Monday 31 July 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Tennis: Serena serves ace for black women's equal pay

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Serena Williams served up a rallying cry for equal pay for black women Monday, decrying that they would have to work on average eight months longer to earn the same as male counterparts in one year.The record-breaking tennis star and worlds highest paid female athlete -- who has spoken candidly about sexism and racism -- wrote a nearly 1,000-word essay in Fortune magazine to mark Black Womens Equal Pay Day.For every dollar made by a man, black women make 63 cents in the United States. Black women earn 17 percent less than white women, and black women with graduate degrees get paid less at every level, wrote Williams.The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion quoted data showing that only 44 percent of white men recognize the pay gap as an issue.I have been treated unfairly, Ive been disrespected by my male colleagues and -- in the most painful times -- Ive been the subject of racist remarks on and off the tennis court, wrote the 35-year-old.The cycles of poverty, discrimination, and sexism are much, much harder to break than the record for Grand Slam titles, she added, calling for legislation and action to change the status quo.Williams, who announced her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian last December, is pregnant with her first child. She plans to return to competitive tennis next year.Black women: Be fearless. Speak out for equal pay. Every time you do, youre making it a little easier for a woman behind you, she said.Most of all, know that youre worth it. It can take a long time to realize that. It took me a long time to realize it. But we are all worth it. Ive long said, You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.Forbes ranks Williams as the highest earning female athlete with a pay check of $27 million -- but only 51st on an overall list of highest paid athletes. Forbes ranks Roger Federer as the worlds highest paid tennis star at $64 million.Black women are the cornerstone of our communities, they are phenomenal, and they deserve equal pay, Williams tweeted Monday with a picture of herself wearing a T-shirt saying Phenomenal Woman.

Tennis: Thiem says catching Big Four still 'long ways' off

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Dominic Thiem, the highest-ranked mens tennis player without a Grand Slam title, begins his push to the US Open this week knowing the gap to the games big four remains large.The 23-year-old Austrian, ranked a career-high seventh, and 20-year-old German Alexander Zverev, who reached a career-best eighth on Monday, are the top-ranked mens players at the ATP and WTA Citi Open.We still have to win a lot of matches to deserve to be called the next big things in tennis, Thiem said Monday. Its nice to hear that but I think its still a pretty long ways for both of us.World number one Andy Murray, second-ranked Rafael Nadal, number three Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who will miss the rest of the year with an elbow injury, remain the gold standard in their 30s that Thiem and his fellow 20-somethings are chasing in the rankings and for Grand Slam crowns.They are really special. Its very unusual you have four players like this in one generation, Thiem said.I think its getting a little better for the other players. They are starting to take a few tournaments. In the Grand Slams you would have to beat two or three (of them) in a run. Thats why other players havent won the big titles.Thiem defeated Djokovic in the French Open quarter-finals to reach the last four at Roland Garros for the second consecutive year.He lost there to Rafael Nadal, as he had in the Madrid and Barcelona finals, but Thiem recognizes the value of a strong run-up to a Slam with the US Open looming in just four weeks.Its important to find a strong game. Its the start of a very long journey, Thiem said.I hope it works out well here in Washington. We have a lot of tough matches ahead. From round one basically there are only really tough matches.This week is Thiems biggest event as a top seed and one he expects will toughen him for upcoming US Open tune-ups at Montreal and Cincinnati.Of course its nice to be top seed here but it doesnt affect anything because the guys behind me are really strong, he said.Thiem does not marvel at how players like Federer and Nadal play top tennis deep into their 30s, having followed their fitness path.Its everything on how you are taking care of your body, he said. Players have improved that a lot in recent years. Its the diet. Everyone has a physio. They get treatment after every practice.Its small things but if you do them every day for 15 years it has an impact.

Tennis: US Open preparation heats up for No. 2 Halep

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Second-ranked Simona Halep has the longest current run in the world top 10, reached her second career Grand Slam final in June and defends a title next week in Toronto.But the 25-year-old Romanian is looking for the big prize that has eluded her, a Grand Slam title, as she begins working to the US Open at this weeks WTA and ATP Citi Open.Halep is getting an early jump on US Open preparations at the Washington hardcourt event, becoming the highest-ranked player ever in the field after she said this weeks WTA event in Stanford denied her a wildcard entry.I want to be in my best form at the US Open, Halep said. This tournament is very important. Every match is tough and important for my level.Im focused on what I have to do on the court and what I need to do to get my game strong.Halep reached her first Grand Slam final in 2014 at Roland Garros, falling to Russias Maria Sharapova, then made it back to the French Open final this year only to fall again, up a set and 3-0 before squandering the lead and falling to Latvias Jelena Ostapenko.She followed with a quarter-final exit at Wimbledon and after a title defense next week in Canada hopes to improve upon her best US Open result, a 2015 semi-final run.Im still confident, Halep said. But now its a different season. I expect some tough matches. Im ready. I want some matches.Haleps first match will be Tuesday against another competition-hungry wildcard, American Sloane Stephens, who missed 11 months after left foot surgery before returning at Wimbledon. Stephens won her first WTA title at Washington in 2015.On the mens side, five of the top 11 players in the world will take part, including four past champions who won titles in their last Washington appearances -- Argentinas Juan Martin Del Potro, Canadas 10th-ranked Milos Raonic, Japans ninth-ranked Kei Nishikori and defending champion Gael Monfils of France.The high level of players make this a very important tournament, Del Potro said. Its going to be a very tough tournament.Austrian Dominic Thiem, ranked seventh, is the mens top seed with 20-year-old German Alexander Zverev seeded second and moving Monday into a career-best world number eighth level.Of course its nice to be top seed here but it doesnt affect anything because the guys behind me are really strong. Its a really strong field, Thiem said. Its going to be tricky first rounds for everybody.US ninth seed John Isner, a three-time Washington runner-up, withdrew Monday with a sore right knee. He won ATP titles the past two weeks at Newport and Atlanta.South African-born Australian Marc Polmans was the qualifying lucky loser who replaced Isner in the draw with a first-round bye.Isner jumped past Jack Sock to once again become the US number one, reaching 18th in the rankings to 19th for Sock, who could have faced Isner in the third round.

Olympics: Los Angeles formally announce intent to host 2028 Games

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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Los Angeles formally announced its intent to host the 2028 Summer Olympics on Monday after agreeing a deal with Games officials that paves the way for Paris to host in 2024.The Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic bid committee in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), today announced its intention for Los Angeles to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games 2028 and its agreement with the Host City Contract 2028, the LA bid committee said in a statement, confirming earlier comments from city officials.The deal will bring the Summer Olympics to Los Angeles for a third time, after the city staged the Games in 1984 and 1932.Los Angeles had been in a race with Paris for 2024, with the winner to be named by the IOC on September 13 in Lima.But the possibility that Los Angeles would abandon a 2024 bid and instead accept the 2028 Games has been growing since the IOC decided in July that in an unprecedented move it would attempt to award both Games at its Lima meeting.Paris had remained insistent on hosting in 2024, on the 100th anniversary of the citys 1924 Olympics.LA bid officials, who had put forward a $5.3 billion bid for 2024, said Monday that an agreement had been reached with the IOC on financial considerations that would make waiting an extra four years feasible.Under the terms of the Host City Contract 2028, the IOC will advance funds to a Los Angeles Organizing Committee in view of the longer planning period and to increase participation and access to youth sports programs in the City of Los Angeles in the years leading up to the Games, their statement said.The IOC contribution as stipulated by the HCC is $1.8 billion and has the potential to exceed $2 billion according to the evaluation of the LA bid committee when taking into account the estimated value of existing sponsor agreements to be renewed and potential new marketing deals.The agreement must still be approved by the Los Angeles City Council and the United States Olympic Committee -- both of which backed the 2024 bid.The Los Angeles City Council and United States Olympic Committee Board of Directors will consider the agreement for approval in August, the bid committee said.If approved, the IOC, LA and Paris may enter a tripartite agreement, clearing the way for IOC Membership to simultaneously confirm the Olympic Games 2024 to Paris and the Olympic Games 2028 to Los Angeles at the next IOC session in Lima, Peru on September 13, 2017.IOC president Thomas Bach said he was confident any remaining hurdles could be cleared.We are very confident that we can reach a tripartite agreement under the leadership of the IOC with LA and Paris in August, creating a win-win-win situation for all three partners, he said.This agreement will be put forward to the IOC Session in Lima in September for ratification. LA bid officials had scheduled a press conference for 5pm (0000 GMT) with Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti and bid chief Casey Wasserman about the bid.LA city council member Gil Cedillo had already tweeted hashtag goes from LA2024 to LA2028, and City Council president Herb Wesson was enthusiastic.The City of Los Angeles is a proud and enthusiastic partner in this win-win-win scenario, he said.While local support is seen as crucial to the success of the Games, the bid committee also singled out the support of US President Donald Trump as they try to bring the Games back to the United States.The USA last hosted the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 while the Winter Games were held in Salt Lake City in 2002.Since his election, President Trump has been personally involved in helping to make LAs bid a truly American bid and the White House Office of American Innovation and the US Senate and House of Representatives have been true partners throughout, they said.The USOC and Los Angeles bid team greatly appreciate their strong commitment to bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the United States.

