I need to be left alone: Manisha Koirala

 MUMBAI: A few months ago, the grapevine was abuzz with rumours of Manisha Koirala's marriage being on the rocks.

That she was heading back to Mumbai, as she could not adjust to the life of domesticity with her businessman husband Samrat Dahal.

She, however, confirms, "I am very much in Nepal. But I will not talk about my personal life. At the moment, all my friends know I need to be left alone.

I don't need to give explanations about what's going on in my life."

Interestingly, a close pal reveals, "Manisha has had to struggle against all odds to make the marriage work.

She has had to adjust not only to a life of domesticity, but also to her husband's entire family and their traditional way of life.

At one point, she almost gave up and decided to return to India, but now she wants to give her marriage one last shot."

Rumours of her return to Bollywood were sparked off when prominent filmmakers received text messages from her secretary informing them that she's open to acting offers.

"If I get a damn good project I'd be interested anytime. In fact, I'm on the verge of accepting good offers. I'll talk about it only after they materialise," she says.

As for relocating to India, the actress says, "I travel to Mumbai because I've a home there. I was there recently for just two days."

Shoaib Akhtar’s ‘Controversially Yours’ released

 NEW DELHI: Former Test cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s autobiography ‘Controversially Yours’ whihc has already sparked much controversy has been released in India, Geo News reported Saturday.

The book was launched in New Delhi hotel and the ceremony was attended by Pakistan High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik.

The former fast bowler said that people should read his autobiography first to "understand his remarks" about Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, and added that they are "world class cricketers".

"I am not here to clarify anything... but facts in my book have been presented in a rather strange manner by the media here," Akhtar said responding to queries about his remarks on Tendulkar and Dravid.

Akhtar said that he respects Shah Rukh Khan but alleged that he was cheated by former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi and former PCB chairman Naseem Ashraf.

The bowler admitted to ball tampering and feels it should be legalised

14 militants killed in Orakzai, Khyber Agency

 PESHAWAR: Fourteen militants were killed and two hideouts used by the insurgents destroyed when gunship helicopters hit in Orakzai and Khyber Agency areas, official and tribal sources said.

The sources said the security forces targeted militant sanctuaries in Dabori, Ali Khel, Mamuzai and Malakhel areas of Orakzai Agency. As a result of shelling and bombling, ten militants were killed and two refuge compounds were destroyed.

Four extremists were also killed in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency where security forces bombed their hideouts

President Zardari summons NA session on Oct 3

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned the National Assembly (NA) session on October 3 here, Geo News reported Saturday.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has advised the President to summon the session to discuss national security situation, a statement from the PM house said.

The session, being held following a series of allegations by senior US officials will focus on the security situation and the challenges confronting the country

Qawwal Maqbool Sabri’s funeral shortly

KARACHI: Noted qawwal Maqbool Ahmed Sabri’s funeral prayers will be said in Paposhnagar, Nazimabad at 3 pm and will be buried in the local graveyard, Geo News reported Saturday.

Sabri 66 passed away due to heart problem in South Africa on Wednesday. He was suffering from heart disease and was under treatment at a hospital there.

Maqbool was born on Oct 12, 1945 in Kalyana

Motorway police official kills friend in Karachi

KARACHI: Motorway police official shot dead his friend during the fight in Clifton area of the city. Wounded police sub inspector has been arrested from Jinnah hospital.

According to the police, incident took place when police sub inspector had a fight with his friend in a flat located in Clifton block 4 area of the metropolis.

During the fight police sub inspector also received bullets in his hand after which he rushed to Jinnah hospital for medical treatment. He told hospital administration that he received bullets from his own gun incidentally.

Police arrested sub inspector Ahmad Afridi and recover pistol from his possession, however case has not yet been registered in police station.

KESC warns of further loadshedding

 KARACHI: While the citizens of Karachi continued to bear up to 10 hours long power loadshedding, the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) on Friday warned the public to increase the loadshedding duration due to "further cut in gas supply".

