border tensions and can lead to major destruction.

 

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PM meeting: Leaders condemn anti-Pakistan statements, review NAP

ISLAMABAD: Political and military leadership slammed MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s anti-Pakistan speech at a high-level meeting presided by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday, sources reported.

The meeting, currently underway and attended by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, federal and provincial ministers and intelligence agencies, also reviewed implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), sources said.

Both political and military leadership vowed to ensure Pakistan’s integrity and security at all levels.

The leaders reviewed challenges in the way of intelligence and information sharing among provinces and also discussed practicalities of providing police with the latest training available.

National Security Advisor Nasir Janjua briefed matters relating to NAP implementation, according to sources. The meeting also discussed actions to be taken against terrorist organizations working with changed names and facilitators of terrorists.

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Police nominates Waseem Akhtar in May 12 massacre, challan presented in court

KARACHI:  Strong evidence against Muttahida Qaumi Movement nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar?s involvement in the May 12 massacre has been found, according to a challan presented by the police on Saturday.

The challan presented in the anti-terrorism court accuses 56 people including the nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar, MPA Muhammad Adnan and Kamran Farooqi for involvement in the May 12, 2007 massacre which took place in Karachi leaving 40 people dead.

According to details in the challan, nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar has confessed to being involved in the May 12 massacre. Waseem Akhtar also identified an important accused Aslam Kala, who was arrested by police, the challan stated.

Weapons used in the May 12 massacre were recovered from Aslam Kala, the challan adds.

Higher security officials will be contacted for a JIT over the incident, while PEMRA will be asked for related footage, the challan added.

Karachi on May 12, 2007 saw its worst bloodbath when the then Supreme Court Chief Justice Chaudhry Iftikhar was not allowed to leave the Jinnah International Airport. He had arrived in Karachi to join the lawyer?s march against the then military dictator Pervez Musharaf.

The challan accusing Waseem Akhtar for involvement in the May 12 massacre comes at a time when the mayoral elections are underway. Waseem Akhtar is in prison. There is strong possibility that he will become the city?s mayor, the first who would run the largest city in Pakistan from jail.

 

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Six injured in Awaran blast

QUETTA: At least six people were injured in a blast in the main market of district Awaran of Balochistan, police said on Wednesday.

The injured have been shifted to a local hospital for treatment.

Over in Quetta, police conducted an operation near northern bypass in which two suspects were arrested.  Police said weapons were recovered from the arrested suspects.

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Pakistani imitates Tony Greig

With Pakistan set to take on England in the five match ODI series, a Pakistani man has made a video imitating former English cricketer and legendary commentator Tony Greig.

Tony Greig may no longer be with us but he would be proud of this tribute.

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Fifteen minutes for mayor elections to end... if you go by the clock at KMC building

KARACHI: If you go by the clock at the KMC building in old town there are only 15 minutes left for the elections to end. A clock tower, the crowning glory of the magnificent building, has been showing the same time for the last three months?quarter to five.

The Victorian building was built in 1935 when the British ruled the sub-continent. It was called the Karachi Corporation then?or the Ghanta Ghar by locals.

In January 2007 the City District Government of Karachi celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the building during which it was renovated and its clock tower was renovated.

Elections for mayors and deputy mayors in the city are being conducted in this building. There is much hype around the elections this time as the city?s nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar is in prison.

Voting began at 9am today and will continue till 5pm. 

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Fifteen minutes for mayor elections to end... if you go by the clock at KMC building

KARACHI: If you go by the clock at the KMC building in old town there are only 15 minutes left for the elections to end. A clock tower, the crowning glory of the magnificent building, has been showing the same time for the last three monthsâ€"quarter to five.

The Victorian building was built in 1935 when the British ruled the sub-continent. It was called the Karachi Corporation thenâ€"or the Ghanta Ghar by locals.

In January 2007 the City District Government of Karachi celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the building during which it was renovated and its clock tower was renovated.

Elections for mayors and deputy mayors in the city are being conducted in this building. There is much hype around the elections this time as the city’s nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar is in prison.

Voting began at 9am today and will continue till 5pm. 

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Time to make Pakistan member of NSG: Maleeha Lodhi

NEW YORK: Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi, addressing a Security Council open debate on Tuesday, made a strong pitch for Pakistan’s inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group saying that the country had taken exemplary measures to establish nuclear safety.

Speaking at the UN Security Council debate on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi demanded that Pakistan be made a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a group of nuclear supplier countries that regulates global trade in nuclear technology.

“Pakistan is fulfilling its responsibility toward non-proliferation of nuclear weapons with utmost dedication,” she said, adding that the country fulfills the eligibility criteria for membership and deserves to be included.  

Pakistan had implemented a comprehensive export control regime, participated in the Nuclear Security Summit process, ratified the 2005 amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, declared unilateral moratorium on further nuclear testing and reiterated its willingness to translate it into a bilateral arrangement on non-testing with India, all of which established its eligibility to become an NSG member, Ambassador Lodhi said.

“We expect that a non-discriminatory criteria based approach is followed for extending NSG membership which strengthens the non-proliferation regime,” Maleeha Lodhi said.

She told the 15-member Council that a challenge to non-proliferation norms was the granting of discriminatory waivers which denoted double standards and opened the possibility of diverting material intended for peaceful use to military purposes.

Ambassador Lodhi said that disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons were related and emphasized the need for nations to work together on the issue.

“Signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty should fulfill their responsibility,” she said.

She further said that Pakistan was following a self-imposed ban on further testing of nuclear weapons and called for India to do the same.

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Time to make Pakistan member of NSG: Maleeha Lodhi

NEW YORK: Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi, addressing a Security Council open debate on Tuesday, made a strong pitch for Pakistan?s inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group saying that the country had taken exemplary measures to establish nuclear safety.

Speaking at the UN Security Council debate on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi demanded that Pakistan be made a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a group of nuclear supplier countries that regulates global trade in nuclear technology.

?Pakistan is fulfilling its responsibility toward non-proliferation of nuclear weapons with utmost dedication,? she said, adding that the country fulfills the eligibility criteria for membership and deserves to be included.  

Pakistan had implemented a comprehensive export control regime, participated in the Nuclear Security Summit process, ratified the 2005 amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, declared unilateral moratorium on further nuclear testing and reiterated its willingness to translate it into a bilateral arrangement on non-testing with India, all of which established its eligibility to become an NSG member, Ambassador Lodhi said.

?We expect that a non-discriminatory criteria based approach is followed for extending NSG membership which strengthens the non-proliferation regime,? Maleeha Lodhi said.

She told the 15-member Council that a challenge to non-proliferation norms was the granting of discriminatory waivers which denoted double standards and opened the possibility of diverting material intended for peaceful use to military purposes.

Ambassador Lodhi said that disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons were related and emphasized the need for nations to work together on the issue.

?Signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty should fulfill their responsibility,? she said.

She further said that Pakistan was following a self-imposed ban on further testing of nuclear weapons and called for India to do the same.

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Humsafar girl to make her debut in Bollywood

Hamsafar fame singer Quratulain Balouch a.k.a QB is now making her debut in Bollywood.

She has lent her voice for the movie 'Pink'. The song titled "Kaari Kaari" is picturized on the leading ladies of the movie. The cast of the film includes Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang, Piyush Mishra, Angad Bedi, Dhritiman Chatterjee.

The emotional song Kaari Kaari has been composed by Shantanu Moitra and written by Tanveer Ghazi. It is scheduled for release on 16 September 2016.

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