Tailoring Your Investment Plan

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax." - Abraham Lincoln

For the do-it-yourself investor, knowing your strengths and weaknesses - as well as how much time and effort you are willing to commit to charting your investment course - will put you in the best position to succeed. This article will address the best ways to break down the often-daunting task of understanding and allocating your investments.

Make an Assessment
The best place to start any journey is by knowing where you currently stand. Generally speaking, the younger you are, the more willing you should be to take on risk. It is not vital at this point to be pouring 100% of your expendable funds into investing. If you are taking part in some retirement account funding, such as a 401(k) or an individual retirement account (IRA), you can rest easier knowing that you are on the right path toward a healthy retirement. For those investors under age 35, to be even marginally knowledgeable about your investments is an improvement over the majority of your parents at that age.

Your time horizon, or how long before you need to touch the money, goes hand in hand with your age. If your time horizon is 25 years or more, you can consider yourself near the top of the risk profile for investing. This does not mean that you should be taking foolish risks, but rather that you can participate fully in the equity markets should you decide to. While stock market returns are, by their very nature, more volatile than other asset classes, consider that there has been no measured period in the U.S. stock market over 25 years where anything has earned a higher return than stocks.

Gauge your investment knowledge by asking yourself a few simple questions. (This is not meant to be a critical exercise, but simply an objective one.) Have you ever done a full fundamental analysis of a stock prior to purchasing it? Do you understand the basics of asset allocation and diversification? Do you understand the nature of fixed-income products?

If you cannot answer a definitive "yes" to these, it would be best to simply create an overall asset allocation in line with your age, and from there invest in a few managed funds to start.

Know What You Have
Being aware of where you are is just as important as being aware of what you own. Start with the most recent statements from any investments or plans you currently have, and determine what percentage you have in stocks versus bonds and cash. Next, decide how much time you wish to spend on your personal investing. The goal here is to come up with an actual number in terms of hours per week. The higher the ratio of individual stocks to funds that you hold, the greater the time commitment will be. If you feel that you can devote four to five hours per week to research, you can aim toward owning a few individual stocks in your portfolio. The ratio of how much time you should set aside per stock is a relative figure and will depend on your knowledge and experience, so be prepared for this figure to change over time.
Assess Your Informational Sources
You don't need to subscribe to expensive data services to find the data you need to conduct stock analysis. You can find publicly available information easily using free internet sources – earnings reports, press releases, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, balance and cash flow statements, and all the other data points you'll need in your analysis. Find a few trusted sites that have the information in a format you like, and create links through your web browser so that you can access them in a timely fashion. Any reputable website will tell you where its data is coming from and how often it is being updated, so you can feel confident that your information is current and accurate.

Literally tens of thousands of stocks are out there to choose from, so look to set minimum guidelines to streamline your due diligence. A market cap minimum or a valuation cap is an easy way to filter down the huge universe of stocks into a subset that you can review more fully. Many free stock screeners can do this task for you.

Draw Up a Strategy
There are many advantages to creating a base asset allocation with mutual funds or exchange traded funds (ETFs). This can take a lot of the pressure off of you. With these investments, you don't have to select every holding in your portfolio. Decide what area of the market interests you the most, whether it is a specific sector/industry or an asset class, and gain the experience of managing this portion of your portfolio more directly. Look up a general market index like the S&P 500 and review the sector breakdown. It would be wise to not diverge too much from these sector weightings in your own portfolio. If you have 60% of your money in technology stocks when they represent only 15% of the S&P, you have a dangerous over-allocation of resources - even for the most skillful of investors.

Let's say, for example, that you want to research directly and purchase your own healthcare and technology stocks, which together comprise about 30% of the overall market. You could construct a portfolio of ETFs in all the other sectors except healthcare and technology, and keep that 25-30% for you to invest in individual stocks in those two sectors.

It's a good idea to keep a "watch list" of stocks that you have researched and found some interest in. It may be a company you really like that currently is valued fully, or a small company that you'd like to keep an eye on. Review this list weekly for any material changes. When selling a stock out of your portfolio, this will become a natural place to begin looking for a replacement.

Re-Assess and Adjust Your Strategy
Pick a schedule for assessing your progress. This isn't so much about seeing how your returns stack up to some benchmark as it is a chance to review your overall asset allocation and your learning progress. If your ratio of stocks to bonds has changed significantly, you'll want to bring it back into balance. When reviewing your individual stock holdings, look over the fundamentals again to make sure nothing has changed significantly. If you feel on top of things and want to increase the percentage of your holdings that you manage directly, you can do so knowing that you are re-allocating thoughtfully and prudently. Also, understand that this means your hourly time commitment will increase.

