The Express Tribune Newsletter: May 04, 2012 ~ Mera Pak Watan

The Express Tribune Newsletter: May 04, 2012

Today's Headlines

Hitting back: Govt reposes trust in embattled Gilani

Zahid Gishkori

Mostly composed in the face of strong protests by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in parliament, the government finally responded on Thursday by blindsiding the opposition on two key issues: expressing confidence in the embattled prime minister and the creation of a "South Punjab" province.

Stepping up: PML-N calls for four new provinces

Our Correspondents

Outflanked by the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party in the house on Thursday, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) submitted a resolution of its own regarding the formation of new provinces – calling for not one, but four, new federating units.

Baloch missing persons: SC warns of action against home minister

Shehzad Baloch

The Supreme Court warned on Thursday that Balochistan is staring down a "constitutional breakdown" as the case of missing persons drags on interminably.

Bin Laden Letters: Al Qaeda told Mehsud to stop attacking Pakistan mosques, markets

Huma Imtiaz

Documents seized from Osama Bin Laden's compound reveal that the former al Qaeda leader planned to kill US President Barack Obama and now CIA director David Petraeus. Bin Laden also urged supporters to leave Waziristan to escape drone attacks. The terror group also issued directives to stop attacks on Pakistani mosques, markets.

Business

Spendthrift ways: Govt consumes 91% of budget in nine months

Shahbaz Rana

In an alarming development, the federal government has consumed 91 per cent of the total annual budget in just nine months, while its revenues could not match the reckless spending, resulting in a budget deficit of Rs1.38 trillion – the highest ever in the country's history.

Clearing the surplus: Millers to export 200,000 tons of sugar

Shahbaz Rana

The government has eased a ban on sugar export, for the second time in three months, and allowed millers to export 200,000 tons while also deciding to procure a same quantity for maintaining buffer stocks for domestic consumption.

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Sports

Real Madrid are champions of Spain

Our Correspondents

Real Madrid claimed their first Spanish title in four years, ending the reign of Barcelona, as they beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 on Wednesday for their 32nd league crown.

Hopeful Malik turns down county offers

Fawad Hussain

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has turned down approaches from county sides Hampshire and Essex hoping for his possible inclusion in the Pakistan side for the tour of Sri Lanka.

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Life & Style

9:11 am takes budding film-maker to Cannes

Our Correspondents

Faraz Waqar, a young Pakistani film-maker who graduated from the New York Film Academy, Abu Dhabi, has been selected to show his thesis film 9:11 am at the Festival de Cannes 2012 Short Films Corner this year, according to a press release.

Veena Malik: From Fiji with love

Saadia Qamar

Sultry siren Veena Malik, who is in the exotic Fiji Islands these days for work, shares details on her life. The actor talks about her days in one of the most beautiful islands in the world, the shooting experience of Supermodel and how she wishes the best for Mohammad Asif, who got released from London jail on May 3.

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Opinion