Ombudsman directs for change in power and gas bill payment date

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib) directed the public utility companies operating in Pakistan to fix the due date for consumers to pay their bills up to the seventh day instead of the last dates of each month. The directives were issued by Federal Ombudsman while hearing public complaints against maladministration of various power and gas supply companies and added that the bills should be distributed at least ten days ahead of the due date. The written complaints said that the due date for payment of bills are being fixed on the last dates of the month and unable to pay the bills on time, resulting in disconnection due to non-payment of bills, for no fault of their own. They said this creates hardship for the low income groups and the salaried class, who received their remunerations during the first week of the month. Besides the consumer are also subjected to payment of surcharges on overdue payments, which seems unjustified, the complainants added. The Federal Ombudsman was further told that the bills were usually delivered at various shops and other locations by the distributors and the consumers are expected to collect them. The Ombudsman's office observed if the bills were not delivered in a proper manner, it constituted as an act of maladministration on the part of the utility companies. Giving its verdict the Federal Ombudsman directed the Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Chief Executive Officer of K-Electric and the Managing Directors of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to personally look into the matter and to issue specific instructions for making changes in the issuance and due dates for the utility bills while also rectifying the distribution system. The heads of the companies have also been asked to report the compliance within a period of one month.

Barcelona buy World Cup biter Suarez

BARCELONA: Barcelona struck a deal on Friday to buy Uruguayan star striker Luis Suarez from Liverpool, sealing the transfer despite an uproar over him biting a World Cup rival. Despite the furore that saw him sent home from the World Cup, Barcelona pushed ahead to sign the 27-year-old goalscorer reportedly on condition he apologise for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. The Spanish club said in a statement on Friday they and Liverpool “have reached an agreement for the transfer of Luis Suarez”, but declined to say how much they paid. Spanish newspapers reported that Barcelona paid 81 million euros ($110 million) for the player while British media put the sum at £75 million (94 million euros). The player said a sad farewell to fans of the English club, whom he helped fire to second place in the Premier League last season, sending them into the Champions League. “It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain,” he said in a statement published by Liverpool. “This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife's family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right. “The Spanish side said Suarez “will be travelling to Barcelona next week for a medical, to sign his five-year contract and to be officially presented to the media and fans as an FC Barcelona player. “ Prolific scorer Suarez's signing furnishes the Catalan club with one of the most formidable strike forces in the world as he joins two other superstar forwards, Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazil's Neymar. Barca's new coach Luis Enrique is overhauling the squad after a disappointing season in which they narrowly failed to defend their Spanish league title. Barcelona were seduced by the goalscoring record of Suarez, who was the top scorer in England's Premier League last season with 31 goals. “Luis Suarez is one of the most productive strikers in European football, “the club said. “He also has a strong competitive spirit and a powerful figure, and he's coming to Barca in search of even more. “Suarez bit Chiellini on the shoulder on June 24 in a 1-0 win over Italy which took Uruguay into the World Cup last 16 before they were knocked out by Colombia. He was handed a four-month ban from all football activities, suspended from nine international matches and fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($112,000). It was the third time in his career he had been found guilty of biting an opponent. He apologised in a Twitter message on June 30. FIFA on Thursday dismissed his appeal over the ban but said he could still appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If FIFA's ban is upheld, Suarez will not play football again until late October, well after the Spanish league restarts. 'Near-record fee' The reported fees would make Suarez one of the most expensive players ever. Barcelona's fierce rivals Real Madrid smashed the transfer record in 2009 when they paid Manchester United 94 million euros to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. They also reportedly paid more than 90 million euros to buy Welshman Gareth Bale from Tottenham last year. In recent months Barcelona have said goodbye to stalwarts such as Carles Puyol, goalkeeper Victor Valdes and midfielder Cesc Fabregas who has gone to Chelsea, and have made several new signings. These include two new goalkeepers, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, and Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic. Barcelona on Thursday completed the sale of Chile's World Cup star winger Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal for a reported fee of around £35 million.

I adore Kapil Sharma, says Samina Peerzada

Pakistani television actor Samina Peerzada said she adores Indian stand-up comedian and TV anchor Kapil Sharma, in an interview with Times of India. Peerzada also said that Comedy Nights with Kapil is her favourite show. She said she could relate to Sharma as his stand-up comedy acts reminded her of a lot of Lahore stand-up comedians. Responding to whether Pakistani viewers get to watch Indian shows, Peerzada said we [Pakistanis] watch a lot of Indian shows. She further added that the most amazing thing about Indian shows is the scale on which a soap is made, which makes them different from Pakistani shows. "There is this sheen of larger than life portrayals that make Indian soaps so different from our shows. Pakistani shows are more to do with drama and are realistic." Peerzada also said that Pakistani entertainment industry is a powerhouse of strong women. She further added that she is a feminist and has made some very tough decisions in her life. Peerzada started her career at a very young age with Bazzar-e-Husn as her debut film, for which she also received a national award. When she started working in television, she realised TV characters had much better roles and hence, she opted to work for television. Responding to whether being a feminist is tough, Peerzada said she is a feminist who is firm yet gentle and that has helped her a lot.

Supreme Court reinstates Sethi as PCB chief

KARACHI: Najam Sethi has once again been reinstated as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the Supreme Court (SC) declared null and void the notification issued by the government on Monday which removed Sethi from his post. The SC also set aside the appointment of Justice (R) Jamshed Ali Shah, who was given the task to conduct fresh elections to appoint a new chief of the PCB, as the acting chairman of the board for 30 days. According to a statement issued by the court, the new Constitution drafted under Sethi was also illegal since his appointment was being challenged in court. The court also declared the process to hold fresh elections as invalid. Sethi was removed from his post on Thursday and was to serve as a member of the PCB's Board of Governors until fresh elections to appoint a new chief were held. The removal from his office, thus made him eligible to contest in the elections. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, heard the case regarding the restoration of Zaka Ashraf as PCB head and said that the government's a notification was akin to challenging the court’s authority. Speaking to the media after the court's order, Sethi said, "I've told the honourable court that I have no desire to hold onto the post but would like to complete the tasks handed to me. The court heard my side and has allowed me to continue in my role until the matter in finally settled."

Model Town tragedy: SP issued 'firing' orders, report reveals

LAHORE: The initial report of the joint investigation team (JIT) constituted to investigate the Model Town tragedy revealed that Superintendent of Police (SP) Sulaiman had ordered elite force personnel to open fire on protesters, DawnNews reported. In a statement recorded to the JIT, Elite Force in-charge Abdul Rauf said Sulaiman had ordered Elite Force personnel to target protesters on their legs. After receiving the order from Sulaiman, Station House Officer (SHO) Sabzazar Sheikh Amir Saleem and other Elite Force personnel fired shots at demonstrators that resulted in several deaths. In light of the statement recorded by Abdul Rauf, further investigation against Saleem and other Elite Force personnel is underway. On Wednesday, the JIT took SHO Sabzazar and eight personnel of the Elite Police Force into ‘custody’ for questioning. At least eleven PAT workers were killed and over 100 people were injured in the June 17 clash between police and PAT workers in Lahore's Model Town.

Political, security scenarios discussed as PM meets Shahbaz, Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday affirmed that joint operations against presence of militants in various parts of the country should be enhanced to ensure that terrorism is effectively rooted out from North Waziristan as well as the rest of the country. The premier was meeting with Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan at the Prime Minister House. The meeting comes days after ties between Nisar and the PML-N leadership normalised following a meeting between the interior minister and the prime minister himself. Sources told Dawn that the meeting discussed issues pertaining to national and internal security as well as issues relating to the situation in North Waziristan and progress of the ongoing military operation. The meeting noted with satisfaction that the civil and military leadership appeared to be on the same page on matters of national security. Chief Minister Shahbaz updated the premier regarding the measures taken by the Punjab government for the effective facilitation of the internally displaced persons. The meeting also discussed the prime minister's visit to Karachi and the decisions taken during his time in the country's financial capital. Prime Minister Sharif yesterday had chaired a meeting over Karachi's law and security situation during his one-day visit to Karachi. According to sources, the prime minister had reprimanded ministers over the worsening law and order situation in the city. The premier had also expressed displeasure over the way the affairs were being run by the Sindh government.

