Red Zone’: Police checks drive customers away from Do Darya

“The traffic towards the restaurants may have decreased due to the security checks but I would like to reassure you that this is a regular check post, much like the others around the city,” said the SHO PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: The popular food street in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) phase VIII, Do Darya, almost wears a deserted look as citizens are having a hard time reaching the site due to the stringent security checks along the way.

Meanwhile, the personnel deployed at the two main routes leading to Do Darya since the last week hardly seem to know what they are supposed to be looking for. They claim to be simply following orders of the high-ranking officials. “We have orders to check every single vehicle coming through on the routes leading towards Do Darya,” said Darakshan Police SHO Zawwar Hussain. He, however, admitted that they had not found anything suspicious from any of the vehicles during the last week.

The move by the police has deterred even frequent visitors from heading towards the popular food street. “We are all for good security measures but the checking being done by the police is becoming a nuisance for our customers. It takes them an hour to reach the restaurants from the check posts and families do not appreciate being asked to step out of their vehicles to be checked,” explained Abdul Samad, the owner of Mirage Restaurant, while speaking to The Express Tribune. Samad, as well as the other restaurant owners believe that the move was meant to harass their customers and discourage them from making their way to the restaurants. “There are personnel around five police stations, including Clifton, Gizri, Preedy Street, Arambagh and Darakshan, deployed at the site. The number of visitors to our restaurants has dropped by over 50 per cent in the last one week alone,” he reported. Samad went on to claim that the move was another ploy by the DHA to force the restaurants to evacuate the site.

A frequent visitor to the food street, Abdul Razzaq, echoed Samad’s stance. “I have stopped going there recently as the police would stop our car and ask all my family to step out to be searched. It used to be a good place for a family outing but the police have turned it into a red zone now,” he complained.

“We have stopped going to those restaurants as the police stops my car and asks to step out for checking each and every family member, it was a good place to visit with family but now it has transformed into a red zone area,” said Asif Razzaq a frequent visitor.

When contacted, the Clifton SP Muhammad Nadeem expressed ignorance about the stricter security measures, saying that he would inquire into the incident and try to facilitate the citizens. SHO Zawwar, on the other hand, appealed to citizens to be patient with the police as they were just doing their jobs.

“The traffic towards the restaurants may have decreased due to the security checks but I would like to reassure you that this is a regular check post, much like the others around the city,” he said. “We are just checking the cars and letting them go.”

Manchester City to sign Messi? Forget it, insists Xavi

The Argentine superstar has been linked with a record-breaking move to the Premier League but his team-mate says Barcelona will never sell their star man

EXCLUSIVE
By Thomas Unsworth

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has told Manchester City to abandon any hope they might retain of ever snatchingLionel Messi away from the Catalan giants.

By his own majestic standards Messi, who missed nearly two months of the season through injury, has struggled to find his best form in recent weeks, while Barcelona have surrendered the leadership of La Liga to Real Madrid.

	MAN CITY LATEST
66/1	Man City are 66/1 with Paddy Power to win the Champions League this season

The Argentine superstar has scored 230 goals for the club since making his debut as 17-year-old a decade ago, but has looked ill at ease in recent weeks as he adjusts to the demands of manager Tata Martino’s tactics, leading to suggestions that he could be tempted to consider a new challenge in the summer. 

But Xavi insists not even a world-record fee could tempt Barcelona into selling their star man.

“Of course there will always be stories about the best player in the world and in my opinion the best player ever - but Manchester City and any other team can forget about signing Messi,” Xavi told Goal.

“There is no transfer fee that could make it a good deal for Barcelona - and as everybody who knows him knows - he loves the club and has made it clear he never wants to leave.”

Barcelona head into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against City with a healthy advantage after capitalising on Martin Demichelis’ red card and hold a 2-0 lead ahead of Wednesday’s return match at Camp Nou.

City were without Messi’s Argentina team-mate Sergio Aguero for the match at the Etihad Stadium a fortnight ago but the former Atletico Madrid striker is certain to start this evening and Xavi knows the tie is far from over.

