Tuesday 1 September 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Tennis: Federer cruises as US Open quit list hits record nine

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Five-time champion Roger Federer breezed through sweltering conditions at the US Open on Tuesday as the crushing heat and humidity took the number of first-round retirements to a record nine.Second-seeded Federer had little trouble in seeing off Argentinas world number 34 Leonardo Mayer 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in just 77 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.The 34-year-old Swiss, bidding to become the oldest champion in New York in 45 years, fired 12 aces, 29 winners and broke serve six times.The 17-time Grand Slam champion goes on to face either Marcos Baghdatis or Steve Darcis.I feel good now. I actually wasnt so confident yesterday. I just felt like maybe it could be one of those matches I just couldnt see coming, said Federer, who had saved five match points to beat Mayer in their only other meeting in Shanghai last year.So thankfully I took this match extremely serious. I thought at times almost I was taking it a bit too serious.The days big drama was being served-up on Court Five, where Australias Thanasi Kokkinakis retired on one leg in the fifth set against French 12th seed Richard Gasquet.The 19-year-old Kokkinakis, who was caught up in compatriot Nick Kyrgioss infamous sex slur against Stan Wawrinka in Montreal, suffered cramping and was warned by the umpire that he was putting his health at risk if he continued.But he battled on, serving from a standing start and forced to play at walking pace before he finally gave up, losing 4-6, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, 2-0 after almost three hours in 30-degree heat.He was the eighth man to retire from the first round, a record for the US Open before Kazakhstans Aleksandr Nedovyesov quickly became the ninth.He was down 6-0, 7-6 (7/2), 1-0 to former champion Lleyton Hewitt when he called a halt after suffering a right shoulder injury.Earlier, Latvias Ernests Gulbis also quit, handing Great Britains Aljaz Bedene a 3-6, 6-4, 3-0 win.Six men had retired on Monday.Its just frustrating because I started playing good tennis. I was getting fired up, said Kokkinakis.I actually felt all right. My energy levels were good, and then I went up to hit a swing and volley or something, and both my calves -- it was just a disaster.American number one John Isner breezed past Malek Jaziri of Tunisia 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 on the back of 24 aces and 54 winners.Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych, who made the semi-finals in 2012, was also a comfortable winner, seeing off American wildcard Bjorn Fratangelo 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.Japan may have lost fourth seed Kei Nishikori in the first round on Monday, but 19-year-old Yoshihito Nishioka restored some national pride with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-7 (7/9), 6-1, 6-2 win over fellow qualifier Paul-Henri Mathieu of France.In the womens draw, Lucie Safarova joined the seeds casualty list when the Czech left-hander became the fourth top-10 player to lose in the first round.Sixth-seeded Safarova slipped to a 6-4, 6-1 defeat to Ukraines Lesia Tsurenko, the woman she beat in the semi-finals in New Haven just last week.Safarova, the French Open runner-up, joins seventh seed Ana Ivanovic, eighth-ranked Karolina Pliskova and Carla Suarez Navarro, the 10th seed, in failing to get out of the first round.With world number three Maria Sharapova having pulled out of the tournament through injury, Safarovas defeat also served to ease Serena Williamss path to a calender Grand Slam.World number two Simona Halep avoided the upsets when she reached the second round thanks to New Zealand opponent Marina Erakovic retiring with a knee injury.Halep was leading 6-2, 3-0 when her 99th-ranked rival called it quits.Romanian 23-year-old Halep goes on to face Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine.Fourth-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, a two-time runner-up, also avoided the cull by beating American college champion Jamie Loeb, ranked at 413 in the world, 6-2, 6-0.Spanish ninth seed Garbine Muguruza won her first match since making the Wimbledon final when she saw off Germanys Carina Witthoeft 6-2, 6-4.In the Tuesday night session, third seed Andy Murray, the 2012 champion, begins his campaign against the controversial Kyrgios, the world number 37.The 20-year-old Australian has lost all three of his matches against Murray.

