Monday 2 June 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Tennis: Regal Rafa sets up Ferrer clash, Murray to meet Monfils

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PARIS (AFP) - Eight-time champion Rafael Nadal stormed into a French Open quarter-final showdown against compatriot David Ferrer on Monday while Andy Murray will face childhood friend Gael Monfils, France's last man standing.With rock star Prince in the stands and the abdication of King Juan Carlos on his mind, world number one Nadal, who turns 28 on Tuesday, brushed aside outclassed Dusan Lajovic, the world 83 from Serbia, 6-1, 6-2, 6-1.He was at his ruthless, efficient best against Lajovic who claimed a paltry 15 points off the champion's serve.Watched by US rocker Prince, who played a concert in the French capital on Sunday night, Nadal, seeking to become the first man to win five French Opens in a row, needed just 93 minutes to go through to a last-eight showdown with Ferrer.The two men met in last year's final where Nadal allowed his 32-year-old Davis Cup teammate just eight games.Despite his Philippe Chatrier court mauling, Lajovic at least had the consolation of avoiding the worst Roland Garros rout handed out by Nadal.That unwanted record belongs to Juan Monaco who won just two games in a fourth round drubbing in 2012.Such was the ease of Nadal's latest Paris win that he spent most of his time at his post-match news conference discussing the abdication of King Juan Carlos of Spain.He is a wonderful person who was a great representative of our country and Spain should thank him, said Nadal whose record in Paris now reads 63 wins and one defeat.I had the opportunity to meet him on quite a few occasions. He was always very nice and warm towards me. He made me feel very comfortable every time we met.Nadal holds a 21-6 advantage over Ferrer in their career meetings but it was his compatriot who won their most recent clash in the Monte Carlo quarter-finals in April.Ferrer reached his 10th successive Grand Slam quarter-final with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 win over South Africa's Kevin Anderson.Ferrer had beaten Anderson, who was hoping to be the first South African man in the last eight since Cliff Drysdale in 1967, at the same stage of the tournament last year.Tactically, I will have to be perfect against Rafa, said Ferrer. I hope that I will instill some doubts in Rafa's mind. I will pull out all of the stops to play well without making errors, and we'll see what's gonna happen.British seventh seed Murray defeated Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) to reach the quarter-finals for the fourth time.Wimbledon champion Murray, whose best run in Paris was a semi-final spot in 2011, will face French 23rd seed Monfils after extending his record over Verdasco to 10-1.I'm looking forward to the next match with Gael, it should be a great atmosphere, said Murray of a rivalry which began when the two were children playing in Les Petits As tournament in the French town of Tarbres.I first played Gael when I was 10 and he was 11. He's an unbelievable entertainer and fun to watch, said Murray.He's a great athlete and a nice guy. It should be a tough match but with some fun points because of the way we both play.Monfils reached his fourth Roland Garros quarter-final with a 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 win over unseeded Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, the man who put out third-seeded Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka.Monfils, 27, who made the semi-finals in 2008, trails Murray 3-2 in their senior careers but the pair have not met since 2010 when the flamboyant French player won at the Paris Masters.The Frenchman also came out on top in the first round of the 2006 French Open in five sets.I think Andy has changed. He won Wimbledon, he's a good player. After his back injury he is more solid. He's proved on clay that he's also a tough opponent.

