India summons Pak High Commissioner, alleges cross-border infiltration

NEW DELHI: Amid the growing strain in ties, India on Tuesday summoned Pakistan?s High Commissioner Abdul Basit and handed him a ?strong demarche? over what it claimed Pakistan?s ?continued support to terrorism by pushing in trained terrorists to carry out attacks, particularly in Kashmir?.

Pakistan?s Foreign Ministry said Islamabad was committed to not allowing the use of its territory for any militant activity against anyone. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called Basit to his South Block office and lodged a strong protest over the issue.

?Jaishankar called in the Pakistan envoy and issued a strong demarche on continuing cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. The demarche made specific reference to LeT terrorist and the Pakistan national Bahadur Ali who was apprehended recently in North Kashmir during an encounter,? External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Ali was allegedly arrested by the Indian authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on July 25 with weapons (AK-47 rifle, live rounds, grenades, grenade launcher, etc) as also sophisticated communication equipment and other material of Pakistani/international origin, according to the demarche.

?Bahadur Ali has confessed to our authorities that after training in LeT, he was infiltrated into India. He was thereafter in touch with an ?operations room? of LeT, receiving instructions to attack Indian security personnel and carry out other terrorist attacks in India,? it said.

The demarche mentioned that Ali, in a letter addressed to Basit, had requested legal aid and assistance to meet his family and India was prepared to grant the Pakistani mission consular access to him.

?The Government of India strongly protests against continued infiltration from Pakistan of trained terrorists with instructions to carry out attacks. This is contrary to assurances given by the Pakistani leaders at the highest level,? said the demarche.

Basit was summoned when Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to the people of Held Kashmir, which has been witnessing widespread unrest for over a month following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani by the security forces.

Basit turned down the allegations and said India needs to change its attitude. He said the allegations being leveled by New Delhi against Pakistan were baseless adding that Pakistan will not be intimidated by the hollow threats. He said Bahadur Ali was not a Pakistani national. He asked Jaishankar that violations of human rights in the Indian Held Kashmir need to be curbed. Basit told Jaishankar that it was India that sponsored terrorism in Pakistan.

Ties between the two countries have seen growing bitterness after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called Wani a martyr and said "Kashmir will one day become Pakistan ? a comment which evoked a sharp reaction from the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who said the dream of the IOK becoming a part of Pakistan "will not be realized even at the end of eternity".

?Originally published in The News

 

Read More

Danish IT company used Pokemon Go to attract applicants

An IT company in Denmark is relying on Pokemon Go to attract potential applicants

Prosys, an IT company based near Copenhagen, has turned to Pokemon Go in order to attract potential applicants.

The company decided to take this unusual step and use PokeCoins currency as an attempt to attract applicants for a job vacancy after the company?s job advert failed to attract job seekers, BBC reported.

The company has offered fans of this game a chance to earn part of their monthly salary of 25,000 kroner ($3,700; £2,900) in PokeCoins which players can use to purchase in-game products as well as Pokeballs to catch the game?s characters. However, applicants can also be paid their salaries into a real-world bank account if they are looking for a job and are not interested in catching Pokemons.

This unusual reward is meant to be a fun way to make the company stand out amongst thousands of other companies who are offering jobs with the young jobseekers.

The company?s director Lasse Jurek told the Computer World website that this idea came to him when he read about different restaurants and other businesses offering discounts to Pokemon Go players and thought that this idea might be an ideal way to attract applicants for his company. 

"We see children, young people and and adults playing it everywhere. So we thought if that's what it takes, let's try it," he says. Although Mr Jurek admits he's never played the game, however he is "pretty sure" his children would like his salary to include some PokeCoin

 

Read More

Olympics: 21 gold Phelps still rules the pool

RIO: In an unforgettable display of Olympic power Michael Phelps won two more finals to take his historic all-time record load to 21 golds and entrench his legendary status.

His majesterial display came on a day that Hungary's ´Iron Lady´ Katinka Hosszu took her third gold of the week while American gymnast Simone Biles made a flying start to her bid for a record five Rio Olympic golds. But Serena Williams crashed out of what could be her final Games.

Phelps beat Japan's Masato Sakai by just four hundredths of a second to take the 200 metres butterfly and just over an hour later anchored the US 4x200m freestyle relay team to victory.

At 31 -- the oldest individual Olympic swimming gold medallist ever -- Phelps is still the master of the pool.

After claiming his 20th title in five Olympics -- beating old rival Chad le Clos in the process -- Phelps stood in the pool striking a pose like a Roman emperor as he soaked up the acclaim.

After an emotional medals ceremony, he climbed across the massed ranks of photographers to kiss fiance Nicole Johnson and their child Boomer.

It was another dramatic night in the pool with Hosszu completing the individual medley double by winning the 200m final in an Olympic best 2:06.58.

Katie Ledecky, leading the new generation of American swimming stars, captured her second gold of the Games by holding off a brave charge from Sweden´s Sarah Sjostrom to take the women´s 200m freestyle final in 1:53.73.

The United States is also looking forward to a new era of gymnastics domination with Biles, tipped as the biggest thing since Nadia Comaneci, helping the USA women´s team to victory by eight points over Russia.

She is aiming for an unprecedented five titles this week.

"It´s everything and more than I´d hoped it to be," said the tiny 19-year-old Texan who has set gymnastics alight with 10 world titles in the past three years.

As her Olympic odyssey got underway, another crumbled as defending tennis champion Williams suffered a shock 6-4, 6-3 defeat to Ukraine´s Elina Svitolina in the third round.

Williams, hampered by a shoulder injury, served five double faults in one game of the second set as her own bid to reach five gold medals ended.

The 34-year-old and her sister Venus were earlier knocked out of the women´s doubles, the three-time champions´ first ever defeat together in Olympic competition.

"It was a great opportunity. It didn´t work out the way I wanted it to, but at least I was able to make it to Rio. That was one of my goals," she said.

French Open champion Garbine Muguruza also crashed out, losing 6-1, 6-1 to Monica Puig of Puerto Rico.

Green water 

In diving, competitors were perplexed to find the water had turned from light blue to green overnight, although organisers insisted it was safe.

China´s Chen Ruolin shrugged off the colour-change to claim a record-equalling fifth gold medal in the women´s synchronised 10m platform, with partner Liu Huixia.

New Zealand´s rugby hopes took a blow when superstar Sonny Bill Williams suffered a tournament-ending injury in their shock 14-12 opening defeat to Japan.

France won their first gold of Rio in the equestrian team eventing. French hero Astier Nicolas also took a silver in the individual event behind Germany´s Michael Jung.

Chinese weightlifter Deng Wei won the women´s 63kg category with a world record after Taiwanese rival Lin Tzu-chi pulled out amid reports of a failed dope test.

Fears over Olympic security meanwhile flared anew after a bus carrying accredited press was attacked in Rio late Tuesday.

It remained unclear whether gunfire or stones were used in the media bus attack, which smashed windows and slightly injured two journalists, according to Rio organisers.

The incident comes after a stray bullet ripped through a media tent at the equestrian venue on Saturday and a controlled explosion near the finish of the men´s cycle road race.