In a statement on Friday, the KESC strongly condemned the "unilateral" SSGC decision to cut the gas supply to the power utility by 20 MMCFD, saying that it would add to the hardships of 20 million people of Karachi already facing extensive power failures.

"Continuing short supply of gas had already forced shutdown of gas-fired generation units, doubling loadshedding duration as a result. The mounting public anger and mob attacks at the utility's business and maintenance offices has become a big issue for the KESC, and the SSGC is actually responsible (for the situation)."

The KESC apprehended that public reaction might worsen with the fresh SSGC reduction of 20 MMCFD in gas supply. "This crisis could be avoided; the SSGC could be better off financially and operationally by implementing the June 30 Cabinet decision on gas load management."

They reiterated the offer to pay double the amount of cash every day for every molecule of gas above 200 MMCFD; half of it going to arrears.

While contradicting the SSGC claim of outstanding amount, the KESC said that since the meeting at the Governor House on July 29, the power utility had paid almost Rs15 billion to the SSGC and PSO combined, including Rs3.2 billion for the past arrears

Rupee weakens; o/n rates flat

 KARACHI: In the currency market, on Friday, rupee weakened to 87.57/64 to the dollar, compared with the previous day's close of 87.53/58 to the dollar, amid higher import payments.

The rupee hit a record low of 87.92 to the dollar last week and dealers expect the pressure to continue after reports Pakistan will not seek a new loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Increases in import payments and a negative economic outlook will also continue to keep the local unit under pressure, dealers say.

The IMF also projected Pakistan's GDP growth for 2011/12 fiscal year at 3.8 percent, compared with the government's target of 4.2 percent.

In the money market, overnight rates were flat at the top level of 13.40 percent, unchanged from the previous day's close, despite a reverse-repo in which the central bank bought back 267 billion rupees ($3.05 billion), against scheduled outflows of 210 billion rupees. (Reuters)

Asian markets slump for second day

 HONG KONG: Asian markets plummeted for a second straight day Friday and the dollar rose against regional units on growing fears that the global economy is on the verge of slipping back into recession.

Tokyo gave up 2.07 percent by the break, Seoul dived 4.35 percent, Hong Kong was 1.81 percent lower, Sydney lost 1.08 percent and Taiwan slumped 3.79 percent while Shanghai was 0.46 percent lower.

The Asian sell-off followed heavy losses in the United States and Europe, which were caused by the Federal Reserve's comments on Wednesday that the US economy faced "significant downside risks", with the economy struggling with slow growth, high unemployment and a depressed housing market.

The warning came after the Fed announced a $400 billion plan to boost the economy that would see it shift its shorter-term debt portfolio to longer-term bonds in a bid to lower long-term interest rates, a move that disappointed markets.

On Wall Street the Dow slumped 3.51 percent - marking its worst two-day fall since November 2008 - the S&P 500 sank 3.19 percent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite shed 3.25 percent.

The Fed's forecast piled the pressure on already nervous investors, who were selling assets earlier in the week amid fears Greece is on the verge of default, which could spread to other economies and lead to another global financial crisis.

"The selloff in risk assets threatens to become disorderly," Tim Condon, economist at ING, told Dow Jones Newswires.

The dollar extended its rise against regional currencies as dealers shifted their attention away from risker assets.

The Australian dollar was at 98.31 US cents, from $1.0017 late Thursday. The Aussie hit a record high above $1.10 just two months ago.

The greenback, which in recent months was languishing near record lows against several Asian currencies, was up at Sg$1.3017 from Sg$1.2878, to 1,194.47 South Korean won from 1,179.57 and to Tw$30.61 from Tw$30.34.

The euro edged up to $1.3546, from $1.3464 late Thursday in New York, while it was also at 103.21 yen, from 102.64.

The dollar fetched 76.20 yen, from 76.25 yen.

On oil markets New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate for November extended its losses, dropping $1.09 to $81.60 in morning Asian trade, and Brent North Sea crude for November tumbled 0.85 cents to $106.34.

