E paper pdf (19 08 2015) (khi)

CMYK

MQM SEES MQM’s godil targeted in Karachi, fighting for life CONSPIRACY BEHIND Police says unidentified armed men on motorcycles intercepted GODIL ATTACK Godil’s vehicle and fired eight bullets after identifying him

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015 | Zulqad 3, 1436 Rs 17.00 | Vol VI No 51 | 16 Pages | Karachi Edition

MQM’s Sattar terms attack on Godil a ‘cowardly attempt to sabotage dialogue process’ as JUI-F’s Fazl is hopeful of breakthrough in the next round of talks to be held in Islamabad

KARACHI: Injured MQM lawmaker Rashid Godil is being shifted to a hospital following a deadly targeted attack on him.

Godil is reportedly in a critical condition after being shot five times while his driver succumbed to his bullet injuries at the hospital. inp

InvESTIgATOrS TErM gOdIL ATTACK ‘InSIdEr’S jOB’ STORIES ON PAGE 03

PAK TO ShOw IndIA’S BLOOdy fOOTPrInT In uPCOMIng TALKS Top leaders will highlight India’s involvement in terrorism in Pakistan, Samjhauta Express issue in security advisers’ meeting

COAS, PM Sharif discuss overall security situation, including LoC, decide to continue operations in Balochistan, Karachi

ONE KILLED, SIX WOUNDED

BY INDIAN SHELLING ACROSS LOC IN VEILED JIBE AT PAKISTAN, MODI URGES UNITY AGAINST ‘TERROR-HARBOURING STATES’ STORIES ON PAGE 02

SIALKOT: An elderly woman shows the damage to her house from Indian firing and shelling in Thathi Khurd village in Sucheetgarh Sector along the Sialkot Working Boundary. INP

PTI chief lashes out at critics holding Reham responsible for NA-19 by-poll defeat, says his wife is pressed by PTI members to attend political gatherings Says Reham won’t be bestowed with office in PTI government or party Reham Khan says she’s not interested in contesting elections as ‘those who do haven’t made Pakistan any better’ STORY ON PAGE 04

KHAN PULLS REHAM OFF THE FIELD AFTER NA-19 MATCH SECRET ISLAMIC

STATE DOCUMENT FOUND IN PAKISTAN: REPORT

LG polls: SC reminds ECP of its constitutional responsibility STORIES ON PAGES 02 & 04

02 NEWS

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

Pak To Show IndIa’S bloody fooTPrInT In uPcomIng TalkS TOP LEADERS WILL HIGHLIGHT INDIA’S INVOLVEMENT IN TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN, SAMJHAUTA EXPRESS ISSUE IN SECURITY ADVISERS’ MEETING ISLAMABAD

T

MIAN ABRAR

he civil and military leadership of the country has decided to center the meeting of national security advisors of India and Pakistan on the Indian footprint of terrorism in Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz will visit New Delhi on August 23 and 24 for a dialogue with his counterpart Ajit Doval.

India had proposed the two-day meeting as per the agreement between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his counterpart Narendra Modi in Russia last month.

PM Sharif chaired a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday which was also attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General (DG) Lt General Rizwan Akhtar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, PM’s Adviser on National Security

and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and PM’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi among others.

As per details, the matter of National Action Plan (NAP) implementation was also taken under discussion and it was decided to continue Karachi operation.

A well placed source in the government told Pakistan Today that the military leadership briefed the premier and his team on the security situation in the country in the wake of terrorist attack on Punjab home Minister Col (r) Shuja Khanzada who himself was a retired officer of the ISI. “The meeting was briefed that the initial investigation has proved some links between the terrorists involved in the attack on Punjab home minister with the Indian intelligence. Moreover, the meeting also decided to propose foreign secretary level talks between the two countries. It was also decided that Pakistan would produce evidence of the involvement of Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) during the foreign secretary level huddle,” the source added.

Secret Islamic State document found in Pakistan: report A document, allegedly belonging to the Islamic State was found in the tribal areas of Pakistan by the American Media Institute (AMI), Mail Online has claimed in a report. According to the report, the document in Urdu titled ‘A Brief history of the Islamic State Caliphate (ISC): The Caliphate According to the Prophet’, was discovered in the tribal areas of Pakistan. Much like Adolf hitler’s autobiographical manifesto, Mein Kampf, the 32-page document includes a graphic depiction of the six stages of the Islamic State. A US intelligence official who confirmed the authenticity of the document stated that according to the diagram, the fifth phase declares the caliphate will be followed by a final phase, “open warfare” in 2017. US Defence Intelligence Agency Director General Michael Flynn stated, “While the world is watching videos of beheadings and crucifixions in Iraq and Syria the Islamic State is moving into North Africa.”

Further, while it remains unclear as to why the militant group aims to proceed towards India as its future battleground rather than Western europe, IS, in the document, conveniently declared that Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to be its next areas for terror camps.

A history of IS and its previous missions was also explained in the document which the AMI claims stated, “Accept the fact that this caliphate will survive and prosper until it takes over the entire world.” NEWS DESK

The source said that the civil and military leadership were mostly on the same page over most points. The military leadership also discussed the results of the ongoing action in Balochistan against terrorist elements. Achievements of the political leadership in Balochistan’s reconciliation process were also hailed, the source added.

NOT QUITE DONE: Moreover, the meeting decided that Pakistan

COAS, PM SHARIF DISCUSS OVERALL SECURITY SITUATION, INCLUDING LOC, DECIDE TO CONTINUE OPERATIONS IN BALOCHISTAN, KARACHI

would raise the issue of grant of bail to the mastermind of the Samjhauta express in India.

“The meeting decided that India would be updated on the concern in Pakistan over the legal support being extended by the executive in India to the accused in Samjhauta express. Moreover, the repeated Indian violations of ceasefire on line of control (LoC) and working boundary between

the two countries and loss of precious lives would also be raised,” the source added. The source added that Pakistan would convey to India its sincerity in talks’ process and the proposal to start the foreign secretary level talks was just to emphasize the same.

“Since it was Indians who cancelled the foreign secretary level talks, Pakistan would urge India to again open the official forum. Pakistan is a responsible state and it would keep playing its role for regional peace,” the source added. The source said that the federal government also plans to offer some relaxation in trade with India but it would be purely based on the response Pakistan gets from India. “If Indians want peace, Pakistan would take two steps forward,” the source added.

As far as Mumbai attacks are concerned, the source added, Pakistan would again ask India to share concrete evidence against the alleged suspect in attacks, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. “If Indians share undeniable evidence, Pakistan would act as Pakistan itself

ONE KILLED, SIX WOUNDED BY INDIAN SHELLING ACROSS LOC RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT

“Unrelenting and indiscriminate” shelling by Indian troops from across the Line of Control killed an elderly man and wounded six others, including three siblings, in Nakyal sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

Munshi Khan, 70, was killed late in the evening after a mortar shell landed in his house in Bani Lanjot village in the southern Kotli district, a police official said. Residents said a shrapnel pierced through the victim’s neck, killing him on the spot. Two other members of his family were wounded. earlier in the day, the official said, a shell landed in the courtyard of a house in Datot village, injuring three siblings identified as Ambrina, 20, Roz-

ina, 17, and Sheraz, 16. Separately, another person was also injured in the same village.

According to officials, all vulnerable educational institutions in Nakyal sector had been closed due to “unrelenting and indiscriminate shelling.” elsewhere, in Kerni village of haveli district, a shell hit the building of a high school, but there was no physical loss. The school had also been closed as a precautionary measure, another official said. After Tuesday’s casualties, the death toll in the latest bout of trans-LoC shelling has risen to five in Nakyal sector, while one death was recorded in haveli district.

At least two dozen people have received minor or critical wounds. earlier in August, Pakistan had lodged a strong protest with India over the ceasefire vi-

olations across the LoC and also strongly condemned the death of civilians on the Pakistani side due to firing across the LoC. The Indian envoy was asked to ensure that the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003 should be adhered to in order to create peace and tranquility along the LoC. Pakistan Army had also lodged a strong protest with the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) over unprovoked firing by Indian troops. Ceasefire violations along the LoC and working boundary between Pakistan and India continue intermittently, with casualties reported on both sides. Official sources say unprovoked firing by Indian troops on the working boundary has been continuing for the past many weeks.

Army support bolsters Nawaz Sharif: report NIZAMI TELLS FINANCIAL TIMES NAWAZ SHARIF HAS MENDED FENCES WITH ARMY AND COUNTRY MORE STABLE THAN BEFORE MONITORING REPORT Less than a year ago, the Pakistani government of Nawaz Sharif was on the ropes, pummelled by months of disruptive opposition protests in the capital that most said were tacitly supported by the army. It would only be a matter of time, Pakistanis predicted, before he was ousted in a military coup or forced to step down, Financial Times (FT) has reported.

By winning the 2013 poll, Sharif had triumphed in Pakistan’s first handover of power from one democratically elected government to another.

But by late 2014 the economy was struggling and he had hesitated to back the army as it launched an antiterrorist campaign against the Pakistan Taliban, the foreign media outfit believes.

All that changed on December 16 last year, when Taliban gunmen attacked an army-run school in Peshawar

and slaughtered more than 140 children and teachers. Pakistanis united in revulsion against the Islamists, politicians Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan (once labelled “Taliban Khan” for his militant sympathies) quickly abandoned their demonstrations in Islamabad, and the army attacked the Taliban with renewed ferocity, the report elaborates.

“There was a feeling that whatever happens now we’ve got to go after them,” the report quoted Khan as saying. “It was one of those traumatic events in Pakistan that changed the country. The event was so gruesome that you just had to close ranks.

People were sick of terrorism.”

Today Sharif, one of whose two previous stints as prime minister ended with a military coup, is probably as secure as he has ever been, the FT believes. With the economy recovering and political violence apparently abating — despite the assassination on Sunday of

is a target of terrorists and it doesn’t want any terrorist to be allowed to use its soil or resources,” the source added. The source said that the meeting also discussed at length the Indian footprints in the unrest in Balochistan. Moreover, the maneuvering of Indians in Afghanistan was also discussed.

The meeting also discussed the fruitful meetings of Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Dawood with Nawab of Jhalawan Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik and others. The meeting also discussed the Indian offensive to woo the Arab world and it was decided that Pakistan needed to foster its relations with Arab world.

The source said that the ISI DG also briefed the civilian leadership over the initial investigation into the terrorist attack over Col (r) Khanzada. The government was informed that terrorists were planning more attacks in near future from inside Afghanistan and there was dire need for keeping high alert to ensure security of top individuals and installations.

Punjab home Minister Shuja Khanzada and 11 others at his residence by two suicide bombers — some say he may even achieve the rare feat of completing his five-year term.

“I think Nawaz Sharif will survive, with a bit of luck and some good politics,” says Pakistan Today editor Arif Nizami.

“In the past one year, he’s mended fences with the army.

Pakistan is definitely more stable than a year ago.”

As Nizami’s comments suggest, however, Sharif retains his position only on sufferance from the army, led by the unrelated Gen Raheel Sharif. For decades the generals have either ruled Pakistan or controlled foreign and defence policy under civilian governments, and there is no sign of Gen Sharif loosening the military’s grip.

Ministers talk openly of a civilian-military system of government, with security operations not only in the

Taliban-dominated tribal areas bordering Afghanistan but also in Karachi, where the paramilitary Rangers have confronted the private army of the city’s secular Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the report said.

“What we are seeing is a good model of civil-military leadership working together,” says Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad. “Today we have a political consensus in the country at the level of political parties, and at the level of the civil-military leadership.”

Gen Sharif meets foreign leaders and at times seems like the head of government. Per report, Pakistani media even pictured him at Downing Street in January with David Cameron, UK prime minister, although British officials say Cameron merely “dropped in” on a meeting between Gen Sharif and Sir Kim Darroch, then national security adviser, with no intention of being photographed.

Liberals and leftwingers, suspicious of the main political parties as well as the army, are not convinced about the merits of the “civil-military” accord and worry about the erosion of

CMYK

what remains of Pakistani democracy, the report says.

Small leftwing Awami Workers Party (AWP)’s Alia Amirali complains of the lack of space for people to take part in democratic politics, like “this lizard whose tail keeps getting cut off”. She says, “The Rangers and the military are reinventing themselves as these defenders of Pakistan and there’s this applause on all sides about how the military are truly our saviours.”

One of the more controversial parts of the post-Peshawar National Action Plan against terrorism was the establishment of military courts for terrorism cases, supported even by Khan because judges and lawyers have been so intimidated that convictions through the normal justice system have become almost impossible. “The judges were just petrified,” he says.

In the same vein, it is hard to find an educated Pakistani who laments either the killing of Malik Ishaq, the detained leader of banned Sunni militant group Laskhar-e-Jhangvi, or the manner of his death, the report highlights.

In veiled jibe at Pakistan, modi urges unity against ‘terrorharbouring states’ INDIAN PM SAYS NO SUCH THING AS ‘GOOD TALIBAN’ AND ‘BAD TALIBAN’ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made thinly-veiled references to Pakistan on Monday when he called on all nations to unite against states that harbour terrorist groups during his visit to the United Arab emirates, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported. “Those who support terrorism must be on one side and those who believe in humanity on the other.

Those who take the path of bombs and guns to fulfill their dreams won’t achieve anything,” Modi said in an apparent reference to Pakistan, while addressing an audience of Indian immigrants at Dubai’s cricket stadium. Modi did not name any country but hinted that the “intended recipients will get the message”. The Indian premier said there was no such thing as a “good Taliban” and “bad Taliban”. “Good Taliban, bad Taliban…

Good terror, bad terror…this won’t work.

A decision has to be taken – are you with terrorism or with humanity?” he asked.

“People on the path of terror will have to rely on bilateral talks for real solution,” Modi added. In a joint statement signed between India and the UAe on Monday, the two nations focused on terrorism and said they “condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries” and urged all nations to “dismantle terrorism infrastructure where they exist and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice”. “A clear message has been sent, a united voice against terrorism has emerged. Those who need to understand will understand,” Modi added. NEWS DESK

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

mQm’S godIl TargeTed In karachI, fIghTIng for lIfe POLICE SAYS UNIDENTIFIED ARMED MEN ON MOTORCYCLES INTERCEPTED GODIL’S VEHICLE AND FIRED EIGHT BULLETS AFTER IDENTIFYING HIM KARACHI

m

STAFF REPORT

UTTAhIDA Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Rashid Godil was critically wounded after unidentified armed men opened fire at his vehicle near his residence in Karachi’s Bahadurabad area on Tuesday. The attack killed Godil’s driver but his wife, who was also travelling with him, remained unhurt.

Godil has undergone emergency surgery and was reportedly in a critical condition at the Liaquat National hospital. hospital sources said that the MQM leader suffered five bullet wounds on his chest, head and arm. he underwent surgery at a private hospital and was later put on ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit of Liaquat National hospital, according to the Liaquat National hospital spokesperson.

The spokesperson added that Godil’s driver, who was also injured in the in-

cident, was shifted to the Aga Khan University hospital where he died during treatment. According to the Gulshan SP, unidentified motorcycle-riding armed men intercepted Godil’s vehicle and fired eight bullets after identifying the Muttahida leader. he added that eight spent bullet casings of a 9mm pistol were recovered from the spot.

Fear and panic gripped the city as markets and shops closed down their businesses in different areas after the attack. Addressing a press conference, MQM leader Farooq Sattar, who was flanked by Jamiat Ulema-e-IslamFazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman, condemned the ‘cowardly terrorist attack’ on Rashid Godil. he said that condemnations against the tragic incident had poured in from within the party and other political quarters.

A large number of MQM leaders, supporters and activists began gathering at the party’s Nine Zero headquarters where they were holding prayers for the speedy recovery

of the wounded party leader.

In the meanwhile, the police have formed a joint investigation team (JIT) under the supervision of DIG east Munir Shaikh to probe the incident. SSP east Javed Jiskani, SSP east Investigation Zulfiqar Meher and SSP SIU Farooq Awan will be the members of that team.

A press release issued by Rangers also condemned the attack on MQM leader and wished for his speedy recovery. The statement added that probe into various aspects of the incident was under way and those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice soon.

The Rangers press release also appealed to citizens to provide any information regarding the attack on the Rangers 1101 helpline.

Moreover, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon hussain, MQM chief Altaf hussain, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) CoChairman Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Zardari, PPP

Sindh’s senior minister Nisar Ahmad Khuhro and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Shireen Mazari among other leaders and officials condemned the attack on Godil and termed the incident an attempt to ruin the atmosphere of the city. Rashid Godil had served as MQM’s deputy parliamentary leader in the National Assembly until MQM lawmakers’ recent submission of resignations from parliaments. he was elected as a Member of National Assembly from Karachi’s NA-252 constituency during the 2013 general elections.

Investigators term Godil attack ‘insider’s job’ godIl had exPreSSed concernS over ThreaTS To hIm KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Rashid Godil had expressed concerns over threats to his life. Talking to journalists after resigning from the National Assembly, Godil had said that he might not visit the federal capital again as his enemies might take his life. “I am aware of the threats to my life,” Godil had said.

“I might not even live to see the month of September,” he added. however, the former MQM lawmaker did not name the persons who wanted to take his life. he had refused to discuss the matter on-camera. STAFF REPORT

MQM’S SATTAR TERMS ATTACK ON GODIL A ‘COWARDLY ATTEMPT TO SABOTAGE DIALOGUE PROCESS’ AS JUI-F’S FAZL IS HOPEFUL OF BREAKTHROUGH IN THE NEXT ROUND OF TALKS TO BE HELD IN ISLAMABAD KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Terming the attack on its member of the National Assembly, Rashid Godil, a “conspiracy” to sabotage the Fazlur Rehman mediated talks between the government and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the party has however hinted that it is ready to show flexibility over its decision of resigning from the assemblies.

Addressing a joint press conference with Fazl, chief of the Jamiat Ulema-eIslam after talks were disrupted due to

POLICE STRUGGLING WITH LOW-QUALITY CCTV FOOTAGE AS THE EFFORT FOR FINDING MATCH FOR BULLET CASINGS GOES ON KARACHI AAMIR MAJEED

Investigation into the attack on Muttaheda Qaumi Movement (MQM) MNA Rasheed Godil has thus far established that the assailants had received support from someone who was close to him, it is reliably learnt.

