Thursday 28 August 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Monitoring demonstrations in Islamabad: State Department

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WASHINGTON (Dunya News) - The spokesman for the State Department, Jen Psaki, while briefing the newsmen said that US is carefully monitoring the demonstrations in Islamabad.Jen Psaki further said that the United States has urged all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.“Peaceful protest and freedom of expression are, of course, important aspects of democracy, and that’s certainly a message we’re conveying,” she said.

Oil mixed amid Ukraine tensions, upbeat US data

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Oil prices traded mixed Thursday amid renewed tension between Ukraine and Russia and a batch of encouraging US economic reports.The main US contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for October delivery, climbed for the third day in a row, adding 67 cents at $94.55 a barrel.Brent North Sea crude for October fell 26 cents to $102.46 a barrel.The WTI contract was lifted by stronger-than-expected US economic growth data for the second quarter that raised hopes for stronger demand in the world's largest oil consumer.The economy of the world's largest oil consumer expanded at an annual rate of 4.2 percent, the Commerce Department said, revising upward its July estimate of 4.0 percent.The numbers were very supportive of WTI, said Bob Yawger of Mizuho Securities USA.Analysts, who had expected a downward revision to second-quarter gross domestic product, said the latest data, coupled with recent positive monthly data, pointed to better growth in the rest of the year.Meanwhile, rising fears about the Ukraine crisis hung over markets.The Ukraine and the West said Thursday that Russian troops were actively involved supporting pro-Kremlin separatists who have been fighting against Kiev's rule since April.NATO said at least 1,000 Russian troops were on the ground in Ukraine. Moscow insisted none of its soldiers were on Ukrainian soil.The United States warned it was considering new sanctions against Russia over its involvement in the latest fighting in Ukraine.Talks between Russia and Ukraine have gone nowhere and there is growing concern that a deal to keep natural gas flowing to Europe this winter may not happen, said Phil Flynn of Price Futures Group.Reports that the separatist forces in eastern Ukraine are being supported by Russian tanks and armored personnel carriers leaves little hope that a peaceful resolution of this crisis is anywhere in sight.

Dollar resumes climb as Ukraine tensions rise

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NEW YORK (AFP) - A rise in tensions over Ukraine put the dollar back on its climb upward Thursday, with the yen also benefiting from a push to safe-haven currencies.The US greenback jumped after reports that more than 1,000 Russian troops had entered Ukraine, supporting pro-Moscow separatist rebels fighting Kiev.Despite denials from Moscow, that brought fresh warnings from NATO and Washington and market worries of an escalation of fighting.Russia has to stop lying and has to stop fueling this conflict, US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said.The mask is coming off. We see Russia's actions for what they are: a deliberate effort to support and now fight alongside illegal separatists in another sovereign country.The dollar rose as high as $1.3163 to one euro, before easing back slightly. The market hardly reacted to the upward revision to US second-quarter growth, to a robust 4.2 percent pace, and other positive data.