He added: “It was a good result in Manchester - but we knew at the end of the game it wasn't over - and all the players know to expect a very tough 90 minutes. 

“They have shown in England that they can score four or five goals in a game many times, so we have to respect their attacking talent and the ability of their players. 

“We are confident we can progress, but must respect they are an excellent team and the job is not done.”

Pogba or Pjanic in, Lavezzi out – PSG’s plans for a summer revolution

The Ligue 1 champions have shortlisted a number of high-profile names - with the Juventus star at the very top - while they are also preparing to bid farewell to several players

SPECIAL REPORT
By Simone Rovera

Paris Saint-Germain have made plenty of waves in the transfer market in recent years, luring stars such as Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani to Ligue 1.

And while the French giants are on course for a second successive domestic title and are cruising through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, they have no intention of cutting down on their spending.

PSG's aim is to become the best team in Europe and if they fail to conquer the Champions League this season, then their summer activity should give them an even better chance next term. 

In order to reach the European summit, the Parisians are planning more major signings ahead of 2014-15. To make room for the new arrivals, they will offload a number of players from their first team squad.

Goal takes a look at PSG's plans for a summer revolution.

PSG'S WISHLIST: DAVID LUIZ, POGBA & HAZARD

PSG are keen to add an extra centre-back to their squad and they have earmarked a number of players as potential defensive reinforcements. David Luiz of Chelsea, Mehdi Benatia of Roma and Eliaquim Mangala of Porto have all made the Ligue 1 champions' shortlist. Although they still have faith in Marquinhos, a more experienced partner for Thiago Silva is being considered.

The titleholders are also keeping tabs on a number of right-backs and are eager to bring in some fresh competition for Gregory van der Wiel. Barcelona's Dani Alves is the club's dream target, but they accept it will be a difficult task luring the Brazil international away from his current club. Newcastle's Mathieu Debuchy is a cheaper alternative.

In midfield, Juventus star Paul Pogba remains PSG's No.1 transfer target. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has held informal talks with his Juventus counterpart Andrea Agnelli to discuss a potential transfer. The PSG chief has also sat down with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola on a number of occasions in recent weeks while finalising the contract renewals of Maxwell and Blaise Matuidi. The Serie A champions will not let go of the energetic midfielder on the cheap, though, and will not open the bidding at less than €60 million.

PSG have therefore already looked at alternatives and Miralem Pjanic is their Plan B. The Bosnia international is in talks with Roma over a new deal, but he could earn €4m per year at PSG against €3m per annum at his current club. Even if Pjanic does sign a contract extension with the Giallorossi, a summer move cannot be ruled out. However, the recent long-term injury to Kevin Strootman means Roma will now be more reluctant to sell.

With Ezequiel Lavezzi possibly on his way out, PSG have set their sights on Eden Hazard to strengthen their attack, but there are two serious obstacles. One is Chelsea's valuation and the other is Jose Mourinho's admiration of the Belgium international. A transfer is therefore all but impossible. Another option is Pedro, who has had to settle for a spot on the bench at Barcelona more than he might be willing to accept.

GOING OUT: MENEZ, LAVEZZI & PASTORE

The Champions League challengers are also ready to bid farewell to a number of players, with Jeremy Menez all but certain to leave the Parc des Princes this summer. The versatile attacker has an expiring contract and a number of Serie A sides are closely monitoring his situation, including Juventus, AC Milan and Fiorentina.

Another attacker who could be on the move come June is Lavezzi. The Argentine is happy and settled at PSG, but has been unable to replicate the form that saw him become a star at Napoli before his transfer to Ligue 1. Inter were keen to bring the attacker back to Italy last year and PSG are ready to open talks if theNerazzurri reignite their interest this summer, although he would have to accept a pay-cut. 

The future of Brazil international Alex is also in doubt as still no agreement has been reached over a contract renewal. The defender is keen to stay at his current club, but PSG might be tempted to offload the former Chelsea man if a better alternative becomes available for the right price.