Tennis: Halep through to US Open second round, Tennis, Sports

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Second seed Simona Halep reached the US Open second round on Tuesday when New Zealand opponent Marina Erakovic retired with a knee injury.Halep was leading 6-2, 3-0 when her 99th-ranked rival called it quits, having received a medical timeout for treatment on her right knee at the end of the first set.Romanian 23-year-old Halep goes on to face either Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine or Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan for a place in the last 32.I had a good start. I was aggressive and played my best tennis today, said Halep.I know I can play my best tennis here. I have no expectations. Serena is there. I just want to play my best tennis.

Football: Real Madrid, Man Utd clash over De Gea deal

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MADRID (AFP) - European giants Real Madrid and Manchester United exchanged recriminations on Tuesday after goalkeeper David de Geas proposed move to the Spanish club broke down at the 11th hour.Madrid accused United of sending the documents needed to complete the deal after the Spanish deadline had passed, but the English club laid the blame at Madrids door and said they were delighted by the outcome.Madrid seemed set to conclude the long-running transfer saga late on Monday with a deal worth between 30 million ($33.9 million) and 40 million euros and involving Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas joining United.But Spanish league sources confirmed that the player had not been registered and Madrid admitted they had sent the required documentation to the league after the window closed at midnight local time (2200 GMT) on Monday.Manchester United introduced into the Transfer Matching System (TMS) the details for the transfer of David de Gea, not those for Keylor Navas, at 00:00 Spanish time, sending simultaneously to Real Madrid the signed transfer contracts, Madrid said in a lengthy post on their website on Tuesday.Real Madrid received the complete documentation at 00:02 and tried to access the TMS, but this was already closed.Madrid, facing the possibility of a contentious situation in the transfer of the player, decided to send the contracts to the Spanish Professional League, even knowing the deadline had already passed.In conclusion, Real Madrid did everything necessary in every moment to try to finalise these two transfers.A few hours later, United responded with a statement of their own in which they said that they had acted appropriately and efficiently.United said Madrid had returned an incomplete version of a key document, made major late changes to documentation and had sent the documents needed to cancel De Geas contract just five minutes before the deadline.United claimed that they had uploaded the transfer agreement on to the TMS before the deadline and said that the deal fell through because Madrid did not upload documentation relating to De Gea in time.Manchester United acts appropriately and efficiently in its transfer dealings, United added.The club is delighted that its fan-favourite double Player of the Year, David de Gea, remains a Manchester United player.Despite Madrids long-standing interest in De Gea, negotiations between the two clubs for the player did not begin until Monday.Madrid have not indicated whether they intend to appeal to footballs governing body FIFA in an attempt to force the transfer through.FIFA refused to comment on the specific details of the case when contacted by AFP on Tuesday, but confirmed that no appeal had been lodged by any of the parties involved.De Gea has just one year left on his contract at Old Trafford, meaning he could join Madrid for free next year if the transfer does not go through now.The Spanish press slammed Madrids failure to deliver their prized target in the transfer market, with the front pages of sports newspapers Marca and Sport describing the situation as ridiculous.The Spain international has not featured in any of Uniteds six games so far this season, with manager Louis van Gaal claiming the 24-year-old had lost focus due to Madrids interest.Madrid were in the market for a goalkeeper after Spain captain Iker Casillas ended his 25-year association with the club by moving to Porto in July.De Gea joined United from Reals city rivals Atletico Madrid in 2011 and despite a shaky start went on to shine, winning the clubs fans and players Player of the Year awards for the past two seasons.However, he refused to sign a new deal with United due to his desire to return to Spain with Real.A stand-off between the two clubs ensued, with United also expressing their interest in Madrid captain Sergio Ramos before he ended speculation over his future by signing a new five-year deal.

