Two killed as pilgrims' bus attacked in Quetta

The armed men managed to escape from the site where similar attacks have been carried out against pilgrims in the past as well.— DawnNews screengrab

QUETTA: At least two Hazara men were killed and another wounded after unknown assailants opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims near the Chandni Chowk area in Quetta's Satelite Town on Monday.

The bus, carrying pilgrims belonging to the Shia Hazara community, was travelling from Quetta to Taftan, a town on the border of Iran.

A large number of security and rescue personnel reached the spot, which is situated in the outskirts of the provincial capital city of Balochistan province.

Rescue workers shifted the victims to the Civil Hospital Quetta for treatment.

The armed men managed to escape from the site where similar attacks have been carried out against pilgrims in the past as well.

PM seeks report

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He directed authorities to provide best medical treatment to the injured.

The premier also sought a report into the attack and instructed for the immediate arrest of the culprits. He reiterated government's resolve in eradicating the menace of terrorism and extremism from the country.

Balochistan has been under the grip of violence for more than a decade.

Scores of people have lost their lives in attacks related to Baloch separatists and recent sectarian suicide bombings and targeted killings.

Additional reporting by Irfan Haider

10 alternatives to lawn this summer

There are loads of alternatives in prêt market , ranging from the minimalist to the print-happy.

If you actually manage to get your tailor to stitch your lawn, designer lawn has its perks. You get a customised fit and it’s a full 3-piece look with no mix and matching required. However, after a while all those designer lawns start to blur together and eventually there’s an overkill of print and embroidery.

Luckily the Pakistani prêt market has come along in leaps and bounds over recent years. There are loads of alternatives, ranging from the minimalist to the print-happy. You don’t have to stick to fussy designer lawns to keep your cool in the summer heat.

1. Generation:

One of the oldest prêt brands, Generation has seen a recent revival. Their various collections this season, including the denim collection and the Moroccan Whites collection have been very successful. The denim collection in particular took an international trend and turned it into attractive Pakistani daywear.

Three picks from Generation. — Photo courtesy: Generation's Facebook page

2. Sapphire:

A super hit from the time they opened their doors, Sapphire’s prêt has quickly become a staple. Their outfits are high quality, stylish and affordable — a combination that’s hard to beat. Khadijah Shah as creative head has hit the right balance between wearability and style. Fast fashion at its best.

Sapphire. — Photo courtesy: Sapphire's Facebook page

3. Khaadi:

Khaadi is practically a Pakistani prêt institution, with fans of all ages. With a variety of styles, great fit, a bright signature and attractive prices Khaadi is justly popular. It’s a brand that has made the transition to the international market while remaining relevant to locals.

Outfits by Khaadi. — Photo courtesy: Khaadi's website

4. Daaman:

With a minimalist aesthetic and interesting silhouettes,Daaman’s range is a cut above standard high street prêt. It’s a refreshing change from the prints and embroidery favoured by other brands, and the look is chic and modern.

Outfits by Daaman. — Photo courtesy: Daaman's website

5. Sana Safinaz:

Sana Safinaz entered the prêt market with a bang in 2013 but saw a little dip as customers tired of the print with embroidery look. Their latest collections have upped the variety factor and the brand has been boosted by the introduction of their new Basics range. With Basics kurtas retailing at between Rs2,490 to Rs2,990, the range has been a major daywear hit.

Basics by Sana Safinaz. — Photo courtesy: Sana Safinaz's website

6. Working Woman

The newly re-launched Working Woman brand has always been known for its classic understated look. The brand's signature look features single colour shirts with elegant detailing but Working Woman has also introduced a print range and an evening wear range. Both are typically understated – perfect for the woman who wants variety without gaudiness.

Three looks by Working Woman. — Photo courtesy: Working Woman's website

7. Coco by Zara Shahjahan

Zara Shahjahan’s Coco brand is both reasonably priced and creative. Her quirky prints have an unmistakable charm and the outfits have a fun, boho vibe. Coco is doubly attractive because it has the Zara Shahjahan signature without the designer price tag.

Coco. — Photo courtesy: Coco's Facebook page

8. Sania Maskatiya

Sania Maskatiya’s lawn for Al-Karam is one of this year’s major hits but her signature cotton prêt range at her own store is also brilliant. Noticeably different to her lawn, Sania’s prêt features original prints and luxe details.

Three looks from Sania Maskatiya.— Photo courtesy: Sania Maskatiya's website

9. Satrangi by Bonanza

Satrangi has been making waves with one of this year’s most attractive campaigns, the Sweet Escape campaign. It’s not just the campaign though – the collection is vibrant and different. Striking and summery with folk overtones, it’s very different from designer lawn. Bonanza, like Generation and Khaadi, has the added advantage of great fitting. Definitely worth a closer look

Kurtis from Bonanza. — Photo courtesy: Bonanza's website

10. Threads and Motifs

Threads and Motifs was initially a game-changer of embroidered fabric. Although there are now many alternatives, they continue to turn out quality designs and their cotton range is worth a closer look. With intricate embroidery on pure cotton lawn or chikan fabric, Threads & Motifs is a formal, feminine alternative to print-laden designer lawn. They sell both fabric and custom-stitched shirts, which is an added advantage.

