World Cup Final: England face day of destiny against New Zealand

England face New Zealand in the World Cup final today knowing years of planning come down to a single day at Lord's.

When England exited the 2015 edition with an embarrassing defeat by Bangladesh, few were tipping them as potential champions in four years' time.

As England captain Eoin Morgan put it, "If you had offered us the position to play in a final the day after we were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup, I would have laughed at you."

One person not laughing was Andrew Strauss, the former England director of cricket.

Drafted into the newly created role, Strauss set about an overhaul that saw the former England captain appoint Australia's Trevor Bayliss as coach, and place greater emphasis on white-ball cricket.

The worth of all that work showed when Morgan's men, now top of the one-day international rankings, thrashed reigning champions Australia by eight wickets in the semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Many of the elements that made England the pre-tournament favourites were on show in Birmingham.

Pacemen Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes reduced Australia to 14-3, leg-spinner Adil Rashid took wickets in the middle and the dynamic duo of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow — statistically the most successful opening pair in ODI history — launched the run chase with a blistering century partnership.

'Fearless' cricket

The challenge for England is to embrace the hype surrounding Sunday's fixture without letting it inhibit them from playing their brand of "fearless" cricket.

By reaching the final, England have guaranteed an international match will be shown live on free-to-air television in Britain for the first time since the iconic 2005 Ashes series — a chance to inspire a new generation.

"I think Sunday's not a day to shy away from, it's a day to look forward to," said Morgan, an outrider in English cricket in becoming an ODI specialist when the steely Dubliner realised his Test career had stalled.

It is perhaps appropriate that England are facing New Zealand in a final between two sides who have yet to win the World Cup.

For it was the Black Caps who showed England how to play the modern one-day game at the 2015 edition in Wellington four years ago.

They shot out England for just 123 and then overhauled that total in a mere 12.2 overs.

"It was as close to rock-bottom as I've been", said Morgan. "Certainly as a captain and as a player, being beaten off the park like that was humiliating."

England gained a measure of revenge with a 119-run thrashing of New Zealand in a group-stage match earlier in this World Cup.

But that is unlikely to count for much on Sunday.

All tournament long, the same comment has been made about New Zealand — they boast a well-balanced attack led by left-arm quick Trent Boult but are over-reliant on captain Kane Williamson and fellow senior batsman Ross Taylor for their runs.

The polite Kiwis have responded by continuing to "scrap", in the phrase of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, their way to wins as demonstrated by their dramatic 18-run semi-final victory over India.

Boult and Matt Henry reduced one of the world's most powerful top orders to 5-3, before left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, aided by superb fielding, backed them up after Williamson and Taylor had made battling fifties on a tricky pitch.

While many members of the home side were not even born when England made the last of three losing appearances in a World Cup final in 1992, the Black Caps have the experience of their heavy defeat by co-hosts Australia in the climax of the 2015 edition in Melbourne to call on.

"I'd be lying if I said we weren't a bit overawed by the change of scenery," said Taylor as he looked back to New Zealand's first and only match on Australian soil in that tournament.

"I think we know what to expect, the pressures that come with it, we've been there before. You just have to enjoy it, it's the 'Home of Cricket', I can't think of a better place to play a final."

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Judiciary appropriate forum to probe Judge’s video clips allegations: President Alvi

President Dr Arif Alvi says investigations into video clips allegations controversy about Accountability Judge Arshad Malik should be carried by the judiciary rather than the government.

During an interview in a private TV programme, the president Alvi said institutions should function independently and such should be the ultimate goal and vision of all.

The president also called upon elimination of a discrimination system between the powerful elitist class and the poor for equitable justice in the country.

He further said government is facing stiff resistance as it had taken a stance to eliminate corruption from the country.

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2nd Round of talks on Kartarpur Corridor to take place tomorrow

Second Round of Talks on Kartarpur Corridor will take place tomorrow (July 14) at Wagah, Lahore.

Spokesperson Foreign Office Dr Mohammad Faisal will lead the Pakistani delegation in talks.

Both the sides will discuss the draft agreement for finalizing the modalities of Kartarpur Corridor.

The first meeting on Kartarpur corridor was held on 14th March.

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Israel is within range of Hezbollah’s missiles: Hassan Nasrallah

The secretary general of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement says all of Israel is within the range of the missiles of the group, adding that the resistance movement is stronger than ever despite Western sanctions.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah made the remarks during a televised interview with Hezbollah’s al-Manar television on Friday on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War in 2006.

“Once we said that we could strike targets south of Haifa. Today, we can say that if Israel has sites south of Eilat, then we can also hit them. All of Israel is under the range of our missiles,” he said.

The Hezbollah leader, while presenting the group’s developed capabilities, warned that in case of any confrontation, the Zionist entity would be brought to the “verge of vanishing, and it knows this.”

“We have a larger number of missiles and we have precise missiles that we did not have in 2006. We also have a large and powerful branch of UAVs,” Hezbollah’s chief further said.

Then, he held up a map of Israeli-occupied territories to the camera, pointing to potential targets for Hezbollah’s attacks.

“There is an area 70 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide ... we can destroy it all,” Nasrallah said.

However, he said a war with Israel was unlikely to happen anytime soon, stressing that Israel will not risk another war on Lebanon thanks to Hezbollah’s deterrent force.

Nasrallah also said that he had deep hope that “we will pray in al-Quds [Mosque compound]” and that he was “certain of victory in any future war, God is with us.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Hezbollah leader blasted US President Donald Trump’s so-called Deal of the century, as a means to solve the decades-long conflict between Palestinians and the Israeli regime, stressing the proposal is doomed to fail.

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Traders association Observe Countrywide Strike against taxes

Pakistan traders’ association is observing a shutter-down strike on Saturday (today) against taxation measures adopted in the budget 2019-20.

According to details, the Pakistan Traders Association has given a strike call across the country in protest of unfair taxes imposed by the federal government.

More than 450 associations representing traders across the country including All Karachi Tajir Ittehad, Karachi Electronic Dealers Association and All Sindh Saraf and Jewelers Association have supported the call.

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IHC to Hear Nawaz’s Plea in Al-Azizia Reference on Sep 18

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will hear an appeal filed by former premier Nawaz Sharif against his conviction in the Al-Azizia corruption reference on September 18.

Contrarily, on the same date, the court will take up an appeal filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Sharif’s acquittal in the Flagship Investments corruption reference.

A two-member bench comprising of Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani are scheduled to hear the appeals.

Verdicts in both corruption references were announced by an accountability court judge Arshad Malik.

However, due to summer vacations, the hearings have been set in the month of September.

Earlier, Minister for Law Dr Farogh Nasim on Friday said that senior judge Arshad Malik was barred from accountability court until further investigation on scandal over blackmail claims relating to the jailing of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on corruption charges.

Dr Farogh said that the sentence handed down to Nawaz in Al-Azizia Steel Mills case can neither be reduced, nor that can be abolished until a verdict is announced by the Islamabad High Court on the appeal filed by the former premier.

