Tuesday 6 September 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

A mother's grief: Afghan woman dies after blasts kill son

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KABUL (AFP) - A double tragedy befell an Afghan family when a policeman was killed in twin Taliban blasts in Kabul -- and unable to cope with the anguish, his mother also died.Ahmad Salangi, in his mid-forties, was among 41 people killed in the double bombing during rush hour near the defence ministry on Monday. Eager to cushion the shock, relatives of the police commanders elderly mother, adoringly called Bibi Haji, lied to her that he was still alive.My mother was waiting by the door, waiting for news about Ahmad but I wanted to soothe her anxiety. I mumbled something, trying to hide the terrible news, Sayed Agha, his younger brother, told AFP.But I could not hide it much longer.Bibi Haji instantly knew when Sayed burst into tears.The mother-of-six put on a brave face and tried to assuage Sayeds grief.I have already lost two sons and I am familiar with the pain, Sayed quoted Bibi Haji as saying.One of her sons, a mujahideen fighter, was killed battling the Taliban and another died of an illness. But soon Bibi Haji fell seriously ill, slipping into unconsciousness, and was rushed to hospital. Barely half an hour later she was pronounced dead. I knew she could not stand the pain of losing another son, Sayed Agha said, choking back tears.Their funeral was carried out together in their native Parwan province, north of Kabul, on Tuesday, which was attended by her extended family and government officials.We have seen many tragedies but when we saw their two coffins lying together we could not hold back our tears, said 29-year-old Farid Salangi, Ahmads cousin.The familys grief spotlights the plight of ordinary Afghans, increasingly caught in the crosshairs of a lethal insurgency as Afghanistans wrenching conflict grinds on.Behind the grim statistics highlighting death and growing insecurity are ordinary people with harrowing tales of suffering and loss.This is a country where tragedy is not uncommon, said Sayed Agha.I have already lost two of my brothers, and today I feel the deep agony of seeing my mother die of pain after hearing of her sons death. The twin blasts, which also left 110 people wounded, was one of the worst episodes of violence in the capital.Ambulances were overwhelmed by the carnage outside the defence ministry. There were so many disfigured bodies that some had to be taken to hospitals in car boots and the back of police trucks.Firemen raced to retrieve some bodies thrown into the Kabul River by the force of the blast.Later Monday, militants attacked charity CARE International in Kabul in an hours-long assault labelled a war crime by Amnesty International.

Tennis: Djokovic into US Open semis as Tsonga retires

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Defending champion Novak Djokovic booked a 10th straight US Open semi-final appearance when Jo-Wilfried Tsonga retired trailing 6-3, 6-2 in their marquee quarter-final on Tuesday.It was the third time in five matches that an opponents injury has worked to Djokovics advantage, after his walkover into the third round where Mikhail Youzhny retired after just six games.Ninth-seeded Tsonga gave him more of a workout, but even before an apparent left knee injury began to trouble the Frenchman in the second set Djokovic had the match well in hand.The Serbian world number one will face another Frenchman, Gael Monfils, for a place in Sundays championship match after the 10th seed pummelled compatriot Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.It was the first time in 89 years that three French men had reached the quarter-finals of the US championships.Tsonga was the highest seed among them, but his challenge ended with a whimper.Down two breaks at 2-5 in the second, he called for the trainer, wincing as his knee was manipulated.A merciless Djokovic then served out the set at love, firing a 118 mph (189.9 Km/h) ace -- his first of the contest -- on set point.After Tsonga opened the third set with a double fault he called a halt.I really wish Jo a quick recovery, Djokovic said. Hes a fighter, hes somebody that loves the big stage.But Tsonga wasnt able to shine on that stage. Despite an entertaining array of shots, the longer the rallies went the more he missed, his unforced errors eventually climbing to 37.He gifted a break to Djokovic with three double faults to fall behind 2-4 in the opening set, and while he regained the break he dropped his serve again in the next game and suddenly Djokovic was serving for the set.A break for 2-1 in the second was the only opening Djokovic needed. He backed up the break with an emphatic hold at love, broke again for 5-2 and didnt face a break point in the second frame.It was an encouraging performance for a player who arrived in New York off a third-round exit at Wimbledon and a first-round exit at the Rio Olympics. Although he won the Toronto Masters, he pulled out of Cincinnati with a left wrist injury.I thought that I came out with the right intensity, Djokovic said. The quality of my game and level of performance has risen in last couple of days, which obviously encourages me prior to the last four.I put myself in a position again to be one match away from the finals. As the tournament progresses, I feel like Im getting better.In Monfils, 12-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic will face a player whose only prior semi-final run at a major came back in 2008 at the French Open.Monfils was in control throughout against the 22-year-old Pouille, who was coming off an epic fifth-set tiebreaker win over 14-time major winner Rafael Nadal.That marked the 24th-seeded Pouilles third straight five-setter. Whether it was a let-down after the biggest win of his career or sheer fatigue, his 44 unforced errors meant he never stood a chance against a dialed-in Monfils.Of course I was a bit tired today, Pouille said. It would have been better if I played a bit less time on court. Gael was playing very good. He was better than me today.Dictating from the baseline, Monfils took charge with seven of his 13 aces in the opening set, gaining the only break he needed in the seventh game.Pouille conceded a break with a stream of errors to fall 1-2 down in the second, and a break of more than 15 minutes to close the new Arthur Ashe stadium roof, with Monfils up 4-3, did nothing to change the momentum.After holding with back-to-back aces, Monfils broke the error-prone Pouille at love to take the set.I was lucky because I had a break so it was easy in my mind, Monfils said of coping with the delay. I just felt so good (and) it was going to be even better because it was going to be indoors. I just kept going with my game plan.One break was all he needed in the third, as he wrapped up the match without facing a break point.The remaining quarter-finals take place on Wednesday with Wimbledon and Olympic champion Andy Murray of Britain facing sixth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan and third-seeded Stan Wawrkina of Switzerland facing Juan Martin del Potro, the 2009 champion whose career was nearly derailed by a series of wrist injuries.

