Operation is operation, announced or otherwise: Samiul Haq

SWAT: Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), Maulana Samiul Haq Sunday said an operation is operation whether announced or otherwise.

Interacting with media persons here in Charbagh area, Maulana Samiul Haq said the situation is getting tense due to the military operation being conducted in North Waziristan for the past two-three days.

“Even after carrying out the operation, there will be no other option in the end but to depend on dialogue,” he asserted.

He said any clash between the institutions will prove detrimental for the country. “Shutting down a media group would not be a right move,” he added.

The JUI-S chief said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan had made many promises before the elections including the one to bring peace but he has so far remained unsuccessful.

Bring proof of rigging or quit assemblies,

Says if Imran is right, KP govt is also product of rigging; path of agitation to cost PTI

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid has said that the country cannot afford the politics of confrontation, and told PTI chief Imran Khan that if he had any proof of rigging in the elections, he should bring them on the floor of the Assembly.

In an interview, the information minister said that Imran Khan would suffer a lot if he proceeded on the path of the politics of agitation with the backing of Tahirul Qadri and Sheikh Rashid Ahmad.

Pervaiz Rashid said if according to Imran Khan, the elections were rigged, then his own party’s government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also a product of rigging. In this situation, he said, Imran Khan and his party have no right to sit in the assemblies or run the KP government. He asked Imran Khan to resign from the KP government and assemblies and then fulfil his love for protests on the roads.

The minister was confident that Imran Khan would lose his case in the court of the people as he lost in the apex court. He said Imran Khan lost the rigging case in the court and his party’s candidate lost the seat to the PML-N candidate. In this way rigging was done against the PML-N and not the PTI, he argued.

He said Imran Khan has been pursuing the politics of negative tactics and that is why people rejected him in the general elections. He asked the PTI chief to wait for the appropriate time.

Pervaiz Rashid said the PML-N government has been formed with the backing of the people and not with the support of the PTI.

The minister said there is parliament in the country, an independent judiciary and all the institutions are gaining strength. “Instead of agitating on the roads, Imran should bring his case to parliament.” He said the bright future of the country is linked to democracy only.

Waqar likely to be head coach, Moin chief selector or manager

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again started looking for suitable candidates for the head coach and chief selector of the national team, following Rashid Latif’s refusal, Geo News reported on Sunday.

Sources said that the PCB has made contacts with the fast bowler Waqar Yunus for head coach and Moin Khan for chief selector.

The destiny seems to be favouring both Moin Khan and PCB chairman, as their one contract ends, the other starts. But in a very short time Moin Khan has proved his worth in every position that he held thus far. NO wonder that after having served as head coach and team manager, he has emerged as a strong candidate for the chief selector slot also.


Following Rashid Latif’s excuse from assuming the charge of chief selector, PCB now considering Moin Khan for the posts of chief selector or manger of the team.

On the other hand, fast bowler Waqar Yunus likely to be offered head coach slot.

PCB has already approached both the former captains, but the final decision in this regard yet to be taken, sources said.

Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Emraan Hashmi or Jackky Bhagnani: Who is an inspiring leader?

The general elections are just around the corner. Young India is in search of dynamic leaders who can pull the country out of the relentless social and economic gloom with their awe-inspiring leadership skills. Cinematically speaking, many B-town heroes have given us hope with their incredible endeavours. Take a look at these stalwarts from reel life and tell us who can become a role model in real life too when it comes to inspiring young minds and bring about a much-needed change

With election being the buzz word, our B-town movie makers are eager to cash in on anything that can bring about a social change, for the better. From the baap of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan using his supernatural prowess in his forthcoming movie Bhoothnath Returns to contest an election to bring some order in the politically and morally corrupt society, young lad Jackky Bhagnani is eager to introduce a movement of sorts to place India on the global map and give the country its rightful due. And then there are two rookies- charged with tremendous confidence and incredible passion-who are all set to do a pardaahfash and to set the country in order with their might as journalists. Yes, Atul Agnihotri’s forthcoming movie O Teri will see duo Bilal Amrohi and Pulkit Samrat unearthing some shocking scams.

