E paper pdf (03 11 2014) isb

CMYK

5 SUSPECTS AMONGST 10 KILLED IN KHYBER, ORAKZAI AGENCIES g

ISLAMIC STATE FEARS GROW IN PAKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN

AT LEAST FIVETTP COMMANDERS,THREE LESSER CADRES FROM AFGHANTALIBAN PLEDGE SUPPORTTO IS PRESENTLY,THE BIGGEST FEAR IN PAKISTAN STEMS FROM IS’S SECTARIAN AGENDA HEIGHTENED BY ITS FIGHT AGAINST MAJORITY SHIA GOVERNMENTS IN IRAQ AND SYRIA

g

g

THREE OF A FAMILY KILLED AS MORTAR SHELL HITS HOUSE IN AKAKHEL, ONE SECURITY PERSONNEL INJURED IN MILITANT-SECURITY FORCES CLASH STORY ON PAGE 02

Monday, 3 November, 2014 Muharram-ul-Haram 9, 1436

Jirga meets Mehsud Taliban to negotiate peace agreement

Rs 17.00 Vol V No 122 16 Pages Islamabad Edition

IRAQ BLAST TARGETING SHIAS KILLS AT LEAST 10

STORY ON PAGE 02

STORY ON PAGE 05

STORY ON PAGE 02

Suicide blaSt at Wagah killS 55, injureS 120 n

n

n

n

LAHORE: A man weeps over the death of his relative at Ghurki Hospital after a suicide blast near Wagah Border. ONLINE

Eight members of a family, five of another and three Rangers personnel amongst 55 killed Jundullah and Jamaatul Ahrar claim responsibility for the attack Interior minister says security forces had been alerted of a possible terror attack at Wagah Rangers DG says suicide bomber detonated bomb away from main venue because of strict checking and security measures STORY ON PAGE 03

THARPARKAR DEATH TOLL REACHES 116 AS INFANT DIES IN HOSPITAL STORY ON PAGE 03 MAZARI ISSUES‘FINAL WARNING’ TO FAZL OVER‘ANTI-WOMEN STATEMENTS’ STORY ON PAGE 04 PAKISTAN RELEASES 29 AFGHANS AS GOODWILL GESTURE STORY ON PAGE 04 BLAST AT PROCESSION CELEBRATING BANGLADESH JI LEADER’S DEATH PENALTY STORY ON PAGE 05 EIGHT EGYPTIAN MEN JAILED FOR GAY WEDDING VIDEO STORY ON PAGE 04 INDIA REBUFFS CHINESE ARMY’S LAND, WATER ADVANCES IN PANGONG LAKE AREA

YOU CALL HIM TUK TUK? THINK AGAIN! g

MISBAH LEVELS VIV RICHARD’S 28-YEAR-OLD RECORD OF FASTEST TEST HUNDRED STORY ON PAGE 14

STORY ON PAGE 05

CMYK

02 NEWS

Monday, 3 November 2014

FIVE SUSPECTS AMONGST 10 KILLED IN KHYBER, ORAKZAI AGENCIES THREE OF A FAMILY KILLED AS MORTAR SHELL HITS HOUSE IN AKAKHEL, ONE SECURITY PERSONNEL INJURED IN MILITANT-SECURITY FORCES CLASH PESHAWAR/KHYBER AGENCY/ORAKZAI AGENCY AGENCIES

T

EN people, including five militants, were killed while several others were injured in three separate incidents of violence in Khyber and Orakzai agencies. At least five militants were killed and six others were injured late Saturday in a clash between security forces and militants in Bara town of Khyber Agency. One security personnel was also injured. The exchange of fire took place in Jhansi Qila area of Bara. Security forces cordoned off the area and started a search operation.

Sources said that the militants were affiliated with outlawed Lashkar-e-Islam militant group. This information could not be independently verified as journalists have limited access to the tribal agency.

TWO OFFICIALS KILLED IN ROCKET ATTACK ON POLICE ADMINISTARTOR’S OFFICE IN ORAKZAI

In a separate incident, a woman and two children died as a mortar shell fired from an undisclosed location hit a house in Akakhel. Four others of the family were injured in the incident.

The clash between militants and security forces comes as Pakistan's military continue with their intelligence-driven operation Khyber-1 aimed at targetting militant hideouts in areas under Mangal Bagh-led group’s control in Tirah and Bara.

The latest operation was launched amidst Operation Zarb-e-Azb, a full-fledged military operation being conducted by the Pakistan Army against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants in North Waziristan Agency (NWA).

Khyber is among Pakistan’s seven semi-autonomous tribal agencies near the Afghan border, rife with homegrown insurgents and foreign mili-

tants. These agencies are also home to religious extremist organisations including Al Qaeda.

The plains of Bara hold strategic significance for militant groups as they connect the agency to the outskirts of Peshawar. The area has previously been used by militants to attack police and military posts in and around Peshawar.

In the meanwhile, three rockets were fired at the office of a political administrator in Orakzai Agency, killing two officials and injuring two others.

The injured were shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for medical assistance.

Earlier on November 1 in Orakzai Agency, eight paramilitary troops were killed and four injured when militants stormed a checkpost. The deadly attack triggered retaliatory action by security forces which left 20 militants dead.

Islamic State fears grow in Pakistan, Afghanistan AT LEAST FIVE TTP COMMANDERS, THREE LESSER CADRES FROM AFGHAN TALIBAN PLEDGE SUPPORT TO IS

MILITANT, SECURITY SOURCES REPORTEDLY SAY IT IS AN INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE, DENY IS HAS ESTABLISHED PRESENCE IN REGION

PRESENTLY, THE BIGGEST FEAR IN PAKISTAN STEMS FROM IS’S SECTARIAN AGENDA HEIGHTENED BY ITS FIGHT AGAINST MAJORITY SHIA GOVERNMENTS IN IRAQ AND SYRIA

ISLAMABAD AGENCIES

The Islamic State (IS) militant organisation is starting to attract the attention of radicals in Pakistan and Afghanistan, unnerving authorities who fear a potential violent contagion.

Far from the militants’ self-proclaimed “caliphate” in Iraq and Syria, the name of IS has cropped up several times in militant circles in recent weeks in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Leaflets calling for support for IS were seen in parts of northwest Pakistan, and at least five Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commanders and three lesser cadres from the Afghan Taliban have pledged their support.

Pro-IS slogans have appeared on walls in several cities in both countries and in Kabul University, where a number of students were arrested.

Militant, security and official sources questioned in recent weeks reportedly say that these are local, individual initiatives, and at this stage IS has not established a presence in the region.

But the success of IS in the Middle East is unsettling many of those charged with keeping a lid on Afghanistan and Pakistan’s myriad extremist groups.

RELIGIOUS GROUPS LOOKING UP TO IS: “IS is becoming the major inspirational force for both violent and non-violent religious groups in the region,” Pakistani security analyst Amir Rana said.

Earlier this month Pakistan’s National Counter Terrorism Agency wrote to a several government agencies warning them to be on their guard against IS. “The successes of IS play a very dangerous, inspirational role in Pakistan, where more than 200 organisations are operational,” the agency said.

The letter came as the Pakistani army fights a major offensive in insurgent bastions of the tribal areas, which appears to be weakening its major enemies –TTP and allied Al Qaeda fighters.

Following the army offensive, TTP has fragmented into rival factions over recent weeks, fueling rumours that the movement could be overtaken by IS. TTP says it broadly supports both IS militants and Al-Qaeda.

They also say they have sent 1,000 fighters in recent years to help the militant struggle in Syria — an estimate confirmed by a Pakistani government source — and plan to send 700 more.

However, if IS militants one day

KOBANI DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER HOPEFUL THAT ARRIVAL OF 150 FIGHTERS WITH WEAPONS, AMMUNITION WILL TIP BALANCE OF BATTLE AGENCIES

SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN: Afghanistan, much more fragile, is more worrying — particularly Kunar and Nuristan, mountainous provinces on the Pakistani border, which have long been refuges for militants.

“The authorities’ fear is that IS will join up with the TTP and other extremist groups and from there spread on both sides of the border,” said analyst Rana.

Several sources say that in Kunar there is at least one camp training hundreds of fighters sympathetic to IS. Away from the camps, there is a danger that the IS militants could attract more and more young Afghans and Pakistanis through their propaganda on Facebook and Twitter.

“People here face problems with the lack of justice, the corruption and the inefficiency of the state, and therefore they need a counter-narrative, and IS provides one with religious content,” said Tahirul Ashrafi, head of the Pakistan’s Ulema Council.

In the short-term the big fear in Pakistan stems from the IS group’s sectarian agenda, more extreme and more explicit than that of Al-Qaeda, heightened by its fight against majority Shia governments in Iraq and Syria.

Violence against minority Shia Muslims, who make up about 20 per cent of Pakistan’s population, has hit record levels in recent years and there are concerns IS could energise sectarian groups even further.

CMYK

PESHAWAR: An 11-member tribal jirga representing Mehsud tribesmen met Mehsud Taliban chief Khan Said alias Sajna and other commanders Sunday to negotiate peace agreements between government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The jirga which was announced a few days ago in Tank, held an initial meeting with the Mehsud Taliban and would put forth its suggestions to official authorities. Headed by Ikramuddin, father-in-law of the slain TTP founder and chief Baitullah Mehsud, the jirga comprises ten other key Mehsud tribal elders. The formation of the Mehsud jirga is part of the government’s reconciliatory policy towards Taliban, particularly Mehsud factions.

Sources said the jirga has been empowered to hold talks with all Mehsud factions, including the groups of Khan Said and Shehryar. It will discuss with two little known factions Shamim group and Hazratullah group also known as Toora Shpa (Black Night) - the matter of a peace agreement. The jirga has a one-point agenda of persuading the Mehsud Taliban to reach an accord with the govt. Sources said three secret meetings had been held by jirga with political agent of Waziristan and they agreed to facilitate talks between Mehsud Taliban and govt. INP

Iraqi Kurds reinforce Kobani as US planes pound IS targets

BEIRUT/ BAGHDAD

envisage extending their influence in Afghanistan and Pakistan, they will have to either defy or find an accommodation with the two countries’ Taliban movements.

Currently both TTP and the Afghan Taliban officially recognise only one leader, Mullah Omar, and a senior Afghan cadre said that IS was wrong to declare a caliphate.

“The Taliban and their supporters say that ‘amir-ul-momineen’ (the commander of the faithful) has already been chosen,” the commander said, rejecting IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

So far the Taliban and Al-Qaeda’s new South Asia wing have steered clear of criticising IS, maintaining a united front against “Western aggression”.

TTP SPLINTERS CONTACT IS FOR FUNDS: US officials say the group is generating tens of millions of dollars a month from black market oil sales, ransoms and extortion.

This financial heft is proving a big draw — including for the five Pakistani Taliban commanders who announced their support for IS. “The splinter groups are facing financial crisis, so they are contacting Daesh,” a senior militant said. Daesh is another name for IS. To spread in the region, IS must also eat away at the authority of the state — but, unlike Iraq and Syria, Pakistani state structures look solid and are supported by a powerful army.

Jirga meets mehsud taliban to negotiate peace agreement

Syrian Kurds welcomed the arrival in Kobani of heavily-armed Iraqi Kurdish fighters, hoping they might tip the balance in the battle to defend the town against Islamic State (IS) militants, as US-led air strikes continued to bomb the ultra-hardline group in Iraq and Syria. Air strikes have helped to foil several attempts by the Al Qaeda offshoot, notorious for its beheading of hostages, to take over Kobani. But they have done little to stop its advances, in particular in Sunni areas of western Iraq, where it has executed hundreds of tribesmen.

IS fighters have mocked US airstrikes as a campaign against Islam that they say has angered Muslims and helped the group win followers across the globe.

The arrival of 150 Iraqi fighters, who have yet to participate in the battle, marks the first time Turkey has allowed ground troops from outside Syria to reinforce Syrian Kurds, who have been defending Kobani for more than 40 days.

The fighters - known as peshmerga (those who defy death) - were preparing themselves for the battle and are expected to take part in action in Kobani later on Saturday, Kurdish officials said.

“What was lacking is the weapons and ammunition, so the arrival of more of it plus the fighters will help tip the balance of the battle,” Idris Nassan, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kobani District reportedly said.

“The whole issue is the weapons and ammunition. Of course more fighters will help.”

The US military said it had carried out 10 airstrikes against IS militants, five near Kobani and five in Iraq, since Friday.

The Kobani strikes “suppressed or destroyed” nine IS fighting positions and a building. In Iraq, air strikes destroyed an IS vehicle southwest of Mosul Dam and hit four vehicles and four buildings used by militants near Al Qaim, the US military said in a statement.

DAUNTLESS AND EXPANDING: Undeterred by the airstrikes, the IS fighters continued a mass killing campaign in Iraq to wipe out resistance. They executed 85 more members of Albu Nimr tribe, according to a tribal leader and security official.

Tribal chief Sheikh Naeemal Ga’oud reportedly said that IS had killed 50 members of Albu Nimr who were fleeing the group in Anbar province on Friday. In a separate incident, a security official said 35 bodies were found in a mass grave. The group has executed a total

NINE IS FIGHTING POSITIONS AND A BUILDING ‘SUPPRESSED OR DESTROYED’ BY US ARISTRIKES IN KOBANI, AIRSTRIKES IN IRAQ DESTROY IS VEHICLE of more than 300 tribe members in the past few days, Ga’oud and the official said.

Albu Nimr had held out for weeks under siege by IS, but finally ran low on ammunition, fuel and food. The militants have lost hundreds if not thousands of fighters since IS was declared in June - in battles against other Sunni rebels, Islamist groups, forces loyal to Syrian President Basharal Assad and in US-led airstrikes.

However, fighters inside the group say that it was receiving hundreds of volunteers every month, which was helping it carry our more attacks. It was also receiving pledges of allegiances from Islamist groups in the world including Pakistan, Africa and some Arab states.

In another sign of the group’s relentless efforts to expand despite the US-led attacks, dozens of residents of Libyan town, Derna, have pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakral Baghdadi –self-proclaimed Caliph of all Muslims, according to a video posted online and residents.

Fifteen IS members, led by an Egyptian and a Saudi Arabian national, traveled to Derna from Syria in September to try to rally support and establish an IS branch in Libya, Egyptian security officials have said.

FSA IN KOBANI: In the meanhwile, intense gunfire could reportedly be heard in the town of Kobani on Saturday and Iraqi peshmerga could be seen on the town’s western side, talking with YPG fighters - the main Syrian Kurdish armed group defending the town and standing next to a cannon.

Also on the west of the city, fighters from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) who went to defend the town were reportedly seen driving flatbed trucks mounted with heavy machine guns and flying the three-star green, white and black Syrian flag.

The move by FSA - a term used to refer to dozens of armed groups fighting against Assad and IS - drew criticism from opposition activists, who urged the fighters to deploy on fronts where Western-backed rebels were losing to Assad’s forces and to Islamists.

Syria’s Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front seized on Saturday the Jabal al-Zawiya region, the last remaining stronghold of Westernbacked rebels in Syria’s northwest province of Idlib, after days of fighting.

Backed by other hardline Islamist groups, the front is waging a major military campaign against the Syria Revolutionaries’ Front led by Jamal Maarouf, a key figure in the armed opposition to Assad, after accusing him of corruption and working for the West against them.

Monday, 3 November, 2014

NEWS

03

SuICIde blaST aT Wagah kIllS 55, InjureS 120 EIGHT MEMBERS OF A FAMILY, FIVE OF ANOTHER AND THREE RANGERS PERSONNEL AMONGST 55 KILLED

JUNDULLAH AND JAMAATUL AHRAR CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK

INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS SECURITY FORCES HAD BEEN ALERTED OF A POSSIBLE TERROR ATTACK AT WAGAH

RANGERS DG SAYS SUICIDE BOMBER DETONATED BOMB AWAY FROM MAIN VENUE BECAUSE OF STRICT CHECKING AND SECURITY MEASURES

LAHORE

a

RANA HAIDER

T least 55 people were killed and more than 120 others were injured Sunday in a suicide blast outside a roadside restaurant at the Wagah-Attari border on the outskirts of Lahore.

Jundullah and Jamaatul Ahraar – splinter groups of the banned militant outfit Tehreek-eTaliban, have claimed responsibility for the attack.

The blast was a high-intensity explosion that could be heard at a distance of two kilometres. Police said that 12 to 15 kilograms of explosive material was used in the bomb. Ball bearings used in the bomb were also recovered found from the site.

According to eye-witnesses, the explosion occurred as Rangers concluded the “beating retreat” ceremony at Wagah-Attari border.

The ceremony is carried out every day with much pomp and show on both the Indian and Pakistani side of the border.

Crowds of people attend the ceremony to cheer every hostile strut and stare traded by the border guards on both sides. Following the incident, Pakistan and India have decided to bar citizens from attending the ceremony for three days at the border.

BLAST SITE: The blast created panic amongst the hundreds of citizens who had come to attend the “beating retreat” ceremony, including a small parade, at the border.

Following the blast, shops and buildings near the blast site were destroyed. According to an eyewitness, people were coming out of the shops when the bomb explosion took place.

“There were several bodies at

the scene of the blast. It was a very powerful blast.”

Security and rescue personnel rushed to the site and journalists were instructed to clear the area.

Forensic teams also reached the site to collect evidence as part of the initial investigation into the incident. Later, the Rangers cordoned off the area for security reasons.

