Saturday, 31 August 2013

REVIEW The book of revelations The Prisoner Of Heaven By Carlos Ruiz Zafón HarperCollins, US ISBN 9780062206299

Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s The Shadow of the Wind was the first installment of the cycle of books that were set in a world where the Cemetery Of Forgotten Books exists. It told the story of Daniel Sempere, who is taken to the mysterious Cemetery in Barcelona by his father, who owns a bookstore called Sempere and Sons. It is in this maze of books that Daniel finds one that changes his life forever: The Shadow of the Wind written by Julian Carax.

Much of the first novel, which spanned 21 years

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COVER STORY: Through the looking glass Pittho’s World By Murtaza Razvi Harper Collins, India ISBN 9788172239343 220pp

sits up and looks all set to listen to my next story. ‘Tell me, Sheikhu, are these all true stories, as you say?’ ‘Honest to goodness,’ I assure her.”

Rani has good reason to be sceptical. I have lost count of the number of times I looked up while reading a particularly outlandish passage and wondered to myself if what was written could really have happened. We all have our share of crazy relatives and strange friends, but Sheikhu’s near and dear ones are just a tad too

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POL prices move up prices of petroleum products by up to Rs4.71 per litre, increase of Rs3.57 per litre in the HSD price.

ISLAMABAD: The government on Saturday raised the prices of petroleum products by up to Rs4.71 per litre, citing the rising trend in the international market.

However, following directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the government made a partial increase of Rs2.5 per litre in the price of high speed diesel (HSD), which is mostly used in agriculture and transport sectors. The summary sent to the prime minister had proposed an increase of Rs3.57 per litre in the HSD price.

“The

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Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) team celebrates 100k EVO Wireless Customers mark

Islamabad

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) team celebrated achieving 100k EVO Wireless Customers mark in the month of August.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Commercial Furqan Qureshi, PTCL Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) HR Syed Mazhar Hussain along with other senior team members of marketing and sales attended the ceremony at PTCL

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AIOU announces Master level results (Mass Communication), MA (Urdu), MLIS, FSc and Al-Lisan-ul-Arabi programmes

Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University has announced its final results of MA (Mass Communication), MA (Urdu), MLIS, FSc and Al-Lisan-ul-Arabi programmes for the Semester Autumn 2012 and placed the results on its website (www.aiou.edu.pk).

AIOU Controller Exam Dr. Hamid Khan Niazi pushed the key of PC and declared the results. On the occasion, Additional Controller Iqbal Hussain, Computer Incharge Shabnam N Shahid and Haji Abdul Shakoor were present on this occasion. The controller of exams

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Teenage boy raped in Colony in Lower Gizri, strangled found dead under the Jam Sadiq Bridge on Saturday, said the Gizri police

Karachi
A teenaged boy who went missing on Tuesday was found dead under the Jam Sadiq Bridge on Saturday, said the Gizri police.

The 13-year-old boy had gone missing around 9pm on August 27 from P&T Colony in Lower Gizri, following which his father filed a complaint at the Gizri police station.

SHO Raja Tanveer said that during investigation they learnt the boy was last seen with Hafeez, son-in-law of one of their neighbours.

He said the police arrested Hafeez on Friday and, on

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An artist’s endeavour to preserve history Fine Art Pakistan Gallery in Defence Phase-V

Karachi

The city is dotted with art galleries and there’s hardly a juncture when there aren’t at least three or four exhibitions running concurrently.

Some of these, however, come as a whiff of fresh air, in that they are so different from the present-day trend which aims at just abstractism and modernism, requiring of the viewer to run away with his imagination to figure out what the artist is actually trying to convey, calling for a penchant for mental acrobatics. One such

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Sui Southern Gas Company SSGC rejects KESC’s claim of dues

Karachi

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) on Saturday categorically denied the claim of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) wherein the power utility claimed to owe only Rs2.7 billion to the gas utility.

It also denied reaching any formal contractual understanding with the power utility vis-à-vis the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board issue as reported in a section of the press.

“The SSGC is not privy to any arrangement between the KESC and the KWSB and any such adjustment of

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CM approves Quaid solar park planned energy generation from alternative sources

LAHORE

CHIEF Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that overcoming energy crisis is of great importance for development of the country as well as strong economy and in view of this importance, government has planned energy generation from alternative sources.

According to a handout issued on Saturday, the CM stated this while presiding over the fourth meeting of Punjab Energy Council in which formal approval was given to master plan of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park consisting of 10,000 acres of

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Karachi 27 more dengue cases reported three Dengue patients in Mardan district

Karachi

Twenty-seven more dengue fever cases were reported in Karachi, reported the Dengue Surveillance Cell Sindh on Saturday.

Dr M Shakeel Aamir Mullick, focal person for the Dengue Surveillance Cell Sindh, said a total of 906 dengue cases had been reported in the province since January 2013.

Out of the total casese, 863 were reported in Karachi and 43 in the rest of the province. Ten dengue patients have expired in the city this year.

Mullick said 44 patients were still admitted

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Lukakaas penalty miss gives Super Cup to Bayern

PRAGUE: Bayern Munich avenged their 2012 Champions League final defeat with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over ten-man Chelsea after Friday's UEFA Super Cup final finished 2-2 after extra-time. Bayern's Javi Martinez produced a dramatic 121st-minute equaliser to take the game to penalties and when Chelsea replacement Romelu Lukaku missed the 10th spot-kick after the previous successful nine, the Bavarians lifted the cup at the fourth attempt. "One second changed everything, I am so happy for the

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Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) warns students against opting for unrecognised medical colleges

PMDC warns students against opting for unrecognised medical colleges

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has advised students and parents not to take admission in unrecognised medical colleges.

Addressing a press conference, PMDC Registrar Dr Raja Amjad Mahmood along with PMDC Vice President Prof Awais said on Thursday there was a mafia misleading students and parents seeking medical profession and asked them to confirm the registration of medical colleges with the

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Lukakaas penalty miss gives Super Cup to Bayern

PRAGUE: Bayern Munich avenged their 2012 Champions League final defeat with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over ten-man Chelsea after Friday's UEFA Super Cup final finished 2-2 after extra-time. Bayern's Javi Martinez produced a dramatic 121st-minute equaliser to take the game to penalties and when Chelsea replacement Romelu Lukaku missed the 10th spot-kick after the previous successful nine, the Bavarians lifted the cup at the fourth attempt. "One second changed everything, I am so happy for the

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Islamabad gunman psychologically stable: PIMS Spokeswoman

ISLAMABAD: The spokeswoman for the PIMS hospital, Dr Aisha informed the media on Saturday that Sikander, the gunman who brought the federal capital to a standstill is psychologically stable. According to the spokeswoman, Sikander was being kept at the hospital because of his chest wound but his condition has been improving. “He is being treated by surgical and orthopedic teams.” Dr Aisha added that police could record Sikander’s statement and he was being provided security at the

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Hundreds protest in Australia over Syria

SYDNEY: Hundreds of people protested in Australia on Saturday against a possible US military strike on Syria, after President Barack Obama said Washington was weighing "limited, narrow" action against the country.Carrying placards reading "Hands off Syria" and "Stop the war in Syria", some bearing the face of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, about 300 people gathered in Sydney's Martin Place to voice their concerns about any US military assault."Today we all stand here united. We stand here in

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Chemical leak in China''s Shanghai kills 11: Xinhua

SHANGHAI: A liquid ammonia leak from a refrigeration unit in China's commercial hub of Shanghai killed at least 11 people on Saturday, the official Xinhua news agency said.The Xinmin Evening News, a local newspaper, put the death toll at 15 and said more than 30 people had been sent to hospital.

