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- Obama vows to counter Islamic State in Libya
- Syria opposition to miss start of key peace talks
- US urges Syria rebels to drop demands for joining talks
- Tennis: 'Flawless' Djokovic floors Federer to reach final
- Tennis: Serena surges past Radwanska and into 26th Slam final
- Tennis: Kerber ends Konta fairytale to set up Serena final
- Tennis: Four-time finalist Murray faces Raonic hurdle
- Football: Neymar fined $112,000 for Brazil tax evasion
- Golf: Spieth trails as South Africa's Horne takes early lead in Singapore
- Breast is best for babies, mothers and economy: study
- Chichawatni: Passenger buses' collision leaves 3 dead, 8 injured
- Power breakdown hits parts of Karachi
- Terrorists entering Afghanistan after operation in Pakistan: US General
- Two target killers among four arrested in Karachi
- Syria opposition to miss start of key peace talks
| Obama vows to counter Islamic State in Libya Posted: WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama on Thursday said the United States would tackle the Islamic State group beyond Iraq and Syria if necessary, as he signaled an increased focus on Libya.Amid fears that a power vacuum in the north African nation has provided fertile ground for Islamic State to grow, Obama convened his National Security Council to discuss the issue.The President emphasized that the United States will continue to counter ISIL terrorist plotters in any country where it is necessary, the White House said following the meeting.The President directed his national security team to continue efforts to strengthen governance and support ongoing counterterrorism efforts in Libya and other countries where ISIL has sought to establish a presence.Libya has been in political turmoil and rocked by violence since the ouster of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 revolution.It now has two governments and parliaments, with the recognized authorities based in the eastern city of Tobruk and a militia-backed authority in Tripoli.World powers have urged Libyas warring factions to endorse the unity government formed last week under a UN-brokered deal aimed at ending the political paralysis that has fueled the rise of IS jihadists.  |
| Syria opposition to miss start of key peace talks Posted: RIYADH (AFP) - Key Syrian opposition members said Thursday they will miss the start of crucial talks in Geneva aimed at ending the devastating war, as the UN warned the negotiations must not fail.The Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee, meeting in Riyadh, said it would not attend the Geneva negotiations until an agreement was reached on aid entering besieged towns.Their absence threatens to derail the biggest diplomatic push yet to resolve the nearly five-year-old civil war, which has killed more than 260,000 people and forced millions from their homes.UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, in a video message to the Syrian people, said the talks could be their countrys last chance for peace.Now we need to hear your voice to everyone who is coming to this conference, and saying this conference must be an opportunity not to be missed, the envoy said.He said that after several stalled peace processes, the Geneva talks cannot fail. A spokeswoman for the UN talks, Khawla Mattar, said that no postponement was planned.A senior delegate of the High Negotiations Committee told AFP that a decision was expected on Friday on whether to attend the UN-brokered talks.Riad Hijab, coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee, said that aid access was a precondition of attending.Tomorrow we wont be in Geneva. We could go there but we will not enter the negotiating room if our demands arent met, he told Al-Arabiya television.Western diplomats have piled pressure on the opposition to participate in the negotiations, which would be only the second dialogue between Syrians since the start of the conflict.The Committee has asked for clarifications after the UN issued invitations to other opposition figures, and wants assurances from the international community that it will move to end regime attacks on civilians and allow humanitarian aid.France-based Middle East analyst Agnes Levallois said the opposition was growing increasingly frustrated that the question of President Bashar al-Assads fate was being put off.Assad is feeling stronger and stronger so is being inflexible, she said.Haytham Manna, a longstanding opposition figure who is co-chair of the political wing of a Kurdish-Arab alliance, told AFP in Geneva he did not expect talks to begin until Monday.A source close to the government in Damascus said its delegation, headed by Syrias envoy to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari, would arrive on Friday.The talks are part of a UN-backed plan, agreed by top diplomats last year in Vienna, that envisages negotiations followed by a transitional government, a new constitution, and elections within 18 months.French President Francois Hollande called for negotiations to start as soon as possible.We urgently need to put in place humanitarian measures and negotiate a political transition, Hollande said at a joint