Olympics: Los Angeles enters 2024 Olympic race

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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Los Angeles joined the race to win the 2024 Olympics here Tuesday after city leaders gave unanimous backing for a bid to stage the sporting extravaganza for a third time.The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) formally named Los Angeles as its candidate soon after the city council members voted 15-0 in favour of supporting the bid.We are thrilled to be partnering with Los Angeles as our US bid city for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, USOC chief Scott Blackmun said. LA has the proven experience in hosting the Games, and knows how to deliver world-class events for athletes and an extraordinary experience for fans.Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics twice before, in 1932 and in 1984, widely regarded as one of the most commercially successful Games of the modern era.The Olympics loves LA & LA loves the Olympics, said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. We hope to return the Games back home.The United States has not hosted a Summer Olympics since the Atlanta Games in 1996.Los Angeles faces fierce competition from other cities which have already entered the race for the 2024 Games, including Paris, Rome, Hamburg and Budapest. The decision to award the Games will be taken in 2017. Leading British bookmakers Ladbrokes have installed Paris as the early favourite at evens, with Rome 4/1 and Los Angeles and Hamburg at 7/1. Los Angeles re-entered the running to be the US pick for 2024 after USOCs original choice Boston withdrew amid fears of taxpayers being left on the hook for cost overruns. LA24, the nonprofit running the Los Angeles bid, last week issued a detailed 200-page draft bid book which bullishly projected the games could deliver a surplus despite a $4.6 billion price tag. Local businessman and philanthropist Casey Wasserman, the chair of LA24, said an Olympics in Los Angeles can be and will be the most responsible Games possible. LA24 said the Games could generate $4.8 billion, resulting in a profit of around $161 million. Los Angeles city analysts however sounded a note of caution last week, stating it was difficult to determine the fiscal impact and risk to the city of hosting the 2024 Games at this time. A review of the budget detailed in the bid book warned that costs for one of the key construction projects, the Olympic Village, may significantly exceed the projected $1 billion it was expected to cost. Tuesdays city council vote backing the Olympic bid contains wording which allows Los Angeles City ongoing scrutiny of possible bid costs.This is the engagement not the wedding -- and now were in the prenup stages, council leader Wesson said in Tuesdays hearing.The Los Angeles bid relies heavily on existing venues such as the downtown Staples Center, home of the NBAs Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, which would host gymnastics. A revamped Los Angeles Coliseum -- the main Olympic stadium used in the 1932 and 1984 Games -- will be at the heart of the Olympics. The bid also outlines plans to incorporate famous Los Angeles city landmarks and attractions, such as mountain biking in the shadow of the Hollywood sign, beach volleyball on the golden sands of Santa Monica and Hollywood Boulevard hosting the marathon and road cycling.

Boxing: Focused Berto ignoring Mayweather 'hoopla'

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Andre Berto said Tuesday that he is blocking out the hype and criticism for his welterweight world title fight against the unbeaten Floyd Mayweather in which he is a massive underdog.He may have lost three of his last six fights but Berto, 31, a two-time former champion, says he is in the best shape of his life, as he attempts to become the first man to beat pound-for-pound king Mayweather.Mayweather says he intends to hang up his gloves after the September 12 showdown in Las Vegas and he infuriated boxing fans in handpicking Berto when there were more than half a dozen more attractive -- but more dangerous -- fighters in the field.Mayweather will match the 49-0 record of legend Rocky Marciano if -- as expected -- he defeats Berto.But Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) is laughing off all the flak, talk of records and his opponents propensity for showing off his staggering wealth to the world on social media and on television.I dont get caught up in all that. I dont get caught up in all the hoopla and all the crazy shit, Berto told reporters in a conference call.I dont want to get caught up and caught off guard... Im on a mission.He was similarly dismissive about people eager to point out those three defeats, one of which came when he had a shoulder injury that required surgery, leaving him fearing for his career. I never really care too much about people hating on my situation. Ive had haters since I was at high school, when I was stealing their girlfriends and all that, said Berto.If you are not doing something right, they are not going to hate on you. I dont care too much about criticism.

