Stock exchange crisis diluted, on way to recovery: Tarin

KARACHI: Finance Advisor Shaukat Tarin has said that the stock exchange crisis has died down and it was now on its way to recovery.

Addressing a gathering here, Finance Advisor, Shaukat Tarin said that the government was gearing up the process of privatization for boosting foreign investment. He said that further $4.5 billion would be required for the improvement of balance of payments.

Shaukat Tarin said that Pakistan economy being adversely affected in the war against terror.

Test matches should be result-oriented: Younis Khan

LAHORE: The second and the final Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be beginning tomorrow at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan team captain Younis Khan said that he has focused all his attention towards keeping the team united rather than winning the match.

In a press conference here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, Younis Khan said that this wicket is looking better than the wicket at the National Stadium Karachi.

He said that he feels if the matches would be result-oriented then spectators would come to the stadium.

Younis said that one change is expected in the Pakistan team for the Lahore Test.

The Pakistan team captain said that the cricketers had made a silent protest on their central contract but he is grateful to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for hearing his voice.

He said that the PCB suffered most by the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Younis said that he understands that there should be a players’ association.

Meanwhile, captain of the Sri Lankan team Mahela Jayawardene said that though he is not a wicket expert but he feels that the wicket at the Gaddafi Stadium would be helpful to fast bowlers.

Jayawardene said that the second Test would be of much importance for his team.

England pile up 600 runs in Barbados Test

BARBADOS: Ravi Bopara struck his maiden century and Paul Collingwood hit 96 as England piled up 600-6 declared against West Indies on day two of the fourth cricket test at Kensington Oval.

West Indies lost captain Chris Gayle early but responded strongly to post 85-1 at the close.

The 23-year-old Bopara, a late replacement in the squad, helped press home England's advantage with 104 after the tourists resumed on 301-3.

The Essex batsman, in only his fourth test, took advantage of an early life to blast nine fours and a six off 143 balls.

Collingwood just missed out on a ton after a fluent innings that spanned 159 deliveries and was decorated with 12 boundaries.

Wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose hit a boisterous, unbeaten 76 as he grabbed the chance presented to him by the paternity leave absence of Matt Prior.

Fidel Edwards was the pick of the West Indian bowlers although his figures of 3-151 did not do him justice.

When West Indies replied, England struck quickly as James Anderson (1-29) claimed Gayle leg before wicket after benefiting from a TV referral.

But the in-form Ramnaresh Sarwan (40 not out) and Devon Smith (37not out) shared an unbroken stand of 72 to dull England's edge.

Zardari should carry forward Ms. Bhutto’s legacy not Musharraf’s: Nawaz

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif has said that President Zardari should carry forward the legacy of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and not of former president Gen. (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf.

In an exclusive interview given to Geo News, Nawaz Sharif said President Asif Ali Zardari intends to take the nation towards a mid-term election.

“No third force can come into power if the government shows responsibility …. I will not come in Zardari’s way if he restores the (deposed) judges today,” he said.

The PML-N Chief said President Zardari has violated the agreements and “now a democratic revolution could come in the country which is need of the hour.”

He said the only reason why judges are not being restored is NRO.

No doors are closed for contacting Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, he said.

Nawaz Sharif has denied filing an appeal for Civil Disobedience following imposition of Governor rule in the province of Punjab.

Speaking to a British radio, he said: “I have not made any announcement regarding Civil Disobedience nor has any decision been made in this regard.” All I am saying is the administration, police, etc, should not obey any illegal order.

He said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also instructed administration and police not to fulfill any illegal and unconstitutional order.

To a question if he was putting his party interest ahead of those of the country, Nawaz Sharif said; “It is only because of the concern for this country that we have undertaken this struggle.”

If we were not worried about the country, we would have accepted the offer of President Zardari that the disqualification case against us would be dismissed if we kept mum on the judges’ issue.

He expressed ignorance on Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman and Asfandyar Wali making efforts for reconciliation.

In his reply to a question on how he would react to a reconciliatory move if made, he said reconciliation comes about on the basis of a principle or ideology but many promises were made in the past with no intention of fulfilling the same. “How can one trust anyone in such a case?” he questioned.

