Wednesday 21 September 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Football: Man Utd, Man City set up League Cup showdown

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LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and his Manchester City rival Pep Guardiola were dealt an English Football League Cup rendezvous after both teams came through their third-round ties on Wednesday.United won 3-1 at third-tier Northampton Town to ease some of the pressure building on Mourinho following three consecutive defeats, while holders City prevailed 2-1 at Swansea City.Tottenham Hotspur were rewarded with a trip to Liverpool after crushing Gillingham 5-0 and West Ham United will face Chelsea after scraping past fourth-tier Accrington Stanley.We deserved to win, Mourinho told Sky Sports after goals from Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and substitute Marcus Rashford took his side into the fourth round.Mourinho, speaking before the draw had been made, added: It was difficult, as I was expecting, but we were totally in control for the 35 minutes and then for the last 45 minutes.It was a difficult match, but overall a positive performance.Mourinho, who felt that Northamptons Jak McCourt should have been sent off for a rash challenge on Memphis Depay, did not attend his post-match press conference.Uniteds victory was a welcome tonic for Mourinho and his team following consecutive losses to Manchester City, Feyenoord and Watford.He made nine changes to the side beaten 3-1 at Watford on Sunday, with Chris Smalling and captain Wayne Rooney the only players to keep their places.Rooney started up front, for the first time since last season, and squandered an early opportunity by miscuing from Ashley Youngs cross.United went ahead in the 17th minute after Northampton goalkeeper Adam Smith was penalised for picking up a back-pass.Rooneys shot from the ensuing free-kick hit the wall, but Carrick swept the rebound into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Rooney then saw a goal ruled out for offside, but Northampton gave United a scare when Kenji Gorre clipped the bar in the 38th minute and within four minutes the home side were level.After Marcos Rojo, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Morgan Schneiderlin all spurned chances to clear, Daley Blind tripped Sam Hoskins and Alex Revell stroked the resulting penalty past Sergio Romero.Mourinho waited only 10 minutes in the second half before turning to the bench, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Rashford replacing Fosu-Mensah and Depay.Herrera gave Northampton a warning with a left-foot shot that struck the post and in the 68th minute he restored Uniteds lead, slamming home right-footed from Rashfords lay-off.Another Smith error allowed United to seal victory, the goalkeeper hesitating as a long ball bounced towards him, which allowed Rashford to steal in and lash the ball into the vacant goal.Premier League pace-setters Manchester City made it nine wins from nine games under Guardiola with victory at Swansea.City enjoyed the best of the first half, but it took until four minutes into the second half for Gael Clichy to put them ahead with a deflected shot.Aleix Garcia made the most of a rare start by netting the second from Jesus Navass cut-back in the 67th minute before Gylfi Sigurdsson stabbed in a stoppage-time consolation for Swansea.Guardiola gave a first start of the season to captain Vincent Kompany, who underwent thigh surgery in May, but the Belgium centre-back had to go off late on after appearing to injure himself.The doctors are speaking with him and seeing whats up, Guardiola said.Hopefully, it will not be a big problem. Were going to wait for the results from the doctors.Tottenham cruised through after crushing League One Gillingham, with Christian Eriksen scoring twice and Vincent Janssen and Josh Onomah scoring their first goals for the club.Erik Lamela was also on target.West Ham, struggling for form in the Premier League, needed a 96th-minute Dimitri Payet free-kick to edge fourth-tier Accrington Stanley 1-0 at London Stadium.Southampton, Sunderland and Hull City also secured places in the last 16.