Tennis: Monfils overpowers Pouille to reach US Open semis

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Gael Monfils is back in a Grand Slam semi-final after an eight-year wait, pummelling fellow Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the US Open last four.Tenth-seeded Monfils was in control throughout against the 22-year-old Pouille, who was coming off an epic fifth-set tiebreaker win over 14-time major winner Rafael Nadal.That marked the 24th-seeded Pouilles third straight five-setter. Whether it was a let-down after the biggest win of his career or sheer fatigue, his 44 unforced errors meant he never stood a chance against the dialed-in Monfils.Dictating from the baseline, Monfils took charge with seven of his 13 aces in the opening set, gaining the only break he needed in the seventh game.Pouille conceded a break with a stream of errors to fall 1-2 down in the second, and a break of more than 15 minutes to close the new Arthur Ashe stadium roof, with Monfils up 4-3, did nothing to change the momentum.After holding with back-to-back aces, Monfils broke the error-prone Pouille at love to take the set.I was lucky because I had a break so it was easy in my mind, Monfils said of coping with the delay. I just felt so good (and) it was going to be even better because it was going to be indoors. I just kept going with my game plan.One break was all he needed in the third, as he wrapped up the match without facing a break point.Monfils, whose only other Grand Slam semi appearance was at the 2008 French Open, will face either world number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic or fellow Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for a place in Sundays championship match.Its the first time in 89 years that three French men have reached the quarter-finals of the US championships.But Djokovic has proved adept at thwarting French foes. In 2008 he won his first major singles title with a victory over Tsonga in the Australian Open. Two years later he led Serbia to their first Davis Cup crown, winning singles matches against Gilles Simon and Monfils in a 3-2 victory in the final in Belgrade.The Serb arrived in New York surrounded by injury questions and slogged through the first round in four sets. Since then with one walkover, one quick win by retirement and a crushing victory over 84th-ranked Briton Kyle Edmund theres been little strain on his troublesome left wrist.Tsonga, meanwhile, has dropped just two sets in four matches en route to the quarters, where hell be trying to deny Djokovic a 10th straight trip to the semi-finals -- a run that includes Djokovics titles in 2011 as well as last year.The remaining quarter-finals take place on Wednesday with Wimbledon and Olympic champion Andy Murray of Britain facing sixth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan and third-seeded Stan Wawrkina of Switzerland facing Juan Martin del Potro.At 142 in the world, del Potro is the lowest ranked player in 25 years to reach the US Open quarters as the 2009 champion battles back from four wrist surgeries that nearly spelled the end of his career.