Tennis: Halep to meet Kuznetsova as Petkovic tackles Errani

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PARIS (AFP) - Romania's Simona Halep, the fourth and highest seed remaining in the French Open, qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time on Monday when she overcame America's Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-3. The 22-year-old Halep can climb to third in the world if she reaches the final on Saturday where she can become the first Romanian to win the title since Virginia Ruzici in 1978.I'm really happy to reach the quarter-finals in Paris for the first time in my life, said Halep, who also reached the same stage at this year's Australian Open where she was beaten by Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. I feel confident and I like the clay but I want to go further even if I know it's going to be very tough in the next round. In Wednesday's second set of quarter-finals, she will have to overcome the challenge of Russia's 2009 French champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, who ousted 24th seed Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-4.Kuznetsova, who won her first Grand Slam at the US Open in 2004, is one of two former champions remaining in the draw alongside compatriot Maria Sharapova, the 2012 winner.Sara Errani of Italy will face German Andrea Petkovic for a semi-final berth after both players came through tough fourth round matches. Tenth seed and 2012 finalist Errani, needed 81 minutes to subdue former number one Jelena Jankovic in the first set before booking her last eight spot for the third straight year 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.She was beaten in the semi-finals last year by eventual champion Serena Williams 6-0, 6-1.Petkovic, who failed to negotiate qualifying in Paris last year when she came into the tournament ranked 136 in the world, also had difficulties before prevailing in three sets over Dutch qualifier Kiki Bertens. The Bosnian-born Petkovic, who is now ranked 27 and had a personal high of nine in the world during her finest season in 2011, has overcome a series of injuries to equal her best showing at a Grand Slam thanks to a 1-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory. It's her fourth appearance in the last eight of a major after reaching this stage in 2011 at Australia, Paris and the US Open. I was really relieved that I picked myself up after I was up 4-2 in the third and I started playing a little passively, said Petkovic. I wasn't going for my shots anymore and I was sort of hoping that she's gonna miss. She's too good for that. After going down 5-4 in the third, I just sort of told myself, Okay, listen, you have to play aggressive. You have to go for your shots, and nobody's going to give you the quarter-finals just because you're nice, so go gain it.Petkovic admitted she knew little of Bertens before Monday's match.It was super tough, because I didn't know her at all. I just stalked her on YouTube yesterday the whole day, and I was already impressed, added the German.Bertens, a former world number 41, was bidding to become the 10th qualifier to advance to the quarter-finals in Paris and equal the best result from a player not going straight into the main draw. On Tuesday, Sharapova faces Spaniard Garbine Muguruza, who knocked out defending champion Serena Williams in the second round. The day's second quarter-final sees Canada's Eugenie Bouchard targeting a second straight Grand Slam semi-final against Spanish 14th seed Carla Suarez-Navarro.Bouchard reached the last four in Australia earlier this year where she lost to eventual champion Li Na of China.

Football: Blatter deflects questions on Qatar

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BRASILIA (AFP) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter refused to answer journalists' questions Monday on new allegations of corruption in the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.Blatter, who was meeting President Dilma Rousseff 10 days before the World Cup kicks off in Brazil, refused to answer when asked if he was in favor of holding a new bidding process for the 2022 edition of the tournament.I am speaking about the World Cup in Brazil and it will be a wonderful Cup in Brazil. Let's live up the emotions, he said.Earlier, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke also refused to comment on the deepening row over Qatar's controversial winning bid.No answer, no question, he said at the launch of the World Cup TV broadcast center in Rio de Janeiro.Qatar has denied allegations by Britain's Sunday Times newspaper that Mohamed bin Hammam, a former FIFA vice president from Qatar, paid more than $5 million to football officials around the world before the 2010 vote that awarded the tournament to Qatar.FIFA said Monday it would complete a long-awaited probe into Qatar's winning bid and that of Russia for the 2018 World Cup -- also the target of corruption allegations -- by June 9.The choice of Qatar shocked many people because of the searing heat that any summer matches will be played in.Blatter said last month it was a mistake to choose Qatar to host the World Cup in the summertime. He is pushing for the 2022 tournament to be rescheduled to the northern winter.

