Arab leaders to seek U.N. Security Council resolution on Golan

Arab leaders said on Sunday they would seek a U.N. Security Council resolution against the U.S. decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and promised to support Palestinians in their bid for statehood.

Arab leaders, long divided by regional rivalries, also ended their annual summit in Tunisia calling for cooperation with non-Arab Iran based on non-interference in each others’ affairs.

Arab leaders who have been grappling with a bitter Gulf Arab dispute, splits over Iran’s regional influence, the war in Yemen and unrest in Algeria and Sudan sought common ground after Washington recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan.

But the abrupt departure from the summit shortly after it began by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who is locked in a row with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, suggested rivalries were not easily buried. No reason was given for his departure.

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“We, the leaders of the Arab countries gathered in Tunisia ... express our rejection and condemnation of the United States decision to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan,” Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said.

He said Arab countries would present a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council and seek a legal opinion from the International Court of Justice on the U.S. decision. It warned other countries away from following Washington’s lead.

Trump signed a proclamation last week recognizing the Golan Heights as part of Israel, which annexed the area in 1981 after capturing it from Syria in 1967.

Trump’s earlier decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital also drew Arab condemnation. Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz told the Arab leaders his country “absolutely rejects” any measures affecting Syria’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi said Arab nations needed to ensure the international community understood the centrality of the Palestinian cause to Arab nations.

In their final communique, Arab states renewed support for an Arab peace initiative that offers Israel peace in exchange for withdrawal from all lands occupied in the 1967 war and said they would seek to revive peace talks with the Jewish state.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who also addressed the meeting in Tunis, said any resolution to the Syrian conflict must guarantee the territorial integrity of Syria “including the occupied Golan Heights”.

RIFTS REMAIN

The Tunis summit brought together the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Qatar for the first time at the same gathering since 2017 when Riyadh and its allies imposed a political and economic boycott on Doha.

But Qatar’s emir left the summit hall shortly after Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit praised the way Saudi Arabia handled its rotating Arab League presidency last year, live television footage showed.

Qatar’s state news agency did not say why the Qatari emir left, but Tunisia’s state news agency TAP said the rest of Qatar’s delegation stayed.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism and say it has been cozying up to Iran, a charge Doha denies.

The row has defied mediation efforts by Kuwait and the United States, which called on Gulf Arab states to unite in opposition to Iranian influence in the region.

The final communique said Arab states called for ties with Iran to “be based on good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs, the non-use of force or threats, and refraining from practices and actions that would undermine confidence and stability in the region.”

Arab states remain divided over other issues, including how to deal with pro-democracy protests that have erupted in the region since 2011. The presidents of Sudan and Algeria, two nations roiled by anti-government protests, did not attend the summit.

Syria’s seat at the summit was vacant. Damascus as been suspended from the League since 2011 over its crackdown on protesters at the start of its civil war. The League has said no consensus has yet been reached to allow Syria’s reinstatement.

Changing name of BISP is "conspiracy" to end it: Bilawal Bhutto

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday said the government's move to reportedly change the name of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was a "conspiracy" to end the social safety net programme.

Speaking to media here, the PPP chairman Bilawal said women were protesting in Thatta and Sehwan after not being paid money under the BISP.

"They are anti-people and anti-poor individuals," he said, without naming anyone.

Bilawal said it was a "long-term conspiracy" under which the name of the programme would first be changed, followed by decreasing allocation for it, and eventually the programme would be ended.

He said, "They understand that money is being wasted through the BISP, but I consider it the best programme in the country."

The PPP chairman maintained the BISP was not just empowering women, it was strengthening the economy as well.

Criticising the government, he said Indus River System Authority (IRSA) was doing injustice to Sindh, adding that they were facing difficulties due to the attitude of the federal government.

Bilawal further vowed to prevent theft of water and conserve it.

‘Multanis’ once again rejected corruption: Qureshi

On the eve of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) victory in PP-218 by-poll, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Sunday said that ‘Multanis’ once again rejected corruption.

Talking to journalists along with PTI’s victorious candidate Malik Wasif Mazhar Raan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that they defeated the nexus of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim Leaque-Nawaz (PML-N) in Multan.

He said that Malik Wasif Mazhar Raan took lead of over 7,000 votes from his contenders in the by-elections which proved that no one’s mandate was snatched in election 2018.

The foreign minister said that PPP and PML-N shook hands to defeat PTI in Multan but the masses foiled their pan by rejecting corruption in the by-elections.

The foreign minister congratulated the masses and Prime Minister Imran Khan over the victory in Multan and said that PTI’s popularity graph was on the rise. He said that PM Imran would bring the corrupts to their logical end in the country.

According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) candidate Malik Wasif Mazhar Raan won by-election in Multan’s constituency PP-218 on Sunday.

PTI’s candidate Malik Wasif Mazhar Raan clinched PP-218 seat by securing 46,988 votes while his close contender, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Malik Muhammad Arshad received 39486 votes.

The Punjab Assembly seat fell vacant after the death of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) MPA Mazhar Abbas Raan.

Punjab CM Usman Buzdar's father passes away

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar's father, Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar, passed away on Monday.

Fateh, a three-time former MPA from Dera Ghazi Khan, was also the chief of the Buzdar tribe, a feudal lord and an agriculturalist.

He was born in Barthi, Dera Ghazi Khan and obtained a MA degree (Political Science) in 1964 from Karachi University. Fateh also served as member of the Majlis-e-Shoora from 1983-84 and as a member of district Council DG Khan.

Fateh also served as Chairman Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Auqaf during 2003-07. He was elected MPA in 1985, 2002 and 2008.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudry Pervaiz Elahi, Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah telephoned Buzdar to extend condolences over his father's demise.

Elahi said, "Muhammad Buzdar's political services will always be remembered. My family and I are standing with the Punjab chief minister at this time of sorrow."

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif also took to Twitter and expressed sorrow over Muhammad Buzdar's demise.

"Received the sad news of the demise of the Punjab chief minister's father. Mat God forgive him and grant his family strength," Shehbaz said.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Jahangir Khan Tareen also took to Twitter and said, "Deeply saddened at the demise of Sardar Fateh Muhammad Buzdar, father of CM Buzdar. May Allah grant him the highest of ranks in heaven and may HE grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Ameen."

 

Government has no stance over India: Chaudhry Nisar

Former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that taking oath as member of the Punjab Assembly would mean that he had accepted validity of the last general elections.

The former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz said in a news conference he will soon decide about his political future.

"I stood with a party for 35 years and then moved away from its leadership. The people of my constituency have showed their confidence but the current situation is a bit complex."

Nisar contested the general elections from two NA and two provincial seats, losing all except PA-10 constituency.

He has, however, not taken his oath — his rival has challenged the action in the high court.

He said that every government takes loan but the incumbent one has broken all records.

"The economy is being managed by loans," Nisar said.

The former interior minister said that the government has no stance over India, adding that Nawaz and Imran share same opinion on India and Modi.

"Who can tell the premier that the government doesn’t run on twitter. I am surprised how Imran got to know that oil and gas reserves are present in Pakistan," he said.

"Pakistan is surrounded with issues the country direly needs unity."

Erdogan loses hold over Turkish capital, Istanbul disputed

Turkey’s Tayyip Erdogan suffered a severe setback as his ruling AK Party lost control of the capital Ankara for the first time in a local election and he appeared to concede defeat in the country’s largest city, Istanbul.

Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics since coming to power 16 years ago and ruled his country with an ever tighter grip, campaigned relentlessly for two months ahead of Sunday’s vote, which he described as a “matter of survival” for Turkey.

But the president’s daily rallies and overwhelmingly supportive media coverage failed to win over the country’s capital or secure a definitive result in Istanbul, as Turkey’s economic downturn weighed heavily on voters.

Turkish broadcasters said opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate Mansur Yavas had won a clear victory in Ankara, but the vote count in Istanbul was so tight that both parties declared the narrowest of victories.

“The people have voted in favor of democracy, they have chosen democracy,” opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said, declaring that his secularist Republican People’s Party (CHP) had taken Ankara and Istanbul from the AK Party and held its Aegean coastal stronghold of Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city,

Defeat for Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted party in Ankara was a significant blow for the president. Losing Istanbul, where he launched his political career and served as mayor in the 1990s, would be an even greater symbolic shock and a broader sign of dwindling support.

State-owned Anadolu Agency said the AKP would appeal in some districts of the capital.

In Istanbul, the AK Party said former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim defeated his CHP rival Ekrem Imamoglu by a mere 4,000 votes - with both candidates polling more than 4 million votes. Imamoglu said he had a lead of 28,000 with only 2,000 votes uncounted.

In a speech to supporters in Ankara, Erdogan appeared to accept AKP defeat in Istanbul, although he maintained that most neighborhoods in the city were held by his party. “Even if our people gave away the mayorship, they gave the districts to the AK Party,” he said.

The party would appeal results wherever needed, he added.

“TURNING A PAGE”

Erdogan pledged that Turkey would now focus on its troubled economy in the run-up to national elections in 2023. “We have a long period ahead where we will carry out economic reforms without compromising on the rules of the free-market economy,” he told reporters.

Turkey’s most prominent leader since the founder of the Turkish republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Erdogan’s support has been based on strong economic growth and backing from a core constituency of pious, conservative Muslim Turks.

A consummate campaigner, he has been the country’s most popular - although divisive - modern politician, tightening his grip in elections last year that ushered in a powerful executive presidency, approved in a bitter 2017 referendum which alarmed Western allies who fear growing authoritarianism in Turkey.

But a currency crisis after last year’s election dragged the lira down by 30 percent and tipped the economy towards recession. With inflation close to 20 percent and unemployment rising, some voters appeared ready to punish the president.

“Today’s elections are as historic as that of 1994,” prominent journalist Rusen Cakir tweeted, referring to the year Erdogan was elected mayor of Istanbul. “It is a declaration that a page that was opened 25 years ago is being turned.”

As authorities again scrambled to shore up the lira over the past week, Erdogan cast the country’s economic woes as resulting from attacks by the West, saying Turkey would overcome its troubles and adding he was “the boss” of the economy. [nL8N21F3VP]

However Wolfango Piccoli, co-president of Teneo political risk advisers, said the AK Party had lost seven of the country’s 12 main cities, even without taking Istanbul into account.

“It’s a bad night for the AK Party,” he said. “They have done very poorly in all the economic powerhouses of country. For a party which portrays itself as pro-business, it’s a huge issue.”

The lira traded at 5.61 to the dollar after initial results came in, compared with 5.55 at Friday’s close and 5.65 in U.S. trading hours later on Friday.

In mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey, residents celebrated as the pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) won back municipalities that authorities had taken over two years ago, accusing the HDP of terrorist links. The HDP denies links to the outlawed militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party.

“They robbed us of our will and we overturned this,” Diyarbakir resident Abdullah Elmas said.

Opposition leaders slam hike in petrol, diesel prices

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif, on Monday slammed the federal government over its decision to increase the prices of petroleum products by up to 6.45% the month of April.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter and called for the government to take back the decision as per which petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs6 per litre.

"The government should take back the bewildering increase in petrol and diesel prices. The 'tsunami of inflation' has made life extremely difficult for the Pakistani nation," he said.

Shehbaz further questioned, "Why do Imran Khan's hands not tremble when signing orders for increase in prices?"

حکومت پٹرول اور ڈیزل کی قیمتوں میں ہوشربا اضافہ واپس لے۔ مہنگائی کے سونامی نے پاکستانی عوام کا جینا مشکل کر دیا ہے۔ قیمتوں میں اضافے کے آرڈر پر دستخط کرتے ہوئے عمران خان کے ہاتھ کیوں نہیں کانپتے!

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 1, 2019

Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman also criticised the government's decision and said, "Petrol/diesel/electricity prices skyrocket; meteoric rise in gas bills cripples 90 pc of Pakistan; 33 pc devaluation of rupee, hike in central bank’s policy rate by 450 points! Welcome to high-delivery #NayaPakistan. Brings IMF to your doorstep even before signing. One tabdeeli at a time."

Petrol/diesel/electricity prices skyrocket;meteoric rise in gasbills cripples 90 pc of Pakistan;33 pc devaluation of rupee,hike in centralbank’s policyrate by 450 points!Welcome to high-delivery #NayaPakistan.Brings IMF to your doorstep even before signing. One tabdeeli at a time

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) April 1, 2019

Matric Examinations Commences In Sindh Including Karachi

Matriculation Examination of Science and General Group, as per Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BESK), have kicked off in Sindh including Karachi from today (Monday).

Section 144 has been imposed across all examination centres across the province.

Total 3,67,606 students of both Science and General group will head to their designated examination centres to appear in the exams.

365 examination centres have been formed for the purpose including 202 private and 163 government schools.

Furthermore, 1,63,371 candidates of Science Group of ninth grade (SSC-I) will appear in the exams.

Directives have been issued to close all shops of photostat near the centres to avoid any possibility of producing cheating material for the appearing students.

Khursheed Shah has the biggest part in the destruction of national institutions: Fawad

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry slammed senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Khursheed Shah on Sunday and said he should "stop selling the names of Benazir and Bhutto".

Chaudhry took to Twitter and said, “Khursheed Shah should remember his wrongdoings and stop selling the names of Benazir and Bhutto. Shah has the biggest part in the destruction of national institutions."

“He [Shah] was the chairman of the committee which stacked political appointments in the past. Shah is the biggest ‘insect’ in the termites which ate away at the roots of our national institutions,” the minister added.

خورشیدشاہ اپنے کرتوتوں کو سامنے رکھتے ہوئے بے نظیراور بھٹو کو بیچنا بند کریں، اداروں کی تباھی میں سب سے بڑا حصہ خورشید شاہ کا ہے۔ یہ اس کمیٹی کے سربراہ تھےجنہوں نے اداروں میں میرٹ کے برعکس اور سیاسی بھرتیوں کا انبار لگا دیا جو دیمک اداروں کو لگی اس کا سب سے بڑا کیڑا خورشیدشاہ ہیں

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) March 31, 2019

Earlier in the day, Shah had criticised the incumbent government's decision to rename Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) saying that Benazir Bhutto made sacrifices not just for the party but for the entire country.

“It is shameful Imran Khan wants to remove the former premier’s name from BISP,” Shah told media in Sukkur.

"There is fear that what if these ‘Naya Pakistan’ people [also] remove Quaid-e-Azam’s image from the currency [notes].”

“You can’t remove Benazir’s name from the hearts of people. That is the name of democracy,” the PPP leader said.

“The name that was written in blood cannot be removed with water.”