Threads and Motifs. — Photo courtesy: Threads and Motifs' website

Apart from these, high street giants Gul Ahmed, Al Karam and Nishat all do excellent prêt ranges. Designers like Ayesha Farook Hashwani and Nida Azwer also have interesting cotton formal-wear. There are plenty of options if you want to stand out from the lawn-wearing crowd.

With 44 killed, more rains forecast in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: At least 44 people were killed and more than 200 wounded when a mini-cyclone, described by Met Office as the third worst in the country's history, struck Peshawar and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday.

Most of the victims were women and children as torrential rains lashed Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera and other areas of the province causing roofs to cave in and walls to collapse.

Also read: Abnormal rain, hailstorm expected in April: Met Office

Rescuers rushed victims to hospitals as roads submerged in water hindered their operations. Ambulances and rescue vehicles found it difficult to enter into some areas due to fallen trees and electric poles. Residents carried some of the injured on their backs to cars heading to hospitals.

An emergency has been declared at all local hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Most of the victims were shifted to Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital. As the number of casualties kept increasing LRH could not cope with the influx of injured and, therefore, fresh arrivals were taken to the Khyber Teaching Hospital.

While extending his condolences on the loss of life and property due to the torrential rains, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif approved a package of Rs500,000 for the family of each deceased person and Rs50,000 for each person injured.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan's wife Reham Khan also visited victims. While speaking to media representatives, Khan said that "we stand by the affectees in their hour of need". She added that most of the victims sustained head injuries and they are being provided with the best medical facilities - DawnNews screengrab

Two army battalions have been deployed in the affected areas for rescue and relief work.

A huge shed at the toll plaza on the motorway was also torn away by the strong winds.The severe storm uprooted trees, blew away billboards, and damaged power transmission lines, causing a blackout. Many areas were without power in parts of Peshawar and Charsadda districts.

Met Office has forecast more showers in the next 24 hours.

Torrential rainfall resulted in accumulation of three feet deep water in some areas.

AFP quoted Mushtaq Ali Shah, director of the provincial meteorological department, as saying that the storm was a “mini- cyclone”.

He added that the cyclone had lost speed but heavy rainfall was likely in the province’s northern districts.

Pakistan typically experiences such rains during its monsoon season in June and July.

Rain, hail lash twin cities, flights suspended

Dark grey clouds eclipsed the morning sun in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday as heavy rain with thunder and lightning lashed the twin cities in the last 24 hours.

The Meteorological department recorded 22 millimetres of rain in Islamabad and 7mm in Rawalpindi.

The weather in the capital and adjoining areas also affected the flights schedule at Benazir Bhutto International Airport.Mercury in the area dropped as hail pelted on the twin cities and gusty winds blew.

According to Flight Inquiry service, flights planned for departure to eight different cities of the country have been suspended and several others delayed as a result of the pouring rain.

A Pakistani man runs for cover from heavy rain in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Monday, April 27, 2015. —AP

Rs13mn available for rescue: KP Information Minister

Speaking to a press conference, Provincial Information Minister Mushtaq Ghani said the Deputy Commissioner Peshawar has Rs13 million available to be used for the aid of those affected by the severe weather.

He said 10 teams have been formed to carry out operations to rescue the people affected by the torrential rains.

Ghani lauded the performance of Rescue 1122 who he said reached the victims at the cost of their lives and treated them on the spot.

He said the calamity that hit the province was unanticipated and natural, hence there was a need to remain united in providing assistance to those affected.

Imran Khan endorses call for ‘overhaul’ of PCB, domestic circuit

KARACHI: Pakistan's legendary former captain Imran Khan has endorsed calls for overhaul of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the structure of domestic cricket in the country, saying things had ‘hit rock bottom’.

In a series of tweets lambasting the PCB, Imran also blamed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for the mess in the cricket board and backed calls by former International Cricket Council's (ICC) chief, Pakistan's Ehsan Mani's suggestions on how cricket in the country could be saved.

“Since 80s I have been saying Pakistan's domestic cricket structure is deeply flawed [and] needs to be overhauled,” Imran tweeted.

“Pakistan cricket has hit rock bottom. PCB chief [Shahryar Khan] and ex-ICC chief [Ehsan Mani] are also pointing out that domestic structure needs overhauling,” he said.

“Nawaz Sharif appointed a journalist with no cricket credentials,” he said.The former captain blamed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for what he called the “mess in PCB”.

“Professionals should be entrusted with the job of handling affairs of the Pakistan Cricket Board,” Mani said.Dismayed by Pakistan historic whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh, Mani, on Sunday, sounded the alarm bells over the current scenario and called for a major overhaul of the PCB.

