E paper pdf (04 01 2015) isb by Pakistan Today

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Sunday, 04 January, 2015

Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, 1436

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Bills to empower military land in na APEX COMMITTEES FORMED IN ALL PROVINCES TO IMPLEMENT NAP NISAR PROPOSES IMPOSITION OF SECURITY EMERGENCY FOR TWO YEARS

COAS says failure to eliminate all manifestations of terrorism not an option STORIES ON PAGES 02 & 03

PAKISTANI TEEN KILLED IN INDIAN FIRING ALONG WORKING BOUNDARY

MINOR BOY INJURED BY INDIAN GUNFIRE IN SHAKARGARH SECTOR INDIAN POLICE OFFICIAL CLAIMS PAKISTANI SHELLING HAS KILLED A WOMAN IN KATHUA SECTOR

DOUBTS MOUNT OVER INDIA’S CLAIMS OF DESTROYING ‘TERROR BOAT’ FROM PAKISTAN

INDIA CLAIMS PAKISTANI RANGERS WERE KILLED BY ‘DEFENSIVE FIRE’ STORIES ON PAGE 02

Holiday Notice The offices of Pakistan Today will remain closed on Sunday, January 4, on account of Eid Miladun Nabi therefore there will be no publication of the newspaper on Monday.

MINE COLLAPSE KILLS 12 IN MOHMAND STORY ON PAGE 02

Vol V No 184

92 Pages

Islamabad Edition

21st Constitutional Amendment Bill and Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015 presented in National Assembly, seek amendments in articles 175 and 245 of the Constitution Reservations of political parties addressed; no person shall be prosecuted without prior sanction of federal govt

atC issues death warrants for six ConviCts in KaraChi

02 NEWS

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

PAKIsTAnI Teen KILLed In IndIAn fIrInG ALonG WorKInG BoundAry MINOR BOY INJURED BY INDIAN GUNFIRE IN SHAKARGARH SECTOR

INDIAN POLICE OFFICIAL CLAIMS PAKISTANI SHELLING HAS KILLED A WOMAN IN KATHUA SECTOR RAWALPINDI/NEW DELHI

SIALKOT: The rooftop of a house in a village in Shakargarh sector seen damaged by Indian mortar shells. INP

Mine collapse kills 12 in Mohmand

AGENCIES

14-year-old girl was killed on Saturday in Sialkot’s Shakargarh sector in an exchange of fire between Chenab Rangers personnel and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the Working Boundary. Fourteen-year-old Samira was a resident of Sialkot’s Aasi Nagar. Following her death, locals have started moving towards safer locations. Moreover, eightyear-old Mursaleen of Bhika Chak was also injured by Indian firing in Shakargarh sector. In India, police officer Rajesh Kumar alleged that Pakistani shelling in the Kathua sector killed a woman and wounded seven villagers. Situation along the Working Boundary has been tense since India and Pakistan reported casualties in clashes in the area and near Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan says the latest round of incidents began when Indian border guards killed two Chenab Rangers’ personnel in Shakargarh sector on Wednesday after calling them for a flag meeting on the Working Boundary. Meanwhile, India says four Pakistani troopers were killed on Wednesday on the de facto border in Kashmir after the killing of an Indian border guard earlier that day. On Friday, Pakistan renewed its demand for investigation into the killing of two paramilitary troops on the Working Boundary and said that the incident had damaged the bilateral mechanisms for peace on the tense LoC and WB. Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz wrote a letter to his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj conveying the protest of the Pakistan government over the Rangers’ killing and calling for a probe and punishment for the BSF soldiers involved in the incident.

India claims Pakistani Rangers were killed by ‘defensive fire’

PESHAWAR: At least 12 miners were killed after a marble mine collapsed in Ziarat area of Mohmand Agency on Saturday. Official sources said that the miners were busy in excavation when the mine collapsed, burying scores of labourers and two vehicles as well. They said that at least 12 bodies have been recovered while some are still under the rubble as locals are carrying out the rescue work. STAFF REPORT

31 militants killed in Tirah airstrikes PESHAWAR: At least 31 suspected militants have been killed and scores of others injured as jet fighters targeted militants hideouts in Koki Khel area of Tirah Valley on Saturday. The statement said that airstrikes also destroyed four militant hideouts in the offensive. Tirah is part of Pakistan’s restive Khyber tribal region where a number of air strikes have been launched against militant hideouts in recent months. STAFF REPORT

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER SUSHMA SWARAJ CLAIMS INDIAN BORDER GUARDS HAD NOT SOUGHT ANY PLATOON-LEVEL MEETING UNDER A WHITE FLAG NEW DELHI AGENCIES

A day after Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz wrote a letter to India’s External Affairs Minister Shushma Swaraj asking Indian authorities to probe the killing of two Pakistan Rangers personnel by Indian border security guards, Swaraj responded to Aziz’s letter on Saturday saying the Indian troops had opened ‘defensive fire’ when they came under fire allegedly from the Pakistani side. “We cannot accept any of the contentions made in your letter. A BSF patrol had come under fire from a Pakistani border post in the area,

which had resulted in the death of one Indian jawan, and serious injuries to another, and that had led to Indian troops opening ‘defensive fire’,” Swaraj claimed in the letter. Pakistani authorities claim that two Rangers personnel had been shot in the Zafarwal sector on the Pakistani side, when they had been invited for a flag meeting to discuss ceasefire violations and Indian firing had prevented medical attention from reaching them, calling it a violation of international norms and a “cold blooded killing”. In her response, Swaraj said “that at no stage did the Indian side seek any platoon level contact under a white flag as was suggested in the

communication.” Swaraj also said that despite Indian messages “consistently” calling for firing to stop, Pakistani commanders continued to fire on Indian border posts till the evening of December 31. Swaraj said India had “always adhered by the mechanisms that have been evolved to ensure peace and tranquillity on the International Border and Line of Control and would continue to do so”.

Govt challenges Lakhvi’s bail in IHC ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday challenged Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi’s bail in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). On December 18, 2014, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted bail to Lakhvi, the commander of the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who was allegedly involved in planning, financing and executing the attacks on the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai in 2008. Special prosecutor FIA Chaudhry Muhammad Azhar challenged his bail in the high court and requested it to suspend the ATC’s order. The prosecutor said there was sufficient evidence against the suspect in the case and that the trial court ignored it while granting him bail. The IHC will take up the matter on January 5. Soon after Lakhvi’s release by the ATC, the Islamabad administration had issued his detention orders under Section 3 of the Public Maintenance Order (3MPC). However, the IHC suspended it. The federal government then challenged the suspension of the detention orders in the Supreme Court. Currently, Lakhvi is on a 14-day judicial remand in Adiala Jail for a six-year old kidnapping case. The case was registered by the Golra police on December 29, 2014, on the complaint of M Dawood, a resident in the capital’s outskirts. STAFF REPORT

ATC issues death warrants for six convicts in Karachi KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court in Karachi issued on Saturday death warrants for six death row prisoners involved in different cases. Two prisoners of Karachi Central Jail, Shafqat Hussain and Behram Khan, were among those whose warrants were issued. Shafqat was sentenced to death for kidnapping and killing a seven-year-old boy in 2004, while Behram was sentenced to death for killing a lawyer on the premises of the Sindh High Court in 2003. Earlier, confusion persisted as jail officials were not sure whether these two inmates would be hanged. “Right now, the orders say that those inmates who are terrorists are to be hanged,” said superintendent Kazi Nazeer Ahmed. “Both these men don’t have affiliations with any banned outfit.” As per the warrants issued, the two men will be hanged in Karachi Central Jail on January 13 and January 14. Further, three of the prisoners belong to the banned sectarian outfit, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and were convicted in 2002 for sectarian killings. Of the three, Shahid Hanif and Khalil will be hanged in Sukkur jail on January 13, while Talha will be executed on January 15. As per the death warrants issued, Zulfiqar, sentenced to death for murdering two policemen outside the US Consulate in Karachi in 2003, will be hanged on January 13 in Adiala jail, Rawalpindi. STAFF REPORT

Doubts mount over India’s claims of destroying ‘terror boat’ from Pakistan LITTLE EVIDENCE OF ‘TERROR’ LINK, THOSE ON BOARD MAY HAVE BEEN PETTY SMUGGLERS, SAY INDIAN MEDIA REPORTS MONITORING DESK Less than 48 hours after the Indian Coast Guard destroyed a boat it suspected was ferrying explosives and terrorists from Pakistan into Indian waters, new evidence has begun to emerge that those on board might have been small-time liquor and diesel smugglers, ferrying bootleg cargo from Gwadar port to other fishing boats which would have carried it into Karachi’s Keti Bandar harbour, stated a report in The Indian Express on Saturday. There are also reports of use of “disproportionate force” since the fishing boat did not have an engine capable of out-running Indian interceptors. A press release by the Indian Ministry of Defence said that “as per the intelligence inputs received on December 31, a fishing boat from Keti Bunder near Karachi was planning some illicit trans-

action in the Arabian Sea”. According to the Indian news outfit, highly-placed sources in the Indian government said the intelligence had no link to terrorism, and made no reference to any threat to India. Instead, the sources said, the (Indian) National Technical Research Organisation had intercepted mobile phone traffic involving small-time smugglers operating out of the fishing port of Keti Bandar, near Karachi. The report, the sources said, was issued directly to the Indian Coast Guard and Navy by a mid-level NTRO official in violation of systems which mandate that any possible threat must be shared with all relevant services, including the (Indian) Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and the Border Security Force. Indian Naval headquarters, the sources said, chose not to deploy ships in response to the intelligence, noting that it did not involve any threat to national security. However, the Indian Coast Guard scrambled at least one interceptor from Porbandar, which was seen leaving dock by local fishermen late on New Year’s Eve. A senior Gujarat Police official reportedly said that the Indian Coast Guard did not share the information with the state police which also has interceptor

boats and coastal police stations meant to interdict coastal trafficking. Maharashtra Police officials also reportedly said they were given no information on a maritime operation underway on December 31, and expressed surprise since the state has several landing points and jetties that could be used by a boat carrying explosives to India’s western seaboard. Three Indian naval officers told The Indian Express it was inconceivable that Pakistani fishing boats — typically fourcrew vessels, with an average length of

less than 25 metres and equipped with 80220 horsepower diesel engines, or smaller mechanised sailboats with 30 horsepower engines — could outrun the Indian Coast Guard’s state-of-the-art ships. Photographs released to media showed only fire damage to the ship’s hull, which would have blown apart had incendiary munitions, such as grenades or ammunition, been on board. Plastic explosive does not ordinarily explode in fires, and only chemical analysis can detect if it was on board. Indian Defence

This handout photograph released by the Indian Ministry of Defence shows a burning vessel off the coast of the western Indian state of Gujarat in the Arabian Sea early on January 1. FILE photo

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Ministry sources reportedly said the Coast Guard has not retrieved debris from the area for forensic analysis. The ministry’s press release also said that “due to darkness, bad weather and strong winds, the boat and people on board could not be saved or recovered”. However, open-source meteorological data for the Porbandar coast for the yearend shows conditions were almost ideal and there were no bad weather warnings for Indian fishermen in the region in the last fortnight of December 2014. “I’ve been talking to our people in the area”, said Narsibhai Jungi Jadeja who heads the Porbandar Fishing Boat Owners’ Association, “and everyone insists they didn’t see a thing. That surprises me, because a fire at night would be visible many nautical miles away”. “I just hope the government clears up the mystery over this, because if any Pakistani fishermen have been killed, the Pakistan navy will take vengeance on us,” he reportedly added. Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum head Saeed Baloch said he was investigating the identity of the destroyed boat, but had no immediate details. “Hundreds of people go out to sea every day, and it is impossible for us to keep track of all of them. I just hope some poor people trying to make a living have not been killed,” he said.

Sunday, 4 January 2015

NEWS

Bills to empower military land in na 21ST CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL AND PAKISTAN ARMY (AMENDMENT) BILL 2015 PRESENTED IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEEK AMENDMENTS IN ARTICLES 175 AND 245 OF THE CONSTITUTION ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

N the backdrop of deliberations on the National Action Plan (NAP) and proposed establishment of special military courts across the country, the National Assembly (NA)’s session on Saturday saw the government presenting two major bills for constitutional amendment to counter Pakistan’s “extraordinary security conditions”. During the NA session also attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, Law, Justice and Human Rights Senator Pervaiz Rashid presented the two bills; 21st Constitutional Amendment Bill 2015 and Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015, for speedy trial of terrorists. The motions were agreed upon by majority of the lawmakers present in the session. However, the constitutional amendment bill will require to be passed by two-thirds of the total participants in both the 342-seat National Assembly and the 104-seat Senate while for amendment in the Army Act, a simple majority will be required. Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Monday evening. 21ST AMENDMENT BILL: The 21st Constitutional Amendment Bill 2015’s

GRENADE LOBBED AT PAKISTANI CONSULATE IN AFGHANISTAN ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Unknown assailants hurled a grenade at the Pakistani consulate in Herat, Afghanistan on Saturday. According to initial details, the grenade exploded in the compound of the consulate but there were no injuries or any damage to the consulate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident, adding that Afghan authorities had been requested to investigate the incident. In May 2014, a handful of heavily armed insurgents, including suicide bombers, had attacked the Indian consulate in Herat. Herat police chief General Samihullah Qatra said four attackers, including suicide bombers, had entered houses close to the consulate before dawn and began shooting into the compound. “There were three suicide bombers. Our security forces killed all of them. Only five of our forces were wounded.”

RESERVATIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES ADDRESSED; NO PERSON SHALL BE PROSECUTED WITHOUT PRIOR SANCTION OF FEDERAL GOVT

Statement of Objects and Reasons reads, “An extraordinary situation and circumstances exist which demand special measures for speedy trial of offences relating to terrorism, waging of war or insurrection against Pakistan and prevention of acts threatening the security of Pakistan. Grave and unprecedented threat exists to the territorial integrity of Pakistan by miscreants, terrorists and foreign funded elements. It is expedient that an appropriate amendment is made in the Constitution.” The bill reads, “The people of Pakistan have expressed their firm resolve through their chosen representatives in the All Parties’ Conferences (APC) to wipe out and eradicate terrorists from the country. It is expedient to provide constitutional protection to the necessary measures taken in the interest of security and integrity of the country.” The bill seeks amendment in Constitution’s Article 175 Clause (3), and proposes that at the end a colon be substituted instead of a full stop and thereafter following provision be inserted: “Provided that the provision of this Article shall have no application to the trial of persons under any of the Acts mentioned at serial no 6, 7, 8 and 9 of Part I (III) of the First Schedule, who claims, or is known, to belong to any terrorist group or organization using the name of religion or a sect.”