press conference with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.Russia said on Thursday it wanted another meeting of world powers on Syria in Munich on February 11, when the first round of the Geneva talks could still be taking place.De Misturas office said on Tuesday it had issued invitations to the talks, but refused to say who had been invited.The Committee, which has named Mohammed Alloush of the Islamist rebel group Army of Islam as its chief negotiator, confirmed it had received an invitation, but so did several other opposition figures not belonging to the body.Former deputy Syrian premier Qadri Jamil told AFP in Geneva that he was part of a second opposition delegation invited to the talks.We have decided we will not boycott the negotiations, but they will not succeed without the Kurds, he said.Turkey, a staunch opponent of the Syrian regime, has warned against any participation of Kurdish forces it says are linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).Asked about Jamils role, Mattar, the UN spokeswoman, said it was not our plan or understanding that his delegation would take part in the talks on an equal footing with the Committee.The peace push comes as Syrian forces have been advancing against rebels in various parts of the country, thanks in large part to Russian air strikes launched in September.Critics have accused Moscow of killing hundreds of civilians in the strikes and on Thursday a monitor said at least 54 civilians had died in suspected Russian air raids in parts of northern and eastern Syria under IS control.  |
| US urges Syria rebels to drop demands for joining talks Posted: WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States said Thursday that the Syrian opposition has made legitimate demands for aid to besieged areas but nevertheless urged it to attend planned peace talks.The main Syrian opposition coalition announced Thursday it would not attend UN-brokered talks in Geneva until a deal is struck to supply food and care to beleaguered civilians.Talks had been due to start on Friday, and Washington -- while expressing sympathy for the rebel demands -- said it was important to maintain momentum in the peace process.This is really an historic opportunity for them to go to Geneva to propose serious, practical ways to implement a ceasefire and other confidence-building measures, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.And we still believe they should do so without preconditions, he said. We believe these demands, while legitimate, shouldnt keep the talks from moving forward.The spokesman cited UN estimates that 486,000 Syrians are trapped in besieged areas, 274,000 of them surrounded by forces loyal to Bashar al-Assads regime.All parties must allow for immediate, unconditional and unfettered humanitarian assistance to reach those in need in all of the besieged areas, Toner said.But he insisted that the oppositions anger on this point should not be a reason to delay or abandon the talks, which Washington sees as key to kick-starting a peace process.The UN says that more than a quarter-million Syrians have died in the war, soon to enter its fifth year. Millions of others have fled.  |
| Tennis: 'Flawless' Djokovic floors Federer to reach final Posted: MELBOURNE (AFP) - Novak Djokovic said his sublime first two sets against Roger Federer were the best hes ever played against the Swiss as he reached his sixth Australian Open final in convincing fashion on Thursday.The world number one, now into his fifth straight Grand Slam final, was on a different level to the 17-time major winner in the opening two sets as he dished out a dominant, four-set semi-final victory.The five-time winner maintained his hold over world number three Federer, winning 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in two hours, 19 minutes, and will face either Andy Murray or Milos Raonic in Sundays final.It was the 45th meeting between two titans of the sport, with Djokovic now edging Federer 23-22 in their head-to-head duels.These first two sets have been probably the best two sets Ive played against him overall throughout my career, declared Djokovic.Ive had some moments against him in sets where Ive played on a high level, but this was, yeah, I think a different level than from before.Im just very, very pleased that I was able to perform the way I did from the very beginning till the end.Djokovic, who was simply irresistible in cruising two sets up in 54 minutes, said he played flawless tennis.When youre playing one of your top rivals, somebody of Rogers resume, of course it requires a lot of focus, determination, and a different preparation for that match-up than most of the other matches, he said.I played flawless tennis for first two sets, no doubt about it.Djokovic said he was now going to enjoy his two days off and prepare for his 19th Grand Slam final.I think its good for me at this stage. Ive played a lot of tennis. Actually its going to serve me well for my recovery, he said.Tomorrows match is going to be interesting to watch. Being in the final and watching the other semi-final, of course its quite a joyful feeling. Whoever wins Im going to be ready for the great battle.Djokovic broke