Top 10 on Tribune (Feb 05-12 2012)

Top 10 stories of the week

Feb 05-12, 2012

1. Radcliffe admits being drunk during 'Harry Potter' scenes - Reuters 2. All is 'whale': 'Moby Dick' comes to town ahead of Karachi Literature Festival – Saad Hasan 3. Dead whale shark sold – Web Desk, Wasiq Muhammad 4. Education: The PTI's false promises won't help – Pervez Hoodbhoy 5. 13-year-old prodigy becomes lecturer at SSUET, FAST, MAJU – Kiran Naz 6. Why speak for the Ahmadis? – Saroop Ijaz 7. US citizenship for Dr Shakil Afridi, says congressman – Huma Imtiaz 8. No more loadshedding in Pakistan: Naveed Qamar – Web Desk, Zahid Gishkori 9. Veena Malik denies nude photo shoot for FHM – Web Desk 10. Rival 'Islamic' social media site calls for Facebook boycott – Rana Tanveer

Top Business From Kamra to Karachi via the Chinese: Military debuts in the handheld market Saba Imtiaz Top Sports Green sweep: Pakistan win third test by 71 runs AFP Top 3 blogs 1. The Islamic university where girls were raped Nadir el Edroos 2. The terrible appeal of Humsafar Abira Ashfaq 3. Agneepath: Why remakes are worth it Zainab Imam Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights JobsClassifieds

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The Express Tribune Newsletter: February 12, 2012

Today's Headlines

February 12, 2012

Border violation: Afghan forces kill 2 in Balochistan Shehzad Baloch In the brash combative style of US-led Nato forces, Afghan security forces carried out a raid – their first cross-border incursion – in a border district of Balochistan, officials said on Saturday. _______________________________________________ National/City reports Economic woes: Finance secretary changed in wake of IMF report Shahbaz Rana The government on Saturday appointed Abdul Wajid Rana as the new finance secretary in the wake of a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) exposing the vulnerability of Pakistan's economic policies. The Afghan albatross: Political rhetoric gives way to pragmatism Zarrar Khuhro I went into the Karachi Literature Festival session titled 'Afghanistan and Pakistan: conflict, extremism and the Taliban' expecting not just old wine in an even older bottle, but fearing that the wine would have turned into vinegar. Simply put, I was expecting the usual round of accusations, self-flagellation and mea culpas that are par for the course in any discussion about Pakistan's role in Afghanistan. Alleged suspect in Shahbaz Bhatti case arrested in UAE Umer Nangiana One of the two suspects in the murder case of former minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti was arrested in Dubai with the help of the International Police (Interpol). He was still to be repatriated to Pakistan after fulfilling legal formalities, which are likely to take over a week Difa-e-Pakistan Part 2/2: Who is aiding the jihadis' resurgence? Taha Siddiqui Difa-e-Pakistan has organised three large gatherings in Punjab alone. The first was in Lahore, which was organised by Jamatud Dawa (JuD), whose leadership is in charge of coordination and communication between all members of the group. A conversation with Shobhaa De: At 64, Shobhaa De is still going full steam Zainab Imam For someone with a phobia of needles, Shobhaa De is remarkably comfortable poking others with her razor sharp words regardless of how uncomfortable it may make them. _______________________________________________ Business Weekly review: Market continues upward march despite negativity Bilal Umar The stock market put up a resilient face in front of negative political and financial triggers, as the benchmark KSE-100 index managed to shoot past the 12,000-point barrier and close 2.1% or 249 points higher during the week ended February 10. Double-digit inflation: SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 12% Farhan Zaheer In the face of a persistent double-digit inflation, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to leave interest rate unchanged at 12 per cent and said the basic challenge faced by the economy is to finance its fiscal and current account deficits. _______________________________________________ Sports Tennis: Aisam wins, Aqeel loses in Davis Cup Natasha Raheel Pakistan experienced mixed fortunes on the opening day of their Davis Cup tie against Lebanon with the scores tied at 1-1 after Aisamul Haq Qureshi's win and Aqeel Khan's loss. Hockey: PIA become national champions for the 26th time Fawad Hussain National Hockey Championship's two best sides played the most thrilling match of the tournament, the final, as PIA captured their 26th national crown courtesy a golden goal win over Wapda with the scores tied 3-3. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Meera: 'I am leaving Lollywood' Saadia Qamar Before Veena became controversy's favourite child — there was the ever notorious Meera. The Express Tribune sat down with the sultry actor for an intimate interview where she shared details on her past relationships, the apparent copycat Reema and settling down for good. Love don't cost a thing Hani Taha For those who avidly celebrate Valentine's Day each year, the agonising question of 'what to give' is an annual quandary which never seems to get solved. Even the couples who feel that their love shouldn't be limited to just one day, feel pressurised with an onslaught of consumerism and all those scarlet stuffed pieces hanging from every nook and cranny of every store. _______________________________________________