Tennis: Wozniacki, Kerber to clash for US Open final spot

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Caroline Wozniackis dramatic resurgence continued Tuesday when the former world number one defeated a hobbling Anastasija Sevastova to reach a fourth US Open semi-final.The two-time runner-up, ranked at a lowly 74 after an injury-hit campaign, eased to a 6-0, 6-2 win and will face second seed Angelique Kerber for a place in Saturdays championship match.Sevastova, playing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, never recovered from falling and turning her right ankle in the second game of the opening set.The 26-year-old was hobbled from that point on and the contest was over in just over an hour with the world number 48 having committed 30 unforced errors to the Danes five.Wozniacki, the finalist in 2009 and 2014 and semi-finalist also in 2010 and 2011, sympathised with Sevastova after she spent almost three months out of the sport with a right ankle injury earlier this year.I feel really sorry for her as I have had that injury before, said 26-year-old Wozniacki who will now return to the top 30 as a result of her surprise run in New York.I had to keep pushing her back and make her move.Sevastova, the Cinderella story of the US Open after she had retired in 2013, won just 12 points in the first set before she briefly rallied late in the match.Even having her right ankle heavily strapped did nothing to improve her chances of becoming the first Latvian woman to reach the last-four at a Grand Slam.Australian Open champion Kerber defeated Italys Roberta Vinci 7-5, 6-0 to reach her second semi-final in New York having also made the last four in 2011.Kerber holds a 7-5 career record over Wozniacki.The German second seed showed remarkable powers of resilience to retrieve three breaks of serve against Italian 33-year-old Vinci in the first set.In a powerful demonstration of her title credentials, 28-year-old Kerber then wrapped up the second set of her quarter-final by allowing Vinci just five points on her serve.Its always tough to play Roberta, she always comes out to play great tennis, said Kerber, who last made the semi-finals in New York in 2011.I am happy to win in two sets which means a lot to me.Kerber could dethrone Serena Williams, who she has already faced in the Australian Open and Wimbledon finals this year, on top of the world rankings if results go her way.I remember the semis in 2011. That was maybe a little bit of surprise. I had nothing to lose and I just played great tennis, she said.Now Im a completely different player. I have a lot of confidence and I know how to win big matches.Vinci, bothered by a foot injury this tournament and playing with her left calf strapped on Tuesday, was ahead with a break on three occasions in the opening set for leads of 1-0, 3-2 and 5-4.But Kerber kept reining her in and with the seventh break in 12 games, the German took the opener after 54 minutes when Vinci was called for a foot fault.The Italian aimed sarcastic applause and a thumbs-up at the impassive line judge, but the veteran never regained her composure as she garnered just 10 points in a 24-minute second set.Vinci, who has yet to decide on whether or not she will continue to play in 2017, admitted Kerber was the better player in the important moments.Shes on fire. Shes won a lot of matches. When the moment is tough and both players are so close, shes focused. Shes in good shape. Shes No. 2. So probably this is the difference between us, said Vinci.The remaining quarter-finals take place on Wednesday with world number one Williams facing fifth seed Simona Halep of Romania and Croatian teenager Ana Konjuh facing fellow big-hitter, Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.

Football: Portugal beaten in World Cup opener, France held

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PARIS (AFP) - With Cristiano Ronaldo still missing due to injury, European champions Portugal began their bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Switzerland on Tuesday.Goals seven minutes apart in the first half from teenage sensation Breel Embolo and Admir Mehmedi gave the Swiss the points at the St Jakob-Park in Basel as they got off to the ideal start in qualifying Group B.Elsewhere on Tuesday, Euro 2016 runners-up France also showed signs of a hangover from their summer exertions as Les Bleus were held to a 0-0 draw in Belarus in Group A, while the Netherlands came from behind to draw 1-1 in Sweden.In Nicosia, former Everton boss Roberto Martinezs first competitive match as coach of Belgium ended in a 3-0 win against Cyprus.Ronaldo was one of three Portuguese players to have started the 1-0 extra-time triumph against France on July 10 who was absent from the away starting line-up in Basel, with Renato Sanches also sidelined and Joao Mario only on the bench.Joao Moutinho and Bernardo Silva came in along with Lille striker Eder, the man who came off the bench to score the winning goal at the Stade de France.But Fernando Santos side were undone as Switzerland went in front midway through the first half, Schalke striker Embolo heading home the loose ball after Rui Patricio had only managed to parry a Ricardo Rodriguez free-kick.The Swiss doubled their lead on the half-hour mark when Haris Seferovic cut the ball back for Mehmedi, who took a touch and finished high into the net.With FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching on, any hopes Portugal had of turning the game around were effectively ended when the unmarked Nani headed against the post from six yards following a Ricardo Quaresma cross.In the same section, Hungary were held to a 0-0 draw in the Faroe Islands while Valerijs Sabalas second-half goal gave Latvia a 1-0 victory in Andorra.France have had problems against Belarus in the recent past, including taking just one point against the former Soviet Republic in Euro 2012 qualifying.Paul Pogba, the worlds most expensive player, started for the visitors in Borisov, but coach Didier Deschamps made six changes compared to the side that lost the European Championship final, leaving Dimitri Payet on the bench.With Les Bleus lacking attacking inspiration, though, Payet came on for Anthony Martial just before the hour mark and moments later his corner was headed against the bar by Olivier Giroud.Antoine Griezmann then met a low ball in to the near post by Moussa Sissoko but was thwarted by Andrei Gorbunov.The Belarus goalkeeper came up with another decisive intervention in the 73rd minute, saving a Layvin Kurzawa header from a Payet free-kick, with Manchester Uniteds Pogba just unable to get to the follow-up.In the same group, the Netherlands began their attempt to bounce back from their failure to qualify for Euro 2016 by facing the Swedes at the Friends Arena.It is the beginning of a new era for Sweden, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic now retired from international football and Janne Andersson having replaced Erik Hamren as coach.They went in front two minutes before half-time when Kevin Strootman was caught in possession just outside the Dutch box and Marcus Berg, who used to play in Holland for Groningen and PSV Eindhoven, beat Jeroen Zoet with a superb chip from 20 yards.However, Wesley Sneijder followed in to convert the rebound and make it 1-1 midway through the second half after Robin Olsen had saved from Daryl Janmaat.Also in Group A, Bulgaria beat Luxembourg 4-3 in a frantic finish in Sofia, with Aleksandar Tonev netting a stoppage-time winner.Martinezs Belgium got off to a fine start against Cyprus in Group H with Romelu Lukaku scoring a brace and Yannick Carrasco also on target.In the same group, Bosnia and Herzegovina trounced Estonia 5-0 with veteran defender Emir Spahic scoring twice, while Greece won 4-1 against Gibraltar in the minnows first ever World Cup match. Liam Walker scored to briefly have Gibraltar level in the first half in Faro, Portugal.