Arsenal beef up attack with signing of Sanchez

Arsenal signalled their attacking intent for the looming Premier League season by completing the signing of Chile striker Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona on Thursday. No fee was disclosed but Arsenal are believed to have paid in the region of 35 million pounds ($59.56 million) for the 25-year-old Chile international who joined Barcelona from Udinese in 2011 and went on to score 47 goals in 141 games. “As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he is joining us,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on the club's website. “Alexis will add power, creativity and quality to our squad and we are looking forward to him joining up with us in a few weeks.” The clubs had already reached a deal in principle but were ironing out personal terms for the player who was deemed surplus to requirements at Barca by new manager Luis Enrique despite his healthy goalscoring record. Sanchez's move to London will be a blow to Liverpool who were hoping to sign him as part of a deal taking Luis Suarez in the other direction. Sanchez had also attracted interest from Italian champions Juventus. “I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium in London,” Sanchez, who completed a medical on Thursday, said. “I'm looking forward to meeting my new team mates and to be playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League.” Sanchez was a key member of the Chile team that shone in Brazil, reaching the World Cup last 16 before losing to the hosts on penalties. He scored two goals in four appearances. Arsenal's lack of striking prowess has been blamed for their failure to challenge for the Premier League title since the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United in 2012. Their total of 68 goals from 38 matches was the lowest of the top four last season with Frenchman Olivier Giroud scoring 16 in the league. With Chelsea having already signed Spain striker Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid, Wenger has moved quickly in the transfer window to beef up his attacking options. Blessed with exceptional pace and ball control, Sanchez should prove to be a popular signing for the club's fans, not to mention his new team mates. “What a Signing!!!!! Can not wait and looking forward to playing with Alexis Sanchez!!!!!” England forward Theo Walcott said on Twitter after the news broke. Sanchez, who grew up in Tocopilla, a grim industrial city in northern Chile, scored 39 goals in 88 La Liga games for Barcelona, helping them win one La Liga title, one King's Cup, two Spanish Super Cups, one European Super Cup and one Club World Cup. “He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the squad,” Wenger said. Sanchez is expected to make his first appearance in Arsenal colours in the pre-season Emirates Cup on Aug 2-3.

Pakistan to feature in 35th Hockey Champions Trophy

KARACHI: Pakistan is among the eight nations competing for 35th edition of Men's Hockey Champions Trophy being staged in India, from December 13 to 21, International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced. The tournament will be staged biannually from there onward with the Hockey World League returning to its original format which was changed after its inauguration in 1978. Pakistan had the honour of launching and pioneering the Champions Trophy with the inaugural edition held at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium in 1978. The hosts ended up winning the title as well. Apart from India, the host nation, the top five finishers from the tournament's previous edition and the winner of the 2012 Champions Challenge-I qualified to feature in the champions trophy automatically. Pakistan won bronze in the last edition, and hence qualified automatically. The remaining spots, were nominated by the FIH Executive Board, making a total of eight competing teams. Teams taking part in the event include defending champion Australia, runner-up Netherlands, Pakistan, Belgium, Argentina, England and Germany. Pakistan is also likely to take part in Olympic Test Hockey Tournament which will be held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) from November 19 to 26, 2015. FIH will nominate the teams for the event.

Fourth patient dies of Congo fever in four months: Peshawar hospital

**PESHAWAR: One more person admitted at the Hayatabad Medical Complex for treatment of Congo fever passed away on Friday, a hospital official said. Nawab Ali, a butcher by profession, was admitted to the hospital on July 9. Tauheed Zulfiqar, a media officer at the complex, told Dawn that four out of the nine patients diagnosed with symptoms of the virus and admitted at the hospital in the past four months had died. The official added that two of the dead were Afghan nationals, including 30-year-old Abdullah and a teenage girl named Roona. The official said a hospital staffer Abdul Jalil was the third person who lost his life due to the virus. Jalil contracted the virus through a patient, the official said, adding that the hospital staffer died even before his test reports could confirm the disease. Three out of the nine admitted patients managed to regain health. The remaining two admitted are still undergoing treatment.

1,685 died in targeted killings since start of Karachi operation

KARACHI: Since the beginning of the operation to rid Karachi of criminal elements, 1,685 people have fallen victim to targeted killings, DawnNews quoted a spokesman for the city police as saying. Quoting from a report on crime statistics prepared by the city police, the spokesman said 49 bomb blasts had taken place in Karachi during the said time period. Moreover, 84 kidnappings for ransom and 1,181 cases of extortion took place in this time. According to the report, 1,096 people have fallen victim to targeted killings in Karachi since January. Briefing the media, the spokesman said 1,480 incidents of street crime had occurred in the city in the duration in question. The unveiling of the report on crime statistics in the city comes a day after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Karachi and held several meetings during which the law and order situation in the country’s financial capital came under discussion. Karachi, the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan, is riddled with targeted killings, gang wars, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism. Targeted operations led by Rangers’ forces with the support of police are ongoing in the city under a directive issued by the federal government against criminals already identified by federal, military and civilian agencies.

Rumour mills mix political spice in the spiritual atmosphere of Ramazan

Despite Ramazan when Islamabad seemingly falls asleep, the rumour mills continue to churn in the city. Dr Arsalan Iftikhar, the son of the former Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, is once again hogging the headlines and the talk shows. However, instead of his allegedly shady rise to fame and fortune, he is using the airtime to target the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf Chief, Imran Khan. Back in 2012, when Iftikhar junior first became news, he stayed away from the media. He got caught in the limelight when Malik Riaz, a real estate tycoon, accused him (Arsalan Iftikhar) of making money by influencing pending cases in the Supreme Court, where his father was the chief justice. At that time, it was reported that the son had become a successful businessman who was worth around Rs1 billion – something that raised many eyebrows. However, whatever the controversies and allegations, then Arsalan did not give any interviews. This time around, however, he is not media shy. After a round of television interviews in which he spoke freely, Dr Arsalan has announced his intentions to file a reference against the PTI chief, seeking his (Khan’s) disqualification as a member of the National Assembly. The doctor turned businessman has claimed that there is enough evidence to prove that Mr Khan is the father of an illegitimate child and consequently, attracts disqualification under Article 62 of the constitution. His allegations, frankly speaking, are not an earth-shattering discovery. The scandal that Khan may have fathered a child whose mother he was not married to is old news. It was used to discredit Khan during the 1997 elections and it didn’t achieve much back then. Which is perhaps one reason, people are asking why the former CJ’s son has gone after the Khan now? Dr Arsalan argued that Mr Khan has repeatedly targeted his father for his (Iftikhar Chaudhry’s) alleged connivance with the ruling PML-N which allowed the latter to win the last general elections. In addition, Khan was one of the first politicians to kick up a fuss about Dr Arsalan’s appointment to the Balochistan Investment Board. The PTI chief claimed that the appointment was an award for the former CJ’s assistance to the PML-N during the elections, an allegation that the Balochistan government has since denied. Later when the appointment became controversial, Iftikhar junior was compelled to resign, something he is not too happy about. However, there are many who are not willing to buy this straightforward explanation. PTI leaders and others can be found whispering (and even alleging loudly) that Arsalan Iftikhar has been ‘launched’ by the PML-N against the Khan. “It’s not just PTI; go out in the streets and ask any ordinary person who the beneficiary of this smear campaign against Mr Khan is,” argued a senior party leader. They are convinced that the PML-N fears the PTI which over the past couple of months has built up pressure against the government for electoral reforms, as well as a recount in four constituencies. The party has announced a long-march on August 14 in this regard. The government, the PTI leader quoted earlier explained, was scared that even a partial success on this front would serve as a severe blow to the political authority and legitimacy of the Sharif brothers. Partial success, according to more than one PTI leader, is linked to their ability in proving that even one of the four seats the PTI is demanding a recount on, experienced rigging that led to a PML-N victory. This discovery, they argue, could throw doubts on the credibility of the electoral exercise, which is what the PML-N fears. Therefore, the government would try any trick possible to divert the PTI, including raking up past scandals of the Khan. What lends this conspiracy theory more credence is the fact that the PML-N is known for raking up moral issues to embarrass their rivals – apart from their attacks on the Bhutto women in the 90s, the party also tried similar tactics with former Punjab governor Salman Taseer after 2008. Another reason the PTI cites in support of its theory is the role played by a pro-government and pro-judiciary media house, which was “unnecessarily highlighting the controversy” surrounding Mr Khan’s alleged love affair. “They are flogging a dead horse,” said a PTI leader. Convinced of the fact that their party is being targeted by the federal government, the PTI has not focused its guns on Arsalan Iftikhar; instead it has gone after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Earlier this week, two young PTI lawmakers announced their intention to move a reference against the prime minister, who they allege has concealed facts in his nomination papers about his conviction. Though it is difficult to predict the end of this latest political saga, it is evident that the PTI-PML-N-Arsalan war of words is going to raise the political temperatures. And the bi-partisan, bi-cameral parliamentary committee which has been formed to recommend electoral reform may not be able to put an end to this ugly bickering. No wonder then, rumours of an early election have begun to do the rounds again – winters or summers, political predictions are always the flavour of the month in Islamabad. .……..ends Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2014

