The Express Tribune Newsletter: April 13, 2012

Today's Headlines In unison: Parliament passes foreign policy reboot Zia Khan / Zahid Gishkori The sudden passage was in sharp contrast to the prolonged nature of backdoor deliberations – and despite all the drama, it was unanimous.  Ephedrine case: Gilani family being deliberately targeted, says Moosa Gilani Our Correspondents After being implicated in the Rs7 billion Berlex Lab International ephedrine quota allocation scam Ali Moosa Gilani, the younger son of Prime Minister Gilani said that his family was deliberately being targeted and that not a shred of concrete evidence had been presented against him. Revisiting foreign policy: US ready to talk – but end to drone strikes unlikely Kamran Yousaf The United States is ready to discuss the new framework for relations with Pakistan, said American officials after Parliament unanimously approved new guidelines on relations with the United States on Thursday in a key step towards repairing troubled ties. 'Sixth site' added on day six in Siachen search operation Our Correspondents As rescue efforts to recover the buried soldiers enter its sixth day in Gayari, Siachen, another priority point (Sixth Site) has been added to the search, adding to the already five identified points. Business Lifestyle exhibition: Pakistani companies look for foothold in India Kashif Hussain Showcasing gourmet chefs and lawn, Pakistan unveiled a trade fair on Thursday in New Delhi as commercial ties between the traditional foes begin slowly to bloom. Govt approves draft of TAPI gas pipeline agreement Our Correspondents The government has approved a draft of gas sale purchase agreement for the US-backed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and also endorsed the gas price at 70% of crude price, which is cheaper than the gas to be purchased from Iran. _______________________________________________ Sports Pakistan Premier League: National cricketers join the bandwagon Fawad Hussain The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) received a huge breakthrough in its bid to launch the Pakistan Premier League (PPL) when various national and international cricketers showed interest in featuring in the planned event.  Cricket: Decisive talks on Bangladesh tour likely Our Correspondents The wait is nearing its end. Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan looks unlikely with each passing day but an announcement is imminent with chiefs of both boards coming face-to-face in Dubai this weekend for the International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting. _____________________________________________ Life & Style 5th PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week: Fashion duel Hani Taha The month of April has brought a fashion tsunami for the fashion conscious lot in Pakistan. Every weekend has been slotted for a fashion event and there's been headlong bumper to bumper traffic this month, all thanks to gung-ho fashion lovers flocking to venues to witness this ongoing fashion outburst.  Salman Ahmad: Making his way into films Our Correspondents Sufi rockstar Salman Ahmad, who is all set to rock India in an upcoming tour later this month, has a little surprise for his fans in Pakistan and abroad. Previously, Ahmad was going to New Delhi to perform live for his fans but now the musician has announced that he will be making his Bollywood debut in Vicky Kumar's musical love story Rhythm, according to timesofindia.com. _______________________________________________

Opinion Damn you, Siachen Kamran Shafi Time to pass the domestic violence bill Bina Shah When is a drug not a drug? Dr Mahjabeen Islam A thought on energy Dr Pervez Tahir The end of my Pakistan adventure David Martin   Blogs Is science closer to the truth? Faraz Talat Free laptops: Incentive or publicity stunt? Anwer Sumra Why should Afridi steer the ship? Syed Ali Zia Jaffery Meera's abortion is nobody's business Zahra Peer Mohammed   Poll Do you think the government has failed to control sectarian violence in Pakistan? No (4%, 32 Votes) Yes (96%, 824 Votes) Total Voters: 856 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: April 12, 2012

