Thursday 31 August 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Sadiqabad: One soldier killed, 35 injured in road accident

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SADIQABAD (Dunya News) – At least one soldier was killed and 35 other were wounded when a coach turned turtle at the National Highway near Sadiqabad on Thursday, Dunya News reported.According to details, the ill-fated coach was carrying soldiers from Okara to Karachi turned turtle near Chack No 5-NP in Sadiqabad, killing an armed forces jawan on the spot and injuring 35 other.Armed forces officials, district administration personnel and rescue teams reach the spot and shifted the dead and ten injured soldiers to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and the other wounded armed forces jawans to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan.

Karachi: Fire destroys shoe factory

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Fire erupted at a shoe factory in SITE Area of Karachi which spread very quickly and engulfed the entire building of the factory, Dunya News reported.Rescue and fire brigade reached the spot and brought the fire under control. The blaze was so severe that the entire building collapsed. The nearby buildings were also evacuated. At least three firefighters also received injuries in the incident.Meanwhile, the owner has accused the factory workers of igniting the fire over salary dispute. Police have started investigation.

Hajj pilgrims arrive in Muzdalifah

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MUZDALIFAH (Agencies) - After completing the ritual of standing at Arafat, the pilgrims moved, after sunset on Thursday, to Muzdalifah in a calm and dignified manner, reciting talbiyah a great deal. They offered the Maghreb prayer with three raka’a and Isha prayer in two raka’a at the time of Isha after reaching Muzdalifah, and spend the night there in supplication. There they will gather pebbles for a symbolic stoning of the devil ritual on Friday.The pilgrims have to perform four main rituals on Friday, which is known as the Day of Sacrifice, when all Muslims other than pilgrims start celebrating Eid Al-Adha festival. After reaching Mina from Muzdalifah, they perform stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqba, sacrifice animals, shave their heads and then leave for Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifada and Sai’, two other pillars of Haj.In the remaining two or three days of Haj, the only ritual to perform in Mina is stoning at each of the three Jamarat (pillars symbolizing Satan) in Mina.Earlier on Thursday, the vast plains of Arafat were soaked with tears of millions of repenting pilgrims and the air reverberated with their prayers at the spiritual climax of Haj. Helicopters flew around the area as the pilgrims converged from dawn on the Arafat plain and on Mount of Mercy. Forming a sea of white, the pilgrims ascended the hill and took up positions to pray on rocks already heated by the morning sun.The pilgrims’ attire turned the hill white in color, and they carried umbrellas as shields against the hot desert sun. All male pilgrims dress in white ihram to symbolize a state of purity, which also emphasizes their unity regardless of social status or nationality. Some pilgrims sat alone on rocks, praying silently, as others gathered in groups, their voices in a loud appeal to God.Men and women from nearly every country in the world gathered side by side, some crying on their neighbor’s shoulder.An elderly Syrian pilgrim sitting on the hilltop shouted out, “Oh God, take revenge on the oppressors. Others assembled around him responded, “Ameen.Awfa Nejm, from a village near Homs, said: “We ask God to protect Syria and its people and return it to the way it was before.” Twenty-seven-year-old Amin Mohammed from Nigeria said he was praying for peace in his country.Tunisian mother-of-three Fatima Arfawi said she was moved beyond words. “This is the first time I see anything like this, ever,” she said. “This day is dedicated to prayer for my three children and my family.In a hospital opposite the mountain, an area was set aside for people suffering dehydration or heat exhaustion. The Saudi Red Crescent said it had deployed 326 ambulances along the pilgrimage route to handle health emergencies.

Karachi: Oil tanker catches fire

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – According to details, an oil tanker supplying petrol to a petrol pump near Malir Halt area of Karachi on Thursday. The petrol pump was shut down to prevent further damageThe petrol pump officials informed police and fire brigade but they reached the spot after an hour. After reaching the spot the firefighters brought the fire under control.Meanwhile, two tracks of road going to Airport from Malir Halt also remained closed due to fire. No loss of life was reported in the incident.

Bangladesh star Tamim fined for poor conduct

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DHAKA (AFP) - Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal was Thursday fined 15 percent of his match fee for engaging in a verbal duel with umpires and sending off Australian batsman Matthew Wade during the first Test in Dhaka.Tamim scored 71 and 78 as Bangladesh won their first-ever Test against Australia by 20 runs on Wednesday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.According to the International Cricket Council, Tamim was charged by match officials after he objected to the regular changing of gloves by Australias batsmen and engaged in a verbal exchange with the umpires Wednesday.Shortly afterwards, he approached wicketkeeper-batsman Wade and gestured towards him to leave the field upon his dismissal by Shakib Al Hasan.Tamim, 28, admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, setting aside the need for a formal hearing into the matter, the ICC said in a statement.The prolific left-hander was also handed one demerit point for the two offences.The second Test will be played in Chittagong from September 4-8.

Surrey skipper Batty glad no harm done by 'deadly' arrow attack

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LONDON (AFP) - Surrey captain Gareth Batty voiced his relief after no one was injured following a bizarre attack by a deadly arrow that saw a match against Middlesex abandoned at The Oval and the ground evacuated on Thursday .The arrow, reported to have a metal tip, landed near the Surrey fielder Ollie Pope and close to the pitch during the County Championship fixture.The players alerted the umpires, who promptly halted play, with fielders and batsmen running to the safety of the changing rooms before a crowd of more than 1,000 spectators was advised to take cover.Police evacuated the ground, with the umpires eventually abandoning the First Division fixture, which was deep into the final day of four, as a draw.No one was injured and, according to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police, it is believed the arrow was fired from outside The Oval in Kennington, south London.Batty, who was fielding some 25 yards from where the bolt landed, said: It was a pretty tasty arrow with a proper metal end.I did archery as a kid and that was not a normal archery arrow.The umpires dealt with it very well. There were no questions asked -- we went off very quickly.Someone saw it in flight, there was a noise when it landed but it happened so quick. It is a deadly weapon for sure, if it had hit someone it would have caused some serious damage. It just shows the world we live in.The former England off-spinner added: If it is a crossbow rather than a longbow it is probably someone messing around and not understanding the implications of firing something into the air.Lets hope its a couple of people who will feel pretty ashamed in the morning when they realise what happened.There have been several high-profile terror incidents in Britain in recent months, including one at London Bridge -- just a couple of miles from The Oval -- on June 3 which killed eight members of the public and saw the three attackers shot dead by police.But a statement issued by Londons Metropolitan Police Force, said the arrow attack was not being treated as terrorism-related at this stage.Police were made aware at 16:35hrs (1535 GMT) on Thursday, 31 August of reports that an arrow or crossbow bolt had been loosed into The Oval cricket ground, said Scotland Yard.At this early stage it is believed that the object came from outside of the ground.There have been no arrests. We retain an open mind as to motive. Enquiries continue.Pictures soon emerged on social media of Paul Baldwin, one of the match umpires, holding the pink-coloured bolt.Surrey chief executive Richard Gould said the club had ensured all spectators were moved to a position of safety after the umpires took immediate action in suspending play.We dont know whether this projectile was placed deliberately or whether it was simply fired by somebody from a distance and we just happened to be the landing spot, so we dont even know necessarily that it was done on purpose, Gould also told BBC Radio London.The match was stopped after the first ball of the 69th over with Middlesex 214 for seven in their second innings. John Simpson was 88 not out and former England batsman Nick Compton unbeaten on 28.

