Dunya TV

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• Assad says enemies boosting his opponents
• 16 dead in fighting for south Yemen province
• Beijing issues orange alert for heavy smog
• Tennis: Murray ends long British wait for Davis Cup
• Football: Costa stews as Chelsea make point at Spurs
• Football: Bale, Ronaldo give stuttering Real Madrid relief at Eibar
• Golf: Schwartzel wins fourth Alfred Dunhill title in style
• Islamabad: Voting for LB elections starts
• Formula One: Rosberg wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
• DG Khan: 4 terrorists killed during security forces operation
• LB elections in Islamabad to be held today
• West Indian Narine suspended over illegal action
• Skippers praise day-night Test as success
• Australia win historic day-night Test in tense finish
• Govt determined to uproot terrorism: Shahbaz Sharif

Assad says enemies boosting his opponents Posted: DAMASCUS (AFP) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday said his enemies have increased support for rebels fighting his regime as loyalists backed by Russia and Iran push an offensive to regain lost territory.His remarks came as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 18 civilians were killed and 40 wounded in probable Russian air strikes on a northwestern town held by a rebel alliance.The Britain-based Observatory also reported that the Islamic State group had murdered more than 3,500 people in Syria, including 2,000 civilians, since declaring its caliphate last June.The latest developments came as Britain pressed efforts to widen its participation in a US-led air coalition battling IS in Iraq to include Syria.Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said his government was intensively lobbying the opposition Labour party to support air strikes in Syria, two years after it had blocked that option.In remarks during talks with a senior Iranian official in Damascus, Assad spoke of important gains by the Syrian army in the fight against terrorism, with the support of its friends led by Iran and Russia.State news agency SANA also quoted him as saying that these gains had pushed certain countries hostile to Syria and who pretend to fight terrorism to... increase their financing and arming of terrorist groups.Assad did not identify any country by name but since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in March 2011, he has accused Turkey and Gulf nations of arming his mainly Sunni opponents.Assads regime, dominated by the Shiite Alawite sect, launched a key offensive to retake areas seized by opponents after Moscow began in late September an air war in support of the government.Iran, the regions main Shiite power, has also backed Assad, including with the reported deployment of hundreds of military advisers to bolster regime forces.Following the November 13 Paris attacks which killed 130 people and were claimed by IS there have been increasing calls by French leaders on their allies to step up the fight against the jihadist group.On Thursday French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called on Britain -- which is already taking part in US-led air strikes on IS in Iraq -- to help win this war.Fallon told the BBC that his government had been pressing the opposition Labour party to vote yes on launching air strikes on Syria.Weve been talking to Labour MPs all week, he said, but the government had not yet secured enough support to be sure of winning such a vote.British Prime Minister David Cameron said Saturday that IS was a threat to Britain and conducting air strikes in Syria would be the right thing for Britain to do.He was speaking as thousands of people took to the streets of London to protest against military action in Syria.Britain, which was also hit by terror attacks, remains deeply scarred by its former interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq.Thousands also protested against military action in Syria on the streets of Madrid, amid fears by many Spaniards that it would make their country a target for militants.A poll published Sunday in Spains El Mundo newspaper showed that Spaniards are divided on joining anti-IS strikes, with 54 percent opposed.In Germany, army chief of staff General Volker Wieker told Bild am Sonntag newspaper his country is planning to deploy 1,200 troops to help France in the battle against IS but not join air strikes.The coalition already had sufficient forces and means, he said when asked why Germany had shied away from participating in air strikes in Syria.Initially an anti-regime uprising, the Syrian conflict has evolved into a multi-front war in which the regime, jihadists including IS, secular rebels and a range of ethnic militias are battling for territory.More than 250,000 people have died in the fighting and millions have been forced from their homes.Elsewhere, Turkey said the body of a Russian pilot shot dead in Syria after his plane was downed shot down last week by Turkey had been retrieved and will be returned to Moscow.

16 dead in fighting for south Yemen province Posted: ADEN (AFP) - Yemeni pro-government forces were battling on Sunday to oust Iran-backed rebels from a southern province where they have made gains in recent weeks.Ground fighting and air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition killed 12 rebels in Daleh province, military sources said. Four loyalists were also killed.Daleh is one of five southern provinces which the coalition-backed loyalists retook from the rebels in a July offensive. But the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies managed to recapture the provinces second-largest city, Damt, earlier this month.Further north, in Yemens third city Taez, where a loyalist garrison has been under rebel siege for months, three civilians were killed and at least 20 wounded by rebel mortar fire late on Saturday, medical and military sources said.Loyalist troops and their coalition backers launched an offensive to try to break the siege earlier this month but it has made little headway.In the rebel-held capital Sanaa, coalition aircraft carried out what a military source described as the heaviest strikes in weeks.The rebels overran Sanaa in September last year before capturing much of the rest of the country and forcing the government into exile. President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi returned from neighbouring Saudi Arabia on November 18, two days after the offensive to relieve the siege of Taez began.The United Nations says more than 5,700 people have been killed in Yemen since the Saudi-led intervention began in March, nearly half of them civilians.

Beijing issues orange alert for heavy smog Posted: BEIJING (AFP) - Beijing on Sunday issued its highest-level smog alert this year and urged residents to stay indoors as dangerous air pollution continued to cloak swathes of northern China.The smog came as global leaders flew to the French capital Paris for a key summit intended to reach agreement on limiting dangerous climate change.Chinas capital issued an orange alert hours after levels of PM2.5 -- particles which can penetrate deeply into the lungs -- reached more than 15 times recommended levels.Residents were advised to minimise outdoor activities, while those with respiratory illnesses and the elderly were urged to stay inside their homes. The US embassy in Beijing on Saturday reported PM2.5 levels at more than 390 micrograms per cubic metre.Its readings fell below 200 on Sunday, but were still well above the 25 micrograms per cubic metre which the World Health Organization considers safe.In some parts of Hebei province bordering Beijing, levels reached more than 400 micrograms per cubic metre over the weekend.Reports linked the spike in pollution to weather conditions and an increase in coal-burning to provide winter heating.Under the orange alert -- the citys second highest -- industrial plants must reduce production while large trucks are banned from the roads.China generates most of its electricity and heating by burning coal -- which also contributes to the countrys greenhouse gas emissions, the worlds largest.On Sunday hundreds of thousands of people joined worldwide protests aimed at sending a message to the summit.But Chinese media contained no reports of similar protests. Mass marches are almost unheard of in the country, where the ruling Communist party does not tolerate organised political opposition.

Tennis: Murray ends long British wait for Davis Cup Posted: GHENT (AFP) - Britain won the Davis Cup for the first time in 79 years in Ghent on Sunday when Andy Murray defeated David Goffin 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 in the first of the reverse singles to take an unbeatable 3-1 lead over Belgium.It was a fitting climax for the 28-year-old Scot to provide the winning point, having won all 11 rubbers he played in during the campaign as the British defeated heavyweights United States, France and Australia before the clincher against Belgium.The win over Goffin made him just the third player, after John McEnroe and Mats Wilander, to win all eight singles in the same calendar year since the Davis Cup World Group started in 1981.And it underpinned Murrays place in tennis history following his headline-making wins in the 2012 US Open and Olympics, and at Wimbledon the following year.I never thought we would have the opportunity to do this and I cant believe we have done it. Everyone who has played has played an unbelievably high level, Murray said courtside immediately after his triumph.We have to enjoy this because we may never get the opportunity again.The Australian Open is next. I have lost in the final four times. I need to learn a few things about how I have handled this weekend. I will try to do that in Australia.I will enjoy this one.The match-up of the two national number ones came after both had won their opening singles on Friday and Murray had teamed up with brother Jamie the following day to defeat Goffin and Steve Darcis in the doubles.It was do or die for Goffin and Belgium against the world number two who had yet to drop a single set against the 16th ranked Belgian in previous games.But it was a tense and edgy start from both players in front of a raucous 13,000 capacity crowd at the Flanders Expo centre where a claycourt had been laid down in an effort to blunt Murrays firepower.It was the world number two, though, who landed the first blow, breaking the Goffin serve to love in the sixth game and that proved enough for him to take the set 6-3 in 48 minutes on his fourth set point.The second set turned out to be the key to the final. Murray held serve with ease, while Goffin hung on grimly.The Belgian somehow moved out into a 5-4 lead and with the decibel level rising again as the crowd scented blood, Murray needed to serve to stay in the set.But he did that with some ease and then in the next game, the Scot stepped up the pressure once again and got the break he needed as Goffin netted a forehand drive.Goffin had only once in his career come back to win after losing the first two sets of a match and that was in Fridays opening rubber against Kyle Edmund.But against a player of Murrays calibre and fitness it was a huge ask.Goffin, though, had not given up the cause and he raised home hopes with his first break of serve in the second game of the second set.But the revival was short-lived as Murray broke back immediately and three games later the Scot supplied the coup de grace with a break to love to lead 4-3.He only had to serve out twice to end the long wait for Britain but he only needed to do that once as again he captured the Goffin serve, finishing the final with a superb lob with Goffin stranded at the net.

