Sunday, 5 November 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Football: Real roll over Las Palmas to calm crisis talk

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MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid quietened crisis talk after back-to-back defeats as Marco Asensio added to his collection of wonder strikes in a 3-0 victory over Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.Victory cuts third-placed Reals deficit on Barcelona at the top of La Liga back to eight points.However, it was another off night for Madrids strikers as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were held scoreless as Casemiro, Isco and 21-year-old Asensio provided the killer touch.They are the first ones that arent happy, said Real boss Zinedine Zidane of Ronaldo and Benzemas goal droughts.The important thing is the work that they do and the chances we create.Today Isco, Asensio and Casemiro scored and soon Cristiano and Karim will. We need to remain calm.Benzema has been fiercely criticised for his role as Real lost to promoted Girona last weekend and at Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Wednesday.And the level of discontent with the Frenchman was in evidence as he was jeered by the home faithful inside the first five minutes when he failed to slot past Raul Lizoain after being played clean through on goal by Ronaldo.Both Ronaldo and Benzema have only one La Liga goal each to their name so far this season and it was the World Player of the Year who had Reals next three efforts as he blasted into the side-netting, curled a shot just wide and then placed a header from close range too close to Lizoain.We know that Cristiano is happier when he scores, added Zidane.We are all convinced that (at the end of the season) he is the one that will make the difference.Madrid had to wait until four minutes before half-time to break the deadlock when Casemiro grabbed Reals first headed goal of the season from a corner.A fifth straight league defeat since he took charge leaves Las Palmas coach and former Valencia boss Pako Ayestarans job already in doubt with a two-week international break to come.The visitors had a penalty shout early in the second-half, but on-loan Atletico Madrid winger Vitolo went to ground too easily despite a slight pull of his shirt by Casemiro.A booking would have ruled Casemiro out of the Madrid derby against Atletico in two weeks time and he was quickly replaced after Asensio secured the three points in stunning fashion.Asensio has made a habit of netting in spectacular fashion in his first 18 months at Madrid and pounced on a loose ball 30 yards from goal to rifle a shot that rose all the way on its trajectory into the top corner.Ronaldo fired inches over twice more, but, whilst his luck remained out in front of goal, he did provide an enticing cross from which Isco slotted home at the back post for Madrids third.Elsewhere, Villarreals unbeaten league run since Javier Calleja took charge in September continued as Nicola Sansone came off the bench to grab both goals in a 2-0 win over Malaga to move the Yellow Submarine up to fifth.Real Sociedad were also comfortable 3-1 winners over Eibar.However, their Basque rivals Athletic Bilbaos slump show no signs of abating as they conceded three times in the opening 26 minutes to lose 3-1 at Celta Vigo with Iago Aspas netting twice for the hosts.Athletic have now won just once in their last eight La Liga games with Jose Angel Ziganda struggling to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde.And Girona moved into the top half of the table by backing up their stunning upset of Real Madrid last weekend by edging out Levante 2-1 in the lunchtime kick-off.