Mani said there was a desperate need to change the domestic setup and added if things continued as they were, Pakistan's future was bleak.

“I don’t want to pinpoint individuals. My only point of view is that the PCB is in need of a major overhaul ... We have to make a five-year plan besides focusing on school, college and club cricket.

“But, what is going on here? There has been no focus on domestic cricket ... Probably, we have been on top in dropping catches in this World Cup,” the former ICC chief said.

Nepal hospitals overflowing, rural towns cut off: aid groups

HONG KONG: Aid groups and governments worldwide intensified efforts Sunday to help earthquake-hit Nepal, but blocked roads, downed power lines and overcrowded hospitals posed formidable challenges in an already poor country.

As the death toll in the Himalayan nation surpassed 2,300, the US together with European and Asian nations sent emergency crews to reinforce those scrambling to find survivors in the devastated capital Kathmandu and in cut-off rural areas.

"Tragically, more bodies are being pulled from collapsed buildings every hour," the Australian Red Cross said in a statement.

"Communication is down in many areas. Widespread destruction, rubble and landslides are preventing access to provide aid in many villages."

Mike Bruce, regional communications manager for the Plan International aid organisation, said many areas -- both rural and in some of the larger towns -- had suffered landslides and roads were blocked.

Although mobile networks appeared to be being restored by mid-afternoon on Sunday, he said, coverage remained sporadic.

"People are sleeping on the streets and cooking outside for the most part. And we are talking about very, very poor areas of Nepal -- areas that are already suffering a great deal," said Bruce.

Other aid organisations relayed fears that stocks of essential supplies were rapidly running out, and described the fearsome effects of the quake.

"We witnessed terrible scenes of destruction -- hospitals were evacuated with patients being treated on the ground outside, homes and buildings demolished and some roads cracked wide open," said Eleanor Trinchera, Caritas Australia programme coordinator for Nepal, who was an hour outside the capital when the quake struck.

A lack of electricity would soon be complicated by a scarcity of water, aid groups said, with medical supplies also dwindling, while Oxfam told AFP morgues were reaching capacity.

"Communication systems are congested and hospitals are crowded and are running out of room for storing dead bodies," Helen Szoke, the charity´s Australia chief executive, told AFP.

Survivors also slept in the open in Kathmandu overnight, braving the cold for fear of being crushed by teetering buildings.

Hundreds of structures, including office blocks and a landmark nine-storey tower, crashed to the ground at around midday on Saturday when the 7.8-magnitude quake struck.

Pakistan A beaten by Sri Lanka A in first one-day

MATARA: A ton from Kusal Perera and a half-century from Ashan Priyanjan guided Sri Lanka A to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan A in the first unofficial ODI in Matara.

Chasing 204, Sri Lanka's didn't start well as they lost Shehan Jayasuriya and Dhanuskha Gunthilaka for single digits inside six overs.

Perera then had an unbeaten 152-run partnership with Priyanjan for the third wicket. He struck 114 from 88 balls including 18 fours and a six, before retiring hurt in the 30th over.

Priyanjan played second fiddle to Perera in the partnership, scoring an unbeaten 57 from 77 balls with four fours and one six. Milinda Siriwardana and Priyanjan saw Sri Lanka home after Perera retired hurt.

Pakistan A had chosen to bat and found themselves at 66 for 3 in the 17th over. Umar Amin and Fawad Alam then put on 62 for the fourth wicket, a stand that ended with the fall of Amin's wicket, leaving them 128 for 4 in the 32nd over.

A couple of 30-plus partnerships took Pakistan past 200 but they were bowled out for 203. Their captain Alam top-scored with a 74-ball 58.

Tharindu Kaushal, Lahiru Gamage and Jayasuriya picked up two wickets each while Dushmantha Chameera ended with figures of 3 for 34.

 

Everton overpower United as Chelsea aim to close on title

LONDON: Everton made a mockery of the Premier League table as they beat Manchester United 3-0 in fine style on Sunday to dent their visitors´ hopes of direct entry into the Champions League.

Had United won on Merseyside, they would have climbed into second place.

But this defeat, their third in as many league visits to Goodison Park, left Louis van Gaal´s side fourth in the table with four matches to play as goals from James McCarthy, John Stones and Kevin Mirallas saw Everton rise into 10th place.

Only the top three teams in the Premier League at the end of the season go straight into the first round of the Champions League, with the side finishing fourth facing the unwanted prospect of a qualifying round.

And United are not yet certain of fourth, given they lead Liverpool, who are fifth, by seven points having played a game more than their bitter rivals.

United manager van Gaal said his side, who´ve now lost eight league matches this season, had been out-fought by Everton.

"We have always had more fighting spirit on the pitch and I think that this is the first match that the other team have shown more of that than us," the Dutchman told Sky Sports.

"This was the first match when I saw a team that was more motivated and aggressive than us. It is not good, but we are human beings." (AFP)