The probe has revealed that the attackers had minute-to-minute information about Godil’s movements. however, the investigators are blank despite the availability of twomegapixel Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and haven’t either found a match for the casings of bullets fired. Nonetheless, CCTV footage can help them to ascertain the way of attack; however not usable when it comes to recognising suspects. “I am confused as the footage available can help me to identify the

way attack was carried, but it doesn’t help in identification of the assailants involved,” Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Counter Terrorism and Financial Crime (CT&FC) Incharge Raja Umar Khittab said. “It was said that four armed assailants on two motorcycles chased him, and later opened fire, but I have found only two attackers on one motorcycle in the footage,” Khittab maintained.

Khittab, who had recently resolved Safoora Goth bus attack and murder case of rights activist Sabeen Mehmood, claimed that it is confirmed that the assailants had received support from someone who was close to Godil as it is usually difficult to mark the target if a tinted-glass vehicle is being used. “The CCTV footage we have suggest the attackers knew that Godil was sitting on which part of the four-wheeler,” Khittab asserted.

CTD OFFICIAL SAYS FOOTAGE SHOWS TWO MEN ON BIKE WHO KNEW GODIL’S EXACT POSITION, USED ‘FRESH’ WEAPONS Responding to a question, he said that the terrorists are using weapons which are not used in any activity before, as they knew that they could be traced if they used weapons having record with the forensic division.

The footage available with the investigators has left a question mark over the quality of two-megapixel monitoring devices installed 15-feet high from the ground. The cameras are also not good enough for recording NADRA-identifiable quality and have faced several rejections by the registration authority. Upon asked for comments, Karachi AIG Mustaq Mehar said that he was waiting for the preliminary report.

NEWS

PIldaT highlights potential prime ministers in coming 15 years LAHORE: The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) has released its own projection of political personalities that could take over command as the prime minister during the next 10-15 years. The PILDAT analysis is based on the promise and potential that the people on their list have shown. The compilation has been produced as a book, and has helped highlight the role that those enlisted can play. The list includes (in alphabetical order) Ahsan Iqbal, Aitzaz Ahsan, Asad Umar, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, hamza Shahbaz, hina Rabbani Khar, humayun Akhtar Khan, Imran Khan, Ishaq Dar, Khurram Dastagir Khan, Liaqat Baloch, Marvi Memon, Maryam Nawaz, Mushahid hussain Sayed, Omar Ayub Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Shahbaz Sharif and Shazia Marri. The people on the list have been judged in terms of the role that they play within their respective party. Their level of engagement with the masses and charisma, along with demonstrated ability to be a part of the government at any level, etc. Data used to develop the volume has been taken from many different outlets including official websites, publications, social media etc. In some cases interviews were also conducted to get the right kind of information. The future of Pakistan largely depends on the leaders that the people choose. The top 20 options paint an interesting picture for the country. STAFF REPORT

18 terrorists killed in north waziristan air raids RAWALPINDI: Fresh air strikes in North Waziristan on Tuesday killed at least 18 suspected terrorists in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan, the military said in a statement. According to the statement, jet fighters pounded terrorists’ hideouts and destroyed several of them. Tuesday’s strikes come a day after the military said it had eliminated at least 65 militants on Monday in air raids conducted in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency. STAFF REPORT

akhundzada chattan’s son recovered from bajaur PESHAWAR: The minor son of PPP Central executive Committee member Syed Akhunzada Chattan, who was abducted a day earlier by unidentified persons, was recovered in Bajaur Agency on Tuesday. The 11-year-old hussain Shah, who is currently in the custody of the political administration, was recovered from the Utmankhel area of Bajaur Agency. According to sources in the political administration, the kidnappers released the MNA’s son in a graveyard near Bajaur’s main town of Khar, from where the boy was recovered. Assistant Political Agent Khar said that after Shah was abducted on Monday, security forces conducted a thorough search and strike operation in the area which forced the kidnappers to release the child. Officials and family members had earlier said that Shah, along with his younger brother, was waiting for their school bus outside his residence when unidentified masked men whisked him away in a car. Local residents said Levies personnel, who were assigned the duty to provide security to the former MNA’s family, opened firing on the kidnappers but they managed to escape. STAFF REPORT

MQM sees conspiracy behind Godil attack the murderous attack on Godil, MQM senior leader Dr Farooq Sattar said, “We took an extreme step and now the JUI-F chief has told us to reconsider it.” he added that the party would take the dialogue process forward and the next round of talks will be held in Islamabad. “Altaf hussain and the senior MQM leadership have reposed trust in the JUI-F chief and we thank him for his visit. We will consider his suggestions as he has come to Nine Zero as a mediator and we respect him,” Sattar said. he claimed that his party lawmakers resigned over violation of constitutional, legal and human rights and the MQM would only take the resignations back after these issues are addressed. The MQM leader said that Rehman reached Nine-Zero as a mediator between government and MQM. he said that JUI-F chief was talking to MQM chief Altaf hussain via satellite link when they received the news of the terror attack on Godil.

All parliamentary parties including opposition are represented by Fazlur Rehman as a mediator, he said, adding that the resignations issue could be re-

solved however, “the situation took a sudden turn” as they learnt about the news.

The MQM leader hoped that the Sindh Police and security agencies would shoulder their responsibilities and nab the culprits behind the attack. Sattar said that MQM chief has endorsed continuation of operation in Karachi and it should target criminals indiscriminately. earlier, upon his arrival at the party headquarters, the MQM activists showered the JUI-F chief with rose petals and chanted slogans to

CMYK

03

welcome him; however, the festivities were short-lived as news of an attack on MQM MNA Rashid Gondil broke. however, talks continued despite the attack.

FAZL IN GRATITUDE AND HOPE: While addressing reporters, Fazl condemned the attack on Godil. he said that he agrees with Sattar over likelihood of this incident as act to sabotage talks. everyone is praying for Godil, he added.

Rehman thanked MQM chief Altaf hussain and his party members for dis-

playing a positive attitude towards the dialogue process. “Despite the unfortunate terror incident, I did not observe any change in the positive attitude of the MQM leadership,” Fazl said.

Terming the attack on Godil a cowardly attempt to sabotage the dialogue process, the JUI-F chief condemned the attack and prayed for the life of the injured parliamentary leader of the MQM. “I have been given a mandate from the government as well as the opposition,” Fazl said, adding that like every other dialogue process, this will also gradually move forward. Fazl, during his first ever visit to the MQM’s party headquarters, aimed to woo MQM parliamentarians back to the assemblies after party lawmakers had announced to submit their resignations over the party’s reservations on the Rangers operations in Karachi.

Upon his arrival, Fazl was received by senior MQM leaders Nasreen Jalil, Farooq Sattar, Syed Sardar Ahmed, Rauf Siddiqui, Waseem Akhtar and others.

Further, prominent party leader haider Abbas Rizvi, who had been out of the party politics for the last few days, was also seen at the party headquarters. earlier, families of the missing party workers also arrived at Nine Zero to meet the Fazl and convey their concerns, report said.

04 NEWS

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

Khan pulls Reham out of the field afteR na-19 match PTI CHIEF LASHES OUT AT CRITICS HOLDING REHAM RESPONSIBLE FOR NA-19 BY-POLL DEFEAT, SAYS HIS WIFE IS PRESSED BY PTI MEMBERS TO ATTEND POLITICAL GATHERINGS ISLAMABAD

p

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday lashed out on Twitter against “attacks” on wife Reham Khan following the NA-19 by-polls.

He said he was “appalled & disgusted by attacks on Reham” after the party’s candidate faced defeat at the hands of PML-N leader Babar Nawaz during the by-elections for the Haripur constituency.

PIA WITHOUT MD AS REHMAN GOES ON LPR KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Shahnawaz Rehman is on Leave Preparatory to Retirement (LPR) since August 15 and the airliner is operating without a managing director. Shahnawaz Rehman was recently appointed as PIA MD. Before his recent appointment, Rehman was the Director of Corporate Planning of PIA since March 2013. STAFF REPORT

He defended his wife’s visit to the constituency to campaign for PTI candidate Raja Aamir Zaman saying, “Reham has only attended PTI functions at the constant insistence of PTI members”.

He stated that while Reham would not hold any positions in the party, contest elections on a PTI ticket, hold any position in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government or be given official protocol, she was “politicised”.

Khan also said that the PTI was “opposed to all forms of nepotism”. The PTI chief claimed that

SAYS REHAM WON’T BE BESTOWED WITH OFFICE IN PTI GOVERNMENT OR PARTY

one of his party’s greatest achievements was encouraging women and the youth to engage in political activity, as it galvanised them to “fight effectively for their rights and against injustice”.

Khan said Reham already had too much on her plate, especially with her social work with street children, and that she would not attend any PTI events in the future. He said his wife was with him in Karachi during the NA-246 by-polls because the party wanted to “challenge the fear factor” and encourage women voters to cast their ballots in the election.

ReHAM ReSponDS Following Imran’s outburst, Reham Khan tweeted her support for her husband’s political aspirations.

She said she was not interested in contesting elections as “those who do haven’t made Pakistan any better”.

The former journalist and talk-show host said she had long declined invitations to join political parties ─ even before she married Imran Khan.

PML-N candidate Babar Nawaz won the NA-19 seat in the Aug 16 by-polls with an unofficial number of 89,209 votes, while PTI candidate Raja Amir Zaman bagged 63,127 votes.

150 DROWNED, SHOT DEAD FLEEING BOKO HARAM IN NIGERIA KANO AGENCIES

At least 150 people drowned in a river or were shot dead fleeing Boko Haram gunmen who raided a remote village in Nigeria’s northeastern Yobe State, local residents said on Tuesday.

Dozens of militants arrived on motorcycles and in a car on Thursday last week and opened fire, scattering terrified residents of Kukuwa-Gari.

“They opened fire instantly, which forced residents to flee. They shot a number of people. Unfortunately many residents who tried to flee plunged into the river which is full from the rain. Many drowned,” Modu Balumi, a resident of the village, told AFP.

“By our latest toll we have 150 people either shot dead or drowned in the attack. The gunmen deliberately killed a fisherman who tried to save drowning residents of the village.” Balumi said the bodies of many of the drowned were picked out by locals several kilometres away. News of the attack was slow to emerge due to militants having destroyed telecom masts around the village, around 50 kilometres from Yobe State capital Damaturu, since the insurgency began in 2009.

“Most residents, particularly women and children, ran towards the river in confusion,“ said Bukar Tijjani, another villager, who confirmed the death toll. “They were pursued by the gunmen who kept firing at them.

In a frantic effort to escape, they jumped into the river, which was full to the brim.”

Pak-China to cooperate in space as part of Karamay declaration PESHAWAR APP

The Chinese government has agreed to a proposal by the Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, initiating the collaboration between Pakistan and China in space technology as part of the Karamay declaration under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

At the Pakistan-China forum meeting held in Karamay-Xinjiang last week, Ahsan Iqbal, proposed space technology collaboration between China and Pakistan, an official of the forum told APP. His proposal was approved and made a part of the Karamay-Xinjiang Declaration. The declaration was later approved unanimously after the twoday meeting. At the concluding session, Ahsan Iqbal said that bilateral collaboration on space technology would take Pakistan-China relations to new heights. He stressed upon a joint launch of space missions which would consist of astronauts from both countries.

He said “CPEC will increase connectivity between the two friendly countries. It will shape up the future destiny of both the nations through

KERRY TELEPHONES SHARIF, DISCUSSES REGIONAL SITUATION ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State John Kerry called Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday evening. According to details, Kerry and Nawaz discussed relations between the United States and Pakistan and discussed the regional situation.

The call comes as ties between Pakistan and India deteriorate ahead of bilateral talks scheduled to be held early next week. Earlier on Monday, US State Department spokesperson John Kirby had during the daily press briefing in Washington strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada which killed 20 people, including the minister. He added that the United States remains committed to the people of Pakistan and the government in fighting terrorism. STAFF REPORT

communication linkages”.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong, was also a part of the CPEC forum. He labelled the meetings as successful in increasing un-

derstanding among the related stakeholders for implementing CPEC. He also pointed out the field of energy and communication as a major part of the CPEC.

CMYK

LG POLLS: SC REMINDS ECP OF ITS CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Tuesday ruled that according to Article 140-A of the Constitution, holding local government (LG) elections was the constitutional responsibility of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Jawwad S Khawaja comprising Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Qazi Faez Isa disposed of two petitions regarding holding of LG polls and ordered the ECP to decide the dates for holding the elections in Punjab and Sindh. The ECP was not supposed to request the provinces for dates, but rather it should issue orders as LG elections had not been held in Punjab and Sindh for six years, the court observed. During the course of proceedings, an ECP official informed the court that holding LG elections in the two provinces was not possible due to floods as all the administrative staffs were busy in relief activities. He said the ECP was determined to hold the LG polls in both the provinces and sought time. Justice Isa remarked that if the ECP officials could not fulfill their responsibility then they should resign. He cited the example of Iran, where municipal elections were held twice despite war against Iraq. One constitutional entity was expressing its inability to perform its duties and seeking other’s permission for violating the Constitution, he added. APP

600,000 GHOST PENSIONERS IN VARIOUS GOVT ORGANIZATIONS ISLAMABAD: At least 600,000 fake pensioners have been identified in various government institutions. National Bank of Pakistan officials told a Senate committee that 600,000 ghost pensioners have been removed from the pensioners’ lists during the last six months. Officials said that majority of the ghost pensioners were identified in EOBI, Pakistan Army and other federal government institutions. NBP officials told the committee that it was revealed on the time of account opening that the pensioners had died long ago and some other people had been receiving the pensions in their names.

They said that the number of pensioners registered with the NBP has now reduced from 2,200,000 to 1,600,000.

“Pensioners are now being provided with ATM cards for withdrawing their pensions, however, biometric verification has been made mandatory so that ghost pensioners can be removed,” said the officials. The committee has recommended opening of the bank accounts of the pensioners and expediting their verifications. STAFF REPORT

SC QUESTIONS NAB’S ACTION IN NLC SCAM AFTER ARMY PROBE FINDS OFFICIALS GUILTY ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Supreme Court was on Tuesday informed that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on August 6 had received a letter from Army Chief General Raheel Sharif saying that former army officials were found involved in irregularities at the National Logistics Cell (NLC).

During the hearing of the NLC case, Justice Qazi Faiz Esa said termination from service does not absolve the culprits from civil and criminal liability. “Did NAB seek the details of corruption in writing from the NLC inquiry committee?” he asked.

He further questioned as to what achievements NAB has made in connection with the NLC case.

In response, the prosecutor told the court that the NAB had written a letter to General Headquarters but the latter did not reply to it.

The Pakistan Army on August 5 awarded punishment to two accused retired generals in light of finding of an inquiry into the National Logistic Cell (NLC) embezzlement scandal.

Maj Gen (r) Khalid Zahir Akhter was “Dismissed from Service”, which implies;

forfeiture of rank, decorations, medals, honours, awards, seizure of pension, recovery of personal gains, cancellation of service benefits and all other allied facilities including medical etc.

Lt Gen (r) Muhammad Afzal Muzaffar, on the other hand, was awarded “Severe Displeasure (Recordable)” which in essence is a disciplinary award due to an offence of lesser degree i.e. violation of procedures but no personal gains.

Whereas, Lt Gen (r) Khalid Munir Khan was not found involved in any financial irregularity or serious misconduct and therefore absolved from all charges.

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

NEWS

Sri Lankan PM cLaiMS victory over ex-StrongMan rajaPakSe in eLectionS COLOMBO

o

AGENCIES

N Tuesday, with election results still incomplete, Sri Lanka’s prime minister declared victory over the country’s former strongman who was seeking a political comeback eight months after losing the presidency.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a majority of the people had endorsed what he called his administration’s good governance and consensual politics in Monday’s parliamentary elections.

“I offer my grateful thanks to all parties and individuals who worked untiringly during the election period to ensure victory for the people,” Wickremesinghe

NEARLY 21,000 MIGRANTS HIT GREEK SHORES LAST WEEK, REPORTS UN GENEVA: The number of migrants arriving in crisis-hit Greece is accelerating dramatically, with nearly 21,000 landing on the overstretched Greek islands last week alone, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 160,000 migrants have made their way to Greece — nearly four times the 43,500 who arrived in the country during all of 2014, the UN refugee agency said. “The pace of arrivals has been steadily increasing in recent weeks,” UNHCR spokesman William Spindler told reporters in Geneva. Last week, 20,843 migrants — virtually all of them fleeing war and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq — washed up on the shores of Greek islands, making up nearly half of last year’s total. The wave of migrants is not just impacting Greece, with nearly a third of arrivals in the European Union asking for asylum in Germany. The economic powerhouse is gearing up for nearly threequarters of a million applicants this year.

“For months, UNHCR has been warning of a mounting refugee crisis on the Greek islands,” Spindler said, insisting the “reception infrastructure, services and registration procedures both on the islands and on the mainland need to be strengthened urgently. “Until recently, most migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe travelled to Italy, but dangers and logistical difficulties have in recent months shifted the flood increasingly towards Greece.

Situation very complicated: Shops on the Turkish coast, which is a jumping off point for Greece, have been doing booming business in lifejackets for the migrants making the crossing. One shop owner said she was going through 100150 of the devices a week. It is just one of the costs for the migrants, with some paying around $1,200 (1,000 euros) per person for the journey across the Aegean in an inflatable dinghy. AGENCIES

said in a statement.

In results released so far, former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa’s United People’s Freedom Alliance had won 61 of 225 seats, while Wickremesinghe’s United National Party had received 59.

Any party or coalition must win at least 113 seats to form a government.

Observers said results for the seats still to be announced are expected to favor Wickremesinghe. If Wickremesinghe does not secure an outright majority, some Maithripala Sirisena loyalists within Rajapaksa’s party are likely to join a coalition government.

Rajapaksa was Sri Lanka’s president for nine years until his Jan. 8 election defeat to a former ally, Sirisena. He is seeking a political comeback as prime

minister, a position second only to the president. However, he faced a daunting hurdle because Sirisena has vowed not to appoint him as prime minister even if he secures a majority.

A prime minister acts for the president when he is absent and replaces him if he is impeached, incapacitated or dies.

The president has wide executive powers and usually holds the defense, foreign relations and sometimes finance portfolios.

The prime minister heads lawmaking and has some governance powers.

Sirisena defected from Rajapaksa’s government and formed an alliance with Wickremesinghe to defeat Rajapaksa in the presidential election.

After earlier reports that he had conceded defeat, Rajapaksa said in a tweet

that he would wait until the official results are out before making a statement.

Since his presidential loss, there has been a sharp reversal of fortunes for Rajapaksa, his family and friends, who were once all-powerful controllers of the island nation. Some now face investigations or lawsuits on allegations of corruption, misuse of power and even murder.

Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said Monday’s elections were

BANGLADESH ARRESTS BRITON OVER BLOGGER MURDERS DHAKA AGENCIES

Bangladesh’s elite security force Tuesday arrested three suspected Islamist militants including a British citizen who police said was the “main planner” of the murders of two prominent atheist bloggers.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) spokesmen said they had arrested Touhidur Rahman, 58, and two other “active members” of Ansarullah Bangla Team, which was banned in May over a spate of killings of bloggers.

“We’ve arrested them in the capital today. We can confirm that Rahman is a Bangladesh origin British citizen. He is the main planner of the attacks on Avijit Roy and Ananta Bijoy Das,” Major Maksudul Alam of the RAB told AFP. Four secular bloggers were killed in Bangladesh in the past six months.

These include Avijit Roy and Ananta Bijoy Das. This began when their photographs appeared on a new Facebook page registered under the name Ansar-BD. The post also said, “There are three anti-Islamic poets and three organisers of bloggers. They are the enemy of Islam. We should do whatever it takes.”

Avijit Roy had founded a popular Bengali-language blog, Mukto-mona, or Free Mind, in which articles on scientific reasoning and religious extremism featured prominently.

“He was a free thinker. He was a Hindu but he was not only a strong voice against Islamic fanatics but also equally against other religious fanatics,” Baki Billah, a friend of Roy and a blogger, told Independent TV station. The attack on Roy took place

BANGLADESH ARRESTS EDITOR FOR ‘DEFAMING’ MINISTER

DHAKA: Bangladesh police said Tuesday they had arrested a senior journalist for “defaming” a government minister on Facebook, the latest in a series of cases that have sparked concern over freedom of speech.

Probir Sikdar, editor of an online news portal, was arrested in Dhaka on Monday after posting that his life was in danger and that the minister should be “held responsible” if he died. The 55-year-old journalist was taken to the central town of Faridpur, where he was charged under a controversial law and remanded in custody for three days. “Sikdar was sued under the Information and Communication Technology Act of Bangladesh for defaming a minister on social media,” Faridpur police chief Jamil Hasan told AFP. Rights activists held demonstrations against his arrest in Dhaka, demanding the government scrap Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act, which criminalises publishing information online that could “prejudice the image of the state”. “This section of the Internet act is draconian and conflicts with Bangladesh’s identity as a democratic nation,” activist Imran H Sarker told AFP. “It should be abolished as soon as possible to defend the freedom of speech.” A Bangladeshi court last week convicted a publisher of a leading newspaper and his deputy for contempt of court over criticism of a judge. AGENCIES

late Thursday when he and his wife Rafida Ahmed, who was seriously injured in the attack, were returning from a book fair at Dhaka University.

Das was “an atheist and wrote

blogs for Mukto-Mona,” a website which used to be moderated by Avijit Roy, Imran Sarker, head of a Bangladeshi bloggers’ association, told AFP.

05

incident-free, other than some minor complaints. Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said 35 people were arrested countrywide for election law violations.

Rajapaksa was hailed a warrior king for defeating Tamil Tiger separatists to end a nearly 26-year civil war. But he is accused of using his popularity to take control of Parliament, the courts, the armed forces and all government institutions.

POLICEMAN, CIVILIAN KILLED IN IHK SHOOTING SRINAGAR AGENCIES

A policeman and a civilian were killed Tuesday when suspected rebels opened fire outside a Muslim shrine in Indiaheld Kashmir, police said. The militants targeted the police officer guarding the shrine of Tujjar Sharif, 55 kilometres northwest of the main city of Srinagar.

“The policeman unfortunately lost his life, and a civilian who was shot during the attack succumbed to his injuries later,” deputy inspector general of police for the area, Gharib Das, told AFP. “It appeared that the policeman on guard was the target, not the shrine.” It was not clear if the 70-year-old disabled civilian was shot by the militants or he was hit by a bullet when police returned fire.

The militants fled the area after the attack and the dead police officer’s automatic rifle was missing, Das said, adding security forces had launched a hunt for the attackers. Rebels in recent years have often attacked lone police officers on duty and snatched their service weapons. Last week a bomb hidden in a steel pot exploded inside the compound of a mosque in the southern Kashmir valley, injuring ten people. No rebel group claimed responsibility for the rare explosion.

INDIAN PRESIDENT’S WIFE PASSES AWAY

MANHUNT LAUNCHED FOR SUSPECT IN THAI SHRINE BLAST BANGKOK AGENCIES

Thai authorities have launched a manhunt for a suspect seen on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage near a famous shrine in the capital where a bomb blast killed 22 people, nearly half of them foreigners.

The man suspected of the bombing at the Erawan shrine was seen in grainy CCTV footage entering the compound with his backpack on, sitting down against a railing and then slipping out of the bag’s straps.

Clad in a yellow shirt and with shaggy, dark hair, the young man was then seen standing up and walking out holding a blue plastic bag and what appears to be a mobile phone. The backpack was left by the fence as tourists milled about.

“That man was carrying a backpack and walked past the scene at the time of the incident. But we need to look at the before and after CCTV footage to see if there is a link,” National police chief Somyot Pumpan-

muang told a news conference.

The officer believed the suspect could be either Thai or foreign.

A bomb exploded at a popular shrine in central Bangkok during evening rush hour on Monday, killing at least 18 people, injuring more than 100 and leaving body parts strewn across the streets of a neighborhood full of five-star hotels and upscale shopping malls.

Jangling nerves in the city on Tuesday, a small explosive was thrown from a bridge towards a river pier, sending a plume of water into the air, but no one was injured. The government said the attack during the evening rush hour in the capital’s bustling commercial hub was aimed at destroying the economy. No one has claimed responsibility.

Authorities earlier said they had not ruled out any group, including elements opposed to the military government, for the bombing at the shrine, although officials said the attack did not match the tactics of Muslim insurgents in the south.

CMYK

NEW DELHI: Wife of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Tuesday. Suvra Mukherjee was a heart patient and had been ill for some time. She had been admitted to the hospital last week with a respiratory problem and was kept in the intensive care unit, the report added. Mrs Mukherjee’s death was confirmed by the Indian presidential palace. The Indian president’s deceased wife was known to be a talented painter who had a number of group and solo exhibitions to her name. She was a Rabindra Sangeet vocalist and had founded the Geetanjali Troupe. Mrs Mukherjee had also authored two books. AGENCIES

06 KARACHI

WEATHER UPDATES WEDNESDAY

330C 270C

THURSDAY

330C 270C

FRIDAY

320C 270C

SATURDAY

320C 270C

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

Qaim displeased with weak prosecution of anti-terror cases SINDH POLICE ABLE TO ACHIEVE ONLY 23.7 PER CENT CONVICTION RATIO IN TERRORISM CASES KARACHI

S

STAFF REPORT

INDH Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the progress of investigation and prosecution of cases in courts, particularly those in anti-terrorism courts in Sindh, and constituted a fourmember committee to monitor the per-

formance of all court cases.

In a meeting at the CM House on Tuesday, attended by senior government officials, the chief secretary told Qaim that in the month of June, 2015, all 19 anti-terrorism courts disposed of 101 cases – of them, accused in 77 cases were acquitted while those in 24 cases were convicted. “This shows a 23.7 per cent conviction ratio,” said Memon. The meeting was attended by provincial chief secretary Siddique Memon, chief minister’s adviser on Law Murtaza Wahab, principal secretary to CM Alamuddin Bullo, Secretary Home Mukhtiar Soomro, prosecutor general Sindh, secretary law and others. The CM was further told that in all 27 district courts in Sindh, 2,075 cases were disposed off in June – acquittal was granted in 1,472 cases and conviction in 603 cases, which translates into a convic-

tion ratio of 29.6 per cent.

The chief secretary said there were 1,618 cases pending in four anti-corruption courts, which disposed off eight cases in June, 2015, granting acquittal in seven cases and conviction in one case.

The conviction rate in anti-corruption cases comes out to 12.5 per cent. Following the briefing, the chief minister expressed displeasure over the pace and strength of prosecution and investigation.

“This practice cannot be tolerated. The culprits are arrested after a lot of hard work and sacrifices of police, Rangers and other agencies, but poor investigation and prosecution washes away the entire exercise,” he said.

Shah directed the Inspector General of Sindh police to task the most senior and seasoned policemen with investigations. “This is a serious business, and it

cannot be left at the mercy of inefficient and unwilling workers. From now on action would be taken against the concerned SHOs and investigation officers if a terrorism case is lost in the court of law,” Qaim said. Sindh Police IG Ghulam Hyder Jamali said he had posted his 23 most experienced inspectors to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) to investigate terrorism cases. “This move is bound to produce good results,” he said.

The chief minister directed the prosecutor general to appoint more prosecutors purely on merit. “I would give them additional allowances and also grant them additional salary as a reward when they win a case,” Qaim said. The CM then ordered the constitution of a four-member committee comprising Home Secretary Mukhtiar Soomro, Prosecutor General Sher Mohammad Shaikh, the secretary

law and a DIG to be nominated by IG police. The committee will hold monthly meetings to monitor the performance of prosecution and investigation.

The chief minister’s adviser on the occasion said most of the prosecutors were inefficient. “Their performance in the courts is very poor,” he said. To this the CM ordered evaluation of every prosecutor’s performance on a monthly basis, adding that action must be taken against those who fail to perform. On the suggestion of the home secretary, the chief minister ordered regular meetings between the SSP Investigation and the prosecutor general to address issues related to investigation and prosecution. The chief minister also expressed his displeasure on the release of the accused allegedly involved in the murder of Karachi University professor Dr Waheedur Rehman. “This was also a weakness of the investigation and prosecution team,” he said.

THREE TORTURED BODIES RECOVERED THATTA STAFF REPORT

Three tortured bodies were found in Thatta city of Sindh province on Tuesday. According to police, bodies of the victims including a 30-year-old women, 10-year-old boy and 8-year-old girl were found in Makli graveyard near Dargah Abdullah Shah Ashabi.

They are apparently members of a same family. The bodies were shifted to the civil hospital for autopsy. Police reported the victims were tortured to death. Further investigation will be launched after going through postmortem report, the police said.

ROBBERS LOOT RS 8M FROM PRIVATE BANK, INJURE GUARD

Karachi: Qingi rickshaw drivers parked their vehicles on the main road during a protest against the government’s ban on such vehicles on Tuesday. online

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Some unidentified armed robbers on Tuesday looted Rs 8 million from a private bank in Gulshan Iqbal area of Karachi and managed to flee from the scene. As per details, at least four dacoits stormed a bank, injured the security guard with gunshots and escaped the scene after looting Rs 8 million. Police have cordoned off the entire area and launched an investigation into the matter whereas according to the senior superintendent of police (SSP), one robber was apprehended.

The SSP also criticised bank’s administration for not following State Bank’s rules.

ATC ISSUES DEATH WARRANT OF MURDER CONVICT KARACHI STAFF REPORT

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday issued death warrant of a suspect in policeman’s family murder case. Shahid was convicted in murder of cop’s wife and daughter over resisting robbery bid in Napier area in 1998. It is pertinent to mention here that the court had already executed suspect Khan Muhammad in the same case.

Attack on Godel a conspiracy to disturb peace: Khuhro

CHECK POST ATTACKED, TWO COPS ABDUCTED

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Sindh Information and Education Minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said on Tuesday that murder of intelligence officer and attack on MQM MNA Rashid Godel was a conspiracy to disturb peace and political atmosphere in Karachi.

Talking to media persons here, he said they wouldn’t let anyone disturb the peace of Karachi, while operation would continue till complete eradication of terrorists. He said all the political parties, government and law enforcing agencies were on the same page for eradicating terrorism from the country. He informed that a committee had been formed to conduct probe into the attack on MQM leader Rashid Godel and all the aspects of the attack were being investigated. He said: “If we can arrest the accused of Safoora Goth tragedy, we can also arrest the culprits involved in attack on Godel.”

KASHMORE STAFF REPORT

He strongly condemned the attack on MQM leader and underlined the need to take action against the terrorists in a more organised way so that people could feel themselves secure. He said

CMYK

the government was taking action without any discrimination and that was why target killings, extortion and other terrorists’ activities had reduced in the city.

Armed robbers attacked a police check post and abducted two robbers on Tuesday. SSP Umer Tufail said at least five robbers equipped with heavy weapons stormed police check post in Kachoketi Kaccha area of district Kashmore. The attackers kidnapped two policemen at gunpoint and fled towards unknown destination. Heavy contingent of police reached the area after the attack, cordoned off the area and launched a search operation near Kachoketa and Tangwani, Kaccha areas of Kashmore, however, no arrest could be made. The police, after registering a case against the abductors, started investigation.

KARACHI 07

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

791 PROFITEERS FINED, 62 JAILED WITHIN 15 DAYS KARACHI STAFF REPORT

In a crackdown against profiteers during half of the current month, 791 shopkeepers were charged with Rs 15,52,500 fine for selling commodities above official rates while 62 others were jailed. Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui said on Friday that the campaign launched against profiteers would continue till they ensured that the commodities were sold at fixed rates. He further said that city administration had focused those areas where complaints against price hike were received. These areas included Saddar, Garden, Jamshed Quarters, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Gulberg, North Nazimabad, New Karachi, Murad Memon Goth, Shah Faisal, Aram Bagh, Civil Line, Harbor, Orangi Town, Baldia Town, Landhi, Malir, Model Colony and Korangi.

During 15 days, 382 milkmen were fined Rs892500, 163 shopkeepers of general commodities were fined Rs238500, 187 chicken sellers were fined Rs356500, eight meat sellers were fined Rs12000, 26 vegetable sellers were fined Rs27500, 24 fruit sellers were fined Rs20500 and a bakery man was fined Rs5000 for selling essential items at excessive prices, while 62 persons were sent to jail for continuous violation of official rates.

TWO KILLED, THREE INJURED IN MISHAPS KARACHI

Karachi: Security personal stand near the car of MQM MNA Abdul Rashid Godel at Liaquat National Hospital on Tuesday following an attack on the vehicle by four gunmen. online

unodc launches drug prevention campaign in 9 cities of sindh KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Two persons were killed and three others injured in different incidents in the metropolis on Tuesday. A man, Abdul Shakoor, 60, son of Zahoor Ahmad, resident of North Karachi, was killed and Sirajuddin, 65, son of Aziz-ud-Din, resident of Surjani, injured when their motorcycle was hit by unknown vehicle near Saleem Center in North Karachi. The body and injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for an autopsy and treatment, respectively. A boy, aged about 16, drowned in Hub Dam Canal in Surjani area of New Karachi. The body was shifted to a nearby hospital. A couple, Zaheer, 40, son of Fateh Muhammad, and his wife, Chanda, 35, were injured when they were hit by a speeding vehicle while riding on motorcycle near Natha Khan Bridge in Malir area. They were brought to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center for treatment.

KMC INITIATES SURVEY OF 30 ACRES RECOVERED LAND

T

PPI

HE United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the ministry of interior and narcotics control has launched drug prevention campaign in nine cities of Sindh province with aim to raise public awareness on drugs and their harmful effects on society. The UNODC drug prevention campaign launching ceremony was held in Governor House which was attended by Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad, Star Cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi, UNODC Representative Cesar Guedes, secretary narcotics control division, Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control Ghalib Bandesha and other dignitaries.

The UNODC in collaboration with ministry of interior and narcotics control and supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affair(INL)-Pakistan of the US Department of State is implementing a drug prevention campaign in nine critics located in Sindh province including Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, Jacobabad and Khairpur. The overall aim of this five-month long campaign is to raise public awareness on drugs and their harmful effects on individuals, families and society at large with a special focus on youth in educational institution, teachers parents and religious leaders.

The campaign is based on the results of “Drug use in Pakistan 2013 Survey”. According to the survey, it is estimated that six percent of the popu-

lation in Pakistan, or 6.7 million people, aged between 15 and 64, had used drugs in the year the survey was conducted.

Of these, 4.25 million people are thought to be suffering from drug use disorders and drug dependence, reporting significant challenges controlling or reducing their use and experiencing negative personal consequences as a result of their drug use.

The province of Sindh had the second highest prevalence rate for cannabis use in the country. Some 4.3 percent used of the population cannabis, and an estimated 570,000 people in Sindh used opioids during previous years. Of these, 66 percent used prescription opioids (painkillers) and 34 percent used heroin, opium or both. Almost 100,000 during users in Sindh are estimated to be injecting drugs, primarily opiates. Prevalence

estimates for the use of tranquilizers and sedatives in Sindh is comparable with that the Punjab while the use of amphetamine-type stimulant is not as high as in other provinces.

The campaign is being implemented in close cooperation with narcotics control division, ministry of interior and narcotics control, and government of Sindh by making use of electronic and print media, installing billboards with drug prevention messages in local languages strategic locations in the target cities. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad said: “Today’s launching of the drug awareness campaign in Sindh should be the first step in the direction of an ongoing intervention in drug prevention awareness and associated social, psychological, economical and physical harms”.

Every province has to pilot its own youth policy: Bilawal

KARACHI APP

A survey has been initiated of the 30 acres of land recovered by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in the city’s Gulistan-iJauhar area. A KMC official said on Tuesday that those who were given plots during the now defunct KDA either through auction or allotment would be given the possession after the demarcation of the plots. Karachi Administrator Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui chaired a meeting on Tuesday in which it was decided that the survey and demarcation of the area would be carried out where roads, street lights, green belts and amenity plots were allotted. He directed that the task should be completed in three days’ time. The administrator said that the land had been recovered from the land mafia which was a big success. He said those who had acquired the land and made payment as well were helpless before the powerful land mafia.

Now the possession of the plots would be given to them for construction of houses.

Priority would be given to old and retired people. The administrator said that under a plan the allottees would be given possession in a week’s time.

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasized for early approval of Sindh Youth Policy incorporated with visionary and far-reaching ideas for consuming the maximum youth potential for nation-building.

“Youth is our future and a nation with the largest proportion of youth population needs to explore this great asset,” said the PPP chairman during a meeting with MNA Ehsan Mazari, who is also special assistant to chief minister for youth affairs. Vice President PPPP Senator Sherry Rahman and Jameel Soomro were also present on the occasion. He said that since the passage of 18th Amendment, every province has to pilot its own youth policy and the Sindh government needs to sort out the nitty gritty of its proposed youth policy to cater the needs of youth of both urban and rural areas. He stressed for equal opportunities for youth of entire province and asked him to seek inputs from all segments of the society before submitting it to the provincial assembly.

