E-paper PakistanToday KHI 6th December, 2011

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rs15.00 Vol ii no 160 21 Pages

Whatmore likely to become Pakistan coach

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Ahmadinejad isn’t Hitler, Iran isn’t Nazi Germany

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pakistantoday.com.pk

Karachi — edition

With peace stalled, Afghanistan looks for more foreign aid BONN

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AGENCIES

NABLe to persuade key neighbor Pakistan to reconsider its boycott of an international gathering on Afghanistan’s future, the United States and conference organisers said they would go ahead with promises of continued aid for Afghanistan after most foreign forces leave the country.

Participants including US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon vowed to stand by Afghanistan as it struggles to establish security and stability. Warning that the Taliban could make a comeback and take over Afghanistan again, the country’s President Hamid Karzai said, “If we lose this fight, we are threatened with a return to a situation like that before September 11, 2001.”

He told around 1,000 delegates for the one-day meeting that his government would battle corruption and work toward national reconciliation but it needed firm international backing. “We will need your steadfast support for at least another decade” after the troops pull out, he said.

Karzai insisted he remained open to talks. “The political process will continue to be inclusive, open to Taliban and other militants who denounce violence, break ties with international terrorism, accept the Afghan constitution and defend peaceful life,” he said. Karzai said he was still prepared to work with Pakistan despite its boycott and urged Islamabad to stop giving sanctuary to Taliban insurgents. He said Pakistan had missed a good opportunity to discuss its own issues and the future of Afghanistan by not attending

Pakistan wants solid outcome from Bonn moot

Participants at Bonn moot lament Pakistan’s absence g Karzai seeks world support for at least a decade, warns taliban might return g Hillary Clinton says us ending Afghan funding freeze, regrets Pakistan’s boycott g

BONN: Foreign Ministers from 90 countries line up for a family picture with front (L-R) EU representative for foreign affairs, US Secretary of State, UN Secretary General, German Chancellor, Afghan President and German Foreign Minister at the International Conference on Monday. reuters the Bonn conference. “But it will not stop us from cooperating together,” he said.

The meeting came 10 years after another conference here put an interim Afghan government under Karzai in place after US-led troops ousted the Taliban in the wake of the September 11 attacks. How-

ever, Pakistan and the Taliban – both seen as pivotal to any end to the bloody strife in Afghanistan a decade on – decided to stay away from Bonn, dampening already modest hopes for real progress.

The event’s host, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, insisted

there would be no rush to the exit. “We send a clear message to the people of Afghanistan: we will not leave you alone, you will not be abandoned,” he said, Continued on Page 04

afghanistan, 10 years after war began | Page 02

PM hints at starting afresh with us Gilani says Islamabad wants relations with US based on clearly defined parameters, mutual respect g Says world should respect Pakistan’s sovereignty

g

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE

ONLINE

APP

Pakistan on Monday said it wanted solid outcome of the Bonn Conference being held for promoting peace and reconciliation in war-ravaged Afghanistan. “We did not participate in the conference but Pakistan wants peace and stability in Afghanistan,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit said. He said Pakistan’s absence in the conference did not mean that Islamabad had lost interests in Afghanistan, adding that Pakistan’s problems and its proposals for Afghanistan’s peace and reconciliation should not be ignored. “Pakistan would continue helping our neighbouring country in promotion of the peace process,” Basit said.

GERMAN FM CALLS KHAR: Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Dr Guido Westerwelle telephoned Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to take Pakistan into confidence on the outcome of the Bonn Conference. “He expressed hope that Pakistan will continue to extend its valuable support to peace and development in Afghanistan especially towards achieving political reconciliation in the country,” a FO statement said.

Pakistan wants to have good relations with the United States based on mutual respect and clearly defined parameters, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday.

“I think that is doable. I think that it won’t take long,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press. “Pakistan wants to rebuild its ties with the US despite the ongoing retaliation over deadly NATO airstrikes on its troops in Mohmand Agency,” he said. Gilani said new ties being negotiated with the US would ensure that the two countries “respected each other’s red lines” regarding sovereignty and rules of engagement along the border. While he gave few details, he made it clear he thought this was both desirable and possible. Gilani said the country remained committed to working with Afghanistan to bring insurgent leaders – many of whom were believed to be on Pakistani soil – into talks with the government and allow the US to begin withdrawing its troops as it was committed to doing.

“I think we have evolved some mechanisms, and we are ready to cooperate,”

he said, referring to meetings with Afghanistan’s military and intelligence chiefs on a framework for talks. “We are committed (to reconciliation), despite that we are not attending” the conference on Afghanistan, he said. Pakistan refused pleas by Afghan and US leaders to attend the Bonn conference. Gilani said he did not regret skipping the meeting, saying “since the soil of Afghanistan was used against Pakistan in the NATO raids, there was a tremendous protest in my country and people were putting pressure that we

not attend”. About energy shortages in the country, the prime minister said Pakistan should also be provided with civil nuclear technology like India and there should not be any discrimination against Pakistan.

“We are a country, where there is energy shortage, we have been talking with the US and there have been dozens of meetings... and they said the US would be assisting us in energy sector,” he said, adding, “We need a civilnuclear energy deal with the US.” He mentioned the civil nuclear deal between the US and India, adding that Pakistan was not against the deal, “but at the same time we want that there should not be any discrimination”.

KHAR MEEtiNG: Meanwhile, the prime minister met Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar who called on him and discussed the Bonn conference. Gilani said the world must respect Pakistan’s sovereignty, security and integrity as no compromise could be made on it. The two also discussed the statements of world leaders, including Hillary Clinton, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Gilani said Pakistan would do everything to safeguard its security and sovereignty.

tuesday, 6 december, 2011 Muharram-ul-haram 10, 1433

Not fulfilling Pakistan’s terms may leave us high and dry ISLAMABAD ShAIq hUSSAIN

Pakistan has told the US that all counterterrorism cooperation would remain frozen until a formal apology is tendered

by NATO for the Mohmand airstrike and if this demand along with that for the punishment of officials involved in the assault was not accepted in the next few days, a review process of all agreements with the US and NATO would commence and a decision would be made about the future of bilateral ties. President Asif Ali Zardari made it clear in his telephonic conversation with his counterpart Barack Obama on Sunday evening that decisions taken by Islamabad in the wake of the killing of Pakistani soldiers, such as suspension of NATO supplies, vacation of Shamsi airbase and boycott of Bonn Conference were irreversible. Officials privy to the discussion said Obama was concerned more about the future of PakUS counter-terrorism cooperation, which at the moment stood suspended and he didn’t mention the Bonn Conference in his conversation with President Zardari.