Trump dictated son's statement on Russia talks: report

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Donald Trump personally dictated a misleading statement in which his son Donald Trump Jr said a meeting with a Russian lawyer during the 2016 election was focused on adoptions, The Washington Post reported Monday.It later emerged that during that fateful June 2016 meeting, Trumps eldest son, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign manager Paul Manafort met with a Russian government attorney who an intermediary claimed had incriminating information about Trumps rival Hillary Clinton.The subject line of the email from Trump Jr inviting Kushner and Manafort to the meeting read Russia - Clinton - private and confidential.In his initial statement on the meeting, Trump Jr said the group primarily discussed a program about the adoption of Russian children, and insisted that it was not a campaign issue at the time and there was no followup.The Post said the president dictated the statement to his son while on a flight home from the G20 summit in Germany.Trump Jr later sent shockwaves through Washington by releasing a series of emails that detailed how he had attended the meeting after being promised very high level and sensitive information that was part of Russia and its governments support for Mr Trump.Trump has rushed to his sons defense, and lambasted what he calls a political witch hunt.Citing people familiar with the discussions, the Post said the presidents legal team planned to present the meeting as a potential setup by Democrats seeking to entrap Trump Jr and thus Trump himself, who at the time was the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.The meeting with lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya has thrust Trump Jr into the center of a growing scandal over whether Trumps associates colluded with Moscow to tilt the 2016 election in the Republicans favor.Former FBI director Robert Mueller is probing, in his capacity as special counsel, the Russia connection independently of the Senate panels.

Qatar files WTO complaint over Gulf trade 'siege'

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DOHA (AFP) - Qatar has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization over an illegal siege imposed by its Gulf neighbours, the commerce ministry said Monday.The gas-rich emirate has been slapped with sanctions and demands after four countries including regional kingpin Saudi Arabia cut ties with it on June 5, accusing Doha of fostering Islamist groups and of links to Riyadhs arch-rival Iran. Qatar denies the allegations.The Ministry of Economy and Commerce said a complaint had been lodged with the WTOs Dispute Settlement Body against the siege countries.The Saudi-led bloc has demanded the termination of regional news giant Al-Jazeera, the downgrading of Iran ties and the closure of a Turkish military base in the country.The countries have also recalled their ambassadors from Doha, ordered all Qataris to return home and banned Qatar from using their airspace.The complaint accuses the siege countries of violating the WTOs core laws and conventions on trade of goods and services, and trade-related aspects of intellectual property, the Qatar ministry said.The arbitrary measures taken by the siege countries are a clear violation of the provisions and conventions of international trade law.Furthermore, the illegal siege is unprecedented in the framework of economic blocs, Qatars economic and commerce minister Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani said in the statement.The diplomatic crisis between Doha and its neighbours is the biggest to have hit the Gulf Cooperation Council in decades.

Pentagon alarm over Turkey plan to buy Russian missiles

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Pentagon on Monday criticized Turkeys plans to purchase a Russian air-defense system instead of investing in NATO technology.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in talks to get Russia to supply Ankara with its latest S-400 surface-to-air missile system.Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said the Pentagon had concerns over its NATO allys purchase of the Russian technology because it might not work with other equipment used by the 29-nation alliance.Generally speaking its a good idea for allies to buy inter-operable equipment, Davis said.With any ally, with any partner with whom we inter-operate ... we want them to buy things and invest in things that will further invest in our alliance.Turkish media have in recent days reported that the deal is being finalized with Russia.If it is completed, it would be a significant step after the two countries repaired relations damaged by Ankaras downing of a Russian warplane on the Syrian border in 2015.The S-400 system has a range of about 400 kilometers (250 miles) and is designed to shoot down enemy aircraft.

Lahore: Police nab three suspects during search operation

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Police conducted search operation in various localities of Garden Town in Lahore on Monday night and arrested at leat three suspects, Dunya News reported.Police carried out search operation in hostels and hotels situated in these areas. Biometric device was used for the identification of the people and three persons were taken into custody who failed to provide any identity document.Police sources informed that the search operation was conducted on intelligence report that criminal elements are present in the area. Sources further informed that the arrested persons were shifted to police station for further investigation.

JI to oppose any move to repeal Article 62 and 63: Siraj

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KALAM (Dunya News) – Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami, Senator Siraj-ul-Haq on Monday said that his party will oppose any move to repeal Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution, Dunya News reported.Siraj-ul-Haq while addressing a public meeting in Kalam said that the gang of 40 thieves has now been overpowered by Ali Baba and added that no corrupt person will be allowed to escape accountability.He further said that our politics and democracy has become hostage of land mafia, sugar mafia and drug mafia. He said that Jamaat-e-Islami will resist any move to repeal Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

Quetta: Dead body of a youth recovered

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QUETTA (Dunya News) – Police have recovered dead body of a young student named Kamal Khan from Dasht area in Quetta on Monday, Dunya News reported.According to the father of the deceased, Kamal Khan was abducted on July 25 and his abductors killed him and buried him in the Dasht area.The father of Kamal Khan has demanded of the government to arrest the culprits behind his son’s killing and provide justice to the bereaved family.

NA to meet today to elect new Prime Minister

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The National Assembly will meet today (Tuesday) to elect a new prime minister after Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified Nawaz Sharif over a corruption scandal.President Mamnoon Hussain has summoned a special National Assembly session today (Tuesday) at 3:00 PM to elect the new leader of the house.The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has nominated former state minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim prime minister for 45 days, while the opposition parties failed to agree on a joint candidate, with each party throwing its weight behind different candidates who submitted their nomination papers.Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) backed Awami Muslim League (AML) leader Sheikh Rashids name, but could not gain the support of any other party apart from Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) refused to support Sheikh Rashid and asked its leaders, Khursheed Shah, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, and Naveed Qamar to file their nomination papers.Although, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-Pakistan) named Kishwar Zehra, the only woman participant, to contest in voting for PM, they pledged support to the candidate of ruling party later on. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sahibzada Tariqullah too has submitted the nomination papers.The opposition parties have so far failed to agree on a consensus candidate but they have continued consultations to agree on one candidate, opposition sources said.But even a joint candidate cannot defeat Khaqan Abbasi as PML-N enjoys majority in 342-member house. Under the Constitution of Pakistan, the prime minister has to be elected by a majority of the 342-member lower house of parliament, which comes to 172 votes.Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) holds a majority with 188 seats in the 342-member parliament, so it should be able to swiftly install its choice, barring any defections from its own ranks.The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday disqualified Nawaz Sharif for dishonesty and ruled that corruption cases be filed against him and his children over the Panama Papers scandal, forcing the embattled leader out of office.Nawaz Sharif has named Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the interim leader and his brother, Shahbaz Sharif, as the long-term successor. Shahbaz Sharif, currently the chief minister of Punjab will have to resign from his post and run for a by-election to join Parliament before he is elected as prime minister.

Finance ministry decides to keep petroleum prices unchanged

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Ministry of Finance has decided to keep petroleum product prices unchanged for the month of August, Dunya News reported.According to Ministry of Finance statement, the decision to keep the prices of petroleum products unchanged for the month of August was taken considering the special circumstances.Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) in its summary sent of Ministry of Finance on Friday had recommended a reduction of Rs 3.67/litre in petrol price and Rs 5.07/litre in price of diesel.However, OGRA had also suggested an increase of Rs13/litre in kerosene oil and Rs 10.00/litre in light diesel oil

Sialkot: 5 hospitalized after drinking poisonous milkshake

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SIALKOT (Dunya News) – Five members of the same family in the jurisdiction of Pasroor Sadar Police Station in Sialkot were hospitalized after drinking poisonous milkshake.According to details, five members of the same family, including 50-year-old Asghar, 18-year-old Habib, 45-year-old Shaheen Bibi, went to meet their relatives before departure for Hajj where they were served with poisonous milkshake. Sources said that both the families have some land dispute.The condition of all five deteriorated after drinking poisonous milkshake. Rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the affected persons to hospital in critical condition.

