The Express Tribune Newsletter: June 19, 2012

Today's Headlines

Speaker's ruling: All set for court decision on Gilani's fate

Azam Khan

The case that will determine the final fate of the prime minister has entered its last stage – and a verdict could be announced as early as today, once the attorney general concludes his arguments at 11am.

Quetta violence: Bomb attack on bus kills five students

Our Correspondent

At least five students from the ethnic Hazara community were killed and over 70 others, including policemen and children, wounded in a bomb attack on a university bus in Quetta city on Monday.

Loadshedding, protests continue across Punjab

Our Correspondent

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.

Festering dispute: Sir Creek talks begin amid high hopes

Aditi Phadnis

Pakistan and India ended recent talks on Siachen inconclusively, but there are high hopes that talks between the arch-rivals over the disputed maritime border region of Sir Creek may end on a more positive note.


Business

Adding to the backlog: Govt clears 61 new projects worth Rs515b

Shahbaz Rana

Contrary to the resolve of reducing backlog by allocating more funds to ongoing projects, the government on Monday cleared 61 new projects costing Rs515 billion, a move which will put further strain on the scarce resources.

Urban areas to see 8, rural 12 hours of loadshedding: Mukhtar

Our Correspondent

Water and Power Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar announced on Monday that loadshedding will be restricted to eight hours in urban areas and 12 hours in the rural areas of the country starting June 18.

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Sports

ODI series: Letting the opportunities spill

Our Correspondent

Pakistan threw away another golden opportunity to beat Sri Lanka, going down by two wickets in the fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) and also lose the series 3-1.

Cricket: Misbah's authority diminishing in the squad

Nabeel Hashmi

It seems that reports of grouping within the national side in Sri Lanka do carry weight, The Express Tribune has learnt, as loyalties now stand divided.

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Life & Style

Tete-a-tete with the man behind 'Waderai ka Beta'

Our Correspondent

Has the catchy phrase "Saaen tau saaen, saaen ka kutta bhi saaen" tickled your funny bone? Comedian Ali Gul Pir has now become the face of crude comedy with his first tongue-in-cheek song "Waderai Ka Beta". The rap song and the sepia-toned YouTube video is a humourous take on the pretentious lifestyle of a feudal lord's son.

Avanti loves the Karachi crowd, says director

Saadia Qamar

At around 5 o'clock on Saturday evening, the auditorium of the Arts Council was alive with the vibrant cast of "Avanti" that took the stage once more. But instead of being involved in its usual shenanigans, the "Avanti" team had invited members of the press to thank them for their ongoing support and discuss the issues plaguing the theatre industry in Pakistan.

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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 local media has increased or decreased social unrest?

Increased (91%, 486 Votes) 

Decreased (9%, 49 Votes) 

Total Voters: 476

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5 more shot dead in Karachi, death toll reaches 10

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Target killing continues in Karachi as five more people lost their lives in few hours, raising the death toll to 10 in past 24 hours.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to details, three dead bodies packed in gunny bags were found in a vehicle at Mirza Adam Khan Road in Lyari. The dead were identified as Hassan Raza, Ijtaba and Atif who were residents of North Nazimabad and were missing for the past three days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some unidentified persons opened fire in North Nazimabad and shot dead a prayer leader, Ghulam Muhammad.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In Gulistan Johar, a woman named Gulahan Bibi and an activist of a political party, Didar Hussain were killed during an armed clash between two rival groups. Seven people were also injured in the incident.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In another incidence of violence, some unidentified persons opened fire a a shop in Sherpao Colony in Quaidabad area and killed 45-year-old Afsar and 30-year-old Zubair Khan while 65-year-old Sher Ali was gunned down in Pirabad area.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Gilani summons National Energy conference today

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Prime Minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Monday took notice of power crisis, which triggered violence across the country and summoned National Energy conference today.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The National Energy conference was called to review the ongoing power crisis and to develop strategy to overcome these crisis.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The PM directed Water and Power ministry and Federal Minister for Petroleum, Asim Hussain to slash loadshedding on emergency bases.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The PM directed Water and Power ministry and Federal Minister for Petroleum, Asim Hussain to slash loadshedding on emergency bases.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Currently the country is facing shortfall of 7,500MW of electricity. The production of electricity is 10,800MW against a demand of 18,400MW.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Urban areas are experiencing 16-18 hours loadshedding while the rural area are facing 20 hours power cut.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar has hoped that situation will be improved soon as a result of steps taken by the government.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Security beefed up ahead of hearing of key cases in SC

