Sunday, April 1, 2012

The Express Tribune Newsletter: April 02, 2012

 

Today's Headlines

April 02, 2012

 
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Boao forum for Asia: Gilani says China's enemy is our enemy

Our Correspondents

Pakistan and China moved in lockstep a notch higher than their "time-tested" and "all-weather" friendship status on Sunday when Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani declared that "China's enemy is our enemy".
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National/City

Soaring oil prices: Amidst outcry, allies, opposition censure govt
Qamar Zaman
As Saturday's massive increase in fuel prices triggered calls for a countrywide strike from transporters and traders, the Pakistan Peoples Party's government came under scathing criticism from the opposition and allies alike. 

Zardari, Manmohan to meet over lunch
Our Correspondent
President Asif Ali Zardari will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi over lunch on April 8 before making a private visit to the famous 13th century Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer, India's 
Daily News andAnalysis newspaper reported on Sunday. 

Marvi Memon loses out on vacant PML-N seat
Abdul Manan
Former lawmaker Marvi Memon may have joined Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with much fanfare, but that doesn't mean her inclusion hasn't led to dissent within party ranks.

Vigilante squads: TTP introduces 'moral policing' in Afghanistan
Tahir Khan
In a bid to impose their own puritanical version of Islam, the Pakistani Taliban have introduced "moral policing" in parts of northeastern Afghanistan, Afghan police claimed on Sunday. 

Liver transplants: Pioneering surgeons may leave Sheikh Zayed Hospital
Ali Usman
Two of Pakistan's pioneering liver transplant surgeons, responsible for leading the first transplant without the help of a foreign doctor, are likely to discontinue their services at the Sheikh Zayed Hospital (SZH) due to a lack of operating facilities.
_______________________________________________ 

Business

Managing micro-equity: The economics of numbers and poverty
Humayon Dar
Paradoxical though it may seem, there are huge business opportunities in countries with large numbers of poor people. The opportunities for businesses to profit are even more lucrative when such populations happen to live in clusters.  All modern emerging markets (China, India, Brazil and Indonesia) have risen from a base level where large segments of their populations were living in poverty.

Starting a small business: When size really doesn't matter
Imtiaz Piracha
After I decided that I wanted to start a new business, a bookshop, the best person I could think of for guidance was Rahim bhai.  He had years of experience in distributing and selling books and magazines all over the country.
_______________________________________________ 

Sports

Cricket: BCB avoids discussion on Pakistan tour
Fawad Hussain
As Pakistan anxiously awaits the return of international cricket, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ignored discussing the fate of its team's proposed tour to the country. 

Complaints mar Sindh Games' closing
Our Correspondents
As the Sindh Games concluded with Karachi proving their dominance, players concluded that Mirpurkhas failed to stage the 15th edition of the event successfully. 
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Life & Style

Sarangi: A dying tradition
Sher Khan
The popularity of classical instruments, especially the sarangi, is declining in Pakistan and as a result, talented musicians and craftsmen who make the instruments are feeling abandoned. 

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.
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Opinion

Beyond the memo affair
Raza Rumi

The middle class debate
Shahid Javed Burki

Academic responsibility
Tanvir Ahmad Khan 

Coming to terms with autism
Annum Sadiq 

Another top-heavy irrigation scheme
Syed Mohammad Ali 

Blogs

Why America won't help with Kashmir
Jehangir Ali 

Why The Hunger Games is the anti-Twilight
Hala Syed 

Lusting for heroin, living in excess
Fyez Ahmed 

An open letter to Nawaz Sharif
Nadeem Akram 

Poll

Do you think the government is doing enough to preserve cultural heritage sites?

