Friday 5 September 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

China downplays cancellation of Xi Jinping's Pakistan visit

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BEIJING (Online) - Downplaying reports of cancellation of Chinese President Xi Jinping's maiden Pakistan visit, China Friday said the trip was never officially announced.We have never officially released any information about Xi's visit to Pakistan. Therefore there is no ground for you to say that we have cancelled the trip, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told a media briefing here.Qin made the remarks while responding to a question on Xi calling off the visit due to security considerations in the wake of ongoing anti-government protests in Pakistan.Though officially not announced, Xi was due to visit Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India in that order in the middle of this month.China and Pakistan are friendly neighbours. We enjoy all weather friendship and cooperation in various fields. The two countries maintain close high level interactions. With regard to issues concerning high level visits between the two countries in the next step we are in close communication, Qin said.China has already appealed twice to Pakistan government and protesting parties to settle their differences through dialogue.Qin again appealed for political reconciliation in Pakistan to maintain domestic stability.We hope all relevant parties in Pakistan to make joint efforts to uphold domestic stability, he said.

Defence Day of Pakistan being observed today

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Defence Day of Pakistan is being observed today (Saturday) with renewed pledge and commitment for the defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.On this day in 1965 Pakistans valiant Armed forces and the entire nation stood united to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy who had dared cast an evil eye on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.The day dawned with special prayers for the sovereignty solidarity and integrity of the country. Special prayers would be offered for the eternal peace of the Shuhada, who laid down their lives in defence of the country.Wreath-laying ceremonies would be held at the graves of the recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider, the country’s highest gallantry award.Ceremonies would be held to pay homage to the country’s brave sons who had demonstrated indomitable courage and valour in the defence of the motherland.

Tennis: Williams to face Wozniacki in US Open final

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Serena Williams will fight for an 18th Grand Slam title on Sunday after sweeping past Ekaterina Makarova 6-1, 6-3 on Friday to reach the US Open final.World number one Williams, winner of the past two titles at Flushing Meadows and five overall, will take on Caroline Wozniacki, who was leading 7-6 (7/1) 4-3 when China's Peng Shuai dramatically retired from their semi-final with heat related illness.The American superstar needed exactly one hour to subdue 17th-seeded Makarova, who was playing in her first Grand Slam semi-final after coming up empty in four prior quarter-final appearances.Although she'll be trying to join Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on 18 career major titles, Williams hadn't made it past the fourth round at any of the year's three other Grand Slams.Oh my God, it feels so good, said Williams, who sank almost to her knees screaming Yes when Makarova pushed a last ball wide. I'm so happy, you have no idea.Williams played three straight tournaments in the build-up to the Open, winning titles in Stanford and Cincinnati and reaching the semi-finals in Montreal.Along the way she beat Wozniacki twice, in the quarter-finals at Montreal and semis in Cincy, both times needing three sets.It's definitely given me a lot of confidence, playing all summer, Williams said, adding that she was looking forward to playing her good friend Wozniacki -- and perhaps improving her 8-1 career record over the Dane.She obviously wants to win and go for her first Grand Slam and I want to win and make a little history, Williams said.

Tennis: Mirza and Soares win US Open mixed doubles title

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NEW YORK (AFP) - India's Sania Mirza captured her third Grand Slam mixed doubles title on Friday, winning the US Open crown with Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.Mirza and Soares defeated American Abigail Spears and Mexico's Santiago Gonazalez 6-1, 2-6, 11-9.Soares claimed a second US Open mixed doubles title to go with his 2012 victory with Russian Ekaterina Makarova. Mirza had lifted mixed doubles titles at the 2009 Australian Open and 2012 French Open with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi.Mirza's win comes just a month after she was described by a Hindu nationalist politician as Pakistan's daughter-in-law and unfit to be a representative of India.The blast was delivered by K. Laxman, a regional legislator belonging to the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who questioned the credentials of Mirza to be brand ambassador for the country's newest state Telengana.Mirza, 27, and married to former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, broke down in tears over the conrtroversy.It was tough, you know. Just before I left there was a lot happening at home. But, yeah. Still a proud Indian, I guess, five weeks later, said Mirza, whose women's doubles campaign with Zimbabwe partner Cara Black ended on Thursday at the hands of Martian Hingis and Flavia Pennatta.Mirza and Soares, playing their first event together, needed six match points to take victory on Friday with the Indian star celebrating by performing an enthusiastic bunny hop into the arms of the Brazilian.