Punjab Rangers Director General Major-General Tahir Khan, while confirming that the attack was a suicide blast, said, “The parade venue is about 500-600 yards ahead of the blast site. Because of the strict checking and security measures, the suicide bomber detonated the bomb away from the main venue.”

“Walk through gates and scanners were installed near the parade ground. The suicide bomber was standing just before the first scanner and he did not breach security,” he said.

The Rangers DG also confirmed the death of three Rangers personnel in the attack. “Five Ranger officials have been critically injured as well,” he added.

Speaking to Pakistan Today, Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) Mushtaq Sukhera also confirmed that the blast was a suicide explosion.

Tharparkar death toll reaches 116 as infant dies in hospital

“A suicide bomber between 18 to 20 years of age blew himself up when hundreds of people, including women and children, were dispersing after witnessing the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border,” he said.

Talking to Pakistan Today, Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Amin Wains said, “People were returning after watching the parade at Wagah border when the suicide blast occurred. Ball bearings were also found at the scene,” he said.

“We think it is sabotage,” DIG Operations Haider Ashraf said, while talking to reporters, as he urged families to give way to the injured people and ambulances that were being brought in.

SECURITY FORCES WERE FORE-WARNED: Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered an immediate enquiry into the incident and summoned a report from Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Rangers DG and the Interior Ministry.

The premier directed the Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to provide every possible care to the injured and the families of those killed in the attack.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif also directed provincial

ministers Bilal Yasin and Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman to reach the city’s hospital to attend to the victims. Ina statement, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said that the intelligence agencies had already alerted the authorities about the possibility of the attack in the Wagah Border area.

“We will investigate why initiatives were not taken by the security forces to prevent the attack, even after the warning by the Interior Ministry,” he said.

However, IGP Sukhera denied that the incident was because of a security lapse.

“There were security threats and the Rangers were prepared.

Security was put on high-alert and two new check-posts were installed in the area but when large numbers of people started to leave the ground, the bomber blew himself up, which caused the loss of lives,” said Sukhera.

Sources said that intelligence agencies had informed the Punjab government about a possible terror attack during Muharram.

Intelligence sources said that the suspected suicide bomber was named Abdul Rehman who had gone underground for the past few months and it was feared that he could target any procession or

renowned personality during Muharram. Per reports, police, reacting to intelligence reports, continued efforts to trace the suspected terrorist but failed to arrest him.

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE? Jamaatul Ahraar and Jundullah–two splinter groups of the militant organisation Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) – have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Speaking from Afghanistan, Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman of the newly-formed Jamaatul Ahrar claimed responsibility for the attack. “The suicide attack was carried out by one of our men,” said the spokesman, warning that the outfit would continue such attacks in the future as well.

“Some other groups have claimed responsibility of this attack, but these claims are baseless.

We will soon release the video of this attack,” he said.

The attack is revenge for the innocent people killed by the Pakistan Army in North Waziristan Agency (NWA), said the spokesman.

Earlier Jundullah, the outlawed group behind a suicide bombing that killed at least 78 Christians at a church in Peshawar last September, also claimed responsibility for the attack.

Political leaders condemn Wagah blast LAHORE STAFF REPORT

and Pak will see peace.” Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali called the incident a “national tragedy”. “There is a conspiracy to try and weaken the country. The whole nation at this moment is in mourning over the tragedy,” the minister said.

“It is very painful that such a large number of people have died or been injured. We have been saying for ages that the entire nation needs to openly stand against terrorism,” said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Information Secretary Qamar Zaman Kaira. “The Pakistan Rangers young men have not even been spared. We have been saying for a while that explosives are present in Lahore but the leaders were in denial and insisted that all is well in Lahore,” he added.

“Shahbaz Sharif should check internally who in his government is supporting such elements. This extremist mindset is present in all cities and provinces,” Kaira said. “My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. May Allah grant them patience and protect all our fellow citizens. #La-

hore,” Faryal Talpur tweeted.

Moreover, PTI senior leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi called it “a tragic incident”. “Innocent people have been killed. [It is a] tragedy that intelligence was shared with Punjab government that such incidents could take place [and action was not taken]. There is a sense of insecurity in the country. I condemn this atrocity and offer my condolences to the victims. Terrorists do not distinguish between anyone. The country needs to be united in tackling this issue,” said Qureshi. National Assembly opposition leader Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah also condemned the Wagah border blast saying that the nation should unite to root out terrorism as the country was facing serious security threats for the last one and a half decade.

“No words can describe the pain I am feeling after watching Wahga border blast. Extremely sad and condemnable,” Sheikh Rashid tweeted while Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain also expressed grief over the deaths.

KARACHI: A newborn died of malnutrition in Mithi’s Civil Hospital on Sunday, raising the death toll from drought to 39 for October and November as the Sindh government continues to ignore the plight of the residents of Tharparkar district. At least 116 people, including 32 children, have died in the last four months due to famine caused by no rain in the region. Two other drought-affected children, reportedly in critical condition, were also moved to Hyderabad for medical treatment. Despite the growing number of deaths, the provincial authorities have failed to take steps to address the issue.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah had recently claimed that not a single death of a child occurred owing to hunger or medical negligence in Tharparkar district.

He said he would tender an apology if his statement was disproved. STAFF REPORT

The president, prime minister and other prominent figures from all political parties Sunday strongly condemned the explosion near the Wagah Border that left at least 55 dead and scores injured.

Expressing grief over the loss of precious human lives, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the blast and called for a report over the incident.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has also strongly condemned the incident. “Shocked & saddened by suicide attack near Wagah border killing over 50 innocent people including women & children. Strongly condemn this act of terror,” Khan tweeted. Maryam Nawaz condemned the attack and took to Twitter to say, “PML-N ministers on duty on the spot & at the hospitals. Ministers are there to serve and this is their prime duty.

Wahga border blast is perhaps the biggest hit-back ever since the operation started. Insha’Allah this will end

Sindh CM is not being replaced: PPP

Time running out to reach 2°C target: UN climate panel

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sunday denied reports regarding the in-house change of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. PPP spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar termed the news item as speculative, based on conjecture and not rooted in reality. He said that there are no plans in the party to bring about any change in the leader of the House in the Sindh Provincial Assembly. AGENCIES

COPENHAGEN AGENCIES

Time is running out to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), United Nations (UN)’s climate experts said Sunday, warning that current trends in carbon emissions heralded disaster. Crowning a landmark review, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said emissions of three key greenhouse gases were at their highest in more than 800,000 years. Earth, it warned, is on a likely trajec-

tory for at least 4°C warming by year 2100 over pre-industrial times – a recipe for worsening drought, flood, rising seas and species extinctions. Many could face hunger, homelessness and conflict in the scramble for precious resources. UN Secreatry General Ban Ki-moon, who in September hosted a special summit on climate change, threw his weight behind the report, completed at a key point in UN negotiations. “Human influence on the climate system is clear, and clearly growing,” Ban told a press conference. “Action on climate change can contribute to economic prosperity, better health and more liveable cities.”

CMYK

Ahmed Marwat, a spokesman of the splinter Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant outfit, termed the attack as the militants’ reaction to the ongoing military offensive, Operation Zarb-e-Azb, against terrorists in North Waziristan Agency (NWA).

Jundullah and the much larger TTP are amongst the loosely aligned militant groups that frequently share personnel, tactics and agendas.

SCENES AT THE HOSPITAL: Following the incident, an emergency was declared in all hospitals in Lahore. Initially, most of the dead and injured were shifted to nearby Gurkhi Trust Hospital (GTH) by ambulances which rushed to the scene.

Police, security agencies and the families of victims swarmed the hospital premises. Heartwrenching scenes were witnessed at GTH following the attack as families of victims accompanies or searched for their loved ones injured or killed in the blast.

Eight members of same family and five belonging to another family were among the victims of blast. Talking to Pakistan Today, GTH Medical Superintendent Dr Iftikhar confirmed that over 100 people were brought to the hospital.

“GTH does not have the capacity to treat more patients,” he said, adding that any more injured being bought to GTH were being shifted to other hospitals in Lahore. He said that the deceased included 10 women, seven children and three Rangers personnel.

“The injured were initially taken to Ghurki Hospital, which is nearest to the site of the blast,” said a Health Department spokesman, adding, “Patients in critical condition are being shifted to Services Hospital for the treatment.”

IndIa PM CondeMnS Wagah border boMbIng Red alert issued in India along the border following Wagah border blast NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday condemned the suicide bomb blast at the main Pakistan-India border crossing at Wagah in Lahore. “Terror attack in Pakistan near Wagah Border is shocking. I strongly condemn such a dastardly act of terrorism,” Modi said on his Twitter account. “My condolences to the families of the deceased. Prayers with the injured.” The explosion came at Wagah border gate after the “flag-lowering” ceremony, a display of military pageantry that attracts thousands of spectators every day on both sides of the border, and is popular with foreign tourists. RPS Jaswal, deputy inspector general of India’s Border Security Force which guards Wagah, said security has been increased although “our side is secure”. “A red alert has been issued keeping in view the blast across the border in Pakistan,” Jaswal said by phone from his base near the Indian city of Amritsar. The neighbours have had frosty relations since independence from Britain in 1947, fighting three full wars, two over the territory of Kashmir. AGENCIES

04 NEWS

Monday, 3 November, 2014

Newborns rescued from a canal in Multan MULTAN: Multan locals Sunday rescued newly born twins after they were thrown into a canal by an unidentified couple. It has been learnt that a man and a woman on a motorbike carefully dropped a big shopping bag in the canal and sped off. “The couple escaped from the spot but I heard crying sounds as the shopping bag moved along with the water,” an eye witness said, adding, “I jumped in and pulled the bag out, which was carrying two infants.” Residents immediately informed rescue 1122 officials and the infants were taken to Nishtar Hospital in Multan. Director Emergency Nishtar Hospital Dr Pervez Haider said, “Both are twin female infants and are out of danger now,” he said. AGENCIES

Mazari issuEs ‘final warning’ to fazl ovEr ‘anti-woMEn statEMEnts’ PTI CENTRAL INFO SECY SAYS WOMEN WILL RAISE THEIR VOICE AGAINST JUI-F CHIEF, TAKE TO STREETS AND ‘EXPOSE HIS CORRUPTION’ IF HE FAILS TO CURB HIS ‘ANTI-WOMEN STATEMENTS’

Man attempts suicide after killing wife for ‘honour’ CHINIOT: A man was hospitalised Sunday as he attempted suicide after killing his wife for ‘honour’. The police said that the accused, who hails from Davita area in the suburbs of Chiniot, suspected the character of his wife.

On the day of the incident, the two exchanged hot words, following which the man stabbed his wife to death with a sharp weapon. Later, the murderer consumed poisonous pills in a suicide attempt but was rushed to hospital in critical condition. INP

Eight Egyptian men jailed for gay wedding video CAIRO: A court in Cairo has sentenced eight men to three years in prison for appearing in a video allegedly taken during a gay wedding on a boat. The video shows two men kissing and exchanging rings on a Nile boat as their friends cheer, the metro.co.uk reported. The video became a YouTube sensation after being posted online in September. For their alleged appearance in the clip, eight men were arrested and sentenced to three years in prison. Egypt’s top prosecutor has branded the clip as ‘shameful to God’. A spokesman for the justice ministry’s forensics department, however, said the men were innocent. “The entire case is made up and lacks basis. The police did not arrest them red-handed and the video does not prove anything,’ the report quoted an official as saying. “The medical test showed that the eight defendants have not practised homosexuality recently or in the past,” he added. Although homosexuality is not illegal in Egypt, it is still taboo and gay men have allegedly been arrested in the past on the grounds of “immorality”. Human Rights Watch said that Egyptian authorities had tortured men suspected of having gay sex and condemned the ‘medical tests’ authorities used - anal examinations. AGENCIES

ISLAMABAD

P

AGENCIES

AKISTAN Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Shireen Mazari Sunday warned Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman of countrywide protests by women over his remarks against women participants of PTI’s protest sit-in.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Mazari termed Rehman’s remarks as “uncivil” and said that he should be aware that the country’s population constituted 51 percent women.

Earlier, a ruckus was created in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly following Opposition leader Lutfur Rehman’s patronised Fazl’s remarks against PTI’s

women workers, resulting in lawmakers from both sides using abusive and un-parliamentary language against each other.

“He (Fazl) has rightly said that daughters of the nation have been made to dance in PTI sitins,” the opposition leader had said, triggering a commotion in the house by angering treasury members, who demanded that the opposition leader withdraw his remarks about women. Mazari said that the education budget of KP had allocated 70 percent funds for women’ education, adding, “PTI was providing women with their rights which was causing Fazl to have a heart attack.”

She criticised NGOs and women lawmakers for their “silence over the JUI-F chief’s remarks” against the participants of PTI’s sit-in. “Why are they sitting

in assemblies if they cannot raise their voice for the rights of women,” she said while talking about women legislators.

Mazari said that Fazl used derogatory language against women which was intolerable and issued a “final warning” to the JUI-F chief.

She said, “Women would raise their voice against Fazl, take to the streets and expose his corruption in case he failed to curb his anti-women statements.”

In August, JUI-F had held rallies across Sindh against PTI Chairman Imran Khan for hurling wild allegations and using unparliamentary language against Fazl.

The rallies had also condemned PTI women workers and supporters for “singing and dancing in the streets of Islamabad as being shown live by television channels”.

JI chief urges political parties to talk things out PESHAWAR INP

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Sirajul Haq Sunday asked all political parties to resolve their issues through negotiation and reconciliation, adding that political instability would weaken the foundations of the country.

Highlighting the country’s political history while addressing a press conference, Haq said that dictators ruled over the country for 35 years.

“But this time we succeeded in saving the country from martial law and convinced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek

(PAT) and the government to settle their issues through negotiations,” he said.

Criticising the Bangladesh government for handing out death sentences to the countyr’s JI leadership, Haq termed it as an act of brutal state terrorism. He asked the international community and Pakistan government to exert pressure on the Bangladesh government in this regard.

Haq said that a big public gathering would be held on November 21 at Minar-e-Pakistan from where a decisive move would be launched to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. Meanwhile, the JI chief also appealed to people to remain peaceful and respect the sanctity of the month of Muharram.

1,000 RISE IN PROTEST IN BURKINA FASO AGAINST ARMY GRAB BURKINA FASO AGENCIES

At least 1,000 people have gathered in a square in the centre of Burkina Faso’s capital to protest against the army taking over after president Blaise Compaore’s resignation.

Compaore’s 27 years in charge of the landlocked West African country ended on Friday following two days of violent protests against his bid to change the constitution to extend his rule. A power struggle ensued and on Saturday presidential guard commander Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida

was appointed as transitional leader, trumping a claim by the chief of staff.

In Ouagadougou’s Place de La Nation, opposition leaders denounced the army’s power grab. One citizen carried a placard saying “Zida = Judas”. At least three people were killed at the same site earlier this week when mass protests broke out and the parliament building was stormed and set on fire.

A UN official Sunday joined the United States and the African Union in rejecting the army’s seizure of power but expressed cautious optimism about a return to civilian rule.

“We are hoping for a transition led by civilians in line with the constitution,” said Mohammed Ibn

CMYK

Chambas, head of the United Nations Office for West Africa. “[Zida] said he will reflect and try to work with the UN, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States and to find an acceptable agreement which conforms to the constitution,” he said. The US State Department has called on the military to hand over power to civilian authorities amid the power vacuum.

“The US condemns the Burkinabe military’s attempt to impose its will on the people of Burkina Faso,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement on Saturday.

Pakistan releases 29 Afghans as goodwill gesture ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has handed over 29 Afghan nationals who were in the custody of Pakistani security forces as a goodwill gesture. They were handed over to Afghan authorities at Ghulam Khan border point. These Afghans were apprehended during Operation Zarb-e-Azb from different areas of North Waziristan Agency. After detailed investigation, it was established that these individuals did not have links with terrorists, but were illegal immigrants, living without valid documents. INP

afghan president to visit Pakistan soon KABUL: Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai has said he will visit Pakistan in the near future to discuss the reconciliation process in Afghanistan. He said Islamabad’s stance on peace process in Afghanistan would be ascertained within the next few weeks. Speaking during a press conference following his return from four-day state in China, President Ghani informed of wider perspective of the new government of Afghanistan regarding the peace process. Ghani said Beijing was attracted by the national and international perspective of the new government of Afghanistan.

He said the government of Afghanistan will start talks with Islamabad regarding the Afghan peace process on short-term, mid-term and long-term basis. According to Ghani, Beijing is prepared to assist Afghanistan regarding the peace process. He said Saudi Arabia and Turkey will step in to assist the Afghan government in peace talks with the antigovernment armed militant groups. INP

six injured in Karachi blast, terror bid foiled KARACHI: At least six people were injured in a cracker blast in Karachi’s Orangi Town on Sunday evening. The explosion took place at Sector 5-E in Orangi Town, within the limits of Pirabad Police Station. Pirabad Police official ASI Alam Zaib said at least two armed men riding on a motorcycle attacked people busy in preparing traditional Haleem in the area. As a result, six people were hurt. They were taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Following the attack, an extra contingent of police and Rangers reached the site and collected the evidences, while the bomb disposal squad was also called at the blast site.

TERROR PLOT FOILED: Separately, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Sindh Police has claimed to foil a major act of terrorism during 9 and 10 Muharram by arresting a wouldbe suicide bomber along with his four comrades.

The arrests were made during a targeted raid conducted by CID’s Anti-Extremist Cell in Kunwari Colony area of Manghopir, Karachi.

