The Express Tribune Newsletter: June 01, 2012 ~ Mera Pak Watan

The Express Tribune Newsletter: June 01, 2012

Today's Headlines

Budget 2012-13 speech: Tax base to be increased by Rs45 billion

Web Desk

A copy of the budget speech to be given by Finance Minster Abdul Hafeez Shaikh later today (Friday) has been obtained by Express News.

Loadshedding protest: Shahbaz Sharif shifts office to Minar-e-Pakistan

Sidrah Moiz Khan

In a bid to protest against the ongoing power crisis in the province, Chief Minister Punjab shifted his office to Minar-e-Pakistan ground on Friday.

PM contempt: Disqualification is speaker's call, argues Mirza

Zeeshan Mujahid

In a reply filed to the court, National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza defended her decision to not disqualify the prime minister – arguing that it is "the Speaker who is to decide" on the matter.

'Mohajir province is a plot to exact revenge on PPP'

Hafeez Tunio

"The issue of a Mohajir province has been raised just to take revenge from the Pakistan Peoples Party for its bold stand to create a Seraiki province," stated President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House on Thursday.

Business

Tax exemptions cost Rs185 billion this year

Shahbaz Rana

In a sign of lost revenues, the cost of tax exemptions, largely given to the influential people of the country, has risen to Rs185.5 billion this financial year, which is higher than the amount the government expects to receive in foreign loans next year for financing development projects.

In agriculture, livestock grows 4%, outpaces crops

Farooq Tirmizi

Of the four major crops in Pakistan, the two that saw increases in both yields and overall production levels were also the ones the government does not subsidise or support in any way: rice and cotton. The two subsidised ones – wheat and sugarcane – did rather badly.

_______________________________________________

Sports

Cricket: Revamped Pakistan aim for continuity in Sri Lanka

AFP

Pakistan will kick-off a full-fledged series against Sri Lanka with the opening Twenty20 in southern Hambantota today, aiming to perfect their combination ahead of the World Twenty20 later this year.

Azlan Shah Cup: Pakistan not prepared for Olympics

Fawad Hussain

A dismal run in the ongoing Azlan Shah Cup, including the 2-1 defeat yesterday against India, prompted the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) chief selector Hanif Khan to declare that the team was unprepared for the Olympics which are less than two months away.

_______________________________________________

Life & Style

Veena Malik dons salsa shoes

IANS

Controversial Pakistani actor Veena Malik will be seen grooving to salsa beats for a new ad for aphrodisiac product Stay On and says that the dance form gives her "exhilarating freedom".

Tina Sani: The nightingale of ghazals

Saadia Qamar

As one listens to the ghazal singer Tina Sani, they can't help but be reminded of the tunes of "Gar Mujhay Isska Yaqeen Ho" and "Mori Araj Suno" — two singles that influenced the Pakistani ghazal culture back in the 90s and are still hummed by many. The iconic ghazal singer, who touched people's emotions with her vocal prowess, talks about her musical journey and her future plans.

_______________________________________________

Opinion