Musharraf ‘shedding crocodile tears’, says ex- Pak SCBA chief

Islamabad, Sep.19 (ANI): Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association’s former President Aitzaz Ahsan has said that former President General Pervez Musharraf is ‘shedding crocodile tears’ while admitting that removing Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry from office in 2007 was a mistake.

Referring to Musharraf’s speech at Trinity University in Saint Antonio, Texas, where the former general admitted that he had committed a mistake while sacking the then Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) from office, Ahsan said Musharraf had committed not only one but two mistakes by removing the higher judiciary and imposing an emergency in the country on November 3, 2007.

Talking to a private television channel, Ahsan said the government and the ‘independent’ judiciary should play their role in trying Musharraf under high treason charges.

He said it was not the right time for lawyers to take their struggle to roads, as they did previously while demanding restoration of the judiciary, The News reports.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has denied that Musharraf had taken the cabinet into his confidence before promulgating the Provisional Constitutional Ordinance (PCO) and imposing the emergency rule in 2007.

Interacting with media persons during an Iftaar party hosted by PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, several party leaders rejected the notion regarding Musharraf consulting the cabinet before taking the illegal and extra-judicial actions. (ANI)

‘Battered’ Torres vows to beat the bullies with his sharp shooters

London, Sep 18 (ANI): Europe’s No.1 striker Fernando Torres has insisted that he will beat the bullies who have subjected him to the most vicious of attention this season.

The Liverpool striker has paid a heavy price for being ranked the number one striker in Europe, and has taken as many black eyes as he has scored goals in the Premier League so far.

He said that he has come to terms with his status as the most marked man in Europe, and now wants to learn how to overcome it by scoring even more goals.

“Yes, another week, another black eye for me. The latest one I got with the national team, not in England, but football is like this. This type of thing happens,” The Mirror quoted Torres, as saying.

“I have to learn, I have to adapt and protect myself because I think I understand now the referees don’t have to protect just three or four players, they have to protect all of them. England is a physical league and we have to learn and try to be safe.

“Of course, it gets harder for me, because I am targeted, but half-way through my first season, the defenders knew me as well. I cannot use that as an excuse. I have to be ready. I have to be aware of defenders paying more attention to me, and I have to improve and try to be stronger and better,” he added.

The Spanish star admitted that in the past it has bothered him, but after a heart to heart with manager Rafa Benitez, he has decided to let his feet do the talking.

“If you get frustrated then you cannot win the game. I know for the good of the team I have to be aware and beat the defenders. That is my job,” he said. (ANI)

PML-N moves privilege motion against Zardari

Islamabad, Sep 16 (ANI): The Pakistan Muslim League-N has moved a privilege motion in the National Assembly (NA) against the statement of President Asif Ali Zardari on giving the safe passage to the former president Pervez Musharraf.

The motion signed by 91 MNAs has been brought by Hanif Abbasi, Dr. Tariq Fazal and Anjum Aqeel, the NA Members of the PML-N.

It may be recalled that opposition leader in NA, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had announced to move a motion against Zardari the previous day, and demanded Zardari to present all the aspects of the deal – regarding Pervez Musharraf – in front of the nation and Parliament.

Earlier in the day, contradicting media reports over indemnity being granted to Musharraf, Zardari’s spokesman has said that there have been no negotiations with the so-called international guarantors to give indemnity to the former president.

In a statement, Farhatullah Babar said the President Zardari in an informal talk on Monday with reporters had remarked that national political leaders and parties had held negotiations among themselves to chase Musharraf out of office and restore Presidency to the democratic forces.

In the talk with journalists there was no mention of negotiations with the so-called national or international guarantors to give immunity to Musharraf subsequent to his exit, he said.

Zardari’s remarks of negotiations among national political parties to strategise the sacking of Musharraf have unfortunately been distorted and misrepresented as talks with so called guarantors for indemnity to Musharraf, Dawn quoted Babar, as saying.

