Dunya TV

---

• Three killed, three wounded in blast in Karachi
• PTI intra-party polls in Sindh today
• Dr Asim appointed Zardaris physician
• Deadline to apply for electoral symbols expires today
• Obama says Iran a year away from nuclear weapon
• Karzai says he wants to 'correst' US-Afghan ties
• Kerry to make first Asia trip in mid-April
• US: Iranian plane pursued US spy drone over Gulf
• France ready to arm Syrian rebels
• Spurs survive Inter scare to restore English pride
• FHockey: Australia, NZ and Malaysia to vie for final spots
• Defending champ Azarenka pulls out of Indian Wells
• Ferdinand recalled by England
• Athletics: Bolt, Blake to run relay in Ostrava
• Students protest education cuts in Spain

Three killed, three wounded in blast in Karachi Posted: According to details, a powerful blast occurred in Old Muzaffarabad Colony in Landhi area near Rangers Headquarters on night between Thursday and Friday, killing three people and wounding three others.The blast was so severe that it was heard in far-flung areas. Police and rescue teams reached the area and shifted the dead and injured to Jinnah Hospital.The blast occurred near a cable operator office which also damaged the office and a motorcycle parked near-by.According to SP Raja Umar Khitab, two kilogram explosive material was used in the blast. Governor Sindh has taken notice of the incident and sought report from IG Sindh with 24 hours.On the other hand, four people were injured in when a gas cylinder of a mini bus exploded near Korangi crossing.

PTI intra-party polls in Sindh today Posted: The intra-party elections of PTI in Sindh, including Karachi, will be held today through internet and telephone calls. The workers can also cast votes through website.According to sources, the polling will start at 6:00am and end at 9:00pm while the result will be announced at night.

Dr Asim appointed Zardaris physician Posted: Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain will retain public offices even after the dissolution of the cabinet as he has been appointed physician of President Asif Ali Zardari.Dr Asim will enjoy prerogatives of a minister. Cabinet Division has issued the notification of Dr Asim appointment as physician of the President.

Deadline to apply for electoral symbols expires today Posted: As many as 102 political parties have so far filed applications with the Election Commission for allotment of election symbols. The deadline for filing applications for electoral symbols expires today (Friday).The Election Commission has made it clear that no application from any political party will be entertained after expiry of deadline.Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians has applied for ‘arrow’ as an election symbol for the upcoming elections.

Obama says Iran a year away from nuclear weapon Posted: JERUSALEM (AP) - Iran is about a year away from developing a nuclear weapon and the United States remains committed to doing everything in its power to prevent that from happening, President Barack Obama said in an exclusive interview aired Thursday on Israeli TV.Just days before he is to arrive in Israel for his first presidential visit, Obama told Israels Channel 2 TV that while he still prefers diplomacy over force, but that a nuclear Iran is a red line and all options remain on the table to stop it.Right now, we think it would take over a year or so for Iran to actually develop a nuclear weapon, but obviously we dont want to cut it too close, he said. So when Im consulting with Bibi (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) as I have over the last several years on this issue, my message to him will be the same as before: If we can resolve it diplomatically that is a more lasting solution. But if not I continue to keep all options on the table.The timeline for action against Iran has been one of the most fraught disputes in an already tense relationship between Obama and Netanyahu. Israel has repeatedly threatened to act militarily should Iran appear to be on the verge of obtaining a bomb, while the U.S. has pushed for more time to allow diplomacy and economic sanctions to run their course.Obamas forecast gives more time than that of Netanyahu, who has signaled that the coming months present a point of no return in dealing with Iran.The American president nonetheless took a stern tone toward Iran in the half-hour long interview.What I have also said is that there is a window, not an infinite period of time, but a window of time where we can resolve this diplomatically and it is in all of our interests to do this, he said. They (Iran) are not yet at the point, I think, where they have made a fundamental decision to get right with the international community ... I do think they are recognizing that there is a severe cost to continue on the path they are on and that there is another door open.Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran to be an existential threat, citing Iranian denials of the Holocaust, its calls for Israels destruction, its development of missiles capable of striking the Jewish state and its support for hostile Arab militant groups. Tehran says its nuclear program is peaceful and designed to produce energy and medical isotopes, a claim that Israel and many Western countries reject.Obama said that a nuclear Iran would also be dangerous for the world. It would be dangerous for U.S. national security interests.In the interview, Obama also spoke about his relationship with Netanyahu claiming it is not as tense as reported and encouraged Israelis and Palestinians to resume peace talks. He also said he had no immediate plans to release convicted spy Jonathan Pollard, whom Israel has been pressuring to set free after 28 years in prison for spying for them.Obama arrives in Israel Wednesday for a three-day visit that is seem primarily as a means to convey the closeness of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Karzai says he wants to 'correst' US-Afghan ties Posted: KABUL (AFP) - President Hamid Karzai on Thursday said he wanted to correct rather than damage US-Afghan relations, after a storm of protest over his recent anti-US remarks.Karzai, who on Sunday suggested that the US was working in concert with Taliban militants, acknowledged there were serious bilateral strains as the NATO-led military coalition starts to withdraw from Afghanistan.The president called the United States a friend and strategic partner of Afghanistan and said his recent comments... had been to correct rather than damage this relationship, a statement from his office said.The president said that both countries are in a critical stage of relations, therefore it is natural that each side tries to stand for and focus on its national interests.Karzai told a debate forum held at his palace in Kabul that among the causes of tension were a dispute over Afghan detainees held by the US and civilian casualties in NATO military operations.We want a good relationship with America, we want friendship, but friendship between two sovereign nations, Karzai told the audience of invited guests and government officials.Karzais allegation of collusion provoked fury among US officials, as both nations negotiate the framework that could allow some American troops to remain in Afghanistan when NATO combat troops leave next year.The coalition commander in Afghanistan, US General Joseph Dunford, on Wednesday sent an advisory to his senior officers warning that troops faced an increased threat of attack after anti-US comments by Karzai.Karzais remarks could be a catalyst for some to lash out against our forces -- he may also issue orders that put our forces at risk, Dunford said in the advisory, which was obtained by The New York Times.The president has recently banned international troops from university campuses due to unproven claims of harassment of students.Last month he also ordered US special forces out of Wardak, a strategic province adjacent to Kabul, and stopped Afghan forces from calling in US air strikes.Were at a rough point in the relationship, Dunford said. (Militants) are also watching and will look for a way to exploit the situation -- they have already ramped up for the spring.NATO is training Afghan soldiers and police to take over the fight against the Taliban as 100,000 international troops prepare to head home by the end of 2014.Karzais recent outbursts have triggered criticism from rival politicians, who say he is deliberately misleading ordinary Afghans and could threaten the future of international aid on which the country relies.He says the Taliban and Americans are one, Abdullah Abdullah, a former presidential candidate, said in a speech on Thursday.Our people are worried about whether Karzai is right -- or they ask whether it is another conspiracy.The presidents anti-US rhetoric has been widely seen as an attempt to establish himself as a strong nationalist leader before he steps down at the end of his second term next year.