Find Joy in the Journey
Understand that you always will be learning, and that this should be the goal of any individual investor. There is so much to learn, and a six-month or one-year time table won't get the job done. This is the time to remember the old adage, "It's the journey, not the destination that counts." It won't be long before you find yourself making major strides in your understanding of all things financial. And if you find you've reached a point that you're comfortable with and don't feel like taking it any further, you can branch out to other investments. You should be able to tackle mutual funds, or other vehicles, with the confidence that you've got a grasp of what is going on in your portfolio. Time spent on learning more about investing, whether in stocks or not, always pays a hefty dividend.

How Interest Rates Affect Property Values

Interest rates, especially the rates on interbank exchanges and Treasury bills, have as profound an effect on the value of income-producing real estate as on any investment vehicle. Because the influence of interest rates on an individual's ability to purchase residential properties (by increasing or decreasing the cost of mortgage capital) is so profound, many people incorrectly assume that the only deciding factor in real estate valuation is the mortgage rate. However, mortgage rates are only one interest-related factor influencing property values. Because interest rates also affect capital flows, the supply and demand for capital and investors' required rates of return on investment, interest rates will drive property prices in a variety of ways.

Valuation Fundamentals
To understand how government-influenced interest rates, capital flows and financing rates affect property values, you should have a basic understanding of the income approach to real estate values. Although real estate values are influenced by the supply and demand for properties in a given locale and the replacement cost of developing new properties, the income approach is the most common valuation technique for investors. The income approach provided by appraisers of commercial properties and by underwriters and investors of real estate-backed investments is very similar to thediscounted cash flow analysis conducted on equity and bond investments.

In simple terms, the valuation starts by forecasting property income, which takes the form of anticipated lease payments or, in the case of hotels, anticipated hotel occupancy multiplied by the average cost per room. Then, by taking all property-level costs, including the financing cost, the analyst arrives at the net operating income (NOI), or cash flow remaining after all operating expenses.

By subtracting all capital costs, as well as any investment capital to maintain or repair the property and other non-property-specific expenses from NOI, the result is the net cash flow (NCF). Because properties don't usually retain cash or have a stated dividend policy, NCF equals cash available to investors and is the same as cash from dividends, which is used for valuing equity or fixed-income investments. By capitalizing dividends or by discounting the cash flow stream (including any residual value) for a given investment period, the property value is determined.

Capital Flows
Interest rates can significantly affect the cost of financing and mortgage rates, which in turn affects property-level costs and thus influences values. However, supply and demand for capital and competing investments have the greatest impact on required rates of return (RROR) and investment values. As the Federal Reserve Board has moved focus away from monetary policy and more toward managing interest rates as a way to stimulate the economy or stave off inflation, its policy has had a direct effect on the value of all investments.
As interbank exchange rates decrease, the cost of funds is reduced and funds flow into the system; conversely, when rates rise, the availability of funds decreases. As for real estate, the changes in interbank lending rates either add or reduce the amount of capital available for investment. The amount of capital and the cost of capital affect demand but also supply, capital available for real estate purchases and development. For example, when capital availability is tight, capital providers tend to lend less as a percentage of intrinsic value, or not as far up the "capital stack." This means that loans are made at lower loan to value ratios, thus reducing leveraged cash flows and property values.

These changes in capital flows can also have a direct impact on the supply and demand dynamics for property. The cost of capital and capital availability affect supply by providing additional capital for property development, and also affect the population of potential purchasers seeking deals. These two factors work together to determine property values.

Discount Rates
The most evident impact of interest rates on real estate values can be seen in the derivation of discount or capitalization rates. The capitalization rate can be viewed as an investor's required dividend rate, while a discount rate equals an investor's total return requirements. K usually denotes RROR, while the capitalization rate equals (K-g), where g is the expected growth in income or the increase in capital appreciation.

Each of these rates is influenced by prevailing interest rates because they are equal to the risk-free rate plus a risk premium. For most investors, the risk-free rate is the rate on U.S. Treasuries; these are guaranteed by U.S. government credit, so they are considered risk-free because the probability of default is so low. Because higher-risk investments must achieve a commensurably higher return to compensate for the additional risk borne, when determining discount rates and capitalization rates, investors add a risk premium to the risk-free rate to determine the risk-adjusted returns necessary on each investment considered.

Because K (discount rate) is equal to the risk-free rate plus a risk premium, the capitalization rate is equal to the risk-free rate plus a risk premium, less the anticipated growth (g) in income. Although risk premiums vary as a result of supply and demand and other risk factors in the market, discount rates will vary due to changes in the interest rates that make them up. When the required returns on competing or substitute investments rise, real estate values fall; conversely, when interest rates fall, real estate prices increase.