He said no one denied the holding of negotiations among national political parties to drive Musharraf out of office.

Babar said it was the result of these negotiations that the national parliament and all provincial assemblies adopted resolutions calling upon Musharraf to quit.

It was also the result of these negotiations that the parties joined hands in preparing a comprehensive and historic charge sheet to impeach Musharraf in case he refused to quit, he said.

There was nothing new in Zardari’s remarks about negotiations among political parties to force Musharraf out of office, except for the distortion and spin now given to it, Babar added.

Babar said the noise and din raised over the alleged remarks wrongly attributed to the President is part of the campaign to discredit Zardari for anything and everything that goes wrong. (ANI)

Liverpool combo of Torres and Gerrard can help beat Hungarian champions

London, Sep.16 (ANI): Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres believes that his partnership with Steven Gerrard is the double act every Reds fan reckons can fire them to glory in tonight’s Champions League tie with Hungarian champs Debreceni.

Torres sees England’s deadly duo as the biggest threat to his chances of notching a famous double in South Africa next year.

The Sun quoted Torres, as saying: “I have never played with a better player than Stevie – for me he really is the best in the world. If Rooney can get an understanding with him, that will make England one of the most dangerous attacking forces in the world.”

“When a nation wins a major tournament there are always two players who form a devastating understanding. You had Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, Del Piero and Totti and, most recently, the understanding I had with David Villa.

“That is the sort of class I know Stevie and Wayne can be in if they get that understanding.

“They are world class and have the attributes to complement each other very nicely.

“But, most importantly, they show passion when playing for their country and you can’t win a tournament without that.” (ANI)

Worst Brit footie team ends 90-match losing streak with victory!

London, Sept 16 (ANI): Harraby Athletic, the worst football team in Britain, has finally tasted victory – after a losing streak of 90 matches.

The side has been on a losing spree since three years and was badly mauled in a 19-0 match in 2006.

The team concedes 10 goals a game on an average and their goalie has seen the ball netted over 400 times in less than three seasons.

The under-14 squad celebrated their first win after beating Edenvale Hawks 3-2 at their home ground, Hammond’s Park.

Sky News quoted coach Brett Preston as saying: “Pure determination has got us there and their faces after the game meant everything.

“All week I’ve had other managers phoning me up to congratulate us on our achievement.

“When we lost our first game 19-0, it could have even been a higher score as the opposing manager tried to help us by swapping players around and telling them to ease off.

“They just couldn’t help scoring against us. Gradually over time, the scores have come down, but we’re always bottom of the table and we’ve never even won a friendly match.”

Harraby has only one point in the Longhorn Youth Football League after the opponents did not play the game.

It consists of players who are either playing for the first time or have been rejected by other teams.he coach said: “They know that if they leave, they might not get the chance of a game as they might not get into another team.”

However, Preston also praised the determination of his boys.

He said: “The boys have been prepared to stick at it and been willing to learn. They turn up for training in all weathers and really deserve a win at last.” (ANI)

Flintoff’s England contract won’t hinder his IPL windfall

London, Sep 14(ANI): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have admitted that despite the incremental contract, they would not be able to stop star cricketer Andrew Flintoff from hawking his cricketing talents around the world.

Flintoff had announced his retirement from Test cricket at the conclusion of the 2009 Ashes series, and under the terms and conditions of the new contract, he must only make himself available for all short-form matches. Outside that, England team director Andy Flower can no longer demand where and when he plays, but only make requests to the all-rounder, The Mirror reports.

It means that once Flintoff recovers from his knee injury he would be free to sign lucrative contracts with Indian Premier League team Chennai Super Kings, Lancashire and England.

The new contract is also an encouraging sign for Flintoff’s agent Andrew Chandler, who has been in negotiations with local teams from Australia, South Africa and the West Indies for the all-rounder’s services. (ANI)

Dropped Hughes sought Tendulkar’s wise counsel over lunch

Sydney, Sep.13 (ANI): Out of favour Australian opening batsman Phillip Hughes had lunch and a long one-hour chat with Sachin Tendulkar when he was in India. He also spent some time in Nagpur with his coach Neil D’ Costa, who is contracted to the Vidarbha Cricket Association academy.

