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Waqas Dar

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Blog Entries posted by Waqas Dar

  1. Waqas Dar
    Photo: FILE KARACHI: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday claimed that a little interrogation by the Panama case joint investigation team (JIT) has shaken the Lahore throne.

    Addressing attendees of an Iftar dinner at CM House, Karachi, the PPP chairman mocked the Sharif family members saying, "One man laments he was made to wait for two hours, while another says it was two and a half hour".
    He criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government over prevailing power outages in the country, adding that continuous loadshedding has worsened condition of the people.
    "Mian sahib should admit that he is ineligible," Bilawal said. He went on to say the people do not want laptops or metro buses; they want bread to eat.
    The PPP chairman vowed to defeat the ones labelling people as power-pilferers in the next election.


  2. Waqas Dar
    LONDON: South Africa has won the game against Sri Lanka by 96 runs after bowling out Sri Lanka for 203 runs. 
    Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella started the Sri Lankan batting with a quick start; their 69-run partnership was broken by Morne Morkel who got the wicket of Dickwella in the eighth over. 
    However soon after a fiery opening stand, the Lankans were unable to create pressure against the Proteas as spinner Imran Tahir took four vitals wickets of their middle-order batsmen. 
    Timely wickets from Imran Tahir has made South Africa favourites to win the match as spinner Imran Tahir`s four-for left the Sri Lankan team reeling in the 300-run chase. 

    Tahir took the wickets of Upul Tharanga, Chamara Kapugedera and Asela Gunaratne and N Pradeep.
    Earlier, a fine century from former captain Hashim Amla helped South Africa to post 299 for six in their opening Champions Trophy fixture against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Saturday.
    The 34-year-old is the fastest batsman to 25 centuries having achieved the milestone in his 151st innings. It was his fifth ODI hundred against Sri Lanka.
    South Africa were slow out of the blocks after being put in to bat in overcast conditions.
    There were no boundaries in the first six overs and Sri Lanka -- who suffered a huge blow before the start of play when captain Angelo Mathews was ruled out of the game with a calf strain -- contained the world´s number one ranked team to 32 runs in the first 10 overs.
    Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep, who came on as first change, provided the breakthrough when Quinton de Kock was caught behind for 23.
    However, South Africa then made hay as Amla and Francois du Plessis added 145 runs for the second wicket -- Lasith Malinga costing his side dear when he dropped Du Plessis at long-leg when he was on eight.
    The stand was broken when Du Plessis was spectacularly caught by Dinesh Chandimal at short mid-wicket for 75 as Pradeep came on for a fresh spell.
    Du Plessis faced 70 deliveries and hit six fours.
    Amla reached his half-century off 53 balls and brought up his 25th century in ODI cricket in 112 balls with a single to square leg off Suranga Lakmal.
    But the 34-year-old was run out in the next over after reaching three figures when he attempted a second run having turned Asela Gunaratne to mid-wicket and Kusal Mendis´ accurate throw found him short of his crease.
    Amla hit just five fours and two sixes for his 103 and faced 115 deliveries.
    Chris Morris and J.P. Duminy injected some late momentum as they added 45 runs for the sixth wicket off 32 deliveries.
    The stand was broken when Morris was run out by a direct hit from Upul Tharanga fielding at mid-off.
    Duminy finished things off in style, smashing Pradeep for a six in the last ball. He was 38 not out off 29 deliveries.
    While hosts England successfully chased 306 in the curtain-raiser of the competition on Thursday against Bangladesh at the same venue, Sri Lanka´s batsmen will face a tougher challenge as this match is being played on a different surface, where the ball was slow off the pitch.
    AB de Villiers poses with the trophy/ICC "But we´re still humble at the same time and know that we have to work hard and take it one step at a time to win this," he added.

    Sri Lanka head into the tournament as underdogs and one of the key reasons they´ve struggled in recent months has been the absence of fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who hasn´t played any ODI cricket since November 2015 due to a knee injury.
    The return of Malinga, whose unorthodox, slingshot action makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face in world cricket, would be a massive boost for Sri Lanka.
    Sri Lanka skipper and all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been forced to sit out during South Africa match, after scans revealed some days ago he´d suffered a calf strain.
    Squads
    South Africa 
    Sri Lanka





  3. Waqas Dar
    Smoke rises from the site of a suicide attack after a blast in Kabul, Afghanistan June 3, 2017. ? REUTERS KABUL: A series of blasts in Kabul on Saturday killed at least 19 people at a funeral for one of the victims of clashes between police and protesters a day before.