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Sadiqabad train accident: Inquiry report blames driver

Investigators in their initial probe into Sadiqabad train accident has held the driver responsible for a passenger train accident that rammed into a freight train at Walhar Railway Station.

According to a joint report, the driver of Akbar Express didn’t stop train despite seeing a red signal. Both drivers of the train jumped outside from engine before train ramped into a freight train.

An initial report reveals that over speeding, negligence of the driver were the main reasons behind the Sadiqabad train accident.

The accident took place around 4:15 am on Thursday when Akbar Express hit a parked freight train at the Walhar Railway Station, said report.

The report further said that the train driver could have rescued the accident if he would’ve pressed emergency brakes.

The death toll of the horrific railway accident following a collision between Quetta bound Akbar Express and a freight train at Walhar Railway Station has risen to 24, authorities said.

Read more: 21 killed, dozens injured as two trains collide in Sadiqabad

As more bodies are being recovered from the rubble and wounded passengers succumbing to injuries, the number of deaths continues to increase.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rahim Yar Khan Jameel Ahmed has established a control room to provide necessary information to the victim families. The numbers of the control room are 068-9230109 and 0300-9402579.

Sheikh Rasheed had announced that 1.5 million rupees would be given as compensation for each deceased, 500,000 rupees each to critically injured and 200,000 rupees to each who received minor injuries.

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PM Iimran directs to harmonize, integrate laws to facilitate investors

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed government's commitment to encourage investors and provide them all out facilities.

He was chairing the meeting of Board of Directors of Board of Investment in Islamabad on Friday.

The Prime Minister said different laws at federal and provincial levels, unnecessary rules and regulations for businesses, hurdles by government departments for business community and corruption resulted in stagnation of industrial development.

He said the large number of youth in the country, availability of cheap workforce and liberal government policy provide conducive environment to investment which should be fully utilized.

The Prime Minister directed the Chairman BoI to complete the process of harmonizing and integrating the federal and provincial laws on business within a month. He said the relevant laws should be made simpler in coordination with the provinces in the light of recommendations of Board of Investment.

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Turkey receives first shipment of S-400 despite US threats

Turkey’s defense ministry says it has received the first delivery of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system despite US pressure and threat of sanctions.

"The delivery of the first shipment of parts of the S-400 long-range regional air missile defense system began as of July 12, to Murted airbase in Ankara," the ministry said in a statement Friday.

Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation confirmed that it had started delivering the systems to Turkey and that the shipments would continue as per an agreed schedule.

Turkish broadcasters showed footage of a Russian Air Force AN-124 cargo plane at the Murted airbase. According to Turkey's Defense Industry Directorate, the delivery of parts belonging to the system will continue in the coming days.

"Once the system is completely ready, it will begin to be used in a way determined by the relevant authorities," it said.

The development is set to escalate tensions with the United States which has warned of sanctions over the deal.

Washington says the S-400s could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy.

The US has threatened to expel Turkey from the F-35 program under sanctions. Washington has already halted training of Turkish pilots in the United States on the aircraft.

Turkey has repeatedly rebuffed calls from the US to scrap the deal, saying it is free to choose the countries it buys weapons from.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey will seek compensation if it is omitted from the F-35 program. He has said excluding Turkey from the F-35 program would be “robbery” since Ankara has already invested money in it.

Moscow and Ankara finalized the agreement on the delivery of the S-400 in December 2017 even as US officials warned that the move would damage Turkey's ability to work with NATO.

Similarly, Washington has been attempting to dissuade India from purchasing S-400s. New Delhi reached a deal to buy the missile systems from Moscow in October.

Indian officials are now seeking a waiver from the US that will allow the nation to buy the weapons without the risk of violating American sanctions on Moscow.

The medium-range and long-range S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system was developed as an upgraded version of the S-300.

The all-weather weapon can shoot down aircraft at a distance of up to 250 km and intercept ballistic missiles up to 60 km away.

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Gibraltar detains 2 more officers from seized Iranian tanker

Gibraltar’s police have arrested two more crew members of an Iranian oil tanker, which was illegally seized by British marines last week.

In a statement on Friday, police authorities of the British overseas territory said two officers with the Grace 1 supertanker, a day after they detained the ship’s captain and chief officer.

“All four men are Indian nationals and they have been granted full legal assistance,” the statement said.

Iran and Britain have been locked in a diplomatic dispute since July 4, when Gibraltar’s police, aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines, seized Grace 1 on alleged suspicion of carrying crude oil to Syria, which has been under EU sanctions since 2011.

Spain, which challenges the British ownership of Gibraltar, has, however, said the seizure was prompted by a US request to Britain and appeared to have taken place in Spanish waters.

Gibraltar has yet to announce the fate of the ship and its crew after the territory’s Supreme Court set a 14-day deadline last week for the country’s authorities to conduct “investigations” about the ship.

The Islamic Republic has condemned the seizure as “maritime piracy,” vowing to employ all its political and legal capacities to secure the release of the vessel and uphold its rights.

Iran has summoned the UK’s ambassador to Tehran over the seizure on three occasions, warning London of the consequences of the move.

Speaking on Friday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi also rejected allegations about the supertanker's alleged route, saying the tanker was not bound for Syria because no Syrian port could receive a vessel of such capacity.

“The documents and evidence and the contradictory remarks made by the British all indicate that London’s allegation, legally speaking, is not that significant and noteworthy unless they would want to enter into a dangerous game under the influence of the Americans with no end in sight,” Mousavi said.

Marking a further escalation in tensions with Iran, Britain claimed on Thursday that Iranian speedboats had sought to block the passage of one of its tankers in the Persian Gulf, but backed off after warnings were issued by a British military vessel.

Iranian authorities, however, dismissed the allegations.

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PTI submits no-confidence resolution against Senate deputy chairman

Senators of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and its allies on Friday submitted a no-confidence resolution in the Senate secretariat against Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla.

The resolution is backed by at least 26 senators, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz told reporters. The senators have demanded Mandviwalla's removal under Rule 12 (Removal of Chairman or Deputy Chairman) of the Rules of Procedure in Conduct of Business in the Senate and Article 61, read along with Article 53(7)(c).

The move comes three days after senators of the opposition parties submitted a no-confidence resolution against Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani along with a requisition to convene the Upper House for a session where a motion of no-confidence can be initiated.

Talking to reporters today, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak said that following the opposition's step to remove Sanjrani, members of government had a meeting with the prime minister.

"Our stance is that when they did not honour our votes [that were cast in favour of Sanjrani] and withdrew their support for the Senate chairman, we will withdraw our support for the deputy chairman," he said.

He said that Sanjrani had run the Upper House "with dignity" for the past one and a half year and there was "no reason to remove him".

Khattak also denied allegations of horse trading, saying that "15-20 members in the Senate are completely independent".

'Strange tradition'

Reacting to the no-confidence resolution against him, Senate Deputy Chairman Mandviwalla said: "If members of the Senate think I should not remain in office, I will step down happily."

