E-paper Pakistantoday ISB 2nd January, 2012 by Pakistan Today

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Iran tests missile as US tightens sanctions

Government fails in enhancing tax revenue

Get set for comedy, thrillers in 2012

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PROFIT | PAGE 01

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pakistantoday.com.pk

rs15.00 vol ii no 186 22 pages islamabad — peshawar edition

monday, 2 january, 2012 safar 7, 1433

Probe into ‘memo’ issue

Asma questions neutrality of commission Decides not to appear before judicial commission g Says will not disassociate herself from advocating her client g

ISLAMABAD

StAff RePoRt

S the memo issue enters into a decisive phase with the appointment of a high-powered judicial commission to investigate it within four weeks, Asma Jahangir, the counsel for former ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani, on Sunday dissociated herself from the proceedings of the commission, saying she would not appear before the commission as she doubted its neutrality. Talking to Pakistan Today, she said it was the commission of the Supreme Court’s will, in which judges of its own choice were included. At the same time, she said, the commission was tasked to complete the probe within four weeks at the Islamabad High Court building and she was unable to stay in Islamabad for such a long time. However, she said she would not disassociate herself from advocating her client. “I will continue as counsel for Haqqani,” she said, added how could she trust the neutrality of such a commission formed by the Supreme Court, which was itself under the influence of the “establishment”. Just after the SC’s short order on the

memo issue came on Friday, Asma had expressed disappointment over it, questioning whether the court was there to serve and protect the rights of the public or the establishment? Talking to reporters, she had said it was a dark day for the judiciary and she was forced to think whether it was the judiciary of the people or the judiciary of the establishment. She had warned that the decision would haunt the petitioners too and then they would recall her statement. Asma had regretted that the civilian authority had come under the military authority. “I was expecting at least one dissenting voice against the judgment, but it did not come,” she said. Expressing disappointment over the order, Asma had said she did not see any ray of hope in the court now. She had regretted for having struggled for the restoration of the judiciary, saying the court’s decision had compromised a person’s right to justice, contending that the judgement was not in accordance with the law. However, at the same time she had accepted it. Continued on page 04

sC resumes hearing of zaB referenCe today | page 24

KARACHI: Pasban-e-Jaferia activists take the body of Askari Raza, a Shia leader who was shot dead on Saturday, to the Governor’s House. inp

senate polls on time: Gilani Pakistan, US working PM says stopping elections through undemocratic means will have negative impact on country g

ISLAMABAD AGeNCIeS

The Senate election will be held on schedule in March and stopping them through undemocratic means would have a negative impact on the country, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday. Responding to callers from across the country in a live PTV’s Prime Minister Online programme, Gilani said conspiracies were being hatched to stop the Senate election. He said everyone knew that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would attain majority in the Senate elections. He told critics that everything should be done in accordance with the constitution. The prime minister said it was

the task of Information Ministry to highlight achievements of the government and the PPP government had a lot of achievements to show to the people. He said Pakistan was also affected the global economic recession like other countries and many companies were given bailouts. Gilani said despite all odds, 3,500 megawatts power were added to the national grid, adding that the government would become capable of avoiding unscheduled load shedding before the end of the tenure. The prime minister said a special cabinet meeting would be held onJanuary 3 to tackle the issues of energy and gas shortage. Continued on page 04

ji rules out Change until zardari removed | page 04

on narrow ‘boxes’ for drone strikes ISLAMABAD SHAIQ HUSSAIN

As Pakistan and the United States try to revise their ‘terms of engagement’ on counter-terrorism cooperation, some features of the ‘plan’ being devised, indicate that Islamabad wants the ‘drone boxes’ or areas where CIA could go for lethal predator strikes in the Tribal Areas, to be re-identified with new ones being very narrow and also that any future attacks are to be carried in accordance with intelligence information provided by Pakistani side. The relations between Pakistan and the US are at the lowest ebb in the wake of NATO airstrikes on two Pakistan outposts in Mohmand Agency on November 26 in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed. Continued on page 04

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02 News Today’s

Monday, 2 January, 2012

ISLAMABAD

newS

PtI promises a ‘corruption-free’ country

Pakistan: world leader in CNG sales…and prices At least 50 killed in communal clashes in Nigeria

Story on Page 05

Story on Page 09

FOreIgn newS

Quick Look

Story on Page 14

3 FC personnel killed in land-mine blast QUETTA: Three Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan personnel were killed and two others injured in a land mine explosion in dera Bugti, some 400 KM southeast of Quetta on Sunday. An FC vehicle carrying FC troops was on a routine mine sweeping mission in Zain Koh area when it hit a land mine that exploded. The vehicle was badly damaged with 3 FC personnel killed and 2 two others injured . The injured were shifted to Sui Hospital for medical treatment. Upon contact, FC officials in Quetta on anonymity confirmed the incident and number of causalities and said the injured were out of danger. No group has claimed responsibility so far. In a second land mine explosion, one civilian was killed and three others injured in Januberi area of Sui town in dera Bugti when a vehicle rolled on a land mine. In the meanwhile, unidentified persons sabotaged a main gas pipeline measuring 22” that supplied gas to main plant from gas wells in the area. The gas pipeline caught fire from the explosion and supply to the plant was suspended. Technical staff started repairing the gas pipeline and gas supply was expected to be restored late at night. GrEnAdE ATTAck: Separately, at least ten people, including a child, were injured in a hand grenade attack in Quetta on Sunday. Police said unidentified men riding a motorcycle lobbed a hand grenade at a pan shop located near a hotel on Joint Road and fled the scene. 10 people, including a 12-year-old child, sustained injuries. Police and FC personnel arrived at the blast site and cordoned off the area. The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital for treatment. Police registered a case against unknown men but no one has been arrested. Police have registered a case against unidentified people and started the investigation. SHAHZAdA ZUlfIQAR

15 militants killed in Orakzai Agency HAnGU: Around 15 militants were killed and 14 others injured when jetfighters blitzed their hideouts in the Orakzai Agency on Sunday, sources said. According to details, the jetfighters bombed militant hideouts in Torsmat, Jabba Kellay, Akhunkot and Sama Bazaar in Upper Tehsil. Five hideouts were also destroyed, sources said. Among those killed were five militants of Commander Ziaur Rehman Group. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Orakzai Agency chapter denied claims of security forces and said that they suffered no loss in the bombardment. INP

President sacks SPDC chairman on corruption charges LArkAnA: On directives of President Asif Ali Zardari, a high-level enquiry has been ordered to investigate into corruption and misuse of billions of funds of Larkana development Package (LdP) and other mega projects. According to sources, taking prompt action, President Asif Ali Zardari sacked Sindh Peoples development Committee (SPdC) Chairman Shafqat Soomro on corruption charges. On the eve of 4th death anniversary of former PM and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Benazir Bhutto, Zardari received complaints of misuse and corruption against the chairman SPdC and PPP Larkana senior vice-president. INP

GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH: Asifa Bhutto Zardari offers dua at the grave of her grandfather and PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Gni

‘ChanGe,’ a distant dream

JI reconsiders alliance with PTI over PML-Q ‘turncoats’ ISLAMABAD

tAHIR NIAZ

NNOYEd over the inclusion of some Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMLQ) ‘elements’ in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has started reconsidering its plans to forge an alliance or entering into a seat adjustment formula with the Imran Khan-led party, as it believes that in presence of these people, ‘change’ in the country would remain a far distant dream. Sources in the JI said that despite the fact that both the parties had agreed in principle to chalk

out a strategy to move forward to strengthen the mutual relationship in context of the next general elections, but joining of a number of former PML-Q leaders in the PTI had led the party to rethink its decision. On being contacted, JI Spokesman Farid Paracha said that both the parties had even agreed on a working plan, which included proposals on seat adjustment and details about the alliance. He said that both the sides had also developed a unanimous approach on Pak-US relations, interference of establishment in government affairs and masses’ problems but the party leadership was wary of inclusion of ‘rejected’

people in the PTI. “All the PML-Q has been renamed as PTI. If we have to work with these corrupt people, there is no need to get closer to the PTI,” he said. Paracha said that in presence of these rejected people, the JI could not move for a ‘change’ in the country. When asked if the JI had formally conveyed its concerns to the PTI, Paracha said, “Not yet. We are discussing the issue at the party level but the party leadership was very upset over PML-Q leaders joining the PTI without any screening”. He said that under the circumstances, a JI-PML-Q alliance

would give nothing but disappointment to the people. Paracha said that with ‘rejected’ people jumping onto the PTI bandwagon, the JI would be least interested in forging any alliance with the former. He said that the JI leadership would soon approach the PTI leadership to convey its decision on the issue.

All the PML-Q has been renamed as PTI. If we have to work with these corrupt people, there is no need to get closer to the PTI fARId PARACHA

JI Spokesman

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

ArTS & enTerTAInMenT

SPOrTS

News 03

COMMenT

emma grows out of ‘Harry Potter’ image for lancome dRS will benefit spinners: Ajmal

the year that was: 2011 was ‘interesting’.

Basharat Hussain Qizilbash says: Being the First Lady: It’s not all about looking pretty.

Waqqas Mir says: 2011 in PTI-land: Where debate went to die.

Umair Javed says: Paying tribute to an idea: On Salmaan Taseer’s death anniversary.

Story on Page 16

Story on Page 18

Today’s

Quick Look

Articles on Page 12-13

a fledGlinG Parliamentary body on baloChistan?

No progress on dialogue with rebel Baloch leaders yet g

Special parliamentary committee fails to report to national Assembly within stipulated period ISLAMABAD

ARIf tAJ

HE Special Parliamentary Committee on Law and Order in Karachi and Balochistan has not met any of the angry Baloch leaders so far to initiate dialogue with them for bringing peace in the province per its promise, parliamentarians from Balochistan told Pakistan Today on Sunday. The special committee, which included 17 members both from the treasury and the opposition benches, had been formed in August last year to suggest measures for improving law and order in Karachi and Balochistan and

complete its task within the stipulated period, that is, two months. In its meeting on October 13, 2011, the committee pledged visiting Quetta and meeting the angry Baloch elders and other stakeholders from the province to get firsthand information and ponder on how to establish peace in the province. It had also resolved to contact the Baloch leaders in exile in this regard. MNA Mir Hadamdan Khan Bugti told Pakistan Today that the committee had ceased to meet after a few meetings immediately after its formation. “Had any of the members or the head of the committee met any of the angry Baloch leaders or contacted them, I must have been aware of it. The committee has neither met any of the Baloch leaders nor

any meeting of the committee has been convened in this regard, with exception of few initial meetings,” Bugti said. When Haji Khudda Bukhsh Rajar, who is also member of the committee, was contacted, he confirmed that no meeting was held after November owing to members’ personal and political engagements, adding however that the committee would soon meet again and decide when it would meet the Baloch leaders. Asked about the requirement of reporting to the National Assembly within the stipulated time, Rajar said many members had gone for Haj which had delayed the meetings. When PPP MNA Noor Alam, who is also member of the committee, was

Merge FATA into Kp: Anp jirga g

Iranian border guards chase, kill 14-year old in Pakistani territory QUETTA StAff RePoRt

A Pakistani national was killed while his brother received bullet injuries in firing from Iranian border security guards on Pakistani territory in Mashkail area, Washuk district, some 600 km south-west of Quetta in the early hours of Sunday. 3 Iranian border guards, including an officer, were arrested by Frontier Corps Balochistan. The two brothers were coming to Pakistan from neighbouring Iran from the Mazansar area of Mashkail area when chasing Iranian border security force personnel crossed 3-kilometers into Pakistani territory. The Iranian guards began firing on the vehicle they were chasing. The driver Saeed Ahmad, 14, and his brother Noor Ul Islam, 12, received serious injuries. Saeed later succumbed to his injuries. Frontier Corps Balochistan personnel reached the site of the incident and surrounded the Iranian officials who surrendered without resistance. Upon contacted Washuk deputy Commissioner dr Saeed Ahmad Jamali while confirming the incident told Pakistan Today that all three officials Iranian border security force were in the custody of Frontier Corps entering Pakistan territory and killing a Pakistani national. He said contact had been established with authorities concerned on the fate of the Iranian officials.

StAff RePoRt

demanding the merger of Federally Administrative Tribal Areas (FATA) within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Awami National Party (ANP) jirga on Sunday said it believed FATA tribesmen could be satisfied with a similar status to that given to the people from Malakand. A FATA Jirga at Nishtar Hall Peshawar, including tribal elders from all seven agencies, welcomed ANP KP President Senator Afrasiab Khattak’s proposal to award Provincially Administrative Tribal Areas (PATA) status to FATA. The jirga was addressed by Latif Afridi Advocate, KP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain, ANP KP General Secretary Arbab Tahir, Imran Afridi and others. Tribal elders also addressed the jirga. Khattak welcomed the presidential order to extend the Political Parties Act

into FATA. He said, “The ANP will celebrate 2012 as FATA year. The ANP has planned a strategy including rallies, conferences and seminars throughout the tribal belt.” Favouring the ANP demand to annex FATA to KP, Khattak said, “The demand is feasible and will favour tribesmen.” He said tribesmen from different agencies lacked socioethnic relations and communication links to each other and these relations could be re-built.

Pakistan joins UnSC NEW YORK oNlINe

Khattak says 2012 to be celebrated as ‘FATA year’ PESHAWAR

asked why the committee did not meet the angry Baloch leaders, he refused to comment saying only the chairman of the committee, Minister for Religious Affairs Khurshid Shah, could comment on the issue. PPP MNA Nasir Shah said the committee did not meet any of the angry Baloch leaders nor had it met any of the provincial or other leaders regarding proposals for peace in the province. “I demanded that the committee include representatives from Balochistan if it was serious in resolving the issues of law and order in the province but I was not heard. The committee has neither visited Quetta, which it promised, nor has it met any of the Baloch leaders,” Shah said.

Speaking about the plight of tribesmen, Latif Afridi said “The Islamabad establishment must review its hostile attitude to tribesmen or they can respond within a slogan contradicting the slogan of Pakistan Zindabad.” He said tribesmen are considered “third class citizens of a second class state.” He said he will lead a delegation to the Governor House and if it fails, they will knock on the doors of President House. KP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain showed resentment over the “secret dialogue between US and Taliban militants.” He said no “secret dialogues” could ensure pease. It can be mentioned FATA tribesmen have different opinions on the regions’ future status. ANP-affiliated tribesmen support a merger with KP, PPP, JUI(F) and Jamaat Islami affiliated tribesmen are double-minded while blue-eyed tribesmen of civil and military establishment are prolonging the matter by opposing the ANP demand.

Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Morocco and Togo start two-year terms in the UNSC on first day of 2012. Five new countries on Sunday joined the UNSC driven by one of the biggest international splits in years on how to handle the Arab Spring uprisings. The countries started the two-year terms on the council, which was hit by air strikes in Libya and battling over President Bashar al-Assad’s deadly crackdown in Syria. Growing tensions around Iran add to the nerves on the 15member body. “It is like the Cold War,” said one Western diplomat. Russia’s UN envoy Vitaly Churkin said the council’s work could be “seriously hurt” if the tensions persist. Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973, passed in February and March, ordered sanctions and allowed air strikes to protect Libyan civilians sparked the hostilities.

Bullets mark new Year’s eve g

Six killed, dozens injured in firing incidents KARACHI AGeNCIeS

Amid tight security and tall claims of district and provincial governments, Karachi remained in grip of lawlessness and heavy aerial firing on New Year Eve. Around six people, including leader of the Jaffria Allaince, were killed and scores others injured in separate incidents of firing on the occasion of New Year celebrations across the city. According to police, unidentified armed motorcyclists fired at car of Jaffria Alliance leader Raza Askari and his friend Ali Mehdi near Nipa Chowrangi injuring

them severely. Both the injured were rushed to hospital where Askari succumbed to his injuries. Jaffria Alliance workers gathered outside the hospital and staged a protest against killing of their leader and chanted slogans against the government. Police and Rangers shifted the body of Askari to Ancholi under tight security. The bullet-ridden body of an unidentified man was recovered from Guru Mandar locality. Eyewitnesses said that the body was dropped from an unidentified pickup on early Sunday. The body was shifted to Civil Hospital where identity of the deceased was yet to be confirmed.

Karachities resorted to heavy aerial firing and fireworks to celebrate the New Year. Around two people were killed after being hit by bullets fired from unidentified locations on New Year Eve in Usmanabad area of Lyari locality. Another citizen died after a stray bullet hit him in Orangi Town. A minor kid was killed by bullets in Sakhi Hassan area for the same reason. Police arrested two merrymakers and recovered arms from their possessions. Around 25 people were injured amid firing incidents with regard to New Year merriments in Karachi, eight in Hyderabad, two in Mirpurkhas and

dozens others in other parts of Sindh. Officers were on high alert to avert any violence in almost all major cities, where New Year celebrations were traditionally quiet. In Karachi, thousands of people took to the streets to see in 2012 but police prevented many from getting to the shores of the city citing security fears. “Aerial firing on New Year night killed three people. Fired bullets have also wounded more than 60,” Hamid Parhair, provincial police surgeon said. Parhair said that 36 people were taken to two government hospitals while the rest were treated for minor injuries at private hospitals.

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04 News

Monday, 2 January, 2012

PM grants PPP Punjab wish

PPP Punjab office bearers to get 5 PB arms licences, 5% development funds LAHORE NASIR BUtt

longstanding wish of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Punjab was granted on Sunday when Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani gave a nod to five licences of prohibited bore (PB) weapons for each party executive council member, like party MPAs, and allowing the use of five percent development funds with party office-bearer’s consent. The prime minister made the decision while chairing a meeting of the PPP Punjab executive council on Sunday at the Governor’s House. Per the move, PPP MPAs would be able to

spend five percent of the development funds provided to them by the federal government on projects highlighted or suggested by PPP provincial office-bearers. Party sources told Pakistan Today that Gilani, who is also the PPP vice chairman, intended to boost the effectiveness of the party hierarchy in Punjab, which was being damaged owing to absence of incentives for its voters and party stalwarts. The sources said Gilani categorically said that the PPP had miserably failed to project the performance of its government and it happened because of a lose grip of party office-bearers. He, however, announced on the occasion that 2012 would be the year of party workers.

The prime minister told the party leadership that the government was safe and secure and public meetings of Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were arranged by specific quarters to give them room to play.It was also decided that the PM would meet PPP Punjab leaders twice a month. The prime minister also instructed the PPP Punjab leadership to hold public gatherings in all six divisions of the province, while PPP Kasur leaders were directed to arrange a massive public gathering in their district within the next two weeks. Party sources said Gilani told Chaudhry Manzoor of Kasur to arrange a major show of power for the PPP in Kasur, as the departure of

former foreign minister Sardar Assef Ahmed Ali from the PPP had left a vacuum that needed to be filled. The PM also decided to address the party workers’ convention scheduled in Lahore on January 21. He announced converting the University of Engineering and Technology being established in Sahiwal into an information technology university. Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Asif Hashmi’s close aide Rai Muzzammal asked the PM to confer senate ticket on Hashmi. However, the PM tactfully refused the request, saying the department under Hashmi’s control was 10 times more important than being a senator.

12 militants Ji rules out change unless Senate polls from page 1 killed, 3 hostages Zardari, Gilani removed “PowerContinued generation has reduced in the winter due to a shortage recovered in of water,” he said, adding that the government had been workLandikotal ing on all alternative sources of KHYBER AGENCY APP

Twelve militants were killed and three abducted people were recovered from their custody after a shootout with security forces in Landikotal on Sunday. According to official sources, the shootout started when militants sprayed the security forces with bullets. The security forces besieged a house on a tip-off about presence of militants there. That is when a militant blew himself up in fear of being caught, killing four of his close aides. Later, during the exchange of fire, another eight militants were killed.

MONITORING DESK Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Syed Munawar Hassan on Sunday said the country’s fortunes could not be changed as long as “Zardari and Gilani remain in power”, a private TV channel reported. Address a massive rally in Karachi, the JI chief said people had woken up and were demanding an Islamic system of governance in the country. “The nation

pakistan and US Continued from page 1

Pakistan suspended the NATO supplies after the NATO strikes, vacated ‘Shamsi airbase’ in Balochistan, which was earlier used for drone strikes and boycotted an international moot on peace and security in Afghanistan, ‘Bonn Conference’. The US also retaliated by announcing to freeze millions of dollars in aid for Pakistan and it was on Saturday that President Barack Obama signed a sweeping US defence funding bill, which includes curtailing up to $850 million in aid to Pakistan. The massive defence bill that Congress passed on ear-

lier in december freezes 60 percent of the $850 million aid or $510 million, until the US defence secretary provides lawmakers with assurances that Pakistan is working to counter improvised explosive devices (IEds). “As of now both the countries are discussing different measures how to break the impasse in their relations and bring a semblance of normalcy to their ties. Islamabad and Washington are engaged in efforts to revise the ‘terms of engagement’ and for that they are trying to come up with a mutually acceptable ‘plan’,” said a diplomatic source on Sunday seeking anonymity.

should prepare itself for a revolution,” he said. He said Zardari had no majority and it was Nawaz Sharif who strengthened him with continued support. “Nawaz will be equally responsible for the period the present government remains in power,” he added. Hassan said the people got nothing from the “US or Russian system”, adding that the country should “have its own foreign policy”. He said one important feature of the proposed plan was to narrow down the areas in the Tribal Areas for drone strikes called ‘boxes’, where the terrorists are concentrated or it was strongly felt so. The US has also put on hold the drone strikes in the Tribal Areas after Mohmand Agency’s strikes. “If agreed upon, both sides could go for re-identification of very narrow boxes for drone strikes. However, these strikes ought to be very rare, when they are extremely needed and that too in accordance with Pakistani intelligence information about the targets and not by the US on its own,” the source said. A Pakistani security official expressed his ignorance

energy. He underlined the need for consistency in policies, regretting that every government changed policies of the previous one. “We want to have consistent policies and the government should be given the chance to work,” he added. Gilani said fuel prices were a global issue. “The fuel prices at the international level are adjusted in the local market and the government does not want to continue the system of subsidies,” he said, adding that the government was making efforts to control the price hike. Referring to corruption charges against the government, he said every political government in the past was removed on such charges. He said the Parliamentary Committee on National Security had been preparing recommendations to review Pakistan’s relations with NATO and the US. about the proposed plan for ‘boxes’ and other terms of engagement but he said Pakistan had taken certain important measures in the previous year against the US and especially against the American security people present on its soil. He said the number of US military officers, which included the enlisted troops and contractors in Pakistan, had dropped to around 100 from over 400. Moreover, he said Pakistan had also limited the number of visas for the US embassy staff and aid workers, adding that “this measure is aimed basically at the CIA operatives in Pakistan, to reduce their number to the lowest possible level”.