Football: Costa stews as Chelsea make point at Spurs Posted: LONDON (AFP) - Jose Mourinhos relationship with Diego Costa came under renewed scrutiny after the Chelsea manager dropped the striker for Sundays 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.The point left the reigning champions languishing in the bottom half of the table, while Tottenham -- now unbeaten in 13 league games -- were left frustrated after failing to take a chance to put pressure on the top four.But it was Mourinhos decision to leave Costa on the bench, having clashed with the Spain international at half-time of the mid-week Champions League win away to Maccabi Tel Aviv, that drew most attention.It clearly angered the striker, who tossed his bib towards Mourinho as the game neared its conclusion, but Mourinho said: If he wants to hurt me, its not with a bib. I have a good relationship with him, no problems.I think Diego is very privileged because he was the last one to be (put) on the bench.Everybody was on the bench. I kept him in the team for all these matches and today we thought the best strategy to play was this one. We are happy with the decision.Mourinho described the visitors display as the best Chelsea performance of the season, but opposite number Mauricio Pochettino was frustrated that Spurs had not emerged victorious.Chelsea had only one shot on target and it was a good save from Hugo Lloris, said the Argentine.They did not do much to win the game. We deserved more. We tried to win it. I think Chelsea will be happy with the point. It is more important to them than us.Chelsea captain John Terry was also absent for the visitors after failing to recover from the ankle injury he picked up during the 4-0 victory in Israel.That meant Kurt Zouma and Gary Cahill were paired at the heart of the visitors defence, while Eden Hazard was pushed forward to fill the hole left by the brooding Costa.Tottenham also came into the game on the back of a long trip, having travelled to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday.Pochettino had complained about the possible effects on his players of making such a demanding journey just 72 hours beforehand, but still opted to retain eight of his mid-week starting XI in his line-up.It initially appeared as though the home side were still working the journey out of their system as Chelsea started with an energy that has been too often missing from their play this season.Hazards movement up front, together with Pedro Rodriguezs penetrating runs down the left flank, clearly unsettled Pochettinos team.Chelsea, though, were unable to find the finish that might have given them the breakthrough, with Mourinhos side failing to muster a single effort on target during the first half.Hazard was guilty of wasting their best opportunity, the Belgian heading over from Pedros cross when unmarked in front of goal.A high-tempo game lacked quality and Tottenhams efforts in front of goal mirrored those of their opponents, although it took an excellent save by Asmir Begovic to repel Son Heung-Mins header from Harry Kanes cross.The second period followed a similar pattern, with both teams struggling to impose themselves in a game that grew increasingly scrappy.Hazard finally conjured Chelseas first effort on target when he met Branislav Ivanovics deep cross with a powerful left-foot volley that Hugo Lloris did well to tip away for a corner.Tottenhams best chance after the break again fell to Son, who shot tamely at Begovic after working a clever one-two with Erik Lamela, on as a second-half substitute for the injured Ryan Mason.

Football: Bale, Ronaldo give stuttering Real Madrid relief at Eibar Posted: MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid got their La Liga title challenge back on course despite an underwhelming performance as goals from Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo handed them a 2-0 win at Eibar on Sunday.In front of a capacity 6,000 crowd at Ipurua, Madrid did little to dispel the doubts caused by their 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona last weekend but Bales first-half header and a late penalty from Ronaldo were enough for all three points.Madrid remain in third, but victory takes Rafael Benitezs men back to within six points of league leaders Barca and two points of city rivals Atletico Madrid.The important thing was to get the three points and do so with this spirit of sacrifice, said Madrid boss Rafael Benitez.The fans know that the most important thing when you have players of this quality is that they also work as they did today.That is the key if we want to continue being strong in the future.Eibar have enjoyed a stellar start to just their second season in the top flight, but as against Barcelona and Atletico in their only other two prior defeats this season, they didnt have enough quality to trouble Madrid in the final third.After a slow start, Ronaldo was presented with a great chance to open the scoring on 15 minutes from James Rodriguezs fine through ball, but he couldnt lift the ball over the advancing Asier Riesgo and Mateo Kovacic wastefully fired the rebound over.Madrids pressure told two minutes before the break when Luka Modrics brilliant cross was flicked home at the near post by Bale for his first goal for Madrid in three months.The Welshman could have had a second moments later as he brilliantly controlled a long ball into the box, but lacked the power needed in his final effort to beat Riesgo.Bale turned provider at the start of the second period with a pinpoint cross for Ronaldo only for the Portuguese to fluff his lines when attempting an overhead kick.Ronaldos wayward afternoon in front of goal continued when he somehow failed to hit the target with the goal at his mercy after rounding Riesgo from Lucas Vazquezs pass.Yet, he was gifted the chance to register his 16th goal of the season when referee Gil Manzano pointed to the spot after Vazquez went down under minimal contact from Dani Garcia eight minutes from time.Elsewhere, Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed a 1-0 defeat at Sevilla would be his last in charge of the club.Sevilla dominated from the off and were handed a huge boost when Joao Cancelo was sent off for a second bookable offence 10 minutes before half-time.Sergio Escudero finally opened the scoring when he connected brilliantly with Ever Banegas clever cross five minutes into the second-half.Valencia ended with nine men as Javi Fuego also picked up a second yellow card to leave Los Che still five points off the top four with Barcelona to come at home next weekend.Villarreal missed the chance to move back into the top four as their awful form continued with a 2-0 defeat at Getafe.Angel Lafita and Alvaro Vazquez struck for the hosts to leave Villarreal still in sixth having won just one of their last seven league games.Meanwhile, Aritz Aduriz became the first Spanish striker to score 20 goals in a season before December this century as he netted a hat-trick in Athletic Bilbaos 3-0 romp at Rayo Vallecano.

Golf: Schwartzel wins fourth Alfred Dunhill title in style Posted: JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Home favourite Charl Schwartzel protected his overnight lead to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship for the fourth time on Sunday as he finished four strokes clear of Frenchman Gregory Bourdy at the Leopard Creek Country Club. The former Masters champion shook off a shaky front nine when he made the turn in one over 36 but a closing 34 was enough to see the Johannesburg native clinch a fourth win in the first event of the 2016 Race to Dubai. He finished the tournament 15-under par and also became the first South African to win an EPGA event four times and the third man from his country, after Ernie Els and Retief Goosen to win ten EPGA tournaments. The 31-year-old was never really in danger after coming into the final 18 holes with a three shot lead and Bourdy was his closest rival. Another Frenchman Benjamin Hebert was a further shot back in third spot, his best European finish. Sebastien Gros of France and fellow Challenge Tour graduate Thomas Linard was then at eight under alongside Matt Ford and Joost Luiten.Defending champion Branden Grace was a further shot back after seeing his late charge, which began with an eagle on the par four 11th, ended as he found the water on the 16th and 18th.Jaco Van Zyl was also at seven under after firing the round of the day with a 64, alongside Eddie Pepperell who ended his week with a 68.Two-time champion Pablo Martin was then in the group at six under with last seasons Road to Oman winner Ricardo Gouveia and Qualifying School rookie Brandon Stone among those at five under.

Islamabad: Voting for LB elections starts Posted: ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Voting for the local bodies elections in Islamabad started at 7:00 in the morning which will conclude at 5:00 in the evening.A total number of 6,80,612 registered voters will exercise their right to vote in LB elections in the federal capital out of which 3,67,960 are male voters and 3,12,652 female voters.According to a spokesman of Election Commission of Pakistan, 2,396 candidates are contesting for 550 seats in the federal capital of the country.At least 255 candidates are contesting for the posts of chairman while 1,210 candidates are battling for the general seats. Besides this 351 female candidates are competing for the women seats while 248 candidates are in the run for the labour seats.On the other hand, 230 candidates are contesting for the youth seats while 102 candidates are in the race for the minority’s seats in today’s LB polls.A total number of 640 polling stations have been established of which 261 are for males and 256 for females. However; 123 polling stations will be shared by both men and women.Tight security arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair and transparent polling. Six hundred and twenty five Army troops and seven hundred personnel of Rangers along with hundreds of police officials have been deployed in the capital for the purpose.

Formula One: Rosberg wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Posted: ABU DHABI (AFP) - Nico Rosberg ended his 2015 season in triumph on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick of victories in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of his Mercedes team-mate and world champion Lewis Hamilton.The 30-year-old German, who has produced remarkable dominant form since seeing Hamilton secure his third drivers title at last months United States Grand Prix, made a perfect start from his sixth successive pole position and, pit-stops apart, was in control all the way.Rosberg was celebrating his sixth win of the year and the 14th of his career. It was his first success at the Yas Marina circuit where Hamilton beat him in 2014 to take his second title.Hamilton won 10 races this year, but on Sunday was unable to rediscover the form that carried him to the championship despite pushing hard through the middle and latter stages of the race. Finn Kimi Raikkonen finished third ahead of his Ferrari team-mate, four-time former champion Sebastian Vettel and Sergio Perez of Force India.Daniel Ricciardo was sixth for Red Bull ahead of Nico Hulkenberg in the second Force India, Felipe Massa of Williams, Romain Grosjean who marked his last race for Lotus with a surge to ninth and Daniil Kvyat in the second Red Bull.The race was preceded by an announcement from the stewards that cleared Ferrari and the American Haas team, which is set to join the grid next year, of any wrong-doing in their joint use of the Ferrari wind-tunnel to prepare cars.But the sports ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), made clear that such a relationship - and any kind of collusion on aerodynamic testing -- will not be permitted in future.This announcement clarified the issues and closed a possible loophole, leaving the paddock to focus on the final contest in perfect sunset conditions with a track temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and the two Mercedes together again on the front row.When the lights went out, Rosberg made a perfect start while Hamilton struggled to stay with him and had to engage his best defensive driving to retain second place.Behind the two silver arrows, the luckless Alonso suffered a puncture in a collision with Pastor Maldonados Lotus, for which he was regarded as the guilty party, and given a drive-through penalty, taken after his necessary pit-stop for repairs. Maldonado was eliminated.After a frantic opening lap, Rosberg led by 1.4 seconds and extended that steadily before making his first stop after 11 laps. Hamilton led briefly before he followed him in, rejoining third. This came briefly after Bottas had crashed into the rear of Button in the pit lane, the Williams man taking a five-seconds penalty for an unsafe release from his garage.Hamilton regained second after Vettel, running on the harder tyres after starting 15th, ran wide and off at Turn 17, the champion making short work of his pass under braking at Turn Eight. Rosberg remained more than six seconds ahead.For a period, the Briton cut into that lead, reducing it to one second before Rosberg was called in for his second stop after 32 laps. Hamilton led and chose to stay out on old tyres. He led by 18.2 seconds after 35 laps, but faced a second stop knowing he really needed an advantage of 22 seconds, if possible.Ferraris erratic weekend continued with another bungle in the pits when Raikkonens right front wheel refused to budge easily during a tyre-change, the Finn losing time that dropped him to fourth behind Vettel.Hamilton finally made his second stop after 42 laps, re-joining on the harder tyres 13 seconds behind Rosberg with 13 laps remaining. His determination was evident. With 10 laps to go, the gap was down to 10.3 and with six remaining it was 7.5.The chase was on under the desert floodlights, but Rosberg had the cushion of a controllable lead as he sped towards his third successive season-ending win with the aid of pit-wall crew keen to see a team one-two finish.

