Top 10 on Tribune (Dec 18-25 2011)

Top 10 stories of the week

Dec 18-Dec 25, 2011

1. Veena Malik denies nude photo shoot for FHM – Web Desk 2. Karachi goes gaga over Imran Khan telephone call, in new PTI marketing ploy – Rabia Ali 3. Musharraf announces January 2012 return – Abdul Manan 4. Army wants Zardari out but not a coup: Military sources - Reuters 5. Talking dog most watched YouTube video of 2011 - IANS 6. Shifting tides: Javed Hashmi on verge of joining PTI – Abdul Manan 7. Swelling ranks: PML-N loses stalwart to PTI – Saba Imtiaz 8. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf rally in Karachi: Live updates – Web Desk 9. Aisamul Haq ties the knot – Web Desk 10. Veena Malik, India in the line of fire – Abdul Manan

Top Opinion Our golden boy Anna Khan Top Business Pakistani rice exporters losing out to India Imran Rana Top 3 blogs 1. The curious case of Aisha Khan Mani Khawaja 2. Not with that thing on, sister Nuvaira A 3. Humsafar: Here's what the noise is about Quratalain Tejani Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

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The Express Tribune Newsletter: December 25, 2011

Today's Headlines

December 25, 2011

'Tsunami' intensifies: PTI bags Hashmi, eyes more bigwigs Abdul Manan / Irfan Ghauri The surging Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s latest show of strength, in Karachi today, will be performed on the back of an aggressive bagging spree, which has seen it woo politicians from across the political spectrum. _______________________________________________ National/City reports Benazir Bhutto assassination: Prosecution makes plea to expedite case Mudassir Raja Four years after former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi, the prosecution in the case requested the trial court on Saturday for day-to-day hearings to bring the arrested accused to justice. Executive-judiciary relations: All's well, but history bothers us, says Chandio Z Ali Despite fervent attempts to dispel the spectre of clash amongst state institutions, a senior ruling party leader admitted they were concerned by the judiciary. Parliamentary Committee on National Security: What Musharraf agreed to do, post 9/11 Zahid Gishkori After over a decade of secrecy and silence, some semblance of the nature of nine agreements between former president Pervez Musharraf and the US and its allies have finally been publicised. All agreements were drafted after Pakistan joined the 'war on terror' in 2001. Nisar warns govt against removing army, ISI chiefs Qamar Zaman The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Saturday threatened agitation if the government took any steps against the chief of army staff and director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence prior to the Supreme Court's decision on Memogate. NATO attack was deliberate: K-P governor Umer Farooq Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Barrister Masood Kausar has termed the November 26 Nato air strike at Salala check-post in Mohmand Agency "deliberate". _______________________________________________ Business Weekly review: Stock market makes modest recovery Bilal Umar The return of President Asif Ali Zardari improved market sentiments as the benchmark KSE-100 index gained of 2.5% or 273 points during the week ended December 23. Gas supply: Fertiliser, CNG lobbies beat back power companies Zafar Bhutta Strong lobbying efforts by the compressed natural gas (CNG) and fertiliser sector has resulted in more than 600 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) being diverted from power plants to those sectors, and resulted in a nearly-fold jump in the cost of electricity production. _______________________________________________ Sports Hockey: Pakistan clinch series against China Shahzada Usman Pakistan continued their winning ways against China, beating the tourists 3-0 in the third match of the four-Test series in Faisalabad to clinch the Friendship Hockey Series. Aqeel bags singles title at tennis tournament Natasha Raheel Pakistan number one Aqeel Khan stormed to victory in the men's singles final at the UBL International Hardcourt Tennis Championship, beating Muhammad Abid Mushtaq 6-1, 6-0 at the Karachi Gymkhana. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Patriotic partners News Desk A few months ago, Junoon's vocalist and guitarist Salman Ahmad tweeted about his collaboration with Junaid Jamshed. Topi ke peechay kia hay? Saadia Qamar When it comes to the subject of hats, couture hat designer Louis Green says its best: "wearing a hat is like having a baby or a puppy; everyone stops to coo and talk about it." _______________________________________________ Magazine The diamonds glitter no more Ali Usman As night time approaches, the synchronised sounds of the tabla and the jingling ghunghroo reach a crescendo and the high-storey houses, with intricately carved balconies and awning windows, begin dazzling with bright lights. Their windows and doors remain ajar till the wee hours of the morning, offering potential customers a sneak peek of the revelry of music and dance going on inside. 10 things I hate about Bollywood T Pasha Every movie has the same storyline. In the old days, movies always involved the hot guy saving the hot girl from the villains. Now, the hot guy falls in love with the girl, but somehow they just can't or don't want to be together, so the movie is a series of events which makes them fall for each other. Where is the originality? _______________________________________________