Today's Headlines Election year budget: Prudence trumps populism in first draft Shahbaz Rana Economic stability appears to trump fiscal populism in the next year's budget proposed by the finance ministry. Defending that position, however, against federal ministers' demands, already appears to be a challenge. Drug quota scandal: Premier takes Cabinet into confidence over son Our Correspondents  As media hype surrounding his son's alleged involvement in a drug scandal gains momentum, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani took his Cabinet colleagues into confidence against what he termed "a malicious campaign" against Ali Musa Gilani. Cabinet reshuffle: Farooq Naek appointed law minister Zia Khan The government appointed Pakistan Peoples Party stalwart Farooq H Naek as law minister on Wednesday, completing an overhaul of its legal team ahead of crucial hearings in the Supreme Court. Foreign policy: JUI-F ends panel's boycott – conditionally Our Correspondents Though not unconditionally, the Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has called off its boycott of a parliamentary panel tasked to reconfigure the country's foreign policy.   Business ADB report: Low investment, power cuts adding to rich-poor gap Our Correspondents The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has singled out power outages and falling investment as the biggest challenges to Pakistan's economic growth, cautioning that these factors can further widen the gap between rich and poor. 3G spectrum: Auction body rejects firms selected for consultancy Shahbaz Rana In a major blow to government's efforts to auction 3G telecom licences, the Auction Supervisory Committee (ASC) of 3G has refused Pakistan Telecommunication Authority's (PTA) selected companies for consultancy services due to alleged dubious selection process. _______________________________________________ Sports Cricket: 'Laziness, queries led to fixing accusations' Nabeel Hashmi Laziness and post-match queries was what 'convinced' Karachi Zebras' manager that his senior players – including captain Hasan Raza and former captain Danish Kaneria – were involved in wrongdoings in the team's must-win match against Peshawar Panthers in the Super Eight T20 Cup. ICC suspends its grant to the US: Report Our Correspondents The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended its funding grants to the USA Cricket Association (USACA) due to poor governance, according to a report on ESPNcricinfo. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Meera: Gravitating towards a spiritual path Saadia Khan Before Veena Malik became the talk of the town — due to her alleged photo shoot for FHM and later an item song "Channo", revealing her signature sleaze — we had our ever notorious Meera. New people may come and go but Meera's popularity doesn't seem to fizzle out and the actor continues to grab headlines. Make way for Bridal Couture Week four Hani Taha If there's one thing Sultana Siddiqui, the CEO of Hum TV, has perfected, it is the art of performance. As expected, when her company held a press conference recently to announce the fourth instalment of their Bridal Couture Week (BCW ), to be held in Karachi from April 13-15 showcasing the work of 19 designers, there was obviously rhythm, dance and festivity surrounding the whole affair. It was quite fitting really since weddings in this part of the world are all about theatrical extravaganza. _______________________________________________

Opinion Whose 'Umwelt' is it? Sami Shah Imran Khan: engaging delusion Shibil Siddiqi 'Energy conferences' and 'sacred cows' Khurram Husain Capturing our urban economic potential Ahmad Rafay Alam Drinking water laced with arsenic Ghulam dars   Blogs Mathira's wardrobe malfunction: Nudity or modernity? Hani Taha Here's the evidence on Hafiz Saeed Tabish Qayyum Afghan shooting rampage: When the solution became the problem Manal Shakir Why the silence for persecuted Hindus? Amna Lone   Poll Do you believe President Zardari's visit to India accounted for Dr Chishti's release? No (57%, 310 Votes) Yes (43%, 237 Votes) Total Voters: 547 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: April 11, 2012

Today's Headlines Siachen day 4: Search operation continues despite weather conditions Our correspondents Search and rescue operations in Giari continue on the fourth day despite unfavourable weather conditions that have prevented the American, German and Swedish rescue teams from leaving for Skardu, Express News reported. Ephedrine case: SC reinstates probe team as ANF implicates PM's son Azam Khan The prime minister's son is in hot waters. After suspending the transfer orders of the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) investigation team looking into the illegal sale of Ephedrine on Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued notice to the prime minister's son, Ali Musa Gilani. Energy quarrels: Senator Adeel's fireworks invite PML-N ire Qamar Zaman An otherwise dull joint session of parliament, which has been convened to discuss the contours of the country's foreign policy, witnessed some fireworks sparked by the Awami National Party (ANP) against the decision to equally sharing the burden of power outages by the provinces. Recrafting foreign policy: After weeks of impasse, panel makes headway Zahid Gishkori Parties from across the political spectrum are close to converging on re-engagement with the United States. They are willing to allow for the resumption of Nato supplies through Pakistan, if drone strikes are brought to a halt. Business Federal development spending: Ministry proposes 17% hike, final figure to be higher Shahbaz Rana The finance ministry has proposed an increase federal development spending by 17% to Rs350 billion in the upcoming budget 2012-13, a figure likely to be raised considerably after dealing with objections raised by dozens of ministries. HSBC in talks to sell local operations Our Correspondents Europe's biggest bank, HSBC, is in talks to sell its Pakistan business, the latest effort by the group to slim its global presence. _______________________________________________ Sports Cricket: BCB avoids discussion on Pakistan tour Fawad Hussain Bangladesh may play their maiden Test series in India later this year, according to the the country's cricket board. Pakistan to host Iran, India kabaddi teams Our Correspondents The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) will be hosting a tri-nation series in September with India and Iran set to take part in the traditional circle style of the sport.  _______________________________________________ Life & Style Pakistani journalist: Durdana Ansari, OBE, takes time out for Karachi over a cup of tea Tooba Masood There are not many women who have had the opportunity to meet Mehdi Hasan, ask Dilip Kumar for directions, talk politics with Pervez Musharraf or watch Ismail Gulgee paint in his London apartment. Durdana Ansari has met them all, sat down with them over a cup of tea and discussed what makes them who they are. Day 3: Fashion Pakistan Week 2012 Hani Taha Day three at Fashion Pakistan Week 2012 was all about spirit. It was the only day that has so far adhered to the concept of pret and high street fashion that the week was supposedly pivoted around. The third day of the event was fabulously fun not only in its energetic shows but also because of the interesting and hip traditionalism infused clothing. _______________________________________________