“The call was made after an alarming statement by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in Lahore on Sunday in which he clearly stated that Pakistan will review all existing agreements with the US, NATO and the United Nations.

Before that, Prime Minister Gilani talked about revisiting the national security paradigm, something that created ripples in Washington,” said a Pakistani official on Monday, seeking anonymity.

He said Obama offered his condolences over the NATO attack and in his nearly 30-minute conversation, he stressed upon the need of continuing with counter-terrorism cooperation and also spoke about the US desire for Islamabad’s active role for the success of peace talks with the Taliban. He said the president told his counterpart that the US should tender a formal apology for the killings and award stern punishment to those responsible. “President Zardari cautioned against the delay in the apology by NATO, saying it was harming further bilateral ties and if the genuine demands by Islamabad were not accepted, the damage could go beyond repair and lead to a review of all existing agreements with the US,” he said. Fully realising the seriousness of situation, the US has opted for comparatively soft stance during the current deadlock in ties with Pakistan. Another official said the US badly needed Pakistan for its endgame in Afghanistan and it realised the loss that it would have to suffer in case Islamabad walked away from the counter-terrorism cooperation. “This is why US is trying to involve some important world nations like China and Saudi Arabia to prevent the collapse of its alliance and break up in ties with Pakistan,” he said.

The offices of will remain closed on Tuesday (December 6) on account of Youm-e-Ashur therefore there will be no newspaper on Wednesday (Dec 7).

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02 News

Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

ISlamaBad

NewS

Story on Page 08

Story on Page 10

world vIew

December and melancholic feelings go hand in hand Lawyers divided over SC intervention in ‘memogate’ So, who is really his target?

today’s

Quick Look

Pakistan, economic woes strain West’s Afghan resolve BONN

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REUtERS

He West wants to use an Afghanistan meeting on Monday to signal enduring support for Kabul as allied troops go home, but economic downturn in europe and crises with Pakistan and Iran could stir doubts about Western resolve.

The goal is to leave behind an Afghan government strong enough to escape the fate of its Soviet-era predecessor, which collapsed in 1992 in a civil war. The country’s allies are preparing increasingly for a scenario in which there is no peace settlement with the Taliban before most foreign combat troops leave in 2014. Host Germany sought to signal Western staying power as the gathering of dozens of foreign ministers opened in the German city of Bonn. “We send a clear message to the people of Afghanistan: We will not leave you on your own. We will not leave you in the lurch,” German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle told the opening session of the conference.

Ten years after a similar conference held to rebuild Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks and the toppling of the Taliban government, there is no shortage of worries on the horizon, in particular about the Afghan government’s ability to provide security for its own people.

But addressing matters such as how to share out the funding for the still-fledgling Afghan police and army, and how to tackle problems of governance and corruption, may have to compete for attention with brewing confrontations pitting Washington against Pakistan and Iran, two of Afghanistan’s most influential neighbours.

Story on Page 15

KARAChI: Scouts frisk people before they join the 9th Muharram procession on Monday. ONLINe

A REtURN tO CiViL WAR? Pakistan boycotted the meeting after NATO aircraft killed 24 of its soldiers on the border with Afghanistan on November 26. Some in the West are still hoping Pakistan will use its influence to deliver the Afghan Taliban, whose leadership Washington says is based in Pakistan, to peace talks.

But with embryonic contacts with the Taliban so far yielding nothing, and the government in Kabul unable to provide security and economic development, the risk is that the withdrawal of foreign troops will plunge Afghanistan back into civil war. Renewed strife might also stir more violence over the border in Pakistan, fighting its own Islamist insurgency. Iran’s confrontation with the West over its nuclear programme could also bleed into the war in Afghanistan.

“There is potentially a perfect storm of problems lying ahead for Afghanistan,” said Sajjan Gohel, international security director at the Asia Pacific Foundation in London. “Afghanistan’s security is intrinsically tied to Pakistan. If the problems inside Pakistan worsen, that will have a detrimental impact on Afghanistan. The continuing freefall in relations between the US and Pakistan makes the situation even more precarious.

“If relations between the West and Iran also worsen that may be utilised by the clerical regime (in Tehran) to cause problems in Afghanistan.”

A US official travelling to Bonn with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tried to play down Pakistan’s absence. “I certainly hope that we are not entering a phase with them where they play some sort of spoiler role,” the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters on Clinton’s plane.

“We are not proceeding with that assumption at all.”

REutERS A conference on Afghanistan opened on Monday in the German city of Bonn. Here is a timeline of the main Afghan events of the last 10 years.

OCtObER 7, 2001: United States attacks Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, host to Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda.

NOVEMbER 13: Anti-Taliban Northern Alliance forces enter Kabul.

AfghAnistAn, 10 yeArs JULy 23, 2007: Former King Mohammad Zahir Shah, whose 40-year reign coincided with one of the most peaceful periods in the country’s history, dies.

DECEMbER Afghan 5: groups sign agreement in Bonn on interim government headed by ethnic Pashtun tribal leader Hamid Karzai.

JUNE 11, 2002: Loya Jirga, or grand assembly, opens and later elects Hamid Karzai as president of interim government. He is sworn in as president for 18 months on June 19.

OCtObER 9, 2004: Presidential election. Karzai declared winner and sworn in on December 7.

JANUARy 31, 2006: Afghanistan receives pledges of $10.5 billion to help it end poverty and fight the drug trade.

OCtObER 5: NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) takes responsibility for security across the country.

JANUARy 27, 2009: Thousands of U.S. troops move into two key provinces in eastern Afghanistan as part of strategy of outgoing Bush administration.

FEbRUARy 17: New President Barack Obama orders 17,000 more US troops to Afghanistan to tackle intensifying insurgency.

MARCH 29: Karzai announces he will stay in office after his term officially ends on May 21 until elections in August. He later says he will run for re-election.

JUNE 12, 2008: Donors pledge about $20 billion in aid at a Paris conference but say Kabul must do more to fight corruption.

JULy 7: Suicide car bomb hits Indian embassy in Kabul, killing 58 people and wounding 141.

DECEMbER 5: Karzai and new Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari promise to increase cooperation and agree a joint strategy to fight al Qaeda and others along their shared border.