Saleem Jan Mazari and Ehsan Mazari also briefed the chairman about the situation for local bodies election in Kashmore and the preparations the party has so far undertaken to contest the elections.

Meanwhile, former Balochistan Minister

CMYK

Ali Madad Jattak called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at Bilawal House and briefed him about the political situation and the party organisation in the province. He also invited the party chairman to visit Balochistan to personally ob-

serve the situation and meet the party leaders and workers. On the other hand, Mulsim Bughio also called on PPP chairman and discussed with him political situation and party preparedness for local bodies elections in Larkana.

08 COMMENT

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

CPEC and Balochistan

A way out for MQM Coming days are crucial

J

UI-F and MQM cannot be faulted for smelling a ‘conspiracy’ behind the deplorable attack on parliamentarian Rashid Godil. The timing of the attack – when Maulana Fazlur Rehman had just sat down for talks at Nine-Zero – and the lack of security raise questions that are surely already being investigated. Godil miraculously survived – though his condition remains critical at the time of writing – and both negotiating parties apparently realise the importance of continuing the talks. This resolve is as encouraging as it is important at this point.

The MQM decided to submit its resignations because the Karachi operation was hurting it. Among other things the operation had reduced its fund raising capacity. The MQM’s knee jerk reaction was to tender resignations. It soon concluded that the tactic would work no more. A display of violence on the eve of a strike was enough in the past to create panic among the trading community and the transport owners forcing them to abide by the MQM’s call even when they disapproved of it. With members of the MQM’s violent wing either in custody or in hiding, the party was no more in a position to shut down the cities. Out of power after decades and shunned by the rest of the opposition, the MQM was never so isolated.

The dispatch by Nawaz sharif of an emissary provided the party a much desired face saving device to return to Parliament and sindh Assembly. Nawaz sharif is keen to bring the party back to the legislatures to ensure the continuation of the system he presides upon. sharif’s choice of a mediator was well-calculated.

Fazlur Rehman and Altaf Hussain have a common cause i.e., retrieving their lost turf which Imran Khan has managed to encroach upon and is moving ahead to consolidate and expand his gains. The MQM would be acceptable to most parties in case it sheds its armed wing. The decision to part company with the criminal elements has been made easier by the Karachi operation.

The coming days are crucial for the party’s future.

What of NAP? Where it stands

I

F shuja Khanzada’s assassination does not get relevant authorities to finally get the National Action Plan (NAP) rolling in letter and spirit, then they should prepare for less good and more bad news periodically as Zarb-e-Azb naturally flows down to urban centres, especially in Punjab. That NACTA informed him about possibility of reprisal attacks after Malik Ishaq’s ‘removal’ is simply insufficient, and inefficient. such information was common perception.

And that more than two dozen intelligence agencies – supposedly sharing information since NAP – failed to trace the attackers at any point speaks of disorganisation that will have to be addressed if this war is to be won.

The immediate official reaction, too, has not been up to the mark. A militant organisation claiming a successful multiple suicide attack on the sitting Punjab home minister should have been followed by the government going after it with all its muscle. Yet there was nothing beyond the usual sabre rattling, promises of revenge, and the predictable airstrike in the badlands that killed an undisputed number of people. some news from Fata has also been worrying of late. It seems the enemy has suddenly gone active in areas allegedly already cleared.

The bomb attack in a school playground in Khyber Agency, for example –signature TTP tactic — which would have claimed many lives had heavy rain not dispersed crowds gathered for an Independence sports Festival.

The attack in Karachi on MQM leader Rashid Godil is another example of the failure of law enforcement agencies to do their job. Again, intelligence failed to pick up any chatter, and the parliamentarian was not provided adequate security. Official inaction, therefore, continues to make the enemy’s job easier. The government has also resisted taking the fight to the terrorist for fear of violent backlash that, despite its rhetoric, it does not have the stomach for. But it cannot delay tough decisions any longer, not the least because its own officials have now obviously become fair game.

That makes it even more urgent, of course, to follow through on the strategy envisaged after the Peshawar attack. All intelligence agencies must work under one umbrella, for starters, so crucial information can be shared in real time. And all militant outfits, no matter how dear to some in power or how heavily armed, must be crushed. That alone will rid the land of terrorists ‘of all hues and colours’. so far, the government’s performance has been unsatisfactory.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor

Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad Joint Editor Lahore – Ph: 042-36375963, 042-36375965

I

A boulevard of progress and development working relentlessly on a twopronged strategy to restore writ of the state in Balochistan and ending an almost decade old insurgency in the province. The first is the use of the military muscle, as part of the National Action Plan, to quell the foreign supported and funded insurgency in the province by all means.

General Raheel sharif who recently visited Panjgur and Turbat to inspect the road network being built

by FWO as part of the economic Corridor said that CPeC and Gwadar port would be built and developed as one of the most strategic deep sea port in the region at all costs. The FWO is entrusted with constructing 870Km roads at five different locations out of which 542 Kms have been completed in a record time of one and a half year. earlier in the wake of the killing of 20 labourers by the insurgents, the COAs sounded a warning to the insurgents in these words: “The anti-state elements should get prepared to face dire consequences.

Those found involved in any sort of activity against national interests will not be spared. The armed forces are responsible for security of the country and will go to any length to establish writ of the state and unearth terrorists, their abettors, sympathisers and financiers and none of them will find a place to hide in the country.” He also warned the foreign forces supporting insurgency in the province to keep their hands off Pakistan. This strategy is being successfully implemented as is evident from the intelligence-based spate of military actions that have been taken against the insurgents in which hundreds of them have been killed across the province and as a consequence there has been a sharp fall in the incidents of sabotage and terrorism in the province.

The other strategy purports to encourage and promote a process of reconciliation by bringing the in-

Malik MuhaMMad ashraf

N

eedless to emphasise that CPeC presents a historic opportunity to change economic profile of Pakistan and the economic situations of its teeming millions, especially the people of Balochistan besides unleashing an era of shared economic prosperity in the region, with Pakistan playing the role of an economic hub. The success and implementation of this epoch making initiative by China and Pakistan depends largely on restoration of peace in Balochistan to facilitate the development of the necessary infrastructure. In fact it would not be an exaggeration to say that Balochistan is the pivot of the CPeC. Prime Minister Nawaz sharif presiding over a high level meeting at Quetta convened to evaluate the security situation and progress on development projects, which was attended by the COAs, high ranking military and civil officers and the political leadership of the province, rightly said that Balochistan was the corner stone of future development of Pakistan and would be the principal beneficiary of the CPeC projects. He also accorded approved a plan known as ‘Pur Aman Balochistan’ for bringing the angry Baloch leaders back to the national mainstream.

The federal government and the military establishment have been

ployment to Baloch youth by recruiting more than five thousand in the Army. These measures will help in eliminating the sense of deprivation in the province and thereby denying the insurgents of a legitimate cause to mislead the Baloch youth. These efforts surely need to be strengthened and supplemented through other steps devoid of political expediencies and firmly rooted in the recognition of ground realities. The military action against the insurgents designed to establish the writ of the state in the province must continue with unruffled commitment as emphasised by the COAs. There is also a need to sensitise the international community about Indian interference in Balochistan and unmasking its real face before the international community. It is encouraging to note that the government has finally decided to take up the matter at the forum of the UN. That needs to be pursued vigorously to put pressure on India to dissuade her from supporting the insurgency. It is pertinent to mention that India is also trying to sabotage the CPeC through covert and overt means and making vigorous efforts to malign Pakistan at the international level by projecting its image as a state sponsoring terrorist activities in the neighbouring countries, especially India. The latest hue and cry over the Gurdaspur incident by the Indian government and media is a classic example of the grudge and enmity that India harbours against Pakistan. Thank God it has turned out to be fallacious allegation courtesy the efforts of the Pakistani media at such an early stage. The arrested person belongs to a village in Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan, therefore, needs to mount a well thought out strategy and campaign to thwart the Indian designs to soil its image among the comity of nations.

Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic. He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail.com.

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

Fax: +92-42-32535230 E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Editor’s mail

Reiterated resolve The defeated terrorist elements in a cowardly executed plan caused the shahadat of the Interior Minister Punjab. It resulted in the wave of accolades of bravery for the departed soul and further reiterated the nation’s resolve to eliminate this scourge of terrorism from our beloved soil. Prime Minster and our military leadership are pursuing this goal of peace unequivocally and as a result the days of such cancerous terrorist elements in the country are definitely counted. National Action Plan, jointly formulated by our civil and military leadership, adequately addresses the core issues confronting the country. It is hoped that its continued implementation will render lasting results and heavenly peace and prosperity will become the destiny of our country.

AFIA MALIK Lahore

Nihari by helicopter? someone showed me a WhatsApp message which displayed a helicopter delivering nihari for Prime Minister at Murree. This showed the obvious ‘emperor of Pakistan’ using a helicopter for bringing his hearty nihari as someone sends a servant on his bicycle to bazar for fetching some foodstuff. This brazen misuse of a state helicopter for such petty purposes only displays the royal style of our rulers who live in a dream world of their own forgetting crores of rural poor who can’t afford two square meals for their families in a day.

Perhaps the living style of our PM in seven years as guest of saudi royals has inducted the royal attitudes at home in Pakistan which is a poor country and cannot afford the royal style of governance like the abuse episode that cannot be accepted or afforded by our state of Pakistan. The PM needs to clarify as to how this glaring act of

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9 Fax: 021-35381208

surgents and the estranged Baloch leaders back into the national mainstream. efforts on this front have also shown some positive signs and probably the most significant development in this regard is that Khan of Kalat, suleman dawood, who is living in london in self-imposed exile since 2006 and has also formed a government in exile, did receive delegations from Balochistan to discuss his return. It is pertinent to mention that he spurned all the previous attempts to involve him in a dialogue on the issue. Reports about contacts with Brahmdagh Bugti are also rife and sources close the Chief Minister Balochistan have revealed that efforts are on the anvil to convene a meeting of the grand tribal jirga to appeal to the exiled leaders to return to the country.

The recent surrender of some commanders of the insurgents along with their companions also indicates the success of the behind the scene efforts through tribal channels to persuade the insurgents to give up their armed campaign against the state. Another very commendable step taken by the government is the announcement of an amnesty scheme that envisages handsome monetary benefits for the surrendering militants, ranging between half a million to 2 million rupees. These efforts combined together hopefully will have a ripple effect.

The federal government, especially Prime Minister Nawaz sharif to begin with, took a very wise step in installing a Baloch nationalist as the Chief Minister of the province to facilitate the process of reconciliation. Under the National Action Plan the government of Balochistan was also authorised and mandated to make efforts for reconciliation and it goes without saying that the initiative has started producing positive results.

The Army apart from fighting the insurgents has also put in place commendable initiatives in the education sector and providing em-

I

luxurious living in Murree was arranged and who paid for the cost of a government owned helicopter by the PM of a poor country which lives on repeated doles of IMF. This is a sordid case which needs to be taken up by NAB, if it still exists in Pakistan, or by some other conscientious authority to clarify the above case.

DR MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI Lahore

Revised syllabi of CSS exams FPsC with due approval of the government has revised scheme and syllabi for written Css Competitive examinations to be held in 2016 and onward. last revision of syllabi took place in 1981. In this way, earnest effort has been made to cope with challenges of changing times and globalisation. One can hope that with the revision of the current scheme and syllabi, the most suitable and the most talented individuals would be sieved out for Civil service. However, the revised scheme and syllabi need some pertinent modifications to attract the talented aspirants.

In the revised scheme, optional subjects have been bracketed into seven groups. In Group seven, languages have been placed with other subjects. There should be Group eight for the regional and oriental languages to facilitate the Css aspirants.

Further, modern subjects like Criminology and security should also be included in the new scheme.

Comparative study of Major Religions (For Non Muslims) as a compulsory paper in lieu of Islamiyat has been included in the revised scheme. The idea though seems apt, one fears that irreparable loss may fall on either the Muslim Css aspirants having less marks or to the non Muslim vice versa when one sees that a single mark has great

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

I

credence in allocations and falling into groups. There should be some other scheme between the two extremes.

In the revised scheme, pass marks in each compulsory subject have been retained 40 percent as they were in the previous scheme.

It has been observed with great concern that large number of high talented candidates fail in english essay and or english Composition merely by a single mark. Overall performance of them is found exceptional in the Css exam. In this way both the candidates and the Civil service have to bear the loss. There should be up to 5 grace marks in compulsory and optional papers for the candidates whose aggregated score is 60 percent or more.

MUHAMMAD SALEEM SHAHID Shehr Sultan, Muzaffargarh

Independence Day celebrations The Independence day celebrations at dawood Public school this year left me very disappointed. I fail to comprehend how the administration decided to make cricketers such as shahid Afridi and other sporting personalities as the main focus of the event instead of the personalities that made the dream of Pakistan possible. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, liaquat Ali Khan and Fatima Jinnah are a class apart and the integral part of any Independence day celebrations in our country. However, the administration has insulted their legacy by ignoring them in favour of sportsmen. I am in no way degrading the efforts of our hockey players, footballers or cricketers but giving them the spotlight in place of the founding fathers is insulting. The administration needs to be confronted on the matter and it should be ensured that this doesn’t happen again.

ADEEL ASHRAF Karachi

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

I

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

WORLD VIEW 09

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

The cosT of PakisTan’s war on Terrorism

FINaNCIal tImes ahmed RaShid

m

ANY Pakistanis are facing a crisis of conscience as the government pursues a war on terrorism, which is starting to show signs of success. However, it has led to hundreds of hangings by the state, extra-judicial killings by the police, the disappearance of many people suspected of belonging to separatist groups and other violations of human rights. The fight against terrorism has gained momentum, but the bodies are piling up in the streets.

Since December, when an attack on an army school in Peshawar left 150 people dead — mostly children — the military and the civilian government of prime minister Nawaz Sharif vowed revenge on terrorists. Since the army had sponsored Islamist extremist groups since the 1980s, the change of strategy was welcomed by most people tired of the violence.

That month, Pakistan lifted its seven-year moratorium on the death penalty and has since executed 200 people, including juveniles. There are some 8,000 people on death row — not all convicted of terrorism — and the government has pledged to hang them all.

Pakistan is now in the same league as North Korea and Saudi Arabia for executions by the state.

At the same time, parliament passed a constitutional amendment allowing the military to set up special courts to try alleged terrorists, with procedures that are closed to scrutiny — bringing condemnation by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and global human rights organisations.

The military had demanded this move after civilian (judicial) antiterrorism courts proved ineffective — some 17,000 cases have piled up unheard in the latter.

There have been gross miscarriages of justice. On August 4, Shafqat Hussain, who was convicted of murder by a civilian court while still a teenager and had his execution halted four times, was hanged despite worldwide appeals for clemency, including from the United Nations and the EU. Now there may be an international price to pay. The Council of the EU has expressed concern over Islamabad’s refusal to respond to the Union’s request to halt executions and ban the death penalty and reminded it that Pakistan’s preferential trade conditions are tied to

“effective implementation” of international covenants on human rights and torture. Yet Pakistan has been hard hit by the terrorism of such diverse groups as the Pakistani Taliban, anti-Shia and anti-Christian sectarian militants from the Sunni sect and anti-India groups active in the disputed territory of Kashmir.

A year ago, the army began a determined anti-terrorist operation in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan, where it has killed or captured many Pakistani Taliban and their allies, although others have fled into Afghanistan.

People have breathed a sigh of re-

lief as bombings have lessened since the push began. Likewise in Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest metropolis. With a population of 20m it has known years of mayhem and anarchy as militants and political parties have kidnapped and tortured citizens and forced businesses to pay protection money.

But now army Rangers and the police have launched a clean-up campaign that has cut the murder and crime rates, and been welcomed by the majority of inhabitants.

However, recent reports speak of hundreds of extra-judicial killings carried out by the law-en-

forcement authorities in the city.

Police officers told Reuters that such killings were standard policing techniques to ease the burden on the courts. Ghulam Qadir Thebo, inspector-general of police for Karachi until July, said officers had killed 234 criminals in clashes since the start of the year. Other police put the deaths at more than 1,000. Police say these extra-judicial killings occur because they are fed up with catching criminals and terrorists and then seeing the courts free them in the face of judges’ fear of sentencing them, or even hearing their cases.

In late July, police killed a Sunni militant Malik Ishaq and 13 of his followers in a shootout in Punjab province’s Muzaffargarh.

As the leader of the Lashkar-eJhangvi (LJ) terrorist group that had killed hundreds if not thousands of Shia, he had remained free as judges were too scared to sit in cases against him. The LJ hit back on August 16 when a suicide bomber killed Punjab home minister Shuja Khanzada and 18 others in an attack at his home in Attock near Islamabad. This was the first time LJ had killed somebody from the government and marked an escalation in the violence, with a clear signal that the terrorists would retaliate against extra-judicial killings by the state.

Meanwhile, in Balochistan province, where there has been a separatist insurgency for 10 years, hundreds of people have ‘’disap-

What was in Osama Bin Laden’s tape collection?

ANOTHER UNEXPECTED NAME TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE IN THE TAPES IS MAHATMA GANDHI, WHO IS CITED AS AN INSPIRATION BY OSAMA BIN LADEN IN A SPEECH MADE IN SEPTEMBER 1993 BBC News RichaRd Fenton-Smith

After the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Osama Bin Laden was forced to flee the city of Kandahar, where he had been based since 1997. Several compounds were hastily vacated, including one, opposite the Taliban foreign ministry, where alQaeda bigwigs met. Inside it, 1,500 cassettes were waiting to be discovered.

Picking through the ransacked property, an Afghan family found this haul of audio tapes, which they swiftly removed and took to a local cassette shop - with the Taliban now gone, there was money to be made producing previously banned pop music, and these were ripe for wiping and filling with the hit songs of the day. But a cameraman working for CNN heard about the haul, and convinced the shop owner to hand the tapes back, saying what they contained could be important. He was right. This was, after all, al-Qaeda’s own audio library.

The tapes eventually made their way to the Afghan Media Project at Williams College in Massachusetts, who asked Flagg Miller - an expert in Arabic literature and culture from the University of California, Davis - to immerse himself in this hotchpotch of sermons, songs and recordings of intimate conversations. He is still the only person to have heard the collection in full.

“It was totally overwhelming,” says Miller, recalling the day he received two dusty boxes of tapes back in 2003. “I didn’t sleep for three days just thinking about what would be required [to] make sense of it.”

More than a decade on, Miller has written a book about his findings, titled The Audacious Ascetic, which explores this unique collection. The tapes date back to the late 1960s through to 2001 and feature more than 200 different speakers Osama Bin Laden among them.