Gold fetched $1,747.10 an ounce by 0200 GMT, down from the $1,765.40 it was at by 0900 GMT Thursday. (AFP)

Dollar keeps strength amid market panic

 SINGAPORE: The dollar extended gains Friday thanks to its reputation as a safe haven during crises, as turmoil sparked by fears of another recession churned global markets for a second day.

The euro recovered from 10-year lows but the global outlook remained bleak after the US central bank warned of significant risks to the world's biggest economy and as the eurozone struggled to prevent Greece's debt crisis from spiralling out of control.

Strikes swept across Greece on Thursday amid new budget cuts, with doubts growing that the government can implement new EU-IMF measures needed to secure funds and avert a debt default.

In morning Asian trade, the dollar was up at 76.2275 yen from 76.20 yen in late New York trade Thursday.

Japanese financial markets were closed for a public holiday.

The greenback also rose to Sg$1.3017 from Sg$1.2878, to 1,194.47 South Korean won from 1,179.57 and to Tw$30.6070 from Tw$30.34.

The commodities-linked Australian dollar was also trading sharply lower on Friday, falling to 97.88 US cents, well down on its close of 100.18 cents the day before.

Since breaching parity in October last year the currency has rallied consistently near or above the US$1.00 mark, hitting a record of US$1.1081 in July.

Asian shares were also tumbling Friday, mirroring falls in US and European stock markets.

"The dollar has already strengthened quite a fair bit, and the trend will continue for a while," said Simon Teo, a senior currency dealer at Phillip Futures in Singapore.

"Europe still has a lot of problems, pushing the euro currency lower. With the US dollar strengthening, it has a double effect on the euro."

The euro was trading at $1.3522 in morning trade, up from 1.3470 late Thursday in New York. It was changing hands at 103.0379 yen, after sinking to a 10-year low of 102.60 yen.

Singapore's DBS Bank said the world is looking for leadership from the ongoing International Monetary Fund-World Bank annual meetings in Washington which gathers the world's finance chiefs and central bank governors.

"Needless to say, market sentiment is at its most fragile since (the) Lehman crisis," DBS said, referring to the collapse in late 2008 of US investment bank Lehman Brothers, sparking a global financial crisis that lasted well into 2009.

"More than ever, markets now need to see global leaders holding each other's hands, and not pointing fingers at each other, to help restore stability to global financial markets and return the world to its recovery path." (AFP)

IMF sees Pakistan’s FY11 GDP at 3.8pc

 KARACHI: Pakistan’s GDP growth rate will hover around 3.8 and inflation about 12 percent, Geo News reported Thursday.

International Monetary Fund’s recently released (IMF) Annual Report 2011 says Pakistan’s economy is likely to grow at 3.8 percent.

Report adds that country may chase a growth target of 4.2 percent, which is 0.4 percent short of the target fixed.

Moreover, Pakistan’s Current Account Balance is seen going down by 1.7 percent.

Mullen’s Haqqani statement baseless: COAS

Updated at: 1946 PST,  Friday, September 23, 2011  RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said the statement of Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding links with the Haqqani network is against facts, Geo News reported. COAS Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, in a statement, termed these accusations as very unfortunate and not based on facts. This is especially disturbing in view of a rather constructive meeting with Admiral Mullen in Spain, he said. On the specific question of contacts with Haqqanis, the COAS said that Admiral Mullen knows fully well which all countries are in contact with the Haqqanis. Singling out Pakistan is neither fair nor productive, the statement said. ‘Categorically denying the accusations of proxy war and ISI support to Haqqanis, the COAS wished that, the blame game in public statements should give way to a constructive and meaningful engagement for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, an objective to which Pakistan is fully committed.’

World wants to see Indo-Pak play: Saqlain

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq, believes that the rival of Indo-Pak cricket series will be great as the entire world wants to see India and Pakistan play for the sheer passion the players show.

There are talks that Indo-Pak cricket could be revived with India hosting a series in February-March 2012.

“I personally feel that India and Pakistan should start a series on the lines of Ashes. But lets wait for the ties to resume first," Mushtaq said.