Cricket star Tendulkar backs new India league

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MUMBAI (AFP) - Batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday threw his weight behind the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL), saying it was the way forward to unearth football talent in the cricket-mad country.There is a lot of sporting talent in the country, but no platform to showcase the talent. Perhaps ISL is the answer, Tendulkar said in Mumbai at the launch of the eight-city franchise-based tournament to be played in October-December.Tendulkar, who retired last year as the leading run-getter in both Test and one-day cricket, is co-owner of the Kochi franchise in the new league that has been modelled on the lines of crickets cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL).While the 40-year-olds fame and fortune is due to his exploits on the cricket field, he said that the most important thing was for Indians to develop and nurture a love of sport.My vision for India is sport for all. It is not about being professional but staying healthy and fit, he said.Meanwhile, Italian World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero, 39, was set to play for Delhi Dynamos and also serve as a brand ambassador for the ISL, a source associated with the league told AFP.He is on board, a formal announcement will be made shortly, the source added.Del Piero, who has been playing more recently in Australia, will be the biggest star in the league that will also feature former French international David Trezeguet and ex-England goalkeeper David James.Eight city-based teams are due to take part in the tournament which runs from October 12 to December 20. Several of the franchises have tie-ups with European football giants such as La Liga champions Atletico Madrid who are the co-owners of Atletico Kolkata.While India are only 150th in the world rankings, football draws big crowds in some parts of the country -- particularly the east -- and has been dubbed the games sleeping giant by Sepp Blatter, president of the world governing body FIFA.The English Premier League (EPL) draws big TV audiences and team owners are hoping to replicate the success of the IPL, the domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament that attracts some of the biggest names in the game.Organised by the All India Football Federation, the ISL is backed by Indias Reliance Industries, which is controlled by the countrys richest man Mukesh Ambani, sports management giant IMG and Rupert Murdochs Star TV.The Indian Super League is an initiative that aims to revolutionise football in this country, Mukesh Ambanis wife Nita, who chairs the organising committee, told The Times of India in an interview Thursday.We are a nation of billion-plus but today most Indian fans, including my own two sons, only talk of EPL, La Liga or the Arsenals of the world. We are hoping to build a system to nurture talent and make our own national football heroes.We all are very excited. However, I must say that these are initial years and we are taking baby steps. The road ahead is long before we take football to its deserving place in Indian sport.Tendulkar and another recently retired cricket great Sourav Ganguly are among the celebrities who are promoting the tournament while several Bollywood stars are also fronting franchises.While most attention is on the ageing foreign stars, at least five of the starting line-up for each team must be Indian.Although some of the countrys top players have agreed deals with ISL teams, national captain Sunil Chhetri is among several India internationals who have so far rejected the chance of joining the league.Although the eight-month long I-League has suspended matches during the ISL, several owners have spoken out against the new tournament, saying it risked undermining grassroots football.

Khan tells COAS, PM's resignation first, rest done

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Imran Khan issues a public ultimatum ‎pertaining to the Prime Minister’s resignation to the federal government until ‎afternoon tomorrow (Friday), after meeting with the Chief of Army Staff ‎‎(COAS) General Raheel Sharif.‎Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chair Imran Khan told his followers that either ‎they would be celebrating independence tomorrow (Friday) or if the demand for Prime ‎Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s resignation is not met then he would announce ‎future course of action.‎After the conclusion of the arbitration process, while addressing his followers ‎Khan said that he has told the COAS, PM’s resignation is top priority, rest of ‎the demands have been accepted. He added that his struggle aided by ‘dharnas’ ‎would continue if incase the PM does not resign.‎Prior to this address when Khan met COAS, it was decided that a judicial ‎commission would be formed, and the Pakistan Army would be the guarantor ‎of this deal between Khan and the government. Khan added that the PM’s ‎resignation is essential otherwise; the investigation of the alleged election ‎rigging cannot be transparent.

Army chief, Imran Khan meeting ends

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) –The meeting between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) ‎General Raheel Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan to resolve current political crisis in the country concluded on early Friday morning.Earlier, Chief of Army Staff had accepted federal government’s request to mediate between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the federal government.General Raheel Sharif will hold a separate meeting with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri later. The sources said that army had asked for 24 hours for mediation.Thousands of demonstrators led by Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan have been camping outside the parliament building in Islamabad since August 15, demanding the prime minister step down.

Army chief to meet Khan, Qadri tonight: DG ISPR

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LAHORE (Dunya News, Web Desk) – As political tension diffuses, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) ‎General Raheel Sharif is scheduled to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and ‎Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri to further the process of mediation between the ‎protestors and the federal government to reach a consensus within 24 hours.‎‎ In a tweet by Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asim Bajwa, it was stated ‎that COAS would meet Khan and Qadri for the process of mediation tonight in Islamabad.‎Army Chief General Raheel Sharifs Meeting with PTI Chairman Imran Khan begins at Rawalpindi— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 28, 2014 Prior to this development, COAS met with Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif to discuss the current ‎political crisis where the PM requested him to play an active role in resolving the crisis, reportedly.

