Thursday 22 May 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Nadal not up to usual standards heading to Paris

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PARIS (AP) - For once, not everything seems so obvious heading into the French Open.Yes, Rafael Nadal will still be favored by most to win the clay-court Grand Slam tournament yet again. He is, after all, 59-1 for his career at Roland Garros, winner of a record eight championships, including the last four.Still, if the 2014 tennis season to date is any indication, there could be some surprises in store when play begins in Paris on Sunday. So far, there already was one new major champion, Stanislas Wawrinka at the Australian Open. And there has been a rather egalitarian feel to the spring clay circuit, with nine winners at nine tournaments.The three top men in the ATP rankings No. 1 Nadal, No. 2 Novak Djokovic and No. 3 Wawrinka each claimed a Masters title on the slow red surface, including Djokovic's victory over Nadal in the Rome final last weekend. That gave Nadal three clay losses in a season for the first time since 2004, when he was all of 17 and yet to make his French Open debut.It's more normal this year than the last 10 years have been because the last years have been strange and we've gotten used to having these great finals between the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the world and one player dominating the whole year and we started to think that's normal. Really, that's the exception, said Mats Wilander, who won the French Open three times in the 1980s.Heading into the French Open, it's more exciting. The regular tour probably benefits from having one superstar that's cleaning up everything, or maybe a rivalry, Wilander added. But the French Open and the other Slams benefit from having no clear-cut favorite. That's the way it used to be, and I think it's better. I don't think we want to go there and ask ourselves: Is Nadal going to win a ninth time? That just doesn't excite me at all. It's much more exciting to think that Djokovic is the favorite or that (Roger) Federer has a chance.Not surprisingly, Nadal does not exactly agree.He'll be seeded No. 1 for only the third time at Roland Garros one of those years, 2009, was when his lone loss came, against Robin Soderling in the fourth round but he could relinquish the top ranking to Djokovic over the course of the 15-day tournament.Asked about the idea of this year's French Open being a little less predictable, Nadal replied: I don't care. I don't know. I think about myself. What I have to do.In addition to dropping a fourth consecutive head-to-head match against Djokovic, Nadal's defeat at the Italian Open followed a series of difficult three-setters in Rome, as well as losses in the gasp quarterfinals of Monte Carlo and Barcelona.His 41-match winning streak at Barcelona ended against Nicolas Almagro, who had been 0-10 against Nadal.That came after being beaten at Monte Carlo by David Ferrer, whom Nadal easily beat in last year's French Open final and hadn't lost to anywhere on clay in a decade.Then again, as Wilander points out, these earlier-than-usual exits mean Nadal arrives in Paris with less wear and tear. Plus those losses were all in best-of-three-set matches, while the French Open is best-of-five. And Nadal did earn the title at the Madrid Open, so he knows he's not completely out of sorts.There's all this scar tissue he can reason with and say, 'Hold on, I won Madrid, this is the French Open, I'm fresher than ever.' He's going to put a little less pressure on himself but still go in with a sense of confidence knowing it's five sets, Wilander said. And he can think, 'What are they going to do? How are they going to beat me in two hours? That's never going to happen. I have four hours to solve this problem.' That gives him confidence right away.Djokovic, for his part, is trying to complete a career Grand Slam with his first French Open title, after losing to Nadal in the semifinals last year and the final in 2012. He was sidelined recently with an injured right wrist but sure looked absolutely fine in Rome.The Serb called his victory there definitely a confidence booster because beating Nadal on clay is the ultimate challenge.I'm very happy with my game so far, Djokovic said, and hopefully I can carry that into Roland Garros.

