All issues with SC to be resolved amicably: Pak PM

May 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, May 21 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilaniis hopeful that all issues with the Supreme Court will be settled soon.

Gilani denied any rift between his government and the judiciary on the issue of upholding the sentence of Interior Minister Rehman Malik by the Lahore High Court and awarding of the presidential remission soon after.

He said the government would accede to and act upon the Supreme Court verdict whatever it was in the original case, adding that all issues with the apex court would be resolved amicably.

Replying to o a question, he said there was no confrontation among the two state institutions.

Gilani said his government would look into the matter of extension in the service of Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani, as and when the time comes, the Daily Times reported.

During the meeting with senior journalists, Gilani shared his opinion on a number of national and international issues and also discussed policies of the coalition government. (ANI)

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Pak Taliban `plot” places US on alert

May 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, May 21 (ANI): New information gathered this week indicates that the Pakistani Taliban is actively planning to strike the US.

According to a news.com.au report, Central Intelligence Agency director Leon Panetta and Obama”s National Security Advisor James Jones reportedly knew of the threat before they visited Pakistan this week.

The pair told Islamabad of the new threat, which did not specify cities that may be targeted. (ANI)

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Onions ruled out for three months with back injury

May 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 21(ANI): England fast bowler Graham Onions has been ruled out for up to three months due to a back injury and will now miss the upcoming series against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Onions has been out of action since he was forced to return home from England’s tour of Bangladesh with the injury in March.

The 27-year-old underwent scans on his back earlier this week, which confirmed that the injury was worse than feared.

“I am naturally incredibly disappointed to miss the bulk of the domestic season and am still hopeful that with rest I can be back on the field nearer to the end of the summer,” The Telegraph quoted Onions, as saying.

“The ECB medical team has been very supportive and all I can do is be patient, work hard on my rehabilitation programme and focus on my number one goal which is to be fully fit and available for selection for the Ashes tour to Australia,” he added.

Onions also underwent surgery on Thursday at a London hospital to repair a cartilage in his left knee. (ANI)

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British family shot dead in Pakistan

May 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 21(ANI): A British family hailing from Lancashire has been shot dead in Pakistan in a suspected honour killing.

According to police, Mohammed Yousaf, his wife Parviaz, and their daughter Tania, from Nelson, Lancashire were killed in a village in Pakistan’s Gujrat District on Thursday morning.

“We were informed that an incident had taken place in Pakistan. We are currently liaising with authorities in Pakistan,” The Telegraph quoted a Lancashire Police spokesman, as saying.

“We have also made contact with family in Nelson regarding the incident,” the spokesman added.

The family, who had lived in the UK for over 30 years, had jetted out to Pakistan for a wedding, believed to be their son’s.

Talking about the incident, Nelson Councillor Mohammed Sakib said: “I know the family well. This incident wasn’t just murder, it was an honour issue.” (ANI)

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Loss to Australia in T20 WC semi-final still hard to believe: Mohammed Hafeez

May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, May 20 (ANI): Pakistan all rounder Mohammed Hafeez and his other teammates are still shocked at their stunning defeat against Australia in the semi-final of the just concluded ICC T20 World Championship in Caribbean.

Hafeez told PakPassion.net that his fellow cricketers are still finding it hard to come to terms with having snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

“We played so well, we gave absolutely everything and it was hard to believe at the end of the day that we actually lost. We were upset with the defeat and I believe that we should have won the match against Australia,” he said.

Hafeez denied there being any complacency on part of the players during the all important match, and stressed that the whole team was absolutely focussed on its job even after posting a challenging total of 192 for Australia to chase.

“The captain and coach told us to give our all till the very last ball of the match. There was absolutely no chance of us taking things easy or thinking we had already won the match. Against Australia you can never let your guard slip and that”s what the captain and coach emphasised to all of us,” he said.