Will Fakhar, Abida duo also join imran? ISLAMABAD IRfAN BUKHARI

While the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaaf (PTI) continues to dent the ranks of major political parties by wooing their heavyweights, common friends are playing an important role as conduits. After Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Javed Hashmi, former NA speaker Fakhar Imam and former federal minister Abida Hussain, the politician husband and wife who quit the PML-N for PML-Q and then joined the PPP, are now being approached on behalf of Imran Khan through a common UKbased friend. A source close to the political family from Khanewal and Jhang told Pakistan Today that a common friend of Imran and the Sadaat family - Sir Anwar Pervez – had been persuading the PPP leaders to join the PTI. Sir Anwar Pervez, founder of the Bestway Group and a well-known UK-based businessman, is a close friend of Imran Khan and has been lavishly donating for his party. He also happens to be very close to Fakhar Imam

and Abida Hussain. “He (Anwar) is playing a role of a bridge between the two sides,” the source said. The source said the PPP leaders were also unhappy with the party’s top command, as they thought they had been sidelined during the last three-and-a-half years. “They also fear that due to possible seat-adjustment between the PPP and the PML-Q, Abida Hussain will not be awarded a PPP ticket in the next general election against PML-Q central leader Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, who is Abida’s con-

Sherry leaves for washington on Friday ISLAMABAd: Ambassadordesignate to the US Sherry Rehman is likely to proceed to Washington later this week to assume the charge of her new office in the face of serious challenges to improve Pakistan-US relations but diplomatic circles here say that the daunting task has been softened somewhat due to the hectic ‘behind the scene efforts’ by both states to end the current stalemate in ties. StAff RePoRt

Asma questions Continued from page 1 Asma’s contention was that the court had given the petitioners more relief than they had asked for and the court had given national security more priority than the fundamental rights of an individual. She said she would wait for the detailed verdict and would then decide if she would file a review petition against the court’s short order. Meanwhile, in an interview with dawnNews, Asma said Haqqani feared that the spy agencies might force him into giving a statement. “This fear was the reason behind the former ambassador’s stay at the Prime Minister’s House,” she said. She said the Supreme

Court’s decision on the petitions over the memo issue was a victory for the country’s establishment. She said the law was being used to transform the country into a “security state”. According to dawnNews, she refused to continue as counsel for former ambassador Haqqani in the memo case. The three-member commission on the memo case constituted by the Supreme Court on december 30 will meet at 11am today (Monday) in the Islamabad High Court. The commission is headed by Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and includes Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rehman and Sindh High Court Chief Justise Mushir Alam.

‘n’-Likeminded alliance to be announced ‘in next fortnight’ ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR

After resolving the internal bickering and party President Senator Salim Saifullah Khan sacrificing his post in favour of Arbab Ghulam Rahim, the PML-Likeminded group has geared up efforts to finalise a formal alliance with the PMLN, Pakistan Today has reliably learnt. A party leader told Pakistan Today that Saifullah, who was due to be replaced after serving a two-year term as the party head, had volun-

tarily stepped down to accommodate former Sindh chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim, who had developed serious differences with the party and was set to join Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). “We have succeeded in wooing back the support of Arbab Rahim, whose group has a strong presence in Sindh Assembly and has won support of another PML-Q MPA Nuzhat Pathan,” the likeminded leader said. A PML-N source privy to the details said both factions of the PML, “N”

and Likeminded – were heading towards an alliance, as talks had entered a final stage and a formal announcement was likely in the next fortnight. “The PML-N leadership is desperate to get a foothold in Sindh Assembly, where they have no presence, while the likeminded group is strong in Sindh Assembly. Moreover, the PML-N wants Saifullah to help its Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chapter due to his strong influence there,” the source added. He said in principal, an alliance had been decided between the two factions, but

PML-N leadership was reluctant to give seat adjustment assurances in the constituencies of Likeminded Chairman Chaudhry Hamid Nasir Chattha and Secretary General Humayon Akhtar Khan, where PML-N candidates had won in 2008 election. “Senator Salim Saifullah Khan held a meeting last week with Ishaq dar at Punjab House. The next meeting is likely in the next fortnight, which would be final and a formal announcement is likely to follow,” the source added. The source said the PML-N leadership was press-

ing the Salim Saifullah and Arbab Rahim groups to merge with its ranks, however, likeminded leaders wanted to keep their options open due to fluid political situation. A source in the PML-Likeminded said the party would formally elect Arbab Ghulam Rahim the president in a meeting to be held at the residence of Humayon Akhtar Khan on January 4, which would be followed by a formal announcement. When contacted, Salim Saifullah Khan confirmed that his party had decided to elect Arbab Ghulam

Rahim as president. Saifullah, however, said his group had other options if talks failed with the PML-N. “But let me tell you that 90 percent issues have been resolved and an announcement is likely in the next fortnight,” he asserted. Likeminded chief organiser Senator Ghaffar Qureshi, asked whether his party was going to join the PTI, Qureshi said all matters regarding their reservations with the party leadership had been resolved and Arbab Ghulam Rahim had accepted the party’s top slot.

ventional rival,” the source said. Meanwhile, another PPP MNA and former minister of state for foreign affairs, Malik Amad Khan, is also in contact with the PTI leadership and can join Imran Khan. “He is angry with the PPP leadership over his removal from the cabinet … he is also annoyed over giving ministerial slot to PML-Q MNA from Taunsa Sharif, Khwaja Sheraz,” the source said. Sheraz is the son-in-law of Shadikhels, a tribe that is a conventional rival of Malik Amad in Mianwali.

PPP stemmed probable coup, says Awan

MONITORING DESK Pakistan People’s Party leader Babar Awan on Sunday said that the PPP had aborted a probable coup by averting a ‘collision of institutions’, Geo News reported. Addressing party workers in Rawalpindi, Awan ruled out even the remotest chances of snap-polls. He added that PPP could prevail in Punjab in the next polls but it wouldn’t be possible without political unity. He said N-league’s downfall had kicked off, adding Sharif’s politics was a nothing but confrontation and he was instigating a clash of institutions.

Previous govts responsible for gas crisis: Firdous SIALKOT GNI

The PPP government can not be held responsible for the gas crisis, which has been created due to the policies of previous regimes, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Sunday. Addressing Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) workers, Firdous said the government was striving hard to solve the energy crisis. She said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had ordered the government to solve the energy crisis at the earliest and were personally reviewing the situation daily.

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

PNCA attracts huge crowd on ‘Ghazal Night’ PAge 07

15 criminals arrested, contrabands seized ISLAMABAD StAff RePoRt

ISlAMABAd: Youngsters play cricket while enjoying a sunny afternoon near the f-9 Park, where bushfire erupted on Sunday. OnLinE

Citizens rally for justice, peace and democracy People from all walks of life take part in rally organised by Aman Ittehad g Speakers call for end to endemic violence by state, non-state actors g

ISLAMABAD

StAff RePoRt

IKE other parts of the country, people from various walks of life participated in Aman Ittehad’s peace rally and marched from the National Press Club to the Parliament House to express solidarity with those suffering from violence and repression. The participants of the rally demanded that the government must take a stern action against state and non-state actors that break the law and propagate or encourage militancy and extremism by their words or actions. Addressing the gathering, the speakers said, Peace in Pakistan was possible only if the state would give primacy to the welfare of its citizens. They said Aman Ittehad rallies at

108 locations in every part of Pakistan were an expression of the determination of citizens to bring a change that would improve their lives. Likewise, hundreds of students, traders, labour, farmers, human rights activists, journalists, lawyers, and political workers demanded a stronger democracy and equal rights, and condemned all forms of tyranny, violence and injustice. They were participating in Aman Ittehad’s peace rally to mark Solidarity day 2012. The rally began from the Press Club in Haripur, made its way to Havelian and concluded at the main bazaar in Abbottabad. The rally was part of a nationwide series of Aman Ittehad rallies held simultaneously at 140 locations including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Multan, Gwadar, Jacobabad, Kohistan, dera Murad Ja-

mali, Jhang, Charsadda, Mithi, Pishin, Kasur, Gilgit and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Rallies were also organized in 29 places across FATA. Addressing the rally, Ali Asghar Khan demanded that the state must take immediate and effective actions to prevent target killings and kidnappings. He said that the failure to apprehend culprits reflected the lawlessness that no civilised society could tolerate. “The state must be held accountable for its inability to protect the lives, livelihoods and liberty of all its citizens,” he said. Khan also condemned the continued spate of violence in Balochistan and called for a political solution and a roadmap to peace that reflects the aspirations of the people of the province. Khan demanded continued and stronger democracy in Pakistan.

The city police Sunday claimed to have arrested 15 suspects including two women for their alleged involvement in various crime cases. Police recovered 6.200 kilograms of hashish, fake currency worth Rs 28,000, two 12-bore guns, three bottles of liquor and looted items from their possession, a police spokesman said. He said that on a tip off, a police team of the Golra police station headed by SHO Inspector Qasim Khan Niazi raided a place in Pind Paracha (Chungi No.26). There the policemen arrested three persons later identified as Farzana Bibi, Abida and Shehzad Ali with 6.200 kilograms of hashish. Police team also arrested Ehtesham Ahmed Khan for being in possession of fake currency worth Rs 28,000. Separately, ASIs Fiaz Akbar, Imtiaz Hussain and Head Constable Riasat Hussain from Kohsar police station arrested Jamil Satti and Akhtar Shah with two 12-bore guns. Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector Haider Ali from Sabzi Mandi police nabbed two alleged thieves named Muti Ahmed and Watan dost with stolen items. Similarly a bootlegger named Ghulam Mustafa was arrested with three bottles of liquor by ASI Rana Munawar from Industrial area police station. In yet another raid, Sub-Inspector Anar from Sihala police station arrested a beggar named Shaukat Ali while ASI Khalid Javed from Golra nabbed Sardar Ahmed and a foreignerwomen named Ayesha, Khadeeja, Hafsa for their alleged involvement in ‘immoral’ activities. Cases have been registered against these nabbed persons and further investigation is underway, the spokesman added.

CDA to ensure fire safety measures ISLAMABAD

While calling for the supremacy of the parliament, he also urged legislators to represent public interests. He condemned the misplaced budget priorities and demanded a reduction in non-development and military spending so that urgently needed investments may be made to provide gas, electricity, health, education and justice to every citizen. “The demand for a separate province of Hazara reflects popular belief that greater control over resources is urgently needed to realize the potential of Hazara and its people,” he said. The Aman Ittehad is a citizen platform striving for peace, democracy and justice in Pakistan. It calls for a shift in Pakistan from a security to a welfare state. The Solidarity day is an expression of the power of ordinary citizens, and a call to exercise their choice and free will.

APP

The Capital development Authority (CdA) is continuing its efforts for the public compliance of “Building Standards for Fire Prevention and Life Safety 2010” to ensure the safety of lives and infrastructure in federal capital. The directorate of Building Control Service, CdA has notified the standards which are mandatory to comply with by the owners of buildings under the categories II, III and IV. The Category-II includes two-storey buildings, industries and all other nonresidential buildings except farmhouses whereas category the Category-III includes non-residential buildings up to five storyes (including ground floor) and category-IV includes all high-rise buildings that are six-stories and above including ground floor.

pTi promises a ‘corruption-free’ country ISLAMABAD StAff RePoRt

Under the ‘visionary’ leadership of Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, if voted into power, will clean the country from rampant corruption and will make it an Islamic Social Welfare State. This was stated by PTI Women Wing President Fauzia Kasuri here on Sunday while addressing a corner meeting at G/10 Markaz. She said PTI was adamant to bring a change and after the huge public gatherings at Lahore and Karachi, no one could

stop the party to make a clean sweep in the next general elections. “If voted into power, PTI would end the corruption and give new policies to provide justice and social empowerment to the people,” she said. Kasuri said PTI was determined to rebuild Pakistan and for achieving this goal PTI would welcome every individual to join its ranks. She said Pakistan was in a precarious position and everyone must play their role for a change. Carrying party flags in their hands, dozens of charged and emotional party workers chanting slogans “Prime Minister Imran Khan”. Speaking on the occasion,

PTI leader former senator dr Waseem Shahzad strongly criticised PML-Nawaz. He said that PML-N was afraid of PTI Chairman’s bold stance against corrupt rulers. “In an attempt to fool people, now Mian Nawaz Sharif has started talking about the change. Lets me make it clear that people would reject PML-N and PPP in the coming elections as both parties have failed to deliver,” he added. Other PTI leaders, Jamil Abbasi and Amir Mughal, also spoke on the occasion. during the meeting, dozens of local notables including Mian Khalid and Mian Aswad Mahmood joined PTI.

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06 Islamabad

Monday, 2 January, 2012

Calligraphy work attracts many ISLAMABAD APP

A group show on Islamic art, featuring exquisite calligraphy by three master artists, concluded Sunday at Jharoka Art Gallery. Arif khan, Hamid Nasir and Muhammad Anwar displayed their eye-catching collection “Alif, Laam, Meem” that beautify Quranic verses with vibrant hues and unique skills. Arif Khan exhibited 14 pieces capturing his hard work and seniority that combine with themes and mediums. “Arif works on leather for a long time but this time he used gold for gold leafing that gives strength to his calligraphy,” said the curator of the gallery while talking to APP. Hamid Nasir is a self-taught artist and exhibiting calligraphy since 1998. The show brought six of his works for art lovers of the federal capital with his skills and command on calligraphy. He says, “Writing the Holy Quranic calligraphy is the greatest blessing and I feel honour and spiritual satisfaction in writing verses to present them in a beautiful way.” M Anwar exhibits his works first time with 11 art pieces that were inspired by the different masters of calligraphy in Pakistan. The art pieces portrayed divine rhythmic beauty and exaltation in the spiritual domain as artists have brought diverse themes in one art form with love and devotion. The art of calligraphy dates back to the history of written language and often called as the art of fancy lettering. A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skilful manner, say the organisers. Islamic calligraphy traditionally took its inspiration from the Muslim belief in the divine origin of Arabic writing. In early Islam, the sanctity of Arabic writing was accepted among Arabs and non-Arabs alike, and its use in sacred and official texts gave rise to a wonderful profusion of scripts, and a calligraphic tradition which has flourished for over a thousand years - not only in manuscript decoration but also in architecture, ceramics and painting.

NoMAdIC lIfe: A gypsy girl busy in cooking under the open sky at a local park in Rawalpindi. inp

Mansoor Rahi celebrates 74th birthday g

Artist presents his paintings as gift to all guests following Bengali tradition ISLAMABAD MAHtAB BASHIR

ANSOOR Rahi, a noted painter celebrated his 74th birthday here on Sunday, with his students, gallery owners and some art lovers. He surprised the gathering when he told that it had been a Bengal tradition that the birthday person was required to give each invitee a gift. Later he followed the good old tradition and presented his gifts to all his guests but that too was surprising for them. He invited each person by name and stunned them by presenting his orig-

inal painting to each one of them as a gift. These paintings were especially made for the occasion in Rahi’s iconic style in the last 3 days of 2011. Most of them were in black and white with some additions of blue and red, while a few had a bright rising red sun welcoming the dawn of a new year. Talking on the occasion, the students who ranged from school girls to older housewives, praised him for his mastery over his art. They considered themselves lucky for having worked under the guidance of the artist and his wife Hajira Mansur. They mentioned that Rahi was not only a great teacher but also as a mentor and an outstanding human being

with adorable traits. dr Arjumand Faisel, the curator of Gallery 6, thanked artist Zainul Abedin who had advised Rahi to migrate to the then West Pakistan from East Pakistan in 1965. Arjumand said that the advice had had a tremendous contribution in the art of Pakistan and appealed to all the art schools of the country to benefit from the rich teaching experiences the living legend. Nahida Reza of Jharoka Gallery while paying her tributes said that she had achieved her present position through the constant encouragement and inspiration from Rahi. Students, dr Nighat and Ammarah,

read out brief interesting papers about the life and achievements of Rahi and Hajira and felt proud to be associated with them. A sumptuous lunch added to the occasion. Rahi was born in West Bengal. He graduated in Fine Arts from Government College of Arts and Crafts, dhaka. He further advanced his research in art from Japan, France and Germany. Over the years he has received numerous awards including the Pride of Performance in 2008. A very important contribution by him was a series of talks that he conducted weekly for 6 years on PTV to enlightening common people about the world of art.

sunday bazaar uPdate

Vegetable prices shoot up at Sunday bazaars ISLAMABAD StAff RePoRt

The prices of vegetables have gone up at the city’s Sunday bazaars when compared with the previous week. This Sunday, the prices of onion, potatoes, ladyfinger, pumpkin, green chilli, garlic, ginger and brinjal witnessed a significant increase. This week, however, the prices of tomatoes witnessed a decrease of Rs 6 per kg than the previous week’s rates. This week tomatoes were sold at 50 per kg. According to rate lists at the Sunday bazaars, this week, the prices of onion witnessed an increase of Rs 8 per kg as onion were sold at Rs 40 per kg against the previous week’s rates of Rs 32 per kg. The prices of brinjal, garlic, ginger, ladyfinger, pumpkin, cucumber also witnessed some significant increase than the prices of last Sunday. According to list, ginger and

garlic were sold at Rs 76 per kg each against the last week’s rates when they were available for Rs 72 each. Similarly, this week, ladyfingers were sold at Rs 100 per kg against the previous week’s rates when it was available for Rs 80 per kg. This week, pumpkin was sold at Rs 44 against the last weeks rates of 40 per kg. The prices of brinjal also witnessed significant increase as this week it was sold at Rs 40 kg against the previous week’s rate of Rs 32. The prices of green chilli and cucumber also witnessed an increase of Rs 8 and Rs 10 per kg respectively. Cucumbers were sold at Rs 40 and green chilli was sold at Rs 80 per kg. The prices of cabbage witnessed an increase of Rs 4 per kg and prices of cauliflower witnessed an increase of Rs 6. This week, cabbage and cauliflower were sold at Rs 44 each per kg. The prices of chicken and fruits remained unchanged.

this Week

76 last Week

this Week

last Week

16 ginger

70 potato

orange

this Week

140

last Week

this Week

100 onion

green chilli

apple

this Week

140

last Week

140 chicken

per dozen

50 tomato

banana

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Islamabad 07

PNCA attracts huge crowd on ‘Ghazal Night’ g

event proves there is no shortage of lovers of classical music ISLAMABAD

MAHtAB BASHIR

EOPLE celebrate New Year Night in different ways. Some opt going outside with their beloved ones having late night dinner in restaurants; youngsters choose to hang around with their friends at various shopping malls or wheeling on the roads, while few enjoy the occasion indoor having dinner, cutting cake and ending up with a pray for the prosperity of individual and the country. Contrary to above all, many of city dwellers opted to celebrate 2011’s last night at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) where well-known as well as budding ghazal singers warmed the hearts of audience at show ‘Ghazal Night’ that lasted around 4 hours. To say adieu to the year 2011 and to start 2012 with a new pledge in the promotion of art and culture in the country, the PNCA on the New Year Night invited selected ghazal singers from across the country to sing ghazals at the National Art Gallery (NAG) Auditorium. The events like this are important given the fact that art and culture in Pak-

istan has remained under quite a battering from the radical elements in 2011 and previous years. Though, the night was a freezing one, but a large number of commoners, government employees in various sectors, diplomats, rights activists and students attended the last event of the year at the PNCA. Federal Secretary National Heritage and Integration Faridullah Khan was the chief guest on the occasion. The evening started off with a famous ghazal ‘Guloon Main Rang Bhary Baad-eNobahar Chaly’ by Shareef Mehdi, a disciple of king of ghazal- Mehdi Hassan, followed by Shaista Younas who rendered a ghazal of Faiz Ahmed Faiz with the lyrics ‘Muj Se Pehli Si Muhabbat Mery Mehboob Na Maang’. Nida Faiz, a ghazal singer from Lahore, presented the poetry of Faiz and Faraz, including ‘Suna Hai Log Usy Aankh Bhar Kay dekhty Hein’ and ‘Her Chand Intizar Rahy Tery Pyar Ka’. The next singer was Naeem-ul-Hassan Bablu who presented ‘Aasman Se Utaara Gaya Hun’, ‘Meri Payal Thee Kamzoor’ and a film song ‘Aap Ko Bhool Jayen Hum; while Shaukat Manzoor, known for his excellence in ghazal

singing, thumri & Sufi poetry came with “Theher Ja Kay Heran Ho Jayen’. Ustad Abdul Sattar Tari, world famous tabla maestro having no match in the field, has come with ghazal singing and rendered Mehdi Hassan’s classic ghazals included ‘Go Zara Si Baat Pey Barso Ky Yaranay Gaay’ and ‘Ranjish Hi Sahi, dil Hi dukhanay Ky Liay Aa’. Tari, known for his tabla presentation, mesmerised the capacity audience with a solo performance and presented many variations, creating different sounds with his fingers and palm. The four-hour show concluded with the resonating voice of Humaira Channa - a leading name in ghazal singing and film industry. Humaira Channa started with the ghazal of Ghalib ‘Jahan Tery Naqsh-eQadam dekhty Hein’, and received immediate roar of applause from the capacity audience. Clad in black coat and maroon shalwar kameez, Channa’s next ghazal was ‘Tum Aaye Ho Na Shab-e-Intizar Guzri’, written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The audience praised her saying that she sung ghazals in the way Madam Noor Jehan had wished it to be sung.

Channa also sung Nasir Kazmi famous ghazal ‘dil dharakny Ka Sabab Yaas Aya’ and followed it up with a number of requests of the audience. PNCA dG Tauqir Nasir, while talking to this scribe, said the PNCA was committed to promote art and culture of all provinces in the

country and it would continue its ambition in the year 2012, in continuation to the efforts made in 2011. He said artist in any genre was an asset of the nation. “We must acknowledge them as art is the only tool that helps us showcasing softer image of Pakistan all over the world.”