Their arrests were disclosed during a press conference held at the AEC office in Garden Police Headquarters on Sunday evening. The arrested suspects were identified as Azeem Ahmed Shaikh, Shahjahan alias Ahmed Ali alias Adnan, Farhan alias Guddu, Imran Hussain and Muhammad Shakir. AEC in-charge Ali Raza informed media that the suspects belong to the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi group. Raza also claimed to have recovered a huge cache of weapons and improvised bombs from their possession. The recovered materials included 60 kilogrammes of explosives, an explosive-laden motorcycle, 10 ball bombs, six locally-made bombs, four Kalashnikovs and five TT pistols.

AEC in-charge claimed that the militants were planning to attacks one of the main processions on 9 and 10 Muharram in Karachi. “For this purpose, they also prepared an explosive-laden motorcycle to carry out an attack,” Raza explained. “The arrested suspect, Shaikh was supposed to leave for the suicide bombing, on a motorcycle.” AGENCIES

girl killed in tank blast TANK: A young girl was killed when explosive material blasted in Tank Sunday. The police said that 8-year-old girl, Beena, daughter of Mir Azam Bitnai, hailing from Badnikhel locality of Tank, while grazing goats near her residence stepped on explosives hidden in a rainwater nullah. INP

NEWS 05

Monday, 3 November, 2014

BaNglaDeSh SeNteNceS aNother toP JI leaDer to Death DHAKA

a

special tribunal in Bangladesh Sunday sentenced to death a senior leader of the country’s largest Islamist party, the second capital sentence in a week for mass killings during the nation’s war against Pakistan in 1971. Judge Obaidul Hasan read the verdict against Mir Quasem Ali in a courtroom in Dhaka. The 62-year-old Ali is a member of party Jamat-e-Islami (JI)’s top policy-making body and is considered to be one of the top financiers of the party. Last week, the court sentenced to death JI leader Motiur Rahman Nizami for the 1971 war crimes. Another senior leader has already been hanged. JI enforced a nationwide protest strike Sunday though no violence was reported. The court’s previous verdicts have triggered street violence. Bangladesh accuses Pakistani soldiers and local collaborators for the deaths of three million people during the nine-month 1971 war. The tribunal found Ali guilty on eight charges, two of which carried a death sentence, including the abduction of a young man and his killing in a torture cell.

He was also sentenced to 72 years in prison on the other charges. His lawyers said they would appeal. Since 2010, the court has passed 12 verdicts against mostly senior leaders of JI, which had openly campaigned against independence but denied committing atrocities. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called the trials a long-overdue effort to obtain justice for war crimes, four decades after Bangladesh split from Pakistan.

However, critics maintain that she is using the tribunals to weaken the country’s opposition parties.

BLAST AT PROCESSION CELEBRATING JI LEADER’S DEATH PENALTY DHAKA AGENCIES A procession celebrating the death verdict awarded to Mir Quasem Ali, a top leader of Bangladesh’s Jamat-e-Islami, for crimes committed during country’s 1971 Liberation War, was hit by an explosion Sunday. According to a media report quoting police officer

Blaze from firework closes ride at Florida Disney Park FLORIDA: A fire caused by debris from a firework display at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom in Florida forced a ride to close for about an hour on Saturday, injuring no one, a spokeswoman for the park said.

Shortly before 10.30 EDT (0330 GMT) an ember set one of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’s decorative structures on fire. Fire crews quickly extinguished it and the ride started again a short time later, the spokeswoman said. In July about 120 people on a monorail at the park had to be evacuated due to a weatherrelated power outage. No one was injured in that incident. AGENCIES

AKM Mohiuddin Selim, supporters of Ganajagaran Mancha were headed towards Shaheed Minar when a hand bomb was thrown at them. A rickshaw-puller and a photographer were injured in the blast, he reportedly said.

Ali, an executive council member of JI, was sentenced to death for his role in the murders, abductions,

AGENCIES

confinement and torture of those in favour of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971. Those against the judgment were behind this attack, Ganajagaran Mancha coordinator Sharif Chouhan reportedly said. Bangladesh Chhatra League, the ruling Awami League’s student front, also staged a march celebrating Ali’s verdict.

Sri Lanka snubs India, opens port to Chinese submarine again NEW DELHI INP

The Indian government has reportedly learnt that Sri Lanka has permitted another Chinese attack submarine to dock at a Lankan port in spite of India’s strong reservations about a Chinese nuclear submarine at the Colombo port in September. The second docking is reportedly likely to take place very soon.

The news of a second Chinese submarine docking in Sri Lanka comes days after the visit of Vietnam Prime Minister (PM) Nguyen Tan Dung to India and in complete disregard of India’s message to Lankan

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressing serious reservations about the Colombo docking on September 15. This Colombo stop for the sub in September came while President Pranab Mukherjee was touring Vietnam and when Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a face-off at Chumar in southeastern Ladakh. China later said the sub had docked in Colombo on its way to the Gulf of Aden. The presence of Chinese submarines across Palk Straits has disturbed the Indian government which is making another call to Lankan authorities, this time to convey strong displeasure.

The Chinese fleet of submarines,

both diesel and nuclear-powered (of which three can fire ballistic missiles), represent some of Beijing’s most offensive military capabilities and have been the focus of international media when one of them propelled through Indian Ocean waters for the first time earlier this year, making its way to the Persian Gulf, a foreign news outfit reported Sunday.

In a recent report, Wall Street Journal described the Chinese submarine fleet as Beijing’s most significant military challenge in the region.

The fleet’s presence at Lankan ports brings alive some of New Delhi’s worst fears of China’s expanding presence in Indian neighbourhood.

Iraq blast targeting Shias kills at least 10 BAGHDAD: A car bomb blast targeting Shias in Baghdad ahead of the major Ashura religious commemorations killed at least 10 people on Sunday, security and medical officials said. The blast struck near a tent from which they were distributing tea and water in Al-Ilam area in southwest Baghdad, also wounding more than 20 people, the sources said. Hundreds of thousands of Shia pilgrims will flock to the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala for Ashura, which marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the Prophet (PBUH)’s grandson.

Pilgrims have been targeted during Ashura before, but this year’s commemorations, which peak on Tuesday, face even greater danger, with the Islamic State (IS) group in control of large areas of the country. The pilgrimage is a major test for the new government headed by Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, as well as for Iraq’s security forces, who have struggled to push the militants back. A major attack during the commemorations in Karbala, where Imam Hussein is buried, would increase already-significant tensions between Iraq’s Shia majority and Sunni Arab minority, and could spark revenge attacks. AGENCIES

Mouse hunt delays New York bound flight by five hours LONDON: In an unusual incident, a mouse in the cockpit of a Norwegian airline delayed a flight to New York by five hours. The incident happened on Tuesday aboard a Norwegian Air Shuttle airplane when a mouse was spotted while the plane was preparing to take off.

Staff frantically began to search the cabin for the rodent, but the flight ended up being delayed by five hours until the mouse was finally captured, ‘The Local’ reported. “A mouse was discovered aboard the plane, which delayed the departure,” Norwegian Air Shuttle’s spokesperson, Charlotte Holmberg Jacobsson, said.

According to Romerikes Blad, a local newspaper, Jacobsson said that mice are not often found aboard an aircraft. “In such situations, a pest control company must board the plane. The mouse needs to be found and then removed. In addition we need to check the whole plane. There are cases of mice having chewed through cables or the like,” Jacobsson said. Jacobsson, however, did not comment on how passengers aboard the flight reacted to the unusual delay, the report said. INP

India rebuffs Chinese Army’s land, water advances in Pangong Lake area CHINESE TROOPS ADVANCE UP TO FINGER IV DISPUTED AREA BEFORE BEING SENT PACKING BY INDIAN FORCES LEH/NEW DELHI INP

Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) recently made a twopronged simultaneous incursion by sending troops into Indian waters in the Pangong Lake as well as five kilometers deep into Indian territory through the land route in the same area, according to reports.

The Indian media, quoting official sources, reported Sunday that according to security agencies Chinese boats entered into Indian waters at Pangong Lake nestled in the higher reaches of Ladakh on October 22.

These incursions were simultaneously backed by Chinese troops on the road built alongside

Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh and on the northern bank of Pangong Lake, located 168 kilometers from Leh. Troops of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) intercepted the Chinese troops at the supposed Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the lake. ITBP soldiers also blocked Chinese troops trying to cross over the LAC by road.

A banner drill, in which both sides wave banners claiming it to be their territory, was carried out, followed by a face-off between the troops of the two sides.

Chinese troops had to return after the Indian troops neither allowed them to move their boats forward not allowed the troops on road to move an inch further, the reports said. Chinese troops had

managed to enter upto Finger IV area in the region from where they were sent back. Both India and China lay claim to this area. When the Indian side was trying to back

its claim on the area during negotiations, the Chinese army constructed a metal-top road and claimed the area to be part of Aksai Chin area, the reports said.China

CMYK

had constructed a road up to Finger-IV area which falls under Siri Jap area and is five kilometers deep into the LAC, sources said.

The simultaneous approach to

enter Indian waters was seen as a move by the Chinese troops to put psychological pressure on the Indian troops who man the area.

The Chinese patrols used to come frequently from the northern and southern banks of this lake, whose 45-kilometer stretch is on the Indian side while a 90-kilometer-stretch is on the Chinese side.

Indians are armed with high-speed interceptor boats, bought from the US, which can accommodate nearly 15 soldiers and are equipped with radars, infra-red and GPS systems.These boats are stated to be as good as the Chinese vessels and are used to conduct reconnaissance and area domination patrols.

The situation along the banks of the lake has always remained volatile with Chinese troops being intercepted by Indian Army patrol several times after the three-week long stand-off in the Depsang plains of Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in May last year.

06 ISLAMABAD

Monday, 3 November, 2014

WEATHER UPDATES MONDAY

200C 130C

TUESDAY

210C

130C

WEDNESDAY

230C 130C

THURSDAY

220C 150C

tight Security MeaSureS adopted for aShura: raja aShfaq RAWALPINDI StAff RePoRt

Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the district administration and police to ensure law and order during Ashura, said Punjab Minister for Labour and Manpower Raja Ashfaq Sarwar on Sunday. He said that the ulema of all schools of thought have been taken on board to seek their close cooperation to maintain sectarian harmony. Sarwar said that it is our moral, religious and national obligation that we should play our due role in maintaining religious peace and harmony during Muharram and keeping in view the critical situation, the administrations of Rawalpindi and other districts of Rawalpindi Division have chalked out detailed security plans to provide proper security cover during Majalis and processions. He said every aspect relating to law and order had been kept in mind to evolve security plan. He further said that 200 close circuit cameras had been installed along the route of main Muharram procession while a master control room has also been set up to monitor the situation.

Raja Ashfaq Sarwar said that the members of provincial cabinet, PML-N leaders and workers would remain present along with Muharram procession on Ashura to ensure peace and tranquility. He said that ulema belonging to all sects would also present during the procession.

ISLAMABAD: Mourners beat themselves during a Muharram procession at Sector G-9/4. INP

Security beefed up for MuharraM rallieS acroSS country IsLAmAbAD StAff RePoRt

C

OuNTRy-WIDE security arrangements for the month of Muharram processions have been completed in various cities as the federal and provincial governments are putting in their extra efforts to ensure peace and tranquillity on the occasion of Ashura.

There are fears that the TTP and other militant groups can carry out explosions and terrorist attacks during the Muharram processions and Mahafils on the 9th and 10th.

The government has imposed a ban on pillion riding in Islamabad on Muharram 9, 10 and 11 whereas mobile services will also be suspended on the routes of processions.

Reportedly, as many as 32,695 personnel from Army, Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) have been deployed for the security. In Karachi, the security arrangements have been finalised for the central mourning processions in connection with Ashura. Meantime, the city police have also completed their preparations for the purpose. The route of the central procession has been secured by plugging the link roads leading up to MA Jinnah Road with shipping containers. All the shops located on MA Jinnah Road - the procession route have also been sealed for

security purposes.

Several abutting roads and locations including Preedy Street, Empress Market Chowk and Sarmad Road have been barricaded for vehicular traffic.

The traffic will not be allowed to go past Sea Breeze Plaza on MA Jinnah Road. Also, Saddar Dawakhan Road will remain closed during Muharram processions. Data has been configured from those living in the pathways of main processions while security officers in simple dresses will also be positioned there.

On the other hand, police rounded up a suspicious man near Numaish Chowrangi in Karachi on Sunday. SSP East Pir Muhammad Shah was in the area with his convoy when he spotted the suspect. He asked the police personnel travelling with him to search the man. Police, after finding a suspicious bottle in his possession, arrested and shifted the suspect to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

SSP Shah confirmed the arrest saying that the suspect was still under interrogation. Pillion riding has also been banned in 10 districts of Sindh on Muharram 8, 9 and 10 in addition to Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Khairpur and Sanghar. under the security measures, ban on pillion riding and cellular service would continue in Lahore and other sensitive district of Punjab. Some one

million and 32 thousand police officers will perform their duties in Punjab. As many as 55 contingents of army and 28 contingents of Rangers would be kept at standby round the clock to assist district administration and police in case of emergency.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Hangu and Tank have been declared as extremely sensitive areas whereas deferral of cellular service in Abbottabad, Kohat, Gilgit and Skardu will be kept on.

Authorities have decided to impose curfew in some areas of Bannu on 9th and 10th Muharram as part of security measures for mourning processions.

The decision was taken at a meeting presided over by Deputy Commissioner Bannu, Muhammad Ayaz. The meeting decided that a curfew would be imposed on the route of processions that would emerge on 9th and 10th Muharram in different areas of Bannu district.

In Peshawar, ban on pillion riding is enforced from Muharram 1 and will continue till 10. Being close to Khyber Agency, extra security measures have been put in place where Police, Rangers and Army will be ensuring the security of the processions.

All the entry and exit points in Hangu have been sealed for security reasons. Extra ordinary security arrangements have been made in Quetta which in the past had seen incidents of

terrorism against the Hazara Shia community. All roads leading to the main processions have been blocked and additional police and FC personnel have been deployed.

TRAFFIC PLAN FOR ASHuRA: Meanwhile, in order to ensure the security of the mourners of Ashura, City traffic police (CTP) Rawalpindi have issued traffic plan.

According to the plan, there will be complete ban on parking of any vehicle, motorcycle or handcarts on the route of the processions.

City Traffic Officer (CTO), Rawalpindi , Shoaib Khurram Janbaz said emergency squads have also been appointed to maintain the flow of traffic in the city. The traffic police have prepared a traffic plan for 10th of Muharram to facilitate the citizens in the town, he added.

The CTO directed the officials to ensure parking at the distance of 200 meters from the route of the processions. The CTO also asked the Wardens to remove all kind of encroachments from the routes of processions besides keeping a vigil on suspected persons and things. He said that over 1100 traffic wardens under the supervision of Inspectors and DSPs would perform their duties on the route of the processions.

The traffic load on city roads would be provided alternate routes during Ashura processions, he added.

ctp arreSt 253 beggarS froM city roadS RAWALPINDI APP

In order to ensure security of Muharram processions, City Traffic Police (CTP) has launched a grand operation and arrested 253 beggars from the main city roads while eight cases have been registered against the beggars. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi, Shoaib Khurram Janbaz said that CTP is taking strict action against suspected persons. He informed that the beggar children netted from city roads have been handed over to Child Protection Bureau. He further said that a special squad comprising an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), six constables and a lady constable, is working to nab the beggars. Directives have also been issued to the squad to register cases against the beggars and the report in this regard should be sent to CTO office on daily basis, he said. The SSP said that the traffic officials have been directed to ensure security of the mourning processions and Imambargahs. He said, Traffic Wardens have also been directed to remove all kind of encroachments from the routes of processions besides keeping a vigil on suspected persons and things. Strict disciplinary action will be taken against the delinquent officials, the CTO said adding the traffic load would be provided alternate routes during mourning processions and diversion would be available at various points for the motorists. The citizens can call at City Traffic Police Helpline 1915 to know about the traffic situation on the roads. An emergency control room has also been established to cope with any emergency.

3,779 majalis to be held during Muharram in Rawalpindi division RAWALPINDI APP As many as 3,779 Majalis with 836 traditional processions would be held during Muharram in Rawalpindi division while 1916 Majalis and 447 Muharram mourning processions were being held during 1st Muharram to 30th in Rawalpindi district.

According to Rawalpindi Police, 316 traditional and licensed Muharram

processions and 1765 Majalis of A, B and C category, from 1st Muharram to 10th, were being provided proper security cover.

As many as 6,500 policemen were deployed for the security of main Muharram processions of seventh Muharramul Harram, while over 7000 constables and police officers would provide security cover to main Muharram procession of Ashura.

As many as 14 companies of Army, 10

companies of Rangers and 40 platoons of Punjab Constabulary have been deployed to make security of the processions and Majalis foolproof.

Strict monitoring of all the processions was being conducted while 200 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras were installed here. According to CPO Rawalpindi Hamyoun Bashir Tarar strict security arrangements were made for the security of Majalis and mourning processions.

CMYK

Quick Response Force (QRF) had also been deployed for the protection of majalis and processions were being taken out during Muharramul Harram.

Surety bonds were being obtained from the managements of mourning processions and Majalis that they would abide by the code of conduct issued by the Home Department Punjab. The speakers and zakreens be made bound not to deliver fiery speeches based on sectarianism.

Special contingents of commandos and police officials were being deployed on sensitive points.