DG Khan: 4 terrorists killed during security forces operation Posted: DERA GHAZI KHAN (Dunya News) – According to details, security forces conducted a search operation on Sunday night in Sakhi Sarwar area of Dere Ghazi Khan on a tip-off that Al Qaeda key commander Shoaib Cheema and his accomplices are present in the area.The militants present in the area opened fire at the security forces. The security forces returned the fire as a result four terrorists were killed while Al Qaeda Shoaib Cheema managed to escape from the scene.Also Read: Karachi: 4 terrorists killed in encounter with RangersAccording to sources, Shoaib Cheema is a key commander of Al Qaeda and reached Dere Ghazi Khan recently from Balochistan along with six other accomplices.

LB elections in Islamabad to be held today Posted: ISLAMABAD (Dunya New) - Polling for the local government elections in the federal capital Islamabad will be held today (Monday). Polling will start from 7:00 in the morning and will conclude at 5:00 in the evening.At least 6,80,612 registered voters will use their right to vote in LB elections in the federal capital out of which 3,67,960 are male voters and 3,12,652 female voters.A total number of 640 polling stations have been established of which 261 are for males and 256 for females. However; 123 polling stations will be shared by both men and women.According to a spokesman of Election Commission of Pakistan, 2,396 candidates are contesting for 550 seats in the federal capital of the country.At least 255 candidates are contesting for the posts of chairman while 1,210 candidates are battling for the general seats. Besides this 351 female candidates will compete for the women seats while 248 candidates will be aiming for the labour seats.On the other hand, 230 candidates will be aiming for the youth designations while 102 candidates will contest for the minority’s seats in today’s LB polls.Foolproof security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order situation under control during local government elections in Islamabad capital territory.Six hundred and twenty five Army troops and seven hundred personnel of Rangers along with hundreds of police officials would be deployed in the capital for the purpose.

West Indian Narine suspended over illegal action Posted: DUBAI (AFP) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) Sunday suspended West Indian spinner Sunil Narine after his action was deemed illegal by an independent assessment.The 27-years action was reported during the third one-day international against Sri Lanka in Pallekele this month and was subsequently assessed in a biomechanical laboratory in Loughborough, England.The ICC confirmed Narines action was illegal.The ICC has found the bowling action of Narine to be illegal and, as such, the off-spinner has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect, the ICC said. The mystery spinners action was reported for the first time during last years Champions League -- a private Indian Twenty20 tournament -- which forced the West Indies to withdraw him from the 2015 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.Narines international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations within domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction, save that, with the consent of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Narine may be able to play in domestic cricket events played under the auspices of the WICB, the ICC statement added.The ICC said the assessment revealed that all variations of Narines deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.Under the rules Narine can apply for a re-assessment after modifying his bowling action.The ICC launched a world-wide crackdown on bowlers with illegal bowling actions in June last year. Sri Lankas Sachitra Senanayake, New Zealands Kane Williamson, Pakistans Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez, Zimbabwes Prosper Utseya and Maclom Waller and Bangladeshs Sohag Gazi were among a dozen bowlers whose action were deemed illegal.Of these bowlers only Hafeez was reported for a second time in July this year and has since been banned for a year from bowling at international level.Narine has so far played six Tests, 55 one-day and 34 Twenty20 internationals.

Skippers praise day-night Test as success Posted: ADELAIDE (AFP) - The worlds first day-night Test match was a great success, rival skippers Steve Smith and Brendon McCullum agreed Sunday, after the match at the Adelaide Oval lived up to its much-hyped billing.Thirty-seven wickets tumbled in three days as the pink ball dominated the bat, and the first Test to be played under lights in the 138-year history of the five-day game drew a total of 123,736 fans through the gates. The tension lasted into the third day as the determined Kiwis battled right to the end. The Australians won the historic match by just three wickets as bowler Peter Siddle cracked the winning runs with a hobbling Mitchell Starc as his partner.It was the first time since 1993 that an Adelaide Test match had not produced a single individual century. It was the first three-day Test match at the famous ground in 64 years -- since the West Indies beat Australia by six wickets.The whole Test match was a great innovation, it was a great spectacle, and to get 120,000 people through the gates in three days is absolutely amazing, said Australias Smith.It was just a game that was dominated by the bowlers. I thought New Zealands bowlers bowled just as well as ours.Kiwi counterpart McCullum was equally excited by the concept, which has attracted high interest around the cricket world.Its a great concept. As pink-ball cricket evolves, which Im sure it will in the global game, I think well see that pitches wont have quite as much grass on it, he said.Overall, its a roaring success -- 120,000 people turning up over three days. People are voting with their feet. I think its here to stay, which is great.It definitely brought a different element, even on day one. It certainly asked some different questions.I think, tactically, theres a lot to learn for captains as we head into the pink-ball era.International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson said the day-night Test was part of a package designed to lift the five-day format. Cricket Australia already has plans in place for more day-night Tests during next seasons tours by South Africa and Pakistan.

Australia win historic day-night Test in tense finish Posted: ADELAIDE (AFP) - Australia on Sunday claimed a thrilling three-wicket victory over New Zealand inside three days at the Adelaide Oval in the first-ever day-night Test match.Shaun Marsh anchored Australia to the cusp of victory before losing his wicket on 49, and the battling Kiwis set up a tense finish under the floodlights by also dismissing Peter Nevill to leave the home side seven wickets down.Much to the crowds relief Peter Siddle, whose ailing grandmother passed away overnight, cracked the winning runs with a hobbling Mitchell Starc as his batting partner, to clinch a 2-0 series victory over the gallant Black Caps.Australia won the first Brisbane Test by 208 runs and the second Perth Test was drawn. The match was redemption for Marsh, who has struggled to hold down a place in the Australian team with inconsistent batting performances over his four years at Test level.It was fantastic for Shaun to get an opportunity, said skipper Steve Smith. Hes been batting extremely well and the way he played under pressure with his brother to put a partnership together was really crucial for us at that stage.The pink ball developed for day-night Tests triumphed over the bat in a fast-paced Test which attracted a total attendance of 123,736. The aim of the experiment is to bring the crowds back to the long form of the game. The bowlers have dominated this game and its great for cricket, Smith said.It was the first three-day Test match at the Adelaide Oval in 64 years -- since the West Indies beat Australia by six wickets.I thought it was an outstanding Test match. It was closely fought. Wed dearly have loved an extra few runs today, but it wasnt to be, said Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum.Its pretty hard to separate the two teams over the last two Test matches.Shaun Marsh had been dropped during the Ashes series in England in August and only came into the Adelaide Test as a replacement for injured number three Usman Khawaja.He lost his younger brother Mitch during the final session, caught holing out to spinner Mitchell Santner for 28 with 26 runs still needed for victory. Shaun Marsh lost his own wicket when he dabbled at Trent Boult and was snapped up by Ross Taylor at first slip. Adam Voges, who had earlier shared a valuable 49-run fourth-wicket stand with Marsh, was out early in the final session -- snapped up at second slip by Tim Southee for 28 off Boult, who finished with five for 60.After being set 187 to win, the hosts were rocked by the double loss of key batsmen Smith and David Warner in the space of seven balls.Smith pulled Doug Bracewell high into the air towards Santner on the leg-side. But the Kiwi debutant put down the skied chance to give the Australian skipper a massive letoff on two.However Warner was out 12 balls later, caught at second slip by Southee off Bracewell for 35 in a big scalp for the Black Caps.And the Kiwis got another major fillip when Smith was out leg before wicket to Boult seven balls later.Smith reviewed the decision and the ball was tracked hitting him high on his pad. But the Hawk Eye technology had it just flicking the leg bail and that was enough to back up umpire Richard Illingworths on-field decision.Smith left the field shaking his head after scoring just 14 and leaving his team on a precarious 66 for three, still 121 runs away from victory.Smiths departure signalled the arrival of Shaun Marsh at a crucial stage in the Australian innings and with victory not assured.New Zealand earlier lost their last five wickets in the days first session to be bowled out for 208, a lead of 186.Man-of-the-match paceman Josh Hazlewood led the Australian attack in the absence of the injured Mitchell Starc, taking six for 70 off 24.5 overs.The Kiwis, who had resumed on 116 for five, lost their last five wickets for 92. Santner top-scored with an impressive 45 off 88 balls.

