Sunday 15 June 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Altaf welcomes North Waziristan offensive

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ISLAMABAD (Online) - Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) head Altaf Hussain on Sunday welcomed the launch of a fresh military offensive, “Zarb-e-Azb” in North Waziristan tribal region against Taliban militants.“I welcome this operation and I am glad that government is supporting the armed force,” Altaf said.“Those who have not backed the operation must realize that it is a matter of national security. I appeal to them to come on same page by setting aside their political compulsions,” he said.“I fear that Taliban will sneak into Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta after the operation. They can carry out small attacks in cities in retaliation and to divert army’s attention from the operation,” he opined.“I also call upon all civic agencies be vigilant and act timely against suspected people. I want to tell the people of Pakistan that our enemies can take advantage of the situation. We need to set up vigilance committees to protect our cities and town,” he said.The MQM chief urged all media channels to play national anthems to unite the nation.

Football: Messi off the mark as Argentina win World Cup opener

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Lionel Messi scored a sparkling individual goal and created another as Argentina overcame a faltering performance to opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Bosnia on Sunday.The Barcelona superstar produced a trademark moment of magic on a night that also saw France beat Honduras 3-0, with the help of the first goal decided by goal-line technology. Switzerland came back to beat Ecuador 2-1. Hordes of Argentina fans helped transform Rio's famous Maracana Stadium into a corner of Buenos Aires as the South American giants eased past their Group F rivals.Messi, hoping to secure his status as one of footall's greats by shining at this World Cup, had a largely quiet game by his high standards.But the diminutive striker provided the two decisive moments of the match for Argentina's goals.Messi's teasing free-kick caused panic in the Bosnian defence after only two minutes and eight seconds, when the ball came off Sead Kolasinac's legs and went into his own net, the fastest own goal in World Cup history.On 65 minutes Messi electrified the 78,800-capacity stadium with a moment of magic, jinking towards the area and unleashing a low shot which flew past Asmir Begovic in the Bosnian goal.The only blemish for Argentina was a late goal from Bosnian substitute Vedad Ibisevic, who slid his shot below the advancing Sergio Romero. The win puts Argentina on course for the last 16 with games against Iran and Nigeria to come.Elsewhere on Sunday, France made World Cup history by defeating Honduras 3-0 with the help of the first goal awarded in international football using computer generated 3-D technology.Karim Benzema's strike early in the second half cannoned back off the inside of an upright across the goal at Porto Alegre's Beira-Rio Stadium.Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares' tried to scoop it clear but the German-manufactured GoalControl goal-line technology system signalled the ball had crossed the line, prompting Brazilian referee Sandro Riccio to whistle for a score.There was a brief delay as Ricci consulted his fourth official while Honduras manager Luis Fernando Suarez angrily protested. But Valladares's goal stood.Goal-line technology is being used for the first time at a World Cup finals in an attempt to eradicate the type of unwanted controversies that saw England's Frank Lampard denied a valid goal against Germany at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.There are seven high-speed cameras, each capable of taking 500 pictures a second, trained on each goal in the World Cup games.The system flashes a GOAL message to the referee's watch.It is similar to the Hawkeye system used to decide whether a ball has stayed in play in tennis and cricket.I think it is a good solution and the goal then counts, said France coach Didier Deschamps. The referee gets the signal we were just worried that on the screen they showed an image that didn't correspond to the goal.The 48th-minute milestone was one of the talking points of a comfortable Group E victory for France, whose other goals came from Real Madrid star Benzema.France now face European rivals Switzerland in Salvador on Friday, a game which could decide who tops the group.The Swiss snatched a dramatic last-gasp 2-1 win over Ecuador in Brasilia earlier.Haris Seferovic scored in the fourth and final minute of injury time to secure a remarkable win for the Swiss, the group's top seeds. Fellow Swiss substitute Admer Mehmidi had taken just 121 seconds to make his mark as he levelled in the 48th minute.Enner Valencia gave Ecuador the lead midway through the first-half as he scored for the fifth successive game for his country.The victory was Switzerland's first over South American opposition in the World Cup having lost their previous four.Earlier Sunday, Germany suffered an injury scare after confirming that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was airlifted to hospital for treatment to his left foot.However German officials said the knock was a pre-existing injury and would not rule him out of Monday's Group G showdown with Portugal.