Walk through gates were being installed for main mourning processions and at sensitive majalis places. The police officials were using metal detectors along with the private guards of the Imam Bargahs and mourning procession managements. Every participant was being checked properly for processions and majalis.

ISLAMABAD 07

Monday, 3 November, 2014

ISLAMABAD: A view of burnt van after cylinder blast at Pir Sohawa. INP

pSSp hailS curriculuM reviSion, deMandS enactMent of rti iMMediately IsLAmAbAD INP

Pakistan Social Services Partnership (PSSP) has hailed the recent decision of the prime minister to amend the curriculum from first to university level. The PSSP supports that curriculum should include deepening understanding of constitutional democracy, pluralism in national and international context, freedom of speech, right to information, elections, media etc. This will help students of all GRADES to broaden their understanding of democratic system and its benefits guaranteeing human fundamental rights as stated Mr. Gulbaz Ali Khan, President-PSSP. At the same time, PSSP considers primary and secondary curricula development and change as solely the domain of provincial governments. Intervention of the Federal Government in the domain of curriculum making for secondary schools would pave the way for violating all federal democratic norms that have started taking roots through 18th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan after decades of struggle. If the provinces feel the need to take benefits from the experiences of one another, a meeting of inter-provincial coordinating bodies could always be held or the forum of the Council of Common Interests could be used for the purpose. PSSP demanded that Civil society organizations and/or prominent civic leaders/educationist must also be represented on federal committee to provide citizen’s perspective.

PSSP also urged federal government to enact RTI immediately for easy and low cost access to public information.

cylinder blaSt burn 3 to death IsLAmAbAD

StAff RePoRt

T

WO women and a young girl were burnt to death and several others scorched as a van caught fire due to CNG cylinder explosion on Sunday. Police

said that the incident took place near Monal police check post at "Daman-e-Koh", which is one of the most famous tourists’ spot of the federal capital, where CNG cylinder installed in a passenger van exploded. The van caught fire after the explosion, resultantly two women and a young girl,

stated to be hailing from Karachi, were burnt to death while several passengers received burn wounds.

Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene of incident and shifted the bodies and injured to Pakistan Institute of Paramedical Science (PIMS) for medico-legal formalities.

Dengue haunts authorities again

20 more diagnosed with dengue in province RAWALPINDI StAff RePoRt As many as 20 more have been diagnosed with Dengue virus during last 24 hours in Rawalpindi, officials say on Sunday.

The total number of patients has now reached 1027. Dengue virus has started to spread faster since the setting in of autumn. Number of dengue-hit patients is increasing every day.

The number of dengue patients in Punjab has now reached 1027. According to experts, spread of dengue will get slower after further fall in temperature.

pia bringS back 41,000 hajj pilgriMS ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) post-Hajj flight operation is continuing smoothly. The PIA has so far carried more than 41,000 Hajj pilgrims to Pakistan through 94 Hajj flights and regular scheduled flights. The post Hajj operation which commenced on 8th of last month will conclude on 7th of this month. INP

capital police buSt kidnapperS’ gang ISLAMABAD: The police arrested fourmember kidnapper’s gang including a woman and rescued an abducted person besides confiscating weapons and a car on Sunday. Police said that Jamdar Khan, a resident of Shakrial lodged a report with Koral police station that his brother Bahadur Khan was kidnapped by unknown persons who were demanding Rs 5 million for his release.

Islamabad IGP Tahir Alam Khan constituted special team under supervision of SP (Rural) Zubair Ahmed Sheikh which also included SHO Koral police station Inspector Rauf Kiyai, Inspector Muhammad Aslam and other police officials.

The team used all available resources and succeeded to arrest four kidnappers including a woman and also recovered three 30 bore pistols from them. The detainees were identified as Khizer Ikram, Ahmed Khan, Rehan and Saba Meena and police rescued the abducted person who was kept at a rented house.

Police have obtained physical remand of these kidnappers from the concerned court and further investigation was underway. SSP Islamabad Asmat Ullah Junejo has appreciated the performance of police team and announced cash prizes and commendation certificates for the members of the team. INP

SRSP completes 225-feet long jeep-able bridge in Chitral CHITRAL PPI The longest jeep-able suspension bridge has been completed by Sarhad Rural Support Program (SRSP) at Sweer village to connect Sweer, Jinjiratkoh, Ursoon etc with Drosh. Total length of the bridge is 225 feet which was completed with financial support of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

On the occasion of its inauguration, a simple but impressive ceremony was held at Sweer village some 60 KM from here under the chair of Deputy Commissioner Ameenul Haq. Addressing the ceremony, prominent social worker Master Muhammad Ali Khan said that in past, thousands of people were

compelled to travel to hospital, schools, colleges or market via Osiak Bridge by travelling more than one hour but now after completion of Sweer bridge, we could reach Drosh town in 10 minutes only. He said that this was long awaited demand of the people because during flood, people could not cross Osiak road.

District Program Manager of SRSP Tariq Ahmad said that the bridge was completed with total cost of Rs 10.8 million which definitely would bring positive changes in lives of thousands of people of the area. Chief Executive officer SRSP Shahzada Masoodul Mulk urged the people to determine principles and rules for crossing the bridge so as to save it from damaging. He said that SRSP was working in different

developmental schemes from South Waziristan to Chitral, including Malakand division. He emphasized on local people to protect this bridge because this is their moral responsibility. Chief guest Deputy commissioner thanked and highly appreciated contribution of SRSP in development of Chitral who work shoulder by shoulder with state running agencies. He said that a large number of timber were seen lying in front of this bridge which might be causing harm to the bridge if it was shifted through this bridge. He said that local people should determine SOP with proper counseling so as to ban heavy traffic and timber transportation through this bridge. He assured of solving problems of these backward areas.

CMYK

08 COMMENT

Monday, 3 November, 2014

Hopeful signs PTI and PML-N burying the hatchet?

A

Fter PtI formally called off talks with the government nearly seven weeks back, there are again signs of the two sides being desirous of burying the hatchet. Unless there is a respite to the agitational politics, both would emerge weakened from the long drawn out confrontation. Important decisions requiring a consensus between major political players are on the agenda now, beginning with the appointment of a permanent CeC. Like the PmL-n and PPP, the PtI too is unwilling to keep the selection confined to the judiciary. electoral reforms are another issue which requires the active participation of the PtI in the ongoing deliberations. Unless this is done, the next elections will remain disputed irrespective of whether these are held in 2018 or earlier. the government has reasons to be worried about the continuation of the sit-in. the Finance minister has claimed that the activity has caused losses to national economy and has scared away prospective investors.

Unless the government is able to deliver, it may not be possible for it to complete its tenure or win the next elections. the PtI has given a call for a big rally in Islamabad at the end of this month. the party may succeed in putting up a show of strength but carrying on the activity after a realisation that the army and the judiciary are unwilling to upset the system may look to many party leaders as a futile activity. the saner elements in the PtI realise now that seeking the Pm’s resignation is not an achievable goal. to be able to persuade the PtI to take back resignations, the PmL-n has to accept some of its demands. A satisfactory investigation into the rigging can be one.

It is significant that neither side seems keen to hold the talks through intermediaries like the political jirga. Both must have realised by now what they can concede to reach an accord. It is time that fully authorised committees are appointed to put an end to fruitless to-ing and fro-ing.

Bangladesh ‘saddens’ Nisar

C

H nisar’s having quite an eventful ride to the cabinet shuffle. He always seems in the news for the wrong reason. It’s interesting that this time Bangladesh has saddened him, forcing him to speak out against the death sentence awarded to the Jamaat-e-Islami chief there. But surely he realises that – the truth or otherwise of this statement being another matter – as interior minister his words and actions reflect very strongly upon the government. If, indeed, the government had a position on the matter, it should have been routed through the foreign ministry, even if that, too, is problematic in the present setup. the foreign office is reduced to a relic, there is no dedicated foreign minister, which means either the two advisors or the prime minister himself would have had to issue the statement.

It is equally interesting, and troubling, that the situation back home does not bother him nearly as much. He’s hardly visible after terrorist attacks; and considering how militant strikes are on the increase again, the interior minister should be more ‘visible’.

He also does not have much to say when there are reports about his ministry, and its inability to improve internal security. recently, his attitude has also hurt the alliance with JUI-F. His “inadequate response” to the attack on maulana Fazl, as the party rightly pointed out, was typical of nisar; rushing through press conferences on “petty issues” but remaining detached on important matters.

Significantly for the prime minister, especially now, it’s not just that his strategy of keeping ministries to himself hasn’t worked, it’s that those with full-time charge have not delivered either. And the interior minister is the perfect example, giving nawaz much to think about as he decides about the shape of his new cabinet. nisar, meantime, should devote his energies where they are more urgently needed. the lull after Zarb-e-Azb seems giving way to increasing incidents of terrorism. It is very important to get a handle on the blowback before it snowballs. And while nisar is in charge, he should make sure the job is done in the right way.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Editor

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

I

Enough with inertia and inefficiency

m J akBaR

G

overnment is not only about changing the world. It is also about changing the local railway station.

In fact, the first may be impossible if you do not achieve the second.

Why do our railway platforms have such a chronic shortage of benches for waiting passengers? one reason of course could be that the mandarins in charge of such decisions do not wait for trains, or struggle for seats. the conventional answer, however, is that railway finances are so overstretched that there is barely sufficient to keep this humungous network in play. But it takes someone who has actually roamed across platforms because there was no place to sit before his lower class coach turned up, to find the way through alibis. Prime minister narendra modi knows that past governments have driven our railways into a rut. But the system has money. He has asked mPs to pay for benches out of their local area development funds. And since mPs are reluctant to buy anything in the nature of a free lunch, he has told them to inscribe their names on the benches. If the people have an mP behind their

back, they will back the mP in the next elections.

Simple.

Switch the scenario. our scientists are an acknowledged national pride. An unintended consequence of success, though, is long tenure and stagnant hierarchy that tends, like a banyan, to exhaust the soil for new plants in the vicinity. So where is the opportunity for young minds who will cut the edge towards the space stations of 2030? the Prime minister has asked that a few laboratories be reserved for scientists under 35, where they have the ultimate liberty for a brain in quest — the freedom to experiment, and to learn from mistakes.

Slowly, we are witnessing the emergence of a new quality of governance. this involves the management of micro and macro with equally intense involvement, and then to chain the two into a harmony that improves the nation in both incremental ways and in massive leaps. the big does not obscure the small; and the small does not become an obstacle to the big. Suddenly we have activity where inertia and atrophy ruled. All is done transparently, for that is the surest means of challenging that suicidal curse of corruption.

Anyone with any interest in news knows that very recently Defence minister Arun Jaitley cleared purchases worth nearly rs 80,000 crore. this is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a small sum of money. note what the headlines and news stories did not say. there was not a whiff of corruption about the decisions. there could not be, for there was none. Compare this with the history of defence deals. Delhi used to be a city swarming with fixers who arranged side benefits on defence purchases, and organised pay-offs abroad. the Congress regime became notorious for delays in defence decisions, and tried to explain them by blaming the file-crawl system. But files moved at airline speed when vvIP helicopters were purchased from a european company because middlemen put cash into the private coffers of politicians and officers. When bargains were

Egypt’s convenient war

And the situation back home?

Arif Nizami

Bad politics loses to good governance

Fighting for survival in the Sinai

Ramzy BaRoud

S

InAI is both heaven and hell. this triangular desert boasts an arid landscape of hopeless horizons often interrupted by leftover military hardware from previous wars. the land is comprised of breathtaking beaches, incredible history, and a fusion of fascinating cultures that reach back into the past as far as ancient times can possibly go. this thrilling land of contradictions is amazing, yet lethal.

But Sinai is also a place where hundreds of thousands of mostly poor people struggle to survive against incredible odds. Although poverty and illiteracy in egypt can reach exceptional heights, hardship in Sinai is especially worse.

Since Israel returned the last of Sinai territories to egypt in 1982, I visited the place nearly ten times, the last being two years ago. And each time, the situation seemed considerably worse. there was once a time when Sinai thrived in hope; that’s when much of Sinai was being reclaimed by egypt, one piece at a time. Israel bargained every step of the way, before it finally left taba, but not before having gained many conditions. It even placed limits on the number of egyptian soldiers that could be simultaneously stationed in Sinai at a given time.

Since then, the desert the size of 60,000 sq km has been impossible to control. not that Sinai – perceived as unruly and ungovernable land, rife with drug dealers, kidnappers, and, as of late of ‘jihadits’ and ‘terrorists’ – needs more military force. violence in Sinai often goes unreported. the area is almost vacant of any independent journalists. news of

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

I

killings, arrests, torture and a whole host of human rights violations arrive in bits and pieces, hardly ever followed by informed investigations. Few, if any are ever held accountable.

But violence emerging from Sinai itself, however predicable, considering the level of misery, destitution and poverty, is often extenuated by the media and exploited by Cairo to the maximum. the overall nature of violence in Sinai remains a mystery, and not by accident. the explanation is almost always politically motivated, followed by pre-calculated moves to blame certain parties and punish others. this is unlikely to change soon.

Following well-coordinated attacks that killed scores of security personnel in northeast Sinai on Friday, october 24, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi addressed egyptians in a televised speech as he was surrounded by a throng of men in military fatigues. even before any thorough investigation, or any clear evidence, he denounced the “foreign hands” behind the attacks.

He took on the “foreign powers who are trying to break egypt’s back,” vowing to fight extremism in a long term campaign. Washington quickly offered its support for the proposed campaign. even Palestinian Authority President mahmoud Abbas declared his support.

Israeli media were particularly interested in the proposed egyptian security measures. radio Israel and the Jerusalem Post cited egyptian media reports on october 25, saying that “the government plans to establish a buffer zone along the Sinai frontier with the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.”

Hamas, which is struggling to cope with the aftermath of Israel’s massive 51-day war on the Strip and is working to end the siege, has no interest in carrying out bloody attacks on egyptian soldiers that will prolong the suffering of Gazans and further alienate the movement.

The Post quoted egypt’s Al-Yom a-Sab’a: “the egyptian buffer will extend between 1.5 and 3 kilometres. the security forces will work to clear the area of underground tunnels leading to Gaza and it will also level any buildings and structures that could be used to conceal smuggling activity. other arbitrary actions are also expected to be taken which will further the isolation of Gaza. Is this why mahmoud Abbas is particularly sympathetic to the ‘anti-terror’ measures initiated by Sisi?

If the intentions are truly to curb attacks in Sinai, knee-jerk military solutions will backfire. Past government violent campaigns only frustrated a difficult situation in Sinai, where poverty stands at 45 percent.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

CMYK

I

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

difficult, or there was dangerously high attendant publicity, the files were clothed in red tape. no one cared. Honesty makes decisions easier.

If you want to know why the BJP graph is rising and Congress popularity heading south, it is simply because the Prime minister is delivering in good governance while Congress cannot escape the disease of bad politics. on Friday, the Congress head of tamil nadu, B S Gnanadesikan, held a press conference in Chennai to announce his resignation. What was the tipping point? the state unit had launched a membership drive, and on the forms were pictures of two local Congress icons Kamaraj nadar and G K moopanar. When Congress headquarters discovered that tamils were showing reverence for their own leaders, it sent an order that the pictures should be replaced by those of mrs Sonia Gandhi and rahul Gandhi. We are familiar with the dynasty cult and the sycophancy that it demands, but this is bizarre beyond belief. the Gandhi family cannot bear competition from Kamaraj and moopanar. this is proof of insecurity, an insult to tamil sentiment and family imperialism of the worst kind. this is the mindset that has whittled a host of heroes from the pantheon of giants who dominated our freedom movement, the principal targets being Sardar Patel and netaji Subhas Bose.

I suspect that mahatma Gandhi was permitted his pre-eminence only because of a contrivance of nomenclature, the family was able to claim Gandhi as a surname. the contrivance was necessary because mrs Indira Gandhi’s husband Feroze was a Parsi, and Parsis do not usually spell Gandhi in the way that the mahatma did.

B S Gnanadesikan has had enough of dynasty. So has most of the country.

Mobashar Jawed Akbar is a leading Indian journalist and author. He is the Editorin-Chief of the Sunday Guardian. He has also served as Editorial Director of India today.

In his speech, Sisi called on egyptians to “be aware of what is being hatched against us”.

“All that is happening to us is known to us and we expected it and talked about it before July 3,” he said, referring to the day the military overthrew mohammed morsi.

But Sinai turmoil has preceded the revolution, the election of morsi, the coup and all the rest. the security vacuum that followed egypt’s recent turmoil has indeed exasperated violence in the Sinai Peninsula, but that violence was rooted in a largely different political reality. the deadly Sinai bombings of october 2004, and attack on tourists in April 2005, on Sharm el-Sheikh resort in the same year, and on Dahab in 2006, were all indicative of a different kind of war launched by militants and tribesmen. Sinai has been exploited by large multinationals who created perfectly serene communities for wealthy european and rich Arab tourists, but excluded the Bedouins, who had been promised major economic rewards. However, they got none. the national Project for the Development of the Sinai was supposed to inject $20.5 billion into Sinai infrastructure between 1995 to 2017. that proved to be just hype; a mixture of unfinished projects and robust speeches. Sinai is only remembered in national celebrations to merely further highlight the might of the military that liberated it. And now, it’s demonised as a terrorist hub for the same reason.