Opinion Balochistan and freedom Saroop Ijaz What India needs to do in Kashmir Aakar Patel 'The bomb' and 'the weak state' Khaled Ahmed The logical search of someone better Faras Ghani Inequality and human potential Akmal Hussain Blogs Overtures from Washington Mohammad Rizwan Veena Malik interview gone wrong Danish Ali A fantastic dive into the deep blue sea Absar Ul Hasan When Twitter gets it wrong Shaheryar Popalzai Poll Do you agree with Interior Minister Rehman Malik's statement that there is some foreign involvement in Balochistan's unrest? Agree (62%, 107 Votes) Disagree (38%, 65 Votes) Total Voters: 172 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: February 11, 2012

Today's Headlines

February 11, 2012

Contempt charges: Another door shuts on Gilani Azam Khan It was always going one way – and right before the end, the court enticed the premier's counsel. "We are ready to give you 10 minutes to talk to the prime minister on the phone and let us know," said Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, giving one last opportunity to consent to writing a letter to the Swiss authorities. _______________________________________________ National/City The unofficial guide to the Karachi Literature Festival Imran Yusuf The programme starts with a bang: 'superstar writer' Shobhaa De. Eleven 'o'clock might be too early for some to digest the glamorous Mumbai writer of steamy potboilers, but there is a curious sub-plot. Will the Amazonian Shobhaa eat her mild-mannered moderator Asif Noorani for brunch? One hopes not, for if all goes to plan Mr Noorani will coax some fantastic stories about big egos and beautiful evenings from her days as Editor of Stardust. SC orders: ISI, MI granted more time to produce 'missing' prisoners Azam Khan In an unusual order, the Supreme Court on Friday directed the country's powerful intelligence agencies to present seven prisoners, who went missing from Adiala Jail, before the court by 5pm the same day. Cacophony and silence: Govt unfazed by US hearing on Balochistan Qamar Zaman The hearing on Balochistan in Washington sparked a sense of urgency among some in parliament, but was unable to solicit a response from the government. PTI will shoot drones down once in power: Imran Khan Ferya Ilyas / Iftikhar Firdous Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan said that those in power should be embarrassed about the ongoing drone attacks that violate Pakistan's sovereignty and kill innocent people. US court hears Dr Aafia Siddiqui's lawyers appeal Huma Imtiaz More than a year after the infamous neuroscientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui was sentenced to 86 years in prison on charges of attacking US soldiers, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit heard an appeal in New York on Friday. _______________________________________________ Business Thar coal: Despite PM's orders ministry fails to allocate funds Shahbaz Rana Despite clear instructions of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, the finance ministry has not yet committed any funds for providing much-needed boost to the Thar coal project. Corporate results: Unilever profits beat estimates, grow 25% Our Correspondents Unilever, the maker of more than 50 brands from Fair and Lovely to Knorr soup, beat all estimates and posted a 25% jump in profits to Rs4.09 billion on the back of higher sales despite price hikes across the board. _______________________________________________ Sports Experienced Pakistan beat spirited Afghanistan by 7 wickets Our Correspondents Pakistan beat minnows Afghanistan by seven wickets, with Younus Khan unbeaten at 70 and skipper Misbahul Haq at 40 in the only ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. UAE want Aqib as head coach Fawad Hussain The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has termed Pakistan's bowling coach Aqib Javed its 'prime' choice as the UAE team's head coach. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Purushapura: Gifts from the past Sher Alam Shinwari Peshawar, previously known as Purushapura (The City of Flowers), is, according to historians, probably the oldest and the most culturally fertile city of South Asia.  Happiness = Innovation at work Sarah Khan "Each new day holds out a chance to create a whole new beginning, a sparkling new field of possibilities. Explore and celebrate this possibility," insists innovation guru Dr Rekha Shetty, popularly known as the Corporate Doctor. _______________________________________________