Football: France beat Honduras as goal-line technology makes history

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PORTO ALEGRE (AFP) - France beat 10-man Honduras 3-0 in a bruising World Cup clash on Sunday where goal-line technology awarded the first international goal in history.Three minutes into the second period, the German-manufactured GoalControl system was called into action when a volley from Karim Benzema, who ended the night with two goals, came back off the post.The ball bounced back into the area before hitting Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares.He then tried to scoop the ball to safety, but Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci awarded the goal -- classed as an own-goal -- after consulting the instant technology. I shot and the ball hit the post and then the goalkeeper, said Benzema.I saw that the ball crossed the line. I don't know if having technology like this is good for football but the most important thing was that we have won.Benzema was the star man as he opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Wilson Palacios had been sent-off for two bookable offences on Paul Pogba.Benzema then played a major role in his side's historic second goal and the Real Madrid striker rounded off a fine afternoon with an emphatic finish 18 minutes from time.Victory moves Didier Deschamps' men above Switzerland on goal difference in Group E after the Swiss beat Ecuador 2-1 earlier in the day with the two European sides set to meet next on Friday in Salvador.The game had begun in bizarre circumstances as neither sides' national anthem was sung before kick-off, but normality was restored once proceedings got underway as France dominated from the off.Blaise Matuidi had the first clear chance on 15 minutes when Mathieu Valbuena's free-kick was only partially cleared and the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder's effort was brilliantly turned onto the bar by Valladares.Antoine Griezmann was then also denied by the crossbar for Les Bleus as he rose highest to meet Patrice Evra's cross but his header clipped the woodwork on its way over.Benzema saw another good opportunity fly over moments later as he headed off target after a fine counter-attack involving Matuidi, Griezmann and Valbuena.Ricci had a big call to make midway through the half when Pogba clashed with Palacios. The Juventus midfielder lashed out at Palacios after appearing to be stamped on, but Ricci showed only yellow cards to both.Palacios was only to last another 16 minutes in any case as he stupidly bundled Pogba over inside the area a minute before half-time and was shown his second yellow card.Benzema stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick to register his seventh goal in as many games for France and his first in a World Cup.The 26-year-old was heavily involved again as France doubled their advantage within three minutes of the second-half courtesy of the goal line technology.However, there was still confusion as replays inside the stadium first showed Benzema's initial shot hadn't gone in before confirming the ball had indeed crossed the line via the hand of Valladares.Benzema should have added to his tally moments later when he was picked out by a fine low cross from Griezmann but could only fire straight at Valladares.However, he wasn't to be denied 18 minutes from time when he fired expertly high past Valladares from a narrow angle to seal the three points.

Football: Ronaldo '100 percent fit' to play Germany

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SALVADOR (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is '100 percent fit' and ready to help Portugal break their losing streak against Germany in Monday's key World Cup clash.The 29-year-old Ballon d'Or winner has laboured with a knee and thigh problem recently, but took a full part in Sunday's final training session in Salvador.I have been practising for a few days, which I couldn't do if I was injured, said superstar Ronaldo ahead of the Group G clash.I'd like to be 110 percent, but I am at 100 percent and ready to help the national team.Obviously, I would like to play without pain, but in my entire career I have always had injuries and knocks to deal with, but I am ready to play.Ronaldo was dismissive of media reports which implied he would not be fit for the Germany clash.The press say whatever they want, I have been playing at a high level for years and I am used to those unhappy statements, he said.The media often just throw things up in the air and try to hit something.The most important thing is the health of the player and if there is any problem during the game, I will tell my coach.I am not willing to risk my career on one game, if I am not fit, I won't play.The Arena Fonte Nova clash is a re-run of Portugal's Euro 2012 opener against Germany, when they lost 1-0, while the Germans have beaten the Portuguese at three of the last four major tournaments.Obviously the historical record has been positive for Germany recently, but I remember a recent case when Real Madrid couldn't beat Bayern Munich and that changed, said Ronaldo, whose Real beat Bayern in this season's Champions League semi-final.I hope this is the year Portugal change things against Germany and maybe tomorrow is when that will happen.With 111 appearances for his country, Portugal's all-time record scorer with 49 goals, Ronaldo will be playing at his third World Cup.Having been part of the side which lost the third-place play-off to Germany in 2006 and was beaten by Spain in the round of 16 four years ago, Ronaldo insists he has nothing to prove at a World Cup.I don't think I have to show anyone anything. If you look at my statistics and resume you'll see that, he said brusquely when asked if his World Cup record was the only blot on his stunning CV.I have no words for that question, I just have to continue my career, which has been great so far.We have to be realistic (at the World Cup), we aren't favourites and, in theory, there are teams stronger than ours.We must be humble and accept this will be a difficult tournament, but we will face one of the favourites and we have the chance to try and win.Portugal coach Paulo Bento said it is impossible to underestimate Ronaldo's importance to his side's hopes of a first World Cup title.The importance of having someone like Cris is enormous, because he influences the way we play and his team-mates know that, said the 44-year-old.His projection is global. He's huge, not just in our country.The pressure we put on ourselves is not enough, we have to get through the group and take it from there.But having the best player in the world doesn't necessarily mean we will automatically be world champions.