After the final Israeli withdrawal from Sinai in 1982, the population of the Peninsula had to contend with issues pertaining to their group identity. their tribal affiliations were too great to discounted, but their eagerness to be included in the larger egyptian society was euphoric. But Cairo did so little to bring Sinai’s population, especially the Bedouins, any closer. With time, disillusionment grew into resentment, and eventually violence. they are angry, and have every right to feel that way.

As long as Cairo continues to view Sinai with suspension and mistrust, using the desert and its inhabitants as a platform for political opportunities to be exploited, thus carrying out one violent campaign after another to reassert the relevance of the army, these sad episodes will continue. the people of Sinai have suffered tremendously from neglect and poverty and now, extreme violence.

Sisi’s promised campaign of yet more security solutions, will hardly ease Sinai’s burden, or bring an iota of hope to its disheartened people.

Ramzy Baroud is a PhD scholar in People’s History at the University of Exeter. He is the Managing Editor of Middle East Eye. Baroud is an internationally-syndicated columnist, a media consultant, an author and the founder of PalestineChronicle.com. His latest book is My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza’s Untold Story (Pluto Press, London).

I

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

WORLD VIEW 09

Monday, 3 November, 2014

EvEn IsraEl's bEsT frIEnds undErsTand ThaT IT Is dIsconnEcTIng froM rEalITy AtlAntiC

M

JEFFREY GOlDBERG

ORE proof, if more proof were needed, that there is a crisis in US-Israel relations, and that the crisis goes deeper than simply the dysfunctional personal relationship between Prime Minister Netanyahu's government and the Obama administration (or between their colorful staffs): A lead editorial in The New York Jewish Week, the flagship American Jewish newspaper, center to center-right in orientation, with many thousands of Orthodox Jews among its readers and an ardently pro-Israel editorial line, bluntly asks whether the Israeli government has become unmoored from reality.

The editorial, "Bibi Takes on the World," takes note of the recent snub by top American officials of the Israeli defense minister, Moshe Ya'alon (a snub prompted

by Ya'alon's earlier insults directed at Secretary of State John Kerry), and of the Netanyahu government's announcement that it would build more than 1,000 new housing units in parts of Jerusalem captured

by Israel in 1967—"fully aware," the editorial reads, "of the negative response it

would receive in America and in the international community."

The editorial continues: (T)he State Department (called) the plans “incompatible with the pursuit of peace.” A European Union spokeswoman went further, asserting that the move “once again” calls into question Israel’s commitment “to a negotiated solution with the Palestinians.” She also warned that “the future development of relations between the EU and Israel will depend” on Jerusalem’s “engagement towards a lasting peace based on a two-state solution.”

Netanyahu responded by saying that Israel will “continue to build in our eternal capital,” adding: “I heard the claim that our building in Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem makes peace more distant, but it is the criticism itself that makes peace more distant.” He said the criticism feeds the Palestinians’ false hopes and is “detached from reality.”

And then The New York Jewish Week drops the hammer: But it’s fair to ask just who is more detached from reality these days, the president of the US and leader of the free world, or the leader of a small country almost totally dependent on American support? (It’s not so much the $3 billion a year in US aid that counts as

much as its support at the UN and in countless other ways that would be felt should the relationship continue to erode.)

When future historians write about this period in US-Israel relations, this editorial will warrant serious mention.

The unease felt by some American Jews about Israel's direction is moving into the mainstream. Over the past few months, I've spoken with lay leaders of many of the largest Jewish organizations (organizations that would very much prefer not to be affiliated with such leftwing outfits as J Street), and the question they ask is this: Just what is Bibi doing?

If American Jews are forced to choose between their liberal values (and most American Jews are liberal) and support for a Jewish state that seems to be growing increasingly illiberal, these leaders say that Israel—and not the Democratic Party—will be the one to suffer.

The Israeli government doesn't seem to understand that the status quo is unsustainable. As I've written (over and over again), I am not arguing for an immediate pullout from the West Bank; the times are too dangerous, and the Palestinian Authority too weak and corrupt and cowardly, for such a move. But in the meantime, Israel could help create condi-

Imran Khan in a tight spot

tions so that a Palestinian state could one day be born. What this means is simple: Netanyahu should take no steps that further entangle Israel in the lives of Palestinians. It also means that Israel should try to negotiate in good faith with President Mahmoud Abbas, who is the best interlocutor Israel is going to have, despite his many obvious flaws. If nothing else, Netanyahu should call his bluff.

It also means understanding that while most settlement expansion that is now taking place in the West Bank is happening in areas that will most likely come under Israeli control in the event of a final peace deal, the Palestinians haven't agreed to this division yet. Unilateral moves do not help. They certainly don't help Israel's international standing, which is lower than it has ever been, and they certainly don't help maintain Israel as a cause that garners bipartisan support in the US. I asked Gary Rosenblatt, the editor of The New York Jewish Week, what he thought the fallout from this editorial might be. He emailed back the following: "Having been in Jewish journalism for more than four decades, I can tell you that there was a time when there would be hell to pay in the community for editorials in an American Jewish newspaper

criticizing Israeli policy. That’s no longer the case. An optimist could say it’s because our community is more open and enlightened; a pessimist could say it’s because people don’t care as much and/or they don’t connect to Israel in their kishkas (guts) the way their parents or grandparents did. Or quite possibly because they do care about Israel but don't agree with the policy under fire."

The New York Jewish Week editorial closes with this thought: Jeopardizing Israel’s relationship with its most important allies to prove a point — that Jerusalem is not up for grabs — at a time when his country is increasingly isolated on the diplomatic level, when violent unrest in the capital since the summer has prompted some to call it “the silent intifada,” and when the Palestinians may well seek statehood through the UN, makes sense if the prime minister is ready to go it alone. But that’s not what his citizens want, and it would be a terrible mistake. This is exactly right.

Jeffrey Goldberg is a national correspondent for The Atlantic and a recipient of the National Magazine Award for Reporting. He is the author of Prisoners: A Story of Friendship and Terror.

The two faces of Mr Modi Hindu KaRaN ThaPaR

BBC Shaimaa Khalil

For more than two months, Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan has been leading rallies to unseat a government he accuses of stealing last year's election, but so far he has failed to achieve his goal. What happens now? The former Pakistani cricketer has been able to bring big crowds on to the streets of cities like Lahore and Karachi and there is no doubt the government has been weakened since protests began in mid-August. Yet for all its problems of governance and the shortcomings in addressing perennial issues such as the economy, unemployment and electricity shortages, Nawaz Sharif's government seems to have ridden this political storm relatively successfully. The prime minister's still in power and Imran Khan is still on the streets - which begs the question of what his Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) party has actually achieved.

"What we have achieved is beyond what I imagined," Imran Khan told the BBC in Islamabad. "The political awareness in Pakistan, the way people understand their rights. Women! Never have women participated in politics like they have right now. And this is because these sitins lead to political awareness which lead to the public interest."

He still insists that the main aim is for the prime minister to go. "The end game is Nawaz's resignation, and it will happen because he is now struggling to govern Pakistan." Mr Khan said. But analysts here say that Imran Khan is now in a tight spot especially after Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Tahirul Qadri ended his protest sit-in in Islamabad last week. The two party leaders had launched their anti-government protests on the same day - 14 August, Pakistan's Independence Day. While the PTI continues its campaigning, the PAT wrapped up its sit-in after 70 days.

Imran Khan reiterated his resolve that he would not leave the site of his sitin until he got justice. "We are not going to sit back and allow this rigged election," he told the BBC, referring to the May 2013 general election which Mr Sharif won by a landslide. "The fundamental question is, should we as a nation accept a prime minister who has come in through a rigged election? If we accept this, then we should accept Hosni Mubarak had elections, Saddam Hussein had elections, Mugabe has been holding elections for 30 years. Imran Khan has called on his supporters across the country to gather in Islamabad on 30 Novem-

ber in a bid to revive momentum and keep the pressure on the government. It remains to be seen whether it will be any different to all the previous rallies. "So long as the people are with you, it's a matter of time. If it's not 30 November, it's 30 December. But it's a matter of when we will win."

There is the ongoing argument that Mr Khan is backed by the military who have been at odds with Nawaz Sharif's government. But this is an argument he vehemently rejects: "No army can bring out crowds. This is successful... because the people of Pakistan are supporting us."

SportS royalty Apart from his message of reform and a "New Pakistan" - or Naya Pakistan, which is the slogan of his campaign - Mr Khan himself is the biggest draw of these gatherings. His fiery speeches and charisma have managed to draw in the crowds. Outside his container in Islamabad hundreds of supporters and admirers wait to get a glimpse of him, shake his hand and, if they are lucky, have a short conversation with him. His face is on posters, billboards and T-shirts that young people now wear to the rallies - he

has even been featured in a fashion line here. He is regarded as sports royalty and many of his young supporters see him as new blood in Pakistan's stagnant politics which has changed hands between two major parties - the Pakistan People's Party which led the previous government and the Pakistan Muslim League which leads the current government - and the military for decades.

The risk, analysts say, for Mr Khan is that so far he has been seen more as a campaigner than a politician. Despite his popularity Mr Khan is an untested leader when it comes to policy and governance.

"I don't care what people think of me," he says. "All I want is for this country to become a genuine democracy."

Whatever the outcome, Imran Khan is in a critical position, analysts say. If the government does not step down - and there is no sign that it will - then the PTI leader risks leading thousands of people into disappointment and eventually the question will arise of how long these rallies can go on for. If the government is ousted, many here say that this would set a dangerous precedent and derail the country's shaky democracy.

What do we expect of our prime ministers? This is not a rhetorical question and you’ll soon see why. We expect integrity, commitment, dedication, administrative expertise and, hopefully, a fair modicum of intelligence. But is that all?

As important as all the other qualities, we also expect rationality. We may not always agree with what our prime ministers say or are committed to do but we assume that their thoughts and actions are rational, well-considered and credible. In other words, even if their decisions turn out to be wrong — and that often happens — they won’t offend against common sense.

It is here that I have a bone to pick with Narendra Modi. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre last Saturday, he said: “Mahabharat ka kehna hai ki Karn maa ki godh se paida nahi hua tha. Iska matlab yeh hai ki us samaye genetic science mojud tha … Hum Ganeshji ki puja kiya karte hain, koi to plastic surgeon hoga us zamane main, jisne manushye ke sharir par haathi ka sar rakh kar ke plastic surgery ka prarambh kiya hoga.” [It is said in the Mahabharata that Karna was not born from his mother’s womb. This means in the times in which the epic was written genetic science was very much present. We all worship Lord Ganesha; for sure there must have been some plastic surgeon at that time, to fit an elephant’s head on the body of a human being.]

No doubt many Hindus share Mr Modi’s assumption that in prehistoric mythological times India had mastered genetic science and plastic surgery.

As individuals they are free to believe what they want. But for the Prime Minister of India to proclaim this belief as fact — and that too at the inauguration of a hospital — is something else.

Why? This is because it’s not rational to use mythology as the basis for claiming scientific achievements. First, there’s no proof other than the assumption the myth is true and that’s an unwarranted assumption. Second, how do you account for the fact the scientific knowledge and achievements you are boasting of have been lost, if not also long forgotten, and there is no trace of any records to substantiate they ever occurred?

Even worse, Mr Modi’s views echo those of Dinanath Batra. His books are now part of the curriculum in 42,000 schools across Gujarat and carry messages from Mr Modi when he was Chief Minister. They claim stem cell research was known in the days of Kunti and the Kauravas, television was invented at the time of the Mahabharata and the motor car existed in the Vedic period. Few would deny this is nonsense. Why wouldn’t you say the same for the claim India mastered genetic science and plastic surgery in prehistoric times?

I have two further points. First, Mr Modi wants to build smart cities, stresses the need for education and is proud of the successful mission to Mars. He believes in digital India, wants to import bullet trains and ‘Make in India’ state-of-the-art defence weaponry. These are 21st century ambitions. How does all of that sit alongside this belief in unverified mythology? Are they not contradictory?

Second, Greek mythology has centaurs and minotaurs; the Persians have the griffin; the British the unicorn; and fairy tales have mermaids and werewolves. Mr Modi’s position would also lead us to believe these creatures actually existed. But does anyone believe they did? Surely only in our dreams? Or only whilst we were children?

Ultimately, my problem with the Prime Minister’s comment goes a step further, but it could be the most critical of all. Under Article 51 A (h) of the Constitution it’s the fundamental duty of every citizen to develop a scientific temper. I can’t see how the Prime Minister is doing that by blatantly claiming medical advances on the basis of unverified myths. His views clearly and undeniably contradict this constitutional requirement. In fact, if he thinks about it I feel confident Mr Modi would not disagree!

These are troubling doubts and for the Prime Minister to be the cause of them is even more worrying. Finally, I’m dismayed this issue has not got greater attention in the media. Nor, to my astonishment, has any Indian scientist refuted the Prime Minister’s claims. Their silence is perplexing. The silence of the media is deeply disturbing. It feels as though it’s been deliberately blanked out by everyone.

Karan Thapar is a television commentator and anchor of the Headlines Today programme, To The Point.

10 BUSINESS

Monday, 3 November, 2014

FarMers to reap rich DiviDenDs FroM support price oF wheat: pM

Govt seizes over 0.26 million ‘imported’ wheat bags KARACHI: In a crackdown against the hoarding and illegal transportations of wheat, the Sindh government having issued a dozen show-cause notices to the flour millers and seized over 0.26 million bags containing ‘low quality’ imported wheat.

The provincial food department, in a two-day crackdown against flour mills for increasing wheat flour prices and grinding low quality wheat, took the step on special directives of Provincial Food Minister Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar.

The department issued 12 flour mills show-cause notices and seized some 2,65,400 wheat bags imported from Ukraine and russia.

The department’s teams raided flour mills in districts centre, West and Malir and found a huge stock of 39,600 wheat bags in Ar Flour Mills, 32,500 in Masoom roller Flour Mills, 15,000 in Blessing Flour Mills, 21,400 in Iqra Flour Mills, 16,400 in MSK Flour Mills, 30,973 in Farhan Flour Mills, 16,400 in Qureshi Flour Mills, 23,800 in Ajwa Flour Mills, 15,927 in Asia Flour Mills, 18,500 in Indus Flour Mills, 19,000 in Moon Flour Mills and 15,900 in Q&Q Flour Mills. The stocks found was in excess of the mills’ requirement thus against the law. These wheat bags were imported from Ukraine and russia which is low quality wheat.

All these flour mills have been issued show-cause notices because according to the law a flour mill can retain/stock 5,000 wheat bags for 10 days.

Minister Dahar has demanded the federal government to take such steps to discourage import of low-quality wheat and the permission in this regard may be cancelled. He, while terming the increase in flour prices as illegal and unjust, warned the profiteers to keep themselves away from such activities otherwise strict action would be taken against them. STAFF REPORT

LpG prices likely to be reduced by rs 17.50/kg ISLAMABAD: The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) price in international market, for the first time, has lessened than that in local market, resultantly, the LPG price is likely to be reduced by rs 17.50 per kilogram.

According to the All Pakistan LPG Distributors Association, prices of domestic-usage and commercial-usage cylinders will lessen by rs 206 and rs795, respectively.

The manufacturing cost of LPG in the international market is reduced by rs 61,000 per ton while that in the local market by more than rs 66,000 per ton.

The official announcement is likely to be made in two days. INP

NAWAZ SAYS FARMERS WILL EARN AN ESTIMATED EXTRA INCOME OF Rs 3,500 TO Rs 5,000 PER ACRE ISLAMABAD INP

p

rIME Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that timely decision of increase in the support price of wheat to rs 1,300 per 40 kg, slapping of 20 per cent of regulatory duty on import of wheat and decrease in the petroleum prices particularly in the price of diesel, will reap huge dividends to farmers as they will earn an estimated extra income of rs 3500-5000 per acre. This would have a salutary effect on the quality of their life, the PM, said and assured that the agriculture sector would be protected and encouraged so that the objective of food security in the country could be attained.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the prime minister said the government was fully cognizant of the problems of the people and was taking comprehensive longterm measures to significantly enhance their living standard by providing them all basic facilities of life.

This increase in the support price of wheat which was above the prevailing international price of wheat would encourage the agriculture sector as a uniform support price would provide a level playing field to all farmers in the entire country and thus encourage them to bring more land under cultivation, Nawaz said. Similarly, the recent reduction in oil prices will benefit the

masses particularly the agriculture sector as it would reduce the cost of input, he emphasised.

The prime minister said that the present PML (N) government had taken a series of measures to encourage the agriculture sector in the country. Earlier, the prime minister recalled that in January this year the government had decided that imported as well as locally manufactured urea would be available at rs 1,786 per bag and these rates would be stamped on each bag.

The decision was taken to remove corruption due to difference in prices of imported and local urea and also to end exploitation of farmers by the middleman. It is pertinent to add that a middle man repacked imported urea and sold it out as locally manufactured thus pocketing the subsidy meant for farmers. The prime minister said the government was bearing a subsidy of rs 747 per bag as the present estimated cost of imported bag

Dar invited to global entrepreneurship summit in Morocco

LAHORE: A fuel station seen closed a day after the government reduced petroleum prices by Rs 9.43 per litre. INP

Sit-ins caused loss of billions to economy: minister LAHORE APP

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and reforms Ahsan Iqbal Sunday said that the sit-ins had caused billions of rupees loss to the national economy.

Talking to media at the Institute of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) on Sunday, he said PTI Chief Imran Khan was actually afraid of losing his votes in general election 2018 as he knew the projects started by the present government would complete successfully.