Tennis: Davis Cup, Fed Cup set for revamp

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PARIS (AFP) - The Davis Cup and Fed Cup will be revamped with neutral venues planned for the finals and the current best-of-five sets format for men possibly ditched, organisers said Wednesday.The International Tennis Federation (ITF) also said that the Fed Cup womens tournament could move to a 16-team World Group to bring it into line with the Davis Cup. Both tournaments have traditionally staged their season climaxes on the home ground of one of the finalists but the ITF said they will launch an open bid process to assess fixed host cities... a model used by events including the UEFA Champions League Final, Superbowl and European Rugby Champions Cup.This is an exciting moment in the storied histories of these two much-loved competitions, said ITF president David Haggerty.In recent seasons, players have often complained of the scheduling and format of the Davis and Fed Cups. Another proposal would be to see a Davis Cup weekend cut from three days to two.Last weeks Davis Cup semi-finals were held just five days after the US Open with Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro slugging out a five-hour, five-set opening rubber in the clash between Argentina and Great Britain in Glasgow.World number two Murray, who led Britain to their first Davis Cup in 79 years in 2015, said he welcomed some of the changes.I like the idea of changing the format, maybe shorten the weekend, said the Wimbledon and Olympic champion at the semi-final last weekend.For me personally, coming off the back of the Olympics, Cincinnati, the US Open and then being on court for 10 or 11 hours over three days, was really hard.Murray, however, said he was not a fan of fixed cities for the final.I do love the home and away atmosphere that we get in the Davis Cup just now, he said.It is something that we as tennis players arent really used to because when we travel around the world we are playing in neutral venues a lot of the time and the home and away aspect of the Davis Cup is something that I enjoy and makes it different and special.Haggerty insisted that the formats can be improved.Davis and Fed Cup remain the worlds largest annual team events in sport, they are unmatched in terms of fan passion and excitement but we must continue to enhance and innovate. A fixed final for Davis Cup will replicate the approach -- seen in many other sports -- for the tennis seasons finale that players, fans, partners and broadcasters can better plan for, he added.A bidding process for cities interested in hosting the finals will begin in December, said the ITF, with a decision expected next summer.Other proposals must be approved by the ITFs annual general meeting next year, with any changes to be introduced in 2018.

Bahamas Leaks expose 69 offshore companies owned by Pakistanis

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - After the Panama Papers here come the Bahama Leaks, which reveals incorporation details of more than 175,000 companies out of which 69 are owned by Pakistanis.The cache of documents from the island nation’s corporate registry provides names of directors and some owners of more than 175,000 Bahamian companies, trusts and foundations registered between 1990 and early 2016.The new cache of leaked documents was received by the German newspaper ‘Süddeutsche Zeitung’ and shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).The leaked documents also revealed incorporation details of 69 companies owned by Pakistani citizens, including businessmen and politicians.Among those named in the Bahamas Leaks include former Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmed, Gibran Khan, the son of Mohammad Naseer Khan, a former minister in Gen Musharraf government, Mohsin Abu Bakar Sheikhani, a builder from Karachi, Obaid Altaf Khanani, son of Altaf Khanani and Tehmina Durrani’s mother Samina Durrani.

Well done PM Pakistan is proud of you: Maryam Nawaz Sharif

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Obama set to veto 9/11 victims' bid to sue Saudis

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama is poised to veto legislation exposing Saudi Arabia to court action over the 9/11 attacks, stepping in to defend legal precedent and an awkward ally, but inviting election-time opprobrium.White House officials say Obama will reject the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act by a Friday veto deadline, after a little over a week of deliberation.The administration is worried the bill -- passed unanimously by Congress -- would undermine state immunity, setting a dangerous legal precedent.Obamas aides tried and failed to have the legislation substantially revised, and now face the prospect of Republicans and Democrats joining forces to override the presidential veto, a relatively rare rebuke of White House power. Families of 9/11 victims have campaigned for the law -- convinced that the Saudi government had a hand in the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people.Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens, but no link to the government has been proven. The Saudi government denies any links to the plotters.Fifteen years is already far too long to be asked to wait for accountability for the deaths and injuries suffered in the 9/11 attacks, said widow Terry Strada.Strada gave birth days before her husband, Tom, a bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, was killed in World Trade Center Tower One.Behind the scenes, Riyadh has been lobbying furiously for the bill to be scrapped.A senior Saudi Prince reportedly threatened to pull billions of dollars out of US assets if it becomes law, but Saudi officials now distance themselves from that claim.The US-Saudi relationship had already been strained by Obamas engagement with Saudis Shia foe Iran and the July release of a secret report on Saudis involvement in the attacks.Declassified documents showed US intelligence had multiple suspicions about links between the Saudi government and the attackers.While in the United States, some of the 9/11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi government, a finding read.This would be the twelfth veto of Obamas eight-year presidency and one of his most politically fraught.Congressional insiders insist they have the votes needed to override, in what would be a significant blow for the White House in the final months of Obamas presidency.The White House is holding out vague hope that convoluted Congressional rules could delay the override until after the November 8 election, when the politics may be less toxic and minds may be changed.Until then, Republicans will certainly use the veto to cast Obama as putting monarchs in Riyadh before US terror victims.The Republican nominee, Donald Trump has already tried to paint Obama and his would-be successor Hillary Clinton as week on terrorism.He has vowed to challenge Clinton in his home state of New York, where he lags by 17 points but where the 9/11 bill has become a major political issue and could have an impact on Congressional and state races.Democrats have been quick to insulate themselves from criticism by backing the bill, not least cosponsor New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer.Meanwhile, Clinton has voiced support for Congressional efforts to secure the ability of 9/11 families and other victims of terror to hold accountable those responsible, according to Jesse Lehrich, a campaign spokesman.The White House is getting some backing from diplomatic allies who share concerns about the United States becoming a venue for citizens to sue governments.In a diplomatic protest note obtained by AFP, the European Union warned the rules would be in conflict with fundamental principles of international law.State immunity is a central pillar of the international legal order, the demarche noted, adding that other countries could take reciprocal action.In a letter to lawmakers, also seen by AFP, former secretary of defense William Cohen, former CIA boss Michael Morell and Stephen Hadley, George W. Bushs national security advisor were among a group of high profile security figures to warn the legislation would hurt US interests.Our troops, our diplomats and all US government personnel working overseas could very well find themselves subject to lawsuits in other countries, they said.Our national security interests, our capacity to fight terrorism and our leadership role in the world would be put in serious jeopardy.