The bill also seeks amendment in the First Schedule of the Constitution. “In the Constitution, in the First Schedule, Part I (III), after entry 5, the following new entries shall be added, namely: 6) The Pakistan Army Act 1852 (XXXIX) of 1952, 7) The Pakistan Air Force Act, 1953 (VI of 1953), 8) The Pakistan Navy Ordinance, 1961 (XXXV of 1961), 9) The Protection of Pakistan Act, 2014 (X of 2014).” PAKISTAN ARMY AMENDMENT BILL: Furthermore, the Pakistan Army Amendment Bill, 2015 seeks addition of a new sub section in Article 245 of the Constitution. The bill’s Statement of Objects and Reasons reads, “An extraordinary situation and circumstances exist which demand special measures for speedy trial certain offenses relating to terrorism, waging of war or insurrection against Pakistan and prevention of acts threatening the security of Pakistan by any terrorist group using the name of religion or a sect and members of such armed groups wings and militia.” “There exists grave and unprecedented threats to the integrity of Pakistan by the raising of arms and insurgency using the name of religion and a sect by groups of foreign and locally funded elements including warriors using the name of the religion and locally funded elements including warriors using the name

of the religion or a sect who are to be severely dealt with under the law. The Bill is designed to achieve the said object.” The provisions in bill shall remain in force for a period of two years from the date of its commencement and shall cease to form part of the Act and shall stand repealed on the expiration of this period unless extended by resolution passed by each House of the Parliament. According to the proposed amendments, following new sub clauses shall be inserted in the Pakistan Army Act 1952 (XXXIX of 1952) in section 2, sub-section (1) in clause (d) after sub clause (ii): “(iii) any person who is or claims or is known to belong to any terrorist group or organisation using the name of religion or a sect and raises arms or wages war against Pakistan or attacks the Armed Forces of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies or attacks any civil or military installations in Pakistan or kidnaps any person for ransom or causes death of any person or injury or is in possession, storage fabrication or transport of explosives, fire arms instruments articles suicide jackets or vehicles designed to be used for terrorist acts or receives or provides funding from any foreign or local sources for such illegal activities and acts or does any act to overawe the state or any section of the public or a sect or a religious minority or to create terror or insecurity in Pakistan or attempts to commit any of the said acts, within or outside Pakistan shall be punished under this Act.” “(iv) Any person, who is or claims or is known to belong to any terrorist group or organisation using the name of religion or a sect, commits an offence mentioned at serial NOs (i), (ii), (iii), (V), (Vi), (VII),

APEX COMMITTEES FORMED IN ALL PROVINCES TO IMPLEMENT NAP COAS SAYS FAILURE TO ELIMINATE ALL MANIFESTATIONS OF TERRORISM NOT AN OPTION RAWALPINDI APP

While speaking at a special meeting of the Punjab Apex Committee held at Corps Headquarters Lahore, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif Saturday said, “Failure to eliminate all manifestations of extremism and terrorism at the grass root level in our country is not an option, no matter what the cost. Key to success lies in whole-hearted participation of society

and ensuring harmony among all intelligence and law enforcing agencies at every level.” According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a bid to coordinate security and implement the re-

cently approved National Action Plan (NAP), provincial apex committees, constituting both military and political leaderships, have been formed in all provinces. Yesterday’s meeting of the Punjab

(VIII), (IX), (X), (XI), (XII), (Xiii), (XV), (XVi), (XVii), (Xiii), (XV), (XVii), and (XX) in the schedule to the Protection of Pakistan Act 2014 (X of 2014).” “Provided that any person who is alleged to have abetted, aided or conspired in the commission of any offence falling under sub-clause (iii) or sub-clause (iv) shall be tried under this Act wherever he may have committed that offence.” “Provided further that no person accused of an offence falling under subclause (iv) shall be prosecute without the prior sanction of the Federal Government.” In an explanation, the proposition reads, “In this Act the expression ‘sect’ means a sect of religion and does not include any political party registered under any law for the time being in force.” Moreover, it has been proposed that after sub-section (3) of the Act, the following new sub-sections shall be added: “4) The Federal Government shall have the power to transfer any proceedings in respect of any person who is accused of any offence falling under sub-clause (iii) or sub-clause ( iv) of clause (d) of sub-section (1) pending in any court to a court this Act.” “(5) Any proceedings transferred under sub section (4) shall be deemed to have been instituted under this Act.” “6) Where a case is transferred under sub section (4) it shall not be necessary to record evidence which has already been recorded.” Lastly, amendment of section 60, ACT XXXIX OF 1952, has also been proposed. The proposition reads, “In the said Act, in section 60, in clause (k) after the word ‘law’ occurring at the end, the words ‘and any other law for the time being in force’ shall be added.” Apex Committee was held to kick off the process of implementation in this regard. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif along with heads of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), senior provincial officials and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general attended the meeting which reviewed the prevalent internal security situation in the province. “All Parties Conference (APC)’s resolve of the national leadership to root out terrorism from our soil will serve as a force multiplier,” the COAS told the meeting, assuring the forum of army’s full support to provincial governments for judicious and speedy action against all forces of evil on the soil of Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif appreciated the whole-hearted support of Pakistan Army and reiterated the resolve of the Punjab government for ridding the province of terrorism and extremism. He emphasised the importance of joint execution of a comprehensive security plan within laid down parameters and timelines.

NISAR PROPOSES IMPOSITION OF SECURITY EMERGENCY FOR TWO YEARS INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS MILITARY COURTS WILL ONLY TRY TERRORISTS, ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST MADRASSAS HAVING PROVEN LINKS WITH EXTREMISTS ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Saturday proposed that there should be national security emergency in the country for the next two years because there is a need to focus time, energy and resources on achieving the country’s security targets within this timeframe. Addressing a news conference, the minister said that military courts would not be used to try civilians, politicians, madrassas, businessmen and media personnel, adding that no political party has militant wings. “Only terrorism-related cases would be tried in the special courts,” said Nisar, adding that the new laws would only be used against terrorists indulging in anti-state activities. The minister emphasised that the

country’s normal judicial system would continue to function simultaneously. “The establishment of special courts is not a show of no-confidence in the judicial system,” said Nisar, adding that the “extraordinary circumstances” warrant the setting up of military courts. “The Pakistan Army, police and security agencies would present terrorists before special courts where they would get full opportunity to defend themselves,” said Nisar, adding that special courts headed by army officers also work under laws, rules and regulations. He dispelled the impression that military courts are being constituted under pressure from the army. The minister said that the Peshawar tragedy was not an intelligence failure as “timely alerts are issued to all provinces”. “Agencies have been sharing intelligence but the provinces are responsible

SAYS FOUR ISLAMIC COUNTRIES APPROACHED TO PLUG FOREIGN FUNDING FOR TERRORISTS

for taking preventive measures or any other action.” COUNTER-TERROR ACTION SO FAR: Nisar said that tackling terrorism requires “collective national efforts in which every citizen will have to be mobilised”. Providing details of the counter terror National Action Plan, Nisar said SHOs have been tasked to keep an eye on all those entering and leaving the area of their jurisdiction besides monitoring hotels in the localities. Nisar said that the federal and provincial agencies have already started action to identify Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) terrorists, their supporters, financiers and planners. “Around 400 intelligence-based operations were conducted over the past three months in which 100 terrorists were killed and 250 were arrested,” said Nisar, adding that operations are being launched in Federal Areas as well as in provinces to

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SAYS SPECIAL COURTS DO NOT SUGGEST INEFFICACY OF COUNTRY’S JUDICIAL SYSTEM

arrest illegal residents. “About 500 such people have been arrested from the suburbs of Islamabad.” Nisar said that an exercise has been initiated to gather data of all Afghan refugees in Pakistan who were “supposed to be in camps but unfortunately have spread to different parts of the country.” COUNTER-TERROR ACTION COMING UP: The minister said a meeting of Ulema organisations would be convened in Islamabad to seek their help in implementation of the decisions of the National Action Plan. “Most madrassas have nothing to do with extremism. Action would only be taken against seminaries supporting and promoting extremism,” said Nisar, adding that the evidence would be shared. Nisar said there would be zero tolerance against hate literature or speech. “Such literature

would be confiscated and action taken against those involved in such activities.” The minister said there should not be glorification of militants or their activities, adding that those misusing loudspeakers would be arrested. He also urged media not to publicise messages or threats of militants. He said that law enforcement agencies would block financial resources of terrorists. “The 60 banned organisations would not be allowed to operate under any other name and agencies would identify their accounts and seize them,” said Nisar. However, all banned organisation do not comprise terrorists and action would be taken against those involved in terrorism against the state, added Nisar. He said that four Islamic countries had been contacted to ensure that terrorists get no funding from abroad.

04 NEWS

Sunday, 4 January 2015

Hate material seized in BalocHistan crackdown QUETTA

STAFF REPORT

OLICE and Frontier Corps (FC) on Saturday launched a crackdown against shopkeepers selling hate material in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. Quetta Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Razzaq Cheema stated that 40 suspects were apprehended and 20 shops were sealed during different raids in Quetta. Police also recovered 715 detonators, walkie-talkie sets and other materials

WOMAN MAKING PRINCE ANDREW SEX CLAIMS VOWS NOT TO BE SILENCED loNDoN: The woman who named Britain’s Prince Andrew in a US court filing claiming that she was kept as an underage “sex slave” by a Wall Street financier said Saturday she would not be silenced. The plaintiff, identified only as “Jane Doe #3” in court papers, told the Guardian newspaper that she refuses to be “unjustly victimised again” after robust denials from Buckingham Palace and another man named in the suit. The story made headline news in Britain’s newspapers on Saturday. According to the motion filed in a Florida court on Monday, the woman alleges she was “forced to have sexual relations” with Andrew, the Duke of York, in London, New York and the Caribbean at the behest of Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, a known friend of the 54-year-old prince, was convicted in 2008 of soliciting an underage girl for prostitution and served a prison term. No dates for the purported sexual encounters were given, but the woman claimed she was Epstein’s sex slave from 1999 through 2002. In a strongly worded response on Friday, Buckingham Palace said that “any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue”. Another man named in the court papers also robustly protested his innocence. Alan Dershowitz, one of Epstein’s defence lawyers with whom “Jane Doe #3” was allegedly forced to have sex with on several occasions, told AFP the story was “made up”. AGENCIES

BARS TO SUPPORT MILITARY COURTS CONDITIONALLY lAHoRE: The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) have announced conditional support for military courts. The decision was made at a joint meeting of both the bars held to discuss the formation of military courts at Supreme Court Lahore Registry on Saturday. Talking to reporters after the meeting, PBC Vice Chairman Burhan Moazzum Malik said that the lawyers have never supported military courts or dictatorship in the past but now the country was facing a special situation and it was the reason that political and military leadership had agreed on formation of military courts. He said that the lawyers should not adopt policy of opposition for sake of opposition in these circumstances. Burhan said that the PBC was waiting for proposed constitutional draft for formation of the military courts and final stance would be given after reviewing it. SCBA President Fazal-e-Haq Abbasi said that due to special circumstances of the country, the legal fraternity agreed that formation of military courts should not be opposed for sake of opposition. APP

from the sealed shops. Since the Peshawar school attack, security forces have been conducting raids in different parts of Balochistan and arresting suspected militants. FC also conducted raids in Chaman, Killa Abdullah, Khuzdar, Turbat and other districts of Balochistan and recovered hate materials including books, pamphlets, CDs and literature. The FC spokesman said that the crackdown was launched after approval by the federal government. CCPO Cheema stated that raids were conducted in Kuchlak, Satellite Town,

SC DISMISSES PLEA OF TWO DEATH ROW PRISONERS ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Supreme Court returned the joint petition of two death row prisoners appealing for their release after overserving their life imprisonment. Abid Maqsood and Sanaullah filed a constitutional petition through their counsel Muhammad Arshad Bhatti regarding their release after spending 17 years in prison. The accused were awarded death sentences for the offence of Zina (adultery) on June 24, 1998. Earlier, their appeals were dismissed by the High Court as well as the Supreme Court. The petitioners contended that their death sentence has not been executed by the executive and they served more than life imprisonment. They added as per settled law, no person can be convicted twice.

The petition of the death row prisoners stated they were convicted in a Hudood case and cannot be treated similar to those accused in anti-state activities. “Delay in non-execution of death sentence is not on the part of the accused because they are in death cells for more than 17 years. If death is not executed, this delay is on the part of the executive. So delay of nonexecution of the death sentence cannot deprive the petitioner from benefit of Article 13 of the constitution.” Further, it is stated that both the prisoners had filed mercy petitions before the president but their plea is still pending. Now, the Supreme Court registrar’s office has objected that the petitioners have not exhausted the proper remedy available to them under the law after the dismissal of their petitions. It further states that the

MADRASSA BODY DEMANDS END TO ‘PROPAGANDA’ AGAINST SEMINARIES Moot declares maligning of religious institutions a ‘calculated plan of secular elements, colonial powers, Zionists’ LAHORE STAFF REPORT

The Tanzeemat-e-Madaris al Islamia (TMI), the central body of religious educational institutions on Saturday condemned the “malicious propaganda” against madrassas which they allege are being maligned “under pressure from the West”. In a TMI meeting held at Mansoora, the participants urged the government to immediately stop the campaign unleashed against Islam, Islamic signs, mosques and the religious educational institutions “under the cover of the Peshawar tragedy”. The TMI meeting was presided over by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq. Tanzeemul Madaris Ahle Sunat President Munibur Rehman, Chief Organiser Abdul Mustafa Hazarvi, Muhammad Hanif Jalandri, Wifawqul Madaris al Salfia Chief Organiser Yaseen Zafar, Ghulam Muhammad Sialvi and Abdul Malik. The moot declared that the male and female students attending the madrassas were “loyal to Pakistan” and were ready to lay down their lives for the country. A declaration adopted unanimously at the meeting termed all terrorist attacks, including the Peshawar terrorist attack “heinous crimes against Islam and humanity”, adding that Islam does not

permit the killing of innocent people, women, minors and the aged even during war. The participants fully supported the counter-terrorism plan adopted unanimously by the civil and military leadership, adding that this was the need of the hour for the security, peace and stability of Pakistan. The meeting strongly condemned the attempts to bracket terrorism with religion, and alleged that this was a “calculated plan of secular elements, colonial powers and the Zionists to malign religion”. The moot reiterated that madrassas were the seat of teaching of the Holy Quran and ahadith and declared them “the fortresses of Islam”. “Mosques and madrassas have been functioning in the region for centuries with the prevailing curriculum to promote Islamic values, brotherhood and religious knowledge in the society,” said the participants. Stating that madrassas had nothing to do with terrorism or extremism in the country, the declaration noted that out of those charged with terrorism only “a few” were related to madrassas. It stated that the onus of any terror act of an individual having past link with a madrassa could not be placed on all madrassas in general, adding that there was “no justification for the propaganda against madrassas.

