The Express Tribune Newsletter: July 19, 2012

Today's Headlines North Waziristan: Jirga backs Taliban ban on polio drive Our correspondents A tribal jirga endorsed a Taliban ban on polio vaccinations on Wednesday, linking the lifting of the ban to the cessation of drone strikes in the region, and consequently closing the door to the prospect of any child being vaccinated in North Waziristan as part of a nationwide campaign. Orakzai bombing: 13 dead as bomb tears through passenger van Our Correspondents  A bomb ripped through a passenger van in the Orakzai tribal agency on Wednesday, killing 13 tribesmen of the same clan in an attack apparently motivated by sectarian hatred. Reopening cases: Court summons Sharif family members on July 28 Mudassir Raja An accountability court has summoned the family of former premier and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on July 28 in three dormant graft cases. After Rehman Malik's efforts, Shia website unblocked Our Correspondents  The Shia website which acts as a watch dog on sectarian murders in the country and had been banned last week, was made accessible early Thursday morning after Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take legal action against those who posted objectionable material on the website.   Business Gas import: Iran to lay Pakistan's portion of pipeline Zafar Bhutta Avoiding pressure from the United States, Pakistan and Iran have committed to press ahead with the gas pipeline project and constituted a joint working committee to finalise a deal for laying Pakistan's portion of the pipeline by Tehran. View from McLeod Road: Can MCB Bank succeed in India? Farooq Tirmizi It is an interview that created quite a stir: Mian Muhammad Mansha, Pakistan's richest man, was quoted by India's Economic Times as saying that his MCB Bank would be venturing into India. Mansha sounded optimistic about the financial crossing of the Wagah, but will MCB Bank be able to make money? A closer examination of the numbers by The Express Tribune reveals that the Indian banking market is not as attractive as it seems from the outside. _______________________________________________ Sports World Junior Squash: Pakistan thrashed by Egypt in final Nabeel Hashmi Pakistan had to settle for silver in the WSF World Junior Squash Team Championship after they were humbled 2-0 by defending champions Egypt in yesterday's final that took place in Doha, Qatar. Basketball: Kobe calls Olympic age cap idea 'stupid' Our Correspondents Kobe Bryant, the face of the US men's team favoured to retain its gold medal in London, has slammed the NBA for considering an age-limit that would prevent many of the world's top basketball players taking part in future Olympics. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Remembering the colours of Rajesh Khanna Rafay Mahmood Be it a monologue on the existential dilemma of a cancer patient or a drunkard's confession of love for a singer at a brothel, Rajesh Khanna's fans felt his character's anguish. After a prolonged illness, the actor who was lovingly called Kaka by his peers, passed away at the age of 69 at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. Kuch Khaas Builds provincial bonds Myra Iqbal An enriching evening of raw artistic expression proved to be somewhat of a genius prescription in removing some of the layers of what is a deep-rooted class struggle within Pakistan. The Institute for the Preservation of Art and Culture (IPAC) invited 20 bright students from varying demographics to participate in an eight-day workshop that culminated in a vibrant showcase for family, friends and enthusiasts at Kuch Khaas this Monday. _______________________________________________

Opinion The great India-Pakistan tamasha Shahzad Chaudhry The world according to an Afghan Zahrah Nasir Two options before the Supreme Court Markandey Katju Shifting Pakistan and Saudi Arabia relations Arif Rafiq Combating congestion Ahmad Rafay Alam   Blogs What to do with your child in the summer Sana Saif A sneak peak into Eidolon: A post-apocalyptic scenario Babrus Khan India vs Pakistan: Replace diplomacy with Cricket Amna Lone Ramazan with Veena Malik: Lord forgive us all Sidrah Moiz Khan Poll Should private schools keep a quota for enrolling underprivileged children? No (7%, 45 Votes) Yes (93%, 555 Votes) Total Voters: 600 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: July 18, 2012