Karachi: Three accused arrested after police encounter

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Crackdown against criminal elements continues in Karachi as police arrested three accused after an alleged police encounter in the city on Wednesday, Dunya News reported.According to details, police apprehended three accused after an encounter in Rahim Colony area of Mominabad in Orangi Town. Police sources said that the arrested accused, Asad, Shakir and Amjad, were involved in several cases of street crimes.Police have also recovered two Kalashnikovs, two MP-5s, five 9mm, three TT pitols, one kilogram of gold and nine mobile phones from the arrested persons.

Messi injured as Atletico and Barcelona draw 1-1

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BARCELONA (AFP) - Lionel Messi was forced off with the apparent recurrence of a groin injury as Atletico Madrid came from behind to hold Barcelona 1-1 at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.Ivan Rakitic headed Barca into the lead just before half-time, but Angel Correa slotted home on the hour mark just seconds after Messi limped off to hand Atletico a deserved point.Earlier, Real Madrids record-equalling 16-game La Liga win streak came to an end as Villarreal drew 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.Madrid continued to lead Barca by three points at the top of the table with Atletico a further point back in fourth.Both sides at the Camp Nou were boosted before kick-off by Madrids failure to build a commanding lead at the top of the table.However, that also contributed to a cagey opening to the first blockbuster clash of the season between two of Spains big three.Barcas stellar front three of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar had struck 10 times in their last two games, but were kept largely quiet by Atleticos typically rock-solid defence.Messi had the first effort on goal, but his fierce effort was comfortably handled by Jan Oblak in the Atletico goal.The hosts had to wait until four minutes before the break to seriously threaten again when they took the lead.Atletico momentarily switched off as a corner from the left was played short to Andres Iniesta and his cross was powered home by the late arriving Rakitic.However, Barcas joy was short-lived, first by a double injury blow and then Correas leveller.Sergio Busquets was first to limp off before Messi went down to the consternation of the Camp Nou.The Argentines replacement Arda Turan had barely taken up his position when Atletico levelled as Correa coolly slotted home after Javier Mascheranos slip offered him a clear path to goal.Barca came closest to finding a winner in the final half hour as a fierce drive from Neymar was repelled by Oblak, whilst Jordi Alba and Rakitic fired off target.However, in the end both settled for a point which keeps them within touch of Real.At the Bernabeu, the European champions were looking to surpass the Liga mark of 16 wins first set by Pep Guardiolas Barcelona in 2010/11, but were made to pay for a sluggish first-half display.We lacked intensity in the first-half, said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.The second-half was great from everyone, but you cant always win the three points at the end.We know we have to work hard and change things, above all how we start the game.Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale returned to the Madrid side that won 2-0 at Espanyol on Sunday.However, just as in their Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon a week ago, Real were flat before the break as Villarreal enjoyed the better chances.Villarreal got their reward just before half-time when Sergio Ramos handled Manu Trigueross shot and referee Jose Luis Gonzalez pointed to the spot.Captain Bruno Soriano stepped up and coolly chipped the ball down the middle of the goal past Casilla.Ramos made amends right at the start of the second-half when he rose highest to head home James Rodriguezs corner.Ronaldo was then inches away from turning home Dani Carvajals low cross and Bale curled just wide as the pressure increased from Madrid.However, their frustration spiled over when Ronaldo earned a yellow card for kicking out at Bruno.The off-colour Bale was then replaced by Lucas Vazquez, whilst Karim Benzema made way for Alvaro Morata in the search for a winner.Moratas header from Vazquezs cross was brilliantly turned over by Asenjo and when Ronaldo fired straight at the Villarreal stopper in the final minute, Reals shot at history was gone.