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petition pertains to an individual grievance; therefore, original jurisdiction of the court cannot be invoked by filing a constitutional petition under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution. MilitARy couRtS Meanwhile, the SC on Saturday refused to entertain a plea requesting the court to reconsider its 1999 verdict in the Sheikh Liaquat Hussain case, which declared military courts unconstitutional. A habitual petitioner and Awami Himayat Tehreek Chairman Maulvi Iqbal Haider on December 28 filed a constitutional petition under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution, requesting the court to revisit its earlier verdict and empower the government, in view of the prevailing circumstances, to make laws or promulgate ordinances to establish military courts in order to help civil authorities curb terrorism and militancy.

Pashtoonbabad and other areas and more than 40 shopkeepers were arrested. “We will not allow anyone to spread hatred,” Cheema said. Markets in Quetta have been awash with CDs and hate literature for more than a decade. This is the first time that police and FC have launched a joint crackdown against shopkeepers. “We are interrogating the arrested shopkeepers,” Razzaq Cheema said. When asked about threats in Quetta, the CCPO stated that information about threats were available but police were determined to ensure peace in the province.

POLIO WORKER’S HOUSE SET ABLAZE IN KURRAM PESHAWAR: A polio worker’s house was set ablaze by militants in Kurram Agency on Saturday. However, no loss of life was reported in the attack. The political administration said militants burned down the house of polio worker Muhammad Wazir in Khattakmela. Between July 2012 and November 2014, 57 people, including vaccinators, health workers and security personnel escorting polio teams during the door-to-door immunisation campaigns have been killed across Pakistan. A province-wise breakdown shows that most of the casualties took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 24 people (nine health workers and 15 security personnel) were killed during this period. The poor polio vaccination campaigns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have worried the UN agencies, which have been supporting the province’s immunisation programme, according to sources. STAFF REPORT

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

NEWS

Iran rejects controversIal new hIjab law TEHRAN

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draft law that would give greater powers to Iran’s police to enforce women’s compulsory wearing of the veil has been ruled unconstitutional, state media reported Saturday. Under Islamic law in force in Iran since the 1979 revolution, women must wear loose clothing, known as hijab, that covers the head and neck and which conceals their hair. But many now push the boundaries by wearing thin head scarves, tight leggings and fashionable coats rather than a chador, a long and traditional black garment that covers the entire body from head to toe. This has led to claims from lawmakers and religious leaders that the

rules are being skirted and not maintained by morality police whose job is to ensure Islamic dress code is complied with in public places. The draft law, called the “Plan on Protection of Promoters of Virtue and Vice” was rejected by the country’s influential Guardian Council, a 12member group that scrutinises legislation. The official IRNA news agency, quoting a council spokesman, said the 24-point plan contained 14 flaws and it “contradicted the constitution and was not approved”. The report did not give specifics. However, the council’s decision is not the end of the law, under which lawmakers want to give members of the Basij, a religious volunteer force established by the country’s revolutionary leaders, power and protection to verbally caution women they deem improperly dressed.

Amal Clooney ‘threatened with arrest’ in Egypt British human rights lawyer had identiﬁed ﬂaws in judicial system that later contributed to convictions of three al-Jazeera journalists LONDON AGENCIES

British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney claimed in an interview published Saturday that she was threatened with arrest in Egypt after identifying flaws in the judicial system that later contributed to the convictions of three al-Jazeera journalists. Clooney, a rights lawyer who married Hollywood star George Clooney in a lavish Venice ceremony last year, helped compile a report for the International Bar Association in February 2014 that raised questions about the independence of judges and prosecutors in Egypt. “When I went to launch the report, first of all they stopped us from doing it in Cairo,” she told the Guardian newspaper. “They said: ‘Does the report criticise the army, the judiciary, or the government?’ We said: ‘Well, yes.’ They said: ‘Well then, you’re risking arrest,’” said Clooney, who is one of the lawyers representing one of the trio of al-Jazeera reporters currently detained in Cairo. The report, based on a fact-finding mission made in mid-2013, warned about the wide powers that ministers had over judges and highlighted a record of selective prosecutions. Supporters of the three al-Jazeera journalists, who were detained in December 2013 and accused of spreading false information and aiding the blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood, say the charges were politically motivated. One of the recommendations in Clooney’s report was to end the practice that allows Egyptian officials to handpick judges in certain politicised cases. “That recommendation wasn’t fol-

lowed, and we’ve seen the results of that in this particular case where you had a handpicked panel led by a judge who is known for dispensing brutal verdicts. And this one was no different,” she said. Egypt’s top court on Thursday ordered a retrial of Australian Peter Greste, Egyptian-Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian Baher Mohamed, but kept the journalists in custody pending a new hearing. Fahmy – whom Clooney represents – and Greste are seeking deportation, while Mohamed’s wife said she was looking at ways to get her husband out of Egypt. Clooney said she hoped that Fahmy’s deportation would go ahead “in fairly quick terms”, expressing little confidence in a retrial. “I don’t see how the prosecution can proceed again in a trial process even if the judges were to be constituted properly this time around. I don’t see how they could fix the lack of evidence,” she said. “We have to continue and double our efforts to achieve his release in other ways. Unfortunately we have to conclude that we can’t rely on these Egyptian court processes to achieve a fair or swift result,” she said.

SAUDI ARABIA TO REOPEN BAGHDAD EMBASSY AFTER 25-YEAR CHILL DUBAI AGENCIES

A Saudi delegation will travel to Baghdad in the coming week to start preparations to reopen an embassy in the Iraqi capital for the first time in 25 years, official Saudi media said on Saturday. A thaw in the once chilly relations between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and Shialed Iraq could help strengthen a regional alliance against Islamic State militants who have seized territory in Iraq and Syria. Saudi Arabia closed its Baghdad embassy in 1990 after the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. It has long accused Iraq of being too close to Shia Iran, its main regional rival, and of encouraging sectarian discrimination against Sunnis, a charge Baghdad denies. The Saudi move would help return Iraq to the Arab nation “after an absence since the toppling of the Saddam Hussein regime and the penetration of the Iranian regime into the joints of the Iraqi state,” said Abdullah al Askar, head of the foreign affairs committee on Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, which advises the government on policy. Saudi Arabia began cautious moves towards rapprochement after the appointment in August of Haider al Abadi as Iraq’s new

prime minister. Senior members of the kingdom’s ruling Al Saud dynasty had branded his predecessor, Nuri al Maliki, a puppet of Iran, according to US embassy cables released by WikiLeaks, and accused him of ruling Iraq only on behalf of the Shia population. Citing an official foreign ministry source, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said that besides reopening its embassy, the kingdom also planned to set up a general consulate in Arbil, capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan region. A team from the ministry would head to Baghdad this week to liaise with Iraq on choosing and preparing buildings for both missions, so they could start work “at the earliest opportunity”, SPA said. Mustafa Alani, an Iraqi security analyst with close ties to the Saudi government, said the move was prompted by both the change in Iraqi leadership and the threat from Islamic State, which staged a lightning advance across Iraq in June and is the target of US-led air strikes in both Iraq and Syria. “The Saudis think there is a gap now. If they leave Mr Abadi without help, he will be forced to go to the Iranians,” he said. “With the change of leadership, change of circumstances, they think that it’s time to bring back Iraq … to the Arab fold and to reduce the Iranian influence.”

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The council has sent the law back to parliament for amendment, IRNA said. The wearing of hijab is an emotive issue in the Islamic republic, with supporters saying it is an essential part of Islamic culture for women, but opponents argue that it is an ill-defined legal requirement. The draft law, which was approved by parliament in December, also aimed to place responsibility on employers to ensure hijab is observed by workers, with companies facing fines for non-compliance. President Hassan Rouhani, who has been under pressure from hardline lawmakers to pursue a tougher police stand on the veil, distanced himself from the planned law in a speech on October 25. “We should not be overly focused on one issue, such as bad hijab, to prevent vice,” he said.

06 NEWS

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

shanghaI stampede reveals gleamIng chIna’s hIdden weakness SHANGHAI

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OZENS of deaths from a crush in Shanghai highlight China’s enduring vulnerabilities even as the country races ahead economically, commentators say, with authorities’ management outpaced by new buildings and advanced transport. A New Year’s Eve celebration on Shanghai’s signature waterfront Bund turned deadly, killing 36 people, most of them young women, in a city that hosted the World Expo in 2010 and where the stock market went up more than 50 per cent last year. Shanghai has been at the forefront of China’s decades of rapid development and now boasts the world’s second-tallest building and its first commercially operated magnetic levitation — or maglev — train, part of the biggest high-speed rail network on earth. It is the location of China’s first free trade zone and has stated intentions of becoming an “international city” and a global centre for finance, trade and shipping, echoing its history before the Communists took power in 1949. But despite those major achievements and tall ambitions, residents question how police nevertheless failed to control the crowds that led to the New Year crush, which also injured 49. Chinese police are not accustomed to handling spontaneous large groups in a country where the Communist authorities

normally keep strict control of major gatherings. A comment by a police officer that fewer personnel were dispatched to the Bund for New Year than China’s National Day celebration last year has stoked the controversy. “I believe this is a major case of negligence by government safety agencies,” said a microblog poster using the handle Shenshan Laohan 96886. “Because they made this wrong judgement call, didn’t take measures at the scene, it led to the tragedy.” Police

have said through state media that a more-than-normal 700 officers in the area responded quickly to the incident, despite witnesses saying emergency vehicles had trouble gaining access due to the crowds. In an unusually critical commentary, China’s own official news agency Xinhua said the Shanghai stampede was a “wakeup call” over the push for economic growth at the expense of people. “The world’s second-largest economy is still a developing country which

has fragile social management,” it said. ‘No stranger to incidents’ “Similar incidents causing heavy casualties are rare in developed countries,” it added, citing mine disasters and industrial accidents as other symbols of the hazards of rapid growth. But while China was “working on achieving its dream of rejuvenation”, Xinhua said, it was “no stranger to such incidents”. The country’s coal mines are among the world’s most dangerous, while factory

SUSPECT IN US EMBASSY BOMBINGS DIES BEFORE NY TRIAL NEW YORK AGENCIES

A suspected al Qaeda figure alleged to have helped plan the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya has died in New York just days ahead of his scheduled trial, his son and the prosecutor said on Saturday. Abu Anas al-Liby (also spelled alLibi), whose real name was Nazih alRagye, was seized by US forces in October 2013 in the Libyan capital Tripoli and brought to the United States to face criminal charges stemming from the bombings, which killed 224 people. Liby, 50, died on Friday at a local hospital after being transported from a Manhattan correctional center on Wednesday, according to a letter to US District Judge Lewis Kaplan from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Speaking to Reuters by tele-

phone, his son Ahmed al-Ragye blamed US authorities for his death. “We hold the US legally responsible for the death of my father. He had developed cancer while being in prison in America,” Ragye said. “We had undergone surgery in a hospital and had been sent back afterwards to prison though his condition had not been stable,” he said. “We demand US authorities to send his body back without conducting an autopsy so we can see ourselves and verify why he died.” Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara said in the letter Liby suffered “sudden complications arising out of his long-standing medical problems” and died on Jan. 2. Prosecutors said Liby’s lawyer was with him throughout the day and an imam was present at the hospital. Liby’s attorney, Bernard Kleinman, could not be immediately reached.

thousands In sweden rally under ‘don’t touch my mosque’ banner STOCKHOLM AGENCIES

Liby had been scheduled to face trial, along with accused Osama bin Laden associate Khalid al-Fawwaz, on Jan. 12. Both men had pleaded not guilty. Liby was seized by commandos from the Pentagon’s elite Delta Force outside his residence in Tripoli and transferred by Zodiac raft to the USS San Antonio, a US Navy ship floating

off the Libya coast, Kleinman recently told Reuters. He said his client was held on the ship and interrogated. Eventually he was flown to the USA. The Libyan government criticized the operation as an unauthorized incursion. Documents filed with the court in September later revealed the Libyan government was paying his legal fees.

FROM MODEL TO MILITANT MONITORING DESK As the Islamic State’s (IS) global recruitment drive reaches an unprecedented scale, the professional background of its inductees becomes growingly interesting. Among the latest IS recruits is a male model from Melbourne, Australia, who has left the runway to become part of the militant group’s rampage. Sharky Jama, who has been described as a “budding male model,” is believed to have joined IS and resides in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, which has been under IS control for almost a year, reported Al-Arabiya News. Pictures of Jama, who is of Somali descent, have been published by his modelling agency, which feature him walking down the runway in smart attire on a beach. The former model is said to have been accompanied by his friend, former La Trobe University student, Yusuf Yusuf. His friend has reportedly fled for the IS stronghold of Raqqa in Syria. “Mr Jama’s former social media accounts, including one with the username ‘thelastkhliafat’, a misspelled reference to an Islamic caliphate, have been deleted. But he maintains a Facebook page under a different name in which he offers his per-

accidents often occur as owners evade regulations or bribe officials to ignore safety violations. “Improving people’s lives should become a yardstick against which national development is measured,” Xinhua said. “There is no development worth people’s lives.” The Shanghai crush was centred on a wide stairway linking a raised riverfront promenade with a plaza below, part of a major urban reconstruction project in the 1990s that transformed the Bund, which began as a muddy towpath in the 19th century. The changes expanded the area, moved traffic underground and created a tourist attraction. Peter Hibbard, author of the history The Bund Shanghai: China Faces West, praised the creation of the public space and said it had “caught people’s imagination as a place to go”. But he added: “The Bund never had the capability of accommodating so many people before.” The Bund is now packed with high-end restaurants and expensive boutiques, and Shanghai residents have traditionally flocked there to celebrate New Year, with nearly 300,000 packing the area last New Year’s Eve. More recently, the district government has staged official celebrations, and this year’s “countdown” included a light show, performances and fireworks. But the crush highlighted a mismatch between the city’s growth and its public services. Shanghai’s official population is 24 million, but the number of unregistered migrant workers — who, despite being encouraged to move to cities are shut out of social services such as healthcare and education — boost the total. “There’s a management issue,” said Andy Xie, an independent economist and a Shanghai native. “There are social issues about all of these people flocking to the city. It’s not easy to manage Shanghai... There’s nothing like this elsewhere in the world.”

spectives on IS and life under its banners,” reported the Daily Mail Australia’s online portal. Jama is described as a “brown-eyed, blackhaired man who stands at 5’11 and wears a size 38R suit,” on his modelling agency page. “The materialism displayed in his sample photographs contrasts deeply with his new life and religious views,” the newspaper read. It added, “From his posts and comments, it appears Mr Jama first travelled through Europe after leaving Australia, telling one friend he ‘had to shave’ his beard ‘before crossing borders’.”