Kayani wanted NWA operation to be his call: Gilani

Kayani wanted NWA operation to be his call: Gilan by dawn-news KARACHI: Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Friday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government had not focused on launching an operation in North Waziristan during its tenure because former army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani wanted the decision to be his alone, DawnNews reported. Gilani's statement on the matter comes days after Major General (retd) Athar Abbas disclosed that Kayani was reluctant to launch a military operation in North Waziristan. The revelations come weeks after the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered Zarb-i-Azb to rid the tribal region of local and foreign militants. Addressing a press conference at a media cell in Bilawal House, the former premier said that the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz’s stance on and treatment of Musharraf was not appropriate. He also claimed that the PPP had held talks with the establishment to remove the former military ruler from power. Gilani claimed that during the negotiations, the former army strongman had been guaranteed a safe passage in exchange for tendering his resignation from the president's office. He reiterated that the PPP had adhered to the reconciliation policy of assassinated former premier Benazir Bhutto, adding that it would not become party to those seeking to undermine democracy in the present scenario. He said the PPP had endeavoured to strengthen the Parliament, adding that only then would the country’s institutions be strengthened. Gilani also said that the PPP had restored the Constitution to its original form.

FIFA WC 2014: Argentina beat Netherlands on penalties, move to finals

New Delhi: Argentina defeated previous edition’s finalists The Netherlands 4-2 in penalty shoot-out at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo to set up a finals date with Germany on Sunday. The scores remained goalless after regular and extra time, before Lionel Messi’s side struck on all their chances to advance to the finals.

Monetary policy on 19th

KARACHI: The State Bank has changed the date and venue for the announcement of the monetary policy for next two months. The SBP said on Wednesday that it would announce the monetary policy at a press conference to be addressed by the St­ate Bank governor on July 19 at its head office here. Earlier, the monetary policy was to be announced on July 12 at the SBP’s Lahore office. No reason was given by the SBP for the decision regarding change of date and venue. Published in Dawn, July 10th , 2014

Separate encounters kill three gang war members in Karachi

Separate encounters kill three gang war members in Karachi KARACHI: At least three gang war members were killed on Thursday in separate police and Rangers encounters in the Napier and Lyari areas of Karachi. Upon receiving a tip-off about the presence of suspects in the city's Napier area, police conducted a raid which resulted in an exchange of fire with suspects. The exchange led to the killing of Kashif alias mota was killed. According to police, the deceased was a member of the Sohail Dada gang war group and was allegedly involved in murder, attempted murder and other serious crimes. Meanwhile in Lyari’s Baghdadi area, two alleged gang war members were killed in an encounter with Rangers personnel. The two were associated with Lyari’s Shiraz Comrade group and were allegedly involved in targeted killings and a number of other serious crimes. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from their possession. The incidents come weeks after Ghaffar Niazi, a gangster associated with the gang war in Lyari, was killed in a police encounter in Lyari Town's Moosa Lane. Karachi, the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan, is riddled with targeted killings, gang wars, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism. Targeted operations led by Rangers’ forces with the support of police are ongoing in the city under a directive issued by the federal government against criminals already identified by federal, military and civilian agencies.

Texas gunman kills at least six, including children: police

CHICAGO: A gunman killed at least four children and two adults during a domestic dispute in Texas on Wednesday that triggered a tense standoff with police. A woman was also fighting for her life after suffering a gunshot wound to the head during the incident in Spring, outside Houston, Harris County Constable Ron Hickman told AFP. The woman was airlifted to an area hospital, where she remains in critical condition, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. One of the killed children died after arriving at hospital. The two slain adults were men, Hickman said. Before being taken to hospital, the woman was able to tell authorities where the suspect, a relative, was headed, triggering a police chase that lasted at least 20 minutes. “We got him in a cul-de-sac,” said Hickman, after at least an hour had passed during which the suspect sat in his vehicle surrounded by about 50 police with their guns drawn. There were at least a dozen patrol cars waiting to pounce. “Members of the Harris County Sheriff's Office High Risk Operations Unit and Hostage Negotiation Team are currently negotiating the surrender of one armed suspect,” the Harris County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The suspect had not taken any one hostage. Hickman said a large military-style SWAT truck was parked right in front of the suspect's vehicle to prevent him from fleeing. “The suspect is engaged in a dialogue with our sheriff's office,” Hickman said. Some residents took to Twitter to thank the authorities. “@SheriffGarcia Great job by your team this evening in our Spring community, thank you,” Susan Wheeler wrote on Sheriff Adrian Garcia's Twitter page. The shooting was the latest in a spate of similar incidents in a country plagued by gun violence. President Barack Obama has warned that America needs to do some “soul-searching” on gun control, which remains relatively lax despite regular gun rampages. On May 23, a student with mental problems killed six people and then himself in California, while on June 5 a gunman killed one person and injured two others on a campus in Seattle. In June, a couple with possible anti-government militia links shot dead two police and a civilian in Las Vegas, and a teenage gunman shot a 14-year-old student dead at an Oregon high school.

Dabiq: the smiling face of Iraq-Syria 'caliphate'

BAGHDAD: Pictures of smiling locals, tales of life-changing experiences, articles glorifying centuries of heritage and predicting a bright future: if the “caliphate” straddling Iraq and Syria had an airline, Dabiq would be its in-flight magazine. For now, global militancy's latest English-language publishing endeavour is distributed online and the aircraft over Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's dominion are more likely to be warplanes and drones than commercial jets. But the 50-page magazine strives to convince its readers that the caliphate proclaimed last month by Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State (IS) militant group on an area twice the size of Israel, is the legitimate and viable home of the world's Muslims. In design, it strongly resembles the Inspire magazine published by Al Qaeda's franchise in the Arabian peninsula that disseminated bomb-making instructions and aimed to engender “lone wolf” militants, a goal achieved in 2013 with the Boston bomber brothers. The editorial emphasis in Dabiq, analysts say, is more on state-building than on incitement or operational issues. “The aim isn't to get young radicalised Western Muslims to carry out attacks but to come to Syria,” said Peter Neumann, director of the London-based International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation. Many foreign fighters have already taken that step and Richard Barrett, a former counter-terrorism chief at Britain's foreign intelligence agency MI6, argued Dabiq was mostly a brochure selling the caliphate as a real and credible entity. “It is the same phenomenon as advertising techniques that aim to endorse your choice of a product rather than inspire it,” said Barrett, who now works for The Soufan Group, a New York-based consultancy. Newly rebranded Thousands of foreigners have joined militant groups in Syria since the start of the war there in March 2011 and many of them are now part of the newly-rebranded IS, which has broadened its remit from Iraq into Syria. Dabiq's first issue also sings the praise of Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, an ultraviolent military commander who headed IS's early incarnations before being slain in a 2006 US air strike, as a founding figure of the caliphate. The magazine's introduction explains that it is named after the site of a major 16th century battle in what is now northern Syria that saw the Ottomans defeat the Mamluks and begin a major expansionist phase of an empire Baghdadi and his followers consider to have been the last caliphate. What the militant group “wants to communicate by picking this name is that they're following in the Ottomans' footsteps,” said Neumann, a professor at King's College London. Dabiq is also mentioned by one of Prophet Muhammad's companions, Abu Hurayrah, as the place where “Roman” invaders are defeated, paving the way for the armies of God to expand and defeat Satan. “This apocalyptic theme has been a powerful strand in Islamist extremism for many years, and is apparently a motivator for some,” Barrett said. Dabiq's first issue, entitled “The Return of Khilafah (caliphate)”, includes excerpts from speeches by Baghdadi declaring a new era in Islam and relays his call for skilled professionals the world over to come and help the new state. Cheering crowds The magazine carries pictures of crowds cheering IS militants as they parade through Syrian and Iraqi towns with the black flag, graphic photos apparently of Sunni civilians slain by the “Rafidhi”, a derogatory term for Shias, and of Shia soldiers “heroically” killed by the militants. Dabiq also features a long and complex theological article essentially justifying the caliphate and Baghdadi's position as both religious and political leader. According to Barrett, IS “has been good at reaching out to supporters and clearly has design skills, but their written work lacks the pizzaz of Inspire“. Dabiq's editorial team also oddly chose to illustrate the article on “imamah”, or leadership, with a free-download stock picture of a border collie herding sheep away from a cliff. “I guess it shows that it's really made by a Westerner,” Neumann said, referring to the fact that dogs are considered impure in Islamic culture and in much of the Arab world. Inspire and its promotion of “open source militancy” is believed to have been the brainchild of US-born Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki but it is not yet clear who is behind Dabiq. Barrett predicted that the caliphate's English-language mouthpiece was unlikely to have the same impact and success as Inspire, which became the world's most downloaded militant publication. “The main propaganda is still through social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other more interactive and 'modern' platforms,” he said.