No (95%, 452 Votes)
Yes (5%, 24 Votes)
Total Voters: 476 

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You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

Top 10 stories of the week (March 25-April 01)

 

Top 10 stories of the week

March 25-April 01, 2012
 


1. A touch of inspiration runs both ways as Sean Penn visits shrine and Edhi home – Saba Imtiaz

2. Acid victim: Fakhra Yunus laid to rest in Karachi – Web Desk/PPI

3. Decade after being scarred by acid, Fakhra Yunus jumps to her death – Web Desk/Yousuf Saifuddin

4. Asia Cup final: ACC rejects Bangladesh's review plea – Web Desk

5. Bangladesh seeks reversal of Asia Cup final result - Reuters

6. Acid thrower?: Bilal Khar denies accusations, pleads innocence – Ferya Ilyas

7. Case details: 'Fakhra's case cannot be reopened' – Arshad Baig

8. Exam question on system of life includes 'Zardari' as option – Owais Jafri/Web Desk

9. 'Channo' girl: Veena's victories – Saadia Qamar

10. Pakistan has addiction of using militants against India: Pentagon official – Web Desk/Huma Imtiaz

 

Top Business

Software development lab: Pakistan beats India and Sri Lanka to get contract
Farooq Baloch

Top Opinion

Ugly ceremonies; traitors galore
Kamran Shafi

Top 3 blogs

1. I'm a Pakistani marrying a gora
Saira Khan

2. A disappointed Pakistani Christian
Cynthia Roberto

3. Lahore from Karachi eyes
Tanzeel Ahmad

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Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Express Tribune Newsletter: April 1, 2012

 

Today's Headlines

April 1, 2012

 

PCNS recommendations: 'Pakistan should have clear role in Afghan endgame'
Zahid Gishkori

It's an either-or situation. Either the US should define Pakistan's role in the Afghanistan reconciliation process as troop withdrawal draws closer – or continue to face a stalemate over the resumption of Nato supplies, the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) said on Saturday.
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National/City reports

Out of favour: Sidelined Awan feels the heat
Qamar Zaman / Abdul Manan
Once seen as the president's closest aide, Babar Awan is feeling the effects of falling out of favour.

Unprecedented: After diesel, petrol smashes Rs100 barrier
Zafar Bhutta
For the first time in the country's history, petrol prices have crossed the Rs100 per litre barrier.

Behind the scenes of constitutional revival
Farman Ali
The third tenure of the Pakistan Peoples Party government has earned all the negative epithets it could earn for its performance. It will, however, be remembered for its historic achievement in bringing the 18th Amendment to the constitution and giving Pakistan a federal structure.

Karachi mayhem: As violence toll soars, police contest figures
Our Correspondents
Karachi marked another day of mourning – the third in a week – on Saturday as the death toll from the violence since Tuesday soared to 33 – a figure that was contested though by police officials who attributed other reasons for some of the deaths.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, people await Imran's 'tsunami' to tide over sectarianism
Shabbir Mir
The Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf's (PTI) "tsunami" seems to have washed away the party chief's memories of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), where people await his visit in the hope that it will help restore calm in the region, periodically inflamed by sectarian strife.
_______________________________________________

Business

Weekly review: Bourse surges upwards despite many concerns
Bilal Umar
The announcement of the delay in the implementation of the revised Capital Gains Tax regime had little bearing on the market as the KSE-100 index marched forward 488 points or 3.7% during the week ended March 30.

Analysis: The government is not to blame for rising petrol prices
Farooq Tirmizi
President Asif Ali Zardari is not a particularly well-liked politician, and indeed, his record on economic policymaking leaves much to be desired. But he is not in the least bit responsible for the spike in oil prices and has absolutely no control over them.
_______________________________________________

Sports

'Tradition ignored in Sindh Games'
Natasha Raheel
While the provincial games are held to highlight the traditional sports of the region, the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) seems to have missed that important point.

Super Eight T20 Cup: Shahzaib blasts Dolphins into final
Our Correspondent
A blistering half-century by opener Shahzaib Hasan allowed Karachi Dolphins easy entry into the final of the Faysal Bank Super Eight T20 Cup after they beat Lahore Lions by seven wickets in the first semi-final yesterday.
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Life & Style

Showcase 2012: A vexing affair
Hani Taha
The recently concluded fashion week 'Showcase 2012' had rather mysterious origins which left one confused and annoyed at the same time.

