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

The Express Tribune Newsletter: June 04, 2012

Today's Headlines

US drone strike kills 15 in North Waziristan: Officials

Reuters

Rockets fired from a US drone killed 15 people in northwest Pakistan on Monday, intelligence officials said, an attack likely to add to tensions between Washington and Islamabad amid a standoff over Nato supply routes to Afghanistan.

Budget debate: PML-N likely to boycott proceedings over PM's refusal to resign

Sumera Khan

While all political parties have set their agendas to carry out a constructive debate today over the budget for the fiscal year 2012-13, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz plans to launch a strong protest instead.

Austerity gone wrong?: PM House's garden budget increased by 39%

Shahbaz Rana

Hard times demand austerity. Yet, despite the government's tall claims of austerity, next year's budget for the upkeep and maintenance of the Prime Minister House's gardens is roughly Rs20 million, a 39% increase from the previous year's budget.

Budget 2012-13: Nawaz decries jugglery of figures

Our Correspondent

The head of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz heaped scorn on the government on Sunday for resorting to a "jugglery of figures" in the budget for the new financial year. He tempered his criticism though with a small dose of hope, insisting that the damage was not altogether irreparable and could be undone through "sincere and meticulous management".

Business

Identity crisis: Islamic banking - in search of a lost soul

Humayon Dar

There is no doubt that Islamic banking and finance must always fulfil the requirements of Islamic jurisprudence. However, it is increasingly being felt that Islamic banking must go beyond the law and imbue the ethical spirit of Islam to remain relevant to the needs of Muslim communities around the world.

Lucrative business: Natural gas - a multibillion dollar cash cow

Zeeshan Shah

Energy experts have confirmed that natural gas today is fast becoming the next big thing in power generation as a cost-effective substitute for coal – which currently generates over 40% of the world's electricity. Experts say that it is cleaner and emits 50% less carbon dioxide. _______________________________________________

Sports

2nd Twenty20: Tables turned on Sri Lanka

News Desk

Shahid Afridi proved once again that he is a match-winner as Pakistan got their revenge in fine style, registering a 23-run win over Sri Lanka to level the two-match Twenty20 series in Hambantota.

Hockey: Time for a few changes, says PHF official

Fawad Hussain

As Pakistan hit rock bottom at the Azlan Shah Cup, whispers about impending changes in the team, including the captain's arm-band, ahead of the Olympics have started to gain momentum. _______________________________________________

Life & Style

Wahab Shah: So you think you can dance?

Sher Khan

Wahab Shah is no new name in Pakistan. In the last five years, he has carved a niche for himself as one of the best performers and choreographers on the contemporary dance scene. And now, in his latest attempt to revive the dying culture and appreciation for the art of dancing, Shah has opened a dance studio with the hope of creating "the first professional dance troupe in Pakistan".

Accessories: Bling it on

Saadia Qamar

Fashion goddess Coco Chanel once said that a girl should be two things — classy and fabulous. But being classy and fabulous without the right accessories is impossible. These days, the trend of wearing trinkets and artificial jewellery has become very popular with more than a few stalls/shops in Gulfway Shopping Mall in Karachi selling a variety of rings and necklaces. Following this trend, even high-end clothing stores like FnkAsia have introduced their accessory lines.

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Opinion