Robson half-century guides England

LEEDS: On this occasion, there were not too many secrets to unravel. Headingley can still become treacherous for batsmen when the mood takes it, but this was a day when it rolled over and allowed its tummy to be tickled. Sri Lanka's trio of pace bowlers maintained disciplined lines, but they received little assistance and, as such, the procession of right-armers seeking to move the ball away from the right-hander became samey.

Robson's first Test fifty, in his second Test, was assembled in two-and-three-quarter hours. Oddly, he reached it with a moment of impatience, forcing Nuwan Pradeep off the back foot between slip and gully. Concentration disturbed, he had a nibble at the next one and almost edged to the wicketkeeper. Slim and fresh faced, he quietly admonished himself: a silent witness to his own error.

His strength looks to be the off-side drive, off the front foot, but partial to that shot or not, he will not be drawn into anything extravagant.

Ballance approaches an innings, one suspects, with less complexity. When Sri Lanka pitched the ball around off stump, his surname was inappropriate; he was liable to get into a tangle. If he was a forensic scientist, he would drop the odd test tube. Give him a clip off his hips, the chance to sweep the spinner or pretty much anything on the back foot and he looks more at home.

As for Cook, he continues to struggle, 17 to follow scores of 17 and 28 in the first Test at Lord's. Headingley was the venue for his last Test century, but this year it was the source of more breast beating. He fell to Dhammika Prasad, a bat dangler as he pushed forward half-heartedly, held low by Kumar Sangakkara at first slip.

Bowlers think that by maintaining a fuller length they have his measure. He will probably have to play forward for the rest of his Test career and he needs to find a response.

Japan put Italy to sword for 10th straight win

TOKYO: Japan´s forward line put in a dynamic performance as the Asian champions extended their record winning streak to 10 games with a nail-biting 26-23 victory over Italy on Saturday.

Male Sau´s bulldozing try on the hour mark ultimately proved the difference for Japan but the home side had to survive a nervous finish before recording their first win in six meetings with the Azzurri.

Japan struggled in the lineout but they punched above their weight in the scrum, while Italy coach Jacques Brunel slammed his butter-fingered players as the Six Nations side lost their ninth game in a row.

Japan are now set to break into the world´s top 10 for the first time, but Jones insisted all that mattered was next year´s World Cup.

Japan are drawn in Pool B at the World Cup in England, alongside South Africa, Scotland, Samoa and the United States. They disappointed at the 2011 World Cup under former All Black John Kirwan, beaten by hosts New Zealand, France and Tonga before drawing 23-23 with Canada.

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru kicked 16 points for the Japanese, who came into the game boosted by a 37-29 away victory over World Cup opponents the United States last weekend.

Akihito Yamada´s fifth-minute try gave Japan the early initiative until a penalty try awarded after the winger´s knock-on gave Italy a foothold, the first half ending 13-13.Italy´s resistance appeared to crack when Sau crashed over following sustained Japanese pressure in the 60th minute, but a breakaway try from Robert Barbieri made for a cliff-hanging final five minutes. (AFP)

W-Indies cruise to 10-wicket Test victory over NZ

PORT OF SPAIN: West Indies finally broke the back of New Zealand´s resistance and romped to a 10-wicket victory after lunch on the final day of the second Test at Queen´s Park Oval on Friday.

Set 93 runs to win after the Black Caps were dismissed for 331 in their second innings, attacking opening batsman Chris Gayle stole the show with an unbeaten 80 off just 46 balls as the home side romped to 95 without loss off 13.2 overs.

The result leaves the series tied at 1-1 heading into the third and final Test starting on Thursday at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

Gayle, who belted seven fours and six sixes, left Kraigg Brathwaite trailing in his wake. But it was the junior opening partner who took the Man-of-the-Match award for his first innings of 129.

It was all very different at the start of the day, though, as New Zealand´s late-order defiance and unsettled weather caused the home side no end of anxiety, especially as sub-standard cricket contributed to their own frustrations.

Starting the day at 257 for eight, just 18 runs ahead with only two wickets in hand, the Black Caps´ ninth-wicket pair of B.J. Watling and Mark Craig extended their partnership to 99, a new record in Tests for New Zealand against the West Indies.

The Caribbean side broke through after 80 minutes´ play when Craig was caught by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin for a topscore of 67 off Kemar Roach, giving the pacer his fourth wicket of the innings.

Craig had continued to live a charmed life. In a bizarre sequence of events at the start of the final day, the left-hander edged through the slip cordon, was dropped by Benn at third slip and then had another edge missed by Chris Gayle low to his right at first slip when Ramdin chose not to attempt the catch. Jerome Taylor was the suffering bowler on each occasion.

His eventual dismissal was the prompt for rain to then drive the players off the field, holding up play for 20 minutes as West Indian impatience grew.

Last man Trent Boult hung around for more than half-an-hour with Watling as another 20 runs were eked out before touching a delivery from fast bowler Shannon Gabriel for Ramdin to take his fifth catch of the innings on the stroke of lunch.

Watling was unbeaten on 66, his 387 minutes of unyielding defiance occupying 216 deliveries and including four boundaries. (AFP)

Valencia double gives Ecuador new life

CURITIBA: Ecuador moved into second place in World Cup Group E as two goals from Enner Valencia handed them a 2-1 win over Honduras in Curitiba on Friday.

