The Express Tribune Newsletter: August 23, 2012

Today's Headlines Late monsoon: Downpours wreak havoc in the north Umer Farooq The monsoon finally made its presence felt on Wednesday in the northern parts of the country. Oil prices rise by up to Rs4.40 Zafar Bhutta Following Eid festivities, the government gave citizens some more to digest: a rise in oil prices by up to Rs4.40 per litre, effective from Thursday (today). Security measures: Sindh backs proposal to block prepaid mobile SIMs Our Correspondents Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has supported a proposal by Interior Minister Rehman Malik to suspend prepaid mobile phone services and allow post-paid services only. Minority rights: Amnesty urges Pakistan to reform blasphemy laws Qaiser Zulfiqar / Azam Khan The arrest of an 11-year-old Christian girl on charges of blasphemy has triggered international outrage, and calls for Pakistan to reform its controversial blasphemy laws.   Business Fountain of youth: Technological progress boosts demand for mangoes Farooq Baloch The establishment of Karachi's hot water treatment (HWT) plant – a facility for post-harvest treatment and processing of fruits and vegetables – is a very good example of how the country's agriculture sector can benefit by investing in technological advancements. It is because of this technology that Pakistan has been able to venture into some of the world's largest markets for its mango over the past couple of months. Reviving the Alto: Pak Suzuki drops opposition on liberalising trade with India Farhan Zaheer Environmental regulations are forcing Pak Suzuki to reconsider its opposition to trade liberalisation with India, and may split the hitherto unanimity among the Japanese carmakers operating in Pakistan against freer trade across the Wagah. _______________________________________________ Sports Afridi withdraws from SLPL Our Correspondents Ruhuna Royals suffered a blow to their Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) campaign as Pakistan star Shahid Afridi withdrew from the tournament and returned home to attend his ailing wife.      ICC U19 World Cup: Pakistan touch new low Fawad Hussain Pakistan are on track for their worst finish at the ICC U19 World Cup after the team went down to the West Indies in the fifth-sixth position play-off semi-final yesterday in Townsville, Australia.    _______________________________________________ Life & Style Bilal Khan: Acting pushed me out of my comfort zone Sher Khan Young singer Bilal Khan, who rose to fame with his hit single "Bachana", is branching out to expand his horizons. After the success of his recent single "Lamha" which was picked up for the film Seedlings, this Eid Khan donned the role of an actor by starring in the Hum TV telefilm Tamanna Ki Tamanna. Khan played a TV show personality, Jazib, who is stalked by a girl named Tamanna. Is Pashto music losing its charm? Hidayat Khan The Pashto music industry seems to  be in troubled waters as genuine singers who took an oath to music and believed it was an art, have now lost the spotlight. The Express Tribune spoke to Pashto artists to gain some insight on the present anticipated state of the industry only to discover that the passion and level of dedication to music has largely diminished. _______________________________________________

Opinion The Betty Crocker Cake Mix Theory of Sustainable Democracy Feisal H Naqvi Against government honours Nadir Hassan Pakistan's lax prisons embolden terrorists Arif Rafiq Throwing open the borders Jyoti Malhotra Understanding feminism Bina Shah   Blogs A beginner's guide to Pakistani liberal politics Faraz Khan Bollywood, please stop demonising Muslims Muhammad Mustaqeem Yousufani Lahore, how I love thee Tayyaba Hassaan So long, farewell: College really isn't that far off, right? Meiryum Ali Poll Do you think blocking cellular services is an effective way of dealing with terrorism threats? No (59%, 523 Votes) Yes (41%, 356 Votes)  Total Voters: 879 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: August 20, 2012

