Monday, 31 March 2014

From stars to star moms

Here are some Hollywood and Bollywood actors who give preference to their duties in real life than onscreen.
NEW DELHI: Be it Hollywood or Bollywood, actors invest their sweat and blood to achieve success and stardom. But once many of these glam girls tie the knot and have children, they prefer to be hands-on mothers. Their domestic duties often precede their decision to take up meaty roles and make picture-perfect red carpet appearances.
Here is a list of some of the star moms who are enjoying domesticity and give preference to their duties in real life than on reel.
Julia Roberts
The Oscar-winning actor is the mother of nine-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus and six-year-old Henry. She is okay with doing one movie a year as her children still need her to be around. She has no qualms about it as the Pretty Woman star has already made a mark in the film industry. She was last seen in the Oscar-nominated film August: Osage County in 2013.
Karisma Kapoor
The actor, who entered the film industry as a teenager, used to feature in multiple films in a year. But after she became a mother in 2005, her presence on the silver screen began to decrease and she has no regrets. She was last seen in the 2012 film Dangerous Ishq, which was a well-publicised comeback, but not a successful one. She remains a devoted mother to daughter Samaira and son Kiaan, and has also penned a book on women.
Sonali Bendre
She made a comeback with Once Upon A Time Again and declared that her first priority is motherhood and if she would get any time after taking care of her family, only then will she take up any work.
Kajol
Ever since the Baazigar star gave birth to her daughter Nysa in 2003, her fans have seen less of her on the big screen. Kajol, who has a son too (Yug), made it clear that children are her priority. She recently said in an interview that she can’t dump them and go off to work. Like every mother, she feels her children need her attention. Wife of Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, Kajol feels that since he acts in at least four films a year, she is required to be at home to spend time with their children.
Kate Winslet
While many stars worked hard to get back in shape post pregnancy, the Titanic star and mother of three chose to spend time with her children rather than sweating out in a gym. Winslet, who gave birth to her third child last year, said that she wants to be healthy and around for her children rather than concentrate on getting a flat stomach.
Victoria Beckham
The life of former Spice Girls’ band member and now fashion designer revolves around her four children, sons Brooklyn Joseph, Romeo James, Cruz David and daughter Harper Seven. She has people to handle her tight schedule, so that she can devote a considerable amount of time to her children. She plans everything around festivities, such as a parents’ night, nativity play or an Easter bonnet parade, so that she can always be there for her kids

Aamir, Ajay, Sonakshi win Golden Kela Awards

Golden Kela Awards are a satirical take on Bollywood winners of the worst performances are selected each year by an online poll and receive an award in the shape of a golden banana. PHOTO: FILE
NEW DEHLI: Actors Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha were announced the worst actors of 2013 at the Golden Kela Awards. Even Aamir Khan won an award for his performance in Dhoom 3.
Ajay won the worst actor award for Himmatwala, which was also named the worst film and Sonakshi was cited for R…Rajkumar.
“In Bollywood today, the box office figures have no correlation to the quality of the film. Our sincerest hope is that 10 years down the line, the figures will be forgotten, while the Kelas they got are remembered,” Anant Singh, creative head of Golden Kela Awards, said in a statement.
The honour for the Worst Actor in Supporting Role went to Aditya Roy Kapoor for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandes and Amisha Patel jointly won the Worst Supporting Actor (female) for Race 2. As part of the special awards, Deepika also won Dara Singh award for the worst accent for Chennai Express. The Kela for the Worst Director went to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Goliyon Ki Raas Leela…Ram Leela. The Baawra Ho Gaya Hai Kya (Have You Lost Your Mind) Award went to Aamir Khan for Dhoom 3.
“Aamir Khan once said that he loves the Kela Awards, because all other awards are rigged. Wonder what he has to say about us now,” quipped Singh.
Dhoom 3 also shared the Ra One Award for Worst Premise with Krrish 3. Voters chose Party All Night from Boss as most irritating song.
There were Anti-Kela awards too, honouring some of Bollywood’s good efforts. They were given to four outstanding films — Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns, Go Goa GoneThe Lunchbox and Shahid