Football: Morata strikes as Chelsea derail United title bid

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LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata condemned Jose Mourinho to another damaging defeat against his former club as the champions clinched a crucial 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.Morata rewarded an enterprising display from Antonio Contes side when the Spain striker headed home early in the second half at Stamford Bridge.After losing twice at Chelsea in his first season as United boss, Mourinho, who won three English titles in two spells with the Blues, is growing accustomed to leaving west London empty-handed.This was an especially painful setback for Mourinho as a second defeat in their last three Premier League games leaves second-placed United lagging eight points behind leaders Manchester City.United havent won at Chelsea since October 2012, a barren run that now stretches to eight matches.While Mourinho licks his wounds, Chelsea manager Conte can take heart from a vibrant performance that keeps his fourth-placed team nine points behind City.Amid talk Conte was in danger of losing the support of his players over his intense training regime, Chelseas third successive league win was well timed for the Italian in the week when demanding Blues owner Roman Abramovich made one of his ominous visits to the training ground.Having reportedly torn into his players during a lengthy inquest into Tuesdays 3-0 defeat at Roma, Conte wielded the axe as David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger were dropped.Just as significantly, France midfielder NGolo Kante returned to provide his steadying influence after missing six games with a hamstring injury.In need of a fast start to set the tone, Chelsea thought theyd taken the lead when Marcos Alonsos cross was turned into his own net by United defender Phil Jones, only for referee Anthony Taylor to disallow the goal for a push by Morata.United should have been ahead themselves moments later when Ashley Youngs cross exposed early fault lines in Contes revamped defence, but the unmarked Marcus Rashford headed over from close range.Tiemoue Bakayoko was equally profligate at the other end, the Chelsea midfielder firing wide from Davide Zappacostas cross.Without a goal in his last six appearances, United striker Romelu Lukaku was searching for the blistering form that followed his pre-season move from Everton.But the Belgian was largely anonymous and even when he turned on the edge of the Chelsea area for a low shot, Thibaut Courtois was able to push it away.Eden Hazard led the Chelsea response with a stinging 25-yard strike, forcing David De Gea into an agile stop.Mourinho has been criticised for adopting a cautious gameplan in big matches recently and, while he seemed more willing to let United go forward this time, he must have been furious with the way Chelsea were slicing open his defence.Andreas Christensen should have punished more slack United marking when he headed over from a Fabregas corner, before Conte finished the half raging at the officials after Antonio Valencia barged over Hazard.Hazard came in for more rough treatment after the interval, with Jones and Ander Herrara both booked for fouling the Chelsea playmaker.Hazard could have exacted immediate revenge when he found himself with just De Gea to beat from close range, but the Belgians hurried shot was easy for the United keeper.Hazard didnt need to rue that miss as Chelseas pressure was rewarded in the 55th minute.United had only themselves to blame as Cesar Azpilicueta was allowed to advance unchecked down the right before whipping his cross towards Morata.Left untouched by the flat-footed Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly, Morata had time and space to bury his header past De Gea for his first goal in seven games.Mourinho sent on Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini, yet there was little threat from United until Fellaini squandered their last chance, shooting straight at Courtois in the closing minutes.

Football: Son and Gazzaniga star as injury-hit Spurs beat Palace

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LONDON (AFP) - Son Heung-Mins second-half goal and a fine debut from goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga helped Tottenham Hotspur to a nervy 1-0 Premier League victory over bottom club Crystal Palace in a London derby at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.But Mauricio Pochettinos injury-ravaged side failed to hit the heights of Wednesdays memorable 3-1 Champions League victory over Real Madrid and the title-chasers were fortunate to claim all three points.Spurs were without two goalkeepers in Hugo Lloris (thigh) and Michel Vorm (knee) so Gazzaniga came in for his debut.But, following a shaky start, the Argentinian made several fine saves and delighted Spurs manager Pochettino who said: It was a tough game for us after Wednesday. Palace were compact, narrow and playing on the counter-attack.We had a few problems after the Madrid game and thats why Im so happy with the victory. In the end though Im very pleased with an important three points.Turning to Gazzaniga, he added: Im so happy for the different players who came in, people like Paulo, who played fantastically well. He is an unbelievable option to have as a keeper.Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli (both hamstring) were among those sidelined for Spurs, but Danny Rose made his first Premier League start since January.It was Palace who put Gazzaniga under immediate pressure as he failed to collect Wilfried Zahas cross but Mamadou Sakho failed to capitalise.At the other end, Harry Kanes volley lacked the power to beat Palace keeper Julian Speroni.Harry Winks and Kane both received treatment for knocks hampering Spurs bid to find their tempo.Tottenham did have most of the possession with Rose heading wide from Serge Auriers cross while Kane nodded off target from a deflected Rose cross.Zahas pace caused Spurs problems but Eric Dier was equal to the task with several important interceptions.Spurs had further half-chances before the break, with Jan Vertonghens deflected 20-yard strike nearly deceiving Speroni, while Sons left-footed shot missed the target when the South Korean was well-placed.Mousa Dembele came on for a clearly struggling Winks after half-time, putting the midfielders participation for Englands upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil in doubt following Allis withdrawal from the national squad.It was Palace who started the second half the brighter with Andros Townsend bursting down the left before his shot was pushed away by Gazzaniga, who had started to grow in confidence in the home goal.The visitors, with just one previous victory to their name all season, really should have taken the lead as Aurier gave the ball away to Townsend. The Palace winger then fed Zaha, who rounded Gazzaniga, only to fire wide of an empty net.Gazzaniga then came to Tottenhams rescue again as he kept out Luka Milivojevics header from Yohan Cabayes corner from point blank range.But just as it looked like Palace were getting in the ascendancy, Tottenham struck in the 64th minute.Moussa Sissokos cross was not properly cleared and Son delightfully picked his spot with a 20-yard left-foot shot that saw him score for the third time this season.Palace continued to cause problems for Spurs, especially down the left-hand side with Zaha unable to produce a finish after one such run.Cabaye shot wide from 25 yards as Palace belied their position as the Premier Leagues basement club.Kane was replaced by Fernando Llorente with 14 minutes to go, although he did not appear to have suffered major damage from an earlier knock.Palace continued to create chances, with Scott Dann heading wide from Cabayes corner, but Son really should have killed the game off when he dragged his shot into the side netting after being through by Vertonghen.Davinson Sanchez then failed to make proper connection with a Christian Eriksen corner but Spurs still held out for victory.