    The latest explosions continued a wave of violence in the capital since a devastating truck bomb on Wednesday.
    Saturday's blasts shattered an uneasy calm which had descended after authorities blocked the streets of Kabul in a bid to prevent a repeat of the bloody confrontation between protesters and police on Friday.
    The violence, fueled by public anger over the inability of President Ashraf Ghani's divided government to ensure security in Kabul, has exacerbated political tensions between rival factions, and Ghani issued a call for unity.
    "The country is under attack," Ghani said in a message on Twitter. "We must be strong and united."
    Kabul's Italian-run Emergency Hospital, which has treated a stream of wounded over the past few days, said 19 people had been reported killed and 16 wounded had been brought to the hospital. The interior ministry said there were six dead and 87 wounded.
    Government Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah was at the funeral but was unharmed, while survivors said a series of explosions had ripped through the crowd, most of whom appeared to be linked to Abdullah's mainly Tajik Jamiat-e-Islami party.
    "There were sounds of explosions everywhere and I saw my hands and face were on fire," said Mohammad Azim, who was being treated for burns at the Emergency Hospital. "There were parts of human bodies everywhere."
    One of the most bloody weeks in Kabul for months began with the devastating truck bomb attack in the city's diplomatic zone on Wednesday morning which killed more than 80 people and wounded more than 460.
    That was followed by five more deaths on Friday during clashes which broke out between protesters and police at a rally demanding the resignations of Ghani and Abdullah over repeated security failures.
    As the violence has continued, it has become increasingly politicised, exacerbating tensions between rival ethnically-based political groups.
    FUNERAL
    The Taliban, which have often carried out bomb attacks in the past, issued a swift denial that it had any role and instead blamed factional rivalries in the government's own camp, the group's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.
    Saturday's blasts occurred at the funeral of the son of the deputy Senate speaker, Mohammad Alam Izadyar, an ethnic Tajik ally of Abdullah. He died after being seriously injured in clashes during Friday's protest.
    Rahmatullah Begana, who was at the funeral, said the first explosion occurred as the prayer leader made the first call to prayer and as people scattered, it was followed by another.
    "I saw a lot of people lying on the ground," he said.
    The violence further complicates the situation confronting US and coalition officials as they work on plans expected to see an increase of between 3,000 and 5,000 in the number of foreign troops in Afghanistan.
    As anger against the government has grown, Ghani's international partners have become increasingly alarmed, with the United Nations calling for restraint and the US embassy in Kabul warning against letting protests be taken over.
    "While peaceful demonstrations are welcome in a democracy, some narrow political elements used this opportunity to spark violence, resulting in more death and suffering," the embassy said. The statement was released after Friday's clashes but before the latest attacks on Saturday.
    With much of the capital locked down by security forces, a group of around 200 protesters remained near the blast site in the center of town, sheltering from the sun in open tents.
    Otherwise, security authorities in Kabul told people not to attend protests and demonstrations, citing the risk of attacks on large gatherings of people.
    While unusually large, Wednesday's truck bomb scarcely differed from a long series of previous high-profile militant attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians in Afghanistan since most international forces left the country in 2014.
    In the first three months of the year at least 715 civilians were killed across the country, after almost 3,500 in 2016, the deadliest year on record for Afghan civilians.


  4. Waqas Dar
    With only a few hours remaining for the much-awaited Pakistan-India clash, a panel of exceptional cricket experts have come together to share their analysis and predictions for tomorrow`s match.
    The joint-production of Geo News (Pakistan) and Aaj Tak (India) features Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Yousuf and Sikandar Bakht from Pakistan, while, Saurav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh and Mohammad Azharud din from India.
    The show is hosted by Shahzeb Khanzada and Vikrant Gupta.








  5. Waqas Dar
    The PTI chairman speaking to media outside Lahore airport's Hajj Terminal. ? Geo News screengrab LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan Saturday said the 'mafia' word (by a Supreme Court judge) was rightly used for the government, accusing it of employing every tactic to avoid accountability.

    Speaking to media men outside the Lahore airport's Hajj Terminal, Khan said the ruling family was going to be held accountable for the first time in the country's history, but a perception was being given away that they have always been held answerable.
    Nehal Hashmi threatens those investigating PM?s son, warns of consequences
    PML-N Sindh leader was addressing Youm-e-Takbeer event
    "This is wrong to say that Sharif family has always been held accountable," he said, alleging them of pressurising (institutions).
    The PTI chairman said that "this isn't 1997 when you could attack (the Supreme Court)".
    In a clear reference to Nehal Hashmi, he said that no one demonstrates such vigour while orating, unless he has backing from someone.
    Hashmi, in the video of his address at a Karachi rally on May 28, was seen threatening the ones "investigating the prime minister's son".
    SC serves contempt notice to Nehal Hashmi, compares outburst with mafia threats
    Former PML-N member's outburst cost him his Senate seat, party membership
    "You will not be spared; you are in service now but remember you will retire tomorrow. Those investigating us [must know] we will observe your day of judgment," he was seen roaring.
    On June 1, the apex court, while hearing a contempt case against Nehal Hashmi, had compared his May 28 outburst at a Karachi rally with mafia threats. During the hearing, Justice Azmat Saeed, remarked that only mafias and terrorists threaten children in the way that he [Hashmi] did.
    Govt regrets SC judge's 'mafia' remarks in Nehal Hashmi case
    ?The honourable judge leveled baseless allegations against govt,
    The remarks prompted the government to issue a statement on June 1, expressing 'deep sorrow and regret'. A spokesman for the federal government termed the "against judicial traditions and code of ethics of the apex court".
    Khan said only a mafia threatens others, not democratic people, adding, "Threatening someone by mentioning their children is a mafia's style".
    He said the people of Pakistan have become aware of the happenings and that he would make them come out into the streets. He claimed this time Sharifs will not get a chance to go to Jeddah or London.
    The PTI chairman maintained that he had brought his legitimate earnings to the country from abroad. "I have complete record of it, which has been provided to the Supreme Court."