The federal government holds that more than 70 Australians have fled to join the IS fight in Iraq and Syria, reported the Daily Mail. Counter-terrorism researcher, Dr Anne Aly said, “It might take a year, it might take six months and, if they continue down that path and become more and more radicalised, they get to the point where they’re ready to take action.” The Australian newspaper stated that nearly 70 Australians are believed to be in Iraq and Syria, with government estimates suggesting that another 20 have been killed in fighting. While many Australians have taken up arms for IS, others have become part of the group’s propaganda arm. It was earlier reported that a man from western Sydney offers his services as the organisation’s video editor. In an interview with The Australian, the man described his life as “pretty typical.” He said, “I have a job, I live in a HQ, eat, sleep, work, and hope an airstrike gets me so I can be Shaheed.” Two Australian nationals, Abdullah Elmir, 17, and Zakaria Raad, 22, have featured in IS propaganda videos. Elmir last appeared in a video in October, in which he was surrounded by IS militants. Raad was reportedly killed shortly after his appearance in a recruitment video posted in July.

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After a string of attacks on mosques in Sweden, locals are expressing solidarity with Muslims by staging rallies on Friday. Under the banner of “Don’t touch my mosque”, thousands gathered in major cities Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo to condemn the attacks, says a report by Al Jazeera. In the city of Uppsala, a mosque which had antiMuslim rhetoric scribbled on the walls was “love-bombed” by locals who pasted heart-shaped paper cutouts to show solidarity with Muslims before Friday prayers. A day before the “lovebombing”, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Uppsala mosque. However, there was no fire. Three attacks that were spaced out by only a few days in the last week of December occurred at mosques in Eskilstuna, Eslov and most recently in Uppsala. Five were injured in the Eskilstuna attack. The attacks occurred at a time when Islamophobia and racism against immigrants in Sweden is on the rise, although locals play their role in supporting the Muslims in the country. Sweden’s leftist Prime Minister Stefan Lofven also denounced what he called the spurt of “hateful violence.” “We will never tolerate this kind of crime. Those who want to practise their religion should have the right to do so,” Lofven told public radio station SR. Answering calls to denounce the attack in Eskilstuna by the “Together for Eskilstuna” Facebook page, a large group of people converged on the damaged mosque to show their support. “Several hundred people were there to deliver a message of friendship,” police spokesman Roland Lindqvist said.

Photo shows paper hearts pasted at the entrance of Uppsala Mosque in Sweden.

WEATHER UPDATES SUNDAY

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Sunday, 4 January, 2015

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‘Follow the ProPhet (PBUh) and Fight extremism’ PRIME MINISTER URGES NATION TO FOLLOW HOLY PROPHET (PBUH)’S TEACHINGS FOR PEACEFUL, PROSPEROUS SOCIETY

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

N his message on Eid Miladun Nabi, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the nation to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in fighting “all kinds of extremist beliefs”. The premier said that the basic requi-

site to express love and respect for the Prophet (PBUH) is to follow his Sunnah and teachings including unity, tolerance, fraternity, harmony, and the spirit of sacrifice and reconciliation. “The Prophet (PBUH) never commanded about a single thing which he never implemented in his own life. The society will grow into an exemplary society right from the day we start practically implementing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in our lives,” he said, felicitating the nation on the revered day. Furthermore, the premier said that through the Prophet (PBUH), the Almighty guided the humanity towards the path of success and triumph. “Islam is the religion of nature and blessings. It is the religion of tolerance, patience, religious harmony, respect for humanity, forbearance and compassion,” he added. “Almighty is the Creator of human nature and disposition and for the betterment of His creation, He bestowed them with the religion Islam, which is very close and compatible to the human nature. This is

RAWALPINDI: Boys decorate streets on the eve of Eid Miladun Nabi (SAW). INP

Security tightened as twin cities soak in religious fervour WITH 5,500 COPS DEPLOYED FOR PINDI’S PROTECTION, EID MILADUN NABI WILL BE CELEBRATED TODAY WITH TRADITIONAL ZEAL ISLAMABAD ONLINE

As the residents of twin cities gear up to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi today (Sunday), as many as 5,500 cops have been deployed in Rawalpindi to ensure security for the processions. The government and religious organizations have planned a number of activities to celebrate the annual event. There is an official holiday throughout the country. Special functions will be held and processions will be taken out in all major cities and towns of the country. The routes of processions will be illuminated and decorated with colourful flags. Prominent scholars and orators will throw light on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the occasion. In Rawalpindi, the main procession of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) will start in the morning from Jamia Masjid Road, Bunni Chowk and after passing from Circular Road, Waris Khan, Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, Fowara Chowk and Raja Bazaar will culminate at central Jamia Mosque Rawalpindi. Another big procession of Rawalpindi Cantt area will start from Chungi No 22 and after passing through its traditional route will culminate at the starting point. The city district government has set up a control room for the surveillance of the processions and for reviewing security arrangements. The control room will work round the clock. Rawalpindi Police on the special directive of Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Hamyoun Bashir Tarar is making concerted efforts with the help of other departments concerned aimed at maintaining law and order, to avert any untoward incident.

According to details, under the security plan formulated for 12 Rabiul Awwal, fool proof security arrangements have been finalised while over 1,500 cops will be on security duty for main Eid Miladun Nabi procession of the city. Police reserves will also be on high alert for 12 Rabiul Awwal to meet any eventuality. According to the spokesman of Rawalpindi Police, Ulema, Mushaiksh and religious scholars of different sects have also been taken on board to promote religious harmony in the city. Additional force of Special Branch, Elite Force, Women Police and motorcycle squads and members of district peace committee along with district police will be deployed to ensure security for Eid Miladun Nabi. As many as 2,500 cops will be deployed in other tehsils of the district to ensure the security of the faithful. Elaborate security arrangements have also been made for Taxila, Wah, Gujar Khan, Murree, Kahuta and other areas. Strict checking of vehicles is being made at entry and exist points of the Rawalpindi city. There would be strict monitoring of the procession while Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have also been installed to ensure the security. Parking of vehicles will not be allowed at the route of the procession. No one will be allowed to stand on roof tops of the commercial and residential buildings situated along the route of the main procession while armed police personnel will be deployed on the rooftops of the buildings. Police patrolling has also been enhanced. Members of district peace committee along with female volunteers of civil defence and lady police would also be deployed with the procession. Special checking of the route of the procession would be completed before start of the procession and bomb disposal squad will clear the route on 12 Rabiul Awwal. The attendees of the processions will be checked with metal detectors and walk through gates would be installed at the entry points. The route of the main procession would be sealed completely and streets on the route of the procession will also be barricaded.

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the best gift for the mankind.” Sharif said the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the true reflection of the religion of nature. The virtues of excellence that are required for the realization of humanity, have not only been taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also been implemented by him in his own life. Hundreds of instances came in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when instead of taking revenge he used the policy of patience, forgiveness, pardon, reconciliation and dialogue. The prime minister also resolved that his govt, which has also embarked upon the journey of prosperity, will soon be successful in achieving the goals of development. He also prayed to Allah to forgive shortcomings and bless the country with the benediction of the Prophet (PBUH). PROPHET (PBUH) IS OUR ULTIMATE ROLE MODEL: NA SPEAKER: Moreover, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has provided a complete code of life and clear solution of religious, social, economic and personal problems.

In his message on Eid Miladun Nabi, Sadiq congratulated Muslims on the auspicious occasion saying, “We can only attain development, prosperity and dignity through practicing the teachings of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). Sunday is the birthday of a great personality, who is mercy for all mankind and who elevated the status of humanity. Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a source of blessing for the entire humanity and his teachings convey the message of love, tolerance and compassion.” The NA speaker said that the whole life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the beacon of guidance and he is no doubt a living representation of the Holy Quran and Islam. “We must pledge that we would act upon the real teachings of Islam, consider ourselves as followers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and a matter of pride to perform our duties honestly and diligently,” he said. Furthermore, NA Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi, in his message, said, “Our personal and collective lives should reflect the great teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).”

08 ISLAMABAD

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

metro losing track oF deadlines CITIZENS CONTINUE TO SUFFER COMMUTING WOES WITH NO SIGN OF METRO BUS PROJECT’S COMPLETION TILL 30TH

PRAyER TImINgS ASR MAGHRIB ISHA 3:34

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GOVT MULLS OVER HOLDING OF PRIMARY, MIDDLE STANDARD EXAMINATION DURING MARCH IN FEDERAL CAPITAL

INP

ESPITE claims by former National Assembly member (MNA) Hanif Abbasi and Rawalpindi commissioner, the Metro Bus Project between Rawalpindi and Islamabad is lagging behind schedule and is not expected to be completed by January 30, the last date given to the contractors. A survey of the entire project site gives a clear impression to the people that progress of work is somewhat satisfactory between Saddar and Marrir but the package-two in Rawalpindi is nowhere to give a semblance of timely completion between Committee Chowk and Naz Cinema. Package-3 which was ahead of others since the beginning of the project is now moving at a snail’s pace. While the work is very slow apparently due to shortage of manpower, the electronic elevators/escalators imported at a huge cost of tens of millions of rupees have been left under the open sky. In the Islamabad section too, work is very slow. The heavy iron made structure is being installed for the last several months for bus stops and installation of elevators and escalators but the contractors appear to be lacking clear instructions from the consultants. Work on Faisal Avenue is so slow that the girders have not yet been placed along with the existing bridge causing immense problems for the commuters. The commuters do not get the idea on which direction to

could not be moved due to sit-ins by anti-government protestors. It is yet to be seen what justification the administrators and the contractors would give for further delay but in the meantime the citizens are suffering. People who travel on the route affected by Metro Bus Project are regularly seen grumbling that it would not be completed before August 14, when the government would inaugurate it coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations and the contractors would also charge the government on the ground of escalation in construction cost.

move and thus face either admonishment from the traffic police or they are fined. Instead of facilitating the movement of traffic, the police officers on duty keep standing on road side and whenever they see any violation, the vehicle drivers are immediately stopped and fined. The government is making advance payment to the contractors but is not imposing fine on them for not meeting the targets. The project was to be completed on December 31 but its completion date was extended till January 30 under the pretext that the machinery and material

two small dams approved for Pindi RAWALPINDI: Punjab Planning and Development Department has accorded approval for construction of two small dams; Mohota and Qibla Bandi, to meet the city’s water needs. The tenders of these two dams are being issued. About Rs 16 billion will be spent on construction of dams and 26 water supply schemes for Rawalpindi division during the year 2014-15. The cost of construction of Mohata Dam has been estimated at Rs 1,884.991 million and Rs 362.703 million of Qibla Bandi Dam. ONLINE

Pakistan to have Turkish Imam Hatim schools ISLAMABAD: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf Saturday said Pakistan wanted to set up Imam Hatim Schools System in country on pattern of Turkey for imparting religious and worldly education to children. Talking to a two member Turkish delegation headed by High Board of Religious Affairs Dr Hussain, he said initially two schools would be established in Islamabad and Mansehra, replicating Imam Hatim School System, Turkey. He said he had already visited the Hatip schools system during his visit to Turkey and was impressed of their standards of religious and worldly education to the children. As many as, three religious schools are working in Pakistan under Madrissa Education Board, he said adding that Pakistan wanted to further improve the schools by replicating the model of Imam Hatim School System. He said Turkey has extended all possible help in the country in health and education sector. Talking on the occasion Dr Hussain said various Pakistani students were getting education in Hatim Schools System. Turkey was prepared to accommodate more Pakistani students in the Schools. APP

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academic calendar cracking knuckles post dharna trouble

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RAWALPINDI: Police staged a flag march on Saturday ahead of Eid Miladun Nabi (SAW). INP

FIGHTING TERROR WITH A MAGIC BUTTON! EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, HOSPITALS BEING INTRODUCED IN FEDERAL CAPITAL

ISLAMABAD INP

The government has decided to introduce a modern emergency alert system in educational institutions and hospitals of the federal capital. The smart phone based emergency alert system would provide direct contact between the administrations of schools/hospitals and police control, Rescue 15 and

concerned police officers. In case of any emergency, principal or security in-charge of a school or hospital would just press a button that would be a signal for the police control, concerned SHO, SDPO and Rescue 15 for help. According to reports, it has been decided by the police and experts of PTA that the system would be in place before the opening of educational institutions on 12th January.

ISLAMABAD: The government is considering holding fifth and middle standard annual examination in the month of March in federal capital. The federal educational institutions could not open for one and half month after summer vacations due to sit inns in federal capital. The winter vacations have also been extended. This way enormous loss has been caused to the students in terms of their educational activities. In federal educational institutions annual examination for 5th standard and middle standard are held on February, 15 but this year government is mulling over hold the examination in March. ONLINE

10 outlaws arrested, contraband seized ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have arrested 10 outlaws from various areas of the city and seized car, weapons, heroine, two illicit pistols along with ammunition and looted items from their possession, a police spokesman said Saturday. According to details, Bhara Kahu arrested accused Gohar and seized one 30-bore illicit pistol along with ammunition from him. Industrial Area Police arrested accused Amjad and recovered one 30-bore illicit pistols along with ammunition from him. Shehzad Town Police arrested accused Faisal Mehmmod and recovered 110 grams of heroine from him. ACLC Police recovered a tampered vehicle from the possession of accused Adeel. Margalla Police apprehended a thief and recovered stolen item from him. Secretariat Police arrested accused Muhammad Yaqoob. Sihala Police arrested accused Muhammad Ilyas involved in illegally diesel selling. Cases have been registered against these nabbed persons and further investigation is underway from them. The Islamabad SSP has appreciated the overall performance and directed all police officials to accelerate their efforts to curb activities of anti-social elements. INP

search operation launched in ra Bazar, adjoining areas RAWALPINDI: On the special directive of Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Humayun Bashir Tarar, the police Saturday launched a special search operation in RA Bazar and its adjoining areas in the jurisdiction of RA Bazar Police Station. The police contingents, police commandos, special branch personnel, Elite Force, Muhafiz Squad and Women Police conducted search operation in the area. According to Rawalpindi Police spokesman, the police checked 220 people and searched over 122 houses. He said that special search operations to net the criminals would also be launched in other areas of the district. APP

KSA provides $1 million grant for Faisal Mosque ISLAMABAD ONLINE

The government of Saudi Arabia has provided a grant of $1 million for the maintenance and renovation of Faisal Mosque and allied units. Inaugural ceremony of maintenance and renovation work grant and signatures was held at Faisal Mosque Campus of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). The maintenance and renovation

work being initiated with special support of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and under the auspices of Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by Saudi Ambassador Jassim-Al-Khalidi, CDA Director General (Services) Najeebur Rehman, Higher Education Commission Director General Owais Ahmed, former IIUI president Anwar Ahmed Siddiqui, IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai, IIUI

President Dr Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh and other high officials. Speaking on the occasion, Jassim AlKhalidi said Faisal Mosque is a symbol of strong and long-lasting brotherly relations among Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. While lauding the role of IIUI, he said that it was serving the Muslim Ummah in true words. He reiterated his resolve that KSA government would keep cooperation in the projects which relate to the welfare and prosperity of Muslim Ummah. Dr Masoom Yasinzai, in his speech in

CMYK

the ceremony, said Faisal Mosque is a unique and exemplary gift from KSA to the people of Pakistan. He added that Faisal Mosque has become recognition of Pakistan which attracts the local and foreign visitors. IIUI rector thanked King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on the behalf of university while saying Pakistanis are thankful for having such a precious gift in form of Faisal Mosque. IIUI President Dr Ahmed Yousif AlDraiweesh said on the occasion that mosques have vital role in the Islamic so-

ciety while saying that Prophet (PBUH) termed mosques as best places. He added that Faisal Mosque is a symbol of strong brotherly relations between Pakistan and KSA while he also said that with passage of time these ties would become further strengthened and exemplary. Dr Al-Draiweesh also apprised regarding the services being provided by IIUI through its Dawah Academy at Faisal Mosque. At the end of the ceremony, IIUI shields were presented to the distinguished guest.