Another player who could possibly move on ahead of the 2014-15 campaign is Javier Pastore. The Argentine is happy with his current situation at the club, but his status could change if one of Pogba and Pjanic were to arrive. If the latter joins, Pastore could be used in a part-exchange deal as Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini is a huge fan having first brought the South American to Palermo from Huracan.

Edinson Cavani has also been linked with a transfer and a number of Premier League sides are keeping a close eye on his situation. There have been claims that the 26-year-old is unhappy to play second fiddle behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and would be open to another new adventure. However, a transfer does not seem a realistic option at this point as PSG see the Uruguay international as an integral part of their plans.

Italy international Marco Verratti very much finds himself in the same boat as Cavani. The midfielder has been heavily linked with a return to Serie A, especially Juventus, but PSG are unlikely to let go of the playmaker following his outstanding performances since he joined from Pescara. Verratti has a contract with the French champions until June 2018 and an offer well in excess of €30m will be needed to make PSG even blink.

Cabaye: I don't regret PSG move

The midfielder insists he is happy with the French champions and says he is determined to become a more important player with the club

Yohan Cabaye says he has no regrets over his decision to join Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain fromNewcastle United in January.

The midfielder has started just one league game for Laurent Blanc's men since making the switch from St James' Park, whereas he started 17 of Newcastle's 22 Premier League matches this season prior to his departure.

With the World Cup in Brazil on the horizon, Cabaye will no doubt be looking to feature more prominently for PSG in the coming months to cement his place in Didier Deschamps' France team.

But the 28-year-old insists he is relaxed about his situation, and is eager to establish himself at Parc des Princes.

Speaking to RTL, Cabaye said: "I want to focus on the positive aspects - they are a great club and I'm training with great players.

"I have gone from a situation at Newcastle where I was an automatic starter, to one where I don't know when I will next play.

"However, I absolutely don't regret my decision, I have come here to win and climb the hierarchy."

Dzeko told he can leave Manchester City

The Premier League club rebuffed interest in the Bosnian in January but they will be willing to sell a player with just over a year left on his contract at the end of the season

By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Edin Dzeko has been told he will be allowed to leave Manchester City this summer.

The Premier League dismissed all interest in the Bosnian during the January transfer window but are now willing to sell the striker at the end of the season if they receive what they deem an acceptable offer.

Dzeko will have only one year left on his contract in the summer and will be in a strong position to negotiate a cut-price move.

The 27-year-old, who joined City from Wolfsburg in January 2011, is likely to be available for around €18 million, although he will want to join a club who can at least match his €130,000-a-week wages.

Dzeko was the subject of an inquiry from Tottenham last December, while Arsenal are also long-term admirers, but the player made an agreement with City chiefs that he would not consider a move until the end of the season.

The forward is also being closely monitored by a collection of continental clubs led by Inter, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli.

Dzeko has slipped behind Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo in the forward pecking order at City but has still scored 17 goals in 36 matches in all competitions this season.

He has spoken of his frustration at not being a regular starter at Etihad Stadium and the intense competition for places within Manuel Pellegrini's squad means he is likely to move on in the summer.

Dzeko will be part of the City squad that will attempt to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in their last-16 Champions League second-leg clash against Barcelona on Wednesday night

Pirlo hints at imminent new Juventus contract

The veteran midfielder has moved to assure supporters there is "no possibility" he will leave the club in the summer and will sign fresh terms at the earliest opportunity

Juventus star Andrea Pirlo has insisted that he will put pen to paper on a new contract with the club in the very near future.

The veteran midfielder's current deal expires at the end of the season and he is yet to commit his future to the Bianconeri.

However, he has now revealed that there is been a delay over minor details and assured fans he will still be representing the club next term.

"I still haven't signed. There are little things we are talking about but there is no possibility that I'll go. The announcment will be there shortly," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Things have been busy and we've not had the time to sort it out. We'll fix things once we have a minute, the fans can rest assured."

Pirlo also revealed that he and coach Antonio Conte have an excellent relationship, although he conceded tempers can flare when he is left out of the starting XI.