Nawaz Sharif said full support will be extended to the lawyers’ long march.

PPP to form government in Punjab

ISLAMABAD: A meeting held in the Presidency on Friday decided that Pakistan People’s Party will form government in Punjab.

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the participants of the meeting authorized President Asif Ali Zardari to nominate PPP candidate for the post of Punjab chief minister.

Giving details of the meeting of PPP’s parliamentary party Punjab held under the chairmanship of President Zardari, the spokesman said the meeting had expressed its confidence in the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Earlier, addressing the meeting, President Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party is a democratic party whose workers are dedicated political activists and they will face the current political situation in a democratic manner which is in line with the history of the party during such situations.

The meeting pondered over the latest political situation in Punjab arising out of the imposition of governor rule in the province.

President Zardari said that the party had embarked on the course of reconciliation with sincere intentions and did not want confrontation with any political party.

However, the PPP is also a vibrant political force and was capable of facing the current situation with courage, determination and political sagacity, he added.

The meeting co-chaired by the President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was attended by the PPP parliamentarians from Punjab.

Cabinet Ministers Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Mian Raza Rabbani also attended the meeting.

A number of participants of the meeting spoke on the occasion and gave their suggestions on tackling the current situation.

The meeting also reposed complete confidence in the leadership of co-chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari.

A resolution adopted unanimously said that the party stood solidly behind its leader Asif Ali Zardari.

The meeting condemned the burning and tearing down of the portraits of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and warned that the party would not tolerate the desecration of Shaheed Mohtarma.

It also condemned the harsh language used against the co-chairman and warned against turning political differences into personal animosity and vendetta.

Those throwing stones at the PPP leadership should remember that they themselves are sitting in glass houses, the meeting noted.

U.S. President says no 'long-term' Afghan presence

WASHINGTON: The United States has no desire for a "long-term" military presence in Afghanistan despite plans to send more troops to the war-torn country, President Barack Obama said Friday.

"One of the things that I think we have to communicate in Afghanistan is that we have no interest or aspiration to be there over the long term," Obama said in an interview with PBS public television.

"There's a long history, as you know, in Afghanistan of rebuffing what is seen as an occupying force and we have to be mindful of that history as we think about our strategy," he said.

Obama, who earlier Friday announced an end to US combat operations in Iraq within 18 months, has vowed a new focus on fighting Taliban and Al-Qaeda extremists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The new president has ordered another 17,000 US troops to Afghanistan and is conducting a review of policy in the region.

Obama, who opposed his predecessor George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq, defended the US involvement in Afghanistan, where Al-Qaeda extremists who carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks were holed up.

Obama said he believed the US commitment to Afghanistan, one of the world's poorest nations, should involve more than military force.

"Our bottom goal in the region is to keep the American people safe," Obama said.

But he declined to set a timeline on when US troops would exit Afghanistan.

"Until we have a clear strategy, we're not going to have a clear exit strategy," he said.

"My goal is to get US troops home as quickly as possible without leaving a situation that allows for potential terrorist attacks against the United States," Obama said.

Some left-wing critics have questioned the extra deployment to Afghanistan, fearing that the United States would get bogged down in an escalating conflict similar to Vietnam.

The Obama administration this week convened a three-way meeting with the Afghan and Pakistani foreign ministers as part of a review on how to move forward in the "war on terror."

Zardari leading nation toward mid-term polls: Nawaz

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that President Asif Ali Zardari wants to drag the nation toward mid-term elections.

In an exclusive interview with Geo News today (Friday) after his disqualification, Nawaz Sharif said that no third force could come into power if the government showed maturity and responsibility.

“I will not come in their way if President Zardari restores the deposed judges,” he said.

He further said that Zardari had backed out from the promises he made with his Nawaz League.

The democratic revolution could rise in the days to come and it must happen, he added.

Former prime minister said that deposed judges were not being restored due to the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

“We have not closed the door to contact the Prime Minister,” he said.

Mr. Sharif said that President Zardari should become the descendant of Benazir Bhutto, not of former president Pervez Musharraf.