Solo exhibition of drawings concludes ISLAMABAD APP

A solo show on drawings on paper ‘Buy One Get One’ by Hasnat Mehmood concluded Sunday at Rohtas Art Gallery. “The works revealed truth about the marketing of ‘Buy One Get One’ that referred to signage advertising trends in which nothing is actually free but only made to appear as if it is,” the artist said. On one level, the images were simply copies of famous art works, but the inscriptions inserted were equally important. The images traced the history of foreign rule that marks this region. The images were carefully selected to pose questions and highlight relationships between colonialism and neo-colonialism that defined the contemporary moment. The artist took this phenomenon from the business world and translated to the art world. The text tells the story of the pictures and their origins or influences. The show attempted to expose the system of dominance and reliance during the time of European colonialism. At the same time, it explored the importance given to some art works over others.

ARt oN StReetS: Women look at the paintings displayed on a footpath at Jinnah Super Market on Sunday. OnLinE

Over 76% parents favour corporal punishment g

Survey involved Peshawar, Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan and nowshera g Child rights activists sturgguling to end practise at homes and schools ISLAMABAD ASMA KUNdI

Over 76 percent parents in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province believe that moderate punishment is important to discipline children, whereas child right activists stress the elimination of corporal punishment at schools. The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child has conducted a baseline recently that reveals 76 percent parents from Peshawar, Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan and Nowshera districts are in favour of moderate punishment to discipline their children. Talking to Pakistan Today, SPARC Assistant Manager Gulnaz Zahid said that any state’s legislation could shape the attitude and practices of that society and hence an explicit ban on corporal punishment at schools was of great importance. And that process,

she said, must be supported by raising awareness on the harms of corporal punishment. “If corporal punishment is eliminated from home, it will support its elimination from all settings, and in connection with this, the SPARC strongly suggests the need to repeal Section 89 of Pakistan Penal Code (1860), which allows a mild to moderate corporal punishment by the guardian to discipline a child below 12,” she explained. This ambiguous legislation had also led to the gaps in newer legislations regarding the issue, she added. She said to bridge that gaps, the SPARC was pushing an anti-corporal punishment bill in Sindh, with a resolve to eliminate the practise from other social settings. The SPARC has also established 75 punishment-free schools in Peshawar,

Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan and Nowshera and the organisation is also conducting teacher trainings in seven tehsils in coordination with the Rawalpindi Education department, she said, adding that Imtiaz Ahmed and she have also conducted a follow-up consultation with the education department, to sensitise it against the corporal punishment. However, along with all the legislations to support a clear ban on corporal punishment in all settings, SPARC is also working to eliminate corporal punishment from home and schools through various interventions. Case studies of corporal punishment in home setting are seldom reported. A baseline survey being conducted in Nowshera reveals that in some cases children had received harsh punishments for not obeying their parents.

Focus group discussions with children reveal that they receive punishment from both the mother and the father, which shows importance of trainings and awareness raising on positive parenting. Realizing the prevalence of corporal punishment from home, SPARC has started a pilot project in Nowshera. In a master training to promote positive parenting, Maulana Samiur Rehman was selected as a lead trainer to bring the attitudinal change in ten union councils of Nowshera. during the parent training sessions in ten union councils of Nowshera, i.e., Nowshera Cantt, Mughalki, Nizam Pur, Akora Khattak, Pabbi, Mohib Banda, Manki Sharif, Inzari, Azakhel and Kheshgi, various types of corporal punishment and violence against children were highlighted by the participants, which included severe beating, abusing,

stopping children from going to school and early child marriage. According to SPARC, the project team of Nowshera is making efforts to win the support of clerics and madrassa heads of Nowshera to eliminate corporal punishment at least from at home. In the first phase, Pakistan Today learnt, above 300 fathers will be sensitised about positive parenting and in the second phase will involve mothers. To bring a sustainable change, the AdOs from education department and clerics are being involved in the initiative, she said. This project aims to bringing the attitudinal and behavioural change through earning support from religious leaders as they are in the best position to convince a layman through briefing child rights with special reference to Quran in Jumma sermons.

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08 Islamabad

Monday, 2 January, 2012

weATher UPDATeS

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VoICe AGAINSt teRRoR: Activists of Baltistan Students federation hold a protest outside the National Press club to express their anger against rising militancy in Gilgit-Baltistan. STAFF phOTO

struGGle for survival

Disabled man braves life on his own ISLAMABAD

SAlMAN ABBAS

HE government has not introduced any solid laws to protect the rights of people with disabilities and to facilitate them, due to which they continuously battle exclusion and restriction to their full participation in society in their daily lives, while facing resultant discrimination, abuse and poverty. Nisar Muhammad, 65, is also one of those poor disabled, who has been struggling hard to get government aid, but failed to do so due to the poor policies of the government. Nisar has been experiencing bad fortune after loosing his hand in a tragic incident. While talking to Pakistan Today, he said about nine years ago, he was running bulldozer, but his right hand crushed in to a heavy machine as a result of his own minor fault. “After the fateful incident,” Nisar said, “I was forced to remain idle and made number of appeals to the government authorities to provide him some financial assistance as I have to arrange enough money for marriages of may daughters.” The poor man is now waiting for government assistance for last many years, but the poor management and discriminatory attitude of the government’s charity organisation, Pakistan Bait Ul Mal (PBM), has so far failed to provide him any help. Nisar, who has three daughters, is now con-

fronted by a number of challenges, and has been continuously fighting against them with full courage. Nowadays, he has adopted the profession of porter and serving in H/9 Weekly Bazaar for the last six months. According to him, he visited the office of the PBM for many times, but always faced disappointment. “Instead of begging or seeking charity, I consider this work as a good one to feed my family. during the days when I was running bulldozer, I could earn more than one thousand, but now can only earn three or four hundred rupees during three days of weekly bazaars despite making full efforts,” he noted the fact with a dejected face. Expressing his disappointment, Nisar told this scribe that he had not asked government for aid when I was healthy. “I am really in need now, but they are ignoring me just because I am disabled and poor.” The poor old man is an ideal for others of his like as he works with full conviction. Many visitors of weekly bazaar also prefer to hire Nisar as an expression of sympathy. “This old man shows that no one should bow before the troubles of life but continue to struggle against them,” said Junaid Kamal, a visitor of bazaar. “It was difficult for me in the beginning to drag the trolley with one hand, but now I have become capable to do this,” said Nisar. At a time when inflation is skyrocketing and unemployment increasing, the situation for the handicapped people in society has become more difficult. The government and a number of NGOs in the private sector claim that they are doing work

alif laam meem

for the disabled, but what they are doing can easily be imagine after witnessing the turmoil and predicament faced by the people, like Nisar. People with disabilities are entitled to equal access to education and employment, equal rights to parenthood, property ownership, political rights, and legal representation. Presently, there is no internationally binding convention specifically devoted to the rights of people with disabilities. A treaty on the rights and dignity of people with disabilities would create legally binding human rights obligations specific to the needs and situation of people with disabilities. A human rights perspective to disability requires society, and especially governments, to actively promote the conditions for all individuals to fully realize their rights. “Reasonable accommodation” (the necessary modifications without a disproportionate burden) must be made to ensure persons with disabilities the enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. However, many believes that there is a great need a country like Pakistan to introduce some laws for the protection of disabled and strict action must be taken against those who ignore their rights. If the government does so, it will be helpful for them to get their rights easily, same as if government authorities direct the high-ups of the state-run charity organisations to facilitate the disabled. And as a result, Nisar will also be able to get some aid to fulfill the requirements of his family.

mansoor rahi's exhibition

CaPoeira isltown

COLLegeS / UnIVerSITIeS InTernATIOnAL ISLAMIC UnIVerSITy 9260765 BAhrIA UnIVerSITy 9260002 nUML 9257677 QUAID-e-AzAM UnIVerSITy 90642098 ArID AgrICULTUre UnIVerSITy 9290151 FJwU 9273235 rIPhA InTernATIOnAL UnIVerSITy 111510510 nCA rAwALPInDI 5770423 PUnJAB LAw COLLege 4421347

DATe: DeC 21 - 31, 2011 VenUe: JhArOKA ArT gALLery ISLAMABAD

DATe: DeC 22, 2011 - JAn 05, 2012 VenUe: gALLery LOUVre ISLAMABAD

Please join us For the opening reception of “alif laam meem” A group exhibition of recent work of Calligraphy by Arif Khan, hamid nasir & Muhammad Anwar On Thursday,Dec 22nd ,2011 At 4:30pm preview December 21st ,11 am Onwards The exhibition on Continue till Dec 31st , 2011 gallery hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 6pm

gallery Louvre Islamabad invites you to the solo exhibition of Mansoor rahi. The exhibition will be showcasing all three sketching school of thought by the artist Synergy; a mix of harsh and soft sketching medium Iconography: a sketch developed by singular line without ant support or color.

DATe AnD TIMe: eVery FrIDAy 6:30-7:30PM VenUe: KhAAS ArT gALLery ISLAMABAD Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dancing, ritual combat & music in a unique synthesis of self defense and rhythm.

ISB 02-01-2012_Layout 1 1/2/2012 1:44 AM Page 9

Monday, 2 January, 2012

News 09

Pakistan: world leader in Cng sales…and prices LAHORE

cOUnTrY Pakistan Iran Argentina Brazil India Italy China Colombia Thailand Ukraine

IMRAN AdNAN

FTER the fresh increase in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices, Pakistan, the world’s top CNG consumer, has become the regional leader in selling natural gas at the most expensive price, Pakistan Today has learnt. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had adjusted the CNG prices on Friday, fixing them at Rs 74.30 per kg in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Potohar region and at Rs 69.62 per kg in Sindh and Punjab (excluding Potohar). After this latest increase of over 23 percent, Pakistan has left all regional countries far behind in CNG prices. CNG price comparison of regional countries indicates that in Pakistan, CNG costs 60 percent more than Bangladesh and 15 percent more than India. Figures show that after a recent increase of Indian Rs 1.75 to Rs 2 per kg, CNG is being sold at Indian Rs 33.75 per kg in New delhi and Rs 37.90 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. Though this is the fifth increase by the Indian government in CNG rates this year, in Pakistani rupee terms it is still available at Rs 57.22 to Rs 64.25 per kg.

Similarly, in Bangladesh, CNG has grown into one of the major fuel sources used in private and commercial vehicles. In dhaka, not a single auto rickshaw without CNG has been permitted since 2003. The Bangladeshi government has increase CNG prices from Bangladeshi Taka (BdT) 17 to BdT 30 during the last two year. Even after an increase of over 76 percent, CNG is still being sold in Bangladesh at Pakistani Rs 46.19 per kg. Both India and Bangladesh are also facing natural gas shortage like Pakistan.

In Bangladesh, CNG filling station owners had threatened in November 2011 that they would go on strike if CNG prices were raised without public consultation. The government refrained from raising CNG prices at that time despite proposals. CNG tariffs of most Asian countries suggest that all those countries who have natural gas reserves are promoting CNG for public transport, as it saves almost 60 percent of fuel costs along with reduced emissions.

cnG Vehicles 2,740,000 1,954,925 1,901,116 1,664,847 1,080,000 730,000 450,000 340,000 218,459 200,000

Pakistan has the highest number of CNG vehicles (around 2.7 million) in the world, followed by Iran, Argentina, Brazil, India, Italy, China, Colombia, Thailand and Ukraine. The country has the highest number of CNG stations in the world, numbering more than 3,600. The private sector has invested over Rs 200 billion is setting up the CNG infrastructure. Most private and commercial vehicles – except official and luxury cars – have been converted to natural gas fuel because of its cheaper price. Currently, three car manufacturers, Suzuki, Toyota and Honda, are assembling passenger cars in the country of which two – Suzuki and Toyota – were producing CNG variants of their best-

PESHAWAR StAff RePoRt/AfP

Indo-Pak nuclear facilities’ lists exchanged

KHYBER AGENCY StAff RePoRt

BUY AN old SINK: A customer selects old sanitary items from a roadside shop at dera Ada in Multan. inp

A security forces jawan and four militants were killed during a clash at Kramna in Khyber Agency on Sunday. Officials said a contingent of security forces was moving against militants in the area when a suicide bomber blew himself up with explosives. The explosion killed five people on the spot. The report could not be independently confirmed. However, tribesmen from Kramna area, who fled the operation and live in Jamrud and Landikotal, believed the number of casualties was greater. The injured militants were being treated locally. Fresh security force troops were sent after the attack who blocked travel routes to cordon off militants but no retaliatory action against militants was reported.

Govt’s failure forces SC to do what the executive should have

ISLAMABAD StAff RePoRt

Pakistan and India on Sunday exchanged lists of their nuclear facilities and installations under a two-decade old agreement, which prohibits attacks on the atomic assets of each other. The South Asian nuclear neighbors exchanged these lists days after their senior officials held talks here in Islamabad on nuclear and conventional CBMs. Pakistan and India are required to exchange lists of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1st every year under the terms of the ‘Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities’, which they signed in back december 1988. “In accordance with the aforesaid agreement, a list of requisite facilities in Pakistan was given to the Indian High Commission official at the Foreign Office today at 11:30 am,” said a statement issued here from the Foreign Office. It said, “The Indian side also handed over its list to the Pakistan High Commission official at the Ministry of External Affairs in New delhi at 1200 hours IST.”

selling models until december last year. However, after the imposition of ban on CNG cylinders and conversion kit imports, car manufacturers and auto vending industry’s billions of rupees worth of investment has gone down the drain. Italian CNG equipment giant, LandiRenzo, who invested around a billion euros in setting up the region’s largest CNG equipment manufacturing facility in Pakistan, is also confused by the sudden shift in government policy. Industry leaders indicate that as the government has decided to restrict the use of CNG vehicles and adopted liberal secondhand car import policy, auto manufacturers would now think twice before investing in the country.

One soldier, 4 militants killed

Two peace body members killed in Peshawar, Bajaur Malik Maqbool Jan, member of Adeenzai Peace Committee, Mohmand agency was shot dead by militants in Peshawar late on Saturday night. Malik Maqbool Jan’s father Malik Mehrab Jan along with other family members shifted to Peshawar two years ago. Mehrab and other relatives were supporting government initiatives against terrorism and militancy. Malik Maqbool Jan was standing outside his home on Ring Road when unknown militants opened firing against him. He died on the spot. Taliban militants from Mohmand agency claimed responsibility the assassination. Separately, a bomb blast in Salazai killed an anti-Taliban militiaman and wounded three others, an official. The injured were two other antiTaliban fighters and a passer-by, senior government official Faaz Mohammad confirmed. The remote-controlled bomb hit a shop in Salarzai town, about 20 kilometres northeast of Khar, the main city in Bajaur. “The bomb destroyed the shop and killed one anti-Taliban fighter,” the official said.

% all nGVs in world 21.6 15.4 15.0 13.1 8.5 5.8 3.6 2.7 1.7 1.6

ISLAMABAD MASood ReHMAN

When state institutions do not deliver, people approach the Supreme Court for redressal of their grievances. Ultimately, being the guardian of the constitution and fundamental rights of the citizens, the court has to interfere. Unfortunately, when the court interferes for enforcement of fundamental rights of the citizens and public interest litigations, instead of accepting its failure, the executive criticises the courts, which can be dubbed as criticism for the sake of criticism. due to the inefficiency and failure of various state institutions, the Supreme Court had to interfere in many matters in 2011 alone. The court disposed of thousands of matters involving violations of fundamental rights of the citizens. No government did anything to bring the eunuchs in the mainstream. Thus, this matter too, ultimately came to

the Supreme Court, which ordered issuance of National Identity Cards to the eunuchs, besides directing for their registration as voter and quota for them in government jobs. The court also resolved the issue of their parentage and sex. The court observed that eunuchs in their own rights were citizens of the country and subject to the constitution and their rights, obligations including right to life and dignity, were equally protected. Therefore no discrimination, for any reason, was possible against them as far as their rights and obligations were concerned, the court ruled, adding that the government functionaries both at the federal and provincial levels were bound to provide them with protection of life and property and secure their dignity as well. The court also held that federal and provincial governments were equally responsible for recognising their rights. The court ensured their right of inheritance in moveable and immoveable properties. Similarly, no government ever thought to resolve the sensitive and complex issue of registering children of

unknown parentage to enable them to live a dignified and respectful life. However, the Supreme Court took notice on this important matter on the application of human rights activist Abdul Sattar Edhi, and directed registration of these children to give them an identity and legally mandated guardian. The matter was still under adjudication. Earlier, the court had asked the Council of Islamic Ideology and Justice (r) Khalilur Rehman Ramday for their opinion on registeration of children with unknown parentage in light of sharia. Justice (r) Ramday suggested that NAdRA and learned Guardians Judges in the country could be directed to deal with the matter. Similarly, the Supreme Court’s intervention in the non-transparent award of Rental Power Projects (RPPs) helped recover billions of rupees for the nation, besides giving warning shots to the authorities concerned that they could not exercise their authority unlawfully and arbitrarily. On the court’s intervention, Rs 4.5 billion were recovered from the Reshma Rental Generation Ltd, which were paid

to it as 14 percent mobilisation advance for setting up a power plant, which it had been failed to set up. Similarly, Techno Energy (Pvt) Ltd Sahuwai of Sialkot had refunded a mobilisation advance of Rs 780 million along with a markup for its failure to import machinery for the rental power project to generate 150MW of electricity, despite having retained the money for over two years. Walters Power International (WPI) and its associate shared by Iqbal Z Ahmed had returned $11.28 million with interest it had received as 14 percent mobilisation advance for installing two rental power plants. The court had still to announce its reserved verdict in the Rental Power Projects case. Besides, on the court’s orders, of the total Rs 5 billion, Rs 1.75 billion were recovered in the National Insurance Company Limited scam, whereas efforts were underway for recovery of the remaining amount of about Rs 740 million. dozens of other cases involving the executive’s failure were pending before the court for adjudication.

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10 News

Monday, 2 January, 2012

Aleem Khan leaves PML-Q LAHORE StAff RePoRt

Annoyed over the party’s coalition with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), former Punjab IT minister Abdul Aleem Khan on Saturday resigned from the basic membership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q). In a letter addressed to PML-Q President Senator Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and former Punjab CM Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, he accused the party of violating the mandate given to it by the masses by joining hands with the PPP. Aleem, who contested the 2008 general elections from NA-127 and PP-147 on a PML-Q ticket and lost, resigned from the party membership, offices of PML-Q Punjab senior vice-president, finance secretary and member electoral board. Aleem criticised the PML-Q’s decision to contest the next elections in alliance with the PPP, whose government had badly failed to deliver to the people. He alleged that in the last four years, the federal government had damaged the economy and load shedding of gas and electricity had badly damaged the industry and labour class. Aleem said that national institutions such as PIA, Steel Mills and Railways were at the verge of collapse and how could a sensible party decide to join hands with these rulers, who had no concern with national issues. He said that the memogate scandal had totally exposed President Asif Ali Zardari and his company. Aleem claimed that his supporters wanted him to leave the PML-Q quite before the 2008 elections but he kept democratic norms in view and but was now leaving the party, which had joined such a government. Aleem sent his resignation in Lahore and Islamabad to the PML-Q leadership and said that now he along with his supporters was free to decide his political fate.

PTeA demands elahi resign FAISALABAD StAff RePoRt

Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) Chairman Rana Arif Tauseef on Sunday said his elder brother, former Faisalabad nazim and PML Q leader Rana Zahid Tauseef, met senior Federal Minister Parvaiz Elahi and told him that if he could not get the people’s problems solved then he should disassociate himself from the government. Addressing a press conference, Arif threatened the PML-Q that his brother, family members a large group from the ‘Q’ League would leave the party if no progress was made in the next 72 hours. He said the PPP-led government had laid new gas pipelines valuing Rs 65 billion at a time when there was no gas in the country, calling the expenditure sheer wastage. “They should know that then they cannot provide gas,” he said. If this amount had been used for the Benazir Income Support Programme, the people could have been provided free LPG gas cylinders and gas shortage could have been reduced. The PTEA chairman warned that time for long march had come and “now there will be a million march for which other trade bodies are approaching us”.

PotAto HARVeSt: Peasants in Attock pull out ripe potatoes from their farm. OnLinE

Karachiites take matters into their own hands

MONITORING DESK

N the dark backstreets of Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub, kidnapping for ransom is reaching crisis proportions, but the people have gelled together to fight back where the authorities have failed, Al Jazeera English stated in a report published on Saturday. Whether fuelled by organised gangs or militants in search of funds, it has become one of the most profitable criminal enterprises in Pakistan, said the report. The report said more than 100 instances of kidnapping for ransom were reported in Karachi in 2010, but police acknowledged that thousands of cases of abduction went officially unreported each year. With police struggling to cope, the people of Karachi are fighting back. A unique task force was born of widespread public disappointment and distrust of the local police, said the report. Made

up entirely of volunteers working between their day jobs, the anti-kidnapping team is filling the void left by the authorities. It supports the families during negotiations, locates the kidnappers, and in some cases even brings about their arrest. The report says that the Citizen’s Police’s Liaison Committee (CPLC), funded by several philanthropists, is an autonomous organisation which has a network of its own for the safe recovery of kidnapped persons. People trust the CPLC more

than the police, and it is a common name in the city’s households. In a documentary titled “People & Power”, two cases have been reported: Abdul Munim and Riaz Chinoy. Munim’s abductors were traced back to South Waziristan and he was rescued having paid the ransom by his family. Chinoy was an industrialist and his abductors too operated from the tribal areas of Pakistan. Chinoy was rescued in a police operation in which three militants were killed and no ransoms were paid.