He added that some senators had told him that they were "told to sign the resolution".

"This has never happened in the Senate before; this is a strange tradition that is not good for the Senate," he remarked.

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England's Jason Roy cleared to play World Cup final despite umpire outburst

England star Jason Roy has been cleared to play in Sunday's World Cup final against New Zealand despite showing dissent at an umpire's decision while helping the hosts book their place in the showpiece match.

The Surrey opener had made 85 to set England well on their way to an eventual eight-wicket against Australia in Thursday's semi-final at Edgbaston when he was given out caught behind down the legside off fast bowler Pat Cummins by Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena.

Roy requested a review but England had already squandered their lone review of the innings with an unsuccessful attempt to overturn fellow opener Jonny Bairstow´s lbw dismissal for 34.

Nevertheless, Dharmasena confusingly and incorrectly signalled for a review, with Australia pointing out the official's mistake.

Roy, his arms spread wide, clearly believed Dharmasena should have signalled a wide delivery instead and the furious batsman had to be ushered away from the crease by square leg umpire Marais Erasmus.

Eventually, a clearly unhappy Roy, whose tirade prompted television broadcasters to apologise for his foul language, made his way back to the pavilion, with England 147 for two in the 20th over.

Roy, who admitted the offence, was fined 30 per cent of his match fee for breaching that section of the International Cricket Council's code of conduct that prohibits showing dissent at an umpire's decision.

The 28-year-old also received two demerit points from match referee Ranjan Madugalle, taking his tally for the tournament to three following a one-point penalty he received for an audible obscenity after dropping a catch in a group-stage match against Pakistan.

But match bans only kick in when a player collects four demerit points in total leaving Roy, a key figure in Eoin Morgan's side, available to feature as England bid to win the World Cup for the first time.

 

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Supreme Court to hear judge Arshad Malik video scandal case

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken up the case over the video scandal allegedly involving accountability court judge Arshad Malik.

The case has been fixed for hearing by a three-judge bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa on July 16.

The court has issued notices to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Raja Zafarul Haq, and others.

The Supreme Court took up the case on a petition submitted by a citizen named Ishtiaq Ahmed, who appealed to the apex court for an independent judicial inquiry of the video scandal.

Earlier on Friday, the federal government relieved Arshad Malik from his duties as a judge of the accountability court on a request by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) following his alleged involvement in the controversial video scandal.

"The recent development i.e. releasing of videos, issuing of press release by the Registrar, Accountability Court-II, Islamabad and affidavit submitted by the incumbent judge narrating his versions require his immediate removal. He may be removed/relieved from his duties by the competent authority," the IHC had requested the government in a letter to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Nasim confirmed the judge's removal from duties in a press conference in Islamabad here today.

"The law ministry has stopped judge Arshad Malik from performing his duties for now," Law Minister Farogh Nasim told reporters at the press conference.

He said the judge claimed in his affidavit submitted to the IHC that he had issued the verdict in the Al-Azizia corruption case without any pressure of intimidation. "The law ministry and government are standing by the judiciary. The government will not victimise anyone or take sides but will not tolerate manipulation of judiciary either," he added.

Earlier in the day, judge Malik had written a letter to the IHC refuting Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz's allegations and the video purportedly showing him admitting to a lack of evidence against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference. The accountability court judge had sentenced Nawaz Sharif to seven years in prison in the same corruption case in December.

In the affidavit submitted to the IHC, Malik denied the contents of the video and termed them as edited, fabricated, and produced with an aim to defame him.

According to an IHC spokesperson, acting IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq received judge Malik's letter and then decided to request the law ministry to remove him from the post.

The spokesperson further said that, on the orders of IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, judge Malik's affidavit and letter has been made part of Nawaz Sharif's acquittal plea. Sources said the IHC chief justice had summoned judge Malik two to three times and questioned him regarding the controversy.

Sources said judge Malik was asked about meeting PML-N worker Nasir Butt and others, however, he failed to satisfy the chief justice with his answers.

Judge Malik had been hearing the fake banks accounts case against former president Asif Ali Zardari, the rental power case against former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, and references against former prime minister Shaukat Aziz.

The judge was also hearing several other National Accountability Bureau (NAB) references as well.

Last week, the opposition PML-N released a video clip purportedly showing judge Malik allegedly admitting to a lack of evidence against Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case.

Maryam alleged that the judge had contacted Nasir Butt, a PML-N worker, and told him that he was feeling guilty and having nightmares ever since he announced the verdict that led to Nawaz Sharif's imprisonment. The judge was "blackmailed" into handing down the sentence against Nawaz Sharif after some people threatened that they would release a private video of his, she alleged.

She claimed the judge was under immense pressure to send the former prime minister to jail, and that he had contemplated committing suicide several times since. She said the judge did not write the verdict but "was made to write" the prison sentence for Nawaz Sharif.

Responding to the allegations, the accountability court judge has called the video presented by the PML-N as fake and fallacious. He has demanded legal action against those involved in producing the video tape.

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Govt removes accountability court judge Arshad Malik on IHC request after video controversy

The federal government on Friday relieved accountability court judge Arshad Malik from his duties on a request by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) following his alleged involvement in a controversial video scandal.

"The recent development i.e. releasing of videos, issuing of press release by the Registrar, Accountability Court-II, Islamabad and affidavit submitted by the incumbent judge narrating his versions require his immediate removal.

He may be removed/relieved from his duties by the competent authority," the IHC had requested the government in a letter to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Farogh Naseem confirmed the judge's removal from duties in a press conference in Islamabad here today.

"The law ministry has stopped judge Arshad Malik from performing his duties for now," Law Minister Farogh Naseem told reporters at the press conference.

He said the judge claimed in his affidavit submitted to the IHC that he had issued the verdict in the Al-Azizia corruption reference against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif without any pressure of intimidation.

"The law ministry and government are standing by the judiciary. The government will not victimise anyone or take sides but will not tolerate manipulation of judiciary either," he added.

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UK urged to immediately release Iranian supertanker, avoid ‘dangerous’ game

Iran has urged the UK to immediately release the Iranian supertanker it has illegally seized in Gibraltar, warning London against entering a “dangerous game with no end in sight”.

On July 4, Gibraltar police and customs agencies, aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines, boarded and impounded Iranian supertanker Grace 1 in the Strait of Gibraltar, upon a request from the United States.

The British and Gibraltarian officials claim that the 300,000-ton supertanker was possibly transferring up to 2 million barrels of oil to the Baniyas refinery in Syria in breach of EU sanctions against the Arab country.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi rejected the claim Friday, saying the tanker was not bound for Syria because no Syrian port could receive a vessel of such capacity.

“The documents and evidence and the contradictory remarks made by the British all indicate that London’s allegation, legally speaking, is not that significant and noteworthy unless they would want to enter into a dangerous game under the influence of the Americans with no end in sight,” Mousavi said.

Speaking in an interview with IRNA, the Iranian spokesman advised the UK against such a scenario “under the current circumstances”.