Every day's not a Sunday
Saadia Qamar
For most of us, Sundays are spent relaxing, watching films and spending time with friends and family. However, for Mohammad Hanif, it's the most tiring day of the week as he busies himself with selling beanbags at the Defence Sunday Bazaar in Karachi.
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Opinion

Burning face
Saroop Ijaz

No legs to stand on
Fahd Husain

National honour and foreign policy
Khaled Ahmed

The debris he leaves behind
Aakar Patel

A regional orientation
Rasul Bakhsh Rais

Blogs

Lusting for heroin, living in excess
Fyez Ahmed

An open letter to Nawaz Sharif
Nadeem Akram

When will project Jihad end?
Mohammad Jawad

Mohammad Hafeez: The real Boom Boom
Shariq Najeeb

Poll

Do you think the government is doing enough to preserve cultural heritage sites?

No (92%, 159 Votes)
Yes (8%, 13 Votes)
Total Voters: 172

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The Express Tribune Newsletter: March 31, 2012

 

Today's Headlines

March 31, 2012

 

 

Reopening NATO supply lines: US ready to offer more compensation
Kamran Yousaf

The United States has agreed to pay compensation and additional taxes on Nato supplies passing through Pakistan in a move that indicates Washington's eagerness to end the blockade of the vital supply line for coalition troops stationed in Afghanistan.
_______________________________________________

National/City

Blackout: Court strikes down rental power deals
Azam Khan
They came. They idled. They produced little (or no) electricity. And then, in a hard-hitting verdict on Friday, all rental power project (RPP) deals were declared 'non-transparent, illegal and void ab initio' by the apex court.

Descent into chaos: Death toll rises in fresh round of violence
Our Correspondent
As the situation in Orangi Town and its surrounding areas was beginning to settle down, a man identified as Ashiq was shot at and injured in Qasba Colony on Friday. He passed away later in the evening.

Upcoming budget 'relief': Tax exemption mulled for salarymen
Shahbaz Rana
Salaried individuals and small business owners are likely to receive significant tax relief in the upcoming budget. The government is considering exempting up to Rs350,000 in income from tax calculations entirely.

High alert: Defend yourself, Altaf Hussain tells Pakistanis
Our Correspondent
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain says people must step up to protect themselves given the harrowing and dangerous conditions in Pakistan.

Foreign policy review: Opposition drags govt back to drawing board
Zia Khan
In its desire to muster political consensus on foreign policy reconfiguration, the government has given in to the opposition.
_______________________________________________

Business

Power shortfall: US asks for political will to resolve the energy crisis
Our Correspondents
US has asked Pakistan's legislators to extend support and bring reforms in the energy sector to overcome the 3,800 megawatt power shortfall and with it the 10 and 12 hours daily outages, according to a report.

RPP contract cancellation: Decision to have little or no impact on power shortfall
Zafar Bhutta
Though cancellation of rental power plant (RPP) contracts will have no impact on the country due to low power production at a higher cost, the government has decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court.
_______________________________________________

Sports

Injured Junaid strives to improve
Fawad Hussain
Junaid Khan might have been laid low by injuries but his resolve and determination still flies high as he remains optimistic about an impressive return to the playing-eleven, learning the art of swing as he recovers from a knee injury. 

Karachi on top of 'poorly organised' Sindh Games
Natasha Raheel
Karachi dominated the opening day of the 15th Sindh Games that got underway in Mirpurkhas yesterday with athletes ruing poor facitlies.
_______________________________________________

Life & Style

Showcase 2012 day four: The perfect concoction
Saadia Qamar
The finale of Showcase 2012 brought in the bigwigs of the fashion world who showcased a variety of themes ranging from Feeha Jamshed's Parisian streetwear to Datch's grungy casual wear, Prada's neon jumpsuits to Adnan's classic sherwanis.

Documentary detailing life and works of Abdul Sattar Edhi wins French awards
Our Correspondent
The Edhi Foundation has said that a documentary on the life and works of Abdul Sattar Edhi, "The Kingdom of Mr Edhi", has bagged an award in France.
_______________________________________________

 

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Opinion

Let us just deny it out of existence
Ajmal Kamal

Karachi, the automatic city
Bina Shah

Shame on us
Salman Rashid

The lost generation
Tazeen Javed

Pakistan National Human Rights Commission
Iqbal Alimohamed

Blogs

A disappointed Pakistani Christian
Cynthia Roberto

Pawnay 14 August: Silence for brilliance
Adil Mulki

Pakistani diplomats and misplaced priorities
Zubair Khan

My dream for Pakistan
Usman Mukhtar

Poll

Should Pakistan reforge ties with the US?