Athletics: Gatlin scorches to Diamond League sprint double

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BRUSSELS (AFP) - US sprinter Justin Gatlin rolled back the years to scorch to a rare 100-200m double at the final Diamond League meet of the season on Friday.Belying his 32 years, Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic 100m gold medallist and double sprint world champion in 2005 before serving a 2006-10 doping ban, first raced the 100m and won by setting a season's fastest time of 9.77sec.Amazingly, the American's time matched his world record-equalling mark set in Qatar in 2006 -- later rescinded because of his doping infraction. Only four men have ever run faster: Jamaica's Usain Bolt, American Tyson Gay, and Jamaican duo Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell.Gatlin then returned to the track just an hour later and blasted to an incredible victory in the 200m in 19.71sec, just 0.03 slower than his own world leading time.I wanted to go undefeated, Gatlin said. There's one man (Bolt) who's dominated for years and I want to come up against that.Gatlin came to Brussles with the fastest times of the year in both sprints -- 9.80 in the 100m and 19.68sec in the 200m.And he went one better at the King Baudouin Stadium to maintain his unbeaten season record over the blue riband event, with Bolt having already called it a day after his injury-plagued year.Gatlin, in lane three of nine, blasted out of the blocks and held an almost immediate lead over a formidable field that included the second and fourth fastest men of all time in the respective shapes of Gay and Powell.With no big screen at the finishing line, athletes at the Brussels arena have no choice but to charge for the line rather than eyeing up rivals' positions and possibly easing up.Dressed in a figure-gripping red, white and blue sprint singlet, Gatlin did just that to edge out fellow-American Michael Rodgers (9.93), but fell just 0.01sec short of Bolt's stadium record set in 2011.All the Americans are running fast and I felt I was getting my groove back, said the 29-year-old Rodgers, a world indoor 60m silver medallist in 2010 and part of the world silver-winning US 4x100m relay team in Moscow last year.I am happy with 9.93, a season's best. But I had expected to be a little closer to Justin. As soon as I was behind him in the race, I knew it was over.Former world record holder Powell finished third in 9.95sec, one-hundredth of a second ahead of Commonwealth champion and fellow-Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole.I just started my season and this season was not easy for me, said Powell, who is making his return to action after successfully getting an 18-month doping ban cut to six months on appeal.I'm satisfied with this performance. I'm improving all the time and I hope to back at a higher level next year.European champion James Dasaolu of England finished fifth in a season's best of 10.00sec, 0.01 in front of Gay, the former world champion who also only recently returned to action after a doping ban.Gatlin, who was and remains the target of many critics who believe in lifetime bans for drug cheats, later returned to the track and after another cracking start, led from gun to tape to complete an unlikely double for a sprinter who could be considered to be in the swansong of his career.

Oil prices sag after disappointing US jobs data

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Oil prices dropped Friday, pulled lower by a disappointing US employment report that suggested weaker economic growth.US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for October delivery slid $1.16 to $93.29 a barrel.In London, Brent North Sea crude for October dropped $1.01 to $100.82 per barrel.Hopes that the US would turn in a seventh straight month of strong jobs generation were dashed when August's number came in at just 142,000 net new positions, 80,000 less than expected.The Labor Department data supported the view that the economy is still struggling to pick up speed, and that wages remain very flat, holding back consumer spending.That came on the back of poor data for the eurozone that has depressed the outlook for fuel consumption there.The jobs data has raised questions about what was probably one of the strong points in the economic outlook that has been helping support oil prices, said Gene McGillian of Tradition Energy.It kind of raised the concern that we have more than ample supply and weak fuel demand.Sentiment was also weighed down by continued doubts about a ceasefire plan between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels, and President Barack Obama's warning that the US might still go ahead with fresh sanctions on Moscow next week.The market is taking a wait-and-see approach on whether it (the ceasefire) is going to hold, said McGillian.