Kulsoom Nawaz undergoes successful surgery, shifted to ICU

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Doctors successfully completed surgery of Kulsoom Nawaz as she was suffering from throat cancer and received medical treatment in London.The PML-N candidate for NA-120 by-poll has now been shifted to intensive care unit (ICU) after her successful surgery in the operation theatre. Sacked premier Nawaz Sharif reached London on Thursday morning where he met his wife and prayed for her good health.Kulsoom’s surgery had commenced after Nawaz Sharif arrived at the hospital. Her daughter Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter and prayed for her mother. She also made an appeal from the people to pray for her early recovery.Ami in surgery at the moment. Request you all to pray for her. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/i9Y3h5Eno3— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 31, 2017

Castle brings fantasy to life for Brazilian wannabe wizards

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CAMPOS DO JORDAO (AFP) - At a castle, a werewolf growls in a cage while a wizard casts spells to try to calm the beast down. Not to worry -- its just a normal day at Brazils magic school.The werewolf is an actor in costume and the spells presumably wouldnt work in the face of a real mythical beast. But anyone entering the Magic and Witchcraft School near Sao Paulo must leave disbelief at the castle gate.Although inspired by the world of the Harry Potter books and films created by J.K. Rowling, where lucky children go to study at the magical school Hogwarts, the Brazilian version says its curriculum has a definite local flavor.From its founding in 2015, the idea was to adapt, not to copy exactly, the feel of Hogwarts, said Vanessa Godoy, 27, who is behind the idea in Campos do Jordao, located about 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Sao Paulo.Clients at the school -- which operates for occasional four-day sessions -- are all fans of the Harry Potter series.But since copyright laws limit what Godoy and her fellow wizards can do, they wave the creative magic wand and use Brazilian folklore to fill the gaps.We have our own stories. We get into a lot of the mythology because Brazil is a very magical country, she said.Hogwarts-style classes are offered in Potions and Elixirs, Witchcraft and History of Magic, and of course there are dances, contests and a tournament based on quidditch, the high-paced game played on flying broomsticks in Rowlings novels.But there are also things youd only learn in Brazil, like the use of hairs from an indigenous mythical character known for protecting forests and scales from a siren if you want to activate a magic wand.- Childhood dream -Learning these supposed secrets is not cheap: the four-day session at the castle -- a real castle which normally is used as a hotel -- costs 2,650 reais, or more than $800.Clients range from five to 65 years old, with the majority being around 25. Theyre judges, models, teachers, nurses and students, but all sharing a passion for the Potter phenomenon.When we enter the castle, its as if the world outside no longer exists, says Zerzil Ferreira, a 29-year-old doctor.We abandon the Muggle world and immerse ourselves in the magical world and its all real, he said, referring to the people in the books who are not part of the wizarding world.Going to the course fulfilled a childhood dream to become part of the magical universe, he said.About 100 people took part, all divided into Hogwarts-style houses named Tigers, Serpents, Squirrels and Eagles, with points kept during the various contests and a champion house crowned at the end.The Quidditch-type game is the most popular.The sport in theory requires real flying broomsticks, but the terrestrial version developed by fans in the United States instead has competitors running around chasing several balls while holding a broomstick between their legs.- Resisting the sirens -Staff at the school -- all of them actors -- really seem spellbound, since they must stay in their roles 24 hours a day, but students take it seriously too.To be here, you need to enter into the character. You are a student and you are learning to be a wizard. You need to respect the teachers and rules. This makes the experience more real, said Renie Santos, 22, who created the popular YouTube channel Expresso de Hogwarts.The students give a lot. A big part of the sense of immersion is thanks to them, Godoy agreed.That dedication becomes clear during the module on dealing with sirens, which the professor for Care of Magical Creatures warns are apt to seduce -- and then devour -- the over-curious.Students then meet Nyx, who swims in the castle swimming pool, and are enchanted. Despite the warnings, one wants to invite her to a dance, the other wants to swim with her and one woman asks for a kiss.Luckily no one actually gets devoured. But the four days are over and its time for the temporary magicians to re-enter the real world.

Dollar and equities back in fashion

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LONDON (AFP) - The dollar held onto its gains and stocks climbed Thursday as strong concern over North Koreas missile test faded, while oil prices shot higher.Equities remain in rebound mode, extending their bounces as relative geopolitical calm and positive macro data in China, the United States and the eurozone fuels fresh risk taking by investors, said Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets.London closed 0.9 percent higher, followed by a 0.6 percent gain in Paris and 0.4 percent in Frankfurt.The gains were more modest on Wall Street, with the Dow up 0.2 percent nearing midday.In light of the devastation wrought this week in Texas by Hurricane Harvey, and the provocative missile launch by North Korea, its a testament to the underlying bullish bias that the stock market has fared as well as it has, said Patrick OHare of Briefing.comBut one notable heavy loss among individual companies was French supermarket giant Carrefour.Its share price dived 13 percent in Paris after the group published disappointing results for the first half and warned of a drop in earnings for the whole year.The dollar was mostly holding onto gains made Wednesday, when the US Commerce Department reported Wednesday the worlds largest economy expanded a forecast-beating three percent in the second quarter.The greenback still seems to be benefiting from yesterdays better than forecast second-quarter GDP reading, said Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell.The data revived speculation that the Federal Reserve could consider lifting US interest rates for a third time this year, and the attention of investors is now shifting to the release of US jobs figures on Friday.So, it is now all down to Fridays official nonfarm payrolls report, said market analyst Fawad Razaqzada at Forex.com.If this shows further strength in the labour market and another rise in wages then calls for a December rate rise may increase, triggering further dollar buying interest.Conversely, a very weak jobs report may have the opposite effect, he said.In Asian trade, the weak yen supported Japanese exporters, with Tokyos Nikkei ending 0.7-percent higher, while Sydney added 0.8 percent and Singapore gained 0.5 percent. Wellington and Taipei were also higher.However, Shanghai dipped 0.1 percent as official figures showed a rise in Chinese factory activity in August but not strong enough to ease concerns about the worlds number two economy, which is growing at its slowest pace in more than a quarter of a century.Hong Kong eased 0.4 percent, with profit-takers also moving in after enjoying six days of gains in the previous seven trading days.On oil markets, both main crude contracts shot higher after having slid this week on the impact of Hurricane Harvey, which has forced the temporary closure of dozens of refineries in the crude-rich Gulf of Mexico, thus depressing the demand for crude.WTI and Brent Crude oil prices jumped on the news that OPEC members had a 96 percent compliance rate with the coordinated production cut in August, said David Madden, a market analyst at CMC Markets UK.We are now finally seeing proper adherence to the production cut among oil producers.- Key figures around 1530 GMT -London - FTSE 100: UP 0.9 percent at 7,430.62 points (close)Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.4 percent at 12,055.84 (close)Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.6 percent at 5,085.59 (close)EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.7 percent at 3,427.32New York - Dow: UP 0.2 percent at 21,925.74Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.7 percent at 19,646.24 (close)Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.4 percent at 27,970.30 (close)Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,360.81 (close)Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1876 from $1.1882 at 2100 GMT on WednesdayPound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2880 from $1.2924Dollar/yen: UP at 110.11 yen from 110.29 yenOil - Brent North Sea: UP $1.56 at $52.29 per barrelOil - West Texas Intermediate: UP $1.06 at $47.02

Apple sets likely iPhone event for September 12

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SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Apple sent out invitations Thursday to a first-ever media event in the Steve Jobs Theater at its new spaceship campus in Silicon Valley.The keenly anticipated event set for September 12 is expected to star iPhone models marking the tenth anniversary of the culture-changing smartphones.In trademark style, Apple revealed little in the invitation that provided the date, time, location and a message that read Lets meet at our place.Apple is under particular pressure to dazzle as the culture-changing California iPhone maker looks for ways to maintain its image as an innovation leader in a global market showing signs of slowing.Clearly, Apple wants to do something different for the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, NPD Group analyst Stephen Baker told AFP.Some reports say a new iPhone will include a high-quality, edge-to-edge screen with a notch in the top for an extra camera supporting 3D facial recognition.Some speculate that the new handset will have a glass backing that offers wireless charging.We are expecting a major design refresh on Apple, GlobalData analyst Avi Greengart told AFP.That has been a sore point, especially in China. People are looking to show off a status symbol, so it needs to look different than Huawei or Xiaomi, and I think it will.Apple has declined to comment on speculation, which has included talk of as many as three new iPhone handsets, including a premium model priced around $1,000.

US defense secretary orders new troops to Afghanistan

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Pentagon has ordered new troops to Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Thursday, 10 days after President Donald Trump announced a surge in US forces to battle advances by the Taliban.Yes, Ive signed orders for fresh deployments, Mattis told reporters, without specifying how many.By and large, this is to enable the Afghan force to fight more effectively.On August 21, Trump announced a new Afghanistan policy to knock back the Taliban that could see thousands more US troops deployed, on top of the 11,000 there now.The decision came after a deep review of strategy in which US military leaders convinced Trump to back off his election campaign pledge to pull out of the war-torn country.Mattis said the added troops, which could eventually approach 4,000, according to some estimates, were not yet underway.I just signed the order, its going to take a couple days, he said.On Wednesday, The Washington Post reported that the bulk of the additions will be paratroopers from two units, the 82nd Airborne Division and a brigade from the 25th Infantry Division.The Post also said the surge will include more F-16 fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft and expanded support from the B-52 bomber fleet based in Qatar.Mattis continued to avoid questions on the total of new troops to be added to the 16-year-old war, or provide details of the overall strategy, saying he preferred to brief Congress first next week.US generals have for months been calling the situation in Afghanistan a stalemate, despite years of support for Afghan partners and an overall cost to the United States of about $1 trillion.The new Afghan strategy will take a page from successful US efforts over the past two years to strengthen Iraqi security forces against the Islamic State group with better training, logistical support and the battlefield backup of US artillery and air strikes on enemy positions.