Opinion Our warrior princess Saroop Ijaz Why is the army so popular in Pakistan? Aakar Patel IK2: Ghost protocol Fahd Husain Setting right our railways Dr Nadia Tahir Muslim view of 'decline' Khaled Ahmed Blogs 8 things I love about Christmas Rozario Fernandes The spirit of Christmas Roland DeSouza The curious case of Aisha Khan Mani Khawaja News that is music to the ears Samia Saleem Poll Do you think Makhdoom Javed Hashmi's decision to join the PTI is a wise one? Yes (60%, 795 Votes) No (40%, 520 Votes) Total Voters: 1,315 Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

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The Express Tribune Newsletter: December 24, 2011

Today's Headlines

December 24, 2011

Winter of discontent: With ifs and buts, Kayani quells coup rumours Kamran Yousaf It appears the turn of the year will not witness a coup d'état, though there has been much coup de théâtre. On Friday, army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani categorically denied rampant speculation that the military is planning to oust the civilian government, calling the rumours 'misleading' and an attempt to divert focus from the 'real issues' at hand. _______________________________________________  National/City Shifting tides: Javed Hashmi on verge of joining PTI Abdul Manan Javed Hashmi, one of the stalwarts of Multani politics and the most visible Seraiki member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, was deciding late on Friday night whether to jump ship and join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf bandwagon, sources told The Express Tribune.  Bringing down Memogate: Sceptical PPP decides to stay aggressive Sumera Khan Anger, anguish and distress characterised the ruling party's huddle on Friday. Amidst a rapidly-evolving political landscape, the Pakistan Peoples Party's core committee convened to discuss the situation and weigh its options vis-à-vis the Memogate fiasco. Internet advocacy: Blogs in Pakistan – no more a silent revolution Sidrah Moiz Khan To the audience's delight, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan made a surprise entrance at the second Pakistan Blog Awards that kicked off Friday evening at the Regent Plaza hotel.  Soothing frayed nerves: Time for coups is gone: CJ Faisal Shakeel Attempting to soothe frayed nerves over the Memogate case, the Supreme Court on Friday ruled out the possibility of a coup and blamed the media for creating an impression of a clash between institutions.  A different kind of 'change' Atika Rehman Getting hold of Imran Khan wasn't too much of a task prior to the PTI chairman's advent on the political stage at the Minar-i-Pakistan rally in Lahore. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) members were easily approachable on their personal cell phones or via e-mail and after the right amount of SMS', a short rendezvous or a quote from the former cricketing legend was, more often than not, a given. _______________________________________________  Business Flying away: Foreign investment falls 59% in five months Farhan Zaheer Foreign investment in the country dropped 59 per cent to $305.4 million in the first five months (July-November) of fiscal year 2011-12 compared to investment of $748.7 million in the same period last year, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Friday.  Pakistan, China sign currency swap agreement Shahbaz Rana Pakistan and China on Friday signed a currency swap arrangement to promote bilateral trade and investment and strengthen financial cooperation. _______________________________________________  Sports PIA land Quaid Trophy Our Correspondents PIA strolled to a nine-wicket win over ZTBL to win the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy for the seventh time.  Boxing: Federation laments government's lack of support Obaid Abbasi / Shahzada Usman The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan Bhutto has lashed out at the lack of support by the government for the ongoing second Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament in Islamabad. _______________________________________________  Life & Style Shehzad Roy: Strictly satire Sher Khan With the political pot close to boiling over, it comes as no surprise that many bands and artists, ranging from Strings to Ali Azmat and Abrarul Haq are working on music which is both insightful and satirical of the present situation in the country. However, the musician who initiated this trend with his controversial song "Laga Reh" is no other than Pakistan's renowned powerhouse Shehzad Roy.  Madiha Iftikhar: Keeping it clean Saadia Qamar Madiha Iftikhar gives off the impression of a naive, girl next door but a conversation with her verifies that she has a wise head on her young shoulders. _______________________________________________