Nepal teenager commits suicide after Brazil defeat

**KATMANDU: A teenager in eastern Nepal committed suicide after her favorite team Brazil lost badly to Germany in the World Cup semifinals, police said Thursday. Police said the 10th grade student was depressed and hanged herself from the ceiling on Wednesday morning in Bharaul village located 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of the capital Katmandu.** The teenager was identified as Pragya Thapa. Her mother found her hanging from the ceiling in her room. She was living with her mother and grandparents while her father was abroad working. Police said they were investigating and the body had been sent for autopsy. Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany in the semifinal on Tuesday.

No confirmation on Dattakhel drone strike: FO

Drone strike in North Waziristan kills 6 by dawn-news PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday did not confirm a drone attack in North Waziristan tribal region which reportedly killed six suspected militants earlier today. Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said there is no confirmation on the fresh drone attack. " Pakistan's position on US drone attacks is very clear. Pakistan strongly opposes such attacks particularly at a time when the military operation is underway in North Waziristan," Aslam said reiterating the FO’s position on drones. The drone attack reportedly took place in North Waziristan's Dattakhel area where the unmanned aircraft fired missiles at a house and a vehicle. Intelligence sources said two missiles were fired from a US drone targeting a compound and vehicle in Madakhel village of Dattakhel tehsil. Sources added that six suspected militants were killed whereas the compound and the vehicle were destroyed in the strike. The identities of those killed in the strikes have not yet been ascertained. Earlier on June 12, separate US aerial drones had fired missiles at militant hideouts. The two successive US drone strikes had killed at least 16 suspected militants in North Waziristan. Meanwhile, six suspected militants were killed in a US drone strike in North Waziristan's Miramshah tehsil on June 18 soon after the commencement of the Zarb-i-Azb military operation against foreign and local militants in the lawless tribal region. FO calls upon Israel to stop genocide of Palestinians Aslam also strongly condemned Israeli attacks against Palestinians and called upon Israel to stop genocide of Palestinians. Responding to a question, FO spokesperson said Pakistan did not make any appeal to the international community for their assistance. "PM Nawaz Sharif has told us clearly that no foreign assistance should be sought for IDPs and that they would be settled by mobilising local resources," the spokesperson said. When her attention was drawn on reports that India has asked United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) to vacate a building in New Delhi, she said by doing so Jammu and Kashmir’s disputed status could not be changed. "UNMOGIP is working under the UN mandate therefore its status cannot be changed by vacating a building," she said.

Karachi operation: Report says over 30,000 arrested so far

KARACHI: Some 31,336 alleged criminals have so far been arrested in several targeted operations conducted by police and Rangers personnel since the Karachi operation was launched, states a report on the law and order situation in Karachi during the past few months. The report was presented by acting Inspector General Sindh Police Hyder Jamali on Thursday during a high-level meeting of officials from law enforcement agencies. Jamali chaired the meeting which also looked at the efficiency of the ongoing operation in Karachi that has been under way for the past 10 months. According to the report, during the 1,627 police encounters, some 1,586 suspected of involvement in dacoity, 336 suspected extortionists, 83 'kidnappers', 7,155 fugitives and 590 wanted in murder cases were arrested. The forces also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the possession of the arrested which includes, 1026 explosive materials, 264 arms and ammunition and a huge quantity of drugs and narcotics. Forces had also managed to seize 643 hand grenades, 3LMG, 186 sub-machine guns (SMGs), 7201 pistols, 116 rifles and 125 shot guns from the possession of all those arrested, the report said. Some 392 suspected of criminal activity were killed in encounters that occurred in the metropolis during the stipulated time period. Also today, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has arrived in Karachi and will be using his visit to evaluate the law and order situation in the city. Karachi, the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan, is riddled with targeted killings, gang wars, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism. Targeted operations led by Rangers’ forces with the support of police are ongoing in the city under a directive issued by the federal government against criminals already identified by federal, military and civilian agencies.

Amin Fahim gets bail in TDAP corruption case

Amin Fahim gets bail in TDAP corruption case by dawn-news KARACHI: A federal anti-corruption court on Thursday granted bail to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim in the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) corruption case. Earlier, the Sindh High Court (SHC) had restrained the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from arresting Fahim, a former commerce minister. The cases against Fahim, another PPP leader and some former and serving senior officials of the TDAP were registered by the FIA for their alleged involvement in approving and disbursing fraudulent trade subsidies of millions of rupees to several fake companies through fictitious claims and backdated cheques. Last year, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had referred the scam involving ‘misappropriation’ of Rs1.27 billion to FIA to collect evidence and initiate criminal proceedings against officials, exporters and companies allegedly involved in it. FIA had arrested 45 men for their alleged involvement in the scam since the beginning of the probe. Moreover, arrest warrants had also been issued against Fahim Yousuf Raza Gilani in relation to the scam. Also recently, the Sindh High Court (SHC) had restrained the FIA from arresting Fahim.

Seized nuclear material in Iraq "low grade": IAEA

VIENNA: The UN atomic agency said on Thursday it believed nuclear material Iraq said had been seized by insurgents was “low grade” and did not pose a significant security risk. Iraq told the United Nations in a July 8 letter that “terrorist groups” had seized nuclear materials used for scientific research at a university in the country's north. It appealed for help to “stave off the threat of their use by terrorists in Iraq or abroad”. The International Atomic Energy Agency “is aware of the notification from Iraq and is in contact to seek further details”, IAEA spokeswoman Gill Tudor said. “On the basis of the initial information we believe the material involved is low grade and would not present a significant safety, security or nuclear proliferation risk. “Nevertheless, any loss of regulatory control over nuclear and other radioactive materials is a cause for concern,” Tudor said. Iraq's UN Ambassador Mohammad Ali Alhakim told UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in the letter that nearly 40 kilograms of uranium compounds were kept at Mosul University. “Terrorist groups have seized control of nuclear material at the sites that came out of the control of the state,” Alhakim wrote, adding that such materials “can be used in manufacturing weapons of mass destruction.”

Pakistani jailed 18 years to life for wife's NY murder

NEW YORK: A US judge sentenced an elderly Pakistani-American to 18 years to life in prison Wednesday for murdering his wife in New York after she refused to cook him a goat supper. Noor Hussain, 75, was convicted of second degree murder for killing Nazar in April 2011 as she lay in bed in their Brooklyn apartment after subjecting her to years of abuse. Frail and with medical problems, Wednesday's sentencing from Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Matthew D'Emic means that Hussain will likely die behind bars, though he will be eligible for parole after 18 years. District attorney Kenneth Thompson welcomed the tough penalty. “This defendant viciously attacked his wife as she lay in bed, unable to defend herself,” he said. “Now the defendant has been held accountable for this brutal and cowardly act. “Thompson said Hussain “viciously” beat 66-year-old Nazar, his third wife, to death. The medical examiner's office said she had been battered more than 20 times. She died of a fatal brain hemorrhage. Hussain admitted only to striking her with a wooden stick after she made lentils rather than the goat dinner he wanted. He maintained she “disrespected” him by swearing and believed he was entitled to “discipline” his wife of 21 years. The harrowing trial saw photographs of Nazar's swollen, bruised face, and of her body lying on a blood-stained bed next to a blood-soaked bedroom wall in the couple's modest apartment. Neighbor Safida Khan told the court she heard the Hussains argue for years, and that she twice intervened. She testified hearing Nazar “crying and yelling” and her husband “cursing and shouting” on the day she died. Relatives said Hussain moved to the United States more than 30 years ago in search of a better life and worked at a gas station. Hussain had faced a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.

Imran should discuss grievances in Parliament: Khursheed Shah

Oposition Leader khurshid shah talk to media by dawn-news KARACHI: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah said Thursday that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan should come to the Parliament and discuss his grievances instead of calling for a million march, DawnNews reported. Speaking to media representatives outside Bilawal House in Karachi, the opposition leader said that the current political system would be held dysfunctional if decisions were taken through street protests despite the presence of a functioning Parliament. Shah was speaking in reference to the PTI chief’s call for a ‘million march’ on Islamabad scheduled for August 14. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader also alleged that the Model Town tragedy in Lahore was the result of incompetence on part of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He said that the PPP had rendered immense sacrifices for the sake of democracy and had laid down lives in the quest to safeguard the existing system. Furthermore, the opposition leader said that the PPP was committed to strengthening the country’s institutions, adding that all institutions were currently stable except the Parliament. He said the PPP would not become a part of the conspiracy to derail democracy nor would the party support the move to destabilise the system currently in place. Shah’s comments come a day after the PTI chief said that his party would go to any extent to bring all those to book who had “stolen public mandate” and ensure that these elements should be tried under Article 6 of the Constitution.