BUSINESS 09

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

OMAN AIR NAMED WORLD’S LEADING AIRLINE IN ECONOMY CLASS

trilateral trade moot discusses ways to prosper region ISLAMABAD

KARACHI: Oman Air has been named as the World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2014, in Anguilla. The ceremony, presented by award-winning actress Vivica Fox at the CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, was attended by hundreds of dignitaries and international media, as well as government and industry leaders. Following the awards, Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive of Oman Air, commented: “Oman Air is delighted to accept this award. It is powerful recognition of our outstanding Economy Class service and once again confirms Oman Air as the airline of First Choice. Earlier this year, the World Travel Awards named Oman Air as Best Business Class Airline – Middle East and Best Economy Class Airline – Middle East. To now take the global Economy Class title shows that not only the World Travel Awards judges, but also air travellers around the world, continue to be extremely impressed with what Oman Air offers. I would like to thank them all, on behalf of Oman Air, for their support. And it is particularly satisfying to be able to accept this award at a time when we have just launched our latest ambitious expansion programme. This will see us operate more aircraft to more destinations than ever before. It will also allow us to delight our customers by making even more improvements to our Business Class and Economy Class cabins. We are taking the best and making it even better!” PRESS RELEASE

Pakistan resumes wheat exports HAMBURG: Wheat from Pakistan is again being offered in world export markets following a long period in 2014 when the country was a major importer, European traders have said. A European trader said he had received offers from Pakistani traders for wheat from government inventories. “It appears stocks are being cleared ahead of the start of Pakistan’s upcoming harvest around April,” the trader said. Traders said Pakistan could add several hundred thousands of tonnes of extra supply in world markets, helping to compensate for the exit of Russia from the export sector. Pakistani importers made a series of large wheat purchases in 2014 following a disappointing harvest that pushed up local prices. In November, the country imposed a 20 per cent import duty on wheat to help protect local farmers from imports, leading to the cancellation of some of the import deals. “Traders are seeking to sell wheat but with fob (free on board) prices of around $345 a tonne, I do not expect immediate export sales apart from possibly to Sri Lanka where Pakistani wheat receives specially low import duties,” a second trader said. AGENCIES

APP

HE first meeting of Pakistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement (PATTTTA) was held on Saturday and discussed the details to promote ways and means to enhance trilateral trade for the prosperity of the region. Secretary Commerce Shahzad Arbab, Acting Minister for Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan Muzammil Shinwari and Deputy Minister for Commerce of Tajikistan Saeed Rehman led their respective delegations for the first expert-level group meeting on trilateral transit trade agreement among Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. During the meeting, details of the future trilateral transit trade agreement between the three countries were discussed and the three sides decided to expedite the process of consultations to reach conclusive decisions. The three sides nominated their focal persons for technical discussions for the agreement and agreed to meet in February in Dushanbe with first draft of the trilateral transit

trade agreement. The meeting also expressed its consensus to bring the final draft of agreement in March which may be signed in Kabul. In his inaugural address, Secretary Commerce Arbab Shahzad said the mutual dependence of the countries of the region provides us with an opportunity to benefit from the multifarious opportunities by connecting and linking with each other. Pakistan was very keen to establishing its trading links with the neighbouring countries and Central Asia and provide them the link to the world through warm seas at the South of Pakistan, he added.

While expressing his views, Muzzamil Shinwari said the signing of PATTTTA would be a win-win situation for the three countries in particular and the whole region in general. This agreement would be a milestone in achieving regional and economic integration, he said. He was of the view that it took nine rounds of talks and a complete year to conclude APTTA but with the keen interest of the participants, PATTTA would be concluded within a much shorter span of time. Deputy Minister for Commerce of Tajikistan Saeed Rehman said the three countries were tied through centuries of traditional economic

linkages which were deepening by the day. He expressed the hope of establishing a common transport corridor in the region which would enhance regional trade and investment greatly and attract foreign investors due to its lucrative economic potential. Prior to this the 5th Afghanistan-Pakistan transit trade coordination authority meeting discussed at length the issues confronted by the Pakistani and Afghan traders. Issues regarding electronic data interchange, measures to reduce cost of transit, facilitation at the ports of Karachi, training of Afghan officials for expeditious registration under WeBOC, pending insurance guarantees with Afghanistan, Single Goods Declaration Format both for transit and bilateral trade were discussed. The meeting also discussed for establishment of joint business councils, multiple entry visas for Pakistani workers Custom Cooperation Agreement (CCA) between Afghanistan Customs Department and FBR, automation of the Goods Declaration (GD) at Torkham for Pakistan's exports and verified invoices for goods entering Afghanistan.

BOSNIA COULD BECOME GATEWAY OF PAKISTANI PRODUCTS TO EUROPE: BOSNIAN ENVOY ISLAMABAD APP

Bosnian ambassador to Islamabad Dr Nedim Makarevic said on Saturday that his country could become a gateway to Pakistani textile, sports and surgical instruments for their export to Europe to the benefit of two countries. “Bosnia Herzegovina offers you a gateway to the European Union,” he told APP in an exclusive interview. He said Bosnia was considered a post-war country, so it did not have any quotas for its export of finished products which could be exported to Europe and the US. Bosnia did not pay an export tax on its products or it was very minimal, he said. He said Germany was exporting Pakistani surgical instruments, would give it a finishing touch with chrome or otherwise and it would reexport it to Bosnia. “Here is a great opportunity for Pakistani entrepreneurs in surgical instruments to set up their unit in Bosnia, label and export it to rest of Europe without facing any quota bars on the produce. He urged the Pakistani private sector to open up and establish producing facilities of their items in Bosnia which can offer them a gateway to Europe and the margin of profit is quite attractive as well. He said Pakistani businessmen who are producing surgical instruments, sports wears or textiles, need to establish facilities in Bosnia

to export their half-finished products to Bosnia, finish these products in Bosnia, and then sky is the limit, said the young Bosnia ambassador. Questioned whether by doing that, Pakistani businessmen would not be reducing their margin of profit, Dr Nedim said despite being reduced, the profit would still be lucrative for them. Giving an example, he said that 1 Kg of mango was $6 dollars in Bosnia while 1 kg mango here is $1. So even if they paid triple the price on transportation of mangoes from Karachi to Bosnia, the margin would still be double. Similarly Pakistani Jeans, sports wears are needed in Bosnia as it was a football nation. Similarly cloth sheets, towels, pillows and Pakistani Jeans can reap them good profit. Talking of the tourism industry, he said, Bosnia received one million tourists hence three is a great potential for opening good hotels and Pakistani businessmen already doing roaring business in the sector could capitalize on it for expanding commercial ties between the two countries. He said his country had privatized its entire industry first to Kuwaitis but they could not manage it well so they resold it to Mittal of India which had invested over one billion dollars in Bosnia. "Pakistani businessmen need to be aggressive in their approach and should not shy of taking risk. There is a huge opportunity in Bosnia if they establish producing units of textile, sports

goods and textile the fields Pakistanis have years of experience and are already in the market,” he said. He said trade between the two countries has increased 50 per cent but even then the figure is too small to be mentioned as there is a great potential of bolstering commercial ties between the two countries. Expressing his dissatisfaction over the level of bilateral trade, Dr Nedim said it needs to be increased much more. Explaining the factors behind poor trade between the two sides, he said, given the distance with Pakistan, Bosnia was concentrating more on the European Union, North America and to a few Gulf countries. Then there are security issues in Pakistan which is of concern to businessmen, he said, while supporting Islamabad's action to terminate terrorism. Pakistani businessmen, he said, had preferred to invest overseas in property and that too mostly in the UK and Gulf but not in set up production units abroad. He opined that Pakistanis are not an investor nation although there are huge opportunities in Bosnia. The envoy said during Sarajevo Business Forum meetings, all projects and investment facilities were discussed between the two countries. He said his embassy was ready to provide any information to the interested investors and he had been meeting representatives of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Karachi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot detailing them about the investment opportunities available in his country.

PRGMEA DEMANDS GAS SUPPLY TO TEXTILES ON BANGLADESH PATTERN FAISALABAD INP

The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) on Saturday demanded of the govt to prioritise value-added textile industry in energy supply on the patron of Bangladesh as the garment industry is presently without gas in Punjab. PRGMEA central chairman Ijaz Khokhar said the government had allocated about 100 MMCFD gas to the entire export-oriented industry but now the spinners were being facilitated only. He requested MoC to keep focus on

the apparel industry which could generate foreign exchange, contribute to local taxes and generate employment, he added. He said if the government resolved all issues the apparel sector alone could generate $500 million by enhancing its exports to the EU. He said the govt in a meeting with the stakeholders had decided that gas supply would be supplied to the processing units as priority number one, but the entire allocation had been hijacked by spinning sector despite the fact that they had alternate energy resource. Ijaz Khokhar said the garment industry in Punjab was becoming uncompetitive within Pakistan due to prolonged

power load shedding and complete gas supply suspension while there was

smooth gas and power supply in other provinces. Khokhar said the value-added textile industry in Punjab was facing problems because of the increasing cost of production due to gas shortages, higher electricity tariff, and amounts stuck up with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in sales tax refunds. PRGMEA VC Malik Naseer urged the Government to provide a level playing industry for the Punjab-based clothing industry by providing greater gas and power supply, which will help exporters reduce their energy costs, and by releasing the amounts stuck up in sales tax refunds. He further requested the Government to refrain from any further

hike in gas charges. He also criticized the government's move of increasing General Sales Tax (GST) on petroleum products from 17 percent to 22 percent cutting relief for consumers of an estimated five billion rupees. He said that oil prices at international level have dropped by over 45 percent but the government has not passed on this benefit to the consumers as just 20 percent cut has been announced so far. "When the rates go upward government makes Ogra responsible for this hike and refuse to interfere, but now the authorities are interfering and have become hurdle to facilitate public.

10 LEISURE

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

HaGaR tHE HoRRIblE

aries

taurus

gemini

You feel as if you're a salmon swimming upstream in a storm today as the currents of circumstance hinder your progress. Although you're quick to blame others for your predicament, the real struggle originates.

Your thoughts may seem out of your control as they take you for an intense trip through your fears today. Thankfully, you can come out the other side with a complete change of heart. Although this metaphysical.

The most beautiful emotional treasures are hidden deep under the apparent calm today. Typically, your curiosity motivates you to quickly move on to what's next, but now an irrepressible compulsion to understand.

cancer

leo

virgo

You are giving birth to a whole new way of relating to friends and family now, but this emotional process comes with its own share of stress. In order to reinvent yourself you may need to confront someone's.

You're ready to blast ahead with your plans today, even if you are receiving mixed signals from everyone else involved. Unfortunately, pushing your agenda won't likely work out in your favor now. You could.

You're overly concerned with making the disparate pieces fit perfectly now, leading you to plan more than is necessary. Unfortunately, getting lost in the minutiae spoils the fun by taking the spontaneity.

dIlbERt

GaRFIEld

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

Someone's unexpressed feelings might rock your boat today, even if you desperately try to hold steady. Unfortunately, the hidden price of keeping the peace is higher than you realize since jealousy can.

There's so much on your plate that you may be secretly tempted to run and hide. Nevertheless, the adrenaline has kicked in and you're committed to do whatever it takes to cross some tasks off your list.

You are driven to succeed today, but it's helpful to acknowledge that honoring your core values is more important than achieving material satisfaction. You might reconsider a recent decision and want to.

baldo

capricorn

aQuarius

pisces

Even the most minor issues can quickly blow out of proportion as tempers flare and passions erupt. Today's Sun-Pluto hookup occurs in your sign, making you more susceptible to the emotional intensity in.

You're living in a dreamworld if you think you can stay on schedule today. Others can't help but notice the sparkle in your eyes and the spring in your step now that captivating Venus is in your sign.