PPP, PML (N) could find way out through dialogue: Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday a peaceful way out could be found through dialogue if Pakistan Muslim League (N) established contacts to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) after Supreme Court verdict against Sharif brothers but he regretted saying that PML (N) opted confrontations.

President said this addressing a meeting of National and Provincial members of PPP-Punjab here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Various national and political issues were discussed during the meeting including formation of government in Punjab province.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and PPP’s Secretary General Jahangir Badr also attended the meeting.

According to sources, the overall law and order situations were discussed during the meeting and the option to extend PPP’s contacts with PML (Q) was also highlighted besides seeking attendees’ views on the option.

Addressing the meeting, President Zardari accused Sharif brothers of manipulating the judges’ issue for their vested interests. “People of Punjab are in support of PPP”, he maintained.

Obama intends to remove US troops from Iraq by 2011

CAMP LEJEUNE: President Barack Obama said on Friday that U.S. combat operations in Iraq would end on Aug. 31, 2010, but some 35,000-50,000 troops would remain to support the Iraqi government and security forces.

In a speech at the Camp Lejeune Marine base in North Carolina, Obama said "Iraq is not yet secure" and difficult days lay ahead, but he said his administration intended to remove all U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of 2011.

The 18-month timetable marks a historic juncture in a war that has been enormously costly to the United States and defined the presidency of George W. Bush. It has been a huge drain on the Treasury, cost the lives of some 4,250 U.S. soldiers and damaged America's standing in the world.

"I have chosen a timeline that will remove our combat brigades over the next 18 months. Let me say this as plainly as I can, by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," Obama said in a speech at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina.

Obama said 35,000 to 50,000 troops would remain to train and equip the Iraqi forces, protect civilian reconstruction projects and conduct limited counterterrorism operations.

"Under the Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government, I intend to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011.

One change likely in team for 2nd Test: Intikhab

LAHORE: National cricket team coach Intikhab Alam said that one change is expected in the team for the second Test starting from Sunday here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Former captain Intikhab Alam said that positive results have come from the change of captain.

The Pakistan team went through net practice this morning at the Gaddafi Stadium while fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also took part in the practice session.

While talking with media on the occasion, the Pakistan coach said that the Gaddafi Stadium wicket is looking better than the National Stadium wicket and grass is also there.

He expressed desire to prepare a sporting wicket for the match.

Intikhab Alam said that Pakistan team is determined for winning the second Test.

Terrorism is a global concern: CNS

KARACHI: The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Noman Bashir has said that terrorism is a global issue and requires global response.

Talking to media here on Friday, Noman Bashir said that the sea routes were being used for illegal acts like smuggling and human trafficking. He said the Pakistan Navy was a frontline force to counter all threats emanating from the sea.

The naval chief said the country was facing multiple challenges. He said that lone Mumbai attacks gunman Ajmal Kasab did not go to India from Pakistan, he questioned the role of Indian Navy and Coastguards saying they did nothing to check terrorists’ infiltration.

Noman said that 99 percent of Pakistan’s trade is carried out through sea routes.

NA session summoned tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: An important National Assembly session will be held tomorrow (Saturday).

The federal cabinet has decided, in a meeting, to call National Assembly session tomorrow at 4 pm. According to reports, the session would discuss the imposition of Governor-rule in Punjab and it would be endorsed from the house.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani is chairing a special meeting of the cabinet. The meeting is reviewing situation in Punjab after imposition of Governor-rule and its political and administrative implications.

Earlier, PML-N members Hanif Abbasi, Haji Pervaiz and Shaikh Aftab had submitted a requisition to summon NA session.

'India Mujahideen’ claim Mumbai attack: India media

NEW DELHI: Indian media report that the little-known group Indian Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for Mumbai, New Delhi and Ahmadabad terror attacks.

According to an Indian TV channel, the detained chief of Indian Mujahideen Sadiq Shaikh admitted that his group carried out blasts in Mumbai serial blasts on July 11,2006.He said a group of five people planted bombs in different trains. Maharashtar anti-terror squad had arrested Sadiq Shaikh on March 21,2008 on the charges of car theft and bomb blasts.

