The News

Younis brings Pakistan back from the dead




By Khalid Hussain

MOHALI, India: It was the sort of match that gives a player the chance to become a national hero and Younis Khan made the most of it.

It seemed that the fireworks that lit up the Punjab Cricket Stadium here on Thursday night were there to celebrate that achievement. Younis brought back Pakistan from the dead with a memorable 117 and together with Misbah-ul-Haq (49) and Shahid Afridi (29 not out) gave his countrymen at least something to cheer about.

The Mardan-born batsman dedicated his third ODI ton, and the first against India, to his late coach Bob Woolmer and also believed that his innings and more importantly Pakistan’s series-levelling triumph would send a wave of happiness back home where a week of emergency rule has created quite a havoc.

“It is an important innings for me, perhaps the most memorable of my (ODI) career,” Younis told reporters after the second one-dayer against India. “I dedicate it to Woolmer. He was a good coach who worked hard on us and we all miss him.”

He added, “I believe this win will also make the entire Pakistani nation happy because of the way we won this match and that it came against India.”

FEATURES
Send Greetings
Jang Community
Fashion Archive
Magazine Archive

FINANCE
Currency Rates
KSE Index
Bullion Rates
Prize Bonds
Forex - Bank
Forex - Open



India bars Kashmiris from performing Hajj



HELD SRINAGAR: Indian authorities said on Thursday they had barred 300 Kashmiri Muslims from making this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia because they allegedly had ties to rebels.

"Some 300 would-be pilgrims have failed to clear the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) investigations," Indian Kashmir's Hajj Minister Peerzada Mohammed Sayeed told reporters. All Indian Muslims intending to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a duty for all Muslims with the financial and physical means, are vetted by the country's security agencies.

A senior police officer told AFP that those who were barred - including separatist politicians - were found to have links to rebels. Security officials argue that Indian Kashmiris may use the annual event, which is expected to take place in December, to link up with their Pakistani contacts.