Author prevented from giving lecture in India-held Kashmir

SRINIGAR: A professor of Trinity College Dublin was prevented from giving a lecture by Indian police in Srinagar. A report published by Hindustan Times states that Dr Mridu Rai was scheduled to deliver a lecture on 'Languages of Violence, Languages of Justice: the State and Insurgent Kashmir', but was banned from doing so. Dr Rai said, “If people like us are not allowed...it is a tragedy. My lecture indeed was referring to the fact how the greater violence is to ensure that voices are not heard, which in fact happened today.” The report also said that the authorities had enforced section 144, which restricts the gathering of more than four people at a place. Dr Rai, an internationally-acclaimed author, researcher and scholar, was invited to an annual talk organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, popularly known as CCS, to pay tribute to late Rughonath Vaishnavi, a well-known Kashmiri Pandit politician and an ardent supporter of Kashmir freedom movement. The author of the book 'Hindu Rulers, Muslim Subjects', which had been quite controversial, termed the ban on her lecture as "appalling". “If the government considers a talk by an academician like me as dangerous, then the state is in for a trouble,” she stated. The CCS convener, Khurram Parvez, told mediapersons that the authorities threatened of action against the hotel and said, “The hotel management informed us, police threatened them that action will be taken against the hotel if we allowed the event to take place.” Parvez said, under the law, there was no requirement for any permission for holding such an event at a private hotel. “This ban is consistent with the authorities' policy of disallowing academic, cultural and political activities in Kashmir,” he added. The CCS convener also said that the annual talk was a tribute to one of the Kashmir's unsung heroes, Rughonath Vaishnavi, who had fought for the Kashmir cause and was jailed seven times for his commitment to the Kashmiris' right to self-determination.

Blast near PPP leader's house in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: An explosion took place on Peshawar's Kohat Road in front of the residence of a local leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Thursday. The Bhana Mari police said no loss of life was reported in the explosion but the front gate of Misbahudin’s house in Peshawar’s Amin Colony had been damaged. Moreover, rescue teams were dispatched to the site of the blast that took place near Technical College. Misbahudin had contested election on a PPP ticket from NA-4.

Britain to pass emergency data surveillance laws

LONDON: Britain is rushing through emergency laws to ensure the police and security services can keep accessing people's internet and mobile phone data, Prime Minister David Cameron announced Thursday. Cameron said the move, being debated by parliament next week, was vital to protect Britain's security, with 95 per cent of all serious organised crime cases using data from internet and mobile phone traffic. “The ability to access information about communications and intercept the communications of dangerous individuals is essential to fight the threat from criminals and terrorists targeting the UK,” he said. A European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling in April found that an EU data retention directive, implemented in Britain in 2009, was invalid because it interferes with the right to respect for private life. The directive was introduced in 2006 following huge attacks in Madrid and London and forced mobile phone companies and Internet service providers to keep data for at least six months. Downing Street said that following the ECJ ruling, providers could start deleting communications data unless the government adopted fresh legislation. “Unless we act now, companies will no longer retain the data about who contacted who, where and when,” Cameron said adding, “And we will no longer be able to use this information to bring criminals to justice and keep our country safe." But critics accused ministers of rushing through intrusive legislation which could infringe privacy rights. “The government says it's only plugging loopholes but its existing blanket surveillance practice has been found unlawful,” said Shami Chakrabarti, director of civil liberties campaign group Liberty. “We are told this is a pedophile and militant 'emergency', but the court judgement they seek to ignore was handed down over three months ago and this isn't snooping on suspects but on everyone." The new law is essentially an extension of current powers, with a sunset clause that would see it expire at the end of 2016, giving the government time to formulate a broader view on future laws surrounding communications data. It would not allow the police and the MI5 domestic security agency to access the content of communications without ministerial authority. “It is the first duty of government to protect our national security and to act quickly when that security is compromised,” Cameron said. “As events in Iraq and Syria demonstrate, now is not the time to be scaling back on our ability to keep our people safe.“

Germany expels top US intelligence officer in spy row

BERLIN: Germany expelled the US intelligence station chief in Berlin Thursday over alleged spying by Washington, the government said in a highly unusual move among close Nato allies. “The representative of the US intelligence services at the embassy of the United States of America has been told to leave Germany,” government spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement. Seibert said the demand was based on two formal probes by German federal prosecutors of suspected spying for Washington announced in the last week “as well as outstanding questions over the last several months about the activities of the US secret services in Germany”. “The government takes these developments very seriously,” he said. Seibert said it was “crucial for Germany, in the interest of the security of its citizens and its troops abroad, to work closely on a basis of trust with Western partners, in particular with the USA”. “However, mutual trust and openness are required,” he said. “The government remains willing to do this and expects this from its closest partners. “ The head of the German parliament's oversight committee, Clemens Binninger, called the expulsion “a reaction to the long-lacking cooperation in efforts to get to the bottom of this affair”. German police on Wednesday searched the Berlin-area home and office of a man who, local media reported, is a German military employee accused of passing secrets to the United States. The case comes on the heels of news on Friday that a 31-year-old German BND intelligence service operative had been arrested, suspected of having sold over 200 documents to the CIA. The documents reportedly included papers on a German parliamentary panel probing mass surveillance activities by the US National Security Agency, whose targets have alleged included Chancellor Angela Merkel's mobile phone.

Zohra Sehgal dies at 102

Veteran 102-year-old Bollywood actor Zohran Sehgal died in Delhi on Thursday, according to the Hindustan Times website. Born on April 27, 1912, Sehgal worked in innumerable theatre plays and films, leaving her distinct mark on every character she played. She was a part of Mani Ratnam’s 'Dil Se', the international box office success 'Bend It Like Beckham' and also played an age-defying role in 'Chalo Ishq Ladaen.' Zohra apa did more than justice to her characters. Her work on theatre too was widely appreciated. Not many know that the actress had began her career as a dancer with the celebrated artist Uday Shankar way back in 1935, and ever since she has moved on and on.

PM announces Rs15bn for Karachi 'Green Line' bus project

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced a package for the development of a fast and efficient metro bus system, Green Line, for Karachi during his visit to discuss issues related to security with the Sindh government. The premier said that the federal government is aware of the transport issues faced by the financial capital. Speaking to media representatives, the premier said the federal government was keen to revolutionise Karachi's transport system. The prime minister also announced that the federal government would immediately release Rs15 billion for development of metro bus routes, while the remaining cost would have to be borne by the City District Government Karachi (CDGK). PM chairs meeting on Karachi law and order Prime Minister Sharif also chaired a meeting over Karachi's law and security situation at the official residence of Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad. According to sources, the prime minister reprimanded ministers over the worsening law and order situation in the city. The premier showed displeasure over the way the affairs were being run by the Sindh government. He asked why the directive of shifting the Karachi’s anti-terrorism courts to the city’s Malir Cantonment area was not implemented. Moreover, Prime Minister Sharif came down hard on the Sindh government and questioned why the construction of a high-security prison and purchasing of modern weapons for police had not been done. The premier was flanked by Federal Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Central Information Secretary for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Senator Mushahidullah Khan and party member Abdul Hakim Baloch. During the meeting, the premier was also briefed on Karachi's rapid transport plan. The prime minister is in Karachi for a one-day visit, primarily to review the law and order situation in the city. Earlier, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah welcomed the premier at the airport. Soon after arriving in the city, the prime minister went to the residence of Nawab Charagh Marri and expressed condolence over the death of Baloch leader Khair Bakhsh Marri.