Rickshaw driver sets himself on fire after 'unjustified' challan

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JHANG (DUNYA NEWS) – Rickshaw driver Riaz on Thursday set himself on fire after getting an unfair challan from traffic police in Jhang, reported Dunya News.Riaz was first shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Jhang, however, due to his critical condition, he was shifted to Faisalabad’s Allied Hospital. According to doctors, Riaz has burnt 70% of his body.He had set himself on fire in front of the traffic police office at Jhang’s Thana Saddar Chowk.

Eid prayer in Hyderabad's Rani Bagh unlikely after rain floods Eidgah

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Hyderabad’s biggest Eid prayer gathering is feared to be put in jeopardy after torrential spells of rain have submerged parts of the city including city’s biggest eidgah, reported Dunya News.The Eid prayer gathering usually takes place at Hyderabad’s Rani Bagh, where a great crowd gathers every Eid. However, recent spells of rain across Sindh have inundated roads and deluged playing grounds and other public places.Absence of Hyderabad city administration during the recent spell of rains has raised concerns over their organizational competence. Hyderabad citizens have demanded that administration should immediately prepare Rani Baghfor Eid-ul-Adha prayers.Moreover, continuous rain in Hyderabad has caused difficulties for animals present in the Hyderabad Zoo. Water flooded the cages of animals in the zoo putting their health in danger.

India hammer Sri Lanka by 168 runs in fourth ODI

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COLOMBO (AFP) - Skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hit quickfire centuries to set up a 168-run win for India in the fourth one-day international against Sri Lanka on Thursday.The batsmen shared 219 runs for the second wicket off just 168 balls to help India post an imposing 375-5 after the visitors elected to bat at the R. Premadasa stadium.Sri Lanka barely put up a fight after losing four early wickets for 68 runs, folding up for 207 in 42.4 overs to concede a 4-0 lead to India in the five-match series.Angelo Mathews top-scored with 70 in an otherwise lacklustre show by the beleaguered hosts.Debutant Shardul Thakur gave India the first breakthrough when he had opener Niroshan Dickwella caught by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, playing his 300th one-day-international.The batsman was given not-out by the on-field umpire but India decided to review the decision and TV replays showed the ball had brushed the bat.Sri Lanka could never really recover from the early blow and failed to build the partnerships which were needed to chase the imposing target.The highlight of the game was the partnership between Kohli and Sharma.Kohli hit 17 fours and two sixes in his enthralling innings which drummed up 131 off 96 balls.Sharma (104) hammered 11 fours and three sixes in an equally entertaining innings off 88 balls.

PM takes notice of devastation caused by Karachi rains

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday took notice of the devastation caused by the recent spell of rains in Karachi, reported Dunya News.Abbasi has directed Pakistan Army, National Highway Authority (NHA), Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Ministry of Ports and Shipping to immediately clear the roads to allow commuters to travel safely in the city.Torrential spells of rain have bereaved Karachi once again, and at least 14 lives have been lost so far due to electrocution and other incidents, The monsoon spell in late August has clearly showcased Karachi city administrations incompetence. Parts of Karachi remained submerged on Thursday, as roads showed a picture of virtual swiming pools.Prime Minister has directed all the concerned departments to make immediate arrangements to resolve problems faced by the people of Karachi. Abbasihas also directed authorities to reassuree unhindered communication of Karachi to other parts of the country. He announced that the federal government will provide all the available resources to the provincial government.
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Wednesday 30 August 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Texas flood toll mounts amid chemical blast fears

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HOUSTON (AFP) - New proof of the devastation wrought by monster storm Harvey emerged Wednesday as the bodies of six family members were plucked from receding waters in Texas and flooding triggered fears of a chemical explosion near Houston.While clouds parted in Americas fourth-largest city, bringing a welcome respite after the storm turned roads into rivers, rural areas of Texas were drenched as Harvey headed eastwards with the city of Port Arthur especially hard hit.Authorities in neighboring Louisiana scrambled to safeguard their state from the impact of Harvey, whose onslaught evoked painful memories of Hurricane Katrinas deadly strike 12 years ago -- but New Orleans escaped with minimal rain.Taking advantage of a lull in the rainfall in Houston, rescuers recovered the bodies of six family members from a van which was swept away by the floods over the weekend.Manuel and Belia Saldivar and four of their great-grandchildren ranging from six to 16 years in age went missing on Sunday.Our worst fears have been realized, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told a press conference, confirming all six bodies had been found inside the van.So far, officials believe at least 33 people to have been killed in the storm, and there is little doubt the toll will rise further -- although many of those unaccounted for may simply have no access to phones or power.To those Americans who have lost loved ones, all of America is grieving with you, and our hearts are joined with yours forever, President Donald Trump said in a speech, a day after viewing some of the damage for himself on a trip to Texas.More than 30,000 people have found refuge in shelters across the Lone Star State, from the giant Houston convention center to small churches, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Brock Long.In Houston, where Mayor Sylvester Turner issued an nighttime curfew to aid search efforts and thwart potential looting, the two major airports reopened on a limited basis, signalling a slow return to normality.Turner told a news conference Wednesday night that trash pickup and metro service will resume in some areas where flood waters have receded.Its my hope that despite how massive this storm has been, that the city of Houston will quickly move to get back to where we were and then beyond that, Turner said.The National Hurricane Center downgraded Harvey to a tropical depression Wednesday night, but warned that life-threatening flood conditions remain in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana.But at least a quarter of Harris County, which includes Houston, is still under water -- and the operators of an organic peroxides plant outside the city warned they were bracing for the risk of an explosion after flooding caused them to lose all power.Right now, we have an unprecedented six feet of water at the plant, Rich Rowe, president and chief executive of plant operator Arkema Inc, said in a statement.We have lost critical refrigeration of the materials on site that could now explode and cause a subsequent intense fire, he said. The high water and lack of power leave us with no way to prevent it.As a precaution, officials had already ordered the evacuation of an area within 1.5 miles (three km) of the plant in Crosby, northeast of Houston, and Rowe said the facility itself had been evacuated for employees safety.Even as Houston got a first glimpse of life-after-Harvey, the city of Port Arthur was pummeled by torrential rains -- making it almost impossible to reach despite the best efforts of volunteer rescuers.Our whole city is underwater right now, Port Arthurs mayor, Derrick Freeman, posted on Facebook early Wednesday -- assuring stranded residents that help was on the way.Justin Coleman was part of a crew of three jeeps and three boats that drove overnight from Fort Worth trying to reach Port Arthur, but were forced to turn around on their first attempt.Were on the radio with them right now and every 30 seconds theres another person rescued, the 33-year-old told AFP during a pit stop at a gas station in the nearby town of Winnie.Theres a lot of babies and elderly that are stuck in their homes right now. They said its getting up to their chests, said Coleman, who runs a construction company.So far, parts of Texas have seen more than 50 inches (1.27 meters) of rain, while in Louisiana, the top total 18 inches so far was increasing.Harvey first slammed onshore as a Category Four hurricane on Friday night before unloading on Texas.Although now downgraded to a tropical storm, Harvey made its second landfall just west of the Louisiana town of Cameron early Wednesday, packing maximum sustained winds nearing 45 miles per hour.Forecasters are predicting another five to 10 inches of rain in the region, with the downpour finally expected to stop on Thursday.For now, southwestern Louisiana is taking the hardest hit, with a levee being breached in the town of Gueydan.While New Orleans appeared to have dodged a bullet, the arrival of Harvey nevertheless served as a somber reminder, coming just one day after the 12-year anniversary of Katrina, which ravaged the vulnerable city famous for its jazz music and cuisine.I began to pray for the people in Texas after having gone through that same experience myself as a Katrina survivor, said Crystal Harris, who works for a bank which was taking donations for storm victims.In Texas, the damage wrought is staggering -- Enki Research put its best estimate at between $48 billion and $75 billion.At least one bridge had crumbled, one levee had breached and dams were at risk, while Harvey sparked the closure of several major refineries across what is a major hub of Americas oil industry.More than 4,500 people and 1,000 pets have been rescued from the storm zone by the Coast Guard, which expected to rescue an additional 1,000 people Wednesday in the Port Arthur area alone.The Coast Guard has deployed about 50 aircraft and two dozen boats, but the overall rescue effort, involving other military branches and state police, easily tops more than 100 aircraft.We are certainly bringing lessons learned from Katrina, Admiral Paul Thomas, who oversees Coast Guard operations in 26 states, told reporters in New Orleans -- noting that several members of his team are Louisiana natives who are veterans of the 2005 disaster.