  6. Waqas Dar
    LONDON: Back to back strikes by South African bowlers have slowed down the momentum of Sri Lankan batting. 
    Earlier, a fine century from former captain Hashim Amla helped South Africa to post 299 for six in their opening Champions Trophy fixture against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Saturday.
    The 34-year-old is the fastest batsman to 25 centuries having achieved the milestone in his 151st innings. It was his fifth ODI hundred against Sri Lanka.
    South Africa were slow out of the blocks after being put in to bat in overcast conditions.
    There were no boundaries in the first six overs and Sri Lanka -- who suffered a huge blow before the start of play when captain Angelo Mathews was ruled out of the game with a calf strain -- contained the world´s number one ranked team to 32 runs in the first 10 overs.
    Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep, who came on as first change, provided the breakthrough when Quinton de Kock was caught behind for 23.
    However, South Africa then made hay as Amla and Francois du Plessis added 145 runs for the second wicket -- Lasith Malinga costing his side dear when he dropped Du Plessis at long-leg when he was on eight.
    The stand was broken when Du Plessis was spectacularly caught by Dinesh Chandimal at short mid-wicket for 75 as Pradeep came on for a fresh spell.
    Du Plessis faced 70 deliveries and hit six fours.
    Amla reached his half-century off 53 balls and brought up his 25th century in ODI cricket in 112 balls with a single to square leg off Suranga Lakmal.
    But the 34-year-old was run out in the next over after reaching three figures when he attempted a second run having turned Asela Gunaratne to mid-wicket and Kusal Mendis´ accurate throw found him short of his crease.
    Amla hit just five fours and two sixes for his 103 and faced 115 deliveries.
    Chris Morris and J.P. Duminy injected some late momentum as they added 45 runs for the sixth wicket off 32 deliveries.
    The stand was broken when Morris was run out by a direct hit from Upul Tharanga fielding at mid-off.
    Duminy finished things off in style, smashing Pradeep for a six in the last ball. He was 38 not out off 29 deliveries.
    While hosts England successfully chased 306 in the curtain-raiser of the competition on Thursday against Bangladesh at the same venue, Sri Lanka´s batsmen will face a tougher challenge as this match is being played on a different surface, where the ball was slow off the pitch.
    AB de Villiers poses with the trophy/ICC "But we´re still humble at the same time and know that we have to work hard and take it one step at a time to win this," he added.

    Sri Lanka head into the tournament as underdogs and one of the key reasons they´ve struggled in recent months has been the absence of fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who hasn´t played any ODI cricket since November 2015 due to a knee injury.
    The return of Malinga, whose unorthodox, slingshot action makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face in world cricket, would be a massive boost for Sri Lanka.
    Sri Lanka skipper and all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been forced to sit out during South Africa match, after scans revealed some days ago he´d suffered a calf strain.
    Squads
    South Africa 
    Sri Lanka





  7. Waqas Dar
    LONDON: Sri Lankan death over bowling restricted Proteas to 299 runs despite a ton by opener Hashim Amla in their first match of Champions Trophy at the Oval on Saturday.   
    Earlier, South Africans lost their first wicket on 44 runs when Quinton de Kock was caught behind on a ball by Nuwan Pradeep on the first bowl of 12th over.

    Hashim Amla and F du Plessis steadily took ahead the South African innings soon after the fall of the first wicket, the latter scored an inning of 75 runs off 70 bowls, with six boundaries in his inning. In the 33rd over Pradeep once again struck by taking the wicket of Du Plessis.
    AB de Villiers was on 4 runs on the crease after the wicket, but to the surprise of many South African fans the experienced batsman on gave away his wicket on the leg break bowling of Seekkuge Prasanna.
    Amla`s century was followed by a wicket of David Miller. Later, the veteran open got run out in the very next over.
    A brilliant run out from Tharanga ended Chris Morris innings on 20 runs. 
    However, a brief 20 balls inning from JP Duminy took became a sigh of relief for the South African team as he scored 38 runs by hitting five fours and a six on the last ball of inning - taking the total to 299 runs. 
    Top-ranked South Africa have already enjoyed overwhelming one-day international success against Sri Lanka this year.
    They whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in a bilateral series in South Africa in January. Sri Lanka were not alone in being a touring side routed in 50-over cricket by South Africa, with the Proteas previously also hammering Australia 5-0.
    Yet South Africa have a reputation for under-performing in ICC tournaments. The only ICC event they have won was the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.
    South Africa also boast the world´s number one-ranked ODI batsman and bowler in AB de Villiers and Kagiso Rabada, respectively.
    In all they have four batsmen and two bowlers in the respective top 10 ICC rankings, while seventh-placed Sri Lanka have none in either list.
    "We´re still ranked the No 1 team in the world going into the tournament, so there are quite a few reasons for us to be confident," said South Africa ODI captain de Villiers, whose side were beaten 2-1 away to Champions Trophy hosts England in a preceding three-match warm-up series.
    AB de Villiers poses with the trophy/ICC "But we´re still humble at the same time and know that we have to work hard and take it one step at a time to win this," he added.

    Sri Lanka head into the tournament as underdogs and one of the key reasons they´ve struggled in recent months has been the absence of fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who hasn´t played any ODI cricket since November 2015 due to a knee injury.
    The return of Malinga, whose unorthodox, slingshot action makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face in world cricket, would be a massive boost for Sri Lanka.
    Sri Lanka skipper and all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been forced to sit out during South Africa match, after scans revealed some days ago he´d suffered a calf strain.
    Squads
    South Africa 
    Sri Lanka





  8. Waqas Dar
    LONDON: Proteas opener Hashim Amla`s scored his 25th century against Sri Lanka in their Champions Trophy opener at the Oval on Saturday. 
    Earlier, South Africa started off cautiously against Sri Lankan bowling in their Champions Trophy opener at the Oval on Saturday, after being asked to bat first.
    Top-ranked South Africa have already enjoyed overwhelming one-day international success against Sri Lanka this year.
    They whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in a bilateral series in South Africa in January. Sri Lanka were not alone in being a touring side routed in 50-over cricket by South Africa, with the Proteas previously also hammering Australia 5-0.
    Yet South Africa have a reputation for under-performing in ICC tournaments. The only ICC event they have won was the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.
    South Africa also boast the world´s number one-ranked ODI batsman and bowler in AB de Villiers and Kagiso Rabada, respectively.
    In all they have four batsmen and two bowlers in the respective top 10 ICC rankings, while seventh-placed Sri Lanka have none in either list.
    "We´re still ranked the No 1 team in the world going into the tournament, so there are quite a few reasons for us to be confident," said South Africa ODI captain de Villiers, whose side were beaten 2-1 away to Champions Trophy hosts England in a preceding three-match warm-up series.
    AB de Villiers poses with the trophy/ICC "But we´re still humble at the same time and know that we have to work hard and take it one step at a time to win this," he added.