Formula One: Hamilton oversleeps, but clocks day's fastest time

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MONTE CARLO (AFP) - World championship leader Lewis Hamilton overslept his alarm and had to be roused by two team members banging on his door on Thursday morning.But this delayed start to his working day did nothing to slow him down as he went on to clock the fastest lap overall in Thursday's rain-hit practice for this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.Hamilton was quickest in the morning with a best lap of one minute and 18.271 seconds ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.In a flurry of 10 minutes 'dry weather' at the end of the afternoon, he was second fastest behind a resurgent Fernando Alonso, the Ferrari driver clocking 1:18.482 to top the second session times.Rosberg was 20th, not risking anything in the treacherous conditions.While Hamilton's day began with him jogging to the paddock from his yacht nearby, Alonso's started with him being showered in praise by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, keen to assure his top driver that he is prized and valued.Hamilton, at least, did not need that - having won four successive races to lead the title contest, he was soon seen joking and laughing with Mercedes boss Niki Lauda before setting the pace.I overslept, admitted Hamilton, with a smile.I got in the car and was looking to just take it one step at a time, but the track was amazing to drive and the car's really behaving a lot better than it was last year -- for me.He conceded he was lucky to make good progress with his set-up work during the first dry session before a heavy downpour drenched the circuit for the afternoon.Yeah, if we'd missed out both sessions...but, the fact we got that one session at the beginning is a huge plus because I got a long run in as well. So, I feel pretty set for Saturday.He added that he feels he has a great chance to repeat his win of 2008.Monaco is one of the greatest races of all time, it's such a classic, he said. I've been trying to win here for a long time and never had the car to do so, apart from last year, but I wasn't able to really capitalise on it.So I'm hoping this year, with the great car that we have, I'm hoping that I can do what I should do.The afternoon produced little action. With 10 minutes remaining, only nine of the 22 drivers had set a time, but in a final flurry -- as the track dried in warm sunshine -- all of the remaining drivers went out on 'supersoft' tyres to gain experience and data.The positions meant little, but Australian Daniel Ricciardo said he felt that he and Red Bull team-mate, defending four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, had a chance to challenge for victory in Sunday's classic 78-lap race.The morning went well, he said. It is still early, but we are there or thereabouts with them - and with a few little tweaks, if we get it the way we want, we will give them a run.I think if it (winning) is going to happen anywhere, this is the place for it.Vettel was more cautious.They were very quick this morning and we see that, come Saturday, they are usually able to pick up their pace, so we will try to do the same.Potentially, we are a little bit closer here, but at the moment it is all guessing.

Golf: McIlroy hits form but Bjorn takes charge

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WENTWORTH (AFP) - Rory McIlroy had his best round for three years at Wentworth as the European PGA Championship got under way, but he was trumped by a new course record for Denmark's Thomas Bjorn.McIlroy - in the spotlight following his split with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki - fired a four-under par 68, which included two eagles, but Bjorn carded a ten-under par 62.Bjorn shot eight birdies and an eagle in a ten-under par 62 to take early command before a rain delay and a quarter of the field will have to finish their first rounds on Friday.Ireland's Shane Lowry is Bjorn's closest pursuer after handing in a 64, Spain's Rafa Cabrera-Bello had a 65 whilst France's Gary Stal signed for a 66.The 43-year old Bjorn played the back nine in 30, seven-under par, and finished with eight birdies and eagle to equal Robert Karlsson's mark set back in 2010.Karlsson's 62 was against a par of 71, rather than the current 72, and Bjorn's score has now been officially recognised as the record on the altered lay-out.Bjorn's score is the lowest ever opening round in the 60-year history of the tournament - the European Tour's flagship event.McIlroy holed a pitching wedge approach shot from 130-yards for an eagle on the par-4 seventh and hit a 5-iron 203 yards to within a foot for his second eagle on the 12th.He has a poor record at Wentworth, missing the cut in the last two years, but looks primed to get to the last two rounds despite his off-course distractions.McIlroy said: At times it was difficult but once I got over the shots I started to concentrate on them - I am just trying to put my head into golf.It was my best round at Wentworth for a while and I am excited to try and shoot something even better.I would be delighted to make the weekend because I haven't done that the last couple of years.Bjorn's round rekindled hopes that he could make the European Ryder Cup team for the September's match against the United States.He last represented Europe in the Ryder Cup as a player in 2002 but has been a vice-captain three times since.And the veteran is desperate to get back into the thick of the action when the United States visit Gleneagles in Scotland for the 2014 renewal.Bjorn said: We all want to play in it. It would be a great achievement for me as it is 12 years since I was last in the team.I have watched a lot from the side lines and that can hurt a little bit at times. I wanted to play in another Ryder Cup and I've got to stay focussed and keep playing good golf to there. I am determined to do that.I still think I need to do a lot more - there are a lot of guys playing great golf at the moment - there is a long way to go and some very big tournaments on the way.The Dane finished with a flourish making a four at the par-5 18th for the lowest opening of his European Tour career and his lowest round of the season so far.On the European Tour there is no bigger stage than this. This is our event.Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington also showed glimpses of a return to form by handing in a 69, three-under par.Spain's Sergio Garcia completed a one-over par 73 before withdrawing from the tournament with a knee injury.Garcia said: With the US Open coming up I don't want it to get worse.