AUGUSt 20: Presidential election.

OCtObER 19: US election observers Democracy International say a run-off vote is needed because, as a result of a U.N.-led probe into election fraud, Karzai has won less than 50 percent of the vote.

OCtObER 20: The Independent election Commission (IeC) announces Karzai will face Abdullah Abdullah in a second round.

OCtObER 28: Five foreign UN staff are killed when militants attack a guest house used by foreigners. A rocket aimed at the presidential palace hits the Serena hotel.

NOVEMbER 1: Abdullah quits the November 7 runoff, saying the IeC and government have not met his demands, including the sacking of top election officials.

Karzai is declared president again the next day and sworn in on November 19.

NOVEMbER 5: The UN says it will evacuate hundreds of its international staff for several weeks because of deteriorating security, a blow to Western efforts to stabilize the country.

DECEMbER 1: President Obama decides to raise U.S. troop numbers by 30,000, bringing the total to 100,000.

JUNE 2, 2010: A jirga gathering of tribal leaders and other notables approves a plan by Karzai to seek a peace deal with moderate elements of the Taliban.

JULy 20, 2010: Afghan forces should be leading security operations throughout the country by 2014, an international conference says.

NOVEMbER 20: Obama says for the first time his goal is to end the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and to reduce the number of U.S. troops deployed there by then.

MAy 2, 2011: Osama bin Laden is killed in Abbottabad, 60 km (35 miles) north of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

JULy 12: Ahmad Wali Karzai, the younger influential half-brother of the president, is assassinated by a trusted guard.

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

foreIGN NewS

arTS & eNTerTaINmeNT

Occupy DC protesters arrested after standoff FhM defends nude shoot

SPorTS

News 03 CommeNT

No Nadal, no Ferrer, Spain face Davis Cup struggle Boon 2011: Time to bring down the level of confrontation

the politics of assets: Financial impropriety covers the whole of society.

Dr Faisal Bari says: Status quo and change: Is a change through ballot box possible?

Syed hassan Belal Zaidi says: Se(x)ationalism: Misogynists insults fantasize Veena as their scarlet woman.

Rabia Ahmed says: The violations within: Why is their no protest on karo kari?

Story on Page 18

Story on Page 16

Story on Page 22

articles on Page 12-13

Afghanistan pledges to fight corruption BONN

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AFP

FGHANISTAN pledged at a major conference in Germany on Monday to step up the fight against corruption in return for sustained international support.

“Afghan government institutions at all levels should increase their responsiveness to the civil and economic needs of the Afghan people and deliver key services to them,” Afghanistan and its international partners said in a communique after the Bonn meeting.

“In this context, the protection of civilians, strengthening the rule of law and the fight against corruption in all its forms remain key priorities.” Afghanistan was again named one of the world’s most corrupt nations in a global survey published this month by Berlin-based antigraft watchdog Transparency International.

Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul told reporters as the conference wrapped up that the central government in Kabul had a commitment to its people, not just international donors and troop suppliers. “Fighting against corruption, good governance, that is something that Afghan

alleged militant dies of heart attack in detention MiNGORA: An alleged militant died of cardiac failure while in military detention in the Gulibagh area of Charsada, officials said on Monday.

According to the security forces, Salman, son of Haji Mohammad, belonged to the Dakorak village. He had been in custody for a long time.

Officials said he had a heart attack, and was rushed to a nearby hospital but died before getting medical treatment. StAFF REPORt

After wAr begAn SEptEMbER 13: Five Afghan police and 11 civilians are killed as insurgents shower Kabul’s diplomatic enclave with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire for 20 hours.

— The United States blames the attack, the most coordinated militant assault on Kabul since 2001, on the Taliban-linked Haqqani network based in northwest Pakistan close to the border with Afghanistan.

SEptEMbER 20: A man posing as a Taliban representative meeting former president and chief peace negotiator Burhanuddin Rabbani, the head of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, detonates a bomb hidden in his turban and kills Rabbani at his Kabul home.

OCtObER 4: Karzai signs a wide-ranging agreement with India, deepening their ties, including an Indian commitment to help train Afghan security forces. India is one of Afghanistan’s biggest bilateral donors, having pledged about $2 billion since 2001.

OCtObER 7: The Taliban vows to keep fighting until all foreign forces have left Afghanistan, in a statement marking the 10th anniversary of the start of the U.S. military campaign there.

OCtObER 19: Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary

Clinton tells Afghan civil society leaders she has seen progress in their country.

OCtObER 31: Karzai rules out an early resumption of talks with the Taliban after a summit meeting with Pakistan which appeared to yield no breakthrough in a bitter rift between the two.

NOVEMbER 29: Pakistan pulls out of an international conference on Afghanistan after a NATO attack kills 24 of its soldiers.

DECEMbER 5: The international conference opens in Germany and the hosts signal the West will stay the course with Afghanistan. Secretary of State Clinton says the United States will also resume paying into a World Bank-administered trust fund for Afghanistan.

people deserve to be given by the elected government,” he said.

“Good governance is not only to make our friends happy — it is our democratic duty to give it to our own people.” The conclusions said that, in exchange for good governance, the international community was ready to stand by Afghanistan in the 10 years after NATO combat troops withdraw in 2014. “This renewed partnership between Afghanistan and the international community entails firm mutual commitments in the areas of governance, security, the peace process, economic and social development, and regional cooperation.”

Both sides “solemnly dedicated themselves to deepening and broadening their historic partnership from Transition to the Transformation Decade of 2015-2024”. “In 2024 Afghanistan should not be a country in need of donors but also a donor country,” Rassoul said.

The one-day conference, which brought together 1,000 delegates from around the world, made special note of the strain on neighbours Pakistan and Iran in dealing with refugees from the war-ravaged country.

“We acknowledge the burden of Afghanistan’s neighbours, in particular Pakistan

and Iran, in providing temporary refuge to millions of Afghans in difficult times and are committed to further work towards their voluntary, safe and orderly return,” the conclusions said.

Islamabad had boycotted the conference over a NATO air strike late last month that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, raising fears that the Bonn meeting would make little headway on issues crucial to Afghanistan. In the final communique, Afghanistan recommitted to “upholding all of its international human rights obligations” including the rights of women.

Participants said they maintained the goal, first agreed at another major conference here in 2001 that established an interim government after the fall of the Taliban, that Afghanistan should never again harbour terrorists.