“The first thing Phillip said when he arrived was ‘I can’t change the past, but I can prepare for the future’,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted D’Costa, as saying from Nagpur.

“He got dropped and it was upsetting, but Phillip knows that in the Australian cricket team there are no apprenticeships. At that moment in time the selectors thought it was best he was not in the team and so be it. Phillip has already moved on from that,” he added.

“He was extremely mature about his work over here,” D’Costa said.

Hughes’s next assignment will be the shortest form of the game, the Champions League in South Africa. (ANI)

Musharraf’s trial seekers should act rather than rant: PML-Q

Karachi, Sep.12 (ANI): The Pakistan Muslim League -Quaid (PML-Q) has said that all those people who want former President General Pervez Musharraf to be tried for high treason should come forward and take steps regarding the trial instead of just issuing statements.

“People who want to put former President Pervez Musharraf on trial must come forward and do so because the time had come for taking practical steps rather than just debating on the thorny issue,”The Dawn quoted PML-Q Secretary General Mushahid Hussain, as saying.

“Every one will be silent on one phone call from Saudi Arabia,” Hussain added.

He came down on the current Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led government saying the country was being “run by plunderers and looters of sugar, cement and flour.”

Hussain stressed that PML-Q is the real opposition party as it was founded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. (ANI)

Zia, Yahya and Ayub should be exhumed and hanged like Cromwell: PML-N leader

Karachi, Sep.11 (ANI): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Javed Hashmi has said that all dictators including General Ayub Khan, General Yahya Khan and General Zia-ul-Haq should be tried and their bodies should be exhumed and hanged.

Talking to media persons at the Karachi Airport, Hashmi said the autocratic rulers should be treated in the same way the British treated Oliver Cromwell in 1661 to prevent the emergence of any dictator in future.

“The judiciary should try all the people in the country who had violated the constitution,” The Daily Times quoted Hashmi, as saying.

Oliver Cromwell’s, an English military and political leader,body was exhumed from Westminster Abbey, and was subjected to the ritual of a posthumous execution.

Symbolically, this took place on 30 January 1661 the same date that Charles I was executed. His body was hanged in chains at Tyburn. Finally, his disintegrated body was thrown into a pit, while his severed head was displayed on a pole outside Westminster Hall until 1685.

Afterwards the head changed hands several times, including the sale in 1814 to a man named Josiah Henry Wilkinson, before eventually being buried in the grounds of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, in 1960.(ANI)

S. African athlete Semenya tries to gloss over gender controversy

Johannesburg, Sep.9 (ANI): South African athlete Caster Semenya has completed her transformation from gender troubled sporting champion into national celebrity with a photo shoot in the country’s leading gossip magazine.

While the controversy rumbles on over whether the teenage runner is really male or female, her handlers have sought to end the debate with the aid of a costume change, make up and some studio lights.

With the front cover headline: “Wow, look at Caster now!” You magazine proudly boasts that it has turned her from “power girl” into “glamour girl” and apparently, “she loves it”.

Inside, the 800 m world champion – whose gender is being tested by the international athletics authorities – says the whole issue is a joke.

“It doesn’t upset me. God made me the way I am and I accept myself. I am who I am and I’m proud of myself,” The Sun quoted Semenya, as saying.

In the magazine, Semenya poses in skinny jeans, stilettos and a black and white evening dress.

News that the athlete would have to undergo testing was leaked before the 800m final at the world championships in Berlin, putting her under enormous pressure.

Following her victory, the ruling African National Congress seized upon her case to score political points, with left-wing firebrands such as Winnie Madikizela Mandela and ANC Youth League president Julius Malema accusing the athletics authorities of racism.