Tennis: Sock wins Paris Masters, makes Tour Finals

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PARIS (AFP) - American Jack Sock battled back from a set down to beat qualifier Filip Krajinovic 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 and win the Paris Masters title on Sunday, snatching a place at the World Tour Finals.The 16th seed ended his Serbian opponents fairytale run in the French capital to break into the worlds top 10 for the first time and take the last place for London from Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.Despite dropping a tight opening set, the 25-year-old upped his game and stormed through the decider to claim the biggest title of his career.Incredible week. Hard to describe honestly. I dont think its really hit or soaked in yet, Sock, who trailed 5-1 in the third set of his opener against Briton Kyle Edmund, told a press conference.Coming in this week I had no idea I could even make London.To come back from the deficit I was down in my first match here, and to have this trophy next to me now and talking to you guys has been an incredible achievement.Sock, who was 24th in the Race to London standings before arriving at Bercy, will become the American number one for the first time, after beating the man who knocked out his compatriots Sam Querrey and John Isner earlier in the week.Krajinovic showcased the game that took him to the brink of becoming the first qualifier to win a Masters title since Albert Portas in 2001, but ultimately he failed to become only the second Serb after Novak Djokovic to triumph at this level.This was the best week in my life, Krajinovic said. I will never forget this moment in my life. Coming from qualifying to the final was a dream come true.Any worries that the world number 77 would struggle with nerves were quickly put to bed as he held his opening service game with an exquisite drop shot.Sock had dropped serve eight times going into the final and Krajinovic brought up the first break point of the match in game five.The world number 22 saved it with a drop volley, but the underdog quickly created another opportunity and Sock gifted him the break with a double fault.Sock immediately hit back as Krajinovic, also 25, produced a sloppy game, finished off with a wild forehand into the tramlines.But Krajinovic, who will rise to 33 in the world rankings on Monday, brought up a set point in the 12th game as he made the most of his freedom to attack the Sock serve at 6-5 ahead, and the American dumped a forehand into the net.The enormity of the situation appeared to hit Krajinovic at the start of the second set and Sock broke in the opening game.The top-spin on Socks forehand was causing all sorts of problems, helping secure a double-break as he looked set to take the match to a decider.He took his foot off the pedal to give one of the breaks straight back, but closed out the set with a confident hold to love.Sock had come from a set down to win the pairs only previous meeting at a Challenger in the United States three years ago, but he failed to strike another early blow in the third set as Krajinovic held after a lengthy first game.The vital breakthrough came shortly afterwards though when Sock crunched two magnificent passing shots from well behind the baseline to leave Krajinovic stunned.That was the moment that the momentum the qualifier had built up through the week was finally halted, and he fell further behind when Sock stretched to send a backhand flying into the corner.He wasted no time in wrapping up victory with a run of six games on the spin as Krajinovic fired long on match point.