Central contract not signed by 9 senior cricketers

LAHORE: Nine senior cricketers have not signed the central contract despite heavy offers made to them. Captain Younis Khan and vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq are also among them.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offered the central contract to 27 cricketers. Those who have not so far signed the new central contract are Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanveer and Rao Iftikhar Anjum besides Younis and Misbah.

According to media reports, the players expressed their reservations because of conditioning their TV contracts with the Board permission and depriving them of their salaries while playing county cricket.

PML-N submits requisition for NA session

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) has submitted a requisition to summon National Assembly session.According to reports, PML-N members National Assembly (NA) Hanif Abbasi, Shaikh Aftab and Haji Pervaiz have submitted the requisition in NA secretariat. 92 members of PML-N have signed the requisition.

LHC 16 judges’ appointments notification issued

LAHORE: The notification for the appointments of 16 Lahore High Court (LHC) judges has been issued.

Sources said that the ministry of law has appointed 16 more LHC judges, which has taken the number of judges in LHC to 52.

Chaudhry Naeem Masood, Arshad Mahmud, Jamshed Rahmatullah, Akhtar Khan, Abdul Sattar Goraya, Nazir Laghari, Zulfiqur Bukhari, Imtiaz Rashid Siddiqui, Shafqat Abbasi, Pervaiz Enayet Malik, Anwarul Huque, Habibullah, Irfan Qadir, Ehtesham Qadir, Jameela Jahan Noor and Lahore High Court’s Registrar, Pervaiz Chawala were included among the newly appointed judges.

It may be recalled that LHC judges’ strength stands at 60 and eight vacancies srill exist.

PML(Q) forward bloc members meet Sharifs

LAHORE: A 29- member delegation of PML (Q) forward bloc met with Sharif brothers.

According to reports, Mian Ata Muhammad Manika headed the delegation that called upon Mian Nawaz Sharif and Mian Shahbaz Sharif here on Friday.

PML (Q) forward bloc members denounced the imposition of governor rule in Punjab and extend their full support to PML (N) leader.

Mian Nawaz Sharif at this occasion said he is struggling for the supremacy of constitution and judiciary.

India will respond Pak queries when it is ready to do so: Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: India tonight said it would respond to Pakistan's queries on the investigation into the Mumbai terror attacks whenever it will be in a position to do so.

"Whenever we will be in a position to share it with Pakistan, it will be done so," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters here when asked when India will respond to Pakistan's questions.

Without giving any time line to reply, he pointed out that India had made a commitment to Pakistan that it would respond to the questions raised by it on the dossier of evidence on Mumbai attacks and will do so.

"When we received these questions seeking clarifications on the dossier .We made the commitment that government of India will respond and we will give the clarification, whatever is possible," Mukherjee said after launching pan-African e-network project.

Earlier, Home Minister P Chidambaram had said that India would respond to Pakistan after filing of the chargesheet in the case in a Mumbai court.

IMF agrees on interest rate cut if inflation declines: Tarin

DUBAI: Federal Finance Advisor Shaukat Tarin Thursday said IMF has agreed on cutting the rate of interest once the prevailing high inflation is brought down.He was talking to Geo News after holding talks with IMF.Shaukat Tarin said pressure will be exerted for paying tax on the non-tax payers with a view to broaden the existing tax base.

Cricket: England 301 for 3 against West Indies in fourth test

BRIDGETOWN: An opening stand of 229 featuring a century from captain Andrew Strauss lifted England to a commanding 301 for three on the first day of the fourth test against West Indies in Barbados on Thursday.

Strauss made an excellent 142 after winning the toss and was well assisted by Alastair Cook, who struck 94, in a record English first-wicket partnership against West Indies.

The hosts will have gained some encouragement, however, from their performance in the final session when they removed both openers and Owais Shah (7) to peg back England's run rate.

But Chris Gayle's side will be rueing Jerome Taylor's drop of Kevin Pietersen off Fidel Edwards just before stumps, one of three spilled catches during the day.

Pietersen was unbeaten on 32 at the close with Paul Collingwood on 11.

West Indies lead the five-match series 1-0.