Poor US jobs report pushes dollar lower

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The US dollar was lower against the euro Friday after a disappointing employment report for August dimmed expectations that the Federal Reserve might accelerate its planned rate hike next year.Hopes that the US would turn in a seventh straight month of strong jobs generation were dashed when Augusts number came in at just 142,000 net new positions, 80,000 less than expected.The Labor Department data supported the view that the economy is still struggling to pick up speed, and that wages remain very flat, holding back consumer spending.That in turn took some pressure off the Fed to address growing talk of a looming inflation threat. The Fed has projected a rate hike for the second half of 2015, but inflation hawks were pressing for one in the early part of the year.Significant slack remains, and thus monetary policy needs to be patient in removing stimulus, said Eric Rosengren, head of the Boston Federal Reserve branch.The dollar nevertheless remained below $1.30 per euro, the level it broke for the first time in more than a year on Thursday after the European Central Bank unexpectedly cut interest rates and announced an asset purchase program to boost the economy.The dollars upward march against the yen also took a minor breather Friday, and the euro slipped lower against the Japanese currency as well.

IHC ends Pakistan Cricket Board row

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ISLAMABAD (AFP) – Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday rejected objections to the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) new constitution, saving the sport another administrative crisis after a previous 14-month leadership struggle.The Islamabad High Court rejected a petition which raised objections that the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB's) newly implemented constitution was drafted without consultation by some stakeholders.The four petitioners' objection on the constitution was rejected as they tried to mislead the court by concealing facts, Justice Athar Minallah said in his judgement. The four petitioners -- Nadeem Sadal, Mohammad Rafiq, Aamir Nawab and Ameer Haider, who are all either cricket officials or former local players -- were fined one million rupees each ($10,000) which will be paid to the PCB.It was also Sadal's petition in May last year that led to then PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf's suspension after an Islamabad high court termed his election dubious.That judgement triggered a prolonged tussle over the leadership, which saw Ashraf and Najam Sethi changing hands for the PCB chairmanship five times.In July this year the Supreme Court ordered the PCB to implement the new constitution under which the board of governors would elect a new chairman, a system deemed to be fairer that the previous selection process.Former diplomat Shaharyar Khan was elected as PCB chairman last month under the new constitution, his second tenure after he served as chairman between 2003 to 2006.

Brathwaite century boosts WIndies

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KINGSTOWN (AFP) - Kraigg Brathwaites second Test hundred was the foundation-stone of a formidable West Indies batting effort as the home side closed a rain-affected first day of the first Test against Bangladesh on Friday at 264 for three.On a day when the tourists relied heavily on debutant spinners Taijul Islam and Shuvagata Hom on a placid pitch at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent, Brathwaites unbeaten 123 off 269 deliveries (eight fours) reflected the 21-year-olds unflappability in almost any circumstances.The rookie opener put on 116 for the first wicket with Chris Gayle (64) to make Mushfiqur Rahim regret his decision to put the West Indies in to bat on winning the toss at the start of the day. Inevitably, the phlegmatic Barbadian faded into anonymity compared to his big-hitting opening partner, who counted ten fours and one six in his innings before he fell just after the lunch interval.Darren Bravo joined in the steady accumulation of runs following the comparatively swift dismissal of Kirk Edwards, contributing 62 to a 128-run third-wicket partnership before a careless off-drive off Taijul offered a simple catch to Mahmudullah at mid-off.Shivnarine Chanderpul, who took 183 off the Bangladeshis playing for a St Kitts Invitational XI in a three-day match in Basseterre the previous weekend, will resume on the second morning with Brathwaite after the heaviest, most sustained rainfall of the day brought an early end to play.Through his five-and-a-half-hour occupation of the crease so far, the stodgy right-hander once more displayed vast reserves of patience and concentration in keeping with the celebrated qualities and reputation of the 40-year-old with whom he will resume the innings on the second morning, weather permitting.He did enjoy a moment of luck though after reaching three figures, Mushfiqur failing to hold on to an outside edge behind the stumps off the bowling of Shuvagata.It was the off-spinning all-rounder who finally got the first breakthrough for the visitors, the request for a television referral overturning an on-field not out verdict to an LBW appeal when Gayle missed an attempted sweep at the bowler just after lunch. In the only period of success for Bangladesh, Taijul was celebrating his first Test wicket shortly after, Edwards taken smartly by Mominul Haque at silly-point.However there was little else to cheer Bangladesh, except for the determination of the newcomers as Taijul and Mominul delivered 52 of the 87 overs bowled the day. As well as they performed, Mushfiqur would have been hoping for greater effectiveness from his more experienced campaigners, but that never materialised.After starting with five consecutive maiden overs, Al-Amin Hossain lacked penetration, as did new ball partner Rubel Hossain, while Mahmudullah, on the ground where he claimed eight wickets on a sensational match-winning Test debut five years earlier, was the most disappointing of all in conceding 31 runs off five mediocre overs of off-spin.