Nawaz Sharif to undergo more tests at Sharif Medical City today

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will undergo more medical tests at Sharif Medical City (SMC) hospital today.

His further tests would be conducted to evaluate his health condition and devise a future strategy of his treatment.

Earlier, on March 30, physicians prescribed monitoring his heartbeat by fixing a Holter at his chest the next week besides carrying out echo test.

They also mulled over the possibility of implanting a pacemaker.

The decision about both the tests was taken as Nawaz Sharif’s ECG showed abnormalities, according to reports.

A team of medical experts also detected disturbed blood flow through left artery of his heart. Besides, the doctors also decided to test his eyesight in view of finding higher blood glucose levels.

Dr Adnan Khan, former premier’s personal physician, had earlier said many of Sharif’s test reports had been received, adding that the remaining would be received in a day or two after which a team of medical experts would suggest a future course of treatment.

The team, according to him, includes professors, consultants of Intensive Care, Cardiology, Nephrology, Urology, Medicine, Surgery and associated medical and paramedical staff in order to provide the round the clock medical care to the former PM.

The former premier after obtaining a six-week-long bail from the Supreme Court on medical grounds arrived at Jati Umra in early hours of Wednesday. He decided to undergo treatment at his own SMC Hospital after consultation with his family members and close aides.

PTI wins PP-218 Multan by-polls: unofficial results

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Wasif Mazhar Raan on Sunday won by-election in Punjab Assembly constituency PP-218 Multan, according to unofficial and unconfirmed results.

The PTI candidate bagged 46,988 votes, according to unofficial results from all 138 polling stations. He was followed by Pakistan Peoples Party's Arshad Raan, who secured 39,486 votes.

The PP-218 seat fell vacant after the sudden death of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Malik Mazhar Abbas Raan.

PTI’s Malik Wasif Mazhar Raan, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Malik Muhammad Arshad Raan were contesting for the seat along with independent candidates, Malik Shahid Abbas Raan, Muhammad Tufail, Muhammad Ramzan and Muhammad Israrul Haq Cheema.

A total of 138 polling stations including 25 for male, 24 female and 89 combined were set up in the constituency. Among these, 38 polling stations were declared sensitive, where strict security arrangements were made.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan there were 203,188 registered voters in the constituency including 111,918 male and 91,270 female voters.

The polling for the by-election had commenced from 8am and lasted until 5pm.

Govt hikes petrol price by Rs6 per litre

The federal government on Sunday increased the prices of petroleum, oil and lubricants, with petrol going up by Rs6 per litre.

The new price of petrol will now be Rs98.89 per litre, it emerged Sunday.

The price of high speed diesel was also increased by Rs6 per litre, taking it to Rs117.43 per litre.

Similarly, the prices of light diesel oil and kerosene oil went up by Rs3 per litre each, taking them to Rs80.54 and Rs89.31 per litre, respectively.

The new prices will take effect from midnight on April 1.

Earlier, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) had recommended Rs11.92 per litre increase in the price of petrol, according to sources.

Similarly, the Ogra had suggested Rs11.17 and Rs6.65 per litre hike in price of high speed diesel and kerosene oil respectively.

It had also recommended Rs6.50 increase in the price of light diesel oil, the sources said.

Islamabad to host three back-to-back Int’l Squash Tournaments in Next Month

The three back-to-back International Squash Tournaments will commence at Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad from tomorrow.

According to detail, International Squash Tournament for Women will be played from first to fifth of the next month, while Huawei International for Men will be staged from 6th to 10th of the next month.

A total of seventeen men players from Egypt, Iran, Hong Kong, Scotland, Kuwait, Spain, Czeh Republic and Ireland will participate in the event.

Seven women players from Egypt, South Korea, Iran and Switzerland will also participate in the Women event.

The event is providing ample of opportunities to Pakistani players for the revival of International squash in the country.

NASA's jetliner captures star formation in deep space

Using an airborne telescope on a jetliner, astronomers captured a cosmic light show sparked by the forming stars almost 17,000 light years away.

Learning how massive stars form in our Milky Way Galaxy helps scientists understand how these stars form in distant galaxies that are too far away to see in detail.

The infrared camera for the SOFIA Telescope with sensitive detectors and powerful magnification allowed the researchers to have discovered the enormous stars right after their birth, according to a news release of the United States space agency NASA on Friday.

"This is the best resolution currently available using these wavelengths of infrared light," said Wanggi Lim, Universities Space Research Association scientist at the SOFIA Science Center.

"Not only does this reveal areas that we could not see before, but it's critical to understanding the physical properties and relative age of the stars and their parental clouds," said Lim.

The giant celestial cloud, called W51, is made mostly of hydrogen, a place where rare, gigantic stars are forming inside the dense, invisible cloud, according to NASA.

Researchers combined the SOFIA data with NASA's other observatories and they found one star might be exceptionally large to have the equivalent mass of 100 Suns.

If future observations confirm it is indeed a single, colossal star, rather than multiple stellar siblings clustered together, it would be one of the most massive forming stars in our galaxy.

SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, is a Boeing 747 jetliner modified to carry a 106-inch diameter telescope.

New Study of Sun's Magnetic Field Yields unexpected Results

Scientists say their findings are essential to getting a better and more precise understanding of the processes taking place in the Sun's atmosphere, some of which can affect Earth.

Researchers from Aberystwyth University in Wales, Queen's University Belfast, and other universities across Europe have discovered that the Sun's magnetic field is roughly ten times more powerful than previously believed.

The scientists' findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal, were made possible thanks to Dr. David Kuridze and his team's close observation of a particularly powerful solar flare on the Sun's surface over a ten day period in September 2017 using data from Sweden's 1-m Solar Telescope in Roque de Los Muchachos Observers in the Canary Islands.

Using the telescope's high-resolution imaging spectropolarimetry, and applying a combination of "certain favourable conditions" and a bit of luck by happening to focus on just the right volatile area of the Sun when the solar flare hit, Dr. Kuridze and his collaborators were able to get a previously unprecedented gauging of the actual power of the flare's magnetic field.

"Everything that happens in the Sun's outer atmosphere is dominated by the magnetic field, but we have very few measurements of its strength and spatial characteristics," Dr. Kuridze explained.

"These are critical parameters, the most important for the physics of the solar corona," the scientist added, referring to the aura of plasma which surrounds the Sun and other stars and extends millions of kilometers into outer space.

The focus on the solar flare allowed researchers, for the first time ever, to "measure accurately the magnetic field of the coronal loops, the building blocks of the Sun's magnetic corona, with such a level of accuracy," Dr. Kuridze noted.

Previously, scientists were limited by the weakness of the signal from the Sun's atmosphere that actually makes its way to Earth, and the relatively low power of man-made instruments, with magnetic fields studied in Dr. Kuridze et al's study registering at a whopping 100 times weaker than those encountered in a typical hospital MRI scanner.

Nevertheless, these readings are still strong enough to confine the solar plasma making up a solar flare to within 20,000 km above the Sun's surface.

Study coauthor Dr. Michail Mathioudakis, a professor at Queen's University Belfast's school of mathematics and physics, boasted that the study contains a "unique set of observations" which, "for the first time, provide a detailed map of the magnetic field in coronal loops.

" The result, according to the academic, will be the opening of "new avenues in the study of the solar corona." These findings, in turn, could very well change humanity's understanding of the processes taking place in the Sun's immediate atmosphere.

