The Express Tribune Newsletter: January 03, 2012

Today's Headlines

January 03, 2012

'Secret' talks with Taliban reach decisive phase Zia Khan 'Secret talks' between Pakistan's security agencies and the local Taliban – who have reportedly splintered down into many different groups – have entered a decisive phase. _______________________________________________ National/City Memogate commission: Frenzied first day sees spate of orders, questions Qaiser Zulfiqar With only four weeks to complete investigations, time is of the essence for a judicial commission formed to probe the Memogate scandal. No regrets for setting up military court: Nawaz Our Correspondents Nawaz Sharif, the eponymous chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz said on Monday that he felt no qualms for whatever he did for Karachi's peace during his time as the country's prime minister. NATO wants relations with Pakistan back on track Our Correspondents Nato wants to get relations with Pakistan back on track "as quickly as possible" to reopen its key supply route for foreign troops fighting in Afghanistan, a coalition spokesman said Monday. Suicide attacks registered marked decline: report   Mohammed Rizwan Some silver lining appears to be on the horizon – the year 2011 witnessed a marked decline in suicide attacks in the country, according to a Conflict Monitoring Centre report, a data collection NGO which taps into interior ministry, health department and inter-services public relations (ISPR) resources. In times of peril: 'Petrol prices up 47% in four-year period' Our Correspondents Consumers have borne a whopping 47 per cent increase in the prices of petroleum products under the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led government, lawmakers were told on Monday. _______________________________________________ Business Price stability: December inflation down to single digits Shahbaz Rana For the first time in over two years, inflation in Pakistan dropped to single digits, with the consumer price index climbing by 9.75% in December, compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Monday. Balancing act: Power ministry seeks Rs90b for oil purchase Zafar Bhutta As the country faces an acute power shortage due to drop in hydropower production, the Ministry of Water and Power has requested the prime minister to immediately release Rs90 billion for purchase of an additional quantity of oil for thermal power plants, which will help reduce outages in the current month. _______________________________________________ Sports 2012 will show us where we stand: Misbah Our Correspondents Misbahul Haq might have led Pakistan to a perfect series-record in 2011, but his defensive approach, questioned by coach Mohsin Khan as well, has forced the team captain to face a lot of criticism. Mohsin not worried about future Fawad Hussain With recent events linking Dav Whatmore to the position of Pakistan's head coach, the interim coach Mohsin Khan has remained unperturbed about his future, opting to focus, instead, on the upcoming series. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Knowledge Factory: A step towards New Age education Hani Taha Despite the fact that Lahore has been the seat of culture in the country and had an enviable social calendar once, replete with plays and concerts, certain inertia has set in with the change of the general dynamics of in the country. The public spaces that once offered a ground for creative expression for young people and the young at heart are no longer there. 'Nek Parveen': A mixed bag of highs and lows Rafay Mahmood After a successful curtain raiser for Napa Repertory Theatre's (NRT) "Nek Parveen", there was much hype surrounding its staging at the Karachi Arts Council on December 30 till January 8. With a winning combination of literatis and a stellar cast behind the production, it seemed it was bound for success.  _______________________________________________

Opinion The problem lies with you Bina Shah The Taliban's pound of flesh Farrukh Khan Pitafi Fake scholarship Dr Tariq Rahman This year, I resolve to shave in a cup of water Arif Belgaumi A bleak political horizon Anwer Mooraj Blogs Being a nurse in Pakistan Maati TV Fashion 2011: Here to stay or totally passé? Laaleen Khan Wanted: More than a uniform education system Syed Nadir El Edroos This year, I need to get in to college Meiryum Ali Poll Has the current rift between Pakistan and the US benefited Pakistan? No (38%, 246 Votes) Yes (62%, 406 Votes) Total Voters: 652 Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

The Express Tribune, 5 Expressway Off Korangi Road, Karachi, Sindh 75500, Pakistan You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