“We still demand that they release this oil tanker as soon as possible because that’s to the benefit of everyone,” he added.

Shortly after the seizure, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned Britain’s ambassador to the country to express its strong protest at the move.

At the Foreign Ministry, Rob Macaire was told that the British Royal Marines’ move was tantamount to “maritime piracy”, and that the UK must immediately release the oil tanker.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also warned the UK about the “consequences” of the move, calling the action “very juvenile, heinous, and wrongful” and “to their [Britain’s] detriment.”

“I remind the Britons,” Rouhani cautioned on Wednesday, “you are the ones initiating insecurity, and will come to realize its consequences in the future.”

Following the incident, British ships operating in the Persian Gulf have been put on the highest state of alert amid fears that Iran may reciprocate the illegal action.

A commercial ship, British Heritage, had been due to collect oil in Basra, Iraq, but abruptly turned around on Saturday on the basis of a British government advice.

However, the waters in which British Heritage was accosted belong to Iran, and it is not possible for British shipping to go through the Strait of Hormuz without entering Iranian waters.

On Thursday, the UK government claimed that a number of speedboats “belonging to Iran’s IRGC” approached British Heritage at the northern entrance of the strait and ordered it to stop.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) dismissed the claim that its naval forces tried to stop the British tanker.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also reacted to the allegations, saying they are merely meant to create tensions.

Those who make such claims attempt to “cover up their weak point,” he added. “Apparently the British tanker has passed. What they have said themselves and the claims that have been made are for creating tension and these claims have no value.”

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for "maximum restraint" in the Persian Gulf region and warned all parties that a new confrontation "would be a catastrophe."

 

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Our policy to not impose any new taxes on textile export: Chairman FBR

Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Shabbar Ali Zaidi today (Friday) talking to the media said that bringing fix tax scheme for small shop and business owners was being deliberated upon.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, Shabbar Zaidi, has said there was no justification behind the strike of traders, and the Board would not back out from the condition of getting computerised national identity cards (CNICs) on buying of more than Rs50,000.

The Chairman said that there was undue criticism and propaganda over the CNIC issue which came under consideration in the talks with the traders and businessmen of Karachi.

Brushing aside the impression of new taxes levied on the textile export, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Shabbar Zaidi stressed that, “Export sector already had [tax related] exemptions and they still have it.”

Speaking at a press conference, he said “it was our policy to not impose any new taxes” on the textile export, he elucidated.

Owing to a number of complaints regarding sales tax registration, the FBR chief told that the board has now automated the system.

The FBR will gradually move towards a complete shift on automation and reduce the human involvement in the system, said Zaidi.

“A new FBR will be the one, which will be created with automation,” he added.

Talking about the large scale transfers and appointments of the FBR officials, Zaidi said it was done in accordance with the law.

A new FBR will be formed by the people who are present inside the entity today, he continued.

About the harassing attitude of the FBR officials, Zaidi warned whoever was involved in such an act should not remain in the board.

“Pakistan is facing a historic current and trade deficit,” he pointed out while assuring that the Afghan transit trade and smuggling issue were being seriously addressed by the board.

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Pak-India Track-II dialogue begins in Islamabad today

The first round of Track-II dialogue between Pakistan and India has begun in Islamabad on Friday (today).

Utilising the diplomatic channels, the delegations from the two countries will include foreign office officials and former envoys as well.

The talks for reviving Track-II diplomacy will take place in the capital and continue for two days.

The second phase of talks will take place in New Delhi.

Following the rise in tensions in February, the recent talks are of utmost importance for the two neighbouring countries.

The purpose behind the revival of talks is to push the youth of the two countries towards peace and harmony.

Tensions soared between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the February 14 suicide bombing in Pulwama, occupied Kashmir.

India piled the blame for Pulwama bombing on Pakistan without presenting any proof. The allegations were strongly refuted by Pakistan.

In response, India said it carried out on February 26 air strikes on what it called a militant training camp at Balakot inside Pakistan.

The Indian government was quick to take credit for a “successful" airstrike and put the death toll to over 300. Pakistani officials, as well as the locals, rejected the claims, inviting local and international media to visit the site of the so-called attack where around a dozen trees were the only “casualty”.

The Pakistan Air Force, in retaliatory action, downed two Indian aircraft the next day, capturing Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan who was then released as a peace gesture by Pakistan.

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Bomb blast at a wedding ceremony in Afghan kills Five

In Afghanistan, five persons were killed and more than forty others injured in a suicide bomb blast at a wedding ceremony in the eastern province of Nangarhar on Friday.

According to provincial Governor’s spokesman Atahullah Khogyani, the blast occurred this morning when the guests were gradually gathering for the ceremony.

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Chinese companies evince interest in shifting industry to Pakistan

Heads of various Chinese companies have assured to invest five billion dollars in Pakistan in the next three to five years.

The Chinese business community delegation expressed its investment interest in Pakistan during a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Friday.

The business delegation included over fifty-five heads of various Chinese companies.

The meeting was also attended by Adviser on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Minister for Planning and Development Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Chairman Board of Investment Zubair Gilani and Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi.

Chinese companies representing small and medium enterprises evinced interest in shifting industry to Pakistan.

The Chinese investment and shifting of industry will generate over fifty thousand job opportunities in the first year.

In his remarks on the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan and China enjoy strong bonds of friendship. He said China has always stood by Pakistan in the hour of trial.

The Prime Minister said we are impressed with the vision and sagacity of Chinese leadership especially their strategy regarding peace and development, governance and lifting the people out of poverty. He said Pakistan wants to take benefit from Chinese experiences.

Imran Khan that China Pakistan Economic Corridor project will prove to be a changer to further strengthening Pakistan-China friendship and exploit the true potential of trade between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said it is Pakistan's top priority to give practical shape to the projects agreed upon under the CPEC. He said a special cell has been established in the ministry of planning and development for implementation of CPEC related projects. He said the aim is to ensure unhindered progress on these projects.

The Prime Minister also informed the Chinese delegation that the government is giving special emphasis to promotion of foreign direct investment and ease of doing business.

On the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan appreciated the steps taken by Pakistani government to encourage investment and the facilities being extended to the foreign companies for doing business in Pakistan.

The Chinese Ambassador said his country will fully cooperate with Pakistan to strengthen its industrial sector and promote business activities in order to realize the dream of a Naya Pakistan which is strong and prosperous.

Minister for Planning and Development Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood briefed the Chinese delegation about the government's trade policies and especially the steps taken for implementation of CPEC related projects.

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Chinese companies assures to invest 5 billion dollars in Pakistan

Heads of various Chinese companies have assured to invest five billion dollars in Pakistan in the next three to five years.

The Chinese business community delegation expressed its investment interest in Pakistan during a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Friday.

The business delegation included over fifty-five heads of various Chinese companies.

The meeting was also attended by Adviser on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Minister for Planning and Development Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Chairman Board of Investment Zubair Gilani and Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi.

Chinese companies representing small and medium enterprises evinced interest in shifting industry to Pakistan.