Govt determined to uproot terrorism: Shahbaz Sharif Posted: LONDON: (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif has on Sunday said that the government is determined to uproot terrorism. He said that the civil-military leadership is on the same page, reported Dunya News.Talking to overseas Pakistanis in London, Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s economy has improved a lot due to government’s policies. He said that the government has been trying to save state money since 2008. “I have been using the same car since 2008. This is the only car I have been using since then”, he said.Punjab CM said that country’s civil-military leadership is on the same page and the government is determined to uproot terrorism.“Operation Zarb-e-Azb is going on with great success and country will soon be rid of terrorism”, said Shahbaz Sharif.Praising Britain, Shahbaz Sharif said that the cooperation by United Kingdom (UK) is exemplary in the fields of education, health and security.

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• Islamabad: Three polling stations declared 'extremelysensitive'
• Karachi's condition improving after operation against extremists: Nisar
• PTI barred from conducting rally in Lyari, security clearance not granted
• Karachi: Rangers action, six alleged suspects taken into custody
• Lahore: People taken into custody by police released after protests
• Russia announces economic sanctions against Turkey over jet downing
• PCB to held domestic T-20 series if India cancels the plan
• Pakistan cooperating with int'l community against extremism: PM Nawaz
• MQM workers united despite rumors of 'minus one': Rabta Committee
• Earthquake of magnitude 4.0 jolts Swat
• In pursuit of rights, transgender community takes to streets
• Karachi: Mobile phone service closed, pillion riding banned for LB polls
• Karachi: 23 including MQM workers arrested for extortion, target killing
• Imran Khan in joint rally with Siraj: MQM faces 'minus one' threat from within
• Sindh: CNG stations to remain closed for 4 days a week

Islamabad: Three polling stations declared 'extremelysensitive' Posted: ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Three polling stations for the Local Government (LG) polls in Islamabad have been declared as ‘extremely sensitive’ by the law enforcement agencies warning that there is a security threat to these stations where any serious attack can occur.A single polling station at Federal Government Boys Higher Secondary School number 1 in Aabpara, while 2 stations at Government Model College for Boys in Tarnol have been declared as sensitive.Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s (PML-N) candidate Chaudhry Wajid Ayub and independent candidate Malik Rizwan will be contesting for the Chairman position at Tarnol’s polling station while PML-N’s candidate Jawad Bin Noor and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Anjum Shehzad Tanoli will be contesting for the Chairman position at the Aabpara polling station.Voters of both areas have demanded that stringent security arrangements should be made so that people may exercise their voting rights without any fear.

Karachi's condition improving after operation against extremists: Nisar Posted: WAH CANTT (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Saturday stated that Karachi’s conditions were improving since an effective operation was launched against extremist elements in the city. Nisar also stated that the operation will be intensified in the coming days.Speaking with the media at Wah Cantt, the Interior Minister said that Karachi’s situation required an operation, which was started after a complete consensus with all the political parties.Nisar stated that the government was ready to make amends if Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have any reservations regarding the ongoing operation.Referring to the targeted oppression against journalist community in the city, Nisar stated that journalists were being murdered in the city a few years back and nobody was willing to register their cases. Nisar further stated that regarding the matter of provision of security to journalists, the Federal government is already discussing the matter with Provincial government.

PTI barred from conducting rally in Lyari, security clearance not granted Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday has been barred from conducting a rally in Lyari as the administration refused to grant a security clearance for the gathering. The Deputy Commissioner of East Karachi issued a letter to the Secretary of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stating that no Parliamentarian was allowed to directly participate in the electoral campaigns.The Deputy Commissioner stated that PTI chairman Imran Khan had violated ECP’s code of conduct for the Local Government (LG) polls by holding the rally, referencing Khan’s earlier address to a gathering at Shahrah-e-Faisal.The District Returning Officer (DRO) has also issued a copy of the letter to the Governor, Chief Secretary, Inspector General (IG) Sindh and Commissioner Karachi. A request has been made in the letter to the ECP to take action against Khan. The letter also stated that PTI had not requested any permission for their earlier rally.The PTI chairman will address the ISF convention at 10:00 AM today (Sunday) at Korangi Expressway. He will also reach Kakari ground Lyari at around 1:30 PM and is expected to address the rally. However, clearance for the address is yet to be granted. Khan will also visit Five Star Chowrangi North Nazimabad and Abul Hassan Isfahani road.Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also announced to conduct a rally in Karachi which will leave from Bilawal Chowrangi. The rally will be led by the Central and Provincial leadership of the party.Earlier on Saturday, in joint rally with Jamaat Islami (JI), PTI chairman had lashed out at the ECP once again, saying that stopping party chairman from election campaign is dictatorship and not democracy.Khan said two cases have already been registered and that it seems a third First Information Report (FIR) is in order. He said the ECP is destroying democracy.Addressing the campaign rally at Shahra-e-Faisal, PTI chief had asked why he was being stopped from election campaign when he doesn’t hold any office.

Karachi: Rangers action, six alleged suspects taken into custody Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – Six alleged suspects were taken into custody during Rangers’ action conducted in Lyari Salar Compound area of Karachi late Saturday night. Two of the alleged suspects are said to be linked to a political party.Meanwhile police have also arrested 10 suspects wanted in numerous criminal cases from Pirabad and Super Highway area.Fight against lawlessness that prevailed in the city of Karachi has intensified after an operation was started in the city by the Rangers nearly two years ago. Target killings, extortion cases and killings have reduced as the hunt for felons continues.In a performance report released by the Rangers earlier this year, the law enforcement agency stated that 10,353 suspects had been arrested while 7,312 weapons and 34, 8978 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Out of these suspects, 4,950 suspects were prosecuted for crimes.

Lahore: People taken into custody by police released after protests Posted: LAHORE (Dunya News) – Police early Sunday morning released 45 people including 3 journalists that it had earlier taken into custody after protests by residents of the area. Police had earlier taken the individuals into custody during a search operation of a private hostel in Race Course area of Lahore. Police officials had said that the individuals were taken into custody after they failed to provide their identification documents while those in custody refuted these claims saying they were being held even though complete documents were with them. A doctor, a Returning Officer and five lawyers were among those being held while a police Sub-Inspector, an Assistant Sub-Inspector and a constable were also among those taken into custody by the police. Residents of the area severely protested outside the station against the unwarranted act of police.Lahore Press Club’s President Arshad Ansari also arrived at the Race Course police station. Speaking on the matter, Ansari stated that the individuals in custody were not terrorists. Ansari further stated that this act of police brutality against journalists should be severely condemned and was a blatant example of state terrorism.The Station House Officer (SHO) of the Race Course police station Rizwan Latif was not available for comment earlier and had even switched off his mobile phone.President of the Lahore Press Club had warned that they will surround the police station if those in custody were not released soon.

Russia announces economic sanctions against Turkey over jet downing Posted: MOSCOW (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a decree adopting a series of retaliatory economic measures against Turkey over the downing of a Russian warplane on the Syrian border.The sanctions are aimed at ensuring national security and that of Russian citizens and included a ban on charter flights between the two countries and on Russian businesses hiring any new Turkish nationals as well as import restrictions on certain Turkish goods, according to a text of the decree released by the Kremlin.Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had expressed sadness over an incident which has severely strained relations, saying that we wish it had never happened.The new measures come into effect from January 1, according to the decree which adds that organisations under Turkish jurisdiction will also find their ability to operate in Russia curtailed.Furthermore, certain types of goods from the Turkish republic will be subject to bans or limitations. The list of affected goods has not yet been made public.The Kremlins press service said Putin had also instructed the government to define a list of goods and services to which the economic measures against (Ankara) do not apply.It added that alongside measures banning charter traffic between Russia and Turkey Putin urged Russian tour operators to refrain from proposing products to Russian citizens involving a visit to Turkish territory.In addition, Turkish airlines will have to undergo increased controls in Russia for security reasons.The decree also officially confirms that Turks will have to apply for visas to visit Russia, a move which Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had announced Friday.Tuesdays downing of a Sukhoi 24 jet on the border with Syria on Tuesday has caused a crisis in bilateral relations.NATO member Turkey blasted the Russian jet out of the sky after claiming it crossed into its airspace and ignored several warnings to change course, but Putin furiously denied the claims and demanded an apology which Erdogan has rejected.Putin, whose government supports the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad whereas Ankara backs rebels fighting to topple him, described the incident as a stab in the back committed by accomplices of terrorists.

PCB to held domestic T-20 series if India cancels the plan Posted: LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday has decided to hold domestic T-20 series if the plans of series with India get cancelled. PCB is planning T-20 of 5 domestic teams, reported Dunya News.According to details, PCB officials said that the series with India is still doubtful and it has now become necessary for PCB to make some alternative plan.Also read:Indo-Pakistan cricket series unlikely, claim Indian mediaIndian media on Saturday have claimed that there is no chance of Pakistan-India cricket series that was scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in coming December, reported Times of India.The infuriated Indian media who were unable to digest the friendly relations with Pakistan through cricket finally gave another statement, claiming to have cancelled the series.Quoting the Interior Ministry‘s sources, Indian media reported that the Indian nation is against Pakistan, therefore, no cricket can be played in the current situation.Earlier today, the fanatics of Hindu extremist party Shiv Sena once again launched a full-fledged attack on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for going ahead with the India-Pakistan bilateral series.Indian media along with extremists started criticizing the series after the governments of both countries allowed their respective cricket boards. The workers of Shiv Sena showed great fury over holding series and threatened the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) authorities of severe consequences if they don’t mull their decision.Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla had on Thursday confirmed that Sri Lanka has been decided as the neutral venue for the much-anticipated series between India and Pakistan next month.Shukla‘s comments came hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had given his nod for his country s cricket squad to play series against India in Sri Lanka.Earlier, a day after Indian media‘s rant against their government‘s decision to play series against Pakistan in Sri Lanka next month, New Delhi took a u-turn on Friday and now the cricket fans will have to wait a bit longer on the decision by the Indian government to allow a series to take place.The official spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup, stated that no decision has been made for the Indo-Pak cricket series.According to Indian media sources, the first assessment and clearance have to be given by the Ministry of External Affairs. If the MEA clears the proposal, then the Home Ministry may send an advance security liaison team to the country where it may be held.Further, the workers of Shiv Sena had also affected the planned meeting of BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chiefs by storming the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai to protest against PCB chief Shahryar Khan’s visit however, the session was rescheduled in New Delhi the very next day.