He is first heard in a tape from 1987 - a recording of a battle between Afghan-Arab mujahideen and Soviet Spetsnaz commandos. Bin Laden had left his home in Saudi Arabia, where he had been brought up in luxury, to make a name for himself fighting Afghanistan’s infidel invaders.

“Bin Laden wanted to create an image of an effective militant - no easy job, because he was known as a bit of a dandy, who

wore designer desert boots,” says Miller.

“But he was very sophisticated at self-marketing, and the audio tapes in this collection are very much part of that story - the myth-making.” The collection also features speeches given by Bin Laden in the late 1980s and early 1990s to audiences in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

“What’s fascinating is how Bin Laden is speaking about the ways in which the Arabian Peninsula is threatened - but who is the enemy? It’s not the United States, as we often think, or the West. It’s other Muslims,” says Miller. While the US would eventually become Bin Laden’s prime target, there is almost no reference to “the far enemy” in these early speeches. For several years he was much more concerned with what he called “disbelief” among Muslims who did not adhere to his strict, literalist interpretation of Islam. “They are Shia first and foremost. They are Iraqi Baathists. They are Communists and Egyptian Nasserists,” explains Miller.

“Bin Laden wanted to bring jihad to the question of who is a true Muslim.” Audio cassettes were the perfect tool for proselytising and propaganda - it’s no wonder Bin Laden was a fan. They could be shared easily - dubbed, or passed from hand to hand and censors paid little or no attention to them. They were also hugely popular in the Middle East and Arab world, where people would often listen to them, together with friends, formulating revolutionary ideas.

While sermons and speeches dominate this collection, there are curiosities, too. Among them is a conversation with a genie - or Jinni, in Arabic - who has taken over the body of a man. Speaking through him, he claims to have knowledge of political plots, although Bin Laden is said to have had no time for such superstition.

There’s also a recording of Afghan-Arab fighters - Arabs fighting in Afghanistan against the Soviet invasion force - having breakfast at a training camp in late 1980s.

This candid conversation reveals the humdrum nature of life on the front line. The conversation is dominated by the yearning for a good meal and the culinary delights of “Mr Hellfire” - a famous chef in Mecca, known for his delicious desserts.

There are also hours of Islamic anthems - songs featuring dramatised bat-

tles, and musical messages for aspiring Mujahideen. A key recruitment tool.

“For many, this is the way into jihad - through the heart,” says Miller.

“These songs have an emotional draw, bringing home the sound of combat many would read about and see on TV there’s something intimate about hearing them in your headphones because they really play on your imagination.”

What about Phil Collins? Any Fleetwood Mac or the Rolling Stones? Unfortunately not - but Western pop music does make an appearance in the form of Gaston Ghrenassia, who usually performed as Enrico Macias, an Algerian Jew who first found fame in France, before achieving worldwide success in the 1960s and 70s.

“I think this collection of French songs reveal the extent to which AfghanArabs in Kandahar spoke many languages, and had many world experiences.

Many had lived in the West for long periods and it can’t be said enough that they had led multiple lives,” says Miller.

“These songs suggest that that someone, at some point in their life, was enjoying the songs of this Algerian Jew - and may have continued to enjoy them despite other struggles that clearly would have suggested doing so was heresy.”

Another unexpected name to make an appearance in the tapes is Mahatma Gandhi, who is cited as an inspiration by Osama Bin Laden in a speech made in September 1993. This is also the first speech in the collection in which Bin Laden calls on supporters to take action against the US… by boycotting its goods.

“Consider the case of Great Britain, an empire so vast that some say the sun never set on it,” says Bin Laden.

“Britain was forced to withdraw from one of its largest colonies when Gandhi the Hindu declared a boycott against their goods. We must do the same thing today with America.” Bin Laden also encourages his audience to write letters to US embassies, to raise concern about America’s role in the Middle East conflict. Still no mention of violence against America.

“That changes in 1996, days after he is exiled from Sudan,” says Miller.

“Under US pressure he is stripped of his Saudi citizenship in 1994 and he has

also lost all of his money and so he’s at his wits end. And so Bin Laden has to come up with something desperate to galvanise his extremist supporters, and that’s done in his 1996 speech from Tora Bora.”

Holed up in the Hindu Kush, this speech is often called Bin Laden’s declaration of war - but having gone through a complete recording of the speech found in the collection, Miller says this is not entirely accurate. “The last third of this speech is 15 poems, and many times when this speech is translated, the poetry gets dropped out. Because of this, we don’t appreciate the extent to which this speech wasn’t a declaration of war, as it was framed by the media at the time. “It’s about the urgency of taking on the United States, but in light of a far greater struggle - the struggle against Saudi corruption.” It’s only in one of the final recordings found in the collection that there is any allusion to 9/11, in a recording of the wedding of Osama Bin Laden’s bodyguard, Umar, which was taped a few months before the attacks on New York City and Washington DC. “There’s a lot of mirth on the tape and then Bin Laden comes up, and it’s no longer mirth. He talks about how celebration is important, but it mustn’t overshadow more austere issues.” Bin Laden then makes an ominous reference.

“He talks explicitly about ‘a plan’ - he doesn’t reveal details - and how we are ‘about to hear news’ and he asks God to ‘grant our brothers success’,” says Miller.

“I understand that to signify the 9/11 attacks [because] he is talking specifically about the United States at that juncture.”

It’s curious that across more than a decade of recordings which feature Osama Bin Laden, the thing he is most commonly associated with - terrorist violence against the West - gets such little mention. “Al-Qaeda’s primary enemy on most of these tapes, most of the time, is Muslim leaders,” says Miller. “AlQaeda’s continued presence in Yemen, its effects in Iraq, and its ongoing devastation of Muslim lives in the Muslim world only confirms the fact that this organisation, this idea, claims many bloody paths.

“There is nothing inevitable about 9/11 on these tapes. It was hard working on these tapes to remind myself of that.”

peared’’ into the hands of the military or the police only to turn up dead months later. On August 11, the bullet-ridden bodies of five men and two women were discovered near Quetta. Nobody claimed responsibility for the killings. The media and human rights groups in the city have been cowed by both the security forces and the separatists. The separatists are divided into many factions, several of which kill non-Baloch civilians at will; the military insists that the intelligence agencies of India and Afghanistan are supporting the separatists and fuelling terrorism.

The war against terrorism is not only upsetting the legal balance in Pakistan, but has reconfigured the political landscape. The army is now the driving force behind both foreign policy and internal security while the government plays more of an advisory role. There are so many different groups in Pakistan that use and advocate violence to achieve their aims, but while people want to see extremists caught and punished many are concerned by the brutalising effects of state policy. A far more sophisticated approach is needed. The public’s fears about the direction the country is heading in need to be addressed with more than just guns.

Ahmed Rashid is the best-selling author of several books about Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia, most recently ‘Pakistan on the Brink.’

will israel invade syria?

INterNatIoNal BusINess tImes JeSS mchugh

The Israeli army has begun preparing for a possible ground invasion of Syria, Israel’s Channel 2 news reported. The Israeli military began large division-scale training in the occupied Golan Heights over the weekend, preparing for how Israel would react if attacked by rocket fire from Islamic State group militants in Syria.

The group also known as ISIS has taken over vast swaths of Iraq and Syria as Syria has been devastated by a civil war between President Bashar Assad’s regime and various rebel groups. The group is trying to establish a theocratic Sunni Islamic caliphate across the region.

Exercises in the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel since 1967, in preparation for a possible ISIS attack also include defence against chemical weapons, given ISIS’ reported stockpile of chemical weapons. Israeli defence officials have said the odds of a chemical attack by ISIS on Israel are very low, though they want to be prepared for anything.

New reports of chemical attacks by ISIS began appearing Thursday after Kurdish fighters returning from an artillery barrage in the village of Sultan Abdullah, south of Mosul, Iraq, showed symptoms consistent with the use of mustard gas. The chemical, made infamous in World War I, is a blister agent that works by liquefying the skin.

Israel has been targeting ISIS through airstrikes across the Syrian border since April. The offensive being prepared in the Golan would be the first Israeli ground invasion in the fight against ISIS. Israeli military officials said that while the border area is relatively quiet, that could change very quickly and they want to be prepared for all possibilities. Israeli authorities estimate that near the demarcation line with Syria in the Golan Heights there are hundreds of militants of Hezbollah, a USdesignated terror group that is allied with the Assad regime and Iran.

10 BUSINESS CORPORATE CORNER soneri bank and c square consulting sign pakistan’s First contact centre on cloud

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

Greenback appreciates aGainst pak rupee in open market DOLLAR CLOSES AT RS 103.35 ON TUESDAY KARACHI

KARACHI: In a truly inspirational step, C Square Consulting and Soneri Bank signed an MOU to set up the country’s first Contact Centre on Cloud. The move will provide Soneri Bank customers with an entirely new and enriching customer experience on the world-class Genesys Telecommunication Contact Centre solution brought by C SQUARE and hosted on the reliable Cloud powered

by Rapid Compute (a division of Cybernet). Amin Feerasta, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Soneri Bank speaking at the occasion said, “Soneri Bank in its mission to continuously innovate and enhance customer service has invested in the world’s leading technology. This platform will allow Soneri Bank to provide consistent customer experience along all touch points.” Ahsan Mashkoor, CEO C Square Consulting, shared his thoughts at the event by saying, “This model enables businesses to remain lean and yet competitive, by minimizing capital expenditures to procure the best at an OPEX model.” PRESS RELEASE

explore more of the americas with emirates’ pass LAHORE: Emirates passengers in Pakistan looking to explore beyond the airline’s network of American destinations now have dozens of options with the Americas Pass. With one combined ticket, Pakistani travellers flying to any of Emirates’ 10 US destinations via Dubai can connect to over 90 cities across the USA, Canada and Latin America through Emirates’ five partner airlines: Jet Blue, Alaska Airlines, Virgin America, WestJet Airlines and Porter Airlines. The Americas Pass will allow customers in Pakistan to enjoy competitive fares starting from 99 USD per flight sector within America. The pass will also come with a generous baggage allowance on all internal flights, adopting Emirates’ twopiece policy for flights in Canada, North or South America as well as no minimum stay requirement. PRESS RELEASE

samsung sponsors “shah”

KARACHI: Based on the real-life events, struggle and achievements of Pakistan’s unsung hero, Hussain Shah – a biographical sports movie – ‘Shah’, directed by Adnan Sarwar is all set to hit the Pakistani Cinemas and inspire the society with the fiery passion of the Only Olympic Bronze Medal Winner in Boxing from Pakistan. The launch of this movie has been sponsored by Samsung – the global technology leader. This mega feature film highlights the challenges faced by Hussain Shah, while rising up from a most impoverished slum of Karachi, to attain this glorious stature in the world. Looking at the reviews and response from the masses, this film promises to be a block buster. PRESS RELEASE

D

ARShAd huSSAIn

ESPITE efforts of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and strong position of forex reserves, the greenback is out of control in the open market and stood at Rs 103.35 for selling.

It appreciated 80 paisa in last one week.

“The dollar is being traded at Rs 103.85 or above Rs 104 in up country, including Peshawar and other cities situated near Afghan border areas,” said Malik Bostan, a currency dealer.

The central bank has allowed a long standing demand of Exchange Companies (A category) to import the dollar from Dubai and other neighbouring countries against other currencies (other than dollar), but it seems the greenback is once again out of control in Pakistan.

The market experts said the demand of the dollar has gone up only because of the Haj season as they are buying dollar for travelling expenses. The dollar rates in the Interbank market was Rs 101.50 for selling, which means the gap between Interbank market and kerb touch Rs 1.80 per dollar.

According to the sources, the banks were

PAK READY TO HIT HALAL MARKETS OF UAE, SAUDI ARABIA: REPORT ISLAMABAD APP

Pakistan is all set to enter the multi-trillion dollar global halal market with the recent establishment of Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA).

Pakistan plans to take full advantage of its geographical location close to the vibrant Muslim world including the principle markets of UAE, Saudi Arabia and North Africa, said an article published in Khaleej Times.

Pakistani exports of processed meat which were $40 million in fiscal year-2000 rose to $ 90 million in fiscal year-2005, but then picked up to $240 million in fiscal year-2015.

According to the article, the Pakistan Halal Authority, which has been just approved by the National Assembly, will certify all items for export ranging from meat to food, processed

foods, cosmetics, cold drinks, pharmaceuticals and toiletries. However, Pakistan will have to compete with already well-established and major sources of halal products, Muslim-Malaysia and non-Muslim Brazil, the world’s producer and exporter of halal products, the article added.

The global halal market will continue to rise on a fast track at a 6.9 per cent compound growth rate.

It will grow into a $1.6 trillion market in three years to 2018. Pakistani share in halal exports, as of now, is around five per cent of the world trade, according to official estimates. About the processed meat, the article mentioned that the export of Pakistani halal beef and mutton products has already been moving up from 1.887 million tonnes in fiscal year-2014 to 1.951 million tonnes in fiscal year-2015.

The mutton exports rose from 657,000 tonnes in fiscal year-2014 to 671,000 tonnes in fiscal year-2015.

PAC body gives deadline to FBR for recovery of Rs 3,100b

Major Gainers

ISLAMABAD: Expressing displeasure over what it called the ‘poor performance’ by the top management of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), a subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday gave a six-week deadline to the revenue department for recovery of arrears of Rs 3,100 billion from tax evaders. The committee discussed appropriation of audit report revenue receipts (Inland Revenue).

Syed Naveed Qamar, the convener of the subcommittee of the PAC, directed FBR Chairman Tariq Bajwa to recover Rs 3,100 billion by using all necessary measures. STAFF REPORT

COMPANY Bata (Pak) Hinopak Motor Sapphire Tex. Sapphire Fiber Bhanero Tex.

NEPRA GRANTS FIRST TRANSMISSION LICENSE TO PRIVATE COMPANY ISLAMABAD AMER SIAL

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Tuesday granted a private company, Fatima Transmission Company Limited (FTCL), a special purpose transmission license for constructing and owning transmission facilities.

Under the license, the FTCL would set up a 37 km long transmission line in Muzaffargarh for evacuating 120MW electricity from generation facilities to supply to its bulk power consumers which are subsidiary companies of the group including Fatima Sugar, Fazal Cloth Mills, Reliance Weaving Mills and Pak-Arab Fertilizer.

The NEPRA Act allows that in addition to National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC), other entities including the private sector can construct, own and operate transmission facilities for providing intercon-

Adil, analyst at a brokerage house, said a textile lobby is also trying to depreciate local currency to increase their profits in Pak rupee and are forcing the government to devalue the local currency to also make their products competitive in the global markets. An official of NBP Exchange Company said, “the exchange rate is stable in inter-bank market for last few months, but despite the improvement in supply in open market the greenback is moving up.” Earlier, the exchange companies had to surrender dollars to banks and used to receive in Pakistan but it was consuming time and creating hurdles in quick supply of greenback to open market.

The market experts said the exporters and other people are losing Rs 3 and above per dollar if they send their money through banking channels as the Western Union and other money senders deduct Rs 1.50 per dollar, while there is also a gap of Rs 1.80 in Pakistan. This will pave the way for remittances through nonbanking channel allowing Hundi system to revive. In fiscal year 2014-15, the country received $18.4 billion remittances. Higher premium could attract many overseas Pakistanis to get more local currency by sending dollars through Hundi system.

giving $5 million dollar to the exchange companies, while they are importing $2 million daily from abroad. Increasing import of Chinese products and additional advantage to China over Pakistan is also affecting dollar in the kerb market, they added. “The demand of the dollar is also coming from the private sector,” Bostan said, adding “general people are also buying dollar from the open market.”

Since the imposition of withholding tax (WHT) on banking transactions, traders are protesting against WHT are buying dollars, he said adding that they are paying their bills through it and saving it in their bank lockers.

The analysts believed that the imports of the country including from China have gone up for last three months and the private sector is also making payments in US currency. They said some of the Chinese traders with Pakistani entrepreneurs are also exporting their goods to Europe and US markets and getting export rebates from Pakistan.

Mohammad

nection services to NTDC and others.

Although the public sector is mainly responsible for developing extra high voltage (EHV) 66000 volts and above transmission facilities, however it is noted that it could not upgrade and develop its system according to the required reliability levels leading to severe bottlenecks and congestions in the transmission system.

As a consequence, not only power plants in the system were forced to operate without merit but major breakdowns of electric power

were also experienced. It is also noted that with the planned generation facilities over next four to five years, a large quantum of power is required to be transmitted by the NTDC. Since construction of new EHV transmission facilities is highly capital intensive, therefore there is every probability that the NTDC would not be able to generate such huge funding needs. It will also be difficult for the government to pump such large amounts of investments in the transmission sector due to its financial constraints and operational issues.

A special purpose transmission licensing regime would enhance the existing transmission capacity and will also result in installation of new power transmission infrastructure. It would create avenues for huge private investment which could be made for mutual bilateral contracts between supplier and consumers or for providing service to the NTDC.

OPEN 3479.00 1141.98 793.98 739.00 545.90

Philips Morris planning to bring additional investment of $100m ISLAMABAD: Philips Morris Pakistan Limited a leading Tobacco Manufacturing Company is planning to bring additional investment of $100 million. A delegation of company led by Director Finance, Joseph Ziomek and Sekar Menon, Director Corporate Affairs visited Board of Investment and met with Minister of State and Chairman, Bard of Investment (BOI) Dr. Miftah Ismail. They also discussed different investment opportunities available in Pakistan and issues faced by M/s. Philips Morris Pakistan, said a statement. APP

HIGH 3480.00 1190.00 793.98 739.00 545.90

LOW 3479.00 1136.00 793.98 739.00 545.90

CLOSE CHANGE TURNOVER 3480.00 165.00 40 1183.22 44.35 16,100 793.98 37.80 100 739.00 34.92 100 545.90 25.90 100

752.50 839.00 242.50 680.00 565.00

750.25 808.00 225.88 670.00 545.45

751.38 814.06 227.38 673.00 552.81

-22.62 -13.38 -10.38 -7.04 -6.98

100 19,150 160,300 7,850 74,100

8.67 7.48 14.75 24.54 7.80

8.42 6.90 14.11 22.22 6.95

8.52 7.30 14.40 22.22 7.17

-0.01 -0.06 0.20 -1.16 -0.45

41,202,000 12,866,500 12,712,000 11,884,500 11,147,000

Major Losers Atlas Battery Ferozsons (Lab) Cherat Pack.