Justice (R) Jamshed Ali replaces Sethi as PCB chief

Government removes Sethi as PCB chief by dawn-news KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has been removed from his post and will serve as a member of the PCB's Board of Governors until fresh elections to appoint a new chief are held, the government announced. Sethi would now be eligible to contest the elections for the post of PCB chairman. "The management committee, which had been working under Najam Sethi, will remain in the board to work with the acting chairman. They are given 30 days to implement the constitution and make the cricket board functional in the given time," Khan told Cricinfo. The acting chairman, Shah, has earlier worked with the PCB as the head of its integrity committee and also drafted the board's new constitution. "I was informed by the government, verbally, to take charge today," Shah told reporters. "I will wait for the notification from the Supreme Court and then decide my responsibilities." The move comes just a day after Attorney General (AG) Salman Aslam Butt told the Supreme Court that a date for the election for the office of PCB chairman will be announced under the board’s newly-adopted constitution. Appearing before a two-member bench consisting of Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and Justice Saqib Nisar, the AG said the elections will be held by the PCB’s interim Management Committee. According to sources, Sethi is expected to run for the election, however, it is unclear if he will remain a part of the interim setup until then. Sethi had hinted as the possibility of his candidature in May this year saying, "if the patron allows him to contest the elections he would do so." Sethi-Zaka tussle Sethi was reinstated by the Supreme Court as chairman of the PCB in May this year as the 'musical chairs' between him and Zaka Ashraf for the top post in the board continued. "It is a clear message for those who are playing the musical chair," Sethi had said. It unclear whether the latest development will finally put an end to the legal tussle which has seen the post of the chairman change hands on more than three occasions.

City diary: Anti-beggary drive launched; Ord remains unimplemented

Non-implementation of the Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance-1958 by the departments concerned is a major hurdle to eliminating beggary, a common practice in the provincial metropolis and other cities which increases every Ramazan. Lahore, which has always been an attractive place for beggars, is presently flooded with thousands of beggars who want to exploit Ramazan and approaching Eidul Fitr. The City District Government of Lahore (CDGL) has launched a drive, like the previous years, to capture professional beggars in an attempt to stop beggary. Under Section 7 of the ordinance, any police officer, without an order from a magistrate and without a warrants, may arrest and search any person who appears to him to be a beggar and may seize anything found on or about such person that he believes to be liable to confiscation under this ordinance. “A person, arrested under this ordinance, shall be released if he furnishes bail to the satisfaction of the police officer making arrest for his appearance before the magistrate having jurisdiction in the area where the arrest is made. If the person arrested is not able to furnish bail to the satisfaction of the police officer making arrest, such person shall be detained in custody and shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of twenty-four hours of arrest,” reads the ordinance. About trial of beggars, the ordinance says when the accused is brought before the magistrate, he shall be tried in accordance with the procedure prescribed for the trial of summons cases under Chapter XX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898). And if the magistrate finds that a person is a vagrant, such a person shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a period not exceeding three years. The ordinance also mentions punishment of imprisonment of one year or fine or both for those employing people to ask for alms. Officials say the main reason for expansion of the beggary is that the police, officially empowered to arrest and get beggars punished by the courts, are not performing this job. “We are not supposed to arrest beggars and punish them as our jurisdiction is to rehabilitate them under a social welfare programme,” said District Officer (Social Welfare) Faiz Ahmad Warraich. He said had the action been taken to implement the law, such an illegal profession would have ended or minimised at least. He said a couple of months back, he had pointed out this law in a meeting, chaired by the then district coordination officer, and requested the participants to press police to launch a crackdown on beggary but his recommendation fell on deaf ears. “Now we should own and launch this campaign on our own rather than waiting for police,” Mr Warraich quoted one of the participants of the meeting as having said. He said keeping in view the situation, the city district administration had delegated powers of magistrate to the officers of social welfare department in order to ensure arrest of the beggars without involving police. He said that though his department was only bound to rehabilitate beggars legally, it was performing the job of police these days. He said beggary had turned into the most profitable business under supervision of an organised mafia and the police would have to come forward to eliminate this permanently. Talking about the ongoing crackdown on beggary, Mr Warraich said the department had, so far, arrested about 1,000 beggars since September, last year. “In the special drive that was launched on first of Ramazan this year, we have arrested over 100 beggars, including women and children,” he said, adding that a majority of baggers came from Kasur, Sheikhupura and Nankana, there was a plan to detain them at the Lahore’s entry/exit points. He said a modern vocational training and rehabilitation centre was near completion at Raiwind. “The building will be handed over to my department in next two months or so. Then we will be able to shift arrest beggars there for their rehabilitation in addition to other centres, working in the city,” he concluded. Punjab’s cattle market management companies (CMMCs) have started work in nine divisions of the province from July 1. The CMMCs have been registered under the company law and established in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala. According to officials, the board of directors (BoDs) for each company has been finalised and the respective district or divisional administrations are working out to recruit their staff. In Lahore, Lahore Parking Company’s Managing Director Taseer Ahmad has been entrusted with the additional charge of the CMMC till appointment of a regular person for the slot. “The core objectives of CMMCs include overall management of cattle markets, finding and developing new markets, facilitating the cattle traders, elimination of middlemen’s role and exploitation in cattle trading business and ensuring free and fair cattle trading atmosphere,” Lahore CMMC’s officiating MD Taseer Ahmad told Dawn. He said the BoD members include commissioners, DCOs, representative of livestock, agriculture, traders and other concerned. — khalidpak284@yahoo.com Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2014

Case against MPA’s sons for ‘violence’

NAROWAL: The police on Tuesday registered a case against two sons of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MPA Ghiasuddin for abusing Shakargarh Assistant Commissioner Umrah Khan. Muhammad Zaid, son of the MPA, allegedly forced a contractor to stop work of repair and construction of sewage drains in Shakargarh city. The construction company complained about the incident to Assistant Commissioner Umrah Khan who asked Zaid not to interfere in the project. Zaid started abusing and roughing up the assistant commissioner who reported the matter to the district coordination officer. The officer claimed the MPA’s sons Zaid and Mohyuddin later attacked him when he was inspecting a Ramazan Bazaar. The police registered a case against both the suspects under sections 506-B and 186 of Pakistan Penal Code. Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2014

Five ‘rapists’ held

MUZAFFARGARH: Five men on Monday night allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl at Rampur village of Tehsil Jatoi, some 80-km away from city area. Police claimed on Tuesday to have arrested the suspects and registered a case against them. The police said the girl had identified three of them. Police said ‘R’ went to a watercourse for washing clothes from where suspect ‘Al’ took her to a dyke and allegedly raped her. Later his four accomplices came there and gang-raped her. On Tuesday, the suspects threw the girl outside her home and threatened her father ‘M’ with dire consequences if he reported the matter to the police. The girl’s father contacted the police. The girl was removed to Jatoi THQ Hospital and medico-legal examination confirmed rape. Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2014

Qadri says he won’t be deterred even by army

LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri says his movement for change of the governance system will not drift away from its agenda even if the rulers call in the army to check it. “The movement for change will continue even if the armed forces martyr a couple of thousands of Pakistanis, including me,” Dr Qadri said on Tuesday when asked to comment on reports that the government was considering to call the army under Article 245 in support of the civil administration for tackling any law and order situation in major towns in the wake of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf ’s long march and PAT’s call for revolution. Reluctant to give a final date for the revolution call, he told a group of reporters here on Tuesday that consultations within the PAT and with other parties were continuing and a final decision in this respect would be made shortly. Asked if his party was opting out of electoral politics, Mr Qadri said it would take part in the electoral exercise but only in the post-revolution scenario after cleansing of the incumbent system and making constitutional changes to check the entry of the corrupt into the power corridors. “The elections will be the last stage in the revolution.” Dr Qadri insisted that his revolution was constitutional and democratic in its entirety and it could not be interpreted as subversion of the Constitution. He argued that the social contract between the citizens and the state stood null and void after the rulers failed to implement the first 40 Articles of the Constitution that pertained to granting rights to the citizens. “By desecrating the first part of the Constitution (40 Articles plus preamble), how can the ruling classes expect from the ruled to respect the latter part of the Basic Law (240 Articles that deal with the system to run the country and its institution).” About the funds for political activities of PAT, he claimed that these were generated by annual membership fees as well as donations. Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2014

Two more witnesses questioned in treason case

ISLAMABAD: The counsel for Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday concluded cross-examination of two witnesses in the high treason case. The special court, headed by Justice Faisal Arab of Sindh High Court summoned Khalid Rasool, FIA’s additional director for recording his statement on July 9. On Tuesday, prosecution witnesses Taj Umar Khan, deputy solicitor, law ministry, and Talib Hussain, a PTV producer, testified before the court. The producer said he handed over to the FIA a copy of Gen Musharraf’s speech aired on November 3, 2007. He said on the direction of a general manager of PTV, he handed over the copy of the speech to Mr Rasool. Musharraf’s counsel Hayat asked the deputy solicitor whether he knew Mr Rasool was not part of the team which probed the high treason case. The solicitor replied that he was unaware of the fact but he provided documents to Mr Rasool after the FIA wrote a letter to the law ministry. Published in Dawn, July 9th , 2014