Solar flares can lead to magnetic storms which, if they make it to Earth, create the northern lights effect, also known as the Aurora Borealis.

When sufficiently intense, solar flares threaten to cause extensive damage to man-made infrastructure, affecting everything from spacecraft and satellite instruments in near-Earth orbit to power grids on Earth itself.

In 2011, the US National Academy of Science calculated that a repeat of a major solar storm like the one which struck Earth in 1859 could cause as much as $2 trillion in initial damage, and take up to a decade to repair.

Saudi King Rejects Any Move That Impacts Syrian Sovereignty Over Golans

Saudi King Salman said he “absolutely rejects” any steps that would undermine Syrian sovereignty over the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, after US President Donald Trump recognized the area as Israeli territory.

Speaking at an Arab League event in Tunisia on Sunday, Salman also reiterated his support for a ‘two-state solution’ for Israel and Palestine, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state.

His remarks came as a strong rebuff to US President Donald Trump, who signed a declaration last week officially recognizing the Golan Heights as part of Israel. The strategic area was captured from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967, and has since remained under Israeli control.

In 1981, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to declare the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights illegal and demanded that Tel Aviv “rescind” it.

Trump's move, not surprisingly, was praised by the Israeli government and drew fierce criticism from Syria, which blasted the annexation of its territory as “null and void.”

The issue also caused a rift with some of the US’ NATO allies. French leader Emmanuel Macron said that the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights “violates international law and creates tension in the region.”

On Sunday, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, stressed that ignoring the UN’s position on the Golan Heights is “not a solution.”

The Saudi king’s affirmation of East Jerusalem as Palestinian is another clear rebuke of Washington’s policy, since Trump recognized the whole of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and moved the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

That also did not go down well with Washington’s allies as some cautioned saying it put the whole perspective of the peace process in jeopardy.

Pakistan bowl in final ODI against Australia, Looking to avoid whitewash

Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first against Australia in the final one-day international (ODI) between the two teams at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The green shirts are looking to avoid a whitewash in the series, which Australia leads 4-0.

Australia brought in fast bowler Jason Behrendorff in place of Nathan Coulter-Nile. Mohammad Abbas was the only change made by Pakistan from its last game as the fast bowler replaced youngster Mohammad Hasnain.

On Friday, Australia pulled off a sensational last-over, six-run win despite a debut hundred by Pakistan's Abid Ali and second career century by Mohammad Rizwan in the fourth ODI.

British rock, female artists dominate Rock Hall of Fame induction

Musicians and fans gathered in New York City on Friday for a night of British band nostalgia mixed with calls for more inclusion of women as Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks and The Cure were inducted into the 34th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class.

Nicks, who made history on Friday as the first woman inducted twice into the prestigious group, kicked off the night with a performance of some of her biggest hits, such as “Stand Back” and “Edge of Seventeen.” She was inducted in 1998 as a member of rock band Fleetwood Mac.

“She’s so wise and serene. She sees all the romance and drama in the world and she celebrates it,” said singer Harry Styles, who introduced Nicks on stage for her induction.

However, one of the standout moments of the evening was when Jackson, 52, took the stage and called on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee to induct more female artists during the annual ceremony. She also acknowledged her musical family for their impact on popular culture.

“Never in a million years did I expected to follow in their footsteps. Tonight your baby sister has made it,” said Jackson, who did not perform at the ceremony. “And Rock and Roll Hall of Fame please, in 2020, induct more women.”

Singer Janelle Monae dubbed Jackson the “the legendary queen of black girl magic” for hits such as “What Have You Done For Me Lately” and “Escapade” and said she was the blueprint for creating socially conscious music.

“We celebrate you for giving us memories that we wish we could bottle up and save for the next lifetime,” Monae said. “History is not complete without you, Janet.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, sends ballots to more than 1,000 artists, historians and members of the music industry to select inductees. Artists are eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first recording.

The 2019 list of inductees was largely dominated by British artists, featuring bands such as The Zombies, Roxy Music, Def Leppard and Radiohead, who did not perform during the show.

The Cure performed hits such as “Just Like Heaven,” while Def Leppard ended the night with a rocked-out jam session that featured classics “Photograph” and “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”

Jackson declined to take questions from reporters and did not mention the “Leaving Neverland” documentary on cable channel HBO about her late brother, Michael Jackson.

The 2019 induction ceremony will be broadcast on HBO on April 27 at 8 p.m. EDT.

Music and motorbikes mark UK funeral of Prodigy frontman Keith Flint

Dance music played out for the hundreds of fans who flocked to the town of Braintree in eastern England on Friday for the funeral of Keith Flint, former frontman of the Prodigy.

Face painting and free tattoos were on offer to those who had come to pay their respects to the “Firestarter” star.

Flint, a figurehead of the 1990s rave movement, was found dead at his home earlier this month aged 49.

An inquest which opened this month confirmed he had died as the result of hanging. It has been adjourned until July 23 for a full hearing.

Renowned for his facial piercings, heavy makeup and eccentric devil-horned hair cut, Flint played a major role in establishing the credibility of dance and electronic music.

The funeral procession followed a 2-1/2-mile path to St Mary’s Church and while the church service itself was reserved for friends and family, Flint’s bandmates had invited fans to line the route to “raise the roof for Keef!”

Steve Hales was among those who heeded the call.

With dark makeup and a single strip of green hair reminiscent of Flint’s style, Hales said the amount of support for him was hardly surprising.

“His was music for generations,” he began, before being drowned out by motorbikes roaring up and down the streets.

The horse-drawn hearse was decorated by vibrant orange flowers spelling “Keef” and “Chief”, while his infamous fluorescent green microphone and an elegant arrangement of white and red roses adorned the coffin.

Actor Paul Kaye delivered the eulogy, recalling tales from Flint’s years on the road and his love for motorbikes, animals and jujitsu, to name but a few of his passions.

“You liked to live your life on the razor’s edge for the buzz,” Kaye said on behalf of bandmate Liam Howlett. “You were an anti-star, a pirate and committed to our cause of shaking people’s souls and buildings.”

Fans have launched a petition to have a statue of the late singer erected in Braintree. According to the petition, which has amassed almost 9,000 signatures, residents of the town want “to pay homage and honor its most famous son.”

Born in northeast London, Flint moved there in the mid-70s with his parents and in 1990 co-founded The Prodigy with Howlett and Leeroy Thornhill.

The group had been due to tour the United States in May and released their latest album “No Tourists” in November.

 

Anti-corruption activist tipped for Slovak presidency

Slovakia voted on Saturday in an election dominated by calls for change, with an anti-corruption activist likely to be chosen as its first female president a year after a journalist’s murder sparked mass anti-government protests.

An environmental lawyer with no experience in political office, Zuzana Caputova is on course to win the run-off against ruling party’s candidate and EU energy comm­­issioner Maros Sefcovic.

Two recent opinion polls gave at least 60 percent of the vote to Caputova, who campaigned on a slogan of “Stand up to evil” in this central European country of 5.4 million.

She was one of tens of thousands of protesters who rallied after investigative journalist Jan Kuciak was gunned down alongside his fiancee.

He had been preparing to publish a story on alleged ties between Slovak politicians and the Italian mafia.

The killing forced then prime minister Robert Fico to resign but he remains leader of the populist-left Smer-SD party and is a close ally of the current premier. Five people have been charged in the Kuciak case, including a millionaire businessman with alleged ties to Smer-SD who is suspected of ordering the murders.