Honduras had looked on course for their first ever World Cup win when Carlo Costly fired them in front on 31 minutes, but Valencia levelled from close range just three minutes later.

And the Pachuca striker moved alongside Karim Benzema, Robin Van Persie, Thomas Mueller and Arjen Robben as the tournament´s joint top scorer on three goals when he headed home the winner from Walter Ayovi´s free-kick 25 minutes from time.

Ecuador now lead Switzerland on goal difference with both sides locked on three points after two games behind group leaders France on six.

However, Honduras can also still qualify despite losing both their games so far should they heavily defeat the Swiss and Ecuador lose to France.

After a nervy opening from both sides the game began to open up midway through the half and Honduras felt they had a strong penalty appeal waved away by Australian referee Benjamin Williams when Costly went down under pressure from Juan Paredes.

Moments later it was Ecuador who should have taken the lead as Valencia timed his run onto Frickson Erazo´s long ball forward perfectly but couldn´t find the target when left with just Noel Valladares to beat.

Honduras´s first clear chance of the game came just before the half hour mark when Victor Bernardez headed wide when unmarked at the far post.

Four minutes later, though, Costly did net his country´s first World Cup goal in five games stretching back to their inaugural appearance at the finals in 1982 as he beat Jorge Guagua to a high ball before slamming home left footed.

The Hondurans´ lead was short-lived as within three minutes Juan Paredes´ deflected effort fell perfectly for Valencia to bundle home his second goal of the tournament.

Honduras ended the half the stronger side as Bernardez´s powerful free-kick was turned behind by Alexander Dominguez and Jerry Bengston rightly had a goal ruled out for handball after Costly´s initial header had come back off the post.

After the break it was Ecuador´s turn to feel aggrieved with referee Williams as he again was unmoved when Felipe Caicedo tumbled under a challenge from Maynor Figueroa.

However, that decision mattered little in the end as Valencia netted the winner when he rose highest to meet Ayovi´s sweet delivery.

NASA postpones Mars ´flying saucer´ test on Earth

LOS ANGELES: The U.S. space agency has postponed its plan to send a "flying saucer" into Earth´s atmosphere to test technology that could be used to land on Mars.

NASA spokeswoman Shannon Ridinger says weather conditions caused Wednesday´s launch of the saucer-shaped vehicle to be delayed.

The next potential launch date is June 14. NASA has depended on the same parachute design to slow spacecraft after they enter the Martian atmosphere.

But it needs a larger and stronger parachute if it wants to land heavier objects and astronauts.

After being launched via balloon from Hawaii, the new vehicle will ignite its rocket engine and climb to 34 miles (54 kilometers). It will slow itself down from supersonic speeds and unfurl a parachute for a water landing.

‘Super’ banana to face first human trial

SYDNEY: A super-enriched banana genetically engineered to improve the lives of millions of people in Africa will soon have its first human trial, which will test its effect on vitamin A levels, Australian researchers said Monday.

The project plans to have the special banana varieties -- enriched with alpha and beta carotene which the body converts to vitamin A -- growing in Uganda by 2020.

The bananas are now being sent to the United States, and it is expected that the six-week trial measuring how well they lift vitamin A levels in humans will begin soon.

"Good science can make a massive difference here by enriching staple crops such as Ugandan bananas with pro-vitamin A and providing poor and subsistence-farming populations with nutritionally rewarding food," said project leader Professor James Dale.

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) project, backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, hopes to see conclusive results by year end.

"We know our science will work," Professor Dale said. "We made all the constructs, the genes that went into bananas, and put them into bananas here at QUT."

Dale said the Highland or East African cooking banana was a staple food in East Africa, but had low levels of micro-nutrients, particularly pro-vitamin A and iron.

"The consequences of vitamin A deficiency are dire with 650,000-700,000 children world-wide dying ... each year and at least another 300,000 going blind," he said.

Researchers decided that enriching the staple food was the best way to help ease the problem.

While the modified banana looks the same on the outside, inside the flesh is more orange than a cream colour, but Dale said he did not expect this to be a problem.

He said once the genetically modified bananas were approved for commercial cultivation in Uganda, the same technology could potentially be expanded to crops in other countries -- including Rwanda, parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Tanzania.

"In West Africa farmers grow plantain bananas and the same technology could easily be transferred to that variety as well," he said. (AFP)

COAS visits corps headquarters, briefed on Zarb-e-Azb

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has emphasized that all terrorists along with their sanctuaries must be eliminated without any discrimination.

According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release the COAS visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar on Monday where he was given a detailed briefing on the progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

The ISPR adds, that the Army Chief expressed his satisfaction over the preparation and progress of the operation so far, adding that the operation is not targeted against our valiant tribes of North Waziristan but against the terrorists holed up in the Agency who have picked up arms against the state of Pakistan.

IDP Management
Additionally, the COAS directed all concerned to undertake special measures towards diligent management of IDPs in coordination with the relevant civilian agencies.

The Army Chief reiterated that with the support of the nation, operation Zarb-e-Azb will be concluded successfully and comprehensively.

No other choice but to stand with the army: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan Monday said his party was left with no other choice but to stand with the army after the decision of going ahead with the comprehensive offensive has already been taken.

He said he learnt about the launch of operation in North Waziristan on TV and questioned ‘shouldn’t they have taken us into confidence first?’ “Now what other choice do we have except for standing with the army?”

Imran Khan asked is it a good practice in democracy that the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) comes forward to announce that an operation has been launched?

