ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday put up yet another spirited defence against attacks from opposition legislators who criticised the proposed budgetary allocations in their cut motions. Responding to queries about the government’s plans to clear circular debt of over Rs500 billion within 60 days, and the ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr Dar told the National Assembly in categorical terms that there was no plan to print currency notes to clear the liability.
Arthur sacked as Australia coach: report
SYDNEY: Mickey Arthur has been sacked as coach of Australia just two weeks ahead of the start of the Ashes series against England after a series of poor results and a string of disciplinary issues in the squad, local media reported on Monday. Cricket Australia said they would be holding a news conference in Bristol, England, later on Monday, where chief executive James Sutherland would “discuss the coaching structure of the Australian team”.
Jennifer Lopez gets 2,500th Hollywood star
LOS ANGELES: Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez was honored Thursday with the 2,500th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, joined by celebrities including Jane Fonda and watched by screaming fans. “I really am overwhelmed,” she said at the ceremony on Tinseltown’s star-studded sidewalk, a tourist favorite. “This all feels, I don’t know, kind of surreal, but so real. It’s awesome.”
Acid attack on Pashto actress in Nowshera
PESHAWAR: A Pashto actress, Shazia Aziz, suffered critical burns after a producer named, Shaukat, threw acid on her in Nowshera. According to sources, Shazia was at home, when Shaukat forced his way in, around 3 am, and allegedly asked her to marry him. On Shazia’s refusal, Shaukat threw acid on her and escaped leaving the empty can behind.
Peace committee member killed in IED attack in Bajaur Agency
KHAR: A member of the peace committee has been killed and another person was injured in a remote controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in Bajaur Agency’s area, Chamarkand, official said. Political administration officials confirmed that the peace committee member Khater Jan was targeted with a remote controlled IED near Bar Chamarkand when he was inspecting the site of an earlier explosion.
Interest rate reduced by 50bps
KARACHI: Announcing the monetary policy on Friday, the State Bank slashed the policy interest rate by 50 basis points to 9 per cent.The rate was revised primarily in the wake of declining inflation and poor credit off-take by the private sector.According to the SBP, power shortages and poor security continue to be strong impediments to growth. The absence of foreign financial inflows and high fiscal borrowings from the banking system were seen as formidable economic challenges.
Mourning across Pakistan on MQM’s appeal over MPA killing
KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced three days of mourning throughout Pakistan in protest of the killing of its lawmaker Sajid Qureshi and his young son on Friday. According to TV channel reports, the Taliban claimed responsibility for killing the MPA. Sajid Qureshi, 52, was coming out of a mosque in North Nazimabad after Friday prayers when three gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on him. His 28-year-old son Waqas was also killed when he rushed to help his father, SSP Central Amir Farooqi said.
India cruise into final at Sri Lanka’s expense
CARDIFF: World champions India thrashed Sri Lanka by eight wickets at Cardiff on Thursday to set up a Champions Trophy final against tournament hosts England at Edgbaston on Sunday.India, chasing a modest target of 182, finished on 182 for two with 15 overs to spare to set up a final against England, who beat South Africa by seven wickets at The Oval on Wednesday.
Oil prices flat in Asia
SINGAPORE: Oil was flat in Asia on Friday amid an extended sell-off in equities on concerns over the US central bank ending its multi-billion dollar economic stimulus measures, as well as poor Chinese manufacturing data, analysts said. New York’s main contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light sweet crude for delivery in August, was flat at $95.40 a barrel in morning trade and Brent North Sea crude for August delivery added five cents to $102.20.
Robert Downey Jr signs on for 2 more ‘Avengers’ films
NEW YORK: Robert Downey Jr has signed up for two more “Avengers” films.Marvel announced Thursday that the actor will reprise his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark for “The Avengers 2? and “The Avengers 3.” Downey Jr. has played the character in a trilogy of “Iron Man” films, as well as the first superhero ensemble “Avengers” film, which made $2.7 billion worldwide.