Opinion  Shenanigans, dangerous shenanigans Kamran Shafi  Don't discount the civilians yet Ejaz Haider  Khwas Khan of Rohtas Salman Rashid  Well, he did... Amina Jilani  Making fun of North Korea Tazeen Javed  Blogs Who will save democracy now? Aasif Shakeel  Honourably dead Mahwash Badar  Pakistan's Test side shows promise Imran A. Khan Rape: Fallacies of the four witness requirement Aaishah AbuBakr  Poll Do you believe Pakistan shares equal blame with the US for the NATO airstrike? No (68%, 492 Votes) Yes (32%, 227 Votes) Total Voters: 719 Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

 

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The Express Tribune Newsletter: December 23, 2011

Today's Headlines

December 23, 2011

You're subservient, or you're mistaken, PM tells military Sumera Khan / Zia Khan In one of the most audacious speeches by a sitting prime minister in recent memory, Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday unexpectedly let loose a barrage of accusations and reservations against the country's all-powerful military establishment. _______________________________________________  National/City Mistrust, confusion led to NATO airstrike: Pentagon Huma Imtiaz The Pentagon finally lifted the veil on investigations into the controversial Nato airstrike, but offered little surprise. And to Pakistan's disappointment, nothing they were hoping for was said. Memogate case: President can't presume immunity, warns SC Faisal Shakeel President Asif Ali Zardari cannot avoid proceedings in the Memogate case by presuming that he enjoys immunity under Article 248 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court said on Thursday.  Clandestine congregation: PPP in 'hush-hush' meeting over strategies Ifran Ghauri The top leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to confront challenges facing incumbent regime upfront.  Tribune Take: Gilani's comments signify new rift between military, civilian govt Mahawish Rezvi In today's episode of the Tribune Take we take a look at Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's comments in the National Assembly. Gilani's comments point towards a new spat between the military and the government after the Memogate scandal.  On schedule: Imran Khan arrives with promise of historic rally Saba Imtiaz / Shaheryar Mirza Jinnah airport turned into a sea of red and green as Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters flooded it to receive Imran Khan who declared that Sunday's public rally would not only go ahead but would also be a "historic" one. _______________________________________________  Business Strategic retreat: NBP, OGDC burst the IP gas pipeline bubble Zafar Bhutta The government has faced a major set back in the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project as the country's largest bank National Bank of Pakistan and the country's largest exploration company Oil and Gas Development Company Limited on Thursday refused to finance it due to possible sanctions by the US.  MFN status to India: Pakistan proposes safeguards for local industry Shahbaz Rana Pakistan has asked India to sign three pacts to ensure level playing field for its exporters before implementing free trade regime, as Islamabad decides to ensure "effective protection" for local industries against threats of Indian products capturing Pakistani markets. _______________________________________________  Sports High-flying Pakistan upbeat on 'sterner' tests Fawad Hussain Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan has said his team was capable of beating any side in the world and stands a very good chance in the forthcoming series against England, provided the players complement the effort they put in with a fighting spirit. Afridi, Razzaq hammered in run-spree News Desk Perth Scorchers lived upto their name after they chased down the 189-run target set by Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, losing just two wickets in the process. _______________________________________________  Life & Style Tete-a-tete with Abid Ali Saadia Qamar Abid Ali's name has been synonymous with the Pakistani entertainment industry for many years. Currently in talks with the Express Entertainment Channel about the development of a TV series based on humorist Shafiqur Rehman's writing and creating a soap opera "Naseebon Walian", it seems the veteran TV actor has big plans. The Express Tribune recently sat down with Ali to talk about his past acting endeavours as well as his future plans.  PLBW Day 4: Fourth time's a charm Hani Taha It may have started off insipidly, but the manner in which PFDC L'Oreal Paris Bridal Week (PLBW) picked up pace and delivered wholeheartedly was phenomenal. _______________________________________________