PPP CEC reposes confidence on President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People Party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) has adopted a unanimous resolution resposing complete confidence on President Asif Ali Zardari here on Thursday.

The resolution said that PPP would continue its struggle for the rights of people under the leadership of President Zardari.

The unanimous resolution was adopted in the CEC meeting jointly presided over by the President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

According to sources, the President said that Sharif brothers were disqualified by the Supreme Court and it was not correct to blame the center in this connection.

According to a statement issued from the President House, the meeting reviewed the country’s present political situation arising after imposition of governor ruler in Punjab.

The CEC members presented their suggestions and recommendations about governor rule in the meeting.

“President Zardari will consult the members of Punjab’s provincial and national assemblies on Friday evening,” statement said.

Geo News sources further said the Supreme Court’s verdict and the future course of action were discussed in details.

Nation not to accept undemocratic decisions: Nawaz Sharif

SHEIKHUPURA: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has said the people would not accept the Supreme Court ruling. He said no undemocratic action would be tolerated and the mandate of the people should be respected.

Addressing a huge public rally here on Thursday, Nawaz said Pakistan is passing through hard times because of verdicts of the PCO judiciary. He said President Asif Ali Zardari had deceived the nation and did not honour his commitments.

PML (N) chief said Shahbaz Sharif was still the Chief Minister of Punjab under the constitution. Nawaz said that long spells of dictatorship had been snubbing democratic process in the country. He urged people to raise their voice and play an active role in safeguarding Pakistan.

Nawaz Sharif said President Zardari did not honour Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s will and there was a dichotomy between his words and his actions. “If Benazir Bhutto were alive today, we would not have to witness present state of affairs”, Nawaz added.

Praising Prime Minister’s efforts for political reconciliation between PML (N) and PPP, Sharif asked Gilani to distance himself from the Supreme Court verdict by joining people. He revealed that Sindh Education Minister, Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq told Mian Shahbaz Sharif in a meeting that Sindh should also have a Chief Minister like Shahbaz Sharif.

Punjab Assembly session underway at staircase

LAHORE: Punjab Assembly session is underway at staircase of assembly building after governor has refused to give permission to conduct the session in assembly.

Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Iqbal is presiding the session with deputy speaker Rana Mashud.

Several provincial ministers including Punjab law Minister Rana Sanaullah are attending the session, which is discussing the agenda of Sharif brothers’ disqualification.

Earlier, PML-N members clashed with police outside the assembly. Heavy police contingents were deployed in and around the building on the orders of the governor Punjab.

The assembly gates were shut down to barred the members to enter into the building. PML-N members had tried to crush the gates after that barriers were placed at the entry and exit.

Shahbaz Sharif’s seat declared vacant

ISLAMABAD: Following the ineligibility of Shahbaz Sharif, the Election Commission of Pakistan has declared vacant his provincial assembly seat from Bhakkar.

Sources said that after the Supreme Court’s verdict of Sharif Brothers’ ineligibility, the Election Commission has issued a notification by declaring vacant the Shahbaz Sharif’s Punjab Assembly seat PP-48 seat from Bhakkar.

Meanwhile, the schedule issued for the bye-elections in the constituency of the National Assembly NA-123 has also been taken back.

This may be recalled that Mian Nawaz Sharif had to contest the bye-election in the said constituency but after the verdict of his ineligibility, it was decided to nominate Begum Kulsoom Nawaz for contesting the election in this constituency.

Bangladesh border force mutiny spreading

DHAKA: Bangladeshi paramilitary forces have begun mutinying over pay at barracks across the country after fighting with border guards in the capital Dhaka subsided.Military sources said sporadic fighting had broken out on Thursday at dozens of barracks for the paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), the border security force.According to reports, there are 46 baracks across the country, and there are 50,000 paramilitary soldiers.