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At least five killed in Southern Afghan city suicide bombing

KANDAHAR: A suicide bomber detonated his explosives near a police checkpoint and a bank in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least five people, officials said. Most of the victims were civilians, and the bank building was badly damaged. No group immediately claimed responsibility for Saturday morning's attack, but Taliban fighters have escalated their activity as U.S.-led foreign forces reduce their presence in the country, having handed over primary responsibility for security to

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Safari Park operation was genuine: DG CIA

KARACHI: DG CIA, Sultan Khawaja said Saturday that the Safari Park encounter was genuine. During a news conference, Khawaja said that criminals placed in CIA custody by the police were not involved in this encounter. “None of the accused in our custody can be seen in the video. The criminals seen in the video were killed during the encounter.” According to the DG CIA, the three accused killed during the operation can also been seen in the CCTV video. The DG CIA informed the media that the

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Syria expects an attack ''at any moment'': official

DAMASCUS: Syria expects a military attack "at any moment", a security official told Saturday, just hours after UN experts probing a suspected gas attack blamed on the regime left the country."We are expecting an attack at any moment. We are ready to retaliate at any moment," said the security official, who wished to remain anonymous.US President Barack Obama on Friday gave his clearest indication yet that an attack was imminent after his intelligence experts concluded Syria's regime had

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Hewitt steals show, Djokovic proceed at US Open

NEW YORK: Australian warhorse Lleyton Hewitt battled to a five-set US Open win over Argentine sixth seed Juan Martin Del Potro Friday, relegating Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams to supporting roles. The 2001 champion defeated the 2009 winner, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 in the tournament's biggest shock to date. Hewitt, 32 years old and down at 66 in the rankings after a lengthy battle with injuries, served up a trademark warrior-like performance that recalled his golden days

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Delhi gang-rape case: Juvenile accused found guilty, gets three years in special home

NEW DELHI: The Juvenile Justice Board on Saturday found the juvenile accused guilty in the Decmber 16 gang-rape and murder of a paramedical student in a moving bus in Delhi last year.The Board has sentenced the juvenile to three years in a special home, according to reports. The 23-year-old physiotherapy student died of internal injuries after being raped and assaulted with an iron bar on a moving bus on December 16. Her male companion was also beaten up before both were thrown from the

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Zimbabwe win toss, bowl first in final ODI

HARARE: Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl after confirming that their third and final one-day international against Pakistan would go ahead on Saturday. The series decider had been cast into doubt after Zimbabwe Cricket failed to meet an August 28 deadline to pay their players all outstanding salaries and match fees. Zimbabwe's players threatened to boycott the third ODI if they were not paid by 5pm (1500GMT) on Friday, and although that did not happen it is believed that ZC have set

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CJ says intuitions should work within jurisdiction

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said Saturday that every institution has to respect and recognize constitutional norms. Addressing a gathering at the Supreme Court’s Lahore registry, the chief justice said that all institutions’ would have to working within their jurisdiction. “The three main organs of the state (judiciary, executive and legislature) are all powerful in their respective domains but cannot transit beyond their constitutional

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4 killed in US drone strike in North Waziristan

PESHAWAR: At least four persons were killed in a suspected drone strike that targeted a house in North Waziristan on Saturday, Geo News reported. According to security officials, a drone fired two missiles at a house in Tehsil Mir Ali after which the house caught fire. Sources told that four dead bodies have been pulled out from the debris of the burnt house. The Pakistani government has repeatedly protested against drone strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and there has been a decrease

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South African presidency says Mandela still in hospital

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's presidency on Saturday denied reports that Nelson Mandela had been discharged from hospital and had returned to his Johannesburg home."Madiba is still in hospital in Pretoria, and remains in a critical but stable condition," spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement, following reports on the BBC and Sky television that the 95-year-old had been released.

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ANP dissolves all party organisations

CHARSADDA: Awami National Party (ANP) chief, Asfandyar Wali Khan announced on Saturday that the party had dissolved committees at all levels across the country. During a news conference, Wali said the party would go through a massive reorganization in light of a fact finding report after the May 11 elections. "We went back to our workers and we are initiating ANP's reforms as per the suggestions of our members everywhere."The ANP chief announced that an interim committee had been formed until

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SHC eight additional judges sworn in

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) eight additional judges, appointed for one-year, have been sworn in on Saturday here, Geo News reported.SHC Chief Justice Mushir Alam administered the oath in a ceremony, which was attended by SHC judges, Supreme Court’s Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, Justice Gulzar Ahmad, SC former Justice (retired) Bhagwan Das and the presidents and general secretaries of Karachi, Hyderabad and Sindh High Court Bar. The family members of the new

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Iranian delegation heads to Syria, Lebanon

TEHRAN: A delegation of Iranian MPs left on Saturday for Syria and Lebanon to examine the situation there and "condemn the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups," parliamentary officials said.The three-member delegation, headed by the president of parliament's influential foreign policy committee, Allaeddine Boroujerdi, is expected to meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, one official said.Their visit comes after US President Barack Obama said on Friday the United States was

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ANP dissolves all party committees

CHARSADDA: Awami National Party (ANP) chief, Asfandyar Wali Khan announced on Saturday that the party had dissolved committees at all levels across the country. During a news conference, Wali said the party would go through a massive reorganization in light of a fact finding report after the May 11 elections. "We went back to our workers and we are initiating ANP's reforms as per the suggestions of our members everywhere."The ANP chief announced that an interim committee had been formed until

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Islamia College University gets two boys hostels vacated for girls

PESHAWAR, Aug 30: The Islamia College University has gotten its two boys’ hostels vacated for girl students.

The two hostels located on the premises have the lodging capacity of 480.

At the same time, the ICU administration has decided to take up with the provincial chief minister the pending approval of the PC-1 for the construction of a 500-capacity hostel for girl students.

Earlier, the university had rented a private hostel in Danishabad Akbar Town area for its 450 girl

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Results of SSC examinations conducted by seven education boards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR : This year’s results of the secondary school certificate (SSC) examinations conducted by the seven education boards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have made it crystal clear that the standard of education imparted to students in government schools is far below than private institutions.

And this is despite the fact that the provincial government spends around one-fourth of the total education budget on the elementary and secondary education.

In the recent examinations, 15,752

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Uniform education system in the country

CHITRAL : Local MPA and district president of PTI women wing Fauzia Bibi has said her party envisions uniform education system in the country as class-based education is the root cause of all evils.

She was speaking at the concluding session of the tutorial workshop conducted by the Allama Iqbal Open University for B.Ed students here on Friday.

She said the provincial government was all set to introduce the uniform education system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Ms Bibi said access to quality

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Larkana schools teachers end 80-day protest

LARKANA : Academic activities at educational institutions across Larkana district resumed on Friday when the Government Secondary Teachers Association (GSTA) called off its prolonged boycott of classes at schools, high schools and some colleges.

The boycott was enforced by GSTA president G.M. Abro over his dispute with Addition Commissioner Asadullah Abro, who the former believed was instrumental in the registration of some cases against him. The latter denies his

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Nawabshah university officers boycott duties and held protest

NAWABSHAH : Quaid-i-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST) officers on Friday boycotted their duties and held protest on the campus against what they alleged the pro-vice chancellor’s unacceptable attitude towards them.

The boycott was announced by the QUEST Officers Association which urged the Sindh governor and chief minister to take disciplinary action against Pro-VC Prof Saleem Raza Samoo.

Protesting members of the association wore black armbands and

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Miniature trees show opens

The annual bonsai exhibition featuring more than a hundred miniature trees opened at the Zamzama Park on Friday evening.

The three-day event was organised by Pakistan Bonsai Society in collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA). DHA Administrator retired brigadier Mohammad Abdullah and consul for cultural and public affairs of the Japanese consulate Hiroko Tsuchiya were the guests of honour at the event.

A number of plant species creatively grown in containers were on display

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Group show in Karachi

KARACHI, Aug 30: A group show of works by four artists opens at the Unicorn gallery at 5.30pm on Saturday.

The participating artists are: Hussain Chandio, Jam Depar, Nusrat Raza Mangi and Manzoor Ali Solangi.

The show will continue till Sept 7.

Meanwhile, an exhibition of portraits by Zulfikar Aazeen opens at the Fine Art Pakistan gallery on Saturday.

The show will continue till Sept 7.—Staff

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Over 1,200 ghost schools found all over the country Basic Education Community Schools (BECS)

Islamabad

A fresh study has revealed that there are 1,205 ghost schools in Pakistan where teachers are getting salaries for ‘promoting literacy’ but no educational activity is taking place at all.

The study conducted by third party validation teams hired by the government revealed that ghost schools exist in all provinces of Pakistan under the Basic Education Community Schools (BECS) project, which is supervised by the Ministry of Education. The project is being run with a hefty

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Khyber Medical College (KMC) Peshawar, students to follow dress code from Sept 2

PESHAWAR: The students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s oldest and prestigious medical institution, Khyber Medical College (KMC) Peshawar, after a long time would come to the college in a proper uniform when the institute would open on September 2, a move widely appreciated by parents and the students.

According to senior faculty members of the college, the uniform had never been followed since inception of the college in 1954, though it existed in the prospectus.

The college principal, Prof Dr

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Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) warns students against opting for unrecognised medical colleges

PMDC warns students against opting for unrecognised medical colleges

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has advised students and parents not to take admission in unrecognised medical colleges.