Hafeez, however, did not take away any credit from Michael Hussey for producing a breathtaking innings of 60 off 24 balls, which saw the Kangaroos seal their berth in the final of the tournament.

“Hussey did not make any mistakes. To come in that late in the batting order and play an innings like that was just simply brilliant. It was a magical innings by Hussey, he played really well and he planned his strokes to perfection,” he said.

Hafeez, who has played 15 T20 internationals for Pakistan, also expressed the hope that he would be recalled in the one-day team for the upcoming Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

“The defeat to Australia is hard to take, but we all need to look ahead and to look forward to the Asia Cup. I hope I am given a chance in Sri Lanka and given the opportunity once again in the 50 over format of the game,” said Hafeez, who last played a 50-over match in October 2007 against South Africa in Lahore. (ANI)

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Afridi says aggression, ending ‘mental hang up’ critical for Pak success against Oz

May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, May 20 (ANI): Flamboyant Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi believes that his team suffers from a ‘mental hang up’ when it comes to competing with the World Champions Australia, and he wants to help players break that ‘jinx’ concerning the Kangaroos.

In the recent years, Pakistan have had a nightmarish record against Australia, with the latest being the January-February tour where Pakistan failed to register even a single win against the hosts.

It came close to defeating Australia in the semifinal of the just concluded ICC T20 World Championship in the West Indies, but faltered at the last moment.

Afridi said the loss almost shattered his heart, but he pointed towards the positive aspect of the loss that at least Pakistan played some tough and competitive cricket.

“I would have been left completely shattered but what gave me hope was the fact that we played aggressive cricket and a victory against Australia was within our reach,” The News quoted Afridi, as saying.

“It would have been great had we go on to win that match but once again the Australians proved that they are still the best in the world,” he added.

The hard hitting all-rounder pointed out that defeating Australia has never been easy, but the teams competing against the world champions would have to match the aggression of the Kangaroos to stand any chance.

“I must make it clear that beating Australia will never be easy. But I’m also confident that we can do it. What we need is to overcome our mental hang up and just play brave cricket. The thing is that the Aussies are mentally very tough and the only way to beat them is by going out there and giving it our best shot. You have to be really aggressive against that team because there is no other way to tackle them,” Afridi said.

Afridi said he is eagerly waiting for the two T20 encounters against Australia during the upcoming series in England, as the best chance of ending the team’s poor run against Australia is to defeat them in the game in which they are considered to be the best.

“It would take a gigantic effort to beat Australia in the Test series but Twenty20 cricket is a different story. We have a very good team for the shortest format and can beat any opposition on our day,” he said. (ANI)

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Afridi says aggression, ending ‘mental hang up’ critical for Pak success against Oz

May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, May 20 (ANI): Flamboyant Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi believes that his team suffers from a ‘mental hang up’ when it comes to competing with the World Champions Australia, and he wants to help players break that ‘jinx’ concerning the Kangaroos.

In the recent years, Pakistan have had a nightmarish record against Australia, with the latest being the January-February tour where Pakistan failed to register even a single win against the hosts.

It came close to defeating Australia in the semifinal of the just concluded ICC T20 World Championship in the West Indies, but faltered at the last moment.

Afridi said the loss almost shattered his heart, but he pointed towards the positive aspect of the loss that at least Pakistan played some tough and competitive cricket.

“I would have been left completely shattered but what gave me hope was the fact that we played aggressive cricket and a victory against Australia was within our reach,” The News quoted Afridi, as saying.

“It would have been great had we go on to win that match but once again the Australians proved that they are still the best in the world,” he added.

The hard hitting all-rounder pointed out that defeating Australia has never been easy, but the teams competing against the world champions would have to match the aggression of the Kangaroos to stand any chance.

“I must make it clear that beating Australia will never be easy. But I’m also confident that we can do it. What we need is to overcome our mental hang up and just play brave cricket. The thing is that the Aussies are mentally very tough and the only way to beat them is by going out there and giving it our best shot. You have to be really aggressive against that team because there is no other way to tackle them,” Afridi said.