Kerry to make first Asia trip in mid-April Posted: WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Secretary of State John Kerry will make his first trip to Asia as Americas top diplomat in mid-April, an official announced Thursday, with North Korea expected to top the agenda.Kerry will travel to South Korea, Japan and China after first attending a meeting of G8 foreign ministers in London on April 10 and 11, said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.He plans to discuss the full range of bilateral, multilateral and regional issues as well as our economic cooperation and the environment, she said.North Koreas nuclear test last month, which has heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula, is likely to dominate discussions, along with concerns over Internet hacking emanating from China.Climate change, with China one of the worlds biggest producers of greenhouse gases, would also figure in the discussions.The secretary will continue to affirm the administrations commitment to further broaden and enhance US economic, security and strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region, Nuland said.Kerry was very much looking forward to getting back to Asia, she added.The former senator, who took over from Hillary Clinton as secretary of state on February 1, made his first overseas trip to US allies in Europe and the Gulf.But the Obama administration has stressed that there was no rethinking of its much-touted pivot to Asia.Nuland also announced that Kerry would take part in an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Brunei in June and would also visit other Southeast Asian nations at the same time.

US: Iranian plane pursued US spy drone over Gulf Posted: WASHINGTON (AP) - A Pentagon official says an Iranian fighter jet approached a U.S. surveillance drone aircraft over the Gulf but broke off its pursuit after a U.S. plane escorting the drone discharged a flare to warn the Iranian pilot.Pentagon press secretary George Little said Thursday that the incident occurred Tuesday. He said the unarmed Predator surveillance drone as well as two U.S. military aircraft that were escorting it remained over international waters at all times.Little said the drone was conducting what he called a routine classified surveillance mission.He said the Iranian F-4 plane came as close as 16 miles (25 kilometers) to the drone before it broke away.In November an Iranian fighter fired upon, but did not hit, a Predator over the Gulf.