Cricket: Root ton sees England avoid India whitewash

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LEEDS (AFP) - Joe Root's hundred in his first one-day international at his Yorkshire home ground laid the platform for England's much-needed 41-run win over India at Headingley on Friday.India still won the series 3-1 but England's victory in the finale meant they avoided being whitewashed by the world champions.Root's 113 was the cornerstone of England's 294 for seven -- their best ODI total of the season and a vast improvement on their 206 all out in a nine-wicket defeat by India at Edgbaston on Tuesday. India faltered in their pursuit of 295, with Ravindra Jadeja's dashing 87 at number seven too late to turn the tide and when he was last man out they had been dismissed for 253.We played really well, we know what we can do, England captain Alastair Cook told the BBC.One good game in four isn't good enough.Joe Root played fantastically well. He went on and a couple of other guys supported him. That's what we've been trying to do.Meanwhile Root said: It's nice to get a win. It was tough to start with but once you got used to the wicket it got easier and I took a few more risks towards the end and it came off.India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed the defeat on his batsmen.We gave away too many wickets. There were quite a few soft dismissals and we were not able to score the number of runs we were supposed to.It seemed India would restrict England to another meagre total when the hosts slumped to 117 for four after losing the toss.But Root, who became the first Yorkshireman to score an ODI hundred at Headingley, and Jos Buttler (49) repaired the damage with a fifth-wicket partnership of 108.For England, it was initially an all-too-familiar story as India's pacemen make early breakthroughs before wickets fell to the spinners while runs dried up.England found themselves 39 for two off seven overs.Under-pressure skipper Cook, trying to break the shackles, made 46 before he top-edged a sweep against off-spinner Suresh Raina and was caught by wicketkeeper Dhoni.Dhoni then stumped Eoin Morgan (14) off Ravichandran Ashwin's off-spin. But the re-introduction of pace saw Buttler uppercut Yadav for six.England at last enjoyed a productive batting powerplay, scoring 55 runs for no wickets in five overs.But Buttler fell when he set off for a non-existent single and was run out by Dhoni.Man-of-the-match Root, though, slog-swept spinner Jadeja for six to complete a 105-ball century.But Root's second and highest ODI hundred ended when an intended 'ramp' off Mohammed Shami went straight to Ashwin at short fine leg.However, his century ensured England's attack had a total they could defend.- Rahane duck -India's run-chase started badly when they lost Ajinkya Rahane, who made a maiden ODI hundred at Edgbaston, for a third-ball duck when he steered James Anderson's outswinger straight to Morgan at point.Virat Kohli's miserable tour continued when, on 13, he was squared up by Anderson, who took an economical two for 39, and edged to Cook at slip.But Shikhar Dhawan, who made an unbeaten 97 at Edgbaston, swept off-spinner Ali for six.However, trying to repeat the shot, he was bowled three balls later by Ali for 31.Fast bowler Steven Finn then had Ambati Rayudu and Raina dropped in the same over.But man-of-the-series Raina fell for 18 when, trying to cut Ali, he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Buttler.Rayudu completed a fine fifty before, on 53, he saw an ugly swipe off Stokes lob to Cook at mid-on.And India's victory hopes all but evaporated when dangerman Dhoni, on 29, somehow cut a wide Finn delivery low to Stokes at point.That left India 173 for six in the 37th over. Jadeja hit out before playing on to the persevering Finn as England won with eight balls to spare.