Today's Headlines ISI-CIA meeting: Spymasters plan US rendezvous Asad Kharal In a key development in thawing ties with Washington, the chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) will visit the US in coming days, The Express Tribune has learnt. No insurgency: PM warns of ripple effect in Balochistan Zia Khan Amidst a debilitating tribal insurgency in Balochistan, the prime minister has issued an ominous warning: if the 'unrest in small pockets' is not quelled immediately, it might seep into other areas. US officially nominates Richard Olson as Pakistan ambassador Huma Imtiaz Ending weeks of speculation and rumours, the White House has officially announced that they are nominating Richard G. Olson as the next US ambassador to Pakistan. Backlash?: UN polio doctor shot in Karachi Faraz Khan The threats against critical polio vaccination drives may have been for militant-infested tribal areas in north-western parts of the country – but they seem to have played out in none other than Pakistan's commercial hub, Karachi.   Business Revitalisation needed: Women chambers gathering dust since inception Kazim Alam Some blame it on the alleged covert opposition from mainstream chambers of commerce and industry while others point a finger at the lack of enthusiasm on the part of women entrepreneurs, but the fact remains that the two women's chambers of commerce and industry established in Sindh side by side about five years ago have remained 'dormant' for many years now. Mood swings: 'Rating downgrade to further dent investor confidence' Shahbaz Rana Moody's decision to downgrade Pakistan's sovereign credit ratings will affect trading in the stock market as foreign investors will further shy away from investing in equities, said Muhammad Ali, Chairman Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) here on Tuesday. _______________________________________________ Sports Kamran, Razzaq make T20 return Fawad Hussain The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee has recalled wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and opener Imran Nazir as a 15-man squad was announced for the Twenty20 series against Australia and the World Twenty20. Snooker: Majid closes in on second round Nabeel Hashmi Pakistan cueist Mohammad Majid registered another victory at the IBSF World U21 Snooker Championship, defeating New Zealand's Rogan Beedle 4-0 in their group encounter played in Wuxi, China. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Catching up with Fuzon Shahzeb Shaikh Even without an album release in almost four years, the Fuzon trio is as busy as ever. The band has kept fans entertained by releasing singles at regular intervals, such as last year's world cup track and the song in collaboration with Azm-e-Alishan. Do you have an appetite for Veena in Ramazan? Our Correspondents When the promo for Veena Malik's Ramazan show "Astaghfaar" made the rounds on the internet Monday evening, a large chunk of internet commenters were appalled. "I am Veena Malik. In the entire month of Ramazan, I will seek forgiveness for my sins and yours, with you on Hero TV," Veena says in her promo, with a slightly quivering lip and tear-streaked cheek. _______________________________________________

Opinion The story of a story Ejaz Haider Fixing democracy Farrukh Khan Pitafi Mere patch-up will not do! Tariq Fatemi An index where Pakistan does well! Dr Niaz Mustufa Mysteries of Hobson-Jobson Khaled Ahmed Blogs Ambassador Munter misunderstood Imran Khan Azeem Ibrahim Karachi Zoo: A threat to endangered animals? Saba Khalid Burma killings: Think before you point fingers Shehlah Zahiruddin Poetry of the Taliban: An oxymoron? Khadijah Ali Zai Khan Poll Do you think the TV licence fee should be charged with the electricity bill? No (77%, 448 Votes)  Yes (23%, 136 Votes)  Total Voters: 584 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: July 17, 2012

Today's Headlines   Sethi says Kayani to visit US; army denies Sumera Khan / Kamran Yousaf An awkward disconnect between civil and military authorities came to light on Monday, in relation to planned meetings in the US, with whom relations are just beginning to thaw. September 30 deadline: ECP asks lawmakers for asset details Our Correspondent The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) asked members of Parliament and provincial assemblies on Monday to submit the annual statements of their assets and liabilities by September 30. Media paints negative picture of Balochistan: CM Our Correspondent It's proverbial Nero-fiddles-while-Rome-burns situation.While Balochistan is sliding into chaos, the chief minister says the situation is not as bad as is portrayed by the media. Pakistan working towards Afghan transition: PM Agencies Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf met Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz on Monday and discussed issues of bilateral interests and matters of regional importance.   Business Gift from UAE: Power plant proves to be a headache for government Zafar Bhutta A 320 Megawatt (MW) power plant gifted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has proven to be a white elephant for the government due to its poor efficiency in generating electricity. Negotiations revisited: Pakistan and Iran try to end deadlock over barter trade Our Correspondents Pakistan and Iran are likely to make some headway in efforts to end deadlock over wheat import by the latter under a barter trade arrangement, during talks being held in Tehran. _______________________________________________ Sports Cricket: Sweet moment Faras Ghani The message was short and sweet (for people this side of the border, at least). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released key issues of its working committee's meeting, casually slotting in the massive decision to 'resume cricketing ties with Pakistan by inviting the Pakistan cricket team for a short series'. Karate: Saadi clinches bronze in Tashkent Our Correspondents Saadi Abbas was the only Pakistan player to win a medal as the individual events at the Asian Seniors Championship  ended yesterday. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Ramazan shows: Will you tune in to Veena, Maya Khan or Aamir Liaquat? Shaheryar Popalzai As the arrival of holy month of Ramazan nears, promos for shows on different networks are out in strength as the ratings war intensifies. Brace yourselves – this year your TV screens will be taken over by celebrities, sportsmen, controversial anchors and talk show hosts during Iftar time! Wo Humsafar Tha, but should they pay royalties? Rafay Mahmood While "Woh Humsafar Tha" had its share of celebrations, it seems the festivities will be short-lived. EMI Pakistan has sent a copyrights infringement notice toHum TV regarding the sound track which was composed by Waqar Ali and sung by Quratulain Baloch and received very high ratings (TRPs). _______________________________________________