A game of thrones in Pakistan's dynastic politics

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ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Pakistans ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has passed the leadership baton to his brother, ensuring the continuation of a dynastic political system in a country where government has long been run as a family enterprise.In Pakistans stratified, semi-feudal society, patronage and kinship play a huge role in politics, often dominating ideology.Some analyst estimates say that more than half of seats -- at both national and provincial level -- have been passed from father to son, brother to brother, keeping the business of politics firmly within the family.Sharif named his younger brother Shahbaz as his successor to the countrys top office in a defiant speech the day after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court on corruption charges.The move maintains the eponymous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) partys hold on power, with Nawaz continuing to act as puppet master from his position as head of the party.The subtext in all this is that Nawaz Sharif will still have an influence in how things are carried out until the next election and perhaps through the next election, said political analyst Umair Javad.This was his (Nawazs) way of convincing the party that this brand still exists.Shahbaz -- currently chief minister of Punjab province, the familys power base -- is expected to slide into his brothers vacated National Assembly seat before being rubber stamped as prime minister in a parliamentary vote.Meanwhile local media has reported that Shahbaz is lining up his son Hamza to take his position as Punjab Chief Minister, though he too must first be elected to his fathers provincial assembly seat in a by-election.Its the confidence of a political dynasty in its power thats allowing it to make all these moves, said Badar Alam, editor of the Herald magazine.They feel that in certain parts of the country their dynastic hold is so strong that no challenge can uproot them.But some warn that the PML-N will not rally behind Shahbaz -- considered less charismatic than his older brother -- in the same way that it did Nawaz, possibly fracturing the party.Nawaz has personal political appeal in a way that his brother doesnt. I think that the dynasty will fray under his brother, said journalist and commentator Omar Waraich.Another power dynasty, the Bhutto family and its Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lost its footing after the 2007 death of its leader, the countrys first female prime minister Benazir Bhutto.Founded by her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the PPP was once a formidable political force, dominating Pakistani politics for nearly four decades.But since Benazirs assassination and despite being nominally led by her son Bilawal, the PPP has become a shadow of its former self, and lost 76 seats in the last general election in 2013.The leaders have a much stronger brand than the parties. Benazir was always a much stronger brand than the Pakistan Peoples Party. Nawaz Sharif is a much stronger brand than what the PML-N will be without him, said Waraich.Similarly the countrys main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which paints itself as a grassroots movement, is ultimately centred around the personality of its leader, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan.One of the appeals of Imran Khan is that he breaks this dynastic hold. But he only does it through the form of a personality cult, said Waraich.Khan has lead the PTI since its inception over two decades ago, seeking to galvanise the youth vote and the urban middle class with a promise to root out corruption.But observers say he has still failed to turn PTI into a truly national party -- and challenger to the PML-N dominance.Khan held a rally attended by thousands of dancing, celebrating supporters late Sunday in which he criticised the dynastic nature of the Sharif transfer of power.Is there no one else in your (Sharifs) party to make prime minister? he asked the festive crowd. Its not democracy, its a kingdom.The outgoing Sharif now has to face down corruption allegations that have swept up three of his children, including his daughter Maryam Nawaz who had long been touted as his presumptive political heir.The family will likely be in and out of court for the next six months as investigators pick over every detail of their luxury lifestyle and extensive wealth.It is a serious blow to dynastic politics that has been the biggest impediment to the development of democratic institutions and values in the country, said political commentator Zahid Hussain in a recent column for the leading English-language daily Dawn, referring to the Supreme Court judgement that ousted Sharif.But, he concluded, while the death knell of Sharifs political career has arguably been sounded, one is not sure if the family rule is over.

Root joy as England mark Oval milestone in style

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LONDON (AFP) - Joe Root was delighted with Englands all-round effort as they bounced back to hammer South Africa by 239 runs in the third Test at The Oval on Monday.Englands Moeen Ali finished things off in style by becoming the first bowler in 100 Test at The Oval to take a hat-trick.What a way to celebrate the 100th Test at this ground, Root told Sky Sports of off-spinner Alis hat-trick.Man-of-the-match Ben Stokes, who caught two of Alis hat-trick victims, had a good view when Morne Morkel fell lbw to complete the Worcestershire all-rounders treble -- although England had to first review an original not out decision.I cant believe it didnt get given out, said Stokes, who helped Ali start his hat-trick by catching Dean Elgar to end the openers gritty 136.Credit to Dean Elgar with the innings he played, added Stokes,It was a really gutsy hundred, we were glad to see the back of him.Meanwhile an elated Ali said of his hat-trick ball: I was very confident it was out.As soon as the ball left my hand I thought it was straight, and then when it hit the pad I was surprised the umpire (West Indies Joel Wilson) initially didnt give it.It was a great feeling. The match ball went straight into the pocket.But much of the hard work that helped put England 2-1 up in this four-Test series had been done before the Alis landmark feat after lunch on Mondays fifth day.England came into this match on the back of a colossal 340-run defeat in the second Test at Trent Bridge.Several former England captains criticised Roots men for lacking the patience required to bat through difficult periods in a Test match.But Ben Stokes, angered at suggestions that the teams desire was being called into question, made a well-constructed 112 in seam-bowler friendly conditions during a first innings total of 353 at The Oval that also saw ex-captain Alastair Cook weigh in with a valuable 88.We got stuck in and posted a very good score on a challenging wicket, said Root.As for his century Stokes, often troubled by accurate seamer Vernon Philander, admitted: I had to work pretty hard, especially early on.There were some difficult periods, with the wicket offering a bit, particularly for Vernon Philander -- I lost count of how many times he beat the bat.Its pleasing to get through those hard times.Philander, however, spent much of this match off the field with a viral complaint, having tormented England at Trent Bridge.Its obvious to say that Vernon Philander missing out for us in that first innings was a huge moment in the game, said South Africa captain Faf du Plessis.The conditions at that time needed someone like him, an expert in challenging the batsmen.To allow England 350 in that first innings was probably about 100 too many, but you have to also give credit to the way England played.England responded to their Trent Bridge trouncing by selecting three debutants in their XI at The Oval, the south London headquarters of county side Surrey.One of those new caps was Toby Roland-Jones, a stalwart seamer on the other side of Londons River Thames with Lords-based Middlesex, the reigning English county champions.The 29-year-old had an England debut to remember, returning match figures of eight for 129 and scoring 45 valuable late-order runs.It has been draining at times, but to be a part of these last five days and to come out on top is obviously very rewarding, said Roland-Jones.I couldnt be happier.
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Sunday 30 July 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Karachi: Two accused nabbed in police operation

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – At least two accused were taken into custody during police operation in different areas of Karachi on Sunday, Dunya News reported.Police conducted an operation in Gulistan Johar Block-14 and arrested an accused in injured condition after an encounter. Police sources said that the accused, Bilal, was looting the residents. Police have also recovered arms and a motorcycle from him.Separately, police arrested a street criminal, named Johnson, during an operation carried out at the Shahra-e-Faisal. Police sources said that arms and a stolen motorcycle was also recovered from his possession.

Pakistan to elect new PM on Tuesday

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ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Pakistans parliament will meet on Tuesday to elect a new prime minister after the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif following an investigation into corruption allegations against his family.The ruling party named Sharifs younger brother Shahbaz as his successor over the weekend, but he must first enter parliament by contesting the seat left vacant by Sharif.In the meantime the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which enjoys a majority in parliament, has nominated ex-oil minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim prime minister.The top court ousted Sharif Friday after an investigation into corruption allegations against him and his family, bringing his historic third term in power to an unceremonious end and briefly plunging the nuclear-armed nation into political instability.Nawaz Sharif was the 15th prime minister in Pakistans 70-year history -- roughly half of which was under military rule -- to be ousted before completing a full term.The nomination papers -- shall be delivered to the Secretary, National Assembly by 2.00 pm, on Monday, said a notification by the National Assembly Secretariat and seen by AFP.It said the assembly would meet at 3:00 pm Tuesday (1000 GMT) to elect a prime minister.Abbasi is set to be rubber-stamped as placeholder in the parliamentary vote. The opposition could also field a candidate but has little chance of securing enough votes in the 342-seat house.The younger Sharif -- who is chief minister of the countrys most populous province of Punjab -- has so far managed to remain unscathed by the corruption allegations engulfing his brothers family.On Saturday the Election Commission said fresh elections would be held in Nawaz Sharifs former constituency, in the familys power base in Punjab, in a process that could take up to 45 days.At least 20,000 supporters of Pakistans main opposition leader Imran Khan crowded into an arena on Sunday evening for a raucous rally -- dubbed the Thanksgiving Rally -- to celebrate Sharifs ousting.With corruption allegations engulfing the powerful Sharif family -- a dominant force in the countrys politics for the last three decades -- cricketer-turn-politician Khan is hoping to win support for his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.We will start accountability from the top, he told a sea of supporters, including hundreds of women and families, who defied the heat and humidity to cheer him on.Criticising the dynastic nature of the Sharif transfer of power, he demanded: Is there no one else in your (Sharifs) party to make prime minister?... Its not democracy, its a kingdom.More than 3,000 security officers were on hand at the rally, which had a festive atmosphere with Khan supporters decked out in the partys red and green colours. Some estimated the crowd size at as high as 40,000.I am here for solidarity with Imran Khan. He is the only leader who can rid this nation of dynastic politics, said Iqbal Shah, 60, who had travelled from the countrys northwest to support Khan.Khan himself also faces graft allegations in court linked to the non-disclosure of assets and offshore companies -- similar charges that brought down Sharif.The case, brought by a member of Sharifs PML-N party, seeks to have Khan disqualified on the same contentious clause in the constitution that ousted Sharif -- the requirement that Pakistani politicians be honest.Khans lawyers have denied all charges and say his wealth stems from his lucrative cricketing career.

SC to hear Imran Khan disqualification case today

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - A three-member bench of the Supreme Court will hear PML-N leader Hanif Abbasis petition seeking disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan today (Monday).A three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Umar Bandiyal and Justice Faisal Arab will hear the case.The petitioner has alleged that in his declaration of assets for tax year 2014, Imran Khan had willfully concealed his investment of Rs2.97 million to purchase a luxury apartment at Constitution Avenue’s Grand Hyatt locality in Islamabad.Hanif Abbasi has claimed that Imran Khan concealed his financial assets and offshore company in nomination papers filed to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for 2013 general elections.

Khaqan, Khursheed, Rashid get nomination papers for PM election

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The National Assembly Secretariat has started the process for issuing nomination papers for the election of new Prime Minister after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by Supreme Court on Friday on corruption charges.The Supreme Court of Pakistan ousted Sharif Friday after an investigation into corruption allegations against him and his family, bringing his historic third term in power to an unceremonious endShahid Khaqan Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Sheikh Rashid of Awami Muslim League (AML) backed by Pakistan Tehrkee-i-Insaf (PTI) visited the office of National Assembly Secretary and obtained the nomination papers, while staff of leader of the opposition in National Assembly Khursheed Shah collected six nomination papers.The nomination papers will be received by the NA Secretariat on July 31 till 2 pm, following which the Speaker will conduct their scrutiny at 3 pm on the same day.President Mamnoon Hussain has already summoned the National Assembly session on August 1 at 3 pm for the prime minister’s election. After the election, the new prime minister will take oath of his office, administered by the president. He will then constitute his cabinet.