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, which is the biggest victim of terrorism, was not taken on board. The KP government, therefore, has not made any arrangements for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), he added.

“If there was no other choice but to go ahead with an operation, then at least we should been taken into confidence,” he lamented.

He said the Prime Minister did not ensure to put the dialogue process under a leadership it had deserved.

Imran Khan said the Prime Minister kept undertaking tours for attracting investment but the terrorism was a much bigger issue. “Investment would automatically flow to Pakistan if it rids itself of terrorism,” he added.

US supports operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ against Taliban

ISLAMABAD: The US backs the military operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ against the Taliban militants, spokesman US Embassy said here on Monday.

The Spokesman said the US supports every step of Pakistan taken for the establishment of peace.

Pakistan army launched operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ against the local and foreign terrorists in North Waziristan Agency, days after the deadly attack on Karachi airport claimed by the Taliban militants.

PM Nawaz takes parliament into confidence over NWA operation

ISLAMABAD: Operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ has been launched against terrorism and it will continue till the obtainment of the final objective of restoration of peace and tranquility in Pakistan, said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here on Monday.

Addressing the lawmakers and senator from the floor of National Assembly and then Senate here, the Prime Minister said the government, with a view to give peace a chance, had begun dialogue process but at the same made it clear that talks and terrorism cannot go side by side.

“We gave peace a chance despite the sacrifice of thousands of lives rendered by the army and others,” the PM recalled.

However, he regretted that the offer of initiating the peace talks process made in all sincerity was not reciprocated in the same coin. “On the one hand the peace negotiations were undertaken while on the other the bloodbath of our women and children also continued,” he added.

He said the ‘game of fire and death was being played from Islamabad Kutchery to Karachi airport’. “So much so that even our worship places, educational institutions, army installations, airports and residences became unsafe.”

He said the acts of terrorism dealt a great blow to the dignity and standing of Pakistan.

The Prime Minster said in the wake of relentless string of terrorist attacks and, finally, after the deadly assault on Karachi airport the decision was taken to launch the operation. “I am confident the operation will be the harbinger of peace and security for Pakistan,” he added.

He said special centers have already been set up for those willing to adopt the path to peace.

He urged the religious Ulema to come forward and guide the fellow countrymen so that terrorism and extremism can be defeated.

The Premier said there might have been difference of opinion over peace talks and operation but this must come to an end now.

He said prays of every mother, daughter and youth of Pakistan are for the armed force of the country.

“The entire nation stands behind the armed forces,” he said, adding, the political leadership of the country also stand behinds the forces.

He also called upon the country-loving inhabitants of tribes to also play their due role in the operation.

The Prime Minister said the Minister for States and Frontiers, Abdul Qadir Baloch will coordinate efforts between the Federation and provincial governments and hoped that Baloch will continue to get the cooperation of the Khyber Pakhtunwah government.
PM Nawaz on Operation -16 Jun 2014 by GeoNews

Pakistan Army to be deployed in Karachi

KARACHI: The Pakistan Army is being deployed at sensitive locations across the city.

According to the ISPR, the army will be available to aid Rangers and police. The deployment is underway and expected to be completed by Tuesday morning. Armoured vehicles will also be deployed along with army contingents.

The decision was taken after the military launched an operation against terrorists in North Waziristan Agency.

Security has been increased across the country to avoid any untoward incident.

PM says operation will continue till all terrorists eliminated

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the military operation in North Waziristan will continue till all terrorists have been eliminated.

According to official sources, Prime Minister Sharif is in contact with the military leadership and has been briefed on the initial results of the operation.

The prime minister is expected to take the nation into confidence about operation Zard-e-Azb while addressing the National Assembly on Monday.

All the members of parliament and federal ministers have been asked to be present during the proceedings of the house. The prime minister is likely to give the whole background of talks with the extremists and sincerity of the government to find a peaceful solution of the situation.

It is expected that a resolution of identical text would be adopted by the two houses of parliament for pronouncing support of the action of the government against the terrorists.

Sindh Assembly passes resolution supporting Zarb-e-Azb

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday approved a resolution supporting the military operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ against terrorists in North Waziristan Agency.

The provincial assembly session was chaired by speaker Agha Siraj Durrani during which a table supporting the operation was tabled by MQM parliamentarian Irum Farooque which was approved unanimously.

The resolution states that despite efforts of the government to hold peace talks, terrorists continued with their nefarious activities.

Speaking to the media after the provincial assembly session, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said police and Rangers had been placed on high-alert in Karachi. Opposition leader in the provincial assembly Shaheryar Maher said the operation against terrorists was the need of the hour.

PTI MPA Hafeez Uddin said the government was confused over the operation. Deputy speaker Shehla Raza praised the Pakistan Army calling it amongst the best in the world. She expressed hope that the operation would be successful.

Taliban threatens to burn palaces in Islamabad, Lahore

MIRANSHAH: The Pakistani Taliban on Monday warned foreign firms to leave the country and vowed retaliatory strikes against the government after tanks, ground troops and jets were deployed in a long-awaited offensive in a troubled tribal district.

The warning came as Pakistan´s major cities braced for revenge attacks by ramping up security at key installations and ordering soldiers to patrol the streets, while hospitals in the northwest prepared for incoming casualties.

The offensive on North Waziristan, a stronghold of Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants, was launched a week after a brazen insurgent attack on Pakistan´s main airport in Karachi which left dozens dead and marked the end of a troubled peace process.