Talking about Indian team's performance on the England tour, Mushtaq said, 'It was the failure of the team and you cannot just blame the spinners. You didn't have runs on the board and, in such scenario, the spinners can’t gamble".

“The conditions were pacer-friendly and, as one saw, it was the pacers who did the trick for the hosts. So I don't think it would be right to blame the spinners alone,"
Mushtaq said that he thinks India's performance in England was an overall failure and no specific department should be blamed. "The injuries made things worse for India as they could not field a full-strength. I am sure that if India did not have injury problems, the outcome would have been different.

In fact, I am sure that things will be different when England visits India next month. India should have all their players fit and the conditions will also favour them," he said.

Mathews' ton gets S Lanka 157-run lead over Aussies

 COLOMBO: Angelo Mathews scored his maiden test hundred to give Sri Lanka a handy first-innings lead of 157 against Australia on the fourth day of the third and final Test on Monday.

Mathews, unbeaten on 85 overnight, was stuck nervously in the nineties as he lost three partners in quick succession but finally got across the elusive 100-mark with a cover-driven four off Peter Siddle.

Mathews, on 95 when the ninth wicket fell, would have tothank last man Suranga Lakmal for hanging around for 37 minutes to help him get to his century.

The 24-year old all-rounder, who had twice been dismissed in the nineties in his 16-Test career, jumped into the air to celebrate his century and was warmly applauded by his team mates in the dressing room.

Australia made early inroads into the Sri Lankan batting on Monday when Siddle breached the defence of debutant Saminda Eranga (12) and trapped Rangana Herath (3) leg before.

Chanaka Welegedara (1) was run out after a misunderstanding with Mathews that saw both batsmen stuck at the non-strikers end.

Siddle, who replaced the injured Ryan Harris for the final Test, was Australia's best bowler, finishing with four wickets for 91.

Australian were 16-0 in their second innings, with Shane Watson and Phil Hughes at the crease at lunch.

Australia lead the three-Test series 1-0.

Hughes leads Aussies fight back against Sri Lanka

 COLOMBO: Phil Hughes hit timely form as Australia fought hard to wriggle out of a tight corner in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday.

Hughes was unbeaten on 78 as the tourists, trailing by 157 runs on the first innings, moved to 127-2 in their second knock at tea on the fourth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

Michael Clarke's Australia need to bat out a major part of the last four sessions to draw the match and win the series 1-0 on the back of a 125-run victory in the first Test in Galle.

Hughes had walked to the crease in danger of losing his spot in the team after failing to score a half-century since an unbeaten 86 against New Zealand in March last year.

The left-handed opener responded with an aggressive knock that contained 11 boundaries and a six.

Hughes contributed 36 in an opening stand of 62 with Shane Watson, who fell leg-before to Rangana Herath for 21 when a TV review overturned umpire Tony Hill's decision to reprieve the batsman.

Shaun Marsh added 60 for the second wicket with Hughes when he was given out by Hill, caught at short-leg off Herath, even though replays showed the ball made no contact with the bat.

Former captain Ricky Ponting, who replaced Marsh, had yet to score.

Sri Lanka, needing a win to draw the series, gained a sizeable lead through a maiden Test century from vice-captain Angelo Mathews.

Mathews returned unbeaten on 105 as the hosts added 45 runs to their overnight score of 428-6 before they were all out for 473 shortly before lunch on the fourth day.

Fast bowler Peter Siddle claimed two of the last four Sri Lankan wickets to finish with 4-91 from 35 overs. Trent Copeland and Mitchell Johnson picked up two wickets each.

Siddle bowled Shaminda Eranga for 12 and trapped Herath leg-before for three within the first hour.

Mathews was stranded on 95 when Sri Lanka lost their ninth wicket, but the right-hander reached the coveted century by driving Siddle to the cover fence for his 10th boundary.

The 24-year-old has been one of Sri Lanka's few batting stars in the series, having made 95 in the first Test and 58 in the drawn second game.

Last man Suranga Lakmal contributed 13 in a 10th-wicket stand of 23 with Mathews before he was bowled by Johnson.