Read More

PM Nawaz to discuss NAP in high level meeting today

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will chair a high level meeting today where the National Action Plan will be discussed.

The meeting comes in the wake of a suicide bomb explosion in Quetta on Monday which killed 74 and injured over 112 people.

The explosion at Quetta?s Civil Hospital took place when Balochistan Bar Association President Bilal Kasi's body was being brought to the emergency department. He was gunned down at Mano Jan Road earlier today. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack. He later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

In a meeting held at the PM house on Tuesday  Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday called for seamless coordination between law enforcement agencies and the federal and provincial government to achieve optimum results against extremism and terrorism.

During the meeting, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and National Security Advisor Lt-Gen (retd) Nasir Khan Janjua briefed the prime minister on how terrorist organisations were attacking soft targets.

According to a statement from the PM House, the meeting discussed at length the internal security situation of the country and different aspects of the National Action Plan.

The meeting observed that, after achieving successful results from operation Zarb-e-Azb in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), terrorists have now shifted their targets from state institutions merely out of desperation.

"We are in a state of war with an ideology that wants to change our way of life," said PM Nawaz Sharif.

 

Read More

Olympics: Stricken Serena out of Rio tennis

RIO DE JANEIRO: Defending champion and world number one Serena Williams was sent crashing out of the Olympic Games Tuesday, losing 6-4, 6-3 to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

Defeat for the 34-year-old American robbed her of the chance to secure a fifth gold medal and her 2016 Games are now over after she and sister Venus were deposed as doubles champions in the first round.

Svitolina, 21, will face two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova for a place in the semi-finals.

Wimbledon champion Williams was clearly hampered by the shoulder injury which forced her to skip the Montreal event.

At one point, she screamed in pain, "shoulder, shoulder".

She even served up five double faults in the seventh game of the second set as she suffered her earliest ever loss at an Olympic singles event.

"Obviously I am very disappointed. The better player won but I can´t wait for next time. That will be a really good match and I look forward to it," said Williams.

"It was a great opportunity. It didn´t work out the way I wanted it to, but at least I was able to make it to Rio. That was one of my goals.

"It was awesome and fun, but it´s over now."

Williams, who held a 4-0 record over Svitolina going into Tuesday´s tie, committed error after error.

The 21-year-old Ukrainian -- coached on the tour by one of Williams´ former rivals, Justine Henin -- broke for 5-4 in the opener and sealed it with an ace in the 10th game.

She was a break to the good again in the second set, nervelessly backing it up with a service hold for 3-1.

Williams briefly rallied to break back at 3-3 but her calamitous seventh game sealed her fate.

"I didn´t really think about my record against Serena," said Svitolina.

"I didn´t expect that I could win and I said don´t think she will make a mistake. Just fight and focus.

"I stayed in the moment, relaxed and went for my shots especially in second set because it was really tight."

Svitolina said she was not surprised by Williams´ uncharacteristic serving up of five double faults.

"She can also hit four aces in a row, so I expected the unexpected.

"I tried not to think about playing Serena, the Olympic champion and so many Grand Slams.

"I also thought she may be injured but I tried not to think about it too much."

Williams´ defeat followed a first round loss for men´s world number one Novak Djokovic.

It also blew the women´s singles wide open with just two top 10 seeds making it to the quarter-finals.

Read More

Sindh CM displeased with garbage, rainwater on Karachi roads

KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday night visited various areas of Karachi where he reprimanded officials after witnessing garbage and rainwater accumulated on roads.

Murad Ali Shah visited Tariq Road, Malir no.15, Quaidabad, Daud Chowrangi, Landhi, Korangi, Gulshan Iqbal, Water Pump Chowrangi, Azizabad and other areas. The chief minister expressed immense displeasure witnessing garbage and rainwater on roads in almost every area.

He warned the officials of dismissal from their jobs in case they didn't start discharging their duties properly.

Shah, during his visit to F.B. Area, purchased some badges and a national flag from a stall, before settling down at an eatery in Hussainabad, a Karachi neighborhood famous among the people for the variety of food it offers.

The CM enjoyed Mutton Karahi and Tikka at the restaurant, where a number of people also took selfies with him.

Read More

Trump ignites firestorm with remarks on gun rights, Clinton

WILMINGTON, N.C.: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that gun rights activists could act to stop his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton from nominating liberal U.S. Supreme Court justices, igniting yet another firestorm of criticism just as he sought to steer clear of controversy.

"If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do folks," Trump said at a rally. "Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don?t know," he continued. The U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment guarantees a right to bear firearms.

Until Trump made the remark, he had been trying to rally Republican voters behind him and against Clinton, who is leading in national opinion polls in the race for the Nov. 8 election. Some in the audience who were seated behind Trump could be seen wincing when he made the comment.

Clinton's campaign called the remark "dangerous."

"A person seeking to be the president of the United States should not suggest violence in any way,? it said.

When asked to clarify what Trump meant, his campaign said Trump was referring to getting supporters of the Second Amendment to rally votes for Trump in the election.

"It?s called the power of unification ? 2nd Amendment people have amazing spirit and are tremendously unified, which gives them great political power," the Trump campaign statement said.

Introducing Trump at a later rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani accused the news media of taking the remark out of context to help Clinton, a former U.S. secretary of state, get elected.

"What he meant by that (remark) was you have the power to vote against her," he said to cheers. "You have the power to speak against her. You know why? Because you're Americans."

"It proves that most of the press is in the tank for Hillary Clinton," he added. "They are doing everything they can to destroy Donald Trump."

The U.S. Secret Service, which provides security details for both Trump and Clinton and rarely comments on political matters, said when asked for a response to Trump: ?The Secret Service is aware of the comment."

By day's end, Trump was drawing criticism on several fronts, another chapter in a campaign marked by bitterness and partisanship.

Michael Hayden, a former CIA director who on Monday was among 50 Republican national security experts to denounce Trump in a letter, said on CNN, "You?re not just responsible for what you say. You are responsible for what people hear.?

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a liberal firebrand who loves tweaking Trump, tweeted that Trump "makes death threats because he's a pathetic coward who can?t handle the fact that he?s losing to a girl."

Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway fought back in a tweet of her own, calling Warren a "disgrace."

GUN RIGHTS AN ISSUE

Gun rights have been a potent issue in a 2016 campaign being waged amid violence that has convulsed many American cities.

Trump has planted himself firmly on the side of gun owners with a "law and order" campaign. Before his remark about Clinton, he had said Islamic State militants who killed 130 people in France last year could have been stopped if some of the victims had been armed.

The Clinton campaign has challenged Trump when in the past he has accused her of planning to abolish the Second Amendment if elected president. A senior Clinton policy adviser said in May that she favors taking steps at the federal level to keep guns out of the hands of criminals while protecting the Second Amendment.

Tuesday's speech came on the heels of a discordant week on the campaign trail for Trump, a businessman seeking his first public office. He came under fire from within his party for belatedly endorsing fellow Republicans in re-election races and a prolonged clash with the parents of fallen Muslim American Army captain Humayun Khan.

On Monday, Trump had seemed to be heeding Republican advice to stick to a message of criticizing Clinton and other Democrats while putting forward economic policy proposals in a speech in Detroit.