Opinion Calling out the real bullies Tazeen Javed Balochistan — the only way forward Sanaullah Baloch Since Salala Zafar Hilaly Uniformed flunkies Amina Jilani Of blood and fire Ajmal Kamal Blogs The Islamic university where girls were raped Syed Nadir El Edroos A day in the life of Nasreen kaamvaali Orr Ali So what's wrong with being connected? Faisal Kapadia Keep Mohsin Khan as coach Fawad Hussain Poll Should Pakistan withdraw subsidies and increase sales tax to manage the deficit issue? No (58%, 209 Votes) Yes (42%, 152 Votes) Total Voters: 361 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: February 09, 2012

Today's Headlines

February 09, 2012

PM contempt: Ahsan directed to remove objectionable paras from appeal Web Desk Justice Saqib Nisar, as a part of the eight-member bench hearing the intra-court appeal on Thursday, directed Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan to remove 'objectionable' paragraphs from his appeal, reported Express News. _______________________________________________  National/City Human rights abuses: US committee hears grievances of Balochistan Huma Imtiaz In the packed Room 2200 of the Rayburn Office Building, members of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations began hearing human rights activists and scholars detail human rights abuses in Balochistan. US public supports Obama's drone programme: Poll Our Correspondents US President Barack Obama has overwhelming support from American voters for his use of drone strikes against terror suspects and his planned troop drawdown in Afghanistan, a poll found Wednesday. Long-term deferred payments: Iran offers Pakistan oil supply on soft terms Zafar Bhutta With a decline in oil export  to the world market due to new US and European Union sanctions, Iran has offered to provide Pakistan oil on long-term deferred payments by laying a pipeline between the two countries.  20th Amendment: 'Make or break' day today in talks Abdul Manan / Zia Khan Negotiators from the government and opposition on Wednesday managed to break the deadlock on a constitutional amendment vital to restoring the membership of 28 suspended parliamentarians. Bolstering ties: Sri Lankan president to visit Pakistan on Feb 10 Jaffer Bilgrami Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksha will be visiting Pakistan on a three-day tour, beginning on February 10, at the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari who last visited Colombo in 2010. _______________________________________________ Business Tough measures: IMF suggests increase in sales tax rate to trim deficit Shahbaz Rana The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to withdraw untargeted subsidies, raise the sales tax rate and reintroduce income surcharge and special excise duty after finding out that the country has understated its expenditures and overstated receipts. Stuttering start: Pakistan's first private train service skips payments Our Correspondents The newly launched public-private venture between Pakistan Railways (PR) and Four Brothers to operate Pakistan's first ever 'business train', the Pak Business Express, is in trouble a week into operation. _______________________________________________ Sports Ajmal's action: Ignore debate or it'll get to you, says Saqlain Mushtaq Our Correspondents As Saeed Ajmal reignited debate about his bowling action, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, the inventor of the doosra, urged the in-form bowler to ignore the ongoing debate and focus on what he does best: destroy the opposition. Cricket: I will make sure I'm not dropped again, says Hammad Azam Fawad Hussain Hammad Azam was busy playing for Federal Areas against Balochistan in the ongoing Pentangular Cup when he received the 'surprise' call-up to the national squad for the limited-overs series against England. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Naseer & Shahab: Songs of peace from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rafay Mahmood Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) is perceived by many as a land which hosts an endless supply of militants, but is once again gaining recognition as a hub for the creative arts. The younger generation of K-P is passionate and concerned about the stereotypes associated with Pakhtuns, which is why musicians like Zeb and Haniya, Sajid and Zeeshan and now Naseer Afridi and Shahab Qamar are using the medium of poetry and music to dismiss preconceived notions. Tribune Take: Lawn tsunami to sweep Pakistan Mahawish Rezvi In today's episode of the Tribune Take we look at the ongoing craze for the thin cotton fabric, lawn. _______________________________________________