Football: Lampard to leave Chelsea

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LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea legend Frank Lampard on Monday announced he will leave the west London club when his contract expires at the end of June.Lampard had reportedly been offered a new deal on reduced terms by Chelsea, but he has opted to bring an end to his 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge.Several reports earlier on Monday claimed Lampard's representative has held talks with New York City over a prospective move to Major League Soccer's new franchise next March.At least 10 other clubs, including newly-promoted QPR, are believed to have registered their interest in signing the star.Lampard scored 211 goals in 649 appearances for the Blues, making him the club's all-time record goal-scorer.He admitted it was a wrench to leave Chelsea after so many happy memories and he paid tribute to former chairman Ken Bates, who was in charge when he was signed from West Ham in 2001, and current owner Roman Abramovich, whose huge cash injection transformed the team into a European superpower.When I arrived at this fantastic club 13 years ago I would never have believed that I would be fortunate enough to play so many games and enjoy sharing in so much success, Lampard said in a statement released by his agent.This club has become part of my life and I have so many people to thank for the opportunity. Firstly, Ken Bates, who put his neck on the line to sign me as a young player and without him I would not have even begun this experience.Roman Abramovich, the man who saved our club and took us all to new levels. His desire to push the club to the top of the football world has rubbed off on everyone.All the managers and coaches who have helped me develop my game during the time I have been here. I have learnt from every one of them.All the brilliant team-mates who I have been lucky enough to train and play alongside for so long. Not just their football qualities but also the friendships I have gained along the way.I'd also like to give a special mention to all the staff and people behind the scenes at the club who do not receive the glory but without them the club would simply not function.The club will move forward, and as a Chelsea man I have no doubt that with the quality of the players that are there, they will continue with the success that we have all enjoyed over the past seasons.The 35-year-old's long and successful stay in west London has left him well established as a Chelsea legend after winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, four FA Cups and two League Cups.Despite his age, Lampard remained a key member of Jose Mourinho's squad this season and made 40 appearances, scoring eight goals in all competitions.He is currently in Miami with the England squad preparing for friendlies against Ecuador and Honduras ahead of their World Cup campaign in Brazil and it is believed he will wait until after the tournament to decide his future.Lampard's exit is likely to signal the end of an era for Chelsea, with long-serving left-back Ashley Cole also set to leave when his contract expires.

Govt set to present Rs 3.8trillion budget today

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The government is all set to present its second federal budget with an outlay of about Rs 3.8 trillion for fiscal year 2014-15 before the Parliament today (Tuesday).Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar will present federal budget for the fiscal year 2014-2015 in the National Assembly today at 4 30 pm.President Mamnoon Hussain has already summoned the National Assembly to meet on Tuesday for the purpose. All necessary arrangements have been made for smooth conduct of the budget session.According to sources, prices of cement, cosmetic, steel and agriculture equipment will go up, while five percent duty on air conditioners and other industrial equipment may be imposed.

Immunotherapy is new revolution in cancer fight

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CHICAGO (AFP) - Immunotherapy has made great strides against cancers like melanoma that were once believed incurable, though scientists still do not understand why it works well in some cases but not others.The technique, hailed as Science magazine's breakthrough of 2013, involves training the immune system to attack tumors.In some cases, the approach disarms the tumor's defenses, in other cases it selects a patient's toughest immune cells, growing them in a lab and reinjecting them to bolster the body's assault on cancer.The beauty of this approach is that it is more selective ... and is producing durable and long-lasting remissions, said Steven O'Day, associate professor of medicine at the University of Southern California Keck school of Medicine.According to research published late last year, 40 percent of patients with advanced melanoma who were treated with immunotherapy were showing no signs of cancer seven years later.The results of three clinical trials released Monday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago may bolster this number.One of them, an early phase one study of patients with inoperable melanoma, led to an unprecedented median survival of three and a half years in a cancer that usually kills within about one year.This is truly revolutionary and now the treatments are getting so good in melanoma that we are seeing for the first time significant progress in very difficult to treat solid tumors, added O'Day.Solid tumors are found in most cancers, including cervical cancer, which is the latest breakthrough in immunotherapy. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health reported Monday that a new technique to lift immune cells from a tumor and then grow billions of them in the lab for reinfusion into the patient succeeded in two of nine patients.The women, both in their late 30s, were given less than a year to live before they entered the trial, and had cancer throughout their bodies. They now show no signs of cancer -- one for 22 months and the other more than a year after treatment.But why it did not work in the other eight subjects remains a mystery that scientists are working hard to solve.In the meantime, more studies are being launched on immunotherapy as a treatment for oral and anal cancers that, like cervical cancer, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).When it comes to melanoma, as well as kidney and lung cancer, a new kind of drug that blocks a protein called PD-1 has energized the field of research.PD-1 is arguably the most exciting breakthrough in cancer therapy in a decade, said Mark Schoenebaum, an analyst with ISI Group.Pharmaceutical giants Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck are among those racing to make drugs that will help the immune system recognize and attack cancer.Experts say the field of immunotherapy has a market potential of 35 billion dollars.