Pakistan´s Western allies, particularly the United States, have long demanded an operation in the mountainous territory to flush out groups like the Haqqani network which use the area to target NATO troops in neighbouring Afghanistan. But authorities had held back from a final push -- possibly fearful of angering pro-Pakistan warlords and of opening too many fronts in their decade-long battle against homegrown Islamist insurgents.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) main spokesman Shahidullah Shahid warned foreign countries to stop doing business with the government and supporting their "apostate army". "We warn all foreign investors, airlines and multinational corporations that they should immediately suspend their ongoing matters with Pakistan and prepare to leave Pakistan, otherwise they will be responsible for their own loss," he said in a statement.

"We hold Nawaz Sharif´s government and the Punjabi establishment responsible for the loss of tribal Muslims´ life and property as a result of this operation," he added, vowing to "burn your palaces" in Islamabad and Lahore. The warning came as major cities beefed up their security, with troops seen patrolling the streets of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

"The security of the capital was already on alert, but a new alert has been issued," an Islamabad police spokesman told AFP. Police in Pakistan´s economic hub Karachi have declared a "red alert" and cancelled leave for all 27,000 personnel, spokesman Atiq Shaikh told AFP. And in northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province which borders the tribal zone, the government has declared a state of emergency in all hospitals and asked them to prepare for incoming casualties, provincial health minister Shahram Khan Tarakai said in a statement.

Pakistani air force jets have been pounding suspected militant hideouts in the region since Sunday and have been joined by tanks and infantry engaging in heavy artillery strikes. An AFP reporter in the region´s main town of Miranshah said tanks were now occupying the bazaar as troops fire intermittently in the air to warn people not to leave their homes.

More than 2,000 troops could be seen at new posts set up in the mountains. Pakistan already had troops stationed in the tribal district, but these were reinforced in the days leading up to the offensive.

The death toll from the offensive so far stands at 177, according to the military, the majority through air strikes but some through sniper fire. The figures cannot be verified independently. In the town of Bannu 10 kilometres (6 miles) east of North Wazirstan, hundreds of military trucks with machine guns installed on top were on their way toward the fighting zone, as were oil tankers and a military field hospital.

At the Kashoo Bridge area, some 25 kilometres northeast of Bannu, tractors were busy levelling the ground to set up a camp for internally displaced people (IDPs).

Arshad Khan, Director General Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) said: "We have made arrangements to accomodate IDPs in two camps. "Some 62,000 people have fled the region so far into other parts of Pakistan according to official data, with "hundreds of thousands" eventually expected.

Six security personnel martyred in NWA blast

MIRANSHAH: Six security personnel were martyred and three injured in a IED blast targeting their vehicle in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Monday. 

 According to official sources the blast took place in Ghullam Khan on Bangidar road.

Meanwhile according an ISPR press release, 27 militants were killed in fresh airstrikes during the ongoing operation in North Waziristan. The press release further said that 140 terrorists have been killed in operation Zarb-e-Azb which was launched by the military on Sunday.

Need to rid country of terrorism: Army chief

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said on Monday terrorism in Pakistan needs to be eliminated.

General Sharif visited the National Defence University and addressed participants of the National Security and War Course. According to an ISPR press release, the army chief’s address focused on the internal and external situation of the country with particular reference to the ongoing operation in North Waziristan.

The army chief emphasised that the operation is aimed to eliminate all terrorists and their sanctuaries in North Waziristan and ‘get rid of the menace of terrorism.’

Upon his arrival at the National Defence University, General Raheel Sharif was received by President National Defence University Lieutenant General Javed Iqbal.

27 terrorists killed in North Waziristan operation: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: At least 27 terrorists were killed on Monday during operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ as fighter jets destroyed six terrorist hideouts in Shawal, North Waziristan Agency.
A statement released by the ISPR said there was no civilian population in the area. According to the ISPR, the operation on North Waziristan is progressing as per plan. ‘No operation in civil populated areas has been started so far.’

The ISPR says North Waziristan Agency has been isolated by deploying troops along the border with neighbouring agencies and FATA regions to block any move of terrorists in and out of the agency. ‘Troops have cordoned off all terrorist bases including Mirali and Miranshah.

Six Soldiers Martyred

Six security personnel were martyred and three injured in a IED blast targeting their vehicle in North Waziristan Agency.

According to official sources the blast took place in Ghullam Khan on Bangidar road.

Pak-Afghan Border

Security has also been heightened along the Pak-Afghan border to check terrorists fleeing from the area. Afghan National Army and Afghan Border Police have also been requested to seal the border on their side to facilitate elimination of terrorists fleeing across the border. They have also been requested to initiate immediate measures to eliminate TTP terrorists and their sanctuaries in Kunar, Nuristan and other areas of Afghanistan.

IDPs

The ISPR states that an orderly and dignified evacuation of civil population out of North Waziristan Agency is being ensured. Necessary Logistics and administrative arrangements for IDPs have been completed by Political Administration and Disaster Management Agency. Registration points and IDP camps have been established at Bannu.

Operation Aimed At Eliminating Terrorists, Sanctuaries: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has emphasised that the operation is aimed at eliminating all terrorists and their sanctuaries and ‘get rid of the menace of terrorism.’

Pakistan Army Launches Operation

On Sunday, precise air strikes in Degan-Boya in North Waziristan killed 140 terrorists most of whom were Uzbeks.