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Supreme Court (SC) has decided to beef up security arrangements in its premises during the hearing of the Speaker&rsquo;s ruling case in the Courtroom No 1 and other key cases.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The SC will also hear Balochistan law and order case case today. Entry into the SC building will be allowed after checking and searching of bags. No mobile phones would be allowed inside the courtroom. Security cameras have been made functional inside the courtrooms and at the entry gate.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Extra police officials have been deployed inside and outside the court and the entry in the court premises will be allowed only after checking of CNIC.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Faisalabad: Power outages protest turns into looting spree

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>In Faisalabad, demonstrators took out the biggest protest so far, blocking Samundri Road. The protesters looted three CNG stations, nine banks, four offices of mobile companies and 16 shops and also forced closure of shopping centres on Jaranwala Road</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They pelted stones at policemen who resorted to tear gas shelling. The angry protesters, most of whom were power loom workers, also pelted stones at passing-by vehicles, damaged public and private properties. <br />&nbsp;</p>


Train burning: Railways suspend train service from Lahore

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan Railways has temporarily suspended services of at least 20 trains travelling from Lahore to Rawalpindi, including four Railroad cars, two Awam Express trains, Lasani, Allama Iqbal and Khyber Express.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to GM Railways, this step has been taken to avoid protesters from damaging further more trains.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>DS Railway Javed Anwar said that the train service will remain suspended until security is not provided for the smooth running of trains.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Somali pirates seek $1.1 million to release Pak hostages

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) chairman Ahmad Chinai has said that he will proceed to Dubai for talks with concerned persons for the release of Pakistan crew members.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said that the owner of the vessel, MV Albedo, is creating hurdle by not paying his share in the ransom money and demanding from Pakistan to pay money without any contact.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Somali pirates holding Pakistanis hostage at MV Albedo have demanded $1.1 million for their release. Pakistan is yet to decide on Somali pirates&rsquo; new offer.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ahmad Chinai said that he is contact with the Malaysian security council for the arrangements of release of Pakistani hostages.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Oil price falls near $83 on Europe concerns

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>US West Texas Intermediate crude fell by 76 cents to end the day at $83.27 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, which helps set the price for much of the oil imported into the US, slipped $1.56 to $96.05 per barrel in London.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Oil prices declined as yields on Spain&nbsp;s bonds soared a sign that investors fear the country could default on its debts. That overshadowed other events in Europe, including a weekend election in Greece where voters gave a narrow victory to a party that supports a bailout of the nation&nbsp;s failed economy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Europe&nbsp;s crisis risks eroding oil demand in the region, and it poses a threat to slowing economies in the US and China.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&quot;Oil is really reflecting concern about where the economy is headed in coming months,&quot; said Gene McGillian, a broker and oil analyst at Tradition Energy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Investors also are watching international talks this week in Moscow over Iran&nbsp;s nuclear program. But analysts have little hope for a sweeping agreement that could delay or cancel a planned European embargo of Iranian oil shipments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the US, natural gas prices jumped 6.8 percent following forecasts Monday of toasty weather above 90 degrees from Denver to Chicago to the East Coast. The futures contract rose by 16.8 cents to finish at $2.635 per 1,000 cubic feet in New York. Natural gas, which is used by power companies to generate electricity, is expected to be in high demand this summer as homeowners crank up their air conditioners.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Retail gasoline prices fell less than a penny to a national average of $3.505 a gallon (92 cents a liter), according to auto club AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service. A gallon of regular unleaded has dropped by 43 cents per gallon since peaking this year during the first week in April. It&nbsp;s also 15.8 cents cheaper than the same time last year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In other energy trading, heating oil lost 2.88 cents to end at $2.6177 per gallon and gasoline futures lost 4.08 cents to finish at $2.6609 per gallon.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Euro falls after as Spain's borrowing costs soar