Tennis: Federer takes Halle title for seventh time

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HALLE WESTFALEN (AFP) - Switzerland's Roger Federer won the Halle grasscourt tournament for the seventh time on Sunday with a 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3) victory over Colombia's Alejandro Falla.Federer, 32, the defending champion and world number four, was too powerful for the world number 69 as he claimed his second success of the season after Dubai in February.It was Federer's 79th career title -- and 14th on grass -- and provided the Swiss with a timely boost ahead of his bid for a record eighth Wimbledon crown in a weeks' time.It is great to have won seven times here, said Federer. It is very special and I hope to come back here next year.I really enjoy winning titles. It is what I play for, to play and receive a standing ovation at the end.I am very pleased with my performance. I work hard and travel the tour to win these titles and not lose in the quarters or semi-finals. With all the success I have had in the past, I need to aim for titles. I think I deserved the title this week. continued the 17-time Grand Slam winner.There was a break of serve in each set before Federer took control in the tie-breaks to seal victory in 88 minutes.Falla, 30, failed in his bid for a first ATP title, a year after also losing his first final in Bogota.Federer meanwhile hopes his record of following Halle with success at Wimbledon continues;In the past, when I have played well at Halle I have usually played well at Wimbledon.They have been two of my most successful tournaments, so I hope that this title will bring me luck again. Last year it didn't work out, but it did many times before. So I hope it will be back to the good old days.Im delighted with this victory and I hope I can continue to play well in the coming weeks, said Federer, who had slumped to a fourth round exit against Latvian Ernests Gulbis in the French Open.Later Sunday, Federer will play the doubles with his friend Marco Chiudinelli, which could see him miss the start of Switzerland's World Cup opener against Ecuador in Brazil.I love football but I came here for tennis, said Federer, a crowd favourite since his first Halle title in 2003 after defending his only title of 2013.

Tennis: Dimitrov crowned king of Queen's

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LONDON (AFP) - Bulgarian fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov warmed up for Wimbledon by winning the Queen's Club title with a 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (8/6) victory over Spain's Feliciano Lopez in Sunday's final.Dimitrov's maiden success on grass makes him the first player since Roger Federer and David Ferrer in 2012 to win titles on three different surfaces in the same year after his victories on hard courts in Acapulco and clay in Bucharest.The world number 13, who was cheered on by girlfriend and French Open champion Maria Sharapova, is the first Bulgarian to win Queen's and the fourth ATP trophy of his promising career will make him a dark horse for the title when Wimbledon gets underway later this month.It's been amazing to be here and win the tournament. I'm really happy to go through the match and win it in such a way, Dimitrov said.Lopez added: I was one point away so it's disappointing but this is tennis. I have to congratulate Grigor because he was a terrific fighter.Dimitrov takes home a cheque for 74,654 pounds ($126,654, 90,100 euros) and 250 ATP ranking points, but more importantly he has added to the feeling that he is finally fulfilling the vast potential that saw him compared to Federer when he was a teenager.The 23-year-old, the youngest player in the top 20, has always felt at home at Queen's ever since he was granted a wild card entry to the tournament five years ago when he was ranked a lowly 361.And the former junior Wimbledon champion celebrated his victory over world number 29 Lopez by running to the side of the court to hand his racquet to Chris Kermode, the ATP President who gave Dimitrov that wild card during his time as Queen's tournament director.It was hard to believe that just two weeks ago Dimitrov was at an all-time low after crashing out of the French Open first round against Ivo Karlovic, a painful defeat that prompted him to embark on soul-searching walks around London as he tried to recover his passion for the sport.Evidently, the Queen's grass has proved the perfect tonic. The Bulgarian had played superbly to brush aside world number three Stan Wawrinka in an emphatic straight sets victory in the semi-finals and this was another impressive win over an opponent who had been in superb form.Lopez's left-handed serve has been a problem none of his opponents could solve this week and he went into the final with a tournament-high 60 aces, having won 97 percent of his service games.The 32-year-old may have grown up on the clay courts of Spain, but his serve and volley tactics recalled the halcyon days of grass-court tennis.With Dimitrov's serve also proving impregnable, the first set went to a tie-break, in which the Bulgarian saved three set points before Lopez finally converted the fourth.There was little to separate them again in the second set, but Lopez suddenly had a match point when Dimitrov sent a forehand long at 5-6.The Spaniard went for the kill on second serve, but his booming forehand crashed into the net to give Dimitrov a reprieve.Energised by his narrow escape, Dimitrov blew Lopez away with some brilliant shot-making in a one-sided tie-break.Lopez refused to buckle and immediately claimed the first break of the match.However, Lopez's nerve failed him with the title in reach and a double fault on break point allowed Dimitrov to draw level at 4-4.It took another tie-break to decide a fascinating final and Dimitrov seized the moment, blasting a series of winners before falling to the turf in jubilation when Lopez fired a forehand into the net on match point.