Take a look at these onscreen leaders who gave us a cinematic hope with their heroism and tell us who inspired you the most?

Amitabh Bachchan in Bhoothnath Returns: With his towering personality, megastar Amitabh Bachchan will unleash his funny as well as intimidating streak in the sequel to 2008 horror-comedy Bhoothnath. As the friendly neighbourhood ghost, Big B’s Bhoothnath will be seen fighting the elections. His helpful presence will be seen only by children while adults remain blind to his magnanimous personality. Mr Bachchan will employ his rich baritone, his tall frame and the generosity of his ‘spirit’ to best effect to deliver justice.

Jackky Bhagnani in Youngistaan: The young dude brings the energy and perspective of the youth with his personality for positive changes India has been craving for long now. A young and dynamic leader with a vision to build India is what the country needs and Jackky is playing a strong character in his forthcoming release Youngistaan. The lad wants to put India on the map with his zest and meticulous planning.

Amitabh Bachchan in Satyagraha: The veteran played a Gandhian in Prakash Jha’’s political drama Satyagraha. Big B might have played a traditionalist who walks the path of truth and honesty, but he is equally modern with his approach when it comes to fighting against the system to clean up the mess. He uses the power of social media to spur a political movement that snowballs into a corruption hatao aandolan. But the path to a clean and corruption-free state is straddled with many challenges, dirty politics and blood-bath. And yet the veteran actor chooses to fight till he takes the battle to its logical conclusion.

Salman Khan in Jai Ho: The Being Human actor upholds some really inspiring qualities in real life. We all know that Salman is kind, generous and compassionate. The 48-year-old took a leaf out of the book on his own life, so to say, to portray an ex-army officer in Jai Ho who is on a mission to create a chain of goodness for the betterment of humanity.

Emraan Hashmi in Shanghai: Dibaker Banerjee’s Shanghai traced corruption in India at its regressive best, masquerading in the garb of economic progress. Emraan Hashmi played the pot-bellied, 30-year-old Rajput struggling to make a life, resorting to the easy way out as a porn videographer. But the sudden transformation in his grey character-when Hashmi decides to take on the system with all his worth was jaw-dropping. It simply showed the might of a commoner who can turn things around if something within him gets stirred.

Europe tells Russia to reverse course or face consequences

BRUSSELS: Europe's leaders on Thursday sharply condemned Russia's stand on Ukraine and warned it was readying targeted sanctions within days if Moscow failed to back off and join peace efforts.
Winding up six hours of tough talks to decide a joint response, the European Union's 28 leaders agreed a three-step series of sanctions beginning with the immediate halt of talks on easing visas for Russians as well as discussions over a new economic accord.
A statement demanded that Russia begin negotiations with Ukraine in the next few days, which must "produce results within a limited timeframe," it said.
"In the absence of such results the European Union will decide on additional measures, such as travel bans, asset freezes and the cancellation of the EU-Russia summit" in June.
In a third stage, any steps by Russia "to destabilise the situation in Ukraine would lead to severe and far-reaching consequences for relations... which will include a broad range of economic areas."
"We have got to make sure we get Russia and Ukraine talking to each other," said British Prime Minister David Cameron.
"The Russians will be able to see very clearly the consequences," said Cameron, adding that Britain for its part would look at reviewing its arms sales to Russia.
"I would urge others to do the same," he added. "No area should be off the table"
Ukraine's interim premier Arseniy Yatsenyuk was present at the talks to discuss what EU president Herman Van Rompuy dubbed "perhaps the most serious challenge to security on our continent since the Balkans wars" in the 1990s.
Europe's leaders praised Yatsenyuk and his government for their "measured response" to Moscow's military threat and pledged to unlock a huge aid package of 11 billion euros as rapidly as possible
They also pledged to sign an association accord with Ukraine before the ex-Soviet state holds early elections at the end of May, despite earlier reservations on striking any deals with the interim authorities.
It was the sudden rejection of this pact, years in the making, by ousted president Viktor Yanukovych that triggered pro-EU protests that eventually swept him from power last month.
- Crimea seals EU divisions -
EU nations have been divided on how to respond to Russia's stand on Ukraine, with members from eastern Europe once in the Soviet sphere far tougher than France and Germany, mindful of economic ties with Russia.
When Europe's G8 members, Britain, France, Germany and Italy agreed to suspend preparations for a June summit to be hosted by Putin in Sochi, Berlin and Rome had to be prodded to go along.
"We can't do business as usual," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel on arrival.
"There has to be a return to international law, and that means securing the territorial integrity of every country."
Agreeing with Ukraine's interim Prime Minister, the leaders also dubbed as "illegitimate" a request Thursday by the local parliament in Crimea to become part of Russia.
"We urge the Russian government not to support those who advocate separatism," Yatsenyuk had said.
Pro-Moscow lawmakers in Crimea made the request to Russian President Vladimir Putin and said they would put the question to a referendum on March 16.
Putin has been building up "a new wall of intimidation, of military aggression," Yatsenyuk said, calling on the Russian president instead to pull that wall down and to build a "new relationship".
French President Francois Hollande said the developments in Crimea had created "a climate that justified us beefing up our level of response."
Leaders of the EU's four G8 nations first met alone with Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, who has been a strong proponent of a harsher response.
Alongside Poland is Lithuania, whose head of state Dalia Grybauskaite warned that a "dangerous" Russia is trying to redraw Europe's borders.
"Russia today is dangerous. Russia today is unpredictable."
Warning of a domino effect, Grybauskaite said Russia's muscular approach in Ukraine now posed a direct threat to former Soviet states and others.