    Sri Lanka head into the tournament as underdogs and one of the key reasons they´ve struggled in recent months has been the absence of fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who hasn´t played any ODI cricket since November 2015 due to a knee injury.
    The return of Malinga, whose unorthodox, slingshot action makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face in world cricket, would be a massive boost for Sri Lanka.
    Sri Lanka skipper and all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been forced to sit out during South Africa match, after scans revealed some days ago he´d suffered a calf strain.
    Squads
    South Africa 
    Sri Lanka





  9. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The statement issued by the government expressing ?sorrow? over a judge?s remark in the Nehal Hashmi case does not mean the judiciary at the government were not at loggerheads , said Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali.
    The government on June 1 issued a statement expressing 'deep sorrow and regret' over remarks by a Supreme Court judge in the Nehal Hashmi case painting the government as a 'Sicilian mafia?.
    The government while expressing immense sorrow over the remarks termed it "against judicial traditions and code of ethics of the apex court".
    The difference in views is being labelled as a conflict for vested political interests, a statement quoted Chaudhry Nisar as saying. "Unfortunately some elements have taken the responsibility of fuelling misunderstanding between the government and other institutions.?
    Nehal Hashmi threatens those investigating PM?s son, warns of consequences
    PML-N Sindh leader was addressing Youm-e-Takbeer event
    Govt moves to file criminal case against Nehal Hashmi
    Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf has initiated action to file a criminal case against former PML-N Senator Nehal Hashmi for threatening government officials
    He said that the self-proclaimed guardians of the judiciary have forgotten that when their party was in the government the institutions would be mocked and insulted.
    The interior minister added such people also include those who only abide by those court orders that serve their own interests. These people are creating an issue out of an incident over which the incumbent government took immediate action against, Nisar said.


  10. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf has initiated action to file a criminal case against former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Nehal Hashmi, who found himself in hot water for threatening those investigating the prime minister and his family.

    According to sources, the Attorney General has written a letter to the Sindh government for the purpose. Nihal Hashmi would be booked under the sections 168, 228, and 505 act.
    A person sentenced under Act 505 can be handed a seven-year sentence, while a person can be handed a two-year sentence under section 228. 
    Under section 168, a person can be handed a six-month sentence.
    All three sections are related to issuing threats to government officials, including threats given to investigation officials during a court proceeding.
    The attorney general confirmed to Geo News that steps are underway to initiate action against Hashmi.
    Nehal Hashmi, in a speech to workers in Karachi at a Youm-e-Takbeer event, on May 31 had threatened the prime minister's unidentified 'enemies'.
    "The one you are investigating is the PM's son," roared Hashmi.
    Without identifying who he was referring to, Hashmi said, ?You will not be spared; you are in service now but remember you will retire tomorrow.?
    "Those investigating us [must know] we will observe your day of judgment,? he stated further.
    Soon after the video emerged, he was stripped of his party membership and was made to resign from his Senate seat too.
    Taking notice of the issue, the Supreme Court served a contempt notice on June 1 over his controversial remarks.


  11. Waqas Dar
    RAWALPINDI: Five Indian soldiers were killed and many injured as Pakistan Army responded to unprovoked firing by Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturday, DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor said.
    Pakistan Army befittingly responded to yet another incident of ceasefire violation by Indian troops in the Tatta Pani sector along the LoC, destroying Indian bunkers in the exchange of fire, the DG ISPR said.
    Earlier on Friday, two civilians were injured as Indian border forces violated the ceasefire agreement along the LoC, according to the ISPR.
    Indian troops had resorted to unprovoked firing in Nezapir Sector along the LoC, injuring the civilians. However, the Indian firing was effectively responded to by Pakistan Army troops, which silenced the enemy guns.


  12. Waqas Dar
    South Africa's Quinton de Kock in action/Reuters  LONDON: South Africa started off cautiously against Sri Lankan bowling in their Champions Trophy opener at the Oval on Saturday, after being asked to bat first.
    Top-ranked South Africa have already enjoyed overwhelming one-day international success against Sri Lanka this year.
    They whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in a bilateral series in South Africa in January. Sri Lanka were not alone in being a touring side routed in 50-over cricket by South Africa, with the Proteas previously also hammering Australia 5-0.
    Yet South Africa have a reputation for under-performing in ICC tournaments. The only ICC event they have won was the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.
    South Africa also boast the world´s number one-ranked ODI batsman and bowler in AB de Villiers and Kagiso Rabada, respectively.
    In all they have four batsmen and two bowlers in the respective top 10 ICC rankings, while seventh-placed Sri Lanka have none in either list.
    "We´re still ranked the No 1 team in the world going into the tournament, so there are quite a few reasons for us to be confident," said South Africa ODI captain de Villiers, whose side were beaten 2-1 away to Champions Trophy hosts England in a preceding three-match warm-up series.
    AB de Villiers poses with the trophy/ICC "But we´re still humble at the same time and know that we have to work hard and take it one step at a time to win this," he added.