US has 11,000 troops in Afghanistan, more than previous count: Pentagon

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Pentagon sharply raised its estimate of the number of US troops currently in Afghanistan Wednesday, ahead of a decision on adding thousands more under President Donald Trumps new strategy for the war-ridden country.Pentagon Joint Staff Director Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie said a comprehensive review showed there were approximately 11,000 uniformed US servicemen and women in Afghanistan, compared to the 8,400 number used since last year.The new count, which includes temporary and covert units as well as regular forces, was made to establish the basis for an increase in troops -- possibly by around 4,000 -- under Trumps revised strategy to better support Afghan troops in the fight against the Taliban.But McKenzie declined to say how many more troops would be added.Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis still hasnt made that decision, he said, adding: No troops have started to flow... no deployment orders have been issued. McKenzie said that after president Barack Obama set a ceiling of 8,400 troops for the country last July, military commanders had been hampered in their ability to deploy full units, leading to unintended consequences.Meanwhile, short-term and clandestine units were not included in the count.The new estimate came nearly two weeks after Trump and his top cabinet and military officials decided to increase US soldiers and airmen in Afghanistan to put more pressure on the Taliban and other extremist groups.Few details were provided on the new strategy, however, as Mattis said he wanted a clearer view of the actual number of US forces there.US generals have for months been calling the situation in Afghanistan a stalemate, despite years of support for Afghan partners and an overall cost to the United States of about $1 trillion.A US troop increase would allow the US- led coalition in the country to provide more advisors and tactical support to strengthen the Afghan armys efforts against the Taliban.McKenzie said the new count was an effort to be more transparent, but he said the Defense Department would not be providing much information on the breakdown of the US forces, so as to maintain operational security and avoid telegraphing US intentions to the Taliban.The new Afghan strategy will take a page from successful US efforts over the past two years to strength Iraqi security forces against the Islamic State group with better training, logistical support and the battlefield backup of US artillery and air strikes on enemy positions.But in Iraq most of the action against Islamic State fighters is in dense urban settings, while the Taliban are more spread out in the Afghan countryside, a battle situation Mattis has characterized as more like Vietnam.

US-led strike in Syria blocks IS fighters evacuated from Lebanon

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BEIRUT (AFP) - The US-led coalition carried out two sets of air strikes on Wednesday to block Islamic State group fighters evacuated from Lebanon from reaching eastern Syria, its spokesman told AFP.Hundreds of IS fighters and civilians were evacuated Monday from the border region between Lebanon and Syria under a ceasefire deal and were headed to an IS-held town near Syrias eastern frontier with Iraq.A first set of strikes hit the road leading from the Syrian town of Hmaymah to the IS-held town of Albukamal further east, said coalition spokesman Colonel Ryan Dillon.To prevent the convoy from moving further east, we cratered the road and destroyed a small bridge, he told AFP.The coalition then carried out a second set of strikes that struck individual vehicles and fighters that were clearly identified as IS and appeared to be moving towards the convoy from Albukamal.If they continue to try to send people that way, then well continue to strike them. It could be a running tally, Dillon said.IS is a global threat; relocating terrorists from one place to another for someone else to deal with is not a lasting solution.The evacuation deal was negotiated between IS and powerful Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has intervened in the war in neighbouring Syria to prop up the Damascus government.Hezbollah fought a week-long offensive against IS on the Syrian side of the Lebanese border, coinciding with a simultaneous assault by Lebanese troops on their side of the frontier.The battles ended Sunday with the announcement of the deal to bus IS forces hundreds of kilometres (miles) from Syrias western border with Lebanon to its eastern frontier with Iraq.Jihadists and civilians, including children, left the border region two days ago, but on Wednesday their buses were still held up at Hmaymah.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the convoy was looking for a new route to reach Albukamal after the coalition strike.Dillon said the US-led alliance was monitoring the convoy in real time and its last known location was near Hmaymah.If we are able to strike them without harming civilians, then we will do so, Dillon said.Asked whether the presence of civilians had prompted the coalition to bomb the road instead of the convoy itself, Dillon said that would be consistent with protocol.There was no immediate reaction to the strike from Hezbollah or from Syrias government.The evacuation agreement had sparked a furious reaction from the United States, which considers Hezbollah to be a terrorist organisation.Irreconcilable ISIS terrorists should be killed on the battlefield, not bused across Syria to the Iraqi border without Iraqs consent, US presidential envoy to the anti-IS coalition Brett McGurk said Wednesday.Our @coalition will help ensure that these terrorists can never enter Iraq or escape from what remains of their dwindling caliphate, he wrote on Twitter.It was also met with outrage in Iraq, with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi describing it as unacceptable and an insult to the Iraqi people.Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah issued a rare written statement late Wednesday in an attempt to tamp down the controversy.We transferred these defeated fighters from a front where we are battling to another front where we are battling, he said.Our fight and our fate are one, Nasrallah said, addressing Iraqi officials.Lebanese opponents to the deal were angry that IS fighters were travelling on air-conditioned buses after having been suspected of killing Lebanese troops.On Wednesday, Lebanons president and the chief of the army hailed the victory against IS.Today, we are announcing Lebanons victory against terrorism. I dedicate this victory to all Lebanese, who can be proud of their army, President Michel Aoun said.After Sundays deal, IS fighters who had surrendered led Lebanese authorities to human remains believed to belong to Lebanese soldiers kidnapped by IS in 2014.

Diana mourned on 20th anniversary of her death

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LONDON (AFP) - Fans and friends of Diana, princess of Wales were to mark the 20th anniversary of her death on Thursday as well-wishers lit candles and paid their respects at the sombre scene of her fatal car crash.Her children Princes William and Harry on Wednesday greeted the steady stream of well-wishers bringing floral tributes to the gates of Londons Kensington Palace, where they grew up with the princess.And just after midnight in Paris on Thursday, a few braved the rain to be at the Pont de lAlma tunnel where, precisely two decades earlier, her car smashed into a pillar, taking the life of the most famous woman in the world.One man lit several candles around the Flame of Liberty monument, which stands above the underpass and has become a shrine to the princess.Diana was revolutionary, said Sian Croston, a 17-year-old student from London.She changed the royal family forever.She will always be the peoples princess, she said, using the epithet coined by prime minister Tony Blair in the hours after her death.The crash happened at around 12:23am on August 31, 1997.Diana was killed along with Dodi Fayed, her wealthy Egyptian film producer boyfriend of two months, and his drink-impaired, speeding driver Henri Paul, who was trying to evade paparazzi photographers.Twenty years on, a few dozen bouquets of flowers and pictures of the princess have been laid at the Flame of Liberty by sympathetic visitors.I was a child when she died but I studied her biography, said German journalist Marie Hermann, 25, from Frankfurt.l loved Diana and her commitment to charities, she told AFP.Linda Bigelbach, 61, from Saint Paul in Minnesota, said: I remember her wedding day and I remember the day she died. In London, William and Harry, who were 15 and 12 respectively when she died, paid tribute to their late mother on Wednesday and were to spend Thursday privately.The princes inspected the dozens of bouquets left in front of Kensington Palace.Earlier they braved torrential rain to visit the White Garden at the palace, created this year to evoke the princesss sense of style and colour choices.They met with representatives from the charities she supported, including those helping AIDS sufferers and children in need.Harry told one group of campaigners that his mothers death was a tragedy for them too.I can imagine for a lot of you it was like, right, here we go, now weve got her, weve got the thirst, weve got the attention, now lets do something, the 32-year-old said.Then suddenly shes snapped away; if I can put it (this way), all of us lost somebody.They then emerged at the palace gates to look at the heartfelt messages, pictures and flowers left in remembrance of their mother, thanking well-wishers for coming, and placing bouquets given to them.Handwritten notes on bunches of flowers read: Diana, a brave princess, your sons have your courage and our country was so very lucky to have you.I was so sad, recalled a tearful Lena Pettersson, a cleaner from Sweden who had travelled to London for the commemorations.She cared about people, she was very special. Her sons are continuing her work, they are just like her.Helen Zacharia, 62, who tied a bouquet to the gates, told AFP: I come down every year because Ive always liked Diana. Ive never met her but if I dont come down I feel very sad. Everyone loved her.The princess was to be remembered on Thursday at the Mildmay Mission AIDS hospital in London, visited regularly by Diana when it was a hospice caring for HIV patients.The institution will hold a remembrance service and past members of staff will share their memories of Diana, as well as dancer Wayne Sleep who famously performed with the princess in 1985.Her untimely death at the age of 36 shocked the world.The complex life of Diana -- a shy, teenage aristocrat who suddenly became a global icon -- and her tragic death still captivates millions across the globe.Diana wed Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, in 1981, but their marriage collapsed under the strains of public duty and their incompatibility.She was cast out of the royal family in the 1996 divorce she had inadvertently made inevitable with an explosive tell-all television interview.However, the monarchys shining star was undimmed, her reputation sealed as a fashion icon, charity campaigner, humanitarian and a self-styled queen of hearts.