Leaks show US commerce chief, UK queen's offshore investments

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has business ties to a shipping firm linked to Vladimir Putins inner circle, according to a vast leak of financial documents that also revealed Britains Queen Elizabeth IIs investments in tax havens.It was also revealed that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus top fundraiser and senior advisor Stephen Bronfman, heir to the Seagram fortune, moved some $60 million to offshore tax havens with ex-senator Leo Kolber.The findings have emerged as part of the Paradise Papers released by the US-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which was behind the Panama Papers made public last year.There is no suggestion that Ross, Bronfman or the queens private estate acted illegally.But Rosss ties to Russian entities raise questions over potential conflicts of interest, and whether they undermine Washingtons sanctions on Moscow.The revelations about Bronfman could spell trouble for Trudeau, who was elected two years ago riding on the coattails of promises to reduce economic inequality and tax avoidance.In the case of Queen Elizabeths private estate, critics may question whether it is appropriate for the British head of state to invest in offshore tax havens.Ross, a billionaire investor, holds a 31 percent stake in Navigator Holdings through a complex web of offshore investments detailed in the documents examined by nearly 100 news organizations as part of an international collaboration.The 79-year-old reduced his stake when he took public office, according to public filings.Navigator Holdings runs a lucrative partnership with Russian energy giant Sibur, which is partially owned by Putins son-in-law Kirill Shamalov and Gennady Timchenko, the Russian presidents friend and business partner who is subject to US sanctions.The US imposed sanctions on Russian entities and individuals following its annexation of Crimea and aggression in Ukraine.Rosss private equity firm has been the biggest shareholder in Navigator.His personal share of the firms stake was reduced when he took office in February, but the commerce chiefs investment is still valued at between $2 million to $10 million, according to his security filings and government ethics disclosure.The New York Times reported that Rosss stake in Navigator has been held by companies in the Cayman Islands. His wealth, estimated to exceed $2 billion, is said to be tied to similar arrangements in various tax havens like the Cayman Islands.Secretary Ross was not involved with Navigators decision to engage in business with Sibur, a publicly traded company, which was not under sanction at the time and is not currently, said James Rockas, a Commerce Department spokesman.Moreover, Secretary Ross has never met the Sibur shareholders referenced in this story and, until now, did not know of their relationship.The documents also show around 10 million pound ($13 million) of the Queens private money was placed in funds held in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, first reported in Britain by the BBC and the Guardian newspaper.They reported the funds reinvested the money in an array of businesses, including controversial rent-to-buy retailer BrightHouse, which has been accused of exploiting the poor, and a chain of alcohol stores that later went bankrupt.A spokeswoman for the Duchy of Lancaster, which provides the monarch with an income and handles her investments, said: All of our investments are fully audited and legitimate.We operate a number of investments and a few of these are with overseas funds, she added.The spokeswoman added that one of the fund investments represents only 0.3 percent of the total value of the Duchy.The Paradise Papers contain 13.4 million documents mainly from Appleby, an offshore law firm with offices in Bermuda and beyond.The files were first obtained by the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, and shared with the ICIJ and partner media outlets.