Brazil out: The torture will be complete if Argentina win

BELO HORIZONTE: Even for an 84-year-old tournament drenched in history, Germany 7, Brazil 1, you read that right, will be remembered as one of the craziest World Cup matches ever. Because of the humiliation it inflicted on a great footballing nation, as one of the most painful to watch, too. Brazil, the once mighty Brazil, the Brazil that gave the world Pele, so many other great players and yellow-shirted delight, throwing itself like a herd of lemmings off a cliff. Not just a team self-destructing, but an entire nation's hopes and World Cup joy turning to vinegar and flushing down the drain on live TV before millions of disbelieving eyes around the globe. “We realized that they were cracking up and took advantage of it,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew. Even the half-time score, Brazil 0, Germany 5, was something no sportswriter ever expects to have to record for posterity. No nation has ever done anything like this to Brazil, not once in all the decades that Brazilians have played and refined football, making it 'futebol' and making it better. Germany's goals rained in so thick and fast it became a struggle to keep up. The second and then, a minute later, the third goal had the effect of a stun-gun on Brazil. Its players were laboring under such pressure to win their home World Cup. And when it became clear in that minute that they would fail, that pressure became like poison on their brains and legs. They became like ghosts. In the next five minutes, they let in two more. For Germany, it was like shooting fish in a barrel. No shot could miss. Everything worked. With Brazil gone AWOL, they had the place to themselves. In the crowd, fans' tears cut streaks through their yellow and green face paint. An elderly man clutched a plastic imitation World Cup trophy as though it was a life preserver, as close as Brazil will come to the real thing this time. ”Truthfully it's very hard to explain the unexplainable,” said Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar. “A blackout happened that no one was expecting.“ Just like their parents and grandparents, this generation of Brazilians now has a football trauma of its own to haunt them. In 1950, when Brazil last hosted the World Cup, Alcides Ghigghia scored the cup-winning goal for Uruguay in the final match against Brazil, leaving a mark on the nation's psyche as deep and painful as a branding iron. There were five heart-breakers this time: Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos and Andre Schuerrle, who got two each, Sami Khedira and Miroslav Klose. Klose's goal added insult to injury by taking his career World Cup total to 16, leaving him alone with the record that previously belonged to a Brazilian, Ronaldo. When the final whistle blew, not a moment too soon, delivering its score that read like the bill on a cash register, the record book had been shredded. This made losing 3-0 to France in the 1998 final, Brazil's previous worst defeat (measured by goals, not pain) in the World Cup, feel like a mosquito bite in comparison. Brazil had never let in so many goals in a World Cup game or so many in a half. It was the worst defeat for a World Cup host country and was as bad a loss as Brazil has ever suffered in any tournament or any game. It equaled the margin of its previous worst ever defeat, a 6-0 loss to Uruguay in 1920. “It was one after the other,” said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. “I think everyone like blanked out.“ As such, it wouldn't be right to draw too many conclusions. This game has to be viewed as an anomaly, not as a definitive verdict on Scolari and his players. Many of them are young enough to be able to look ahead to the next World Cup in 2018. Still, this is the worst national team Brazil has fielded at a World Cup for decades. That much was becoming clear even before this disaster. A scratchy 2-1 victory over Colombia in the quarterfinals and a skin-of-the-teeth penalty shootout win over of Chile before that exposed Brazil's limitations. And Germany exploited them, ruthlessly. Loew spotted vulnerabilities in the Brazil defense and that it leaves open spaces at the back when it attacks. The absence of Thiago Silva, Brazil's defensive rock and captain suspended for this game because he collected two yellow cards earlier in the tournament, will be mentioned among the reasons why his team rolled over. But even that doesn't really explain it. And take out Neymar, as Colombian defender Juan Camilo Zuniga did with his knee, breaking a bone in the striker's back, and you're left with a Brazil team with more gums than teeth. But even with Neymar, Brazil couldn't have scored as many goals as the Germans. They have a team. Brazil didn't. Oscar's goal at the end of the match took Brazil's tournament total to 11. That works out as one goal for every billion dollars that Brazil has spent on this World Cup, on stadiums and related infrastructure. Even if Brazil scores a few more in the match for third place on Saturday, that is still a very poor return. In the stadium, the mood soured. The crowd chanted unprintable insults aimed at President Dilma Rousseff. The ramifications of this defeat will be political, too. And it could yet get worse. Brazil's bitterest rival, Argentina, could advance to Sunday's final if it beats the Netherlands in the other semifinal on Wednesday. If that happens, Brazilians will cheer for Germany, the team that hurt them so badly. Because if Argentina wins the cup it wanted so badly, Brazil's torture will be complete

Gamut of emotions: Jokes, compassion, sadness, rage

“Brazil have Neymar; Argentina, Messi; Portugal, Ronaldo. Germany have a team.“ That was just one of a blizzard of sardonic comments doing the rounds on social media, a virtual meeting point for tens of millions of Brazilians, after Tuesday's 7-1 hiding by the Germans. As Brazil crashed to an epic World Cup semi-final loss thousands of web users in a country with a voracious appetite for social media came up with the hashtag #vergonhabrasil (humiliation Brazil). Some posts to sites depicted Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue covering its face in shame -- or even replaced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. “Can somebody explain to me how a knee in the back for (absent injured star) Neymar renders 11 (Brazilian players) paraplegic?” asked Twitter user @MonteiroLovato. Some users scolded the critics, preferring to offer thanks to their players, including skipper David Luiz, for their World Cup effort which finally imploded spectacularly. “Before the game everyone was talking about us winning a sixth title, you ungrateful lot who only back Brazil when they are winning,” huffed @itspetrov4l. However, most posts were humorous and ironic in nature. “If we're going to lose then let it be by a margin that puts us in the Guinness Book of Records,” was one such post accompanied by an image of the team holding a pitchside group hug as if aware of the German assault to come. “There goes my re-election,” was another post in allusion to President Dilma Rousseff, who faces general elections in October and whose chances many Brazilians felt took a knock with Tuesday's thrashing. Still more posts alluded to the protests which have assailed the giant nation in recent months over the cost of staging the event rather than investing in poor public services. “The worst thing is there are no hospitals to treat my depression” about the result, was how one internet user put it. “It would have been better to build hospitals,” was a comment put into the mouth of Brazil's 2002 champion Ronaldo. As a member of the organizing committee Ronaldo said the Cup required stadiums as opposed to hospitals. Still more posts showed the Brazilian flag mocked up as a goal bulging with blue balls to represent Germany's goals. One user had German coach Joachim Loew as asking Brazil's second-round victims Chile: “Will that do -- or shall we score a few more?“ Others showed an image from the City of God film about violent crime in Rio showing an armed gang with the caption: “The Cup doesn't leave here.“

Musharraf treason case: FIA official submits written testimony

ISLAMABAD: In the hearing of the treason case against former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday, Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) Additional Director Khalid Rasool submitted his written testimony before the special court. The three-member special court, headed by Justice Faisal Arab of the Sindh High Court, heard the case against the former army strongman. FIA’s additional director appeared as a prosecution witness in the case. During the proceedings today, the prosecution submitted all documented evidence in court against the former military ruler. Rasool informed the court that a CD regarding Musharraf's November 3, 2007 declaration of emergency was received and forwarded to FIA Director Khalid Qureshi. He added that consultant certificates of the legal documents were also given to the FIA. After the completion of statements by the prosecution witness, the court ruled that on the next hearing defence lawyers would cross-examine the testimony put forth by Rasool. The court subsequently adjourned hearing of the case to August 5. In yesterday’s hearing of the case, Taj Umar Khan, deputy solicitor, law ministry, and Talib Hussain, a PTV producer, had testified before the court. Following that, the special court had summoned Rasool as a prosecution witness in the court.

Pakistan-India battles clipped to two Tests

Pakistan are likely to play only two-Tests against India in each of their three home series in the upcoming Future Tours Programme (FTP) cycle, taking the sheen off one of the most exciting contests in world cricket. According to the latest FTP on Cricinfo, Pakistan will play at least 77 Tests until January 2023 but its ties against India, which are subject to government clearance, have been curtailed. Pakistan will also face off against South Africa only twice in the new cycle, despite the two countries signing an agreement to increase ties. South Africa will only host Pakistan in December 2018 for a series of three Tests, five ODI and three T20s. Pakistan will host them just once, for a limited-over series in October 2022. There will be an increase in the number of matches against Australia, currently the top-ranked Test and ODI side. The two teams will be playing as many as seven series in this period, with Pakistan hosting five. Australia will host Pakistan in December 2016 and 2019 for six Tests and six ODIs. Pakistan only feature in three four-Test series. Two of them will be played in England - in 2016 and 2020 - and one in West Indies, in 2017. Against West Indies, Pakistan only play two more Tests - at home, 10 years after they last hosted them for a series.