Oil prices dip on mixed economic data

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Oil prices Monday finished lower on mixed economic data and signs of higher crude output from members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for July delivery declined 24 cents to $102.47 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. European benchmark Brent oil for delivery in July shed 58 cents to $108.83 in London on the Intercontinental Exchange.Weak data from the eurozone weighed on sentiment. A composite index of manufacturing activity for the eurozone fell to a six-month low of 52.2, according to Markit Economics.The disappointing eurozone report showed no particular sign of broader economic acceleration that would signal stronger than expected petroleum demand, said a note from Citi Futures analyst Tim Evans.But the poor eurozone report was offset somewhat by evidence of solid activity in China, the world's second-biggest oil consumer after the US.China's official purchasing managers index (PMI) of manufacturing activity reached 50.8 in May, a five-month high, up from 50.4 in March.It looks like the Chinese economy is hanging in there, said John Kilduff at hedge fund Again Capital.Kilduff said estimates of May OPEC output released late last week showed production higher than expected, near or above the 30 million barrel a day level, despite output disruptions in Libya and Nigeria.At that level it could keep a damper on prices, he said.

Dollar rises; ECB rate cut outlook hits euro

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar rose Monday after US manufacturing data pointed to economic growth, while the euro was under pressure from expectations of an ECB interest rate cut.The greenback pushed higher as traders weighed an upward correction to US manufacturing activity in May by the Institute for Supply Management.ISM said a software error caused it to report a slowdown. It corrected the data to show its purchasing managers index rose to 55.4 from 54.9 in April, rather than slowing to 53.2 as it first reported.Meanwhile, inflation in Germany, Europe's biggest economy, slowed to its lowest rate in four years in May, at 0.9 percent, compared with 1.3 percent in April, according to preliminary government data.The sharp fall added to pressure on the European Central Bank, which holds a monetary policy meeting Thursday, to act to keep the 18-nation bloc from falling into deflation, analysts said.ECB watchers predicted a cut in the central bank's key interest rates and possibly new measures to pump liquidity into the banking system.While the ECB looks set to cut interest rates and offer some lending incentives this week, we think much more will be needed to eradicate the risk of deflation, said Capital Economics.

Sri Lanka's Senanayake reported over bowling action

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LONDON (AFP) - Sri Lanka off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Monday.Senanayake, who has twice recorded career-best figures in the ongoing Royal London series against England, was reported by umpires Ian Gould and Marais Erasmus at the end of his team's victory at Lord's on Saturday.He will be free to bowl again in the fifth and final Royal London one-day international series at Edgbaston on Tuesday, but will face further scrutiny under ICC regulations.The umpires' report cited concerns over a number of deliveries that were considered to be suspect, an ICC press release read. Senanayake's bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to bowlers reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.The off-spinner is required to undergo testing within 21 days, and, during this period, he is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known.Sri Lanka Cricket chiefs were shocked by the accusations and released a statement which refused to condemn their player.Since Sachithra had over the past two years played many bilateral/ICC tournaments and four earlier games in the current tour without any hint of suspicion, this comes as a surprise to SLC, the statement read.As, however, the ICC has a procedure in place for situations such as this, SLC has no option but to adhere to the laid-down process.England, who have twice led the one-day Royal London international series, face a decider on Tuesday after Sri Lanka held their nerve to inch a seven-run win at Lord's.Sri Lanka, meanwhile, named their squad on Monday afternoon for the two-Test series against England in June, from which Senanayake is omitted.The 29-year-old made his Test debut, and won his solitary cap to date, five months ago.But Sri Lanka have preferred his fellow off-spinner Dilruwan Perera to partner left-arm orthodox Rangana Herath in a 15-man squad.