No suggestion to impose sanctions against Pakistan: US

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WASHINGTON (Dunya News) - State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner while briefing the newsmen in Washington on Tuesday said that the United States is not planning any sanctions against Pakistan for not taking actions against terrorist groups.Suggestive of any kind of sanctions, were not there, the State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters. I dont think were even at that point, Toner said.I mean, we continue to have, conversations with the highest level of the government of Pakistan and our basic point in all these conversations is that Pakistan must target all militant groups, including those that target Pakistans neighbours and eliminate all safe havens, he said.What weve received in terms of response from Pakistan authorities is that they have assured of their intentions to do so. We have been encouraged by some of the steps theyve taken, some of their recent counter-terrorism operations along the border of Afghanistan and were going to continue to work with them to increase those efforts and apply more pressure on these groups, he said.Referring to the remarks made by the Secretary of State John Kerry during his recent trip to India and Bangladesh, Toner said the US has had very frank conversations with Pakistans leadership and military leadership about the need to focus more efforts on those terrorist groups, all the terrorist groups rather, that are operating from within Pakistani soil, or territory rather.We continue to have that discussion with them. We have seen some efforts to make progress in that regard. Were going to continue to have those conversations with them as we move forward and it is in Pakistans interest, its in Afghanistans interest to go after these terrorist groups, to route them out and to destroy them, he said.

12-year-olds attend university in Canada, US

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OTTAWA (AFP) - If youre not already feeling old, this may provide a little nudge -- a 12-year-old Indonesian boy will start university classes in Canada Thursday with peers almost twice his age, and apparently hes not alone.Cendikiawan (Diki) Suryaatmadja will study physics and take additional classes in math, chemistry and economics at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, school officials said.The boy genius reportedly applied after fast-tracking through school in his home country, learning English by watching movies.Diki is the youngest student ever to enroll at Waterloo, one of Canadas top schools, admissions staff said.He is also among a growing number of smart youngsters eager to begin higher education.South of the border, Cornell University in New York welcomed 12-year-old freshman Jeremy Shuler this week.And a cursory look at enrollment statistics over the past century shows the bar falling lower and lower.American Michael Kearney, born in 1984, remains the youngest ever to have graduated with a college degree at age eight. He went on to teach college while still a teenager.Waterloo admissions staff told Canadian media that age did not factor into their decision to admit Diki, who they said has one of the best academic records of anyone accepted at the school this year.He had phenomenal grades, Andre Jardin, associate registrar of admissions, told broadcaster CTV. Hes fully prepared academically. What we have to address is the fact that he is a 12-year-old boy.Diki, meanwhile, told public broadcaster CBC that he was very excited to meet the new students and make new friends.He said he would like to apply what he learns in the field of renewable energy. While in Canada, he will live with his father in an apartment near campus, and says he is looking forward to learning how to ice skate.