The Express Tribune Newsletter: January 02, 2012

Today's Headlines

January 02, 2012

Pak-US relations: Ties may thaw soon, as back channels intensify Kamran Yousaf A seasonal thaw in frosty Pakistan-US relations may be round the corner, thanks to backdoor efforts currently under way, sources say. _______________________________________________ National/City If all else fails, president may pardon Haqqani Zahid Gishkori / Zia Khan The counsel for the main accused has quit, citing foul play, while the government is considering a pardon if a verdict of treason is reached. Memogate, essentially, has only just begun. 'Third force': Gilani warns Nawaz that both lose if govt falls Abdul Manan The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has again sent a message to its rival, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, that when it comes to defending democracy, the two parties are 'in this together'. Raisani 'mediating' between PPP, PML-N Our Correspondents The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party and its arch rival Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz are warming up to each other in an attempt to put up a united front against the common foe: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, whom they call the 'establishment's party'. Kidney trade: Sell an organ, become worse off Taha Siddique Just over a year ago Pervez Masih from Youhanabad, a Christian neighbourhood outside Lahore, had an argument with his wife. This was not caused by run-of-the-mill domestic irritation. His wife's grievance was legitimate: she wanted to stop Pervez from selling his kidney. PIA's downward spiral: Great people become late people Shahram Haque Muhammad Nadim, a frequent business traveller on Pakistan International Airlines, recalls the days when he actually looked forward to flying on the national carrier. "The food was good, the service on domestic flights was average. The biggest advantage was reliability. PIA was usually on time and when there was a delay, a replacement aircraft would soon be arranged. _______________________________________________ Business Lights, camera, action!: The revival of the cinema industry in Pakistan Farooq Baloch / Rafay Mahmood Struggling for its survival for the past few decades, Pakistan's cinema industry has recovered dramatically, only to emerge as a lucrative business witnessing 'biggest opening' records made and broken one after another. Global financial fiasco: End of the age of US economic dominance Zain Raza In the spring of 2008, the real estate bubble popped in the United States and it triggered a financial tsunami that engulfed the entire globe. _______________________________________________ Sports Whatmore resigns as Knight Riders' coach Our Correspondents Dav Whatmore, who has been touted as the front-runner to become Pakistan's next head coach, has resigned from his coaching job at the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, according to ESPNcricinfo. Cheema wants controversy-free series Fawad Hussain From blame games to altercations between players, Pakistan's last series against England in 2010 saw plenty of unwanted controversy. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Maula Jutt and aliens: Kachee Goliyan launch their first comic book Our Correspondents The New Year kicked off with the launch of "The Fallen Warrior", the comic book by Kachee Goliyan. The two main characters of the Kachee Goliyan, were inspired from its creators, 21-year-old Ramish Safa and Nofal Khan, who study at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM). JC and Sufi, who are passionate about Doodh Pati and Nihari, get themselves in bizarre situations and find solutions to them. Strings rock India Shahzeb Shaikh Live performances have always been Pakistani pop rock band Strings' forte. The latest one was a Times of India Mumbai Mirror concert at the Bandra Fort, a beautiful open amphitheatre with a crowd attendance of approximately 2,000.  _______________________________________________

Opinion Remembering Salmaan Taseer Pervez Hoodbhoy Why a 'bloody civilian' cannot be at the ISI? Shahzad Chaudhry A true leader in the making? Arsla Jawaid Climbing out of the deep hole Abid Hasan Uneasy thoughts in the New Year Tanvir Ahmad Khan Blogs 10 notable protests, political movements of 2011 Michael Kugelman Rehman Malik tops 2011 'Hall of Shame' Tanzeel Ahmad Top 5 video games of 2011 Noman Ansari Star struck 2011 Anum Sadiq Poll In your opinion, has PML-N been a 'friendly opposition' to the PPP-led government? No (22%, 137 Votes) Yes (78%, 493 Votes) Total Voters: 630 Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

The Express Tribune, 5 Expressway Off Korangi Road, Karachi, Sindh 75500, Pakistan You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

Top 10 on Tribune (Dec 25-Jan 01, 2012)

Top 10 stories of the week

Dec 25-Jan 01, 2012

1. Child prodigy: Lights dim on a beautiful mind – Shamsul Islam 2. Imran's dream team wows Karachi – Saba Imtiaz/web Desk 3. On the fourth death anniversary of my mother – Bilawal Bhutto Zardari 4. Happy holidays: Christians gather at St Andrew's Church for mass on Christmas day – Noman Ahmed 5. Pakistan maintains top slot in Google search for 'sex' – Web Desk 6. Veena Malik denies nude photo shoot for FHM – Web Desk 7. Aarifa Randhawa: Breathing proof that miracles happen – Shamsul Islam 8. Veena Malik says FHM photoshoot was a 'mistake': Indian media – Web Desk 9. If Kayani's, Pasha's heads roll, SC may come to rescue – Kamran Yousaf 10. PTI rally: Imran lights up Karachi – Saba Imtiaz