Moores wants England to strike perfect note

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LONDON (AFP) - England coach Peter Moores has called on his players to produce a complete performance against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston as they look to start his new era with a series victory.Moores team face a decider in the best of five-matches one-day international series on Tuesday after the tourists held their nerve to claim a seven-run win at Lords two days ago.For Moores, in his second spell as England coach after being reappointed earlier this year, series success will be a much-needed morale boost as he and captain Alastair Cook seek to set a new tone following the humiliating Ashes whitewash in Australia.Asked about the significance of a series win, Moores said: It would be great. Well treat it like a final.We know we have a World Cup coming up, and there will be a lots of big games in that.It would be great to win the series, and well put everything weve got into it.Englands performances so far have lurched to extremes, especially at Durham and Manchester, where they struggled to cope with Sri Lanka with both bat and ball.But Moores believes they have enough quality to dominate against Sri Lanka and he wants them to aim for a perfect display in Birmingham.So far through the series, we havent quite put the complete game together, Moores said.The closest one was at the Oval. I hope well do that tomorrow (Tuesday).Weve shown we can beat them, and we can be very competitive.Were pretty confident that if we play well we have got a good chance of a win.The match will also provided rising England stars Jos Buttler and Chris Jordan with a chance to press their Test claims.The England coach could hardly help but be impressed by Buttlers 61-ball century as the hosts nonetheless failed to chase 300 for nine on Saturday.It was brilliant. To watch it and be there was great, said Moores.I dont think you want to be set in stone, and you never want to put ceilings on people. Hes improving and it was great to see him play like that.Certainly how he played the other day hasnt done him a lot of harm - it was a fantastic innings.

Russia lifts arms embargo to Pakistan: report

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MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia has lifted its embargo on arms supplies to Pakistan and is holding talks on supplying Islamabad with combat helicopters, the head of state-owned Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, said Monday, the ITAR-TASS news agency reported.Such a decision has been taken. We are holding talks on supplying the helicopters, Chemezov said, adding that the negotiations were about Russian Mi-35 Hind attack helicopters.Russia has long been the largest supplier of arms to India, which is the worlds top arms buyer.But Moscows move to supply Islamabad came as New Delhi is seeking to modernise its armed forces ageing hardware and has recently chosen to buy arms from Israel, France, Britain and the United States.Leading Russian defence commentator Pavel Felgenhauer said the lifting of the embargo that had been in force since the Soviet era marked a sea change in Russian policy on arms sales, which until now have been focused on India amid difficult relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.This is an important, key change in Russian policy in the region, he told AFP.The sale of arms to Pakistan will abruptly worsen our relations with India, the main buyer of our arms... This risks dismantling our cooperation with India, Felgenhauer said.

Karachi: Targeted killing claims 6 lives, TTP members' bodies recovered

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Dead bodies of seven Taliban members were found from bushes at Manghupir area of Karachi on Monday. At least six others including a cop lost their lives in various acts of violence, Dunya News reported.According to reports, seven bodies were recovered at Manghupir area of Karachi and police said that dead bodies had signs of torture and that they were killed by firing.Sources said that all seven men belonged to the Outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Swat’s Yasir Group.Those killed were reportedly in dispute with opponent groups over extortion and land grabbing. Three of those dead were identified as Shoaib, Khan Saeed and Yousaf Fazal.On the other hand, one Sajid Ali was gunned down as result of firing at a hotel.In another incident, a man was shot dead who was later identified as Imtiaz Hussain.A man was gunned down in a separate incident near Lyari Ath Chowk. Sub inspector Saleem was gunned down by unidentified men at Korangi Bilal Colony. One Ahmed Ali was killed as result of firing at Liaquat Abad flyover.Another body was recovered from a drain at Jumma Goth area of Landhi.