The European Parliament has urged Slovakia to continue investigating, “including any possible political links to the crimes.” MEPs voiced “concern about the allegations of corruption, conflicts of interest, impunity and revolving doors in Slovakia’s circles of power.” Smer-SD has backed Sefcovic, which may have cost him in the first round when the 52-year-old took just 19 percent of the vote compared with Caputova’s 40 percent.

Turks begin voting in local polls which Erdogan could lose in big cities

Turks began voting on Sunday in local elections that President Tayyip Erdogan has described as a matter of survival for the country.

Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics for more than 16 years thanks in part to strong economic growth, has become Turkey’s most popular, yet also most divisive, leader in modern history.

However, he could be dealt an electoral blow with polls indicating his ruling AK Party (AKP) may lose control of the capital Ankara, and even Istanbul, the country’s largest city.

With the economy contracting following a currency crisis last year in which the lira lost more than 30 per cent of its value, some voters appeared ready to punish Erdogan, who has ruled with an increasingly uncompromising stance.

“I was actually not going to vote today, but when I saw how much they (AKP) were flailing, I thought this might be time to land them a blow. Everyone is unhappy. Everyone is struggling,” said 47-year-old Hakan after voting in Ankara.

Voting started at 7am (0400 GMT) in eastern Turkey and an hour later in the rest of the country. Polling stations close at 4pm in the east and 5pm in the west.

Just over 57 million people are eligible to vote. A clear picture of the winners will probably emerge around midnight.

This week, as authorities again scrambled to shore up the lira, Erdogan cast the country’s economic woes as resulting from attacks by the West, saying Turkey would overcome its troubles following Sunday’s vote and adding he was “the boss” of the economy.

“The aim behind the increasing attacks toward our country ahead of the elections is to block the road of the big, strong Turkey,” Erdogan told one of his six rallies in Istanbul on Saturday.

Sunday’s elections, in which Turks will vote for mayors and other local officials across the country, are the first since Erdogan assumed sweeping presidential powers last year and will be a reckoning for his government, which has come under fire for its economic policies and record on human rights.

Symbolic blow

Defeat in Ankara or Istanbul would end nearly a quarter of a century of rule by Erdogan’s AKP or its predecessors in those cities and deal a symbolic blow to Turkey’s leader.

Ahead of the vote, the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party formed an electoral alliance to rival that of the AKP and its nationalist MHP partners.

The pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), which Erdogan has accused of links to Kurdish militants, has not made an official alliance and is not fielding candidates for mayor in Istanbul or Ankara, which is likely to benefit the CHP.

The HDP denies links to the outlawed militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party. Two years ago, the state took control of some 100 municipalities from the pro-Kurdish party and some voters in the main southeastern city of Diyarbakir said services there had improved as a result.

“Before, this city did not have the services I have now seen. I gave my vote to the AK Party for services to continue,” said tradesman Haci Ahmet Beyaz, 43.

In the days leading up to the vote, Erdogan held around 100 rallies across the country, speaking 14 times in different districts of Istanbul over the past two days alone and more than four times in Ankara throughout his campaign.

He has described the elections as an existential choice for Turkey, blasting his rivals as terrorist supporters aiming to topple the country. He has warned that if the opposition candidate wins in Ankara, residents would “pay a price”.

His opponents have denied the accusations and challenged his characterization of the elections as a matter of survival, saying Erdogan had led the country to its current state.

“What matter of survival? We’re electing mayors. What does this have to do with the country’s survival?” Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the CHP, told a rally in Eskisehir.

With reference to Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu said: “If there is a survival issue in Turkey, it’s because of you.”

Pakistan envoy to India Sohail Mahmood named foreign secretary

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood has been named as the new foreign secretary.

Speaking to media in Multan, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that Mahmood will replace Tehmina Janjua, who is retiring on April 16 after serving in the position for two years.

“Sohail Mahmood has been appointed foreign secretary after consultation with the prime minister,” Qureshi said.

Praising Janjua's work, Qureshi said, that she handled difficult situations in an excellent manner.

Janjua is the first woman to become Pakistan’s foreign secretary.

With a vast diplomatic experience under his belt, Mahmood is currently Pakistan's High Commissioner to India. He previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkey. Before that, he served as the ambassador to Thailand and permanent representative to the UNESCP Bangkok for four years till 2013.

Mahmood has also served as political coordinator for Pakistan’s delegation to the UN Security Council before assuming office in Bangkok. He was Additional Foreign Secretary for America at the headquarters before leaving for Thailand.

Indian Air Force’s MiG fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan

A MiG-27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Sunday near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, local media reported.

The MiG-27 UPG fighter jet was on a routine mission, official sources said.

It crashed in Godana near Sheoganj in Sirohi, about 180km from Jodhpur.

The MiG-27 is a Soviet-era ground-attack aircraft that India bought in the early 1980s.

Only last month, a MiG-21 ‘Bison’ reportedly crashed in Bikaner's Shoba Sar ki Dhani area in Rajasthan after it reportedly hit a bird. The pilot had managed to eject out of the jet.

The crashes come after 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.

Polling under way for by-election on Punjab Assembly seat PP-218

Polling is under way on the vacant Punjab Assembly seat Multan seat PP-218.

The PP-218 seat fell vacant after the sudden death of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Malik Mazhar Abbas Raan.

PTI’s Malik Wasif Mazhar Raan, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Malik Muhammad Arshad are contesting for the seat along with independent candidates, Malik Shahid Abbas Raan, Muhammad Tufail, Muhammad Ramzan and Muhammad Israrul Haq Cheema.

A total of 138 polling stations including 25 for male, 24 female and 89 combined have been set up in the constituency. Among these, 38 polling stations have been declared sensitive where tight security arrangements have been made.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan there are 203,188 registered voters in the constituency including 111,918 male and 91,270 female voters.

Polling will continue till 5pm.

Army Chief to brief parliamentarians on Indo-Pak situation

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa will brief parliamentarians on the recent tensions between India and Pakistan next week.

The briefing will be held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on April 4, and will be attended by the members of standing committees of the National Assembly and Senate on defence.

A number of leaders from the opposition parties, including former ministers, will be among the attendees.

Chairman of the NA committee Amjad Ali Khan will lead the delegation, said a notification issued by the National Assembly Secretariat.

Other members of the committee include Tahir Sadiq, Chaudhry Farrukh Altaf, Syed Faizul Hassan, Barjees Tahir, Ijaz Ahmad Shah, Riazul Haq, Mohammad Khan Daha, Aurangzeb Khichi, Alam Dad Laleka, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Ghous Bux Mahar, Khursheed Ahmed Junejo, Aftab Shaban Mirani, Amer Ali Magsi, Jamil Ahmed Khan, Syed Aminul Haque, Salahuddin Ayubi, Rubina Irfan and Ramesh Kumar Vankwani.

Benazir Income Support Programme: PPP protests govt’s move to rename

The Pakistan Peoples Party has recorded strong protest over reports that the federal government is considering removing the name of former prime minister, the late Benazir Bhutto, from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

Prime Minister Imran Khan, during a meeting with members of the Grand Democratic Alliance in Ghotki on Saturday, was quoted as suggesting that the name of BISP, the country’s largest social safety net programme of its kind, would be amended.

Slamming PM Imran’s suggestion, PPP veteran Khursheed Shah said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto made sacrifices not just for the party but for the entire country.