No (51%, 236 Votes)
Yes (49%, 231 Votes)
Total Voters: 467

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Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Express Tribune Newsletter March 30, 2012

 

Today's Headlines

March 30, 2012
 

Verdict out: Dissolve all rental power projects, says SC
By Web Desk


 


Announcing the verdict of the rental power plant case on Friday, a two-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that all the rental power projects should be dissolved.

_______________________________________________


National/City reports


Reviving the recommendations: Gilani gathers stakeholders in bid to break impasse
By Irfan Ghauri
Deadlocked politically, the already-prolonged exercise of reviewing relations with the US was facing an unceremonious death in Parliament – so the prime minister gathered all stakeholders outside it.


Scrap scandal: Railway operations head arrested
By Zahid Gishkori / Asad Kharal
In its first high-level crackdown against rampant corruption in Pakistan Railways, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested General Manager Operations Pakistan Railways (PR) Saeed Akhtar on Thursday.


Targeted killings: Five Hazaras, two UN workers, shot dead in Quetta, Mastung
By Our Correspondent
At least five people were gunned down, and six others injured, when a van carrying people belonging to the Hazara community was ambushed on Spini road in Quetta Thursday morning.


PM's initiative: Rs6 billion to stifle electricity protests
By Our Correspondent
As protests against power outages continue to rage across Punjab, the prime minister used his executive authority on Thursday for the immediate release of Rs6 billion to provide relief to the mostly blacked out province.


Bill pending in legislature: Hindus demand law to protect marriage rights
By Sehrish Wasif
The country's largest minority, the Hindu community, has demanded the government to introduce and implement legislation on an immediate basis to protect their marriage rights.

_______________________________________________


Business


No respite: Hike in oil prices of up to Rs9 per litre on the cards
By Zafar Bhutta
Oil prices for the month of April are likely to go up to Rs8.94 per litre in line with a hike in global oil prices as provinces appear unwilling to bear the cost of subsidy on petroleum products except High Speed Diesel (HSD).


Karachi violence makes March tax target difficult to meet
By Shahbaz Rana
As violence in Karachi entered the third day, the federal government has suffered revenue loss of Rs18-20 billion, which is likely to cost it the tax collection target for March.

_______________________________________________


Sports


1st Test: Tangled England humiliated once again
By AFP
Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath claimed a match haul of 12 wickets as Sri Lanka condemned top-ranked England to their fourth consecutive Test defeat with a 75-run win in the series opener.


Super Eight T20: Tanvir blames poor batting for Rams' ouster
By Nabeel Hashmi
Sohail Tanvir blamed Rawalpindi Rams' poor batting for the side's exit from the Super Eight T20 Cup, the event they won in Faisalabad last year.

_______________________________________________


Life & Style


Showcase 2012 day three: Hits and misses
By Saadia Qamar
Day three of the Showcase 2012 remained a combination of extreme highs and disappointing lows. While designers like Ishtiaq Afzal Khan and Bibi Russell left audiences wanting more, others left a bad taste.


Revival of Cinema: 'Screening of Bollywood movies a temporary measure'
By AFP
With major Pakistani productions few and far in between, screening of Indian movies in Pakistan have become a temporary guardian angel  for the local cinema industry, Chairman Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) said on Thursday.

_______________________________________________

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Opinion


Ugly ceremonies; traitors galore
Kamran Shafi


In parliament's court
Syed Talat Hussain


Bury her standing
Amber Darr


Pakistan's voter turnout conundrum
Ibrahim Khan


Quality and plagiarism
Dr Pervez Tahir 


Blogs


My dream for Pakistan
Usman Mukhtar


Why the Pakistan Army makes state policies
Hussain Nadim


Bhagat Singh the intellectual
Sher Khan


Bangladeshi Tigers: Not ready to roar just yet
Khurram Baig 


Poll


Should Pakistan reforge ties with the US?