Conclusion
Most retail investors, especially homeowners, focus on changing mortgage rates because they have a direct influence on real estate prices. However, interest rates also affect the availability of capital and the demand for investment. These capital flows influence the supply and demand for property and, as a result, they affect property prices. In addition, interest rates also affect returns on substitute investments, and prices change to stay in line with the inherent risk in real estate investments. These changes in required rates of return for real estate also vary during destabilization periods in the credit markets. As investors foresee increased variability in future rates or increase in risk, risk premiums widen, putting increased downward pressure on property prices.

Pakistan, India agree to restore ceasefire on Line of Control

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, who met on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly, Sunday agreed to task the DGMOs of both the countries to ensure ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC).

An Indian official said that the two leaders, who met for more than an hour in a New York hotel, decided to task senior military officers to "find effective means to restore the ceasefire" on LoC.

"Both the leaders agreed that the precondition for forward movement in the relationship, which they both desire, is really an improvement of the situation on the LoC," Indian national security adviser Shivshankar Menon told reporters, referring to the Line of Control in the Himalayan territory.

According to sources both the leaders exchanged greetings in Punjabi language at the beginning of the talks.

During the meeting which started in a cordial atmosphere, both the prime ministers invited each other to visit their respective countries. The invitations were accepted from both sides, but no dates were set.

Briefing the media, Menon termed the meeting as positive and constructive.

"As for how useful and productive the meeting was, I think the only proof will be in the months to come", he added.

Burning issues like Line of Control (LoC) violations, Indian involvement in Balochistan unrest, the Kashmir dispute, Siahcen, Sir Creek, and cross-border terrorism besides 'granting' Most Favourite Nation (MFN) status to India and matters relating to peace between the two countries also came under discussion, he added.

He denied India was fanning unrest in Balochistan.

Menon said that it was decided in the meeting that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both the countries would be tasked with ensuring ceasefire on the LoC.

Menon said that Sharif promised "there would be action" on punishing extremists over the Mumbai attack, and said the talks were friendly.

To a question he said that no timeline had been set for the next meeting between the two premiers.

According to Menon no proposal for a reduction in military spending was brought up in the meeting from any side.

Pakistani Foreign Secretary, Jalil Abbas Jilani, addressing a press conference later said that all the core issues including Kashmir dispute were hashed out in the meeting.

"Overall, the meeting was productive as both the leaders consented to find ways to restore calm on the LoC", Jilani said.

Jilani also confirmed that Pakistan firmly held its stance on the evidence that points to India's --direct or indirect-- hand behind the rampant militancy in Balochistan.

Following Sharif-Singh meeting, talks would be held at the delegation level also.

Pakistan delegation comprised Sartaj Aziz, Khawaja Asif, Ishaq Dar, Tariq Fatemi, Masood Khan and Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Led by PM Manmohan Singh, the Indian delegation was represented by external affairs minister Salman Khurshid, national security advisor Shiv Shankar Menon and the foreign secretary Sujatha Singh.

It must be mentioned that earlier India had refused to hold a joint press conference or the issuance of a joint communiqué after the talks, sources said.

Initially it was announced that Singh had invited Sharif to have breakfast with him but later the plan was changed for reasons better known to higher officials of both the nations.

 

Indian FM accuses ISI, Pakistan Army of undermining peace efforts

NEW YORK: Indian Minister for External Affairs, Salman Khurshid, Saturday alleged that Pakistan’s spymaster Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its military were sabotaging Sharif government’s efforts to make peace with India.

His statement comes hours ahead of a meeting between both the leaders on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking to Voice of America (VOA) during an interview, Khurshid said that while the Prime Minister Sharif was making the right noises, it was imperative for the civilian government of Pakistan to find a way to keep the army and the ISI under control.

"We've been told that all the government agencies are on the same page," Khurshid said, "but if they were, the things that are happening would not be happening."

Salman Khurshid was referring to the recent attacks in Indian Held Kashmir that led to the deaths of over 10 people.

The minister defended Manmohan Singh's strong criticism of Pakistan in the UN General Assembly address on Saturday morning as "legitimate grievances."

The Indian Prime Minister had blamed Pakistan for cross-border terrorism and said that "the epicenter of terrorism" is in Pakistan.

Referring to the recent violence on the Line of Control (LoC) Khurshid questioned the notion it could be the work of non-state actors without support from the ISI, adding that if Pakistan could not control non-state actors on its territory it should seek India's help.

"We expect them to handle non-state actors if they are non-state actors," Khurshid said.

He also said that India had on several occasions provided evidence of the involvement of state actors in attacks on India, including the voice samples of the control room that handled the Mumbai attacks.

"We can't go into Pakistan and pick out the guy who's voice it is, Pakistan government has to help us do it. So we're saying either give the guy to us, or take action against him.”

Khurshid, though, welcomed the mention of a "new beginning" in India-Pakistan relations by the Pakistani premier, but he also said that based on past experiences India needed to "trust but verify" that Pakistan was serious about peace.