Today's Headlines   Cellphone services partially restored in parts of Pakistan Web Desk Cellphone services have been partially restored in parts of Pakistan, Express News reported on Monday. President, premier urge peace, harmony on Eid APP As Eidul Fitr's moon was sighted across the country on Sunday, the president and prime minister in their separate messages of felicitations called for promoting peace, tolerance and harmony — categorically condemning acts of violence and terrorism. Resumption of strategic dialogue to boost Pak-US ties Sumera Khan / Kamran Yousaf A revival of strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States next month, recent important visits from US military officials and various other acts of goodwill can be expected from the US in the near future, sources in Pakistan's embassy in Washington, DC have told The Express Tribune. 'Buzzing bazaars show terrorists have failed' Our Correspondent On a surprise visit to marketplaces in the city, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that militants had failed to sabotage the city's peace and threatened to put criminals on trial "for their acts of injustice". Business Cheap is smarter: Let the smartphone price wars begin Khurram Baig While Apple and Samsung take each other on in the lucrative high-end smartphone market, there is another battle taking place in the less glamorous world of inexpensive smartphones. Slippery slope: Cost of doing business in Pakistan Humayon Dar It is a general perception that in low-income countries, labour is cheap; and hence the cost of doing business is low. This, however, is a myth. The World Bank 2011 Economy Rankings – an index that assesses the ease of doing business in respective countries – puts Pakistan in the 105th position, well below the likes of Saudi Arabia (ranked 12), and even Rwanda (ranked 45). _______________________________________________ Sports SLPL: Kamran shines with the bat again News Desk Kamran Akmal shone with the bat again as Wayamba United registered a convincing 67-run win over Basnahira Cricket Dundee in the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) yesterday — their third successive win in the competition. Olympics failure: Heuvel's dismissal cost us the medal, says Waseem Fawad Hussain More than two weeks after the Greenshirts finished seventh at the 2012 London Olympics, former Pakistan captain Waseem Ahmed has blamed the Pakistan Hockey Federation's (PHF) decision to sack Dutch coach Michel van dan Heuvel for the team's failure to win a medal. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Celeb anecdotes and Eid conversations Saadia Qamar Shehzad Roy sheds light on what his first day of Eid looks like: "After saying my Eid prayers, I join my family for Eid celebrations. By the evening, I take time out for some friends and hang out with them," says Shehzad. As far as Eidi is concerned, Shehzad says "Jo milti hai wo agey de dey ta hun (Whatever I receive, I pass it on to someone else)." What to expect this (and every other) Eid News Desk After a late night courtesy Chaand Raat shenanigans, you finally go to bed at 4am, only to hear your mother shaking you awake three hours later. "Are we being robbed?" you ask, feeling exceptionally charitable and happy to give away anything to the burglars just so you can continue to snooze. "Jaldi utho! Sab namaz ke baad aa rahe hain nashte ke liye (Wake up now! Everyone is coming for breakfast after namaz)!" That's when you remember — it's Eid morning! _______________________________________________

Opinion Those who attacked Kamra were not American, they are from among us Raza Rumi Political parties and economic development Shahid Javed Burki Toilet facilities — a luxury for most Pakistanis Syed Mohammad Ali The nature of aid dependence Dr Akmal Hussain Time to clean up Karachi's Orange County Anwer Mooraj  Blogs 'Pack-is-tan' stereotypes in the US Meiryum Ali What to do if you are caught in a bomb blast Zeeshan Usmani Blunt Manto: Your sensitivities are unimportant Faiza Rahman Spicing it up this Eid Yousuf Bawany  Poll Do you think President Zardari should have donated $1 million to the Ajmer shrine? No (66%, 631 Votes) Yes (34%, 327 Votes) Total Voters: 958 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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Top 10 stories of the week (Aug 12-19, 2012)

Top 10 stories of the week

August 12-19, 2012

1. Tehreek-i-Taliban claim 'revenge' attack on Kamra airbase – Shaheryar Popalzai/Nabil Ansari 2. 11-year-old Christian girl accused of blasphemy – Qaiser Zulfiqar/Web Desk 3. Pakistani umpire denies relationship with Indian model, admits pictures real – Web Desk 4. Miss China crowned Miss World 2012...in China – AFP 5. I want Asad Rauf to fulfill all his promises: Leena Kapoor – Ema Anis 6. Pakistan umpire mired in 'sex scandal' – Fawad Hussain 7. No dance parties but dars allowed, rules DHA – Saad Hasan 8. I will never forgive her: Zoheb Hassan – Saadia Qamar 9. Shia killing: TTP claims responsibility for Mansehra attack – AFP/Our Correspondent 10. Eid moon spotted in North Waziristan – Web Desk

Top Business Will Standard Chartered Bank's business in Pakistan be affected? Farooq Tirmizi Top Opinion This is not our war? Still? Kamran Shafi Top 3 blogs 1. London Olympics 2012 closing ceremony: The razzle that dazzled Erum Shaikh 2. Ek Tha Tiger: A star studded project and nothing more! Sami Saayer 3. Shame on me for championing Veena Malik Jahanzaib Haque 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: August 19, 2012

Today's Headlines   Text message threats, rumours came from Pakistan: India Reuters Most of the threatening mobile phone text messages and website images that spread panic among migrants from cities in the south and west of India last week originated in Pakistan, India's interior ministry said on Saturday. US drone strike kills 4 militants in North Waziristan: Officials AFP A US drone strike targeting two militant vehicles early Sunday killed at least four rebels in North Waziristan, security officials said. Dealing with PM: Top lawyer bodies call for restraint by SC Azam Khan With the prime minister's fate hanging in the balance soon after the Eid holidays end, leaders of top judicial bodies called for restraint on the part of the Supreme Court – and the chief justice assured them that the matter would be dealt with through 'consultations.' Hekmatyar sees jihad as the only solution Tahir Khan Former Afghan prime minister and Hizb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) chief Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Saturday accused the backers of the peace process of lying and misleading the public because "jihad" alone could resolve the country's crisis.  Business New destination: Pakistani mangoes to be sold in Walmart China Farooq Baloch After years of struggle, Pakistan finally added one of the world's largest markets for its mangoes – China. The development, a major breakthrough in mango exports, will add millions of dollars to the country's foreign reserves. Weekly review: Market rallies past 15,000 points following discount rate cut Bilal Umar The stock market put up a robust show during the traditionally dull pre-Eid week as the benchmark KSE-100 index managed to cross the 15,000 barrier following the surprise announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan to cut the discount rate by 150 basis points in its monetary policy unveiled on August 10. _______________________________________________ Sports U19 World Cup: India, Pakistan set for thrilling contest News Desk India enjoys an overall 9-7 record against Pakistan in under-19 cricket but statistics will not stand for a lot when the two former champions take on each other tomorrow (Monday) with a semi-final place a reward for the winner. Cincinnati Masters: Aisam, Rojer crash out in quarters AFP Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Dutch partner Jean-Julien Rojer crashed out of the Cincinnati Masters on Friday, losing 4-6, 6-4, 10-4 to second-seeds Mike and Bob Bryan in the quarter-finals. _______________________________________________ Life & Style Brian O' Connell: Creating bridges, not walls Sher Khan Even after the split of Junoon — the celebrated trio of Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmad and Brian O' Connell — the magic of their music lives on in the hearts of fans across the world. Cheese Balls: Spice up your Eid! Yousuf Bawany While Eidul Fitr is all about sweet and sugary food, here's a savoury recipe for you to try this time that will go well with your Eid spread. _______________________________________________