No (54%, 129 Votes)
Yes (46%, 111 Votes)
Total Voters: 240


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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The Express Tribune Newsletter: March 29, 2012

 

Today's Headlines

March 29, 2012

 

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Resolving impasse: US commanders offer 'new proposals'
Kamran Yousaf


In a second sign in as many days, the frost on Pakistan-US bilateral ties may be melting.
_______________________________________________ 

National/City

Behind closed doors: Govt, opposition agree to leave resolution pending
Abdul Manan
The opposition fears the political backlash; the government is unwilling to take blame by itself. The recommendations of a parliamentary panel have become a veritable hot potato. 

Karachi violence: After ANP worker murdered, 6 killed, 3 injured, 11 vehicles torched
Our Correspondents
As Karachi recovered from a day of violence that saw over eight people killed earlier on Tuesday, an Awami National Party (ANP) worker was killed. The ensuing spate of violence saw six more people being killed, three injured and 11 vehicles being torched in the city on Wednesday. 

Power shortage: Govt scratches its head as crisis aggravates
Shahbaz Rana
As power crisis deepened, sparking violent protests in Punjab for a fifth day, the government on Wednesday was unable to find a solution after the petroleum ministry refused to give additional gas for power generation. 

Memogate: SC extends commission's term for six weeks
Web Desk
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday extended the term of the commission probing into the Memogate scandal for six weeks. 

Backchannel diplomacy: Pak-India civil societies to set the agenda for peace
Arif Rana
The 'ultimate goal' of peace will be top priority for a group of former military and civilian leaders from India and Pakistan who are due to congregate in New Delhi at a two-day conference on 'Pak-India strategic relations' from March 29 onwards.
_______________________________________________

Business

Energy needs: Russia may be awarded IP contract by April
Zafar Bhutta
Ignoring mounting pressure from the United States, Pakistan has finally decided to negotiate a $1.5 billion financing and construction contract for Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline with Russia and crucial talks between the two sides are expected to be held early next month.

Auditors unearth Rs35m loss to PPL in acquiring BP assets
Our Correspondents
The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has unearthed a loss of Rs35.7 million to state-owned oil and gas explorer Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in hiring of a consultant in a short time that also led to rejection of the bid for acquiring British Petroleum (BP) assets in Pakistan.
_______________________________________________ 

Sports

Cricket: Afghanistan safer than Pakistan for MCC
Our Correspondents
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) are contemplating a tour of Afghanistan indicating that a visit to the war-torn nation was more likely than a trip to neighbouring Pakistan, according to the club's president. 

Hockey: Abbas likely to don captain's arm-band
Fawad Hussain
As the fate of former captains Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt hangs in the balance given their involvement in the unsanctioned World Series Hockey (WSH), the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is mulling over the choice of a new captain with world's leading goal-scorer Sohail Abbas emerging as the top candidate.
_______________________________________________ 

Life & Style

Farhan Saeed: Yet another failed attempt
Rafay Mahmood
Given the current situation of the local industry, it's no surprise that Pakistani musicians are queuing up to be given an opportunity to unleash their talent — and make some moolah — in Bollywood. And this is not just a one-sided affair. Not only are Pakistanis eager to work on the other side of the border, Indians have also developed a taste for the Pakistani sound. 

Showcase 2012 day two: Ode to colour
Saadia Qamar
Fashion Showcase day two brought some promising fashion designers to the fore. The young Pakistani designers seem to love playing with colour and the concept of 'Pakistaniyat', as many collections were inspired by the cultural heritage of Pakistan.
_______________________________________________ 


Opinion

Ferozepur Road Bus Rapid Transit project
Ahmad Rafay Alam 

Facing Goliath
Shehzad Salim 

Tyranny of the majority
S Aman Rana

Creating history
Roland DeSouza 

The continuing legal standoff
Anwer Mooraj 

Blogs

Bangladeshi Tigers: Not ready to roar just yet
Khurram Baig 

I'm a Pakistani marrying a gora
Saira Khan 

Inside Parliament: A state of oblivion
Qamar Zaman

Karachi violence: Gunshots on bus U-10
Saadia Qamar 

Poll

In your opinion, which city is safer?

Lahore (84%, 832 Votes)
Karachi (16%, 164 Votes)
Total Voters: 996 

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