Trump's vice presidential running mate Mike Pence, asked if he believed Trump was inciting violence toward Clinton, told NBC?s Philadelphia affiliate: ?Of course not. No."

But Democrats called Trump's remarks another sign of a candidate unfit for the White House.

?Don?t treat this as a political misstep. It?s an assassination threat, seriously upping the possibility of a national tragedy & crisis," U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, said in a tweet.

Immediately after Trump made his comment, many on social media accused him of effectively calling for Clinton?s assassination. In just three hours, 2nd amendment became the top trending topic on Twitter, with more than 60,000 posts mentioning the term.

Overall sentiment on the posts was more negative than positive, at a ratio of 2.5 to 1, according to the social media analytics firm Zoomph. #ProtectHillary was also one of the top trending hashtags on Twitter.

The 50 prominent national security officials said in their letter on Monday that Trump would be "the most reckless president in American history."

"He appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the U.S. Constitution, U.S. laws and U.S. institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press, and an independent judiciary," their statement said.

Read More

US approves $1.15 bn tank, weapons sale to Saudi: Pentagon

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has approved the possible sale of up to 153 tanks, hundreds of machine guns and various other military gear to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth $1.15 billion, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Riyadh had requested the possible purchase of up to 133 American M1A1/A2 Abrams tanks that would be configured to Saudi needs, plus another 20 to replace damaged tanks in their fleet.

Additionally, the deal would include 153 .50-caliber machine guns, 266 7.62mm M240 machine guns, smoke grenade launchers, armored recovery vehicles and a range of other hardware.

The US State Department has approved the "possible" sale and notified Congress on Monday, the DSCA said.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner which has been and continues to be a leading contributor of political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the DSCA said in a statement.

"The addition of these tanks and recovery vehicles to the (Saudi military´s) inventory will enhance Saudi Arabia´s ability to support its soldiers in the field and to defend the Kingdom´s borders."

Saudi Arabia currently forms part of the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State jihadists in Syria and Iraq and is also part of a separate Arab coalition fighting in Yemen.

Read More

Nawaz urges UN for efforts to end Indian atrocities in IoK

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the United Nations (UN) to make efforts for putting an end to Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.

The prime minister has written letters to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein and urged them to make efforts to end the persistent and egregious violations of the basic human rights in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK), said the ministry in a statement.

The premier, in the letter, urged implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, which provide for self-determination of the Kashmiri people through a fair and impartial plebiscite under the aspiration of the UN.

Highlighting human rights abuses by Indian forces, Nawaz Sharif stated that more than 50 deaths and 3500 injuries had taken place, out of which 400 were critical, noting, "Many innocent Kashmiris had lost their eyesight due to pellet guns, which were aimed with the deliberate intention of causing serious permanent injuries".

The statement further read that the use of illegitimate and excessive force against innocent civilians protesting peacefully against the extrajudicial killings was a blatant violation of a range of fundamental rights.

PM Nawaz said that force was being used to prevent access to hospitals and medical facilities, and to harass doctors. "The situation is a clear manifestation of Indian state terrorism to suppress the Kashmiris' struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination," he observed.

He called for investigation into the brutalities and atrocities committed by Indian forces, protection of Kashmiris' fundamental rights, a fair inquiry into the execution of freedom fighter Burhan Muzaffar Wani in cold blood and implementation of UN Resolutions on Jammu & Kashmir.

Read More

Spiders and scorpions join fight against superbugsÂ

A British lab is searching for new medicines in the poisonous secretions of some of the world?s deadliest creatures, addressing the increasingly desperate challenge of finding viable new drugs.

Over-prescription and over-use in farming of antibiotics has given rise to so-called ?superbugs?, multi-drug resistant infections that can evade even the medicines designed to kill them. Experts have warned since the 1990s that lethal superbugs were on the horizon, but few drugmakers have attempted to develop drugs against them.

Venomtech, based in south-east England, believe help could be found in the unlikeliest of sources; the venom of spiders, scorpions and snakes that is often fatal to humans. Millions of years of evolution has given these creature?s venom the ability to target and attack their prey while avoiding the body?s defenses. Venomtech scientists hope that an injected drug could perform the same function.

When broken down at the molecular level a tiny droplet of venom contains hundreds of individual components that could eventually be made into new drugs, explained Venomtech founder Steven Trim.

"The principle of Venomtech is separating venoms out into their component parts and targeting them to the right disease area," Trim told Reuters.

He added that his drug discovery team was "putting the right venom for the right drug target so we maximize the hits - and a hit is an interesting peptide that might make it to a drug."

Around 400 animals are kept at his lab in Kent, including about 70 species of tarantula and 30 species of scorpion. Many of these kill their prey with venoms that contain hundreds of protein molecules, some of which block nerve activity. Venomtech keep a number of invertebrates which can be deadly to humans, namely the black widow spider and deathstalker scorpion.

Trim, who worked for pharmaceutical company Pfizer before founding Venomtech, stressed that the venom extraction process causes no discernible harm to the creatures.

"We anesthetize the invertebrates, just to temporarily put them to sleep, it makes it safer for us because if they?re immobile they can?t bite us. But also it?s better for the animals as well. And using a very tiny electrical stimulation, just to contract the muscle and squeeze the gland we get a small amount of venom produced," he said.

The venom extracted from each creature can be measured in micro-liters; a thousandth of a milliliter. Nevertheless, this tiny volume holds hundreds of useful molecules.

"The average scorpion will only produce 2 or 3 micro-liters. So it?s a really small amount. But in that small amount there?s a lot of interesting peptides; several hundred different components and several micro-grams of protein in there, so there?s plenty for us to work with," Trim said.

"We separate that out in a two phase process called high-pressure liquid chromatography. And that gives us typically about a hundred fractions per venom, and each one of those fractions may contain 1 to 5 individual peptides. And it?s those individual peptides and proteins that are the real interesting things; these are the molecules that convey the biological activity of the venom."

Working with scientists from nearby Canterbury Christ Church University, they?ve been screening their venom-derived ?chemical library? against different diseases.

Trim said they?ve had some extremely encouraging results.

"Some of them we found can kill bacteria, bacteria like E.Coli and Staphylococcus, so very relevant at the moment where modern medicines are failing. And we?re also finding venoms that are modifying and killing cancer cells," he said, adding that Venomtech is now working with pharmaceutical companies to turn their venom discoveries into the next generation of drugs.

 

Read More

Karachi facing acute shortage of medico-legal officers

KARACHI: Provincial capital and economic backbone of Pakistan Karachi is facing acute shortage of medico-legal officers for last one year, sources told Geo News.

A senior official of Sindh health department on condition of anonymity said that the city is running without a Police Surgeon for aforementioned period.

The official said that medico-legal officers were facing issues such as harassment and threats from different political groups as well as pressure from the government.

According to the provincial health department, there should be ten medico-legal officers in each tertiary hospital but in reality, only four hospitals including Jinnah, Civil, Abbasi Shaheed and Qatar have medico-legal officers.

The health department has sanctioned 35 vacancies for the post out of which only 15 posts are filled.