The Chinese investment and shifting of industry will generate over fifty thousand job opportunities in the first year.

In his remarks on the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan and China enjoy strong bonds of friendship. He said China has always stood by Pakistan in the hour of trial.

The Prime Minister said we are impressed with the vision and sagacity of Chinese leadership especially their strategy regarding peace and development, governance and lifting the people out of poverty. He said Pakistan wants to take benefit from Chinese experiences.

Imran Khan that China Pakistan Economic Corridor project will prove to be a changer to further strengthening Pakistan-China friendship and exploit the true potential of trade between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said it is Pakistan's top priority to give practical shape to the projects agreed upon under the CPEC. He said a special cell has been established in the ministry of planning and development for implementation of CPEC related projects. He said the aim is to ensure unhindered progress on these projects.

The Prime Minister also informed the Chinese delegation that the government is giving special emphasis to promotion of foreign direct investment and ease of doing business.

On the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan appreciated the steps taken by Pakistani government to encourage investment and the facilities being extended to the foreign companies for doing business in Pakistan.

The Chinese Ambassador said his country will fully cooperate with Pakistan to strengthen its industrial sector and promote business activities in order to realize the dream of a Naya Pakistan which is strong and prosperous.

Minister for Planning and Development Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood briefed the Chinese delegation about the government's trade policies and especially the steps taken for implementation of CPEC related projects.

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NAB Arrests five Officials Of Sports Board Punjab

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Friday arrested five officials of Sports Board Punjab including two of its deputy directors over corruption charges.

According to NAB spokesperson, deputy director and member of board’s Procurement Committee Tariq Masood, and deputy director and member of finance Wilayat Shah are among the apprehended persons.

The spokesperson added that another individual named Syd Wasim was among the nabbed who was found posing himself as representative of Guinness Book of World Records.

The arrests were made during a raid which is an important development in a case pertaining to corruption of millions of rupees in the province’s sports board.

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Video Controversy: IHC decides to remove Judge Arshad Malik

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday decided to remove accountability court judge Arshad Malik over the video controversy.

A spokesperson of the law ministry announced the decision of the judge’s removal in light of the ongoing ‘video leak’ controversy.

The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court in a letter has requested the Ministry of Law to remove Judge Arshad Malik from his duties till a decision on the controversy is revealed.

Earlier, a meeting between the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Amir Farooq pertaining to the recent video leak scandal of a senior judge took place, on Jully 11.

According to sources, an important meeting in the chambers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan took place with regards to Justice Arshad Malik’s controversial tape leaked earlier by the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) in a press conference.

The registrar of the Supreme Court has also been revealed by sources as a witness to the meeting in the chambers.

Justice Amir Farooqi had met Justice Arshad Malik yesterday to discuss the critical matter.

The sources also claimed that the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan had asked the judiciary to take up the case and come up with a justified conclusion to the conundrum.

Addressing a press conference alongside top PML-N leadership on July 6, Maryam Nawaz showed reporters a video in which accountability court judge Arshad Malik can be heard saying that there was “no proof of corruption against the deposed premier” in the Al-Azizia reference.

A day earlier on July 10, Accountability Court Judge Arshad Malik, who sentenced former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to jail had denied Maryam Nawaz’s allegations that the judge was blackmailed into convicting Nawaz without any evidence.

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Naya Pakistan Housing Programme is step towards establishing welfare state: Firdous Ashiq

SAPM on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan says Naya Pakistan Housing Programme is an important step towards establishing a welfare state.

In a tweet, she said Prime Minister Imran Khan wants to build a state that ensures protection to the rights of citizens and their betterment and that guards interests of people rather than rulers.

The Special Assistant said Pakistan Housing project is a practical step of Prime Minister Imran Khan toward materializing the dream of provision of shelter to people.

She said this scheme is providing a new confidence to the weak and salaried class. It will also help promote several other industries related to construction.

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Child Marriage: Sharmeen Chinoy s' latest series

Pakistani Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy tackles child marriage and released the third part from the animated series Shattering the Silence, a project aimed at creating meaningful dialogue around issues of child abuse.

The third animated short film titled Child Marriage is told through the eyes of a young girl and follows the story of Mina, a child who is pulled out of school and married off at a young age. As the film progresses, we see the physical and mental toll that early marriage can have on a child bride and consequently the limited opportunities that lend themselves to women with no proper educational qualifications when marriages don't work out.

Through resilience, determination and awareness, Mina is ultimately able to turn her life around when she approaches Panah - a shelter that not only takes both Mina and her daughter in but gives her vocational training.

 

Shattering the Silence is a 4-part animated series in Urdu, featuring real-life stories regarding child abuse.

It took off in order to educate children regarding the prevalent issue and the steps that can be taken against forced marriages, labour, trafficking or physical abuse.

 

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Pak-India Track-II dialogue to begin in Islamabad today

The first round of Track-II dialogue between Pakistan and India will begin in Islamabad on Friday (today).

Utilising the diplomatic channels, the delegations from the two countries will include foreign office officials and former envoys as well.

The talks for reviving Track-II diplomacy will take place in the capital and continue for two days.

The second phase of talks will take place in New Delhi.

Following the rise in tensions in February, the recent talks are of utmost importance for the two neighbouring countries.

The purpose behind the revival of talks is to push the youth of the two countries towards peace and harmony.

Tensions soared between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the February 14 suicide bombing in Pulwama, occupied Kashmir.

India piled the blame for Pulwama bombing on Pakistan without presenting any proof. The allegations were strongly refuted by Pakistan.

In response, India said it carried out on February 26 air strikes on what it called a militant training camp at Balakot inside Pakistan.

The Indian government was quick to take credit for a “successful" airstrike and put the death toll to over 300. Pakistani officials, as well as the locals, rejected the claims, inviting local and international media to visit the site of the so-called attack where around a dozen trees were the only “casualty”.

The Pakistan Air Force, in retaliatory action, downed two Indian aircraft the next day, capturing Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan who was then released as a peace gesture by Pakistan.

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Maleeha Lodhi assurs Pakistan's continued support to UN peacekeeping operations

At the United Nations, Pakistan has called for "proactive and robust" triangular cooperation among the UN Security Council, the troop contributing countries and the UN Secretariat for effective and result-oriented peacekeeping in trouble spots around the world.

This was stated by Pakistan's permanent representative at United Nations, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi while participating in Security Council's debate on Strengthening Triangular Cooperation.  

Maleeha Lodhi assured of Pakistan's continued support to U.N. peacekeeping operations.

She urged need to institutionalize triangular cooperation, especially against the backdrop of more volatile operating environments.

Maleeha Lodhi also called for efforts to further strengthen that element of triangular cooperation.

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Eight killed, others injured as jeep plunges into Indus river in Kohistan

At least eight members of a family were killed and others sustained injuries when their jeep plunged into the River Indus in Kohistan.