France ready to arm Syrian rebels Posted: PARIS (AP) - French President Francois Hollande said Thursday his country and Britain are pushing the European Union to quickly lift its arms embargo on Syria so that they can send weapons to rebel fighters.The two countries have led the way in seeking help for the rebels, but Germany and others have been skeptical about sending weapons, pointing to the risk of further escalation in an already volatile region.Hollande insisted that the rebels are fighting on an uneven battlefield because Russia and others are arming Syrian President Bashar Assads regime.France must first convince its European partners. But we cannot let a people be massacred like this, Hollande told reporters in Brussels where he is attending an EU summit. So already the British and French are in favor of lifting the embargo.He added that we must exert pressure and show we are ready to back the opposition.The British government said that it is not ruling out any options to help the opposition.Earlier, Hollandes foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, said France and Britain are pushing for an urgent EU meeting now on lifting the embargo.A unanimous EU vote would be needed to lift the embargo before it is up for extension in May. But if that doesnt happen, a French diplomat said France is leaning toward refusing to vote for the extension a position Britain has also hinted at which would spell its end.The diplomat, who isnt authorized to be publicly named because of government policy, added it was too early to discuss what kind of arms France might supply.Britains Foreign Office said in a statement Thursday that the international effort for a political solution in Syria has little chance of gathering momentum unless the regime feels compelled to come to the negotiating table. They need to feel that the balance on the ground has shifted against them.Referring to the EU embargo, the statement said, We are not prepared to rule out any options to bring an end to the suffering of millions of innocent Syrians.Talk of arming the rebels comes as concerns have been raised about abuses by opposition fighters. Human rights monitors said in a report Thursday that Syrian rebels routinely kill captured soldiers and suspected regime informers.However, the report also said that abuses by the Assads regime remain far more deadly, systematic and widespread.Russias foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, warned Wednesday that arming Syrias rebels would be a breach of international law. Moscow has been the main ally of Assad, shielding him from U.N. sanctions over the two-year conflict.

Spurs survive Inter scare to restore English pride Posted: PARIS (AFP) - Tottenham suffered a fright before sneaking past Inter Milan to reach the Europa League quarter-finals and restore some national pride following Englands Champions League misery.With Manchester United and Arsenal beaten at the last 16 stage of Europes premier club competition, it was left to the Europa League participants to maintain English interest in European football this season.And although they lost 4-1 on the night, Spurs went through on away goals thanks to last weeks 3-0 success at White Hart Lane.But without the suspended Gareth Bale, Spurs made hard work of progressing as they needed extra-time to do so after trailing 3-0 when the 90 minutes were up.Inter played like a team that had nothing to lose and their lively front pairing of Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio caused Spurs trouble from the off.It was little surprise when they took the lead as Palacio ran onto a clever pass from full-back Jonathan that dissected Spurs defence, before crossing for Cassano to plant a downward header beyond Brad Friedel.Spurs knew an away goal was all that was needed to break the home sides spirits but they proved wasteful with the chances that came their way as Inter left gaps at the back in their eagerness to attack.Cassano then dinked a ball over the top for Palacio whose shot beat Friedel but crashed back off the bar.But Togo forward Emmanuel Adebayor should have killed the tie right at the end of the opening half following a mistake from Juan, only to chip both Samir Handanovic and the bar.And after Spurs wasted another glorious chance at the start of the second period, Palacio ran beyond the backline onto Esteban Cambiassos through ball before calmly beating Friedel.With just a quarter of an hour remaining, Cassanos weak and seemingly innocuous free-kick took a couple of deflections, the last off William Gallass thigh, before trickling into the net.Cambiasso almost won it for Inter in stoppage time but dragged his shot when clean through inches wide of the far post.Yet it was Tottenham who seemed the more fired up once the extra period began as Handanovic did brilliantly to save from Jan Vertonghen before Gallas somehow planted a free header wide.However, Inter soon cracked as Handanovic couldnt hold Mousa Dembeles stinging strike and Adebayor beat veterans Javier Zanetti and Cristian Chivu to the rebound to poke home the crucial away goal.Ricardo Alvarez headed in a fourth for Inter from Cassanos cross 10 minutes from time to ensure a thrilling tie kept everyone on tenterhooks right to the death.Basel held on for an entire half with a one-man disadvantage to edge out Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 on aggregate after a defeat in Moscow.Belgian Axel Witsel scored the only goal of the game on the half-hour mark and although they had Marcelo Diaz sent off on the stroke of half-time, Basel clung on to the lead their 2-0 victory in the first leg had offered them.They had goalkeeper Yann Sommer to thank for saving a late Roman Shirokov penalty to deny Zenit a period of extra time.There was better news for another Russian side, though, as Rubin Kazan beat Spaniards Levante 2-0 to progress by the same score on aggregate.After two goalless games, extra time was needed in Moscow to separate the sides.Venezuelas Jose Rondon opened the scoring 10 minutes into the extra period before substitute Vladimir Dyadyun sealed the Dagestanis place in the last eight.