As per media reports amongst the top issues the Indian premier will raise with his Pakistani counterpart in Sunday's meeting is Pakistan's failure to bring the planners and executioners of the Mumbai attacks to justice.

According to India, several people who should be behind bars are roaming free while the ones that are under arrest have yet to finish their trials or face punishments.

"We need some accountability, or at least the beginning of accountability, only then we can start afresh," said Khurshid.

Pakistan: Man declared dead comes back to life at his FUNERAL,Than dies in hospital

Orya Maqbool Jan Criticise Imran Khan On His Education Policy

Real Face of MQM's Haider Abbas Rizvi

Jobs in Punjab Health Department

Talat Hussain Rejected To Take No.1 Anchor Award

Move UN out of US:Bolivian president Evo Morales

Move UN out of US, Morales says | September 26, 2013: See video clip.
Bolivian President Evo Morales has accused the United States of harboring terrorists and urged that UN headquarters be moved from New York.
Morales made the remarks in his speech to the 68th UN General Assembly on Wednesday, AFP reported.
“I would like you to be aware that the United States harbors terrorists and the corrupt,” said Morales, adding, “They take refuge here, and the United States does not help in the fight against corruption.”
The socialist president called for the United Nations to leave New York City because of US "blackmail" and bullying.
"No guaranteed visas, no guaranteed overflights. We feel threatened, bullied and blackmailed over visas," he said, adding that the United States "has never ratified treaties related to human rights."
“We must seriously think about changing the headquarters of the United Nations," said Morales.
The Bolivian president also told the annual UN leaders' summit that he did not feel safe in the US because of spying and security concerns.
"How can we be safe at a meeting of the United Nations here in New York? Some do not believe in imperialism and capitalism and feel totally unsafe," Morales said.
The UN headquarters has been in New York since the global body's creation in 1945.

China court jails general's son for decade over gang rape

BEIJING: A court sentenced the teenage son of a Chinese general to 10 years in jail for rape on Thursday, court authorities said, after his trial spotlighted extravagant lifestyles among the Chinese elite.

Li Tianyi, 17, and four other males were found guilty of raping a woman in a Beijing hotel in February, court authorities said on a verified social media account.

The case drew widespread scrutiny in the country, where the children of the elite are often seen as living lavishly or above the law due to their connections.

Li's father Li Shuangjiang holds a rank equivalent to general in China's military as dean of the music department for the army's Academy of Arts, and is known for singing patriotic songs. His mother, Meng Ge, is also a prominent singer.

Li Tianyi had previously triggered controversy in 2011 after he and another teenager, both driving expensive cars, attacked a couple who reportedly blocked their passage, while the victims' child looked on.

The court did not state clearly how Li had pleaded during his trial last month. During the hearings, the Beijing News reported that he "did not admit to the sexual assault and did not admit to a relationship, saying he was drunk and did not know anything" about what happened.

The other four defendants, also minors, in the trial were sentenced to between three and 12 years in prison, with two of them receiving probation, the court authority said.

A court spokesman rejected via the official social media account online chatter that family background had led to a lighter sentence.

Internet users had speculated that Li would escape without a prison sentence, and some celebrated the verdict on Thursday.

Imran Khan chants 'peace-through-talks' mantra

LAHORE: Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan has reiterated that dialogue was the only way that could lead the country to a lasting peace, Geo News reported.

“Pakistan’s survival lies in peace and not in war” Khan talking to newsmen here in Lahore.

He asserted that if the negotiators guided the peace talks in the 'right direction' the tribesmen (Taliban) would come round.

"The whole nation wants a lasting peace more than anything else. And it's been nine years since PTI has been demanding restoration of peace, but our calls were never taken seriously. In all of the four All Parties Conference, we raised voice for an end to this bloodshed", said Khan.

PTI chief said that in the recent APC all the stakeholders saw eye to with that peace negotiations could be done with the mediation of tribal elders.

"It should not be forgotten that the tribals had agreed to come to the table for a dialogue in 2004. If negotiations were not a workable option than why did US invited Taliban to it. It even allowed them to open an office in Qatar", said he.

Government Denied to issue arrest warrant for U.S. agents

KPK govt to generate 200,000 new jobs

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is all set to launch a Strategic Partnership Development Framework (SPDF) in the first week of next month and to create 200,000 new jobs. 

This was revealed in a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday in which the country level heads of almost all development partners of the province including World Bank‚ USAID‚ Asian Development Bank‚ European Union‚ Japan International Cooperative Agency and others actively participated.

The meeting was part of the consultative process the Provincial government has initiated so that everyone is taken on board and the development process is initiated in a targeted manner. The input of the donor agencies received on the occasion will be properly adjusted in the final draft of the framework.