English Premier League: Pellegrini credits ‘good week’ despite draw

Chelsea’s 1-0 loss at Palace meant that victory at the Emirates Stadium would have sent City top on goal difference, but they remain third. PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON: Manuel Pellegrini is convinced Manchester City have enjoyed a ‘good week’ despite failing to take an opportunity to go top of the Premier League.
Chelsea’s surprise 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday gave City the chance to move above them, and Liverpool, with a win at Arsenal.
David Silva’s first-half goal put them on course to do just that but they had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw when Mathieu Flamini equalised for the hosts.
But considering that only one team – Aston Villa on the opening day – has won at Arsenal in the Premier League, Pellegrini was not too disappointed to add only a point to a 5-0 home win over Fulham a week ago and Tuesday’s impressive 3-0 victory at fallen champions Manchester United.
“Four points from United and Arsenal, when both games were away, is a good week for us,” said the Chilean.
“Of course we could be more happy if we won today [Saturday] — and we had, especially in the first half, the chances to do so.
“We had a clear chance to score a second goal but we couldn’t. Arsenal had a better second half but no chances to score apart from the goal.”
Pellegrini is convinced Arsenal are still in that category that even though they have only added two points to their tally in the past seven days, which saw them thrashed 6-0 at Chelsea and held 2-2 at home to Swansea.
“Of course they are,” he said. “In football, if mathematics allows you to win then you have the chance to do it.”
Wenger was also adamant that his players were not too far behind. “We will fight until the end,” he said.
Mourinho admits to title race defeat
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted defeat in the title race after his side’s loss to Palace.
A 52nd-minute own goal by Chelsea captain John Terry settled the game, prompting Mourinho to concede: “We depend too much on other results. When you depend a little, it’s possible. When you depend a lot, I don’t think it’s possible. We depend too much now. I don’t think we can win the league now.”

I was excited at the end: Serena

In a battle of the world’s top two players, the US world number one took her tally of WTA titles to 59 — including 17 grand slam triumphs. PHOTO: AFP
MIAMI: Serena Williams said she was thrilled with her victory as she snapped out of her early doldrums to roar to a record seventh Miami WTA title on Saturday with a 7-5, 6-1 win over China’s Li Na.
“I was excited at the end,” said Serena, who lives in Miami and first played the tournament as a 16-year-old.
“Obviously I wanted to have the most titles here. I guess that I’ve grown up coming to this tournament as a kid, watching so many players, and to be one of those players now is really awesome.”
In a battle of the world’s top two players, the US world number one took her tally of WTA titles to 59 — including 17 grand slam triumphs.
Trailing 4-2 in the first set, Serena fought off three break points in the seventh game only to surrender her serve for a second time on a double fault.
The seriousness of her situation woke Serena up. She won the next five games to take the set, saving a set point in the 10th game and hanging on to break Li in the 12th game that went to deuce six times.
“I really thought I could do better,” said Serena discussing being 5-2 down in the first set.
“I have been practicing all these years and I have a good return. I need to start implementing it.’”
She seized a 5-1 lead in the second set with a fierce backhand winner on her fifth break point of the game and wrapped up the contest on her first match point.
‘I don’t think I was playing badly’
Even though Li Na, reigning Australian Open champion, lost her 10th consecutive match against Williams, she said she was still satisfied with her performance in the final.
“I don’t think I was playing badly,” said Li. “I think it was a pretty good match.”
“At 5-2 up or after 5-all, I think I did exactly the same, so really there’s nothing to say because I did the best I could.”
Li’s only victory in the 12 meetings against Serena was back in 2008, but Serena said she always feels challenged by her.
“We just have this never say die attitude,” said the 32-year-old Serena. “It just goes to show that you can still shine at any age.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2014.
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Davis Cup: Aisam predicts tough tie against Philippines

