Pak told to combat terror

United Nations
Condemning the deadly bombing of a Shia mosque in Pakistan, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the country to step up efforts to protect religious minorities and combat terrorism.  Ban said he is appalled by such vicious targeting of people on account of their religious affiliation. pti

Beirut
IS acknowledges defeat 
Members of the Islamic State group have acknowledged for the first time that they were defeated in the Syrian town of Kobani. In a video, two fighters said airstrikes by the US-led coalition were the main reason why they were forced to withdraw from Kobani. afp

Dhaka
Power supply to Zia’s house cut
Ahead of 72-hour nationwide strike called by Opposition BNP, the Bangladesh Government on Saturday cut the power supply, cable and Internet connections to the office-cum-residence of party chief Khaleda Zia apparently to force her to withdraw the agitation. pti