Police and rescue officials rushed to the scene and shifted the injured and the bodies to the hospital after retrieving them from the ravine. The ill-fated family was on its way to a hospital in Dasu when their jeep plunged into the river, said the police.

The police said that all the deceased and the injured belonged to the same family and added that they were taking a patient to a hospital situated in Dasu.

The officials further said that the accident occurred when the jeep driver while negotiating a sharp curve lost control over the steering.

Earlier on July 10, at least four people had been killed and six others suffered critical injuries when their vehicle plunged into a deep ravine in Haripur.

Police and rescue officials rushed to the scene and shifted the injured and the bodies to the hospital after retrieving them from the ravine.

Rescue officials had said that the ill-fated vehicle with 22 passengers on board was heading to Nara Amazai when it had plunged into the ravine near Kapri.

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FM Qureshi, SG Commonwealth discuss bilateral relations

Secretary General Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland says Pakistan's role in peace building is unprecedented.

This was expressed by her during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in London.

She lauded Pakistan's ample role for the regional peace.

During the meeting, bilateral relations were also discussed.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi informed Commonwealth Secretary General about the arrival of Pakistan's parliamentary cricket team in UK.

The Secretary General said Commonwealth is committed to promote peace under the" Peace in the Crease" program.

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Study finds possible link between sugary drinks and cancer

People who drink a lot of sugary drinks have a higher risk of developing cancer, although the evidence cannot establish a direct causal link, researchers said on Thursday.

The findings of a large study in France do suggest, however, that limiting intake of sugar-sweetened drinks may help to cut the number of cancer cases in a population, the scientists said.

Consumption of sugary drinks has risen worldwide in the last few decades and is linked to obesity, which itself increases cancer risk. The World Health Organization recommends that people should limit their daily intake of sugar to less than 10% of their total energy intake, but also says a further reduction to below 5%, or about 25 grams a day, would be healthier.

Many countries, including Britain, Belgium, France, Hungary and Mexico, have introduced, or are about to introduce, taxes on sugar with the aim of improving people’s health.

Published in the BMJ British medical journal, this study analysed data from 101,257 French adults - 21% of them men and 79% women - and assessed their intake or sugary drinks. It followed them for a maximum of 9 years, between 2009 and 2018, to assess their risk for all types of cancer, and for some specific types including breast, colon and prostate cancer.

The researchers also adjusted for several confounding cancer risk factors, including age, sex, educational level, family history, smoking and physical activity levels.

INCREASED RISK

The results showed that a 100 millilitre (ml) a day increase in consumption of sugary drinks was linked to an 18% increased risk of overall cancer and a 22% increased risk of breast cancer.

When the sugary drinkers were divided into those who drank fruit juices and those who drank other sweet drinks, both groups were also linked with a higher risk of overall cancer.

For prostate and colorectal cancers, no link was found, but the researchers said this might have been because the numbers of cases of these cancers in the study participants was limited.

Experts not directly involved in the work said it was a well-conducted and robust study, but noted that its results could not establish cause and effect.

“While this study doesn’t offer a definitive causative answer about sugar and cancer, it does add to the overall picture of the importance of the current drive to reduce our sugar intake,” said Amelia Lake, an expert in public health nutrition at Britain’s Teesside University.

“The message from the totality of evidence on excess sugar consumption and various health outcomes is clear – reducing the amount of sugar in our diet is extremely important.”

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Six foreign nationals killed as severe weather hits Greece

Six foreign nationals, including two children, were killed and more than 100 other people injured after gale-force winds, rain and hailstorms struck northern Greece late on Wednesday, uprooting trees and collapsing roofs, authorities said.

Television footage showed strong winds sweeping through a restaurant in the Halkidiki peninsula, a region popular with tourists in the summer.

Streets in towns in the area were dotted with uprooted pine trees and overturned motorcycles, photographs posted on websites showed.

“It is the first time in my 25-year career that I have lived through something like this,” Athansios Kaltsas, director of the Nea Moudania Medical Centre, where many of the injured were treated for fractures, told Greek television.

“It was so abrupt, and so sudden,” he said.

Kaltsas said patients taken to the clinic ranged in age from 8 months to over 70. Some suffered head injuries from trees and other falling objects.

Two elderly Czech tourists were killed when strong winds and water swept away their travel trailer, police said.

Elsewhere in the region, a woman and an 8-year-old boy, both Romanian nationals, were killed after a roof collapsed on a restaurant in Nea Plagia. A man and a young boy, both Russians, died after a tree collapsed near their hotel in the seaside town of Potidea, authorities said.

Such severe weather is unusual in Greece, where summers are typically hot and dry. Meteorologist Klearxos Marousakis described conditions as “extremely unusual” for this time of year.

Meteorologists forecast it would continue to rain in the area until about 9 am on Thursday.

Authorities declared Halkidiki in a state of emergency, and Greece’s newly appointed citizens’ protection minister was due to visit early on Thursday. At least 140 firefighters were operating in the area.

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IRGC rejects US claim of Iran attempt to seize UK tanker in Persian Gulf

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has dismissed a claim by US officials that its naval forces tried to stop a British tanker in the Persian Gulf.

Early on Thursday, two American officials, who were speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, claimed that five boats believed to belong to the IRGC had approached the tanker British Heritage at the northern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz and ordered it to stop.

The Iranian boats dispersed, said one of the sources, after the UK’s Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose, which had been escorting the tanker, “pointed its guns at the boats and warned them over radio.”

The other official also called the alleged incident an act of “harassment and an attempt to interfere with the passage.”

However, the IRGC rejected the US officials’ claim, stressing that Iranian boats were carrying out their normal duties.

“Patrols by the IRGC’s Navy vessels have been underway in the Persian Gulf based on current procedures and missions assigned to them with vigilance, precision and strength,” said the Public Relations Department of the IRGC Navy’s Fifth Naval Zone in a statement.

“In the past 24 hours, there has been no encounter with foreign ships, including British ones,” it added.

The statement further noted that the IRGC Navy’s fifth zone has the power to act “decisively and swiftly” and seize foreign vessels in the area it is tasked with patrolling if an order is issued to that effect.

Similarly, Britain claimed Thursday that three Iranian vessels had tried to block the passage of its tanker but backed off.

“HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away,” a British government representative said.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also reacted to the allegations, saying they are merely meant to create tensions.

Those who make such claims attempt to “cover up their weak point,” he added. “Apparently the British tanker has passed. What they have said themselves and the claims that have been made are for creating tension and these claims have no value.”

The claims came two weeks after British marines illegally seized an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Gibraltar under the pretext that the vessel had been suspected of carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions against the Arab country.

Reports, however, said the seizure took place at the request of the US.

The Islamic Republic condemned the illegal seizure as “maritime piracy” and summoned the British ambassador on three occasions to convey its protest at the confiscation.

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Opposition calls for resignation, arrest of Sheikh Rasheed after Sadiqabad train accident

The Opposition called for the resignation and arrest of Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed after two trains collided near Sadiqabad on Thursday.