Addressing a press conference, PMDC Registrar Dr Raja Amjad Mahmood along with PMDC Vice President Prof Awais said on Thursday there was a mafia misleading students and parents seeking medical profession and asked them to confirm the registration of medical colleges with the

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Three non-governmental organizations Project jointly launched to empower citizens

PESHAWAR: Three non-governmental organizations on Friday jointly launched a programme for the empowerment of the citizens in 45 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The NGOs are Strengthening Participator Organisation (SPO),

South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SASP-PK) and Aurat Foundation. Arshad Haroon, regional head of SPO Peshawar, said the SPO was a civil society organisation working across the country for the empowerment of the marginalised sections of society. He said SPO was

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Pashto writers form literary organisation Pakhtunkhwa Literary and Cultural Council

PESHAWAR: A meeting of Pakhtun writers and artists was held here on Friday to set up a literary organisation. The newly-established body was named as “Pakhtunkhwa Literary and Cultural Council.”Prof Aseer Mangal was elected president, Rashid Khattak general secretary,

Mian Waqil Shah Faqirkhel joint secretary and Nasrullah Khan as press secretary of the council. The office-bearers of the council vowed to work for promotion of Pashto literature and Pakhtun culture. They decided to hold a

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Prisoner test positive for HIV

MANSEHRA: A young under-trial prisoner, who had been arrested in narcotics peddling case in Abbottabad, was tested HIV positive here on Friday.Mohammad Usman alias Chiria (18) was taken to the Mansehra jail where other inmates of Abbottabad are also kept because of the construction work there.

“I referred him for the HIV test at the King Abdullah Teaching Hospital after finding symptoms of the deadly disease and doctors confirmed after laboratory tests that Usman is suffering from HIV

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KP, Pak-US chambers sign MoU for cooperation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI)

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI) and Pak-US Chamber of Commerce on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understating (MoU) to promote investment, mutual cooperation, exports and industrial linkages besides carrying out a joint venture and exchange of business delegations.

The MoU was signed by KPCCI President Dr Muhammad Yousaf Sarwar and Pak-USCC Pakistan President Mian Shahbaz at the chamber house.The ceremony was attended by KPCCI vice-president Malik

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Online first information reports (FIRs) jolt reluctant SHOs in KP

PESHAWAR During the last two months, the online registration of the first information reports (FIRs) by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has provided relief to hundreds of complainants, who were either discouraged by the station house officers (SHOs) in the past or were even reluctant to go to the police stations due to the typical attitude of the cops.

A vast majority of the SHOs in over 200 police stations of the province try hard to avoid registration of FIR in kidnapping, dacoity, robbery,

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District education authorities flayed government for introducing District Education Authorities across the province.

LAHORE

Punjab Headmasters Association has criticised the government for introducing District Education Authorities across the province.

District education authorities would be formed in each district of the Punjab in view of the recent Local Government Bill 2013 which had been approved by the Punjab Assembly.

According to a Press release issued here Friday, Headmasters Association in a joint statement said this decision of government would bring more intervention of politicians into

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New drug combo helps hard-to-treat hepatitis C Journal of the American Medical Association, the Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Miami

Combining an old drug with an experimental one may cure many cases of hard-to-treat hepatitis C — without the harsh side effects of the standard regimen, a U.S. government study finds.

Experts said the study, reported in the Aug. 28 Journal of the American Medical Association, is an important research step. It focused on patients who often do not respond well to the current hepatitis C drug regimen because they already had liver damage, harbored a particularly stubborn strain of the virus

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Workshop at Lahore College for Women University LCWU concludes

LAHORE

A two-week long workshop on “Time Series, Analysis & Forecasting” for the faculty & students of Department of Statistics, Economics, and Management Sciences ended here at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU).

According to a Press release issued here Friday, this workshop was conducted by Dr Akram Chaudhry of Warwick University, currently working at University of Bahrain and was a joint effort of LCWU & FC College University. The programme was funded by the

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eradication of terrorism and overcoming End to energy crisis, terror top priorities: CM

LAHORE

CHIEF Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that eradication of terrorism and overcoming energy crisis are top priorities of the government.

He said the government was determined to uprooting terrorism while steps were being taken on war-footing to bring an end to loadshedding and to generate energy from alternative sources.

He pointed out that access of Pakistan to European markets and acquiring of GSP Plus status would result in poverty alleviation, overcoming unemployment,

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Roots School System (RSS) maths wiz kids excel in IKMC 2013 International Kangaroo Mathematics Contest

Rawalpindi: The Roots School System (RSS) clinched 11 silver medals and 27 bronze medals in the International Kangaroo Mathematics Contest 2013, according to results released by the Pakistan Kangaroo Commission.

Roots students have been pioneer participants in the IKMC since it was introduced in Pakistan nine years back. Every year, Rootsians clinch maximum medals and awards in all levels — Ecolier, Benjamin, Cadet, Junior & Student.

This year, nearly 1,900 students from the Roots

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Eat beans Health Tips Cuban rice and beans, soups, stews and tacos.

Beans are rich in fibre and full of valuable nutrients, while largely void of fat and cholesterol. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests how to add beans to your favourite recipes:

Health Tips

* Use black beans in dishes such as Cuban rice and beans, soups, stews and tacos.

* Use cannellini, or white kidney beans, in your favourite Italian side dishes, casseroles, salads, soups and stews.

* Add garbanzo beans in hummus, casseroles, stews, soups and couscous.

* Make a

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Friday, 30 August 2013

Portraits show today

KARACHI (INP): Fine Art Pakistan Gallery is organizing exhibition of portraits of Personalities of Pakistan by Zulfikar Aazeen today (Saturday) at 5:00 pm at the gallery in DHA, Karachi.
Zulfikar Aazeen did his B.Sc from Adamjee Science College, Karachi and later on pursued his art career by receiving training in portrait engraving from Thomas De La Rue Basingstoke, England. He has worked in fine art, calligraphic and commercial arts, sculpture, portrait painting, cultural paintings and pen

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336 posts of male and female lecturers vacant in Rawalpindi colleges

RAWALPINDI (Online): As many as 336 posts of male and female lecturers and professors are lying vacant in colleges of district Rawalpindi, In order to keep the teaching system regular M Phil and PhD qualified youths are enrolled as college teachers internees every year at the honorarium of Rs 15000 per month on temporary basis for a period of 9 months. This year these temporary appointments have also not been made. The teaching system is likely to be affected adversely in all the colleges due

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University of Peshawar student gets Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

F.P.?Report
PESHAWAR:?Asif Ali Shah, a student of Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar has been awarded with the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship programme for the undergraduate level. He would shortly proceed to the University College Dublin, Ireland for attending two semesters study in the field of biotechnology there.
The student Friday met with Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rasul Jan. He congratulated him on his achievement

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Allama Iqbal Open University approves 18-point agenda to promote education

ISLAMABAD: The executive council of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has approved an 18-point agenda to promote research and technology-based education.

It also adopted a future plan of action to help the government eradicate illiteracy from the country and prepare the youth to take part in the socio-economic development.

The council also passed a unanimous resolution, reposing full confidence in the leadership of AIOU Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Nazir Ahmed Sangi and applauding

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Allama Iqbal Open University degree holders eligible for jobs

LAHORE: The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has rejected the impression that students of the university have been declared ineligible for employment in the Punjab Education Department. According to an AIOU spokesman, there was no statement in the Punjab government’s notification that AIOU students had been declared incompetent for employment. The spokesman said certificates and degrees of the AIOU were not only honoured in the country but also accepted

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Awareness media and health education campaign launched

ISLAMABAD: The Health Department’s Dengue Surveillance and Response Cell has adopted the strategy to educate the masses about dengue through a media and health education campaign, said a press release on Friday. Banners have been displayed at prominent places and campaign to distribute pamphlets in houses, schools and colleges has started. Recommended activity to check for rainwater ponds, water pockets and solid waste is also underway. The Islamabad Health Department, having a recent

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Administration for the entry test of medical and dental colleges of Punjab

RAWALPINDI: Four centres have been established by the district administration for the entry test of medical and dental colleges of Punjab, to be held on September 22.

Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG) Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the administration had finalised a comprehensive strategy to ensure foolproof security arrangements at the centres established in Government Postgraduate College for Women, Satellite Town, Government College for Boys Satellite Town, Siddique Public School

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Hackers attack University of Karachi website

KARACHI: Official website of the University of Karachi (KU) was partially hacked by Indian hackers on Friday, after which varsity’s communi-cation department suspended the website in a bid to secure all data. According to KU main communication network, hackers succeeded in uploading slogans of ‘Vande Mataram’, and congratulation messages for Indian hackers, on the main page of website which affected the DNS Server. The uploading content revealed that the attempt of hacking was done by

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School for special children faces shortage of funds

LAHORE: The Children Library Complex (CLC) for the visually, physically and hearing impaired children, Special Heaven, is facing complete ignorance from the government

According to sources, the department has been facing a severe shortage of funds. The CLC is also waiting for the approval of educational and recreational posts, the sources said.