Tanisha Mukherjee and Arman Kohli getting engaged?

Armaan and Tanisha

There was a lot of conjecture about Tanisha Mukherji’s family not being very keen on her relationship with Armaan Kohli but looks like things have changed now.
The Tanisha-Armaan love story began in the Bigg Boss house. After which, they were spotted cosying up to each other at the CCL match right here in Dubai.
It is rumoured that Tanuja, Kajol and Ajay were not very happy about Tanisha getting so serious about Armaan. But on the other side, the Kohlis welcomed Tanisha with open arms.
But according to the latest buzz, Kajol and Ajay have given their nod of approval and this has allegedly resulted in a formal engagement between Tanisha and Armaan!
Apparently, the ceremony took place at Tanuja’s South Mumbai residence. The families of both sides were present, along with a few relatives and close friends. After exchanging rings, Tanisha and Armaan celebrated with their families.
Recently, the couple was spotted at an event holding hands and was quizzed about their engagement. While Tanisha dodged the question, Armaan said, “I’m very happy. You will get to know the status soon.”
Rumour has it that it was Salman Khan who made peace between Ajay and Armaan. Salman has been encouraging Armaan to get his life back on track. He signed him up for Sohail Khan’s CCL and now, we hear, Sallu has also got Armaan a role in his upcoming film Bade Bhaiya. Well looks like Salman saves the day again!

iOS 7.1 release date may arrive this week or early next

iOS 7.1 should be the end of this annoying 'white screen of death' glitch

The general public is waiting for the iOS 7.1 release date that's supposed to bring new features and fix a bunch of annoying bugs.
Thankfully, this major update is being readied for later this week or early next week, according to Apple enthusiast website Daring Fireball.
This is based on the fact that Apple is said to be requiring iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users to install iOS 7.1 in order to stream its first iTunes Festival in the US at South by Southwest.
Since the iTunes Festival's US debut is March 11 during the Austin music, film and tech conference, Apple is expected to push the major update to iOS users any day now.

iOS 7.1. changes

iOS 7.1 has had a long 4-month beta, but it promises to make a few design tweaks and end glitches that drive people crazy.
Its "call" and "end" button icons are small and round instead of large and rectangular. Apple also replaced the ugly reddish-orange Power Off slide bar with a translucent bar and white button.
More important than these UI changes are the bug fixes. Expect the final release notes to finally address the annoying white screen of death issue that randomly soft resets iOS devices.
iOS 7.1 is the first paint job for Apple's fresh coat that was iOS 7. Even bigger changes are expected as part of iOS 8.
Maybe by then we'll see a quick way to access Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Do Not Disturb setting by holding down their respective icons in Control Center.