Tuesday 23 September 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Army chief summons Corps Commander meeting on Oct 1

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RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday summoned Corps Commander meeting to take place on October 1st, Dunya News reported.The Corps Commander meeting will be headed by the Army Chief and will take place at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.According to the details, tributes will be paid to the retiring corps commanders and the internal and external security situation of the country will be reviewed.The senior military leadership will review the professional attributes of the army and the progress in the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation.Earlier, the chiefs of all three armed forces of Pakistan on Tuesday renewed the determination to eliminate terrorism from the country while expressing satisfaction over the progress of the ongoing operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ against the militants in North Waziristan.The Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting took place in Rawalpindi in which Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashid Mehmood also took part.All three chiefs expressed satisfaction over preparations to deal with the challenges faced by the country.The determination to eliminate terrorism from the country through a ‘comprehensive strategy’ was renewed in the meeting.

Qureshi should read report before commenting: Pervaiz Rasheed

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rasheed on Tuesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi should read Election Commission’s report first and then comment on it, Dunya News reported.Pervaiz Rasheed said that there is a huge difference between rigging and irregularities, asking if ECP’s report claimed rigging in 2013 elections.“On what basis PTI’s vice chairman is claiming that rigging has been confirmed by the ECP report?” he asked.Rasheed said that the ECP report neither mentions ballots printing in Urdu Bazar nor does it talk about ’35 punctures’ allegedly inflicted to rig the election.

'Go Nawaz go' demonstrations welcome PM in London

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LONDON (Dunya News) – Various political parties held anti-government demonstrations outside Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s son Hassan Nawaz’s residence in London as Prime Minister arrived on Tuesday, Dunya News reported.The workers of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) took part in the demonstrations.The demonstrators chanted ‘go Nawaz go’ slogans and demanded the Prime Minister to resign.The protesters were carrying the placards – that had anti-Nawaz Sharif slogans written on them – and flags of their respective political parties.Reportedly, Prime Minister took a detour in Central London for a medical checkup and wasn’t home at the time of demonstration.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is due to arrive in New York for his General Assembly speech on September 26.

Saudis confirm taking part in Syria air strikes

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RIYADH (AFP) - Saudi Arabia confirmed it took part along with Arab allies in US-led air strikes against jihadists from the Islamic State group in Syria on Tuesday.The Saudi Royal Air Force participated in the military operations against IS in Syria, in support of the moderate Syrian opposition, and as part of the international coalition, a government spokesman said, quoted by the official SPA news agency.The coalition, he added, was formed to eliminate terrorism, a deadly disease, and to support the brotherly Syrian people to restore security, unity and development in this stricken country.The statement came after Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates also confirmed their warplanes had taken part in the US-led strikes against jihadists in Syria overnight.The Pentagon said Qatar also took part in the military action.

Baghdad car bomb kills at least 14

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BAGHDAD (AFP) - A car bomb exploded near a market in the Shiite neighbourhood of Sadr City in Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least 14 people, Iraqi police and medical sources said.The car was parked near a market, there are at least 14 killed, a police colonel told AFP. A medical source in the capital confirmed the death toll said at least 37 were also wounded.Iraqi forces backed by US and French warplanes are battling fighters from the Islamic State jihadist group on several fronts across the country.The militants stopped their advance several dozen kilometres (miles) from Baghdad but the city has continued to be plagued by daily violence, including car bombs mainly targeting Shiite areas.Abductions and executions mostly targeting Sunnis are also frequent.