The sources said that the government had developed a section for the special children titled Special Heaven at the CLC with a budget of Rs 70

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BIEK announces results of HSC

BIEK announces results of HSC Part-II

KARACHI: The Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) on Friday announced the result of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Part-II (Class–XII) pre-medical annual examination 2013. As per statistics a total of 18,395 candidates were registered of which 18,166 appeared in the exam. However, 9,595 candidates passed the exam making pass percentage of 52.82 percent. As many as 1,089 students passed the exam in A-1 grade; 2,595 in A-Grade; 2,840 in B

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Thursday, 29 August 2013

Extortion: A national dilemma

Rampan­t extort­ion expose­s chinks in the state’s armour, underm­ining its author­ity.  Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), displays one of several extortion demands handed over to them by businessmen based in Karachi, Pakistan's financial hub, June 14, 2013.
LAHORE: 
The problem is multifaceted. It is violent, creative, and it rages across the country. The methods vary, but also tie in together, like pieces of a puzzle. In a two-part series, The Express

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Rights violation cases are mounting, admits govt

12,884 cases of human rights violat­ion were record­ed last year.  12,884 cases of human rights violation were recorded last year.
ISLAMABAD: 
The federal government has admitted that the human rights violation cases have been mounting in the country. In a written reply submitted to the National Assembly on Wednesday, the law, justice and human rights ministry, headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, revealed that more than 12,884 cases of human rights’ violation were

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PPP supports targeted operation in Karachi

Target­ed operat­ion is the only soluti­on to prevai­ling violen­ce in the city, says Qamar.  Syed Naveed Qamar.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) supported calls for a targeted operation in Karachi on Thursday, Express News reported.
PPP leader Naveed Qamar was representing his party during the National Assembly today, where he said that an operation should be conducted without any discrimination. He further said that a targeted operation is the only

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Benazir Murder Case: PPP joins trial

PPP has appoin­ted Sardar Latif Khan Khosa as the advoca­te for the party.  Benazir Bhutto.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has decided to get involved in the Benazir murder case, Express News reported Thursday.
PPP has appointed former Punjab governor and PPP Secretary General Sardar Latif Khan Khosa as the advocate for the party.
He submitted his advocacy license and has contacted the Anti-Terrorism Court for copies of the case’s previous

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Disappointing PSO dividend, cement cartel breakdown rumors hit KSE

KARACHI: The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) closed lower on Thursday, Geo News reportedBy the time of the closing bell the benchmark 100-Index lost 0.10 percent or 21.60 points to close lower at 22,214.73. Dealers said the dividend Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd’s (PSO) announced was way below market consensus, which poured cold water on the sentiment at the apex bourse.In addition to that the speculations that the cement cartel may fall apart kept the trading on a tight lease as investors

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Foreign exchange reserves stand at $10.405 billion

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance, Ishaq Dar on Thursday informed the Upper House of the parliament that the total foreign exchange reserves of the country at present stands at $10.405 billion. Responding to a question during the question hour, Finance Minister said that in line with the Investment Policy approved by the Central Board of State Bank of Pakistan, foreign exchange reserves are invested with highly rated sovereign and financial institutions, with average credit quality of

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Judiciary should support Karachi targeted operation: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan reiterated on Thursday that a targeted operation will be conducted in Karachi. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Nisar said the operation should be supported by judiciary adding that it would be led by Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah. The interior minister informed the National Assembly that calling army in Karachi would be against the mandate of Sindh government and injustice with the military. Nisar Ali Khan added that the

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Obama says no decision yet on Syria strike

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama said Wednesday he had not yet decided whether to attack Syria, but that any US action would be a warning that "it better not" use chemical arms again.Obama said that his government had concluded that President Bashar al-Assad's regime was behind the horrific attack on civilians in a Damascus suburb last week that killed hundreds of people.But he clearly signaled that expected US punitive strikes would be limited in scope, and would not be an attempt to tip the

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PPP, JI, ANP, JUI-F support targeted operation in Karachi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUF-F)have supported Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s call for a targeted operation in Karachi. The ANP leadership has called for action against those criminals who identify themselves as party workers. PPP leader, Syed Naveed Qamar said that a targeted operation was the only solution and this should also be supported by the judiciary. Earlier, the interior

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SC resumes hearing Karachi law and order implementation case

KARACHI: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Thursday resumed hearing the Karachi law and order implementation case at Karachi Registry where the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry expressed dissatisfaction over the report presented by the IG Police and Sindh Secretary while holding the federal and provincial governments responsible for the killings of innocent people, Geo News reported.A five-judge larger bench comprising the CJ, Justice Jawad S. Khwaja, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Justice

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India arrests suspected top militant Yasin Bhatkal

NEW DELHI: Indian police have arrested the alleged co-founder of top home-grown militant group the Indian Mujahideen, blamed for a string of attacks in recent years in Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad, reports said Thursday.Yasin Bhatkal was arrested on the India-Nepal border, Indian television channels NDTV and CNN-IBN reported.

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Hafeez helps Pakistan set 300-run target for Zimbabwe

HARARE: Pakistan set an improbable target of 300 against Zimbabwe in the second One-day International here at the Harare Sports Club ground on Thursday.After being sent into bat by Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, Pakistan top-order batsmen piled up a huge total of 299 runs for the loss of four wickets.Mohammad Hafeez made an unbeaten 136 and was involved in three good partnerships – first 50 with Nasir Jamshed (26) for the second wicket, then 129 with Umar Amin (59) for the fourth wicket and

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Five killed, two hurt in Karachi violence

KARACHI: Five people have perished and two others sustained injuries in separate incidents of firing and violence in the megapolis, Geo News reported Thursday.According to police, unknown armed men opened fire in Dhobi Ghaat area, killing one person.In a similar incident, two people were killed when unidentified men sprayed them with bullets near Chamcha Hotel in Orangi Town. The prayer leader (Pesh Imam) of Rehmania Masjid suffered wounds when he came under fire attack by unknown men in the

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Dr Shakeel Afridi''s sentence declared null and void

PESHAWAR: Commissioner FCR has declared null and void the 33-year jail term awarded to Dr Shakeel Afridi, the man who helped the CIA track down Osama Bin Laden, by the political administration of Khyber Agency.Commissioner Sahibzada Muhammad Anis has also handed over the case of Dr Shakeel Afridi to the political agent of Khyber Agency.Dr Afridi’s release on bail would not be possible before issuance of orders from the political agent.Dr Afridi was accused of running a fake vaccination

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MQM parliamentarians including myself on arrest list: Sattar

ISLAMABAD: MQM leader, Dr Farooq Sattar has claimed that party parliamentarians including himself are on the list of individuals to be arrested prepared by the Sindh government. Addressing on the floor of the National Assembly, Sattar said revenge tactics had been initiated against the MQM. “The interior minister spoke of making the chief minister captain; however he has started firing like a misguided missile.” Sattar added that such action was a punch on the face of democracy. According

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Zheng outlasts Venus to reach Open third round

NEW YORK: China's Zheng Jie advanced to the third round of the US Open on Wednesday by outlasting seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5) in a victory she called "unbelievable." Deadlocked 5-5 in the tie-breaker, 60th-ranked Williams sent a backhand volley into the net to give 56th-ranked Zheng her first match point chance. When Williams sent a backhand wide, Zheng jumped for joy in triumph. Zheng, who lost her only prior match against Williams in the second round at

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41 dead in Kenya bus disaster: police

NAIROBI: At least 41 people were killed Thursday in a bus crash west of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, the Kenyan Red Cross said."It is a horrible scene. Bodies are strewn all over," traffic police official Samuel Kimaru said by telephone from the scene near the town of Narok."It is difficult to tell exactly what happened but all indications point to speeding and possibly overloading," he said. "It is quite disturbing."The Kenyan Red Cross said it had confirmed 41 deaths and 27 others with

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PPP mandate in Sindh is fake, claims Qadir Magsi

NUSHEHROFEROZ: Chairman Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party (STPT) Dr Qadir Magsi Thursday said that Nationalists did not just fail to succeed in the elections but they were defeated by design, Geo News reported.Talking to newsmen here at press club, Magsi claimed that mandate of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Sindh was fake.Criticizing the Sindh ruling party, Magsi claimed that members of PPP are frightened of being beaten by eggs and tomatoes that is the reason they never visit their

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Dr Afridi''s sentence declared null and void

PESHAWAR: Commissioner FCR has declared a 33-year imprisonment sentence awarded to Dr Shakeel Afridi, the man who helped the CIA track down Osama Bin Laden, by the political administration of Khyber Agency null and void.Commissioner Sahibzada Muhammad Anis has also handed over the case of Dr Shakeel Afridi to the political agent of Khyber Agency. He said that Dr Afridi could not be released before the orders of the political agent.Dr Afridi was accused of running a fake vaccination campaign in

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Pakistan beat Zimbabwe to level series

HARARE: Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second One-day International to level the three-match series here at the Harare Sports Club ground on Thursday.A commanding century by Mohammad Hafeez and a four-wicket haul from left-arm seamer Junaid Khan played a key role in Pakistan’s series-leveling victory..After Hafeez had carried Pakistan to an imposing total of 299 for four with an unbeaten 136, Junaid stubbed out a promising run chase by the Zimbabweans to secure a 90-run win and