Air Force Day is being observed today

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Air Force Day is being observed today (Wednesday) with traditional zeal and dignity across the country to commemorate the heroics of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in the war of 1965 against India.Pakistan Air Force celebrates September 7 as the PAF Day in commemoration of the PAF’s role in defending the country and remembering its martyrs of the 1965 war. Air shows and other programmes will mark the Pakistan Air Force’s role in defending the nation in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Full text of COAS address on Defence Day of Pakistan

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Families of the Martyrs of Pakistan, Distinguished Guests, Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of Pakistan Army,Assalam o Alaikum,Today we have gathered to pay tribute to those martyrs and heroes of the Nation whose unmatched sacrifices, courage and sense of duty has enabled us to breathe in an independent and respectable country.The war of September 1965 is a glorious chapter of our national history that bestowed a new determination and unity upon the people of this country. The supreme valour of the men and officers of Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy has made this day the most distinguished day in the history of Pakistani Nation.Fifty years later, this day has also become the emblem of the sacrifices, steadfastness, and bravery of all those martyrs and heroes who successfully stood up to such enormous challenges as Operation Zarb-e-Azb and a decade-long war against terror. I want to make it clear to all enemies of Pakistan that Pakistan has always been strong and today it is invincible.Dear Audience,For the past few years, our country is faced with the menace of terrorism and an unconventional war in which the Nation and the Armed Forces have rendered countless sacrifices side by side. While terrorism has crumbled many countries around the world, Pakistan, By the Grace of Allah Almighty, has valiantly fought these challenges.A few years ago, we were faced with terrorists attacks almost on a daily basis. No part of the country, including defence installations, was beyond the enemy’s reach. The writ of the state had practically ended in many parts of the country. North Waziristan had become a hotbed of terrorists. Doubts and misgivings about War on Terrorism were common in many circles. But, Ladies and Gentlemen, as Chief of Army Staff, I held full faith in the capabilities and resolve of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. It was this faith that encouraged us to launch Operation Zarb-e-Azb.We named Operation Zarb-e-Azb after the Sword of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) so that we’d be guided on every step by the Edicts of Allah Almighty and the examples of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). This sword can only be raised for the protection of the oppressed and the innocent and to eradicate evil and disorder from the land.The process of indiscrimante elimination of terrorists from our soil that we started two years ago in the form of Operation Zarb-e-Azb has attained its laid down military objectives, and, today, the Green banner flutters proudly over all parts of our dear homeland.Since the start of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, we have undertaken over 19,000 operations across the length and breadth of the country to overcome terrorism. In this long voyage of success, Pakistan Army has been aided by invaluable sacrifices rendered by Rangers, Frontier Corps, Police and Levies. Our Intelligence Agencies have played a vital role in these achievements. The success of Zarb-e-Azb results from unparalleled Tri-Services cooperation. Especially Pakistan Air Force has worked in close harmony with Pakistan Army at every stage of this operation. This mutual harmony of the Armed Forces is our treasured asset.Ladies and Gentlemen,During the War on Terrorism, almost 18,000 innocent citizens and 5,000 officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces have laid their lives while over 48,000 Pakistanis have suffered serious injuries. We shall not allow the sacrifices of our martyrs to go in vain. Zarb-e-Azb might be just another military offensive for the world, but for us, it is the war of survival for our homeland. We shall not hesitate from going to any extents to ensure our national security.I realize that our brave tribals have borne the hardships of leaving their homes for the sake of peace. Pakistan Army is vigorously engaged in all the projects for the better and brighter future for TDPs and their coming generations. God Willing, the repatriation process for the TDPs will also be concluded soon.As a nation, we can be rightfully proud of the accomplishments made during this brief span. Now we see the solutions instead of new problems. But we must remember that the internal and external threats to peace have not yet ended completely.For a lasting peace, it is necessary to ensure country-wide implementation of National Action Plan, formed out of the collective wisdom of the nation, in its true letter and spirit. Scholars, intellectuals and media must propagate the peaceful and universal message of Islam in order to eradicate the negative notions of extremism.In order to root out terrorism, we must also remove such weaknesses in or criminal justice system which impede the complete eradication of terrorism. The evil nexus of heinous crimes, corruption and terrorism is a great impediment to achieving complete peace and is a cause of social unrest. Effective and far-reaching reforms are needed to break this nexus.For the operation to yield its full dividends, all stake holders and institutions of state must play their respective roles with utmost sincerity and commitment.Ladies and Gentlemen,While Army and Law Enforcement personnel are putting their lives at stake to curb the Facilitators, Abettors, Financiers and Sympathisers of the enemies, some elements are trying to create an atmosphere of mistrust in the nation towards security and intelligence organizations. Despite all these misgivings and accusations, our morale remains high.Distinguished Audience,We are sincerely playing our active role for peace in Afghanistan. But some self-seeking quarters that are definitely not sincere towards Afghanistan, are obstructing these efforts. I bear upon such elements that Afghanistan is our neighbour and brother Islamic country. Peace and stability there is vital to Pakistan’s own interest.Better management of international border between the two countries takes precedence in our national interest. We want to establish an effective border management mechanism in concert with Afghan government. I am certain that a better peace environment will lead to our shared economic progress.We desire peaceful relations with all our neighbours but the fact can never be overlooked that the true assurance of peace in the region is the balance of power. Despite all external machinations and instigations, we are ever prepared for the defence of our borders and are capable to defend our dear homeland in all domains, may it be conventional or unconventional.Ladies and Gentlemen,We salute the great sacrifices of the people of Indian Held Kashmir for their right of self-determination. The oppressed people of Occupied Kashmir are once again suffering worst form of state terrorism and repression for demanding their due rights.The true solution for this struggle for self-determination resides not in raining bullets upon the defenceless Kashmiri people but in heeding to their voice and respecting their aspirations. Kashmir issue can only be resolved by implementing the UN Resolutions.Ladies and Gentlemen,Kashmir is our lifeline, and we shall continue our diplomatic and moral support to the freedom movement at all levels.Here I want to make it clear that we are fully aware of all Covert and Overt intrigues and intentions of our enemies. Be the challenge military or diplomatic, be the danger on the borders or within the cities, we know our friends and foes all too well.We know well how to abide by bonds of friendship and how to avenge upon our enemies.The greatest example of a relationship based on mutual respect and principle of equality in the region is the Pak-China friendship. CPEC is the paramount evidence of this relationship. This great project will not only consolidate our mutual economic relations but will also help the overall prosperity of the region. Its timely completion and protection is our national undertaking. I would like to assure that we shall not allow any external force to obstruct it and any such attempt will be dealt with iron hands.Ladies and Gentlemen,In the end, I salute the innocent children of Army Public School, the youthful students of Bacha Khan University, Balochistan’s lawyers, martyrs of the nation, valiant men of the Armed Forces, Intelligence Agencies, Rangers, Police, and Levies whose lives were laid in the defence of the country and the everlasting greatness of their resolute families. Your passion reinforces our resolve.I am proud to command an Army whose officers and men hold aloft the traditions of the great heroes of yore.I have an unwavering faith in the courage and determination of each of my countrymen. Especially our youth is the herald, custodian and guarantor of Pakistan’s bright future. On behalf of my entire nation, I want to impress upon the enemies of peace and humanity that if we can win, we also know how to protect our victory.May Allah be our Guide and Protector. Ameen.Pakistan Army ZindabadPakistan Paindabad