“Imran Khan wants to remove the former premier’s name from BISP, which is shameful,” Shah told media in Sukkur on Sunday.

“There is fear that what if these ‘Naya Pakistan’ people [also] remove Quaid-e-Azam’s image from the currency [notes],” the PPP leader remarked.

BISP was launched in 2008 by then-prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani on the advice of former president Asif Ali Zardari. The programme’s name is a tribute to former premier Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in 2007.

Several other PPP leaders also vowed to resist any move to rename the programme.

Adviser to Sindh chief minister, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, said the BISP cannot be renamed unless the law is changed. "Kaptaan ur the PM not the King plz try to understand law before making commitments," he tweeted.

Someone shd explain 2 PM that there is a thing called Law & when law says Benazir Income Support Programme it cant b changed unless law is changed. Kaptaan ur the PM not the King plz try 2 understand law before making commitments. Remember u spoke of Rule of Law once upon a time

— SenatorMurtaza Wahab (@murtazawahab1) March 30, 2019

 

Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari responded to Wahab's tweet saying, "What else does one expect from Puppet khan and his grand alliance of delusion?"

"It would save a lot of time & resources if Puppet governments didn’t attempt to re label & really badly recycle the Benazir Income Support Programme & instead just accepted its glory (credit @AAliZardari) & continue to fund it. #HealthCardsAlreadyExist #GoatToBeKiddingMe #PTI," she wrote in a tweet earlier.

 

It would save a lot of time & resources if Puppet governments didn’t attempt to re label & really badly recycle the Benazir Income Support Programme & instead just accepted its glory (credit @AAliZardari) & continue to fund it. #HealthCardsAlreadyExist #GoatToBeKiddingMe #PTI

— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) March 30, 2019

Afghan vice president narrowly escapes death for a second time

Afghanistan’s vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, escaped unhurt from an attack that killed one of his bodyguards on Saturday, dodging death for the second time since returning from exile last year.

Attackers ambushed Dostum’s convoy on the way from Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in Balkh province, to Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, said Bashir Ahmad Tayenj, spokesman for Dostum’s Junbish Party. Two other bodyguards were wounded.

Dostum was aware of a planned attack but decided to travel anyway, the spokesman added.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt, which comes eight months after Dostum avoided injury in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport. In a tweet, the militant group’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said four guards were killed and six wounded in the attack.

Last summer’s bombing, which was claimed by Islamic State, took place as Dostum returned home from more than a year in exile in Turkey over allegations of torturing and abusing a political rival.

Dostum had left Afghanistan after heavy pressure from Western donors including the United States.

Less than a year since his return, the general remains a significant, if polarizing, political figure. His Junbish Party is supported mainly by his fellow ethnic Uzbeks.

Dostum has joined the election team of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, one of several contenders in a presidential election scheduled for Sept. 28.

United celebrate Solskjaer’s appointment by returning to top four

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer´s reign as permanent Manchester United manager began on a victorious note with a 2-1 victory over Watford on Saturday to move into fourth spot in the Premier League.

Goals by Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial -- Abdoulaye Doucoure getting a late goal for the visitors -- took them above Arsenal and level on points with third-placed Tottenham, who play at Liverpool on Sunday, boosting Solskjaer hopes of achieving his first goal of securing Champions League football for next season.

It was not vintage United as Watford had more shots on target and more corners than their hosts, but it was much needed after successive defeats against Arsenal in the Premier League and Wolves in the FA Cup.

But it was a good reminder, if one was needed for the new permanent manager, that there is plenty of hard work ahead if Solskjaer wants to make United contenders for the title again.

His record over the 19 games in interim charge, and how he has lifted the mood around the club, had made his appointment as Jose Mourinho´s successor a foregone conclusion.

The Stretford End was in no doubt about their former hero getting the job as a giant banner was unfurled as he emerged from the tunnel before he could take his position in the dugout.

Watford start brightly
But it was the visitors who started the brighter as Doucoure dragged a shot wide from a promising position while David de Gea had to claw away a header from Troy Deeney.

Watford have an FA Cup semi-final on the horizon against Wolves next Sunday and a place at Wembley must have given the players a spring in their step as De Gea had to deal with further efforts from Roberto Pereyra and Gerard Deulofeu.

But it was their desire to go forward which proved their undoing as they were caught out by one of the counter-attacks that Manchester United have specialised in down the years.

Deeney failed to get his pass beyond Luke Shaw and the left-back sped forward, before looking up and playing a perfect ball into the space behind the defence for Rashford to sprint onto and coolly finish past the onrushing Ben Foster.

It was the ninth goal during Solskjaer´s reign for Rashford, who has blossomed in the last three months, and has replaced Romelu Lukaku as United´s main man up front.

Foster, once of United, has been Watford´s best player this season, and he underlined why with a brilliant instinctive save to deny Martial from close range as United threatened to take control.

Rashford was at the heart of their attacking play as he rounded Foster but from a tight angle could not find a team-mate.

Watford continued to push forward after the break in search of an equaliser and Pereyra´s goalbound effort was pushed behind by De Gea, while Will Hughes curled another shot beyond the far post.

It was no surprise to see Solskjaer respond with a double change as Andreas Pereira and Jesse Lingard were sent on and it worked a treat as the pair combined to tee up Martial, who scored from close range at the second attempt.

Watford kept pressing and Doucoure scored in the 90th minute as he showed fabulous footwork inside the area to make things nervous, but it was a little, too late to ruin Solskjaer´s day.

Pakistan look to avoid whitewash in final ODI against Australia

Australia will look to end the five-match ODI series with a clean sweep whereas Pakistan will aim to salvage some pride when the two sides face off in the fifth and final fixture at Dubai today.

After a thrashing in the first three matches, Pakistan showed some improvement in the fourth ODI on Friday but became the first team in ODI history to lose while chasing a target below 280 despite two centuries.

Needing 278 to win, Pakistan were brought close to their target by debutant Abid Ali's 112 and Mohammad Rizwan's 104, but in the end the twin hundreds were in vain as they failed to score a required 17 off Marcus Stoinis' last over.

Glenn Maxwell missed a second career hundred by just two runs, Usman Khawaja scored 62 and Alex Carey 55 as Australia posted 277-7 in their 50 overs.

Abid Ali, only drafted into the side two hours before the start after Imam-ul-Haq went down with fever, became the 15th batsman to score a hundred on ODI debut. Salim Elahi (102 not out v Sri Lanka at Gujranwala in 1995) and Imam (100 v Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi 2017) were the other two Pakistani batsmen to score debut ODI tons.

Today's match will start at 4pm Pakistan Standard Time.

 

MQM-P's Khawaja Izharul Hasan injured in car accident near Karachi's Toll Plaza

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Khawaja Izharul Hasan was injured in a road accident near Karachi's Toll Plaza in the early hours of Sunday.

Senior MQM-P leader Faisal Sabzwari confirmed to the media that Hasan and his bodyguards sustained injuries in the accident.

“Hasan sustained head injuries while his bodyguard was critically injured,” Sabzwari said, adding that they have been shifted to a private hospital at Stadium Road for medical attention.

The condition of the MQM-P leader was said to be out of danger.

Hasan was returning from Ghotki after meeting Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had been in town to address a rally, when his car met with a mishap.

“Three of Hasan’s guards were injured in the accident, with two of them in critical condition,” MQM-P leader Amir Khan said.