They have also sought to use Semenya to stir up populist feeling against what is seen as the right wing of the ANC, represented by Trevor Manuel, President Jacob Zuma’s planning chief.

Semenya received a heroine’s welcome in her home village in South Africa’s impoverished Limpopo province at the end of August, with VIPs and a 200-strong crowd singing a version of the Communist Party anthem, which included the lyrics: “My mother was a kitchen girl, my father was a garden boy, that’s why I’m a champion, that’s why I’m a champion.”

The cover shoot has reignited the debate in South Africa over the athlete’s appearance, with radio talk shows inundated with callers.

The 18-year-old has refused to be drawn on what she is going through at present, telling the magazine: “I don’t want to talk about the tests – I’m not even thinking about them.” (ANI)

Gilani’s silence suggests his involvement in massive corruption : PML-Q

Islamabad, Sep.8 (ANI): The Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q) has condemned Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani for refusing to take notice of involvement of his cabinet ministers in large scale corruption.

Senior PML-Q leader Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat said Gilani’s reluctance to take action on such charges against his ministers indicates that he too is a artner in crime, The Daily Times reports.

“The PM’s silence regarding the corruption of his ministers despite repeated pointation by the opposition proves he is also involved in various shady deals,” a press statement released by Hayat said.

Referring to the reports regarding the purchase of a house by Water and Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf in London for a whopping 4.4 million pounds, Hayat claimed that Ashraf had misappropriated funds from rental power project deals to earn huge money.

Hayat appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of this ‘blatant corruption’ and direct the government to stop the rental power projects. (ANI)

Sharifs soften stance against Musharraf trial under Saudi pressure

Islamabad, Sep 7 (ANI): The Sharif brothers and top leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are believed to have softened their demand for the trial of former President Pervez Musharraf owing to international pressure by his guarantors, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Well-placed party sources said that the PML-N central leadership would take the party hierarchy into confidence about the pressure for softening their anti-Musharraf stance and to chalk out the party’s new plan of action to prepare it for next elections at party’s scheduled CEC meeting in Murree on Monday.

Sources attach great importance to Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia in next few days where apart from performing Umrah he is expected to meet the Saudi high-ups in the backdrop of Musharraf’s recent visit to the Kingdom and his meeting with the King Abdullah.

The Nation quoted sources as saying that Saudi authorities have already conveyed to the Sharifs to take soft stance on Musharraf’s trial as the Kingdom regards him needy for help and cooperation as they were while out of power.

The meeting, sources further said, would discuss and evolve a comprehensive strategy to hold party’s elections but after pushing it through an intense process of restructuring and reorganization at grass root level in all parts of the country.

The CEC meeting would decide about the election timeframe either by the end of this year or early next year.

The meeting would also take host of political issues for consideration including PML-N, PPP relations, law and order situation in Balochistan, fate of Local Bodies and implementation of Charter of Democracy by the PPP-led coalition government, they added. (ANI)

Musharraf terms his meeting with Saudi King a success

Lahore, Sep 7 (ANI): Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that his recent meeting with Saudi King Abdullah was a success.

“I was accorded full protocol during my visit to Saudi Arabia to meet King Abdullah, I deem him as my elder brother and can contact him whenever I want,” a private TV channel quoted Musharraf, as saying.

He said during his visit, he discussed the recent political situation of Pakistan at length with the Saudi king, adding that the king had concerns about the situation in Pakistan.

Talking to the channel, Musharraf said the army operation against the Taliban in Malakand had proven successful.

“The operation was undoubtedly successful. The Pakistan Army has always rendered sacrifices and played a vital role to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country,” he said.

Earlier, the ‘royal’ treatment being given to Musharraf during his Saudi Arabia visit has his opponents worried.

The special treatment has sparked speculations that Riyadh is trying to use its influence to ask the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to shun its demand for Musharraf’s trial under the Article Six of the Constitution.

Sources said King Abdullah sent his special airplane to London to fetch Musharraf.