Aisam had a disappointing run in the Miami Open this month, but said he was now looking forward to representing the country in the Philippines. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
KARACHI: Tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi is set to play for the first time in Manila in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone II tie against the Philippines on April 4.
Aisam had a disappointing run in the Miami Open this month, but said he was now looking forward to representing the country in the Philippines.
However, he added that it would be a difficult task to win the tie in the host country.
“I’ve never played in the Philippines before,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “I only know that their top player Treat Huey is in the squad because I played against him in Sydney earlier this year.
“I don’t know about other Philippine players as yet. However, it’s going to be interesting to represent Pakistan there; it’ll be a new experience for me.”
Aisam further stated that Pakistan have lost their previous three encounters against the Philippines in Manila and therefore he was aware that it would be a tough ordeal.
“If they’ve won three previous ties then it means that they have better players. I’ve also been told that the weather conditions are extremely unpleasant. We’ll also be playing on a claycourt surface, which has never been our favourite.”
Pakistan have played six ties against the Philippines before; however they’ve only won once back in 1974 in a match that was played in Lahore. Earlier, Pakistan outplayed Vietnam 3-2 in their first-round tie.
PTF makes last minute change
The Pakistan Tennis Federation has made a last minute change in the squad, replacing Muhammad Abid with Samir Iftikhar.
He will join Aqeel Khan, Aisam and Yasir Khan along with coach Muhammad Khalid.
“Iftikhar’s been playing competitive tennis in the US,” said Aisam. “He is our best hope among the junior players.”
On the other hand, Aqeel said that having Aisam in the tie will strengthen the squad, but the biggest challenge would be to overcome the court and weather conditions.
“I’ve played the last three ties in Philippines and the humidity, with heat and claycourts that too in the indoor arena makes it very difficult to play.”
Aqeel, along with the rest of the squad left for manila Sunday night, while Aisam will join them on Tuesday.

Yuvraj, Ashwin help India destroy Australia

Yuvraj hit 60 off 43 balls to steer India to 159-7. PHOTO: AFP
DHAKA: Yuvraj Singh roared back to form with a pugnacious half-century and Ravichandran Ashwin grabbed 4-11 as India hammered listless Australia by 73 runs in the World Twenty20 in Dhaka on Sunday.
Yuvraj hit 60 off 43 balls to steer India to 159-7 after they were sent in to bat, before Australia collapsed in spectacular fashion to be bowled out for a paltry 86 in 16.2 overs.
India, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, topped group two of the Super-10s with four successive wins. They will meet the number two team from the other group next Friday for a place in the final.
It was Australia’s third loss in a row, leaving them at the bottom of the table along with Bangladesh.
Pakistan, who beat Bangladesh by 50 runs earlier on Sunday, will clash with the West Indies on Tuesday to decide the second semi-finalist from the group.
South Africa have made it to the knock-out round from group one, while Sri Lanka will face New Zealand in Chittagong on Monday to determine the other semi-finalist.
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he was not surprised at the ease with which Yuvraj batted after a poor run earlier in the tournament.
“We all know what kind of a player Yuvi is and this T20 format is ideal for someone to get back into form,” Dhoni said. “He gave himself time to get set at the start and then he opened out.
“There was no dew at all which helped the bowlers grip the ball well. It was a really good effort in the field. We now need a good rest before the semi-final.”
India, whose previous three wins came while batting second, were given first strike by Australian captain George Bailey and found themselves in immediate trouble.
India’s top order faltered after opener Rohit Sharma fell to part-timer Brad Hodge off the fourth ball of the innings and slipped to 66-4 by the 12th over.
Left-handed Yuvraj, who made one and 10 in the two innings he got to bat in the tournament, launched a spectacular counter-attack that included five boundaries and four sixes.
Dhoni made 24 during a fifth-wicket stand of 84 off 42 balls with Yuvraj before he was bowled by Mitchell Starc in the penultimate over.
Australia’s batting caved in under lights at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium with Glenn Maxwell emerging the top scorer with 23.
Eight batsmen failed to reach double figures against the steady Indian spin attack in which leg-spinner Amit Mishra supported Ashwin with two wickets for 13 runs.
Bailey said he was disappointed at the way this tournament was going for his Australian team.
“I don’t think we have been fans of the way we have been playing,” he said. “There was a lack of game sense on a number of occasions. I just hope we can play well against the hosts on Tuesday.”
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If Modi wins election, neighbours can expect a more muscular India