At least 16 people were killed and 67 others injured when a passenger train collided with a freight train near Sadiqabad.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while expressing grief over the accident said, “Imran Khan has given many examples of resignation over accidents. Why is he not asking for resignation from his own minister?”

He added, “Don’t know how many more lives will be lost because of Sheikh Rasheed’s romance with the ministry.”

The PPP leader further said Sheikh Rasheed and Imran Khan are only doing point-scoring. “The country is also running like the railways ministry. Sheikh Rasheed also destroyed the railways during Musharaff’s era,” Bilawal added.

Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal said, “Imran Khan cannot ask for resignation but he can give the ministry to a person who has the time to run it.”

“The prime minister should discourage the trend of false performances,” he added.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said it was worrying that there was an increase in the number of train accidents. “The reason and motive behind the accident should be brought forward to determine the perpetrators,” the PML-N leader added.

PML-N leader Tallal Chaudhry called for Sheikh Rasheed to hand in his resignation and said, “Imran Niazi should give some other ministry to Sheikh Rasheed. Imran Khan should determine the safety of the public before running any more trains,” he said.

Furthermore, the PML-N has submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly calling for a case to be registered against Rasheed and his subsequent arrest.

The resolution was submitted by PML-N leader Hina Pervaiz Butt which states, Sheikh Rasheed is responsible for the Akbar Express accident and that the railways minister does not have any moral justification to stay on his post.

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21 killed, dozens injured as two trains collide in Sadiqabad

The death toll from a collision between two trains in Sadiqabad has risen to 21, officials said on Thursday, the second deadly train accident in Pakistan in less than a month.

Officials said the Akbar Bugti Express travelling from Lahore to Quetta collided with a stationary freight train at the Walhar Railway Station in Sadiqabad Tehsil of Punjab province.

The freight train was standing on the loop line when the passenger train, instead of running on the mainline, went on the wrong track. Three to four bogies of the passenger train derailed while the engine of the passenger train was completely destroyed.

Eyewitness to the train accident said the accident occurred at 4am when most of the passengers were sleeping. They added that they initially rescued passengers on a self-help basis from the bogies and that rescue teams arrived at the scene of the accident till not much later.

Video footage from earlier in the day showed the heavily damaged train engine and carriages, as emergency workers and local people used metal-cutting tools and heavy cranes. The regional police officer (RPO) in the area said rescue teams, using hydraulic cutters, have now recovered all the dead and wounded from the wreckage and completed their operation.

Sources at the Jinnah and Shaikh Zayed hospitals said that three people injured in the accident succumbed to their wounds during treatment, raising the death toll to 21.

The RPO confirmed the death toll and said 89 people were injured.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident and said the accident occurred due to negligence.

The minister added, the train accident occurred due to human error and said he has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Rasheed further said all assistance will be provided to the families of the deceased and the injured. He added, Rs1.5 million will be given as compensation to the families of those killed in the accident, while Rs500,000 will be given to those critically injured.

Rs200,000 will be given to those with minor injuries.

Last month, at least three people were killed when a passenger train collided with a freight train at Makli Shah, near Hyderabad.

Jinnah Express passenger train travelling from Karachi to Lahore had collided with the stationary freight train near Latifabad area of Hyderabad, killing a driver, an assistant driver and a guard.

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Adil Rashid bags 3rd wicket of the day, Australia back in trouble in World Cup semi-final

England's Jofra Archer struck for the second time on Thursday when he dismissed Glen Maxwell (22) in the 35th over, reducing Australia to 157 for 6 in the second World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston.

On the other side of the pitch, Steve Smith could only shake his head in disappointment as he saw his third partner depart in eight overs. The score predictor dropped to 229 runs from 310 at the start of the game.

Australia's batting momentum was shaken for the second time in the day when Adil Rashid dismissed Alex Carey (46), breaking a solid 100-plus run partnership between the left-hander and Smith in the 28th over.

Rashid gave England another reason to celebrate two balls later after he dismissed Marcus Stoinis for a duck in the same over. Smith, who had scored his half-century off 72 balls, could only watch in disappointment as Stoinis walked off.

Smith and Carey had managed to gain control of the innings after a disastrous start from Australia, as English bowlers tried to restrict the flow of runs. Together, they had posted 103 runs on the scoreboard.

Australia had lost their top three batsmen and managed to score merely 27 runs — their lowest score in an opening powerplay. The defending champs were reduced to 15 for three in seven overs after Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer swiftly ripped through their top order.

Skipper Aaron Finch was bowled out for a duck by Archer in the second over of play while Woakes picked up the wickets of David Warner (9) and Peter Handscomb (4).

The loss of Finch and Warner so early in the game was a blow to Australia, as the two have consistently built strong partnerships that have proved to be a major contributor in their team's victories in the group matches of the World Cup.

Toss

Australia had won the toss and opted to bat first.

The winner of today's match will head to the final at Lord's to face New Zealand, who emerged victorious against India in the first semi-final on Wednesday.

England are unchanged, while Australia bring in Peter Handscomb for the injured Usman Khawaja. Handscomb will bat at number four, meaning Steve Smith has gone up the order to number 3.

There were scattered clouds on a sunny and warm morning in Birmingham.

 

Line-ups:

England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood

Australia: Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Steven Smith, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jason Behrendorff

 

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Pakistan believes in Afghan led and Afghan owned solution of Afghan conflict: FO

Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said we believe in an Afghan led and Afghan owned solution of Afghan conflict. Pakistan's facilitative role in talks has been acknowledged and appreciated.

He said Pakistan will continue to support international efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan.

Pakistan and India will hold a meeting on Sunday to discuss the draft agreement for finalizing the modalities of Kartarpur Corridor.

At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said the Indian delegation will come to Pakistan for the talks to be held at Wagah.

The spokesperson said that the International Court of Justice will give its judgment in Kulbhushan Yadav case on the 17th of this month. He said we cannot prejudge the judgment but said Pakistan fully contested the case before the ICJ.

Referring to the Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said that Pakistan has welcomed the second report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which has once again recognized the grave human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir.

He said we also welcome the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights demand for sending a fact finding mission to the occupied territory.

Responding to a question about Doha talks, Dr Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan is happy over the progress in the Afghan peace process.

 

The spokesperson said Prime Minister Imran Khan is paying a three day visit to the United States from 21st of this month.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan and the US President Donald Trump will have wide ranging interaction at the White House on 22nd July covering bilateral and regional matters.

He said the visit will help renew and reinvigorate long standing ties between Pakistan and the United States. He said it will contribute towards building a broad based, long term and enduring partnership between the two countries on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit.

When asked about the Iran nuclear deal, the spokesperson hoped that all the parties to the agreement will be able to take effective measures to ensure its full compliance and resolve all outstanding issues through negotiations.

The spokesperson said Pakistan is fully implementing the UN Security Council sanctions related to North Korea. He categorically stated that no work visa has been issued to any of North Korea's national.a

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Court extends judicial remand of Saad Rafique, Salman Rafique till July 16

An Accountability Court of Lahore on Thursday extended judicial remand of politician siblings Khawaja Saad Rafique and Khawaja Salman Rafique till July 16 in Paragon scandal case.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) produced Salman and Saad to the court amid tight security.