PM Nawaz meets Iranian President, Ban Ki-moon, discusses Kashmir issue

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NEW YORK (Dunya News) - Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif met United Nations (UN) secretary general Ban Ki-moon and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday and told themabout atrocities of Indian forces in Kashmir, reported Dunya News.PM Nawaz said that use of pellet guns in Kashmir has blinded many innocent men, women and children. He appreciated Ban Ki-moons statement about solution of Kashmir issue. On the other hand Ban Ki-moon praised Pakistans efforts for keeping peace in the whole world.Nawaz Sharif also told Iranian President Hassan Rouhani about Kashmir issue, who said that security of Pakistan and Iran is connected to each other. He also appreciated China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and wished that Iran could also be part of it.

Muslim student in Spain wins fight to study with headscarf

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MADRID (AFP) - A Spanish Muslim student whose ban from a training institute for wearing the headscarf caused controversy said on Tuesday that she has finally been allowed to study with the hijab after regional authorities weighed in.While the issue has been a subject of debate in Spain, there is currently no law banning any kind of veil in public places – not even the face-covering burka or niqab like in neighbouring France.The exclusion of Takwa Rejeb from class generated unease in a country where Muslims represent around four percent of the 46.5-million-strong population.I am more than happy because the only thing I wanted was to exercise my right to study, said Rejeb, 23, born in the eastern city of Valencia of Tunisian parents. I am not a circus freak, Im a person like any other, a student, she told journalists.The anti-discrimination SOS Racisme association brought Rejebs case to light after she was refused access to lessons at the Benlliure professional training institute in Valencia on 8 September.According to lawyer Francisco Solans, the associations regional president, the institute had asked her to apply internal rules that ban any student from coming in with their head covered, be it a cap, hat or headscarf. Management at the institute refused to comment on Tuesday.Faced with the controversy sparked by her case, the regional government of Valencia forced the institute to allow Rejeb in. In a statement, it said education authorities had guaranteed the right to education of students and she will be able to go to all lessons with the hijab.Solans told journalists it was a victory for the recognition of constitutional freedoms and rights – freedom of expression, freedom of religion as long as public order is respected, the right to education and to equality.He said there had also been similar cases elsewhere that were resolved through mediation.

12 officers hurt in N Carolina protests after fatal police shooting

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Twelve officers have been injured during continuing protests in a North Carolina city sparked by the fatal police shooting of an African-American man, officials said on Wednesday.Demonstrators gathered late Tuesday near an apartment complex in the city of Charlotte where the shooting occurred, carrying signs that read Black Lives Matter and chanting No justice, no peace local television reported.Media reported that several hundred people gathered to protest after the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, who was reported to be African-American as was the officer who killed him.Approximately 12 officers injured. One officer hit in face with a rock, read a tweet posted by the Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Department.A separate police department tweet said the officers were injured tonight working to protect our community during demonstration.News reports said an unspecified number of civilians have also been injured.WSOC-TV reported that police donned riot gear and used tear gas as they tried to subdue the angry crowd, which authorities said attacked and damaged several police cars. The standoff continued, with dwindling numbers, into the early hours of Wednesday. News reports said the officer involved in the shooting, Brentley Vinson, has been put on paid leave.The television station said Vinson and other officers were searching for a suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant.Police encountered Scott -- who was not the person they were seeking -- in a car parked at the building. Officials said he had a firearm, which is not illegal under local law. A confrontation ensued and police, who said they felt threatened by Scott, opened fire and killed him. News reports gave his age as 43.The dead mans relatives, interviewed by local media, said he was not carrying a gun but instead was holding a book in his hands when he was gunned down.Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts appealed for calm.The community deserves answers and full investigation will ensue, she wrote on Twitter.Will be reaching out to community leaders to work together.