50pc population living below poverty line: Economic Survey

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Economic Survey on Monday revealed that the inflation rate in the past fiscal year increased by 8.6% and an estimate of thirty seven lakh thirty thousand of individuals of the workforce are fulltime unemployed, Dunya News reported.According to the details, over half of the country’s population is living below the poverty line. Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that the previous governments are responsible for the inflation. He said that an estimate of forty eight lakh individuals will be facilitated in the upcoming fiscal year.The inflation rate rose by 8.6% in the past financial year, making every eatable item including meat, pulses more expensive. According to Federal Bureau of Statistics, inflation rate rose by an average 8.6% during the fiscal year July 2013 to May 2014.During this time, the prices of mung beans hiked by 35%, non-slaughtered chicken by 20%, Masoor Dal by 19% and wheat products by 17%.The prices of milk saw a 14% increase, postal service 23% and education prices rose by 16%.The prices of electricity, garments and medical expenses rose by 16%. The prices of tomatoes were reduced by almost half during the past one month whereas the prices of onions decreased by 10%, wheat by 9%, flour by 6% and eggs by 8%.Federal Bureau of Statistics projected that the inflation rate will come down to a single digit by the end of the current fiscal year.Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) led government failed to achieve all its targets except the industrial sector during the past fiscal year.A loss of billions of dollars in foreign trade was noted along with the failure to meet tax collection target.Reportedly, agriculture sector also had to face a big blow.

Solution to Kashmir issue only way to improve Pak-India ties: Nisar

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ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said that Pak-India relations cannot improve without resolution of core issues, including Kashmir.While talking to Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit, Nisar said peace cannot be achieved without resolution of long standing issues between the two countries.He hoped that the new Indian government will take positive steps for improving the bilateral relations with Pakistan.The high commissioner briefed the minister about the nature of relations between Pakistan and India, especially in aftermath of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to India.

Indian aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan: officials

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HERAT (AFP) - An Indian aid worker was Monday abducted by unidentified gunmen in Afghanistans western Herat province, local officials and Indias foreign ministry said.Sayed Fazullah Wahidy, governor of Herat province, said the aid worker was kidnapped in the afternoon, adding police have started the search operation for him.Indias foreign ministry confirmed the incident, with spokesman Syed Akbaruddin posting on Twitter: Indian national working with an NGO (non-profit group) in Herat province of Afghanistan has been kidnapped.The Indian mission was pursuing the matter with local authorities, he added, without giving any further details.Indian TV channels said the official was working with a global non-profit group in the education sector.The kidnapping comes close on the heels of an attack on the Indian consulate in Herat on May 23 by four heavily armed gunmen who were later repelled by security forces.The consulate assault was the latest in a long line of attacks against Indian targets in Afghanistan.Nine civilians, including seven children, were killed in August last year when suicide bombers targeted the Indian consulate in the main eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, detonating an explosives-packed car.In 2008, a car bomb at the Indian embassy in Kabul killed 60 people and the embassy was again hit by a suicide strike in 2009. And in 2010, two guesthouses in Kabul used by Indians were attacked.India was one of the chief enemies of the hardline Taliban regime which ruled Afghanistan before its ouster in the wake of the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington.Pakistan was the Talibans main ally and there have been accusations in India that the Pakistani security forces were complicit in previous attacks on its missions in Afghanistan.Afghanistan is due for a run-off presidential election on June 14.
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