The report says that the Citizen’s Police’s Liaison Committee (CPLC), funded by several philanthropists, is an autonomous organisation which has a network of its own for the safe recovery of kidnapped persons. People trust the CPLC more than the police, and it is a common name in the city’s households

One-third divorce cases use Facebook as evidence LONDON INP

Facebook was cited as a reason for onethird of broken marriages last year and is increasingly being used as a source of evidence in divorce cases. A law firm called divorce-Online said that 33% of the 5,000 behaviour based divorce petitions filed with the firm in the past year mentioned the site. “Facebook has become the primary method for communicating with friends for many people,” the daily Mail quoted Mark Keenan, managing director of divorce-Online, as saying. “People contact ex-partners and the messages start as innocent, but lead to trouble. If someone wants to have an affair or flirt with the opposite sex then it’s the easiest place to do it,” he said. The most common reasons for Facebook causing problems in relationships were a spouse finding flirty messages, photos of their partner at a party they did not know about or with someone they should not have been with. “If you are keeping things from your partner, Facebook makes it so much easier for them to find out,” Anne-Marie Hutchinson, of dawson Cornwell Solicitors said.

power tariff went up in 2011, but supply did not g

People using lesser electricity faced highest tariff hike g Consumers using more than 300 units faced increase of 4.2 percent only LAHORE NAUMAN tASleeM

Though the government has increased electricity prices by only eight percent in 2011, it has slapped some hidden charges on consumers to make their lives further miserable. The government institutions added equalisation surcharge (EQ) and the high prices of fuel made the lives of consumers more than miserable. despite the increase in electricity prices, there is no remedy taken by the government to overcome load shedding. The fuel price adjustment (FPA) remained most “lethal” weapon used against the consumers and after massive

protests held against the charge, the court finally came to rescue the consumers. The electricity prices for the poor consumers were raised more while rich users had to face lesser increases. There has been an increase by four percent for the consumers using more than 300 units, while consumers using less than 300 units had to face more than eight percent increase. The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) increased price of electricity for first 100 units by 8.1 percent, as the price in december 2010 was Rs 4.20 and it touched Rs 4.54 by december this year. The next 200 units’ price in december 2010 was Rs 6.34, but it is now Rs

6.86, an increment of Rs 0.52 or 8.3 percent. People using more than 300 units got slight relief, as there was only four percent increase in tariff. In december 2010, people using more than 300 units were charged Rs 10.21 and it was Rs 10.65 in december this year, an increase of Rs 0.44 or 4.2 percent. Since coming to power in March 2008, the incumbent government has increased electricity prices by more than 300 percent for people using lesser electricity. The price of first 100 units in 2008 was Rs 2.65, next 200 units were charged at Rs 3.64, next 700 were charged Rs 6.15 and more than 1,000 units were charged at Rs 7.58. Besides expensive electricity,

Units First 100 Next 200 300-1,000 Onward 1000

december 2010 Rs 4.20 Rs 6.34 Rs 10.21 Rs 12.87

the government also withdrew subsidy and imposed general sales tax (GST), electricity duty and Neelum Jehlum surcharge on consumers. All these surcharges and duties played havoc with the life of people and they had to pay a large amount of their incomes for electricity provision. A senior official of the Ministry of Power said the prices of electricity would

december 2011 Rs 4.54 Rs 6.86 Rs 10.65 Rs 13.39

Increase 8.1% 8.3% 4.2% 4.1%

further increase, as Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) was still facing huge losses due to expensive electricity. He said the government was currently purchasing electricity from power houses for more than Rs 10 per unit and providing it to consumers at less than Rs 10 per unit. He added that the subsidy was resulting in the piling up of circular debt.

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Editor’s mail 11

Let’s be real The topic that generates maximum speculation theses days, may it be in top political shows or in our drawing rooms, is whether Imran Khan is really the face of hope and change in our country today or are we deceiving ourselves. The people who do not support him seem to have only one agenda – saying that supporting Imran Khan is politically naïve and that it is deluding oneself. What is sad is that these critics fail to give any sensible reason or justification for this stance. I will talk about only a few criticisms here and ‘realistically’ assess them and not ‘idealistically’ as some people are wont to criticise. Firstly, those speaking against IK seem to do so only for the heck of it. When IK was the single big name in PTI, the criticism put forward was that IK is too proud to shake hands with any seasoned political personality, and is instead letting his party be led by

CSS age-limit amateurs. Most importantly, that he is just a ‘one man show’ and that he’ll never be able to come to power on the shoulders of these new faces and without the vote bank of influential political faces. Now, as we see influential political entities join forces with PTI, the criticism fired at Khan is that he is not bringing forth new fresh faces and prefers the same old ‘corrupt’ ones. Realistically speaking, in order to come in power, Khan does need the vote bank, support and influence that these strong political personalities can provide and the ones Khan has chosen for this task are ‘clean’, at least on record, and critics should save the childish allegation of ‘lotas’. Realistically speaking, if Khan needs to bring change, coming to power is essential. IK may be against feudalism but being realistic, he does need the

support of feudal to come to power, no matter how sad this reality is. However, this does not portray ‘double standards’ on IK’s part as his critics claim, its just reality. You can change the system only when you come to power, and in order to come to power, IK needs the support of the very system prevailing in the country, no matter how faulty it is, no matter how much IK has spoken against it, no matter how much he wishes to change it. IK cannot make angels drop from the sky who are ‘clean’, yet influential, and would help him with the elections. He needs existing political influence. Secondly, critics claim that IK cannot bring about the change that that he promises. The most ridiculous of comments I have heard in days is, ‘ If Obama in such a sophisticated system could not bring change, then how can IK do that in Pakistan.’ It would be better not to comment on this childish

criticism, but realistically speaking, change that IK talks about has been brought about by leaders previously, in countries like Malaysia and Thailand - as IK says, it is no rocket science as some believe it to be. The only essential feature in such countries was a strong patriotic leadership - the kind that IK promises to bring. For the sake of argument, let’s say we have our doubts about IK. But where there are parties like PPP and PML(N), who have been given numerous chances in power and have failed, IK deserves a chance to prove whether he can be the one who actually lives up to what he promised. Where others have been given this chance, IK deserves it too to prove whether he’s the one who can take our nation where our founding fathers dreamed for it to reach. MIAN SUFYAN AHMED Lahore

Bleeding Balochistan Exactly 64 years ago, we celebrated our first New Year in a country called East and West Pakistan– a name glorified by the remarkable achievements of our great ancestors, who over the centuries had built an independent state in South Asia. It was our duty to preserve it and to build a progressive state, where all of us have the opportunity lead comfortable lives and carry out stimulating and interesting work. But, I am deeply saddened by the role of our military junta and military backed judiciary throughout history of Pakistan. After just 24 years, On 16 december, 1971 Pakistan was halved by our military establishment’s atrocities, we lost our east East Pakistan. And yet again we are repeating the same mistakes. Balochistan is burning. East Pakistanlike situation has been created over there. People are missing and have been abducted without reason. The Baloch are receiving dead bodies every other day but our honourable judiciary does not bother to take up on Balochistan’s case because the judiciary is so busy in the very important work of hearing petitions about a piece of paper. Being a citizen, I am worried about my beloved homeland. Pakistan is among those countries of world where the military junta controls the country’s executive. But I am also hopeful that this long dark night will be over someday soon. At the start of year 2012, I wish the best, for my beloved homeland. May democracy be strengthened in the upcoming year. May we all have a better environment to work in. May the year 2012 bring justice to oppressed sections of our society. May the episodes of injustices with Sindh and Balochistan be over. DR SAIF UR REHMAN Islamabad

extravaganzas It would certainly be more of a killjoy for the current corridors of power to pay heed to the feedback from civil society but I would still like to give my two pence about an issue. It seems to be ‘the season of marriages’ and recently I happened to be a part of many ceremonies too. I notice that a lot of money, time and energy are wasted during marriages which are privately organised. A lot of food finds its way to the waste-bin at the end of the day, fireworks are used extensively and needlessly and the 10 ‘o clock curfew and the ‘one-dish’ policy do not seem to be observed effectively. It would be of a favour on the part of the current government to either legislate regarding the holding of wedding events or to make people follow relevant rules strictly. It would also help if it made a government institution to supervise weddings and see that extravagant weddings are not violating rules and regulations imposed. With a little supervision and strictness on the part of government, this waste surrounding the holding of weddings can be minimised. Not only is this a waste of resources but also a source of disenchantment for the vast swathes of poor in the country who cannot afford three square meals a day let alone have the luxury to splurge on a big bonanza. MAHBOOB MOHSIN Lahore

I would like to draw the attention of high ups through your newspaper to the following logic which justifies the agelimit relaxation for the CSS exam. Back in 2008, a summary was put up to prime minister to relax the age for CSS exam but our honourable prime minister turned down that summary and quipped that we want “young blood.... in this service”. Although a general age relaxation of five years was given for non-cadre jobs; be it Intelligence Bureau (IB), FIA, ISI, Ministry of defense etc., but it was not given to CSS candidates. General age relaxation is applicable for all mentioned departments’ recruitment through FPSC on the post of Asst. directors which is BPS 17 post. I am surprised why age relaxation is given to them but not to those taking the CSS exam (BPS 17 is given after passing of CSS exam), even though these aspirants will also have to compete in the exam to get selected for their desired occupational group. Either the government has doubts about its recruitment process (that it could bring in an incompetent old lot at large scale) or people at the helm of affair have a vested interest in keeping the age limit low. Before Pervez Musharraf coming into power, the general age limit to appear in the CSS exam was 30 years and for government employees it was 35 years with 2 years constant government service. Musharraf did this because he had promulgated Local Government Ordinance 2001 and power had been devolved to grass root level. Now his given system has been rolled back and local government elections are being held nowhere in the country. In Sindh, the commissionerate system is back and in Punjab both commissionerate system and local government system are intact. It is requested to Honourable Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to please look into this issue. SHAMOON QURESHI Lahore

gas crisis

number third in the world to search about the word “Islam” on Google in 2011 whereas it is at the number one spot in the world to search about the world “Quran” on Google where as Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore are respectively 1st, 2nd and 3rd cities in the world to search about the word “Quran” on Google in 2011. Pakistan is also ranked as number one country in the world to search about the world “Education” on Google in Year 2011. Pakistan is the ranked number one for searching about “English” on Google in Year 2011 whereas Karachi and Lahore are respectively 1st and 2nd in the list of cities. Pakistan is also ranked

as number 5th for searching for the word “Scholarships” on Google in year 2011 whereas Islamabad & Lahore are at respectively at 4th & 5th spot. Apart from the aforementioned terms, Pakistan is ranked as 1st for searching for the term “Jobs” & “Peace”, 7th for search the term “Information Technology”, 2nd for searching the term “Physics”. Thus, selective information can be used to present any kind of picture of a society. We are not a nation of limited interests as this little nugget of information might suggest. KAMRAN JAVID Lahore

The current gas crisis has hit the country very hard and it will only get worse in the upcoming days. Though the government of the day did nothing to improve it, it must be said that this crisis is not of its making. It seems to be a governance policy of the PPP to only do something about an issue once it is out of its control. Even if most of the structural problems we face right now like electricity and gas shortage, crumbling of state-owned enterprises, were created by the previous regime, they have only escalated under the unwatchful eye of the current dispensation. There are no quick fixes to this situation as the government cannot magically conjure up gas. While only exploration and a responsible national use policy will help in the long run, the most expedient short-term measures here would be to import gas, expedite work on projects like the TAPI gas pipeline etc. The only issue is given the state of our economy, we do not have the required financial capability to increase our import bill. Unfortunately, we also do not have the financial or the structural capability to look for or exploit the gas reserves we do have. This will have very adverse effects on our daily lives and economy but complaining will get us no where. What we can do on a personal level is to make ourselves more frugal with gas usage and invest in alternative, greener energy sources. SANA ASIF Lahore

Unfortunately, our incumbent and then-governments have not paid any heed to this nuisance of our society. Fear, terror, horror, abhorrence, abomination and bewilderment are those tools which dictators often use to prolong their tyrannical tenures. Besides, thinking about the protection of human rights in the regimes of dictatorships is as awkward as demanding of justice from a killer for his brutal act of murder. But it should not be so in a democracy. But, unfortunately, our democratic setup has not fared much better. Rulers of democratic dispensations

in our country have spent their times trying to safeguard their rule and sacrifice any and all principles in order to do that. The democratic regimes of this land often are in contrast with the universal principles of democracies around the world. Throughout our short periods of democracies, democratic leaders remain busy in bowing down to their opponents and acting for self-preservation. Generally, human rights violation is the order of a day in the whole country but I would like to mention Sindh and its problems in this regard. Consistent sentiments of deprivation have

generated disenchantment in Sindhi society. Poverty, hunger, robbery, kidnapping, tribal terrorism, honour killings, insecurity, disharmony and other curses in Sindhi society are fed by their sense of deprivation. Human rights violation and disharmony in Sindhi society as well as in the country is due to sense of deprivation and indifference on the part of our rulers. A strong justice system and an effective law and order apparatus is the only way these violations can be stopped. SARWECH SARYO Rato Dero

‘tis the season to rally It seems ‘tis the season to conduct political rallies here at home because we have scarce little to be jolly about. All the political parties have started conducting rallies – be it to ‘defend’ Pakistan, be it to ‘change’ Pakistan or be it to ‘save’ Pakistan. All this early campaigning for elections is sprouting up because the incumbent government seems to be shakier now than at any given time in their tenure. Whether or not they complete their tenure still remains to be seen but their opponents are all

gearing up for their turn in office, even if a bit presumptuously. It is good that the political culture is taking root in Pakistan again but it can be argued that these rallies are contributing more to political instability than to the electoral process. But, it won’t stop all the players, both on-stage and off-stage, from putting up a show. ADNAN HAFEEz Lahore

not just searching for sex I read a post some days back about Pakistan’s number one ranking on searching the word “sex” over Google on Pro-Pakistani. This little stat stuck with me and I wondered, are we only searching for sex on Google? I finally decided to open Google and searched for few other trends. The results which I found were as follows: The first word for which I checked the search trend was Muhammad (pbuh) and was glad to see that Pakistan is ranked as number one in the world to search about the word “Muhammad (pbuh)” where as 5 Pakistani cities topped the first 5 spots. Furthermore, Pakistan is ranked as

human rights violation Pakistan is considered one of those countries of world where human rights violation hit the highest point everyday. Our turbulent political history with long periods of dictatorships and constant derailing of democratic setups are the main reasons for this situation. The state of law and order remains one of the worst in the entire world and might is considered to be right in every nook and corner of the country. National and international human rights organisations have tried to raise awareness that this curse is upon our society due to a slight approach towards justice and humanity.

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. Fax: +92-42-36298302. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk. Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively.

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12 Comment The year that was Interesting times ahead, unfortunately

as this the year of living dangerously? Or could that title be more appropriate for 2009, that year of relentless terror? True, though we might have seen lesser of extremist terror in the year – by no accounts the end of it – the year was not without its dangerous living. If the Mansoor Ijaz allegations about the memo affair are true, our political government seems to have courted trouble in the aftermath of the Abbottabad strike of May 2nd. If the allegations are false, it is still dangerous living because the furies believe the allegations to be true. Anything can be imagined into actual tangible existence in the country; no actuary, no betting man is known to place a high expectation on the life of political governments. The country as a whole courted danger as well, with the world’s most wanted man turning up in the principal ally of the US in the war against terror. That, too, in a garrison town. In circumstances as stark as these, even the drunk-with-the-car-keys routine - our most shameful national epithet and our best defence - threatened to give way. Some hawks in the US security establishment eased up, feeling vindicated by the whole thing, others started advocating for more such actions. The drone strikes, they argued, yielded a large number of notable AlQaeda and Taliban operatives and a manned operation deep within Pakistan yielded the biggest bull’s eye yet; what greater argument than nothing succeeding like success? Not as much development on this front as there could have been, despite incidents like the one at Salala, but it is not yet known how the coming year is going to be as far as unilateral US military adventurism is concerned. The coming year just might be the year of elections, even if the incumbent government does complete its term in office. But even though the polls are probably going to take place at the end of the year, the campaigning has already started. There are the mammoth PTI rallies in Karachi and Lahore and the party’s rallies elsewhere, coupled with the entry of electables into the party. This is the year when Imran Khan became politically relevant and this is also the year when the lost the moral higher ground as far the candidates of his party are concerned. Imran Khan’s newfound political relevance does not emanate from any organic growth in his party (rallies, even wildly successful ones, don’t win elections) but from the exodus of established politicians who, it is rumoured, have sought divine blessings. But these aren’t the only elections on the horizon. Much earlier, in March of the new year, we are slated to have the senate elections. For the first time, both halves of the senate would have been elected in the same politically elected national government. This would also give the PPP a majority in the upper house. True, but many read too much into this development. The party’s position in the lower house – the where-its-at of the federal government - is so bad, that it would scarcely make a difference. The penchant of analysts to treat March as some sort of deadline is incorrect. But the Ides of March can come into play because of another event on the timeline: the end of the ISI chief’s tenure. Provided the government doesn’t give him another extension (and beg him to accept, in the PM’s words) it could be a significant time. The economy struggled with the bad hand it was dealt in the form of the devastating floods of this year and the last’s. The floods were in addition to the general pitfalls around which most economies across the globe are navigating: rising food and fuel prices. Ironically, it is the rising food prices that might have been the saving grace of a number of agricultural areas in the country. On the revenue side, tax reforms were difficult to achieve because of a resistance by parties of the bazaar - the Muslim Leagues and the MQM. Since there seems to be a growing consensus that Pakistan has seen the end of non-coalition governments, do we then kiss the very prospect of tax reform goodbye? Here’s to hoping, against our better judgment, to a better year than 2011.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Being the First Lady It is one hell of a job

his is the story of Hillary Clinton before she became the US Secretary of State. Being the First Lady, she spent eight years in the White House and visited seventy-eight nations of the world. A reading of what she saw and felt about different peoples and countries can help us in understanding her worldview. Of all the countries, India has been her first love because it has been the home of Mohandas Gandhi, whom she reveres as ‘Mahatma’ because his philosophy of non-violent resistance not only served as an inspiration to her but had also greatly influenced Martin Luther King’s civil rights movement against racial segregation in the US. Across the border in Pakistan, there was ‘a world of unfathomable contrasts.’ She found one immediate example in the lives of premier Benazir Bhutto and the purdah observing Mrs Nasreen Leghari, the wife of the then President of Pakistan, Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari. When she enquired from the latter about the role and status of women, she gathered that it depended upon the approval of the male members of the family; however, when, the next day, she met accomplished women academics, bankers, singers, etc, the bewildered Hillary felt as if she had been “rocketed forward several centuries in time.” She remembers Benazir as “a brilliant and striking woman,” and the only celebrity for whom she ever stood behind a rope line to have a glimpse of, while visiting London on a holiday with her daughter, Chelsea. She draws yet another By Basharat Hussain Qizilbash contrast of the changed times in Pakistan at the time of her visit with that of Jackie Kennedy’s in 1962. While Jackie could cause international sensation by wearing sleeveless shifts, knee-length skirts and a midriff-baring sari, Hillary had to be more careful in view of the growing conservatism and decided to dress just like Benazir Bhutto. In addition, she had to keep in mind the State department tips that warned against crossing legs, pointing fingers, eating with ‘unclean’ left hand or initiating physical contact with the opposite sex, including a handshake. Equally interesting are her observations on the Palestine-Israel conflict. She thinks that the US is the only country that can actually push both antagonists to accept a compromise. She reveals that in spite of the failure of the Camp david summit in July 2000; due to her husband’s incessant efforts a peace proposal was

eye on History

matured in January 2001 which was accepted by the Israeli leader Ehud Barak but rejected by Yasir Arafat, and thus, puts the blame of the subsequent tragic events in the area squarely on the person of the Palestinian leader. How much time and effort are consumed in making two opponents just to shake hands publicly can be imagined from the little story behind the handshake of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Yasir Arafat at the White House, in September 1993. First, it took a lot of persuasion from the US President Bill Clinton to convince Rabin to shake hand with Arafat. Rabin reluctantly agreed on the condition that there would be no subsequent kissing in the Arab custom. As Clinton could not explain all this to Arafat for fear of offending him so “Bill and Yitzhak engaged in a hilarious rehearsal of the handshake, with Bill pretending to be Arafat as they practiced a complicated manoeuvre that would prevent the Palestinian leader from drawing too close.” This small incident reflects the degree of mistrust and hatred the Israeli leader felt for his Palestinian counterpart. Although she doesn’t put it this way, the leaders of Israel and Palestine will have to learn a lesson from the life of the great South African leader Nelson Mandela if they wish to end bitterness and enmity in the lives of their respective nations. After going through pain and suffering for twenty-seven years in the South African prisons, Mandela concluded that gratitude and forgiveness are the two greatest virtues in life, as he told Hillary that “as I walked out the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” If Mandela’s South Africa can overcome its bitterness, why can’t Hillary’s America shake hands with its tiny but self-respecting neighbour Cuba? The then Cuban President Fidel Castro desired to meet the American First Lady at the presidential inauguration of Mandela but she

was instructed in unambiguous terms by the State department not to meet him under any circumstances. She was told, “You can’t shake hands with him. You can’t talk to him.” So, a good part of her time was spent in avoiding him. As she confides in her autobiography: “I’d suddenly spot Castro moving towards me, and I had to hightail it to a far corner of the room. It was ridiculous…” But then, she had to bear many other awkward moments on her foreign ventures. One instance was her conversation with Mrs Mugabe during which the President of Zimbabwe giggled continuously and inappropriately. The other was in Mongolia where she had to drink a bowl of fermented mare’s milk, after which she was advised by the accompanying White House physician to take a course of strong antibiotics to prevent a horrible livestock disease. Yet another was her dinner with the then Russian President Boris Yeltsin in the Kremlin in which, first, during the meal, with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, he said to her, ‘’Heel-lary! I will miss seeing you. I have a picture of you in my office, I look at it every day,’’ and later, as a special treat offered her the soup of moose lips, which she avoided somehow or the other because she felt that she had “tasted a lot of unusual food for my country, but I drew the line at moose lips.’’ Such can be the challenges behind all the fanfare and smiles of a First Lady; the toughness of which can only be felt by the one who actually goes through them. That is why her staff often teased her that the State department had a standing directive: if the place was too small, too dangerous or too poor - send Hillary. Who could say that all this would lead to an even bigger test in her life? What challenges she has already, and will experience in future as the secretary of state definitely deserve another book from her. The writer is an academic and journalist. He can be reached at qizilbash2000@yahoo.com

Regional Press

2011 - a deadly year for Afghanistan Daily Wahdat

he already war-stricken Afghans have experienced 2011 as a deadly year as violence and bloodshed remained the order of the day in this year as well. Since the landing of US-led troops in November 2001, violence and bloodshed has continued unabated all over Afghanistan. The NATO troops have ravaged the country in the name of “action against militants” and the resistance elements have also intensified their action against the government forces and its loyalists. The collateral damages in NATO action have reached unacceptable heights. Not only common Afghans but even President Karzai and other high ranking Afghan officials have made strong-worded protests about the atrocities at the hands of the US-led allied troops. No one can deny that 2011 was also very terrible for the US troops in general and its allies in particular. during this year, 28 Americans were killed on a single day when the militants shot down a helicopter. Such large scale US casualties in