Imran Khan announces to recede 'Azadi March' to D-Chowk

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) -- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Friday announced to receding the ‘Azadi March’ sit-in protest back to the D-Chowk, reiterating that the protesters won’t leave without Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation, Dunya News reported.Khan said that those engaging in the blame game in parliament are maligning the Pakistan army.Addressing the ‘Azadi March’ participants, Khan said he is fighting Pakistan’s fight and not his own, adding that PTI marchers have come to Islamabad on people’s signal. He said the protesters will not leave without Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.PTI chief said that some people thought that the protesters will leave after getting exhausted, claiming that the number of sit-in participants is increasing continuously. He said PTI has almost won the fight for a ‘new Pakistan’.Imran Khan reiterated that PTI marched on Islamabad on the signal of the people and not of the army, adding that those accusing PTI of doing so are actually maligning the army.PTI chief said that the rulers are leading luxurious lives while putting the whole financial burden on the poor. He said awakening of Pakistani nation is critical.

Hillary Clinton says will decide White House run early 2015

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MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said Friday she would likely decide whether she will join the 2016 presidential race after the start of next year.Clinton, who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Barack Obama in 2008, is widely expected to make another run for the White House.I will be making a decision around probably after the first of the year about whether I am going to run again or not, the former first lady said in Mexico City at a forum hosted by the Telmex Foundation of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.Its a very serious undertaking, so obviously Im thinking about it, but I have not made a decision yet, said Clinton, who has previously indicated that she would not make an announcement before the end of this year.She was speaking just as a potential rival in the 2016 election, Republican Governor Chris Christie, was wrapping up a three-day visit to Mexico seen as a way to burnish his foreign policy credentials.Clinton said her experiences as first lady, senator and secretary of state have given her a unique vantage point about what makes the United States operate well and what doesnt, and what a president can do and should be doing.Speaking to 10,000 young Mexicans who have received Telmex Foundation scholarships, Clinton shared her life experiences but also briefly touched on world affairs, voicing concern about Russias role in the Ukraine conflict.I do worry about President Putins view that Russia should dominate its borders and intimidate people beyond its borders, using gas and oil as a weapon, even where we are seeing now with Ukraine, military force, she said.It is very important that Europe remain whole, stable and at peace and that Russia be persuaded or somehow convinced, even coerced, into looking toward the future, not the past, said Clinton, who served as the top US diplomat during Obamas first term between 2009-2013.Before her appearance, Ukraine and pro-Moscow rebels signed a ceasefire agreement in Minsk, raising hopes for an end to the five-month war.Obama, speaking at the end of a NATO summit in Wales, said US and European Union sanctions against Russia over the crisis would likely remain in place despite the ceasefire but could be lifted if the truce holds.About 2,600 people have died in fighting in east Ukraine between government forces and pro-Russia rebels that Kiev maintains are armed by Moscow.

France to rule on Russia warship delivery in October

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NEWPORT (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande on Friday said he would decide in October whether or not to deliver two warships to Russia in a 1.2-billion euro($1.6 billion) deal.I will decide at the end of the month of October, based on the situation, he said, referring to the implementation of a newly announced ceasefire in Ukraine which has sparked hopes of an end to the conflict.We were never forced to suspend the contracts, Hollande said.I thought it was not possible to deliver the first ship at the end of October while there was proof that Russian military could be intervening in Ukraine, he said.A well-informed source said France was still building the first of two controversial Mistral-class helicopter-carrying ships for Russia.The DCNS group, which is in charge of building the Mistral, declined to comment when contacted by AFP on Thursday.It also declined comment on the penalties France would have to pay by not honouring its contract -- thought to run into billions of euros.Paris agreed in 2011 to build and sell the two assault ships to Russia, with the first scheduled for delivery in October or November and the second in 2015.However, under fierce criticism from allies including Britain and the United States, France earlier this week said it had suspended the delivery.