Marriyum Aurangzeb terms Imran Khan a liar

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Former information and broadcasting Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb while commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) thanksgiving rally in Islamabad said that Imran Khan is a liar and champion of making provocative statements.She said that PTI chief did not get tired of telling lies and added that today once again he was repeating the same lies before public.Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Imran Khan once again addressed the empty chairs in dark pitched night illuminated with flood lights to conceal empty seats.Former Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal while criticizing PTI chief said that Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification is in fact insult of the mandate of 200 million people of Pakistan.

Stokes double leaves South Africa reeling in third Test

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LONDON (AFP) - Ben Stokes took two wickets in two balls to leave England eyeing victory in the third Test against South Africa at The Oval on Sunday.South Africa were 117 for four at stumps on the fourth day, needing a further 375 runs to reach a colossal target of 492 -- the most made to win in the fourth innings of a Test is the West Indies 418 for seven against Australia at St Johns in 2003.One consolation for the Proteas was the fight shown by Dean Elgar (72 not out) and Temba Bavuma (16 not out), who kept England at bay after joining forces with their side in dire trouble at 52 for four.(Hashim) Amla and (Quinton) de Kock are probably the two wickets we look at as being the main ones for us to try and get on a roll, so its nice to see the back of those two already -- theyre in form and two really good players, Stokes told Sky Sports.But weve got two fighters still at the wicket at the moment, in Elgar and Bavuma, so hopefully...we can get them out early on (Monday), he added.The 100th Test at The Oval is turning into a personal triumph for Stokes after he laid the platform for Englands dominant position with 112 in a first-innings total of 353.Today, he bowled as quickly as Ive seen him bowl, said Stuart Broad of Stokes, with the England new ball-veteran comparing a return of two for 29 in eight overs to the kind of fiery display he used to witness at first-hand from Andrew Flintoff.It felt like one of those intimidating spells that Flintoff used to bowl -- just heavy, and at the batsman, added Broad, who removed South Africa opener Heino Kuhn after England captain Joe Root declared his sides second innings on 313 for eight at tea.A draw on Monday -- which would ensure this see-saw four-match series remained level at 1-1 ahead of next weeks finale at Old Trafford -- is not yet beyond South Africa, who thrashed England by 340 runs in the second Test at Trent Bridge.Elgar has a badly bruised finger but Proteas assistant coach Adrian Birrell insisted the left-handed opener would be fit to bat.Its not broken, and if it was broken it wouldnt make a difference, he said.Birrell added: Were in a bit of a hole but we will fight...Its quite a buoyant change room -- its not doom and gloom. There is hope.Earlier, Toby Roland-Joness dream debut then continued when, for the second time this Test, he had star batsman Amla out in single figures.Amla had made just five when, trying to withdraw his bat, he saw the ball fly low off the face to Root at second slip.Replays confirmed the catch and Amla, caught behind off Roland-Jones for six as the Middlesex seamer took five for 57 in the Proteas meagre first innings 175, was on his way.It was a far cry from five years ago at The Oval when Amla, now 34, struck South Africas Test-record score of 311 not out.Dangerman de Kock only managed five before he was bowled by an excellent Stokes yorker.Next ball South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was out for a golden duck after he padded up to Stokes.Du Plessis, whod fallen in similar fashion to James Anderson for just one in the first innings, reviewed but to no avail.Durham all-rounder Stokes was on a hat-trick at the start of his next over. Bavuma denied him that prize before Elgar completed a 77-ball fifty.The only thing missing for England on a great day was a wicket for birthday boy Anderson, their all-time most successful Test bowler, who turned 35 on Sunday.At the other end of the experience spectrum, England debutant number three Tom Westley made a maiden Test fifty after resuming on 28 not out.Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, with a run-a-ball fifty, then kept the runs coming against a tiring attack.

Pay squabble 'horrible' for game, Clarke says

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SYDNEY (AFP) - Former captain Michael Clarke said Sunday a bitter pay dispute between players and Cricket Australia was horrible for the game and their relationship was likely to be in tatters even after a resolution.After months of negotiations, the players and CA have failed to reach agreement on a new pay deal, leaving 230 cricketers unemployed since the end of June when their contracts expired.CA chief executive James Sutherland said last week that unless intensive negotiations over a revenue-sharing deal produced a compromise by early this week, his organisation would seek the intervention of an industrial umpire to resolve the impasse.Clarke feared things would not be the same between the governing body and the players if and when the disagreement was finally resolved.I think its been horrible for the game, to be honest, Clarke said told commercial broadcaster Channel Nine.There is no doubt what has happened will affect the relationship even more than it already was affected between players and Cricket Australia.The problem we have got now is that it is not just the Australian players that are affected, he added, saying the fans and the public were also involved in the number one story in Australian sport.Negotiations between the two warring parties continued over the weekend, with the key issue a new revenue model.The players were paid from gross revenue for the past two decades, but CA now wants payments to come from a set pool, with players to share only in surplus revenue.Clarke said he could understand the arguments of both parties but added: Whatever has been going on, it should have been done in private.The Test squad is due to go into camp on August 11 ahead of a Test tour of Bangladesh, which is in danger of being scrapped following the boycott of Australia As tour to South Africa earlier this month.The long-running dispute also threatens Australias one-day tour to India in September and October ahead of the showpiece home Ashes series, beginning in November.

Apex court laid foundation of 'new Pakistan': Imran

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has said that Supreme Court (SC) laid foundation of ‘new Pakistan’.He addressed Youm-e-Tashakur rally in the federal capital.Khan said that there is going to come a day when we would not be able to find people to give Zakat. He said that getting yourself residences in countries is a paltry dream.Khan said that government schools should provide quality and free-of-cost education.PTI wishes to see a legal system in Pakistan where the impoverished are further burdened with bribes to get their routine matter done whereas the financially stable persons are relaxed in more ways than they already are.Khan said that he proudly claims that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in PTI’s tenure would function without influences. PTI chief said that once he earns peoples mandate, he should be held responsible if corrupt people are not held accountable.After PTI comes to power, Khan said that governor houses in Lahore and Peshawar would be turned to guest houses, parks, libraries or anything that is for the public.He said that PTI’s government would curb unemployment, better governance and steer Pakistan out of debt.Khan said that Pakistani expatriates have billions of Dollars to invest but they would trust Pakistani markets once the system is bettered. He said that he is proud of the fact that government recruitments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are done through NTS system.The stronger the democracy, the greater the rule of merit, he said.Khan said that in addition to other sports, no country in the world would be able to beat Pakistan in cricket once PTI brings the rule of merit in the board.He said that PML-N could not find any premier nominee but Shehbaz Sharif.PTI chief said that democracy doesnt entail ruling families like that of Sharifs. He said that PML-N is being ruled by one family and workers have to defend its corruption.Khan said that he would resign from party leadership in case any one of his stances in courts is proved false. He said that Asif Ali Zardari is next up for accountability.PTI would become the best party with merit, he said adding that he thanks the social media wing of PTI for the support they lent to counter PML-N propaganda. Khan said that he thanks each and everyone, all the anchorperson of television channels who stoop up for the truth.Dr Yasmin is set to defeat Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore, he claimed.PTI chief said that the government should have taken action instead of leveling allegations if there were corrupt elements in Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust Hospital.Khan said that there should be protests against Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister for the traitor-like statement he has given.he said that Jemima tweeted after Nawazs ouster that the ex-premier was adamant to send her to jail and had branded her a part of Jewish lobbying.

NAB to petition SC on July 31 to re-open Hudaibiya case: AML chief

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed has said on Sunday that top court’s verdict to disqualify Nawaz Sharif came over his petition that cited Article 62 and Article 63.AML chief addressed Youm-e-Tashakur rally in Parade Ground today.Sheikh Rasheed paid tribute to the six-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and the five judges of the top court who delivered the verdict.Rasheed said that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) would file petition in the top court tomorrow (July 31) to re-open Hudaibiya Paper Mills case and once it is reopened, the nation would forget Panamagate.Rasheed said that the ‘snake is not dead yet but wounded’.Details to be added

United set to seal Nemanja Matic swoop -- reports

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LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United are on the verge of signing Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea in a 40 million ($55 million) deal, according to reports on Sunday.United manager Jose Mourinho has been keen to take Matic from his former club for over a year and it appears the deal is finally set to go through.Having failed to land Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier, Mourinho turned to Matic as the man to fill the holding role in Uniteds midfield and the 28-year-old is said to have undergone a medical on Sunday.United have yet to officially confirm the signing, but reports that a deal was imminent came after a picture of Matic in the clubs training kit was leaked on social media.Talks between United and Chelsea over a fee have taken some time, with the clubs initially substantially apart over the price.Mourinho also signed Matic from Benfica when he was in charge at Chelsea in January 2014.Matic would be Mourinhos third close-season purchase after the 31 million capture of Benfica defender Victor Lindelof and the British record 75 million signing of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.United are reported to be ready to recoup some of the Matic fee by selling Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini to Turkish club Galatasaray.

Sikandar Sherpao, two special assistants to CM Khattak resign

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PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Sikandar Sherpao of Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) has resigned on Sunday along with two special assistants of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister over end to the alliance.Shah Farman, MPA of PTI in KP assembly had announced in a press conference in Islamabad that PTI has ended its alliance with QWP.The three resignations that were rendered today came over ending of the alliance.It should be mentioned here that the alliance was ended in 2014 also but only for CM Pervaiz Khattak to sign an agreement with the party to re-form the alliance.Earlier today it was reported that Imran Khan and Khattak are not on the same page over ending the alliance.It was reported that three ministers had complained to Khan against Khattak’s alleged favours to QWP.