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Sheikh Rasheed escapes unhurt in firing attack

ISLAMABAD: Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed escaped unhurt in a firing attack in Islamabad on Thursday.According to reports, unknown gunmen targeted the veteran politician near Zero Point in the federal capital.Rasheed said a bullet hit his bullet proof vehicle when unknown gunmen opened fire. He was on his way home from Islamanbad. He submitted an application with the Aabpara Police Station for registration of an

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Moderate tremors jolt parts of Punjab

LAHORE: A mild intensity earthquake struck parts of Punjab including Lahore and Gujranwala on Thursday, Geo News reported.The tremor triggered panic among the masses, who came out of their homes and offices. No loss of life and property has been reported yet. According to Meteorological Office, the earthquake was measured at 4.6 on the Richter scale.The moderate quake has also been reported in Indian

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At least 23 dead in floods in Mali capital: government

BAMAKO: At least 23 people have been killed in flash floods caused by torrential rain in the Malian capital Bamako, a government official said on Thursday.Thousands were also made homeless as the Niger river burst its banks, destroying around 100 houses in several hours of heavy rain on Wednesday in the city of around two million people, said Alassane Bocoum, the national director of social development."There have been 23 people killed," he told AFP, adding that all had been identified.The

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Oil tumbles on profit-taking after Syria fears

SINGAPORE: Oil tumbled in Asian trade Thursday as investors took profits after concerns over a possible US-led military strike on Syria had pushed prices to multi-month highs.New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for delivery in October, fell 77 cents to $109.33 in mid-morning trade after rising to its highest level since May 2011 the day before.Brent North Sea crude for October delivery shed 76 cents to $115.85 after hitting its highest price in six months on

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Floodwater enters villages in Sindh

MEHR: Floodwater submerged many villages in Nogoth, forcing large number of people to shift to safer places.Sources said that water level was increasing in River Indus near Dadu-Moro bridge. The sources said that water level at the bridge was recorded 127.4 feet.The Irrigation Department said that 22 villages were also submerged in Mehr, Dadu, Sehwan and Manjhand tehseels.

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PP-150 vote recount on Sept 2: ECP

LAHORE: Election Commissioner Punjab, Mehboob Anwar Thursday announced that the vote recount will be undertaken for PP-150 Lahore on September 2, in line with the ECP’s earlier decision to hold a recount of votes in the said constituency on the demand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Geo News reported.Mehboob Anwar told Geo News that the concerned Returning Officer would hold the vote recount for PP-150 in his court on September 2.All the participating candidates including Marghoob Ahmed of

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Blake retires after first-round loss in US Open

NEW YORK: Former world number four James Blake's tennis career came to an emotional end after 14 years on Thursday morning at the US Open with a standing ovation after a first-round loss to Ivo Karlovic. The 33-year-old American, who announced Monday this would be his farewell event, had fallen to 100th in the rankings and was far from the level that saw him reach the last eight on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts in 2005 and 2006. But having defied the odds by overcoming scoliosis as a child

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UN inspectors to leave Syria by Saturday: Ban

VIENNA: A UN team of inspectors investigating an apparent poison gas attack in Syria will leave the country by Saturday morning, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday in Vienna."They will continue investigation activities until tomorrow Friday and they will come out of Syria by Saturday morning and will report to me as soon as they come out," Ban told journalists.

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Qaiser, Fazila record scenes in US for upcoming drama serial

DALLAS: Famous Pakistani TV drama serial artists Qaiser Nizamani and his wife Fazila Qazi have said that they are very impressed by the human and civil attitude of Americans in their tour of America.They made these remarks while talking to Jang/Geo in a reception hosted by a local community leader Moazzam Bhangar & his wife Hina Bhanger in their honor. The artists said that in their four-month tour of America they concluded that Americans have positive and sincere sentiments for Pakistanis.They

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Sovereignty, integrity of Syria must be respected: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over use of allegedly chemical weapons in SyriaForeign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, in his weekly press briefing here at Foreign Office said, Pakistan as non-permanent member of Security Council of the United Nations is of the view that sovereignty and integrity of Syria must be respected and there should be no foreign interference in Syria. He said UN’s investigating team is in Syria to probe into the use of chemical weapons and the

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PPP wants to become party in Benazir murder case

RAWALPINDI: After over five years, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to become party in the Benazir Bhutto murder case. PPP Secretary General, Sardar Latif Khosa has filed a request with the special court to provide documents pertaining to past proceedings in the murder case of the former prime minister. The request also states that the PPP has a right to become a party in the murder case of its martyred leader. An anti-terrorism court, has indicted former president, General (retd)

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Mamnoon says most heinous crimes occur in Sindh, Karachi

KARACHI: Mamnoon Hussain, the President-elect of Pakistan, Wednesday said that most heinous crimes take place in Sindh, particularly in its port city, Karachi.Addressing a gathering at a dinner reception here at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mamnoon Hussain ruled out the progress of country’s economy without fixing the order in Karachi.He exhorted the traders to press the Sindh government for maintaining peace in the economic hub of the country. “The Federal Minister for

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Sindh Governor convenes meeting to review Karachi law, order

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has convened a meeting to review law and order situation in Karachi, Geo News reported.The meeting has been convened in the evening on Thursday.It may be noted here that Supreme Court (SC) is also hearing Karachi law and order implementation case in the Karachi SC registry.On the other hand, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has demanded of the federal government to hand Karachi over to army to improve the situation in the port

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US court martial sentences Fort Hood shooter to death

FORT HOOD: A court martial on Wednesday sentenced a US Army officer to death for carrying out an Al-Qaeda inspired mass shooting on the Fort Hood base in Texas that left 13 people dead.After four hours of deliberation, the forewoman of a jury of military officers, a colonel, said that it was their unanimous verdict that 42-year-old Major Nidal Hasan should be executed."It is my duty as president of this jury to inform you that... the court martial in closed session in a secret ballot of all

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MQM lawmakers urge Nisar to take notice of police crackdown

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmakers have demanded of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to take notice of police crackdown against MQM workers.A meeting of the MQM’s Rabita Committee simaltaniously held in Karachi and London condemned the arrest of workers and condemned police crackdown.In a statement issued by the Senators belonging to MQM said that illegal raids were conducted at the residences of its workers. MQM MNAs also demanded of the government to immediatly stop

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PCB decides to meet Latif over Kaneria's case

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket authorities Thursday decided to meet former captain Rashid Latif who is backing leg-spinner Danish Kaneria in his fight against a lifetime ban for spot-fixing.The 31-year-old spinner was last year banned by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for luring his Essex county team-mate Marvyn Westfield to concede an agreed number of runs during an over in a county match in 2009.Kaneria's two appeals against the ban were both rejected earlier this year. He, however, has

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PPP wants to become party in Benazir Bhutto murder case

Monitoring DeskRAWALPINDI: After over five years, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to become party in the Benazir Bhutto murder case.PPP Secretary General, Sardar Latif Khosa has filed an application with the special court and asked for documents pertaining to previous proceedings in the murder case of the former prime minister.An anti-terrorism court, has indicted former president, General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and six others in the case.The former prime minister was killed

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Assad says Syria will defend itself against aggression

Posted on 2 hours ago

(Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday that Syria would defend itself against any aggression following reports that the United States and its allies were preparing military action in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack.
"The threats of direct aggression against Syria will only increase our commitment to our deep-rooted principles and the independent will of our people. Syria will defend itself in the face of any aggression," state

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Pakistan set 300-run target for Zimbabwe

Monitoring DeskHARARE: Pakistan set an improbable target of 300 against Zimbabwe in the second One-day International here at the Harare Sports Club ground on Thursday.After being sent into bat by Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, Pakistan top-order batsmen piled up a huge total of 299 runs for the loss of four wickets.Mohammad Hafeez made an unbeaten 136 and was involved in three good partnerships – first 50 with Nasir Jamshed (26) for the second wicket, then 129 with Umar Amin (59) for the

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Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in 2nd ODI

HARARE (Web Desk) - Mohammad Hafeez s 136 helped Pakistan draw level in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, setting up a 90-run win in the second game in Harare.Zimbabwe were all out at 209 while chasing a target of 299 set by Pakistan.With the series at stake, Pakistan hit back strongly by posting a total well beyond Zimbabwe s reach, thereby giving the final match greater context.Mohammad Hafeez led the way with an attacking, unbeaten 136 to lift Pakistan to 299, and although Zimbabwe had their

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Earthlings are really Martians, says new theory

ADP_PARIS: Life on Earth was kick-started thanks to a key mineral deposited by a meteorite from Mars, according to a novel theory aired on Thursday.The vital ingredient was an oxidised mineral form of the element molybdenum, which helped prevent carbon molecules -- the building blocks of life -- from degrading into a tar-like goo.The idea comes from Steven Benner, a professor at the Westheimer Institute for Science and Technology in Gainesville, Florida, who was to present it at an