Football: Rooney ready to deliver at World Cup

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LISBON (AFP) - England striker Wayne Rooney said Thursday there would be no excuses if he failed to deliver for his country at the 2014 World Cup.Rooney broke through on the international stage at the 2004 European championships as an 18-year-old where his performances earned him a place in the team of the tournament but his subsequent displays at major competitions have been undermined by injuries.The Manchester United forward was rushed back from a metatarsal injury in time for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where he was sent off in England's quarter-final loss to Portugal, while his preparations for the tournament in South Africa were hampered by an ankle problem. However, the 28-year-old insists he has fully recovered from a groin injury that caused him to miss the final three games of the Premier League season.I have no issues whatsoever and I am ready for this tournament, Rooney told British media at England's pre-World Cup training camp in the Algarve. I am going to give everything and leave everything on the pitch.I've been here before and I've said what I feel I can deliver and what I can do and it hasn't happened.I think this is the one where I have to show what I can do. I believe I am in the best possible shape and the best condition I can be in to do that.Rooney, who has yet to score at a World Cup, believes the finals in Brazil represent his best chance to belatedly leave his mark on the world stage. For me personally, I feel the World Cup in 2018, I'll be a bit older then so it will obviously be difficult to impact that the way I believe I can do.So, I feel this is the really last big one that I feel will probably get the best out of me. I feel ready, fresh and as good as I can do to go into this tournament.I am ready for it. I am excited for it. There will be no excuses this time if I don't perform. I certainly won't be looking for any excuses this time, said the Manchester United frontman.Rooney and his teammates will start their World Cup campaign against Italy on June 14 before further Group D clashes with Uruguay and Costa Rica.The striker believes the blend of youth and experience in Roy Hodgson's side will serve England well in Brazil.I believe we can go far. I believe we've got the players and our aim is to win the tournament.We don't want to be going there saying we would be happy getting to a quarter-final or even a semi-final. Our aim is to win the tournament and that's what we are preparing. That is what we hope is going to happen.

Cycling: Uran wins stage 12, takes over lead

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BAROLO (AFP) - Colombia's Rigoberto Uran won stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia on Thursday, taking control of the leader's pink jersey from Cadel Evans following a 41.9-kilometre time-trial.While Omega Pharma-QuickStep rider Uran claimed his first individual time-trial success after posting a best time of 57min 34sec, Australian Evans endured a difficult day in the Piedmont vineyards, finishing third, 1min 34sec down on the Colombian, to relinquish the overall lead.Italy's Diego Ulissi was second, 1min 17sec adrift, in a rain-hit stage that saw Uran take a 37sec lead from Evans in the general classification.It's incredible, I'm really surprised. I didn't think that I would win it, said a delighted Uran, who became the first Colombian to wear the pink jersey following his second career Giro stage victory.I've been doing a lot of work over the winter. I was fourth in the Tour of Romandie (individual time-trial) and so that was a good sign. I'm lost for words - it's incredible.Meanwhile, Evans struggled to negotiate drying roads as the rain subsided just before the final riders tackled the course.His time through the first intermediate check-point was only good enough for ninth but the veteran Aussie began to close the gap on his rivals over the latter part with the notable exception of Uran.I wasn't able to give everything, said Evans, who came close to sliding off the road at the finish.I had said these past few days that Rigoberto seemed relaxed but I didn't expect that he would be as strong.However, a philosophical Evans claimed losing the overall lead was not necessarily the worst outcome.To lose the pink jersey is not a tragedy. It's perhaps even an advantage given what awaits us, said the 2011 Tour de France champion.As for an under the weather Nairo Quintana, one of the pre-race favourites, he lost 2min 41sec to his fellow countryman Uran on the day, leaving him almost 3min 30sec off the pink jersey.I gave it my all right the way through but I found it difficult to breathe. I hope that things will get better, said Quintana, who was complaining of a throat infection.Polish cyclist Rafal Majka, who was fourth in Thursday's time-trial, is third overall at 1:52 with climbing specialist Domenico Pozzovivo fourth at 2:32.Uran, silver medallist in the men's road race at the 2012 London Olympics, finished second in last year's Giro having initially started the race in support of Team Sky leader Bradley Wiggins, who abandoned the 2013 event after 12 stages.Friday's stage 13, a 157km ride from Fossano to Rivarolo, will provide sprinters with one final chance to impress before the race heads to the mountains.