“Our shared goal remains an Afghanistan that is a peaceful and promising home for all Afghans, at the centre of a secure and thriving region — an Afghanistan in which international terrorism does not again find sanctuary and that can assume its rightful place among sovereign nations,” they said.

Nawaz to visit Benazir’s grave after Ashura LAHORE StAFF REPORt

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif will visit Garhi Khuda Bux to pray at the grave of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto during his tour to interior Sindh after Yom-eAshur. A spokesman for the Sharifs told Pakistan Today on Monday that the party would start a mass contact campaign in Sindh from December 8 and senior party leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, would join the campaign.

Nawaz is likely to address a public gathering in Larkana on December 10, for which Sindh National Front (SNF) leader Sardar Mumtaz Bhutto extended an invitation to the PML-N chief.

The spokesman said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan’s statements meant nothing as the Sharif family’s assets had

already been declared and they were ready to defend their position in any court.

The spokesman added that some politicians were trying to score points over the assets issue.

Meanwhile, the PML-N has started considering options after the announcement of President Zardari’s address to parliament, including boycott and protest. PML-N leaders are of the view that the government is trying to create a new issue in order to divert attention from the memo scandal.

They said the PML-N would finalise its decision of boycott or protest in a parliamentary party meeting ahead of president’s speech to parliament.

Sources within the party told this scribe that a majority was of the view that the PML-N should not give a free hand to the government by boycotting the joint session.

sC likely to name new chief to head memo probe tomorrow ISLAMABAD StAFF REPORt

A nine member Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, will on Wednesday pick some other name as the head of the commission to probe into the memo scandal after earlier nominee Tariq Khosa refused to take the responsibility.

According to a senior official of the Supreme Court, the judges would take the decision in chambers, as Khosa’s nomination was a unanimous decision, thus the all nine judges would choose a new name in their chambers. It is being claimed by various quarters that former inspector general of police

(IGP) Rafiq Haider could be named the new head of the commission to probe into the “memogate” issue.

In its December 1 order in the case, the SC had held that in case Khosa declined to act as the commission head, he may inform the Supreme Court registrar who would place the matter in chambers for the passing of an appropriate order for taking up the matter either in court or holding proceedings in the chambers. While naming Khosa, the bench had left it to him whether or not to accept the responsibility of probing the case.

After the government raised objections over the name of Khosa, he declined to accept the responsibility and conveyed his refusal to Supreme Court Registrar Dr Faqir Hussain on Friday.

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04 News

Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

I never gave Imran Khan a penny: Jemima MONItORINg DESk

P hUB: People busy painting the graves of their loved ones, on the eve of 10th Muharram. ONLINe

Cop injures colleague with multiple shots SWAt StAFF REPORt

A special force policeman wounded his colleague by opening indiscriminate fire on him at Nawagai check post in Barikot on Monday.

According to police, two personnel of the special police force, Bakhtiyar and Dilbar Shah, were performing duty at the Nawagai check post. They had an argument over a minor dispute and started exchanging harsh words. Suddenly Bakhtiyar got furious and shot at Dilbar Shah, a resident of Swabi, and injured him severely.

Shah was rushed to a medical facility in Saidu Sharif where doctors referred him to Peshawar for better medical treatment .The doctor on duty said the cop was in a critical position, therefore he had to be shifted to Peshawar. Police have arrested Bakhtiyar.

five injured, two Indian Navy ‘proud critically, in Jhang of Pakistan’s JF-17 sectarian clash thunder aircraft!’

NEW DELHI NNI

The Indian Navy got embroiled in a controversy on Monday when it released a picture of a Pakistan-made JF-17 jet fighter in an advertisement instead of an Indian aircraft on the occasion of Navy Day commem-

orated to mark the day of Indian ships’ bombardment on Karachi.

The mistake was carried forward in the next two pages of the newspaper. There has been no official word from the navy on the issue. Multirole JF-17 Thunder aircraft was jointly produced by Pakistan and China.

JHANG: At least five people were injured, two critically, in a sectarian clash on the eve of Ashura in Jhang on Monday. The incident occurred at Milad Chowk where two groups of Shias and Sunnis clashed which left five injured. The incident of firing before Muharram procession due to be taken out from the residence of Ghulam Murtaza, a shia leader on Monday evening, reportedly on the blasphemous remarks of Ghulam Murtaza’s son against one of the companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Condition of two of the injured was stated to be serious. Meanwhile, army has been called to take control of the situation. Meanwhile, according to media reports, the leadership of Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat (ASWJ), previously known as Sipah Sahaba Pakistan, issued a 24hour ultimatum to police to arrest the miscreants. INP

TI Chairman Imran Khan’s former wife Jemima Khan on Monday rejected PML-N accusations, saying she never gave Imran a penny nor did he ask for it.

Through a message on social networking site Twitter, Jemima said, “Imran took no money from me.

Neither will he be taking money from Pakistan, unlike those who started these rumours.”

She was quite amazed and added, “Can’t believe we’re divorced and I’m still Imran’s Achilles’ heel. He has faults but greed is not one of them, unlike many in Pakistani politics.”

In another tweet she laid all the rumors to rest by saying, “No. I did not give him a London flat either. He owned a flat in London when

we met, which he bought with his cricket earnings.”

She admitted that she loaned him money in 2003 but “he gave it all back to me when he sold the flat in London, in order to pay for his house outside Islamabad”.

She also clarified that she initially paid the money for the house until he sold his flat and then paid her back.

shahdara residents protest Cops seize 1,500kg hashish against Quran burning in raid his act.

LAHORE StAFF REPORt

Shahdara Town residents on Monday protested outside the Shahdara Town Police Station against a 22-year-old man who allegedly desecrated the Holy Quran earlier in the day and was arrested by the Shahdara Town Police.

The neighbours of Khurram Maseeh of Yousaf Park, Majeed Colony, claimed to have seen him burning the Holy Quran. Amob gathered outside Khurram’s house and handed him over to police which registered a case and arrested him. SHO Mumtaz said Khurram had not told the police about the reasons behind

Late on Monday night, a number of locals who came to know about the incident blocked the road for over an hour.

MiNOR RECOVERED: A six-year-old boy who was kidnapped few days back, returned to his house after his parents paid Rs 3 million as ransom. Some unidentified men had kidnapped Muhammad Talha, son of Ijaz Butt and were demanding Rs 5 million as ransom. However, after negotiations, the kidnappers agreed to release the boy after receiving Rs 3 million. The Misri Shah Police claimed that it had traced the kidnappers and would arrest them soon.