Golf: Martin Kaymer wins US Open by eight shots

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PINEHURST (AFP) - Germany's Martin Kaymer completed an overwhelming wire-to-wire US Open victory Sunday to capture his second major title, grinding out a final-round one-under par 69 to win by eight strokes at Pinehurst.Former world number one Kaymer, whose first major title came at the 2010 PGA Championship, finished 72 holes on nine-under 271, the second-lowest total in US Open history after Rory McIlroy's 268 in 2011.Kaymer displayed poise under pressure while calmly making long clutch putts on tricky turtle-backed greens.He followed a US Open record-low start of back-to-back 65s with a 72 to lead by five entering the last round and then maintained his edge to the end.I didn't make many mistakes, Kaymer said. I played solid the first two days and that gave me a cushion for the weekend. To play the weekend one-over at Pinehurst, that made me very happy.Americans Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton shared second on 279 after each fired a final-round 72, but no one came within four strokes of Kaymer at any point in the final round.No one was catching Kaymer this week, Compton said. We all were playing for second.The victory culminated a comeback for Kaymer, who struggled after his major triumph and went almost three years without a PGA win until taking last month's Players Championship.Kaymer became only the seventh player to win after leading every round, joining a select champions' list that includes Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, James Barnes and Tony Jacklin.It's a lot (of pressure leading all the way), especially if you play on a different continent, Kaymer said. It was a very nice week, very nice day.The 29-year-old from Dusseldorf became the first man from continental Europe to win the US Open crown and the fourth European winner in five seasons.Kaymer, who will jump from 28th to 11th in the world rankings as a result of the triumph, matched the career major total of Germany's only other major winner, Bernhard Langer, who captured the 1985 and 1993 Masters titles.I'm sure it will make all Germany proud, Kaymer said. We have almost a German grand slam. Only the British Open is missing.Kaymer became the first man to win the Players and US Open in the same year and joined Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Hal Sutton in winning the Players and a major in the same year.Kaymer never let his foes near enough to challenge.Kaymer drove the green to birdie the par-4 third and took a bogey at the seventh after putting around a bunker to avoid a risky chip.Fowler, who shared fifth at the Masters, faded after a double bogey at the fourth and Compton endured a roller-coaster run of three birdies and four bogeys from the fifth to 12th holes.Kaymer made a six-foot birdie at the ninth then took a bogey at the par-5 10th after sending his approach over the green and then putting off the front of the green.Kaymer birdied 13 and 14 to stretch his margin, giving one shot back with a bogey at 16 before he sank a 15-foot par put at 18 -- a fitting end to a week where his putting simply sizzled.Martin was playing his own golf tournament, Fowler said. To look at him, to see how well he controls his golf game, pushes me a little bit because I wasn't that far back.Compton, twice a heart transplant recipient and playing in only his second major, achieved his best PGA finish.For me to do this at such a high level is just as good a feeling as winning, said Compton, who received his first new heart at age 12 in 1992 and underwent a second transplant in 2008. I'm thrilled. It's just a real special moment. It's a career-opening thing for me, to put myself on the map and prove to the world I'm not just the guy with two heart transplants.Sweden's second-ranked Henrik Stenson, who could have become world number one with a victory, was in a pack of five players who shared fourth on one-over 281.Joining him were Australian Jason Day and Americans Brooks Koepka, Keegan Bradley and Dustin Johnson.