PML-N leaders vow to 'befitting legal fight' over Model Town murder charges

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RAIWIND (Dunya News) – A consultation session of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) prominent leaders headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took place in Raiwind where the leadership decided to fight the charges of Model Town tragedy will ‘full legal force’, Dunya News reported.Federal and provincial ministers along with legal experts were also in attendance. The charges filed against the accused were reviewed in the meeting, following which, it was decided to fight the charges with ‘full legal force’.

Gun attack on private news agency in Quetta, 3 killed

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Quetta (Dunya News) – Unidentified gunmen attacked a private news agency ‎office situated on Kabir building, Jinnah road in Quetta, and killed three people ‎including the Bureau Chief Irshad Mastoi.‎Irshad Mastoi had also held the position of the general secretary of the ‎Balochistan Union of Journalists.‎According to the Quetta police, the firing took place when unidentified gunmen ‎entered the office building and opened fire, killing the three employees on the ‎spot.

Wait for 24 hours: Army Chief tells Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has asked Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) Chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to wait for 24 hours before taking their next step.In a message sent to the leaders of PTI and PAT, Army Chief has asked both to agree upon his mediation in the current turmoil. Army Chief asked for 24 hours to come up with a formula.PAT and PTI chiefs announced the development in their speeches before the participants of the sit-ins.Tahirul Qadri announced on Thursday that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has accepted federal government’s request to mediate between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the federal government, Dunya News reported. He said that government knocked at Army’s door like beggars. He informed the protesters that Army Chief has asked him to agree upon his mediation.Addressing the ‘Inquilab March’ participants, Qadri said that the government has requested twenty four hours for the process of army’s mediation to begin. He said PAT and PTI will be taken as one unit and the federal government as the other.“Army’s members will officially be a part of negotiations”, said Tahirul Qadri. He said that Army Chief’s formula will be presented before the public and if they did not accept that formula, there will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’.On the other hand, Chairman PTI Imran Khan told the protesters that government had asked Army Chief to negotiate. “Army chief, in his message, has asked me to delay my next step”, told Imran Khan. “I think that in the larger interest of the nation, we should respond to Army Chief’s message in a positive manner”, said Chairman PTI. He said, “Tomorrow, either we shall rejoice here or will further our movement”.Imran Khan said that the request had come from Army and Army had never played such a role in Pakistan’s history. Model Town tragedy, revolutionary package and electoral reforms will be discussed in the formula. “We and mediators will be signatories to the formula”, said Imran.

PM Nawaz requests Army Chief's assistance to resolve political crisis: Sources

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ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif met today (Thursday) at PMs residence in Raiwind.According to Dunya News sources, PM Nawaz Sharif has requested Army Chief to resolve the political crisis. Prime Minister and COAS also discussed the Model Town tragedy FIR.Earlier, it was reported that PM and COAS had agreed upon resolving the political crisis through negotiations.PM Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief have met each other repeatedly during the past few days. It was decided between the two that the political crisis must be resolved through negotiations under any condition.After the meeting between PM and Army Chief last week, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had stated that both the parties should hold talks in order to find the solution of the political crisis.Dialogue had started between the government and protesters afterwards and 5 of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) demands were accepted by the government out of 6. However, deadlock came when PTI did not back off from its demand about Prime Minister’s resignation. Government also negotiated with the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Dr. Tahirul Qadri. However, the deadlock could not be removed and both PTI and PAT called off the dialogue process yesterday.However, it has been reported that the Army Chief has now been requested by Prime Minister to play his positive role in ending the political turmoil.

'Nearing the mission', Imran Khan tells protestors to standby as Army Chief steps in to mediate

