Tuesday, January 5th, 2016
Saudi beheadings wrong response to criticism: Iran president
TEHRAN: Saudi Arabia should not respond to criticism of its regime by beheading people, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday, referring to Riyadh’s recent execution for “terrorism” of Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Shia cleric who had been behind anti-government protests among Saudi Arabia’s Shia Muslim minority. Officials have not said how Nimr was put to death, but beheading is common in the conservative Sunni Muslim kingdom, which has since cut diplomatic ties with predominantly Shia Iran. “One does not respond to criticism by cutting off heads,” Rouhani said as heRead More
Nawaz-Modi call: India urges Pak to act after Pathankot airbase attack
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday to take “firm and immediate action” against those behind an attack on an Indian Air Force base that left seven soldiers dead. Modi’s office said New Delhi had given Islamabad “specific and actionable information” on the audacious attack, which came just days after a landmark visit to Pakistan by the Indian premier raised hopes of improved relations. Security officials suspect the gunmen – all six of whom were killed – belonged to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, the groupRead More
Grave dangers face Muslim world in light of Saudi-Iran standoff: Sartaj
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is concerned over recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran that spiralled after the execution of Shia scholar Sheikh Nimr al Nimr, the Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said in a policy statement he read before the National Assembly on Tuesday. The Muslim World faces grave dangers in the situation that has risen in wake of the Saudi-Iran conflict, Aziz said. He expressed concern that terrorists can use the diplomatic crisis in Middle East to their advantage. The statement follows criticism from opposition partiesRead More
Indian teenager becomes first batsman to score 1000 runs
MUMBAI: A Mumbai teenager has become the first batsman to score 1000 runs in an officially recognized innings. Pranav Dhanawade, a 15-year-old opening batsman, scored 1009 not out playing for K.C. Gandhi School against Arya Gurukul School in a tournament recognised by the Mumbai Cricket Association. His team declared at 1465-3. Dhanawade smashed 59 sixes and 129 fours off only 323 balls, making the most of the short 30-yard boundary on one side of the ground. The previous record in minor cricket – below first-class and List A level –Read More
Dr Asim case: Court grants NAB 14-day extension in remand
KARACHI: An accountability court allowed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to keep custody of former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain for 14 more days during a hearing on Tuesday. NAB prosecution asked Administrative Judge Accountability Courts Saad Qureshi for a 15-day extension in Dr Asim’s remand. Dr Asim, who has been in NAB custody since Dec 11, is facing an inquiry into charges of misuse of authority in allotment of plots and encroachment of state land for Dr Ziauddin Hospital, kickbacks and commission through fertiliser cartel for illegal curtailment, fraudRead More
CPEC: Pakistan Navy ramps up security at Gwadar
QUETTA: Pakistan Navy has increased all-round security and surveillance at Gwadar Port with the commencement of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. “A special marine battalion has been raised for the security of Gwadar,” stated a spokesperson of the Pakistan Navy while briefing media personnel during an extensive tour of the Gwadar site. He added that Chinese engineers and delegates are currently visiting the port of Gwadar. Gwadar is the port of origin and starting destination for CPEC, which will be linked to China’s western region through a rail and roadRead More