N. Korea warns Japan of 'imminent self-destruction'

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SEOUL (AFP) - Nuclear-armed North Korea has warned Tokyo against imminent self-destruction for siding with Washington, as tensions soar after Pyongyang fired a missile over Japan.The North set off global alarm Tuesday when it fired an intermediate-range missile over the Asian island nation, triggering condemnation from world leaders including the US and Japan.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe denounced the launch as an unprecedented, serious and grave threat and agreed with US President Donald Trump to further strengthen pressure against North Korea.The Norths official KCNA news agency decried the former colonial power in a commentary, saying: Japan has now come out with its sleeves rolled up in supporting its masters anti-DPRK war moves.The allies military nexus had become a serious threat to the Korean peninsula and Japan was unaware it was accelerating self-destruction, the statement late Wednesday said.It made a specific reference to US forces being based in Hokkaido -- the island that the Norths missile flew over.The DPRKs toughest countermeasures include a warning to Japan going wild, being unaware of its imminent destruction, and blindly following the US, it added.Pyongyang has warned of more similar tests to come.The authorities in North Korea are highly nationalistic and promote resentment of the US and Japan as part of their claim to legitimacy.KCNA said earlier that the missile launch was timed to mark the 107th anniversary of the disgraceful Japan-Korea treaty of 1910, under which Tokyo colonised the Korean peninsula.

Verdict in Benazir Bhutto murder case to be announced today

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RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday (Today) will announce the verdict in former Prime Minister (PM) Benazir Bhutto murder case after nine years.The ATC on Wednesday had reserved the judgment in the murder case of former PM.According to details, ATC Rawalpindi heard the case during which prosecutor of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Khawaja Asif and the lawyers of the suspects presented their arguments.Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack outside Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh on December 27, 2007 while Musharraf was president. She was killed after addressing an election campaign rally in the city.A trial of five suspects, who were arrested by police, started in February 2008 which was later handed over to FIA.The ATC had indicted former president Pervez Musharraf in the case in February 2011, and in August the same year he was declared a proclaimed offender. A separate case was filed against his continuous absence.

Over 2 million Muslims begin Hajj spiritual journey

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MOUNT ARAFAT (AFP) - More than two million Muslims from around the world began the Hajj pilgrimage at Islams holiest sites Wednesday, a religious duty and a multi-stage spiritual journey.This year sees pilgrims from Shiite Iran return to Makkah in Saudi Arabia after a hiatus following a diplomatic spat between the regional rivals and a deadly stampede in 2015.It also comes with the Gulf mired in a major political crisis that has seen thousands of faithful who would usually make the journey from neighbouring Qatar stay away.On the esplanade of Makkahs Grand Mosque, the excitement was palpable as crowds from all four corners of the world gathered for a pilgrimage that all able Muslims are required to perform at least once in their lives.Tidjani Traore, a public service consultant from Benin, said he was on his 22nd pilgrimage at the age of 53.Every time, there are new emotions, he said. There are new innovations for organising and hosting the pilgrims. Now, for example, the tents are air-conditioned.Wearing the simple garb of the pilgrim, the faithful waited at dawn with their suitcases for buses to take them to Mina five kilometres (three miles) to the east.There, hundreds of thousands were gathering before they set off on Thursday at dawn to climb Mount Arafat, the pinnacle of the Hajj.In the midst of a hot desert breeze, the first arrivals prepared to spend the night in tents on the plain below Mount Arafat.I will spend the evening in prayer before we climb up the mountain for the dawn prayer, said a 72-year-old Tunisian woman, stretched out on a mattress.Earlier in Makkah, the pilgrims performed a ritual walk known as the tawaf seven times around the Kaaba, a black masonry cube wrapped in a heavy silk cloth embroidered in gold with Koranic verses at the centre of Makkahs Grand Mosque.The shrine is the point towards which Muslims around the world pray.I still have to finish the tawaf said a breathless Nour, 30, from Saudi Arabia as she rushed past without stopping.Sitting on a folding chair in the middle of the esplanade, Risvana cradled her six-month-old baby accompanying her on the pilgrimage.Ive planned everything for him, said the young mother, pointing to a bottle of water in her bag.Saudi authorities have mobilised vast resources including more than 100,000 security personnel to avoid a repeat of the stampede in 2015 in which nearly 2,300 people were killed.Iran alone reported 464 deaths -- the highest toll among foreigners.Riyadh and Tehran cut ties months later, after the execution of a Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia sparked attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.Iranian pilgrims were absent from last years Hajj for the first time in decades after the regional rivals failed to agree on security and logistics.This years pilgrimage comes amid a diplomatic crisis between a Saudi-led bloc of Arab countries and Qatar, accused of supporting extremist groups and being too close to Riyadhs arch-rival Tehran.A blockade imposed on Qatar since June 5 has seen sea and air links shut down, preventing many Qataris from making the Hajj.Although Saudi Arabia relaxed entry restrictions across its land border with the emirate two weeks before the Hajj, Qatar said only a few dozen of its nationals were able to join the pilgrimage.This year, the colossal religious gathering comes with the Islamic State group under growing military pressure having lost swathes of territory it controlled in Iraq and Syria.But the jihadist group continues to claim attacks in the Middle East and Europe.For the Hajj, one of the worlds largest annual gatherings, tens of thousands of air-conditioned tents have been set up in Mina to house pilgrims, and more than 700 Saudi cooks recruited to feed the faithful.On the esplanade of the Grand Mosque, authorities had placed misting fans to take the edge off the intense heat.On the eve of the first rites of the pilgrimage, the walkways thronged with people and the smell of musk wafted through the air.A few paces from the Kaaba, Egyptian pilgrim Fathiya Taha could not hide her joy.At 67 the oldest in her group, she sat in her wheelchair in Islams most holy spot.Ive been looking forward to this pilgrimage for four years, she said.Saudi Arabias immigration department said women this year accounted for 46 percent of the foreign arrivals for the Hajj.Religious tourism is part of the oil-rich countrys Vision 2030 plan to boost the economy in an era of low oil prices.

Lahore: Police nab 31 suspects during search operation

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – At least 31 suspects were taken into custody during police search operation in different parts of Lahore on Wednesday, Dunya News reported.According to details, the search operation was carried out in Kotha Pind, Khan Colony, Wahdat Road, Gulshan-e-Ravi, Shera Kot, Nawankot, Sanda and Iqbal Town areas.Police searched hundreds of homes and hotels during the operation. Biometric device was also used for the identification of the resident and 31 persons were arrested who failed to produce any identity document.The arrested persons were shifted to police station for further investigation. Police sources said that the search operation was launched on the intelligence reports that suspects are present in these areas.

Karachi: Two accused killed six arrested in Rangers, police operation

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – At least two accused were killed and six other were taken into custody during Rangers, police operation and in different parts of Karachi on Wednesday, Dunya News reported.According to details, police launched a targeted operation in Lyari Kharadar area during which accused present in the area opened fire. Police returned the fire due to which two accused were killed.The dead accused were identified as Qasim and Furqan. According to SSP Adeel Chandio, Qasim and Furqan were involved in bank robbery in Kharadar. Police also recovered arms from them. Separately, police arrested one accused after encounter in Mahmoodabad area.On the other hand, Rangers carried out a search operation in Lines Area during which five suspects were taken into custody.

Multan Metro Bus corruption: Senate committee summons SECP officials

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue while taking notice of alleged corruption in Multan Metro Bus Project by Chinese Company has summoned Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) officials on September 7.Chairman of the committee, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla said that SECP has been directed to make a briefing on Multan Metro bus project and the inquiry being conducted by Chinas Regulator adding that Chinas Regulator has investigated corruption case in Multan Metro Bus Project, and sent a letter to SECP, on which Parliament should be briefed.“For the first time, a foreign country has asked SECP to investigate, SECP will have to respond to Chinas Regulator as this has damaged the impact of Pakistan at international level,” he said.