"The coach and I have always got along well. Sure, sometimes we argue - you'll never see a player leave the filed or sit on the bench with a smile on his face," he said.

"But they are small things. He's one of the best I've had. He's a great coach and I was amazed by his tactical preparation, concentration and ability to stay focused.

"His desire to chase perfection is amazing. He transfers all that stuff into the team well."

Juventus face Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.

Malaysia Airlines Jetliner Disappearance Likely Is Temporary

Aviation experts say it’s unsurprising that no trace of Flight MH370 has been found thus far

Mar 11, 2014 |By Geoffrey Giller

A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777
planegeezer, Flickr Creative Commons

The disappearance this past weekend of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, carrying 239 people, remains a mystery for now. Despite a search effort involving ships and aircraft from multiple countries, all potential leads as to the fate of the craft—including a long oil slick and a floating object thought to be a door of the plane—have failed to pan out.

How does a jetliner simply disappear?

Conventional tracking systems performed well; civilian and military radar tracked the plane until it vanished. As Patrick Smith, a pilot and creator of a blog called “Ask the Pilot,” points out, “They knew where the aircraft was up until the point where something catastrophic happened.” The plane followed the path that the same flight had taken a few days earlier, according to the private flight-tracking Web siteflightradar24. So the next question is why evidence of the plane has yet to turn up. Smith says this is mostly due to the size of the oceanic search area. He’s confident that the wreckage eventually will be found.

There are a variety of methods for tracking planes in the air, says Sid McGuirk, associate professor and air traffic control specialist at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach College of Aviation. At the airport until about a minute after takeoff, he says, “the tower” is in charge, with flight controllers visually tracking planes. As soon as the plane is out of sight, radar systems take over. Radar works well on land, where coverage is extensive, but about 300 kilometers from shore the signal becomes too weak, McGuirk says. In 2009, when Air France Flight 447 crashed in the Atlantic while en route to Paris from Rio de Janeiro, it was no longer being tracked by radar, which is what made finding its wreckage so difficult: more than five days for the first debris and two years before the black-box flight recorders were located at a great depth on the ocean floor.

Unlike the Air France flight, however, Flight MH370 was still within the range of radar tracking systems. Flightradar24, which does not use radar but instead a network of antennas that receive location information broadcast by planes via a technology called automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast, or ADS–B, tracked the plane to around the same spot. But radar and ADS–B also have limits. Flightradar24 loses ADS–B coverage below about 9,000 meters. And radar also can only track aircraft above a certain elevation, McGuirk says, although that can vary based on the proximity of the plane to the closest radar antenna.

A number of factors can contribute to where plane wreckage ends up. “Dynamics of aircraft can vary,” he says, including how they hit the ocean or whether they disintegrate in flight. In addition, “the aircraft’s flying pretty fast,” says Larry Cornman, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. “It gives kind of a large window…for where the aircraft could be,” he says, “especially if it broke apart in flight.”

McGuirk thinks that the possibility of the plane being hijacked but still intact is unlikely; it would have required not only turning off the ADS–B system and the plane’s radar transponder, but also flying the plane below where radar could detect it. Then hijackers would have to land the plane unnoticed—a difficult task, given the size of a Boeing 777. “That’s sort of a far-fetched solution,” McGuirk says. “It’s not far-fetched to jump to the conclusion that some catastrophic event occurred onboard,” he says, especially considering the lack of emergency communications from the crew before the disappearance.

After the Air France disaster, which killed all 228 people onboard, some people called for systems that automatically beam an airplane’s location to satellites. It’s unclear, however, if such a system would have helped in the case of Flight MH370; the plane’s location was known before it disappeared. Cornman also points out that because commercial airplane crashes are so rare (with only 0.34 fatal accident per million departures 2002 through 2011, according to Boeing) the cost-benefit argument doesn’t favor adding these systems.

Ultimately, McGuirk says, we likely won’t know for awhile what happened to Flight MH370. “Anything that’s said right now is pure speculation,” he says. Right now, it’s “way, way too early in the investigation to come to any conclusions.”