Motorcycling: Marquez wins seventh straight MotoGP

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MONTMELO (AFP) - Spaniard Marc Marquez won his seventh straight race on Sunday as he took the honours in a thrilling Catalunya MotoGP ahead of Italian Valentino Rossi and Honda teammate and compatriot Dani Pedrosa. The runaway championship leader and defending world champion survived a furious onslaught from Pedrosa over the final two laps after seizing the lead from Rossi who had led for much of the middle part of the race. He extends his points tally to a perfect 175 while Rossi stays second on 117 after going past Pedrosa on the final lap when the Spaniard touched wheels with Marquez. Pedrosa is third in the standings on 112 but will be disappointed to have lost second spot when victory was within his grasp.It was the 62nd podium for Marquez and the 100th MotoGP win for Honda.It's so nice to win in front of my home fans, Marquez told BT sport, after kicking several yellow footballs into the crowd.The last laps I made a comeback after nearly clashing with Valentino early in the race and felt really strong. It was a great tussle on the final lap first with Valentino then with Dani. This is special.While Marquez makes it seven from seven, the first time since Rossi in 2002 that a rider has achieved that feat, he remains well short of the all time record of 20 consecutive victories set by legendary Italian Giacomo Agostini between 1968 to 1969.I'm very happy as we modified the bike overnight and it worked very well in the race, said Rossi.I never made a mistake and it ran really smoothly and I thought at one point I would win but then the Hondas were too fast in the final laps. However, I battled really well and so I can be satisfied with that, said the flamboyant nine-time world champion. The final laps of the race were run under thunder and lightning although race officials declined to halt the race. It was a fascinating battle between the three men with Pedrosa taking the lead from Rossi with four laps remaining before swapping the lead with Marquez several times only to let his advantage slip as the riders went wheel to wheel. I don't care whether it was 16 or 25 points today it was more about my performance and I am delighted with that as it is my best one of the year, said Pedrosa. I was surprised by Valentino's pace. Then on the final lap Marc closed the door and we almost came together but in the end it was fine. added the former 125 and 250cc world champion. The next race is set for June 28 at Assen in the Netherlands. Esteve Rabat of Spain, on a Kalex, won the Moto2 race with another Spanish Katex rider, Maverick Vinales, coming second, with France's Johann Zarco (Caterham Suter) third.Rabat, who started from pole position, won for the fourth time this season and consolidated his lead in the world championship.His main rival for the title, Finland's Mika Kallio, could only finish fourth and now trails Rabat by 34 points.In Moto3, Alex Marquez, the younger brother of Marc, took victory on a Honda with Italian Enea Bastianini second on a KTM. On a weekend dominated by Spanish riders, Efren Vazquez took third spot to make six podium places out of nine on offer at the the Montmelo circuit.

Pak Army launches offensive against militants in North Waziristan

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MIRANSHAH (AFP) - Thousands of Pakistani troops launched a long-awaited ground offensive Sunday to eliminate Taliban and Al Qaeda militants from the North Waziristan tribal region a week after a brazen insurgent attack on Karachi's airport.The airport siege was claimed by Taliban and Uzbek militants holed up in the district on Afghanistan's border -- considered the last remaining stronghold of terrorists -- in an assault that killed 38, including ten attackers, and left a nascent peace process in tatters.The operation has been named ‘Zarb-e-Azb’, literally sharp strike/sharp cutting and will target the terrorist hideouts in North WaziristanAn operation on North Waziristan has been a long-standing demand of Pakistan's Western allies, including the United States which accuses Islamabad of using the area to give sanctuary to the Haqqani network of fighters, known for their spectacular raids on NATO targets inside Afghanistan.The offensive came just hours after overnight airstrikes killed at least 105 people in the region including insurgents linked to the Karachi airport attack, according to the military -- though local officials placed the toll as high as 150.On the directions of the Government, Armed forces of Pakistan have launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who are hiding in sanctuaries in North Waziristan, a military statement said.Khawaja Asif, the minister of defence, added: The Pakistani nation is fully behind its armed forces. Directions have been given to eliminate terrorists who were responsible for the slaughter of innocent Pakistani civilians and law enforcement officials.At least ten militants were killed in attacks by Pakistani gunship helicopters in the village of Mir Ali, a local intelligence official in Miranshah said, as the fighting got underway.A military official in the main town of Miranshah told AFP: Thousands of troops will participate in this action. You can roughly say 25,000 to 30,000 troops will be involved in the operation.We are trying to finish this operation as soon as possible but can't give an exact time frame. It can conclude in a few days but can also take longer, he added.One official said the alleged Uzbek mastermind of the Karachi attack had been killed in the overnight air strikes, with the military officially placing the toll at 105.Abu Abdul Rehman Almani, who was mastermind of attack on Karachi airport, and several other commanders have been killed in the strikes, he said.Shoot-on-sight orders meanwhile have been imposed on residents who leave their homes after dark, according to local intelligence officials and residents, leading to two people from the Sarai Darpa Khel area near Miranshah being critically wounded.Some 40 percent of the region's population of half a million have already fled, leaving around 300,000 behind, multiple residents told AFP.In the district's main town of Miranshah, imams made announcements from mosque loudspeakers asking people to recite from the Koran and pray to God for the safety of those who had remained behind.US drones were also spotted hovering above the area, raising suspicion that Washington and Islamabad were coordinating their efforts after two drone attacks -- the first this year -- killed 16 militants on Wednesday.Washington reportedly suspended drone attacks in December to give Islamabad time to pursue peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban aimed at ending a seven-year insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives.The dialogue resulted in a month-long ceasefire between March and April, but later broke down, with Pakistan resuming air strikes on suspected militant hideouts in the tribal areas.The army was widely seen as being opposed to the dialogue because of the heavy casualties it has sustained at the hands of the TTP.But following the Karachi attack, Asif, the defence minister, signalled the time for talks was now over. We as a government tried our level best to resolve this crisis through dialogue. We were frustrated through attacks on innocent Pakistanis and damage to national assets, he said. This operation will continue till the surrender or elimination of enemy.Talat Masood, a retired general and security analyst said the army would aim to end its operation before the Islamic holy month of Ramadan which begins around June 28.It should go only for two three weeks and then troops can be stationed in the area to control the situation and consolidate the positions, he said.The operation's success, he added, was contingent on sealing the porous Pakistan-Afghanistan border which foreign fighters including Chechens, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Tajiks and Uighurs have crossed in recent weeks.A late-night military statement said Afghan security forces have been requested to seal the border on their side to facilitate elimination of terrorists who attempt to cross the border.It added announcements would be made for local residents to approach designated evacuation points. Surrender points have also been made for those militants who chose to quit violence and give up their arms, it said, without elaborating on their fate.