Ahsan Iqbal said that politics of sit-ins could be described as ‘economic terrorism’ because every nation

desired economic stability. The sit-ins badly affected the labourers and farmers and even the export industry suffered a lot, he added.

He said the World Bank, Moody’s, Asian Development Bank and other international institutions had already lauded the previous one year performance of Pakistan and said the country was moving in the right direction to progress. He said the image created by Imran Khan harmed the country and people had turned down his conspiracies. The minister said the PTI chief had created wrong impression that projects under Pak-China Economic Corridor were only for Punjab. “Imran should answer whether Karot Hy-

dropower Project, Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park in Cholistan, and Energy Park in Thar were for Punjab? he questioned.

Ahsan Iqbal said the incumbent government had never made discrimination among provinces for launching development projects and the PML-N government was focusing on starting projects with lesser cost for ensuring maximum progress of the country.

He said the government was also working on cost rationalization of different projects so that unnecessary costs could be cut down. He said the present government would make all out efforts for making the country financially strong by following the prime minister’s economic agenda.

GOVT COMMITTED TO RESOLVE ENERGY CRISIS: ASIF SIALKOT APP

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Sunday said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) government would fulfil its responsibility and commitments to steer the country out of energy crisis.

Talking to APP on Sunday, the minister said the government was

is rs 2,527. He also said that a special subsidised tariff for electricity rates of rs 10.35 per unit was being provided to the farmers eliminating peak time charges which were higher, so that their input costs were protected. The PML-N government, by affecting a uniform tariff of rs 10.35 per unit for agricultural tube wells, has insured a reliability of input to the farmers.

The federal and provincial governments are procuring wheat from the farmers to ensure that not only they get correct price of their produce but also have sufficient stocks for the government for supplying to flour mills so that they can intervene to maintain a stable price of flour in the country. The prime minister said that the present government was also working with full zeal to complete major infrastructure projects to achieve the goal of a better Pakistan by enhancing employment, generating economic activity and reducing poverty.

making strenuous efforts to minimise the load-shedding and bringing improvement by reducing line losses. Khawaj Asif said that difference of opinion was beauty of democracy and it always helped to strengthen democracy adding that unfortunately some elements were trying to jeopardising the system through negative political activities.

He said that the Pakistan

Muslim League-N emerged as a strong political party of the country under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The minister said the ultimate goal of democracy was to ensure dignity and fundamental rights of individuals, provision of social justice as well as socio-economic uplift of the country and PML-N was working on this agenda.

He said the protection of con-

stitution, parliament and democracy was on top agenda of the political parties. Asif said the sit-ins were serious threats to national economy due to which many agreements with foreign investors could not be signed. The minister urged the people to show unity to foil conspiracies against democracy. He appealed the masses to demonstrate unity and brotherhood during the Holy Month of Muharram.

ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of Morocco to Pakistan, Mustapha Salahdine, extended an invitation to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to visit Morocco to attend global entrepreneurship summit in Morocco to be held on November 20-21.

In a meeting with the finance minister Sunday, the ambassador said it would be an honour for his country to receive the finance minister on this auspicious occasion. He said both the countries enjoyed excellent all round relations but their economic cooperation did not truly reflect the depth of these relations. He said the finance minister’s visit to Morocco could help trigger a phase of enhanced economic engagement between the two brotherly countries.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said it was indeed a great honour that among the African countries, Morocco was the first to host the prestigious Global Entrepreneurship Summit. He thanked the Moroccan envoy for the invitation to attend the summit and said it would be accorded due consideration. He also agreed that there was need to focus on enhancement of economic collaboration that could be reflective of the deep rooted bilateral relations. INP

LEISURE 11

Monday, 3 November, 2014

baldo

aries

taurus

gemini

Military commanders have to constantly assess strategies and strength of opposing forces. Sometimes, this is obvious and strategies can be created based on what is clearly visible. Other times, commanders must be able to foresee certain shifts in enemy tactics.

Do you wait until a problem becomes a problem or do you trust insight you're granted with now to nip a potential problem in the bud? An outcome is clear in many ways. Yet, you feel disinclined to take action because you have concerns about how much of what's happening really is any of business.

When presented with a problem, we want rid of it as soon as possible. We want it resolved quickly, dealt with and finished, out of our lives forever. Problems though, have a tendency to be uncooperative.

It's as if they taunt us sometimes, daring us to find a solution they believe we'll be unable to find.

cancer

leo

virgo

Let's look at an area of your world that you believe some form of drastic action needs to be taken. You could overstep the mark in some way and make a much bigger issue out of something that doesn't require such dramatic action. Relax, have a much needed conversation.

If we're unskilled in a certain area, require something fixing and want it done by someone who knows what they're doing, then we invite such people to assess our problem. They've likely seen similar problems before and draw upon experience to determine what needs to be done.

It's just as well you're blessed with copious amounts of patience. It's helpful that you know, more than most, how positive change is gradual and certain processes cannot be rushed regardless of how much we wish they could. You believed something was worth waiting for.

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

We struggle to summon emotion when we're being guided too much by logic. You have an excellent opportunity now to be guided by emotion and apply it to a situation. It is your heart, combined with certain levels of passion, that will provide a solution and heartwarming development.

Few of us would argue that there is never room for improvement in some way on some level when we achieve success. Fortunately, you're blessed with both. You know there is something you can improve now. It's fine as it is but an opportunity exists to make it better.

It's time to rise to a challenge.

Is it possible to invest too much effort toward something we dearly want to see happen? We become so focused on attaining a result that we overlook how 'over the top' we might actually be going, and, particularly, in the eyes of someone we see as integral to our plan.

You've done enough in a certain area.

capricorn

aQuarius

pisces

There are many reasons why someone would discourage us from pursuing something close to our heart. Pessimistic people rarely understand why want to achieve what we've set our heart on. That's all that matters. Trust that your heart is not leading you astray.

Fools, we understand, rush in where angels fear to tread. However, angels are in stronger and more knowledgeable positions where treading is concerned. They see what none of us, not even fools, can see. They're blessed with insight available only to spiritual beings. Are we not all spiritual beings in some way though?

Is there a need to probe further for information? Does need exist to ask an uncomfortable question? The answer to all of the above questions is yes but you have understandable reservations about uncovering a certain truth.

In your heart, you know what the answer will be.

crossword

garfield

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.

Today’s soluTions

MUltinational teaM wins

chess white tO PLAY AND MAte iN fOur MOVes

DOWN

8 7 6 5 4 3 2

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

chess solution

A

1.Qe7+ Kh6 2.Qxh7+ Kxh7 3.re7+ Kh6 4.rh8# 1-0

1

sudoku solution

1 try to get the girl? (3) 2 eat — bird — believe (7) 3 in a highly excited state (4) 4 contrivance for holding a broken bone in position (6) 5 diplomatic mission (8) 6 type of fruit (5) 7 terrifying dream (9) 10 vehicle collecting young students (6,3) 12 rubbish holder inside a rubbish holder (3,5) 15 end points (7) 16 cold summer drink (3,3) 18 espresso with frothy milk (5) 20 (cause to) stumble (4) 23 manage (3)

notice optimize phone player poker progress purse rain raise remain river scare smell spade stack start table tent worth

crossword solution

1 very sagacious (4,2,7) 8 having a run of luck (2,1,4) 9 soviet forced labour camp(s) (5) 10 crystalline substance used to season food (4) 11 natural inclination (8) 13 honolulu's state (6) 14 a shakespearean heroine (6) 17 surface film, leaking from a ship or well (3,5) 19 Factually correct (4) 21 relay race stick (5) 22 small hunting dog (7) 24 negative propaganda aimed at damaging a person's reputation (5,8)

action breeze choose climb company contend delay dominate dream evening gear guts heartbeat hotel indoors lean neighbor nest never

12

Monday, 3 November 2014

ARTS

Partygoers dress up as IS militants for Halloween across US, UK COURTESY MAIL ONLINE artygoers across United states and United Kingdom dressed up for Halloween as fighters from the Islamic state in the latest trivialisation of the world's horrors. social media was flooded with pictures of people wearing IsIs-style outfits, just weeks after the jihadists beheaded four Western hostages during their reign of terror across Iraq and syria. some people are pictured holding fake machetes and severed heads in a twisted reference to the group's brutal executions. the group routinely beheads opponents and its members often post horrific photographs of themselves posing with the bodies. the trend came days after businesses were accused of cashing in on the ebola outbreak by selling 'sexy nurse' costumes as the death toll from the deadly virus nears 5,000. one set of IsIs-style Halloween images was posted on twitter with the message: 'another victory!! so many converted IsIs recruits at Halloween parties.

I tell you, best strategy girls and booze!' some show revellers wearing face masks and jihadist-style

P

black gowns while brandishing fake automatic weapons.

In another, four women sport skimpy versions of Islamic state attire while pulling gun poses with their hands. on Instagram, image posted by twitter user tJ@skinny215 shows a group of IsIs-looking militants with the caption: 'Where's the Halloween parties...

Isis will be there'.

Heidi Harris posted the image on twitter with the message: 'IsIs costume at the party I'm attending #ebola suits were big, too #isis'.

IsIs have beheaded four Western hostages in recent weeks - U.s. freelance journalist James Foley, British aid worker David Haines, British taxi driver alan Henning and american journalist steven sotloff.

It comes after websites and bars were accused of cashing in on the ebola outbreak by selling costumes for Halloween, mocked up to look like a containment suit being worn by volunteers risking their lives to treat people infected with the deadly disease. a description of the suit available online says: 'as the deadly ebola virus trickles its way through the United states, fighting its disease is no reason to compromise style.'

IRAN SEEKS TOURISM’S REVIVAL

ConfliCts at home affeCt teens at sChool and viCe versa: study

NEW YORK AGENCIES Conflicts in a teen’s life can spill over at school and at home for days afterward, a new study suggests. Finding out why the spillover occurs, and which teens are most vulnerable to it, could help target ways to interrupt this damaging negative feedback loop, the study team writes in the journal Child Development. “We know that family conflict is a risk factor for poor school performance, but less is known about how these processes are associated on a daily basis,” lead author Adela Timmons told a foreign news agency. “We wanted to see if problems in one domain are associated with problems in the other domain on the same day and even several days later,” said Timmons, a doctoral student at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. “We also wanted to identify teens most at risk for these spillover processes.”

Timmons and her co-author Gayle Margolin, a psychologist and researcher also at USC, analyzed data on more than 100 California teens and their parents who had been recruited for a long-term study. Every day for two weeks, the parents and teens filled out questionnaires, reporting on any family conflict that had occurred during the day.

The teens also reported on their moods and any school problems. In addition, teens completed a one-time questionnaire about symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and so-called externalizing behaviours – meaning “acting out on” their problems. The researchers found a cycle of spillover between family conflicts and problems at school.

Conflict with either parent was associated with more school-related problems and with teens being in a bad mood for up to two days later.

But conflict between parents did not appear to be linked with problems at school for the teens.

android software Co-Creator quits GooGle PERSEPOLIS, IRAN AGENCIES At the foot of Persepolis, busloads of foreign tourists gaze in awe at the ancient mud-brick ceremonial capital that Iran hopes will be part of a rebirth of its tourism industry.

Although decades of sanctions mean the hotels and infrastructure are not five star, a tentative political thaw with the West is drawing visitors to Iranian attractions steeped in myth and rumour.

Persepolis, a jewel of the first Persian empire whose palace and terraces took more than 100 years to build, starting under Darius the Great in 518 BC, is one of the highlights.

“Before coming to Iran I knew the vision of this country from the outside was very dark,” says Piotr Chwalba, from Poland, finally looking at Persepolis after thinking for years of visiting.

“A place like Iran has two sides — the one created by the media and the other version, the truth, where everyone helps you when you travel and everyone smiles at you. It’s great.”

Sincere as such testimony is, a rise in visitors has more to do with politics than praise. The prospects for tour operators were bleak until recently.

The election last year of President

Hassan Rouhani and his decision to restart negotiations with the United States and other leading nations about Iran’s nuclear programme has been a catalyst.

‘Hospitable and very curious’ While seeking to play host to international visitors it also helps that his speeches do not tend to excoriate the West in the same manner that his predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s did.

“Mr Rouhani’s demeanour, his smile, his positive interaction with the world has created a new sense of ease,” says Ibrahim Pourfaraj, president of Iran’s tour operators association.

Thomas, an engineer from Stuttgart, says the nuclear issue is the only thing he hears about Iran in the news back home.

“What we see is totally different than what we hear from the outside,” the 29-year-old German says. “The Iranians are very hospitable and very curious.”

Shiite pilgrims from Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon and Pakistan currently make up 60 percent of Iran’s visitors.

But the government’s main push is to recapture the spending power of Europe, Asia and America.

For Iran — whose currency, the rial, has been severely depressed by rampant inflation — tourism offers a foreign exchange windfall.

The cities of Isfahan, Shiraz and

Yazd, all steeped in culture, are considered Iran’s top attractions, but sites such as Kish Island with its beaches on the Gulf have sought to create a more relaxed holiday.

People are coming back. Official figures show that at the end of March, tourist numbers were up 35 percent year-on-year to 4.5 million, bringing in $6 billion.

Iran, with 17 UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites, wants 20 million visitors within a decade.

Hope, but no guarantees However, a nuclear deal remains a hope rather than a given and tour operators know optimism can vanish quickly. For the moment, local guides are filling their pockets.

“This is a new wave. We have between 300 percent and 400 percent more visitors,” says Mohsen Hajisaeid, who was looking after a group from Hong Kong.

Iran’s shortfalls are not confined to translators. Although many hotels have been built in the sprawling conurbations of Mashhad, Esfahan and Shiraz, the closest city to Persepolis, they are primarily for the domestic market.

“Our capabilities are limited compared to the influx of tourists,” Massoud Soltani-Far, one of Iran’s vice presidents whose brief includes tourism, recently said at an industry conference.

CMYK

More than 900 projects are being undertaken at a cost of $200 million, but there are still significant gaps in the market.

“Transport and four-star or five-star hotels are not there to meet the demand,” Soltani-Far explained.

But there are bright spots at the top of the market.

The “Jewels of Persia,” a luxury train, arrived in Tehran on October 27 on an all-inclusive 15-day trip, with tickets costing $9,000 to $14,000.

Such trips may start to breed unease, however. Some conservative MPs are demanding tourists be given guidance on how to behave as soon as they arrive in the Islamic republic.

It is a sensitive issue visitors must embrace; the dress code for women is loose clothing, known as hijab, that covers the head and neck. Men should avoid shorts.

A recent spate of acid attacks on Iranian women in Isfahan, reportedly because they were not properly veiled — though authorities have denied such a link — has highlighted the requirements.

To those travelling to Iran though, the warm welcome is outweighing concerns about dress, security or the need for high-class hotels and slick service.

“The country is safe — maybe more so than some European countries,” says Thomas from Germany.

SAN FRANCISCO AGENCIES Google has confirmed that an executive behind leading mobile device software Android is leaving the company to create an incubator for hardware startups.

Andy Rubin became a Google executive in 2005 when the Internet titan bought Android Inc., which was then a small startup that Rubin co-founded two years earlier.

Rubin led the Android team at Google until last year, by which time Android was the most widely used smartphone operating system in the world.

Rubin switched to managing the robotics team at Google.

“I want to wish Andy all the best with what’s next,” Google chief executive Larry Page said in a statement emailed to a foreign news agency. “With Android he created something truly remarkable—with a billion plus happy users. Thank you.”

Monday, 3 November, 2014

ARTS

Mamata Banerjee wishes Shah Rukh Khan on his birthday

est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sunday wished Bollywood superstar shah Rukh Khan on his birthday. “today is the birthday of our very dear shah Rukh Khan. We wish him

W

best of happiness, prosperity, good health and success. Our best wishes also to all members of his family. Happy birthday shah Rukh,” Banerjee said on her official Facebook page. the actor is the West Bengal’s brand ambassador and turned

Family time For aishwarya rai on 41st birthday

49 sunday. the actor, during his visit to Kolkata Oct 29 to celebrate the success of his latest movie ‘Happy New Year’, met Banerjee at the state secretariat. the actor will also grace the opening ceremony of the 20th Kolkata International Film Festival beginning Nov 10.

SRK tuRnS 49, celebRateS biRthday with fanS: Bollywood superstar shah Rukh Khan turned 49 today and thanked his admirers, who turned up in large numbers to celebrate his birthday outside his residence Mannat. shah Rukh Khan, who is basking in the glory of his latest release ‘Happy New Year’, took to twitter to express his gratitude. “so many beautiful people outside Mannat. thank you all for celebrating my birthday with such ownership and love. Very humbling,” shah Rukh tweeted. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who celebrated his actress daughter-in-law AishwaryaRai’s birthday yesterday, also took to the micro-blogging site to wish the ‘Chennai express’ actor.

“A day of celebration… At home

Gone Girl becomes David Fincher’s highest-grossing US box office film David Fincher's “Gone Girl” has become his highest-grossing film in the US box office. Gone Girl's US box office total to date is $127.8m, knocking 2008's The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttonto number two with $127.5m. 2011's “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and 1995's “Seven” follows both films in third and fourth place with $102.5m and $100.1m respectively. “The Social Network”, “Panic Room”, “Alien 3”, “The Game”, “Fight Club” and “Zodiac” make up Fincher's top 10 US box office charts.

Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who turned 41 Saturday, said that she hasn’t slept since Friday as she spent the entire time with her “family, friends and loved ones”. “I thank everyone for the wishes.