Pakistan cooperating with int'l community against extremism: PM Nawaz Posted: VALLETTA (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan not only condemns every kind of terrorism in the world but is also fully cooperating with the international community to deal with violent extremism, Dunya News reported.According to details, the Commonwealth Summit in Malta concluded with heads of 53 states strongly condemning all kinds of terrorism. The summit discussed various issues including terrorism.PM Nawaz while addressing the summit said Pakistan is completely following the conditions of the United Nations Security Council. He said Pakistan has sacrificed over 50 thousand people to the fight against terrorism.The Prime Minister told that an operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorism was started 2 years ago which has left the terrorists paralyzed.Emphasizing the need of international level strategy to deal with terrorism, PM Nawaz said Pakistan praises the efforts made on international level to deal with the outfits like ISIS.Addressing the anti-polio session, PM Nawaz said Pakistan has taken several steps to save the future generations from polio. He said Pakistan is running a full campaign including creating awareness among the parents, adding that members of civil society, media and religious leaders are also included in the campaign.Nawaz Sharif said a network of anti-polio health workers has been formed. He said security is being provided to the health workers that administer the polio vaccine among the children, adding that their goal is not to miss any child from the vaccination drive.He hoped for Commonwealth’s support in ending the polio endemic from Pakistan.

MQM workers united despite rumors of 'minus one': Rabta Committee Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Rabta Committee urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader to concentrate on his own politics and not to meddle in affairs of MQM. He said that despite propaganda of ‘minus one’ party workers continue to have full faith in the party.Underlining party workers confidence in MQM, the party’s Rabta Committee issued a statement in response to Imran Khan’s claim.The Rabta Committee stated that Imran Khan should run his own political campaign and should not worry about Altaf Hussain. In a statement it was said that if Imran Khan cannot listen to or see Altaf Hussain’s statement then it is his problem.

Earthquake of magnitude 4.0 jolts Swat Posted: SWAT (Dunya News) – Swat has been jolted with earthquake of magnitude 4.0 on Saturday, reported Dunya News.Reportedly, the quake was felt in Swat and its surroundings. Fear and panic has gripped the residents as people came out of their houses reciting Kalma.Read more:Lahore, various cities of Punjab rattled by earthquake once againAccording to seismological center, the epicenter of quake was Hindu Kush Mountains at a depth of 10km.It is pertinent to mention that earthquake of more than magnitude of 8 on Richter scale has already shook Lahore a few days ago.

In pursuit of rights, transgender community takes to streets Posted: LAHORE (Dunya News) – The transgender community on Saturday took to streets to demand basic rights and led a rally from Lahore Press Club to the Punjab Assembly, Dunya News reported.According to details, the transgender persons, locally known as Khawaja Siras, protested against lack of employment, education, healthcare and basic facilities available to ordinary citizens.They also protested against exploitation, abuse and extortion at the hands of the policemen. Reportedly, a large number of transgender persons started a rally at the Press Club and demonstrated in the traditional style before leading on to the Punjab Assembly.The demonstrators kept clapping and chanting loud slogans. They demanded a quota in government jobs for them and a share in the welfare fund budget.The transgender community members also seemed angry at the attitude of the police and demanded a halt to ongoing arrests. The protest caused the severe traffic jam at the Mall Road.After two hours of the sit-in outside the Assembly Hall, the police assured to accept their demands following which they ended the sit-in.

Karachi: Mobile phone service closed, pillion riding banned for LB polls Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – Considerations of ban on mobile phone service and pillion riding have emerged as local body polls draw near. A session of apex committee will convene on Monday to discuss regional security, reported Dunya News.Third phase of local body polls will commence on December 5. A session of apex committee has been called in which decisions to ban mobile phone service and pillion riding will be mulled over. A final decision will be reached over Army’s role in security duties while general security of the metropolitan city will also be discussed.

Karachi: 23 including MQM workers arrested for extortion, target killing Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – Rangers arrested six suspects of target killing, gang war and extortion on Saturday. The suspects include four workers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), reported Dunya News.According to the details, Rangers Sindh raided Korangi, MA Jinnah Road and II Chandrigar areas of Karachi on secret tip. During the operation, rangers arrested Sector In-charge MQM Waseem Ahmed, Muhammad Ibrahim, Muhammad Waseem and Asghar Yaqoob from Korangi. Rangers also arrested Aqeel who is members of Labour Division committee of MQM. Aqeel was arrested on the complaints by employees. The employees complained that the suspect used to extort money from their salaries.Rangers also arrested target killer of Aziz Baloch group of Lyari gang war named Riaz. Arrested target killer has confessed to killing five men. According to the rangers spokesman, arrested suspects will be in custody for 90 days to be presented in Anti-Terrorism Court. Ten other suspects got arrested from Ittehad Town area of Karachi. Rangers recovered arms from terrorists’ hide-out and transferred the arrested criminals to an unknown place for the investigation.

Imran Khan in joint rally with Siraj: MQM faces 'minus one' threat from within Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – In joint rally with Jamaat Islami (JI), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan lashed out at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) once again on Saturday, saying that stopping party chairman from election campaign is dictatorship and not democracy.Khan said two cases have already been registered and that it seems a third First Information Report (FIR) is in order. He said the ECP is destroying democracy.Addressing the campaign rally at Shahra-e-Faisal, PTI chief asked why he is being stopped from election campaign when he doesn’t hold any office.“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a package of Rs 40 billion, did anyone stop him?” he asked. “Was ECP asleep when PM Nawaz announced Rs 2.5 billion package in Lodhran and Benazir Income Support cards were distributed in NA-122?”He said ECP should name one country where a party chairman is stopped form going into his people. The PTI chief said that peace will restore in Karachi and Pakistan will progress with everyone coming together.Imran Khan said only those can bring peace in Karachi who can improve the policing and law enforcement system. Criticising Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), he said he witnessed an MQM rally for the first time, adding that MQM faces the threat of ‘minus one’ from within and not from outside.Addressing the same rally, Jamaat chief Sirajul Haq said that December 5 is the day of both the ‘revolution’ and ‘change’. He said it appears a new Karachi is coming into existence, calling on the people to vote against ‘corrupt mafia’ and ‘status quo’ on December 5.Sirajul Haq said his party will make Karachi a beautiful city like Istanbul “because Karachi has suffered enough in past 30 years.”“Today is the flood of youngsters’ passion”, he said, adding that citizens will be given rights at their door steps.The PTI chief ended the rally at New M.A. Jinnah Road after seeing the number of participants reducing while Jamaat’s rally went onwards to the Mazaar-e-Quaid.Imran Khan addressed the participants once again at this point and said people said Karachi’s mayor should be one of them. “Aren’t I one of you?” he asked, adding that he isn’t a foreign national and carries only the Pakistani passport.He said there will be no need of Rangers in the city if the police become apolitical.

Sindh: CNG stations to remain closed for 4 days a week Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – CNG stations will remain close in Karachi for 4 days instead of 3 in the upcoming days, reported Dunya News.Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had demanded to levy an additional tax of Rs 4 billion from Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC). SSGC will now obtain the amount as per order of FBR.In a sign of protest against the additional tax, CNG stations will remain close on December 1. On the other hand, according to new schedule, CNG stations will remain close for 4 days in Sindh.

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• Three dead in shooting at US family planning center
• Erdogan says he wants to meet Putin 'face to face' in Paris
• Israel says to open first mission in Abu Dhabi
• Suicide bomber kills 21 at Shiite Muslim procession in Nigeria
• Football: Mourinho backs Chelsea to subdue red-hot Kane
• No crowds but online surge on Britain's 'Black Friday'
• Police arrest gunman after fatal siege at US Planned Parenthood clinic
• Airstrikes in Khyber Agency kill 17 militants
• Interpol seeks arrest of 'Air Cocaine' French lawmaker
• Climate pledges, mass marches ahead of UN summit
• French PM Valls calls on Gulf to accept more refugees
• Football: Wenger expects title charge from Arsenal
• Karachi: Two dacoits killed during alleged police clash in Chakiwara
• Hizb-ut-Tahrir chief, 7 members arrested in separate raids
• Nearly 136 mn expected for US Black Friday sales