PPP demonstrates political power in NA-120

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Political activities in the National Assembly constituency NA-120 are in full swing which fell vacant after the disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court in the Panama case.Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) also demonstrated its political strength in the constituency and took out rallies from Model Town and Islamapura on Wednesday. Both the rallies merged at Muzang area and culminated at the central election office of the PPP.Addressing the main the participants of the rally, PPP central Punjab president Qamar Zaman Kaira severely criticized the PML-N government. He said that the time has proved that PPP was embroiled in the false cases in the past. He said that the courts acquitted us while former prime minister was disqualified during his own tenure.Kaira further said that the PPP will take out rallies every day and also launch door-to-door campaign to attract voters.

Gibson leaves England to become South Africa coach

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LONDON (AFP) - Ottis Gibson has agreed to step down from his role as England bowling coach and become South Africas new head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Wednesday.Gibson, who took up his current role in 2015, will leave after Englands third and final Test against West Indies next week.He succeeds Russell Domingo, whose contract with Cricket South Africa expired after South Africas 3-1 Test series defeat in England earlier this month.I would like to place on record my thanks to Ottis Gibson for his services to English cricket, Englands director of cricket Andrew Strauss said in a press release.Ottis has been an integral part of the England team in his two stints as bowling coach. His experience, tactical awareness and understanding of bowling in all conditions has benefited our approach and has helped our bowling unit develop greatly across all formats of the game.He is an ambitious man and when this opportunity presented itself, it was difficult for him to turn down. On behalf of the ECB, I would like to wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.Gibson, 48, is in his second spell working with Englands pacemen after four years as head coach of his native West Indies from 2010-14.England head coach Trevor Bayliss said: Ottis has played a vital role in our progress over the past few years.His knowledge of the international game and the way he has supported all our bowlers in their development has been immeasurable.He will no doubt relish the challenge of becoming a head coach once again and coupled with his strong affinity with South African cricket, he will look to take them forward.Gibsons first South Africa assignment will be a two-Test home series against Bangladesh beginning on September 28, which is followed by a four-match one-day series and a two-match Twenty20 series.The ECB said it intends to appoint a new fast bowling coaching ahead of Englands busy end-of-year schedule, which includes an Ashes tour of Australia.

Westley keeps place in unchanged England squad

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LONDON (AFP) - Tom Westley kept his place in an unchanged 13-man England squad announced on Wednesday for next weeks decisive third Test against West Indies at Lords.The Essex batsman has come under scrutiny after three single-figure scores at number three.But he has been given another chance to nail down a place in the team in what will be Englands last Test before the year-ending Ashes series in Australia.Mark Stoneman and Dawid Malan have also held onto their places after both chipped in with second-innings half-centuries in the five-wicket loss to West Indies at Headingley.Left out of the starting team in Leeds, Middlesex seamer Toby Roland-Jones and Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane will both hope to force their way into the XI for the series decider.England will be aiming to return to the form that brought them a crushing innings and 209-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston.England 3rd Test squad:Joe Root (Yorkshire, capt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire, wkt), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Alastair Cook (Essex), Mason Crane (Hampshire), Dawid Malan (Middlesex), Toby Roland-Jones (Middlesex), Ben Stokes (Durham), Mark Stoneman (Surrey), Tom Westley (Essex), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).

Bangladesh name unchanged side for Australia decider

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DHAKA (AFP) - Bangladesh named an unchanged squad for next weeks series decider against Australia, after clinching a historic win over the tourists in their opening Test in Dhaka on Wednesday.The hosts beat Steve Smiths men by 20 runs in a thrilling victory on home soil, their first ever win against Australia since gaining Test status in 2000.Mushfiqur Rahims men are hoping to seal the series when they square off against Australia in the second and final Test starting at Chittagong on September 4.Australia -- who are touring Bangladesh for the first time in more than a decade -- are currently ranked fourth to Bangladeshs lowly ninth in ICC Test rankings.The Baggy Greens on Wednesday added left-arm slow bowler Steve OKeefe to their squad for the second Test. OKeefe will replace fast bowler Josh Hazlewood who has been ruled out of the series with injury.Squad: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Shafiul Islam, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Mominul Haque, Liton Das, Taskin Ahmed.

Australia call up O'Keefe for second Bangladesh Test

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DHAKA (AFP) - Australia on Wednesday added left-arm slow bowler Steve OKeefe to their squad for the second Test against Bangladesh starting next week.OKeefe, 32, was left out of Australias original squad in favour of the younger left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, triggering speculation of an imminent end to his career.OKeefe will replace fast bowler Josh Hazlewood who has been ruled out of the series after picking an injury on the third day of the first Test in Dhaka On Tuesday.Hazlewood, who bowled just seven deliveries, will return home after the Test.With Jackson Bird in the squad we are comfortable with our fast-bowling options for the second Test and have elected to add an additional spinner given the conditions we are likely to face in Chittagong, national selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement.OKeefe impressed during this years four-Test series in India, taking 19 wickets, including a match-winning 12-wicket haul in the first Test in Pune in February. Australia lost the series 2-1.The selectors also brought in fast bowler Kane Richardson to replace Hazlewood in the squad for the one-day international five-match series in India from September 17 to October 13.
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Tuesday 29 August 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Pilgrims throng Mina as Hajj begins

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MINA (Dunya News) - Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world on Wednesday began moving from the holy city of Makkah to nearby Mina for the start of the Hajj, the world s largest annual gathering.All the pilgrims will stay in Mina on Wednesday where they will spend the night in their tents where they will pray and rest.The pilgrims will offer Zohar‚ Asar‚ Maghreb and Isha prayers in Mina today and will leave for Arafat tomorrow after Fajar prayers to perform the main ritual of Hajj Waqoof-e-Arafat.The Imam will deliver Hajj Khutbah from Masjid-e-Nimra highlighting the importance of Hajj and challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah. From afternoon to sunset, they stand, in prayer and reflection, facing Makkah. In the evening after Arafat, pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah.At Muzdalifah, which is located between Arafat and Mina, the pilgrims sleep in the open (i.e., without tents). They spend the night in prayer and gathering stones for the next days ritual stoning of the devil. The pilgrims will return to Mina before sun rise.On the third day, in Mina, pilgrims will perform the stoning of the devil (ramy) where they throw their stone pebbles at the largest of three Jamarat pillars. The Jamarat pillars represent the temptations of Satan. After the stoning they will sacrifice animals. The will return to Makkah the same day and will perform Tawaf al-Ifadah.After Tawaf al-Ifadah the pilgrim will then shaves their heads or cut off a portion of hair. Following this act, all of the restrictions of Ihram are lifted, meaning that they can wear everyday clothing.The pilgrims will then return to Mina for two days. On each of the two days, pilgrims, again, stone the Jamarat pillars, each with seven stones. These two days are spent in contemplative prayer.On the fifth day, pilgrims return to Makkah where a Farewell Tawaf is performed and the Hajj will be completed.

Karachi: Transgender killed in firing incident

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Some unidentified person riding in a car opened fire in Defence Darakhshan area of Karachi on Tuesday and shot dead a transgender, Dunya News reported.Police sources said that the deceased was identified as Chanda Sharmeeli. Sources further said that an investigation has also been launched.On the other hand, Police carried out an operation in Sarjani Town area and arrested four accused. According to SP Orangi, Abid Baloch, three bags of “gutka” were also recovered from the arrested accused.

Taxila: Two terrorists arrested in CTD operation

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TAXILA (Dunya News) - The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out an operation on intelligence report at the Thattakhel Road in Taxila on Tuesday and arrested two terrorists, Dunya News reported.According to CTD spokesperson, the arrested terrorists were members of a banned organisation. Explosive material, detonators and other ammunition was also recovered from them.The spokesperson further said that the terrorists were planning to target sensitive installations the area. The arrested terrorists were later shifted to some undisclosed location for further investigation.