Some of the goals of the SPDF included 500 per cent increase in energy generation‚ creation of 200‚000 new jobs and reduction of poverty by one fourth by 2018. The Framework provides for simplified and reduced process of dispute resolution to ensure peace building and the rule of law in the province‚ and addressing the achievement of millennium development goals.

The representatives of the international donor bodies appreciated the initiatives and assured the provincial government of their full cooperation.

Via Online

Karachi: Shahid Bikik arrested in CID raid at Super Highway

KARACHI: Crime Investigation Department (CID) conducted a raid at Super Highway and arrested Lyari gang war accused Shahid Malik alias Bikik on Thursday, Geo News reported.

 According to the CID sources, Shahid Malik was arrested during a raid that was conducted at the Super Highway while he was enroute to Nawabshah from Karachi.

Shahid aka Bikik is one of the prime accused of Lyari gang war, and was also involved in the attack that killed Bilal Sheikh, top security officer of former president Asif Ali Zardari. He was also wanted in other cases of murder, attempted murder, extortion and robbery.

Bilal Sheikh was killed in a suicide blast targeting his double cabin vehicle in the Gurumandir area of Karachi on July 10, 2013.

It may be mentioned here that personnel of a sensitive agency apprehended another prime accused of Lyari gang war, Sheraz Comrade and his two accomplices from Lahore when they were trying to escape to Dubai from the Allama Iqbal International Airport on Tuesday.

The arrested persons were shifted to an unidentified location for interrogation. The other two accomplices of comrade were identified as Zakir Mogheeri and Awais Tipu. The agency personnel conducted a raid outside the premises of the Lahore airport on a tip-off and arrested them minutes before they were about to fly to Dubai.

Sheraz Comrade was wanted by the LEA in more than 100 cases of target killings, extortion and kidnappings for ransom. The Sindh government had also fixed Rs5 lakh as head money for the arrest of Comrade. Soon after the arrest of Comrade, police and other LEAs conducted raids in different parts of the city to arrest other criminals and their facilitators on the pointing of arrested accused persons.

It is worth mentioning that the Lahore Police had arrested a notorious target killer Amin Baleedi a couple of days ago. The law-enforcement agencies have become active since the criminals of the Lyari gang war have started fleeing to different parts of the country after the launch of targeted operation against criminals in Karachi.

Massive Balochistan earthquake death toll hits 348

QUETTA: The death toll from a major earthquake that hit southwestern Pakistan rose to 348 on Wednesday, provincial officials said, with more fatalities feared as rescue teams reach the remote affected area.

The 7.7-magnitude quake hit part of Baluchistan province on Tuesday, destroying thousands of mud-brick houses.

At least 348 people have been confirmed dead and more than 440 injured, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and the Baluchistan government’s earthquake response control room.

In the village of Dalbedi, the earthquake — Pakistan’s deadliest since the devastating Kashmir quake of 2005, which killed 73,000 — flattened some 250 houses, an AFP photographer said.

Bewildered villagers dug with their hands through the rubble of their mud houses in Dalbedi to retrieve what was left of their meagre possessions.

Their simple houses destroyed, they used rags, old clothes, sheets and tree branches to shelter their families from the sun.

Farmer Noor Ahmed, 45, said the tremors lasted for two minutes and turned buildings in the village into piles of mud.

“We have lost everything, even our food is now buried under mud and water from underground channels is now undrinkable because of excessive mud in it due to the earthquake,” he told AFP.

The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach more villages in the area, which has been shaken by more than a dozen aftershocks.

Jan Muhammad Buledi, spokesman for the Baluchistan government, told AFP that more than 300,000 people had been affected by the quake across six districts — Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, Chaghi and Khuzdar.

“People are still trapped under the rubble but it is a huge disaster and it will take time to reach and rescue all the people,” he said.

Teams were working to recover bodies but the priority he said was to move the injured to hospitals as soon as possible — a difficult task in a desolate area with minimal infrastructure.

“We are seriously lacking medical facilities and there is no space to treat injured people in the local hospitals,” Buledi said.

The army has rushed medical staff and troops to the devastated area to help with rescue efforts, along with seven tonnes of food and a tonne of medicine. Six helicopters are taking part in rescue work, the military said.

The scale of the territory involved is daunting. Awaran’s population is scattered over an area of more than 21,000 square kilometers (8,000 square miles).

Baluchistan makes up about 45 percent of Pakistan’s area but is the country’s least populated and least developed province. On top of the difficult terrain, the area is rife with separatist and Islamist militants as well as bandits.

Tremors were felt on Tuesday as far away as New Delhi and even Dubai in the Gulf, while people in the Indian city of Ahmedabad, near the border with Pakistan, ran into the streets in panic.

Rescue Efforts

According to an ISPR presses release, rescue and relief operations continue in the earthquake affected areas of Balochistan by Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps troops.