He added, “Hasan’s bodyguard was travelling in the car behind him and was also hit. More damage occurred with the second car being hit.”

Moreover, MPA Sanjay Perwani who was travelling with Hasan at the time of the accident said, he was travelling in the last car.

He shared, that there was a ditch dug up on the road due to some construction work nearby. “There were no signs indicating that a ditch was there. Due to the construction work, the driver could not see the ditch and the car crashed,” Perwani said. “There was an alternative route near the site of the accident but there was no sign telling us that.”

In 2017, Hasan escaped an assassination attempt in which two people, including a policeman, were killed.

Hasan, the leader of the opposition in Sindh Assembly at that time, was going home after offering Eid-ul-Azhar prayers when two suspected attackers ambushed his vehicle in Bufferzone area of the metropolis.

Hasan remained unharmed in the incident, however, an attacker was killed during the retaliatory fire by one of the guards.

Punjab has huge potential to benefit from solar energy: CM Buzdar

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar says the province has huge potential to benefit from solar energy and new technology will be used for this purpose.

He was chairing a high level meeting in Lahore today (Saturday).

The meeting discussed various plans to set up modern solar power plants in Punjab. A Canadian company has expressed its interest in the proposed plans.

The Chief Minister said electricity will be provided through modern solar power plants in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Cholistan and Thal where there is no transmission line.

PM Imran inaugurates non-stop luxurious Jinnah Express train

Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated Jinnah Express train in Lahore on Saturday evening.

The non-stop luxurious train will ply between Lahore and Karachi, covering the distance in fifteen hours.

 Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister said development of railways will lower pressure on roads and promote tourism besides providing affordable, comfortable and speedy traveling facility to the common people.

Imran Khan said he is going to China next month and will seek Chinese cooperation in upgradation of Main Line-I from Karachi to Peshawar and railway technology.

 Imran Khan regretted that operationalization of the railway track in Pakistan has decreased by 2000 kilometers since the British era in the sub-continent.

Referring to the basic facility of health, the Prime Minister said the government has started Insaf Health Card scheme from the poor of the poor, which will be extended to other people.

 He said every salaried person should have health insurance card to have free medical facility.

Earlier, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in his address said they had repaired two hundred coaches and ran twenty-four new passenger trains.

The Minister said Lahore Railways Station has been renovated at a cost of 25 million rupees.

 He announced to launch Sir Syed train in a month.

Sheikh Rashid said a train will ply on upgraded ML-I at a speed of 160-220 kilometers per hour, reducing the Lahore-Rawalpindi travel distance to about two and a half hours.

PM Imran inaugurates non-stop luxurious Jinnah Express train

Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated Jinnah Express train in Lahore on Saturday evening.

The non-stop luxurious train will ply between Lahore and Karachi, covering the distance in fifteen hours.

 Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister said development of railways will lower pressure on roads and promote tourism besides providing affordable, comfortable and speedy traveling facility to the common people.

Imran Khan said he is going to China next month and will seek Chinese cooperation in upgradation of Main Line-I from Karachi to Peshawar and railway technology.

 Imran Khan regretted that operationalization of the railway track in Pakistan has decreased by 2000 kilometers since the British era in the sub-continent.

Referring to the basic facility of health, the Prime Minister said the government has started Insaf Health Card scheme from the poor of the poor, which will be extended to other people.

 He said every salaried person should have health insurance card to have free medical facility.

Earlier, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in his address said they had repaired two hundred coaches and ran twenty-four new passenger trains.

The Minister said Lahore Railways Station has been renovated at a cost of 25 million rupees.

 He announced to launch Sir Syed train in a month.

Sheikh Rashid said a train will ply on upgraded ML-I at a speed of 160-220 kilometers per hour, reducing the Lahore-Rawalpindi travel distance to about two and a half hours.

Buying Up 31 Tonnes of Gold in Single Month, Russia Continues to Dump Dollar

Moscow's sovereign gold stockpile jumped up to over 2,100 metric tonnes last year, with the country's status as a major gold producer allowing for reserves to be built up using domestically sourced bullion.

Russia's hunger for gold continues to grow, with freshly released Central Bank data showing reserves climbing by 31.1 tonnes, or 1.5 per cent of total reserves, in the month of February alone.

Taking account of another 6.22 tonnes of the precious metal purchased in January, reserves now stand at some 2,149.25 metric tonnes, according to the Central Bank.

According to Bloomberg, Russia's gold rush'n approach to the precious metal is an indication that the country continues to make "rapid progress in its effort to diversify away from American assets."

According to the business resource, the impact of more countries taking a similar approach to the dollar could be problematic, with the US' European partners, including France, Poland and Hungary, already engaged in similar gold buys or referring to their dependence on the dollar "an issue of sovereignty."

For Russia, Bloomberg suggested, the gold stockpile means safety "against geopolitical shocks and the threat of tougher US sanctions as relations between the two powers continue to deteriorate.

" However, with Russian gold mines' output topping out at about 300 tonnes per year, and the Central Bank buying up nearly 275 tonnes of that in 2018, Russia is on-course to making substantial purchases abroad, according to observers.

"Should it reach the limit for domestic purchases, I think the Central Bank will start to import gold," Oleg Kouzmin, chief economist at the Moscow-based brokerage firm Renaissance Capital, said.

According to the economist, continued tensions with Washington mean that Russia's bullion reserves will keep growing as a percentage of total reserves.

Gold already accounts for close to 20 percent of Russia's total foreign-exchange reserves, with the dollar dropping from a whopping 46 percent of reserves in mid-2017 to 22 percent now.

The remaining dollar cushion is accounted for by Russia's continued dependence on the greenback for international trade.

Russia's Buy-Up Has Global Impact on Prices

Ronald-Peter Stoeferle, a managing partner at Liechtenstein-based investment firm Incrementum AG, said that Russia's gold bonanza has helped prop up global gold prices substantially in recent years, with prices jumping by over 20 percent since 2016 and going for roughly $1,300 per ounce in Friday trading.

In 2018, Russia accounted for a whopping 40 percent of total gold purchased by central banks, with its purchases accounting for some 6 percent of total global buying.

And that strategy has already brought dividends, according to experts. Last month, economists estimated that the Russian Central Bank has already earned somewhere in the neighbourhood of $10 billion dollars thanks to rising prices for its gold holdings.

Economist added, however, that the rising dollar value of the gold was just a bonus, since the Central Bank's main purpose was to diversify reserves and insure them against the threat of Western sanctions.

Palestinian martyred by Israel fire ahead of border protests

A Palestinian was martyred by Israeli fire on the Gaza border today ahead of border protests.

Protesters at the site said he had been taking part in an overnight rally ahead of the main demonstration scheduled for this afternoon.

NAB is black law, designed for political engineering: Bilawal

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was "not at all serious" about ending corruption and only seeks to launch "fake cases" against his political opponents.

Bilawal's remarks followed shortly after the prime minister, during a rally in Ghotki, had vowed that the government would not let PML-N and PPP leaders off the accountability hook "until they give back the country's [looted] wealth". The premier had also discussed corruption in Sindh, where the PPP has a majority government.

While speaking to media, the PPP chairman remarked that he had read the news that NAB has evidence against a sitting minister and his brother, but expressed the view that the minister would not be arrested because the corruption watchdog only practices "selective accountability".

"We all know that NAB [National Accountability Ordinance] is a black law, designed for political engineering," said Bilawal.