Similarly, woman medico-legal officers’ sanctioned posts are ten out of which six are still vacant.

Dr Jalil Qadir, Ex-Police Surgeon of Karachi, said that ideally there should be at least four women and six male medico-legal officers in every hospital but doctors are not taking up the job due to the circumstances of the city.

He said that non-availability of women medico-legal officers was also becoming a big issue as most families do not allow a male officer to perform the post-mortem of their female relative.

Upon contact, newly appointed Sindh Health Minister Dr Sikander Ali Mehndro said he will resolve these issues very soon by appointing doctors from public service commission.

Read More

Arthur wants ?exemplary? Pakistan to complete England ?mission?

LONDON: Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur hopes his side?s hard work on and off the field will be rewarded when they face England in the fourth Test at The Oval.

The tourists are currently 2-1 down in the four-match campaign following a 141-run defeat last time out at Edgbaston.

But while recent results may have been disappointing, this tour has not been dogged by the controversy that afflicted Pakistan?s last two trips to England.

In 2006, Pakistan became the first side to forfeit a Test when they refused to return to the field at The Oval after being penalised five runs for ball-tampering.

And in 2010, the Lord?s Test was overshadowed by a spot-fixing scandal that led to five-year bans and jail terms for three Pakistan players, including Mohammad Amir -- now back in the squad.

By contrast this trip, where Pakistan won the first Test at Lord?s by 75 runs, has not yet witnessed any major flashpoints.

"It will be mission accomplished if we can get out of this Test match at 2-2, that will be a hugely successful tour," said Arthur at The Oval on Tuesday.

"I certainly think off the field, we have made a lot of friends," the South African added.

"I think the way the boys have conducted themselves through these last two months has been exemplary. They?ve been brilliant in behaviour, both on and off the field, and they?ve been a credit to Pakistan."

?Competed exceptionally?

Pakistan were far more competitive at Edgbaston than they had been during a 330-run reverse in the second Test at Old Trafford.

They had a lead of more than 100 runs on first innings and were well on their way to saving the game at 69 for one at lunch, before a dramatic collapse shortly before tea saw them lose four wickets for one run.

Arthur, asked if it would be hard to pick up his players ahead of Thursday?s start in south London said: "No, not at all.

"I spoke pretty frankly about the Old Trafford Test match. I thought we were very good (at Edgbaston). I do think we competed exceptionally well, certainly through three-and-a-half days at Edgbaston."

The South African added: "I?m really happy with our all-round performance, particularly with the bat. We got some partnerships going which were fantastic. Second innings, England got through us.

"I certainly did not feel that we ever rolled over there. We were in the contest for most of that game."

England took the third Test away from Pakistan thanks to a second-innings century stand between Jonny Bairstow (83) and Moeen Ali (86 not out).

"I said to the boys, we were probably one wicket away there from breaking through," said Arthur.

"If we could have knocked Bairstow over or Moeen early, it certainly would have put a totally different perspective on the game," he added.

"We hate losing, of course we do, but we lost with a lot of credibility at Edgbaston and that puts us in a really good space to come back particularly hard here," the former Australia coach insisted.

Read More

Arthur wants ?exemplary? Pakistan to complete England ?mission?

LONDON: Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur hopes his side’s hard work on and off the field will be rewarded when they face England in the fourth Test at The Oval.

The tourists are currently 2-1 down in the four-match campaign following a 141-run defeat last time out at Edgbaston.

But while recent results may have been disappointing, this tour has not been dogged by the controversy that afflicted Pakistan’s last two trips to England.

In 2006, Pakistan became the first side to forfeit a Test when they refused to return to the field at The Oval after being penalised five runs for ball-tampering.

And in 2010, the Lord’s Test was overshadowed by a spot-fixing scandal that led to five-year bans and jail terms for three Pakistan players, including Mohammad Amir -- now back in the squad.

By contrast this trip, where Pakistan won the first Test at Lord’s by 75 runs, has not yet witnessed any major flashpoints.

"It will be mission accomplished if we can get out of this Test match at 2-2, that will be a hugely successful tour," said Arthur at The Oval on Tuesday.

"I certainly think off the field, we have made a lot of friends," the South African added.

"I think the way the boys have conducted themselves through these last two months has been exemplary. They’ve been brilliant in behaviour, both on and off the field, and they’ve been a credit to Pakistan."

‘Competed exceptionally’

Pakistan were far more competitive at Edgbaston than they had been during a 330-run reverse in the second Test at Old Trafford.

They had a lead of more than 100 runs on first innings and were well on their way to saving the game at 69 for one at lunch, before a dramatic collapse shortly before tea saw them lose four wickets for one run.

Arthur, asked if it would be hard to pick up his players ahead of Thursday’s start in south London said: "No, not at all.

"I spoke pretty frankly about the Old Trafford Test match. I thought we were very good (at Edgbaston). I do think we competed exceptionally well, certainly through three-and-a-half days at Edgbaston."

The South African added: "I’m really happy with our all-round performance, particularly with the bat. We got some partnerships going which were fantastic. Second innings, England got through us.

"I certainly did not feel that we ever rolled over there. We were in the contest for most of that game."

England took the third Test away from Pakistan thanks to a second-innings century stand between Jonny Bairstow (83) and Moeen Ali (86 not out).

"I said to the boys, we were probably one wicket away there from breaking through," said Arthur.

"If we could have knocked Bairstow over or Moeen early, it certainly would have put a totally different perspective on the game," he added.

"We hate losing, of course we do, but we lost with a lot of credibility at Edgbaston and that puts us in a really good space to come back particularly hard here," the former Australia coach insisted.

Read More

Remand extended for three days of blacklisted US citizen

RAWALPINDI: A Rawalpindi court extended the physical remand of blacklisted US national Mathew Barret for three days on Tuesday.

According to details, the court also handed over Barret to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation.

The FIA on Saturday arrested an American citizen, who was blacklisted over espionage of nuclear installations in Pakistan, upon his entry to Islamabad.

Mathew Craig Barret, a US citizen, was blacklisted and deported from Pakistan in 2011 on his objectionable activities. The US citizen was later arrested from a guesthouse from the capital city the same day upon his entry into Islamabad.

During the proceedings today, Mathew Barret stated that he had arrived in Pakistan on visa issued by Pakistani Consulate in Houston.

About his previous visit, Mathew said he had arrived in Pakistan to visit his in-laws. He denied the charges of being a spy, saying he was not involved in such activities.

?Both cases registered against me were disposed of by the Supreme Court?, he said.

 

Read More

Gul, Aslam return to Pakistan squad for England ODIs

LAHORE: Pakistan Tuesday recalled paceman Umar Gul after a 15-month lay-off in the squad for the two one-day internationals in Ireland and five in England starting later this month.

The 32-year-old last played a one-day match in Dhaka against Bangladesh in April 2015 before being discarded over his lack of form and fitness.

He has 173 one-day wickets from 126 matches in a storied career, marred by recent injury problems.

Azhar Ali will lead the side which has uncapped 22-year-old allrounder Hasan Ali, but there was no place for opener Ahmed Shehzad and middle-order batsman Umar Akmal.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan last week said both players were axed from the initial squad of 31 because of discipline issues.