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan announced on Thursday that PTI is putting its next steps on hold until tomorrow (Friday) on government’s request as Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has stepped forward to mediate between protesters and the federal government, Dunya News reported.Addressing the participants, Khan said that God has made ‘Jihad (struggle)’ against oppression obligatory on the oppressed, reiterating that the system of disbelief can work but the system of oppression cannot.He said the struggle is nearing its destiny, urging the participants not to leave until they hear from him again.Talking about economic corruption, PTI chief said if Pakistan met its true economic potential, people wouldn’t have to go abroad to find employment.He urged the nation to hold rulers accountable for their actions.Talking about his idealistic approach, Khan said his opponents always doubted his determination when he went on to build Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital.“I raised the money for Shaukat Khanum Hospital only when I took to the streets for fundraising… school children helped me a lot,” he said.“When I said SKMH will treat 70% of its patients free of cost, people laughed and today SKMH faces deficit only to provide subsidized treatment. We face deficit of 3.5 crore every year.”Army chief to mediate between PAT-PTI and federal govt: Tahiul QadriPakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri announced on Thursday that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has accepted federal government’s request to mediate between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the federal government, Dunya News reported.Addressing the ‘Inqilab March’ participants, Qadri said that the government has requested twenty four hours for the process of army’s mediation to begin.He said PAT and PTI will be taken as one unit and the federal government as the other.

Toy suspected as explosive sparks panic at 'Azadi March' venue

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A suspected explosive device – that later turned out to be a toy as declared by Assistant Commissioner Kamran Cheema – found near Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s container sparked panic at ‘Azadi March’ venue, Dunya News reported.The bomb disposal squad was summoned as soon as the suspicious device was found near Imran Khan’s container. Police surrounded the area immediately and cleared it after a thorough search.The bomb disposal squad took the suspicious packet with them and after disposal squad’s inspection, it was declared a toy and not an explosive device.The development was confirmed by Assistant Commissioner Islamabad.

Cricket: Zimbabwe struggle ahead of South Africa clash

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HARARE (AFP) - Zimbabwe must overcome the discord in their camp as well as a skill handicap when they take on South Africa in a one-day international triangular series match in Harare on Friday.While Zimbabwe have traditionally struggled against world crickets heavyweights, their challenge appears to have become even greater as the players have taken issue with new coach Stephen Mangongos methods.Zimbabwe have not come close to winning a match since Mangongo took over last month, losing a Test and three ODIs to South Africa, and then sinking to a record 198-run defeat to Australia in Mondays tri-series opener.While South Africa were busy beating Australia by seven wickets on Wednesday, Zimbabwe were reeling from the news that Tinashe Panyangara, one of their senior seamers, had been expelled from the squad for sharing a video of an opposition bowler on the teams Whatsapp group.Ahead of Mondays game, Panyangara sent a video of Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson tearing through the English batting line-up during the recent Ashes series, which the team management deemed to be disruptive.He has subsequently been omitted from the squad for the remainder of the tri-series and sent to train with the A team.Mangongo has also implemented a harsh selection policy since his arrival, insisting that nobody in his team is safe from the axe, and has been disinclined to reassess his methods despite the poor results.Whether youre playing game one, game 20, game 200, pressure is always there, he said of his selection policy. And if you dont perform, I dont see any science in you playing.So yes theres pressure and yes there will always be pressure if you dont do well.South Africa captain AB de Villiers is confident that he will be fit for the encounter, despite suffering from severe cramp in his left leg during his innings on Wednesday.De Villiers magnificent 136 not out from just 106 deliveries saw South Africa chase down an Australian target of 328 with 20 balls to spare.Ive got a history of cramping a lot, especially in the high-adrenaline games, he said. For some reason I start seeing it a bit better when I start cramping.The Proteas will consider a recall for fast bowler Kyle Abbott after Wayne Parnell conceded 66 runs in just seven overs against Australia.However De Villiers insisted that he was not overly concerned by the third seamers berth, and professed himself to be happy with South Africas World Cup preparations.Theres no doubt weve got what it takes, he said. Theres still a long way to go and luckily its not right now - I dont think were 100% ready yet.But were definitely moving at a great pace in the right direction.