Oil market slips on profit taking

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NEW YORK (AFP) - World oil prices slipped Thursday as dealers took profits from the previous day's bumper gains that were driven by signs of strong US crude demand.In New York, the US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for delivery in July, fell 33 cents to $103.74 per barrel.Brent North Sea crude for July delivery dropped 19 cents to $110.36 in London trade.Crude futures had rallied on Wednesday following news of tumbling crude reserves in top consumer the United States.WTI jumped to a one-month peak at $104.07, while Brent struck a two-and-a-half-month high at $110.55.Despite Thursday's losses, prices had a floor of support helped by signs of a recovery in China's manufacturing sector.Banking giant HSBC's purchasing managers index for China rose to 49.7 from 48.1 last month, still in contraction territory but close to the 50 PMI threshold between a shrinking and growing industrial sector.

Dollar higher vs euro after dull eurozone PMI numbers

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The euro fell against the dollar Thursday, under pressure from a slight downturn in a key eurozone gauge of business activity.Markit Economics's May composite purchasing managers index (PMI) for the single currency area fell to 53.9 points from 54 in April, a slight pullback in the pace of expansion. That was not taken as bad news; the Markit PMI remained at the second-highest level of the past three years.Even so, compared with improving data in the United States, it showed the eurozone continuing to struggle to get its footing after the region's financial crisis.The euro slipped back toward yesterday's two and a half-month low against the greenback after mixed eurozone PMI data failed to bolster any confidence in the bloc's recovery or dampen expectations for monetary easing from the ECB (European Central Bank) next month, said Omer Esiner of Commonwealth Foreign Exchange.Other key currency pairings remained in narrow ranges, while the British pound backed off the $1.69 level after briefly breaching it during the day, to finish at $1.6867.

Broad risks sanction over Ajmal comments

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LONDON (AFP) - Englands Stuart Broad has risked disciplinary action after appearing to question the legitimacy of Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmals action.Ajmal is currently playing for English county Worcestershire.He took 13 wickets in the Midlands sides recent County Championship win over Essex, including a career-best seven for 19 in the second innings. That prompted former England captain Michael Vaughan to post a still photograph of Ajmal bowling during that match on Twitter with the caption: You are allowed 15 degrees of flex in your delivery swing.... justsaying.Broad, currently out with a knee injury, replied by commenting: This has to be a fake photo?. He then added in a subsequent tweet: Bowlers can bowl very differently in a lab while being tested compared to needing wickets in the middle.As an England centrally contracted player Broad can be penalised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) if he is found to have made derogatory comments about his fellow professionals. Following the controversy surrounding former Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharans unorthodox action, the International Cricket Council ruled bowlers could straighten their arm in delivery by up to 15 degrees.Ajmals action has undergone extensive testing and been passed by the ICC.However, English cricket has long been suspicious of mystery spin and innovations such as the doosra (other one) whereby an off-spinner bowls a delivery that turns away, rather than towards, a right-handed batsman.Regarded as one of the best spinners of modern times, the 36-year-old Ajmal has so far played 33 Tests, 110 one-day internationals and 63 Twenty20 matches. He took 24 wickets in helping Pakistan rout then-world Test number one England 3-0 in their series in the United Arab Emirates in 2012.