'Khattak, Imran not on same page over PTI-QWP alliance issue'

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PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Sources have reported on Sunday that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister Pervaiz Khattak has fallen off the balance with Imran Khan for ending alliance with Qaumi Watan Party (QWP).The development has come in after Atif Khan and Shah Farman among close aides of PTI chief had recommended Khan to end the alliance.Sources have reported that Khan is to convene a meeting with Khattak over the issue after concluding Youm-e-Tashakur rally in Parade Ground. Provincial ministers and close aides of Khan who had recommended to end the alliance were not enjoying good terms with the chief minister already.Reportedly, three provincial ministers had complained to Khan that Khattak used to favour QWP and was aiming to withdraw ministries from them.

PTI rallies in capital after Nawaz Sharif's ouster

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) -- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rallied on Sunday in Parade Ground of the federal capital to mark Youm-e-Tashakur over Nawaz Sharifs ouster.Leaders of the opposition party including candidate for NA-120 elections Yasmin Rashid, secretary general Jahangir Tareen, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister Pervez Khattak, Asad Umer, Arif Alviamong others are in attendance. Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Pervaiz Rashid, who was a petitioner for Nawaz Sharifs disqualification is also taking part in PTI celebrations.Know also:PTI nominates Sheikh Rasheed as PM candidateIslamabad district administration had earlier granted permission to PTI on Saurday to hold a public gathering in Parade Ground.By late night Saturday and into wee hours of Sunday, a stage was set for PTI representatives and the Imran Khan to address the participants and over 35,000 chairs were placed.Security arrangements at the rally are being ensured by federal police and FC officials.Khan, Prevaiz Khattak and other party leaders visited the ground and reviewed the arrangements yesterday. Pervez Rashid, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Imran Khan are to deliver addresses to the rally participants.It was reported earlier today that groups of PTI supporters from across the country were to arrive in the capital. Supporters of PTI had left for Islamabad today from Lahore, Multan, DG Khan, Peshawar and other cities to celebrate the ouster alongside Khan.It should not mentioned here that the day Khan had announced to rally in Parade Ground, he said that he would lay out PTIs course-of-action in his address.

For life or five years, disqualification worrisome for ex-PM's opponents: Saad

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Khawaja Saad Rafique has said on Sunday that whether Nawaz Sharif has been disqualified for life or for five years, either way, it does not take a toll on him but his political opponents.Saad Rafique addressed a press conference in Lahore and held the usage of words ‘godfather’ and ‘mafia’ by the judges of the top court through the course of Panama case, humiliating for the party.The former railways minister said that Panama Papers had targeted Nawaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin and David Cameron, former Britishm premier. He said that PML-N was advised to raise the issue it had over the world ‘godfather’ but it chose not to for the sanctity of the institutions.Rafique rhetorically asked if Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the apex court for corruption or money laundering. He refused to pocket salary off revenue of son’s company and that was it, he said.He held it PML-N’s ineptness to not repeal Article 62 and Article 63 of Constitution of Pakistan. Rafique asserted that one Sharif would be elected after another until democratic processes are begun to be respected.‘Faces of corruption’ are seen standing next to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, he alleged.While talking about the nominee of PML-N for interim PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Saad Rafique said that the political party would urge Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to vote for the former oil minister.He said that PML-N representatives would ask Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP) in the evening today to vote for Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.Baloch leader Bugti signed 1973 constitution and was killed later on, do certain sections want to repeat that in Punjab, he rhetorically asked.Rafique demanded that either all the parliamentarians are measured on the yardstick used or the former prime minister or end this mockery by immediate legislation.The former minister said that there was nothing objectionable in the press conference addressed by the former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar hours before the premier was ordered to be disqualified.Rafique rhetorically asked if the judges to had taken oaths over Musharraf’s PCO were honest and righteous to have passed such judgment. He said that political opponents of the premier should pull their socks up for NA-120 elections as people are going to opt for PML-N as their party, he asserted.PML-N could have boycotted the Panamagate Joint Investigation Team (JIT) but the former premier and the federally ruling party stood by the institutions, he said.

Apple removes some VPN services from Chinese app store

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BEIJING (AFP) - Apple has removed software allowing internet users to skirt China’s Great Firewall from its app store in the country, the company confirmed Sunday, sparking criticism that it was bowing to Beijing’s tightening web censorship.Chinese internet users have for years sought to get around heavy internet restrictions, including blocks on Facebook and Twitter, by using foreign virtual private network (VPN) services.Beijing mandated in January that all developers must obtain government licenses to offer VPNs, leading to the Apple decision.We have been required to remove some VPN apps in China that do not meet the new regulations, Apple told AFP in a statement Sunday.These apps remain available in all other markets where they do business.Two major providers, ExpressVPN and Star VPN, said on Saturday that Apple had notified them that their products were no longer being offered in China. Both firms decried the move.Our preliminary research indicates that all major VPN apps for iOS have been removed, ExpressVPN said in a statement, calling Apple’s move surprising and unfortunate.We’re disappointed in this development, as it represents the most drastic measure the Chinese government has taken to block the use of VPNs to date, and we are troubled to see Apple aiding China’s censorship efforts, it added.Star VPN wrote on Twitter: This is very dangerous precedent which can lead to same moves in countries like UAE etc. where government control access to internet.China has hundreds of millions of smartphone users and is a vital market for Apple, whose iPhones are wildly popular in the country.The company unveiled plans earlier this month to build a data centre in China to store its local iCloud customers’ personal details.While China is home to the world’s largest number of internet users, a 2015 report by US think tank Freedom House found that the country had the most restrictive online use policies of 65 nations it studied, ranking below Iran and Syria.But China has maintained that its various forms of web censorship are necessary for protecting its national security.The national VPN crackdown comes after the passing of a controversial cybersecurity bill last November that tightened restrictions on online freedom of speech and imposed new rules on service providers.Since the regulation took effect this June, authorities have closed dozens of celebrity gossip blogs and issued new rules around online video content to eliminate programmes deemed offensive.
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Saturday 29 July 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Deal sidelines bid to block sale of Toshiba chip unit

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SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - A request to block Toshiba from raising much-needed cash by selling a flash memory venture was taken off the table on Friday in a California court.Toshiba and Western Digital agreed to an order recommended by a state court judge who asked the companies to collaborate on an agreement instead of dueling over an injunction requested by the US company.The agreement requires Toshiba to publicly announce the signing of any deal to sell the venture, and provide Western Digital notice two weeks before any such sale closes, according to the Japanese company.The notice would give Western Digital time to react in court or with an arbitration panel.We are very pleased to have reached this mutually acceptable understanding which is effective for a very limited time and which recognizes Toshibas right to negotiate and sign a definitive agreement for the sale of its memory business, Toshiba Corporation senior executive vice president Yasuo Naruke said in a release announcing the stipulated agreement.Toshiba expected that consummating such a deal would take months.The agreement is to remain in effect until 60 days after an international arbitration panel has been created to consider the matter.On to arbitrationWhile the battle playing out in a San Francisco court has captured attention, the clash between the companies is expected to be resolved in arbitration.We dont expect to close a deal during the period addressed in the order, Toshiba said in a released statement.Toshiba therefore remains focused on preparing for the ICC (Chamber of Commerce) arbitration process, which we believe is the appropriate venue to address these issues.The hearing Friday was held to consider a request by Western Digital for an injunction stopping Toshiba from selling interests in three NAND flash-memory joint ventures operated with Western Digitals SanDisk subsidiaries.Toshiba was free to continue negotiations for the sale of the chip division as the matter made its way to likely arbitration in an international forum.Western Digital said in a release that the agreement protects SanDisks interests while waiting to face off with Toshiba in international arbitration.Our ongoing discussions with Toshiba and its stakeholders have been constructive, and we will continue to work to seek a solution that is in the best interests of all parties, Western Digital said in a release.Fresh investmentToshiba shares got a boost this month with news that US hedge fund Greenlight Capital has taken a new stake in the troubled conglomerate.It is wagering Toshiba shares will rise once it exits money-losing contracts tied to its Westinghouse US nuclear business, which filed for bankruptcy protection in March, the fund said in a letter to clients.Greenlight also said at the time that it believes Toshiba can resolve the legal dispute over a sale of its memory chip business that is meant to shore up its balance sheet.Toshiba is the worlds number-two supplier of memory chips, behind South Koreas Samsung.The chip unit sale is seen as key to Toshibas turnaround. Western Digital, which jointly runs a key chip plant in Japan, opposes the sale.Toshibas chief executive had blasted the US firms bid for a court injunction as unfair interference.Toshiba later said it has filed a 120 billion yen ($1 billion) lawsuit against its US partner over the disputed deal.