So far 174 wounded persons have been evacuated from different areas of Awaran to District hospital Awaran by Army/Frontier Corps troops. 7,000 kilograms of food items, 1,000 kilograms medicine and 200 tents have been distributed among the earthquake affectees. Cooked food is also being provided to homeless people in Awaran.

Field Medical facility comprising 21 Doctors and 50 paramedics are providing medical treatment to those injured in Khuzdar and Awaran.

300 troops of Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps personnel were moved Tuesday night for rescue operations in earthquake affected areas and the strength has now risen to more than 1000.

Six Pakistan Army helicopters are also participating in rescue operations. So far 10 sorties have been flown to affected areas of Awaran and Khuzdar.

New Islands Surface

Tuesday’s quake caused a new island to appear close to the coastline at Gwadar, officials said, prompting astonished locals to rush to the shore to take a look.

“It looked very very strange to me and also a bit scary because suddenly a huge thing has emerged from the water,” Gwadar resident Muhammad Rustam told AFP.

The island was given the name 'Zalzala Jazeera' (earthquake island)

The National Institute of Oceanography has sent a team to survey the island, which stands about 20 meters high.

Experts said a similar small island appeared at the same place in the sea after a major quake in 1945 but disappeared after some time.

Later another island surfaced off the coastal town of Ormara in Balochistan province.

According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the new island appeared near River Basil.

In April, a 7.8-magnitude quake in southeast Iran, close to the border with Baluchistan, killed 41 people and affected more than 12,000 on the Pakistan side of the border. 

Imran says Taliban be allowed to open office for peace talks

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has said the government should allow Pakistani Taliban to open office for peace talks, Geo News reported.

Speaking to media after inquiring after the health of Peshawar Church blast injured, Imran Khan said war was not the solution of any issue.

Khan said the government should invite Taliban for peace talks besides allowing them to open office. He also advised the government to announce a ceasefire with the militants.

PTI leader expressed hope that there will be peace in the country if talks with Taliban turn out to be successful.

He said decision for negotiations was taken in the All Parties Conference (ACP), therefore, dialogues should be given a chance instead of war.

PTI got the mandate on the slogan of peace, he said and added they respect people’s mandate.

Karachi: Notice to deploy Rangers at 5 police stations issued

KARACHI: The Sindh government has issued the notification to deploy Rangers at one police station each in five districts of Karachi with an aim to overcome the menace of terrorism, Geo News reported Wednesday.

The provincial government had earlier decided that five police stations in Karachi, one each in the five districts, will be run jointly by the Rangers and police to deal with heinous crimes, especially terrorism.

Following the notification, the process of Rangers deployment at one police station of each district in Karachi has started.

Sources said that Rangers personnel will assist the Station House Officer (SHO) and investigation in-charge in probing the matter.

The police stations that will be jointly run by the police and Rangers include Arambagh, Ferozabad, Nazimabad, Orangi Town and Steel Town.

 

Pakistan earthquake: One more island surfaces off Makran coast

KARACHI: Following the strong earthquake of 7.7 magnitude that hit Pakistan Tuesday, one more island has emerged to the sea surface off coastal town of Ormara in Balochistan province, Geo News reported Wednesday.

According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the new island appeared near River Basil.

On Tuesday, an island had emerged off Gwadar coast which was given the name ‘Zilzila Jazeera’ (island earthquake).

 

Obama pledges diplomacy with Iran, puts onus on Rouhani

UNITED NATIONS: President Barack Obama said on Tuesday the United States was ready to engage diplomatically with longtime foe Iran but put the onus on the new Iranian president to prove he is serious about pursuing a nuclear deal, ARY News has learnt.
Striking a cautiously optimistic tone in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Obama said he was determined to test President Hassan Rouhani's recent overtures and challenged him to take concrete steps toward resolving Iran's long-running nuclear dispute with the West.
"Conciliatory words will have to be matched by actions that are transparent and verifiable," Obama told the annual gathering of world leaders in New York.
Rouhani's recent gestures, including agreement to renew long-stalled talks with world powers on its nuclear program, have raised hopes for a historic opening in relations between Washington and Tehran after more than three decades of estrangement.
The White House has left open the possibility that Obama and Rouhani could meet - at least for a handshake on the U.N. sidelines - later on Tuesday. Even a fleeting encounter would be important given that it would be the first face-to-face contact between U.S. and Iranian heads of government since before the 1979 Islamic revolution that ousted the U.S.-backed shah.
But differences over Iran's nuclear program and skepticism about Rouhani's intentions, especially from U.S. lawmakers and close U.S. ally Israel, have cast doubt on the prospect for any immediate breakthrough between Washington and Tehran.
Seeking to keep expectations under control, Obama said suspicions between the two countries were too entrenched to believe their troubled history can be overcome overnight.
"The roadblocks may prove to be too great but I firmly believe the diplomatic path must be tested," Obama said.
Obama suggested that Rouhani's recent overtures could provide the basis for an elusive deal to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and said he had instructed Secretary of State John Kerry to mount a diplomatic effort along with other world powers.
But Obama stopped short of offering any concessions such as a softening of sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.
He reaffirmed his pledge that his administration would not tolerate Iran's development of nuclear weapons but avoided repeating his previous assertion that all options are on the table - code for possible military action - in dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue.
French President Francois Hollande said he expects "concrete gestures" by Iran to show it will give up its military nuclear program and that while he will meet with the Iranian president on the U.N. sidelines, he is still firm on nuclear non-proliferation.