Federers serve five times, dropped his serve just once, won 115 points to 82 and hit 33 winners with only 20 unforced errors, while Federer committed 51 unforced errors.The 10-time Grand Slam champion was in jaw-dropping form in the opening two sets, carving up Federer in their 15th Grand Slam encounter with his dazzling groundstrokes for the loss of only three games.He broke Federers first service to 15 and then held his serve to lead 3-0, winning 12 of the first 14 points.The Swiss third seed was broken again in the sixth game, netting a forehand with Djokovic in full cry.Djokovics 6-1 first set was his easiest opening set win over Federer. He won 24 points to 11, with the rushed Swiss making 12 unforced errors.Federer was broken to love in the third game in a similar start to the second set with the world number one able to do no wrong.Four-time winner Federer probed for a way back in, with the Australian crowd urging him on, and he broke Djokovic for the first time in the match in the sixth game.The Swiss was finally putting pressure back on the world number one and he claimed the third set on his third set point, to a thunderous roar on Rod Laver Arena.But both players had to cool their heels as play was delayed temporarily to enable the stadium roof to be closed ahead of expected rain, making for indoor playing conditions.Djokovic broke Federer for a fifth time in the match in a sensational eighth game of the fourth set, featuring a forehand return winner for the break, and he safely served out for the match in the following game.  |
| Tennis: Serena surges past Radwanska and into 26th Slam final Posted: MELBOURNE (AFP) - An inspired world number one Serena Williams demolished Polish fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska Thursday to surge into her 26th Grand Slam final and zero in on a seventh Australian Open title.The dominant top seed was untouchable in overpowering the Pole 6-0, 6-4 in just 64 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to set up a decider against German seventh seed Angelique Kerber or unseeded Briton Johanna Konta.Kerber and Konta play later Thursday, with whoever wins facing a huge obstacle to be crowned champion. Of her 25 previous major finals, Williams has won 21.Im really excited to be in another final, it kind of blows my mind right now, said Williams, 34. I feel I am playing the best I can, and I cant believe I am in the final.I started playing aggressive again in the second set and it worked out.The writing was on the wall for Radwanska -- Williams had never lost a semi-final at Melbourne Park on her way to six titles, and had beaten the Pole in each of their previous eight meetings stretching back to 2008.She crushed long-time rival Maria Sharapova in the quarter-finals and dished out the same treatment to Radwanska, halting her 13-match win streak in emphatic fashion.I think she started unbelievable, with such a power and speed. I was just standing there kind of watching her playing, said Radwanska, calling the first set the best anyone had ever played against her.There was just no mistake. Unbelievable serve. Everything, she was going for it. I couldnt do much.The victory puts Williams just one win away from matching Steffi Grafs Open-era Grand Slam record of 22 titles, with Margaret Courts all-time mark of 24 edging closer.In her 16th Australian Open, Williams, who said this week she had no plans to retire any time soon, got on the front foot immediately, and effortlessly.Within a minute of the match starting she had a break point as she hit clean winners and attacked the net.It was the worst possible opening for Radwanska, with Williams, the oldest world number one in WTA history, breaking and then using her huge power advantage to easily hold serve and go 2-0 clear.Radwanska, 26, was in serious trouble with Williams attacking her vulnerable second serve, and a double fault left her flailing 0-3 behind.The American was hitting booming shots to perfection, while Radwanska was struggling to get the ball over the net.Her movement was virtually non-existent and a feeble backhand had the top seed 5-0 ahead after just 17 minutes.Radwanska could do nothing against an opponent playing on a different level, and only won seven points the entire set -- four of them from Williams unforced errors.Williams won the set in 20 minutes, one of the fastest of the tournament and humiliating for Radwanska, last years WTA Finals champion and one of the worlds top players.Radwanska finally got off the mark in the opening game of the second set when Williams netted a backhand from the baseline, to huge applause from the crowd.But it was only a temporary reprieve, with Williams holding serve and then breaking to march 2-1 clear.The fourth seed finally started finding her range and with some errors leaking into the Williams game, she easily held serve then broke with a forehand error to go level at 3-3. An epic seventh game, including the first deuce of the match, allowed her to hold serve, but an easy Williams hold was followed by another lapse from Radwanska who was broken again.Williams, serving for victory, sent down three booming aces and won it on the first match point, keeping intact her record of not dropping a set all tournament.  |