Law proud as Windies bounce back from first Test 'kicking'

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LEEDS (AFP) - West Indies coach Stuart Law praised his side for the way they responded to their humiliating first Test defeat by England to level the series with a stunning five-wicket win at Headingley on Tuesday.Shai Hope made hundreds in both innings, with opener Kraigg Brathwaite falling just five runs shy of the same feat, as the West Indies completed a remarkable victory on Tuesdays fifth day to square the three-Test series at 1-1.The win, West Indies first in a Test in England for 17 years, was all the more impressive as just over a week earlier they had been thrashed by an innings and 209 runs inside three days in the series opener at Edgbaston.What a five days, Law told Sky Sports.After getting the kicking we did at Edgbaston, to get the boys back up to achieve what theyve done these last five days, its a great effort -- not just by the players themselves but all the support staff.Im very proud of them, and of the two young guys who scored the runs, added the former Australia batsman after the West Indies, set a seemingly stiff 322 to win, finished on 322 for five with 28 balls left.The 23-year-old Hope had not scored a hundred in any of his previous 11 Test matches.Yet his 118 not out on Tuesday, following his first-innings 147, saw the Barbados batsman become the first man to score two hundreds in a first-class match in 127 years of cricket at Headingley.I said if he gets one (hundred), hell get plenty -- well he got one and hes got another, said Law of Hope.Hes been going through the form dip but hes looked in good nick.Law also had words of praise for the 24-year-old Brathwaite, saying: Hes not the most fashionable-looking cricketer but he gets the job done and hes one of my first picks every game.(Hes got) plenty of courage, plenty of character and plenty of determination.Meanwhile a delighted Hope said: We needed someone to stand up and bat and I was sure if I was there at the end, the century would come.Im elated, weve been working really hard as a team, he added.Brathwaite and Hope put on 144 on Tuesday following their first-innings partnership of 246, when Brathwaite made 134.England captain Joe Root was left to lament the hosts below-par first-innings 258 on his Yorkshire home ground.(Hope) played exceptionally well -- on the fifth day, against high-quality bowling, it was a great knock, said Root, whose two fifties in the match were eclipsed by Brathwaite and Hope.Credit to the whole side, the way they came back from last week was a great effort.They put us under pressure in the first innings and then went past us (to make 427).If youre being brutally honest, thats where we could have been better. Any time you dont get 300 having won the toss and batted, youre disappointed.

Hope and glory as West Indies stun England

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LEEDS (AFP) - Shai Hope led the West Indies to a remarkable five-wicket victory over England in the second Test on Tuesday as he became the first batsman to score two hundreds in a first-class match at Headingley.The West Indies, set a seemingly imposing 322 for victory, finished on 322 for five with 28 balls to spare.Hope, who struck stylish boundaries on both sides of the wicket, was 118 not out following his first-innings 147.The 23-year-old had not scored a hundred in his 11 previous Tests.Victory saw West Indies level the three-match series at 1-1 as they recorded their first Test win in England since 2000.It was all the more impressive given that just over a week earlier theyd suffered an innings and 209-run defeat inside three days in the first Test at Edgbaston.This was also, excluding fixtures against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, just the West Indies fourth Test win away from home in 88 matches spanning 20 years.Together with opener Kraigg Brathwaite (95), Hope put on 144 after the pair had shared a first-innings stand of 246, with Brathwaite making 134.Ive just been told I was the first man to score a century in both first-class innings at Headingley, Hope said on BBC Radios Test Match Special. Im just pleased to get the win.Were Test cricketers for a reason, we have the fight, belief and players to do it.Meanwhile West Indies captain Jason Holder insisted hed never lost faith in his players.I always believed in this group, Holder told Sky Sports.West Indies win would have been even more emphatic had they not dropped several catches which amounted to a total of 238 runs.They resumed on five without loss after England captain Joe Root had declared late on Monday with England 490 for eight in their second innings.Only Australia, with 404 for three back in 1948, had made more to win in the fourth innings of a Headingley Test.Shai Hope played exceptionally well, said Root.The declaration was a positive thing to do, we want to win Test matches, when you get the opportunity to try and win you take it.England, in common with the West Indies, dropped catches and normally reliable first slip Alastair Cook floored Brathwaite, yet to add to his overnight four, off Stuart Broad.But Broad did reduce the West Indies from 46 for none to 53 for two.He had Kieran Powell (23) fending to Ben Stokes at fourth slip and then ran out Kyle Hope for the unluckiest of ducks when he dropped a return catch from a Brathwaite drive, only to deflect the ball onto the stumps at the bowlers end as the non-striker backed up.It was not until the stroke of tea that West Indies lost their third wicket when Brathwaite edged off-spinner Moeen Ali to Stokes at slip.Brathwaites 180-ball innings, including 12 fours, meant the opener had batted for more than 10 hours in the match.The new ball was taken but two deliveries later Jermaine Blackwood, with the Headingley floodlights shining bright on a gloomy day, lofted England spearhead James Anderson, who failed to add to his tally of 497 Test wickets on Tuesday, for a stunning straight six.Shai Hopes single off Broad completed a superb century off 175 balls, including 13 fours, as he became the first West Indian to score hundreds in both innings of a Test in England since Gordon Greenidge at Old Trafford in 1976.Englands plight was summed up when Cook dropped Shai Hope on 106.Blackwood, who uppercut Broad for six, tried to win the match in style but, having removed his helmet, he was stumped off Ali for 41, having put on a vital 74 with Shai Hope.Instead it was Shai Hope who struck the winning runs with a legside flick for two off Chris Woakes.

Hazlewood out of Bangladesh series, India ODIs

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DHAKA (AFP) - Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing Bangladesh tour after suffering a side injury during the third day of the first Test in Dhaka on Tuesday.Hazlewood suffered the strain on his left side after bowling just seven deliveries on the third day and left the ground without taking further part in the match.The teams spokeswoman Kate Hutchison confirmed he will return home after the end of the Test match and will also miss the five-match one-day international series against India.Hell return home after the completion of this Test. He has a leg-side injury and he is also not available for the India one day series later, said Hutchison.Hutchison added a replacement will be announced on Wednesday for the second Test, which will be held in Chittagong from September 4-8.Australia are placed delicately in the first Test, still needing 156 runs in the fourth innings to win in the game with eight wickets in hand.They will play five ODIs in India from September 17 to October 13, though the schedule and venues of the series are yet to be announced.

Justice Asif Saeed Khosa undergoes angioplasty in Lahore

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Senior judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) Justice Asif Saeed Khosa undergoes angioplasty in Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), reported Dunya News.Justice Khosa was shifted to PIC on Tuesday morning after he endured a heart attack. According to the hospital sources, one valve of Khosa’s heart was blocked which was obstructing the blood flow. Through the procedure of coronary angioplasty, clogged artery of Khosa’s heart was opened by placing a stent inside. The delicate procedure was carried out by PIC chairman Dr. Nadeem Hayat Malik and his team of doctors.Supreme Court Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed visited PIC to meet Justice Khosa. According to the doctors, he is in a stable condition. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa has headed benches of historical significance in the past few years, such as the bench that sentenced Mumtaz Qadri to death and the most recent Panama case that disqualifed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.According to American Heart Association, angioplasty opens blocked arteries and restores normal blood flow to your heart muscle. “Angioplasty is not a major surgery, it is done by threading a catheter (thin tube) through a small puncture in a leg or arm artery to the heart. The blocked artery is opened by inflating a tiny balloon in it,” an explanatory paper on their website reads.

Record growth of 5.3pc in GDP during FY 2016-17, cabinet briefed

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – (APP): The Federal Cabinet was informed Tuesday that the country had achieved a stabilized economy with the gross domestic product (GDP) witnessed a record growth of 5.3 per cent and the fiscal deficit reduced by 5.8 per cent of the GDP.The Secretary Finance briefed the cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on the overall economic situation of the country, including key economic indicators, economic growth outlook, real sector growth performance, consumer price index, credit situation, fiscal consolidation, tax collection by the FBR, workers’ remittances, foreign direct investment, foreign exchange reserves, balance of payments, public debt and significant developments in Pakistan’s economy.It was apprised that during FY 2016-17 the GDP recorded an increased growth of 5.3%, large scale manufacturing achieved 5.6% growth, per capita income increased to US $ 1,629 from US $ 1,334 in FY 2012-13 and remittances rose to US $ 19.3 billion.The cabinet was informed that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs 3,362 billion, fiscal deficit had been reduced by 5.8% of the GDP, 8,286 new companies were registered, forex reserves increased to US $ 21.4 billion and FDI witnessed increase of US $ 2.4 billion in FY 2016-17.The cabinet appreciated the Finance Minister and the Finance Division for their tireless efforts, which had resulted in positive economic turnaround since 2013.The Prime Minister informed the cabinet that renowned international rating organizations had recognized upward economic growth of Pakistan despite internal and external challenges.The cabinet approved amendments in the Guidelines of Prime Minister’s Global SDG’s achievement programme and amendments in Rules of Business, 1973 after reorganization / creation of new federal ministries and divisions to facilitate and clarify subjects allocated to them.