Climate: CO2 will forever alter key ocean microbes

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BONN (AFP) - Like a chemistry experiment gone awry, global warming will irrevocably mutate a micro-organism that plays a crucial role in the ocean food chain, reports a study published Tuesday.Rising atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, will eventually transform an entire group of these tiny creatures, called cyanobacteria, into turbo-charged nitrogen-processing machines, laboratory experiments showed.This would fundamentally change the nitrogen cycle of the ocean, explained lead author David Hutchins, a professor at the University of Southern California.And even if CO2 concentrations were to return to present levels or even below, the organisms would not return to the way they were.Our study suggests that some microbes may adapt to future environmental changes... in ways that appear to be irreversible, Hutchins told AFP by email.Phytoplankton -- at the bottom of the ocean food chain -- are miniscule free-floating plants that feed, among other things, on various forms of nitrogen. The most abundant type of nitrogen -- in the air and water -- is N2, but it is also the most difficult to digest, or fix.One of the few species of cyanobacteria, which has been around for nearly two billion years, that excels at nitrogen-fixation is the globally abundant Trichodesmium.In so doing, it frees up other sources of nitrogen for different phytoplankton.The climate-driven evolution of cyanobacteria would boost populations of animal plankton which depend on them for their nitrogen-rich diet, Hutchins told AFP.It may even help draw down the amount of heat-trapping CO2 in the atmosphere, which by the end of the century could well have doubled despite efforts in coming decades to slash emissions.But the overall effect of this change on the interconnected web of life and chemistry in the oceans is hard to predict, and would be even harder to manage, he said.The availability of more nitrogen could be viewed as a positive development for food production from the ocean, Hutchins said. In all, though, the negatives probably outweigh the positives.Any benefits for fighting climate change, for example, would be overwhelmed by the scale of the problem.Human emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere are so large -- perhaps 25 million tonnes a day -- that virtually nothing the natural world can do to mitigate this will be effective without cutting back on fossil-fuel emissions, he said.While these high CO2-adapted cyanobacteria will probably take up more CO2, it is doubtful whether we should rely on this to save the planet.In the experiments, the scientists grew cultures of Trichodesmium for 850 generations over a period of four-and-a-half years under conditions mimicking high CO2 levels predicted for the end of the century.The rates of nitrogen-fixing increased quickly and remained high throughout the experiment, persisting at the same rate even after the cultures were returned to present-day CO2 conditions.

Oil dives on poor China factory data

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NEW YORK (AFP) - World oil prices tumbled Tuesday as poor manufacturing data in China, the worlds largest energy consumer, hammered the outlook for demand and shook market confidence.US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for October delivery lost $3.79, or 7.7 percent, closing at $45.41 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.The sell-off snapped a strong three-day WTI rally that had pushed the futures contract up more than 27 percent, rebounding from six and a half year lows.In London, Brent North Sea crude for October closed at $49.56 a barrel, down $4.59, or 8.5 percent, from Mondays settlement.Chinas economic woes once again were hitting markets worldwide. Official data released earlier in the day suggested the countrys key manufacturing sector stalled in August. The purchasing managers index (PMI) slumped to a three-year low of 49.7 in August from 50.0 in July. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.US financial giant Citigroup said that China was driving prices of commodities, including oil, lower as never before.We expect China to continue to exert downward pressure on commodity prices in the coming months, it said.And manufacturing growth appeared to be stalling in the powerhouse United States. The Institute for Supply Managements PMI slid closer to contraction in August, falling to 51.1, the years low, from 52.7 in July.Analysts said the global crude oversupply remains a drag on prices, despite the sharp rebound in the past three days.Even though US production has started to fall, June production was still up 7.1 percent over a year ago, said Nicholas Teo, market analyst at CMC Markets.In the near term, there is likely to be little or no relief on either the supply or demand fronts, said business consultancy IHS.In particular, the oversupply problem could take a long time to correct.

