| Business IP pipeline: Govt considers alternative as Russia caves in to pressure Zafar Bhutta The government is working on an alternative plan to finance the $1.5 billion Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline as hopes for funding from Russia fade in the face of mounting pressure from the US to stop the project, says a senior government official. Shrinking the tax net?: Exchange companies exempted from tax on cash withdrawals Shahbaz Rana In a bid to encourage foreign inflows, the federal government has exempted exchange companies from the payment of 0.2% advance tax on cash withdrawals from banks, according to a notification issued here on Tuesday by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). _______________________________________________ Sports Cricket: Whatmore looks to expand bench strength Fawad Hussain / Nabeel Hashmi Seven Pakistan cricketers, including the out-of-favour former captain Mohammad Yousuf and wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, took part in the second phase of the fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore as coach Dav Whatmore continued to monitor players. Tennis: Sania says no to Aisam Saleem Khaliq Sania Mirza has refused to partner Aisamul Haq Qureshi on the court despite the Pakistani expressing his interest to play alongside the Indian tennis star several times in the past. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Rabani & Rakha: Blending cultures Saadia Qamar It might not be in the same league as fashion houses JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani or Rohit Bal, but the Delhi-based label Rabani & Rakha — run by husband and wife duo Rahul and Shibani Rastogi and Gautum Rakha — is certainly making waves. One by Ensemble: A fashionista's wonderland Hani Taha If you've ever doubted the magical powers of retail therapy, the opening of a store called 'One by Ensemble' at Dolmen City Mall in Karachi, is bound to turn you into a firm believer. Their collection of perfectly pret, prudently priced and stylish casuals under Rs10,000, is sure to turn the most frugal of shoppers into absolute shopaholics. It displays block-printedkurtas, colour-blocked kameezes and ajrak shirts housed in an expansive and aesthetically pleasing retail space. _______________________________________________ | 