Opinion A shark of a tale Sami Shah Education: The PTI's false promises won't help Pervez Hoodbhoy The IMF casts a light Khurram Husain Spurious medicines Syed Mohammed Ali Poor Saint Valentine and his day! Khaled Ahmed Blogs Have you been exorcised by Baba Welfare? Jahanzaib Haque Demi Moore and our fear of ageing Anushay Hossain Who is watching the social media wardens? Salman Latif Pak vs England: A welcome green sweep Dr Amyn Malik Poll Do you believe the US will formally apologise for last year's NATO attack on a Pakistani check post?  No (66%, 300 Votes) Yes (34%, 156 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

 

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The Express Tribune Newsletter: February 08, 2012

Today's Headlines

February 08, 2012

Contempt case: Gilani files appeal against charges AFP / Web Desk Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani filed an appeal in the Supreme Court on Wednesday against the charges held against him in the contempt of court case. _______________________________________________ National/City Drone attack: 9 suspected militants killed in North Waziristan Our Correspondents At least 9 suspected militants were killed when an unmanned US predator drone targeted a house in North Waziristan Agency, early Wednesday morning, officials said. Thaw in relations: With relations reboot, US apology a possibility Our Correspondents As parliament gears up for what is expected to be a vigorous debate on the re-evaluation of ties with the United States this month, it seems that the two countries have gotten the ball rolling on various fronts to reboot their frayed strategic relationship, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. National Assembly: New provinces create ruckus again Qamar Zaman When the clamour for the creation of new provinces becomes a little louder, National Assembly proceedings, inevitably, tend to veer in another direction. Talks with the Taliban: US keeps Pakistan in the loop Kamran Yousaf The United States has briefed Pakistan on its initial contacts with the Afghan Taliban in a move which signals the easing of months-long tensions between the two allies, whose cooperation in stabilising the war-torn country is considered essential. All is 'whale': 'Moby Dick' comes to town ahead of Karachi Literature Festival Saad Hasan A 35-foot long whale-shark dragged into the Karachi harbour will go on display for three days at the auction hall where its owner will charge viewers. _______________________________________________ Business Fate unclear: Pakistan asks Iran to get gas reserves verified Zafar Bhutta The fate of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project hangs in the balance as Pakistan has asked Iran to get South Pars gas field's reserves ratified from a third party and revise the price downwards by linking it with the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project. App developer: Missing the Silicon Valley bandwagon starts the journey for Khan Farooq Baloch Employment offers from Microsoft or Apple – and that too in the world's IT hub Silicon Valley – is the ultimate dream for most IT professionals. Sharyar Muhammad Khan, a young talent from war-stricken area of Swat, was fortunate to have offers from both. Although he missed the chance to jump on the Silicon Valley bandwagon, he did fairly well in building one of his own in Pakistan. _______________________________________________ Sports Series review: Mohsin deflects praise to Misbah, squad Fawad Hussain Diverting well-deserved credit to the team and captain Misbahul Haq, Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan has said the players' mental strength and resolve were key factors behind a historic whitewash over England. Malik walks into ODI, T20 squad on demand Our Correspondents Another squad naming, another controversial u-turn made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). _______________________________________________ Life & Style Lawn: Back to the racks Hani Taha While the biggest question on everyone's minds has been whether or not the lawn bubble will burst, it is rumoured that around 108 lawns are slated to hit the market this summer. So while the country prepares itself for this avalanche of fabric, the most anticipated brand, Sana Safinaz — which gave a tsunami-like momentum to lawn — have declared that they will not be holding an exhibition. 'Veena doesn't represent Pakistan' Our Correspondents Pakistani actor Veena Malik is controversy's favourite child, but it would be unfair to judge the entire country on the basis of what she does in India, singer-cum-actor Ali Zafar told IANS. _______________________________________________

Opinion The Romulus principle? Ejaz Haider No need for further divisions Rasul Bakhsh Rais The poor do not matter Tariq Fatemi Republicans vs Democrats Asad Rahim Khan Snow-bound and with no fuel Zahrah Nasir Blogs Let's love Pakistan: A new resolution (II) Saad Zuberi The terrible appeal of Humsafar Abira Ashfaq Fear and loathing for military coups Azam Khan Dawkins made it to my sociology class Omar Kamal Bin Farooq Poll Has the government taken adequate measures to battle extremism in Pakistan? No (51%, 319 Votes) Yes (49%, 309 Votes) Total Voters: 628 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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