Top Business Retail expansion: World's largest chain silent on entering Pakistani market Farooq Baloch Top Sports 'Next time, I'll come here to fight' - Amir Khan Obaid Abbasi Top 3 blogs 1. Dear Imran Khan, I beg to differ… Imran S Syed 2. The curious case of Aisha Khan Mani Khawaja 3. PTI rally: Sights, sounds, observations from Karachi Mhd Bilal Lakhani  Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

The Express Tribune, 5 Expressway Off Korangi Road, Karachi, Sindh 75500, Pakistan You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

The Express Tribune Newsletter: January 01, 2012

Today's Headlines

January 01, 2012

Preview of 2012: The predictable uncertainty of Pakistan's political economy Our Correspondents Pakistan enters 2012 with a great deal of uncertainty. Many predict this will be election year in the country as tensions continue between the government, the military and the judiciary. Others argue that the government has regained its balance and is now in a position to trudge through to 2013 – the scheduled end of its tenure. _______________________________________________ National/City reports New Year's gift: Obama signs bill freezing aid to Pakistan Reuters President Barack Obama signed a sweeping US defense funding bill on Saturday which includes new sanctions on financial institutions dealing with Iran's central bank, and curtailing up to $850 million in aid to Pakistan. The bill was signed despite concerns about sections that expand the US military's authority over terrorism suspects and limit his powers in foreign affairs. SC to pore over Babar's remarks on Jan 4 Our Correspondents The Supreme Court on Saturday announced that it would take up PPP leader Babar Awan's alleged derogatory press conference on the memo case on January 4. ZAB case a done deal: Kasuri Qamar Zaman The presidential reference seeking to reopen the murder trial of Pakistan Peoples Party founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took a new turn on Saturday. Ahmed Raza Kasuri – whose father's assassination was pinned on Bhutto, leading to his execution – contended that the case cannot be reopened. Zardari, Nawaz consider united front Zia Khan It looks like the sweets former premier Nawaz Sharif received from President Asif Ali Zardari on his birthday are working a treat. Associates of both leaders are now trying to arrange a one-on-one meeting between Zardari and Sharif. PML-N rally: From 'go Zardari' to 'go Imran' Abdul Manan It was apparent at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) rally in Gujranwala on Saturday that party chief Nawaz Sharif has started to take former underdog, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seriously. _______________________________________________ Business Development budget: Spending on target for first time in three years Shahbaz Rana In the midst of financial crunch, the government has managed to keep development spending on track for the first time in three years as it released Rs148 billion or almost half of the annual budget in the first half of the current fiscal year. Preview of 2012: Solve the energy crisis now or go home Farooq Tirmizi There is absolutely no point in beating about the bush anymore. Either the government will solve the energy crisis in 2012 or it will lose the elections. And since it cannot solve the entire crisis in one year, it has no choice – if they are politically shrewd – but to go ahead and call the elections before the crisis hits the 'catastrophic' phase. _______________________________________________ Sports Cricket: Misbah fears losing captaincy, says Mohsin Our Correspondents Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan has defended captain Misbahul Haq's defensive approach to leading the team, revealing that the batsman feared losing captaincy as well as his place in the side. Hockey: Akbar targets 'memorable show' at Olympics Shahzada Usman Pakistan goal-keeper Salman Akbar has said that the national team is all set to do well at the London Olympics, targeting a podium-finish at the event. _______________________________________________ Life & Style PLBW: Room for improvement Hani Taha It seems that the Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) has come full circle with its Bridal Week this year. Top 2011 films: Kaleidoscope of emotions Saim Sadiq It has been a dull year for Bollywood, with the number of watchable films being small enough to count them all on your fingers. _______________________________________________ Magazine 10 things I hate about 2011 Nadir Hassan The rise of the PTI. Settle down, PTI trolls! I say this out of boredom not hatred. There are few duller things in the world than the low-cal speeches given by politicians at rallies. _______________________________________________

Opinion The year of fear Saroop Ijaz Why is the army so popular in Pakistan? Aakar Patel 'Bloody' revolution as our death wish Khaled Ahmed Dreaming the dream Fahd Husain Kurram — limping back to normalcy Naveed Hussain Blogs A few good "F" words for the new year Farahnaz Zahidi Moazzam My blood runs thick and green Fatima Sehbai Defining moments of Cricket in 2011 Dr Amyn Malik Adoption: Patience is truly a virtue Adeel Ansari Poll In your opinion, has PML-N been a 'friendly opposition' to the PPP-led government? Yes (76%, 347 Votes) No (24%, 109 Votes) Total Voters: 456 Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