Three dead in shooting at US family planning center Posted: COLORADO SPRINGS (AFP) - Three people were killed and several wounded when a gunman opened fire at a family planning center in Colorado in a standoff that dragged on for five hours Friday before he surrendered.A large area of snow-covered Colorado Springs was placed on lockdown into the evening, just a day after millions of Americans celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday, in the latest incident to shed a damning light on the United States gun culture.Mayor John Suthers paid tribute to police for getting the gunman into custody without further bloodshed at the Planned Parenthood building, where people scrambled into a safe room in a desperate bid to save themselves.A police officer was among the dead, he said, while nine others -- among them five police -- were wounded. None of the injured were in a serious condition.I want to convey to the loved ones of the victims: this is a terrible, terrible tragedy that occurred here in Colorado Springs today, Suthers told reporters. Obviously, we lost two civilian victims, we mourn the loss of a very brave police officer.It was not immediately clear if the Planned Parenthood family planning center had been specifically targeted.Abortion is one of the services Planned Parenthood provides for women, and the association has become a lightning rod for criticism by social conservatives.The womens health care giant has also been mired in a months-long scandal after anti-abortion activists released secretly recorded videos showing the organizations officials discussing use of aborted fetal tissue for medical research.Earlier, there had been fears that the unidentified gunman might have explosives with him, and police were carefully combing the scene after the siege came to an end when he surrendered.Speaking at the scene before the standoff ended, police spokeswoman Lieutenant Catherine Buckley warned that the gunman had taken items and bags inside the building with him.An unknown number of people were inside the clinic at the time of the shooting, on what had been a regular working day at Planned Parenthood, a day after Thanksgiving.A sheriffs department SWAT team with at least one armored vehicle and several ambulances had also been on standby, as the evening drew in on the snowy scene. The immediate vicinity was placed on lockdown and people were told to stay indoors.Buckley said the shooter was armed with some kind of long weapon with a shoulder stock such as a rifle and some witnesses reported hearing automatic fire.Quan Hoang, the owner of a nearby nail salon, told CNN that when he heard the gunfire break out, he feared a robbery was under way at a bank in the shopping area, which would have been bustling with people looking to pick up a bargain in the Black Friday sales.And we see cops, SWAT, the bomb squad, a whole bunch of people just trying to take cover around the Planned Parenthood area, he said by telephone.An officer came back in and said, Is everyone safe? We asked him questions and he said theyve barricaded him inside the Planned Parenthood and he was shooting out from the windows.A White House official said that President Barack Obama had been notified of the incident by his Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco.Vicki Cowart, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Rocky Mountains, said that her initial information was that none of her staff or patients had been killed or injured.Cowart said that she did not believe the center had been specifically targeted.Were very pleased that our own security systems were operating at top-notch, she told CNN.That included rushing into a safe room.They were able to hunker down and some got out early throughout the afternoon, but those that didnt were in a safe spot, Cowart said.

Erdogan says he wants to meet Putin 'face to face' in Paris Posted: ANKARA (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday he wanted to meet Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the climate summit in Paris after the downing of a Russian warplane.I would like to meet him face to face on Monday, Erdogan said after days of tit-for-tat accusations over the incident that has severely damaged ties.Turkey says the Russian plane strayed into its airspace and ignored repeated warnings but Russia insisted it did not cross the border and accused Ankara of a planned provocation.It was an automatic response to the air space violation, Erdogan said. Turkey did not deliberately down the Russian warplane.And he described Putins criticism of Ankara over the incident as unacceptable. Russia is obliged to prove its allegations, otherwis it will be considered a liar because of those grave and unfair accusations targeting Turkey.Erdogan said it was not the first time Russian jets had breached Turkish air space and that he had warned Putin about ugly incidents after two incursions in October.The president also attacked Russias policy in Syria after it launched air strikes in September, accusing the Kremlin of backing the regime of murderer President Bashar al-Assad. He claimed that the Russian air raids did not target the Islamic State group.We are not blind to (Russian) cunning... using the plane incident as a pretext to prop up the Assad regime.He said backing the regime in Damascus after more than four years of war that has killed 250,000 people was like playing with fire.The Turkish strongman also struck back at Russian slander that Turkey was buying oil from the IS group. You must know that we are not as dishonourable as to buy oil from a terrorist organisation, he said. Turkey is buying oil from Russia.Erdogan labelled attempts to link his country with IS jihadists as disrespectful to Turkey.

Israel says to open first mission in Abu Dhabi Posted: JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israel is set to open a mission in Abu Dhabi as part of an international green energy body, Israeli officials said Friday -- its first official presence in the United Arab Emirates.The mission will operate under the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), of which Israel is a member, foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon told AFP.Establishing a permanent presence in Abu Dhabi will not change Israels official relationship with the UAE, which does not recognise Israel and has no diplomatic ties with it.But as the headquarters for an international organisation, the Emirates is obliged to accept an Israeli representative under United Nations guidelines.The UAE foreign ministry stressed in a statement that any agreement between IRENA and Israel does not represent any change in the position of the UAE or its relations with Israel.The functions of the missions accredited to IRENA are limited to their communications and dealings with the agency, ministry spokeswoman Maryam al-Falasi said in a statement carried by WAM state news agency. They do not, under any circumstances, cover any other activities and do not involve any obligation upon the host country with regards to its diplomatic relations or any other relations, she added.The presence of a permanent mission in Abu Dhabi is likely to boost diplomatic efforts by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has repeatedly stressed that a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers opens the door to closer Israeli-Arab ties.The mission has been the subject of years of top secret discussions, according to the Israeli daily Haaretz.

Suicide bomber kills 21 at Shiite Muslim procession in Nigeria Posted: DAKASOYE (AFP) - At least 21 people were killed on Friday when a suicide bomber blew himself up in the crowds at a Shia Muslim procession near the north Nigerian city of Kano, in the latest violence to hit the troubled region.The attack happened in the village of Dakasoye, some 20 kilometres (13 miles) south of the city, during a march by followers of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.Our procession came under a suicide attack, Muhammad Turi, who was leading thousands of people from Kano to Zaria, in the neighbouring state of Kaduna, told reporters at the scene. We lost 21 people and several others have been injured. We are not surprised that weve been attacked because this is the situation all over the country. This will not deter us from our religious observance. Even if all of us were bombed the last person will carry on with this duty.An AFP reporter in Dakasoye said the road was splattered with bloodstains but the followers had continued their march.Most were wearing black and carrying flags or portraits of the Prophet Mohammeds grandson, Hussein, and were flanked by security guards.One organiser, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP the bomber ran into the crowd before he could be spotted and detonated his explosives.He was dressed in black like everyone else. His accomplice was initially arrested and confessed they were sent by Boko Haram, he added.They were part of the young men abducted by Boko Haram in (the Borno state town of) Mubi last year and taken to Sambisa Forest where they were given some military training.They were sent to Kano 11 days ago and kept in a house specifically for this attack.The bomber detonated his explosives after realising his accomplice had been arrested, the organiser added.Boko Haram, the radical Sunni jihadists who want to create a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria, has previously been blamed for attacks on Shia Muslims in the region.Last November at least 15 people were killed and some 50 others injured in a suicide bombing targeting the Shia Muslim festival of Ashura in the city of Potiskum, in Yobe state.Ashura marks the death of Hussein.In April, a suicide bomber targeted a group of Shiite Muslims outside an open-air mosque, also in Potiskum. He killed himself and wounded three worshippers.Boko Haram, whose six-year insurgency has left at least 17,000 people dead and made more than 2.6 million homeless, condemns Shias as heretics who should be killed.The followers were on a symbolic trek to Zaria, where the Islamic Movement of Nigerias leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky is based, to mark the 40th day of Ashura.Their arrival on December 3 is designed to coincide with the gathering of pilgrims at Husseins tomb in the Iraqi city of Karbala.Fridays attack came after a female bomber killed eight in the northeastern city of Maiduguri last Sunday and four teenage girls blew themselves up in northern Cameroon on Saturday killing five.Boko Haram has increasingly used suicide bombers against soft civilian targets since the start of a military offensive earlier this year that has pushed them out of controlled territory.Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari has given his military commanders until next month to end the conflict but there are fears suicide and bomb attacks may persist.Senior military, security and intelligence figures on Thursday questioned the deadline and said it was unrealistic because of the wave of bombings in the region.

Football: Mourinho backs Chelsea to subdue red-hot Kane Posted: LONDON (AFP) - Jose Mourinho is confident his Chelsea defence can nullify the threat of in-form Harry Kane even if John Terry fails to recover in time to face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.Mourinhos side head to White Hart Lane after keeping two confidence-boosting clean sheets, first in last weekends victory over Norwich City and then in the midweek Champions League success at Maccabi Tel Aviv.Terry limped out of the game in Israel and the Blues captain remains doubtful for the Spurs clash, when Chelsea will attempt to record back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.A victory in north London will strengthen Mourinhos belief his side have turned the corner after a disastrous start to the campaign that has left them in 15th position.Their hopes of gaining revenge for the 5-3 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season will be enhanced if they can prevent Kane from extending a scoring streak that has brought the Tottenham striker nine goals in his last six club games.And Chelsea manager Mourinho has no doubts a patched up central-defensive pairing of Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma can keep England international Kane quiet if Terry is unfit.I have complete trust in Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma, which is why in an important match for us on Tuesday I left Kurt out after the good performances he is having to show Gary that confidence. They are ready, Mourinho said.I am not saying Papy Djilobodji is ready because he did not have chances to play and his is a different situation, but Zouma and Cahill are both ready and if John doesnt play, I go with them.I dont know about John. I dont want to say that it is impossible he plays because maybe he plays and people will say that I was hiding it and I am not hiding.Today he didnt train but we have a little hope that it is possible.Ramires is the same situation as John, I dont know, lets wait and see. He has a chance.UnfairMauricio Pochettinos Tottenham are unbeaten in the league since their opening-day defeat at Manchester United and come into the game on the back of a 1-0 Europa League win over Qarabag on Thursday.The effects of making a long journey to Azerbaijan have caused concern for Pochettino, who claims it is unfair Chelsea could take advantage of their extra two days rest.But left-back Danny Rose remains confident Spurs can build on last weekends 4-1 victory against West Ham United.It needs to be the same again from us. Obviously Chelsea have had a difficult run but that doesnt make them a bad team, Rose said.Theyve got a world-class squad, a world-class manager and its a derby, so form goes out of the window.Its going to be a difficult game but we just hope that we can perform and give the same energy and commitment as we did against West Ham. If we do that, it will be a difficult game for them.From our side, weve got a great sense of belief inside the changing room and inside the club, so as long as we keep doing what the head coach asks then we know well be in for an exciting season.