Peshawar church blast: Police arrest six suspects

PESHAWAR, Sept 24 (INP): At least six suspects were detained on Tuesday during investigation of Sunday\'s terrorist attack on a Peshawar church. Hand grenades and two pistols were also recovered from the blast site.

According to investigation officers, the attackers were not foreigners and further investigation is underway to ascertain their identity.

Earlier, the special investigation team made a startling revelation that one of the suicide bombers could possibly be a young lady aged between 20-25 years.

The death toll from twin suicide bombings rose to 83 as two more victims succumbed to their injuries at the city\'s Lady Reading Hospital.

The attack on All Saints church in the city is believed to be the deadliest ever to target the country\'s small Christian minority.

Christians demonstrated in towns and cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar, demanding better protection by authorities.

Police recovers 11,000 kgs of explosives

Peshawar: Police has recovered thousands of kilograms of explosives from a warehouse and arrested two suspected terrorists from there on Tuesday-ARY News reports.
 According to details, police raided a godown located at Ring road under the jurisdiction of police station Yaka Toot and recovered 11,000 kgs of high quality explosive material.
 Officials told that the raid was conducted after 3 terrorists arrested from Kohat a few days ago, tipped off the police about the storehouse, during interrogation.
 It was further told that this huge cache of explosives was to be used in terrorist activity, which the police foiled in time.
 During the raid, police also arrested two terrorists from the warehouse who were shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation about the possible militant plot.

Earthquake in Pakistan claims 41 lives

KARACHI: At least 41 people have been killed as a powerful earthquake struck southwest Pakistan on Tuesday, Kalat Commissioner said.

According to the Meteorological Department, the epicentre of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake was 120Km southwest of Khuzdar in Balochistan province at a depth of 23 kilometres. The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at 7.8.

Tremors which began at 16:29 (PST) were felt for two minutes in several cities of Sindh and Balochistan.

Emergency was declared by Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch in the Awaran district of the province which was the most affected by the earthquake. Officials said the tremors demolished dozens of mud houses and it was feared that the death toll would increase.

According to Kalat Commissioner, 33 people lost their lives while 28 others injured in Awaran district as a result of quake. Eight people died in Kech district, he added.

DG ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted that Khuzdar would be the base for rescue efforts and night flying helicopters with medics were on their way. He added that 300 soldiers were busy in rescues efforts and the strength would grow to 1,000 by late morning.

Speaking to Geo News, Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Riaz said: "this was a major earthquake and heavy destruction is likely."

Residents of cities where tremors were felt ran out of their offices and homes onto the roads. Apart from Awaran there have been no reports of major damage or loss of life in other cities.

Light tremors were also felt in Northern India, Iran, UAE and Oman.

In April a 7.8-magnitude quake centred in southeast Iran, close to the border with Baluchistan, killed 41 people and affected more than 12,000 on the Pakistan side of the border.

A 7.6 magnitude quake in 2005 centred in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, killed at least 73,000 people and left several million homeless in one of the worst natural disasters to hit Pakistan.

Police carrying out Dr Imran Farooq probe: Theresa May

ISLAMABAD: British home secretary Theresa May Tuesday said that London police was investigating the murder case of Dr Imran Farooq, the MQM leader who was assassinated in 2010 outside his house in London, and that she has nothing to do with the ongoing probe.

She was replying to a question during a joint press conference along with Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan here at Punjab House after holding in-depth talks on various issues including terrorism, security, immigration, narcotics and organized crimes.

He thanked Britain for its cooperation with Pakistan in different fields and said that the Britain is a close ally and friend of Pakistan which respects sovereignty of Pakistan and plays a remarkable role in its socio-economic development. “Pakistan wants to enhance cooperation with the United Kingdom in various fields,” he added.

Nisar reiterated the serious commitment of the Nawaz government to work with all countries to control the menaces of terrorism, narcotics and serious crimes.

He said that Pakistan was facing serous crisis but hoped that it would like to see a transition with the Nato troops withdrawal from Afghanistan.

To a question, he said that Peshawar church attacks and killing of army officials were serious and condemnable incidents but the decision to hold talks endorsed by APC was made with a consensus and would be pursued.