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UK issues legal, intelligence data backing a Syria strike

REUTERS_LONDON: Britain's government on Thursday published internal legal advice it had been given which it said showed it was legally entitled to take military action against Syria even if the United Nations Security Council blocked such action.It also published intelligence material on last week's chemical weapons attack in Syria, saying there was no doubt that such an attack had taken place, that it was “highly likely” that the Syrian government had been behind it, and that there was

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Pamela Anderson to run NY marathon for Haiti group

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AP) - Hollywood celebrity Pamela Anderson is running in the New York City Marathon to support fellow actor Sean Penn s humanitarian group in Haiti.Penn s J/P Haitian Relief Organization said Wednesday that the actress will be part of the group s fundraising team that will take five Haitian distance runners to compete in the Nov. 3 race.The money raised will go toward operating funds for the humanitarian group, which has helped shelter some of the people displaced by Haiti s

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Sattar fears extra judiciary killing of MQM workers

Islamabad, August 29 (Online): Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Deputy Convener Farooq Sattar Thursday expressed his fear that arrested MQM workers could be killed in extra judiciary action.Talking to media persons outside Parliament building after walk-out of the National assembly session, Sattar said that innocent people were picked up by security forces during Thursday raid.Sattar demanded that arrested workers of his party must be presented before the courts in 24 hours and forced

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French military preparing for Syria operation

PARIS (AP) - France said openly Thursday for the first time that its military is preparing for a possible operation in Syria but President Francois Hollande stopped short of announcing armed intervention over a suspected chemical weapons attack.Expectations have been mounting that the United States, France and Britain are preparing military action against Syrian President Bashar Assad s regime after an apparent poison gas attack in Syria on Aug. 21. U.N. experts are currently in Syria

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Foreign exchange reserves stand at $10.405 billion: NA told

ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday informed the Upper House of the parliament that the total foreign exchange reserves of the country at present stands at $10.405 billion.Responding to a question during the Question Hour, Finance Minister said that in line with the Investment Policy approved by the Central Board of State Bank of Pakistan, foreign exchange reserves are invested with highly rated sovereign & financial institutions, with average

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Blake retires after first-round loss in US Open

NEW YORK: Former world number four James Blake's tennis career came to an emotional end after 14 years on Thursday morning at the US Open with a standing ovation after a first-round loss to Ivo Karlovic.The 33-year-old American, who announced Monday this would be his farewell event, had fallen to 100th in the rankings and was far from the level that saw him reach the last eight on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts in 2005 and 2006.But having defied the odds by overcoming scoliosis as a child and

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UN chief awaits Syria report as Assad vows to resist attack

DAMASCUS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon said Thursday his investigating team would report back this week on the suspected use of chemical weapons in Syria as embattled President Bashar al-Assad vowed to resist any US strike.US President Barack Obama said Wednesday he has yet to make a decision on hitting Syria over horrific attacks last week that activists say killed hundreds of people and threatened to draw the West into the brutal 29-month conflict.A Western bombing blitz had appeared imminent earlier

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Fazl agrees to mediate govt-Taliban talks

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated that all political parties needed to work together for curbing the menace of terrorism.He was talking to Maulana Fazlur Rehman‚ the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam in Islamabad.During the detailed meeting‚ various political issues came under discussion with particular emphasis on the law and order situation and terrorism.The leaders particularly exchanged views regarding peace talks with the Taliban and national

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Quetta: Cop fired after 'Kharotabad shooting' gunned down

QUETTA ( Local Tv Channel) : Unknown gunmen Thursday evening shot dead one of the key players as well as witnesses of the infamous Kharotabad shooting incident in which law enforcers brutally gunned down unarmed Russian and Tajik citizens including women in 2011Reportedly armed men opened fire on Raza Ali Khan, a former assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of police, while he was standing outside his house. HeKhan, who received multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced

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Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Altaf Hussain demands army take control of Karachi's administration

Altaf says Sindh govern­ment has comple­tely failed to protec­t the reside­nts of Karach­i from the crimin­al elemen­ts.  Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain.

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to hand over the administration of Karachi to the Pakistan Army, Express News reported. 
Commenting on the ongoing violence in the city, Altaf said the Sindh government has

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HEC yet to recover Rs136m from scholars who breached surety bond agreements

Many have not return­ed to Pakist­an after comple­tion of studie­s to serve in govern­ment.  According to HEC rules, agreement breaches warrant the imposition of up to a 25 per cent penalty on the scholar and can also result in the cancellation of scholarships by the HEC chairperson or executive director.
ISLAMABAD:  The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has yet to recover Rs136 million it provided for scholars who breached various agreements under local and

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Nationwide survey: PM’s decision to hold foreign, defence portfolio appreciated

Survey was conduc­ted by Gallup Pakist­an.  Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
ISLAMABAD: 
According to a Gilani Research Foundation Survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 54% Pakistanis are happy about Nawaz Sharif’s decision to retain control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence.
A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the four provinces was asked “Some people think that Nawaz Sharif’s decision to retain control of the Ministry

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Frequent transfer of secretaries leaves education department in a quandary

The divisi­on saw four secret­aries in just one year.  Over 3,000 employees working under the FDE are awaiting regularisation but the case is pending with the IHC.
ISLAMABAD: 
The quick succession of secretaries at the Capital Administration and Development Division (CAD) has affected the work flow of many departments under it, particularly the education department. 
CAD Secretary Shaigan Sharif Malik, who was appointed on June 19, retires on September 2. This duration

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Monsoon 2013: Flood washes away dykes, settlements

Water causes devast­ation in South Punjab distri­cts.  Water causes devastation in South Punjab districts.
MULTAN: 
Flood in Indus, Sutlej and Chenab on Monday heavily affected eight small dykes in south Punjab, making breaches and causing inundation of adjoining areas.
The flood caused great devastation in Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Multan and Layyah and almost 200,000 acres of agricultural lands and 500 small rural settlements came under water in last 48 hours.
Only in

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Assets detail: Major parties shy away from declaring assets

Submis­sion of asset record­s has been added to the electi­on laws to bring transp­arency.  Submission of asset records has been added to the election laws to bring transparency.
ISLAMABAD: 
While the deadline for declaring their assets looms, out of the 230 registered political parties, only 14 have submitted statements of their assets with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The last date for submitting party assets’ details, a mandatory requirement under

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Islamabad standoff: Sikandar raised funds for banned outfits, say police

IGP says the gunman receiv­ed milita­ncy traini­ng in 1996 in AJK.  Muhammad Sikandar.
ISLAMABAD: 
The capital police chief on Monday revealed that the gunman involved in the recent Islamabad standoff had raised funds for banned outfits and received militancy training in 1996 from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Speaking at a press conference, the IGP said that Sikandar received militancy training in 1996 and left for Dubai where he raised funds for banned outfits.

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SC discharges contempt of court notice against Imran Khan

Imran had argued the term 'shamef­ul' is not abusiv­e and was used for the return­ing office­r, not the judici­ary.  PTI chairman Imran Khan.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday discharged the contempt of court notice against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, Express News reported.  
The apex court resumed the hearing today.
While speaking to the media after the notice was discharged, Imran reiterated that the word “shameful” was

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Zardari exiting Presidency as a ‘satisfied man’

Says PPP will suppor­t PML-N govt to tackle securi­ty and econom­ic challe­nges.  “We accepted the elections despite our reservations, but at the same time it is also our democratic right to criticise wrong decisions of the government,” says President Zardari.
ISLAMABAD: 
Outgoing President Asif Ali Zardari says that after overseeing the first-ever democratic transition of power in Pakistan and relinquishing presidential powers to parliament, he is leaving the

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Constitutional amendment proposed: Bill tabled for reserving labourers’ seats

Rabban­i warns govt agains­t privat­isatio­n of PSM and PIA.  National Assembly of Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: 
A senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has introduced a bill in the upper house to reserve four special seats for labourers in the National Assembly.
Senator Raza Rabbani’s move is in consonance with his party’s promise of giving labourers direct representation in the country’s parliament.
Rabbani, who authored the historic 18th Constitutional

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War on terror: Terrorism claimed 12,795 lives, says Nisar

Since 2002, over 116,500 terror suspec­ts have been rounde­d up.  Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

ISLAMABAD: The interior ministry put the total number of fatalities in terrorist incidents since the year 2002 at 12,795 – roughly one-third of the figure claimed by unofficial and media sources.
During the Senate’s question hour on Tuesday, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced the official figures. So far, at least 12,795 people have been killed and 28,881 others

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Rescue scheme: Govt to borrow $12 billion to retire previous debts

Financ­e minist­er insist­s fresh loans will not increa­se the overal­l debt stock.  The loans would protect the government against international debt obligations for three years, says Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
ISLAMABAD: 
In a bid to avoid a potential financial default, Pakistan will seek $12 billion in loans from international financial institutions to retire its previous debts and to try its luck with international and domestic bond markets to finance its

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Years gone by: Tale of the dusty medals

Once a nation­al level champi­on, 82-year-old retire­d boatma­n Baksh still has to work for Rs300 a day, simply to surviv­e  Haji Rahim Baksh, 82, who once won 30 national medals cannot make ends meet today.
BAHAWALPUR: 
Haji Rahim Baksh, 82, knows a thing or two about lost glory.
The boatman who once won 30 national level medals cannot make ends meet today.
“My medals don’t fill my belly. There is just no respect left,” says Baksh, with a definite tremble

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Government imposes Rs25 hike in PTV licence fees

An additi­onal Rs100 to be charge­d as 'income tax'.  Minister for Water and Power was unaware of the increase in charges.