Trump opens door to N. Korea talks as Asia trip begins in earnest

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TOKYO (AFP) - President Donald Trump appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone on North Korea as he got down to business Monday on an Asian tour that will be dominated by the nuclear crisis with Pyongyang.Trumps high-stakes visit to the region was overshadowed by what the president described as a horrific shooting in Texas, where a gunman killed at least 26 people and wounded 20 more during Sunday services.Our hearts are broken, he told business tycoons in Tokyo.Trump began his marathon trip in belligerent form, warning on Sunday that no dictator should underestimate US resolve, a clear swipe at North Korea and its young leader Kim Jong-Un.However he then appeared to open the door for talks with Pyongyang, saying in an interview broadcast on US TV that he would certainly be open to meeting Kim.I would sit down with anybody, he said. I dont think its strength or weakness, I think sitting down with people is not a bad thing, he said on the Full Measure show.So I would certainly be open to doing that but well see where it goes, I think were far too early.The president arrived in Asia with tensions over North Korea at fever pitch, as US bombers fly sorties over the Korean peninsula and concerns mount that Pyongyang might stage another nuclear or missile test.Hawkish Abe and Trump are closely allied on the North Korea issue, with the Japanese prime minister sticking firmly to the US line that all options are on the table to deal with the rogue state.The closeness of the relationship is unprecedented. And the degree to which US and Japanese strategies are aligned, both on the Korean Peninsula but also throughout the Indo-Pacific, is also unprecedented, a senior Trump administration official said Sunday.That closeness was demonstrated on the first day, when the two golfing buddies hit the course within hours of Trump touching down on Japanese soil.Both leaders later tweeted images of their nine-hole encounter, with Abe saying the relaxed nature of their game allowed them to have candid discussions on some difficult issues.However, that did not stop Trump lashing out at the trade relationship with Japan on Monday, saying it had been winning for decades at the expense of the United States.We want fair and open trade but right now our trade with Japan is not fair and open, Trump told business leaders.The US has suffered massive trade deficits with Japan for many, many years. So we will have to negotiate and we will do this in a friendly way.Trump will on Monday meet families of civilians kidnapped by North Korea to train their agents in Japanese culture and language -- an emotional issue that still angers Tokyo.North Korea has admitted to kidnapping 13 Japanese civilians but Japan believes the regime took dozens more, including a 13-year-old girl abducted on her way home from school.You are going to see some focus on the often overlooked question of human rights conditions in NK, said the White House official.Trump stressed US military power and resolve while wearing a bomber jacket in front of service personnel when he landed in Japan, but speaking to reporters on the plane, he reserved some warm words for the North Korean people.I think theyre great people. Theyre industrious. Theyre warm, much warmer than the world really knows or understands. Theyre great people. And I hope it all works out for everybody, he said.However, he described North Korea as a big problem for our country and for our world and we want to get it solved.Trump also announced that he would hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his trip, as the global community scrambles for a solution to the North Korean crisis.We want Putins help on North Korea, he said.After meeting the Emperor and Empress of Japan, Trump holds talks with the prime minister and will brief the media before a final banquet with his friend Abe.But Trumps Asian tour is set to become more testing as he flies to South Korea, then on to China.Trump has a cooler relationship with South Korean President Moon Jae-In, whose dovish approach to the crisis he has denounced as appeasement.The president will address the parliament in Seoul but will not visit the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Korean peninsula -- a visit derided in Washington as a bit of a cliche.From Seoul, Trump travels to Beijing to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping who has solidified his grip on power after being handed a second term.

Sacked Catalan leader freed on bail in Belgium

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BRUSSELS (AFP) - Catalonias sacked separatist leader Carles Puigdemont and four of his former ministers were released with conditions in Belgium on Sunday after turning themselves in to face a Spanish warrant for their arrest.A judge ordered the five, who fled Spain earlier this week after being accused of rebellion and sedition, not to leave Belgium until their extradition case is heard.It is the latest twist in the crisis unleashed by the Catalan separatists push to break away from Spain, sending shock waves across Europe.Puigdemont and his allies escaped to Belgium last Monday after Spain dismissed the Catalan executive and imposed direct rule on the semi-autonomous region following the declaration of independence by the parliament there last month.They were taken into custody at 9:17 am (0817 GMT), said Gilles Dejemeppe, a spokesman for Belgian prosecutors.A white van believed to be carrying Puigdemont raced out of the Belgian prosecutors office around 15 hours later, AFP reporters witnessed.The request made this afternoon by the Brussels Prosecutors Office for the provisional release of all persons sought has been granted by the investigative judge, said the statement by the prosecutors office shortly afterwards.The next court hearing will be in the following 15 days. Belgium has up to 60 days to decide whether to send the Catalans back to Spain.Puigdemonts PDeCAT party said Sunday that he had turned himself in to show his willingness not to flee from the judicial process but to defend himself in a fair and impartial process, which is possible in Belgium, and highly doubtful in Spain.Puigdemont wrote on Twitter on Saturday that he and his colleagues -- Meritxell Serret, Antoni Comin, Lluis Puig and Clara Ponsati -- would cooperate with the Belgian authorities.Spain issued European arrest warrants on Friday after Puigdemont and his allies ignored a summons to appear before a judge on allegations linked to the move to declare Catalonia an independent republic.The judge in Madrid had on Thursday put Puigdemonts deputy and seven other deposed regional ministers behind bars because of a risk they would flee.Puigdemont, 54, insists that Catalonia earned the right to declare independence following a banned referendum last month and has described his detained colleagues as political prisoners.On Sunday, protesters in Catalan cities took to the streets to demand their release.In Barcelona, city police said about 350 people gathered on the central University Square, shouting Freedom and carrying posters that read Freedom for political prisoners.Others stuck posters demanding their release on walls throughout the city.Puigdemont said he was not convinced by guarantees of a fair trial back home, denouncing the enormous pressure and political influence on judicial power in Spain.The judge could refuse to hand over Puigdemont if there is a proven serious risk to his fundamental rights, said Anne Weyembergh, president of the Institute of European Studies at the Free University of Brussels.She said the court would need to see evidence of criminal offences before executing the warrant.But cases of refusal are rare, according to several lawyers interviewed by AFP.Puigdemont, who still describes himself as Catalonias president, has also said he is willing to run as a candidate in the December 21 regional election called by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to restore normality to Catalonia.We want president Puigdemont to be the person who leads the big offensive we will carry out on the 21st at the polls, said Marta Pascal, a PDeCAT spokeswoman.She said the conservative, pro-independence party was looking to put together a big united list, a day after Puigdemont himself called for separatists to unite in the election.During the last regional election in September 2015, Puigdemonts PDeCAT and the leftwing ERC party joined for a Together for Yes coalition in Catalonia, a region of 7.5 million people.With the help of the separatist far-left CUP party, they held an absolute majority in the 135-seat Catalan parliament, which was swiftly dissolved by Madrid under a never-used constitutional move after the October 27 independence proclamation.But there have been growing tensions between the two allies over strategy and it is not clear if they will stand together again.ERC leader Oriol Junqueras has been in custody since Thursday along with other members of Puigdemonts dismissed government who did not flee to Belgium.Opinion polls published in several newspapers Sunday indicated that the ERC would come first in the December election, but that the independence coalition as a whole could lose its absolute majority.But Puigdemonts party, which has been in power in the wealthy northeastern region for much of Spains modern democratic era, would come fourth, the surveys suggest.