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pro-bailout parties won an election Sunday in Greece, easing fears that the country will leave the euro. The election results initially pushed the euro higher against the dollar overnight, but it fell again as traders realized Europe&nbsp;s debt crisis is far from over.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Spain&nbsp;s borrowing rates jump above 7 percent. That&nbsp;s a sign that investors are concerned about the country&nbsp;s finances. Greece, Portugal and Ireland had to seek bailouts after their rates soared above 7 percent. The rate on Italy&nbsp;s 10-year bond also rose to nearly 6 percent.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The euro fell to $1.2580 late Monday from $1.2637 late Friday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The dollar also strengthened against most other currencies. The British pound fell to $1.5665 from $1.5678.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The dollar rose to 79.13 Japanese yen from 78.71 yen, to 0.9546 Swiss franc from 0.9504 Swiss franc and to 1.0247 Canadian dollar from 1.0232 Canadian dollar.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Obama, Putin unite in warning to Syria

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday called for an end to violence in Syria and said its people should be allowed to democratically decide their future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&quot;In order to stop the bloodshed in Syria, we call for an immediate cessation of all violence,&quot; the leaders said in a joint statement, after meeting in Mexico following days of antagonism between Moscow and Washington on the issue.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&quot;We are united in the belief that the Syrian people should have the opportunity to independently and democratically choose their own future.&quot;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Putin told reporters after meeting Obama for the first time since he returned to the presidency that the two leaders had found &quot;many common points&quot; on Syria, where violence is spiraling into an all-out civil war.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Washington has become increasingly frustrated over Moscow&nbsp;s refusal to allow the UN Security Council to take firmer action against President Bashar al-Assad over his brutal crackdown on civilians.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Obama said after the two hours of talks that both he and Putin agreed on the need for a &quot;political process&quot; to prevent civil war in Syria and pledged to work with UN envoy Kofi Annan to try to end the crisis.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In their statement, the leaders said that Syria&nbsp;s future must be worked out by &quot;Syrians themselves&quot; in the &quot;framework of Syria&nbsp;s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.&quot;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Russia has been concerned to avoid a repeat of the international mission in Libya when it was assured the West was not bent on regime change, but then saw allied warplanes help the opposition topple dictator Moamer Kadhafi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>US officials have said they want Russia&nbsp;s help to create a political transition similar to that which ushered Yemen&nbsp;s president Ali Abdullah Saleh from power in February after a year-long uprising.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&quot;From my point of view we have found many common points on this (Syria) issue,&quot; Putin said after the talks, adding that Russia and the United States will continue discussions on how to deal with the ongoing violence.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Iraqi suicide bombing kills 15 at Shiite funeral

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>A suicide bomber detonated his explosive belt in a tent packed with mourners for the funeral for a Shiite tribal leader in the Iraqi city of Baqouba Monday, killing at least 15 people and wounding 40, officials said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The blast came after a particularly bloody week in which more than 100 people died in bombings across the country targeting a major Shiite pilgrimage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A local politician said it appeared to be an attempt to reignite sectarian violence between Sunni and Shiite Muslims that killed thousands and pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war in 2006 and 2007. Baqouba is a former Sunni insurgent stronghold 60 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of the capital Baghdad in Diyala province. But the attack was in a Shiite area.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Provincial police spokesman Ghalib al-Karkhi said the bomber set off his explosives in the tent filled with mourners on the third and last day of the funeral for a leader of the Zubaidi Shiite tribe.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Faris al-Azzawi, a provincial health official, said the toll was at least 15 dead and 40 wounded.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>An official blamed al-Qaida-allied Sunni militants.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&quot;Absolutely this is the way of al-Qaida targeting innocent people to ignite the sectarian unrest,&quot; said Sadiq al-Husseini, head of the Diyala provincial council.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Diyala is one of the last provinces in Iraq where al-Qaida and its allies remain a strong threat. The province, which is sandwiched between Baghdad and Iran, is divided among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds and has been a sectarian flashpoint for years.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Three men in Afghan police uniform kill NATO soldier