With peace stalled, Afghanistan looks for more aid Continued froM Page 1 pledging help in comments echoed by Merkel in a brief address. Merkel told the conference that reconciliation – a term used to refer to talks among different Afghan groups as well as with insurgents – remained an important part of efforts to stabilise Afghanistan.

“The political process will have great importance in future, this is the place where the questions of reconciliation and power sharing must be solved in a way that includes all parts and ethnic groups of the society,” she said.

“We can help Afghanistan in this process, we can provide our experience, but we can’t solve the problem, it is only the Afghans who can do this.”

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the US was ending a freeze on hundreds of millions of dollars in development funds due to financial reforms by Kabul.

Clinton also lamented Pakistan’s boycott of the conference in her speech, saying it was “unfortunate”, but Islamabad still had a crucial role to play.

“The entire region has a stake in Afghanistan’s future and much to lose if the country again becomes a source of terrorism and instability — and that is why we would of course have benefited from Pakistan’s contribution to this conference,” she said.

“Therefore, a comprehensive and effective strategy that maximises the resources and their use should be worked out,” she said, adding that the United States is prepared to support the Afghan transition in the long course ahead.

“In return, the Afghans must also carry out reforms, eradicating the rampant corruption and fortifying their legal system,” Hillary said.

“We continue to believe that Pakistan has a crucial role to play,” she told reporters later, adding that she

was encouraged by remarks by a Pakistani government official that it would continue cooperation, including in the fight against terrorism.

“I think it was unfortunate that they did not participate,” Clinton told a press conference on the sidelines of the conference, adding it would have been better if the Pakistanis had attended.

“We regret the choice that they made because today’s conference was an important milestone toward the kind of security and stability that is important for Pakistan as well as for Afghanistan,” she said.

Hillary said no one in the world was more concerned than the US to know what actually happened in recent border incident which left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead.

She said that the US wanted to know the facts into the NATO raid.

The Taliban, leaders of the country’s brutal, decadelong insurgency, have also

stayed away, saying the meeting will “further ensnare Afghanistan into the flames of occupation”.

The West’s embryonic contacts with the Taliban have so far yielded little, and with the government in Kabul unable to provide security and economic development, the risk is that the withdrawal of foreign troops will plunge Afghanistan back into civil war. Renewed strife might also stir more violence over the border in Pakistan, fighting its own Islamist insurgency.

Iran’s growing confrontation with the West over its nuclear programme could also bleed into the war in Afghanistan.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi reiterated Iran’s opposition to the US keeping some forces in Afghanistan after 2014.

“Certain Western countries seek to extend their military presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014 by maintaining their military

She said Imran was known as an honest man who never tried to take any financial benefits from his rich wife.

“In other words,” she tweeted, “he ended with all the disadvantages of marrying someone with money (smears, innuendo, envy) with none of the advantages.”

bases there. We deem such an approach to be contradictory to efforts to sustain stability and security in Afghanistan,” he told the conference.

The foreign military presence in Afghanistan over the past 10 years had failed to uproot terrorism and had actually made the problem worse, Salehi said.

Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, whose country became the first to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan much to the irritation of Pakistan - pledged India would keep up its heavy investment in a country whose mineral wealth and trade routes made it “a land of opportunity”. British Foreign Secretary William Hague reiterated that any settlement with insurgents would require them to renounce violence, sever ties with al Qaeda and respect the Afghan constitution – “end conditions” which some argue effectively close the

door to talks by determining the outcome in advance.

United Nations’ Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said all neighbouring countries, including Pakistan and Iran, had to play their progressive role for Afghan peace process, adding that issues could be resolved by taking Afghan people into confidence. Ban said the solution to Afghan issues was not easy and Afghans had understood that peace could only possible through negotiation, adding that education could bring betterment in Afghanistan and “we have to work more in this regard”.

Ban called Pakistan’s decision to boycott the conference “regrettable”, but not attending the crucial moot was its sovereign decision.

“Pakistan is one of the key countries in the region who can help peace and stability in Afghanistan and thus it would have been much better if Pakistan was present in the conference,” he said in a statement.

SWAt StAFF REPORt

The Khuwaza Khela Police on Monday seized 1,500 kilograms of hashish and arrested the drug dealer in a raid. Station House Officer (SHO) Muzzakar Khan said the police received information that a drug dealer was active in the Khuwaza Khela police precincts. The SHO said that he led a police raid at the dealer’s house and seized 1,500 kilos of hashish from Zainul Abideen, a resident of Koz Kaly Khuwaza Khela. Police arrested the drug dealer and registered a case against him.

envoys to India, Germany likely to be replaced ISLAMABAD StAFF REPORt

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir is likely be posted in New Dehli as ambassador in place of Shahid Malik, while acting Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit Khan is likely to be appointed the ambassador to Germany, Pakistan Today learnt on Monday. earlier in the day, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani decided to convene an important meeting on foreign policy matters in the next few days and summoned the country’s ambassadors in important world capitals to Islamabad. Sources in the Foreign Office said ambassadors working in important countries, including Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, France, Russia, Malaysia and the United Nations had been summoned to attend the meeting to discuss the country’s foreign policy.

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

Karachi’s population explosion far greater than experts’ calculations Growing the wrong way 06

For many, Muharram security means you can’t go out ■ Hundreds forced to stay home as areas along the routes of processions, particularly the ma Jinnah road, sealed off ■ four major hospitals become inaccessible to patients and visitors kARACHI tExt AND PhOtO By AMAR GURIRO

T

He road was deserted and only a burqa-clad woman, holding in her hand what appeared to be medicines, was allowed to cross the barricade that is used to block the thoroughfare connecting Depot Lines with the city’s main artery, the MA Jinnah Road, and even that after a lengthy period of negotiations with policemen.

As she moved on to the empty main road, policemen and Rangers personnel from all directions started shouting and blowing whistles, telling her not to go ahead.

She was on her way to the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, but had to turn back.

She was among the hundreds, who were forced to stay away from the four biggest hospitals of the city as a part of the security

arrangements for the Muharram processions.

An aged woman had died in an apartment located on the first floor of the Naz Plaza, located on the MA Jinnah Road opposite the Nishat Cinema, on Sunday morning.

But her loved ones were unable to hold her funeral until late night as the security forces had not allowed them to go out. even when they managed to take her body out for her last rites, many of her relatives were unable to attend the funeral as the areas they live in were sealed off by the security forces.