Ballance ton turns Test in England's favour

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LONDON (AFP) - Gary Ballance came to England's rescue with a maiden Test hundred after Sri Lanka threatened to seize control at Lord's on Sunday.England were 267 for eight in their second innings at stumps on the fourth day of the first Test, a lead of 389 runs.The 24-year-old Ballance, entrusted with the key number three position in only his second Test, was 104 not out after going to his century in the last over of the day with a six off spinner Rangana Herath.It's a great feeling and I can't really describe my emotions right now, Zimbabwe-born left-hander Ballance told BBC Radio's Test Match Special.I didn't really think about getting a hundred tonight but I went for it.He added: We have put ourselves in a good position to win the game. Hopefully a few will keep a bit low and if we can nip one or two out we have a good chance.Ballance had earlier added 78 for the seventh wicket with debutant Chris Jordan after a top-order collapse.Sri Lanka now needed to surpass the highest fourth innings total to win a Test at Lord's -- 344 for one, requiring 342, by the West Indies against England in 1984 -- if they were to go 1-0 up in this two-match series. Angelo Mathews, the Sri Lanka captain, who earlier in the day had made a hundred himself, was left to reflect on what might have been.Until Ballance and Jordan got together, we had a chance (of winning). I'm not saying we're out of the game, but we have to bat sensibly.Things looked very different as England slumped to 121 for six after Shaminda Eranga took three quick wickets and left-armer Herath followed up with a double strike of his own on the way to figures of four for 95 in 23 overs.It was a collapse witnessed by Kevin Pietersen, watching from a sponsor's box at Lord's, with the South Africa-born batsman, England's all-time leading run-scorer across all formats, ditched after the 5-0 Ashes drubbing in Australia.Both attacks in this match had been frustrated by a docile Lord's pitch.Eranga though defied the sluggish surface with a spell of three wickets for three runs in 21 balls.England captain Alastair Cook was caught behind for 28 while Australia-born Sam Robson (19), one of three England debutants, and Ian Bell (nine) were both bowled cheaply off the inside edge. Joe Root walked out at 69 for three, having come in at 74 for three before making an made an unbeaten 200 in England's first innings 575 for nine declared.But this time Root was lbw for 15 to a clever Herath ball that skidded on and hit him on the back leg.Moeen Ali, another debutant, confidently drove Herath straight back over the bowler's head for four.But next ball Herath, spinning one out of the rough, clean-bowled Ali after the left-hander went to drive.Wicketkeeper Matt Prior had made 86 in the first innings of his comeback Test but he'd only managed 16 on Sunday when he guided Nuwan Kulasekara straight to gully.Sri Lanka reckoned Ballance was caught behind off Eranga for 36 as the Yorkshire batsman went to cut.However, Paul Reiffel ruled not out. Sri Lanka challenged the former Australia seamer's decision but, with replay technology inconclusive, Ballance survived.In fact he thrived, with two resounding boundaries, a cover-drive and a pull, in successive Eranga deliveries taking him into the 90s.He then then cheekily reverse-swept Herath for four to go to 94 before, off the first ball of Sunday's last over, reaching his century in style with a swept six off the spinner.Ballance's hundred came in 184 balls, including 12 fours, with his second fifty taking just 54 balls.Sri Lanka resumed Sunday on 415 for seven, having avoided the follow-on thanks mainly to Kumar Sangakkara's 147 on Saturday.Mathews, 79 not out overnight, went to a well-deserved century when he cover-drove a James Anderson full-toss for four.But one ball after reaching three figures, Mathews was lbw to Liam Plunkett for 102.Sri Lanka were eventually all out for 453 to give England a first-innings lead of 122.