Pakistan to face England in one-off T20 today

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan are all set to take on England in the only Twenty20 International at Old Trafford in Manchester today (Wednesday) under new captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Dunya News reported. The match will start at 10:30pm (PST).Pakistan will be looking to bring the curtains down on a long tour of England with a morale-boosting win in the one-off Twenty20 International.While the two sides shared the spoils in the Test series that ended 2-2, the One-Day Internationals went England’s way, the home team winning 4-1 and Pakistan’s victory coming only after England had already taken a 4-0 lead.It will be Sarfraz Ahmed’s first match since taking over the captaincy of the T20 side from Shahid Afridi, who has not been picked for this match.Among the 13-strong squad is the uncapped Amad Butt, a 21-year-old paceman and a graduate from the Under-19 side that beat England in the semifinal of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014. Mohammad Irfan, called up to replace the injured Mohammad Hafeez, was ruled out of the series after suffering cramps in the fourth ODI. Hasan Ali has been included in his place. Khalid Latif and Sohail Tanvir are also set to return to the side.On the other hand, England will look to bring an end to a terrific season – one in which it reached the final of the ICC World Twenty20 2016 and came within four balls of winning.To that end, England named a strong squad for the solitary T20I, with Joe Root, Alex Hales and Moeen Ali included – they were all rested for the similar fixture when Sri Lanka came visiting. Ben Stokes and Mark Wood also return from injury, but Liam Dawson, the left-arm spinner who made his ODI debut in Cardiff, has been dropped from the squad that featured against Sri Lanka.

Oil markets split as traders dubious of supply freeze

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Oil prices were mixed on Tuesday as any investor hopes that producing countries would limit output failed to bolster markets.A barrel of West Texas Intermediate for October delivery rose 39 cents to close at $44.83 in New York.But North Sea Brent closed 37 cents lower at $47.26 per barrel for November delivery on the Intercontinental Exchange in London.On Monday prices surged after Russia, which is not an OPEC member, and Saudi Arabia pledged to cooperate in steadying prices even though officials from the two countries said they saw no need to freeze output.However the foundations of such a prospect appeared to weaken Tuesday. In a statement published by OPEC, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said it was vital for Iran to regain its pre-sanctions production levels even though his country supported any OPEC efforts to restore global price stability.You can see how the market is headline-driven after the last day or so of trading, said Gene McGillian of Tradition Energy. All the reports about a possibility of some agreement had the market rocking higher... Then we were, What if there really is no agreement? We came right back where we were.