Afghanistan have also been resented in Congress where a number of Senators have asked for halting of Afghanistan operations. Because of the increasing opposition and a raging recession, the US president had promised pulling some portions of US troops out of Afghanistan during 2012. Like for Afghanistan, 2011 was also a violent and bloody year for Pakistan where1706 people were killed and injured because of terrorist acts. despite the terrible loss here in Pakistan, the situation is not comparable to Afghanistan where 6,000 people were killed in 2011, up from 4600 reported casualties in 2010. Taliban militants have claimed responsibilities for almost all the terrorist acts. despite violence and bloodshed on a large scale, Afghan authorities are hopeful about the future. They have attached great hopes with the recently held Bonn Conference in Germany and the Afghanistan Conference at Turkey. It is high time for both the US and Afghan authorities to review their strategies and work for improving the bloody situation in the new year. – Translated from the original Pashto by Shamim Shahid

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Comment 13

2011 in pTi-land

paying tribute to an idea

No questions asked

on redefining citizenship

By Waqqas Mir

o it did not snow in Boston and Cambridge on Christmas. And unlike last year I am not driving back home on a foggy Lahore night or discussing ridiculous rules of admission to social gatherings on New Year’s Eve. I miss being back home in Pakistan. Apparently, change is on the way. If ‘tis the season to be jolly’ in the USA, then it’s the season to be optimistic back home. “You are blocking my sun”, is what diogenes reportedly said to Alexander when the conqueror asked the philosopher if he could do anything for him. Cynicism has its place in life. Lots changed in 2011; not all of it in ways positive. 2011 brought us to the precipice of a great national celebration — a cricket World Cup victory — only to see us fall short in the semi-final. But for those blissful weeks in early and mid March our hearts soared and our collective spirit cheered as Team Pakistan took the field. We mingled with strangers, becoming conformists in the healthiest way possible. Still, the joy and grief brought by sport is, more often than not, transient compared to choices we make in the political arena. Balochistan continues to bleed; worse, it continues to receive little attention in the media. The governing parties did depressingly little to address the situation — though to be fair any benefits of greater provincial autonomy through the 18th Amendment will take some time to manifest themselves. The senior judiciary continues to pursue allegations of treason based on the rantings of a dubious man while actual bullet-riddled bodies of Baloch youth add to the crimes of our collective inaction and si-

lence. A recent suicide attack in Quetta represents the latest threat to our peace and security and is yet another reminder of our misplaced priorities. 2011 may also be remembered as the year in which Imran Khan became politically relevant — and also dangerously misleading. Politics, like life, is about making choices and those choices have real consequences. Khan’s rhetoric remains based on self-righteous nationalism that accepts everything but introspection. In PTI land, everything is someone else’s fault. In it, the militants are victims and only resort to killing innocents because of drone attacks. In PTIland, the politicians are powerful and responsible for the decline of this country while the military does not deserve to be questioned. In Khan’s universe scathing criticism is never directed at militant organisations in southern Punjab but there is cheap point scoring through abysmal cricket analogies. If declaration of assets is the sole criteria that makes politicians honest in PTI-land then the youth of this country needs to read more and go through the list of all politicians who have declared their assets — most of them have done so. If leadership is what makes Khan unique then maybe we should raise the question where was that honest leadership in Karachi where he refused to speak one word against the violence perpetrated by MQM in that city — this just 3 years after he called Altaf Hussain a terrorist and a murderer. Beguiling? Hardly so. Answers? Convenience, establishment, rhetoric. If you are a young person troubled by corruption then why not let 2012 be a year where the corruption of ideas agitates you? There is corruption in silence and inaction. If a leader tells us that he can create new jobs, improve healthcare, revolutionise education and finish ‘bari bari’ corruption in 90 days, then we should be asking him this: all of that requires tons of money and unless you take on the army, talk about cutting its budget, raising salaries for people in other public services

etc, where will you get the money? Now that would be courage. No easy answers there I agree but how refreshing would a difficult debate be. E-government? So thousands of clerks lose their jobs? Protests to follow? Who do you side with? Another difficult question; any debate? It is laughable yet depressing that thousands believe that Khan will alter the balance after getting elected because ‘right now is not the time’. Once he gets into power — god forbid — he and his ideas will be our liability. He will remain an asset to the narrative that promotes a Hitleresque, nationalistic self-righteous Pakistani youth, that apologises for suicide bombings and that refuses to question the army or the MQM. You may call these the ‘final frontiers’ when it comes to the battle of ideas. Nothing earth-shattering needs to happen for us to slip into a state where we condemn debate in favour of rhetoric. You do not need to hear screams each day but Balochistan will continue to bleed. Mothers whose children are corrupted by militants to blow themselves up may not be wailing outside your doors but that will continue to happen. The Supreme Court or the media may not be conducting into an investigation into whether financial corruption by politicians or the appropriation of resources by an all powerful military is what threatens Pakistan’s integrity — but that does not mean history’s verdict will be equally silent. Those living in PTI-land and those living outside it want a better Pakistan and a better 2012 for Pakistan. The only difference is that some of us are willing to argue and debate for that Pakistan while others insist on rhetoric that history may not be kind to. May the best argument win and may the spirit to tolerate criticism grow ever so healthy in Pakistan this year. If you are still reading, Happy New Year! The writer is a Barrister and an Advocate of the High Courts. He is currently pursuing an LL.M at Harvard Law School. He can be reached at wmir.rma@gmail.com

wo days from the time this column goes to print, a small segment of Pakistani society will observe the first death anniversary of ex-Governor, and businessman, Salmaan Taseer. The day will be marked with vigils, memorial services, and (mostly) quiet congregations in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. These gatherings will be organised by family members of the deceased, by human rights activists, by the liberal intelligentsia, and, perhaps in certain rare cases, by the Pakistan Peoples Party. The English press will grant one editorial, and possibly two opinion spaces to this topic in its 4th January publications, while broadcast media would run a segment or two in the 9 o clock news. And then the fifth of January will be upon us, and most, if not all of this, will be swept away by a new ‘gate’, another Supreme Court ruling, a thinly veiled army chief statement, or the unavailability of natural gas. One news day gives way to another. Such is the order of things. The rupture exposed by Taseer’s assassination is perhaps as revealing and as, if not more, stark as it was a full year ago. The context of his murder, in the backdrop of a blasphemy case, a mobilised right-wing machine, and a seething media was a glimpse of the worst shape our urban socio-cultural realm can potentially take. The subsequent reaction to the tragedy, characterised by passive acBy Umair Javed ceptance, and in some disgusting cases, active approval, was an even more uncomfortable revelation. Safe to say, this event remains the strongest indictment, in recent times, of how public space has grown hostile to alternative ideas of a certain variety. The thing with ideational contestation is that it takes place at the level of society, and is subsequently meant to inform the debate at the level of the state. These exchanges determine limits upon personal freedoms, legal jurisdictions, and in some cases, inter-personal relations, while allowing space for disagreement, and guaranteeing security to minority opinion. Looking back at our history, however, reveals that our cultural realm has rarely been open to dialogue. From the time of independence, a top-heavy state structure has determined two of our principal relationships: 1) The relationship of social identity to national identity,

and partially following from this, 2) the role of religion in social identity construction. From the time of independence, structural impediments and authoritarian expediency have bred the construction of a heavily centralised narrative of existence. Pakistan is a single entity, forged by the wishes of a single nation, and guided, at least on paper, by the exigencies of a single divine code. For a large part of our history, and even now, the mainstream challenge to this insular understanding of a country comes from ethno-nationalist movement. Bengali, Baloch, Sindhi, Pashtun, and more recently, Muhajir and Seraiki nationalists have challenged the state narrative on social identity and the politics of ‘rights’. The debate on the second relationship, i.e. religion and social identity, has historically remained subsumed in these ethno-nationalist struggles, or remained the primary concern of a liberal fringe, dominated by dissident leftists, human rights activists, and since the last two decades, the non-profit sector. While the back and forth on social identity and national identity continues, the debate on religion as a constituent portion of social identity has largely been forgotten, especially in the urban context. A growth in the number of towns and cities, increasing entrenchment of capitalism, and, consequently, a general disregard for ‘ideological’ debate since the 70s has resulted in the passive acceptance of the state-ordained, right-wing backed formula of what it means to be a citizen. Taseer’s stand on the blasphemy laws gained currency with the same fringe that’s been vocal about these issues for the last three decades. The only thing that has changed since then is the public reaction that the non-fringe has to such positions. Whereas previously, these two social strands would exist in mutually exclusive environments, in their own respective spaces, the gradual removal of spatial barriers and a shared ‘public’ sphere (thanks to broadcast media and the internet) has led to the hardening of fault-lines and recognition of the ‘other’. A state-society nexus that circulates a narrative of being under-siege, and in constant danger not only looks outside of its borders for an apparent enemy, it looks at hostile collaborators within it as well. This is why the case of Aasia Bibi was not so much a question of theology, as it was a question of maintaining the sanctity of a perceived form of Pakistani culture. An endorsement of Taseer’s bravery and of his decision to take a principled stance in an era of public expediency is the bare minimum required to initiate a process of reform in the cultural realm. The more appropriate, and an infinitely more lasting, tribute to his legacy would be if the conception of what it means to be a citizen is revised, and those that hold monopoly over the power to define ‘identity’ and ‘culture’ are held accountable and challenged in society. The writer blogs at http://recycledthought.blogspot.com. Email him at umairjaved87@gmail.com, or send a tweet @umairjav

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14 Foreign News

Monday, 2 January, 2012

Arab body says monitors should quit Syria promptly CAIRO ReUteRS

An Arab League advisory body called on Sunday for the immediate withdrawal of the organisation’s monitoring mission in Syria, saying it was allowing damascus to cover up continued violence and abuses. The Arab League has sent a small team to Syria to check whether President Bashar al-Assad is keeping his promise to end a crackdown on a nine-month uprising against his rule. The observer mission has already stirred controversy. Rights groups have reported continued deaths in clashes and tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to show the observers the extent of their anger. The Sudanese head of the mission also infuriated some observers by suggesting he was reassured by first impressions of Homs, one of the main centres of unrest. The Arab Parliament, an 88-member advisory committee of delegates from each of the League’s member states, on Sunday said the violence was continuing to claim many victims. “For this to happen in the presence of Arab monitors has roused the anger of Arab people and negates the purpose of sending a fact-finding mission,” the organisation’s chairman Ali al-Salem aldekbas said. “This is giving the Syrian regime an Arab cover for continuing its inhumane actions under the eyes and ears of the Arab League,” he said. The Arab Parliament was the first body to recommend freezing Syria’s membership in the organisation in response to Assad’s crackdown. An Arab League official, commenting on the parliament’s statement, told Reuters it was too early to judge the mission’s success, saying it was scheduled to remain in Syria for a month and that more monitors were on their way. The parliament called on the League’s Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby to convene a meeting of Arab foreign ministers to adopt a resolution to withdraw the mission immediately. The continued abuse and killing of innocent Syrian civilians was a “blatant violation to the Arab League’s protocol”, dekbas said. Syria’s state news agency SANA said there had been “massive demonstrations” throughout Syria on Friday in support of Assad, and denouncing “the plot which Syria is exposed to”. It said demonstrators had denounced “the pressure and biased campaigns targeting Syria’s security and stability” and the “lies and fabrications of the misleading media channels”.

yAMAnAShI: This aerial shot shows the rising sun on new year’s behind from Mt. Fuji, observed at yamanashi prefecture on Sunday. All nippon Airways (AnA) organised a rising sun obsercvation flight with 137 passengers on new year’s day. AFp

At least 50 killed in communal clashes in Nigeria

Iraqi Shia militia offshoot backed by Iran: Sadr NAJAF AfP

LAGOS

AfP

T least 50 people were killed in clashes between two neighbouring communities in Nigeria’s southeastern Ebonyi state, a government spokesman said Sunday. “Upwards of 50 people were killed when a group of people from Ezza community attacked residents of neighbouring Ezilo community over a land dispute,” the Onyekachi Eni told AFP by telephone. He said the clashes were not linked to the wave of bloody attacks by the Boko Haram Islamist sect, which prompted President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in some areas late Saturday. “The dispute between the two com-

munities, which started in 2008, was believed to have been settled until the latest conflagration. A group of people from Ezza invaded Ezilo and attacked them, killing over 50 people there,” he said. Ebonyi state police spokesman, John Elu, estimated the death toll at around 40. “We estimate that between 38 and 40 people, including a senior police officer going to work, were killed in the clashes, although we don’t have an accurate figure for those killed because some of them were hacked to death in the bushes,” he said, adding “the death toll could be higher.” He said the gunmen who are yet to be identified also destroyed houses and other property. No arrests have been made yet, he added. He also confirmed that a land dispute had existed between the two

communities for several years. State-run Radio Nigeria said the attackers set fire to many houses, shops, offices, petrol tankers and a mill. The Ebonyi state governor, Martin Elechi, and the state police boss visited the scene Saturday to see the extent of the tragedy, the governor’s spokesman, Eni, said. dozens of riot policemen have been deployed to the two communities to restore law and order, he added. Violent and deadly communal or ethnic clashes over land are frequent in Nigeria between neighbouring communities on the one hand and between farmers and herdsmen on the other. Land ownership is a sensitive issue because of commercial or traditional values attached to it. Most Nigerians in rural areas derive their means of livelihood from subsistence farming.

India repairs damage after cyclone kills 42 cHEnnAI: Relief operations were under way in south India on Sunday as residents struggled to repair damaged homes and property after a cyclone that claimed 42 lives. Cyclone Thane, packing winds of up to 140 kilometres (85 miles) an hour, struck the east coast on Friday between Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu and the territory of Pondicherry before tearing inland, leaving a

trail of destruction. One French national was among seven people killed in Pondicherry, a former French enclave, government officials in Paris said without giving further details. Indian President Pratibha Patil said in a statement after the winds weakened on Sunday that she was “saddened to learn about the loss of lives and damage of property.”

“I am sure that the state government is making all efforts to provide help to families who lost their kin and those whose properties have been damaged,” she added. Most of the deaths occurred due to electrocution and walls collapsing. Roads blocked by falling trees were reopened on Sunday, while engineers were trying to restore power in the worst-hit district of Cuddalore. AfP

Fiery Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr sharply criticised an offshoot of his movement on Sunday, accusing them of killing Iraqi soldiers and policemen and being beholden to neighbouring Iran. It is the first time Sadr, who is himself judged by critics as close to Tehran, has publicly stated that Asaib Ahel al-Haq, or the League of the Righteous, is supported by the Islamic Republic. The cleric said that the Shiite militia, which is blamed for the killing of US troops, had only recently decided to lay down their arms because a political standoff in Baghdad has raised the spectre of early elections. The group was also behind the 2007 kidnap of a British IT consultant and his four bodyguards. “I have asked the people who are in charge of them in the Islamic Republic to change the name of Asaib, and change their dual leadership,” Sadr said in a written response to a letter from a follower, published by his office on Sunday. “But these people refused.” One of Asaib Ahel al-Haq’s leaders later dismissed Sadr’s accusations of political expediency. Washington has long blamed Iran for training and equipping Shiite militias, including Asaib Ahel al-Haq, that have carried out attacks against US and Iraqi soldiers, charges Tehran denies. Sadr did not specify what he meant by the group’s “dual leadership” but Asaib Ahel al-Haq is jointly led by the brothers Qais and Laith al-Khazali.

Syrians ring in new Year with more anti-regime demos DAMASCUS AfP

Syrian pro-democracy protesters saw the New Year in with demonstrations, activists said, as a child was reportedly shot dead, becoming the first victim in 2012 of the regime’s crackdown on dissent. “The first victim of 2012,” said a statement by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights is a seven-year-old child killed in central Hama province when gunfire struck the vehicle he was riding in. Meanwhile, Arab League monitors toured several flashpoint areas across the country, official media said, as a dispute emerged after one observer reportedly accused authorities of posting snipers on rooftops and demanded they be removed. “The youths of the revolution held huge and simultaneous protests overnight to welcome the New Year,” said the Local Coordination Committees network of activists.

Protesters took to the streets in daraa, Idlib and Aleppo, in the mostly Kurdish city of Qamishli and in Zabadani near damascus, the LCC said in a statement received by AFP in Nicosia. YouTube videos circulating on the Internet showed protesters across Syria celebrating 2012 with fireworks and holding up signs pledging “Freedom for Life” and denouncing President Bashar al-Assad as the enemy. In the northern city of Idlib, hundreds of protesters are seen carrying torches and singing songs lauding “national unity” as fireworks light the night sky. In Syria’s second city and commercial hub of Aleppo, a protester held up a sign that said: “Long live free Syria.” A YouTube video shot in Zabadani near damascus, shows hundreds of people dancing around a Christmas tree and chanting: “The people demand the ouster of the assassin.” In daraa, cradle of more than nine months of anti-regime protests, revellers held up banners saying Syria would fare

better without Assad and pro-regime militias accused of brutal attacks on demonstrators. On Sunday, dozens of protesters demonstrated in the Idlib village of Al-Tah, according to a video circulated by Observatory which also showed signs with messages critical of the Arab League observer mission. “The watchers are with Bashar. They don’t say the truth,” said one message in English. Another sign read: “God is the only observer” “May 2012 bring us all peace, safety and a promise of a free Syria,” the LCC said after more than nine months of anti-regime protests and a lethal regime crackdown on dissent that has killed thousands of people. According to the LCC a total of 5,862 people were killed in the crackdown on dissent across Syria last year, including “321 male children, 74 female children and 146 women.” United Nations estimates in early december put the death toll at more than 5,000.

On Sunday a seven-year-old boy was killed by gunfire in his father’s car when it came under a hail of bullets, the Britain-based Observatory said. Three other civilians were killed by gunfire from regime forces on Saturday, two of them by snipers in the flashpoint province of Homs, the watchdog said. Activists have accused the regime of posting snipers on rooftops as part of their brutal crackdown on dissent, in which government forces have also been accused of firing tear gas, stun grenades and, on Friday, “nail bombs.” The issue of snipers appears to have triggered a dispute among the observers deployed since since Monday to implement an Arab League peace plan to end the bloodshed. In a video released by the Observatory, a man wearing an orange vest with the Arab League logo said in daraa: “There are snipers; we have seen them with our own eyes.” “We ask the authorities to remove

them immediately; if they don’t remove them within 24 hours there will be other measures,” the unnamed speaker in the video, which was dated Friday, told a crowd of people. But veteran Sudanese military intelligence officer General Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa al-dabi, who is heading the observer mission, said the official seen in the video was making a hypothetical remark. “This man said that if he saw — by his own eyes — those snipers he will report immediately,” dabi told the BBC’s Newshour programme. “But he didn’t see” any. State media reported that monitors visited Homs, including a military hospital, Idlib, daraa and district near damascus where they “met residents.” The monitors are on a month-long mission that kicked off december 26 to implement a deal agreed by damascus for for the withdrawal of the military from towns and residential districts, a halt to violence against civilians and the release of detainees.

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Foreign News 15

Iran tests missile as Obama approves tighter sanctions g

north Korea urges troops to be ‘human bombs’ SEOUL AfP

US president signs new Iran sanctions into law g Tehran says US sanctions ‘unjustifiable’ TEHRAN

AfP

RAN said Sunday it tested a new medium-range missile during war games near a vital Gulf oil transit channel, hours after US President Barack Obama signed a law tightening sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear programme. A military spokesman also announced that Iranian ships and submarines will on Monday carry out manoeuvres designed to allow them to shut the strategic channel, the Strait of Hormuz, if Tehran so wishes. The show of military muscle underlined a threat by Iran to shut the narrow strait — a throughpoint for 20 percent

of the world’s oil — if more Western sanctions were applied over its nuclear programme. The potential for that scenario, and possible confrontation with US warships that patrol the Gulf, was given impetus when Obama on Saturday signed tough new sanctions targeting Iran’s central bank and financial sector. Under the measures, foreign firms will have to choose between doing business with the Islamic republic or the economically mighty United States. The aim is to put the squeeze on Iran’s crucial oil revenues, most of which are processed by the central bank. The new US sanctions were “unjustifiable,” Mohammad Nahavandian, the head of Iran’s chamber of commerce,

told the ISNA news agency. He said previous sanctions had “failed to halt Iran’s trade.” Iran has said new sanctions, including a possible oil embargo being mulled by the European Union, could push it to close the Strait of Hormuz. Its war games underlined the threat. “From tomorrow morning (Monday), a vast majority of our naval units — surface and underwater, and aerial — will implement a new tactical formation, designed to make the passage of any vessel through the Strait of Hormuz impossible if the Islamic Republic of Iran’s navy so chooses,” navy spokesman Commodore Mahmoud Mousavi was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency. On Sunday, “for the first time, an anti-radar medium-range missile

was successfully fired during the massive naval drills,” Mousavi said, according to state media. “This medium-range surfaceto-air missile is equipped with the latest technology to combat radar-evading targets and intelligent systems which try to disrupt missile navigation,” he was quoted as saying. The missile was fired from a warship, the Fars news agency said. Other details about the weapon were not immediately known, notably what distance it is able to fly. Oil market analysts have been watching developments near the Strait of Hormuz closely. Oil prices climbed briefly after Iran’s vice president, Mohammad Reza Rahimi, vowed Tuesday that “not a drop of oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz” if more sanctions were imposed.

Britain to miss migration target LONDON AfP

British Prime Minister david Cameron is going to miss his target of reducing annual net migration back to the “tens of thousands” by 2015, a think-tank warned Sunday. Issuing its forecast for 2012, the Institute for Public Policy Research predicted that Britain’s net migration — the difference between the number of people entering and the number leaving — would be 180,000 in the year ahead, down from a record 252,000 in 2010. The IPPR said the government’s best hope of getting it below 100,000 would be to make Britain less attractive to migrants and drive away migrants from the European Union who were already here. Workers are free to come and go as they please within the 27-member EU. The IPPR also warned that Britons still had little confidence that any government would get to grips with mass immigration. Immigration and the rising population regularly top surveys of British voter concerns and it remains a thorny political issue.