Jordan leads England to victory over Sri Lanka

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LONDON (AFP) - Chris Jordan starred with both bat and ball as England set off on the road to next year's World Cup with a an 81-run win over Sri Lanka in a rain-marred one-day international at The Oval on Thursday.The Sussex all-rounder's belligerent 38 not out off just 13 balls propelled England to a total of 247 for six in an innings reduced by rain to 39 overs.And, on his former Surrey home ground, the Barbados-born Jordan took three wickets for 25 runs, including three for three in 12 balls.Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 226 in 32 overs after a fresh downpour, never recovered and finished on 144 in 27.5 overs when Lasith Malinga was bowled by Ravi Bopara under the Oval floodlights. I came in to try to score with a flurry and I'm glad it came off, man-of-the-match Jordan told BBC Radio after England took a 1-0 lead in this five-match series.We wanted as many runs as we could because Sri Lanka bat really deep and we were wary of that.England captain Alastair Cook added: Everyone played well and it was an impressive batting display. Those 30 runs at the end of the innings really made the difference.Disappointed Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews did not hold back in criticising his team. A pretty poor performance by our whole team, starting off with our bowlers..but the English batsmen did well. We need to keep our heads held high and come back strongly.England, in their first match in the format against a Test nation since Peter Moores returned as head coach quickly reduced Sri Lanka to 19 for two.James Anderson struck fifth ball, with Sri Lanka yet to score a run, when he had Lahiru Thirimanne lbw before left-arm paceman Harry Gurney had Kumar Sangakkara playing on for eight.Sri Lanka were 60 for two, in pursuit of a target of 259 in 39 overs, when rain stopped play for the second time in the match.Come the resumption, Sri Lanka needed to score at nine an over and, unsurprisingly, lost wickets in the face of such a stiff run-rate. Tillakaratne Dilshan slashed at Jordan and was caught on the third man boundary by Gary Ballance.Mahela Jaywardene made a typically stylish 35 before chipping off-spinner James Tredwell to Eoin Morgan at short mid-wicket.Dinesh Chandimal was caught behind off Jordan and three balls later Nuwan Kulasekara skyed the paceman to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 108 for six.Cook, once labelled a donkey in the field by predecessor Michael Atherton, then took an excellent running catch to dismiss Mathews. England were in trouble at 152 for five when Sri Lanka off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake took two wickets in seven balls to remove Ballance (64) and Bopara.But England, as Sri Lanka had done in their nine-run Twenty20 win at The Oval on Tuesday, enjoyed a late flurry with the bat. They struck 93 off the last seven overs, Jordan ending the innings with a straight six off Malinga.'Slingshot' seamer Malinga, so often a threat, saw his eight wicketless overs cost 71 runs.Earlier, England opener Ian Bell made a near run-a-ball 50 before a thunderstorm delayed play for two-and-a-half hours.The series continues at north-east county Durham's Chester-le-Street headquarters on Sunday.

ECB charge Vincent and Arif over fixing

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LONDON (AFP) - The England and Wales Cricket Board have charged Lou Vincent and his former Sussex team-mate Naveed Arif with fixing the outcome of a county match, the governing body announced Thursday.Vincent, the former New Zealand batsman, who has already confessed to fixing in several countries, has been charged with a total of 14 offences in relation to two county matches in August 2011 -- a Twenty20 match between Sussex and Lancashire and a 40-over game between Sussex and Kent.Arif, a Pakistani, has been charged with six offences in relation to the 40-over game between Sussex and Kent in August 2011.The ECB said both players had been provisionally suspended from all cricketing activities organised, authorised or supported by the ECB, the International Cricket Council, other national federations and their constituent members.Chris Watts, the head of the ECB's anti-corruption unit, said in a board statement: This has been an extremely complex and lengthy investigation co-ordinated across many jurisdictions around the world. This matter is now the subject of formal legal proceedings and we will therefore make no further comment other than to re-iterate our determination to bring to account the very small minority who seek to corrupt cricket.If Vincent and Arif are found guilty, it would be the first proven case of the result of a county match being fixed.The Sussex-Kent match was televised live, with a report earlier Thursday in Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper saying the fixture had attracted bets totalling more than 12 million pounds ($20m) on one regulated gambling website alone and millions more on illegal markets in India.It emerged last week, in leaked testimony to an ICC probe, that Vincent told investigators he was approached by his fixer NG the day before the match in a hotel in Brighton and that he received 40,000 pounds to throw the game.The Telegraph added there were suspicions at the time the match was corrupt but it was cleared by the ICC's much-criticised anti-corruption and security unit, under fire for its failure to bring to book a major fixer, following an investigation.But the paper added the case was reopened in August 2012 by the ECB's own unit, led by former Metropolitan Police detective Watts.The 32 year-old Arif was born in Pakistan and qualified as a non-overseas player for Sussex through his wife's Danish passport. He was released by Sussex in 2012.There is no suggestion any other player from either team was involved in the alleged fix.Sussex were cruising to victory despite Arif's expensive bowling.He took the new ball but only bowled six overs and conceded 41 runs with two wides, an economy rate of 6.83.In reply, Sussex looked set for a win at 76 for no wicket, chasing a target of 217. But they lost four wickets for seven runs in four overs including that of Vincent who, batting at three, was run out for one off six balls.Arif batted at nine and scored 11 off 29 balls as Sussex were bowled out for 202 to lose by 14 runs.Arif was dropped for the next match against Middlesex and played only three more one day matches for Sussex before being released.The controversial Lord's Test of 2011 led to three Pakistan players -- Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamer -- being banned and jailed for their roles in a spot-fixing scam.Meanwhile former Essex paceman Mervyn Westfield was also jailed for his role in spot-fixing, where an incident during the match rather than the result of a game is manipulated for a betting scam, during a county match that led to a life ban for former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.However whether Vincent, who is now in Auckland, and Arif, reported to be living in the north of England, will face criminal charges will depend upon whether British prosecutors decide if such action is the best use of taxpayers' money.