For how long Nawaz Sharif will remain disqualified, legal experts opine

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – The million dollar question that for how long Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) founder Nawaz Sharif will remain disqualified is not as simple as it looks. Different legal and constitution experts have explained the disqualification of prime minister by Article 62 and 63 in their certain manner.While some suggest Nawaz Sharif is only declared ineligible for either five or ten years, others claim that the top court has placed a lifetime ban on the politics of ex-PM. Supreme Court based Article 62 1 (f) to disqualify Nawaz Sharif on moral grounds for not disclosing the complete details of his assets i.e. not declaring the receivable salary of 10,000 dirhams from Dubai-based Capital FZE being the Chairman of Board of Governors and UAE Iqama holder.When asked whether the leader of ruling party would be able to contest elections in future, this is what renowned legal experts said:Barrister Ali Zafar the review petition which is due to be submitted by PML-N will establish the duration of ineligibility.Former president of Supreme Court Bar and senior lawyer Kamran Murtaza said anyone declared disqualified in view of Article 62 1 (f) can never contest elections due because of the lifetime ban on becoming lower house member. He gave the example of Abdul Ghafoor Lehri VS returning officer case.President of Supreme Court Bar Association Rashid A. Rizvi said there is no mention of duration in the court’s orders. It should be considered as a one-time disqualification, according to his own explanation of the articles.Former judge Justice (retd) Muhammad Alam believes Nawaz Sharif will remain ineligible until the apex court revises its verdict. He said the explanation of constitution is done by Supreme Court, not parliament.Senior law expert Abid Hassan Manto asked whether undeclared assets in Capital FZE and UAE Iqama lie under the bracket of lying in view of Article 62 and 63.Several lawmakers have been disqualified in view of these articles in constitution and their review petitions remain pending. On such petitions, former Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali has asked how someone can remain ineligible if the person reconsiders itself. He raised concerns on the decision to disqualify Nawaz Sharif basing these articles.

Fresh PM: President summons NA session on August 1st

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – President Mamnoon Hussain has summoned a session of National Assembly (NA) on August 1st to elect fresh leader of the House after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over top court’s order.The session was summoned after ministry of parliamentary affairs forwarded a summary to President Mamnoon.According to the law, the session will witness speaker of assembly Ayaz Sadiq announce schedule for election of the fresh Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan.It is likely that the fresh premier will take oath on August 2nd or August 3rd.Earlier today, former premier announced petroleum minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to be the interim PM and Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif to fill his shoes after 45 days.Details to follow

Two killed in South Africa football stadium crush

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JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Two people were killed in a crush during a football match Saturday at the South African stadium that hosted the 2010 World Cup final, local media and an official said.The incident occurred at a pre-season derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, the countrys most popular teams, both from Soweto.Public and private broadcasters cited officials saying the crush took place outside a gate at the FNB stadium which hosted the final of the football extravaganza seven years ago.Emergency services were not immediately reachable for comment, but Michael Sun, a Johannesburg municipal councillor responsible for public safety confirmed the deaths in a tweet.Situation report from FNB Soweto Derby?Stampede reported with multiple injuries, 2 confirmed fatal, wrote Sun on Twitter.The match carried on despite the tragedy at the stadium which has an official capacity of 94,000 and was won 1-0 by Chiefs.The two worst football tragedies in South Africa involved matches between the same clubs -- in 2001 when 43 people were killed, and in 1991, when the death toll was 42.

Will pass on post to next PM as party decision: Shahid Khaqan

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News/AFP) – The to-be Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Saturday he will uphold the party decision made by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to remain as interim PM for 45 days and make way for Shehbaz Sharif to take it over from there.The formal announcement of his nomination was made by Nawaz Sharif himself after he was oustedfor the third time in his political career following Supreme Court verdict in Panama case.He is the former federal minister for petroleum and natural resources, and a businessman who launched the countrys most successful private airline. Considered highly intelligent and a long-time loyalist of Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister who was ousted by the Supreme Court on Friday, the 58-year-old Abbasi will act as a placeholder for the Sharif dynasty.He is due to be rubber stamped by in a parliamentary vote as prime minister until Sharifs younger brother Shahbaz, a provincial minister, can be elected to the national assembly and take over the leadership.Abbasi was appointed oil minister when Nawaz Sharif won his third election in 2013 and he contested the elections for the seventh time.Educated in the US at George Washington University, he was born in Karachi but is a member of the National Assembly from Murree -- a hill station that is a favourite holiday destination for Sharif.Abbasi worked in the US and Saudi Arabia as an electrical engineer before joining politics after his father, a minister in General Zia ul-Haqs government, was killed when an ammunition dump belonging to Pakistans powerful Inter-Service Intelligence Agency (ISI) exploded in Rawalpindi in 1988.Abbasi has been elected six times as a member of the National Assembly since then, and has previously served as minister for commerce and defence production.He was the chairman of national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from 1997 to 1999, until General Pervez Musharraf overthrew Sharifs second government.Abbasi was arrested after the coup and imprisoned for two years before being released.In 2003, he setup a private airline Air Blue, the countrys most successful private airline and challenger to PIA.

PTI nominates Sheikh Rasheed as PM candidate

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – After the extensive meeting of senior leadership, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to nominate Sheikh Rasheed as the candidate for next prime minister of Pakistan.At first, it was presumed that PIT will support the PM candidate from opposition, but now the senior leadership has made it clear that they will support Sheikh Rasheed as PM candidate in National Assembly voting. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has already declared that former state minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will be appointed as next PM for an interim period of 45 days while Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif will then take over the premiership.PTI Chairman Imran Khan said they will file a reference against Shehbaz Sharif as his name is in Hudaibiya Paper Mills case. He claimed Capital FZE in Dubai was formed for money laundering by the Sharif family. “PML-N will cause itself damage by appointing Shehbaz Sharif as PM,” he stated.He further claimed that ex-interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan knew that the letter from Qatari Prince is false which is why he had rift with PML-N leaders. Is no one else eligible for the position of PM in whole PML-N, he asked.

Twitter Buffet is served: PM Nawaz ousted -- again

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(Web Desk) – Quite an unprecedented development came this week about former premier Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification and Twitter Buffet this week has decided not to digress.The premier been taken down by the apex court for a technicality. The salary he chose not to withdraw from Capital FZE, some 10,000 Dirhams brought the PM down.Here at this week’s Twitter Buffet we look at the Panamagate Joint Investigation Team (JIT) timeline at first.The JITA Joint Investigation Team was set by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to investigate into the Panama Papers controversy involving the ruling Sharif family.On April 20 the Supreme Court constituted a Joint Investigation Team to investigate the Panama Case. The JIT officially started their investigation from May 7 during which different personalities were called in to answer a questionnaire based on 13 points. Following is a timeline of major dates on which focal personalities involving the investigation were called in by the JIT.May 7 to May 27: Owner of Hudaibiya Paper Mills Tariq Shafi, along with journalist Umar Cheema were called in.May 19: Qatar’s Prince Hammad bin Jasim al-thani was summoned by the JIT to appear on May 25. Although he did not appear and instead, submitted a response that his letter submitted before the Supreme Court be taken into the considerationMay 22: JIT submitted the first 15 days report before the SC bench in which it also made references to the allegations made by different parties on the JIT.May 28: Hussain Nawaz appeared for the first time. Overall he appeared six times in front of the investigation team which lasted for 30 hours in total.June 2: For the first time Hassan Nawaz appeared before the JIT. He appeared again on June 8 and was questioned for 12 hours in total.June 8 to June 14: JIT requested PM Nawaz Sharif, CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and PM’s son-in-law Captain Safdar to appear before them in the week that followed.June 15: PM Nawaz Sharif appeared before the JIT. He was questioned for 3 hours.June 17: JIT questioned Chief Minister of Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for three and a half hours.July 5: Maryam Nawaz, daughter of PM Nawaz, was called in by the JIT. The questioning lasted for one hour forty five minutes. She also addressed the critics through media for the first time in front of the Judicial Academy. Chairman NAB also recorded his statement before the JIT the same day.JIT also questioned Tariq Shafeeq cousin of P.M. Nawaz Sharif twice for 16 hours.Captain Safdar was questioned for 4 hours, Rehman Malik for 2 hours. Former Chairman NAB Muhammad Amjad was investigated for one hour, current Chairman NAB Qamar Zaman Chaudhry for one and a half hour, and Ishaq Dar for two hours forty five minutes.Panama timelineMossack Fonseca leakPanama Papers had published a leak of documents belonging to Mossack Fonseca, a Panama-based law firm on April 4, 2016. The leak named over 400 incumbent as well as former leaders of the world who owned offshore companies which were interpreted by the commentators as means to stash wealth abroad.Ex-premier Nawaz Sharif’s family; two sons and a daughter were named in the documents which were studied by International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.Opposition parties in Pakistan saw the published documents as proof of alleged money laundering done by the premier. Questions over the source of money used to purchase flats in London s posh Mayfair locality by Sharif family were raised by opposition leaders.Leader of one of the opposition parties, Imran Khan used the leak to accuse the government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz of misleading the nation and looting hard-earned money of the taxpayers.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in leadership of Imran Khan managed to draw a consensus of opposition parties to demand the premier to resign and offer himself for accountability.PM Nawaz addressed the nation twice, once on April 5 and April 22 to take the nation in confidence and denied corruption accusations. He offered to form a judicial commission to probe the leaks against his family which was denied by opposition parties.Later, the former PM offered to establish a parliamentary committee to form joint Terms of References to have the issue probed by the apex court.On the floor of the House in May, PM Nawaz categorically denied the allegations and claimed that no money was stashed in foreign bank accounts by his family.Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly, Khurshid Shah called off the protest against the government and absence of PM Nawaz in the House delaying due explanation and took him up on his offer.Six representatives of the two sides each convened several meetings, some held at residence of Leader of the Opposition in Senate, Aitzaz Ahsan, but failed to chalk out joint Terms of References to have the premier probed by a bench of the top court.The representatives of the government and the opposition, referred to by the media and the masses as TOR committee, never agreed on joint Terms of References.On political front, Imran Khan and other parties were successful by then to develop an agenda for the people through across-the-country rallies and media barrage of statements that drew counter-narrative explanations.Around the time when Imran Khan warned the government of alleged lockdown of the federal capital last year, the apex court took up the case on October 20 and condensed the petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Jamaat-e-Islami and Awami Muslim League against the premier.On November 7, family of the premier filed replies in the top court and on November 14, PTI submitted evidence against the Sharif family.Hearing of the case was adjourned on December 9 until first week of January 2017 over retirement of ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan, Anwar Zaheer Jamali. Revised bench comprising of Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Justice Sh. Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan resumed the hearing on January 4.On January 10, in its remarks, the court had branded disqualification of the premier over mere assumptions a dangerous precedent.Justice Ijaz had stated in another hearing on January 12 that the records which the PM had asserted to produce before the court were not filed and that the bench could not decide what was true and what was false without looking at the documents.State institutions were remarked against by the top court on February 21 when the judges declared the authorities concerned to have failed in probing lawmakers who owned shell companies.After a trial that ran for around four months, Supreme Court reserved the verdict on February 23. A supplementary cause list of the top court issued on April 18 reported that the verdict would be let out on April 20, some two months after it was reserved.The reservations that PML-N had on JIT reportPM ousted, the vlog**One frame video, no dedicated mic and poor lights be excused for the time window was tight