Aum cult fugitive surrenders after 17 years on the run TOKYO AfP

Sarkozy kicks off election year with warning on future PARIS AfP

Facing a tough election fight in four months, French President Nicolas Sarkozy kicked off the new year warning voters 2012 was “full of risks” and that France’s future will hang in the balance. France entered an unpredictable election year on Sunday, with polls showing Sarkozy’s main contender, Socialist candidate Francois Hollande, leading in the race for the presidency. “What is happening in the world announces that 2012 will be a year full of risks but also full of possibilities. Full of hope, if we know how to face the challenges. Full of dangers, if we stand still,” Sarkozy said during the last New Year’s Eve address of his first term. “France’s destiny could once again be tipped” in 2012, Sarkozy said, highlighting his experience in dealing with the eurozone debt crisis. “Emerging from the crisis, building a new model for growth, giving birth to a new Europe — these are some of the challenges that await us,” he said. With the crisis and the French economy set to take centre stage in the vote, right-wing Sarkozy also sought to steal some thunder from the left, vowing action on unemployment and saying the financial sector would not set French policy. He promised “important decisions” on fighting joblessness before the end of January, after new figures last week showed unemployment at a 12-year high, with the number of registered jobseekers in France hitting 2.84 million.

North Korea told its military on Sunday to become “human rifles and bombs” to defend new leader Kim Jong-Un and vowed an all-out push for prosperity, in a New Year message setting out policy goals. “The entire army should place absolute trust in and follow Kim Jong-Un and become human rifles and bombs to defend him unto death...” an editorial in official newspapers said, a day after the late leader’s young son was proclaimed supreme military commander. Jong-Un visited a tank division on New Year’s day, the state KCNA news agency said, accompanied by his influential uncle Jang SongThaek, military chief Ri Yong-Ho and other military leaders. “The whole party, the entire army and all the people should possess a firm conviction that they will become human bulwarks and human shields in defending Kim JongUn unto death, and follow the great party for ever,” the editorial said. JongUn, aged in his late 20s, was swiftly proclaimed the “great successor” after his father and longtime leader Kim Jong-Il died on december 17. On Saturday the North announced he had formally been appointed supreme commander of the 1.2-million-strong military, the world’s fourth-largest.

DreSDen: Fireworks explode next to Dresden’s landmark the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) to welcome the new year on Sunday in eastern germany. extravagant firework displays lit up the skies from Sydney to new york in a global new year’s party as people around the world set aside their worries to welcome 2012. AFp

A former member of Japan’s Aum Supreme Truth doomsday cult, which was responsible for the 1995 nerve-gas attack on the Tokyo subway, was arrested Sunday after almost 17 years on the run, police said. Makoto Hirata, 46, turned himself into a police station in central Tokyo just 10 minutes before midnight on New Year’s Eve, according to media reports. He was held on suspicion of taking part in a plot to kidnap and confine a brother of an Aum follower who had escaped from the cult in February 1995, a month before the attack, a Tokyo Metropolitan Police department spokesman said. The victim, who was 68, died from tracheal obstruction a day later when he was given an injection at Aum’s main commune at the foot of Mount Fuji, the official said. “Hirata was arrested on suspicion of abduction and confinement resulting in death,” he said. The crime is punishable by at least two years in prison. “I want to give myself a sense of closure after so many years passed,” Hirata told investigators, according to the reports. “I only drove a car,” he added about his role in the plot which was, according to police, led by Aum guru Shoko Asahara.

india opens stock market to foreign investors NEW DELHI AfP

India announced on Sunday that it would open up its stock market to individual foreign investors for the first time, in a major economic reform designed to boost overseas investment. The Indian economy has grown strongly over the last 15 years and many foreign investors have been keen to enter the market in a fast-developing country of 1.2 billion people. However recent financial data has been disappointing, with the main Sensex index for the Mumbai market recording a 25 percent plunge in 2011 and many analysts predicting more falls in 2012. The government in delhi said in a statement that it had taken the move “in order to widen the class of investors, attract more foreign funds, and reduce market volatility and to deepen the Indian capital market.” It said the reforms would

be put into operation by January 15. Previously, foreign investors were only allowed to invest in the stock market via mutual funds or institutional schemes. A long series of interest rate hikes, stubbornly high inflation and the rupee’s slide to a record low against the US dollar have all hit growth in India over the last year. Sentiment also took a beating when key reforms allowing foreign supermarkets into India were rapidly reversed, while the Congress-led government has battled against accusations of policy drift amid several corruption scandals. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee blamed the fall in equities during 2011 on selling by foreign institutional investors and the rupee’s woes, coupled with concerns over eurozone debt and slowing domestic growth. Annual growth in India slipped to a two-year-low of 6.9 percent in the latest quarter, hit by a series of interest rate hikes that have had little effect on inflation now at 9.11 percent.

Child sacrificed, liver offered to gods: indian police RAIPUR AfP

A seven-year-old Indian girl was murdered in a tribal sacrifice and her liver offered to the gods to improve crop growth, police in the central state of Chhattisgarh said on Sunday. The body of Lalita Tati was found in October one week after her family reported her missing. “A seven-year-old girl was sacrificed by two persons superstitiously believing that the act would give a better harvest,” Narayan das, the police chief of Bijapur district, told AFP by telephone. The two men was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of killing the girl and offering her liver to the gods in a grisly tribal ceremony. Police said the men had confessed to the crime. The girl was murdered in a jungle district of Chhattisgarh that is a stronghold of rebel Maoists who have tapped into disaffection among local tribal groups. Human sacrifices occasionally make headlines in deeply religious and superstitious India, and usually occur in poor areas where some people revere practitioners of black magic. Two suspected child sacrifices were reported in Chhattisgarh in 2010, while in the same year the decapitated body of a factory worker was found in a temple in the eastern state of West Bengal. The victims are often ritually killed by witchdoctors to appease gods, spirits or deities.

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Abhishek recounts the firsts in his life

MUMBAI AGeNCIeS

Abhishek Bachchan comes from one of the first families of the film industry. And now he’s a proud papa in real life for the very first time. He talks about the various firsts in his life. crush: I wouldn’t call it a crush. It was love that I felt for Zeenat Aman. I was besotted with her when she was shooting for ‘Mahaan’ with dad. My first relationship was when I was in school. And it lasted for five-six days after which we went our separate ways. The first time I faced a camera: It was at Kamalistan at JP dutta saab’s set in 1997. I remember it was Bipasha Basu who I shared the scene with. It was great fun. Take One: My first shot was taken at the Rann of Kutch in 1998 for ‘Refugee’. I just had to walk in the scene and had no dialogues. In a way, it was good because you learn the whole process without stressing about dialogues, expression, etc. However, on the flip side, such scenes make you believe that acting is a cakewalk! When I got a hit: It was in August 2004, when ‘dhoom’ released. I remember I was at Aditya Chopra’s house. We were waiting for John (Abraham) and Esha (deol), when Adi called to say that the movie was doing good business. I am sure dharamji, who stays behind Adi’s house, must’ve thought I had gone mad because I was jumping with joy. I think more than being happy I just felt so relieved to know that the movie was doing well.

The first person I called was my sister Shweta, who started crying. Then, I called my mother, who took it to another level altogether... (laughs) drinking with dad... on-screen: I had done an ad with Pa, but the first time I did a difficult scene with him was for ‘Bunty Aur Babli’. Any actor is petrified of acting opposite Amitabh Bachchan, and this was a scene where I had to act drunk opposite my dad. Who can do drunk scenes better than him! Meeting Ash: I met Ash in Switzerland for the first time. I was scouting for locations for Mrityudaata when I got to know that Bobby deol, who had gotten married to Tanya a few months ago, was shooting in the next village. I went to meet him and that’s when I was introduced to Ash formally for the first time. Production blues: I had handled production for ‘Major Saab’ and I knew a lot about the entire process, so it wasn’t really difficult to put my first project – ‘Paa’ - together. A producer basically has to put machinery in order and make sure that it runs smoothly. I can say that I am good at it. My bundle of joy: The first time I held my daughter in my arms was the first time I ever held a baby. When Ash and I were shooting for ‘Guru’, I refused to hold the twins who were supposed to be our kids in the movie. In fact, I was scared to hold my niece and nephew when they were born. But I held my daughter in my arms 10 minutes after her birth. I was absolutely comfortable. It just felt right.

In LImELIgHt MUMBAI: Mallika Sherawat performs during new year eve celebrations.

MUMBAI: ranveer Singh performs with dancers during new year eve celebrations.

yAngOn: A Myanmar woman displays a dress with a vegetable theme at the ‘Miss Dr’s Secret Fashion’ beauty competition.

SRK’s midnight soccer match with daughter MUMBAI: While most of the B-town celebs partied on New Year’s eve, Shah Rukh chose to bring in 2012 by playing a soccer match with daughter Suhana. “A different bringing in the new year..near midnite soccer with my daughter...she is leading 2 to 1. Lemme show her the stuff I am made up of,” Shah Rukh wrote on Twitter. The actor is currently holidaying in dubai with wife Gauri and children Aryan and Suhana. AGeNCIeS

Emma grows out of

‘Harry Potter’

image for Lancome loNdoN: emma watson’s photographs for Lancome campaign show that she has left the days of ‘harry Potter’ far behind. The 21-year-old actress, who played the schoolgirl sidekick of boy wizard harry Potter in the franchise for almost a decade, appeared every inch the sophisticated starlet, perfectly polished with scarlet lips and slicked back hair, the Daily Mail reported. The photographs, taken by Mario Testino, will be used to promote rouge In Love, a new range of 24 lipstick colours to go on sale in February 2012. A behind-the-scenes film has been posted on youTube showing the star posing for the legendary photographer on set. Concept drawings from a future rouge In Love campaign were also leaked last week, giving a taste of things to come. She was signed by Lancome in a six-figure deal in March this year, and has since starred in film and print adverts for the brand’s Tresor Midnight rose fragrance as well as campaigns for Lancome’s skin brightening serum, Blanc expert Derm-Crystal. AGeNCIeS

MUMBAI: neha Dhupia performs a dance routine at a ‘new year 2012’ celebration.

I was almost ready to leave Bollywood: MUMBAI: Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez was ready to pack her bags and quit Bollywood in 2011. But a slew of projects, and brighter prospects in the industry, have enticed her to stay. “(The year) 2011 came really unexpected... because I was almost ready to leave the industry and then 2011 just caught me by surprise and things just started getting better,” Jacqueline said on the sidelines of a performance rehearsal. The former beauty queen made her Bollywood debut with ‘Aladin’ in 2009, and went on to feature in ‘Jaane Kahan Se Aayi hai’ - both of which turned out to be duds. She also featured in ‘Murder 2’, but she was most appreciated for her item song ‘Dhanno’ in Sajid Khan’s ‘housefull’. And now Jacqueline is looking forward to a promising 2012. “2012 is going to be a really important year for me. It will have the most number of releases in a year (three). It’s going to be really exciting year for me and it will be focused completely on work,” she added. Among the films lined up for Jacqueline are ‘housefull 2’, ‘race 3’ and ‘raaz 3D’ in 2012. AGeNCIeS

It’s

Salman

for Chitrangda Singh

MUMBAI: After a string of hits Salman Khan is the most popular star amongst Bollywood girls. now Chitrangda Singh who started off with serious films wants to go the masala way. She now wants to work with Khan as well. Chitrangda says, “I would love to work with Salman because no one does commercial cinema like him.” while she might not distinguish between art or commercial films we guess Salman does. ‘Dabangg’ Khan believes only in hit cinema. remember he had turned down Ashutosh gowariker’s offer saying, “I don’t do good films. I do hit films. I work in films that make money, not the ones that get awards.” So is Singh ready to tow Salman’s line? AGeNCIeS

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Get set for comedy, thrillers in 2012

MUMBAI

quences and ultra-glam avatar of the leading ladies Bipasha and Sonam. The film boasts of action and thrills galore. This will be followed by horror film ‘Ghost’, which marks the comeback of actor Shiney Ahuja. Shiney’s movie career hit a rough patch when he was convicted by a Mumbai fast track court of raping his domestic help two years ago. The actor has challenged the sentence in the Bombay High Court and is currently out on bail. ‘Ghost’ will release alongside Hriday Shetty’s ‘Chaalis Chauraasi’, a crime-humour offering, starring Kay Kay Menon, Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Kishan and Atul Kulkarni. This year will see two Karan Johar flicks -

toI

O, we are into 2012. Get ready for a dose of Bollywood comedy and thrillers with an interesting mix of movies like ‘Players’, ‘Agneepath’, ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’, ‘Jodi Breakers’ and ‘Agent Vinod’. The first big release of year 2012 is Abbas-Mustan’s multi-starrer action-thriller ‘Players’, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bobby deol and Sikander Kher. The actors are extensively promoting the film. The film has already created a lot of buzz for its action se-

MUMBAI: Jacqueline Fernandes performs a dance routine at a ‘new year 2012’ celebration.

Sunny Leone evicted from ‘Bigg Boss 5’ MUMBAI AGeNCIeS

Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone, whose entry into the ‘Bigg Boss’ house created a buzz, has become the last contestant to be ousted from the reality show this season. Sunny’s eviction came just a week before the finale and she feels that people did not vote for her because she did not create much drama on the show. “I feel sad that I couldn’t make it to the final after being so close. I don’t think it’s because of my work that people didn’t vote, but probably because I didn’t create much controversy or pick up fights,” Sunny told PTI. The 30-year-old actress maintained a low profile in the house and said that she found good friends in fellow contestants Akashdeep Saigal (Sky) and Juhi Parmar. “I am lucky to have made two good friends in the house. When I came in I didn’t think that I will stay in touch with anybody but I will keep contact with Sky and Juhi,” she said. Talking about her experience in the house, Sunny said, “It was bittersweet. I made two good friends but the fighting and arguments in the house would depress me at times. I have never seen people fighting so much. And I am happy that I kept my sanity and didn’t get involved in any of the fights.” The fifth season of the show on Colors, co-

wouldn’t be disappointed either. Apart from ‘Players’, ‘Agent Vinod’, ‘Blood Money’, ‘Tezz’ and ‘Jannat 2’, Aamir Khan-starrer ‘Talaash’, Akshay Kumar’s ‘Rowdy Rathore’ and ‘Race 2’ are lined up for release. After a bold performance in ‘The dirty Picture’, Vidya Balan will return with the thriller ‘Kahaani’, a story of a pregnant woman in search of her missing husband. After three back-to-back hits with ‘Wanted’, ‘dabangg’ and ‘Bodyguard’, Salman Khan will once again attempt to strike gold with Kabir Khan’s romantic thriller ‘Ek Tha Tiger’. ‘Rockstar’ Ranbir Kapoor’s next big release ‘Barfee’, directed by Anurag Basu, will see him playing a deaf individual, while Priyanka Chopra will esssay a mentally challenged girl. It is a murder mystery. Movie biopics ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ starring Irrfan Khan, and Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra’s ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, with Farhan Akhtar in the lead, would also release this year. Two of the most popular actresses are making a comeback this year. Sridevi will return to the big screen after 15 years with Gauri Shinde’s ‘English Vinglish’, which is is produced by Balki of ‘Paa’ fame. Karisma Kapur also makes her acting comeback with Vikram Bhatt’s horror film ‘dangerous Ishq’. Madhur Bhandarker’s ambitious project ‘Heroine’ starring Kareena Kapoor will see the light of the day in 2012. Sharman Joshi’s first solo project ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’ and Prateik’s ‘Ekk deewana Tha’ will also release this year.

i was wary of my parents’ reaction to ‘Dirty picture’, says Vidya MUMBAI AGeNCIeS

Even though Vidya Balan, who turned a year older yesterday, is basking in the success of her latest film ‘The dirty Picture’, the actress is more relieved that her parents liked her bold performance. She went against her image to put on a cigarette-smoking, cleavage-baring act in the film inspired by South siren Silk Smitha, and Vidya says she was worried about her parents’ reaction while working on the film. “I am ecstatic with all the compliments that have come my way even though the film’s release was a month ago. What touched my heart most was the acknowledgement coming from my parents,” said Vidya. “They said to me that within five minutes of ‘The dirty Picture’, they forgot that the girl on screen

was their daughter and instead took home Silk. It was a big relief when my parents said that since right through the film’s making, I was wary of their reactions,” she added. After the hectic work and promotions for the film, it is now time for the 34-year-old to relax a little. With the festive season on, Vidya is finally chilling out and going through all the compliments that have accumulated so far. “Now I just want to sit back and enjoy for a while. It is so gratifying and humbling to go through all the messages from family, friends, industry and media. The phone continues to ring and that is such a blessed feeling. I felt bad that I hadn’t responded to all of them but I am doing that now.” The actress is on a small break before kick-starting the promotion of her next film ‘Kahaani’, directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

hosted by Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Sanjay dutt, started with 14 contestants locked in the house. It is now into its final week with five members Juhi, Akashdeep, Mahek Chahal, Amar Upadhyay and Siddharth Bhardwaj competing for the winner’s spot.

files for divorce from Katy Perry loNdoN: Comedian russell Brand has filed for divorce from his pop singer wife Katy Perry after just 14 months of marriage. Though the couple had earlier denied rumours of problems in their relationship, Brand cited “irreconcilable differences” in papers filed at a Los Angeles court on Friday. “Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I’ll always adore her and I know we’ll remain friends,” the Telegraph quoted him as saying in a statement. while there was no immediate reaction from Perry but celebrity website TMz reported that she was shocked by the news. The pair had wed in a lavish ceremony in India in October 2010 but were almost immediately beset by claims that the marriage was struggling. The couple celebrated Christmas 7,000 miles apart as while he visited family in Cornwall, she spent the holiday with friends in hawaii. AGeNCIeS

‘Agneepath’ and ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’ - hitting theatres. A remake of the 1990 film, ‘Agneepath’ sees Hrithik Roshan stepping into the shoes of Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay dinanath Chauhan alongside Sanjay dutt who plays baddie Kancha Cheena. Set for a Jan 26 Republic day release, it also features Priyanka Chopra. Romantic comedy ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’, starring Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor, will release in February. The new year will be high on comedy with Akshaye Khanna’s ‘Gali Gali Chor Hai’, Riteish deshmukh-Genelia d’Souza-starrer ‘Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya’, Bipasha-Madhavan’s ‘Jodi Breakers’, Sajid Khan’s ‘Housefull 2’, Sachin Yardi’s ‘Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum’, Sameer Sharma’s ‘Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana’ and Rohit Shettty’s ‘Bol Bachchan’ scheduled to release. Vishal Bhardwaj’s comedy ‘Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola’, set in a rustic Rajasthani backdrop, goes on the floors in February and is slated for release later in 2012. It stars Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma. Actress Sonakshi Sinha once again hopes to make it big with ‘Joker’, ‘Son of Sardar’, ‘dabangg 2’ and ‘Lootera’. While the ‘dabangg’ sequel reunites her with Salman Khan, she will be seen opposite Akshay Kumar in ‘Joker’. ‘Son of Sardar’ and ‘Lootera’ have Ajay devgn and Ranveer Singh as her co-stars respectively. Audiences would be introduced this year to a new genre of zombie-comedy with Ekta Kapoor’s ‘Rock The Shaadi’, starring Abhay deol. Those looking for thrills and action

Sonam doing hot yoga for

bikini bod MUMBAI: It’s been six months now and the Kapoors - Anil, Sunita and daughter Sonam - are pleased with the difference hot yoga has made in their lives. Sonam’s doing it for a bikini bod, while her parents are doing it for fitness. The family is working out together under the watchful instructions of Los Angeles-based couple Mark and Christianne Mead - disciples of the founder of Bikram yoga (popularly known as hot yoga). Anil, who was in LA earlier this year, met the yoga guru, who has the likes of Madonna, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Lady gaga and george Clooney as clients and expressed keenness to learn Bikram yoga. “Bikram recommended the Meads who flew in to Mumbai in July this year and have been tutoring them exclusively since,” says Anil. Sonam is working out for a sequel to her latest film that will have her sporting a bikini for the first time. She says, “I want to get fitter. And yes, I’m learning hot yoga to get a bikini body. I don’t believe one has to sport a size-zero figure to flaunt it. One just needs a fit, sexy and toned body.” AGeNCIeS

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Serena doesn’t regret US Open outburst Page 21

ICC to issue model constitutions LAHORE

StAff RePoRt

N a bid to speed up the process of revising the constitutions of member boards, the ICC will soon issue model constitutions. According to Indian wire agency PTI, the ICC has apparently decided to prepare the model constitution after some member boards had reported issues with particular reference to the existing culture and conditions in their countries. The ICC executive board last year decided that all its member boards

PCB close to naming whatmore as coach

would amend their existing constitutions to ensure that there was no government or political interference. The ICC has set June this year as the deadline for member boards to comply with its order, but have kept June, 2013 as the mandatory deadline for enforcing the new constitutions. Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board said that the PCB had held talks with the ICC in this regard recently and informed the world body that it might not be possible for them to enforce the new constitution this year. In Pakistan the President directly

nominates the chairman of the PCB and his approval is also sought in appointment of other key posts. "The truth is that there has not been much progress in this direction as when the ICC took its decision it was time for Ijaz Butt to leave and Zaka Ashraf replaced him as PCB chief," one source said. "So far talks with the government on this issue have also not been decisive and the process is still on to prepare a constitution in line with the ICC directives," the source added. Interestingly, in many countries

there is clear government and political interference in the cricket boards with India being a case in point. The Indian Cricket Board's ( BCCI) former president, Sharad Pawar, who now heads the ICC, is a senior politician and an Union minister in the government. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe cricket boards have also in recent years seen direct interference from the government. In Sri Lanka the sports ministry has twice appointed ad-hoc interim committees to run cricket affairs in a space of two years.

DRS will benefit spinners: Ajmal

LAHORE StAff RePoRt

dav Whatmore is likely to become Pakistan’s national coach, it was learnt on Sunday. A source said that Whatmore has resigned from the coaching of Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders which boosts his chances of becoming Pakistan coach. Whatmore, who had a successful stint as coach of Sri Lanka and later served in Bangladesh, is currently coaching Kolkata Knight Riders, the Indian Premier League franchise. He will visit Pakistan in the second week of January to hold talks with PCB officials.