Nawaz to chair important party meeting in Islamabad today

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ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif has called an important party meeting in Islamabad today (Monday) in order to deal with infighting and grouping within the party.The former prime minister is also expected to discuss the cases in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the coming elections during the meeting, reported Dunya News.The PML-N meeting will be held at the Punjab House in the evening. The meeting will discuss the national political situation, NAB cases and the party strategy for the coming elections.The infighting and grouping within the party and concerns of the party leaders within the parliaments will also come under discussion during the meeting.Nawaz Sharif will appear before the accountability court on 7th of November. He will also confer about this hearing in the meeting.

World must act to end Indian brutality in Kashmir: Aizaz

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WASHINGTON (Dunya News) – Pakistan ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has said that the international community must play its role in bringing an end to the brutality in Indian Occupied Kashmir.Addressing a a seminar entitled “Kashmir: The Seventy Years’ Struggle”, held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington on Sunday to mark Kashmir Black Day (October 27), Aizaz Chaudhry called upon the international community to take notice of the human rights violations perpetrated by Indian occupation forces in Jammu and Kashmir.He said the events of the last fifteen months, ever since the death of Kashmiri freedom fighter Burhan Wani, have proven that the spirit and determination of the Kashmiris remains unflinching in the face of Indian brutality. He assured the Kashmiri community that Pakistan will continue to lend moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmir at all international fora.Highlighting the historical context of the Kashmir dispute, former ambassador Touqir Hussain and former foreign secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan drew the attention of the international community to numerous UN Security Council resolutions under which the people of Kashmir have been promised the right to self-determination through a UN-mandated plebiscite.Kashmiri American Committee Secretary General Sardar Zulfiqar Khan, former member Azad Jammu & Kashmir Council Sardar Sawaar Khan and George Washington University professor Dr. Imtiaz Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Gunman kills 26 at Texas church service