US bans anti-personnel mines except on Korean border

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States said Tuesday it halting the use of anti-personnel mines apart from in the tense No Mans Land between the Koreas, a step closer to compliance with a global convention.On the 20th anniversary of then president Bill Clintons pledge to back the eventual elimination such weapons, Barack Obamas administration said it was aligning its policy on anti-personnel landmines (APLs) with the Ottawa Convention.The US will not use APL outside the Korean peninsula, national security spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.Washington would also undertake to destroy APL stockpiles not required for the defense of the Republic of Korea, she added.The United States would also neither assist nor encourage anyone outside the region to use such mines.The move brings the United States closer than ever to adhering to the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.The announcement, made as Obama headed to the United Nations General Assembly, mirrored intentions foreshadowed by Washington at a conference in Mozambiques capital Maputo in June aimed at ultimately ensuring no armed forces use anti-personnel mines by 2025.Obama was expected to touch upon the issue when he addresses the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, an arm of the former US leaders charitable foundation, in New York.A senior US official told AFP that only the unique circumstances of the Cold War frontier between North and South Korea stood between the United States and the further elimination of the use of land mines.Washington had only been able to pinpoint a single use of a land mine by its forces in a military situation -- apart from between the two Koreas -- in the last 20 years, though would not say where it took place, the official added.-US reviewed position-In 2009, Washington said it was reviewing its position on landmines but -- along with great power rivals China and Russia -- has failed to sign the Ottawa Convention.Nuclear powers India and Pakistan -- which like the two Koreas have a hot frontier -- have not signed up either, nor has arch-foe Iran.Long-standing critics of the US policy say Washingtons rivals are waiting on the United States to move before they do likewise.Tuesdays move could up pressure on states to ban landmines, despite festering territorial disputes breaking out across eastern Europe and the Middle East.The United States remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian effects of anti-personnel landmines, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.As the worlds leading donor to humanitarian mine action, we have long worked to mitigate the human cost of their use, Psaki added.The United States has provided more than $2.3 billion in aid since 1993 in more than 90 countries for conventional weapons destruction programs.Since Mozambique hosted its first landmine conference in 1999, the number of state parties to the mine ban convention has more than tripled from 45 to 161, although key major powers remain on the sidelines.The US stockpile is believed to consist of about nine million self-destructing anti-personnel mines, according to Human Rights Watch.In the past, Obama administration efforts to move towards the elimination of landmines triggered skepticism in Congress, where critics say the United States is not an irresponsible user of landmines and is not to blame for the ongoing humanitarian toll of the weapons.

Google to face charges if it fails to improve settlement: EU

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BRUSSELS (AFP) - US Internet giant Google will face formal charges if it fails to improve its proposals to the European Union to resolve anti-trust complaints over its search engine, EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said Tuesday.Google previously avoided potentially billions in fines when it struck a deal in February with the European Commission, the EU executive branch, over charges that the worlds largest search engine was squeezing out competitors in Europe.Google agreed at the time to give equal prominence to rival services in its search results after competitors -- including Microsoft and TripAdvisor -- argued the company has abused its dominant position in the European market, where it accounts for 90 percent of traffic.But the deal collapsed when the commission received a flurry of new complaints.Almunia told a European parliamentary committee that there had been around 20 formal complaints that gave the EU fresh evidence and solid arguments against several aspects of the latest proposals put forward by Google.At the beginning of the month I have communicated this to the company asking them to improve these proposals. We now need to see if Google can address these issues and allay our concerns, Almunia said.If Googles reply goes in the right direction, the two sides will continue to work out a solution, he said. Otherwise the logical next step is to issue a statement of objection, which would involve formal charges against the company.Almunia frequently came under fire during the hearing in front of the economic and monetary affairs committee.EU rules state that a company found at fault in an anti-trust probe can be fined up to 10 percent of its annual sales, in Googles case some $55.5 billion in 2013.The deals collapse is the third time Google and Brussels have failed to reach a negotiated truce since the Commission launched proceedings in 2010.Almunia, who steps down at the end of October, acknowledged that the matter could carry over to the next Commission, to be headed by Jean-Claude Juncker, and a new competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager.We dont know when the investigation will come to an end, he said.Almunia has been under intense pressure in several European capitals to not cede ground to Google on several fronts, including its search function but also content creation.He defended himself during Tuesdays hearing, saying his decision to request improved proposals from Google was based on facts rather than what he saw in media or heard in parliament.The EU commissioners comments came a day after Google chairman Eric Schmidt urged the bloc to give innovators free rein to deliver the huge economic gains promised by the digital era.Schmidt made the appeal in a piece written as part of a series at the EUs invitation by Internet leaders on how to create a new Europe.