Australia pace attack could be world best SYDNEY

I bowl doosra a lot and most of the time I beat the batsmen in front of the wickets but umpires tend to turn down a lot of my appeals because the ball is going the other way

AfP

Australia's fast bowlers have the potential to be the best pace attack in the world, coach Mickey Arthur said Saturday as they prepare to take on India in the second Test. Arthur said Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus along with recent recruit James Pattinson were impressive in the emphatic 122-run win over India in the first Test in Melbourne. The trio snared 19 wickets between them to limit India's strong batting line-up to a two-innings total of 451. Fellow paceman Ryan Harris, named to the squad for upcoming the Sydney match, combined with those left out of the 12-man group -- Patrick Cummins, Shane Watson and Mitchell Starc -meant there was room for depth.

LAHORE StAff RePoRt

Pakistan’s leading spinner Saeed Ajmal is confident the Umpires decision Review System in the forthcoming series against England will be a plus for his team’s slow bowlers because of the number of lefthanders in the opposition. "It is going to be a tense series and I am happy the UdRS will be used in Tests and one-dayers," Ajmal said. "I bowl the doosra a lot and most of the time I beat the batsmen in front of the wickets but umpires tend to turn down a lot of my appeals because the ball is going the other way,” he added. “With the UdRS I am confident of winning a high percentage of my appeals this time as England have at least four quality left-handed batsmen," he added.

Ajmal who at the age of 34 finished with 50 wickets in Tests this year, has perfected the art of the doosra, the off-spinner’s delivery which turns away from the right-hander or straightens up. However, he dismissed reports that he was working on a special delivery for the England batsmen. "No such plans, but I am bowling a lot in the nets to lefthanded batsmen," he said. "Because while I am used to bowling my doosra to right-handers I want to be in control against the left-handers in this series,” he added. "I am working hard on perfecting my wicket-taking deliveries and controlling my flight because on the pitches in the United Arab Emirates, particularly Abu dhabi, the ball only breaks when you give it air," he said. Ajmal who made a late entry into international cricket

and now has 83 wickets in 17 Tests besides 78 one-day wickets and 46 in Twenty20 matches, said the key to Pakistan winning the series would be the bowling. "The pitches are slow and it is hard work for the spinners as well in dubai and Abu dhabi. The advantage we have is we know the conditions and pitches well now and we know what to do to take wickets," he said. "England has not played much in the UAE so their bowlers will take time to grasp the requirements of bowling on the pitches in dubai and Abu dhabi." Ajmal said he was looking forward to his contest with English off-spinner, Graeme Swann. “It is going to be interesting because he is a different type of bowler. I am different, although we are both off-spinners. But I know a good show in this series will cement my standing in the world."

PCB insists wahab’s clearance was sought from ICC LAHORE StAff RePoRt

The Pakistan Cricket Board said that it sought clearance from the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit before selecting fast bowler Wahab Riaz for next month's Test series against England. Riaz was not picked for Pakistan's last two series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for unknown reasons. Spokesman Nadeem Sarwar said in a statement the PCB approached the anticorruption unit "as a precautionary measure" to seek any relevant information about Riaz. "In the absence of any observation, the PCB proceeded with selecting Wahab (Riaz) for the England series," Sarwar said. Three Pakistani cricketers are in prison in England after they were found guilty of spot-fixing during a test match against England in 2010. Former captain Salman Butt was sentenced for two years, fast bowler Mohammad Asif for one years and young paceman Mohammad Amir for six months. Wahab, 26, was a key component in Pakistan's bowling lineup in the absence of Asif and Amir in 2011. Although Pakistan lost the World Cup semifinal against archrival India in March, Wahab took 5-46. He went on to claim another seven wickets in the oneday series against West Indies shortly after the World Cup before he was rested for the series against Zimbabwe. Wahab traveled with the Pakistan team in October to the United Arab Emirates for the series against Sri Lanka but was never picked in the playing XI for test matches before being dropped for the limited-overs series. "We would like ICC's anti corruption unit to share information on our players with PCB in order to jointly proceed in such matters," Sarwar said. "We hope we are able to establish that protocol in the future." ICC's chief executive Haroon Lorgat had said in a statement: "It remains the absolute right of a member board to decide which player it wishes to include in a squad or select in its team for any match." Lorgat also said that the ICC's permission is only required for selection if a player has been charged, provisionally suspended by the ICC or banned by an independent tribunal.

Tendulkar seeks SCG inspiration in ton quest SYDNEY AfP

Sachin Tendulkar's search for his elusive 100th international century fittingly takes him to the Sydney Cricket Ground for Tuesday's second Test against Australia, an arena celebrating its own Test ton. The "Little Master" came close to achieving the unique feat with his fluent 73 in the first innings of last week's Melbourne Test, where India succumbed to a 122-run defeat. But the SCG, hosting its 100th Test, is one of 38-year-old Tendulkar's happy hunting grounds. He has scored three of his 51 Test hundreds there in seven innings and averages an incredible 221.33 at the ground. Tendulkar has been stranded on 99 Test and one-day international centuries since scoring 111 against South Africa in the World Cup in March, but the odds are stacked in his favour in Sydney this week. "You really think cosmos, the Almighty and the Hindu gods were going to allow him to score it (100th ton) anywhere but the SCG?" SCG Trust chairman Rodney Cavalier said in half-jest. "These

things are preordained." Tendulkar's returns at the SCG make for a compelling argument: 148 not out (1992), 241 not out (2004) and 154 not out (2008). Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that based on Tendulkar's batting form in Melbourne he is "guaranteed" to get his missing century in Australia. "He looked very solid at the MCG on a pitch which had a fair bit of help for the quicks. His feet have moved superbly, which is an indication that his mind is thinking the right way," Ganguly said. "I can guarantee you that if he keeps batting like this he will make a major impact on the remaining three Tests and probably get past that magic landmark in this country." V.V.S. Laxman, one of India's batting failures in Melbourne, is looking forward with relish to playing at the SCG, which statistically is his most productive scoring venue outside of India. In five Test innings at the ground he has scored three hundreds and averages 96.20, a far cry from his desultory two and one last week at the MCG. But for all of the runs from Tendulkar

and Laxman, India have only won one of nine previous Tests at the ground and they cannot afford to fall 2-0 behind in the four-Test series. Australia's pace trio, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus, took 19 of the 20 Indian wickets in Melbourne and helped rout the tourists for 169 in the second innings to bring off an emphatic win inside four days. Ricky Ponting, who was the best performing Australian batsman with 62 and 60 in Melbourne, has scored the most Test runs at the SCG with 1,346 at 64.10, including five centuries. England scored three centuries in their innings thrashing of Australia at the SCG a year ago and while spinners had a minimal effect on that outcome, the signs are that there will be more spin this week. "Just from walking across the ground it looks a lot less green than it has been the last few years," senior Australian batsman Mike Hussey said Sunday. "The last few years have been really seamer-friendly and there's been overhead conditions to help that as well, but it (now) looks definitely a lighter colour and generally it has slowed down a little

SyDney: India’s captain MS Dhoni (L), shakes hands with Australia’s Michael Clarke (C), alongside Australian Prime Minister Julia gillard (r) during an afternoon tea at Kirribilli house. AFp bit and helped the spinners as the game's gone on," he said. SQUAdS: Australia - Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, Ed Cowan, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter

Siddle, david Warner. India: Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman, Virat Kohli, MS dhoni (capt), Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Pragyan Ojha.

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Sports 19

Atif, Hamza help Park View Villas clinch MMA Cup

Murray hires Lendl as full-time coach LONDON AfP

high Commissioner of nigeria Alhaji Adamu Saidu Daura with the winning team at the Lahore Polo Club. LAHORE

StAff RePoRt

TIF Tiwana and Hamza Mawaz Khan with their combined efforts helped Park View Villas win the MMA Polo Cup title here at the Lahore Polo Club’s Aibak Ground on Sunday. Atif and Hamza shared three goals each in Park View Villas’ seven goals to two win over Guard Group. Park View Villas’ started their goal runs from the very first chukker when Atif and Ahmed Ali Tiwana

Talent hunt Tennis begins KARACHI StAff RePoRt

The 21st Sindh Sports Board Talent Hunt Ranking Tennis Championship commenced on Sunday at Navy Physical Training & Sports Centre KARSAZ Karachi. President Pakistan School Sports Association Javed Yousuf inaugurated the week long ranking Championship. rESULTS: Men’s singles qualifying round 1: Saud Shoaib beat Sufyan Shiwani 6-0, 6-3 Juniors U-17 singles first qualifying round: Nasrullah Khan beat Naveed Abbas 6-0, 6-3, Hania Naveed beat Shahzeb Bhatti 6-2, 6-0, Shahzaib Nasir w/o M. Salman, Murad Khan beat Hasan Haider 5-7, 6-1, 10-3. Under 17 singles qualifying round 2: Murad Khan beat Hasan Hameed 4-6, 6-1, 10-3. Boys & girls under 15 singles qualifying round: Shahrez Bhatti beat Sadan Ashraf 6-4, 6-1, Hasan Hameed beat Shahzaib Bhatti 6-1, 7-6, Romman Shoaib beat Wania Khan 6-3, 7-5.

converted one goal each. Hamza Mawaz proceeded with two back to back goals for Park View Villas’ and got his team in control. Guard Group responded through Raja Samiullah who just last Sunday was the player of the final. It was the only chukker in which both the teams came on equal terms and all the action was witnessed. But the following two chukkers were one-sided affairs. Atif got the fifth goal of Park View Villas’ in the third chukker and scored another to start the fourth. Hamza hit in the cut shot goal to make it seven and finish the match and

riders in action in the final of the MMA Cup at the Lahore Polo Club. phOTOS nADEEM iJAZ all the four riders of the Park View Villas’ then received the prizes and the main winner’s trophy from chief guest HE Alhaji Adamu Saidu daura, High Commissioner of Nigeria. In the classification encounter it was Soneri Bank which edged aside PAF (White) 7-4. Naveed M Sheikh and Santiago Mendivil shared two goals each in the opening chukker to lead Soneri Bank go four goals ahead of PAF Whites. Santiago Mendivil, then got another along with Waseem Sial to extend the lead. However, by the time Soneri riders

thought of some dominance, Shaukat Ali Malik got a foul just 40 yards away from Soneri’s goal and that effort got PAF a goal in the scoreboard. But Waseem Sial on a pass from Santiago brought the seventh goal. But Shaukat Ali Malik after scoring his first goal in the second chukker dominated the third and fourth chukker managing three more goals scoring four in total but his effort was not enough to get his team a win. Omar Asjad Malhi, Shah Qublai Alam and Agha Murtaza Ali Khan were the umpires for the matches.

Tipsarevic eyes steady start in india CHENNAI AfP

Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic hopes to build on a successful 2011 when he starts the new season as the top seed at the ATP Chennai Open from Monday. The lanky Serb broke into the top 10 for the first time last year, capped by two titles and a memorable win over compatriot and world number one Novak djokovic at the World Tour finals in London. Tipsarevic, number nine in the endof-year-rankings, described his swift rise from the mid-40s as a "dream come true" and is determined to continue his climb up the ladder. "I never thought I could reach this far so fast only in one season," he said. "My determination made the difference." Tipsarevic, who lost in the semifinals at Chennai last year, returns to the tournament in the southern Indian city

looking to strike early form ahead of the Australian Open, the season's opening Grand Slam. The other top contenders include defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, Nicolas Almagro of Spain and rising star Milos Raonic of Canada. Wawrinka, who beat Xavier Malisse of Belgium in last year's final, said he looked forward to another productive start to the season. "I can't wait to kick off the season," Wawrinka said. "I love these events at the beginning of the year and hopefully I can do as well as last year." Wawrinka conceded he faced a tough battle in defending his Chennai Open title. "It is a very strong field," he said. "Tipsarevic has the game to stay in the top 10, Raonic is sure to cause a few upsets this year and Almagro is always a big fighter and tough opponent. It

promises to be a great tournament." Almagro, who won three titles on clay last year, makes his maiden appearance on the hard courts of the Nungambakkam tennis stadium hoping to iron out the flaws in his game. "I need to work on my physical and mental strengths," the 26-year-old said. "I need to improve my volley and try to be regular all through the season. I hope this will be a good week for me." Raonic, a 21-year-old Canadian with a booming serve, was named the ATP's newcomer of the year in 2011 after rising from world number 156 at the start of the year to number 31. "I hope I can make an impact in this tournament and have a strong start in the season," said Raonic, who lost in the qualifiers in Chennai last year. "I just want to keep improving my game. The rankings will follow. The serve is my biggest weapon and that puts a lot of pressure on my opponents."

World number four Andy Murray appointed Czech legend Ivan Lendl as his full-time coach on Saturday. Murray has been working without a permanent coach since March, when he parted company with Alex Corretja, but he will join forces with Lendl immediately in the build-up to January's Australian Open. Lendl's appointment suggests Murray is determined to do everything possible to end his long wait for a first Grand Slam title. The 24-year-old has lost three Grand Slam finals and, although he reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last season, he is still searching for his first title at one of the majors. Lendl, 51, knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, having won eight Grand Slam crowns during his illustrious career, and Murray believes the 51-year-old's wealth of experience will be a significant asset. "Ivan's impact on the game is unquestionable and he brings experience and knowledge that few others have, particularly in major tournaments," Murray said. Murray will start his 2012 season with a first-round match against Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin at the Brisbane International on Tuesday.

Olympics at risk from shadowy fixers LONDON AfP

Fixing now poses the biggest threat to the integrity of the Olympics, the British minister for the 2012 London Games told The Sunday Times newspaper, citing illegal Asian betting rings. Olympics minister Hugh Robertson said fixing had overtaken drugs cheats in terms of the threat posed to the reputation of the Games. "You cannot underestimate the threat this poses because the moment that spectators start to feel that what they are seeing in front of them is not a true contest, that is when spectators stop turning up and the whole thing falls to pieces," he told the weekly broadsheet. He said he thought betting authorities in Western countries were "well set up" to spot illegal activity but criticised the lack of regulation in Asia, both on the Indian sub-continent and in the Far East. Robertson cited the recent cricket corruption scandal, in which three Pakistan players were jailed in Britain for their part in spot-fixing, pre-arranged elements in a match which betting rings can make money on.

Beware India: The quicks are back exPeRt CoMMeNt

IAn ChAPPeLL

HE SCG provides Australia with an opportunity to build on their rousing victory over India and continue what is a pace bowling led recovery. The consistently penetrating form of Australia's aggressive young pace bowler James Pattinson, combined with Peter Siddle's rejuvenation and Ben Hilfenhaus' successful return to the international arena is incentive for the beleaguered batsmen to make a New Year's resolution. Knowing now that a score of around 350, rather than a huge total, could be

enough to set up a win at the SCG might just be the tonic that prompts the batsmen to resolve to do better in 2012. With skill as a given, being relaxed is probably second only to confidence in an international batsman's armoury. Anything that helps to relieve tension, especially among inexperienced players, is a step in the right direction. There are also positive signs that Ricky Ponting is playing with more assurance, and while he'll never again be the consistently dominant batsman of the past, he's still productive. As long as there's no young batsman producing scores that demand selection, Ponting can continue to provide value to the team. Michael Hussey is in the same boat. On the occasions when he stops thinking about playing carefully to prolong his career and just bats naturally, he's still a productive player. However, it's the less experienced batsmen who can benefit most from Australia's pace bowling resurgence. Armed with the knowledge that India's much-vaunted batting line-up can be held in check, they now know that consistency is what's required to complete a winning formula. This knowledge

should relax them so they stop pressing and just play naturally without fear of reprisal. There were signs that the Australian pace bowlers' success against the talented Indian line-up might be more than a one-off triumph. Gautam Gambhir is in trouble since he is discomforted by the extra bounce. If he continues to poke suspiciously at deliveries outside off stump, like a nervous mouse nibbling at the cheese, the Australians will have no trouble springing the trap. Stopping Virender Sehwag is an important part of restricting India's scoring. The length the Australians are currently bowling is the most testing for the belligerent opener. He loves it short outside off stump, but the Australians, operating on a fuller length, are more likely to exploit his lack of feet movement. Keep Sehwag quiet and you reduce the Indian line-up's effectiveness by about half. The player the Australians haven't yet found an answer for is Sachin Tendulkar. He looked in top form, and with the SCG being his favourite venue in Australia, they'll need to find a solution quickly. If Australia can shut down both Sehwag and Tendulkar, India

could well be propelled on a downhill slide similar to their recent precipitous one in England, which ended in a 4-0 thrashing. It's no good having a penetrative pace attack led by a tentative captain. Michael Clarke is anything but, and he has shown himself to be a pro-active skipper. He has a good gut feel for bowling changes, and he wasn't cowered into conservatism when Sehwag was firing in the first innings. Clarke just needs to tighten his own batting defences so the opposition doesn't put the skids under his impressive captaincy by making him struggle for runs. MS dhoni, on the other hand, set the tone for India's slide to oblivion on the final day at the MCG. He was extremely conservative when the situation cried out for him to attack in order to claim the final two wickets cheaply. Afterwards he lamented India's inability to rid themselves of the Australian tailend batsmen in both innings. He only needs to pay attention when shaving before the SCG Test to find the solution to that problem. If the Australian batsmen do provide better support for the fast bowlers at the SCG, the team can halt its current boom-bust cycle.

However, in the event of much revelry in the Australian camp over an improved batting performance it shouldn't be forgotten that it has been a fast bowling-led recovery.

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20 Sports hussey happy to help delay Tendulkarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defining moment

Monday, 2 January, 2012

SUNDERLAND: Manchester City's Edin Dzeko (2nd L) is challenged by Sunderland's David Vaughan (L), Lee Cattermole (6) and Matt Kilgallon during their English Premier League soccer. REUTERS

SYDNEY ReUteRS

Sachin Tendulkar's incredible record at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) makes Mike Hussey nervous but the Australian batsman and his team mates will do everything to prolong the Indian great's agonising wait for his 100th international century. Tendulkar, stranded on 99 centuries in one-dayes and tests since March last year, averages a mammoth 221-plus at SCG and underlined his form with a fluent 73 in Melbourne last week. "I can assure you that everyone in our dressing room does not want him to make a 100," Hussey told reporters Sunday. "I am a bit nervous because the stars seem to be aligning with Sachin needing one more 100. (It's) the 100th test match in Sydney, he's made runs here before. "It's a little bit ominous but hopefully we can make him wait until after this series and he can get a 100 in the first game of the next series that he plays." Tendulkar's team mate Rohit Sharma said the batting great was not putting himself under any pressure ahead of the second test of the four-match series starting Tuesday. "I'm sure he's also not thinking of that. As we know, Sydney is his lucky ground so hopefully it happens here," said Sharma, whose other wish would be to make his test debut at SCG.

SUNDERLAND AfP

OUTH Korea's Ji dong-Won struck in injury time as Sunderland inflicted a shock 1-0 defeat upon Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Stadium of Light here on Sunday. The result left Roberto Mancini's expensively assembled side ahead of second-placed Manchester United on goal difference alone after the champions' equally surprising 3-2 loss at

SyDney: Australian cricketer Michael hussey arrives with his daughter Jasmine for an afternoon tea put on by Australian Prime Minister Julia gillard at Kirribilli house. AFp

home to strugglers Blackburn on Saturday. Not even the introduction of Sergio Aguero and david Silva in the second half could inspire City to the victory their Italian manager craved. And it was Ji, a Sunderland substitute, who was the surprise matchwinner when he finished off a terrific counter attack in the third minute of stoppage-time to snatch victory for the Black Cats, who are now six points above the relegation zone. With enigmatic forward Mario Balotelli rested for Tuesday's visit of

The TeamS of The year Comment ANDREW MCGLASHAN Test XI

Lord's, Trent Bridge, newlands, Johannesburg, Mumbai, hobart, Melbourne, Durban - it was a fantastic year for Test cricket, and eSPncricinfo's staffers have selected their 11 Test stars of 2011. Only one of the names, Alastair Cook, gained a full house of 18 votes, while rahul Dravid - with three votes as an opener - and Ian Bell had 16 each. Kumar Sangakkara, who ended the year as the no. 1 batsman in the rankings, was a surprising omission, having gained just five votes, but Matt Prior didn't have much competition as keeper. Vernon Philander pushed for a spot after his fantastic start, although on the whole there was consensus on the bowlers. alastair Cook, 927 runs at 84.27

Could Cook continue his prolific end to 2010 over the next 12 months? The answer, emphatically, was yes. he began the year with 189 in Sydney, to finish the Ashes with 766 runs, then started the english summer with 390 runs in three Tests against Sri Lanka. he had a slow start against India, but it was a brief lapse. At edgbaston he produced one of most monumental innings by an england batsman, with a nearly 13-hour 294, and appeared destined for the team's first triple since his mentor, graham gooch, hit 333 in 1990, but sliced a drive to deep point.

to watch almost every time he walked to the middle. In Sydney there was a first Ashes hundred, and he cashed in against Sri Lanka, but the defining innings came at Trent Bridge against India on a lively pitch. Promoted to no. 3 due to Jonathan Trott's injury, Bell produced the innings his supporters believed he would since the age of 16. elegance, grace and timing. The performance will always be remembered for the recall by MS Dhoni at tea, but by then Bell already had 137. To cap the summer, he stroked his way to a maiden double-hundred, at The Oval. world no. 1 beckons. Darren Bravo, 949 runs at 49.94

There were glimmers of a brighter future for west Indies during 2011 and Bravo offered many of the encouraging moments. It was in the closing stages of the year that he really flourished, converting promising starts into hundreds against Bangladesh (195) and India (166). It's tough to burden a youngster with endless comparisons, but such are the similarities in his batting to a certain BC Lara that it becomes very difficult not to. To the point that after 12 Tests, they had exactly the same stats: 941 runs at 47.05 matt Prior, 519 runs at 64.87, 34 catches, 2 stumpings

Apart from an errant bat handle making contact with a window at Lord's, it couldn't have been a better year for england's wicketkeeper. Three hundreds from no. 7 gave the batting line-up formidable power, and there are few better cover-drivers in the world. Once ridiculed for his work behind the stumps, he now rarely misses a chance. he is also a very vocal presence in the overall fielding effort.

m hafeez, 647 runs at 40.43, 15 wickets at 25.93

Stuart Broad, 33 wickets at 22.30, 239 runs at 39.83

Pakistan's resurgent year is typified by hafeez. During the team's unbeaten run against zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, he flourished at the top of the order after a sluggish start to his latest incarnation as a Test cricketer earlier in the year. hundreds in Bulawayo and Chittagong were the standout performances. his offspin gave the bowling attack an added option and he ended the year taking the new ball.