Nasdaq hits record as Fed keeps rates low

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NEW YORK (AFP) - US stocks surged Wednesday with the Nasdaq hitting a fresh record after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates low.The Nasdaq Composite index jumped 1.0 percent to 5,295.18, up about 12 points from the previous record on September 7.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9 percent to 18,293.70, while the broad-based S&P 500 gained 1.1 percent to 2,163.12.The Fed kept in place its ultralow federal funds rate of 0.25-0.50 percent as it trimmed its forecast for US economic growth in 2016. However, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said the economy continues to broadly show progress. Fed officials indicated they foresee one rate hike before the end of the year.Whats nice here is that the Fed didnt hike interest rates, yet they still have confidence in the economy, said Gregori Volokhine of Meeschaert Capital Markets. Thats what is pushing the market higher.Nasdaq-traded companies with especially impressive gains included Amazon, up 1.2 percent, eBay, up 2.0 percent and Yahoo, up 3.2 percent. Apple was flat.Microsoft, which is listed on the Dow as well as the Nasdaq, gained 1.7 percent as it increased its dividend and announced a new share repurchase program of up to $40 billion.Adobe Systems shot up 7.1 percent after reporting third-quarter net income of $270.8 million based in part on gains in subscriptions for its cloud-based programs.Petroleum-linked shares were also strong, with Dow member Chevron climbing 2.0 percent and Halliburton 3.5 percent after oil prices rose.Dow member Boeing rose 2.2 percent after US officials granted it a license to complete a sale of planes to Iran Air, moving it closer to the first such deal since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Rival Airbus also received such a license.Package shipper FedEx jumped 6.9 percent after reporting a 3.3 percent rise in fiscal first-quarter earnings to $715 million in results that bested expectations.

Oil prices climb on big fall in US stockpiles

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NEW YORK (AFP) - A big drop in US crude stockpiles sent oil prices sharply higher Wednesday.The US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November jumped $1.29 to $45.34 a barrel in New York trade.In London, Brent North Sea oil for November delivery advanced to $46.83 a barrel, up 95 cents from the close on Tuesday.The US Department of Energy on Wednesday said the countrys commercial crude stockpiles slid by 6.2 million barrels last week. Market consensus had been for a rise of more than three million barrels.But analysts were cautious about the one-week fall, saying prices were still under the pressure of ample supplies.While the numbers are supportive (to prices), there remain numerous hurdles to overcome in the short term to provide any significant uplift, said Anthony Starkey of Platts Analytics.Russia revealed Wednesday that its oil production hit a record high level of more than 11.7 million barrels per day earlier this month.Reminders of the oversupplied backdrop are... never too far away and this time came from Russia, oil brokerage PVM said in a client note.Production at Vostochno-Messoyakhskoye, Russias most northern oil field with estimated reserves of 340 million tonnes of oil, began on Wednesday.News of Russias unprecedented monthly oil output comes one week before the country will meet with the OPEC producers group in Algeria to discuss the global glut.Elsewhere, the first crude shipment from the Libyan port of Ras Lanouf in two years had no immediate impact on prices.An oil tanker left the port for Italy on Tuesday, the first time since late 2014 when fighting erupted over control of the oil crescent.The amount of oil coming out of Libya is fairly limited so it wont have a material impact on crude prices, Oanda analyst Jeffrey Halley told AFP. He said the shipment was meant to have gone out last weekend but was delayed because of fighting at the port.This is indicative of the unpredictability of Libyan oil production because the fighting means that we dont know how sustained their output can be, Halley added.