The law enforcers had blocked every possible entry and exit point of the MA Jinnah Road, formerly Bunder Road and now named after the country’s founder, using containers, minibuses and water tankers since Saturday evening.

According to Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan, 10,000

police personnel along with additional force have been deployed in Karachi to provide security to Muharram processions; 300 streets have been sealed off, and the army is also on high alert in case of any untoward incident.

The deployment of security personnel and sealing off the streets is a common practice during the sensitive days of the month of Muharram, but there are always some entry or exit points from where, after a thorough checking, police allow citizens to pass.

But this time, there are no points that can be used to access the MA Jinnah Road, leaving a large number of people living in several residential plazas along the road and its surrounding streets stranded.

The entire road that is usually hustling and bustling with activity looked abandoned and only kites could be seen flying in the sky and tired-looking, lethargic policemen

sat in the shadows of the minibuses used to block the road.

With entire markets, shopping malls, schools and even hospitals shut down, all the roads and streets leading to the MA Jinnah Road are completely blocked since Saturday evening.

“It’s an undeclared curfew in almost every area surrounding the MA Jinnah Road,” said human rights activist Akhtar Baloch.

Baloch said, “According to Rehman Malik, an area of only 500 metres around the procession route was sealed off, but the authorities have actually cordoned off an area of two kilometres around the procession route.”

Due to the three-day security measures, authorities have not only forced business activities to shut down and schools to remain closed, but they have even forced hospitals in these areas to close up.

In many residential plazas, cit-

This kid on the ma Jinnah road somehow managed to get past the law enforcement agencies’ barriers. izens are running out of food and other daily-use commodities.

“There is not a single route from where we can leave the area,” said a female resident of a residential plaza located near the Mobile Market.

This happens every year, she said. “The law enforcers used to allow us to leave to buy groceries, but there is not a single way out this year,” she added.

She said, “They should have informed us earlier that they were going to shut down everything, so we could have arranged for rations to last for three days.”

While the locals agree that se-

curity measures are important during Muharram processions due to threats of terrorism, most of them demanded that the government should have made some arrangements for the assistance of those living in the locality.

“They could have opened one exit point, where they could have installed a walkthrough gate and allowed the citizens to pass after scanning them,” said a resident.

According to some reports, several locals were manhandled by police and Rangers personnel when they tried to exit for buying essential food items without having proper security passes.

Muharram 9 processions end without trouble ■ rallies staged in different areas of city; culminate at Iranian Hussainian Imambargah in Kharadar kARACHI StAFF REPORt

Amid tight security arrangements, hundreds of mourners peacefully staged the Muharram 9 processions in different areas of Karachi on Monday. The rallies culminated at their final destination, the Iranian Hussainian Imambargah in Kharadar, where glowing tributes were paid to Imam Hussain (AS) and his family.

Several processions were arranged in different parts of the metropolitan that merged with the central procession at Numaish Chowrangi, with law enforcers on the alert. The central procession marched from the Markazi Imambargah in Liaquatabad on Monday morning to the Martin Road Imambargah and later headed to the Nishtar Park.

Around noon, the procession headed from the Nishtar Park to the Iranian Hussainian Imambargah in Kharadar via the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Road, the

Mehfil-e-Shah-e-Khurasan, the MA Jinnah Road, the Mansfield Street, the Preedy Street, the MA Jinnah Road again, the Boulton Market, the Bombay Bazaar and then the Nawab Mahabat Khanjee Road.

When they reached Kharadar, the mourners lit candles in remembrance of the martyrs of the Ashura blast that had taken place in December 2009. Police sealed off all routes leading to and from the MA Jinnah Road with large containers, whereas shops along the routes of processions – including Numaish Chowrangi, Saddar, Tibet Centre, Light House and Boulton Market – have also been closed.

Considering the looming threat of terrorism, law enforcement agencies have beefed up security for the Ashura processions in the metropolis. All roads linking to the MA Jinnah Road have been declared no-entry zones, whereas all shopping plazas and shops along the processions routes have been sealed off.

A large number of policemen and Rangers personnel have been

deployed for security on rooftops along the procession routes.

Moreover, walkthrough gates and other search devices are also being employed to search the participants of the processions. entry of all kinds of vehicles, except those being used by the law enforcers, along the procession routes has been banned.

However, trucks carrying sabeel and ambulances are allowed to move along the procession routes, but only after verification of their official permits and a thorough search.

Besides policemen and Rangers personnel for security of the participants of the processions, bomb disposal units would be moving ahead of the processions scanning for any suspicious materials.

COMMAND AND CONtROL CELL: Foolproof security arrangements have been made for the Ashura processions in the city, said Karachi Commissioner Roshan Ali Sheikh after visiting the procession routes on Monday.

mourners gather at the ma Jinnah road on monday, while (right) rangers personnel stand guard. IMrAN ALI

He said all the procession routes are being monitored using state-of-the-art cameras and technology; however, surveillance vehicles would also be moving with the processions.

The commissioner has taken charge of the Command and Control Centre to monitor the procession routes through security cameras.

He told the media that 65 percent of the metropolitan is being monitored using cameras, whereas the Command and Control Centre’s units at the Civic Centre, Police Headquarters and Nishtar Park are keeping a vigilant eye on every single movement along the procession routes.

Lauding the effectiveness of the commissionerate system, Sheikh said the government machinery is performing in a wellplanned manner and the new administration is in close coordination with ulema belonging to different sects.

Next 24 hours crucial for Sindh: home minister KARACHI: The next 24 hours are crucial for Sindh as far as law and order is concerned, said Home Minister Manzoor Wasan on Monday.

Wasan said emergency has been declared at all hospitals and high-alert orders have been issued to police, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary.

The home minister was talking to the media after a procession of mourners was attacked in Khairpur district, resulting in injuries to at least five participants.

He said the attack by extremists was a conspiracy by the enemies of Islam and Pakistan. “Sindh is the land of Sufis and the people of the province practice brotherhood,” he added.

Wasan said those responsible for the incident would not be spared. A committee headed by SSP Irfan Baloch has been constituted to probe the matter, he added. stAFF rePOrt

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PakistaN today

06 karachi

Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

Karachi’s population explosion far greater than experts’ calculations ■ apart from the spurt in population that the city has experienced, the intra-urban distribution of population has also changed phenomenally

K

ARACHI is a cosmopolitan city, inhabited by people with culturally enriched background and a sense of social commitment. The city covered about 8.3 sq km in 1946, where the population was reported to be 0.43 million in the 1941 census. Now, this mega city along with its suburbs spreads over 3,530 sq km having an estimated population of 18 million.