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SUTHERLAND SPRINGS (AFP) - A black-clad gunman armed with an assault rifle opened fire on a small-town Texas church during Sunday morning services, killing 26 people and wounding 20 in the last mass shooting to shock the United States.Authorities did not identify the gunman, saying only that he was a young white male, maybe in his early 20s, who was wearing a bulletproof vest and found dead in his vehicle after being confronted by a local resident.Governor Greg Abbott warned the toll may rise.There are 26 lives that have been lost. We dont know if that number will rise or not, all we know is thats too many, and this will be a long, suffering mourning for those in pain, he said.Exactly five weeks after the worst shooting in modern US history, the latest tragedy prompted an outpouring of condolences, led by US President Donald Trump.The victims, who ranged in age from five to 72, were gunned down at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a rural community of about 400 people located 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of San Antonio.The gunman fired outside at the church before entering the building and continuing to spray bullets, said Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.As he exited the church, a local resident grabbed his rifle and engaged that suspect. The suspect dropped his rifle, which was a Ruger AR assault-type rifle, and fled from the church. Our local citizen pursued the suspect at that time, Martin said.Law enforcement later found the gunman dead in his car, which had crashed, on the Wilson-Guadalupe county line. It was not clear if he had committed suicide or was shot by the resident who had confronted him.US media outlets had identified the shooter as a 26-year-old veteran who had faced a court-martial and was dishonorably discharged from the Air Force.Theres so many families who have lost family members. Fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, Abbott said.The tragedy, of course, is worsened by the fact that it occurred in a church, a place of worship, where these people were innocently gunned down. We mourn their loss, but we support their family members.The wounded had been transported to various hospitals with injuries that vary from minor to very severe, Martin said.The dead included the 14-year-old daughter of pastor Frank Pomeroy, the church leader told ABC News.Annabelle Renee Pomeroy was one very beautiful, special child, her father said.Frank Pomeroy had been in the neighboring state of Oklahoma at the time of the shooting, and was driving back to Texas after the tragedy.Other victims, some of whom were evacuated by helicopter, included a six-year-old boy named Rylan who was in surgery after being shot four times, his uncle told CBS News. A two-year-old was also shot and wounded, The Dallas Morning News reported.A spokeswoman for Connally Memorial Medical Center in nearby Floresville said the hospital received eight patients with gunshot wounds. Four were transferred to San Antonio.Police formed a perimeter around the area. Tearful relatives and neighbors stood outside, nervously awaiting news from inside the traditional, white-frame church.Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were headed to Sutherland Springs, the agencies said.President Donald Trump, who is traveling in Asia, denounced the horrific shooting.This act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of worship. Our hearts are broken, he said.We pull together, we join hands, we lock arms and through the tears and through the sadness, we stand strong.The president promised his administrations full support to the investigation.US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said on Twitter: Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene.The shooting comes just over a month after a gunman in Las Vegas fired down from a hotel room onto an outdoor concert, killing 58 people and wounding hundreds. It was the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.And Sundays tragedy came just over two years after a white supremacist, Dylann Roof, entered a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, and shot nine people to death.

Assets reference: Chaudhry brothers to appear before NAB today

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi will appear before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today (Monday) in a graft case for possessing assets beyond known sources of income.Chaudhry brothers were summoned to appear in NAB Lahore offices on November 6 in a graft case for possessing assets beyond known sources of income. The PML-Q sources said that Chaudhry brothers have completed consultation with their legal experts in this regard.Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi were framed in a graft case before the tenure of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf. Chaudhry brothers have said that they would fully cooperate with NAB in its investigations.

England supremo Strauss eager for Stokes 'clarity'

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LONDON (AFP) - England chief Andrew Strauss has admitted the ongoing absence of Ben Stokes from the tour of Australia is a blow to the team but said the all-rounders future involvement in the Ashes was largely out of his hands.Joe Roots squad left England without vice-captain Stokes who remains at home awaiting the outcome of a police probe into his involvement in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub on September 25.The England and Wales Cricket Board have not yet ruled key man Stokes out of the Ashes series, which starts with the first Test in Brisbane on November 23.The situation in a word is complicated, Strauss, the ECBs director of England cricket, told BBC Radio on Sunday.Theres two different potential disciplinary procedures he has to go through, one is the ECBs own internal one and the other is any potential police action, the former England captain added.Until we know more from the police its very hard for us to put a timeline on anything.What we all want is clarity on what that situation is and how much cricket he will be missing for England. Were keen to get into that and move this forward but were in the hands of the police.Ben has been and is developing into a world-class cricketer. The fact hes not out there at the moment is a blow to the England team.Strauss was the last England captain to lead the side to a Test series win in Australia, overseeing a 3-1 victory in 2010/11.England hold the Ashes following their 3-2 home success in 2015 but their most recent tour of Australia ended in a humiliating 5-0 defeat in 2013/14.Strauss said the memory of that whitewash would spur those on the receiving end, such as current captain Root, to greater heights now.I was involved in a 5-0 drubbing in 2006 and I used that as a very strong base for retribution, said Strauss. Im sure the guys who were there last time and suffered the chastening defeat at the hands of Mitchell Johnson will want to put that right.