Indonesia, Australia call for a stronger cooperation on counter-terrorism

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MANADO (AFP) - Indonesia and Australia on Saturday called for stronger cooperation in counter-terrorism as the region braces for the return of foreign militants fighting in the Middle East.In a one-day gathering in North Sulawesi of six nations including Malaysia, the Philippines, New Zealand and Brunei, ministers discussed terrorism in Southeast Asia and fears over IS unrest in the Philippines, where government forces are pitted against Islamist gunmen holed up in a southern city.Global terrorism is that lethal threat to all of our societies and with the collapse of the caliphate in the Middle East, the return of foreign terrorist fighters to our region and the increasing prevalence of cross border terorism... (the threat) is becoming more severe, not less, Australian Attorney-General George Brandis told a post-meeting press conference.Indonesian chief security minister Wiranto said the delegations had agreed to hold regular meetings to allow information to be shared and to establish a database of miliants to keep track of their movements.We will also push for a cooperation with companies that provide social media services as well as video sharing and messaging service, Wiranto said.Indonesia recently announced restrictions on the popular messaging app Telegram after claiming the platform had been used frequently by radicals to spread information and propaganda.Parts of Southeast Asia have long struggled with Islamic militancy, with hundreds of radicals from the region flocking to join IS in Iraq and Syria.

Podolski hits brace on J-league debut

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TOKYO (AFP) - German World Cup winner Lukas Podolski needed just 49 minutes to score on his J-League debut on Saturday and went on to grab a brace for his new side Vissel Kobe.The 32-year-old striker missed with a free-kick in the first half but smashed his first goal -- the games opener -- to put Kobe on the way to a 3-1 win over Omiya Ardija.Thirteen minutes later he scored with a header, to the delight of home fans who have high expectations of their big-name signing, reported to be on a contract worth $5.3 million a year.I cant put into words how happy I am that I scored two goals and we won 3-1 in my first game, Podolski said, according to Kyodo News.This is my first step and I want to keep moving forward, said the veteran of three World Cups and the scorer of 49 goals for Germany.Podolski, who arrived in Japan in early July, has vowed to bolster enthusiasm for Japanese football, bucking a trend of star players moving to cash-rich China.The former Arsenal forward had played for Turkeys Galatasaray since 2015 and his move to Japan was something of a coup for the J-League.The Poland-born left-footer was named 2006 World Cup young player of the tournament ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Podolski, who has been troubled by niggling injuries, announced his international retirement last year after 130 appearances for the world champions.

Boxing: AIBA chief rejects 'coup', says still in charge

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LAUSANNE (AFP) - The embattled president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) defiantly claimed on Saturday that he was still in charge of the body despite moves by rival executives to oust him.In a phone interview with AFP from Taipei, Wu Ching-Kuo accused his AIBA rivals of trying to pull off a military coup and insisted the no confidence vote passed against him was illegitimate.A notice pinned to the door of the organisations Lausanne headquarters this week informed employees that the executive committee had approved a motion of no confidence against Taiwans Wu and that an extraordinary congress would be held within the next three months to choose a new leader.AIBA, which organises amateur boxing including Olympic competitions, has been struggling with instability and financial difficulties.Wus rivals have claimed that AIBA is on the brink of bankruptcy and said in the letter that an interim management committee had taken charge of the association pending the selection of a new chief.Wu hit back on Saturday, claiming that financially AIBA is very strong with more than $10 million (8.5 million euros) in the bank and no debt.He added that an audited financial report had recently been approved by the executive committee, further undermining the basis for the no confidence vote.This is purely political, Wu said.His rivals include Welshman Terry Smith, Pat Fiaco of Canada and former AIBA executive director Ho Kim of South Korea, who was ousted from AIBA over allegations of financial wrongdoing.Wu claimed he was being targeted because of his reform push and specifically singled out Ho for seeking revenge.The International Olympic Committee told AFP this week that it was monitoring the AIBA fracas and wanted more information before deciding on its next steps.Wu said he had written to IOC chief Thomas Bach to explain the situation, pinning Ho as a main plotter.He vowed to remain in charge and oversee the world championships set to open on August 25th in Hamburg.Nothing will stop us, he told AFP.

Nigeria: Boko Haram ambush death toll hits 69

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KANO (AFP) - At least 69 people are known to have died in a Boko Haram ambush of an oil exploration team in northeast Nigeria, as three men kidnapped by the jihadists made a video appeal.Experts said the attack -- Boko Harams bloodiest this year -- underscored the persistent threat it poses, despite government claims the group is a spent force.So far the death toll stands at 69, said an aid agency worker involved in the recovery of bodies after the attack in the Magumeri area of Borno state on Tuesday.The worker, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said 19 soldiers, 33 civilian militia and 17 civilians were killed.The last body was recovered Friday in the bush in the Geidam district of neighbouring Yobe state, which is several kilometres from the scene of the ambush, he told AFP.It shows the victim, who had gunshot wounds, died after trekking a long distance. There could be more such victims in the bush.Another source with knowledge of the rescue operation gave the death toll as 70 or more and also said it was unclear whether all the victims had been accounted for.The attack hit Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation staff.Its a confirmation of the boldness and reassurance that Boko Haram has managed to gain over the last six weeks, said Yan St-Pierre, from the Modern Security Consulting Group.They have been attacking more and more military outposts and more military convoys. For them to go after NNPC personnel just shows they dont fear any military reprisal.Basically they have managed to gain enough resources, enough material, to plan ambushes targeted towards high value targets.Video appealNews of the rising death toll came after Boko Haram published a four-minute video in which three men identified themselves as being from the University of Maiduguri.The trio were part of a NNPC team on a mission to find commercial quantities of oil in the Lake Chad basin.I want to call on the acting president professor Yemi Osinbajo to come to our rescue to meet the demand, one of the men says in the video, which he said was shot on Friday.He attributed the attack to the Islamic State-supported Boko Haram faction headed by Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, which has vowed to hit military and government targets.They have promised us that if their demands are met they will release us immediately to go back to the work we were caught doing, the man added.There was no indication of where the video was shot but Magumeri is some 50 kilometres (31 miles) by road northwest of Maiduguri.University of Maiduguri spokesman Danjuma Gambo confirmed the identities of the three kidnapped men in the video.They are our staff but one more is yet to be accounted for, he told AFP.Five members of staff from the university -- two lecturers, two technologists and a driver -- were killed, vice-chancellor Ibrahim Njodi said on Friday.He told reporters the university had been hesitant to send staff with the NNPC team but had been assured about security.Nigeria is searching for oil in the northeast to try to reduce its reliance on supplies from the Niger delta, where militant attacks have slashed production.Suicide bombingsKidnapping has been a feature of the Boko Haram insurgency, which has killed at least 20,000, displaced more than 2.6 million and left millions of others on the brink of famine.Thousands of women and girls have been seized, to be married off to fighters, used as sex slaves or suicide bombers, while men and boys have been made to fight in the Islamist ranks.The al-Barnawi faction differs from fighters loyal to Boko Harams long-time leader Abubakar Shekau in that it disagrees with the indiscriminate targeting of civilians.On Friday, two suicide bombers struck a camp for displaced people in Dikwa, 90 kilometres (56 miles) east of Maiduguri, killing five.Civilian militia member Babakura Kolo said the men disguised themselves as traders wanting to buy grain.In Bama, 70 kilometres (45 miles) southeast of Maiduguri, three young female suicide bombers were killed when their explosives detonated prematurely on Thursday, he added.A fourth bomber, an 11-year-old girl, was too frightened to pull the trigger. She succeeded in removing her vest and sneaked into town. She was found and taken into custody, he said.