| Tennis: Kerber ends Konta fairytale to set up Serena final Posted: MELBOURNE (AFP) - Seventh seed Angelique Kerber tamed British hope Johanna Konta to reach the Australian Open final on Thursday, where she will face dominant world number one Serena Williams.The 28-year-old, buoyed by a new-found self-belief inspired by fellow German Steffi Graf, proved too hot to handle for Konta as she won 7-5, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.The win puts the left-hander into her first ever Grand Slam final on her 33rd attempt, marking the first time a German has got so far at Melbourne Park since 1996.That year, Anke Huber made the final where she lost to Monica Seles. Graf is the last German champion in Melbourne, winning the last of her four Australian titles in 1994.But Kerber now has a momentous task ahead against a player in awesome form, after defending champion Williams swept past fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-0, 6-4 in the other semi-final.The German, who is guaranteed to return to the world top five, beat two-time champion Victoria Azarenka in the last eight and the task facing Konta, ranked 47, was always a big ask.The Briton, who has risen 100 rankings places in the past year, was on her tournament main draw debut having failed to come through qualifying last season.But her defeat of eighth seed Venus Williams in the opening round gave her a huge boost, and against the odds she kept her run going to become Britains first female Grand Slam semi-finalist since 1983.Konta was bidding to become the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam final since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977, and the first in Melbourne since Wade in 1972, but it was not to be.Both players were tentative as the first game got underway. Konta felt the early pressure as sloppy errors allowed Kerber to snare three break points, but some beautiful winners saved each one.It was all in vain as Kerber broke for a 1-0 advantage when Konta slammed a forehand into the net on the fourth break point.The experienced German, who had never previously gone past the fourth round in Melbourne, kept her nerve to hold serve and then broke again as Konta struggled to control her dangerous forehand, giving away easy points.Undeterred, she sharpened up and began pushing Kerber around, and with power and precision returning to her groundstrokes, Konta got a break back to be 1-3 behind.The Briton held serve then hauled herself back into the match in a stellar fightback as she reeled off her third straight game in a row, capitalising as Kerbers focus lapsed.Konta stayed on the attack as her serve started to fire and she surged 4-3 in front. It became a tight contest and went with serve until three unforced errors from the Brit in the 11th game, including a crucial forehand into the net, gave Kerber the vital break and she served to love for the set.With the first set under her belt, Kerber came out for the second set aggressively, hitting hard to grab an early break and pile the pressure on Konta.It then went with serve to 3-1 but Konta was fading fast as she struggled to stay in the match.As the Britons error count climbed, the German pounced to go 4-1 in front, screaming Cmon as her opponent hit a weak forehand into the net. Sensing victory, she made no mistakes to serve for the match and become the first left-hander to make the final since Seles in 1996.  |
| Tennis: Four-time finalist Murray faces Raonic hurdle Posted: MELBOURNE (AFP) - Andy Murray faces Milos Raonic in the Australian Open semis on Friday as he aims for his fifth final in Melbourne and another tilt at a title which has so far remained tantalisingly out of reach.The Scot, seeded second, has lost all four finals he has played in Melbourne with the big-serving Canadian, now working under former world number one Carlos Moya, his last obstacle to reaching a fifth.A pumped-up Murray, who was taken on an emotional rollercoaster after his father-in-laws collapse last week at Rod Laver Arena, and who has a heavily pregnant wife at home, said he had only one thought in mind.Obviously I want to win these events. Thats why Im still playing, he said. After a tough year in 2014, I think Im now sort of established again at the top of the game and giving myself chances. Thats all I can keep doing. And working hard.Murray is into his sixth Australian Open semi-final and 18th overall in the Grand Slams, while Raonic, seeded 13, is in only his second Slam semi, after Wimbledon 2014 where he lost in straight sets to Roger Federer.They have a 3-3 head-to-head record and the big-serving Canadian is oozing confidence, with much better composure on court and a more rounded game after taking on former world number one Carlos Moya as his coach.Its a great opportunity for me, Raonic said. I had a disappointing semi-final two years ago (at Wimbledon), and I just want to change that story around and give myself another go with more experience.I feel like Im a better player than I was two years ago.The womens title fight has already been decided with world number one Serena Williams facing German seventh seed Angelique Kerber on Saturday.Also on Fridays bill is the womens doubles final, with Switzerlands Martina Hingis and Indias Sania Mirza gunning for their third Slam title.The pair are on a 35-match win streak, the third best in WTA history, claiming the Wimbledon and the US Open crowns last year.It has been a hugely successful pairing since they teamed up last March at Indian Wells. They have gone on to reach 10 finals and opened their 2016 season by winning the Brisbane International.Seeded top in Melbourne, seventh seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic stand in their way of another tournament victory.  |