Umar has not played for Pakistan since the 2015 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.

"This squad is a blend of youth and experience and the selectors hoped it will do well," said chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. "We have included some young players like Ali to build the team for the future."

Ali took 20 wickets in eight matches for Pakistan?s second team on the England tour that ended earlier this month.

Pakistan has lost the last three of its four one-day series, sliding to as low as ninth in the limited-overs rankings.

Pakistan will play the final Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday before leaving for Ireland, where they play two one-day internationals in Dublin on August 18 and 20.

Pakistan will then play five one-day internationals against England in Southampton (August 24), Lord?s (August 27), Nottingham (August 30), Leeds (September 1) and Cardiff (September 4).

Pakistan also face England in the only Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on September 7, the squad for which will be named at a later date.

Squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Sharjeel Khan, Sami Aslam, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Umar Gul, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz

Read More

Gul, Aslam return to Pakistan squad for England ODIs

LAHORE: Pakistan Tuesday recalled paceman Umar Gul after a 15-month lay-off in the squad for the two one-day internationals in Ireland and five in England starting later this month.

The 32-year-old last played a one-day match in Dhaka against Bangladesh in April 2015 before being discarded over his lack of form and fitness.

He has 173 one-day wickets from 126 matches in a storied career, marred by recent injury problems.

Azhar Ali will lead the side which has uncapped 22-year-old allrounder Hasan Ali, but there was no place for opener Ahmed Shehzad and middle-order batsman Umar Akmal.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan last week said both players were axed from the initial squad of 31 because of discipline issues.

Umar has not played for Pakistan since the 2015 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.

"This squad is a blend of youth and experience and the selectors hoped it will do well," said chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. "We have included some young players like Ali to build the team for the future."

Ali took 20 wickets in eight matches for Pakistan’s second team on the England tour that ended earlier this month.

Pakistan has lost the last three of its four one-day series, sliding to as low as ninth in the limited-overs rankings.

Pakistan will play the final Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday before leaving for Ireland, where they play two one-day internationals in Dublin on August 18 and 20.

Pakistan will then play five one-day internationals against England in Southampton (August 24), Lord’s (August 27), Nottingham (August 30), Leeds (September 1) and Cardiff (September 4).

Pakistan also face England in the only Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on September 7, the squad for which will be named at a later date.

Squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Sharjeel Khan, Sami Aslam, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Umar Gul, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz

Read More

Putin says Russia will end sanctions on Turkey gradually

ST PETERSBURG: Russia will phase out sanctions against Turkey step-by-step but the priority is to bring bilateral ties between the two countries to their pre-crisis level, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

Putin, after meeting with President Tayyip Erdogan, said the talks will have an important bearing on the future of Russia-Turkish relations.

Russia and Turkey look to rebuild ties as their leaders meet for the first time since Ankara downed one of Moscow's warplanes in November.

Erdogan's visit to Putin's hometown of Saint Petersburg is also his first foreign trip since the failed coup against him last month that sparked a purge of opponents and cast a shadow over Turkey's relations with the West.

"Your visit today, despite a very difficult situation regarding domestic politics, indicates that we all want to restart dialogue and restore relations between Russia and Turkey," Putin said after the two leaders shook hands.

Erdogan, who has said the trip represents a "new milestone", told Putin that ties had entered a "very different phase" and thanked the Kremlin leader for his backing after the coup attempt.

The shooting down of a Russian fighter jet by a Turkish F-16 over the Syrian border last fall saw a furious Putin slap economic sanctions on Turkey and launch a blistering war of words with Erdogan that seemed to irrevocably damage burgeoning ties.

But in late June, Putin surprisingly accepted a letter expressing regret over the incident from Erdogan as an apology and quickly rolled back a ban on the sale of package holidays to Turkey and signalled Moscow would end measures against Turkish food imports and construction firms.

Now in the wake of the failed July 15 coup attempt, there are fears in Western capitals that NATO-member Turkey could draw even closer to Moscow ? with Erdogan bluntly making it clear he feels let down by the United States and the European Union.

Putin was one of the first foreign leaders to phone Erdogan offering support after the coup attempt and shares none of the scruples of EU leaders about the ensuing crackdown.

In the latest sign of rocky relations with the West, Turkey's justice minister on Tuesday warned that the United States will "sacrifice relations" unless it extradites Pennsylvania-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Ankara for the failed coup.

Back to business?

Relations between Turkey and Russia ? two powers vying for influence in the strategic Black Sea region and Middle East ? have historically not been straightforward.

Yet before the plane downing crisis, Moscow and Ankara managed to prevent disputes on Syria and Ukraine harming strategic cooperation on issues like the TurkStream gas pipeline to Europe and a Russian-built nuclear power station in Turkey.

Those projects were all put on ice with trade between the two countries falling 43 percent to $6.1 billion in January-May this year and Turkey's tourism industry seeing visitor numbers from Russia fall by 93 percent.

Now with Russia mired in economic crisis due to Western sanctions over Ukraine and low oil prices along with Turkey´s outlook flagging, both men want to get business started again.

Turkish media said Erdogan's entourage was made up of over half a dozen ministers including his son-in-law energy minister Berat Albayrak and the powerful head of the country's National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) Hakan Fidan.

Friends for real?

The earlier uptick in relations between Turkey and Russia was built on a macho friendship between Putin and Erdogan, two combative leaders in their early 60s credited with restoring confidence to their nations in the wake of financial crises but also criticised for clamping down on human rights.

But after such a bitter dispute ? which saw Putin accuse Erdogan of stabbing Russia in the back and profiting from an illegal oil trade with the Islamic State (Daesh) group ? it will take a lot for the pair to reheat relations.

Russia, which is conducting a bombing campaign in support of Erdogan's foe President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, transformed the balance of the Syrian civil war last September when it intervened militarily, to Turkey's consternation.

Erdogan has insisted that Assad must still go ? a position opposed by Putin ? but told Russian media that the conflict at the heart of the falling out with Moscow could now become the focus for renewed cooperation between the two sides.

"Russia is a main, key and very important player in establishing peace in Syria," Erdogan said in comments translated into Russian. "The problem needs to be solved with the help of joint steps between Russia and Turkey."

Read More

Quetta blast an attack on judiciary, successes of Zarb-e-Azb: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday directed military commanders and intelligence outfits to further intensify combing and targeted operations to eliminate terrorists and their sleeper cells from the country.

The army chief was chairing the Corps Commanders Conference held today at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The meeting ? which came a day after a deadly suicide bombing in Quetta claimed over 70 lives ? was attended by all corps commanders and principal staff officers.

The forum expressed its deepest sympathies with grieved families and injured of the Quetta blast, according to a press statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)

Participants of the conference were given detailed briefings on ongoing military operations and overall external and internal security situation in the country with particular reference to counter-terrorism domain, said the press release.

"This cowardly terror attack on Pakistan's judiciary, carried out in a hospital, is an attempt to undermine the successes of operation Zarb-e-Azb," said the Army chief speaking at the meeting of the military's top commanders.

He strongly stated that by adopting "a whole of nation approach, its valiant armed forces would not allow anyone to reverse our gains against terrorism".