Narendra Modi. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
NEW DELHI: India will get tougher on territorial disputes with China and in its old rivalry with Pakistan if opposition leader Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister in May after a general election, two of his aides said.
Modi, a Hindu nationalist who is the front-runner to win the five-week election starting on April 7, has taken an aggressive tone against the two neighbouring nations. On the campaign trail, he has warned Beijing to shed its “mindset of expansionism” and in the past he has railed against Pakistan for attacks by Muslim militants in India.
“I swear in the name of the soil that I will protect this country,” Modi said at a rally in Arunachal Pradesh last month, a region claimed by China.
India, China and Pakistan are all nuclear powers.They are also jockeying to take positions in Afghanistan as Western troops start to withdraw from the war-torn nation after a 12-year insurgency.
Modi has painted the Congress party, which has been in power for more than 50 of the 67 years since India became independent, as weak on national security. However, the country is one of the top buyers worldwide of military hardware, purchasing about $12.7 billion in arms during 2007-2011, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, everything from basic military goods to an aircraft carrier.
Modi’s two advisers said that while his foreign policy would be muscular, it would also aim to keep a lid on regional tensions to allow a focus on reviving the economy.
“Ours will be an economy-driven foreign policy and the whole idea is to build India’s economy so solidly that you can deal with other countries on our own terms,” said a strategist involved in formulating the manifesto of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
As leader of the economic-powerhouse state of Gujarat for more than a decade, Modi has courted investment from China. As prime minister, the advisers say, he would seek to steer a course between defending India’s security interests and growing business links with the world’s second-biggest economy.
Modi has never clearly spelled out his foreign policy vision, but he has praised former BJP prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee – who ordered a series of nuclear tests in 1998 – for adopting a strategy based on both ‘Shakti’ and ‘Shanti’, Sanskrit for power and peace.
“The Chinese will understand the new PM is not a wimp and they won’t do anything adventurous,” the BJP strategist said.
Hundreds of intrusions
According to India, China has made hundreds of intrusions along their disputed border in recent years. China denies crossing into Indian territory. Adding to disquiet in India are China’s forays into the Indian Ocean and its involvement in building a string of ports stretching from Pakistan’s Gwadar to Chittagong in Bangladesh.
The BJP wants a rapid naval build-up and a firmer response to border violations. It also plans to speed up construction of roads and communication lines along the land border to narrow the gap with China’s infrastructure on the Tibetan plateau.
The advisers, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the BJP’s manifesto is still under wraps, said Modi would move quickly to lay out India’s core security interests in its neighbourhood, replacing what they dismissed as a reactive policy under the Congress party.
Topping the list will be an early settlement of the border dispute with China, an assertion of India’s primacy in the Indian Ocean, and a low tolerance of Muslim militancy that India believes is often backed by Pakistan.
“You will see a more nationalistic approach on issues relating to terrorism in our neighbourhood. It is a much more hard view of these things,” said one of the advisers.
Outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has pushed for peace with Pakistan, and had hoped to visit his birthplace in Pakistan’s Punjab province in a final gesture of reconciliation before leaving office.
But his efforts were stymied by opposition at home over Islamabad’s failure to act against those India holds responsible for masterminding a 2008 attack on the city of Mumbai in which 166 people were killed by 10 gunmen from Pakistan.
Rajiv Dogra, a former Indian ambassador to Pakistan, expects a more forceful policy under a BJP government, both because of domestic pressure and an uncertain regional environment as the United States pulls out troops from Afghanistan.
“So far there has been a consensus in India – irrespective of the complexion and change in government – on the broad foreign policy contours,” he said. “But this time, if there is a change in government, I do expect a break from that tradition.”