| Football: Neymar fined $112,000 for Brazil tax evasion Posted: SAO PAULO (AFP) - Barcelona star Neymar on Thursday lost an appeal against a $112,000 fine slapped on him for tax evasion during his years with Santos in 2007 and 2008.The appeal decision confirmed the Brazilian financial authorities sanction handed down originally in 2012 for irregularities in his income tax declaration, the tax service said.The case also involved the players father although the fine is unlikely to perturb the Brazilian star too much as he reportedly earns around $215,000 a week at European champions Barcelona.Neymar is also embroiled in legal action in Spain where he has been ordered to give evidence on February 2 for alleged fraud surrounding his transfer to the Catalan giants from Santos in 2013.Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu, his predecessor Sandro Rosell, Neymars parents and two directors of Santos have also been called to appear.Spanish public prosecutors filed for action to be taken against all the parties after a complaint of fraud and corruption was launched by the Brazilian investment fund DIS, which held 40 percent of Neymars sporting rights when he played at Santos, at the court in June 2015.DIS has claimed it was cheated of its real share of the benefits of the 23-year-olds transfer because part of the fee was concealed by Barcelona and Santos.The deal was originally valued at 57.1 million euros ($62.1 million) by the Catalan club, 40 million of which was paid to the N&N company owned by the players father with Santos receiving just 17.1 million.However, Spanish judicial authorities have estimated the amount to be at least 83.3 million. DIS received 6.8 million euros ($7.7 million) out of the total 17.1 million that Barcelona paid to Santos, but claims it may also be due a share of the overall transfer payments.  |
| Golf: Spieth trails as South Africa's Horne takes early lead in Singapore Posted: SINGAPORE (AFP) - South Africas Keith Horne shot a five-under-par 66 to lead the SMBC Singapore Open after the first round of play Thursday, with world number one Jordan Spieth breathing down his neck.Spieth and South Koreas An Byeong-Hun posted identical birdies in the fourth, seventh, 10th and 18th holes, to trail Horne by a stroke as the four-day tournament teed off at the Sentosa Golf Club Serapong Course.Bad weather suspended play late afternoon and competition will resume tomorrow for 57 players who have not completed the first round.Teeing off on the back nine, Horne hit two bogeys but raised his game to top the leaderboard with his seventh birdie in the final hole.Despite not playing at Serapong for a couple of years, the 44-year-old said he usually has a good outing at the course.I had a bit of a walkabout in the middle of the round but then I also had a good run coming in, said Horne.I putted great today which was important. I put a new driver in the bag... and I hit it so far and straight and that made a huge difference.Playing in the city-state for the first time, Spieth remains focused on winning the Singapore Open and while he was frustrated with his drives the 22-year-old Texan said he was still adjusting.It was a good start, said the 2015 US Open and Masters champion.I wish I had better chances of putting inside 15 feet to birdie. I just didnt have many today, he added.But that will come. Its just the first round in a different country, different time zone. Its still an adjustment and I think each day it will get a bit better.Spieth played without regular caddie Michael Greller, who is recovering from an ankle injury sustained at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii earlier this month, and his agent, Jay Danzi, stood in without a hitch in the heat.Spieth said: Its a tough place to come in and caddie when youre not used to carrying the bag in this weather. But he has caddied for me previously, at the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan, and he took it like a champ.We also played a lot together, so its an easy one-week replacement while Michael is getting healthy.Overall, Spieth said Serapong lived up to what he had heard from PGA Tour pros who had played here previously.My expectations were high, considering how highly people have spoken of this golf course, Spieth told reporters.It played very similar to a pretty challenging PGA Tour.The American has put aside earlier complaints of exhaustion after a top five finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Sunday.Returning after a three-year hiatus and under new sponsorship, the Singapore Open offers a minimum prize purse of $1 million. It is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organization.It was formerly one of Asias richest with a $6 million purse when last held in November 2012.The tournament was cancelled in 2013 after British bank Barclays chose not to renew its sponsorship. Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation is the current sponsor.  |