Opinion With friends like these Saroop Ijaz In praise of Zia Aakar Patel Kamra base attack: some thoughts Najam Khan Media and terror Khaled Ahmed The trans-boundary groundwater issue Ahmad Rafay Alam  Blogs Eid shopping is not therapeutic Laaleen Khan T20 World Cup: Can we make it to the semi-finals again? Asim Abbas Karachi for Dubai: An unfair trade Saba Khalid If I could wish a wish I would wish for Eid all year long! Farwa Aamer Poll Do you think Shoaib Akhtar will make a good bowling coach for Pakistan? No (57%, 337 votes) Yes (43%, 250 votes) Total votes: 588 Links Contact us Tribune on Facebook Tribune on Twitter About us RSS Feed Subscribe to the Paper Careers Copyrights Jobs Classifieds

 

Today's Headlines Kamra infiltrators: 4 Minhas base attackers identified, says Malik Umar Draz A day after a brazen assault at Pakistan Air Force's largest base was repulsed by security forces, Interior Minister Rehman Malik claimed that four of the nine militants killed in the attack have been identified. No timeframe: Kayani hints at blitz in North Waziristan Kamran Yousaf Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani indicated on Friday that Pakistan might launch a fresh military offensive in the restive North Waziristan Agency (NWA), but stressed that it would not be initiated at the behest of any outside power. Karachi's Shias targeted in roadside bomb ahead of annual rally Faraz Khan / Samia Malik A day after a horrific massacre of 19 Shias in Mansehra, a bus carrying young Shia men was targeted by a bomb in Karachi. Two of them were killed and 13 others were injured. Analysis: The bigger questions surrounding Kamra Ejaz Haider Kamra was waiting to happen, having been attacked on the periphery twice before. The attack this time was meticulously planned and targeted equipment, just like the more damaging attack at the Mehran Airbase in Karachi, which resulted in the complete destruction of two P3C Orion aircraft and, reportedly, left a third partially damaged.   Business Global demand: Vegetable exports plummet 40% in 2012 Kazim Alam After growing at a steady rate in the last decade, Pakistan's vegetable exports have suffered volumetric year-on-year decrease of 40.4% in 2011-12, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Sustainability report: CASA electricity import project flawed, says report Zafar Bhutta Pakistan is better off generating its own electricity than importing electricity through CASA-1000MW project, says a research study conducted by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). _______________________________________________ Sports Akhtar not qualified enough: PCB Fawad Hussain The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) coach-hunt committee has shown no interest in Shoaib Akhtar's offer to take on the vacant bowling coach's role with the national squad. Mission 'hockey bachao' set to surface again Our Correspondents Former hockey greats who are unhappy with Pakistan's performance in London are gearing up to launch a campaign against the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) set-up… again. _______________________________________________ Life & Style New York film festival: Pakistani film scoops up two awards Rafay Mahmood Seedlings, a Pakistani film that was screened at the New York City International Film Festival (NYCIFF), left the audience spellbound by winning two major awards at the ceremony. No Tiger for Pakistan this Eid Rafay Mahmood The last 24 hours have given Pakistani film enthusiasts some good and some bad news. While Bodchitta Filmworks's Seedlings made us proud by winning two awards at the New York Film Festival, Ek Tha Tiger — the most anticipated Indian film of the season — has been officially banned in Pakistan. _______________________________________________

Opinion General Kayani in Kakul Tanvir Ahmed Khan 65 and all that Amina Jilani Fair CEC, unfair polls Kunwar Idris Waste not, want not Zahrah Nasir Bolo, bolo, jeay Shah Salman Rashid   Blogs Pakistan vs India: Who's the best hacker? Aqsa Garsein  G-B massacre: When will Pakistan really win independence? Erum Shaikh I am disgusted at what Zia did to Pakistan Omer Kamal Bin Farooq A little less 'liking' a little more action please! Junaid Akram   Poll Do you think the Pakistan Army should conduct an operation in North Waziristan? No (44%, 373 Votes)  Yes (56%, 472 Votes)  Total Voters: 845 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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