Gen Raheel Sharif directed the commanders and intelligence outfits to further intensify the combing and targeted operations with full vigor to eliminate terrorists and sleeper cells.

He also directed his commanders to provide all necessary assistance to provincial law enforcement agencies "in their capacity-building through training, resourcing and planning so as to integrate them effectively in counter-terrorism operations".

Read More

Sheikh Rasheed slams Achakzai on Quetta carnage statement

QUETTA: Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Tuesday while denouncing a statement of Mahmood Khan Achakzai?s about intelligence failure in yesterday?s Quetta suicide bombing, said that Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief has benefitted the most from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

During his visit to Quetta?s Civil Hospital, the site of the bombing, he condemned the attack and said that people tackled the situation with great courage and determination.

He further said that they have change the schedule of their protest movement after the blast, adding that the government has totally failed.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly today, Achakzai blamed the failure of the intelligence agencies for the deadly blast which claimed over 70 lives.

Achakzai said that Nawaz Sharif should use the Quetta blast as a test case and give the civilian and military intelligence agencies a timeframe.

"If our agencies can find even a needle in murky waters, why can't they catch these terrorists roaming freely?" he asked.

"The Quetta blast is the result of failure of our agencies," the politician said.

He said that the terrorist attack was an attack on all of Pakistan, adding that Pakistan would not fight any other country's proxy wars.

 

 

 

Read More

Martial law era no more, need to strengthen democracy: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday stressed the need to strengthen democracy in the country, saying the days of martial law in Pakistan were over.

"Days of martial law are gone," the PTI chief said, adding that it is no democracy if the head of a nation considers himself above the law.

He said that the Panama Papers investigation would help strengthen democracy in the country.

"I should be held accountable on the same terms of reference as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif," Imran Khan said.

He added that none of his party's demands called for the imposition of martial law in the country.

Speaking about the deadly terrorist attack in Quetta which left over 70 dead and more than 100 injured, the PTI chief said that blame cannot be assigned to anyone until sufficient information is available.

Imran Khan proposed that police be made apolitical to improve the security situation in the country.

He further said that the National Action Plan needs to be fully implemented to counter terrorist elements in the country.

Read More

Martial law era no more, need to strengthen democracy: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday stressed the need to strengthen democracy in the country, saying the days of martial law in Pakistan were over.

"Days of martial law are gone," the PTI chief said, adding that it is no democracy if the head of a nation considers himself above the law.

He said that the Panama Papers investigation would help strengthen democracy in the country.

"I should be held accountable on the same terms of reference as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif," Imran Khan said.

He added that none of his party's demands called for the imposition of martial law in the country.

Speaking about the deadly terrorist attack in Quetta which left over 70 dead and more than 100 injured, the PTI chief said that blame cannot be assigned to anyone until sufficient information is available.

Imran Khan proposed that police be made apolitical to improve the security situation in the country.

He further said that the National Action Plan needs to be fully implemented to counter terrorist elements in the country.

Read More

Pakistan shares close higher; rupee stronger, o/n rates rise

KARACHI: Pakistan stocks rose for a second straight session on Tuesday, led by gains in oil stocks as global crude prices increased, dealers said.

The benchmark 100-share index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange closed 0.48 percent, or 187.54 points, higher at 39,663.71."In line with last session´s performance, the market closed higher (on Tuesday), led by a surge in international crude prices," said Hammad Aman, manager - equity sales at Topline Securities.

Oil edged further above $45 a barrel as forecasts for a drop in U.S. inventories and speculation of producer action to prop up prices countered concern about a supply glut.

Pakistan Oilfields Ltd gained 3.49 percent, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd rose 1.51 percent and Oil and Gas Development Co Ltd added 1.43 percent.

K-Electric Ltd was the top traded stock in terms of volume, with 33 million shares changing hands.

The rupee ended stronger at 104.57/104.62 per dollar, compared with Monday´s close of 104.62/104.68.Overnight rates in the money market rose to 6.00 percent from Monday´s close of 5.00 percent.

($1 = 104.6500 Pakistani rupees)

Read More

Achakzai blames Quetta carnage on intelligence failure

ISLAMABAD: Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai was in the limelight once again when he blamed failure of the intelligence agencies for the deadly blast in Quetta's Civil Hospital which claimed over 70 lives.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Tuesday, Achakzai said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should use the Quetta blast as a test case and give the civilian and military intelligence agencies a timeframe.  

"If our agencies can find even a needle in murky waters, why can't they catch these terrorists roaming freely?" he asked.

"The Quetta blast is the result of failure of our agencies," the politician said.

He said that the terrorist attack was an attack on all of Pakistan, adding that Pakistan would not fight any other country's proxy wars.

Achakzai emphasised that unbiased operation against terrorism is necessary and said that the Armed forces, courts and the government will have to renew their commitment to deal with terrorist elements.

He also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to convene a joint session of the Parliament to discuss the country's internal and external policies and challenges.

Read More

Achakzai blames Quetta carnage on intelligence failure

ISLAMABAD: Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai was in the limelight once again when he blamed failure of the intelligence agencies for the deadly blast in Quetta's Civil Hospital which claimed over 70 lives.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Tuesday, Achakzai said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should use the Quetta blast as a test case and give the civilian and military intelligence agencies a timeframe.  

"If our agencies can find even a needle in murky waters, why can't they catch these terrorists roaming freely?" he asked.

"The Quetta blast is the result of failure of our agencies," the politician said.

He said that the terrorist attack was an attack on all of Pakistan, adding that Pakistan would not fight any other country's proxy wars.

Achakzai emphasised that unbiased operation against terrorism is necessary and said that the Armed forces, courts and the government will have to renew their commitment to deal with terrorist elements.

He also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to convene a joint session of the Parliament to discuss the country's internal and external policies and challenges.

Read More

PM urges better coordination between LEAs to fight terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday called for seamless coordination between law enforcement agencies and the federal and provincial government to achieve optimum results against extremism and terrorism.

Sharif was chairing a meeting at the PM house to review the internal security situation and review the implementation of National Action Plan, a day after a deadly suicide bombing at a hospital in Quetta killed over 70 and left more a hundred people injured.

During the meeting, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and National Security Advisor Lt-Gen (retd) Nasir Khan Janjua briefed the prime minister on how terrorist organisations were attacking soft targets.

According to a statement from the PM House, the meeting discussed at length the internal security situation of the country and different aspects of the National Action Plan.

The meeting observed that, after achieving successful results from operation Zarb-e-Azb in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), terrorists have now shifted their targets from state institutions merely out of desperation.

"We are in a state of war with an ideology that wants to change our way of life," said PM Nawaz Sharif.

He said the government was committed to take all necessary steps to ensure that the blood spilled in the carnage in Quetta does not go to waste.

He emphasised seamless coordination between law enforcement agencies as well as among the provincial governments and the federal government to achieve optimum results within a short period of time.

The prime minister expressed his resolve to secure Pakistan from terrorism and extremism.

He said the country had embarked upon the right track and would enable every citizen to reap the benefits of a secure, stable, and prosperous Pakistan.