Yen gains despite BoJ move; Fed stance weakens dollar

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The yen strengthened Wednesday despite the Bank of Japans effort to hammer it down with new long bond yield targets.Meanwhile, the dollar eased as the Federal Reserve kept its rate steady but indicated a hike could come by December.After a two-day meeting, BoJ policymakers set a target to raise government bond yields as part of their drive to kickstart inflation.They also loosened a fixed target for the massive 80 trillion yen ($785 billion) annual asset-buying plan, saying it could instead fluctuate to give it flexibility in controlling bond yields.If part of the aim of the policy was to drive down the yen, it failed. The yen pushed up by more than one percent to 100.33 to the dollar and 112.27 to the euro.Although the BoJ made it abundantly clear that they intend to achieve their yield target, the markets remain dubious, said Boris Schlossberg of BK Asset Management.The next several days will become a test of BoJs new policy and if it fails to reach its mark, the dollar-yen rate could drift towards 100.00 as disappointment creeps in.Meanwhile, the dollar edged lower to $1.1189 per euro after the Fed left its benchmark rate stuck at 0.25-0.50 percent, saying it needs to see more evidence of firming of the economy.But a split in the Feds policy body, with three of ten Federal Open Market Committee members arguing for a rate hike now, underscored the increasing hawkish drift of the body.We judge that the case for an increase has strengthened, but decided for the time being to wait for further evidence of continued progress toward our objectives, said Fed Chair Janet Yellen.Fresh FOMC forecasts released Wednesday show an overwhelming majority of FOMC members anticipating one hike in the remainder of the year. The interest rate path for the coming years, however, was lowered further, said Harm Bandholz of UniCredit.