Dollar weakens on US service sector slowdown

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar weakened Tuesday after data showed activity in the US service sector slowed sharply last month, diminishing the odds of an early rate hike by the Federal Reserve.The Institute for Supply Management reported Tuesday that its purchasing managers index for the supply sector had fallen from a reading of 55.5 to 51.4 for August. A result above 50 represents growth.The toward 2100 GMT, the euro was at $1.1257, up from $1.1148 the day before, while the dollar dropped to 101.99 yen, from 103.43. The pound stood at $1.3442, up from $1.3304 on Monday.The euro meanwhile lost territory to the pound and the yen, falling slightly to 83.75 pence, down from 83.79, and buying 114.81 yen, down from 115.30.The drop in US service sector activity could argue against predictions of an interest rate hike this month by the US Federal Reserve.It was yet another contradictory indication in the complex picture of the US economy considered by policymakers in Washington. Official figures released Friday showed the US had added 155,000 jobs in August, still solid but below analyst expectations.Jasper Lawler, an analyst at CMC Markets, said he believed the sharp service sector slowdown meant the Fed would be in error if it raised rates this month.

Sarfraz Ahmed grateful for Misbah inspiration

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LONDON (AFP) - Sarfraz Ahmed hopes to put the lessons he has learnt from playing under the inspirational Misbah-ul-Haq to good use when he leads Pakistan in their Twenty20 international against England at Old Trafford on Wednesday.The match will be the wicket-keeper/batsmans first in charge since he was appointed Twenty20 captain five months ago after Pakistans early exit from the World Twenty20 in India -- where England reached the final only to lose to the West Indies in a last-over thriller. The 29-year-old Ahmed has been one of the Pakistans standout performers in both Test and one-day cricket during their tour of England.He led the way with a fine innings of 90 as Pakistan gained a consolation win in the fifth ODI in Cardiff on Sunday, although England still took the five-match series 4-1.It was a much closer contest during the preceding four-Test campaign, with Pakistan coming from 2-1 behind to finish all square at 2-2.Victory in Manchester on Wednesday would see Pakistan finish their tour with a flourish, even if England have already wrapped up the multi-format Super Series. I am really excited about the captaincy, Ahmed told an Old Trafford news conference on Tuesday.Representing the country is a big achievement, but I am really excited to lead. I am trying to lead everything and to play positive cricket and win tomorrow.Under Misbah, who no longer plays white-ball cricket, Pakistan have risen to the top of the world Test rankings.But it has been a different story in ODIs where, with top-order batsman Azhar Ali as their skipper, Pakistan are a lowly ninth in the standings and in danger of failing to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup in England.Ahmed, a mainstay in all three international formats, was heartened by Pakistans performance in Cardiff. The Test team is very settled -- they have played six years together, he said.After the World Cup, we are trying to develop a new ODI team and the morale is high after Cardiff.Its a positive thing for us to win from 4-0 down -- a great achievement chasing 300 outside of Asia.We are very confident. We are trying to develop a new team with youngsters and play Twenty20 like England and Australia.In the meantime Ahmed will try to follow in the footsteps of Misbah, widely praised for uniting a Pakistan side who have not played a Test series in their own country since an armed attack on Sri Lankas team bus in Lahore in 2009.I think Misbah is an inspiration for all the team - he inspired me, he said. I have developed something from him and will try my best.Whatever the result of Wednesdays match, the tour has already seen an enterprising Pakistan side do much to restore a reputation damaged in the eyes of both their own fans and England supporters by the spot-fixing controversy that blighted their last visit in 2010.We have enjoyed this tour and found people have been welcoming, said Ahmed. We hope we win the match and end on a high note.