"Terrorists believed they could sow seeds of disharmony and disunity in the nation. The nation is united and supports the government to stay on the course of completely eliminating terrorists from Pakistani society," he said.

Sharif decided to call for a broader meeting on Wednesday for detailed discussions on NAP.

The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Sartaj Aziz, Tariq Fatemi, and other senior government officials.

Read More

Death toll from Quetta blast reaches 74 as four more lose battle for life

QUETTA: Death toll from the Quetta attack reached 74 as four more people succumbed to their wounds on Tuesday.

Earlier today. 27 injured of the Quetta Attack were brought to a Pakistan Air Force base in Karachi in a C130 aircraft.

They have been admitted at a private hospital at Stadium Road for further medical treatment. According to hospital sources six of the victims are in critical condition.

At least 74 people were killed and as many as 112 people injured when a powerful explosion ripped through Quetta’s Civil Hospital on Monday.

The explosion took place when Balochistan Bar Association President Bilal Kasi's body was being brought to the emergency department. He was gunned down at Mano Jan Road earlier today. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack. He later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

A team to probe the incident has been formed presided by SSP Investigation Quetta. According to DIG Manzoor Sarwar the team will be assisted by the investigation unit. He added that he has directed the provincial government to form a joint investigation report.

Initial investigation of the incident suggests it was a suicide bombing where eight kilogram of explosives were used.

Read More

Death toll from Quetta blast reaches 74 as four more lose battle for life

QUETTA: Death toll from the Quetta attack reached 74 as four more people succumbed to their wounds on Tuesday.

Earlier today. 27 injured of the Quetta Attack were brought to a Pakistan Air Force base in Karachi in a C130 aircraft.

They have been admitted at a private hospital at Stadium Road for further medical treatment. According to hospital sources six of the victims are in critical condition.

At least 74 people were killed and as many as 112 people injured when a powerful explosion ripped through Quetta?s Civil Hospital on Monday.

The explosion took place when Balochistan Bar Association President Bilal Kasi's body was being brought to the emergency department. He was gunned down at Mano Jan Road earlier today. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack. He later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

A team to probe the incident has been formed presided by SSP Investigation Quetta. According to DIG Manzoor Sarwar the team will be assisted by the investigation unit. He added that he has directed the provincial government to form a joint investigation report.

Initial investigation of the incident suggests it was a suicide bombing where eight kilogram of explosives were used.

Read More

Mysterious group in Rawalpindi stabs women after dark

RAWALPINDI: Fear grips the city as police continue to search for a group that has been out stabbing women after dark.

The group has attacked 32 women in the city since February, of whom one died while others were injured.

All of the attacks took place in the remits of Morgah police station, which include Kot Kalian and Rabia Bungalows.

In the latest attack, the group reportedly wielding a knife stabbed a nurse to death and injured two others on Sunday night.  

The perpetrators have wounded several women in the vicinity and police are already on a hunt for them, officials say.

What has residents as well as authorities perplexed is the fact that the attackers make no demands and do not discriminate. They have been targeting women irrespective of age, attire and appearance.

Around 25 women were injured with a knife-like object in the first three weeks of February this year.

Six months later, four women were attacked last week. On Sunday night, three women were attacked of whom nurse Anum Naz succumbed to her wounds. 

The renewed attacks and the nurse?s death have once again spread terror in the city.

Malik Kausar, SHO Morgah police station, said that three suspects were caught earlier and even now policemen clad in civil clothes are outside.

One victim, named Salma, said her family no longer lets her go outside. ?I can?t go to work anymore. These attackers can stab any woman in the stomach, legs, or anywhere.?

Another resident, Mrs Khursheed, said: ?These attacks are only increasing with time here. Women going anywhere alone are attacked with a dagger. Some were even stabbed thrice. We need the government to protect us.?

Residents demand that Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar take notice of the matter and catch the attackers so they can go about their routine without fear.

Read More

Nagasaki marks 71st atomic bombing anniversary

TOKYO: The Japanese city of Nagasaki on Tuesday marked 71 years since its destruction by a US atomic bomb, with its mayor lauding a visit by US President Barack Obama to Hiroshima earlier this year.

A bell tolled as thousands of people, including ageing survivors and relatives of victims, observed a minute´s silence at 11:02 am (0202 GMT), the exact moment of the blast.

Some 74,000 people died in the initial explosion, while thousands of others perished months or years later from radiation sickness.

The attack came three days after the US dropped the first ever atomic bomb on Hiroshima, which ultimately killed 140,000 people.

Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue lauded Obama's landmark May visit to Hiroshima -- the first ever by a sitting US president.

"Knowing the facts becomes the starting point for thinking about a future free of nuclear weapons," Taue said, calling on other world leaders to visit his city.

Local officials and those who survived the bombing called for strict adherence to Japan's post-war tradition of pacifism and were critical of the Japanese government.

"The government of Japan, while advocating nuclear weapons abolition, still relies on nuclear deterrence," the mayor said, calling it a "contradictory state of affairs".

Toyokazu Ihara, 80, who survived the Nagasaki bombing, used his address to call for abolition of nuclear weapons and world peace.

"Nagasaki must be the last," he said, concluding his Japanese remarks with an English sentence intended for global citizens.

Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui on Saturday marked the commemoration of the bombing of his city, also citing Obama's visit.

He said the visit was proof the US President shared his city's view of the "absolute evil" of nuclear weapons. 

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in his address in Nagasaki, called on world leaders to honour the global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"We must not allow a repeat of the horrible experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that happened 71 years ago," Abe said.

Abe has moved to extend the scope of Japan's military and deepen the nation's alliance with Washington in the face of threats from China´s expanding military strength and unpredictable North Korea.

North Korea last week test fired a ballistic missile that landed in waters off Japan's coast for the first time.

[post_gallery]

 

Read More

Vigilante justice: Citizens beat up alleged kidnappers as missing children on rise

FAISLABAD: Citizens in Punjab have taken to vigilante justice in the wake of increasing child kidnapping cases in the province.

Citizens on Tuesday caught an alleged kidnapper and handed him over to the police.

They accused him of trying to kidnap an eleven-year-old child.

Citizens staged a demonstration and blocked Narwala Road. They chanted slogans against the police.

In a separate incident in Gujranwala citizens beat up an alleged kidnapper. Video footage available with Geo News shows a mob thrashing the alleged kidnapper.

The accused Naveed is a resident of Chakwal. An FIR against the kidnapper has been registered.

A wave of anxiety has gripped the region following kidnapping of 600 children from Lahore and other parts of Punjab within a short span of time. However, Punjab police has said that most of these children fled from domestic violence.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a suo moto case on missing children in Punjab.

Incidents of missing children from Punjab have been on the rise recently. More than a dozen children went missing from Badami baagh (garden) in the past few months alone. Last week, a child was discovered dead in the same area, who had reportedly been murdered after being tortured.

The police, meanwhile, maintain that not all of the missing children were kidnapped. Additional Inspector General Police Shahzada Sultan, citing statistics, said that during 2015 kidnapping cases of 1,134 children were registered in Punjab, of whom 1,093 were recovered. This year 681 cases have been registered, whereas 640 children have been recovered already.