Your vivid visions of the future may run you ragged now, bringing thrills one minute and concerns the next. However, you might realize that your plans are not unfolding as expected today. Rather than accepting.

cRosswoRd

sUdoKU

woRd sEaRcH

ACROSS 5,18 be poorly received (2,4,4,1,4,7) 7 individual unit (4) 8 dutch spirit distilled from potatoes (8) 9 walk unsteadily (7) 11 hot drink (5) 13 lamed (anag) (5) 14 fugitive (7) 16 well-acquainted (8) 17 capricious idea (4)

bRIdGE

How to play fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the squares contains all the digits. the object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once.

ante build chew death eats enemy enjoy faith flesh floss harm here himself honor important inspiration light melody nest network never

outrageous partner pest power prove reach react receive remain season share simple speak strong today verse video watch west wicked

Today’s soluTions

ovERbERRIEd

cHEss black TO PlaY aND MaTE IN fOur MOVEs

18 see 5 8

1 scottish architect, d.1792 (4)

crossword solution

DOwn

2 con artist — tornado (7) 3 greek letter (5)

4 us state — rodgers and hammerstein

musical (8)

5 fail utterly (2,2,3,4)

6 (official) approval (11) 10 seriousness (8)

chess solution

17 wind instrument — golf club (4)

1...Rxb6 2.axb6 Qc5+ 3.Kh1 bc6 4.Qb3 Qxg5 *

15 caribbean dance (5)

sudoku solution

12 childish — silly (7)

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

ARTS

Anger At IslAmophobIc web postIngs

In most cases those behind the abuse have not had their accounts suspended or the posts removed, the newspaper said. Muslim groups said they had brought dozens of accounts and hundreds of messages to the attention of the social media companies, but despite this, most of the accounts reported are still easily accessible. Fiyaz Mughal, director of Faith Matters, an interfaith organisation which runs a helpline called Tell MAMA, for victims of anti-Muslim violence, told the newspaper he was disappointed by the attitude of both firms. “It is morally unacceptable that social media platforms like Facebook and Twit-

ACEBOOK and Twitter have defended their approach to content on their sites after it was reported that they are refusing to take down hundreds of inflammatory Islamophobic postings despite being alerted by anti-racism groups. The Independent newspaper said the number of postings, some of which accuse Muslims of being rapists, paedophiles and comparable to cancer, has increased significantly in recent months in the aftermath of the Rotherham sex abuse scandal and the murder of British hostages held by the Islamic State group (IS).

ter, which are vast profit-making companies, socially engineer what is right and wrong to say in our society when they leave up inflammatory, highly socially divisive and openly bigoted views,” he said. “These platforms have inserted themselves into our social fabric to make profit and cannot sit idly by and shape our futures based on ‘terms and conditions’ that are not fit for purpose.” A Facebook spokeswoman said: “We take hate speech seriously and remove any content reported to us that directly attacks others based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability or medical con-

APPLE SUED FOR SHRINKING STORAGE SPACE ON 16GB DEVICES SAN FRANCISCO AGENCIES

Apple on Friday faced a lawsuit accusing it of promising more available storage space than it actually delivers in iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices. The suit filed early this week in US District Court in Northern California argues that while Apple touts 16 gigabytes of digital storage on lower price models of gadgets such as hot-selling iPhones, about a fifth of that is eaten up by the latest operating software.T he percentage of advertised space available for digital content such as photos, video, or music shrinks further when Apple gadgets built with eight gigabytes of storage are considered, the suit

filed on behalf of two Florida men maintained.

NOT ALL OBESE PEOPLE PRONE TO POOR HEALTH: STUDY

The suit charges Apple with being deceptive in advertising that represents

dition. “With a diverse global community of more than a billion people, we occasionally see people post content which, whilst not against our rules, some people may find offensive. “By working with community groups like Faith Matters, we aim to show people the power of counter speech and, in doing so, strike the right

devices as having much more storage space than is really available to people who purchase devices. Once Apple gadget owners reach limits to data storage, the Californiabased technology titan prompts them to pay monthly fees for digital locker space online at its iCloud service, according to the lawsuit. Using these sharp business tactics, (Apple) gives less storage capacity than advertised, only to offer to sell that capacity in a desperate moment, eg when a consumer is trying to record or take photos at a child or grandchilds recital, basketball game or wedding, the lawsuit maintained. Each gigabyte of storage Apple short changes its customers amounts to approximately 400-500 high resolution photographs. Attorneys behind the suit are seeking class action status along with punishments that include Apple turning over all profits from sales of gadgets at issue in the case. Apple did not reply to news agencies’ request for comment.

51 YEARS AFTER WRECK, 7-INCH CAR PART FOUND IN ARM CREVE COEUR AGENCIES

MIAMI AGENCIES

US scientists encouraged 20 obese people to eat extra fast food for several months, and found that about a quarter stayed in good health despite the additional pounds they gained. The study in the January 2 edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation was led by a team of scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri. Subjects were encouraged to eat 1,000 extra calories per day, mainly by frequenting fast food restaurants with the goal of adding six percent of their body weight. “This was not easy to do. It is just as difficult to get people to gain weight as it is to get them to lose weight,” said chief author Elisa Fabbrini, assistant professor of medicine. Those not suffering from ailments typically associated with obesity at the outset of the study — such as insulin resistance, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and excess liver fat — did not have these problems even after adding about 15 pounds (seven kilograms) to their already overweight frames, said the findings. The results mirror what scientists have seen in the general population, which is that about a quarter of obese people do not appear to suffer from metabolic complications that can lead to heart attack, diabetes and stroke. But those whose did suffer from metabolic problems before the study grew even worse when they put on extra weight.

Fifty-one years ago, Arthur Lampitt of Granite City, Illinois, smashed his 1963 Thunderbird into a truck. This week during surgery in suburban St. Louis, a 7-inch turn signal lever from that T-Bird was removed from his left arm. Dr. Timothy Lang removed the lever Wednesday during a 45minute operation. Lampitt, now 75, is recovering at home. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the accident broke Lampitt's hip, drawing attention away from the arm, which healed. A decade or so ago, his arm set off a metal detector at a courthouse. An X-ray showed a slender object the length of a pencil, but since it caused no pain or hardship, Lampitt was told to let it be. He was moving concrete blocks a few weeks ago when the arm began to hurt for the first time. "Everything was fine until it started to get bigger," Lampitt's

SAUDI NATIONAL AIRLINE TO BAN GENDER-MIXING ON FLIGHTS ON COMPLAINTS OF MALE PASSENGERS

wife, Betty, said. "The arm started bulging." Lampitt decided to have surgery. He initially wasn't sure what was in the arm. He wondered if perhaps a medical instrument had been left during the emergency room visit in 1963. He unearthed a collection of old photos of the mangled Thunderbird taken by a friend at the scene. He noticed the metal blinker lever was missing from the left side of the steering column. He figured that was it, and surgery at City Place Surgery Center in Creve

Coeur, Missouri, confirmed it. "Seven inches long," Lang told Betty. "Oh, my God," Betty said. Lang said a protective pocket grew around the lever. "We see all kinds of foreign objects like nails or pellets, but usually not this large, usually not a turn signal from a 1963 T-Bird," Lang said. "Something this large often gets infected." Lampitt wasn't sure what he'd do with the lever — maybe make a key chain out of it. "We'll figure out something, I am sure," he said.

balance between giving people the freedom to express themselves and maintaining a safe and trusted environment.” A Twitter spokesman said: “We review all reported content against our rules, which prohibit targeted abuse and direct, specific threats of violence against others.” AGENCIES

OBAMA’S GOLF GAME UPSETS HAWAII WEDDING PLANS

WASHINGTON AGENCIES

US President Barack Obama's passion for golf forced two US army officers to relocate their sun-kissed Hawaiian wedding at the last minute. Captains Natalie Heimel and Edward Mallue were all set to tie the knot Sunday at the Kaneohe Klipper golf course, located on a US Marine Corps base. But then they learned that Obama was scheduled to hit the links at the same time they'd be exchanging vows. Within 24 hours, they relocated the ceremony to the bucolic lawn of the base commander's residence, overlooking the Pacific. There the newlyweds took a cellphone call from the Commander in Chief, who expressed congratulations and apologized for any inconvenience caused. "Obama just personally called my sister and her new husband to apologize for foiling their wedding venue golfing. Amazing!" said Heimel's sister on Twitter. The phone call "totally made their day," Becca Dryer, a friend of the bride who also attended the wedding, told the New York Daily News. Obama has been on holiday in Hawaii, his native state, for nine days, during which he has played golf six times, the newspaper noted. On Christmas Eve, he played a round with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razzak.

RIYADH NEWS DESK

Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia intends to ban gender-mixing aboard all its flights in line with rules enforced by the conservative Gulf kingdom, reports Emirates247 media website. The airlines said it decided to act following recurrent complaints from passengers objecting to have males seated next to their wives and other female family members. “There are solutions to this problem…we will soon enforce rules that will satisfy all passengers,” Saudia assistant manager for marketing Abdul Rahman Al Fahd said, quoted by the Saudi Arabic language daily ‘Ajel’. He did not elaborate, but the paper

CMYK

said it would include instructions to flight booking staff at the Gulf kingdom’s airports to ensure males and females are separated aboard Saudia’s flights unless they are closely related. The carriers’ policies are already in tune to the strict Islamic practices of Saudi Arabia: no alcoholic beverages or pork dishes are served onboard, a prayer of verse from the Holy Quran is read before take off, and many international flights

have a designated men’s prayer area. In addition, Saudia does not employ Saudi women as cabin crew, opting to recruit women from other countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines, Albania and Bosnia instead. But moves are being made to employ females on the ground in November, the airline opened its fourth women’s section staffed by entirely by females at its office in the Murooj district of Saudi capital, Riyadh; reports British daily Mail Online.

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

ARTS

SANAM SAEED

TIES THE KNOT IN A PRIVATE AFFAIR KARACHI ENTERTAINMENT DESK

CTRESS Sanam Saeed tied the knot with banker Farhan Hassan on Friday in Karachi. The two are said to be childhood friends. The wedding affair remained hidden from the everpriyng national media until news of the wedding erupted on social media on Saturday with fans sharing pictures of the beautiful couple on their Dholki and Nikkah. Sanam has worked as a VJ as well as a model. She ventured into acting with a supporting role in drama serial ‘Daam’. Since then, the actress has starred in various successful dramas including Mera Naseeb, Qadoorat, Shakk and zindagi Gulzar Hai. She will next be seen starring alongside Imran Ali and Fahad Mustafa in film Mah-e-Meer.

Elvis Presley’s jets could fetch more than $10m

People can’t change my equation with Hrithik Roshan: Zayed Khan Sussanne Khan’s divorce from Hrithik Roshan has not affected the equation with between the superstar and the former’s brother, actor Zayed Khan. Zayed, who will soon be seen on the big screen with ‘Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene’, says he continues to share a great equation with Hrithik. “People can’t change the equation between me and Hrithik. We ate friends since childhood and we have immense respect for each other,” he said. Hrithik and Sussanne ended their end their 17-year-old relationship via an official statement Dec 13, 2013. Both dated for four years before finally tying the knot Dec 20, 2000. They were divorced Nov 1, 2014. Meanwhile, Zayed is currently busy promoting ‘Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene’, directed by Gurmmeet Singh, and says he would like to don the director’s hat someday as well. “Direction is something which is certainly in my mind. I will direct a film in future, but for now I want to focus on acting,” he added. AGENCIES

Chickenpox was absurd: Angelina Jolie Actress-director Angelina Jolie, who has recovered from chickenpox, says the contagious disease was strange and preposterous. The 39-year-old star had to cancel her appearance at the premiere of her latest directorial venture ‘Unbroken’ last month due to her illness and was represented at the event by her husband Brad Pitt and children, reported E! Online. “It was so absurd. What was even stranger was, I think, during the day before. I was trying to do interviews and I was like, ‘What’s happening to me? Strange’. “Of course it was

really fun that my kids took the mantle. They took it very seriously when I said, ‘You’ve got to represent mom. You’ve got to do this for me.’ My kids knew and loved Louis, so I was like, ‘You’ve got to do this for Louis, you know? You’ve got to get out there.’ So, they were excited about the mission,” she said. AGENCIES

NEW YORK: Elvis Presley’s pair of personal jets, one complete with gilded wash basin and plush sleeping quarters, will go under the hammer in a sealed-bid auction for a piece of mile-high rock and roll memorabilia, Julien’s Auctions said on Friday. Jets “Lisa Marie” and “Hound Dog II” that the late King of Rock and Roll designed himself will be offered together to bidders and are expected to fetch between $10 million and $15 million, the Beverly Hills, California, auction house said. They are no longer airworthy, but have been on view for visitors at Graceland Presley’s Memphis, Tennessee estate - for the past three decades. Presley bought the Convair 880 jet from Delta Air Lines in 1975, two years before his death at age 42, for $250,000. He named it “Lisa Marie” after his daughter. Presley spent more than $300,000 refurbishing the jet with a penthouse bedroom, executive conference room, bar and videotape system linked to four TVs. He had the plane painted red, white and blue with his motto “TCB” - “Takin’ Care of Business” - on the tail. He purchased the eight-to10 passenger “Hound Dog II,” a Lockheed Jetstar, also in 1975 for about $900,000 while waiting on the refurbishment of the “Lisa Marie.” The four-engine 28passenger Convair could fly Presley, who preferred to travel at night, up to 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers). Only 65 of the Convair 880 model jets were produced from 1959 to 1962. The buyer also has the option to purchase several acres adjacent to Graceland to display the jets, independent of the Presley museum. AGENCIES

‘The Interview’: no laughing matter for North Korean defectors SEOUL AGENCIES

Hollywood comedy “The Interview” has won a few fans in between sparking apocalyptic warnings from North Korea — but for defectors who escaped the communist state, there’s nothing funny about it. That’s not to say they’re not watching it. Defectors based in the South have flocked to see the film at the centre of an escalating international row thanks to its lurid depiction of the assassination of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un. The United States claims that the film’s presentation of Kim — whose family has ruled the reclusive, impoverished state for more than six decades — prompted Pyongyang to launch a massive cyber-attack on Sony Pictures, the studio that made it. “Every defector I know has seen the movie,” said Kim SungMin, who fled the North in 1996 and now runs the anti-Pyongyang Free North Korea Radio station. “We’ve talked a lot about this flick over the past week, and we simply did not understand why it gives foreigners laughs,” he added. Internet links to the film quickly circulated amongst the South’s 20,000-strong defector

community after Sony reversed its decision to axe it late last month following threats to cinema-goers from the shadowy Sony hackers. But defectors have reacted to the movie with a mixture of shock and bafflement. It’s not just that its crass humour is largely lost on a North Korean audience — it’s that growing up immersed in a personality cult, which gives god-

like status to the ruling Kim dynasty, is not an experience that can easily be forgotten. Even for defectors who have been in the South for years, it is jarring to see Kim ridiculed as a Katy Perry fan who has a complex about his dad. “For me, it wasn’t a comedy — more of a bombshell, because of the way it made fun of Kim Jong-Un,” Park Sang-

Hak, who defected to the South in 1999, told a news agency. But that is precisely the reason that Park, who leads a group of activists that regularly attempt to airdrop anti-Kim leaflets into North Korea, is planning to launch gas-filled balloons over the border carrying some 100,000 copies of the film on DVDs and USB memory sticks. To see Kim

A billboard for the film The Interview is displayed in Venice, California.

CMYK

portrayed as an object of ridicule — rather than the infallible, allpowerful leader depicted in state propaganda — would be nothing short of a revelation for most North Koreans, Park said. - Kim lookalike disappoints North Koreans Some of them might initially react with anger. “The most important takeaway for them would be that their great leader can be a laughing stock overseas and the United States could assassinate him... This would deal a blow to North Korea’s efforts to idolise the young leader,” said Park. Park’s group is planning to launch the first of the giant balloons carrying copies of the film, along with bundles of anti-regime leaflets, later this month. Some defectors have already managed to pass online links to the movie to informants living in the North near the border with China, where they have access to secret smartphones paid for by South Koreans, according to Kim Sung-Min of Free North Korea Radio. At a recent screening of “The Interview” at a bar in Seoul, viewers said the puerile comedy — which relies heavily on butt jokes — could prove an unlikely tool

against the Pyongyang propaganda machine if any North Koreans manage to secretly view it in their homes. “The biggest threat to the regime is undermining the narrative they tell their people. This film actually gets that,” said Sokeel Park, director of research and strategy at Liberty in North Korea, a US-based charity that helps defectors. But that subversive message will have to battle with the fact that much of the film is incomprehensible to an audience raised on a diet of propaganda distinctly lacking in any kind of humour — let alone the frat-boy jokes that have won “The Interview” a widespread panning from critics. “It didn’t give me much to laugh about as we North Koreans are not accustomed to comedy,” said Lee Han-Byul, a defector who was amongst around 100 people who crowded the bar to watch the film. “There are no comedy films in North Korea, and we have (a) different sense of humour.” One thing that left her particularly unimpressed was the lack of resemblance between Randall Park, the Korean-American actor who plays Kim, and the dictator himself.