| Breast is best for babies, mothers and economy: study Posted: PARIS (AFP) - Breastfeeding more babies for longer could save the global economy some $300 billion in a single year, simply by yielding smarter and higher-earning offspring, researchers said Friday.It would also prevent more than 800,000 child deaths, and about 20,000 breast cancer deaths every year.Breastfeeding saves lives and money in all countries, rich and poor alike, said Cesar Victora from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil, one of the authors of a research series published by The Lancet medical journal.There is a widespread misconception that the benefits of breastfeeding only relate to poor countries. Nothing could be further from the truth, he said in a statement.The findings were based on analysis of 28 scientific reviews and meta-analyses that looked at the proven health and economic benefits of breastfeeding.The authors said this was the largest and most detailed analysis of its kind ever done.It concluded that breastfeeding led to a dramatic improvement in life expectancy.In high-income countries, it reduced the risk of sudden infant deaths by more than a third.In low-and middle-income countries, it could prevent about half of diarrhoea episodes and a third of respiratory infections.Altogether, about 800,000 childrens lives could be saved every year -- the equivalent of about 13 percent of all deaths in children under two.It also increases intelligence, said the statement.Modelling conducted for the series estimates that global economic losses of lower cognition from not breastfeeding reached a staggering $302 billion (276 billion euros) in 2012.This was about half a percent of the worlds gross national income.Last year, a study in The Lancet Global Health journal said breastfeeding led to increased adult intelligence, longer schooling and higher adult earnings, regardless of family background.That research had tracked the development of 3,500 people in Brazil over 30 years from birth.The new series said boosting breastfeeding rates for children under six months to 90 percent in the United States, China and Brazil, and to 45 percent in Britain, would dramatically cut treatment costs of common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and asthma.In the US, the saving would be $2.45 billion, in Britain $29.5 million, in China $223.6 million and in Brazil $6 million.For women, longer breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, the study authors said, and estimated that some 20,000 womens deaths could be prevented per year.Rates are lowYet, one in five children in high-income countries are breastfed to 12 months, and one in three in low- and middle-income countries are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives.In Britain, about one percent of children are breastfed until the age of one, in Ireland about two percent and in Denmark three percent -- among the lowest rates in the world.Breastfeeding is much more common in poor countries.Breast milk is free, nutritious and protective against disease, but not always practical for women who cannot be on call around the clock.In some societies, it is frowned upon to breastfeed in public.And in some cases, it can be dangerous -- breastfeeding can pass on the HIV virus that causes AIDS from infected mothers to their children.Currently, breastfeeding promotion focuses on encouraging women to breastfeed without providing the necessary economic and social conditions such as supportive healthcare systems, adequate maternity entitlements and workplace interventions, counselling and education, said co-author Nigel Rollins from the World Health Organisation.Another problem was aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes -- with global sales set to reach $70.6 billion by 2019.The researchers called for political commitment and financial investment to make it easier for women to breastfeed, and tighter regulation of the breast milk substitute industry.  |
| Chichawatni: Passenger buses' collision leaves 3 dead, 8 injured Posted: CHICHAWATNI (Dunya News) – A collision between two passenger buses at GT road in Chichawatni left 3 people dead while 8 passengers including 2 women sustained injuries. The killed victims include a father and his two daughters.According to the details, a bus bound for Lahore from Multan collided with another that was en route to Muzzaffargarh from Lahore.The injured have been shifted to Tehsil Headquarter hospital in Chichwatni.  |
| Power breakdown hits parts of Karachi Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – According to initial reports, almost half of Karachi plunged into darkness due to a massive electricity breakdown on early Friday.The areas which are without electricity included New Karachi, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Sadar, Bahadurabad, Federl B Area, I. I. Chundrigar Road, Landhi, Korangi, Buffer Zone, Nazimabad, North Karachi, Liquatabad, Defence and Shadman.According to a spolesperson of K-Elecrtic, the power breakdown was caused due to tripping in the extra high tension wires.  |