Asia shares mostly down, euro claws back some losses

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HONG KONG (AFP) - Asias markets mostly fell Thursday, with investors unable to build on the previous days advances after the S&P on Wall Street notched up another record.With few catalysts to drive trade the dollar retreated from seven-month highs against the yen, while the euro clawed back some losses after Germany dampened speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) would unveil new easing policies.Australian flag-carrier Qantas was the standout performer, surging almost seven percent on hopes for the next 12 months after it announced record annual losses of US$2.65 billion.Tokyo fell 0.48 percent, or 74.96 points, to 15,459.86, Sydney lost 0.47 percent, or 26.78 points, to close lower at 5,624.4 and Seoul ended flat, edging up 0.83 points to 2,075.76.Shanghai gave up 0.62 percent, or 13.65 points, to end at 2,195.82 while Hong Kong lost 0.71 percent, or 177.75 points, to 24,741.00.Global markets are on a general uptrend as the US economy shows regular signs of getting back on track, in turn sending Wall Street to record highs.With focus turning to the release of revised US economic growth data for April-June, trade was muted in new York Wednesday, but still positive.The S&P, which ended above 2,000 for the first time Tuesday, ticked up 0.10 points to another record, while the Dow edged 0.09 percent higher. The Nasdaq eased a fraction but still sits at a 14-year high.On currency markets the dollar fetched 103.76 yen in afternoon Asian trade, compared with 103.86 yen in New York and well down from the 104.20 yen levels seen earlier in the week.The euro bought $1.3198 and 136.97 yen, against $1.3195 and 137.05 yen in New York.- Qantas rallies despite record loss -The single currency picked up Wednesday from seven-month lows against the dollar after Germanys finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble downplayed the prospect of the ECB announcing fresh measures to protect the eurozone economy.The euro had taken a hit at the start of the week, approaching a one-year low against the dollar, after ECB head Mario Draghi hinted the bank could unveil new steps to fend off deflation.Draghi said last week the bank will use all available instruments needed to ensure price stability over the medium term. But Schaeuble said markets over-interpreted the remarks.Shares in Qantas jumped 6.95 percent despite the airline announcing a huge loss in the year to June blamed on a writedown of its ageing international fleet.However, the firms chief executive Alan Joyce he expected a rapid improvement in the groups financial performance -- and a return to underlying profit before tax in the first half of the next fiscal year.On oil markets US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for October delivery eased 36 cents to $93.52 while Brent crude slipped 19 cents to $102.53 in afternoon trade.Gold traded at $1,292.23 an ounce at 1128 GMT, from $1,284.54 late Wednesday.In other markets:-- Mumbai closed up 77.96 points or 0.29 percent at 26,638.11 points.Tata Communications was up 4.47 percent, or 16.10 rupees, at 376.30 rupees, while Indian Bank was down 5.01 percent, or 7.20 rupees, at 136.65 rupees.-- Bangkok lost 0.35 percent or 5.53 points to 1,559.05.Oil giant PTT fell 2.73 percent to 321.00 baht, while coal producer Banpu dropped 1.54 percent to 32.00 baht-- Kuala Lumpurs main index gained 3.30 points, or 0.18 percent, to 1,875.68.Telekom Malaysia added 0.5 percent to 6.30 ringgit, while Malayan Banking rose 0.4 percent to 10.10. Public Bank fell 0.3 percent to 19.28 ringgit.-- Singapore closed down 0.34 percent, or 11.24 points, at 3,330.22.Real estate developer Capitaland fell 0.89 percent to Sg$3.33, while casino operator Genting Singapore eased 1.21 percent to Sg$1.23.-- Jakarta ended up 0.37 percent, or 19.23 points, to 5184.48.State miner Aneka Tambang gained 1.26 percent at 1,205 rupiah, while telecommmunications company Telekomunikasi Indonesia lost 0.55 percent at 2,720 rupiah.-- Taipei was slightly lower, edging down 7.22 points to 9,478.37.IT giant Acer rose 0.82 percent to Tw$24.6 while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. fell 0.4 percent to Tw$125.0.-- Wellington slipped 0.12 percent, or 6.19 points, to 5,237.51.Trade Me was off 1.07 at NZ$3.70 and Air New Zealand added 1.84 percent to NZ$2.215 after Australian rival Qantas posted a record annual loss.-- Manila closed 0.83 percent lower, shedding 59.76 points to 7,100.70.Philippine Long Distance Telephone fell 0.70 percent to 3,388.00 pesos and BDO Unibank eased 0.61 percent to 90.00 pesos, while Metropolitan Bank lost 0.23 percent to 86.00 pesos.
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