Younis proved himself best captain: Bayliss

KARACHI: Sri Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss said that Younis Khan has proved himself a brave captain and the best leader by by scoring a triple century in the first Test. Talking with Geo News, the Sri Lankan coach said that Younis Khan instead sending a night watchman in the Karachi Test came himself at the crease and proved that he was a responsible captain

Crude oil prices dropped in Asian market today

SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose in Asian trade Thursday, pushed up by a surprise drop in US gasoline reserves, dealers said. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for April delivery, gained 23 cents to 42.73 dollars a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for April delivery was up 21 cents to 44.50. The unexpected drop in US gasoline supplies is the main factor behind the jump in crude oil prices but this is likely to be short-lived, said Victo

Governor-rule imposed in Punjab for two months

LAHORE: The federal government has imposed the Governor-rule in Punjab for a period of two months, the Presidential spokesman said on Wednesday.

According to spokesman, the Governor-rule has been imposed on the directives of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani under article 234 of the constitution.

Earlier, Punjab Assembly members had submitted a requisition to convene provincial assembly session.

Zardari offered us a deal’, reveals Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif disclosed on Wednesday that President Asif Ali Zardari asked his brother Mian Shahbaz Sharif to strike a deal with the government over the issue of judiciary. Addressing a press conference at Raiwind after an important PML (N) meeting, Nawaz said President Zardari offered Shahbaz Sharif a political deal when he invited him to a lunch at the Aiwan-e-Sadr

1st Test ends in draw after SL lose 5 wkts

KARACHI: Sri Lanka lost half of their side in their second innings before the first Test ended in a draw here on Wednesday. When Sri Lanka reached 144-5, both captains decided to end the game realising no result possible in the remaining 12 overs. However, Pakistan has emerged with the upper hand in this drawn game which has seen plenty of runs made, a handful of landmarks reached and a number of records broken

Sri Lanka lose early wickets as first Test heading for draw

KARACHI: Sri Lanka lost three early wickets in their second innings but the first Test headed for a draw here on Wednesday after Pakistan captain Younus Khan failed to make batting history.

At tea on the fifth and final day Sri Lanka reached 54-3, still 67 runs adrift with Kumar Sangakkara unbeaten on 32 and Mahela Jayawardene yet to open his account.

Younus, who resumed at 306, played on to Sri Lanka's Dilhara Fernando in the ninth over of the day, much to the disappointment of the sparse crowd at the National Stadium who hoped to see him break West Indies batsman Brian Lara's record innings of 400 not-out, set against England in 2004.


The 31-year-old also fell 24 short of Hanif Mohammad's Pakistani record of 337, scored against the West Indies in Barbados in 1958, before the home team
declared their first innings on 765-6, taking a lead of 121 over Sri Lanka's first innings score of 644-7 declared.

Kamran Akmal notched a fiery career-best 158 as Pakistan improved their previous best Test innings total of 708, made against England at The Oval in 1987.

When Sri Lanka batted for the second time Pakistan paceman Umar Gul struck early blows, removing opener Malinda Warnapura (two), caught behind in the first over, then had Tillakaratne Dilshan (eight) caught to leave the tourists struggling at 45-3.

Tharanga Paranavitana, who fell for a duck in the first innings, failed to beat a direct throw on to his stumps while taking a quick single and was run out for nine, ending a miserable Test debut.

Earlier Pakistan resumed at 574-5 with the interest centered on Younus's national and world record bid.

Younus, who came to the crease on Sunday, batted for a marathon 12 hours and 48 minutes, facing 568 balls and hitting 27 boundaries and four sixes.

His triple ton eclipsed Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene's 240, part of a record 437 fourth-wicket stand with Thilan Samaraweera (231).

Akmal, 27, also completed his 2,000 runs when he was 56. He hit five sixes and eight boundaries. Yasir Arafat finished with 50 not out and put on 169 quick runs for the seventh wicket with Akmal.

Kamran Lashari appointed Punjab chief secretary

LAHORE: The government of Pakistan has appointed Kamran Lashari as new Chief Secretary of Punjab and he has taken charge here on Wednesday.According to sources, Governor House Punjab had dispatched a summary requesting the federal government to appoint Lashari as chief secretary of the province. The summary was approved and Lashari got the coveted seat

KSE plunges down after Sharif Brothers case verdict

KARACHI: After Supreme Court’s verdict of declarating Sharif brothers ineligible, Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) witnessed bearish trend on Wednesday as benchmark 100-Index shed more than 200 points to plunged down to below 5800 points.