The Pakistan army formally announced the start of a full-scale operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ against terrorists in North Waziristan Agency on the directives of the government.

Federal government files another appeal in Musharraf ECL case

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has filed another petition in the Supreme Court against removing the name of former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf from the Exit Control List (ECL).

The appeal was filed on behalf of the federal government by Attorney General Salman Butt. The appeal places emphasis on the importance of the situation and has sought an immediate hearing on Tuesday.

Karachi: 20 bodies found near Gadani

KARACHI: The bodies of 20 fishermen were found near the Gadani beach on Monday.

Fisheries officials said the bodies were found near Burida Camp in Gadani area. According to initial reports, the fishermen went into the open sea despite a warning from the MET office during Cyclone Nanauk.

Wreckage of a boat was also found at the shore that is likely to belong to the deceased fishermen.

Further details are yet to be ascertained about the incident and possible cause of deaths.

CJP to constitute new bench for hearing govt. plea in Musharraf ECL case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Monday referred to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) the matter of constitution of a new bench for hearing the federal government’s plea that former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf be restrained from going abroad, Geo News reported.

SC three-member headed by Justice Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Ejaz Afzal was hearing the federal government’s petition here.

During the hearing, Attorney General Salman Butt requested the court to fix the hearing of the petition this week, as a review petition on behalf of Pervez Musharraf has also been filed in Sindh High Court for allowing him to go abroad even before 15 days.

Meanwhile, in case of any decision, the federal government’s petition in Supreme Court would become infructuous.

Justice Saqib Nisar remarked that you had submitted the petition seeking hearing soon, which we have heard. Now, your petition would first be processed in the Supreme Court office and then the matter would go to CJP Justice Tasadduq Hussain Jilani, who would constitute the bench.

The court, therefore, referred the matter to CJP for the constitution of a new bench.

Masterminds of Karachi airport attack also killed in NWA bombings

RAWALPINDI: Several foreign terrorist commanders are among 80 terrorists killed during aerial strikes by Pakistani Jets in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing of the Pakistan Army.

Security-sources confirmed that terrorist commanders belonging to the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Abu Abdul Rahman Almani and Wilayet bin Hashim were among several other terrorists killed in the air strikes conducted about 0130 hours on Sunday.

The report adds that the strike was carried on intelligence about presence of terrorists involved in the Karachi Airport attack at the hideouts in Degan, Datta Khel in NWA.
North Waziristan Bombing-15 Jun 2014 by GeoNews

Following confirmed reports about the presence of foreign and local terrorists involved in the Karachi Airport attack, Pakistani jets targeted the hideouts as well an ammunition dump.

While the ISPR confirms over 80 terrorists were killed in the strike, a foreign news agency has reported the number to be as high as 150.

The political administration confirms a curfew remains enforced in NWA and all exit/entry roads are closed.

Pakistan army launches operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ in North Waziristan

RAWALPINDI: In a major development, Pakistan army on Sunday formally announced to have launched a full scale operation 'Zarb-e-Azb’ against ‘local and foreign terrorists’ in North Waziristan Agency ‘on the directions of the government’.

Director General, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a press release on Sunday said: “On the directions of the Government, Armed forces of Pakistan have launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who are hiding in sanctuaries in North Wazirastan Agency.”

“The operation has been named Zarb-e-Azb.”

The DG ISPR further said that using North Waziristan as a base, these terrorists had waged a war against the state of Pakistan and had been disrupting our national life in all its dimensions, stunting our economic growth and causing enormous loss of life and property.

“They had also paralyzed life within the agency and had perpetually terrorized the entire peace loving and patriotic local population,” he added.

He said: “Our valiant armed forces have been tasked to eliminate these terrorists regardless of hue and color, along with their sanctuaries.”

He said with the support of the entire nation, and in coordination with other state institutions and Law Enforcement Agencies, these enemies of the state will be denied space anywhere across the country.

“As always, armed forces of Pakistan will not hesitate in rendering any sacrifice for the motherland.”

Defence Minister says:

Defence Minister, Khwaja Asif has said that a major military operation was the need of the hour but stopped short of giving details of the operation, saying the details cannot be made public at this stage.

Militants killed overnight

According to a press release issued earlier, the ISPR said that reportedly over 50 terrorists, mostly Uzbek foreigners were killed in the strikes conducted at 0130 hours.

A number of Terrorists hideouts in Degan, Datta Khel in NWA, were targeted by jet aircrafts.

It said there were confirmed reports of presence of foreign and local terrorists in these hideouts who were linked in planning of Karachi airport attack.

Rangers raid in Nazimabad, 11 suspects detained

KARACHI: Rangers detained 11 suspects during a raid in Karachi’s Nazimabad area on Sunday.

According to sources, the suspects belong to a religious political party and the paramilitary force has recovered arms and ammunition from their possession.

The Rangers spokesperson adds that an investigation is underway.

Jaitley hurls ceasefire-violation allegations on Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley again hurled allegations on the Pakistan Armed forces of violating the ceasefire along the line of control.

Jaitley who was in Srinagar on Sunday said, violations along the line-of-control should cease, adding that dialogue and violations cannot continue simultaneously.

Regarding the special powers given to forces present in Indian occupied Kashmir, Jaitley said the decision will be taken after reviewing the situation on ground.