It’s been a great day. It’s been a nice family day. I spent my day with my family, friends,loved ones. Last night, my friends and family came home and I haven’t slept since last night. Aaradhya also woke up early, and so it’s been a busy day,” Aishwarya told reporters during an interaction at her house Janak. AGENCIES

daniel wants to know bieber’s secrets

‘Harry Potter’ star Daniel Radcliffe wants to find out what Justin Bieber’s secrets are. The 25-year-old actor plays IgPerrish, who can read other people’s minds, in fantasy thriller ‘Horns’ and would love to use them on the ‘Baby’hitmaker.

When asked who he’d like to use Ig’s power on, he said, “Maybe Justin Bieber.

Just because you hear so much stuff about him that you are just like, ‘I want to really know, I want to get to the bottom of this!’ And with horns, I would be able to.” Meanwhile, Radcliffe recently revealed that his girlfriend Erin Darke is a big fan of the horns he wore in the movie.

“She loves them. How could you not?

They’re glorious and I hope very attractive,” he had said. According to the actor, things are going great between the couple, who met in 2012. AGENCIES

for the ‘bahu’ and out for the friend sRK.Millions of wishes and people of merit around!” Big B posted. sRK’s ‘Happy New Year’ co-starBomanIrani and Vivaan shah also wished the actor on his birthday.

“It is a grace to be loved by millions that you have touched yet never met. I know I have surely ‘met’ you too. Happy birthday @iamsrk,” Boman wrote.

“HappyyHappyyBirthdayy @iamsrk you are the Best!” Vivaan tweeted.

‘Happy New Year’ music-composer Vishal wrote, “Happy Birthday to the king of the movies, @iamsrk. thanks for your grace, love and all you’ve taught us. sorry we couldn’t be there tonight!”

Actor AnupamKher, who worked with the actor in many films including ‘Happy New Year’ and ‘DilwaleDulhania Le Jayenge’, wrote, “Happy Birthday @iamsrk. May God give you health, peace & happiness always. May you entertain the world for generations to come. Love you.” AGENCIES

“Gone Girl”, starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike,debuted at number one in the US box office back in October.

Itremained in the number one spot for two weekendsafterBrad Pitt's “Fury” took the top spotin Gone

Girl's third weekend at the US box office.

Based on Gillian Flynn's novel with the same name, “Gone Girl” follows Nick (Affleck) after the mysterious disappearance of his wife Amy (Pike). AGENCIES

13

lindsay banned From promoting Fashion app

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohanand her brother Michael LohanJr are not allowed to carry out activities related to their ecommerce app Vigme after a former business partner claimed that the siblings stole his idea to set a competing business.

The ex-partner FimaPotik filed a USD 60 million lawsuit on October 30, claiming breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and loyalty, misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition. Manhattan Supreme Court Judge SaliannScarpulla issued a temporary restraining order on October 31, preventing the pair from launching, promoting or marketing their app. AGENCIES

JenniFer spotted at chris martin’s house Following split

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence was spotted visiting her ex-boyfriend Chris Martin’s house in Malibu, California. In some photos, the ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ actress could be seen behind the wheel of her plateless Cadillac CTS. Lawrence, 24, kept a low profile when arriving at the house. She reportedly spent two hours inside the house to collect her personal belongings. “Jennifer went over to Chris’ house to apologise for the coverage of their breakup being so one-sided, reclaim her possessions and to ensure there were no hard feelings,” a source said.

The actress and Martin split after four months of dating. AGENCIES

1. Gone Girl- $127,801,514 2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - $127,509,326 3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - $102,515,793 4. Seven - $100,125,643 5. The Social Network $96,962,694 6. Panic Room - $96,397,334 7. Alien 3 - $55,473,545 8. The Game - $48,323,648 9. Fight Club - $37,030,102 10. Zodiac - $33,080,084

‘Rang Rasiya’ will be a landmark film in my career: Randeep AGENCIES RandeepHooda is playing the role of legendary 19th century painter Raja Ravi Varma in ‘Rang Rasiya‘ and the actor says that the film will boost his movie career.

The 38-year-old actor has played the role of the legendary painter in two phases — first as a 60-yearold and then as a 20-year-old man.

“I think this film will be one of the landmark films of my career.

I have worked very hard for this film. It is a very special film and hopefully the audience will also enjoy watching me in this avatar,”Randeep said.

‘Rang Rasiya‘, directed by Ketan Mehta, is an adaptation of Marathi writer Ranjit Desai’s biographical novel Raja Ravi Varma.

The film was screened at the 2008 London Film Festival but was in post-production since then due to the Censor Board’s objection with certain bold scenes.

The film will hit theatres on November 7 and Randeep said he is happy that the film is releasing now as the audience is more accepting.“This movie has had

such a big struggle be it with its release and content. I am glad that this film is releasing now because had it come out before, it would have been ahead of its time.

“Ravi Varma is a huge icon in our country but people are unaware of him and his contribution to arts and culture besides giving face to our gods and goddesses. Through this movie I am sure that they will be inspired by the story of the great artist,” the ‘D’ actor said.

Randeep has had a very good film year in 2014. His last two films ‘Highway’ and ‘Kick’ have been well received by the audience.

Besides ‘Rang Rasiya’, the actor will also be seen in Karan Joharproduced ‘Ungli’, which releases on November 28.

“I would like to think that this is the best phase of my career so far but not the epitome of my career,” said Randeep, who will also be seen playing serial killer Charles Sobhraj in ‘Main Aur Charles’.

Randeep also attended the charity screening of “Rang Rasiya” here held in aid of Mahindru Foundation, which works towards eradication of curable blindness and pledged to donate his eyes.

CMYK

14 SPORTS

Monday, 3 November, 2014

You CaLL HiM tuk tuk? tHink aGain!

MISBAH LEVELS VIV RICHARD’S 28 YEARS OLD RECORD OF FASTEST TEST HUNDRED Abu DhAbi

E

AGENCIES

VER heard the one about when Misbah-ul-Haq thrashed Australia for the equal fastest Test hundred of all time? What about the one where the Pakistan cricket team, at their home in exile, battered powerful Australia by margins unmatched in Test history? Didn’t think so.

Pakistan’s UAE flattening of Australia entered totally unprecedented dimensions on day four in Abu Dhabi, as Misbah’s second century of the match occupied just 56 balls - the same tally required by Viv Richards against England in Antigua 28 years ago. Michael Clarke’s team were left speechless by the hail of runs, and slipped meekly to 143 for 4 by the close in a nominal pursuit of 603 to win. Chris Rogers, Glenn Maxwell and Clarke all fell cheaply, while David Warner squandered a sound start with a miscued slog. Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh fought gamely through the final hour, momentarily halting the procession.

The symbolism of Misbah’s innings was immense, utterly humbling Australia in a series where they have conceded all manner of records for differentials between two teams. Foregoing his usually obstinate tendencies, Misbah took 22 runs from one Steve Smith over and needed just 21 balls to reach 50, bettering the record 24 deliveries taken by Jacques Kallis to set the previous record, before going on to match Richards. He had been dropped second ball

by Peter Siddle off Smith’s bowling. Amid

records for Misbah, Azhar Ali’s second hundred of the match went by almost unnoticed, but his achievement of three figures moved Misbah to declare. Their dual hundreds were the first time two batsmen had scored Test centuries in each innings for the same team since Greg and Ian Chappell against New Zealand in 1974.

Younis Khan was the only wicket of the day for Pakistan, his lbw the signal for a somewhat overdone reaction by Warner, who clapped mockingly in the face of the

series’ highest run-scorer. Azhar Ali was also dropped by the substitute Phillip Hughes in the gully as part of a bedraggled Australian performance in the field that did not bode well for their time with the bat.

Rogers duly perished when he nibbled Zulfiqar Babar to leg slip, before Maxwell completed what could be the only match he may ever play as Australia’s No. 3 batsman by missing another straight delivery from Babar to fall lbw on review. In a 12ball stay, he had also nearly been bowled after missing a highly ambitious attempt to reverse sweep Mohammad Hafeez.

Clarke’s poor series has been another major factor in the gulf between the

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st innings 570/6d Australia 1st innings 261 PAKISTAN 2nd innings 14 Ahmed Shehzad b Johnson 3 Mohammad Hafeez c Starc b Johnson 100 Azhar Ali not out 46 Younis Khan lbw b Smith Misbah-ul-Haq not out 101 57 Extras (b 23, lb 4, w 1, nb 1) 29 293 Total (3 wickets dec; 60.4 overs) Did not batAsad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed†, Zulfiqar Babar, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan Fall of wickets 1-14 (Ahmed Shehzad, 0.6 ov), 2-21 (Mohammad Hafeez, 2.4 ov), 3-152 (Younis Khan, 43.4 ov) Bowling MG Johnson 7-1-45-2, NM Lyon 18-3-48-0, MA Starc 11.4-256-0, PM Siddle 14-4-48-0, SPD Smith 6-0-54-1, MR Marsh 4-1-15-0 AUSTRALIA 2nd innings 2 CJL Rogers c Asad Shafiq b Zulfiqar Babar 58 DA Warner c Yasir Shah b Mohammad Hafeez

Man City confirm interest in Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has said he would be open to signing Steven Gerrard from Liverpool at the end of the season. The 34-year-old Gerrard, whose existing deal expires in June next year, had raised the possibility of leaving his hometown club with no new deal on the table. And Pellegrini, who had no qualms signing former Chelsea hero Frank Lampard this summer, has put his club in the frame if indeed Gerrard does leave Anfield. “I don’t ever rate players on their age,” Pellegrini said.

“It depends on the money they cost and the number of years they have left on their contract but, like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard is a top player who can continue at a high level for a number of years.” However, speaking after his side’s 1-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: “It’s quite straightforward. “I had a meeting with Steven’s representative explaining the situation. I very much want him to be a part of what we are doing here. “He’s been a brilliant captain for me. I relayed that to the ownership. I’m sure he will go away with that and hopefully his representative will organise a deal. “Steven is very much part of what I’m doing here. He’s a unique player, a unique talent.” SPORTS DESK

Mushfiqur hopes batsmen will pull through KhulnA AGENCIES

The Dhaka Test opened a can of worms for Bangladesh.

Despite a victory their batting, meant to be one of their strengths in home conditions, became a cause for concern.

The Khulna pitch might ease some of those worries but Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said the top order needed to buckle up.

“In any Test match you can see one or two soft dismissals, but in our case we see five or six soft dismissals, which is really alarming,” Mushfiqur said. “We are trying to improve our concentration. We are trying to focus in a way that if someone gets 50, he should score another 50 for the team. If the batsman can do it, he will get a hundred and the team will also benefit. Our top-order batsmen were a bit attacking.

We just hope they will play their normal game.”

The openers faltered in both innings of the Dhaka Test,

neither managing double-digit scores. Tamim Iqbal was caught in the cordon twice, while Shamsur Rehman holed out to mid-off in an early show of aggression in the first innings and chopped on trying to leave the ball in the second.

That left the middle order with a repair job which they handled well in the first innings but almost botched on the third day. It took a measured hand from Mushfiqur in the second innings to take Bangladesh to victory. “We said before the series that we will play every game to win, will give our best effort so that we can win every game,” he said. “We won the first game though everything did not go the way we wanted. Hopefully things will go our way in the second Test. Even if it takes us five days to win the game, we will take it. We are ready to win by any means and everybody is keen to perform. Our focus is to overcome mistakes that we made in the first Test.”

The match also gave the home side a glimpse of the

threat Zimbabwe could pose in the series - their pace bowlers extracting enough help from the pitch. Mushfiqur said both teams had disclosed their cards.

“Zimbabwe is not an easy team. You saw in the last Test they only had 100 runs to defend yet they gave a good fight,” Mushfiqur said. “They also know now the strength of our bowlers, who bowls in which line, similarly we know the weakness of their batsmen, who got out how.

We will try to plan that way.

Last Test ended in three days, but if we expect the same here it will be a mistake. I think they are now better prepared. But we are also ready mentally. If we need to fight till the last ball of the fifth day for a win we are ready for that.” The Khulna pitch is likely to suit the home side better. It’s the usual brown subcontinent clay unlike the dark soil in Dhaka that aided bounce. This surface is likely to get slower and lower with time. And it will turn.

CELTA VIGO STUN BARCELONA ON LUIS SUAREZ’S CAMP NOU DEBUT BARCELONA 0 CELTA VIGO 1 (LARRIVEY 55’) SPORTS DESK Luis Enrique suffered humiliation against his former club as Barcelona fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou. Joaquin Larrivey’s second half finish proved the difference between the two sides, although the home side were not without misfortune, as they struck the woodwork no less than four times. Barca’s starting frontline of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez – making his home bow - failed to find a breakthrough despite an abundance of clear-cut opportunities, with Celta maintaining their unbeaten away record this season. The result means that Barca have now lost successive Liga games after last week’s Clasico loss to Real Madrid, leaving Enrique’s side two points off the top of the table.

teams, and here he was turned inside out on the crease by Babar. It was a decent ball, but Clarke’s leaden feet contrasted sharply with those of his not-so-much younger self, which would likely have danced their way out of trouble. The difference with his opposite number Misbah was equally stark - it is the Pakistan captain who has looked and acted as though the younger man, despite his 40 years.

Misbah’s innings had begun with a generous Smith full toss that was slapped down the ground, but next ball a miscued attempt to swing the legspinner over the fence resulted in an edge that floated towards Siddle, who grassed the chance.

Brazilian strikes at goal from about 25 yards out, with the Celta Vigo goalkeeper Sergio completely beaten, but the woodwork comes to his rescue.

30 - BIG SAVE: Great shot, great save! Some neat build-up play sees Neymar cut back the ball to Messi, who takes it first time to angle a stabbed shot into the top corner at the near post, but Sergio pulls off a magnificent stop.

31 - OFF THE LINE AND BAR: Extraordinary! Off the bar! Messi rounds the keeper and looks to have the goal at his mercy but Jonny gets back on the line to scoop the ball up on to the woodwork and away from danger.

33 - MESSI MISS: Big miss from Messi! Suarez does brilliantly to check back and pick out the number 10 with a driven cross, but unmarked he puts his header over the bar. He looked certain to score.

44 - SERGIO STOP: Another big save! This time Neymar races through on goal and tries to find the far corner with

a low shot, but Sergio gets down brilliantly to push the effort away from the target.

47 - CROSSBAR: Off the woodwork again! Alba makes a great run down the left and receives a pass. He then picks out Neymar six yards out, but he somehow manages to hit the wooodwork with his effort.

54 - GOAL! Barcelona 0 Celta Vigo 1. The away team take a shock lead! It was a fantastic backheel from Nolito to set up Larrivey, who finishes really well.

69 - SUAREZ OPPORTUNITY: What a chance for Suarez!

Pedro crosses into Suarez, who has yards of space to pick his spot with a header, but somehow he manages to direct his effort into the arms of the keeper.

78 - OPEN GOAL: What a chance for Celta Vigo! Nolito forces a low save from Bravo after a volley from a tight angle, but Charles heads the rebound over the bar with the goal gaping. It came to him too quickly.

KEY EVENTS 9 - NEYMAR CHANCE: Big chance for Neymar! Rakitic gets to the byline and crosses a pass into the box, but Neymar sticks his header from about six yards into the turf and into the goalkeeper’s hands.

11 - WOODWORK: And now Neymar hits the bar! The

CMYK

80 - CROSSBAR AGAIN: Off the crossbar for the third time!

Messi shoots at goal from a freekick 25 yards out, but his strike clips the woodwork on its way out of play. That’s the fourth time the frame has been struck!

84 - SERGIO’S BEST SAVE: Huge save from Sergio! Suarez takes control of an Alves pass on the edge of the box before smashing a strike towards goal. But the Celta keeper tips it round the post magnificently.

KEY STATS Barcelona failed to score in a La Liga game at the Camp Nou for the first time since October 2011 against Sevilla.

Nolito has been involved in more goals than any other Spanish player in La Liga this season (5 goals & 5 assists).

Neymar (5) and Messi (4) have scored nine of the last 10 league goals for Barcelona.

TALKING POINT Does Luis Suarez need to be greedier in front of goal? Suarez has only played two games for his new club, but given that both of those games have ended in defeat the early signs of his compatibility at Barca aren’t exactly positive. But the Uruguayan was actually one of his team’s best performers in the loss to Celta, showing some nice touches and buildup play. Still, he needs to be greedier in front of goal, like he was at Liverpool, rather than always trying to find Messi.

MAN OF THE MATCH Nolito (Celta Vigo): Perhaps Enrique should have brought the former Barcelona B player with him to the big team at the Camp Nou when he swapped Celta Vigo for Barca in the summer. Nolito has excellent throughout the match and contributed an astonishing backheel assist for Larrivey’s winning goal. Not a bad return to the club where you learned your trade as a youngster.

PLAYER RATINGS Barcelona: Bravo 6, Alba 6, Mathieu 5, Mascherano 5, Alves 5, Rafinha 7, Busquets 5, Rakitic 6, Neymar 5, Messi 6, Suarez 6. Subs, Xavi 5, Pedro 6.

Celta Vigo: Sergio 8, Jonny 7, Gomez 6, Cabral 7, Mallo 6, Hernandez 6, Radoja 6, Krohn-Dehli 7, Nolito 8, Orellana 7, Larrivey 7. Subs, Borja 6, Charles 6, Madinda.