Maxwell ton fires Aussies to 85-run win in 1st T20

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PALLEKELE (AFP) - Opener Glenn Maxwells blistering century in Australias world record 263 powered the visitors to a comprehensive 85-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international in Pallekele on Tuesday.Australia, who broke Sri Lankas nine-year record of 260/6 against Kenya in 2007, restricted the hosts to 178 for nine in 20 overs to take 1-0 lead in the two-match series.Maxwell destroyed the Sri Lankan bowling attack with his unbeaten 145 off 65 balls, which was laced with 14 fours and nine sixes, after the visitors were invited to bat first.Skipper David Warner gave Australia a fiery start with his 28 runs off 12 balls as he put on a 57-run opening partnership with Maxwell to lay a solid foundation. Off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake bowled Warner on a looping delivery that held its line to take the off stump, but Sri Lankas joy was shortlived as Maxwell, who was dropped from the ODI squad, was just warming up at the other end.I thought to give the bloke (Maxwell) an opportunity, I like a right-hand, left-hand combination at the top. Credit to him, he has worked hard at home. Tonight was all Maxi, said Warner.The opener, who registered his maiden T20 century in his 35th game, found the perfect partner in Usman Khawaja, who scored 36 off 22 balls, as the duo put together 97 runs for the second wicket.Debutant left-arm spinner Sachith Pathirana got Khawaja trudging back to the pavilion, only to see Travis Head join forces with Maxwell.Maxwell and Head, who scored an 18-ball 45, then put on 109 runs for the third wicket as it was raining boundaries at a packed Pallekele International Stadium.Maxwell fell 11 runs short of teammate Aaron Finchs top T20 score of 156 as he faced a single ball in the final over of the innings.A little bit instinctive, tried to hit my areas based on the field. Been playing really well in the T20 format over the last 12 months, Maxwell said of his epic knock.Nice to get an opportunity to bat at the top, slightly easier place to bat.The economy rates of Sri Lankan bowlers went for a toss as Senanayake, Thisara Perera and Pathirana took a wicket each but gave away too many runs.Im really disappointed with the way we bowled. If we restricted them to under 200, we would have had a chance, Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal said.Sri Lanka were never in the chase after losing openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kusal Perera (4) in the first two overs of the innings.Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc struck in his very first over to get Dilshan, who is set to retire from international cricket after the second T20, bowled for four.The pressure of scoring at over 13 runs an over proved just too much for an inexperienced Sri Lankan batting side as the Aussie bowlers kept picking wickets at regular intervals.Chandimal top-scored with 58 runs, his fourth T20 half-century, before falling to medium-pacer Scott Boland.Chamara Kapugedara also hit a 25-ball 43, studded with three fours and three sixes, to give some respect to the Sri Lankan total.Starc and Boland claimed three wickets each as James Faulkner, Moises Henriques and Adam Zampa took one each.The action now shifts to Colombo for the final T20 on September 9.

Jordan to tour Bangladesh amid security concerns

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LONDON (AFP) - Chris Jordan has followed Moeen Ali in declaring he will be available for Englands tour of Bangladesh, saying Tuesday he was happy with assurances there would be more than enough security in place.The tour was called into question after an attack on a Dhaka cafe in July that saw 20 hostages killed.Last week off-spinner and left-handed batsman Ali became the first England player to state, without qualification, that he would travel to Bangladesh at the end of this month if selected and all-rounder Jordan was equally adamant on Tuesday. If selected, I will definitely go, Jordan told a news conference at Old Trafford ahead of Englands Twenty20 international against Pakistan at the Manchester ground on Wednesday.Jonny Bairstow has all but guaranteed his tour availability and Alastair Cook, Englands Test captain, is understood to have given a private assurance to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials that he too will make the trip.Following the Dhaka attack, the ECB sent an inspection team to Bangladesh led by their long-serving security chief Reg Dickason.After he reported back, the board confirmed last month that the tour, which includes three one-day international and two Test match fixtures in October and November, would go ahead as planned, with Dickason also briefing England players in London.They obviously said theyll provide more than enough security -- they reckon theyll overcook themselves on the amount provided, said Jordan.Asked if other members of Englands Test and ODI squads were still uncertain about touring Bangladesh, Jordan said: Possibly, and naturally so.Its not the ideal situation, but we cant change it or whats gone on in the past.England coach Trevor Bayliss, who held a similar role with Sri Lanka when their team bus came under armed attack in Lahore, Pakistan in 2009, has also said that he will tour Bangladesh.But England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan, while denying he was reluctant to tour, has still to make himself available.Former England captain Kevin Pietersen warned the Irishman he would be putting his international career in jeopardy if he opted out.Eoin Morgan has no choice but to go to Bangladesh, Pietersen said in his Daily Telegraph column published Tuesday. He may still decide not to make the trip, and it is his right to take that personal choice, but it will be held against him at some stage in the future, despite any assurances to the contrary, added Pietersen, Englands captain when they continued with their 2008 tour of India following the Mumbai terror attacks.When the going gets tough for him in the future, with the team losing, or a run of personal low scores, then he will find that the loyalty from his bosses will not be the same because he went against them.Sundays four-wicket defeat by Pakistan in the fifth ODI in Cardiff has been Englands lone loss in white-ball cricket so far this season.They won an ODI series against Sri Lanka 3-0 before triumphing in their Twenty20 with the islanders and Sundays reverse still meant they came away with a 4-1 win in a five-match campaign. England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler is set to be back behind the stumps at his Lancashire home ground on Wednesday after missing the last two ODIs with a hamstring problem.
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