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Three men in Afghan police uniforms killed a soldier with the US-led NATO coalition on Monday, the coalition said, in the latest so-called &quot;green-on-blue&quot; attack.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The three attackers fled after the killing, NATO&nbsp;s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement, and are being sought.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The death takes the toll this year in &quot;green-on-blue&quot; attacks -- in which Afghan forces turn their weapons against their Western allies -- to 23, in a total of 17 such incidents.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&quot;The International Security Assistance Force confirms that three individuals in Afghan police uniforms turned their weapons against coalition service members in southern Afghanistan yesterday, killing one ISAF service member,&quot; ISAF said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A police source in southern Kandahar province said two NATO soldiers were killed when the police opened fire on them.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Italy beat Ireland to reach Euro quarter-finals

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Italy qualified for the Euro 2012 quarter-finals beating Ireland 2-0 in their final Group C match here on Monday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Italians - who trailed Spain and Croatia by two points going into the game with the Irish having already being eliminated after two defeats - took the lead in the 35th minute through a header by Antonio Cassano.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Irish produced a more spirited challenge than their previous two games but ended the game with just 10 men as Keith Andrews was sent off and the Italians rubbed salt into the wound as Mario Balotelli volleyed in the second.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Italy progessed in second place after Spain beat Croatia 1-0.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Spain oust Croatia to reach Euro 2012 last eight

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Defending champions Spain left it late before ousting Croatia 1-0 in Gdansk on Monday to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 as they won Group C.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After a tight encounter which rarely hit the heights Jesus Navas bundled in a close-range winner in the 87th minute to send the World Cup winners through with seven points ahead of Italy, who beat Ireland 2-0 to clinch second place on five points.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Croatia finished on four with Ireland pointless.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Croatians could have qualified as group winners themselves but Navas&nbsp; late contribution left them high and dry.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Croatians gave as good as they got in the opening stages and could have had a penalty after Sergio Ramos&nbsp;s tackle on Mario Mandzukic, left the Croatian striker and scorer of three goals hobbling.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Spain were showing little in attack save for a pair of David Silva efforts dealt with smartly by Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa, who then distinguished himself in the second period with further stops from Navas and Andres Iniesta.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Sri Lanka beat Pakistan 3-1 to clinch ODI series

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by two wickets in the fifth and final one-day international in Colombo on Monday to clinch the series 3-1.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, Pakistan had scored a competitive 247-7 after electing to bat against Sri Lanka in the fifth and final one-day international in Colombo on Monday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Imran Farhat (56) and Umar Akmal (55 not out) scored half-centuries for Pakistan while leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis and paceman Nuwan Kulasekara each took two wickets for Sri Lanka in the day-night match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lanka had made one change from the team which won the last match by 44 runs on Saturday, replacing Sajeewa Weerakoon with leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan brought in batsman Imran Farhat and paceman Mohammad Sami in place of Younis Khan and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan: Misbahul Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Imran Farhat, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami, Sohail Tanvir.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Jeevan Mendis.<br />&nbsp;</p>


Dhoni named as ambassador of Nepals Cricket

Posted:

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Posta Bahadur Bogati, made the announcement about Dhoni&rsquo;s association with Nepal Cricket.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The appointment of Dhoni will also help promote Nepal&rsquo;s tourism industry, according to acting chief of the country&rsquo;s Tourism Board Subhash Niraula.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Jayanta Prasad, was also present on the occasion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dhoni interacted with the office bearers of Cricket Association of Nepal, journalists and his fans. He was accompanied by his wife Sakshi during the two- day visit.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, Dhoni also visited Kirtipur Cricket Stadium, situated in the premises of Tribhuvan University in the outskirt of Nepal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dhoni is scheduled to pay a visit to Pashupatinath Temple tomorrow, before wrapping up his visit.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, speaking to media, he said, &ldquo;Youths should come forward for sports besides studies as it helps to earn goodwill for the country.&rdquo;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;Cricket is an upcoming sport in Nepal and I want to see Nepali youths forming a famous cricket team in future,&rdquo; he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dhoni said that he would be happy to promote cricket here and added that he would be glad if he could contribute to the development of cricket in Nepal.<br />&nbsp;</p>


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