ECP report has confirmed what I have been saying: Imran Khan

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday claimed that the report put on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) website confirmed all the allegations he had been leveling about the rigging in the general elections 2013, Dunya News reported.“ECP itself admitted what we’ve been saying for several months”, he said. “ECP’s report has made me very happy.”Cheering the ‘Azadi March’ participants, Khan said “I want to congratulate you Pakistanis for 41st day of the sit-in protest.”“Whom should I congratulate for the ousting of this report? You and your sit-in” he said.“People are waking up, will fight for the rights of the poor for the first time”, he added.PTI chief said that there are four elements that are needed to become ‘Iqbal’s eagle’.“Speaking truth, controlling fear, controlling self/ being selfless and merit make one Iqbal’s shaheen”, he said.Khan said there are three elements that can change the society which are “justice, education and social welfare”.Imran Khan once again lashed out at the former Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, terming him the ‘Mir Jafar of Pakistan’s democracy’.

Nawaz should be tried under Article 6 for 99' Martial Law: Qadri

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ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr. Tahirul Qadri has said that 99’ Martial Law was imposed because of Nawaz Sharif. He said that Nawaz Sharif should be tried under Article 6 for 99’ Martial Law instead of Pervez Musharraf. He said that revolution is the future of Pakistan and passion cannot be defeated.Speaking at the sit-in today (Tuesday) in Islamabad, Dr. Qadri said that Martial Law was imposed in 1999 because of Nawaz Sharif and it was not challenged in the court. He said that Nawaz Sharif could have removed Pervez Musharraf in appropriate manner if he had some problems. “But Nawaz Sharif removed him silently which stimulated a reaction”, he said. Tahirul Qadri announced that he will never return to Canada now.

Election Commission summons key session on Sep 26

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday summoned a key session to take place on September 26 to review the election rigging allegations, Dunya News reported.The key session will take place on Friday in Islamabad in which National Database Registration Authority (NADRA), Printing Corporation and PCSIR officials will participate.According to the sources, the session will review the election rigging allegations leveled against the Returning Officers (ROs).A ‘fact sheet’ will be produced in the session which will then be presented to the parliamentary committee’s session on September 29.Earlier, Election Commission disowned the review report previously published on its official website. ECP spokesperson said that the report published on the official website was not prepared by the institution. He said that the report actually comprised of recommendations and suggestions given by the national and international observers of Election 2013.According to the ECP spokesperson, Fact Sheet will be presented before the parliamentary committee on September 29. “Election Commission is preparing a fact sheet regarding the role played by Returning Officers (ROs) in the General Elections 2013”, he said.He further stated that the facts regarding the printing of the ballot papers and magnetic ink will also be shared in the fact sheet.The review report published yesterday (Monday) had admitted large-scale irregularities in the elections.

PCB fines 11 including Shahid Afridi for inapt fitness

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LAHORE: (Dunya News) – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined 11 players of the national team including Twenty-20 format skipper Shahid Khan Afridi for inappropriate fitness. 5 players will be rewarded for displaying best fitness as well.According to the new scheme formed by PCB, fitness tests will be conducted every three months. 11 players were fined according to the same scheme while 5 were rewarded. The 11 players fined include Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal and Abdur Rehman.25 percent will be deducted from the central contract fee of the player who displays poor fitness. Players displaying best fitness included Misbahul Haq, Ahmad Shahzad, Bilalwal Bhatti, Umar Amin and Shan Masood.