Texas storm Harvey breaks historic rainfall record

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MIAMI (AFP) - Hurricane Harvey has set what forecasters believe is a new rainfall record for the continental United States, officials said Tuesday.Harvey, swirling for the past few days off Texas and Louisiana -- at times as a hurricane and at times a tropical storm -- has dumped more than 49 inches (124.5 centimeters) of rain on the region.The record for total rainfall from tropical system has been BROKEN the National Weather Service Houston announced on Twitter.According to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center, the data comes from a rain gauge southeast of Houston.Marys Creek at Winding Road recorded 49.32 inches (125.27 centimeters) as of 9 am CDT, (1400 GMT), the NHC said.This total is higher than the previous record of 48 inches (121.9 centimeters) set during tropical cyclone Amelia of 1978 at Medina, Texas, the NWS added.NHC spokesman Dennis Feltgen said the record is being treated preliminarily as one for the entire continental United States.He added that confirming it will take a lot of research, as experts review water gauges and past historical records -- a process likely to take several weeks.Harvey made landfall in Texas Friday as a Category Four hurricane. It has since weakened to a tropical storm but continues to unleash massive amounts of rain over Texas and Louisiana.

Hope stars as West Indies stun England in 2nd Test

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LEEDS (AFP) - Shai Hope led the West Indies to a remarkable five-wicket win over England in the second Test on the fifth day at Headingley on Tuesday to level the three-match series at 1-1.West Indies, set 322 for victory, finished on 322 for five with Hope making 118 not out -- his second hundred of the match after his first-innings 147.The 23-year-old had not made a hundred in any of his previous 11 Test matches.

Progress unattainable with political instability: Ahsan Iqbal

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Addressing to the CPEC Consortium of Business Schools, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the economic corridor has become flagship project of One Belt One Road, adding that China never disappointed Pakistan and vice versa.“When we first started this project back in 2013, the economy wasn’t good. Security situation was deteriorating and everyone was claiming that Pakistan is heading towards an economic setback. Companies were leaving the country, but at that moment, China stood up with us,” he stated.Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal handing over souvenir at CPEC Consortium closing ceremony held at NUST Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/tB5nJyDj9F— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) August 29, 2017 The interior minister further told that new projects have been launched to develop Gwadar Port, mentioning that China is better than us today, but Pakistan had per capita income of $300 with China’s $200 back in 1980. “We need to learn from China how they progressed and eradicated poverty. If a country has political stability then it is a magnet for economic growth,” he claimed.Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the role of youth in progressing, saying that the young people need to prosper the economy by coming forward. He added that the aim of CPEC is not only to provide energy but also to create an industrial zone which will supply for the whole country.If we want to deepen the ties between China and Pakistan then we have to build business to business (B2B) relations.

Ready to welcome over two million Muslims for Hajj: Saudi authorities

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MINA (AFP) - The Saudi authorities said Tuesday that they were ready to welcome more than two million Muslims from around the globe for this weeks hajj pilgrimage to Islams holiest sites.Our plans have been drawn up on the basis of more than two million pilgrims, including 1.73 million from abroad, interior ministry spokesman General Mansour al-Turki told a news conference.That would mark an increase compared with last year when 1.86 million pilgrims joined the hajj, which Muslims are required to perform at least once in their life if able to do so.A security perimeter has been established around Mecca and its surroundings for the event.Turki said that 400,000 people from inside Saudi Arabia had been refused access to the holy sites for the hajj because they did not have the necessary permits.Representatives of the hajj and health ministries, the Saudi Red Crescent and the civil defence laid out their plans at the news conference to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.According to Turki, pilgrims were to begin gathering from Tuesday evening in Mina Valley, near Mecca, to prepare to climb Mount Arafat, considered the climax of the hajj, on Thursday.We have taken measures to organise the movement of the crowds in several places where the influx is large, he said.Turki said that tens of thousands of cameras would help the control crowd.Two years ago, a huge stampede at the hajj left nearly 2,300 people dead -- the worst catastrophe in the history of the pilgrimage.Saudi authorities downplayed recent concerns voiced by the World Health Organization about the risk of cholera spreading at the hajj, following the deaths of around 2,000 people in neighbouring Yemen since April.We have not recorded any cases of cholera among the pilgrims and, if a case arises, the pilgrim would be isolated from others to avoid it spreading, said a health ministry official.

Was given irrefutable evidence against Dr AQ Khan: Musharraf

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Former army chief Pervez Musharraf has revealed on Tuesday that George Tenet, former Central Intelligence Agency chief showed him irrefutable evidence against Pakistan’s nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan in a one-on-one early morning meeting in his suite during his United States visit.Musharraf conversed with Kamran Shahid in his programme On The Front Line and talked on the ‘proliferation shock’ that Pakistan had back in the day.The former dictator said that George W. Bush asked him to hold a meeting with CIA chief before he left for Pakistan saying that it was very important.He said that Tenet handed him over photographic and black and white evidence confirming AQ Khan’s involvement in proliferation through a Sri Lankan front man who acted as a double agent, the other side for the United States.Musharraf narrated to Kamran Shahid that he summoned Dr Khan upon his return who after he was confronted, knelt before him and cried.However, he went on to apologise to the nation in a television broadcast following which he was removed from his post.The former army chief said that the intelligence communication between Pakistan and US agencies was focused on handing the man over which he said he had denied.To tell the truth, Musharraf added that he was not under a house arrest but it was for his protection. He said that he has never been more embarrassed in his life than what he went through after George Tenet showed him the irrefutable evidence.The former dictator who is dubbed as one of the most closest Pakistani leaders to the United States said that he had given a presentation to then premier Nawaz Sharif in General Headquarters (GHQ).While answering a question about why Pakistan’s intelligence agencies could not find out the ‘hole in the boat’ before the United States, Musharraf said that being an autonomous body, Khan Research Laboratories had its own security and it was completely cut off from agencies.However, he did not disagree with the security approach and lauded his predecessors for opting for the strategy as he cited if the world turns against you, you have to have a strategy like that.He denied the claims that he had provided Dr AQ Khan a speech to read out to the nation.Watch video report:

World XI tour to open gates for cricket in Pakistan: Mickey Arthur

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LAHORE (Web Desk) – Pakistan cricket team head coach Mickey Arthur, while talking to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), said that Pakistan is a safe country to play cricket.He said that Pakistani fans will get to see their heroes after restoration of cricket which is great for nurturing talent in the country. While talking about Pakistans current pool of players, Arthur said that Sarfraz Ahmed is an aggressive captain and other senior players present in the team, he can play till the next World Cup 2019.Arthur said that Pakistan has an immensely talented pool of young cricketers who can play an important role for Pakistan in the next World Cup. “We need to give these young cricketers more opportunities in the international arena,” he said.Pakistan are set to hosta World XI three-match T20 series in Lahore next month.

Keane slams 'mind-boggling' transfer frenzy

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LONDONKean (AFP) - Former Manchester United star Roy Keane has slammed the mind-boggling spending of clubs paying huge fees for average players in a historically frenzied transfer window.Keane, who now works as assistant to Republic of Ireland coach Martin ONeill, has been shocked by some of the sums paid by Europes top clubs since the end of last season.French giants Paris Saint-Germain have led the way, forking out a staggering 200 million (222mn euros, $263.5mn) for Neymar and preparing to invest heavily once again in Monacos Kylian Mbappe.In the Premier League, the spree has set a new record for a single window as the 20 top tier clubs splashed out over 1.18 billion.Manchester City splurged over 200 million, while 12 teams broke their transfer records.Keane is astonished that players he regards as mediocre are being given lavish contracts after making big-money moves.Its mind-boggling, the figures that are out there - especially for the average players. If ever there was a time to be a professional player its now. Average players are going for 35 million. My goodness, Keane said on Tuesday.I dont really analyse it too much, but thats the market place at the moment. There arent many top players out there. The really big players are going for big money and its filtering down now.When average players are going for 30-40million, it does make you scratch your head. But if the clubs are prepared to pay that, then its not the players fault.Keane played alongside stars like David Beckham Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Ruud van Nistelrooy, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, who cost Real Madrid 80 million when he left Old Trafford eight years ago.Asked what Van Nistelrooy would cost now, the 46-year-old replied: Ruud would certainly be worth in the market now probably a billion.David Beckham?. A billion. Ryan Giggs? Two billion.Asked further how much he himself might cost nowadays, Keane was more modest and referenced the then British record fee United boss Alex Ferguson paid to sign him from Nottingham Forest in 1993.3.75 million, I think, he said with a smile.
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