No crowds but online surge on Britain's 'Black Friday' Posted: LONDON (AFP) - Hordes of British Christmas shoppers swapped the High Street for the internet on Black Friday, leaving stores unusually quiet but delivering Amazon its biggest ever sales day in the country.Last year saw frenzied scuffles over bargains -- scenes that are common in the United States, where the marketing tradition began, after customers had queued hours before opening times to get first pick of the deals.But this year, stores around Britain were serene as consumers shunned the crowds and shopped from the comfort of their home or office.Amazon said at 9.10pm (2110 GMT) that more than six million items had been ordered through its British division, breaking the sales record set last Black Friday when more than 5.5 million items were sold -- equivalent of around 64 items per second.For the second year straight, customers in the UK have blown us away with their response to the many great deals on great products that weve made available for Black Friday, said Christopher North, managing director of Amazon.co.uk.Experian has predicted online sales in Britain to exceed GBP 1 billion (1.4 billion euros, $1.5 billion) for the first time ever.Bryan Roberts of analysts Kantar Retail said Black Friday appeared to be something of a damp squib in city centres and shopping malls.A handful of people waited outside the flagship Oxford Street department stores of John Lewis and Debenhams, which opened early and laid on 400 extra staff to deal with the expected rush.A few shoppers arrived early, such as Kevin Regan, a construction manager from Enfield, who came two hours before John Lewis opened in the hope of finding a discounted laptop.Its my first time doing it, I hope they do it more often, he said as he waited for the doors to open in front of rows of signs advertising the sales.When security opened the doors the dozen people waiting filed in to quietly browse the stacks of discounted goods, outnumbered by armies of staff and journalists.In contrast, online retailers saw heavy demand, with very.co.uk reporting a surge in traffic at 0700 GMT when hourly deals began, Tesco warning that purchases would take longer to deliver due to demand, and the Argos website straining under the pressure.Sorry for the delay. Demand for this part of the site is really high, read a message on Argos.

Police arrest gunman after fatal siege at US Planned Parenthood clinic Posted: COLORADO SPRINGS (Reuters) -Police arrested a gunman who stormed a Planned Parenthood family planning clinic in Colorado Springs on Friday and opened fire with a rifle in an attack that left at least one officer dead and about a dozen other people injured, authorities said.The suspect first engaged in a protracted gun battle with police but ultimately surrendered to officers inside the building about five hours after the start of the violence, which played out under a steady snowfall in Colorados second-largest city.The full extent of casualties was murky in the immediate aftermath of the gunmans capture. A police spokeswoman, Lieutenant Catherine Buckley, initially said she had no confirmation of fatalities, adding that police were still searching for possible victims who might have been left behind in the clinic as the building was evacuated.State Attorney General Cynthia Coffman posted a message on her official Twitter account a short time later saying two people had been killed, but that post was quickly deleted and replaced with another lamenting a tragic loss of life.The Colorado Springs chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, a law enforcement union, then reported on its Twitter page that one police officer had died.Buckley put the number of people taken to area hospitals at 11, including five officers, but it was not immediately clear whether that tally included the fatality reported by the police union.A Reuters photographer at the scene saw a man in a white T-shirt, with his hands cuffed behind his back, being taken out of an armored police vehicle and placed in an unmarked squad car. Authorities said they did not know the suspects identity but believed he acted alone.We did get officers inside the building. They were able to shout to the suspect and make communication with him and at that point they were able to get him to surrender and he was taken into custody,” Buckley said.An hour earlier, police said progress in securing the building was slowed by the fact that the gunman brought some bags with him into the clinic and left several items outside, all of which needed to be checked for possible booby traps or explosives.After the arrest, Buckley said it would take hours more, and perhaps days, for investigators to fully process the crime scene.Police swarmed the area around the building after an emergency call reporting shots fired at about 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time, and officers ultimately confronted the suspect inside the building, Buckley said.Television footage aired by CNN showed a number of clinic staff and patients being escorted safely into police vehicles from the building, which lies on the northwest side of Colorado Springs, about 70 miles (112 km) south of Denver.The FBI and agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were assisting local law enforcement investigators.President Barack Obama was notified of the shooting by his Homeland Security adviser, Lisa Monaco, and will be updated on the situation as necessary, a White House official said.The Planned Parenthood center provides abortions, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy testing and other services, according to its website.We dont yet know the full circumstances and motives behind this criminal action, Vicki Cowart, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Rocky Mountains, said in a statement.

Airstrikes in Khyber Agency kill 17 militants Posted: PESHAWAR (AFP) – Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets killed 17 militants Friday in airstrikes carried out in remote tribal belt near the Afghan border, the military said in a statement.The strikes in the Rajgal area of the Khyber tribal district also destroyed four militant hideouts and an ammunition dump, it said.Seventeen terrorists including some foreigners were killed in the aerial strikes in the remote area of Rajgal, a brief military statement said.The strikes were part of a major offensive aimed at clearing Taliban and Al-Qaeda strongholds that began last year in North Waziristan, one of seven Pakistani tribal districts bordering Afghanistan.The military began the offensive in Khyber in October 2014, carrying out air strikes and using artillery, mortars and ground troops.The army then intensified and expanded its offensive after the Taliban massacred more than 150 people, the majority of them children, at a school in the northwestern city of Peshawar last December.

Interpol seeks arrest of 'Air Cocaine' French lawmaker Posted: SANTO DOMINGO (AFP) - Interpol has issued arrest warrants against three French nationals, including a far-right member of the European Parliament, accused of helping two French pilots flee the Dominican Republican after being convicted of drug trafficking.The trio are accused of helping organize the escape of Pascal Fauret and co-pilot Bruno Odos in October following their convictions in the so-called Air Cocaine drug trafficking case.Dominican prosecutors made the request to Interpol for the arrest warrants for politician Aymeric Chauprade and two others, Christophe Naudin and Pierre Malinowski.The French nationals are accused of violating the law on smuggling migrants and trafficking of persons, Dominican prosecutors said Friday, announcing the Interpol action.The pilots had been on conditional release and were barred from leaving the Dominican Republic while waiting for their appeal to be heard over their sentence to 20 years in prison for a shipment of 680 kilos (1,500 pounds) of cocaine.Two other men convicted with them, Nicolas Pisapia and Alain Castany, remain in the Dominican Republic.France has suggested the pilots will not be extradited.Fauret and Odos were arrested in March 2013 along with the two other men as they were about to take off from the Dominican resort of Punta Cana.All four deny they knew that the drugs were on board the plane.

Climate pledges, mass marches ahead of UN summit Posted: PARIS (AFP) - Billions of dollars in environmental aid were announced Friday as cities worldwide prepared for marches to pressure leaders heading for Paris to negotiate a historic pact to tame global warming.In Ottawa, the Canadian government announced climate funding of 2.65 billion Canadian dollars ($1.98 billion. 1.87 billion euros) over the next five years, while the 53-nation Commonwealth bloc agreed to set up a billion-dollar Green Finance Facility for environmental projects.French President Francois Hollande, addressing the Commonwealth summit in Malta as head of the climate conferences host nation, called for humanity to unite in the fight against global warming.Man is the worst enemy of man. We can see it with terrorism, said Hollande, who spoke after leading ceremonies in Paris to mourn the victims of the November 13 terror attacks in the French capital.But we can say the same when it comes to climate. Human beings are destroying nature, damaging the environment. It is therefore for human beings to face up to their responsibilities for the good of future generations.Looking to the UN talks opening in Paris on Monday, he called for a binding agreement, a universal agreement, one that is ambitious.But he also spoke of fears that a handful countries -- which he did not name -- may stymie consensus if they felt the deal lacked guarantees.UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who attended the meeting in the Maltese capital Valletta, said he was encouraged by such a strong commitment by Commonwealth leaders.This is virtually the last political milestone before we meet in Paris, he noted.Earlier Friday, tens of thousands marched in Melbourne, with protesters young and old echoing the call for a phase-out of fossil fuels blamed for climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions.Many waved placards reading: There is no Planet B and Stop messing with my future.NGO organisers in Paris said they expected hundreds of thousands to take to the streets Saturday in Manila, Tokyo, Johannesburg and Edinburgh, with similar events set for Sunday in Seoul, Rio de Janeiro, New York and Mexico City.Under heightened security two weeks after Frances worst terror attack, around some 150 heads of state and government will on Monday launch a highly-anticipated UN conference tasked with inking a post-2020 195-nation climate rescue pact.The negotiations themselves, conducted by rank-and-file bureaucrats, have been brought forward to Sunday.In Paris, French authorities cancelled two rallies following the coordinated onslaught by gunmen and suicide bombers which killed 130 people at restaurant terraces, a concert hall and the national stadium on November 13.French authorities placed 24 climate activists under house arrest using state of emergency powers declared after the Paris attacks.The citys main climate rally was to have started on Sunday from a square very near the scene of some of the violence, followed by another on December 12 at Le Bourget airport, where the conference is taking place. The talks are due to wrap up on December 11.In the French capital, still under a state of emergency, activists now plan to create a two-kilometre (1.2-mile) human chain along the original march route on Sunday.They will break the chain as they pass the Bataclan concert hall, where the worst violence claimed 90 lives, as a mark of respect to the victims.History in the makingActivists also plan to leave scores of shoes on Place de la Republique square to symbolise the thousands left frustrated in their plans to march.One pair of shoes will be placed on behalf of Pope Francis, inscribed with his name and the name of the Papal encyclical he issued earlier this on the threat of global warming.On Monday, Le Bourget will host the largest climate gathering of heads and state and government ever.Leaders including Barack Obama, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin are meant to inject a sense of mission into the conference tasked with crafting the first truly universal climate pact.The goal is to limit average global warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels by curbing fossil fuel emissions blamed for climate change.This week, the UNs weather body said the average global temperature for the year 2015 is set to touch the halfway mark at 1 C.And analysts say voluntary carbon-curbing pledges submitted by nations to bolster the Paris pact, even if fully adhered to, put Earth on track for warming of 3 C.A report by the Asian Development Bank Friday warned that climate disasters may double in the next two decades unless carbon dioxide emissions are cut.The Paris conference will gather some 40,000 people, including 10,000 delegates from 195 countries, plus journalists, observers, scientists, exhibitors and visitors.About 2,800 police and soldiers will secure the conference site, and 6,300 others will deploy in Paris.Obama has urged world leaders not to let a recent string of extremist attacks around the world deter them from coming to Paris, where questions of world security are likely to intermingle with climate on the conference agenda.