SPORTS 13

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

New ZealaNd take coNtrol oN bowlers’ day G

SportS DeSk

IVEN that there was not much difference in the colour of the pitch from the adjoining square, it was a “pretty easy decision” for Angelo Mathews to bowl after winning the toss at Basin Reserve. Add to that overcast skies and the conditions appeared tailor-made for seamers. That decision seemed to have backfired as no swing or seam was apparent and New Zealand were untroubled till after lunch, scoring at more than four an over. However, the Sri Lanka seamers, led by Nuwan Pradeep and buoyed by the dismissal of Brendon McCullum for a two-ball duck, came back strongly in the second session as New Zealand lost their last eight wickets for 80 runs to be bowled out soon after tea. However, much of that early advantage was eroded by the end of the day as Sri Lanka’s top order slumped against the moving ball. The swing that the Sri Lankans had been searching for, the New Zealand bowlers found straightaway. Thirteen wickets fell in the last two sessions, five of them Sri Lankan, and the visitors were now in danger of conceding a big first-innings lead. Sangakkara completes 12000 Test runs 12000 Kumar Sangakkara became only the fifth batsman to score 12000-plus runs in Tests and the fastest to the landmark, having reached it in his 223rd innings. Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting both took 247 innings. 15 Wickets that fell on day one in

Wellington - only the second instance of 15 or more wickets falling on the first day of a Test in New Zealand. The only other time was in 1974 when 18 wickets fell on the first day’s play of a Test between the hosts and Australia. Coincidentally, in that Test Australia were all out on an identical score of 221, before New Zealand lost eight wickets before the close of play. 40 Number of innings between Brendon McCullum’s last duck and his zero in this Test. McCullum’s previous duck had come against India in the first innings of the Bangalore Test in 2012. Up to that innings, McCullum had averaged a duck every 11 innings in Tests. The 40-innings gap coincided with a productive period for McCullum in Tests, during which he scored 1893 runs at an average of 48.53 with five hundreds and five fifties. 4 Wickets taken by Nuwan Pradeeep in New Zealand’s first innings at an average of 15.75 runs per wicket. Pradeep had taken just 14 wickets in his last eight Tests, giving away 1019 runs, at an average of 72.78. After this innings, his bowling average has come down to 60.11. He has now taken 18 wickets in 17 innings at a strike rate of 86.8 and an economy of 4.15. 12.33 Lahiru Thirimanne’s batting average since his last hundred in Tests, against Bangladesh in Galle in 2013. In 14 innings since then Thirimanne has made 148 runs and has been out for four ducks. Trent Boult made the first strike, forcing an outside edge from Dimuth Karunaratne in his fifth over, before Doug Bracewell,

chosen over Neil Wagner specifically for this pitch, struck in consecutive overs to leave Sri Lanka wobbling at 29 for 3. Mathews resisted for a while before being squared up by an outswinger from Tim Southee, while Prasanna Jayawardene edged Bracewell to second slip off the last delivery of the day. The hopes of any rearguard action rested solely on Kumar Sangakkara, who crossed the personal landmark of 12,000 Test runs, and showed signs of comfort towards the end as his trademark cover drive made appearance. The Basin Reserve strip had promised more for the bowlers than the green Hagley Oval pitch last week on which McCullum had trampled on Sri Lanka’s hopes. Similar fate seemed in store for the visitors as Kane Wiliamson and Ross Taylor added 79 runs in 95 balls to lift New Zealand to 141 for 2, the toss win appearing a lost opportunity. That was till one Pradeep delivery moved off the pitch and caught the inside edge of Taylor’s bat to rattle the stumps. Next over, McCullum inside-edged a Suranga Lakmal delivery on to his stumps playing a shot that has been his solid ally over the past 12 months - the back-foot punch. What difference can a change of date make in someone’s fortunes? Ask McCullum. In 2014, he couldn’t make a mistake even if he wanted to. He was scoring runs at home, he was scoring them away, he was being rock solid and he was being downright disrespectful to bowlers. His previous innings at Basin Reserve - 302 against

India - was the highlight of a magnificent year for which he was handed the key to the city by the mayor of Wellington during the lunch break. The first innings of 2015, though, turned out to be brief and it was the inspiration Sri Lanka were looking for after being betrayed by the greenery. From 141 for 2, New Zealand were 142 for 4. Although there was still no alarming help from the pitch, Sri Lanka’s bowlers stuck to better lines and extracted just enough to create pressure on the batsmen. James Neesham, who had scored a century on debut at this ground a year ago, played a loose drive to be caught behind off Pradeep, then BJ Watling steered a wide delivery from Mathews into the hands of first slip. When Dhammika Prasad induced a false shot from Williamson five balls later, Sri Lanka had

more or less arrived where they would have aimed to be at tea - into the New Zealand tail. Not too long before, Williamson reached his half-century from 75 balls with a streaky boundary through the slip cordon. That, however, was one of the few times he had not been in control as he showed little sign of new-year blues. After being stuck on zero for 16 balls, he had registered his first runs of the year with consecutive boundaries off Mathews. Once he had some runs on the board, he continued to score at an effortlessly quick pace without playing expansive shots, thus going almost unnoticed during his innings. Williamson’s dismissal - he played on just like Taylor and McCullum - showed that despite the ball not doing much, scoring runs was not easy on the pitch.

FEDERER LOOKS TO HAVE EASY START TO 2015 IN BRISBANE OPENER SportS DeSk Roger Federer, seeking an 18th Grand Slam title in his 18th season on tour, will ease into 2015 with a match against either a wild-card entry or a qualifier at the Brisbane International next week. Federer, who arrived in Australia on Saturday, has a first-round bye in the Australian Open tune-up tournament. Then the 17-time Grand Slam champion will play the winner of a match between Australian wild-card entry John Millman and a yet-to-be-determined qualifier. Australian veteran Lleyton Hewitt, who beat Federer in the final last year, will play compatriot Sam Groth in his first match after the draw was conducted Saturday. Hewitt and Federer are on opposite sides of the draw and could not meet each other until the final. Hewitt will have a tough time getting there, though, with potential matches against South African Kevin Anderson in the second round and Milos Raonic of Canada in the quarterfinals. Federer last won a Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2012, but feels good about adding a fifth Australian Open title this year. Coming back from a disappointing 2013, Federer won more matches (73) than any player last year and moved back to No.2 behind Novak Djokovic. ‘’Overall it was a great season for me,’’ Federer said Saturday. ‘’I was consistent and I was playing positive, attacking tennis just the way I want to play and I gave myself chances at quite a few of the slams. This year I hope I can go one step further because going close is not quite good enough.’’ On the women’s side, top-seeded Maria Sharapova also has a bye and then a second-round match against either Germany’s Sabine Lisicki or a qualifier. In other warm-up events for the Australian Open, the Hopman Cup mixedteam event gets underway in Perth on Sunday with Wimbledon runner-up Eugenie Bouchard leading Canada against the Czech Republic and Australia playing Poland in the second match. On Monday, Serena Williams takes to the court for the United States against Italy and Andy Murray is scheduled to lead Britain against France. Murray beat Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-0 in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi on Friday and is set to play Djokovic in the final before flying to Perth. His preparations for the Australian Open could be curtailed, however, after he felt pain in his left shoulder during his win over Nadal. The Scot was planning to have a scan on his shoulder later Saturday. ‘’It’s a bit sore. I don’t know exactly what happened,’’ he said. ‘’It was quite painful at the end and it’s quite strange because I’ve never had anything happen to my left shoulder before. I’ll need to see how I am when I wake up in the morning.’’ The Hopman Cup has already been hit hard by injuries. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, who beat Nadal in the fourth round at Wimbledon last year, pulled out with a back injury. Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic and American Jack Sock were also out due to injury. In New Zealand, former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams will headline the field at the ASB Classic beginning Monday. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, begins Jan. 19 in Melbourne.

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Injured Jadeja still in line for world cup spot SportS DeSk India allrounder Ravindra Jadeja is likely to find a place in the World Cup squad, although he has not yet recovered from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the Tests against Australia. Sanjay Patel, the BCCI secretary said last month that Jadeja would need “three to four weeks” to recover from his shoulder injury and is unlikely to be fit for the start of the tri-series in Australia, which begins from January 16. Jadeja is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the new BCCI centre in Chennai and is being monitored by the board’s physiotherapist, Nitin Patel. The national selectors will be provided with an update on Jadeja’s fitness when they meet on January 6 to pick the squad for the tri-series against Australia and England, and the World Cup. The deadline for announcing the World Cup squad is January 7. If Jadeja’s rehabilitation goes according to plan, he will be match-fit by around January 20 and could get a chance to prove his fitness during India’s last two league games in the tri-series. If Jadeja fails to recover in time, the BCCI can get him replaced in the World Cup squad. According to the World Cup rules, a player can only be replaced on medical grounds. As a result, even if Jadeja does not recover in time for the World Cup after being picked in the squad, he can be replaced if the ICC medical committee is convinced, based on the fitness reports, that the injury will not heal in time for the tournament.

14 SPORTS

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

Venus ready for new season V SportS DeSk

StarS Skittle renegadeS for 57 to win derby The Melbourne Stars registered their first win of the Big Bash League 201415 in style, routing the Melbourne Renegades for 57 to win by 112 runs. The win lifted the Stars from the bottom of the points table to sixth place and pushed the Renegades to the last spot. Michael Beer, Jackson Bird and John Hastings struck within the first five overs to leave the Renegades chase of 170 on shaky ground at 5 for 16 - a position from which they never recovered. Tom Cooper was the only Renegades batsman to push his score up to double figures, scoring 10, the same as the number of the extras conceded by Stars. Each of the six Stars bowlers picked at least one wicket, and Beer was the best among them with returns of 2 for 14 in four overs. The Stars top order of Cameron White, Luke Wright and Kevin Pietersen pitched in with brisk partnerships after being put in to bat, although none of them went on to make a big score. SportS DeSk

liverpool make £11m bid for Xherdan Shaqiri

VenUs Williams is looking ForWard to getting her season oFF to a Winning start in aUCkland

ENUS Williams is looking forward to getting her season off to a winning start in Auckland. The seven-time Grand Slam Champion and current world number 18 arrived in New Zealand ahead of the ASB Classic. Williams believes she has moved on from the health issues she faced last season and she is looking forward to proving it on the court. She says she hopes to go one better than last year when she lost to Ana Ivanovic in the final. She said: “It’s always wonderful to come here at the end of the summer, I’ve had a number of great experiences here and I’m ready for some more. “Last year was so amazing and I got so close - just ran into a better player. It was the first of four finals for me last year. I was just reflecting on that as I came through security, I was like ‘last year wasn’t bad’. I’d love to make it a lot better. “I’m happy to be back here, I definitely feel the energy and I’ve been hitting well and I’m looking forward to getting started.” She added: “I’ve learnt how to manage my health. There’s no guide book, there’s nobody who’s done it before and said “hey V, this is how you do it’. I’ve had to learn a lot on my own but it builds a lot of character and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

CM Punk not in it for the money SportS DeSk

Former WWe Wrestler and UFC rookie Phil Brook, aka Cm PUnk, says he did not make the sWitCh in PUrsUit oF more money

Former WWE wrestler and UFC rookie Phil Brook, AKA CM Punk, says he did not make the switch in pursuit of more money. Brooks was one of the most popular WWE wrestlers, and many pundits have said they expect his switch to UFC to be lucrative. The 36-year-old opened up about his reasons for making the move and also talked a bit about his decision to do his training at Roufusport Martial Arts Academy. Brooks said: “I’m not doing it for the money. “I don’t see getting into the UFC as jumping in the line ahead of anybody. I’m not getting a title shot by any means. It’s, I hate saying it’s a bucket-list thing, because that makes it sound like a one-and-done, and it’s certainly not. The business side of it is, everyone stands to make a lot of money.” He added: “I’ve known Duke for a while, the familiarity was an easy in and we just discussed a couple of things and I realize that me going anywhere to train with anybody – there’s pluses and minuses. It’s the same with me walking into a camp that’s established, and that’s a very established camp. Dare I say one of the elite. “They have a light heavyweight champion, they have a lightweight champion and they have probably one of the best wrestlers in MMA in Ben Askren. I know he’s not a popular guy around the UFC brass, but he’s a hell of a wrestler.” Brooks concluded by addressing the many critics who think he will be humiliated when he steps into the Octagon due to his lack of training and experience in MMA. He said: “If it was up to me right now, if I lose that fight in embarrassing fashion, I’m back in the gym the next day for fight two. That’s the person I am.”

The two Serie A sides have not disguised their interest in the Switzerland international and met with his representatives yesterday, but so far Bayern have resisted offers, considering them to be too low. According to Sky Sport Italia, Inter are closest to giving Bayern the deal they want, as they would include an obligatory buy-out clause at the end of the season. Juventus, on the other hand, have agreed personal terms with Shaqiri’s entourage, but not with the German club, as they want him on loan with option to buy. Now Sky Italia claim that Liverpool have entered the fray with an offer of €14m (£11m) for an immediate purchase, but have not yet spoken to Shaqiri. His main priority is to ensure regular playing time, which he might not necessarily get at Liverpool. AgencieS

louis van gaal tells manchester United it will be all or nothing against yeovil in the Fa Cup SportS DeSk When asked to sum up the third-round match against League One’s bottom side at Huish Park, the United manager said: “It is death or the gladioli.” Dutch road cyclist Gerrie Knetemann is thought to have coined

the phrase in the 1970s and 1980s as the winner of Tour de France stages received a bouquet of gladiolus flowers. Others believe it dates back to Roman times when gladiators who killed their opponents also received flowers. Regardless of its origins, in layman’s terms the phrase means one

thing - “all or nothing,” van Gaal explained. “You are dead or you receive the gladiolus flower. In cup matches it’s always like that.” Van Gaal has won three domestic cups during his managerial career, but it has not always been a rosy picture for the 63-year-old when it comes to knockout competitions. In 1996 van Gaal experienced one of the most embarrassing results of his career in the KNVB Cup when his Ajax team lost to second division side SC Cambuur. During van Gaal’s ill-fated second spell at Barcelona, a team of internationals including Xavi, Michael Reiziger, Frank de Boer and Juan Roman Riquelme were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by third tier side Novelda in front of just 5,500 spectators. That defeat was so painful for van Gaal that he has consigned any memory of it to the dustbin “I cannot remember anymore. It is

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wiped out of my mind,” he said. “But I do remember the criticism in Spain was very high after.” Van Gaal was also ridiculed after his first experience of cup football in England when his United team were dumped out of the Capital One Cup in August following a 4-0 defeat to MK Dons. The Dutchman is eager to avoid another upset and he insists his players will not be complacent against a team that currently sit 65 places below United in the league ladder. “We know from our early exit in the Capital One Cup that league places mean nothing in the cups. We will be prepared,” van Gaal added. “We have learned from the Milton Keynes game. They are also in League One. Everything about playing a lower league team will be different - the pitch, the stadium. For the players, it’s more difficult to prepare for a match like this, especially after playing so much over Christmas.”