Millat Tractors ICI Pakistan

752.50 834.00 239.25 680.00 560.25

Volume Leaders K-Electric Ltd. Pace (Pak) Ltd. Dewan Cement Ghani Global Glass Descon Chemical

8.65 7.41 14.39 24.54 7.80

Interbank Rates USD GBP JPY EURO

PKR 101.9579 PKR 159.7579 PKR 0.8202 PKR 112.8266

Forex UK Pound Sterling Euro US Dollar Canadian Dollar Australian Dollar China Yuan Japanese Yen Saudi Riyal U.A.E Dirham Indian Rupee

BUY

SELL

160.25 113.75 103.3 78.5 75.5 15.75 0.813 27.3 28.05 1.54

160.5 114 103.55 78.75 75.75 15.9 0.818 27.55 28.3 1.55

LEISURE 11

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

HaGaR tHE HoRRIblE

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

You might incorrectly assume that you have to solve everyone's problems today. Luckily, you can still be the strong and capable one while also being vulnerable enough to feel someone else's pain.

A relative or friend might bug you so much today that you think he or she is trying to pick a fight with you. But don't let a non-issue grow so important that it leads to an unnecessary argument which.

Balancing your unflagging need for mental stimulation with your current yearning to chill out can be tricky business. It's not that your interest to interact with others disappears; it's just that you.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

The raw power of your feelings could stop you in your tracks now that the evocative Moon is back in your contemplative sign. However, she also reminds you of how isolated you feel when you don't express.

It's tempting to hide your feelings today, especially if you're not as optimistic as everyone expects. The moody Cancer Moon is hanging out in your 12th House of Secrets, making it nearly impossible to.

Being receptive and responsive to your friends and family may prove to be an enriching experience today, but you must first get over your fear of rejection.

Sharing your feelings can set you up for disappointment..

dIlbERt

GaRFIEld

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

You may try to avoid the public eye today, yet you could be needed by others in a way that puts you front and center with everyone's attention on you.

Oddly enough, it's not that you want to remain unseen;

You can look off into the future and see your distant goals quite clearly now, but you still may be at a loss as how to best reach your destination.

Unfortunately, you don't recognize any routes that lead.

Although it's always wise to deliver on your promises, you have other things on your agenda now as your creativity overflows with passion. You want to amaze others with your originality, but turning down.

baldo

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You're confronted with an ambiguous message now, as others say one thing yet do another.

You're encouraged by the loving support you receive, but it feels as if something still isn't quite right today.

You're extremely intuitive when it comes to what your close friends want today, enabling you to initiate helpful tasks before anyone even asks you for assistance.

Unfortunately, you may also harbor resentment.

You may feel more alive today, revitalized by the tidal Cancer Moon as she refreshes your pools of emotions. If you're attempting to recover from a recent schedule overload, set new boundaries while you.

cRosswoRd

sUdokU

woRd sEaRcH

ACROSS

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.

POISON PROGRAM PROMOTE RANGE RATES REMAIN SEEkS SEEM SERIES ShIPS SNORTS SOUGhT STROkE SUBMISSION TOwER UNRAVEL VIdEO wORLd wREN

Today’s soluTions

VaNdERbIlt IN Nola

cHEss white tO PLAY AND MAte iN fOur MOVes 8

crossword solution

7 6 5 4 3 2

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

chess solution

A

1.Rxd7 bxd7 2.Ng5 bc6 3.bxc6 Qxc6 4.Nce4 *

1

sudoku solution

1 Oily wood preservative (8) 5 Sharply pointed projection (4) 9,10 Covert monitoring of electronic exchanges (5,7) 10 See 9 11 Airy and carefree (5-7) 13 Enclose within walls (6) 14 Rich and smart international travellers (3,3) 17 Metal fitting for feeding lubricant into machinery (6,6) 20,21 hierarchy (of hens?) (7,5) 21 See 20 22 Number of players in a baseball fielding team (4) 23 Etc (2,6) DOwn 1 Egyptian Christian (4) 2 Conceit (7) 3 Lamb and potato dish (9,3) 4 Cantankerous (6) 6 Indicate — off-side fielding position (5) 7 Stiffness (8) 8 Audio equipment — keep on phrase (anag) (12) 12 Linear distance across a gliding bird (8) 15 Irregular blot (7) 16 Chess piece (in shining armour?) (6) 18 former prisoner (2-3) 19 Zone (4)

AGREE ASSET BENT CELEBRATION CONTACT fABRIC fOCUS hITCh hUNGRy INjURy LATCh LEAVE LENS LORE LUNCh MAyhEM MONTh MOOT NEAR PAGER

12

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

ARTS

LANDOWNER IN CECIL KILLING IN COURT FOR ‘ILLEGAL HUNT’

20-km-high ‘space elevator’ could be a reality soon OTTAWA

HWANGE: The owner of the land in western Zimbabwe where Cecil the lion was killed appeared in court on Tuesday on charges of allowing an illegal hunt. Honest Ndlovu, proprietor of Antoinette Farm, was not asked to plead when he appeared before the magistrate’s court in the resort town of Hwange. Magistrate Portia Mhlanga adjourned the session after a brief hearing, granting Ndlovu $200 bail. The landowner was arrested in August following the killing of Cecil in early July by Walter Palmer, an American dentist armed with a bow and arrow who paid $55,000 (50,000 euros) to shoot a lion. The hunt provoked worldwide outrage when it emerged Cecil was a favourite attraction among visitors to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and was wearing a tracking collar as part of an Oxford University research project. He was reportedly lured with bait from the safety of the park on to the neighbouring Antoinette Farm. Ndlovu is due be back in court on September 18. Zimbabwe has asked the United States to extradite Palmer to face charges over the hunt.

Palmer’s guide on the expedition, Zimbabwean Theo Bronkhorst, appeared in court last month and was granted $1,000 bail pending his trial on September 28 on charges of organising an illegal hunt. Zimbabwe introduced strict hunting restrictions earlier this month in the wake of the killing, but lifted most of them last week. AGENCIES

MAN IN BEAR COSTUME HARASSES GRIZZLIES IN ALASKA, MOTIVE UNCLEAR

p

AGENCIES

ReSS “S” for space? A Canadian company wants to build a tower that would allow astronauts to take an elevator part way into orbit. The tower would be 20 times higher than Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest building that soars 830 meters (2,723 feet) into the sky.

The idea of a “space elevator” was first proposed in 1895 by Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky after he saw the eiffel Tower in Paris, and was revisited nearly a century later in a novel

by Arthur C. Clarke. But technical barriers have always kept plans stuck at the conceptual stage.

Last month, however, Thoth Technology was granted a US patent for its “space elevator,” which is modest in comparison but promises to significantly reduce the cost of space travel.

The Pembroke, Ontario-based firm envisions building a 20-kilometer (12-mile) high tower with a platform at the top “for launching payloads, tourism, observation, scientific research and communications.”

The tower would be constructed of pressurized, stacked cells, according to the patent. “elevator cars may ascend or descend on the outer surface of the elevator core structure or in a shaft on the interior of the elevator core structure.” Hauling payloads on an elevator into near space would virtually eliminate atmospheric drag, and then launching them into space from

the stratosphere would require less fuel.

The company estimates this would reduce the cost of space flight by one third.

In his 1979 novel “The Fountains of Paradise,” Clark proposed delivering payloads from

WHY MAKING CHILDREN DO THEIR HOMEWORK COULD HARM THEIR SIGHT FOR LIFE

the ground to outer space by using a huge cable anchored to an orbiting platform. But this required a 35,000 kilometer-long cable — which cannot be built using existing materials — and a counterweight the size of a small asteroid.

VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES TRIGGER AGGRESSION NEWS DESK

ALASKA: A man in a full-body bear costume approached a grizzly and her two cubs in front of shocked spectators by a river in Alaska, before a state Fish and Game worker scared away the animals to stop anyone being hurt, an official said on Friday. Wearing the realistic outfit, the man at one point came within 10 feet (3 meters) of the cubs during the strange and dangerous encounter near Haines on Monday, said Carl Koch, an assistant area biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. It was not clear what led the unidentified individual to put on the costume, which included a head, and get close to the bears. “As you can imagine, that’s a really dangerous thing for the guy to do,” Koch said. Spectators were standing at a safe distance and watching the grizzly and her cubs at a weir, which is a barrier on a river, Koch said. People often go to the location on the Chilkoot River to see bears feeding on fish. Suddenly, the man in the bear outfit appeared, startling some of the spectators who feared he was a real predator, said Koch, who did not know whether the costumed man was walking on all fours or two feet. A Fish and Game technician who was posted at the weir to count fish immediately realised it was a man wearing a costume, Koch said. As the individual approached the cubs, Koch said, the technician became concerned that the mother bear could feel her young were threatened and might attack, so he yelled at the animals to get them to move away. AGENCIES

NEWS DESK Could sending your child to a good school and making sure they do their homework be putting their eyesight in serious danger?

That’s the concern raised by research that reveals alarmingly strong links between time spent studying hard and childhood short-sightedness myopia - that can lead to serious eye diseases.

Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurred, while close ones can be seen clearly. It often develops in childhood, with the eyeball starting to elongate, becoming more egg-shaped than spherical, or the lens becoming too curved, so the light entering the eye is not focused correctly.

Short-sightedness among British children has doubled over the past 50 years

It used to be thought that myopia was largely genetic, but a sharp increase in the number of children affected suggests there may be environmental factors at play, too.

Short-sightedness among British children has doubled over the past 50 years. Now a study published by the Population Health Research Institute at St George’s University of London has found that children at highly academic schools (which have a selection test) were more than two-and-a-half times more likely to develop myopia than those who went to non-selective, less academic institutions.

The study, published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, involved 660 children aged 12 and 13 living in Northern Ireland.

Playing violent video games is linked to increased aggression in players though it is not certain if the link extends to criminal violence too, according to a latest American Psychological Association (APA) report.

“Scientists have investigated the use of violent video games for more than two decades but to date, there is very limited research addressing whether violent video games cause people to commit acts of criminal violence,” said study leader Mark Appelbaum. The study showed a consistent relation between violent video game use and an increase in aggressive behaviour and aggressive cognitions and a decline in pro-social behaviour and empathy.

“No single risk factor consistently leads a person to act aggressively or violently. Rather, it is the accumulation of risk factors that tends to lead to aggressive or violent behaviour,” the report said. “The research reviewed here demonstrates that violent video game use is one such risk factor.” In light of the task force’s conclusions, APA has called on the industry to design video games that include increased parental control over the amount of violence games contain. In addition, it has urged developers to design games that are appropriate to users’ age and psychological development.

INTELLIGENCE LINKED TO PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN MIDDLE AGE, STUDY SHOWS NEWS DESK A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health that followed nearly 3,000 men reveals a link between intelligence and midlife physical performance.

The researchers say their findings show the importance of encouraging people of all abilities to be active through life.

Previous research suggests the better our physical performance in middle age, the more likely we are to retain our independence and cope with everyday activities in old age, such as carrying our shopping and

getting dressed.

Researchers who study this area usually employ a number of tests such as handgrip strength, balance, chair rises, jumping height (a measure of leg strength), and back strength - when measuring physical performance.

For their study, researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark examined the relationship between intelligence in early adulthood and subsequent physical performance between the age of 48 and 56 years, in a group of 2,848 Danish men born in 1953 or 1959-61. The data came for the Copenhagen

Aging and Midlife Biobank.

They found that every 10-point increase in intelligence score in early adulthood was linked to a 0.5 kg increase in back force, a 1 cm increase in jumping height, a 0.7 kg increase in hand-grip strength, 1.1 more chair rises in 30 seconds and 3.7% improved balance in midlife.

Rikke Hodal Meincke, first author and doctoral student at Copenhagen University’s Center for Healthy Aging and Department of Health, says: “Our study clearly shows that the higher intelligence score in early adulthood, the stronger the partici-

pants’ back, legs and hands are in midlife. Their balance is also better.”

She and her colleagues conclude their findings could be important for drawing up and implementing initiatives to get people from all walks of life, regardless of ability, to stay physically active throughout life.

However, Hodal Meincke urges more studies be done to find the reasons behind the links they found. Other researchers have, for example, suggested that childhood factors, exercise, health status and socioeconomic background may also affect physical performance in later life.

CMYK

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

ARTS

13

BRiTisH THeATRe cRiTiciseD foR cAncellinG plAY ABouT MusliM RADicAlisATion

H

NEWS DESK

UMAN rights campaigners and artists have criticised the National Youth Theatre in London for cancelling a play about the radicalisation of young British Muslims because of pressure from the British police.

According to a report in The Times, the play ‘Homegrown’ by British-born Omar El-Khairy, which deals with factors that might cause young British Muslims to turn to terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State (IS) group, was shut down after the British police asked to see the final script. The play was

scheduled to open on August 15.

“The police had asked to see the final script of ‘Homegrown’ before the play opened at a school in Brixton,” Nadia Latif, the play’s director, was quoted as saying. Latif had at first refused to comply with their request but had then agreed to do as asked a week later, after which the play was cancelled.

Many of Britain’s leading figures in the world of arts and human rights have come forward to protest against the cancellation of the play, including Britain’s leading playwrights, Sir David Hare, the actor Simon Callow and the human rights activist Shami Chakrabarti, who wrote in a letter to the

paper saying the cancellation is “a troubling moment for British theatre and freedom of expression.”

They further wrote, “Its cancellation serves only to shut down conversation on these important issues. We fear that government policy in response to extremism may be creating a culture of caution in the arts.”

The theatre should “give full account to what led to the decision and hope that a way can be found to stage it so it can be heard and the production can be judged on its merits,” they added.

Over 700 young British Muslims have reportedly been said to have left England to join IS in Iraq and Syria.

Members of the cancelled National Youth Theatre show “Homegrown.”

Vin Diesel remembers pal Paul Walker LOS ANGELES AGENCIES

ellen DeGeneres confirms Malala as a guest on her show The youngest change activist in the world — Malala Yousafzai — is claiming a foothold in the west as she is all set to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show with none other than Hillary Clinton. Host Ellen DeGeneres took to Twitter to announce the participation of the Noble Prize winner along with the United States’ Presidential candidate and former Olympian Bruce Jenner-turned-Caitlyn Jenner during the show’s premiere week. Malala previously appeared on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show — that aired it’s last episode earlier this month.

Nothing that Malala Yousafzai achieves seems startling anymore but she continues to make Pakistan proud. The youngest-ever Nobel laureate has also been a part of George Washington University’s Leadership Programme. Malala also made it to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential List twice.

Time presented its annual list in April, naming the most influential people worldwide, including artists and leaders to pioneers, titans and icons. The 17–year-old was listed in the ‘Icons’ category of the list with other renowned personalities, including Pope Franics, writer Haruki Murakami, designer Diane von Furstenburg and others. NEWS DESK

Hillary clinton, kris Jenner to start new season of DeGeneres’ show

Vin Diesel paid a glowing tribute to Paul Walker at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards on Sunday as the late star won the ‘Choice Movie Actor’ award in the ‘Action/Adventure’ category. Walker, who died in November 2013 in a car accident, outpaced Ansel Elgort, Dylan O’Brien, Taylor Lautner, Theo James and Diesel to claim the award for his performance in Furious 7.

Diesel remembered his friend when he took the stage to accept the surfboard for ‘Choice Movie: Action/Adventure’ alongside co-stars Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, and Jordana Brewster. “I can’t stand here and be rewarded like this without talking about somebody very, very, very important to us,” he said. “One of the best blessings in our lives was the fact that we had the opportunity to call Pablo our

brother. Paul Walker is here in spirit with us,” he added.

Furious 7 also won the ‘Choice Movie: Action/Adventure’ award. The biggest winners of the night were British pop boy band One Direction, who bagged eight awards, including ‘Male Music Group’, ‘Choice Summer Music Group’, and ‘Choice Selfie Takers’. But the band, which now features Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, weren’t

present at the event and accepted their awards via video link. Fellow British band Little Mix won the surfboard award for ‘Choice Music Breakout Artists’.

Top winners include: Choice Movie (Comedy): Pitch Perfect 2 Choice TV Show (Drama): Pretty Little Liars Choice Male Artist: Ed Sheeran Choice Female Artist: Demi Lovato

SAIF’S A TRUE GENTLEMAN: KATRINA KAIF Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif, who has worked with Saif Ali Khan in Phantom, says he’s a true gentleman. “Intelligent, very knowledgeable and a true gentleman” is how Katrina describes Saif. Phantom is the directorial of Kabir Khan, who has explored the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in the movie. While they shot several action scenes, Katrina said “only Saif was given machine gun in the movie”. She said the “best shooting happened in Lebanon… which is where you see the tents, guns and the whole portion where Saif is shooting the machine gun and I have my gun. That was definitely the most exciting and funniest portion.” Phantom is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Siddharth Roy Kapur. It is releasing on August 28. However that’s not all. Katrina sang the birthday song for her Phantom co-star on the sets of singing reality show Indian Idol Junior. NEWS DESK

Manoj Bajpayee: Small films also deserve importance

Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai will begin the upcoming 13th season of Ellen DeGeneres’s popular chat show ‘The Ellen Show’. “These three women are changing the world,” DeGeneres posted on Twitter on Monday along with a photograph of the trio, reports variety.com. The presidential candidate’s last big national interview came last month with CNN’s Brianna Keilar. Clinton also appeared on the daytime talk show in 2007, the first time she was vying for the Oval Office.

Clinton famously discussed supporting civil unions, but not gay marriage. The new season of ‘The Ellen Show’ premieres on September 8. COURTESY IANS

Often slotted as an intense and serious artiste, acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee is content with the co-existence of all genres in Indian cinema, but says smaller films still need to be granted the importance they deserve.

“The good thing happening nowadays is the co-existence of all kinds of genre in cinema. Whether it is completely commercial, niche or middle of the road, all kind of films are being made and most of them are finding a release. This is a fantastic co-existence,” Manoj told IANS. He, however, he stressed that the film industry “needs to work little extra on small films”. “Theatre owners start giv-

ing them (smaller) less importance when there is some big film coming, and this shouldn’t happen. We should be in favour of the right of small films too,” added the actor, who has starred in movies like “Zubeida” and “Pinjar” as well as ensemble cast movies like “Raajneeti”, “Aarakshan” and “Gangs Of Wasseypur”. Manoj, who started his career with a television serial “Swabhimaan” and later went on to do small roles in films like “Dastak” and “Bandit Queen”, got his big break in the 1998 crime film “Satya”.