European stocks slip after ECB surprise

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LONDON (AFP) - Europe's main stock markets closed mixed on Friday as investors digested the ECB's surprise deflation-fighting stimulus measures and figures showed US unemployment dropped less than hoped, dealers said.Investors were also anxiously tracking talks aimed at sealing a ceasefire in Ukraine, after almost five months of conflict.In Paris, the CAC 40 closed 0.19 percent lower at 4,486.49 points.Frankfurt's main DAX index gained 0.23 percent to 9,747.02 points, while London's benchmark FTSE 100 slid by 0.33 percent to 6,855.10 points.Momentum has ground to a halt in the FTSE following the ECB's statements yesterday, as traders have a distinct 'what now' mentality, said IG analyst Alastair McCaig.The mood was also soured by official data confirming that the 18-nation eurozone economy stagnated in the second quarter, with zero growth.- Euro recovers -The ECB cut its key interest rate to a record-low of 0.05 percent on Thursday, from 0.15 percent, and announced an asset-purchase plan to counter deflation pressures, boost lending and lift sluggish growth.ECB President Mario Draghi stopped short of so-called quantitative easing (QE) -- when central banks buy securities on a big scale to inject cash into the economy -- but said the radical policy had been discussed.The news pushed the euro down sharply and boosted European and US stocks on Thursday. In foreign exchange activity, the European single currency recovered to $1.2961, up from $1.2945 late in New York the previous day.The euro had slumped to a 14-month low of $1.2920 after the ECB move.The dollar jumped to its highest level against the Japanese currency since the financial crisis, hitting 105.71 yen -- last seen in early October 2008 -- before pulling back to 104.93 yen. The euro has slightly rebounded, however this has only regained a fraction of the losses seen yesterday where the currency dramatically tumbled off the back of an unexpected interest rate cut by the ECB, said Spreadex analyst Sam Fox.Concern is growing that the European economy, after making it through the sovereign debt crisis and the prospect of the collapse of the single currency, may now be poised for years of stagnation or low growth.The measures have had the intended effect to push the euro lower, said CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson.Without significant structural reform at the same time... they merely defer the hard decisions and make the prospect of difficult discussions about full-blown QE that much more likely.- Eyes on US data -Adding to the dollar's strength is an expectation the Federal Reserve will bring forward an interest rate rise as the US economy picks up pace.On Friday the US Labor Department said unemployment had decreased by only 142,000 to 6.1 percent in August compared with the previous month. Analysts had expected more than 200,000 new jobs, to maintain a six-month streak over that benchmark. This would have demonstrated consistent strength in the US economy.Markets on Wall Street opened down but had regained some ground by midday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average had risen 0.15 percent to 17,095.20 points.The broad-based S&P 500 was up 0.07 percent to 1,999.00, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.05 percent at 4,560.05.In corporate news, shares in BP closed up 2.59 percent boosted by news of a ceasefire between Kiev and separatist fighters in the east of Ukraine. BP owns 20 percent of Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft.The oil giant's stock tumbled yesterday after a US judge ruled it acted with gross negligence ahead of the massive 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.In London currency deals, the single currency rose to 79.43 pence from 79.23 pence late on Thursday, while the pound dipped to $1.6308 from $1.6337.The price of gold rebounded to $1,266 per ounce after falling to $1,257.39 -- the lowest level in almost three months -- down from $1,271.50 on Thursday on the London Bullion Market.

Ch Nisar insists to hold presser, offers party resignation

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif summoned Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar on Saturday morning as Nisar insists on going ahead with the presser to respond to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan’s speech, Dunya News reported.According to the reports, Chaudhry Nisar has insisted on going ahead with the press conference and has offered his resignation from party’s membership if told otherwise. The Prime Minister, however, has reportedly rejected the resignation offer.According to sources, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahtab Abbasi, Hamza Shahbaz, federal ministers Khawaja Saad Rafique and Zahid Hamid have also been trying to stop Chaudhry Nisar from going ahead with the presser.Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif unsuccessfully advised the Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and tried to convince him not to proceed with his planned press conference.Reportedly, Ch Nisar refused to cancel his press conference scheduled for tomorrow.The meeting between the Interior Minister and Prime Minister continued for over three hours and both leaders exchanged views over the ongoing political crisis in the country.Prime Minister reportedly recommended the Interior Minister not to indulge in anymore bitterness with opposition leaders, fearing it will escalate situation.Ch Nisar responded by saying that he wants to exhibit a document in the scheduled presser.
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