    Sri Lanka head into the tournament as underdogs and one of the key reasons they´ve struggled in recent months has been the absence of fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who hasn´t played any ODI cricket since November 2015 due to a knee injury.
    The return of Malinga, whose unorthodox, slingshot action makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face in world cricket, would be a massive boost for Sri Lanka.
    Sri Lanka skipper and all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been forced to sit out during South Africa match, after scans revealed some days ago he´d suffered a calf strain.
    Squads
    South Africa 
    Sri Lanka





  13. Waqas Dar
    LONDON: For the 48 percent of British voters who backed staying in the European Union in last year´s referendum, choosing a candidate to represent them in the upcoming election is proving extremely difficult.
    Some, like 45-year-old Tom Glover, are planning to vote for the centrist Liberal Democrats -- a minor opposition party that is very pro-European.
    "I've never voted for the Lib Dems in my life, but I will this time," the computer engineer and staunch Europhile told AFP in the City, London´s business hub.
    Glover was seduced by the Liberal Democrats´ promise to hold a second referendum at the end of Brexit negotiations on whether to accept the terms of the deal, or reject them and stay in the bloc.
    "The leader (Tim Farron) isn´t the most charismatic in my opinion but the idea that they would try their best to stay in Europe is enough for me to vote for them," he added.
    But few think like Glover and, despite unexpectedly receiving the backing of the respected weekly magazine The Economist, the Liberal Democrats continue to languish in the polls.
    The party only has seven percent of voting intentions in a recent poll by YouGov -- which interviewed 1,875 people on May 30 and 31.
    That was well behind the ruling Conservative Party on 42 percent and the main opposition Labour Party on 39 percent.
    'Best for the UK'
    Long-time supporter Benjamin, 31, said he would not vote for the Lib Dems despite being anxious over Brexit as his partner is European and his industry is dependent on business with Europe.
    "It´s just that they are not going to win. There is no point," he told AFP.
    For the pension fund employee, it is crucial to block Prime Minister Theresa May from leading the Brexit negotiations.
    "I don´t believe she or the Conservatives are doing what is best for the UK," he said, arguing that "it would be better to have a Labour government."
    According to YouGov, 53 percent of "Remainers" -- those who voted to stay in the bloc -- intend to vote for the main opposition party led by Jeremy Corbyn, even though his campaign to stay in the EU was lacklustre and he is now promising Brexit.
    But the party´s pledge to respect the outcome of the referendum while also negotiating a "close relationship" with the EU resonates well with "Remainers".
    Forty-eight percent of them believe "the government has a duty to carry out" Brexit, according to a YouGov poll from May 8.
    "People voted, so at the end of the day, if you go back on this referendum, why would you abide by any other referendum?" Natasha, a human resource professional told AFP.
    Describing herself as "unrepresented" on the campaign trail, Natasha argued that the referendum´s close result "gives credence to the fact that there should be a soft Brexit" where Britain would remain inside the European single market and allow immigration.
    Tactical voting
    It is for these undecided voters that Gina Miller launched her "Best for Britain" initiative within hours of May taking the country by surprise in April by announcing a snap election.
    Her crowd-funding appeal promised to put Brexit at the heart of the campaign and collected more than £400,000 ($514,000, 457,000 euros).
    The investment fund manager has distributed the money to 25 candidates from either Labour, Lib Dems, the Green Party or independent.
    All pledged to fight against the tougher Brexit advocated by the prime minister.
    For Miller, this "progressive alliance" may be the answer to what she see as a "vacuum" in British politics.
    "The most effective thing to do is tactical voting," she told AFP.
    Voters, she argued, should cast their ballot "for the character of the individual, not the character of the party".


  14. Waqas Dar
    QUETTA: The police released on Saturday sketch of the suspected kidnapper of the two Chinese nationals, who were abducted from Jinnah Town on May 24.
    However, investigation is under way to recover the Chinese couple.
    The Chinese pair, identified as Li Zang Hing and Ming Leassi Ha, were working at a Korean centre nearby Jinnah Town and had been teaching Korean language to the area residents for more than a year.
    Sketch of a suspect involved in kidnapping of the Chinese couple.  According to the details, the foreign nationals had gone to eat at a local restaurant when four unidentified men took them away in a car. Moreover, a security guard was also injured by the gunmen when he tried to stop the kidnapping.
    Following the kidnapping, the police formed a three-member investigation team under the leadership of DIG Counter-Terrorism Department to probe the case. The team also includes SSP Investigation and SP Saddar.


  15. Waqas Dar
    Mattias Martinsson pictures in Pakistan. Photo: courtesy Mattias Martinsson KARACHI: Swedish investor Mattias Martinsson said that Pakistanis are among the smartest people in the world while was speaking on Geo Pakistan early Saturday morning.

    Pakistan?s specialty is its people. Many people want to work hard and get education. They will prove to be important assets for the country, he remarked.
    His involvement in the Pakistan stock market bears testament to the foreign investors? trust on the country?s market.
    In 2011, when no one was willing to invest in Pakistani market it was Martinsson who established the country?s first foreign equity fund.
    No investor was willing to invest in the equity fund, but Martinson and his partner invested a million dollars into it. Today, the fund is worth $100 million.
    He remarked that he has been working with Pakistan stock market since 2005. ?It has impressed me a lot.?
    ?I think differently from the rest. Don?t pay attention to what the other investors are thinking. Pakistan is one of the most important markers,? he said.
    Pakistan?s market has the potential to progress as much as Indian market. However, many investors are still tremble at the thought of investing in Pakistan. If they start investing then the equity fund would be worth a lot more, he added. 