Karachi, by population, is now among the ten largest cities in the world. The UNDP estimates that only five cities of the world have crossed the 16 million mark until 2007 and Karachi bears a population of 12.1 million. This fact has already been nullified by the local government, which reported a population of 16 million in 2006. It shows that the population explosion is far more than what expert demographers have calculated.

Almost 94.8 percent population lives in urban area, which indicates about 17,325 people per sq km population density on an average. Karachi has passed through phenomenal physical and demographic changes since the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Apart from the spurt in population that it has experienced, the intra-urban distribution of population has also changed phenomenally. During the few three years, the pattern of the population growth has changed a lot where the demographic statistics are difficult to be estimated. As such, there are huge numbers of migrants which are moving towards Karachi from the North and North-Western areas due to instable law and order situation. Furthermore, the floods in Pakistan have caused a movement of large population from rural areas to the urban centres and Karachi is among the cities receiving the largest number of immigrants. There is no official figure, but a rough statistics of different NGOs suggest that the city must be crossing the 20 million mark. It is not only

suppressing the social environment, but the natural environment which is unable to handle this abrupt influx of people is also under pressure. The number of households in 2005 was about 2.1 million and by 2020, it would increase to 3.9 million, which means an increase of 1.77 million households at an average size of seven people per household. even at a decreasing average annual growth rate (from 4.15 percent in 2005 to 3.5 percent in 2020), the increase in absolute terms is staggering and will put heavy pressure on the physical, infrastructural, financial and institutional systems of

the city. Literacy has also increased considerably and the male-female literacy gap has decreased substantially, especially in the younger generation. In 1972 and 1981, 51.18 percent and 55.04 percent residents of Karachi were literate, respectively, while in 1998, the figure was 67.42 percent.

In 1972 and 1981, 45.02 percent and 48.84 percent of women, respectively, were literate as compared to 62.88 percent in 1998.

The average household monthly incomes are estimated between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000, mainly due to a huge number of immigrants that remain unem-

Squatter settlements Karachi was included in a famous title “Planet of Slums” by Davis (2006), though criticised a lot by others (Angotti, 2006). It is mainly because, more than 50 percent of the city population lives in squatter settlements, locally called Katchi Abadis (english equivalent: unpaved settlements) or slums: two classified definitions by the local government based on the legal setting and physical characteristics. These settlements, which have been officially reported as 539 in number with approximately 415,000 housing units, are one of the most important challenges for the authorities. Some unofficial estimates suggest that there are about 702 Katchi Abadis in Karachi. Social settings appear to be quite identical in both types of squatter settlements allied to lowquality housing, poverty (mainly because of unemployment), disruption of community cohesion and other deteriorating urban conditions that lead to poor health standards of the people. ployed for longer times and earn their living by doing irregular poorly-paid jobs like masonry or labour at the small scale industry.

Karachi has grown nearly 25 times

since 1947 and is growing at the rate of about 5.4 percent per annum, making it one of the fastest growing cities of the world.

Besides, migrants from other cities and rural areas of Pakistan and a large number of migrants from Afghanistan and Bangladesh have settled in the city with a smaller part from Myanmar (Burma). This has resulted in the massive exponential growth. In 1972, almost 63 percent of the population lived within 10-km of the city.

By 1981, this had declined by 52 percent, as the population growth shifted to the ring located between 11- and 20-km from the centre. At present, over one half of Karachi’s population lives more than 10-km from the city centre. The city of Karachi has grown from the old town and the port at the sea outwards along radial avenues that connect all city segments to the port. There are a few means of circumferential movements. A major growth has been observed along major arterials because of commercial enterprise development. Further, the vertical growth has vertical growth has been increased during the last two decades, thereby increasing the population density of the city. Multi-storey buildings and residential apartments are getting more common as they are perceived to be comparatively safe as residence or office.

Extract from Salman Qureshi’s research paper, “The fast growing megacity Karachi as a frontier of environmental challenges: Urbanisation and contemporary urbanism issues”, published in the Journal of Geography and Regional Planning Volume 3(11).

PFF condemns murder of two fishermen kARACHI StAFF REPORt

The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) has condemned the attack in which two Sindhi fishermen were murdered and three injured at a lake near Chashma Link Canal in Punjab.

In a statement issued on Monday, PFF chairperson Mohammed Ali Shah demanded that the Punjab government should start a judicial inquiry into the matter and provide protection to the families of the fisherfolk community.

He said two years ago, some fisherfolk acquired a few acres of land near the lake to start cultivating crops but this annoyed the contractors there. On Sunday morning, a contractor came to them and opened fire, killing Imamuddin Mallah and 13-year old Hashim Mallah, natives of villages located adjacent to Chotiari Reservoir in Sanghar district.

Shah said that numerous fisherfolk shifted their families to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the flow of the

Indus River reduced, depleting water bodies in Sanghar, Dadu, Jamshoro and other districts.

However, the murders have terrified the fisherfolk community, leaving the migrant fisherfolk families feeling insecure.

Shah expressed concern that contractors are forcing fisherfolk in Punjab to leave lakes and other freshwater bodies.

He said that the PFF, along with other human rights organisations and the civil society in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been trying to have the contract system abolished, but to no avail so far. ”The PFF will not stay quiet after this incident. We are contacting human rights activists and civil society organisations so that they can also play their due role for the protection of the poor fisherfolk,” Shah said.

In Sanghar, fisherfolk staged a protest rally and demanded that the Sindh government should utilise its political influence to ensure security of their people living in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa.

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

karachi 07 PakistaN today

NewS aNalYSIS BILAL FAROOQI

among the various muharram-related accessories for children available at Bohri Bazaar, this boy chose a feathered headgear. AsIM reHMANI

For a man who has been dubbed as the “Kaptaan”, it makes sense that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is the one trying to take the lead in bringing clarity to the muddy waters of our corruption-laced politics.

By declaring his assets, he has certainly further boosted his rising popularity.

Already an icon for his young followers, his latest move would do a world of good to him.

He has his weaknesses, of course. But he is counting on the fact that he is considered by many as a saint among sinners.

The credibility of the leaders of other political parties, especially those belonging to the ruling party, has sunk to new depths.