The government has decided to raise the the monthly licence fees for the state’s official television channel, Pakistan Television (PTV), from Rs35 to Rs60, a cost that comes incorporated into all domestic electricity bills in the country, reported Express News.
For those customers consuming between 10 to 100 power units, the new bill also comes with a

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Books over bombs: Inklings of transformation

Matta hosted its first ever book fair, to a very encour­aging public respon­se.  Children and parents take interest in the books exhibited in the book fair in Matta that was held from Aug 14-15.
MATTA: 
Change in the offing can be observed in many ways – in changing attitudes, changing congregations, changing social dynamics. The recent book fair in Matta – held from August 14 to August 15 – saw all that, and more.
With discounted books on subjects ranging from general

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Targeted operation required in Karachi: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Wedesday that a targeted, not large-scale operation, was required in Karachi which he proposed should be led by the provincial government.Nisar, in a news conference, said the situation in Karachi was deteriorating, however, it was difficult not impossible to improve. “Political will, clarity of thought and transparency is required to improve the situation.” Nisar identified that a large number of target killers and criminals in the

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ECP orders recount in PP-150 Lahore 14

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan has ordered vote recounting in PP-150 LAHORE-XIV after poll rigging allegations, Geo News reported.The commission nullified the results of Returning Officer (RO) and ordered recount in three days.The ECP ordered recount after taking notice of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests against alleged poll rigging at some polling stations of this constituency.Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Mian Marghoob had been declared successful on

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ECP orders vote recount in PP-150

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan has ordered vote recounting in PP-150 LAHORE-XIV after poll rigging allegations, Geo News reported.The commission nullified the results of Returning Officer (RO) and ordered recount in three days.The ECP ordered recount after taking notice of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests against alleged poll rigging at some polling stations of this constituency.Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Mian Marghoob had been declared successful on

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Aurangzeb Farooqi demands SC to take notice of spokesmanâ??s assassination

KARACHI: Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) leader Moulana Aurangzeb Farooqi Wednesday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to take the notice of the killing of his party’s spokesman Moulana Akbar Saeed Farooqi, Geo News reported.Talking to newsmen outside SC Karachi registry, Aurangzeb Farooqi said that the heirs of 300 slain AWSJ workers had not been compensated yet despite SC orders, adding that Sindh government has failed to restore peace in Karachi.Moulana demanded of the government to depoliticize

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Zeta-Jones, Douglas take break from marriage: spokesman

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood A-listers Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have decided to take a break from their 13-year marriage, a spokesman said Wednesday.The 68-year-old US actor and his 43-year-old British wife have had a rough few years health-wise, while Douglas made headlines earlier this year with comments to a British newspaper about oral sex."Michael and Catherine are taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage. There is no further comment," Douglas spokesman Allen

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One killed, nine injured in road accident

KUNRI: One person was killed and nine others were injured when a bike and a rickshaw collided with each other on the main road of Nabi Sarthar near here on Wednesday.The victim was identified as Lalji Kolhi, the bike driver. The injured were Achar, Fazal, Akbar, Sikander, three unidentified children, a woman and one other man. They were rushed to Hyderabad and Kunri hospital for treatment.

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France launches probe into US spy programme

PARIS: French prosecutors are investigating alleged US spying under the PRISM surveillance programme following complaints by two human rights groups, sources close to the case said Wednesday.They launched an investigation on July 16 into fraudulent access to personal data and personal correspondence following complaints by the International Federation of Human Rights and the League of Human Rights, the sources said.The complaint also targets the role played by Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Paltak,

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Security Council members meet informally on Syria

UNITED NATIONS: The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are meeting informally to discuss a resolution that would authorize the use of military force against Syria.Britain put forth the proposal Wednesday as momentum seems to be building among Western allies for a strike against Syria. US leaders, including Vice President Joe Biden, have charged that President Bashar Assad's government used deadly chemical weapons near Damascus last week.The US has not presented concrete proof,

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ECP orders vote recount in PP-150 Lahore 14

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan has ordered vote recounting in PP-150 LAHORE-XIV after poll rigging allegations, Geo News reported.The commission nullified the results of Returning Officer (RO) and ordered recount in three days.The ECP ordered recount after taking notice of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests against alleged poll rigging at some polling stations of this constituency.Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Mian Marghoob had been declared successful on

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Nine profiteers sent to jail

KARACHI: On the instructions of Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, the deputy commissioners of five districts of Karachi and assistance commissioners of all sub-divisions raided at different markets and fined profiteers.Action was taken against 30 milk sellers, 1 fruit seller, 15 vegetable sellers, 19 retailers and 62 poultry traders and a total fine of Rs 1,51,100 was collected by challenging 127 profiteers.

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ECP orders vote recount in PP-150 LAHORE-XIV

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan has ordered vote recounting in PP-150 LAHORE-XIV after poll rigging allegations, Geo News reported.The commission nullified the results of Returning Officer (RO) and ordered recount in three days.The ECP ordered recount after taking notice of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests against alleged poll rigging at some polling stations of this constituency.Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Mian Marghoob had been declared successful on

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Scientists grow ''mini human brains'' from stem cells

LONDON: Scientists said Wednesday they had used stem cells to grow primitive human brain tissue for use in studying disorders and early development of this most complex of organs.They used the cells to grow what they dubbed "cerebral organoids" -- pea-sized blobs of 3D brain tissue in a Petri dish, with characteristics of early embryonic brain tissue.The feat may reduce scientists' reliance on the mouse brain, which is a poor model for research into human diseases and treatment, the team wrote

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KU Teachers Association rejects Sindh Universities Amendment Bill

KARACHI: Karachi University (KU) Teachers Association Wednesday rejected the ‘Sindh Universities Amendment Bill’ and demanded to keep the Governor as the appointing authority of chancellors, registrars and other high ranking officials, Geo News reported.Following the approval of Sindh Universities Amendment Bill by Acting Governor Agha Siraj Durrani, as many as 200 teachers during an emergency meeting of KU Teachers Association rejected the bill with one voice.President of KU Teachers

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Sindh varsities law signed

KARACHI: Acting Sindh Governor Agha Siraj Durrani has signed the Sindh Universities Laws (Amendment) Act 2013, says a handout here Wednesday.The act passed recently by the Sindh Assembly has amended different laws of government-run universities and degree-awarding institutes in Sindh province including Institute of Business Administration (IBA).Under the new law, the powers to appoint the vice chancellors at the universities in the province will be transferred to the chief minister from the

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Federer advances to US Open second round

NEW YORK: The 17-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer advanced with ease Tuesday here at the US Open.Federer made a solid start to his bid for a sixth US Open title by defeating Slovenia's Grega Zemlja 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in a match delayed a day by rain. "There wasn't much rhythm out there, but I was happy the way I played," said Federer. "Overall I'm pleased to be in the next round." The 32-year-old Swiss star, who as the seventh seed is at his lowest spot in the US Open since 2002, will face

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Some parts of Balochistan have become no-go areas: Dr Malik

QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Abdul Malik Baloch, Wednesday said that some parts of Baloch majority areas of the province had become no-go areas, Geo News reported."There are four major issues of Balochistan including Baloch insurgency, sectarianism, armed gangs and criminal gangs involved in kidnapping people for ransom and robberies", The Chief Minister said while speaking on the floor of Balochistan AssemblyAccording to Inspector General of Police at least 72 active kidnapping rings

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Strong Australia squad for Brazil clash

SYDNEY: Australia will take a strong squad to Brazil for a friendly next month with coach Holger Osieck saying Wednesday he was keen to see how they compared to such a quality team. Along with high-profile regulars such as Mark Schwarzer, Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill, Osieck included striker Mitchell Duke who impressed on his debut at the recent East Asian Cup tournament in South Korea. Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams also returns after missing the Asian qualifying matches in June when

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Pakistan warns of polio outbreak after fresh cases