Full text of Nawaz Sharifs speech at UN general assembly

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Here is the full text of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speech:“Mr President,Today, three decades after the end of the Cold War, our multipolar world is more free and vibrant, yet still chaotic and turbulent; more interdependent, but more unequal; more prosperous, yet still afflicted with poverty.We see spectacular progress, but also unprecedented human suffering.The world is at a historic inflection point.The international order established after the Second World War is passing away, but a new order has yet to emerge. Competition between the major powers is becoming more confrontational. This can pose serious threats to peace across Asia.A new Cold War threatens to engulf Europe. The momentum there towards “greater union” has already reversed. Barricades and walls are going up, especially against the tide of misery flowing out of a turbulent Middle East. In many countries, intolerance has revived the ghosts of xenophobia and Islamophobia.Turmoil is intensifying in the Middle East. International efforts to defeat Daesh are therefore urgent. For this, it is essential to reconcile the divergent objectives and priorities of regional and external powers.Peace cannot be built when injustice prevails. The long festering tragedy of Palestine demands determined action by the international community.After decades of strong growth, the world economy has reached a plateau.Despite this adverse international economic environment, my government has, in three short years, moved the country towards robust growth.We have fully integrated the 2030 Development Agenda into our own economic and social strategy.This rests on our conviction that people are the true wealth of our nation and that it is human development, which will determine our future destiny.Our priority goal of economic development requires internal peace and stability. My country has been the principal victim of terrorism including that supported, sponsored and financed from abroad.We will not allow externally sponsored terrorism and threats of destabilization to cause turbulence in Pakistan.Tens of thousands of our citizens and thousands of our security personnel have been killed or injured in terrorist attacks.This has only reinforced our resolve to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. Our comprehensive strategy of law enforcement and targeted military operations has produced remarkable results and enabled Pakistan to turn the tide against terrorism.Pakistan’s Zarb-e-Azb Operation is the largest, most robust and most successful anti-terrorism campaign anywhere in the world, deploying 200,000 of our security forces.Our comprehensive National Action Plan has the complete endorsement of our people and our Parliament as well as our security forces, all of whom have made heroic sacrifices to defeat terrorism.Terrorism, however, is now a global phenomenon, which must be addressed comprehensively and in all its forms, including state terrorism.The international community must coordinate its efforts to accomplish this. These efforts should be taken collectively and not unilaterally by the passage of any laws with extra-territorial application targeted against certain countries.We will not win the fight against terrorism and violent extremism so long as we do not address their root causes. These lie in poverty and ignorance, political and social injustice and oppression, foreign intervention and occupation and denial of the legitimate rights of peoples and nations, especially the right to self-determination.Until these underlying causes are addressed, it will be difficult to counter the twisted narrative of violent extremists and terrorists.After 15 years of the current war in Afghanistan, the international community agrees that the only road to a lasting peace in that country is through a dialogue between the Government in Kabul and the Afghan Taliban.Pakistan has long proposed this as the most viable course to end decades of conflict and suffering in Afghanistan.Based on this belief in a negotiated peace, and in response to requests from President Ashraf Ghani, we have been facilitating the process of reconciliation in Afghanistan.There have been setbacks. That, however, is not a sufficient reason to abandon the path of peace and rely on the military option, which has failed, for the past decade and a half, to stabilize Afghanistan.Progress will be assured only when the Afghan parties themselves conclude that there is no military solution to the Afghan war, and work assiduously, through a meaningful dialogue process, for achieving reconciliation and peace at home.Over three and a half decades of conflict and chaos in Afghanistan has had grave security and economic consequences for Pakistan. Almost three million Afghan refugees, to whom we opened our homes and hearts, remain in Pakistan.We hope to see them return to Afghanistan, voluntarily and with dignity.Until they do, the international community must shoulder its responsibilities to sustain them.Confrontation should not be our destiny in South Asia. Pakistan wants peace with India. I have gone the extra mile to achieve this, repeatedly offering a dialogue to address all outstanding issues.But India has posed unacceptable preconditions to engage in a dialogue. Let us be clear: talks are no favor to Pakistan. Talks are in the interest of both countries. They are essential to resolve our differences, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and to avert the danger of any escalation.Peace and normalization between Pakistan and India cannot be achieved without a resolution of the Kashmir dispute. This is an objective evaluation, not a partisan position.Our predictions have now been confirmed by events. A new generation of Kashmiris has risen spontaneously against India’s illegal occupation – demanding freedom from occupation. Burhan Wani, the young leader murdered by Indian forces, has emerged as the symbol of the latest Kashmiri Intifada, a popular and peaceful freedom movement, led by Kashmiris, young and old, men and women, armed only with an undying faith in the legitimacy of their cause, and a hunger for freedom in their hearts.This indigenous uprising of the Kashmiris has been met, as usual, with brutal repression by India’s occupation force of over half a million soldiers. Over a hundred Kashmiris have been killed, hundreds, including children and infants, blinded by shotgun pellets and over six thousand unarmed civilians injured over the past two months.These Indian brutalities are well documented. I would like to inform the General Assembly that Pakistan will share with the Secretary General a dossier containing detailed information and evidence of the gross and systematic violations of human rights committed by Indian forces in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.These brutalities will not suppress the spirit of the Kashmiris; it will only intensify their anger and fortify their determination to see India end its occupation of Kashmir. From Srinagar to Sopore, the men, women and children come out each day, defying curfew, to demand freedom.Pakistan fully supports the demand of the Kashmiri people for self-determination, as promised to them by several Security Council resolutions. Their struggle is a legitimate one for liberation from alien occupation.International law and the declarations of the United Nations on Self Determination, give the Kashmiri people the right to struggle for their freedom. Every year, the General Assembly unanimously adopts the resolution, which reaffirms “the right of all people’s to self-determination” and calls on the states concerned to immediately end their occupation and “all acts of repression.”On behalf of the Kashmiri people; on behalf of the mothers, wives, sisters, and fathers of the innocent Kashmiri children, women and men who have been killed, blinded and injured; on behalf of the Pakistani nation, I demand an independent inquiry into the extra-judicial killings, and a UN fact finding mission to investigate brutalities perpetrated by the Indian occupying forces, so that those guilty of these atrocities are punished.We demand the immediate release of all Kashmiri political prisoners; an end to the curfew; freedom for the Kashmiris to demonstrate peacefully; urgent medical help for the injured; abrogation of India’s draconian ‘laws’; and removal of the foreign travel ban on Kashmiri leaders.The Security Council has called for the exercise of the right to self- determination by the people of Jammu and Kashmir through a free and fair plebiscite held under UN auspices. The people of Kashmir have waited 70 years for implementation of this promise. The Security Council must honour its commitments by implementing its own decisions. This General Assembly must demand that India deliver on the commitments its leaders solemnly made on many occasions.To this end, steps should be taken by the United Nations to de-militarize Jammu and Kashmir and undertake consultations with India, Pakistan and the true representatives of the Kashmiri people to implement the resolutions of the Security Council. In this context, we welcome the offer of good offices by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. We will also open consultations with members of the Security Council to explore the modalities for implementation of the Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.The international community ignores the danger of rising tensions in South Asia, at its own peril.For its part, Pakistan is committed to the establishment of strategic stability in the region. It neither wants, nor is it engaged in an arms race with India.But we cannot ignore our neighbor’s unprecedented arms build up and will take whatever measures are necessary to maintain credible deterrence.We have consistently urged the conclusion of bilateral arms control and disarmament measures between Pakistan and India to prevent conflict and avoid wasteful military expenditures.We are open to discussing all measures of restraint and responsibility with India, in any forum or format and without any conditions.We are ready for talks to agree on a bilateral nuclear test ban treaty.Today, from this rostrum, I would also like to reiterate our offer to India to enter into a serious and sustained dialogue for the peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, especially Jammu and Kashmir.As a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan will continue to cooperate with all international efforts that seek to promote fair and equitable solutions to disarmament and non-proliferation challenges.We have introduced ‘state of the art’ measures to strengthen the safety and security of our nuclear materials and facilities. We have adopted a comprehensive export control regime that is fully consistent with international standards.Judged on the basis of objective criteria, and without discrimination, Pakistan is fully eligible for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group.In our turbulent and interdependent world, the United Nations remains an indispensable Organization to restore order and ensure global peace, stability and prosperity. Its principles remain the crucial pillars of international legality, the guide for the conduct of Member States and the guarantor of the legitimate rights of all nations and peoples.The UN must regain its credibility as the central instrument for the promotion of peace, prosperity and liberty.To that end, it should become more representative, transparent and accountable. A comprehensive and democratic reform of the Security Council, which Pakistan supports, should enhance its relevance and representation. Creating new centers of privilege will do the opposite.Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the UN is well established. We have played a pioneering and consistent role in UN Peacekeeping.Despite our own security requirements, we will remain one of world’s largest troop contributing countries and maintain our record of success in multiple UN peacekeeping operations.Pakistan has a vital stake in ending conflicts, fostering peace, fighting terrorism, strengthening democracy, promoting human rights, generating global growth and overcoming the challenges of environmental degradation. We can achieve these goals, and create a new and peaceful world order, only through the United Nations and by strict adherence to the principles of its Charter.I thank you, Mr. President.”