FHockey: Australia, NZ and Malaysia to vie for final spots Posted: IPOH (AFP) - Hosts Malaysia are in the driving seat for a place in the final of the 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after a 2-2 draw with Pakistan Thursday.Despite being second in the table with eight points, they only need to avoid defeat against India, who are already out of contention, in their final group game on Saturday.Meanwhile table-toppers Australia drew 3-3 with South Korea and lead Malaysia on goal difference but have to next play New Zealand, who beat India 2-0 to revive their hopes of getting into the final.The resurgent Kiwis have won their last two games to claim six points and need a win against Australia.If Australia loses, they will be cheering India on in the next game as they will drop out if Malaysia gets a result.Pakistan played one of their best matches in the tournament to come back twice to force a 2-2 draw with Malaysia, who took the lead through Faizal Saari and Mohamed Razie Rahim, while Muhammad Imran and Shafqat Rasool were the scorers for Pakistan.Earlier, defending champions New Zealand sealed their win over a lacklustre India after breaking the deadlock in the second half.Andy Hayward scored the first goal in the 40th minute and Cory Bennett contributed the second in the 57th.New Zealand coach Colin Batch said it was always good to win back-to-back matches.It was a good performance from the players and we played according to plan, he said.Australia could have sealed their final place but will need a result on Saturday after their draw with South Korea.The Koreans were the early aggressors but it was only in the 35th minute that they took the lead through Nam Hyun-Woo, and were a minute from clinching their second win when the Kookaburras found the net with their last hit of the ball.Australia managed to pull level in the 41st minute through Joshua Miller, however three minutes later their hard work came undone with an own goal after a scramble in the D after a penalty corner attempt from the Koreans.The world champions reduced the deficit in the 58th minute with Miller netting his second goal, then came the last minute attempt as they earned a penalty corner in the 70th minute and Timothy Deavin dived to deflect the shot into goal and earn a point for his team.

Defending champ Azarenka pulls out of Indian Wells Posted: INDIAN WELLS (AFP) - Top seed and defending champion Victoria Azarenka withdrew from the Indian Wells WTA tournament on Thursday with a right ankle injury.The world No. 2 from Belarus pulled out shortly before her scheduled quarter-final clash with eighth-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, granting the Dane a semi-final berth on a walkover.Wozniackis semi-final opponent also advanced on a walkover on Thursday as fourth seed Angelique Kerber went through when Samantha Stosur pulled out with a calf injury.

Ferdinand recalled by England Posted: LONDON (AP) - Rio Ferdinand was recalled to the England squad after almost two years on Thursday, with the defender called up for the first time by coach Roy Hodgson.The 34-year-old Manchester United player last played for his country in June 2011 but is in line to start the World Cup qualifiers later this month against San Marino and Montenegro, which is two points ahead of England in the group.I am picking him on form and merit everything is football reasons, Hodgson said.Ferdinand was annoyed last year with the FA after believing he had been snubbed for a place in the European Championship squad amid the fallout from a case in which his brother was racially abused by England defender John Terry.Hodgson insisted Ferdinand didnt go to Poland and Ukraine for football reasons and not due to any potential conflict with Terry, who went to the tournament despite being stripped of the England captaincy because of the racism case.Despite Terry announcing his international retirement in September, Hodgson continued to indicate that Ferdinand wasnt in his plans.

Athletics: Bolt, Blake to run relay in Ostrava Posted: PRAGUE (AFP) - Jamaican star sprinters Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake will run the 4x100m relay at the Golden Spike event in Ostrava in the Czech Republic on June 27, the organisers said on Thursday.We have managed to negotiate the Racers Track Clubs star teams start in a 4x100m relay, with Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, the organisers said on the events website.Bolt, Blake, Michael Frater and Nesta Carter set a 4x100m world record time of 36.84s at the London Olympics last year.Bolt, who will run in Ostrava for the seventh time, tops the star list which also features Russias Ivan Ukhov (high jump), New Zealands Valerie Adams (shot put) and Czech 400m sprinter Pavel Maslak, the organisers said.

Students protest education cuts in Spain Posted: MADRID (AFP) - Thousands of students and teachers marched in Madrid on Thursday protesting crisis budget cuts and layoffs in schools and universities.Our education will not pay your debt read a banner at the front of the march heading down one of Madrid's main avenues towards the education ministry, to the din of horns and whistles.The national students' union that called the demonstration says Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative government has cut five billion euros ($6.5 billion) from public education budgets in the past year.The government says the measures, part of major savings measures imposed last year, are needed to stabilise Spain's public finances.They are privatising the universities and raising fees, cutting research and putting more students in each class, complained one demonstrator in Madrid, Jorge Barrio, a 20-year-old topography student.The only option I see is to go and work or study abroad.The union said in a statement that university fees have been raised by up to two thirds and 80,000 teachers had been laid off.A typical annual university fee has risen from around 1,000 to 1,500 euros -- a relatively big hike in Spain's state-funded education system.The recession in Spain has driven the unemployment rate among the under-25s above 50 percent.

You are subscribed to email updates from Dunya TV To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610