Read More

Vigilante justice: Citizens beat up alleged kidnappers as missing children on rise

FAISLABAD: Citizens in Punjab have taken to vigilante justice in the wake of increasing child kidnapping cases in the province.

Citizens on Tuesday caught an alleged kidnapper and handed him over to the police.

They accused him of trying to kidnap an eleven-year-old child.

Citizens staged a demonstration and blocked Narwala Road. They chanted slogans against the police.

In a separate incident in Gujranwala citizens beat up an alleged kidnapper. Video footage available with Geo News shows a mob thrashing the alleged kidnapper.

The accused Naveed is a resident of Chakwal. An FIR against the kidnapper has been registered.

A wave of anxiety has gripped the region following kidnapping of 600 children from Lahore and other parts of Punjab within a short span of time. However, Punjab police has said that most of these children fled from domestic violence.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a suo moto case on missing children in Punjab.

Incidents of missing children from Punjab have been on the rise recently. More than a dozen children went missing from Badami baagh (garden) in the past few months alone. Last week, a child was discovered dead in the same area, who had reportedly been murdered after being tortured.

The police, meanwhile, maintain that not all of the missing children were kidnapped. Additional Inspector General Police Shahzada Sultan, citing statistics, said that during 2015 kidnapping cases of 1,134 children were registered in Punjab, of whom 1,093 were recovered. This year 681 cases have been registered, whereas 640 children have been recovered already.

Read More

US condemns Quetta attack, offers help to Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The United States on Tuesday offered cooperation to Pakistan in catching the culprits responsible for the deadly Quetta bombing and denounced the terrorist attack which killed 70 people. 

In a press release, the US State Department?s statement condemned yesterday's attack on the hospital and sent condolences to the relatives of the victims.

?We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, and we offer our assistance to Prime Minister Sharif as his government investigates and works to bring the murderers to justice,? the statement read.

?These brutal and senseless attacks only deepen our shared resolve to defeat terrorism around the world, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism,? the statement added.

AFP adds: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the "terrorist bombing" at a hospital in Pakistan on Monday, saying it was "particularly appalling" that the suicide attack targeted a group of mourners.

The bomber struck a crowd of some 200 people gathered at the Civil Hospital in Quetta after the fatal shooting of a senior local lawyer earlier in the day.

At least 70 people died in the attack and more than 100 were wounded.

"The targeting of mourners at a civilian hospital makes the attack particularly appalling," said Ban´s spokesman Farhan Haq.

Ban urged the Pakistani government to do its utmost to bring those behind the attack to justice.

The explosion took place when Balochistan Bar Association President Bilal Kasi's body was being brought to the emergency department. He was gunned down at Mano Jan Road earlier today. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack. He later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

Police had said that unknown men had opened fire after the blast. Panic tore through the hospital after the incident. The blast had occurred near the emergency department of the hospital.

Global terror outfit Daesh (Islamic State) and Jamaatul Ahrar, a splinter group of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), both had claimed responsibility for the bombing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More

Saudi govt waives off visa fee for first time pilgrims

The Saudi government has waived off visa fee for all first time pilgrims coming for Hajj or Umra.

In a new amendment introduced to visa fees in Saudi Arabia the country?s cabinet of ministers announced that visa fee will be waived off and fully paid for by the Saudi government for first-time pilgrims, Saudi media reported.

The new fee structure will cost 2000 Saudi Riyals ($533) for a single-entry visa. The charges do not apply to first time pilgrims.

A six month multiple-entry visa will now cost 3,000 Saudi Riyals (SR), a one year multiple-entry visa will cost SR5000, while a two year multiple-entry visa will cost SR8000.

Visa fee for transit will cost SR300. Exit visa fee for people leaving the country through it sea port will be SR50.

These revised fees will come into force from October 2.

Exit and re-entry visa fee for residents will be SR200 for a two month trip. An additional SR100 will be charged for each additional month till the iqamah becomes valid.

The changes were announced during a Saudi Council of Ministers meeting on Monday which was chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef who is also the kingdom?s Interior Minister.

 

Read More

Pakistani national goes missing in India

NEW DELHI: A Pakistani national visiting India has been missing for the last 14 days from a hotel in New Delhi?s Nabi Karim area, reported The Hindu.

The national identified as Mohammad Salim was visiting the country with a tour group comprising 140 Pakistanis that arrived on July 22.

According to the hotel staff, the group members came to get Salim for a last bus ride a day before their departure on July 27, it was when he was found missing from his room. His belongings were also found missing.

There was also no check out record of the 43-year-old Pakistani national.

The staff upon the news, informed the local police. Police registered a case and started a search for the missing individual.

Police said that Salim belonged to Lahore, where he ran a grocery shop.

The suspicious disappearance  is not being only probed by police, as several agencies are also trying to find any trace of Salim. The incident comes as shocking as security was reportedly beefed for the upcoming independence day in India.

Read More

Lawyers all over Pakistan stage protests, remember martyrs of Quetta Attack

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LAHORE: Lawyers all over Pakistan staged a protest today in the wake of an attack in Quetta on Monday which killed 70 and inured over 112, mostly lawyers.

Lawyers in twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi boycotted duties.

Lawyers in Lahore staged a staged a protest wearing black arm bands. They chanted slogans against terrorism.

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah reached the City Court in Karachi to express solidarity with lawyers. He was briefed over security arrangements by the Sindh Police IG. The chief minister examined the main gate of the city court.

On Monday, the Supreme Court Bar Association announced a week-long mourning over the attack. At a press conference held in Lahore on Monday SC Bar President Ali Zafar condemned the attack. "This is not just an attack on lawyers, this is an attack on all citizens. We have always stood with democratic forces. And we have been targeted."

At least 70 people were killed and as many as 112 people injured when a powerful explosion ripped through Quetta’s Civil Hospital on Monday.

The explosion took place when Balochistan Bar Association President Bilal Kasi's body was being brought to the emergency department. He was gunned down at Mano Jan Road earlier today. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack. He later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

 

Read More

Lawyers all over Pakistan stage protests, remember martyrs of Quetta Attack

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LAHORE: Lawyers all over Pakistan staged a protest today in the wake of an attack in Quetta on Monday which killed 70 and inured over 112, mostly lawyers.

Lawyers in twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi boycotted duties.

Lawyers in Lahore staged a staged a protest wearing black arm bands. They chanted slogans against terrorism.

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah reached the City Court in Karachi to express solidarity with lawyers. He was briefed over security arrangements by the Sindh Police IG. The chief minister examined the main gate of the city court.

On Monday, the Supreme Court Bar Association announced a week-long mourning over the attack. At a press conference held in Lahore on Monday SC Bar President Ali Zafar condemned the attack. "This is not just an attack on lawyers, this is an attack on all citizens. We have always stood with democratic forces. And we have been targeted."

At least 70 people were killed and as many as 112 people injured when a powerful explosion ripped through Quetta?s Civil Hospital on Monday.

The explosion took place when Balochistan Bar Association President Bilal Kasi's body was being brought to the emergency department. He was gunned down at Mano Jan Road earlier today. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack. He later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

 

Read More