India beat Bangladesh in rain-hit first ODI

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DHAKA (AFP) - India defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the rain-curtailed first one-day international in Dhaka on Sunday powered by confident fifties from openers Ajinkya Rahane and Robin Uthappa.The visitors reached the revised target of 150 runs off 26 overs with seven balls to spare after heavy downpours stopped play for more than two hours in the day-night clash at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.Bangladesh, batting first, made 272-9 off 50 overs with valuable half-centuries from skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (59) and Shakib Al Hasan (52).India started their chase with aplomb as Uthappa (50), making his one-day comeback after nearly six years, and Rahane punished loose deliveries by scoring at more than a run a ball.They batted really well, especially in the first 10 overs. Our bowlers also gave away a lot of loose balls, Rahim said after the match.Uthappa lofted paceman Ziaur Rahman for a massive six over mid-wicket to race to his sixth ODI half-century. He was eventually out leg before wicket although TV replays suggested a huge inside edge onto his pad.India, who were 100-1 off 16.4 overs when the downpours started, started tentatively when play resumed but managed to reach the target with ease in the end.I am very pleased with the result. Robin (Uthappa) has been batting well, and Rahane is one of the cleanest batsmen I have seen, said Indian captain Suresh Raina.I am also very happy with the bowlers. It was very tough for them in these conditions, he added.Earlier, Rahim hit three fours and as many sixes in his 63-ball 59 while Shakib scored 52 off 58 balls.India, fielding a young side and without eight of their regular players, dominated with the ball initially but Bangladesh regrouped and made up for the slow start later on.Paceman Umesh Yadav picked 3-48 including the wicket of opener Anamul Haque for 44 which contained seven hits to the boundary.Off-spinner Parvez Rasool, making his ODI debut, grabbed two wickets while giving away 60 runs. Bangladesh lost two early wickets but Rahim steadied the innings, stringing handy partnerships with Anamul and Shakib.The skipper hoisted leg-spinner Amit Mishra (2-55) for a huge six over the midwicket boundary and looked in fine touch before being caught by Rahane off Rasool.Shakib and Mahmudullah (41) then guided Bangladesh's fightback with a 65-run stand for the fifth wicket.Raina bowled five overs after fast bowler Mohit Sharma limped off the field with an injury after bowling just six overs. Raina grabbed the key wicket of Shakib and also took a brilliant one-handed catch off Yadav to dismiss Ziaur Rahman cheaply for two.Left-arm spinner Akshar Patel, the other player making his 50-over debut, picked his first international wicket when he bowled Mortaza as he was trying to hit him over extra cover.The second and third matches of the short series will be played on Tuesday and Thursday.

Football: Saferovic gives Swiss last-gasp win over Ecuador

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BRASILIA (AFP) -- Haris Seferovic scored in the last minute of injury time to grab Switzerland a dramatic 2-1 win over Ecuador in their Group E game at the World Cup finals in Brasilia on Sunday.Seferovics winner capped a remarkable comeback by the top seeds in the group as fellow substitute Admer Mehmidi had taken just 121 seconds to make his mark as he levelled the game in the 48th minute.Enner Valencia had given Ecuador the lead midway through the first-half as he scored for the fifth successive game for his country.Victory was Switzerlands first over South American opposition in the World Cup finals having lost their previous four and the win had even veteran coach Ottmar Hitzfeld jumping up and down for joy in what is his farewell tournament.Ecuador had started the brightest and it was little surprise when they went ahead in the 22nd minute as former captain Walter Ayovi whipped in a superb freekick from the left and the unmarked Enner Valencia rose to send his header past Diego Benaglio and into the net.The Swiss were finding it hard to settle and it took them almost half an hour to conjure up their first chance as Valentin Stocker beat his marker to a corner but his header went just wide.That seemed to give them some confidence and 10 minutes before half-time captain Goekhan Inler worked some space and unleashed a vicious low shot that Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez did well to get down to and turn away for a corner.However, Dominguez was all at sea for the Swiss equaliser losing himself behind two defenders as the corner came in from Ricardo Rodriguez and Mehmedi, who scored 13 goals for Freiburg in the Bundesliga last season, rose above Carlos Gruezo to head home for his second goal for his country.The lively Enner Valencia then produced a lovely piece of skill and unleashed a fine effort from outside the box which went narrowly wide of the Swiss goal.The equally impressive Jefferson Montero then tore into the right flank of the Swiss defence and created a good opportunity for himself which Benaglio got down to turn away for a corner.The Swiss countered and thought they had taken the lead when Josip Drmic, who Hitzfeld had preferred to Seferovic, put the ball into the net after a neatly worked move but it was ruled out for offside.Both teams were not content to settle for a draw even as the match entered time added on and it was Ecuador who looked like they had grabbed the three points when Michael Arroyo was shaping up to shoot inside the area only for a superb tackle by Valon Behrami to dispossess him.Behrami showing the hard-headed experience of a man appearing in his third World Cup finals, then pushed forward and although he was subject to a crunching tackle in the middle of the pitch the referee played a brilliant advantage in waving play on.The ball was worked out to the left flank and when it was whipped in Seferovic was on hand to tuck the ball inside the near post and send the Swiss contingent wild.