Bayern Munich keep the 100% perfect record going

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BERLIN (AFP) - Leaders Bayern Munich are now the only team in Germanys top flight still with a perfect 100% record following Wednesdays 3-0 Bundesliga win at home to Hertha Berlin.Midfield stars Franck Ribery, Thiago Alcantara and Arjen Robben netted at the Allianz Arena in a workmanlike display from Carlo Ancelottis side to make it four wins from four league games and six from six in all competitions.Hertha are fifth after dropping their first points of the season in Munich following three straight wins.Bayern went ahead with just 16 minutes gone when Ribery turned the Hertha defence inside out and then tapped his shot over the line.Pal Dardais Berlin refused to panic -- as most sides do when falling behind in Munich -- and defended well, despite enjoying barely 20% possession.Berlin gifted Bayern their second goal when Brazilian defender Allan took too long on the ball in his own area, Thiago robbed him of possession and drilled his shot home unopposed on 68 minutes.Bayern then hit top gear.Striker Robert Lewandowski and Thiago pulled the Berlin defence apart to set up Robben, who came on for his first appearance of the season and crashed his shot home, with no defenders in sight, on 72 minutes.It was the Dutchmans first goal for six months after a groin injury.The victory saw Bayern regain top spot from Borussia Dortmund, who temporarily claimed first place after their 5-1 drubbing of Wolfsburg on Tuesday, but dropped to third.Cologne are a surprise second after their 3-1 win at Schalke 04, who remain second from bottom after four straight defeats to increase the pressure on new coach Markus Weinzierl.Second-half goals by Anthony Modeste and Simon Zoller for the visitors sealed Colognes victory after Japans Yuya Osakas first half strike had cancelled out Klaas-Jan Huntelaars early goal for Schalke.Werder Bremen, who sacked coach Viktor Skripnik on Monday after three defeats, remain bottom after a heart-breaking 2-1 loss at Mainz, who scored both of their goals in the final five minutes.Bayer Leverkusen were held to a goalless draw at home to Augsburg.Newly-promoted RB Leipzig protected their unbeaten record in a 1-1 draw at Borussia Moenchengladbach, who host Barcelona in a plum Champions League clash next Wednesday.Leipzig were gifted the lead at their Red Bull Arena when a dreadful mix up in the Gladbach defence allowed Timo Werner to net his third goal in two games having also scored twice in Saturdays 4-0 rout away to Hamburg.But USA international Fabian Johnson scored a late equaliser to spare Gladbachs blushes.
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