PPP to remain part of democratic alliance: Khurshid Shah

KARACHI: Leader of opposition in the national assembly, Khurshid Shah Sunday said that the federal and Sindh governments should provide security to the installations instead of bickering over and added that the institutions would have to get forward meeting the dangers, Geo News reported.

Talking to media on the sidelines of Family Expo function at the Expo centre here, Khurshid Shah said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would not become a party to any undemocratic move and would continue remaining part of the democratic alliance.

He said that the Karachi airport attack was quite shocking, but there was no two-opinion about it that the responsibility of the airport security rested with the federal government.

Khurshid Shah said that the government would not try to arrest Tahirul Qadri. He further said that the trial under Article 6 would not be fruitful without linking it with October 12, 1999 military coup.

TTP ready for talks despite Jet bombings in NWA

MIRANSHAH: Outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Sunday said that North Waziristan Agency (NWA) was being targeted by the Jet fighters bombings, but the TTP was still serious and sincere for the process of talks like before, Geo News reported.

In a statement issued to media, TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said that TTP started talks with all seriousness and sincerity in the larger interest of Islam and Pakistan and never adopted any non-serious attitude during the process of talks. He further said that all necessary measures including the declaration of unilateral ceasefire were taken for the creation of congenial atmosphere of talks.

He reiterated that North Waziristan was being targeted by Jet fighters bombings, but the TTP was still serious and sincere for continuation of the process of talks and added, “Our stand in this regard is like an open book.”

Jhagra sent to London for further treatment on directive of PM

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on Sunday sent to London for further treatment of the injuries that he had suffered in a traffic accident few months ago, Geo News reported.

 Family sources said that Iqbal Zafar Jhagra was sent to London in an air ambulance on the directive of the prime minister.

It may be recalled that Iqbal Zafar Jhagra a few month ago was on his way back after attending a wedding ceremony in Multan, when his car rammed into a stationary trolley on the road near Doli Shaheed, leaving him and three others on board the car injured.

West to pursue oil investments in Russia despite Ukraine crisis.

MOSCOW: Energy chiefs and political titans gather in Moscow this week for a major conference that will highlight the West´s desire to pursue oil investments in Russia despite the Ukraine crisis.

With oil prices hitting nine-month peaks on Friday owing to violence in Iraq, the 21st World Petroleum Congress, which occurs every three years, takes on even greater prominence. Moscow, which is locked in its worst standoff with the West since the Cold War, is expected to use the week-long event to emphasise its leading presence on the world energy scene.

In Moscow, OPEC Secretary General Abdullah El-Badri will be joined by about 5,000 delegates, including the chief executive of British energy giant BP Bob Dudley and bosses at Russia´s Gazprom and Rosneft.

The Kremlin will host a reception on Sunday at the congress organised by the World Petroleum Council. Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a speech Monday at the event that will bring public and private companies together with government agencies from 65 nations representing more than 95 percent of the world´s crude oil production and consumption.

While the various scheduled conferences and round tables present classic sector issues such as obstacles to financing and competition from renewable energy sources, developments linked to current geopolitical strains look set to grab the attention of markets.

On Saturday, the Pentagon said the US was sending its aircraft carrier the USS George H.W. Bush to the Gulf in response to the crisis in Iraq, with spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby saying the carrier would provide "flexibility should military options be required to protect American lives, citizens and interests".

With the Iraqi government battling to regain control of the cities taken by militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) earlier in the week, Iran´s President Hassan Rouhani indicated his country could consider cooperating with the US to repel the extremists.

Iraq is the second biggest oil exporter in the 12-nation Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries after kingpin Saudi Arabia, and OPEC pumps about one-third of the world´s oil.

In Kiev, meanwhile, an urgent round of EU-brokered gas talks between Russia and Ukraine ended Saturday night without an agreement. The countries have been locked in a dispute over gas prices since a popular uprising ousted Kiev´s Kremlin-backed president Viktor Yanukovych in February.

Negotiations will resume Sunday under a looming threat by Moscow to cut off supplies as early as Monday if no deal is reached. Gas giant Gazprom has said Kiev has until 0600 GMT Monday to pay the Russian state firm $1.95 billion (1.45 billion euros) or face a gas cutoff. Russia has warned that European energy supplies could be interrupted and urged the West to help cover Ukraine´s bill.

Despite rising tension, Western energy companies are expected to use this week´s event in Moscow to reiterate their desire to invest in exploration projects across Russia. BP, which on Monday will release its annual energy market study, has insisted that it remains committed to Rosneft, despite the latter´s chief executive Igor Sechin being named among officials facing punitive measures over Putin´s stance on Ukraine.

BP retains a near-20 percent stake in Rosneft after the British firm sold its 50 percent holding in joint venture TNK-BP to the Russian company.

French energy giant Total meanwhile announced in May that it had signed a deal with Russia´s second biggest oil firm Lukoil to explore and develop shale oil deposits in western Siberia. While Western energy companies are looking to Russia to help them secure new sources of oil and gas to meet rising global demand, Russian firms are benefiting from their partners´ technological expertise, especially in the field of uncovering energy from shale rock.

Saudi Arabia last week said the oil market was experiencing a good supply-demand balance as it joined fellow OPEC members in maintaining the cartel´s crude output ceiling.

Football: Italy’s Super Mario sinks England

MANAUS: Mario Balotelli scored the winner as Italy beat England 2-1 in their World Cup duel in the Amazon on Saturday as Costa Rica provided a major shock with an upset win over Uruguay.