Speaking on the occasion, British Home Secretary Theresa May condemned Peshawar Church attack and said that her country acknowledges the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror.

She also acknowledged Pakistan’s leading role in the war against terrorism and said her country will continue to work jointly with Pakistan to counter it. She said that Pakistan has been the most affected country from the terrorism and it can adopt any suitable strategy to counter terrorism.

Theresa May said her country will continue to extend cooperation to Pakistan for its socio-economic development. She congratulated Pakistan people for a smooth and peaceful transition of power from one democratic government to another.

Earlier Chaudhry Nisar and Theresa May signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly fight crimes.

In a joint statement issued on the occasion both countries reiterated commitment to joint working in tackling the shared threats faced by both countries. Theresa May recognised the important steps taken by the new government particularly of a national security strategy and new structures to coordinate military and civilian efforts.

Syria terror probe: 2 men of Pakistani origin among 4 held in Britain

LONDON: The Scotland Yard have arrested a least four suspects allegedly involved in acts of terror and supporting rebels in Syria righting Bashar al-Assad's forces, with a 27-year-old man and 26-year-old woman being the latest suspects to be detained.

British police Thursday said they had arrested two more people over alleged involvement in terrorism in Syria following the discovery of ammunition at the port of Dover.

A man aged 37 and a woman aged 36 were detained at a house in Essex on Wednesday following a search and are still being questioned, the Metropolitan Police said.

They were held "on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism", it said.

Their arrests came after two men aged 29 and 22, both British citizens, were held on Monday in Dover after arriving from Calais in France and a quantity of ammunition was seized.The two men, understood to be of Pakistani heritage, are now being questioned in London.

"The arrests relate to suspected terrorism in Syria," the force said.

Police were carrying out searches at premises in east London and in Lancashire, northern England, while two vehicles have also been searched, it said.

"The searches are ongoing and we are unable to provide more details at this stage," it said.

British police have in recent months arrested a number of people on suspicion of travelling to Syria to fight with Islamist rebel groups opposed to President Bashar al-Assad. (AFP/Web Desk)

Hyderabad knock out Faisalabad to reach main stage

MOHALI: Sunrisers Hyderabad continued their strong form with their batting and bowling both to beat Faisalabad Wolves by seven wickets here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing 128, Hyderabad completed their victory losing three wickets with 15 balls remaining.

Earlier, winning the toss, they put Faisalabad into bat and restrict them to 127 for five wickets in 20 overs.

Faisalabad relied on their captain Misbah-ul-Haq again, who top-scored with an unbeaten 56.

Sunrisers were given another strong start by Parthiv Patel and Shikhar Dhawan and even though they were dismissed, Sunrisers cruised home with ease.

With that Faisalabad are out of the CLT20 and Sunrisers Hyderabad and Otago Volts are through to the main stage. The remaining dead rubbers will be played on Friday.

Muhajir Republican Army has no connection with MQM: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Thursday that the government would consult the military and political parties over talks with the Taliban.

Addressing on the floor of the National Assembly, Nisar said the All Parties Conference had empowered the government to hold talks and this would require time. Nisar did acknowledge that the process had been hampered following the attack in Upper Dir in which Pakistan army officials including two senior officers were killed.

According to Nisar the operation in Karachi was started on the behest of the federal government who was also responsible for its coordination and monitoring. He added that consultations with the provincial government, MQM and other parties were being held on a daily basis.

“The Rangers have conducted 400 and police over one thousand operations in Karachi. 250 target killers have fled from Karachi to North Waziristan.”

The minister also informed the National Assembly that the Muhajir Republican Army had no connection with the MQM.

Lahore rape: Police arrest man having resemblance with suspect

LAHORE: Police on Thursday arrested a man having resemblance with the person who left a five-year old rape victim at a local hospital, Geo News reported.

Doctors said that the girl’s condition was improving and she was now able to record her statement. The hospital administration has allowed the police to meet the victim.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly over the increasing incidents of sexual assault, demanding immediate legislation to award death penalties to rapists.

The police are interrogating the suspects including a hospital guard, doctors and the suspect having resemblance with a man who left the child at the hospital. The sketch of the accused was prepared with the help of CCTV footage.

 

6.5 million Pakistani children deprived of primary education

ISLAMABAD: A report published by UNICEF states that 6.5 million children in Pakistan are deprived of a primary education. According to the report, three out of every ten children never attend school.

Furthermore, the report states that 2.7 million children in the country do not receive a secondary education. The report says that poverty will increase in the country if the education emergency is not immediately addressed.

The report highlights statistics on the state of education in Pakistan:

38.9 percent of girls never attend primary school.

30.2 percent of children never attend school.

42.8 percent of children leave school before completing their education.

Girls outnumber boys in the number of children being deprived of an education.