Rebel China village holds new elections under a cloud

A local resident votes during rain-soaked elections in the village of Wukan on March 31, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
WUKAN: Rain-drenched voters in a Chinese village which rebelled against Communist officials and held landmark democratic elections returned to the polls Monday in a ballot clouded by signs authorities are reasserting their power.
Wukan, in south China’s Guangdong province, grabbed headlines worldwide in 2011 when locals staged huge protests and drove out Communist Party officials they accused of illegal land grabs and the death of a detained local villager.
Protest leaders swept to power in free elections months later, and a poll to choose a new seven-member village committee was held Monday amid torrential downpours.
But fewer than 1,000 locals were seen by AFP casting their ballots before polls closed on Monday afternoon, a marked contrast with the excited thousands who turned out for the village’s previous exercise in democracy.
Nonetheless an announcer said 8,000 ballot papers had been claimed at the polling station, out of an electorate of more than 9,000.
Staff declined to explain the apparent discrepancy.
Officials from the nearby city government packed the area around the polling station, stoking suspicions that the election was under pressure from higher-level authorities just weeks after the detention of several former protest leaders.
Many residents of Wukan, a fishing village where locals said around 1,060 acres of land had been illegally seized and sold, have become disappointed with the committee leaders elected in 2012, after they failed to reverse much of the losses.
State-backed land-grabs are a key driver of unrest in rural China, fuelling the majority of the tens of thousands of protests taking place in the countryside each year, according to estimates.
Several villagers said they would not vote at all.
“You can see all these people the government has sent here, they want to put pressure on us,” a middle aged man surnamed Sun said, as he sipped from a cup of green tea.
“The result has been decided in advance. So I didn’t vote.”
There was a muted and sombre atmosphere as voters dodged puddles at the polling station in a school, where dozens of government employees had been bussed in from outside the village.
“We are here because the government organised us to come,” said one surnamed Ceng, referring to the authorities of Lufeng City, which administers Wukan.
Voters told AFP the ballot was being run on a write-in system, rather than with boxes to be ticked, and several voters said they felt the atmosphere was markedly different than 2012.
“I feel the election isn’t as open as before,” said a middle-aged man surnamed Zong. “There were not even half as many government staff last time.
“They will not count the votes in public. The voting forms will be taken somewhere we can’t see them to fix the result.”
Many declined to comment or give their names at all in the presence of the local government workers.
“I can’t talk to media, it’s not the same as before,” said one man as he left the polling site.
The previous elections in Wukan were seen as unprecedented in their openness, with candidates not vetted by the Communist party, a group of ordinary villagers overseeing the process, and votes cast by secret ballot.
Some commentators hailed them as a model for democratic reforms in the country, where the ruling Communist Party does not tolerate organised opposition or multiple party elections.
But two of the village committee’s most senior members, former protest firebrands Yang Semao and Hong Ruichao, were detained on corruption charges this month by prosecutors in Lufeng.
Another committee member, Zhuang Liehong, fled to the United States to seek asylum earlier this year, in what he said was an attempt to avoid arrest.
Reports last week also said that Xue Yubao, a member of the Communist Party branch originally ousted by the protesters had been reappointed, adding to fears that local authorities are reasserting their power.
“It’s very clear that the authorities just want to control the situation in Wukan,” Zhuang told AFP from his new home in the US.
One middle aged local government worker, who declined to be identified, said the official presence was justified because “there was trouble here a few years ago.”
Villages across China have been allowed to hold elections for decades, but they often take place behind closed doors, and are subject to widespread interference by local communist officials.
But officials did not allow AFP to see a ballot paper on Monday, and analysts said it was unlikely the elections would be as open.
“The old protest leaders are likely to fail, because they are still in prison or under investigation,” said Xiong Wei, who runs a think-tank in Beijing that looks at legal and rural issues.
“There is not the same monitoring as before, so the villagers worry that the results can be faked,” he added.
Voters placed their ballots in metal boxes, which were opened in public and taken behind closed doors for counting.
A driver surnamed Wu told AFP he voted for former protester Yang Semao. “Are the elections fair?” he asked. “It’s too early to say. We will have to wait until the results are read.”