Afridi said he is eagerly waiting for the two T20 encounters against Australia during the upcoming series in England, as the best chance of ending the team’s poor run against Australia is to defeat them in the game in which they are considered to be the best.

“It would take a gigantic effort to beat Australia in the Test series but Twenty20 cricket is a different story. We have a very good team for the shortest format and can beat any opposition on our day,” he said. (ANI)

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Clarke defends Oz team’s achievement inspite of loss to England

May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Sydney, May 20 (ANI): Twenty20 captain Michael Clarke, who was disappointed to lose in the final against England, has said the Australian team has made great strides in the Caribbean despite failing to lift the trophy.

“It was a wonderful achievement from the Australian Twenty20 team (to make the final),” he said.

“I thought we played fantastic cricket through the whole tournament, very exciting cricket,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clarke, as saying.

“I think the semi-final against Pakistan was one of the greatest games of all our careers and one we’ll remember forever,” he said.

Clarke was doubtful about the impact that the result might have on next summer’s Ashes series.

“Obviously disappointed to lose the final but I think we’ve shown in this form of the game that we continue to improve,” he said.

“It hurts losing to England in any form of the game but there’s a lot of guys in both teams that won’t take part in the Ashes series,” Clarke added. (ANI)

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Key England players may be rested, says coach Flower

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 19 (ANI): England cricket team coach Andy Flower has said that some key players may be rested in parts in preparation for this year”s hectic international schedule.

The team’s workload shows no signs of being reduced over the next year with England due to play Bangladesh, Pakistan and Australia in a series of ODIs, Tests and Twenty20 matches.

“We have a very busy 12 months ahead of us and we are going to have to rest players at various times,” The Mirror quoted Flower, as saying at a press conference yesterday.

“In certain situations, it is possible that we will have to rest some players either for emotional reasons such as stress and sometimes it will be for strength and conditioning reasons. With our schedule it will be hard to fit enough strength and conditioning in,” he added. (ANI)

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Pak rights group demands legislation for Hindu marriage registration act

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, May 19 (ANI): Pakistan’s Scheduled Caste Rights Movement (SCRM) has demanded a legislation for registering Hindu marriages in the country, in the absence of which women of the minority community are deprived of their basic rights.

Speaking during a debate titled ‘Rights of the Scheduled-Caste Hindus’, several representatives of the community were of the view that Hindu women do not get their due share in the property of their husband or parents.

“They are also unable to get health services, cast a vote, obtain a passport, and buy or sell any property,” the orators opined.

Several human rights activists who participated in the debate, urged the law makers to hasten the progress of the Pakistani Hindu Marriages Registration Bill 2009, whose draft has already been submitted to the Ministry of Minority Affairs and Ministry of Human Rights for consideration, The Daily Times reports. (ANI)

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Taliban planning to attack Parliament House, warns Pak intelligence

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, May 19 (ANI): Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have warned that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is planning to target Parliament House and other important government installations.

According to intelligence inputs, the TTP has recruited a suicide bomber named Amer Aaqa Hadifa, who is in his 20’s, to strike at important buildings.

The intelligence report said that Hadifa was last seen in the Mir Ali region of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), The Daily Times reports

Following the report, all the concerned agencies have been directed to beef up security in and around Parliament and all other government buildings in Islamabad and across the country.

Security agencies have also been asked to keep a tight vigil on all entry and exit points of the capital city and also in Lahore. (ANI)

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US hands over two Bell 412 EP helicopters to Pak for counterinsurgency efforts

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, May 19 (ANI): The United States has provided two Bell 412 EP helicopters to Pakistan, which would be used in its counterinsurgency operations.

The choppers were handed over by the US Army Brigadier General Michael Nagata to 101 Army Aviation Commanders Brigadier General Tipu Karim at the Qasim Army Air Base near Rawalpindi, The Daily Times quoted a press release, as saying.