The PPP chairman claimed that if anyone was serious about challenging corruption and instating the law of justice and accountability which he said was equally applicable to every citizen it was him.

He promised he would one day establish such laws in the country, accusing the prime minister of only seeking to "show off his politics".

"Khan sahab's politics start and end at NAB," he said.

He alleged that the accountability bureau had played an "important role" in the appointment of the incumbent government which he labelled a "selected government" and further alleged that the bureau continued to have a hand in running it.

Bilawal said that the premier beats the drums of provinces having increased responsibility and questioned why then they are not given their due share of resources. He accused the government of "stealing" the resources that belong to the people and spending them in Islamabad.

"This is a 'red line' for PPP and we cannot tolerate it at all," he said, adding that the PPP would oppose this "conspiracy" at every forum.

In response to a question, Bilawal said that he had undertaken his recent train journey, a reference to the PPP's "Caravan-i-Bhutto", for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's death anniversary.

"I know that Khan sahab doesn't go to his constituencies," he remarked, adding: "A selected politician does not give importance to his voters."

Qurashi urges peoples of Sindh to support PTI for bringing change in Provence

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qurashi on Saturday has criticized Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and urged peoples of Sindh to support Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) for bringing change in the Provence.

Addressing to a ceremony in Ghotki FM Shah Mehmood said, “The party which was a sign of center in now seems nowhere even in its own province.”

“PPP has now reduced to interior Sindh only,” criticized Shah Mehmood.

“Those who believe that it’s our last gathering in Ghotki should mark my words that PTI is now an identity of center and the people of Sindh know that who is behind the destruction of the Sindh,” he added.

“When I joined PTI, I started my politics from Ghotki,” he further added.

“Various opponents believed that my politics is finished, but I was affirmed to bring the change under Imran’s vision,” he asserted.

“Due to our commitment people like Safdar Abbasi and Zulfiqar Mirza are now part of our journey,” he added.

“Tabdeeli entered in Punjab after crushing JUI-F and ANP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and the people have seen the collapse of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in their stronghold,” he said.

“The people of other provinces have put their trust in us then why don’t people of Sindh will trust us,” he concluded.

Saudi delegation to visit Pakistan on Monday to review 'Road to Makkah' project

A 14-member delegation from Saudi Arabia's interior ministry will arrive in Islamabad on Monday to review the arrangements made to assist Haj pilgrims under the 'Road to Makkah' project.

Under the 'Road to Makkah' project that has been initiated by Saudi Arabia to facilitate Muslim pilgrims all immigration requirements are fulfilled at the airport of origin. The project also includes other Muslim countries, like Indonesia and Malaysia.

Under the project, 90 per cent of Pakistani pilgrims will go through customs and immigration processes at the airports in Pakistan before leaving for Haj, instead of having to wait for 10-12 hours after arriving in Saudi Arabia, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said.

The Saudi delegation will be briefed at the Islamabad International Airport by officials from Customs, Civil Aviation Authority, the Anti-Narcotics Force and the interior and foreign ministries. The delegation will also review the arrangements made at the airports in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad, where the immigration counters are expected to be set up.

Road accident claim 7 lives in Jhang Road Bhakkar

A speedy passenger bus, coming from an opposite direction on Jhang Road, rammed into an auto on Saturday in Bhakkar and killed six girls all students and the auto driver.

The auto was carrying ninth-grade students who were en route to their village after appearing in an examination.

The collision was so intense that five of the students and the auto driver died on the spot.

Another student succumbed to her injuries when she was being shifted to a nearby hospital.

The ill-fated auto was completely destroyed as a result of the accident and it had to be cut to pull the bodies out of the wreckage.

A number of local people also helped in the rescue operation while some, protested after the incident.

The angry mob tried to set the bus on fire but the police officials reached the spot on time and stopped their attempt.

The protesters also blocked Jhang Road and chanted slogans against the incident and the transport mafia.

ISPR brilliantly perform its work by ensuring detailed alienation of Kashmiris: Ex-Indian General

A former General of Indian Army, Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain has commended the Pakistan Army’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations for adopting outstanding strategy in the domain of hybrid warfare.

Speaking at a seminar organized by International Institute of Strategic Studies in London, he acknowledged that ISPR outclassed the Indian army in information war. 

He said I give full marks to Pakistan for the manner in which it has played out the information strategy. The ISPR did an outstanding work for Pakistan.

The Ex-Indian General, who also served as the General Officer Commanding of Indian Army's 15 Corps in Occupied Kashmir, said that ISPR brilliantly performed its work for Pakistan by ensuring detailed alienation of Kashmiris against Indian armed forces.

He accused Bharatiya Janata Party's-led government for carrying out attack in Pulwama in occupied Kashmir, saying that he was aware of the fact that the Pulwama-like incident is inevitable due to the Indian government’s lack of understanding of the conflict.

About Kashmir dispute, the former Indian Army's General said use of force could not solve the Kashmir dispute, and India would eventually come to give up the muscular power in Occupied Kashmir.

China, Pakistan identify priority areas for cooperation in forest sector

The first meeting of China-Pakistan Forestry Working Group was held in Beijing to identify priority areas for cooperation in forestry sector between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by officials of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Bureau International Cooperation Department and Pakistan’s Climate Change Department.

Officials from either side discussed prospects for cooperation in wetland restoration, desertification control, wildlife protection and other pertinent fields and issues.

The meeting was part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries, signed in November last year, which called for identifying priority areas for cooperation in forestry.

Pakistan and China continue to enjoy strengthened bilateral relations from economic platform to cultural bond. A day earlier, Chinese cities Urumqi, Puyang and Xi’an were named as sister cities to Karachi, Gwadar, and Multan, respectively, at a forum held in Beijing to fortify the ties of all-weather ally countries.

It was informed at the event that the forum would facilitate cooperation in province-city management, public health, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, trade and investment, tourism cooperation, urbanisation and vocational/professional education. It will enhance mutual understanding between enterprises of the two countries and boost economic and trade ties.

Accountability court extends physical remand of Siraj Durrani in assets case

An accountability court on Saturday extended physical remand of Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani until April 12 in assets beyond means case.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had sought 15 days’ physical remand of Durrani for further questioning in the case.

Siraj Durrani told the court that the NAB officers repeatedly asking him same questions, which he had already replied. “They are not questioning me about any new matter,” he said.

The People’s Party workers present outside the court premises welcomed the party leader when NAB officials brought Durrani in an armored vehicle to produce before the court.

The NAB prosecutor said in the court that the evidence about purchase of vehicles and property has been found. He claimed that the investigation has found evidence of money laundering against Agha Siraj Durrani.

He said no more questioning will be required from Agha Siraj after the accused on bail will record their statements. The NAB will inform the high court if the accused on bail will not join the investigation, the counsel further said.

He said the people who didn’t have a motorbike holding millions of rupees bank accounts. The investigation trying to collect substantial evidence against them, he added.

Talking to media Durrani said that he will go to any forum for justice adding that he hopes justice from the accountability court.

Sindh Assembly Speaker said he is imprisoned and not being allowed to meet anyone.

Replying a question he said any alliance between the MQM and the PTI would have no impact on the PPP government, which is ruling the province and it it would remain in power, Durrani stressed.

He said these things are part of the politics, ” we are working to continue our government in Sindh”. He said “I will do what the law says,” adding that “nothing comes to surface (against him) in the NAB investigations till now”.