At the outset of the hearing, NAB presented its report on other three accused in the case, namely; Nadeem Zia, Umar Zia and Farhan Ali.

The report revealed that the suspects were intentionally hiding to avoid being arrested.

When inquired by the court, NAB prosecutor said that new addresses were being traced to apprehend the three suspects.

The court then gave the go-ahead to initiate proceedings to term Farhan, Nadeem and Umar Zia as proclaimed offenders and extended Khawaja brothers’ remand for five days till July 16.

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Opposition nominates Hasil Bizenjo for position of Senate chairman

The opposition on Thursday nominated National Party’s (NP) Hasil Bizenjo for the position of Senate chairman as efforts to replace incumbent chair Sadiq Sanjrani gain momentum.

Bizenjo remained an ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during its tenure and maintains close relations with Nawaz Sharif.

Bizenjo’s name was proposed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), an NP leader confirmed.

The Rehbar Committee, in its meeting on Thursday, gave its approval for Bizenjo’s nomination and ousted premier Nawaz Sharif also expressed confidence in nominating the NP leader.

The Rehbar Committee, which includes representatives of nine opposition parties, in its first meeting on July 5, chose Akram Khan Durrani of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) as its convener for two months.

Opposition parties on Tuesday had submitted a no-trust motion against Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani to the secretary of the Upper House.

“For the first time, a no-trust motion against a Senate chairman has been submitted. We will take the procedure further from here as per the law,” said Secretary Senate Mohammad Anwar.

Parties opposed to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government were expected to submit a name for a new Senate chairman by July 11.

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FM Qurashi reiterates Pakistan's commitment to deliver on Commonwealth's vision

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deliver on the vision of the Commonwealth towards building sustainable institutions and inclusive society, internalizing good governance and mainstreaming gender parity.

Speaking at the Extraordinary meeting of Commonwealth in London, he said rule of law, eradication of corruption, economic development and social justice are key priorities of the government for long term and sustainable growth.

The Foreign Minister said there is an ever-growing number of Pakistani women entering our work force and government has introduced legislation to protect the rights of women and their economic and social empowerment.  Giving an overview of economic reforms of the government, he said Pakistan believes in people-centric development.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also highlighted the special focus of Prime Minister Imran Khan on youth and the various programmes that have been started for economic uplift.

On China Pakistan Economic Corridor, he said the project is fast reaching fruition and will make Pakistan a regional hub for economic activity.

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Ten Killed As Akbar Express Hits Freight Train in Rahim Yar Khan

At least ten passengers were killed and others were injured when Akbar Express collided freight train in Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan.

The engine of the passenger train got completely destroyed after it hit a freight train at Dulhar railway station.

Getting the information, rescue teams reached the spot and carrying out the relief and rescue work.

Following the accident up and down track, railway traffic is suspended.

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NAB arrests Sindh Bank chief, two other officials in fake accounts case

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi on Wednesday arrested the president of Sindh Bank and two other senior officials in the fake accounts case in which former president Asif Ali Zardari and his business partners are co-accused.

"Tahir Ahsan, the president of Sindh Bank, was arrested in the fake accounts case from Karachi,” according to a brief statement issued by the anti-graft body.

Other suspects, namely Syed Nadeem Altaf — who is the executive vice president of Sindh Bank — and Bilal Sheikh, a former president and current director of Sindh Bank were also apprehended.

“The accused persons will be produced before the respected Accountability Court in Karachi for the grant of transit remand. After remand from the court, the accused persons will be shifted to Islamabad as per law,” read the statement.

According to the corruption watchdog, the arrests were made by NAB in Karachi in coordination with the bureau's Rawalpindi team and on the orders of the bureau chairman.

The fake bank accounts case involves alleged money laundering worth billions of rupees through 29 accounts, which were found opened in three banks — Summit Bank, Sindh Bank and United Bank Ltd.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had named PPP leaders Asif Ali Zardari, his sibling Faryal Talpur, Omni Group chairman Anwar Majeed, his sons and over 10 others as suspects in an interim charge sheet filed in a banking court in August last year.

The case was transferred in March this year from the banking court in Karachi to the accountability court of Rawalpindi for trial.

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Williamson hails ´brilliant´ New Zealand after World Cup stunner

Kane Williamson praised New Zealand´s "brilliant fighting effort" as his side reached their second successive World Cup final with a dramatic 18-run win over India on Wednesday.

In a semi-final that went into a second day because of rain, New Zealand ripped through India´s top-order on Wednesday to reduce the two-time former champions to 24 for four.

Matt Henry and Trent Boult did the damage with the new ball as India´s top three of Rohit Sharma, -- who came into match having hit a record five hundreds at a single World Cup -- captain Virat Kohli and KL Rahul all fell for a single apiece in pursuit of a seemingly modest target of 240.

Henry finished with superb figures of three for 37 from his maximum 10 overs and Boult two for 42.

"A brilliant fighting effort from our guys on another tough surface," Black Caps skipper Williamson said.

"We wanted 240, 250. Then to have the start with the ball we had was an outstanding way to kick things off and get us into a position of strength."

Williamson´s 67 in awkward batting conditions on Tuesday, together with fellow senior batsman Ross Taylor´s 74, had provided the cornerstone of New Zealand´s 239 for eight.

India were in dire straits in their chase when all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja came in at 92 for six.

But he went on to make 77 and share a World Cup record seventh-wicket partnership of 116 with veteran wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, who made 50 in support.

Williamson eventually held the catch that ended Jadeja´s counter-attack following a skyer off left-arm quick Boult.

"The innings Jadeja played, it was like he was playing on a different wicket, really. He timed the ball beautifully well," Williamson said.

'Small margins'

Asked what he was thinking when he caught Jadeja, the smiling captain answered: "Someone goes ´catch it´ and it´s sort of... it´s above me so it must be mine."

New Zealand came into this match on the back of three straight group-stage defeats by Pakistan, Australia and England.

They qualified fourth on net run-rate while India topped the 10-team group table, making them heavy underdogs against one of the pre-tournament favourites.

"We´ve seen that anybody can beat anybody," said Williamson, who will now look to lead New Zealand to their first World Cup title against either champions Australia -- the team that beat them in the 2015 final -- or hosts England at Lord´s on Sunday.

When it was suggested that New Zealand had plunged billions of India fans into a state of mourning, the understated skipper, who has captained the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, replied: "I hope they´re not too angry.

"Obviously, the passion for the game in India is unrivalled and we are all fortunate to play this sport and have a country like India be right behind it.

"But hopefully we can adopt 1.5 billion supporters and they´ll be supporting us, what do you reckon?

"The game of cricket is fickle in its nature especially when it comes to the white ball and Twenty20 and one-day cricket.

"Today perhaps some of those small margins went our way and it was great that we could get across the line and beat a very strong side."

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