French PM Valls calls on Gulf to accept more refugees Posted: AVRY (AFP) - French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has called on the Gulf states to accept more refugees fleeing Syria, saying that a humanitarian disaster could erupt in the Balkans if Europe does not control its borders.Ill say it again, Europe cannot accept all the refugees coming from Syria. Thats why we need a diplomatic, military and political solution in Syria, Valls said Friday evening.Every country must play its part; Im thinking particularly of the Gulf states, the prime minister said during a discussion with residents of Evry on the outskirts of Paris, focusing on the response to the attacks which rocked the capital two weeks ago.Most of the roughly four million Syrian refugees who have fled their country since civil war broke out have travelled to neighbouring Libya, Jordan or Turkey.But Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and other Gulf states have remained closed to them, while Europe struggles to adopt a common policy towards the hundreds of thousands of refugees who are arriving at its borders.Unless the borders of the EU are properly controlled we are going to see a humanitarian disaster in the Balkans this winter and Europe is going to close up again, Valls warned.And while the prime minister rejected any link between genuine refugees and terrorism, he also highlighted the danger of terrorists being allowed into the EU alongside those fleeing war -- as seems to have been the case with some of those responsible for the Paris attacks.All it takes is for a few terrorists to slip in with the influx of refugees, and the people of Europe are saying, Wait, if terrorists are getting in along with refugees, that means any refugee could pose a threat, he said.More than 800,000 migrants have arrived in Europe by sea since the beginning of the year, with the majority coming from the Middle East.

Football: Wenger expects title charge from Arsenal Posted: NORWICH (AFP) - Arene Wenger remains confident Arsenal can shake off their inconsistent form and mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title.Wengers side will attempt to bounce back from last weekends surprise loss at West Bromwich Albion when they travel to Norwich City on Sunday, five days after keeping alive their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stages with vital victory over Dinamo Zagreb.With their European campaign on the back-burner for two weeks, fourth-placed Arsenal can focus on catching unexpected top-tier leaders Leicester City.Wenger believes that, with no one team dominating the title race so far, his side are still well placed in their bid to be crowned English champions for the first time since 2004.It is so tight and I dont even look at the league anymore because it is very, very tight, Wenger said.Last week we had a bad result against West Brom and so did Manchester City (against Liverpool) so it compacted the whole table.I believe it is a big opportunity for us but many teams can tell you that. We are in a position where you want to be after 13 games but there are 25 to go.If there are five or six to go and we are in the race, of course we are contenders. I think we have a chance but it is very early.I know people always want to know what will happen in the future but lets take care of the game on Sunday.Arsenals frustration at losing to West Brom was compounded by the fact they took the lead through Olivier Giroud.EradicateBut Wenger insists this was not an indication his side remain vulnerable.You want to eradicate games like that. For us, it was a bad result.But in the last 38 games when we scored first, and we were 1-0 up, we won 37 times. in the last 25 games before West Brom, when we scored first we won 25 times. You have to consider that mathematically as an accident.I believe that we gave everything and that can happen. Football is as well fantastic because its not always predictable.Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin will again be missing after being ruled out for three months with knee ligament damage, while Mikel Arteta and Theo Walcott are also sidelined.Aaron Ramsey is in line to make his first start since suffering a hamstring problem in late October and Mathieu Flamini is expected to make only his second Premier League start of the season.Alex Neils Norwich side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last time out that left them in 16th place, three points above the relegation places.But goalkeeper John Ruddy believes there have been enough positives in the clubs recent performances to strengthen confidence ahead of the visit of Arsenal.Our performances at Manchester City and Chelsea showed we can frustrate good teams. Coming away from those games disappointed with narrow defeats is a good sign for us, he said.Its now about finding the balance between being defensively solid and still causing problems for teams.There are a lot of points on offer at this stage of the season, and we want to pick up as many as possible.That starts on Sunday for us. If the crowd are behind us and we play to our capabilities then I dont see why we cant get a result.Ruddy, 29, will make his 200th appearance for the club but admits his displays have been below par this season.Personally, I dont think Ive been as good this season as I have in previous years, he added.Thats football, but form is temporary. Im confident in my own ability as a goalkeeper because Ive played at the highest level.

Karachi: Two dacoits killed during alleged police clash in Chakiwara Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – Two dacoits were killed while one managed to escape during an alleged police clash early Saturday morning in Chakiwara area of Karachi.Earlier on Friday, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Friday arrested the chief of a banned organization Hizb-ut-Tahrir Siham Qamar from Gulshan Iqbal area Karachi.Fight against lawlessness that prevailed in the city of Karachi intensified after an operation was started in the city by the Rangers nearly two years ago. Target killings, extortion cases and killings have reduced as the hunt for felons continues.

Hizb-ut-Tahrir chief, 7 members arrested in separate raids Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Friday arrested the chief of a banned organization Hizb-ut-Tahrir Siham Qamar from Gulshan Iqbal area Karachi while 7 of the same organization’s members were arrested earlier by Anti-Terror force and intelligence agencies from Gulberg area of Lahore in a joint operation. Maps, laptops, banned literature and other material were also discovered with the suspects.Qamar had been currently employed as Deputy General Manager (GM) of Karachi’s electric supply company K-Electric. The appointment of a member of a banned organization at such a high designation has raised concerns and leaves many questions to be answered.The suspects arrested from Lahore include Saad ur-Rehman Jigraanvi and his five aides. Banned literature, laptops, CDs and other material was also found with the suspects. Saad ur-Rehman Jigraanvi’s 2 relatives are already under arrest.Intelligence agencies also arrested a member of a banned outfit from Johar Town area of Lahore. The suspect arrested here, Nadeem, received war training from Afghanistan. Important maps and documents were also found with him.Speaking on the arrest of the Hizbut Tahrir chief, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Usman Bajwa stated that the arrested head of Hizbut Tahrir has relations with important personalities of numerous organizations including the education department.Meanwhile the CTD police also arrested two target killers during raids in Gulistan-e-Johar and Eidgah area. SSP Bajwa stated that Munir Ahmed Gopang belongs to the banned organization Sipah-e-Muhammad. He also informed that both target killers were involved in numerous cases of target killing.

Nearly 136 mn expected for US Black Friday sales Posted: WASHINGTON (AFP) - Nearly 136 million shoppers are expected to flock to US sales over the Black Friday weekend, both in stores and online, according to the National Retail Federation.Reports of long lines outside stores on Thanksgiving and Black Friday were matched by reports of record-breaking online sales, said Matthew Shay, president and chief executive of NFR, in a statement.On Black Friday, the day after the Thanksgiving holiday, retailers trumpet special deals that kick off the year-end holiday shopping season. Deals often start early, on Thanksgiving, as retailers scramble to take advantage of the shopping frenzy.The origins of the name are unclear, with some saying it refers to the intense jams of shoppers. But the more common explanation is that it points to profits being in the black as retailers bank on year-end sales for a large part of their annual profits.The NRF estimates that 135.8 million people will be shopping over the four-day holiday weekend, a modest 1.6 percent increase from last year. The industry group will publish the results of the weekend on Sunday.With the boom of online shopping, bricks-and-mortar stores are also beefing up their offers on websites and mobile devices.Digital research firm comScore predicts online sales in the November-December period will increase 14 percent this year to $70 billion. Another firm, Forrester Research, estimates an 11 percent rise to $95 billion.Black Friday is followed by Cyber Monday, when back-to-work consumers continue their shopping online. According to the NRF, 184 million people intend to shop online that day.Retail is part of the consumer spending that drives about 70 percent of US economic activity, and so is seen as an indicator of the strength of consumer demand. But the importance of Black Friday has faded somewhat in recent years as shopping trends change and online sales gain.Over the past several years, retailers have begun their holiday price promotions progressively sooner, not waiting for the traditional Black Friday day to begin offering price discounts, said Chris Christopher, director of consumer economics at IHS Global Insight.Many retailers open their doors on Thanksgiving Day, also known as Gray Thursday, cannibalizing Black Friday sales, he noted.This year, Black Friday comes in the context of weak retail revenues blamed in part on relatively warm weather that has discouraged cold-weather purchases.On Wall Street, most major retailers shares closed lower, including Wal-Mart, Amazon, Macys and The Gap.Target was an exception. The chain climbed 0.2 percent after reporting a strong start to its Black Friday weekend, especially a 35 percent jump in online orders for in-store pickup on Thanksgiving.But certain retailers made a point of bucking the Black Friday hoopla. Outdoor gear company REI proclaimed Were not here on its website homepage, saying it had closed all 143 stores for the day. We hope youll join us outside today, it said, instead promoting the Twitter hashtag OptOutside.

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