Philharmonic flashmobs pay tribute to Ukraine's fallen protesters

The Choir of the National Institute of Culture of Ukraine, the Choir of the Children Opera House of Ukraine, the Presidential Orchestra of Ukraine and the National Military Orchestra of Ukraine play at the Zhulyany airport in Kiev on March 30, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
The Choir of the National Institute of Culture of Ukraine, the Choir of the Children Opera House of Ukraine, the Presidential Orchestra of Ukraine and the National Military Orchestra of Ukraine play at the Zhulyany airport in Kiev on March 30, 2014. PHOTO: AFPThe Choir of the National Institute of Culture of Ukraine, the Choir of the Children Opera House of Ukraine, the Presidential Orchestra of Ukraine and the National Military Orchestra of Ukraine play at the Zhulyany airport in Kiev on March 30, 2014. PHOTO: AFPMusicians perform in the Donetsk international airport on March 30, 2014 in Ukraine. PHOTO: AFP
KIEV: In perfect symphony, orchestras and choir singers performed Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” in flashmobs at seven airports across Ukraine on Sunday in tribute to those who died in the country’s revolution.
At Kiev’s Zhuliany airport the presidential and national orchestras united to play the famous tune which is also the European anthem, a fitting show of support for Ukraine’s efforts to move closer to the EU that plunged the nation into crisis.
As uniformed band members struck up their instruments, choir singers disguised as normal members of the public moved into position between the musicians and began to sing along.
Children were hoisted onto their fathers’ shoulders as people gathered around, many filming the performance with their smartphones.
Organisers said in a statement that the performances took place at 1:00 pm local time at seven airports including Kiev’s Boryspil airport and those in the cities of Lviv (west), Odessa (southwest), Donetsk, Karkhiv and Dnipropetrovsk in the country’s heavily Russified east.
The action marked 40 days since the deadliest day of three months of protests as Ukrainians revolted against President Viktor Yanukovych’s pro-Moscow government.
Some 100 people died in total during the uprising and are referred to in Ukraine as the “Heavenly Hundred”.
“The aim is to commemorate the memory of the fallen. It is also to show the unity and sovereignty of Ukraine,” said the statement.
In the Orthodox tradition the 40th day after a death marks the end of a period of mourning and is marked with a special memorial service.
Thousands of mourners on Sunday also visited Kiev’s Independence Square, the heart of the protest movement, many shedding tears as they laid fresh flowers around makeshift shrines and barricades perfectly preserved since the street battles ended.
“I want my children to know what we went through and to remember these people who gave their lives for their future,” said Volodymyr, a computer engineer visiting the site with his two children.
The “Ode to Joy” flashmobs were also a celebration of the signing of an Association Agreement with the EU, organisers said.
Kiev’s new leaders on March 21 signed the deal which Yanukovych had rejected four months earlier in favour of closer ties with Moscow, sparking the uprising which would eventually see him removed by parliament.
Ukrainian artists have been actively involved in the pro-European revolution.
Pop star Ruslana once spent up to 10 hours on stage at Kiev’s Independence Square, the heart of the protest movement, as she sang to lift the spirits of protesters facing off against security forces in the freezing cold.
Earlier on in the uprising, a piano painted blue and yellow — the colours of the Ukrainian flag — was placed in front of an imposing line of Berkut riot police for anyone to play, an effort to lift the grim mood and meet violence with art.
And this week musician and activist Nikita Rubchenko recorded a rock version of Ukraine’s national anthem — complete with guitar riffs and drum beats — that scored over 350,000 hits on YouTube.
Organisers of Sunday’s orchestral flashmob said they aimed to unite the fractured country though music.
The turmoil has sharpened divisions between the country’s pro-European west and heavily Russified east.

Pakistan rejects Afghan allegations of involvement in terrorist incidents

“Continuation of this blame-game not only vitiates the environment of bilateral relations but also undermines our sincere efforts to rebuild trust and understanding.” PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday again rejected allegations from Afghan officials who claimed that Pakistan is involved in terror incidents in Afghanistan and “impeding” efforts for talks between the Taliban and the high peace council.
According to a statement from the ministry of foreign affairs, the spokesperson expressed “deep regret and disappointment” over statements by senior Afghan officials.
“We have rejected such allegations earlier and we do so again,” the statement read.
“Continuation of this blame-game not only vitiates the environment of bilateral relations but also undermines our sincere efforts to rebuild trust and understanding.”
The statement reiterated that Pakistan supported all efforts for a free and fair electoral process in Afghanistan. “Safe and peaceful conduct of the Afghan elections is in Pakistan’s best interest, as it would strengthen the prospects of stability in Afghanistan.”
“Pakistan’s positive role in this context is internationally acknowledged and we are certain that attempts to mis-represent our position would not succeed.”
The statement added that Pakistan hoped its earnest desire and continuous efforts for close cooperative relations with Afghanistan are reciprocated and a conducive environment is maintained for the bilateral relationship to progress without any hindrance.
Earlier on Monday, the Pakistani charge de affairs at the embassy in Kabul was summoned by the Afghan foreign ministry and a protest was lodged over “attacks” from across the Duran line.