Sri Lanka hires Samaraweera as batting coach

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COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka Sunday announced it was contracting former Test batsman Thilan Samaraweera as the batting coach to groom the national team in the run up to the 2019 World Cup.The 41-year-old Samaraweera, who retired from Test cricket in 2013, had been a batting consultant for the Bangladesh team, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.SLC announces today the recruitment of former Sri Lankan right hand batsman Thilan Samaraweera as batting coach to the national team for a period of three years, it said.Samaraweera is due to join the Sri Lanka squad before they leave for India later this week to play three Tests, three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 games.Sri Lanka currently has an interim head coach -- South African Nic Pothas -- who took the place of Graham Ford after he quit in June, midway through a 45-month contract.Sri Lanka has had a dismal record recently losing all nine international games during a home series against India between July and September.They won a two-match Test series against Pakistan, but lost all five one-day internationals and the three T20 matches last month.

Sri Lanka drop Mendis, Silva for India Tests

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COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka on Sunday dropped the out-of-form top order batsmen Kusal Mendis and Kaushal Silva from the squad for a three-match Test series against India starting in Kolkata next week.The board brought back all-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva to the squad led by Dinesh Chandimal.Former skipper and all-rounder Angelo Mathews has recovered from a recurring calf injury and was included in the squad.During Sri Lankas home series against India, the hosts lost all nine games -- three Tests, five one-day internationals and a lone Twenty20 -- between July and September.After playing the first Test in Kolkata from November 16-20, the teams move to Nagpur for the second, which starts on November 24. The final Test will be played in Delhi between December 2-6.Squad: Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Dilruwan Perera, Lahiru Gamage, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Niroshan Dickwella and Roshen Silva.

Anderson claims four as England draw tour opener

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PERTH (AFP) - England pace spearhead James Anderson claimed four wickets as Englands opening Ashes tour match ended in a draw against a youthful Western Australia XI in Perth on Sunday.Anderson finished with four for 27 as the second-string WA side reached 342 in reply to the tourists 349 for six declared in the two-day warm-up game.Englands all-time leading Test wicket-taker was driven a few times in his first spell of the tour and went for 18 in his five overs, but he tightened things up in his second and third bowling spells.You could probably see from the first session that we were pretty rusty as bowlers, Anderson told reporters.We didnt get it right. The point (of this warm-up match) is to try to get into the tour.Weve got two first-class games coming up that we want to be fit for and get the cobwebs out.Englands bowlers initially struggled to make breakthroughs, with opening batsmen Jake Carder (22) and Josh Philippe (88) putting on 80 for the first wicket.It was paceman Craig Overton who had Carder caught in the deep.Philippe, 20, looked set for a century, stroking 16 boundaries in his 92-ball innings before he was stumped advancing to off-spinner Mason Crane in the over after lunch.Jimmy Anderson wasnt too impressed early doors, Philippe joked when asked what England thought about his sparkling innings.I just sort of laughed it off, because it was great to be there. It was a great experience.Philippe scored heavily in club cricket for Taunton this year and he also represented Durhams second XI on a couple of occasions.Twenty-one year-old Clint Hinchcliffe also took to the England attack as the bowlers flagged on a hot day in Perth.Andersons new ball partner Stuart Broad (1-64) took time to find his rhythm, conceding 32 runs from his first five overs, while seamer Jake Ball returned a tidy 1-31 off 12 overs.Crane (2-75) and Overton (2-70) did their Test debut chances against Australia no harm with good spells on the flat WACA Ground pitch.The WA XI were bowled out for 338 but kept batting for the final few overs to give England additional practice time with the ball.The first of the five-Test Ashes series begins in Brisbane on November 23.England begin their second warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide on November 8.
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