Dollar falls on China worries

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar sank against the euro and the yen Tuesday after poor Chinese factory data added to worries about the economic slowdown in the global growth engine. Global stock markets sank and oil tanked after official data suggested Chinas key manufacturing sector stalled in August. The purchasing managers index slumped to a three-year low of 49.7 in August from 50.0 in July. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.The US dollar debuted a little weaker in September as disappointing data from China kept markets gravitating toward low-yielders like the euro and yen, and away from riskier assets, said Joe Manimbo, senior market analyst at Western Union Business Solutions.Both the euro and the yen benefited from investors search for a safe haven amid the market volatility.The euro rose 0.9 percent, fetching $1.1313 in late-afternoon trade. The greenback slid 1.4 percent against the Japanese currency at 119.51 yen.I think its still very much a risk sentiment-driven market, said Vassili Serebriakov of BNP Paribas.A weve recently seen, the euro is doing well enough in this kind of environment, with renewed market tensions.

India's Sharma, S.Lanka's Chandimal banned for misconduct

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COLOMBO (AFP) - Indias Ishant Sharma was on Tuesday suspended by the International Cricket Council for one Test match and Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka banned from a one-day international for misconduct during the final Test in Colombo.Two other Sri Lankan players, Dhammika Prasad and Lahiru Thirimanne, were fined 50 percent of their undisclosed match fees for similar offences during the match, the ICC said in a statement.All four players were involved in a heated flare-up during the fourth days play on Monday, prompting match referee Andy Pycroft to charge the players under the ICCs code of conduct.Tempers rose in the final session as Sharma and the Sri Lankan fielders had a heated exchange after Prasad bowled three consecutive bouncers to the Indian tailender.Chandimal nudged Sharma with his shoulder and Thirimanne also joined in the verbal spat forcing umpires Nigel Llong and Rod Tucker to step in to calm down the players.As Sharma hurried off the field after the Indian innings ended, Prasad sprinted behind him and television pictures showed the two players speaking to each other outside the dressing rooms.Sharma, who had been fined 65 percent of his match fees for misconduct during the second Test at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo, was penalised again for taunting opener Upul Tharanga after he dismissed him.The lanky fast bowler will miss Indias first Test against South Africa in Mohali from November 5, the ICC said.Chandimal will sit out the one-day international between Sri Lanka and the West Indies in Colombo on November 1.Mondays incidents were not good advertisements for international cricket, Pycroft said.These experienced cricketers forgot their fundamental responsibilities of respecting their opponents as well as the umpires, and got involved in incidents which were clearly against the spirit of the game, Pycroft was quoted as saying in the ICC statement.Their actions cannot be condoned and must be discouraged.All four players admitted the offences and accepted the proposed sanctions, the statement added.Indian captain Virat Kohli said the incidents had benefitted his team because it fired up Sharma in Sri Lankas second innings.An angry fast bowler is a captains delight, Kohli said after his teams series-clinching 117-run victory at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday.It happened at the right time because we had to bowl after that. I was very happy that he has an aggressive mindset.