Political leaders react on govt's decision to launch operation

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Leaders from various political parties including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Jamaat Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday reacted to the government’s decision to launch a full-fledged military offensive dubbed operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists in North Waziristan, Dunya News reported.Opposition leader in National Assembly Khursheed Shah said that even though the government didn’t take opposition into confidence before making this decision, his party backs government’s decision to launch the military operation just as they backed government’s decision to negotiate. He said that the government made the best choice, nevertheless.MQM chief Altaf Hussain endorsed and welcomed the government’s decision to carry out a military offensive against the militants in North Waziristan. He prayed for the success and wellbeing of the army men saying may God guide them.He said he assures his party’s unconditional support to the army once again, adding that every worker of MQM is alert in support of the army and awaits army’s signal.Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said that the government has taken correct decision, adding that his party will fully support the army and the government.Former Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that Pakistan needs the support of Afghanistan and United States of America at this time so that the enemy could not seek refuge in the neighbor country.PTI spokesperson Shireen Mazari said that party’s core committee’s meeting has been summoned where a decision in this regard will be taken.Jamaat Islami leader Liaquat Baloch said that he expected the government to take the parliament into confidence before making such a decision.Pakistan Army on Sunday launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists upon direction of the government. The operation has been named ‘Zarb-e-Azb’, literally ‘sharp strike/sharp cutting’ and will target the terrorist hideouts in North Waziristan, Dunya News reported citing ISPR sources.The operation name ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ means ‘sharp strike/sharp cutting.’ Azb is also the name of sword used by Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) in one of the battles.“Using North Waziristan as a base, these terrorists had waged a war against the state of Pakistan and had been disrupting our national life in all its dimensions, stunting our economic growth and causing enormous loss of life and property,” ISPR press release said.

N Waziristan operation: Provinces told to tighten security as retaliation expected

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Federal Interior Ministry directed all four provinces to tighten security to avoid the possible fallout of the operation Zarb-e-Azb launched in North Waziristan on Sunday, Dunya News reported.According to sources, the ministry issued the directive to all four provinces to tighten security of sensitive places including important buildings, airports, railway stations, bus stands, hotels, banks and multi-national companies among other trading centers.Sources also said that the tightening of security of high level civil and police officers, politicians, ministers and members of legislative assemblies among other prominent personalities has also been directed.The ministry directed the provinces to enhance the monitoring of entry and exit points of the cities.Reportedly, the security has been tightened on prominent points, and police patrolling has been increased following the interior ministry’s directive.Meanwhile, Inspector General (IG) Sindh Iqbal Mohammed issued red alert to province-wide police and canceled the vacations. Talking to Dunya News, IG Sindh said that the preparations of a grand operation in marked area of Karachi have been completed. He said that the red alerts have been issued and security of important points has been tightened.

Will stage sit-in protests at 15 stations if train march stopped: Sh Rasheed

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed said on Sunday that he will stage sit-in protests at 15 railway stations if the government attempts to stop his ‘train march.’ He said that he will warmly welcome Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri, Dunya News reported.Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Sh Rasheed said that first phase of train march will take place on June 20, when protestors will arrive from Peshawar to Lahore, adding that he is not being issued the tickets of Awami Express yet.He said that if the government did ‘stupidity’ of stopping train march, he along with workers will stage sit-in protests on at least fifteen railway stations.Rasheed said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is a ‘retail party’ whereas Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) is a ‘wholesale party.’He said that those who did corruption in purchasing ‘China engines’ are threatening him of jails.“If the government commits ‘mistake’ of arresting me, the government should pay attention that it no longer has capacity to pull off more gimmicks,” he said.Rasheed said that he was the creator behind Nawaz Sharif’s train march.He said that the train march will take place in train from Lahore to Multan in the second phase and from Multan to Karachi in the third.AML chief said that a full movement will begin after the month of Ramadan, adding that Nawaz Sharif will either be celebrated or will go home. He reiterated that the opposition has to form ‘grand alliance’ for its objectives.
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