  16. Waqas Dar
    A special tribute is being planned by Bollywood actor Salman Khan at the International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) event in July for deceased actress Reema Lagoo. 
    Reema passed away on May 18. 
    Salman Khan worked with Reema Lagoo in several movies including Hum saath saath hain, Kuch Kuch hota hai, Saajan, Main ne pyar kiya and Hum apke hain kaun.


    Salman, who will be performing at the event, said: "Reemaji had played my mother in some films, starting with 'Maine Pyar Kiya'. Off-screen, she was like a friend with me. She was a lovely human being. It feels like I've lost my onscreen mother."

    Followed by his comment, IIFA officials confirmed: "We will dedicate certain moments in the performance for Reema Lagooji."




  17. Waqas Dar
    LONDON: Sri Lanka won the toss and put South Africa in to bat first in their Champions Trophy opener at the Oval on Saturday.
    Top-ranked South Africa have already enjoyed overwhelming one-day international success against Sri Lanka this year.
    They whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in a bilateral series in South Africa in January. Sri Lanka were not alone in being a touring side routed in 50-over cricket by South Africa, with the Proteas previously also hammering Australia 5-0.
    Yet South Africa have a reputation for under-performing in ICC tournaments. The only ICC event they have won was the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.
    South Africa also boast the world´s number one-ranked ODI batsman and bowler in AB de Villiers and Kagiso Rabada, respectively.
    In all they have four batsmen and two bowlers in the respective top 10 ICC rankings, while seventh-placed Sri Lanka have none in either list.
    "We´re still ranked the No 1 team in the world going into the tournament, so there are quite a few reasons for us to be confident," said South Africa ODI captain de Villiers, whose side were beaten 2-1 away to Champions Trophy hosts England in a preceding three-match warm-up series.
    AB de Villiers poses with the trophy/ICC "But we´re still humble at the same time and know that we have to work hard and take it one step at a time to win this," he added.

    Sri Lanka head into the tournament as underdogs and one of the key reasons they´ve struggled in recent months has been the absence of fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who hasn´t played any ODI cricket since November 2015 due to a knee injury.
    The return of Malinga, whose unorthodox, slingshot action makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face in world cricket, would be a massive boost for Sri Lanka.
    Sri Lanka skipper and all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been forced to sit out during South Africa match, after scans revealed some days ago he´d suffered a calf strain.
    Squads
    South Africa 
    Sri Lanka





  18. Waqas Dar
    Pakistan on Friday was elected chair of the World Health Organization's Executive Board with Dr Assad Hafeez assuming office as Chairman. 
    The group of 34 member countries elected Pakistan as the chair during its 141st session held on June 1 in Geneva. 
    The election of Dr Hafeez was a result of a two-tier process. Pakistan was elected first by the group of 22 countries comprising members of the Eastern Mediterranean Region and finally by the Executive Board comprising 34 countries. 
    Members representing the 34 countries are individuals holding technical qualifications in the field of health and each has been designated by the member state. Each member state is elected for a three-year term. 
    Congratulating the nation on the honour Pakistan has achieved, Minister for National Health Services, Saira Afzal Tarrar said it was indeed a great honour for Pakistan as well as a recognition of the important role it was playing in the field of health globally. 
    The World Health Organization's Executive Board meets at least twice a year with its annual board meeting held in January. During the annual board meeting, the agenda for the World Health Assembly is decided and resolutions that will be considered by the Assembly are decided in a second meeting held in May. 
    One of the main functions of the board is to advice and facilitate the World Health Assembly and to give effect to the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly comprising 194 member countries. 




  19. Waqas Dar
    CARDIFF: Zinedine Zidane believes Cristiano Ronaldo's inspirational leadership will be the decisive factor when Real Madrid bid for Champions League final history against Juventus on Saturday.
    Ronaldo is firmly in the spotlight as Zidane's side try to become the first club to win consecutive European Cup finals since AC Milan 27 years ago.
    While some criticised Ronaldo for his erratic performances in Real's Champions League final victories over Atletico Madrid, he still scored the winning penalty in last year's showpiece and also netted in the 2014 title match.
    Ronaldo has been in transcendent form once again this season, reaching 400 career goals for Real as the team won the Spanish title for the first time in five years.
    And Zidane is adamant the 32-year-old Portuguese forward´s ferocious will to win is key to Real´s success because he sets such high standards that his team-mates feel obliged to keep up.
    "He's a good person, he worries about the others, and what´s really important is what he does professionally," Zidane told a press conference at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday.
    "He always wants more. Even if he is playing in a training session he wants to win there as well.
    "He's got something inside. He's a born leader, especially on the pitch.
    "What's most important for me is he wants to win."
    Zidane has his own special place in Real´s storied history after scoring the winner in the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen, a triumph that marked the highpoint of the ´Galacticos´ era at the Bernabeu.
    But the former France star has no doubt Ronaldo, who has also won two La Liga titles and two FIFA Club World Cups with Madrid, will have proved himself to be the more valuable of the two Real legends by the time he retires.
    Asked who was the better player, Zidane said: "Cristiano Ronaldo, no doubt, because he scores goals and that´s the most important."
    If Real win on Saturday, Zidane will be the first manager to win back to back European Cups since AC Milan´s Arrigo Sacchi in 1989 and 1990.
    The 44-year-old has defied critics who claimed his soft-spoken personality would make it impossible for him to cope with a squad of fragile egos and the constant behind the scenes politicking in the club´s corridors of power.
    Now Zidane is on the brink of an historic achievement he would have found impossible to imagine when he was a youngster kicking a ball around the streets of Marseille.