4 GJ Maxwell lbw b Zulfiqar Babar 5 MJ Clarke b Zulfiqar Babar 38 SPD Smith not out 26 MR Marsh not out 10 Extras (b 4, nb 1, pen 5) 143 Total (4 wickets; 48 overs) To batBJ Haddin†, MA Starc, MG Johnson, PM Siddle, NM Lyon Fall of wickets 1-19 (Rogers, 7.6 ov), 2-31 (Maxwell, 11.2 ov), 3-43 (Clarke, 13.6 ov), 4-101 (Warner, 27.4 ov) Bowling Rahat Ali 5-4-1-0, Imran Khan 5-1-13-0, Mohammad Hafeez 12-1-33-1, Zulfiqar Babar 17-1-65-3, Yasir Shah 8-0-21-0, Azhar Ali 1-0-1-0 MATCH DETAILS Toss - Pakistan, who chose to bat Player of the match - tba Umpires - RA Kettleborough (England) and NJ Llong (England) TV umpire - M Erasmus (South Africa) Match referee - RS Madugalle (Sri Lanka) Reserve umpire - Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)

Gazi set to start remedial work Bangladesh offspinner Sohag Gazi will start remedial work on his bowling action under the supervision of Ruwan Kalpage, the national spin-bowling coach, on the sidelines of the Khulna Test against Zimbabwe. Gazi was supposed to join former Bangladesh fielding coach Mohammad Salahuddin, who had helped Abdur Razzak remodel his action in 2009, in Malaysia but the trip was belatedly cancelled because of Salahuddin’s other commitments. “Most probably I will be travelling to Khulna on Tuesday to work under Kalpage, who is with the national team at the moment,” Gazi told the Dhaka Tribune. “If I can work for a month properly and work on my foot landing, which is the main problem, I am sure I can return to cricket very soon. “I am gathering mental strength and I am willing to work hard to make a return,” he said. “Sometimes it is frustrating to see my team playing a Test series at home and I really miss the dressing room. But this is life and I am very happy to see young spinners like Taijul [Islam] and Jubair [Hossain] along with experienced Shakib [Al Hasan] guiding the side to a Test win.” Gazi was suspended from bowling after his action was found to violate the 15-degree limit in the tests conducted in Cardiff, UK. He was reported after an ODI against West Indies at St George’s on August 22. SPORTS DESK

Lewis Hamilton to quit management company Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton has ended a management arrangement with Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment. “The contract expired and I am going to be doing something different,” the 29-year-old Mercedes driver told reporters at the U.S. Grand Prix on Saturday. “I don’t know what yet, but I will decide at the end of the year.” The 2008 champion joined XIX, who also manage former England captain David Beckham, tennis player Andy Murray and Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, in 2011. That followed a break with his father Anthony, who has been more in evidence again this year.

XIX were involved in his move from McLaren to Mercedes at the end of 2012.

Hamilton’s current contract is due to expire at the end of next year. Hamilton has won nine races so far this season and is leading team mate Nico Rosberg by 17 points in the championship. SPORTS DESK

SPORTS 15

Monday, 3 November, 2014

DHaWan, RaHanE faSHion SRi Lanka Rout

a

SPORTS DESK

JINKYA Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan delivered a staggering mid-innings explosion that yielded 96 runs in eight overs, and for the rest of the match, Sri Lanka were left chasing a runaway engine. India continued to hurtle ahead, hitting 363 for 5 after Rahane and Dhawan had hit hundreds, before Sri Lanka’s chase began to run out of steam inside the first 20 overs. Ishant Sharma’s 4 for 34 hastened the end, as he made excellent use of the bounce on the Cuttack pitch as well as the seam on offer.

The pre-series talk of Sri Lanka having arrived underprepared, and wielding a green attack, proved startlingly accurate, as they were defeated by 169 runs. The Dhawan-Rahane partnership had produced 37 more runs than the 194 Sri Lanka managed in their whole innings.

Suraj Randiv’s first ODI in three year’s had been going okay until his third over - the 21st of the innings. Kumar Sangakkara had been among the first to suggest Sri Lanka would head into this series underdone, and although he had fulfilled his own prophecy by dropping one catch each off Dhawan and Rahane, Sri Lanka had managed to keep India in check, conceding only 90 from the first 20 overs. But then the bloodbath began.

Rahane reached his fifty with a single off the second ball of that Randiv over, before Dhawan took strike and embarked on the first bona-fide charge of the innings. He paddle-swept Randiv fine for four first, then reverse-paddled him for an almost symmetrical boundary, before running at the bowler to crash him over long on, to bring up his own halfcentury. That was the moment the engine de-coupled and set off at the breakneck speed, on its own. The scoring barely eased from there, and even then, not until these two had been separated.

Dhawan was powerful in the arc be-

tween midwicket and cover, bullying even the decent balls to the fence, while Rahane, operating with a little more finesse, moving around the crease to manipulate the angles, playing that delicious inside-out shot particularly well. They took the batting Powerplay in the 24th over, and could hardly have used it more effectively. Gamage was cracked for 15 in one over, with the field pulled in, and Mathews walloped for 18.

The hitting from both batsmen was so clean and so precise that at 186 for 0 after 28 overs, a score in excess of 400 seemed a distinct possibility. Seeing that

both men were hitting well down the ground, the Sri Lanka bowlers attempted to pull back their lengths, but the openers would simply make room and flatbat the short balls back over the bowler - thoroughly unfussed, casually arrogant.

The batsmen completed their tons in quick succession; Rahane hitting his off 99 balls, before Dhawan launched Seekkuge Prasanna over midwicket to get to his milestone off 96. Having matched each other step-for-step in their partnership, they were both dismissed off innocuous balls too. Dhawan swept a floated Ashan Priyanjan ball on

SCOREBOARD INDIA AM Rahane c Jayawardene b Randiv 111 S Dhawan b Priyanjan 113 52 SK Raina lbw b Randiv 22 V Kohli c Perera b Randiv 27 AT Rayudu c Perera b Gamage 10 WP Saha not out 14 AR Patel not out 14 Extras (lb 5, w 7, nb 2) 363 Total (5 wickets; 50 overs) Did not batR Ashwin, UT Yadav, VR Aaron, I Sharma Fall of wickets 1-231 (Dhawan, 34.6 ov), 2-247 (Rahane, 37.5 ov), 3-299 (Raina, 43.3 ov), 4-314 (Kohli, 45.6 ov), 5-344 (Rayudu, 48.5 ov) Bowling KTGD Prasad 9-0-60-0, PLS Gamage 9-1-59-1, AD Mathews 40-33-0, NLTC Perera 7-0-51-0, S Randiv 10-0-78-3, S Prasanna 6-0-47-0, TM Dilshan 3-0-19-0, SMA Priyanjan 2-0-11-1 SRI LANKA WU Tharanga c Dhawan b Ashwin 28 TM Dilshan c †Saha b Yadav 18 13 KC Sangakkara c †Saha b Sharma 43 DPMD Jayawardene c Kohli b Patel

Moore retains CiMB Classic title in Malaysia American Ryan Moore won the CIMB Classic at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on Sunday, successfully defending the title he won last year. Moore started the final day tied for the lead with countryman Kevin Na but finished three shots clear of the field at 17-under-par after closing with a 67. His final round featured eight birdies and although he also made three bogeys, the 31-year-old held his composure to claim his fourth career PGA Tour title. “It’s been a great week, I’m a little bit lost for words,” Moore said in a televised interview. “To come back and defend a title, it’s something I’ve never before.” Spain’s Sergio Garcia, the highest-ranked player in the field at fourth in the world, drained a long par putt on the final hole to finish with a 69 in a three-way tie for second. Na rebounded from a double-bogey on the penultimate hole to birdie the last and sign for a 70, joining Garcia and Gary Woodland at 14 under. Woodland, who lost a Monday playoff to Moore in last year’s tournament, carded a 67 but missed his chance to finish outright second when he bogeyed the last. SPORTS DESK

KhulnA Bangladesh’s pre-series claims of superiority in batting and bowling almost lost relevance in Dhaka, where Zimbabwe’s seamers pushed the hosts into a corner from which they somehow found an escape. It may have been hard to come by, but a win is a win and it has brought Bangladesh a step closer to wrapping up the series. Zimbabwe perhaps missed their best chance because the conditions in Dhaka favoured their seamers as much as Bangladesh’s spinners. Khulna is not likely to come to their aid.

Despite their top-order collapses, Bangladesh are still the better batting team and are miles ahead of Zimbabwe in the spin department. But as the first Test showed, it is hard to predict a winner. What it did indicate also was the inexperience of both teams in handling delicate passages of Test cricket.

Khulna will present a new set of challenges, a lot of them for Zimbabwe, but a few for Bangladesh too.

For Zimbabwe, the foremost would be their ability to handle spin. They were

S Prasanna c Rahane b Patel 5 AD Mathews c Patel b Raina 23 SMA Priyanjan c †Saha b Sharma 12 29 NLTC Perera c Sharma b Yadav 5 S Randiv b Sharma 0 KTGD Prasad c †Saha b Sharma 0 PLS Gamage not out 18 Extras (lb 4, w 13, nb 1) 194 Total (all out; 39.2 overs) Fall of wickets 1-31 (Dilshan, 8.5 ov), 2-61 (Sangakkara, 13.2 ov), 3-84 (Tharanga, 16.2 ov), 4-109 (Prasanna, 21.1 ov), 5-130 (Jayawardene, 25.1 ov), 6-144 (Mathews, 30.1 ov), 7-167 (Priyanjan, 33.2 ov), 8-175 (Randiv, 35.2 ov), 9-175 (Prasad, 35.6 ov), 10-194 (Perera, 39.2 ov) Bowling UT Yadav 6.2-2-24-2, VR Aaron 4.1-0-26-0, I Sharma 8-1-34-4, V Kohli 0.5-0-6-0, R Ashwin 9-0-52-1, AR Patel 6-0-24-2, SK Raina 5-0-24-1 MATCH DETAILS Toss - Sri Lanka, who chose to field Series - India led the 5-match series 1-0 ODI debut - PLS Gamage (Sri Lanka) Player of the match - AM Rahane (India)

Djokovic coasts into final to face Raonic SPORTS DESK World number one Novak Djokovic took a further step towards becoming the first player to retain his Paris Masters title when he saw off Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-3 to set up a final with Milos Raonic.

Canadian seventh seed Raonic earlier qualified for Sunday’s showpiece match, his second at Masters level, by downing Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych 6-3 3-6 7-5.

“The final tomorrow, it’s just about really buckling down, hoping to play another great match, and making the most of the opportunity ahead,” said Raonic. Serbian Djokovic, who is on a 26-match winning streak indoors, was never threatened by Nishikori, who beat him at the U.S. Open but lacked energy after battling for almost three hours until late with David Ferrer in the last eight on Friday.

Djokovic extended his advantage over Roger Federer in the battle for the year-end number one spot to 910 points. He raced to a 4-1 lead and never looked back, appearing effortlessly to send his opponent chasing the ball to every corner of the court. Following an early exchange of breaks, Djokovic stole Nishikori’s serve again in the sixth game of the second set and it proved enough.

On a surface that keeps changing over the years, no player has retained their title at Bercy in a tournament held near the end of an energy-sapping season.

It will be followed from November 9-16 by the ATP World Tour Finals in London, for which Nishikori and Raonic qualified on Friday. The big-serving Raonic, runner-up at the Montreal Masters last year, followed up his quarter-final defeat of second seed Federer by beating Berdych, the 2005 Paris champion.

After firing down 21 aces against Federer, Raonic had to wait until the fifth game to serve his first on Saturday but by that time he had already broken Berdych for a 3-1 lead. Although Berdych read his serve pretty well, Raonic held and bagged the opening set when his opponent’s sliced backhand sailed long.

Berdych, however, broke in the second game of the second set as Raonic netted a backhand, before holding serve to level the tie.

ZIMBABWE SET FOR STERNER SPIN TEST AGENCIES

to his foot, and then deflected the ball on to leg stump on 113. Three overs later, Rahane lobbed a Randiv full toss straight to mid off, on 111.

Mathews tapped each of his eight bowling resources during the carnage, but no bowler seemed capable of clotting up the run hemorrhage, much less present a menace to India. The bowling was more uninspired than indisciplined. The quicks were short of variation, the spinners unable to deceive, and the mediumpaced allrounder turned out to be fodder on one of the flattest batting tracks Sri Lanka have played on this year.

found utterly short of skill against Bangladesh’s trio of spinners and appeared walking wickets at times. In Dhaka, it was the bounce. In Khulna, it could be turn. Although Zimbabwe resorted to novel methods of training after the first Test, like putting a piece of net on the pitch to add unpredictability, playing spin is not a skill developed in a few days. So they will remain susceptible to collapses and will depend on their experienced players, most of whom have played a lot of cricket in Bangladesh, to apply themselves. Zimbabwe’s second area of concern is their spin bowling.

They have variety in the squad but are short of experience. In Dhaka, Zimbabwe’s seamers made up for the disappointing performance of the spinners but moving forward in the series, they will have to bowl a lot more overs.

For Bangladesh, the batting has been a hassle. The openers did not fire while the middle order squandered its starts. Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur all played steady hands in the first innings but could not stretch their innings. As Mushfiqur leads his side for the 18th team, equaling Habibul

Bashar’s record for Bangladesh, he would hope the batting responds in Khulna and they wrap-up the series.

Form guide Bangladesh WLLDL Zimbabwe LLWLL Watch out for Brendan Taylor was the only Zimbabwe batsman who resisted the Bangladesh spin bowlers in the second innings in Dhaka as the team collapsed to 114. He was quick to move forward in defence but mostly played off the back foot. With experience of the conditions, Taylor will be expected to lead the batting revival in Khulna.

Legspinner Jubair Hossain made an encouraging debut in Dhaka where he picked up a couple of wickets. Jubair not only gets sharp turn, he also has a potent googly and a flipper in his armoury. Of a slight built, Jubair’s ability to bowl long spells will be tested as he moves forward in his career.

Team news Anamul Haque has been drafted into the Bangladesh squad and the selectors indicated he might play in the lowermiddle order. That would mean no place for Shuvagata Hom. Al-Amin Hossain, who did not bowl in the second innings in Dhaka and is awaiting the report on his action, will miss the second and the third Tests because of his university exams.

Bangladesh (possible): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Shamsur Rahman, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), 6 Shakib Al Hasan, 7 Anamul Haque, 8 Jubair Hossain, 9 Shafiul Islam/Rubel Hossain, 10 Shahadat Hossain, 11 Taijul Islam Although Zimbabwe’s spinners were ineffective in the first Test, coach Stephen Mangongo indicated he did not want

CMYK

to make a change as they were still learning. That decision will, however, be taken by the convenor of selectors who is in Bangladesh. If Tafadzwa Kamungozi does miss out, he could be replaced by legspinner Natsai M’Shangwe.

Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Vusi Sibanda, 2 Sikandar Raza, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Brendan Taylor (capt), 5 Regis Chakabva (wk), 6 Craig Ervine, 7 Elton Chigumbura, 8 Tinashe Panyangara, 9 John Nyumbu, 10 Tafadzwa Kamungozi/Natsai M’Shangwe, 11 Tendai Chatara Pitch and conditions Abul Hasan scored a century on debut from No. 10 two years ago in the only other Test played in Khulna. Two more Bangladesh batsmen narrowly missed hundreds in that game, suggesting the conditions would help the home batsmen. The overhead conditions are unlikely to be as bleak as in Dhaka, which means batting should be easier and seam bowling hard work. However, spinners will come into picture as the ball is expected start to keep low as the game progresses.

Stats and trivia Bangladesh need to win the series to overtake Zimbabwe in the Test rankings With two wins, Mushfiqur Rahim is the most successful captain for Bangladesh in Tests Mominul Haque is 70 short of becoming the 12th Bangladesh player to 1000 Test runs Quotes “In any Test match you can see one or two soft dismissals, but in our case we see five or six soft dismissals, which is really alarming. We are trying to improve our concentration.”

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim on his team’s batting “The first Test was close and we have prepared hard for the second game. We are determined to level the series here.”

Zimbabwe coach Stephen Mangongo

‘Dangerous’ alexis Sanchez delights Wenger Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed “dangerous” Alexis Sanchez after the Chile forward scored twice to help beat Burnley 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Sanchez has impressed following a £30million move from Barcelona after the World Cup, and his industry was rewarded on 70 minutes with a powerful header, having earlier been denied by fine saves by busy keeper Tom Heaton as Burnley held off the Gunners’ onslaught with a string of blocks by the dogged defence.

England defender Calum Chambers netted a quick-fire second two minutes later, lashing in his first Arsenal goal following a corner, with both Heaton and the woodwork saving Burnley further after Theo Walcott had made a welcome return off the substitutes bench from a long-term knee injury. Sanchez waltzed in a third during stoppage time - his 10th of the season - as Arsenal moved above West Ham on goal difference, and level with Manchester City, who play on Sunday.

“The header he scored is more the result of determination and desire than doing something special technically,” said Wenger, who had described Sanchez as a ‘street footballer’ in the build-up to the match. “He has the attributes of a fighter and of a quality, talented player. That’s what you want to see in every football player.” Wenger continued: “Since he has played through the middle he looks more dangerous because he is in full confidence, is physically strong, he likes to take people on as well and he makes perfect runs.”

After a somewhat inconsistent start to the new campaign and a run of injuries, Arsenal are now finding some momentum, having won at Sunderland last weekend on the back of a dramatic stoppage-time Champions League victory away to Anderlecht. SPORTS DESK

16 ADVERTISEMENT

Monday, 3 November, 2014

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

CMYK