He even won a National Film Award for his role as Bhiku Mhatre. NEWS DESK

CMYK

ARY Announces Bol TV TAkeoVeR ARY Digital Network CEO Salman Iqbal on Tuesday announced the company’s takeover of now defunct Bol TV’s management.

Vowing to get the channel on cable, the founder of ARY group said the media group would launch the channel within three weeks. Terming the move to take over Bol as second biggest revolution in the media industry in Pakistan after the announcement of the launch of channel, Iqbal said the basic aim of the move was to provide job security to the thousands of workers who lost their jobs when Bol TV was not allowed to launch due to its link with Axact. “We cannot let thousands of people stay unemployed,” he added. Addressing the gathering at Bol TV studio, he said, “We are not here to take down anyone.” Iqbal added that their first priority will be to clear Bol TV’s dues. He further said that there is no agenda behind takeover of Bol. Earlier in May, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had asked the country’s media regulatory body to block Bol TV transmissions until the investigation into the channel’s parent company Axact is complete.

The inquiry that was launched after a New York Times (NYT) exposé claimed the IT company was running a “fake education empire”, resulted in the arrest of Axact CEO Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh. NEWS DESK

Disney unveils first look of The Jungle Book and Alice Through The looking Glass First look of films based on two of the most popular tales among children, The Jungle Book and Alice Through The Looking Glass, were a part of the huge live-action presentation that was held this morning at Disney’s special D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, reported India Today. The Jungle Book poster features Mowgli and Bagheera played by young actor Neel Sethi and Sir Ben Kingsley, respectively. The Jungle Book’s star studded line up includes Bill Murray as Baloo the bear, Idris Elba as the villainous Shere Khan, Lupita Nyong’o as the wolf Raksha, Scarlett Johansson plays Kaa the snake and Christopher Walken is King Louie. Alice Through The Looking Glass, the sequel of Tim Burton’s block buster Alice in Wonderland will find Alice (Mia Wasikowska) return to the world of Underland and discover that things are going unusually wrong. Mia Wasikowska will have Johnny Depp as Mad Hatter, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall, Rhys Ifans and Sacha Baron Cohen, for company. NEWS DESK

14 SPORTS

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

LEGACY OF AGGRESSIVE, ENTERTAINING CRICKET: MARK TAYLOR

T

sPORTs DEsK

WO days out from the Oval Test, a familiar figure looked on amongst the usual assortments of players, coaches, photographers and journalists. The former captain Mark Taylor was at the ground to see Michael Clarke and wish him a fond farewell from the game ahead of his 115th and final Test match, 47 of them as captain.

Taylor has long been a defender of Clarke, whether it be in television commentary or in the Cricket Australia boardroom. A few days have passed since Clarke announced his retirement, and in that time the mix of reaction has been more varied than for any Australian captain in recent memory.

Irrespective of what the detractors had been storing up, Taylor said Clarke’s legacy as a champion of bright, aggressive cricket was undeniable. He also viewed Clarke as a man of his times, and an advocate for greater individualism and freedom of expression within the Australian team at a time when the weight of earlier eras had been heavy. “Looking at his legacy to this team, it’s aggressive, entertaining cricket, and that’s a great thing to have said about you,” Taylor said. “That’s what the game’s about at the end of the day, to have people a) enjoy playing and b) enjoy watching, and I think Michael has done a very good job with that.

“He’s had his critics and we’ve heard from them over the last couple of weeks,

but all in all he’s definitely his own man, but he’s provided excellent entertainment for his team and the people who’ve watched them. “He’s been a different sort of captain. That’s where people I think have struggled sometimes to understand Michael. He’s not your typical Australian captain, conservative and boring like me, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting. You knew what you were going to get from us, and with Michael you knew what you were going to get from him, but you’ve got a different sort of guy. “He was unmarried when he first took over, most of us have had a wife and kids when we take over the captaincy. So Michael was more your 21st century captain, he was single, he was flashier, lived a different life to some of us in the past, but that doesn’t make him a bad person, nor a bad captain. What people

have seen through his career is he’s a very fine captain, and I’ve enjoyed watching him captain the Australian cricket side.”

Plenty of comparisons have been drawn between Taylor and Clarke over the past four years, and there is another in the timing of retirement. Clarke exits the game at the age of 34, just as Taylor did in early 1999 after finding he had lost the motivation to keep going. For that reason he believes Clarke’s final match will be a challenging one. “I wanted to wish him well, hopefully he can enjoy his last Test match,” Taylor said. “It hasn’t been a great series for him or the Aussies, and it’s not going to be easy for him to get up for the last game, and I know that from a personal point of view. I wanted to let him know I think most Australians want him to do well.” Clarke will finish his international career on the losing

side in England for the fourth time out of four, and Taylor said there were plenty of lessons to be gleaned from the series, whether it be batsmen showing greater respect for the conditions or bowlers learning that the high pace they strive for in Australia is less important in England than nagging consistency and subtle movement. “On the pitches and conditions that have been presented here, we probably could have been a little bit more conservative with our play,” he said. “But we haven’t made enough runs either and I think if you look at the way we’ve bowled in this series we’ve generally tried to chase it too much because we haven’t got runs on the board.

“I think you can still be aggressive to play over here, but being aggressive doesn’t necessarily mean scoring 400 in a day.

With our bowling we can look back at the types of bowlers who’ve been successful here in past Ashes series - McGrath, Alderman, Ryan Harris - consistent line and length bowlers. “The bowler of the series to me has been Stuart Broad. Even early in the series when he wasn’t getting a heap of wickets, he still bowled the most consistent line and length of all the bowlers, and at the end he got his reward. Our bowlers, the Hazlewoods, Starcs and James Pattinson, who’s here now, they have to learn from what they see from Stuart Broad at the moment, so next time they come here in 2019, it’s not always about bowling 150kph, it’s about hitting the top of off stump over here.”

WILL TRY AND CATCH ROSSI, LORENZO: MARQUEZ Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez said on Tuesday that he would not give up trying to catch compatriot Jorge Lorenzo and Italian Valentino Rossi despite losing ground to the former at Czech Grand Prix at Brno. Lorenzo was dominant enough to win on Sunday as Marquez was denied a victory. The Honda rider, however, finished second ahead of third placed Rossi. Marquez now has to make up 52 points on the Yamaha duo with seven races to go but he insists he will push really hard for the championship with Honda-friendly tracks coming up. “It’s difficult to catch up 52 points to one rider and it’s even more difficult to catch 52 points to two riders.

Both of them have good pace; they are (both) on the podium again like at Indianapolis,” Marquez was quoted as saying by motorsport.com.SPORTS DESK

Zainab abbas Is it a flash in the pan or is it something more? Cynics would say a typical Pakistani rise that is bound to fall; Optimists would say Pakistan is now a top team ready to beat the best. Both are not quite right. Pakistan may not sustain its rise in ranking but more importantly it must sustain the most precious thing that was missing for years in our team, more than steady batting, good fielding and consistent bowling- and that is the spirit to fight and fight till the last ball.

Modern One Day cricket has evolved over a period of time and so has the approach to play this sport by teams all over the world. With the Introduction of Power Play, two new balls, drop in pitches, DRS, cricket has increasingly become a batsman’s game. Where previously 250 would be considered a competitive total, 300 is now considered a par score. The margin of error for bowlers has decreased with the new laws coming into play. Teams have focused on strengthening their batting line up by adding extra batsmen and now improvise towards the end of the innings where the last 5 overs can produce such a runs galore that any score prediction becomes difficult.

Yester year’s steady build up scoring strategy is no longer effective. In the 90s, the first 10 overs typically featured a slow start by a team in an attempt to preserve wickets and gain momentum towards the end of the innings. But with the advent of Power Play in the first 10 overs with 5 fielders in the circle, batsmen now have the license to take the aerial route right form the word go. The middle overs are nowspeedy but with focus on rotating the strike at a run rate of 5 to 6 runs per overand then going

KARACHI: Defence Authority Country Golf Club Secretary Brigadier (r) Tariq Rafiq and UBL Head of Marketing Ali Habib address a press conference regarding the Independence Day Golf Championship sponsored by UBL. STAFF PHOTO

REVIVAL OF THE SPIRIT for a run blast in the last few overs. The latest law of having 5 fielders outside the circle in the last 10 overs may prove to offer some respite for the bowlers, but the speed, tempo and the approach has made the sport more fast paced.

Whereas other teams have adapted themselves to the new rules and regulations and more importantly approach,Pakistan has struggled to adjust their mindset, skill set and strategy. From 2012 to 2014 Pakistan played 54 ODI matches losing 28 and wining 24. Of these 54 matches played Pakistan crossed 300 runs only 4 times – a telling fact. Much of this can be attributed to Pakistan’s inability to take advantage of the rules, cope with the aggression of the other teams, and develop a well thought out game plan. The block or slog mindset has cost them plenty of matches. Consistent opening stand became an extinct species as Pakistan has struggled to find an opener since Saeed Anwar with an average of 40.Moreover, Pakistani fielding and wicket keeping has been erratic andthe lack of a batting allrounder also hurt Pakistan amongst other things.

However, the ODI and T20 series win in Sri Lanka has restored some of the lost faith in the fans. It might not be a sign of greatness, but the change of approach and a positive mindset has shown that the spark in the soul is reigniting. Azhar Ali has praised coach WaqarYounis and Mushtaq Ahmad saying the thinktank has always encouraged them to play positively. However it is not the big names that have made a difference but

the lesser stars who have led the way to inspire the big ones to prove their worth.

Talking of allrounders, Pakistan has always been gifted by allrounders like WasimAkram and Abdul Razzaq who would come out to bat late in the day with matches at no return stages and just play those innings that made for fairy tale wins. In the last few years Pakistan had almost given up on this spot.Anwar Ali’s claim to fame was the Under 19 World cup match against India but he failed to live to that promise.

He has been criticized for his lack of pace, inability to swing the ball and mediocre batting. However in the last T20 match he showed glimpses of what he can do with the bat. Moreso his contribution in the field has been spectacular. It is his new found self confidence, which is more impressive than his actual feat;replying to Ramiz Raja’s query on what he was thinking when Malinga was bowling to him, he replied ‘I don’t play the bowler, I play the ball”.

It is the small things that make a big difference; it is these moments of inspiration that spark the spirit. Fielding has been a given failure in Pakistani team traditionally.

What rigorous training, counseling and criticism could not do, Mohammad Rizwan who is originally a wicket keeper did with his alacrity in the team. His breathtaking parallel leap in the air to catch the ball going over the boundary was almost a replay of Jonty Rhodes acrobatics in the first ODI. Though he could not catch it and it was a six, the sheer fearless, come what may effort, changed the complexion of Pakistani

CMYK

fielding; so much so that we saw Irfan actually chasing sprightly and bending down to stop balls at fine leg rather than just lumbering and hiding behind his huge frame.

Another moment of inspiration weresome cameo batting performances. With Azhar Ali batting with his usual consistency it was players like Sarfraz who made a 77 of 74 balls,Rizwan 52 of 38 balls andImaadWasim’s 24 of 14 balls which compelled the seniors to raise their game. Again the lifting of the batting standards has been led by the gutsy Sarfraz, who can bat on any number and can make bowling changes and field placing a big challenge for the opposing captains.

Wicket keepers are no longer part of the tail and are expected to be not only excellent wicketkeepers but complete batsmen as well. The likes of Sangakara and Dhoni, who also captained their sides, have converted this art into a science. The Akmalbrothers legacy of poor wicket keeping with erratic batting performances has been a dampening factor in Pakistan’s ability to win matches. Kamran, Umar and Adnan Akmal were all unsafe hands. Their exit from this position has made way for Sarfraz and Rizwan who not only take brilliant catches behind the wickets but are aggressive busy batsmen who can be relied to score big, fast and consistently.

Bowlers have also risen to the task.

Yasir and ImadWaseem provide variety and bite in spin but more importantly their competitive fire is the hallmark of the thirst to learn and the hunger to do more. This is why even in the absence of Irfan, Wahab,

BCB RECEIVES 11 APPLICATIONS TO OWN BPL FRANCHISE The BCB has received expression of interest (EOI) from 11 enterprises for the third edition of the Bangladesh Premier League. But no one who participated in the first two editions submitted their applications, after the BCB had terminated contracts with the seven franchises last year due to payment issues. Afzalur Rahman Sinha, BPL governing council chairman, said that the new franchises have to pay BDT 1 crore (USD 128,625) as a bank guarantee. They have also set a few subjective criteria, including involvement with sports at some capacity in the past. The EOI were received from DBL Group, Sohana Group of Industries, Beximco, BBS Cables, Blues Communications, Networld Bangladesh, Mediacom Limited, Index Group, Bengal Communications, Axiom Technology and Fiber@home Limited. “The next step will be to scrutinise the interested parties,” Sinha said in a press conference on Tuesday. “We will speak to them [the bidders]. Those who are real sports lovers and were involved with various clubs and sports in the past, will get priority.

Ismail Haider Mallick, the governing council’s member-secretary, said that the process of choosing the new franchises should be completed within the next three weeks. “We hope to start on November 22 or 25.

Groundwork has been completed. We wanted to do the BPL with five teams but seeing the response it now seems we can start with seven teams. “We hope to complete the processing for the new franchises by the first week of next month. They have submitted their expression of interest (EOI). We have already reduced the structure,” he said. Mallick added that those interested in owning a new team must understand that the business model of the BPL has reduced significantly, and it has to be run similar to the way Dhaka clubs operate in the Dhaka Premier League (a domestic one-day tournament), but first they have to ensure the bank guarantee. “The new franchise owners have to keep in mind that they can’t do business here. They will be spending as much as a title-challenging Dhaka Premier League club does. They shouldn’t expect anything in return. Those who are sports-oriented, will get preference. They will also have to meet some financial conditions. “Everyone says the right things when they are taking the franchise. That’s why we have put a financial bar that they have to meet to reach the next stage,” he said. SPORTS DESK

Ajmal and Hafeez, Pakistan always looked attacking and dangerous in the field. It is this competitiveness that produced great teams in Australia and West Indies in the past and it is this competitiveness that has made the world notice New Zealandeas a major contender in the World Cup. Adversity brings opportunity. Contrary to perception, that losing to BD was the worst thing to happen to Pakistan cricket, it led to a team fighting for rediscovery. Fresh blood had to be inducted; and it was; and it has definitely infused a new energy and spirit in the team. To say it is a sign of great things to come would be premature considering the frailties of Pakistani cricket. For now, one can appreciate the effort of the team to win a series in Srilanka after 9 years. The English series in October should be the one to look forward to especially considering England have recently regained the Ashes. For Pakistan the one thing that has always stood between mediocrity and greatness has been their inconsistent and languid approach. In this team the rightcombination is there, the talent is visible, but would they carry on where they left in Sri Lanka is the question. The last ball of the tour in Sri Lanka spoke of the spirit that needs to be nourished and maintained. Last over, last wicket, 5 balls and 5 runs needed, and ImaadWasim comes down the wicket audaciously and with all the confidence in the world lifts the ball for a six to end the tour on a befitting note. It is this self-belief, which was missing and it is this self-belief that transforms the impossible to possible.

The writer is a sports anchor/analyst and can be reached at zainaba88@gmail.com She tweets at @ZAbbasOfficial

SPORTS 15

Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

SHASTRI RESOLUTE ON ATTACKING MINDSET

C

sPORTs DEsK

OACHES/MANAGERS/TE AM directors, call them what you will, turn up after very bad games in an attempt to shield their distraught charges from the baying media. Former India coach Duncan Fletcher, when working with England, would turn up during what began to be called “Duncan days”. With India, however, he barely fronted the press despite an increasing frequency of terrible days during his tenure. As the Indian team’s new Capo di Capi (boss of the bosses), Ravi Shastri turns up and works the room in a completely different way.

On Monday, he arrived at the Indian ‘team room’, a small, enclosed function space at one end of the Taj Samudra, wearing what qualifies as gym gear - singlet and shorts - and a game face. To be fair, whatever his attire, throughout his entire career as cricketer, commentator and now India’s team director, Shastri has neither been reticent or withdrawn, nor has he operated in a lower key. On days good and bad, he will only turn up on his metaphorical front foot.

In a distinct break from the Indian team’s bulletproof bubble of the last few years, at the end of his media briefing, Shastri waited to have a cup of tea - naturally, “strong” - with the reporters. He was happy to shoot the breeze, talk off record, relate a few stories and have a laugh. Call

it winning friends and influencing people, or merely Shastri being Shastri, he was not about to let the gloom of Galle slow him down. India have travelled to a damp and grey Colombo, feeling doleful following Sri Lanka’s heist in Galle. Even if the visitors do feel all “we wuz robbed”, they would know they brought it upon themselves. Shastri didn’t waste a moment highlighting the same.

His favourite words in all media briefings so far have been “fearless”, “aggressive” and “intent”, but Galle was the very anti-thesis of his mission, with a team that fell short of turning those words into results. He was asked, quite pointedly, about why the talk about playing aggressive cricket had not filtered through

BADMINTON CHIEFS APOLOGISE FOR PLAYING WRONG SPANISH ANTHEM

to the team. His reply fell somewhere close to a line from a Schwarzenegger movie: “I said I’ll hammer it [the message] till it goes in. Now the hammer is out.” What happened in that last session of play? “That’s the reason I said we will hammer it.”

It may be a bit too extreme, but it is signature Shastri - operating from the essential principle of gung-ho, no matter what, and passing on an overarching, uncomplicated message: up and at ‘em, men. These are words that may echo in the dressing room full of players working their way past the shadow of formidable predecessors and requiring bucketloads of belief and positivity, which Shastri appears to offer on tap.

Yet, despite the bravado and the talk of fearless cricket, Kohli & co have been bruised by Test results in England and Australia, and would have been gutted in Galle. These results are not for want of trying but a want of general cricketing nous. Shastri agreed with the view that the Indian batsmen’s approach against the spin of Moeen Ali in England and Nathan Lyon in Australia, compared to Rangana Herath and Tharindu Kaushal, was totally confused. With Moeen Ali, India had been “over-aggressive. Here [we were] too tentative, conservative, defensive… where you had to be a little more positive.”

He insisted the defeat in Galle - where India failed to score 153 in a chase of 176 on the final day - will not see the Indian team ceding ground in terms of strategy.

“We won’t change our style of play.

Mindsets will remain the same. Exactly like how it was in the first Test match. But to close the deal, you have to walk the distance till the end. We made that one mistake in the end.” To stay committed to the “mindset”, very much a result of the Kohli-Shastri combine, means doing more than playing five bowlers. It will now mean rekindling the batsmen’s confidence. Shastri said, “I wish they had attacked on the last day and not defended.