Along with the two advanced choppers, which cost about 24 million dollars, the US would also be providing an additional 20 million dollars to Pakistan to buy spare parts, and other equipments to enhance the performance of the brand new helicopters.

Speaking during the ceremony, Brigadier Nagata said the US is committed to a stable and long-term parternership with Pakistan.

“The purchase of the aircrafts demonstrates US’ commitment to a stable and long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan, based on shared interests and mutual respect, which will continue to expand and strengthen in the future,” he said. (ANI)

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Hafiz Saeed’s security beefed up following Pak Taliban threat

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, May 19 (ANI): Pakistan’s Punjab province’ Home Department has directed concerned agencies to provide extra security cover to the banned Jamaat-ud-Daawa (JuD) chief Hafeez Muhammed Saeed, following intelligence reports that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is planning to target him.

According to a report of the Punjab Home Department, suspicious activities have been witnessed around Saeed’s residence.

Following the report the department has directed security agencies to beef up security of Saeed, the mastermind of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, The News reports.

Pakistan, under intense international pressure, had arrested Saeed and put him under house arrest following the 26/11 attacks.

However, in October 2009, the Lahore High Court (LHC) quashed all terror charges against Saeed and set him free due to lack of evidence.

The LHC also notified that the JuD is not a banned organization and can work freely in Pakistan. (ANI)

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Terrorism will be a key issue discussed with Qureshi: Krishna

May 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Tehran, May 18 (ANI): Before emplaning for New Delhi after attending the Group of Fifteen Summit here, Indian External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna on Tuesday told ANI in an interview that during his visit to Pakistan from July 15, terrorism would be one of the important issues covered in talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Krishna”s comment assumes significance in the wake of reports that hundreds of militants are regrouping in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and waiting to cross the border into India.

He said that Pakistan should take serious note of terrorists regrouping under different names

He further claimed that terrorist groups regroup if one terrorist outfit is banned. Sometimes, a same group changes its name, but its intent remains constant and unchanged, he added.

He said that this should be taken serious note of by Pakistan because it is happening on their soil.

Last week, Krishna said he hoped his proposed visit to Islamabad would help reduce the trust deficit between the two nations.

“I hope that my visit, when I go there and then I certainly would be extending an invitation to Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to visit India. So these high-level visits will only act as some kind of panacea to reduce the trust deficit,” he said.

“We can talk to each other with a little more confidence in each other, and that certainly would create the right kind of atmosphere for very productive talks between our two countries,” he added on his way to New Delhi after a three-day visit to Kazakhstan.

Relations between the two Asian neighbours went into a diplomatic freeze after India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the 26/11-Mumbai terror attacks.

The call for resuming talks at the foreign ministers level came from Qureshi on May 11.

Addressing the media then in Islamabad, Qureshi said all issues would be discussed with Krishna, and Islamabad would not hesitate to present its stated positions on all issues bedevilling bilateral ties.

“Don””t expect miracles overnight. It is an uphill task. The two foreign secretaries will meet on the sidelines of the SAARC conference to do the ground work for the foreign ministers meeting which will take place on July 15. I will be visiting New Delhi after the Islamabad meeting at a mutually convenient date for the next round of talks,” he said.

“Recognising that this is a very important engagement and step forward in our bilateral relations, I have decided to undertake a number of steps for preparation, consultations and national consensus building on some very sensitive issues that are outstanding between India and Pakistan,” he added. (ANI)

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Pak, US decide to resolve visa row

May 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, May 18 (ANI): Both Pakistan and United States have reportedly agreed to resolve all issues concerning the delay in issuing visas to each other’s diplomats.

According to sources, senior officials of both countries met each other at the Foreign Office here last week to resolve the visa row as soon as possible.

During the meeting both sides decided that no delay would be made in issuing visas from now, The News quoted sources privy to the meeting, as saying.

The United States had told Pakistan to put in place a uniform visa mechanism so that its diplomats and embassy staff stationed in Islamabad do not face any difficulty in carrying out their work in the country.