Midway through the year, the chances of Broad making this list seemed non-existent. he very nearly didn't play the opening Test against India. yet over the next four Tests he defined his season and, quite possibly, his career. Shelving the back-of-length approach which had come with the "enforcer" tag, he pitched the ball up with devastating effect. At Trent Bridge he changed the match in a manner befitting any of the game's finest allrounders. First he clubbed 64, then broke the back of India with a hat-trick. england didn't look back.

rahul Dravid, 1145 runs at 57.25

A year when the bowlers began to halt the free-scoring batting of recent times called for a return to some old-school skills with the willow. no one typifies those traits better than Dravid, who was one of just two players to make over 1000 runs. And his hundreds came when the going was very tough: Jamaica and Trent Bridge, especially, were not for the faint-hearted. he also did it from wherever his team needed his services, with his nottingham ton and the unbeaten 146 at The Oval coming as opener. Kevin Pietersen, 731 runs at 73.10

There is time yet for KP to finish with the career he promised in 2005. he still responds best to the biggest challenge, so it was no surprise he didn't fill his boots against Sri Lanka. India, however, got the juices flowing. his double-hundred at Lord's was the perfect model for a Test innings as he battled tough conditions early, then flourished against a tiring attack. Ian Bell, 950 runs at 118.75

nobody in this XI batted with more fluency in 2011 than Bell. he was a joy

Dale Steyn, 28 wickets at 19.57

england's workload of eight Tests was a light year, but South Africa played even fewer. There were just five chances to marvel at Steyn's skill, which showed no signs of diminishing. his contest with Sachin Tendulkar in Cape Town was one for the ages, and when five-day action resumed he was a constant threat against Australia. Vernon Philander's record-breaking start to Test cricket took a lot of the headlines, but he was able to feed off the sustained pressure created by Steyn. Saeed ajmal, 50 wickets at 23.86

Ajmal, now firmly established as Pakistan's first-choice Test spinner, had a productive year. his best match haul of 11 wickets came in defeat against west Indies in the Caribbean, but he played a key role in the series-leveller, and then in October helped bowl Pakistan to victory against Sri Lanka. with his doosra he can run through lower-order batsmen quickly,

Liverpool to Eastlands, Mancini had to look on as his players struggled to break through the Sunderland defence. City spent much of the second period camped in Sunderland's half and Micah Richards headed against the crossbar in the closing stages for the title contenders. But Sunderland, who have lost just one of their opening five matches under new manager Martin O'Neill, then struck through Ji to make it a perfect start to 2012 for the north-east club. Sunderland

and he also provides his captain with excellent control in the field. James anderson, 35 wickets at 24.85

To say that Anderson pushed Steyn to be the leading quick in the world is the highest compliment that can be paid. There was barely a bad spell with the red ball during a year that began in style in Sydney, and was summed up in his enthralling head-to-head with Sachin Tendulkar, one that Anderson dominated with skilful swing. And he didn't just do it when the pitch was green: Anderson is now truly a bowler for all conditions. oDI XI

In a year where India sent a billion people into wild celebrations, it is unsurprising that their world Cup team is well represented in the one-day side, with five players making the cut. It's a team dominated by the subcontinent, with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka taking nine places and the other two going to Australians (despite their quarter-final exit). Two players, MS Dhoni and Shahid Afridi, were unanimous selections. Jonathan Trott, the second-highest run-scorer for the year, didn't make it while there was a single vote for a player outside the Full Members: Kevin O'Brien of Ireland. Only Saeed Ajmal made it into both teams. Virender Sehwag, 645 runs at 53.75, Sr 123.09

he launched the world Cup with 175 against Bangladesh and capped his year with a record-breaking, breathtaking 219 against west Indies. Sehwag alone is pushing the boundaries of one-day cricket. Outside of those two innings it was actually a fairly unproductive year for him, with injury limiting him to 12 ODIs, but Sehwag is an intimidating presence in any top order. Shane Watson, 1139 runs at 56.95, Sr 108.89

There would be no shortage of sixes with watson partnering Sehwag. watson clubbed an astonishing 42 maximums in 22 innings, his tally boosted by the world-record 15 he struck against Bangladesh in his unbeaten 185. Throw in his very useful medium pace - which includes a good array of slow balls - and he is the ultimate one-day package. Virat Kohli, 1381 runs at 47.62, Sr 85.56

In Test cricket India are still waiting for their young batting talent to flourish, but there are no such worries in the 50-over format. Kohli led the way, topping the run charts with 1381 runs, including four hundreds. The closing stages of his year were especially productive, with two hundreds against england and one against west Indies. Although much smaller than those scores, his 35 in the world Cup final was an important hand following the early losses of Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. mahela Jayawardene, 1032 runs at 46.90, Sr 82.62

There is still a place for elegance and accumulation in one-day cricket. Jayawardene produced two of the finest innings of the year: his world Cup final hundred that gave Sri Lanka a chance was an innings of the highest quality, and then there was his 144 against england at headingley - a textbook example of controlled acceleration. yuvraj, 453 runs at 50.33, Sr 81.91, 20 wickets at 26.05

Due to injury and illness, yuvraj didn't play another ODI after the world Cup final but his impact on that tournament had been immense with a Man-ofthe-Tournament display. he'd been in poor form heading into the event but struck three consecutive fifties before an unbeaten 113 against west Indies.

fans had every reason to fear the worst because O'Neill was forced to name two central midfielders in the full-back roles. In the absence of the injured Titus Bramble, Phil Bardsley and Kieran Richardson, Craig Gardner and Jack Colback were the men charged with keeping Adam Johnson and Samir Nasri quiet. Added to that there was a surprise recall for goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, sporting a mask to protect the fractured nose and eye-socket he sustained back in October.

his bowling was vital too, and his 20 scalps included a five-wicket haul against Ireland when they were been threatening a damaging total. mS Dhoni, 764 runs at 58.76, Sr 89.88

no one has played an ODI innings under more pressure than Dhoni in the world Cup final. he hadn't scored a half-century in his previous 11 innings of the year, but with the run chase at its defining moment, 114 for 3, he promoted himself to no. 5. The result was 91 of the outwardly calmest runs you could imagine while a nation (noisily) held its breath. The image of him driving the winning six was immediately etched in history. Later in the year, during the back-to-back series against england, Dhoni piled up 340 runs between dismissals to reaffirm his standing as one of the game's finest finishers. Shahid afridi, 45 wickets at 20.82, economy 4.18, 462 runs at 22.00, Sr 127.27

Like Dhoni, there is no argument over Afridi's place in this team. he has reinvented his career to become the most effective legspinner in the one-day game. his abilty to run through a batting order is highlighted by four five-wicket hauls during the year. Against Sri Lanka, in Sharjah, he single-handedly turned a match on its head, first with 75 off 65 balls then with 5 for 35. By and large his batting is now considered a bonus when it comes off. mitchell Johnson, 39 wickets at 20.94, economy 4.43, 208 runs at 23.11, Sr 106.12

This probably seems the oddest selection across both XIs, considering there is now a debate about whether Johnson will resume his career. however, for all his Test match problems, it was a very solid season in coloured clothes for Johnson. Often it's the white ball the bowlers find harder to control, but Johnson's economy rate suggests otherwise, and he also claimed important hauls, including 6 for 31 against Sri Lanka. Lasith malinga, 48 wkts at 19.25, economy 4.80

The leading wicket-taker in ODIs for the year, despite missing the start of the world Cup, Malinga was again thrilling to watch in full flight. he made up for lost time with a hat-trick against Kenya in his first world Cup outing, but couldn't strike often enough in the final for Sri Lanka. his presence alone can buy wickets because batsmen know they can't bank on scoring many off Malinga's toe-crushers at the end of an innings. Zaheer Khan, 30 wkts at 20.66 economy 4.85

Like yuvraj, zaheer's one-day year ended after the world Cup, but he was a vital element to securing the major prize. runs were unlikely to be an issue for India, but they needed someone to lead the attack and zaheer did it with great skill. his spell of reverseswing against england turned defeat into a tie (and almost a victory) and he chipped in during each of the knockout matches. Saeed ajmal, 34 wickets at 17.08, economy 3.48

Ajmal spent much of the year forming a formidable partnership with Afridi as Pakistan strangled teams in the middle overs, yet he had only played three matches in the world Cup, with Abdur rehman often preferred over him. For Ajmal it was his economy rate as much as his wickets that stood out, as he tied batsman down with guile and variation.

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Monday, 2 January, 2012

Sports 21

Shabbir emerges Pakistan Open Golf champion KARACHI

StAff RePoRt

HE final fourth day of the 41st Pakistan Open Golf Championship produced a run-away victory for Shabbir Iqbal of Islamabad Golf Club, at the admirable and flawless dHA Golf and Country Club Golf Course, on Sunday. Shabbir's three previous rounds personified consistency with scores of 69, 70 and 71 and on the final day he kept up the pressure with controlled play producing a final day’s round of 72 resulting in a three stroke winning aggregate of 282, six under par. The nearest challenger, Matloob Ahmed of Garrison Club Lahore, did play some brave shots in the final go, and for a few brief spells the element of a close duel did raise its head sparking some exciting flashes, but in the end the moment of glory was certainly not destined to tilt his way and he had to be content with the runners up slot and though this is no mean achievement, Matloob was rather distraught. Others who ended up behind them were Mohammed Munir (Islamabad) and Afsar Ali (Star Com) joint third. As for Shabbir, the victory brings ample honours and money, but what needs to be emphasised here is that in all four rounds of this competition there was no doubting the thoroughness of Shabbir's approach. "He has shown remarkable ability to avoid error,” said Brig Hassan Rafi of dHA Golf Club. “And somehow in his quest to that end, noticeable is his temperament which duly complies when victories are required," he added. And Shabbir stated, "To win constantly, not only must luck be present, but shot making has to reach a pitch of perfection". In his moment of glory, as he got off the green, Taimur Hassan,

Jarmila’s journey back from hell BRISBANE AGeNCIeS

ENNIS saved Jarmila Gajdosova in a time of heartbreak. When her personal life unravelled, the tennis court became her sanctuary. She played on when she knew she could easily lock herself in her room and cry for days, and when her loyalty to Australia was questioned. Within a few days last April, Gajdosova's life changed like she never imagined it would when she and her tennis-playing husband Sam Groth parted. Gajdosova, 24, was shocked that her two-year marriage was over. "It's something you don't expect or hope will happen to you," Gajdosova said. "It was ... very strange, it was something that happened very quickly. I was here only (back in Australia) for a few days, then suddenly, over the weekend, it happened, and there I was alone again. "It's something that obviously I am still trying to recover from. It's a slow process but hopefully I will get there one day." Amid the emotional hell, she admits she could have thrown it all in. But the game took her mind away from the pain. In turn, the world No.33 has had an impressive year with her ranking hitting a career-high of 25 in the month after her marriage break-up.

WaTCh IT LIVe STAR SPORTS Hyundai Hopman Cup USA vs Denmark 02:30PM

ESPN EPL: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea 08:25PM

wAPDA, Army in national Baseball semis LAHORE StAff RePoRt

KArAChI: A view of the DhA golf and Country Club. FiLE phOTO Honorary Secretary of Pakistan Golf Federation and a legendary champion himself, stepped up, embraced him and complimented him for winning the National Open title a fourth time. Taimur hoped that Shabbir will take along and serve as a role model for the amateur turned professional golfers like Aadil Jehangir, daaniyaal Jehangir and Hamza Amin. The top positions in Professionals section: Shabbir Iqbal (Islamabad) 69+70+71+72=282; Matloob Ahmed (garrison, Lahore) 71+72+71+71=285; Afsar Ali (Star Com) 73+73+72+73=291; Mohammed Munir (Islamabad) 70+71+77+73=291; Javed Inayat (hBL) 79+68+71+75=293; Shafiq Masih (gymkhana) 73+75+76+70=294; Anser Mehmood (Islamabad) 72+78+74+73=297; waheed Baloch (Karachi golf Club) 75+76+73+73=297; Adil Jehangir (gymkhana) 76+72+68+82=298; hamza Amin (Islamabad) 79+68+75+76=298. Cash prizes were awarded to the top 40 professionals. The amateur section winner was Ali Hai of Karachi Golf Club who emerged as the best amateur beating the seasoned Waseem Rana of dHA Golf

Club by a stroke. Ali Hai had a four days aggregate of 306 as against Waseem Rana's 307, followed by Anser Mehmood (Karachi)311, Robin Bagh (Sargodah) 314, Mohammed Rehman (Royal Palm) 317, Taimur Hassan Amin (Islamabad) 318, Saajid Khan (ASCC) 318 and Ghazanfar Mehmood (Rawalpindi) 320. The senior professionals showed their mettle and after two competitive rounds Asgher Ali (Punjab Police) captured the top position in this category with rounds of 72 and 77 and an aggregate of 149, seven strokes better than the runners up Ghani Khan of Karachi Golf Club. Mohammed Shafiq of Railways came third with a score of 157, followed by Akbar Ali (Gymkhana) 157, and Ghulam Nabi (Gymkhana) 158. At the conclusion of this national event, the prizes were awarded by Lt Gen Zaheer ul Islam, Corps Commander, Karachi. Also present on this occasion was A. Karim dhedi, President AKd Group, sponsors of this championship.

Serena doesn’t regret US Open outburst BrISBAnE: Serena Williams says she doesn't regret her outburst during last year's US Open final and warns she would do it again if her emotions are as high as they were during her loss to Australia's Samantha Stosur. Williams reacted angrily when chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that her shout of "come on!" after hitting a forehand was a hindrance and awarded a point to Stosur. Following the ruling Williams directed a torrent of abuse at Asderaki -- including calling her a "hater" and "unattractive inside" -- and was subsequently fined for the outburst. But speaking before her first round match at the Brisbane International, Williams said she couldn't see anything wrong with her actions. "I honestly think I was really toned down, like I didn’t use any bad language or anything so I wouldn’t change it so much," she said. "When you’re (full of) emotion that’s kind of how you feel. "And I’m an emotional player and I’m an extremely emotional person, oh my goodness, it was what it was. "I’m always going to be me -- if that means I’m giving 200 percent then that’s how I am. "I love that and I think people can respect that when they see me play." Williams takes on South Africa's Chanelle Scheepers on Monday and could play Stosur in the semi-finals if the draw goes according to the seedings. AfP

defending champions WAPdA, last year’s runners-up Army, Police and Punjab entered the semifinals of the 19th National Baseball Championships as two more matches were decided at the Iqbal Park Sports Complex here on Sunday. Army will face Punjab in the first pre-final on Monday, while WAPdA will fight against Police in the second semi-final on Tuesday. On Sunday, WAPdA thrashed Islamabad 26-0. WAPdA earned nine runs in the first innings and 17 in the second to come out as easy winners. Usman Butt scored three runs in the first innings, while Amjad Farooq, Imtiaz Butt, Umair Bhatti, Zubair, Waqas and Abu Bakar added one run each. In the second innings, maintaining the fine batting and bowling display, WAPdA earned 17 runs in the second innings through Usman Butt, Sumair Zawar, Amjad Farooq, who made three runs each, Imtiaz Butt, Umair Bhatti, Waqas and Abu Bakar who made two runs each. In the second match which lasted for only one innings, Army defeated Khyber PK 140. Farooq Khan, Arif, Arshad, Rashid, Tauseef, scored two runs each. Faqir Khan, Arslan, Umair and Arif Junior added one run each. On Monday, before the first semi-final, Police will play its last group math against KPK in the morning.

Bahawalpur, Lahore victorious in Inter Academy hockey SIALKOT StAff RePoRt

Bahawalpur and Lahore won their matches while Faisalabad and Abbottabad drew their matches in the 2nd PHF Inter Academy Hockey Tournament which is being played at the Sialkot Hockey Stadium, Sialkot. In the first match, Bahawalpur beat Sialkot 1-0 (full time). The teams remained goalless till the half time. And the lone goal of the match was scored by Aftab Nazir in the 47th minute of the match. In the second match of the day, Lahore beat Bannu 3-1 and by the half time, Lahore were leading by one goal. Lahore hit goals through Mohammad Shahbaz 17th minute, M. Waqas hit two goals in the 50th and 58th minute while Bannu got goals through Mohaib in the 36th minute.

CLIJSTerS ChaSInG PraCTICe

PerTh: Jarmila gajdosova of Australia celebrates winning her match against Anabel Medina garrigues of Spain during their women's singles session 2 match on day two of the hopman Cup tennis tournament. AFp

BRISBANE: Kim Clijsters said she was looking forward to some much needed match practice after powering past Romania's Simona Halep in the first round of the Brisbane International on Sunday. Clijsters, who won the seasonopening Brisbane tournament in 2010 in a classic final against Justine Henin, blasted through the first set then held off Halep in the second to win 6-1, 6-4. The 28year-old Belgian will be trying to defend her Australian Open crown later this month but concedes to being a bit rusty after missing the last seven months of 2011 with injury problems. "It's important for me to get back into that kind of match rhythm," Clijsters said after her win over Halep. "I think it's difficult to get into that rhythm of playing matches a couple of days in a row. AFP

hUA hIn: Caroline wozniacki of Denmark (r) and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (L) hold souvenirs during the charity match at hua hin resort. Azarenka beats wozniacki 6-2, 7-5. AFp

ISB 02-01-2012_Layout 1 1/2/2012 1:45 AM Page 22

Monday, 2 January, 2012

Public suffers as govt-APCNGA standoff continues

SC resumes hearing of ZAB reference today ISLAMABAD StAff RePoRt

An 11-member Supreme Court larger bench headed by CJP Iftikhar Chaudhry will resume hearing of a presidential reference seeking revisiting of the death sentence awarded to former prime minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1979 today (Monday). Senator dr Babar Awan will appear as the federation’s counsel. Ahmed Raza Kasuri, on whose complaint a murder case was registered against Bhutto, will also appear on court notice. The notice was served on Kasuri with Awan’s and amicus curiae’s consent. In view of the importance of the presidential reference, the Supreme Court on April 21 had appointed senior advocates and jurists, including Ali Ahmed Kurd, Tariq Mehmood, Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, Khalid Anwar, Makhdoom Ali Khan, SM Zafar, Aitzaz Ahsan, Zahoorul Haq and Abdul Latif Afridi, to assist the court as amicus curiae (friends of the court).

MQM to introduce 20th amend on new provinces today

CnG station owners vow to continue strike indefinitely if price hike, bar on commercial vehicles’ filling not withdrawn Minister says decisions made in consultation with CnG association

LAHORE

StAff RePoRt

MQM’s Coordination Committee deputy Convener dr Farooq Sattar on Sunday said the party would introduce 20th constitutional amendment in parliament today (Monday) for the creation of Hazara and South Punjab provinces. He was addressing a large gathering of Hazara and Seraiki people who had come to Nine Zero in form of rallies to express their joy over the planned submission of the resolution in the National Assembly by the MQM to demand the creation of new provinces.Sattar said the MQM would also submit resolutions in the National Assembly and the Senate for giving autonomy to the Tribal Areas, with a view to ending the sense of deprivation of the tribal people. He said consultations were underway on the draft of the amendment and the 21st constitutional amendment would be introduced in parliament later.

oNlINe

ITH the government and All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) locking horns over the issue of closure of CNG stations and hike in CNG prices, consumers across the country have been left high and dry, with everyone, from school-going children to daily inter-city commuters, suffering one way or the other due to the spiralling crisis. As if the people already had little to worry about, the APCNGA on Sunday announced to extend the strike for an indefinite period unless the government withdrew the increase in CNG prices and the decision to stop filling CNG in commercial vehicles. Addressing a press con-

ference on Sunday, the president of the association, Ghyas Paracha, said the government’s decision was unjustified and a bid to divide consumers and the CNG sector. He said the government was planning to promote LPG and LNG over CNG in the country to benefit a few blue-eyed people. Paracha said a complete strike was being observed across the country and only a few stations owned by Shell, Caltex and other oil marketing companies were providing services. The APCNGA chairman alleged that the petroleum minister was misleading the nation and was paving the way for the promotion of LPG and LNG in the country. He said not a single incident of gas cylinder blast in vehicles had occurred. He said the APCNGA’s decision to go on

nawaz says no possibility of meeting with zardari YASIR HABIB

KARACHI

ISLAMABAD

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has ruled out a possibility of a oneon-one meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in any circumstance, belying Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani’s earlier statement that the two leaders were likely to meet soon. during an informal consultative meeting with PML-N Sindh leaders Salim Zia and Nihal Hashmi at Riaiwind on Sunday, Nawaz said a meeting with Zardari was out of question. Political circles remained abuzz with Raisani’s claims and reports that both leaders were being convinced by strong lobbyists in the PML-N and PPP to get united to foil expected adventure being engineered by a third force. Chances of the meeting looked brighter after Raisani’s confirmation, but Nawaz’s statement silenced the rumour mills for good. PML-N Secretary Information

Mushahidullah Khan told Pakistan Today that it could not happen as ground had not been ploughed by any side. However, he said if Zardari agreed to early elections, a meeting could be planned. “The PML-N has only one agenda which is nothing other than snap polls and Nawaz can meet Zardari only on this option,” he added. PML-N deputy Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal also rejected the news. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif took stock of issues concerning the party’s Sindh chapter election. He also discussed the leader’s reservations over party slots. The meeting finalised that Nawaz would reach Karachi today (Monday). According to a press release, PML-N president Nawaz Sharif dissolved all wings in cantonment boards across the country and announced to hold fresh elections soon. The decision would be applied to both Rawalpindi Cantonment Board President Farooq Khatak and General Secretary Muhammad Shabir.

Published by Arif Nizami for Nawa Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. Printed by Ghulam Akbar, AA & NHT Group, Plot 24, Shalimar Road, Lilly Market, Soan Garden, Islamabad.

strike would provide relief to the public. However, Minister for Petroleum dr Asim Hussain rejected the demands and claims of the APCNGA, saying price was settled after consultation with the association. On the other hand, APCNGA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Pervez Khattak said CNG stations across the province had decided to respond to APCNGA’s strike call and around 600 stations in the province would close down by Sunday midnight. The Multan Wagon Owners’ Association has also announced an indefinite strike against the government’s decision to stop providing gas to commercial passenger vehicles. Continued on page 04