If they had attacked on the last day or been a little more positive - I am not saying attacked means four, six but been busy, played with intent - it would have been a different ball game.”

RAFAEL NADAL HOPES TO END TOUGH SEASON ON HIGH NOTE

JaKaRTa AGENCIES

Carolina Marin produced a brilliant display to defend her world badminton title on Sunday but the Spaniard’s stunning victory was marred by an anthem gaffe at the medal ceremony. Draped in her country’s flag, the 22-year-old looked slightly embarrassed but put on a brave face when the Franco-era Spanish national anthem, instead of the modern one which does not contain any lyrics, was played in the arena. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) moved quickly to apologise for the error and released a statement soon after the ceremony. “The Badminton World Federation and the local hosts for the BWF World Championships have apologised to Carolina Marin for playing the incorrect version of Spain’s national anthem today,” it read. “The BWF and the hosts, Indonesia Badminton Association, sincerely regret this unfortunate mistake.” Last year, Marin was a surprise winner as ninth seed in Copenhagen and although she has since risen to number one in the world rankings, an injury-riddled build-up to the tournament had put her participation in Jakarta in doubt. The Spaniard struggled through the early rounds and rolled her ankle in her third-round match on Thursday (August 13) but was starting to show her best form by the time she faced Saina Nehwal, winning 21-16, 21-19.

sPORTs DEsK Some players will ease up as the end of the season approaches, and some go in the opposite direction.

Rafael Nadal hopes his hard work will pay off in a rewarding end of the season, starting this week in Cincinnati and extending into the U.S. Open.

The eighth-ranked Spaniard comes into the Western & Southern Open after losing to No. 4 Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals of the hard-court Rogers Cup in Montreal.

Nadal said Monday that “this is an important week for me.”

He adds: “I played OK in Montreal, but every week is a different test – a different story. I’m working more

than ever to change the dynamic.”

That would mean avoiding the injuries that have plagued him over the past few years, including 2014, when he was unable to defend the 2013 championships he won in Cincinnati and at the U.S. Open.

Nadal says: “The last part of the season is important. I want to finish feeling better than when I started.”

JORDAN SPIETH: GOLF’S NEW NUMBER ONE: s PERvEZ QaisER American Jordan Spieth failed to win the PGA Championship on Sunday (August 16), but he moved to No 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

The solo second-place finish coupled with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy’s 17thplace finish meant a new No. 1 for the first time in more than a year.

At 22 year and 19 days, Jordan Spieth becomes the second-youngest No. 1 after Tiger Woods who was 21 years and 167 days when he went to No. 1 on June 15 1997.

Jordan Alexander Spieth who was born on July 27,1983 at Dallas, Texas, United States, is the 18th golfer to hold the number one position. Tiger Woods has spent the most consecutive weeks (281) and most total weeks (683) in that position.

Three golfers have spent an entire calendar year atop the rankings: Nick Faldo (1993), Greg Norman (1996), and Tiger Woods (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009).

In 2008, Tiger Woods achieved the remarkable feat of holding onto the number one position all year, despite not competing for more than six months after his June 16 playoff victory for the US Open against Rocco Mediate, as he underwent knee surgery and recuperation.

He was still world number one on February 25, 2009, when he resumed tournament golf at the Accenture Match Play Championship.

The other players who have had official World Number 1 status in the 29 year history of the Golf ranking are Seve Ballesteros (Spain-61 weeks), Greg Norman (Australia-331 weeks), Nick Faldo (England-97 weeks), Luke Donald (England-56 weeks), Ian Woosnam (Wales50 weeks), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland-93 weeks), Nick Price (Zimbabwe44 weeks), Vijay Singh (Fiji-32 weeks), Lee Westwood (England-22 weeks), Fred Couples (United States-16 weeks), David Duval (United States-15 weeks), Ernie Els (South Africa-9 weeks), Martin Kaymer (Germany-8 weeks), Tom Lehman (United States-one week) and Adam Scott (Australia-11 weeks).

Since the creation of the Official World Golf Ranking and although the top spot has changed hands 58 times since Bernhard Langer first took the position on April 6, 1986, only 18 players in all have held the coveted position of being officially the world’s number one golfer.

Of the eighteen number ones, only five have been Americans, the position also having been held by three Englishmen, two Germans and two Australian, a Spaniard, a Welshman, a Zimbabwean, a South African, a Fijian and a Northern Irishman.

GOLF’S NUMBER ONE PLAYERS: Player First date at No. 1 Total Weeks Major titles 1. Tiger Woods (United States) June 15,1997 683 14 2. Greg Norman (Australia) September 14,1986331 2 3. Nick Faldo (England) September 2, 1990 97 6 4. Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) March 4, 2012 93 4 5. Seve Ballesteros (Spain) April 27, 1986 61 5 6. Luke Donald (England) May 29, 2011 56 7. Ian Woosnam (Wales) April 7, 1991 50 1 8. Nick Price (Zimbabwe) August 14, 1994 44 3 9. Vijay Singh (Fiji) September 6, 2004 32 3 10. Jordan Spieth (United States) August 16, 2015 1 2

DISPUTED BENTEKE GOAL SINKS BOURNEMOUTH LivERPOOL AGENCIES

Christian Benteke scored a contentious first Liverpool goal as his team shaded promoted Bournemouth 1-0 at Anfield on Monday to claim their second victory of the Premier League season.

The teams’ first ever league meeting was settled by £32.5 million ($50.8 million, 45.8 million euros) striker Benteke’s 26th-minute strike in front of the Kop, but Bournemouth felt that in attempting to play the ball before it reached his teammate, Philippe Coutinho had been offside.

Having previously won 1-0 at Stoke City in their opening game, Brendan Rodgers’s Liverpool moved level on points with Manchester City, Leicester City and Manchester United at the top of the two-game table. “Thankfully the goal counted and we’re happy to get the win,” said Rodgers. “I’m pleased we’ve got two wins, six points and two clean sheets. The defensive organisation has been good.

CMYK

There’s a lot of players coming into the club and it’ll take them a wee bit of time to bed in.”

As well as Benteke, who later hit the crossbar, Rodgers also gave home debuts to Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Joe Gomez and substitute Roberto Firmino, but lost new captain Jordan Henderson to a foot injury early in the second half.

Bournemouth have lost both of their first games, but manager Eddie Howe will have been heartened by the pluck and enterprise shown by his side, who also had a goal by captain Tommy Elphick disallowed.

“It is hugely frustrating for us,” Howe told Sky Sports. “We were in the game and the big decisions have gone against us.

“The new offside rule is a grey area.

Under the new rules, that is clearly offside. Our goalkeeper was affected by the player in front of him.”

The last time Bournemouth had played at Anfield, in an FA Cup replay in

January 1968, it was under the banner of Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic, but they were quick to make themselves at home.

It was the away fans who made all the noise in the early stages and in the fifth minute they thought they had a first ever top-flight goal to celebrate, only for Elphick’s header to be ruled out after he was adjudged to have used Liverpool centreback Dejan Lovren for leverage. “If that is a free-kick then we will see free-kicks every time there is a corner,” said Howe.

Playing with a new directness first seen at Stoke on the opening weekend, and with an unchanged team, Liverpool looked to hit Benteke at the earliest opportunity. The former Aston Villa hitman struggled to make the ball stick, but after lashing wide from the edge of the box, he opened his Liverpool account by stabbing Henderson’s left-wing cross home from close range at the back post.

The goal, however, should not have stood.

SPORTS Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

anwar ali:

Umar akmal

PAKISTAN’S FACTORY LABOURER IS CRICKET’S NEW IMRAN KHAN

P

SPORTS DESK

AKISTAN all-rounder Anwar Ali, who once ironed socks for a living as a teenage factory labourer, may have finally found his feet in international cricket after years of unfulfilled promise. Ali smashed a 17ball 46 with four towering sixes and three fours to help Pakistan clinch a last-gasp over win in the second Twenty20 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in their recently concluded tour, prompting fans to hail him as the second coming of talismanic all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

“I am thankful to Almighty who helped me reach this point,” Ali, 27, told AFP. “My life was once very tough as I used to work in a sock-making factory but I clung to the dream of playing for Pakistan.”

Ali migrated as a child from the small village of Zaka Khel in the militancy-wracked Swat Valley that is also home to Nobel peace prize-winning activist Malala Yousafzai.

His family was amongst those who left after Islamist extremists began a campaign to rule the valley under their harsh interpretation of Sharia law.

The family made their base in a rundown industrial area of Karachi, where Ali, who lost his father when he was still young, began working as a child labourer for a meagre 150 rupees ($1.50 in current terms) per day.

“Those were very tough days, we came to Karachi in search of peace and safety and as one of the boys of the family I was required to earn and not play,” said the broad-built Ali. While on the way to the factory, Ali would watch boys play in the street, spurring his dreams of one day making it to the national stage.

“I requested my boss to put me in the night shift so that I could play cricket in the day and he very kindly obliged,” recalled Ali. Ali got his lucky break when he was spotted by local coach Azam Khan, who he now calls his mentor and guide.

“I found him enormously talented and asked him to come for the trials,” recalled Khan. “Initially he excused himself because he would have lost his daily wages in case the trials ran later than scheduled. So, I promised to pay him the 150 rupees if he comes.

“The next day he came and he conquered the trials and everyone was amazed at his bowling,” said Khan. “But... I couldn’t keep paying him. Luckily Ali got a job in the Karachi Electric team and from there he never looked back.”

Ali said: “My late father was against my playing cricket but his opinion changed once I made my mark and started earning from it.”

Promising start: Ali was later picked for the Pakistan Under-19 team which won the Junior World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2006. It was his banana-swing bowling which turned the tables on arch-rivals India in the final at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo. Defending a paltry target 109, Ali made the ball turn corners as he finished with figures 5-35, shooting India out for 71. His victims included Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindar Jadeja — all of whom have made their mark for India in international cricket.

Two years later Ali made an inauspicious international senior debut, in a Twenty20 match against Zimbabwe in Canada.

Figures of 0-19 in two overs meant he was instantly discarded from the team which had Abdul Razzaq as its main all-rounder.

Cast into the wilderness for the next five years, he made it his goal to lift his family from poverty and build them a modest house. He set about playing in England’s Lancashire league and all but gave up on his international goals. But finally, his hard work paid off.

“I worked on my bowling, on my batting and, above all, my fielding and that brought me back in the Pakistan team in 2013,” he said.

Ali and Bilawal Bhatti, another promising all-rounder, made their one-day debuts memorable by helping Pakistan record a history-making series win in South Africa in November 2013.

But it was the recent tour of Sri Lanka that established Ali’s place in the Pakistan team after years of inconsistency saw his bowling average balloon to 58.

“It would not be wrong to say that Ali has finally come of age on this Sri Lanka tour,” said coach Waqar Younis.

“His fielding is extraordinary and he has improved as batsman as well as bowler. If he keeps working hard he will be our main all-rounder.”

For his part, Ali hopes that he can continue to knock the socks off every opponent.

SLAMS MEDIA FOR PORTRAYING HIM AS CONTROVERSIAL, INDISCIPLINED CRICKETER KaraCHi: Pakistan’s controversial young batsman, Umar Akmal complained of a media witch-hunt against him and revealed that he contemplated retirement after being dropped this year. The 25-year old, who has represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, 111 ODIs and 63 T20 internationals, criticised media for always going after him and creating controversies. “I don’t think I have got the support from the media that I deserved every little issue I have been involved has been blown out of proportion and my statements also misunderstood. In all this I have been made out to be a controversial and indisciplined player and person,” he said. Umar said the thought of retirement did cross his mind at one stage. “When they dropped me from the Pakistan ODI squad I was very upset and emotional and was thinking about announcing my retirement from international cricket,” Umar said. “But it was after my elders and friends spoke to me and talked sense into me that I decided to fight on and continue to try to get into the Pakistan team. For someone who has always tried to be part of the Pakistan team in all three formats being dropped for the ODIs was very disappointing.” Umar, who scored a century and 75 on his Test debut in New Zealand in 2009 and a hundred in only his third ODI in Sri Lanka to be rated as an explosive batting talent, has been in and out of the national team and played his last test in September 2011 in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.

His run-ins with authority and the cricket establishment and stories of indiscipline have also brought him notorious fame. But Umar said he was widely misunderstood and recalled that even when he was asked to keep wickets in ODIs and T20s the critics blamed him. AGeNcieS

PAK-INDIA SERIES BASED ON SARTAJ AZIZ’S INDIA VISIT: PCB CHAIRMAN LaHorE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shehryar Khan has on Tuesday said that if the things go well in Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz’s visit to india, series between Pakistan and India is on the cards. He said that talks have been held with India over a series. He said that politics and cricket should be kept separate. Talking to media after Governing Board meeting, Shehryar Khan said that cricket and politics should be kept separate. He said that he hoped to get ground in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Pakistan Super League (PSL). Chairman PCB said that the decision on domestic structure will remain unchanged and 16 teams will participate in the season. He said that Governor Sindh has assured of security for cricket matches in Karachi. He said that we are going to invite teams to Karachi.

Talking about the central contracts, Shehryar Khan said that it will be decided within 2 days. He said that the Governing Board has allowed him to keep 2 former Test cricketers as advisors.

PaKistan PLaYErs sEt to rECEiVE inCrEasED rEtainEr FEEs Meanwhile, the PCB has decided to increase the monthly retainer fees of the centrally contracted Pakistan cricketers from 25 to 75 percent. According to an official in the PCB detailed discussions have taken place with the players representatives Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali on the terms and conditions of the new central contracts which will be for the period July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. “There was a deadlock over the issue of whether the PCB should give the players bonuses or winning a series or matches also with the board only ready to give bonuses for series wins,” the official said. StAff rePort

DEPLETED TEAMS FACE OFF IN LOW-STAKES CLASH SPORTS DESK It would be impossible to look ahead to this fixture without remembering the drama that took place the last time South Africa and New Zealand met in an ODI. Irrespective of whose side you were on, or even if you were on no-one’s at all, the enormity of the occasion, the tension and the emotions would have had an impact. It would be equally impossible to expect anything close to that happening in this series.

That match in March was being played for a place in the World Cup final.

These three matches are being played to fulfill a scheduling obligation. Just that fact reveals how low the stakes are.

That’s a good thing because this series is flying under the radar in the cricketing world, where the final Ashes Test and Kumar Sangakkara’s retirement are stealing headlines, and their own countries, both rugby-obsessed, are gearing up for the World Cup. In New Zealand, the television channels were unable to secure the rights to broadcast the series so fans have to be content with radio commentary, if they feel like staying up through the night. South Africans have received it a little better. They are enjoying the return of cricket after seven months, despite it not being the season for it just yet.

Winter conditions could be revealed for the first time after the T20s were played

in what may have seemed like summer.

Durban’s tropical weather and a warm Centurion afternoon would have chill seem like a myth but both teams will experience it on Wednesday night. Evenings on the Highveld can be bitterly cold and how that could impact play is anyone’s guess.

South Africa have never played an ODI at home in August before. So neither side will be sure if chasing will provide any advantage, as it can do in summer when dew becomes a factor. That won’t be the only unknown they are grappling with.

Both teams are without some of their regulars - South Africa are sans Quinton de Kock (dropped), JP Duminy and Morne Morkel (paternity leave) and probably Faf du Plessis (injured) while New Zealand don’t have Brendon McCullum and Tim Southee (rested) and Trent Boult and Ross Taylor (injured) - and will want to test combinations and trial new players.

After being given the limited-overs leg of the Bangladesh series off Dale Steyn is back to the fifty-over format and will have to lead a South African attack still trying to decide who its premier pacemen in this version are. Vernon Philander, Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada are all in the squad, with Morne Morkel out on paternity leave. Steyn and Rabada are likely to be the shoo-ins, which might leave Abbott and Philander competing for a spot.

Colin Munro is 28-years old but is

still considered part of New Zealand’s new crop and this is his chance to change that. He has only played nine ODIs - just two since being recalled to the format for this tour - and will want to kick on better than he did the first time he toured South Africa, in his debut series. In 2013, Munro scored the first of two half-centuries in his short ODI career so far before falling off the radar. This time, he will want to stay on it.

Dean Elgar has been added to South Africa’s squad as cover for Faf du Plessis, who has a knee injury. A late call will be taken on his availability but if he is ruled out of either the first match, or the full se-

ries, Farhaan Behardien will take his place in the XI, probably slotting in at No. 6.

Rilee Rossouw should get a promotion to No. 3 and one of Kyle Abbott and Vernon Philander may have to miss out to accommodate David Wiese in the allrounder’s role at No. 7. Imran Tahir is back to take over the specialist spinner’s role.

Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill opened in the T20s, but Williamson is likely to drop to No.3 for this format, with Tom Latham at the top. New Zealand will probably only have room for one spinner which could mean one of Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Ben Wheeler, Doug Bracewell or Matt

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot No 79, Sector 24, Korangi Industrial Area Karachi.

CMYK

South AfricA: (likely)

1. Morne van Wyk (wk), 2. hashim Amla, 3. rilee rossouw, 4. AB de Villiers (capt) 5. David Miller, 6. farhaan Behardien, 7. David Wiese, 8. kyle Abbott/Vernon Philander, 9. kagiso rabada, 10. Dale Steyn 11. imran tahir

NeW ZeAlAND: (likely)

1. Martin Guptill, 2. tom latham, 3. kane Williamson (capt), 4. colin Munro, 5. Grant elliott, 6. James Neesham, 7. luke ronchi (wk), 8. Nathan Mccullum, 9,10. and 11. Adam Milne/Mitchell Mcclenaghan/Ben Wheeler/Doug Bracewell/Matt henry Henry has to miss out.

Pre-spring conditions in Centurion were not as welcoming to cricket as they were in Durban and South Africa found it more difficult to adapt to what AB de Villers called “not a perfect,” surface. It was cracked but while there wasn’t much turn, a brutish short ball could rear up.

There were plenty of runs so maybe it’s the outfield the hosts were unhappy with.

“Looked like anyone would break a leg there,” coach Russell Domingo said of the unstable ground, which had to be painted green to hide its winter coat.

“Hopefully they can spray the pitch as well,” Domingo joked.

The strip is not likely to get any more spicy and there may also be the added conundrum of how it will behave under lights. Domingo said his gut feel is to bat second at SuperSport Park but that’s in summer when dew becomes a factor. It may not be the case in August. At least the weather will play along.