Abbottabad: Man accused of slaughtering 3 nephews arrested

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ABBOTTABAD (Dunya News) – Man who allegedly slaughtered three nephews – only one of whom survived – was arrested after a police encounter on Thursday, Dunya News reported.Police of Narra station raided Dabran area upon a tip of suspect’s hideout. The suspect opened fire after seeing the police following which, the police opened fire. The encounter lasted for some two hours and the police succeeded in capturing the suspect alive.The suspect has confessed to the allegations in the initial investigation. The prime suspect Nadeem said that he murdered the children over a matrimonial dispute.The accused will be handed to Murree Police.Nadeem had reportedly slaughtered three young nephews and threw all of them into a pit. One of them survived after miraculously climbing to the surface and alerting the passers-by of the crime. The boy was rescued and successfully treated.

Show-cause notices issued to 3 PEMRA members for 'abuse of power'

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Government issued show-cause notices on Thursday to three private members of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Israr Abbasi, Mian Shams and Fareeha Iftikhar citing ‘abuse of power,’ Dunya News reported.The notice seems explanation from the members for allegedly abusing their power afforded by the authority and violating the system.The notice also alleges the members to have adopted ‘improper conduct’.Committee meeting:These three members including two other private members met on May 20 to decide fate of GeoTV and had suspended licenses of Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Tez TV out of five TV channels owned and operated by Geo/Jang group and moved for revocation of licenses, Dunya News had reported.PEMRA member Mian Shams had said that PEMRA session comprised members from all over Pakistan. He said that PEMRA members have full authority as per PEMRA rules.He said that a committee will be formed in next session to assert the authority of the chairman. He also recommended immediate suspension and sealing Geo’s offices.He alleged that Mir Shakil tried to influence PEMRA members and the due process.He said that PEMRA has also said the recommendations to Geo/Jang group seeking response by May 28 when the final decision will be taken. He alleged that Mir Shakil wanted private members of PEMRA to decide on the issue in order to influence the process and seek a favourable decision.Another member Israr Abbasi alleged that Mir Shakil tried to call PEMRA members individually but he refused to answer the call.