| Terrorists entering Afghanistan after operation in Pakistan: US General Posted: WASHINGTON (Dunya News/Agencies) – US Lieutenant GeneralJohn W. Mick Nicholson Jr.on Thursday stated that terrorists were on the run and were entering Afghanistan after an operation against them was launched by Pakistan’s military. Addressing the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, General Nicholson stated that security situation in Afghanistan was deteriorating.Lt. General Nicholson stated that terrorist organizations such as Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda are tyring to create hideouts in Afghanistan. General Nicholson warned that a more effective stance needs to be taken by the US.Expressing doubt over intelligence reports on IS and escalation in Taliban’s activities, Nicholson stated that the US will not sit idly under such circumstances.Nicholson stated that he would encourage the security forces of both Pakistan and Afghanistan so that they may mutually combat their enemies. Nicholson stated that the security situation in the war-torn Afghanistan is deteriorating and assured senators he will do a thorough review of American troop levels needed to stabilize the nation.He told the Senate Armed Services Committee he will have a better sense of conditions in Afghanistan within a few months if he is confirmed by the Senate.Nicholson would succeed Gen. John F. Campbell, who is expected to retire.There are about 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. At Campbells urging, Obama decided last October to abandon his plan to reduce troop levels to near zero by the end of 2016. Instead, he said they would shrink to 5,500 by the end of the year. His advisers could press Obama to maintain the current level of 9,800 troops until he leaves office in January 2017.During an exchange with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Nicholson said he would be concerned that the military would not be able to perform counterterrorism operations if the number of American troops fell to a hypothetical 1,000 suggested by Graham.Nicholson said he supported the decision to retain the 9,800 American troops and he agreed with Campbells approach. But the general also said at numerous points during the hearing that he would conduct his own assessment.Although American forces are no longer engaged in direct action missions against the Taliban, Nicholson said he could not envision U.S. troops remaining on the sidelines if the strategic city of Kandahar were at risk. Kandahar, in southern Afghanistan, is the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban.We need to prevent Kandahar from falling into the hands of the Taliban, Nicholson said.The committee chairman, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., opened Nicholsons confirmation hearing with a blistering assessment of Obamas handling of the war in Afghanistan and the presidents adherence to a calendar-based withdrawal.By now, we should have learned from the precipitous withdrawal from Iraq and the disaster that ensued that wars do not end because politicians say so, McCain said. Nor will any politician be able to schedule an end to the threat of radical extremist terrorism emanating from Afghanistan or the region more broadly.McCain prefaced a question to Nicholson about the security situation in Afghanistan with his own stark appraisal of the conditions there. He cited recent battlefield successes by the Taliban, who he said are being aided with weapons from Iran, and the presence of the Islamic State extremist group in Afghanistan.The view of many of us is that the security situation in Afghanistan has been deteriorating rather than improving, McCain said.Sir, I agree with your assessment, Nicholson said. Later, he added, This is Afghanistan. There will always be some level of violence in Afghanistan.Nicholson, a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a career infantry officer, is currently commander of NATOs Allied Land Command, headquartered at Izmir, Turkey. Among numerous tours of duty in Afghanistan starting in 2006, he served as deputy chief of staff of operations for the international military command and for U.S. forces in 2010. Before that he spent 14 months as director of the Pentagons Afghanistan-Pakistan coordination cell.  |
| Two target killers among four arrested in Karachi Posted: KARACHI (Dunya News) – Police conducted search operations in different parts of Karachi on Thursday and arrested four accused. Two target kiilers were among the arrested persons.According to details, police conducted a raid in Manghupir area and arrested two target killers. Police sources said that arrested target killers, Nisar and Gulbahar, were involved in killing of more than 23 people, including a police official. Police have also recovered arms and a motorcycle from their possession.Police also arrested two accused in injured condition after an encounter in Napier area. According to SSP City, Fida Hussain, both them are member of Lyari gang war and wanted by police in several cases of heinous nature. On the other hand, some unidentified persons opened fire at a vehicle in Gulistan-e-Johar and shot dead a man named Sajid while another man was also wounded in the attack.  |