Reports regarding Saudi Arabia cracking its whip on the PML-N and other anti-Musharraf parties has probably forced PML-N to come out with clarifications. (ANI)

Advani becomes second Indian to win World Billiards title

New Delhi, Sep.7 (ANI): Pankaj Advani has become the second Indian after Geet Sethi to win the World’s Billiards Championship.

Advani beat defending champion Mark Russel 2030-1253 to win the World Professional Billiards Championship-2009.

Geet Sethi won the title in 1992.

Earlier, Advani notched up a thrilling win over compatriot Dhruv Sitwala in the semi-final to set up the title clash.

In the other semi-final, compatriot Rupesh Shah squandered a first session lead and succumbed to his elementary mistakes to go down 880-1366 against nine time-winner Russel.

Geet Sethi crashed out of the World professional billiards championship in a league match. (ANI)

Sharif likely to visit Saudi Arabia next week

Islamabad, Sep.6 (ANI): Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif is likely to visit Saudi Arabia next week to meet King Shah Abdullah, sources said.

According to sources, Sharif is likely to reach Riyadh on September 11 to hold talks with King Abdullah and Saudi Intelligence chief Shahzada Muqran.

Sharif’s Saudi visit is being seen in connection with the former President Pervez Musharraf’s recent talks with King Abdullah, in which he (Musharraf) is believed to have urged the Saudi authorities to direct the Pakistan government and various political quarters, particularly the PML-N, to stop persuading for his high treason trial.

“The policy of the PML-N, with regard to the trial of Musharraf, is likely to change after the former premier’s visit to Saudi Arabia,” The Dawn quoted sources, as saying.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Zaheer has criticised the Sharif brothers for involving Saudi Arabia in the country’s internal affairs.

Zaheer said it was the Sharifs’ who had first started to seek Riyadh’s help in resolving internal political matters. (ANI)

Musharraf must be prosecuted to end Army’s interference in country’s politics: Sharif

Lahore, Sep.5 (ANI): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has said that prosecuting former President General Pervez Musharraf under high treason charges for taking ‘extrajudicial’ actions on November 3, 2007 would help resolve all crises facing the country currently.

Interacting with party workers at his Raiwind residence, Sharif said trying Musharraf would ensure that the door to military interference in the country’s politics would be closed for good.

“Today’s Constitutional crisis is the result of the military coup on October 12, 1999,” The News quoted Sharif, as saying.

“If common people and former prime ministers can face trials then why a military dictator, who violated the Constitution twice, should not be prosecuted?” the former Prime Minister asked.

Meanwhile, senior PML-N leader Ghous Ali Shah has rebutted reports regarding Sharif being involved in the ‘secret’ deal which saw Musharraf stepping down from the Presidency.

Shah said if Musharraf is not prosecuted under Article Six of the Constitution, then it will have a serious effect on the country’s democratic set-up.

“A military dictator contested elections in uniform with the permission of the courts and abrogated the constitution twice but if he was pardoned, then democracy would never consolidate,” Shah said.

He said the current infighting between the PML-N and MQM was temporary and situation would normalize soon.

“Nothing is final in politics and doors are not closed. Situation and time compel parties to talk to each other,” Shah added. (ANI)

Rooney confident of handling intense pressure

London, Sep 4(ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has expressed confidence about handling the intense pressure at Manchester United as well as handling responsibilities of the national squad.

At the club level, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, his responsibility at Old Trafford has doubled, while hopes and aspirations of the nation are on him to lead England to World Cup success.

“I started playing when I was 16 and there has always been expectation and pressure. I have no problem with that. I see it as a challenge,” the Daily Express quoted Rooney, as saying.

“I hope I can be the main man. I am probably playing the best football I have played for England, certainly over the last year. I am really enjoying myself with Manchester United,” he added.

The 23-year-old also said that Man U reckons Cristiano and Tevez’s exit as a big challenge to retain the league title and, personally it is a better opportunity for him to score more goals.