Delay in issuing visas to US officials has affected the relationship between the two countries.

Angered over Islamabad’s stubborn attitude over the issue, the Obama Administration had linked the reimbursement of funds under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) with issuance of visas to US auditors and other officials.

Pakistan has so far received 700 million dollars of the 2.6 billion dollars claimed under the CSF over the last two years, and is claiming another 1.2 billion dollars under the aid.

Pakistan has long been demanding an early release of the funds, however, the White House had made it clear that it would release the remaining amount only after being assured of positive use of the financial package.

The US also linked the delay in the disbursement of funds to Pakistan’s denial to grant visas to American auditors.

Arm-twisting Pakistan over the delay in issuing visas to its auditors, the United States had told Islamabad that the remaining payment under the CSF would only be released after the American officials get their visas. (ANI)

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Younis’ appeal against indefinite ban deferred, CRI

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistan batsman Younis Khan’s appeal against indefinite suspension from the national team has been deferred until May 29. Younis’ lawyer Mohammad Ahmed Qayyum said Saturday that arbitrator Irfan Qadir has adjourned his client’s appeal.

Younis is among six Pakistan cricketers appealing against punishments imposed for indiscipline or poor performance during a tour to Australia earlier this year. Only former captain Mohammad Yousuf, who has retired from international cricket, has not filed an appeal.

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The best I have ever played: Hussey

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Michael Hussey still cannot believe that he has guided Australia to the Twenty20 World Cup finals with his hurricane knock against Pakistan but he is quite sure that the 24-ball 60 is the best innings of his career so far.

Chasing an intimidating 191 for six, Australia were on the rack at 105 for five in the 13th over and needed 70 runs from five overs at one stage.

Going into the final over of the innings, the Aussies needed 18 runs to win. But Hussey turned the match on its head with unalloyed pyrotechnics, putting the issue across Pakistan with one ball to spare.

“That is probably the best I have ever played. I earlier considered the Ashes Test in Adelaide where I hit the last ball for a six as my best ever cricket innings. But this was the semis and a very crucial match for us. It is the best innings I have ever played,” he said.

Hussey said he wasn’t confident that Australia could achieve the target and still can’t believe that his team has actually made the finals, where it will take on England tomorrow.

“Even I had plenty of doubts on whether we could score the runs. I can’t believe it myself.”

Looking back at the incredible knock, Hussey said he took time to get his eye in before he started hitting the ball all over the park.

“Initially, I take a few balls to get in. That is what I was trying to do, to get the strike. By the end of the innings I was trying to hit every ball. It happened to go my way. I am very, very happy,” said the beaming middle-order batsman.

Asked about his thoughts going into the last over, Hussey said he just wanted to hit every ball out of the stadium.

“I just wanted to try and hit every ball for a shot. If he had bowled yorkers and they were perfect, there wasn’t much you can do about it. But he (Saeed Ajmal) missed his length just by little bit.

“I told myself, God please hit the last ball with the middle of the bat. I didn’t know what it felt like till I did it. I was delighted to see the elation on my teammates faces when they ran in. I am so excited to be in the final,” said Hussey.

Hussey said he enjoys playing Twenty20 cricket.

“I have always enjoyed playing Twenty 20 cricket. My first love is Test cricket, first and foremost. But Twenty20 is a great format for the kids to enjoy and take to it. “Hopefully, they take the game up. It is an awesome concept. The players are getting better by the day at it. Batting and bowling skills continue to improve. I reckon it will keep getting better,” he said.

Meanwhile, skipper Michael Clarke commended his trusted match-winner.

“I willed myself not to watch the final over. But when I saw one six come after another, I got into the game. It would have been hard to believe at one stage. It was an amazing day today. It is a freakish performance, unbelievable to achieve by a cricketer in any form of the game. Thanks to Hussey, we are in the final,” said the Australian captain.

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