Opinion Pious wishes and ugly reality Ejaz Haider A gendered business Anna Khan The debate for more provinces Asad Rahim Khan Giving women their due Farrukh Khan Pitafi Friendship on our terms Anwer Mooraj   Blogs Afghan shooting rampage: When the solution became the problem Manal Shakir Veena Malik: Scorned for being different Huneeya Mazari VIP protocol: Thanks for the extra sleep! Shazia Mehboob Siachen tragedy: Is a glacier worth their lives? Rafeel Wasif   Poll What temperature do you set your air conditioner in the summer? Around 26C: 54% (230 votes) Around 20C: 46% (196 votes) Total: 426 votes 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: April 10, 2012

Today's Headlines Siachen tragedy – Day 3: With hope lost, rescuers face new dangers Sumera Khan With a search operation under way for the past 52 hours and fresh snowfall, hopes of finding 135 people buried by an avalanche faded swiftly — and new concerns emerged. Repatriation: Deportation papers of OBL's family completed  Our Correspondent The travel documents of Osama bin Laden's family members have been completed by the interior and foreign affairs ministry — his Yemini wife and five children will be deported back after serving a seven-day prison sentence. Politics of minority: MPA accused of posing as Christian to get seat Rana Tanveer A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking the disqualification of an MPA elected on a minority seat on the grounds that he is actually a Muslim. Joint session: No breakthrough on domestic violence bill Our Correspondents Deadlock remained over the passage of the Domestic Violence Bill, 2009 in Parliament, despite the government's promise to address the opposition's concerns over some controversial clauses. Business The switcheroo: Instead of Iran, import power from Central Asia, says US Zafar Bhutta It seems that the United States will try just about any approach to dissuade Pakistan from going ahead with the Iran-Pakistan pipeline, pitching ideas that are overly optimistic at best and delusional at worst. The latest in this line-up is the idea that Pakistan should import about 8,300 megawatts of electricity from the Central Asian republics, with the transmission lines passing through war-torn Afghanistan. Fertiliser sector expected to post losses for first quarter of 2012 Farooq Tirmizi A combination of gas supply issues, plant shutdowns, and cheaper imports have led to abysmal sales for nearly all of the major companies in the fertiliser sector, and most of them are expected to post losses in the first quarter of 2012, according to analysts. _______________________________________________ Sports Pakistan-India series: PCB happy with progress on bilateral ties Fawad Hussain President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to India and the comments coming in from the Indian cricket board have seemingly broken the deadlock that blocked the resumption of cricketing ties between the two countries. Iran players 'did not want to wait for a connecting flight' Natasha Raheel Frustrated by the teams' withdrawal from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under-14 festival, the country's federation has registered an official complaint against Iran. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Day 2: Fashion Pakistan Week 2012 Hani Taha It's been an intense fortnight of fashion with the Showcase having ended last weekend only to herald in Fashion Pakistan Week 2012 this weekend. And while the Showcase made no claims of gaining an edge over other fashion platforms for 'content', FP certainly did announce a theme: high street. 'Afsoos': Khan ends 'Uth Records' on a high note Rafay Mahmood Following the reverberating performance of Orangenoise, "Uth Records" introduced their final artist for this season, Rahim Saranjam Khan, who hails from Peshawar, a place that has lately become the powerhouse of raw Pakistani talent. _______________________________________________

Opinion Who controls foreign policy in Pakistan? Dr Tariq Rahman In defence of Misbah Sahibzada M Irfan Can we emulate Turkey? Imtiaz Gul A Pakistani miracle in India Jyoti Malhotra Zardari's visit to India and after Tariq Fatemi  Blogs How the One Rupee Project can help literacy Muhammad Mustaqeem Yousfani Why Imran Nazir should be on the T20 team Waqas Ahmad Ibn-e-Khaldun and other forgotten Muslim heroes Tamiur Arbab Not impressed by Pawnay 14 August Salman Abedin  Poll Do you think President Zardari's visit to India will help ease tension between the two countries? Yes (38%, 335 Votes) No (62%, 550 Votes) Total Voters: 885 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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