Support Shehbaz Sharif after me, urges Nawaz

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a press conference in the capital where he said Capital FZE was owned by his son which is why he didnt take any salary from it being the ChairmanBoard of Directors.Reason of not withdrawing Dubai salaryThose who visit Dubai know it is difficult to take Iqama and visa. After Saudi Arabia when I went to London, I couldn’t live for more than three months and had to return London before visiting other countries as I couldn’t live for a longer time at one place, he told after the disqualification from premiership by the top court on moral grounds..Nawaz Sharif elaborated that Capital FZE was owned by his son and only formed to attain visa during the fourteen months of the exile after 1999 ouster. He said, You should know that when I wanted to go to London, I didn’t have a passport as it was expired.While telling about the Capital FZE in Dubai and UAE Iqama, he said, I had to take new visa from Dubai and go back to London. Our centre of politics has remained in London. For the issuance of visa, my son opened the company Capital FZE. He appointed me as Chairman of Board of Directors with a salary of 10,000 dirhams, estimated as 1,50,000 rupees.Support for ShehbazNawaz Sharif asked his party leaders to support Shehbaz Sharif after him. He announced that the Punjab CM will take charge as PM while Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will remain as interim premier for 45 days.PML-N leaders have alsoagreed to nominate former Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources as interim prime minister.Theexisting Punjab CM will resign from his provincial assembly seat and contest in by elections for NA-120, from which Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the apex court. He will become PM after the success in polls and receiving votes in NA after Abbasi s resignation.‘I am ideological now’There was no burden on my shoulders to give resignation as I was clean, I am an ideological person, he said while claiming that he wasn’t so twenty years ago.He said it is not easy to be jailed, exiled and bear difficulties. People used to say I will be imprisoned for life in 1999, he said. Nawaz Sharif said the 14 months after exile were the most difficult in his life. He recalled the pressure from global leaders at the time of Pakistan becoming nuclear power.The ex-PM said he is ready to sacrifice for the betterment of Pakistan, adding that he was proud of contributing for the democracy. Nawaz Sharif claimed the five-member bench verdict of Supreme Court has been disapproved by the international media. He compared himself with a young soldier who is ready to defend his country.‘Will defend constitution, rule of law’While stressing to defend the rule of law, he said such minds should emerge to promote the ideology with him and make the destiny of Pakistan. He said he has no regrets of disqualification, but was happy to not be ousted over corruption. We have to change Pakistan and I have no greed for leadership, he claimed.The struggle and sacrifices will not be wasted and come of use to this nation, he said. Nawaz Sharif prayed for the betterment of Pakistan and recalled he was very reluctant to become the PM in 2013.Nawaz Sharif highlighted the achievements of PML-N after coming into power in 2013 including minimizing power outages, eliminating terrorism in the country, health card, new educational institutes, Lowari Tunnel, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and others. He criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for bad performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), slamming PTI Chairman Imran Khan as well as KP CM Pervez Khattak. They couldnt even complete metro project, he taunted.Highlighting services in premiershipTalking about CPEC, Nawaz Sharif claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the project a gift to him. He stressed that his services for the country should be acknowledged, though he doesn’t want any special gift.The history will review yesterdays SC decision, Nawaz said.While talking to executive heads of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB), he claimed to raise the development budgets in both regions. He said the development budget of GB was increased to Rs. 20 billion from 8 billion and that of AJK from Rs. 22 billion from 11 billion. He mentioned many of the upcoming projects that will be completed before 2018 general elections.He pledged support to the ruling party, but hinted at stepping down from party affairs. He called the PML-N manifesto as the nationwide manifesto of the young and old.Challenging SC verdictThe ruling party has decided to challenge the Supreme Court verdict of disqualification of Nawaz Sharif. The counsel of Nawaz Sharif will submit a review petition in the top court, challenging the disqualification based on Article 62 (f). While addressing the gathering, the former PM said that the nation knows he has not been declared ineligible over corruption.

LIVE: Nawaz Sharif addresses PML-N legislators in capital

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This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly... Watch the address live hereISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a press conference in the capital where he said Capital FZE was owned by his son which is why he didnt take any salary from it being the ChairmanBoard of Directors.Those who visit Dubai know it is difficult to take Iqama and visa. After Saudi Arabia when I went to London, I couldn’t live for more than three months and had to return London before visiting other countries as I couldn’t live for a longer time at one place, he told after the disqualification from premiership by the top court on moral grounds..Nawaz Sharif elaborated that Capital FZE was owned by his son and only formed to attain visa during the fourteen months of the exile after 1999 ouster. He said, You should know that when I wanted to go to London, I didn’t have a passport as it was expired.Related:Shahid Khaqan to be appointed as interim PMWhile telling about the Capital FZE in Dubai and UAE Iqama, he said, I had to take new visa from Dubai and go back to London. Our centre of politics has remained in London. For the issuance of visa, my son opened the company Capital FZE. He appointed me as Chairman of Board of Directors with a salary of 10,000 dirhams, estimated as 1,50,000 rupees.Support ShehbazNawaz Sharif asked his party leaders to support Shehbaz Sharif after him. He announced that the Punjab CM will take charge as PM while Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will remain as interim premier for 45 days.There was no burden on my shoulders to give resignation as I was clean, I am an ideological person, he said while claiming that he wasn’t so twenty years ago.He said it is not easy to be jailed, exiled and bear difficulties. People used to say I will be imprisoned for life in 1999, he said. Nawaz Sharif said the 14 months after exile were the most difficult in his life. He recalled the pressure from global leaders at the time of Pakistan becoming nuclear power.The ex-PM said he is ready to sacrifice for the betterment of Pakistan, adding that he was proud of contributing for the democracy. Nawaz Sharif claimed the five-member bench verdict of Supreme Court has been disapproved by the international media. He compared himself with a young soldier who is ready to defend his country.While stressing to defend the rule of law, he said such minds should emerge to promote the ideology with him and make the destiny of Pakistan. He said he has no regrets of disqualification, but was happy to not be ousted over corruption. We have to change Pakistan and I have no greed for leadership, he claimed.The struggle and sacrifices will not be wasted and come of use to this nation, he said. Nawaz Sharif prayed for the betterment of Pakistan and recalled he was very reluctant to become the PM in 2013.Nawaz Sharif highlighted the achievements of PML-N after coming into power in 2013 including minimizing power outages, eliminating terrorism in the country, health card, new educational institutes, Lowari Tunnel, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and others. He criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for bad performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), slamming PTI Chairman Imran Khan as well as KP CM Pervez Khattak. They couldnt even complete metro project, he taunted.Talking about CPEC, Nawaz Sharif claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the project a gift to him. He stressed that his services for the country should be acknowledged, though he doesn’t want any special gift.The history will review yesterdays SC decision, Nawaz said.While talking to executive heads of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB), he claimed to raise the development budgets in both regions. He said the development budget of GB was increased to Rs. 20 billion from 8 billion and that of AJK from Rs. 22 billion from 11 billion. He mentioned many of the upcoming projects that will be completed before 2018 general elections.He pledged support to the ruling party, but hinted at stepping down from party affairs. He called the PML-N manifesto as the nationwide manifesto.

Shuja-ur-Rehman or Rana Sana likely to replace Punjab CM: sources

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Information, Excise and Taxation Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman and Law Minister Rana Sanaullah are being considered as the strong candidates to replace Shehbaz Sharif as Punjab Chief Minister.Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentary committee has decided to appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PM before Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will be appointed as interim premier for 45 days.Other candidates include Shehbaz Sharif’s son Hamza Shehbaz and Malik Nadeem Kamran are also possible candidates for chief ministry in the largest province by population.Sources said that Rana Sanaullah’s name is less likely to come up due to Model Town tragedy involving killings of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers and dispute with Sheer Ali Group.Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has been considered as the stronger candidate for the chief ministry. He has been currently working as Punjab Information, Excise and Taxation Minister.

Khadija Siddiqi case: Class fellow sentenced to 7 years in jail

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – A court has sentenced Shah Hussain to seven years in prison on Saturday after he was found guilty in an attempted murder case lodged by victim Khadija Siddiqi, a 23-year-old law student.Son of advocate Tanvir Hashmi had stabbed his class fellow, Siddiqi, 23 times on May 3, 2016 before she struggled for her life in a hospital. She had gone to Shimla Paharito pick up her younger sister from school.Chief Justice (CJ) of Lahore High Court (LHC) had ordered the magistrate to conclude the case within 30 days after conducting hearings on daily basis. The verdict was reserved on July 27 and delivered today.While talking to the media, Siddiqi said that justice was served. She thanked her colleagues and law practitioners for their support in the issue.Her legal counsel, Hassan Niazi took to Twitter: Shah hussain taken to jail for 7 years. Khadija well done. Thank you everyone for ur support. Alhumdulillah did it.Shah hussain taken to jail for 7 years. Khadija well done. Thank you everyone for ur support. Alhumdulillah did it— Hassan Niazi (@HniaziISF) July 29, 2017 He alleged that the defence team was backed by certain influential lawyers who were backed by a section of the bar.Niazi wrote on his Facebook, Khadija has set an example. First she survives the 23 stabs around and on her neck. Then fights against the influential group of lawyers ,who were backed by certain segment of Bar. It was tough fight.This is what Twitter has to sayWell done Khadija for speaking up and all those who argued your case in the courts and media. This is a victory for all young women. https://t.co/FznOOSP4Kz— Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) July 29, 2017 Congratulations @HniaziISF for your brilliant efforts KhadijaFoundJustice https://t.co/R84nPnqxXY— Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) July 29, 2017 You are an inspiration to us all. Your long struggle is a reminder that we need to work to make access to justice a reality for all citizens— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) July 28, 2017 All the more power to youhttps://t.co/48ntObSWAV— Maria Memon (@Maria_Memon) July 27, 2017 Alhamdulillah@khadeeeej751 love and prayers always. https://t.co/dnmbIlRH4i— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) July 29, 2017
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