    Spectacular
    "If you had said I was going to live all of this when I was a child, quite frankly I would never have believed it, but I´m living it. I´m enjoying it all," Zidane said.
    "Myself and the players realise we are living something spectacular, something very special. It´s really something beautiful to play a final."
    Dealing with the pressure of chasing history is no burden for Zidane and his players.
    "Real Madrid knows how to feed off this pressure. We are always living under this pressure," he said.
    "I´ve seen it as a player and as a coach. Everyone says we are favourites, but it´s a final, in one game anything can happen.
    "We will do everything we can to win, but I´ve lost many times as a player in important matches. I know it´s possible."
    Zidane refused to reveal whether he will start Wales forward Gareth Bale, who has been struggling with calf and ankle problems for much of the season, or stick with in-form Isco.
    But regardless of who features in the Madrid line-up, he doesn´t expect them to be faced with a defensive Juventus team.
    "It´s going to be very open on both sides. Juve defend very well but it´s not just that, they attack also," he said.
    "I don´t want to say they have their best team ever, but they have very good offensive players."


  20. Waqas Dar
    According to a US State Department official, consular officers can now demand extra information from applicants they deem to require "more rigorous national security vetting". Photo: AFP WASHINGTON: The United States has begun asking some would-be visitors applying for visas to provide their identities on social media, among other more vigorous screening methods.

    A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP new security procedures had gone into effect on May 25 for travelers deemed to present a risk.
    The plan has already raised the concerns of civil liberties advocates, who fear travellers who pose no terrorist threat, may be stigmatised for their political or religious views.
    It also comes at a time of controversy over another new measure, President Donald Trump´s attempt to ban all travellers from six mainly-Muslim countries.
    But in a March 6 memorandum, Trump vowed to tighten controls on who can enter the United States, including by studying their online behavior.
    According to the US official, consular officers can now demand extra information from applicants they deem to require "more rigorous national security vetting."
    "Such visa applicants will be asked to provide additional information, including their social media handles, prior passport numbers, additional information about family members, and a longer history of past travel, employment, and contact information," she said.
    Nevertheless, she added, these changes will "affect only a fraction of one percent of the more than 13 million annual visa applicants worldwide."
    There is no suggestion that travellers will have to surrender passwords to their accounts.
    But if they have, for example, posted suspect material on Facebook or "followed" an extremist account on Twitter or Instagram they may face additional questions.
    The tougher visa rules also come after the US administration banned travellers from several airports in the Muslim world from using laptops on passenger flights.
    This came after intelligence agencies reportedly found evidence that extremists have perfected the technology to hide a viable bomb in a working computer.
    Extremist threat
    The White House, meanwhile, asked the US Supreme Court on Thursday to reinstate its temporary ban on travelers from six nations despite repeated setbacks in the lower courts.
    It called on the court to rule on the legal standing of Trump´s order, appealing a ruling by the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that blocked the ban.
    It also asked the Supreme Court to lift another US-wide injunction issued by a federal judge based in Hawaii.
    Fate of Trump travel ban hinges on emergency US Supreme Court request
    The fight over the emergency application is likely to determine whether the ban ever takes effect
    Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said the White House believes the order is lawful, despite charges that it targets Muslims in breach of US freedoms.
    "The president is not required to admit people from countries that sponsor or shelter terrorism," she insisted.
    Trump issued his initial travel ban, which banned entry to nationals from seven countries for 90 days and suspended the nation´s refugee program for 120 days, in January.
    After a weekend of chaos at airports and consulates as travellers and officials struggled to adapt to the new rules, the US courts stepped in and halted the measure.
    Trump, who boasted during his campaign that he would impose a "total ban" on Muslim travellers, has insisted that the measure is based on legitimate security concerns.
    A revised executive order in March meant to address concerns raised by the federal judges. It deleted Iraq from the list and removed an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees.
    But the new order was also widely criticized by immigrant rights activists and constitutional scholars.


  21. Waqas Dar
    LONDON: South Africa begin their Champions Trophy challenge at the Oval on Saturday by taking on a Sri Lanka side against whom they have already enjoyed overwhelming one-day international success this year.
    The number-one ranked Proteas whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in a bilateral series in South Africa in January. Sri Lanka were not alone in being a touring side routed in 50-over cricket by South Africa, with the Proteas previously also hammering Australia 5-0.
    Yet South Africa have a reputation for under-performing in ICC tournaments. The only ICC event they have won was the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.
    South Africa also boast the world´s number one-ranked ODI batsman and bowler in AB de Villiers and Kagiso Rabada, respectively.
    In all they have four batsmen and two bowlers in the respective top 10 ICC rankings, while seventh-placed Sri Lanka have none in either list.
    "We´re still ranked the No 1 team in the world going into the tournament, so there are quite a few reasons for us to be confident," said South Africa ODI captain de Villiers, whose side were beaten 2-1 away to Champions Trophy hosts England in a preceding three-match warm-up series.
    AB de Villiers poses with the trophy/ICC "But we´re still humble at the same time and know that we have to work hard and take it one step at a time to win this," he added.