The Express Tribune, 5 Expressway Off Korangi Road, Karachi, Sindh 75500, Pakistan You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

The Express Tribune Newsletter: December 31, 2011

Today's Headlines

December 31, 2011

NATO supply route blockade: Rangers asked to take possession of US cargo Waqar Satti The paramilitary rangers has started taking possession of highly sensitive US cargo stranded in Pakistan following the blockade of the Nato supply route by Pakistan in protest against the November 26 air strikes that killed two dozen Pakistani border guards. _______________________________________________ National/City Verdict's in: SC puts its foot down – judiciary to probe memo Faisal ShakeelInvestigations by a panel of the supreme body of the land, the parliament, will not be enough. 'Darkest day' for judiciary: National security has trumped fundamental rights: Asma Sidrah Moiz Khan The judiciary's most ardent supporter at one time turned its loudest critic on Friday when the apex court announced upholding the petitions on Memogate scandal.  Year in review: 2011 The year that shouldn't have been Omar R Qureshi To say it in one sentence, 2011 was a year that would probably rank as among the worst for Pakistan. But then again, I just turned 40 and I wasn't around for the first two-and-a-half decades or so of the country's existence, but I would imagine that things were never as bad as they are now. However, there is no guarantee that they won't get any worse.  Finger-pointing: PM's 'Osama sanctuary' remark earns Nisar's ire Qamar Zaman National Assembly proceedings turned into a grilling session on Friday with Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan lashing out at the prime minister for pointing fingers at defence authorities for Osama bin Laden's presence in Pakistan.  BLA claims Quetta attack, 13 dead Shehzad Baloch At least 13 people, including women and children, were killed and 36 others injured in a blast near the residence of politician Shafiq Mengal on Arbab Karam Khan Road in Quetta on Friday evening. _______________________________________________  Business Overview: A distracted govt all but ignores the economy Shahbaz Rana Barring some achievements on the external front, 2011 will likely be remembered as the year the government was so distracted with its political troubles that it all but failed to pay any meaningful attention to the economy.  Agriculture: Rising crop production a rare bright spot Shamsul Islam Despite much of Pakistan's prime agricultural land being devastated by floods two years in a row, the country continued to achieve high growth in the production of major commodities, a resilience that was surprising since much of it came from the unusual source of productivity gains. _______________________________________________  Sports And Pakistan's standout performer is... Our Correspondents The stakes are always against you when representing Pakistan. But some still manage to make a difference. Here, The Express Tribune staff lists six of those who made a major impact on Pakistan sports in 2011.  Glory and medals, but regret and prison cells too... 2011 Our Correspondents From reaching the cricket World Cup semi-final to the dismal hockey  Champions Trophy, the year had it all on the field … and some off it too _______________________________________________  Life & Style Trend, Set, Go 2011 Hani Taha Fashion's sudden eruption two years ago meant that specialised knowledge in the field became the need of the day. The fashion school initiated by PFDC got its official approval and formally became an 'institute'.  Let's make-up! With Bina Khan Our Correspondents It is my sincere hope that the column that you are reading at this very moment is the first page of the last make-up book that you will ever need to read. Tear out every column and stick it on to your mirror or simply review online; either way I am going to blow the lid on every beauty secret out there, making a make-up whizz out of every single one of you. After 15 years of doing make-up and thousands of faces later, I have loads to share. So here goes! _______________________________________________

Opinion  Achieving a critical mass Shahid Javed Burki  All Western invaders aren't Pakhtun Salman Rashid  Whatever Lola wants… Amina Jilani  A man for all seasons Tazeen Javed  The poets we forget Nosheen Ali  Blogs Adoption: Patience is truly a virtue Adeel Ansari Christmas in Maryland Huma Imtiaz  Abbottabad has more to offer than Osama bin Laden Asif Nawaz  One year on at The Express Tribune Maryam Usman  Poll Is the use of force to tackle the security situation in Balochistan the right way forward? No (82%, 353 Votes) Yes (18%, 79 Votes) Total Voters: 432  Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

The Express Tribune, 5 Expressway Off Korangi Road, Karachi, Sindh 75500, Pakistan You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.