Sharif brothers declared ineligible, Shahbaz no more Punjab CM

ISLAMABAD: The three-member Bench of Supreme Court has disposed off Sharif brothers’ electoral eligibility case by declaring them ineligible for contesting elections in its two-line short order announced here.

Shahbaz Sharif under this verdict has lost his seat in the provincial assembly and being no longer member of the Punjab House, he is no more Punjab chief minister, as SC has annulled the earlier notification about his being chief

Yunus Khan’s captain inning ends at 313

KARACHI: The last day play of the first test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, being played in the National Stadium here, continued when the host captain Yunus Khan after brilliantly scoring triple ton finally lost concentration at 313 and went back to the pavilion.Yunus Khan yesterday added feather to his cap as the only batsman thus far scoring triple ton against Sri Lanka and playing a record captain’s inning from Pakistan

Cut in petroleum price not possible due to fall in revenue

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Standing Committee for Finance was told that any further cut in petroleum price was not possible due to fall in recovery of revenue, while the Advisor Finance, Shaukat Tarin said that $1 billion was expected to be received from US during current fiscal year.Standing Committee meeting was held with Fauzia Wahab in chair, which mulled over doing away with the government subsidy on food items and matters relating to pric

Causalities feared in Bangladeshi force headquarters gunfire

DHAKA: A fierce gun battle broke out on Wednesday inside the headquarters of Bangladesh's border security force in the capital Dhaka, police said. The private Bangladeshi news channel has reported several injuries. "There has been a huge exchange of gunfire at BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) headquarters complex this morning. We have heard mortar fire," local police chief Nabojit Khisa told foreign news agency. "The gunfire is still going on.

General Kayani calls on Gates, Mullen and Casey

WASHINGTON: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani called on Mr Robert Gates, Secretary of Defence, Admiral Michael Mullen and General George Casey.According to ISPR, General Kayani discussed matters of mutual interest with particular reference to security situation in the region. Chief of Army Staff also called on Lieutenant General Mapples, Director Defence Intelligence Agency

US ready to lead again, says Obama

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama vowed to lead a fearful America through its torment to emerge stronger than ever, declaring a "day of reckoning" after an age of excess ended in economic meltdown.

Ina policy-heavy debut address to Congress, the new president demanded national sacrifice and responsibility in a bold show of confidence, meant to restore his nation's optimism and revive its moribund economy.

Younis makes history hitting triple ton against SL

KARACHI: Skipper Younis Khan created history by scoring a triple hundred, only the third by a Pakistani in Test cricket – here at the National Stadium on Tuesday.His extra-ordinary innings not only helped his team to make a huge total of 574 runs for the loss of five wickets in reply to Sri Lanka’s 644-7 declared in the first innings by the end of the fourth day’s play in the first Test

Bull-run continues as KSE gains 25 points

KARACHI: Investors buying in energy sector here on Tuesday kept the bullish trend prevailed in the Karachi Stock Exchange for the second day of the week that pushed the market upward.The benchmark KSE-100 index gained 25 points to close at 5,875 points. Volume remained at 130.7 million shares. According to records, this volume level is below the average 250 million shares traded on a daily basis last year

Indian TV releases new Mumbai attacks footage

MUMBAI: An Indian news channel released on Tuesday fresh CCTV footage of Mumbai terror attacks.According to the TV channel, four armed men, carrying heavy bags on their backs, were seen knocking at the doors in Hotel Oberoi. The footage then showed the attackers asking people to assemble in one place of the hotel.

Govt to abolish NSC: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said a bill would soon be tabled before the National Assembly to formally wind up the National Security Council (NSC). Talking to reporters after inaugurating a sewerage treatment plant the prime minister said there was wide disagreement amongst the political parties when the controversial NSC was set up during former President Pervez Musharraf’s era

Five killed, 2 injured in Quetta firing

QUETTA: Five people were killed and three others critically injured in an incident of firing on Saryab road here on Tuesday, police said.

According to Geo News correspondent, unidentified armed men riding on a motorcycle opened indiscriminate fire at people on Saryab road. As a result, five people were killed on the spot while three others were critically injured.