The FTP will be “binding” only after member nations sign their bilateral agreements by the next ICC Board meeting.

Younis returns to ODI team as Pakistan name squad for Sri Lanka

KARACHI: Pakistan have dropped top order batsman Mohammad Hafeez from their Test squad and recalled former captain Younis Khan in the one-day team for next month's tour of Sri Lanka. Hafeez's struggle in Tests prompted his axing from the squad for the series against South Africa last year in the United Arab Emirates before the 36-test player was recalled for the series against Sri Lanka, also in the UAE. The 33-year-old has managed just one half-century in his last 14 Test innings and he quit the Twenty20 captaincy in April after the team's exit from the group stage of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Middle order batsman Umar Akmal was recalled to the 15-member test squad named on Wednesday, the 24-year-old returning after three years out of the side, having played the last of his 16 Tests against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in 2011. However, pace duo Umar Gul and Mohammad Irfan missed out on the tour due to ongoing fitness concerns, chief selector Moin Khan said. “They are not 100 percent fit and have been given more time to hit peak fitness,” Khan told reporters. Gul had a knee surgery in May and the 30-year-old right-arm bowler hurt it again while playing in the MCC v Rest of the World celebration match at the Lord's last week. Left-arm bowler Irfan, 32, has not fully recovered from a hairline fracture in his hip. The selectors dropped wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal from the Test squad, replacing him with Sarfraz Ahmed, but there was no specialist wicketkeeper in the one-day squad leaving the recalled Umar Akmal to perform the duties. Beginning on Aug 6, Misbah-ul-Haq and his men will play two Tests and three one-day internationals in Sri Lanka. Test squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Mohammad Talha, Junaid Khan, Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz. ODI Squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Younus Khan, Umar Akmal, Fawad Alam, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Anwar Ali, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Talha, Wahab Riaz, Zulfiqar Babar.

IHC removes Nacta head

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday removed National Counter-terrorism Authority (Nacta) head Khawaja Muhammad Ashraf from his office, DawnNews reported. IHC's Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi announced the decision on a petition filed against Nacta. The court ruled that the command of Nacta be brought under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Meanwhile, all decisions taken by Ashraf during his tenure as Nacta head now stand revoked. Earlier on Jan 3, 2014, the government had appointed Amir Ashraf Khawaja, a BPS-20 officer, as national coordinator. Nacta was formed in 2009 but remained dormant due to lack of resources. Last year, the government had introduced the Nacta Act in order to strengthen its efforts for countering terrorism.

Amit Shah appointed as new BJP president

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tightened his grip on the reins of power Wednesday after the appointment of his most trusted aide, Amit Shah, as president of the ruling Hindu nationalist party. Shah, who has known Modi since the 1980s in his home state of Gujarat, is seen as a shrewd political organiser and tactician credited with delivering Modi's huge election victory in May. He is also controversial, having been censured during the election for inflammatory comments after anti-Muslim riots and he faces murder and extortion charges dating back to his time as home minister in Gujarat. “From today and with immediate effect, Amit Shah will take over as the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) president,” outgoing president Rajnath Singh, who was named as home minister by Modi, told reporters. Shah was chosen as BJP president by the party's central parliamentary board. Modi, who campaigned on a platform of clean government and economic development, won the biggest mandate in 30 years in the April-May national elections. Like Modi, the portly and bearded Shah rose through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a grassroots organisation committed to defending India's Hindu culture

No evidence found from Model Town, says JIT

LAHORE: The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to probe the Model Town incident declared on Tuesday that no substantial evidence was available to them from the site of the conflict in the Minhaj ul Quran secretariat. The JIT inspected the areas surrounding the Minhaj ul Quran secretariat and Dr Tahirul Qadri’s residence and constituted a report on the basis of their findings. According to initial reports, there were no traces of bullets or any other substantial evidence. Sources in the JIT said that the Minhajul Quran secretariat did not allow them to conduct investigations. However, a Minhajul Quran spokesperson said that they did allow the investigation team to scrutinise the area and collect evidence but claimed that they are not ready to cooperate with them in the matter. Last month, an anti-encroachment drive was conducted on June 17 by a contingent of police personnel in order to remove the barrier outside Pakistan Awami Tehreek's (PAT) Chief Tahirul Qadri's Lahore residence. Qadri's supporters were baton-charged and fired at by police when they protested the move and in turn hurled rocks at the security officials. A violent clash erupted between police personnel and PAT supporters that killed at least seven people including women. A number of vehicles were also damaged during the skirmish.

PM Nawaz to visit Karachi tomorrow

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to arrive in Karachi tomorrow (Thursday) on a one-day visit to review the law and order situation of the metropolis, DawnNews reported. The premier will chair a high-level meeting during which he will also be apprised of the ongoing targeted operation in the city. Nawaz is also expected to meet with Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. The ongoing operation in Karachi was initiated in September 2013 under a directive issued by the federal government against criminals already identified by federal, military and civilian agencies in view of the declining law and order situation in the country's largest metropolis. The raids are being led by Rangers' forces with the support of police.

50 bodies found south of Baghdad: Iraqi officials

BAGHDAD: Iraqi officials say 50 bodies have been discovered outside a city south of Baghdad, many of them blindfolded and with their hands bound. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Saad Maan Ibrahim says the bodies were discovered Wednesday in an agricultural area outside the city of Hillah. Hillah is a predominantly Shia city about 95 kilometers south of Baghdad. Ibrahim says an investigation is underway to determine the identities of the dead as well as the circumstances of the killings. The discovery of bullet-riddled bodies was common during the worst days of Iraq's sectarian bloodletting in 2006 and 2007.

Brazil's World Cup humiliation smashes social media records

PARIS: Brazil's record defeat at the hands of Germany in the World Cup semi-final sent social networks into overdrive, with Twitter and Facebook beating previous marks of activity for sporting events. A total of 35.6 million tweets were sent during the match on Tuesday that saw the Germans thrash Brazil 7-1 -- the host nation's worst loss in its 100-year footballing history. The previous mark was set at the Super Bowl in February, which saw nearly 25 million comments unfurl on Twitter, the social network told AFP. Facebook, meanwhile, saw more than 200 million posts, shares, comments and likes during the match, involving some 66 million people -- an absolute record. On both platforms, the fifth German goal by Sami Khedira just 29 minutes into the match sparked the most comments and reactions. On Twitter, it generated more than 580,000 tweets in the space of a minute. But generally, the jaw-dropping match inspired a deluge of biting comments by netizens shocked that a team deprived of its injured star player Neymar could suffer such a thrashing. “Brazil has Neymar, Argentina has Messi, Portugal has Ronaldo but Germany has a team,” one widely retweeted comment said. Up until now in the World Cup, the nail-biting game between Brazil and Chile that went to extra time and saw the hosts scrape through in a penalty shoot-out had held the Twitter record with 16.3 million tweets.

PTI files petition against Nawaz in ECP

PTI to file petition against Nawaz in ECP by dawn-news ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday moved the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over Nawaz Sharif’s qualification as a National Assembly member, DawnNews reported. PTI’s Ali Mohammad Khan and Murad Saeed approached ECP today with regard to this issue. Khan and Saeed filed a petition in ECP against Nawaz’s nomination papers with a demand that action be taken against Nawaz under Article 62, 63 on the basis of which he is ineligible to become a National Assembly member. MNA Saeed alleged that the premier is convicted in the Asghar Khan case and helicopter hijacking cases and must be dealt according to the law. In a press conference held today, Saeed accused Nawaz of being acquitted in the Asghar Khan case on the basis of bribery, adding that he cannot be nominated for NA membership. Recently son of former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, Arsalan Iftikhar challenged Imran Khan’s appointment in the National Assembly criticising him of not being "honest and trustworthy", adding that the latter did not fulfill the criteria for being a representative of the people, as set in Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution. A senior PTI official said that the party has evidence that Arsalan has the support of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), and that the ruling party is pursuing every effort to prevent Imran Khan from marching to the capital on August 14. Article 62 is the declaration from the presidential candidates affirming that they fulfil the qualification specified in Article 63 and that they are not hit by any of the disqualifications specified in Article 63, or any other law for the time being in force for being elected as the president of Pakistan. In the Asghar Khan case, the apex court had directed the federal government to take necessary action under the Constitution and the law against Gen (retd) Aslam Beg and Lt-Gen (retd) Asad Durrani for their role in facilitating a group of politicians and political parties to ensure their success against their rivals in the 1990 elections. Previously, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi had awarded life sentence to Nawaz of hijacking a plane carrying former army chief Pervez Musharraf and 198 other passengers in 2000.