MIRAMSHAH: Health officials in Pakistan on Wednesday warned of a serious polio outbreak after the disease was detected in 16 children in a tribal district where militant groups have banned vaccination.Doctor Khayal Mir Jan, the top health official in Pakistan's militant-infested North Waziristan tribal district, on the Afghan border, told AFP that thousands of children were at risk.Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world where the highly infectious, crippling disease remains

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Former champion Stosur dumped out by US teen

NEW YORK: Eleventh-seeded Samantha Stosur, the 2011 champion, was sent crashing out of the US Open on Tuesday by American 17-year-old qualifier Victoria Duval. The American, a daughter of Haitian parents and ranked at 296, clinched a famous 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win to register her first victory at a Grand Slam, two years after her only other major appearance, when she was defeated in New York by Kim Clijsters. "The crowd really helped me. Sam is a great champion and I watched her when she won the US

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United Nations showdown set over action against Syria

DAMASCUS: Bashar al-Assad's friends and foes headed for a showdown at the United Nations Wednesday, as Britain pushes for a resolution to pave the way for military strikes over suspected chemical attacks.The meeting comes as the United States and its allies pressed their case for likely military action against the Syrian president's regime, despite stern warnings against intervention from key Damascus supporters Russia and Iran.Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain would present a

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KSE piles up losses after Syria crisis hits world markets

KARACHI: Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Wednesday suffered a tailspin amid a decline in international equity and currency markets due to the ongoing Syrian crisis. The benchmark 100-Index plunged by 1.28 percent or 287.38 points to 22,236.33 mark. Index heavyweights Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd and Pakistan State Oil Co Ltd led the big time losses, traders said. Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd fell 2.83 percent to Rs266.99 while Pakistan State Oil Co Ltd was down 4.41 percent to Rs309.

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Qutub-uddin Shaikh made new MD KW&SB

KARACHI: Qutub-uddin-Shaikh has been made the new Managing Director (MD) of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB) while Misbah-uddin Fareed has been directed to report at MD office, Geo News reported.According to a notification issued from Chief Secretary office Wednesday, Qutub-uddin-Shaikh has been made new MD KW&SB and Najam Alam Siddiqui will be the new Deputy MD technical services.While, former MD of the board, grade 19 officer Misbah-uddin Fareed, who was sacked on court order, has

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Gut bacteria linked to obesity illnesses: study

PARIS: Individuals who lack key species of so-called "good" bacteria in their intestines are more prone to obesity and associated diseases such as diabetes, heart and cholesterol problems, according to research published Wednesday.The findings may hold new clues to help tackle the world's obesity epidemic, which is predicted to affect more than 700 million people in 2015, a rise of 300 million in a decade, its authors said.An international team of researchers compared the intestinal germs found

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SC issues written judgment in Balochistan law, order case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a written judgment in Balochistan law and order case, Geo News reported Wednesday. The judgment directs the Frontier Corps (FC) and the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to coordinate and cooperate for the recovery of missing persons.The written verdict states that it appears from the reports and documents that the missing persons were picked up by the personnel of the LEAs. The court has given two weeks time for the recovery of missing

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Gold surges by Rs300 per tola

KARACHI: The price of gold has recorded yet another increase across the country and touched a four-month high at Rs55,000 per tola, Geo News reported Wednesday.The yellow metal registered a rise of Rs300 per tola to reach Rs55,000 while the rate of 10 grams saw an increase of Rs257 to Rs47,142.According to Sarafa Association the local prices of the commodity went up in the wake of a 13-dollar surge per ounce in the international rate to 1,425 dollars.

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APC date to be announced soon, Pervaiz Rasheed

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid on Wednesday said that date for All Parties Conference on national security will be announced soon.
In a statement, the minister hoped that after extradition treaty is signed between Pakistan and United States‚ Dr Afia Siddiqui will be back home very soon.
To a question‚ he said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed the interior ministry to present a detailed report on law and order situation in Karachi

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Nisar hints at targeted operation in Karachi

KARACHI (Online) – Addressing a press conference Wednesday here Interior Minister Ch Nisar said extortionists and target killers had been identified in Karachi and unfortunately most of them have political affiliations.
Nisar said Karachi situation was worsening day by day and urgent action was needed.
“Peace cannot be restored in Karachi by issuing political statements or by giving briefings, it requires political will and consensus,” he said.
He said federal cabinet would discuss the

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Iran hands over 15 Pakistani deportees

CHAGHI (NNI): Iranian security forces handed over 15 Pakistani nationals to Levies force on Pak-Iran border in Taftan area of Chaghi district on Wednesday.
According to Levies force, these Pakistani workers had been arrested by Iranian security forces because they were living there without valid travelling documents.
Later, they were handed over to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further interrogation.

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Senate body approves 'Freedom of Information' law draft

ISLAMABAD (Online) - Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting has approved the draft of the "Freedom of Information Law" prepared by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and recommended by the sub-committee headed by Farhatullah Babar.
The committee decided that Kamil Ali Agha‚ Chairman of the committee will move the bill in Senate as multi-party bill.
The committee meeting‚ chaired by Kamil Ali Agha‚ appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and

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Federer advances to US Open second round

AFP_NEW YORK: The 17-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer advanced with ease Tuesday here at the US Open.
Federer made a solid start to his bid for a sixth US Open title by defeating Slovenia's Grega Zemlja 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in a match delayed a day by rain.
"There wasn't much rhythm out there, but I was happy the way I played," said Federer. "Overall I'm pleased to be in the next round."
The 32-year-old Swiss star, who as the seventh seed is at his lowest spot in the US Open since 2002, will

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ASWJ demands SC to take notice of spokesman's killing

Monitoring Desk
KARACHI: Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) leader Moulana Aurangzeb Farooqi Wednesday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to take the notice of the killing of his party’s spokesman Moulana Akbar Saeed Farooqi, Local TV reported.
Talking to newsmen outside SC Karachi registry, Aurangzeb Farooqi said that the heirs of 300 slain AWSJ workers had not been compensated yet despite SC orders, adding that Sindh government has failed to restore peace in Karachi.
Moulana demanded of the

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Imminent U.S. strike on Syria could draw nation into civil war

Monitoring Desk
An imminent U.S. strike on Syrian government targets in response to the alleged gassing of civilians last week has the potential to draw the United States into the country’s civil war, former U.S. officials said Tuesday, warning that history doesn’t bode well for such limited retaliatory interventions.The best historical parallels — the 1998 cruise missile strikes on targets in Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan — are rife with unintended consequences and feature little

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PM orders signing of CEC for Aafia's release

ISLAMABAD (Online): Prime Minister, Mian Nawaz Sharif has directed Interior Minister to “fast track” signing of Council of Europe Convention (CEC) to facilitate repatriation of Aafia Siddiqui to Pakistan.The signing of CEC was considered and approved during a meeting of the Federal Cabinet held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s office here on Wednesday.The Cabinet was apprised that, quite often the Pakistani nationals sentenced to

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Former champion Stosur dumped out by US teen

AFP_NEW YORK: Eleventh-seeded Samantha Stosur, the 2011 champion, was sent crashing out of the US Open on Tuesday by American 17-year-old qualifier Victoria Duval.
The American, a daughter of Haitian parents and ranked at 296, clinched a famous 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win to register her first victory at a Grand Slam, two years after her only other major appearance, when she was defeated in New York by Kim Clijsters.
"The crowd really helped me. Sam is a great champion and I watched her when she won the

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Pakistan warns of polio outbreak after fresh cases

MIRAMSHAH: Health officials in Pakistan on Wednesday warned of a serious polio outbreak after the disease was detected in 16 children in a tribal district where militant groups have banned vaccination.
Doctor Khayal Mir Jan, the top health official in Pakistan's militant-infested North Waziristan tribal district, on the Afghan border, told AFP that thousands of children were at risk.
Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world where the highly infectious, crippling disease remains

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Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Pakistan Religious scholars call for dialogue, tolerance

* Ahmed Bilal Soofi says Pakistan has 8,000 laws and all are in line with the principles of Islam

ISLAMABAD: Religious scholars and experts at a seminar stressed for expanding dialogue among different schools of thought to bridge differences and create a tolerant and peaceful society.
They emphasised on this at a seminar entitled, “Peace, Harmony, Coexistence – National and Religious Obligations”, organised by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies on Tuesday.
Prominent scholars,

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Young printmakers showcase talent at Nomad Gallery

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition by three young printmakers; Sameera Khan, Irum Wani and Summiya Khan started at the Nomad Art Gallery on Tuesday.
All three artists have showcased their command over symmetry, visual balance and a strong connection to their surroundings. The works demand the viewer ponder over intertwined details, whether it is black and white or a bold splash of colour.
A total of 26 art pieces were displayed at the exhibition, which will continue until September 15, while a few

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