Opinion Diminishing external inflows Mekaal A Ahmed  A tinpot despot Zafar Hilaly  At odds with common perception Dr Pervez Tahir The mad who drink their own blood Farrukh Khan Pitafi  Only for Muslims Yaqoob Khan Bangash  Blogs Journalism and sensationalism Kazim Alam  Ignoring CNG cylinders Muhammad Bilal Iqbal  (Almost) swindled at the toll-booth Palwasha S  What MI 4 taught me Sami Saayer  Poll In your opinion, should PTI be allowed to hold a rally at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi? Yes (85%, 1182 Votes) No (15%, 214 Votes) Total Voters: 1396 Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

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The Express Tribune Newsletter: December 22, 2011

Today's Headlines

December 22, 2011

Rejoinders: Army, ISI chiefs stick to their guns on memo Faisal Shakeel The army chief has reiterated his stand on the memo controversy, stating that there is truth to the document. And while the Supreme Court wanted a concrete reply from the federal government on the accusations put forward in the Memogate case by various parties, including the military and intelligence chiefs, it got one late Wednesday night. _______________________________________________  National/City  Memogate case: Govt rejoinder as per constitution, law says PPP Core Committee Our correspondents President Asif Ali Zardari flew to Islamabad from Karachi late on Wednesday night, where he supposedly held a core committee meeting of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Legislators at work: NA approves high-powered rights commission Qamar Zaman / Zia Khan The National Assembly on Wednesday approved a bill aimed at establishing an independent human rights commission, with sweeping powers – at least on paper.  PTI Karachi rally: 'Sindh government gave wrong information to the court' Saba Imtiaz Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has blamed the Sindh government for submitting "incorrect information" in response to a petition challenging the party's rally at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.  Arab, treason and plot: Army finally rebuts claims of Pasha coup plot Our correspondents The chorus of resignation calls, which were fuelled by some serious allegations against the country's intelligence chief, has managed to elicit a response – finally.  I went to a PTI rally and all I got was this lousy t-shirt Ferya Ilyas Tunisia, Libya, Egypt. It's now time for Pakistan. _______________________________________________  Business Gas shortage: Govt may scrap LNG import plans Zafar Bhutta Despite the chronic shortage of gas in the country, the government's move to import liquefied natural gas has hit several hurdles, including the skyrocketing international price of LNG and the government's own unwillingness to conform to global industry practises by offering a sovereign guarantee to firms currently bidding to import the gas.  Industrialists protest against power cuts Farhan Zaheer Different town associations of Karachi met on Wednesday and demanded Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) to immediately end 8-hour load shedding in industrial zones of the city. _______________________________________________ Sports Tribune Take: Pakistan cricket needs a succession plan for the captaincy Mahavish Rezvi In today's episode of the Tribune Take we look at the Pakistan cricket team's exemplary performance against Bangladesh, the upcoming England series and Mohsin Khan's appointment as coach.   2nd Test: Another series in the bag Shehzad Baloch Abdur Rehman claimed four for 51 as Pakistan posted a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second and final Test in Dhaka to make a clean sweep of the series. _______________________________________________  Life & Style Shahood Alvi: Destiny's child Saadia Qamar Shahood Alvi was hooked on to showbiz as a youngster because he "found it glamorous". Later on he realised that the entertainment industry requires much more than just maintaining your looks and dressing well. The actor says it was his destiny that played a huge part in making a clerical worker into a popular television star. "I believe in fate and destiny so I have never plan anything in advance. I accept whatever comes my way." PLBW Day Three: Playing it safe Hani Taha Three at the PFDC L'Oreal Paris Bridal Week (PLBW) was more about performance than bridal fashion per se. With the quirky and fun Ali Xeeshan opening the show, one couldn't — and shouldn't — expect any less than a loud statement, thunderous enough to crush any traditionalist perspective of bridals. _______________________________________________

Opinion  Mengal's timely warning Imtiaz Gul  Crazy like Kim Sami Shah  The dangers of 2012 Dr Tariq Rahman  A melting economy Khurram Husain  Looking out on the Pir Panjal Zahrah Nasir  Blogs After Kim Jong-il Hassaan Khan  Deconstructing the PTI troll AbuBakr Agha  The PIA problem Syed Nadir El Edroos  There is more to you than the colour of your skin Mariam Magsi  Poll Considering Husain Haqqani's resignation over allegations in Memogate, should DG ISI resign over allegations of meeting Arab leaders to discuss a military coup?  No (46%, 268 Votes) Yes (54%, 310 Votes) Total Voters: 578  Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

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