ECP disowns its review report on Election 2013

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ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Election Commission of Pakistan has disowned the review report published on its official website. ECP spokesperson has said that the report published on the official website has not been prepared by the institution. He said that the report actually comprises of recommendations and suggestions given by the national and international observers of Election 2013.According to the ECP spokesperson, Fact Sheet will be presented before Parliamentary committee on September 29. “Election Commission is preparing a fact sheet regarding the role played by Returning Officers (ROs) in the General Elections 2013”, he said. He further stated that facts regarding printing of the ballot papers and magnetic ink will also be shared in the fact sheet.The review report published yesterday (Monday) had admitted large-scale irregularities in the elections. It said that Article 62, 63 were not implemented correctly and every RO implemented the articles according to his understanding of the articles. Report also said that Election Commission failed to direct the ROs regarding proper scrutiny of the papers. NAB, NADRA, FBR and State Bank of Pakistan did not share complete details about the candidates, according to this report. Report stated that several candidates were cleared without proper scrutiny of nomination papers. Due to delay in the printing, ballot papers reached late at several polling stations.According to the review report the Result Management System made with the help of UNDP proved to be a complete failure. ROs sent the results to ECP which written by hand. Due to errors in Form 16, ROs sent the forms that were hand-written. Confusion was created due to extension in polling time.However, ECP has disowned this report now. Interesting fact is that despite being disowned by the Election Commission, the report is still on ECP’s official website. Report also contains the names of the team-members and logo of Election Commission.

Javed Hashmi submits nomination papers for NA-149 by-elections

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MULTAN: (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) suspended President Makhdoom Javed Hashmi has submitted his nomination papers as an independent candidate for NA-149 by-elections. He said that he has not yet received the show cause notice from PTI.Talking to media on this occasion, Javed Hashmi said that he was ready to plead his case before PTI workers standing on the container if Chairman PTI Imran Khan called him. He said that he tendered his resignation standing on floor of the house so that it gets accepted. He further said that some steps are being taken by PTI which are insulting for workers.Javed Hashmi said that he never had any deal with any party nor was he offered party ticket by any of the parties. He said that designations of Vice Chairman PTI Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Secretary General PTI Jehangir Tareen were unconstitutional while his and Imran Khan’s are constitutional.

Sit-in protesters didn't spare anyone of slander: Hamza Shahbaz

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shahbaz on Tuesday said that the sit-in protesters didn’t spare anyone of slander, adding that he will be able to talk more on the issue once more facts arrive, Dunya News reported.Addressing the media on the occasion of ‘cheque distribution’ event that was held to distribute cheques amongst the families of those martyred and injured in the Daroghawala mosque tragedy, Hamza Shahbaz said the whole nation has witnessed who conspired and that the ‘facts’ are now being unveiled.He said the nation will never forgive those who are staging sit-in and are conspiring against the country.PML-N leader said that his party always stood against corruption and that action will be taken if corruption is proven against any minister. He said full investigation prior to taking any action is essential.Hamza Shahbaz said that the recommendation to form technocrats-led government is Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s personal opinion, adding that the parliament has already expressed full confidence over the Prime Minister. He said that the parliament has fully rejected the demand of Prime Minister’s resignation.PML-N leader distributed Rs 16 lakh each among the families of those martyred and Rs 1 lakh each for those who were injured in the Daroghawala mosque tragedy.

Indian SC cracks down on police 'encounter' killings

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NEW DELHI (AFP) - Indias top court ruled Tuesday that police killings must be independently investigated, seeking to hold the force accountable for a high incidence of extra-judicial killings across the country.Indian police have long come under fire from human rights groups for so-called encounter killings, in which they gun down an alleged criminal to sidestep court procedures and claim the victim fired first.The Supreme Court said every death at police hands must now be recorded and investigated by an independent agency or a police unit not involved in the case.Each death must also be examined by a magistrate, said the court.Amnesty International welcomed the ruling and called for an end to impunity.Too often, investigations into alleged fake encounters are neither independent nor impartial and lead to impunity for these crimes, it said in a statement.The court gave its ruling after the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties filed a petition asking it to investigate the matter.Exact figures are not available, but human rights groups say hundreds of people have been killed in clandestine offensives launched by the police and armed forces over the years.A 2009 Human Rights Watch report quoted an Indian police officer as saying that almost every so-called encounter killing was in fact deliberate.In 99.1 percent (of cases), its fake... in a real encounter, the police would also get injured, said the unnamed officer.Many such cases occur in parts of central and eastern India battling a long-running Maoist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives, and in northern regions where secessionist activities are rife.In one high-profile case in 2005, police in the western state of Gujarat gunned down a Muslim man, Sohrabuddin Sheikh. They claimed he planned to assassinate the then-chief minister Narendra Modi, now Indias prime minister.The state later admitted in court that police had killed Sheikh in a staged gunbattle.
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