| Syria opposition to miss start of key peace talks Posted: RIYADH (AFP) - Key Syrian opposition members said Thursday they will miss the start of crucial talks in Geneva aimed at ending the devastating war, as the UN warned the negotiations must not fail.The Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee, meeting in Riyadh, said it would not attend the Geneva negotiations until an agreement was reached on aid entering besieged towns.Their absence threatens to derail the biggest diplomatic push yet to resolve the nearly five-year-old civil war, which has killed more than 260,000 people and forced millions from their homes.UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, in a video message to the Syrian people, said the talks could be their countrys last chance for peace.Now we need to hear your voice to everyone who is coming to this conference, and saying this conference must be an opportunity not to be missed, the envoy said.He said that after several stalled peace processes, the Geneva talks cannot fail.A spokeswoman for the UN talks, Khawla Mattar, said that no postponement was planned.A senior delegate of the High Negotiations Committee told AFP that a decision was expected on Friday on whether to attend the UN-brokered talks.Riad Hijab, coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee, said that aid access was a precondition of attending.Tomorrow we wont be in Geneva. We could go there but we will not enter the negotiating room if our demands arent met, he told Al-Arabiya television.Western diplomats have piled pressure on the opposition to participate in the negotiations, which would be only the second dialogue between Syrians since the start of the conflict.The Committee has asked for clarifications after the UN issued invitations to other opposition figures, and wants assurances from the international community that it will move to end regime attacks on civilians and allow humanitarian aid.Historic opportunityFrance-based Middle East analyst Agnes Levallois said the opposition was growing increasingly frustrated that the question of President Bashar al-Assads fate was being put off.Assad is feeling stronger and stronger so is being inflexible, she said.Haytham Manna, a longstanding opposition figure who is co-chair of the political wing of a Kurdish-Arab alliance, told AFP in Geneva he did not expect talks to begin until Monday.A source close to the government in Damascus said its delegation, headed by Syrias envoy to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari, would arrive on Friday.The talks are part of a UN-backed plan, agreed by top diplomats last year in Vienna, that envisages negotiations followed by a transitional government, a new constitution, and elections within 18 months.French President Francois Hollande called for negotiations to start as soon as possible.We urgently need to put in place humanitarian measures and negotiate a political transition, Hollande said at a joint press conference with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.The United States, while expressing sympathy for the rebel demands for aid, also urged the Syrian opposition to attend the talks.We believe these demands, while legitimate, shouldnt keep the talks from moving forward, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.Russian strikes kill 54Russia said Thursday it wanted another meeting of world powers on Syria in Munich on February 11, when the first round of the Geneva talks could still be taking place.De Misturas office said on Tuesday it had issued invitations to the talks, but refused to say who had been invited.The Committee, which has named Mohammed Alloush of the Islamist rebel group Army of Islam as its chief negotiator, confirmed it had received an invitation, but so did several other opposition figures not belonging to the body.Former deputy Syrian premier Qadri Jamil told AFP in Geneva that he was part of a second opposition delegation invited to the talks.We have decided we will not boycott the negotiations, but they will not succeed without the Kurds, he said.Turkey, a staunch opponent of the Syrian regime, has warned against any participation of Kurdish forces it says are linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).Asked about Jamils role, Mattar, the UN spokeswoman, said it was not our plan or understanding that his delegation would take part in the talks on an equal footing with the Committee.The peace push comes as Syrian forces have been advancing against rebels in various parts of the country, thanks in large part to Russian air strikes launched in September.Critics have accused Moscow of killing hundreds of civilians in the strikes and on Thursday a monitor said at least 54 civilians had died in suspected Russian air raids in parts of northern and eastern Syria under IS control.  |
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