    Sri Lanka head into the tournament as underdogs and one of the key reasons they´ve struggled in recent months has been the absence of fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who hasn´t played any ODI cricket since November 2015 due to a knee injury.
    The return of Malinga, whose unorthodox, slingshot action makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face in world cricket, would be a massive boost for Sri Lanka.
    "He has been our leading bowler for many years and we missed him," said captain Angelo Mathews. "He is very keen to return to ODI cricket and we are looking forward to him performing again."
    There are also question marks about all-rounder Mathews´s availability for the South Africa match after scans revealed he´d suffered a calf strain.
    Squads
    South Africa 
    Sri Lanka




  22. Waqas Dar
    General Zubair Mahmood Hayat speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Photo: AFP SINGAPORE: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat said on Saturday that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can help resolve conflicts in the region.
    He was speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore- Asia?s premier defence summit attended by delegates from over 50 countries. He was the keynote speaker at a session titled ?New Challenges for Crisis Management in the Asia-Pacific? along with Malaysian and Canadian defence ministers at the Asia Security Summit.
    General Zubair Mehmood Hayat also remarked that the influx of Afghan refugees has created challenges for Pakistan?s internal security.
    Pakistan has contributed to security in South Asia through counter terrorism and counter privacy measures, he remarked.
    52 countries want to be part of CPEC: PM
    The prime minister spoke informally to media in Gwadar, where he arrived today
    He added that Pakistan is also engaged in humanitarian efforts in the region, pointing out that Pakistan sent a ship to Sri Lanka for humanitarian assistance of those affected by the monsoon
    About 700 million unemployed people and unskilled youth in South Asia is a human management challenge, he remarked.
    Speaking about cyber threat, he said that its emerging as a new challenge and the threat is poses cannot be whisked away. 


  23. Waqas Dar
    If you're some die-hard fan of Game of Thrones then this news is for you.


    Harvard University will soon be introducing a medieval history course inspired by the popular fantasy thriller Game of Thrones. 



    Yes, it's no kidding!


    According to a leading daily, the course is being offered at the introductory 100-level.
    The course, titled the Real Game of Thrones: From Modern Myths to Medieval Models, the folklore and mythology course will study the HBO TV show based on George R R Martins' books that "echoes and adapts, as well as distorts the history and culture of the medieval world of Eurasia from c. 400 to 1500 CE".



    As per a leading international tabloid, Sean Gilsdorf, a medieval historian and Administrative Director and Lecturer in Medieval Studies at the varsity saying, "the course will study a set of archetypal characters at the heart of Game of Thrones -- the king, the good wife, the second son, the adventurer, and so on, with distinct analogues in medieval history, literature, religion, and legend".


    So, interested?








  24. Waqas Dar
    There are reports of a fallout between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble BIRMINGHAM: Title-holders India will look to put an off-field row behind them when they face archrivals Pakistan in their Champions Trophy opener at Edgbaston on Sunday.

    The build-up to what is arguably cricket´s most anticipated fixture has been dominated by reports of a falling out between India captain Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble.
    Former India leg-spinner Kumble has overseen five Test series wins since his appointment in June last year.
    His contract expires after the end of the Champions Trophy but many have questioned the wisdom of the Board of Control for Cricket in India´s decision to advertise Kumble´s job a week before the one-day international tournament starts.
    Ramachandra Guha, who quit a Supreme Court-appointed four-member committee overseeing the BCCI in protest, said in his letter of resignation: "If indeed the captain and the head coach were not getting along, why was this not attended to as soon as the Australia series was over in late March??
    "Why was it left until the last minute, when a major international tournament was imminent?"
    Photo: Virat Kohli Facebook There were fears India may not even get the chance to defend the title they won at Edgbaston four years by beating hosts England in a thrilling final reduced by rain to 20 overs per side, after the BCCI hinted at a boycott of the 50-over tournament as a result of a revenue-sharing dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

    But Kohli, one of the most driven players now in world cricket, said as his squad left for England: "The hunger to win and ruthlessness is what we speak about all the time."
    The India captain leads a powerful batting line-up, with former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, in a column for www.icc-cricket.com, writing: "While Kohli is the backbone, India possesses considerable firepower around him. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni are all match-winners."
    Afridi also noted the "balance" in a bowling attack which is set to include seamers by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami as well as the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
    ´Nothing to lose´
    But Pakistan are not without hope and boast proven performers in the likes of skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, an excellent wicket-keeper/batsman, as well as a big-hitting rookie in Faheem Ashraf.
    "We have nothing to lose, we just want to play our natural game," Sarfraz said last week. "We are very hopeful of playing well in this tournament and we want to win it."
    Yet for all that players on both sides have tried to label Sunday´s clash as "just another game", the fact is someone always has something to lose in an India-Pakistan match, a fixture that commands the attention of billions around the world let alone in the cricket crazy sub-continent.
    Political rivalry means the two sides have not played a bilateral series since 2012-2013.
    India have never lost a 50-over World Cup or Twenty20 showdown against Pakistan, and a win on Sunday would put them in good stead in a tough group also including Sri Lanka and South Africa.
    But Pakistan have won two of their three Champions Trophy showdowns against India.


  25. Waqas Dar
    If you think only humans love golf then you're probably wrong. Bears love golf too.


    A bear proved it right when the Golfer Gary Cox was getting in a little golf game at Moose Run Creek Course in Anchorage, Alaska.

    The golfer was rudely interrupted by a curious black bear as it approached the hole with a flag seeming to be quite interested.
    But, the bear scurried off after one of the golfers yelled "hey, hey, hey" at him.
    The bear who wasn't done, decided to head towards the golfers, and eventually raided the golfer's bag for some food.
    Watch the video below:








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