Waziristan Operation: Karachi, Sindh on high alert after terror threat

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Intelligence institutions issued alert on Thursday for Sindh and Karachi city following the military operation in tribal areas. The alert warns that the terrorist outfits can target official and military installations in Karachi and Sindh, Dunya News reported.The localities on high alert include official and military installations, old and new vegetable markets among some 30 other spots. The intelligence institution explained in the correspondence that banned outfits can target airport, seaport, vegetable market and other official locations.The correspondence further says that 30 areas of Karachi city are at risk. These include Sohrab Goth, Machar Colony, Banaras, Guddap, Yousaf Goth, Quaidabad, Bin Qasim, Pehlwan Goth, Kanwari Colony and Nazimabad.It further said that banned organizations have organized network in pointed out areas. Following the intelligence report, law enforcement institutions have formulated a strategy to counter the terrorist network and possible attacks.It merits mentioning here that the security across the country was put on high alert on Thursday, following the military action against extremists in North Waziristan. It is being anticipated that the security of Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be assigned to the army.Military action against extremists is continued in North Waziristan. Following the terror threat, the security of country’s capital is likely to be handed to the army.Meanwhile, the security of twelve districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also put on high alert.All institutions are ordered to stay alert following the imminent terror threat. Adequate security arrangements have been ordered on various sensitive points of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province including Peshawar.Security has been tightened on the entry and exit points of all sensitive districts including Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Abbottabad, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.Security forces’ action against militants continues on the second day and the curfew that was imposed in North Waziristan yesterday is still maintained.According to security sources, bombardment at militant hideouts at Machis area of North Waziristan that started early morning on Thursday and still continues.Hideouts are also being targeted through gunship helicopters. As many as 71 terrorists were killed in the military action since Wednesday. Four security personnel were also martyred in the line of fire.

Taiwan mourns victims of subway stabbing spree

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TAIPEI (AFP) - Taiwan on Thursday mourned the four victims murdered in a stabbing spree aboard a Taipei subway train, the first attack of its kind in the country.Members of the public laid out flowers and cards to pay tribute to those who died in the attack at Jiangzicui subway station.Three people -- a 28-year-old man, 26-year-old man and 47-year-old woman -- died at the site, from stab wounds to the neck and chest, while a fourth victim, a 62-year-old woman, died later in hospital, police said.The lone attacker, Cheng Chieh, a 21-year-old college student, is in custody undergoing further questioning.I hope the spirits of the dead can rest in peace and those who were wounded can recover soon, a tearful woman told reporters at the site.Twenty-four people were wounded, around half of them seriously, the New Taipei City government said.During the regular cabinet meeting, Premier Jiang Yi-huah conveyed his condolences to the family of the victims and ordered the police authorities to launch an in-depth investigation.The Taipei subway system became operational in 1996, and this was the first attack of this kind on it.The spokesman for the Panchiao district court said the suspect had admitted he was guilty, but declined to reveal further details.The knife attack happened around 0800 GMT Wednesday when Cheng, wielding a 30-centimetre (12 inch) long knife and wearing a red T-shirt, began attacking travellers on a subway train outside Taipei, sending hundreds of people screaming and fleeing for help.When the train pulled into the next station, Cheng fled and was chased by police before being kicked to the ground by a passenger and overwhelmed by a group of security officials and subway riders.Chen Kuo-en, chief of the New Taipei City police bureau, told reporters hours after the event: He told the police that he had wanted to do a big thing such as this since his childhood.He said he had planned to do this after his graduation, but last week decided to act ahead of his schedule, Chen said, adding that the attacker had no medical record of mental disorder.Local media said Cheng had been obsessed in online killing games and had written horror stories since high school.Security has been beefed up at the metro system, which transports around 1.85 million visitors per day.Meanwhile, the police authorities said they had obtained warrants from prosecutors to search the homes of two men after they had reportedly posted online messages threatening to launch a similar stabbing spree at the subway system of the islands second biggest city Kaohsiung.

US man charged with kidnapping woman held for 10 years

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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - US prosecutors charged a California man with rape and kidnap Thursday after his alleged victim came forward saying he took her captive as a teenager 10 years ago.Isidro Medrano Garcia, 42, was indicted a day after police announced that the woman, now aged 25, had been found in a Los Angeles suburb where she had been sexually abused over a decade.Between August 2004 and April 2014, Garcia is accused of controlling Jane Doe by telling her that her family did not want her and was not looking for her, said the Orange County District Attorneys office.He is accused of threatening the victim that if she called the police to report him, she would get in trouble for using a false identity, it added in a statement.The alleged victim, who was 15 when she was seized, was forced to marry her alleged captor, although neighbors in Bell Gardens, southeast of LA described them leading an apparently normal life.I see him every day, going to work, (saying) Hi, how you been? one unidentified neighbor told NPR radio, adding that the victim was able to drive a car.
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