Opinion Know thy facts Feisal H Naqvi Stereotyping Pakistan Syed Mohammad Ali Contempt of the people Yaqoob Khan Bangash Pakistan-US ties — the way forward Talat Masood What lies in our future? Shahid Javed Burki   Blogs Amir Khan: He came, he fought, he lost Kabeer Dawani The Social Media Mela was NOT a kitty party Abdul Majeed Polio vaccinations in the dark ages Mani Khawaja Aisam and Faha separation carnival: The blame lies with us Murtuza Ali Jafri Poll Do you think the ups and downs in celebrities' personal lives should be considered news? No (86%, 1,544 Votes)  Yes (14%, 244 Votes)  Total Voters: 1,788 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: July 16, 2012

Today's Headlines Negotiating with the US: Pakistan offers new drone-use mechanism Kamran Yousaf With fissures in their bilateral ties quickly being healed, Pakistan has offered the US a new mechanism encompassing 'surveillance' of targeted operations against wanted militants as an alternative to drone strikes in the country's tribal regions. Fighting insurgency: Punjab clears swoop on Baloch insurgent camps Asad Kharal Authorities in Punjab have cleared plans for a swoop on 'eight training camps for Baloch insurgents' located on the confluence of the Punjab-Balochistan border, The Express Tribune has learnt. Mending ties: Munter for avoiding Salala-like tragedy Our Correspondents While describing the 2010 Nato air raid on Pakistan's border posts in the Salala area of Mohmand Agency as a 'tragedy', the top US diplomat in Islamabad said on Sunday that 'we should make sure such a tragedy never happens again'. The culture of secrecy and victims' right to know Farhan Zaheer Major passenger aircraft accidents in quick succession over the last two years have forced many stakeholders to revisit safety standards in the aviation industry. After general outcry from the civil society and the public, aviation industry experts are now expressing a sincere willingness to improve safety standards in one of the most important industries of the country.   Business A scarce resource: Plugging the leaks on Pakistan's lifeline Khurram Baig Environmentalists and many scientists predict that water is going to get scarcer, for several reasons: a growing global population, increasing wealth in the developing world and climate changes that could create more severe weather and disrupt rainfall patterns. How to operate in an uncertain economy? Saad Amanullah Khan As we head towards an uncertain economic future with elections coming up and the global economy in turmoil, business leaders need to take account of the situation and bring some sanity to this uncertainty. _______________________________________________ Sports Amir Khan vs Danny Garcia: Knocked out Our Correspondents Britain boxer Amir Khan said he lost focus that cost him the fight against WBC champion Danny Garcia as the American added the WBA light welterweight belt to his collection with a stunning fourth-round upset in a unification title bout. I was scared on my return: Junaid Khan Fawad Hussain One of the few highlights for Pakistan during the Test series against Sri Lanka was the performance of left-arm fast-bowler Junaid Khan. _______________________________________________ Life & Style A cocktail of voices from India and Pakistan Sher Khan Bollywood flick Cocktail has released worldwide amidst a steadily growing build-up — while some of it can be explained by cast member Deepika Padukone's trendy outfits (and that red bikini!), most of it owes to the soundtrack. Aisam, Faha decide to part ways Web Desk Tennis star Aisamul Haq's marriage that broke many hearts is close to an unexpected end, Express News reported on Sunday. However, Haq's father Ihtishamul Haq Qureshi refuted the media reports.  _______________________________________________

Opinion Dual nationality and hypocrisy Ayesha Ijaz Khan On Imran and tigers Shahid Mahmood Saving democracy Rasul Bakhsh Rais A silver lining Tanvir Ahmad Khan Deeper than skin Prakash Belawadi   Blogs A marriage does not just come down to 'love' or 'arranged' Maryyum Mehmood Kamran Akmal: Is he really worth it? Asim Abbas Social Media Mela or Twitterati kitty party? Imaan Sheikh Spoiler Alert: Gangs of Wasseypur – real to the core Sami Saayer Poll How do you think democracy has fared under the PPP? Weakened (72%, 307 Votes)  Strengthened (28%, 117 Votes)  Total Voters: 424 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.