For Van Gaal, as well as summer signings Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera and Angel di Maria, this will be his first taste of FA Cup football. The Dutchman is well aware of the significance of the competition, though - and is determined to go all the way as he thinks it is the best chance he has of winning a trophy during his debut year at Old Trafford. “It’s the shortest way to success,” Van Gaal said. “We are very interested (in winning it). In the Netherlands we have known for many years that the FA Cup is one of the most important competitions in football. The FA Cup was shown on the television over there at a time when it was not common to show matches from other countries.” Van Gaal will assess his players’ fitness before deciding whether to make changes from the XI that drew 1-1 at Stoke on New Year’s Day. “We have played three games in seven days...the cumulative lactic acid is bigger than ever,” he said.

SPORTS 15

Sunday, 4 January, 2015

real Madrid streak threatened by buoyant Valencia MADriD

AgencieS

A Liga leaders Real Madrid face one of their toughest tests since embarking on a 22-game winning streak back in September when they start 2015 with a trip to Valencia on Sunday. Los Che have reason to be optimistic in the new year with a return to Champions League football for next season top of their agenda. Valencia sit fourth, a solitary point above Sevilla, Villarreal and Malaga, but demonstrated their financial advantage over the other Champions League hopefuls following Singaporean businessman Peter Lim’s recent acquisition of the club by splashing out 25 million euros on Argentine international midfielder Enzo Perez this week. “I have the greatest expectations of making a good start here,” said Perez as he was presented to the Valencia fans on Friday. “I hope that this new project at Valencia grows, and that 2015 will be a happy year for us all.” Perez is expected to make his Mestalla debut against a Real side still shorn of Luka Modric through injury. Sergio Ramos is also a serious doubt having played with a calf injury as the European champions ended 2014 by collecting their fourth trophy of the year in the Club World Cup against San Lorenzo a fortnight ago. Unusually the opening of the transfer window has sparked rumours of possible departures from the Santiago Bernabeu rather than big money signings with

Gareth Bale linked with a move to Manchester United. However, the Welshman, who scored in his third final for Los Blancos with his 11th of the season in the Club World Cup

final, has dismissed suggestions that he could leave the Spanish capital after a remarkably successful 18 months since joining from Tottenham Hotspur. “It has been a fantastic year for me. I

wanted to come to Real Madrid to win titles and work alongside the best players and that is exactly what I have done in a single year,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep improving,

keep winning titles and I can keep showing my best.” Barcelona start the year just a point adrift of Real at the top, but having played a game more. The Catalans also face a potentially tricky trip away to David Moyes’s Real Sociedad on Sunday and have had little time to prepare for the game as a group following the Christmas break. Lionel Messi, Neymar and Dani Alves only returned to training on Friday, while the latter remains a doubt due to a hamstring injury. “Every game now is a chance to cut the gap,” said Barca goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who will be facing the club he played with for eight years before joining Barca in June. “It depends on us playing well and, sooner or later, our rivals will drop points.” Moyes, meanwhile, has urged his players to summon the spirit and performance levels which saw them defeat Real and Atletico Madrid at home this season before his appointment. “We respect Barcelona because they are a very good team, but they are coming to San Sebastian and we have to show them this is not an easy place to come and win,” said the Scot. “My players have already shown that they are capable of beating Barcelona.” Champions Atletico Madrid host Levante in the first La Liga match of the year on Saturday, but Fernando Torres will not be available to mark his return to the Vicente Calderon as his move from AC Milan cannot be formally completed until the Italian transfer window opens on Monday.

Let’s win FA Cup for Steven Gerrard, says Jordan Henderson liVerPool midFielder Jordan henderson is hoPing the reds Can giVe steVen gerrard the ideal send-oFF By Winning the Fa CUP on his 35th Birthday this may SportS DeSk Gerrard will bring the curtain down on his 17-year Anfield career at the end of the season, with the former England captain set for a move to Major League Soccer in America. Gerrard is almost certain to leave Liverpool without a coveted league winner’s medal - Brendan Rodgers’ men are currently 17 points adrift of leaders Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League - but the Reds are still in contention in three cup competitions. And with Gerrard’s birthday falling on the same day as the FA Cup final, Henderson feels that would be the perfect way to bid farewell to one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players. “That’d be nice for him because he deserves something like that for how good he’s been over so many years for Liverpool. Hopefully we can go on to win the cup, that’s the aim, that’s what we hope to achieve and it would be brilliant for us as a team and for him personally to get something in his last year.” Liverpool, who are also through to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup and into the last 32 of the Europa League, begin their FA Cup campaign at AFC Wimbledon on Monday night. Gerrard has won the competition twice in his career, in 2001 and then again in 2006 when he scored twice in a 3-3 draw against West Ham in the final before also netting in the penalty shoot-out.

nice confirm deal to sign newcastle star hatem Ben arfa AgencieS The attacking midfielder has agreed a contract and will undergo a medical in the south of France on Monday. Nice have not confirmed any contract details, but Ben Arfa is expected to be released for no fee by Newcastle. Ben Arfa had been on loan at Hull City, but the deal was cut short following a dispute with manager Steve Bruce. Once considered one of the most exciting young players in the world, Ben Arfa joined Newcastle from Marseille in 2010. Despite attaining fan favourite status, he fell out of favour with manager Alan Pardew amid question marks over his work ethic. The move is set to go ahead despite Pardew’s departure from St James’ Park and confirmation as Crystal Palace manager on Saturday.

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bae SeekS legal adVice to keep pga tour career going Bae sang-moon Plans to ComPete on the Pga toUr next Week in haWaii desPite Being sUmmoned home to soUth korea to ComPlete military serViCe SportS DeSk A two-time winner on the PGA Tour, world number 84 Bae must return to Korea by the end of January or he could risk criminal charges as his current permit expires in the coming days, according to his mother. “(Bae) is seeking legal counsel to work through the military issues in Korea,” the 28-year-old golfer’s manager said in a statement released on Friday. “He has a valid green card, and Sang-moon intends to stay in the United States as long as it is lawful to do so and play on the PGA Tour this year, beginning with next week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua Resort on the Hawaiian island of Maui.” All South Korean men between 18 and 35 must complete two years of military service, with the country still technically at war with North Korea after a peace treaty went unsigned following the 1950-53 Korean War. Sporting success has, though, enabled some athletes to bypass military service with the government waiving the requirement for any athlete who wins Asian Games gold or an Olympic medal. Bae, who clinched his second PGA Tour victory at the Frys.com Open in October, is the highest-ranked South Korean golfer and would be expected to compete at the Rio Games in 2016 when the sport makes its return to the Olympics. A winner of tournaments on the Asian, Japan and OneAsia Tours, Bae made his PGA Tour debut in 2012 and was granted US residency two years ago.

SPORTS Sunday, 4 January, 2015

NCA coach hopes Hafeez will be available as bowler in World Cup

LAHore:

stAff RepoRt

hE head coach of National Cricket Academy (NCA) Mohammad Akram on Friday expressed hope that while all-rounder Mohammad hafeez will be cleared to bowl in the World Cup-2015, banned off-spinner Saeed Ajmal will also stage a come back soon as lot of cricket is still left in him. In a media talk here, Akram said hafeez had just returned from India after appearing in the bio-mechanic Test and hopefully he would clear it to become available for the Pakistan team in the upcoming World Cup

which will staged in Australia-New Zeland from next month. “hafeez is a wise cricketer and an experienced one and he knows very well where he stands now and how much he needs to work hard. But I am hopeful about his clearance as a bowler for the World Cup,” said Akram. Commenting on Saeed’s future in the game, Akram said there was still sometime before he could make a comeback to international cricket, the off-spinner was good enough to serve Pakistan for many more years to come. “Pakistan needs a bowler of Saeed Ajmal’s qualities and calibre, especially on the Asian pitches and in the UAE,” he said. “I think Saeed has done lot of hard

work to remodel his bowling action and he has developed some new deliveries. he has attained the world No.1 position in the past, and now he wishes to come back into the national team while keeping his high profile status intact instead of being a liability.” “Now Saeed has reduced his arm-bend from 48 degree to 13, so it is remarkable recovery, happened due to hard work the bowler has been doing for the last three months. “Saeed needs more time to get control on his bowling action before appearing for a final bio mechanics test,” said Akram. “In the next three days, we will sit to take a decision to send Saeed for his final test in about two weeks,” he said. Meanwhile, Akram claimed positive results were coming in from the fitness tests conducted on the national team players. “The last time the fitness tests were conducted in September, the fitness level of players was at 53 per cent but it is now touching 60 per cent,” he said. “Once the players will achieve the fitness level of 70 per cent, a remarkable difference will be seen on the field,” he claimed. To a question that a good number of cricketers were either injured or unfit during the recent series played in the UAE, Akram said injuries were part and parcel of the game but as Pakistan had played three high-profile series against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand successively, the injuries were only natural. “however, the general fitness levels of the players have improved and rarely did we see bowlers or batsmen leaving the field due to fatigue or cramps in the recent series.”

3RD LEG OF VOLVO OCEAN RACE STARTS IN ABU DHABI

KoHli too emotioNAl As teAm leAder: Afridi SportS DeSk Pakistan’s flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi has said that Virat Kohli is “too emotional” as a leader and it will take him some time to fill in the captaincy void left by Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket. Afridi said he was a big fan of Kohli’s cricketing skills but the Indian needed to improve as a leader of the pack. Kohli is set to lead the team in the final Test of the series against Australia, starting on Jan 6 in Sydney. “I felt disappointed to learn about Dhoni’s retirement decision because he is a fighting character and has been a great leader for Indian cricket. He has led many times from the front for them,” he said. “Dhoni, has led them well in all formats, has changed the face of Indian cricket and took them to the pinnacle of success and his captaincy will be missed by the Indian team,” said Afridi. Ironically, it was under Dhoni’s captaincy that India defeated Pakistan led by Afridi in the semi-final of the 2011 World Cup at Mohali with India going on to win the title. Afridi, who is presently captain of the Pakistan T20 team, announced earlier this month that he would retire from One-day Internationals after the World Cup. He said that he had no intentions of changing his decision no matter how he performed in the World Cup. “Even if I have a great World Cup I will not take back my retirement decision because it is final and I took it after much thought. I have seen a lot of top players being forced to retire in not very pleasant circumstances and I don’t want that happening to me,” Afridi, known for his explosive batting in limited-overs games, added. Afridi, a veteran of 389 One-day Internationals said no one in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had contacted him after he announced his decision to retire after the World Cup.

Australia paceman Johnson in doubt for india test

SYDNeY Agencies

ABU DHABI Agencies

The third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race started Saturday with the fleet setting sail for China from Abu Dhabi, missing Team Vestas Wind as the badly damaged boat was being assessed for repairs. The Danish vessel has been shipped to Malaysia after it was retrieved from a remote reef in the middle of the Indian Ocean where it was grounded following a collision on Nov. 29 during the second leg from Cape Town to the United Arab Emirates. The team hopes to rebuild it in Italy and return to the race for the final two legs of the nine-month offshore race from June 7. The Vestas crew was at the dock to wave off the remaining six boats. Three teams Team Brunel (Netherlands),

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Dongfeng Race Team (China) - are tied at the top of the standings with four points apiece. They are chased by Team Alvimedica (Turkey/United States), which was awarded an extra point for time lost in the second leg for diverting course to sail to the assistance of Vestas Wind. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing led the six-strong fleet out of their host port under a thick blanket of fog after several laps of an in-port course. They were pursued by Dongfeng Race Team and Team SCA (Sweden), the all-female crew who won the Abu Dhabi in-port race on Friday. The third leg of the race is expected to be one of the most hazardous of the nine-month event, which finishes in Goteborg, Sweden, on June 27. The boats will need to navigate the 500nautical mile Malacca Strait dividing the In-

donesian islands of Sumatra and Malaysia. Those narrow waters could be more difficult to sail than the open sea. “I m pretty happy dealing with big waves and strong winds, but the complexity of dealing with a narrow channel, and a very large amount of shipping (boats) is what causes the problems,” Team Alvimedica s experienced Australian navigator Will Oxley said. “Some 300 feet of steel coming at you at 20 knots is always concerning, particularly if you haven t got much control over your speed if there s not much wind. “Then you have squalls, very violent squalls in the night, and there s lots of fishermen who are not showing navigation lights and have long nets. You can get tangled in the nets, or worse still, run someone over. So it s very stressful.”

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad.

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Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson missed training on Saturday citing hamstring soreness, throwing into question whether he will be fit for the fourth and final Test against India, reports said. Johnson, 33, has bowled long spells during the first three Tests against India, and has said he is hoping for a more responsive pitch in the fourth which begins in Sydney on Tuesday. “Definitely, all us bowlers feel like we need to have a bit of a freshen up,” he said on Friday. “So we’ll just see what happens after this match here. “And then we’ve got some tri-series one-dayers, so hopefully I can get a bit of a break at some stage there.” Johnson missed a training session with the rest of the team on Saturday, Australian Associated Press reported, adding that he had stayed instead at their hotel for treatment. Australia’s squad includes fellow leftarmer Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle as potential back-up pace bowlers along with Ryan Harris and Josh Hazlewood. Harris has said he is planning on playing in Sydney, and if Johnson is rested he could be replaced by Starc. “We haven’t trained for a couple of days, so I am raring to get out there today and in the next couple of days, in order to get myself best prepared for this Test,” said Starc Saturday. “I guess it [selection] depends on the fitness of other blokes and how they have pulled up from last week.” “The decision isn’t up to me, but If I am called up this week I will be ready.” Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Tuesday after India hung on for a tense draw in the third Test in Melbourne. Australia won the first two Tests in Adelaide and Brisbane.