Cummins grateful for Starc support

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CARDIFF (AFP) - Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins said Monday he was glad to be able to call on team-mate Mitchell Starc for advice as he re-establishes himself as an international cricketer.At the age of 25, left-arm quick Starc is hardly a veteran but, nevertheless, he is the worlds number one ranked bowler and was named player of the tournament for his starring role during Australias World Cup triumph on home soil earlier this year.Australia are now set to face England in a five-match one-day series starting in Southampton on Thursday after Mondays lone Twenty20 in Cardiff saw the tourists go down to a five-run defeat.But in his four-over spell in Cardiff the 22-year-old Cummins bowled at sharp pace, an encouraging sign given the injuries that have already blighted his career.I guess when youre the No.1 bowler in the world you automatically become a leader and someone that people try and speak to, Cummins said of Starc. Hes great...His yorkers are probably one of the best in the world, so I talk to him a little bit about that.There was evidence of Starcs influence in the way Cummins, beset by injury problems during the past five years, bowled Alex Hales with a full toss after the England opener appeared to struggle with his sheer speed.Cummins said a simple adjustment to his run-up had also played a role in his ability to top the 90mph mark.Ive started measuring it for once - I used to step it out, Cummins said. Some games, from one end itd be a metre in front of someone and down the other end it would be a metre behind. Now Ive got the ruler and measuring tape out its a bit more consistent. Im trying to get as many things consistent (as possible), so hopefully by the time I release the ball I dont have to worry about all those things that came before and its pretty similar every ball. And Cummins said a clear head was helping him do what he does his best -- bowl fast.When youre feeling quick and the ball is coming out quick its certainly tough for batsmen starting ... especially in Twenty20.In the first couple of overs if you can bowl quick and make it hard for them to get off to good starts the better (for the team). I just try and bowl quick.

Abdul Hafeez Pirzada passes away

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LONDON (Dunya News) – Renowned lawyer and former federal minister Abdul Hafeez Pirzada breathed his last after a brief illness at a London hospital on Tuesday night.Abdul Hafeez Pirzada was one of the founding members of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and a close associate and aide of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He was the lead government member of the committee that drafted the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan.Hafeez Pirzada was elected MNA in 1970 elections. He remained Federal Law Minister from 1973 to 1977.

5 killed in drone attack in North Waziristan

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WAZIRISTAN (Dunya News) – At least five persons were killed in a drone strike at a house in North Waziristan’s tehsil Datta Khel, Dunya News reported.The official sources said that those killed include foreign fighters as well.According to details, the drone bombarded the house with at least two missiles which resulted in killing of at least five suspects.The increase in casualties is also feared.

Petrol crisis temporary, says Petroleum Minister

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Minster of Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Tuesday that the petroleum shortage crisis is temporary. He said that governemt is endeavouring to provide masses with relief although it is facing a deficit of Rs 60 billion, reported Dunya News.Citizens are facing acute petrol shortage as soon as prices of the petrol were lowered earlier in the day. Talking to Kamran Khan on Dunya News, Minister of Petroleum said that the current shortage crisis is only temporary and talks of min-budget are totally baseless.Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that price of petroleum in the local market is dependent on global market. He said that government is still facing a deficit of revenue of Rs 60 billion. Government has not added any additional strain on home consumers with gas prices, said the Petroleum Minister.

3 suspects involved in blackmailing girls on social media arrested

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RAWALPIND, ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – 3 suspects allegedly involved in blackmailing girls through social media in twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, have on Tuesday been arrested by the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), reported Dunya News.The suspects were involved in making friends with the girls and then getting them photographed with them to blackmail the girls.According to the Cyber Crime Wing, most of the girls are students of high schools and colleges. In a crackdown against the blackmailers, FIA arrested 3 suspects and sent them to jails after taking their laptops, tablets and mobile phones. FIA told that the arrests were made on the complaints filed by the parents of the girls.Cyber Crime Wing has received over 100 complaints of blackmailing during the last 6 months. More blackmailers are expected to be arrested during the coming days.

Illegal recruitment in Sindh Police discovered as financial crisis rears head

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Dunya News brought the story of illegal recruitment of 2000 personnel in Sindh Police to surface as Kamran Khan revealed the financial crisis in the police department.During the show, Kamran Khan revealed that up to 750 recruitments in Sindh Reserve Police and 1169 recruitments in District Police were not made according to merit. The constables were recruited out of turn, revealed Kamran Khan.It is pertinent to mention here that chief of Sindh police has asked for the additional budget for the newly recruited without raising any objections.
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