AC Milan striker Balotelli nodded past former Manchester City team-mate Joe Hart on 50 minutes to decide the tense Group D encounter at Manaus´s sweltering Amazonia Arena.

Italy´s Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio had fired the Azzurri into a deserved lead on 35 minutes, rifling home a low shot from outside the area after a well-worked corner routine wrong-footed the English defence.

England struck back with a fine goal on the counter-attack. Raheem Sterling released Wayne Rooney down the left and the Manchester United star´s cross was buried by Daniel Sturridge.

The Italian victory leaves Cesare Prandelli´s side in pole qualifying position from Group D. The only blot on a satisfying day for Italy was the absence of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was ruled out of the England match hours before kick-off with a twisted ankle.

England now face Uruguay in Sao Paulo next Thursday with the loser of that contest facing almost certain elimination.

"It´s disappointing, we put so much effort into it," said England captain Steven Gerrard after.

"Italy were a very good team tonight and we fell a bit short. But we´re still very much alive in this group," he added.

- Disastrous start –

South American champions Uruguay´s campaign got off to a disastrous start earlier when they were beaten 3-1 by Costa Rica at the Castelao Stadium in Forteleza. That came just 24 hours after the Netherlands humiliated reigning champions Spain 5-1 in Salvador.

Uruguay, despite being without star striker Luis Suarez, looked to be on the way to all three points in the Group D opener after Edinson Cavani´s first half spot-kick put them ahead.

But Costa Rica brilliantly recovered with three second half goals to take the game and go top of Group D on goal difference.

Two goals in three minutes from Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte put the Central Americans ahead before substitute Marcos Urena added a late third.

Uruguay´s Maxi Pereira was sent off in injury time.

Costa Rica now play four-time world champions Italy in Recife next Friday.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez bemoaned the absence of injured star Suarez, and said he could be fit for the crunch showdown with England.

"There are four days before the game with England, we´ll see whether or not he can play but the most important thing is the person," Tabarez said.

- Colombia romp -

Earlier, stylish Colombia shrugged off the absence through injury of star striker Radamel Falcao to hammer Greece 3-0 in Group C.

With Falcao watching from the stands, his Monaco team-mate James Rodriguez emerged as the star of the match, scoring one and setting up another for Teofile Gutierrez. Pablo Armero was Colombia´s other scorer.

"We are capable of scoring goals and creating chances, which is a great thing to have," said Colombia´s Argentinian coach Jose Pekerman.

"The important thing is that everyone did their bit for the team and that transmits confidence. We took our chances and knew how to play as a team."

Japan and Ivory Coast contest the final game of the day in the coastal city of Recife at 10:00pm (0100 GMT).

As the tournament got into full swing, the shockwaves from Spain´s record defeat against the Netherlands reverberated afar.

Spain´s heaviest loss for 51 years was also the worst ever suffered by the defending champions at a World Cup.

Spain are now fighting just to remain in the tournament as they prepare for a difficult test against Group B opponents Chile on Wednesday.

Spanish goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas took the blame for what he called his worst night. But Spain coach Vicente del Bosque leapt to the defence of his under-fire skipper on Saturday.

"If a team loses it´s not down to the performance of a single player," said Del Bosque when asked if he would drop Casillas against Chile.

"Defeats happen as a result of weaknesses in the entire squad, but least of all because of the performance of Iker Casillas," added Del Bosque. (AFP)

England secure 122-run lead

LONDON: Angelo Mathews became the second Sri Lanka batsman to add his name to the Lord's honours board in successive days as he completed a pugnacious century to restrict England's first-innings lead to 122 in the first Test. England quietly extended that advantage to 149 by lunch and still had the opportunity to put Sri Lanka under severe pressure on the final day.

Kumar Sangakkara had to wait until the closing phase of his career before finally making a Test hundred at Lord's. Mathews did so at the first attempt in an innings characterised by ebullient, bottom-hand blows, a vital innings which took Sri Lanka close enough to England's first innings to make their anticipated declaration on the final day all the trickier.

Mathews reached three figures with a full-blooded smite through the off side as James Anderson served up a low, wide full toss. It was his third hundred in Tests, following equally assertive affairs on similar surfaces at SSC and in Abu Dhabi. He was out in the next over, to the next ball he faced, as Liam Plunkett had him lbw with a ball of full length, Mathews' decision to review the dismissal failing to spare him.

England's attack could be satisfied with how they had stuck to their task in favourable batting conditions. The pitch remained as politely accoutred as a civilised guest at a St John's Wood soiree.

England would be satisfied to have removed Sri Lanka's last three wickets for 38 runs in 14.4 overs on the fourth morning but, as the task was undertaken, their tactics caused lots of discussion. Mathews was starting a new day, but England saw only the swagger of his unbeaten 79 on Saturday afternoon. They encouraged him to get off strike, preferring boundary riders to slips, and concentrated on battering the tail.

Of the 17 balls Rangana Herath faced, only the last one, a near-yorker from James Anderson which crashed into his middle stump, was full length. Thirteen of Broad's 14 deliveries to Herath, within the space of three overs, were short and uncompromising. One clattered into his glove and helmet, but fell safely into the off side.

Herath, in his mid-30s now, of comfortable build and gentle disposition, stared out charily from beneath his helmet. He was under assault and, as staunchly as he bore it, was getting no pleasure. Softened up by Broad, he never zoned in on Anderson who duly went second in the all-time list of Test wicket-takers at Lord's, only Ian Botham ahead of him.