“I want to score more goals. I should be scoring more goals,” Rooney said.

Rooney further said that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, will definitely be the biggest challenge in his career. (ANI)

Imran Farhat discontinues his ICL contract

Lahore, Sep.4 (ANI): Another Pakistan batsman Imran Farhat has parted ways with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Farhat has handed over a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying he longer is affiliated with the ICL.

“Imran Farhat came to me to give ICL’s NOC and the PCB will adopt the same procedure, which has been applied in the case of the other ICL players,” The Dawn quoted PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wasim Bari said.

Farhat, who has played 27 Test matches and 33 One-day Internationals for Pakistan had joined the ICL in 2007.

Farhat follows middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf and bowling all-rounders Abdul Razzaq and Rana Naved-ul-Hassan. (ANI)

“Optimistic” Musharraf leaves for London in ‘high spirits’ after Saudi visit

Riyadh, Sep.3 (ANI): Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has returned to London after his three day visit to Saudi Arabia, and it seems his tour has yielded the desired results.

Musharraf, who had a long one to one talk with King Abdullah amid speculations of yet another Saudi-backed political arrangement in Pakistan, was in ‘high spirits’ after the meeting, sources said.

While the details of the meeting are still behind curtains, sources privy to the developments said Musharraf would disclose his future course of action only after returning to London, but as it transpires Musharraf has succeeded in his aim to ensure a safe return to Pakistan without any fears of being tried for high treason under Article Six of the Constitution.

“Musharraf was in ‘high spirits’. His body language was ‘positive’ and he sounded ‘very optimistic’,” The Dawn quoted sources close to the former general, as saying.

It is worth mentioning here that Musharraf had resigned from the Presidency last year, following an agreement in which Saudi Arabia was one of the guarantors.

The accord says that Musharraf would not be tried in any court. The US and Britain are believed to be the other two guarantors of the agreement, which has been kept secret.

While the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is pushing for Musharraf’s trial under high treason charges, observers believe that it would be naïve to think that PML-N chief and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is unaware about the agreement.

Sources also revealed Sharif may visit Riyadh next week where he is likely to meet King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. He will also have meetings with some other Saudi leaders including Prince Mukrin, chief of the Saudi Intelligence Agency. (ANI)

Alonso reveals real reason behind his decision to quit Liverpool

London, Sep 3 (ANI): Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, who knew that his time at Liverpool was up a year ago, has now revealed the full details behind a dramatic 28 million pounds Anfield exit.

Alonso admits the decision to skip a Champions League match for the birth of his son almost three years ago caused a rift with manager Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

And the midfielder admits he found it hard to accept being classed as a cash cow when Benitez tried to sell him a year ago, The Sun reports.

Alonso, 27, is now one of the next generation of Real Madrid ‘Galacticos’ after his switch last month. But only now has he spoken out about his relationship with fellow Spaniard Benitez – and the joy of feeling wanted at Real.

“It was a tough call and a very difficult decision to make after five years at the club. I have always said that it has been a professional relationship. I have always tried to do what he asked me to do, to try to deliver on the pitch, to do the talking on the pitch,” he said.

Benitez made no secret of wanting to bring Gareth Barry to the club from Aston Villa last year.

Alonso was identified as the valuable asset to fund the move. The deal did not materialise and Barry ended up joining Manchester City in the most recent transfer window.

“Last summer when the club proposed I had to be sold to get funds to sign new players. It was difficult to accept that. I accept it as a professional but that moment probably changed my mind – and I thought, maybe, from that moment it was maybe time for a change,” Alonso said.

Benitez did little to disguise his displeasure with playmaker Alonso when he opted out of a Champions League last-16 second leg at Inter Milan with Liverpool leading 2-0 to be with his pregnant wife.

Alonso said: “When the birth of my child happened, I had to make a decision. I had to be with my family as it was a very important moment.” (ANI)