For a dismissal with physical intent though, there was no looking beyond Sri Lanka's last man, Nuwan Pradeep. Failing to handle a short ball from Chris Jordan, he was struck on the right shoulder, swung around in a mixture of pain and self-preservation and was out hit wicket as he careered his bat into middle stump.

Rain stops play in Bangladesh-India ODI

DHAKA: India were 100-1 off 16.4 overs when rain stopped play in the first one-day cricket international against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Sunday.

After opener Robin Uthappa was dismissed for 50, leg before wicket off Shakib Al Hasan, heavy rain forced players off the ground in the day-night encounter.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 272-9 off 50 overs with captain Mushfiqur Rahim top-scoring with 59 after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Paceman Umesh Yadav was the most successful bowler with 3-48 while spinners Amit Mishra and Pervez Rasool grabbed two wickets each.
Sunday´s game is the first of a three-match series with the second and third games to be played on Tuesday and Thursday. (AFP)

Rahim, Shakib guide Bangladesh to 272-9

DHAKA: Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan scored brisk half-centuries as Bangladesh posted a competitive 272-9 off 50 overs in the first one-day cricket international against India on Sunday.

Rahim hit three fours and as many sixes in his 63-ball 59 and Shakib scored 52 off 58 balls after Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka.

 India, fielding a young side and without eight of their regular players, dominated with the ball initially but Bangladesh regrouped and made up for the slow start towards the end.

Paceman Umesh Yadav picked 3-48 including the wicket of opener Anamul Haque for 44 which contained seven hits to the boundary. Off-spinner Parvez Rasool, making his ODI debut, grabbed two wickets while giving away 60 runs.
Bangladesh lost two early wickets but Rahim steadied the innings, stringing handy partnerships with Anamul and Shakib while racing to his 15th ODI half-century.

The skipper hoisted leg-spinner Amit Mishra (2-55) for a huge six over the midwicket boundary and looked in fine touch before being caught by Ajinkya Rahane off Rasool.

Shakib and Mahmudullah (41) then guided Bangladesh´s fightback with a 65-run stand for the fifth wicket. A late flourish from Nasir Hossain (22 off 20 balls) and Mashrafe Mortaza (18) then helped the hosts post a challenging total against the World Cup holders.

Indian captain Suresh Raina bowled five overs after fast bowler Mohit Sharma picked an injury and limped off the field when he had only bowled six overs.
Raina picked the key wicket of Shakib and also took a brilliant one-handed catch off Yadav to dismiss Ziaur Rahman cheaply for two.

Left-arm spinner Akshar Patel, the other player making his 50-over debut, picked his first international wicket when he bowled Mortaza as he was trying to hit him over extra cover.

The second and third matches of the short series will be played on June 17 and 19. (AFP)

Football: Ivory Coast comeback leaves Japan stunned

RECIFE: Second-half goals by Wilfried Bony and Gervinho saw the Ivory Coast come from behind and beat Japan 2-1 in an enthralling World Cup Group C clash in Recife on Saturday.

Keisuke Honda had put the Asian champions in front with a rasping drive at the Pernambuco Arena, but the second-half introduction of Didier Drogba from the bench signalled the start of the Ivory Coast fightback.

Bony and Gervinho were the goalscorers though, both heading in right-wing crosses from Serge Aurier to give the Elephants the ideal start to their World Cup campaign.

The result sees the Ivory Coast join Colombia -- who beat Greece 3-0 earlier in the day in Belo Horizonte -- on three points at the top of Group C, and Sabri Lamouchi´s side must face the South Americans next in Brasilia on Thursday, while Japan next take on Greece. (AFP)

Football: Costa Rica stun Uruguay as Suarez looks on

FORTALEZA: Costa Rica came from a goal down to beat Uruguay 3-1 in a huge World Cup upset Saturday as the Copa America champions suffered for the absence of star striker Luis Suarez.

After Edinson Cavani gave the South Americans the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, Costa Rica roared back with two goals in three minutes from Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte.

With Liverpool star Suarez confined to the bench recovering from a knee injury, Costa Rica grabbed a third through substitute Marcos Urena to throw Group D, which also features England and Italy, wide open.

Uruguay´s Maxi Pereira was red-carded in injury time to compound his team´s misery.

Uruguay had the ball in the net after 15 minutes but Diego Godin´s effort was rightly ruled out for offside.

German referee Felix Brych called it right again in the 22nd minute when defender Junior Diaz was penalised for hauling down Uruguay skipper Diego Lugano in the box.

Up stepped Paris Saint-Germain striker Cavani to calmly bury the penalty to the right of Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas. It was Cavani´s 22nd goal in 63 internationals.

Uruguay went close to a second goal in the closing moments of the first half when veteran striker Diego Forlan´s shot took a huge deflection which forced a back-pedalling Navas into a dramatic tip over.

In the 54th minute, Costa Rica were level with 21-year-old Campbell, who spent last season on loan at Olympiakos from Arsenal, firing in a superbly controlled drive from Cristian Gamboa´s cross.

It got better three minutes later when Duarte dived bravely at the feet of Christian Stuanito to head in a free-kick for a 2-1 lead.

Substitute Urena latched on to a fine pass by the influential Campbell in the 84th minute to make it 3-1 before Pereira became the first player sent off at these finals for a wild lunge on Campbell. (AFP)