Their reputations are tainted and that is

where Khan is drawing his strength from.

Our media unearths cases of the government’s involvement in corruption and nepotism almost every day. In fact, many TV hosts even claim that the current government is perhaps the most corrupt ever in the country’s history. Our media has a tendency towards exaggeration and gets carried away at times, but not all that is doled out is untrue.

The PTI chief has asked Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, the top honchos of their political parties, to declare their assets as well.

It is unlikely that Zardari would feel the pinch. Dealing with corruption charges for so long, he is too ‘battle-hardened’ for such ‘trivial’ matters now. Besides, he has a bunch of cronies to respond on his behalf.

As for Sharif, he will surely take this seriously, particularly because it is his territory that Khan has set his eyes on.

Termed world’s best, CAA plans big kARACHI

A

qAZI ASIF

S the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) enters the 30th year of its existence, the body has been named among the world’s best aviation authorities.

Speaking to Pakistan Today, CAA Media Coordinator Ismail Khoso said that a team of Universal Oversight Safety Audit programme completed the safety audit of CAA this year, they have confirmed that the regulatory body as one of the best in the world and its procedure of documentation is not only according to the prescribed international standards but some of its reforms can be termed as an example for other countries as well.

“The CAA has strengthened its safety and security oversight role as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements and standards and enhanced regulatory and air space management capabilities,” he said. “emphasis is also being given on commercialisation of CAA assets and land with improved customer/passenger service standards, benchmarked with top performing international airports.”

Khoso said all kinds of civil aviation-related activities are performed by CAA including the regulatory, air traffic services, airport management, infrastructure and commercial development at the airports etc.

Moreover, a plan of infrastructure development (airports and airport cities) on a fast-track basis is under way with an emphasis on private sector participation. This plan includes: Benazir Bhutto International Airport: It will be a state-of-the-art airport capable of handling A380 operations with modular facilities for both domestic and international passengers. Annual cargo handling capacities will gradually grow from 6.5 million passengers and 100,00 metric tonnes cargo to 25 million passengers and 150,000 metric tons cargo, at par with international standards and shall serve as a major hub for all aviation activities in the region.

Multan International Airport: Presently, only B-737 and ATR 500 aircrafts operate from the airport. The airport is almost landlocked in the east and South surrounded by structure habitations with inadequate facilities of terminal building. The CAA has therefore planned upgrading the existing infrastructure at the airport for B-747/B-777 operation

an illustration of the planned Benazir Bhutto International airport. on modern lines to support the 21st century aircraft technology and to meet operational requirements for next 15 to 20 years.

New Gwadar International Airport: The government has approved the setting up of “New Gwadar International Airport” in Balochistan through the Public Sector Development Programme with a

grant of $17.5 million from the Sultanate of Oman.

A land measuring 4,300 acres along the Coastal Highway has been acquired and handed over to CAA in May, 2008. earlier, the PC-1 amounting to Rs 7.67 billion along with the master plan was approved by executive Committee of the National economic Council.

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PakistaN today

08 karachi weaTHer UPdaTeS

32°C High

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22°C low

30% Humidity

wedNeSdaY THUrSdaY frIdaY 31°C I 19°C

30°C I 18°C

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PraYer TImINGS fajr 5:42

Sunrise 7:02

Zuhr 12:23

asr 3:23

maghrib 5:43

Isha 7:04

Starting time in Karachi

CITY dIreCTorY emerGeNCY HelP PolICe 15 BomB dISPoSal 15, 99212667 fIre BrIGade 16, 99215007, 99215008 edHI 115, 32310066-2310077 KHIdmaT-e-KHalq foUNdaTIoN 36333811 red CreSCeNT 35833973 GoverNor’S HoUSe 136 CHIef mINISTer’S HoUSe 99202051 moTorwaY PolICe 130

Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

‘Scattered’ or ‘Dazzling’, the ‘Thoughts’ are on canvas

■ Iranian artist mitra ali displays her paintings at eye for art exhibition kARACHI JAVED MAhMOOD

M

ITRA Ali, a young Iranian artist, displayed her eye-catching and fascinating paintings at an exhibition organised at the eye For Art, an art gallery located at 6th Commercial Lane, Zamzama.

Her paintings on display included “Scattered Thoughts”, “Clock”, “Flirting Diamond”, “Inner Vision”, “Floral Sentiments” and “Dazzling Thoughts”.

Ali’s paintings reflect the depth of her feelings, her great taste for art and exceptional skills as an artist.

Several visitors applauded her work and asked her to continue exhibiting her paintings in Pakistan in the future as well.

Ali, who honed her skills from the Artist Kermaani School of Art in Tehran, says her passion for art started from the day when she learned to hold a pencil and draw something on paper even before going to school.

“I started drawing at home at

the age of six,” she says. “The passion of becoming a famous artist grew strongly in me and finally I decided to learn this art and then joined the school.”

After graduating in electronic engineering in 2007, Ali started her career as a professional artist.

“I wanted to share my views, inner feelings and artistic skills with Pakistanis. That’s why I participated in the eye For Art exhibition in Karachi,” she says. “I am going back to Iran this week, but I will continue participating in exhibitions in Pakistan.”

Jawaid Haider, director of the eye For Art, says Ali looks full of promise.

“Mitra Ali is a very talented painter and has the potential to gain fame worldwide.”

Ali was part of a team of six young and grooming artists whose works were displayed at the exhibition. The other five were Maheen Allibhoy, Ozma Bhatti, Agnes Nagygyorgy, Laiba Baig and Saqiba Haq. “The exhibition was very successful and the visitors evinced a great interest in the paintings of the young and talented artists,” says Haider.

HoSPITalS aBBaSI SHaHeed CIvIl JINNaH NICvd aGa KHaN TaBBa

99260400-09 99215749, 99215960 99201300-39 99201271-6 34930051 36811841-50

Blood BaNK HUSSaINI faTImId Pwa

32238405-8 32225284, 32258656 99215740, 32735214

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118 1218 1339 134 1199, 99231603

raIlwaYS INqUIrY CITY STaTIoN CaNTT STaTIoN

117, 99213565-6 99213538 99201118

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thE tRUE PAth?

SUBJECtIVE PhOtOGRAPhy (I)

SUBJECtIVE PhOtOGRAPhy (II)

ARt EXHIBItION uNtIL DECEMBER 8 VENuE: CANVAS gALLERY

PHOtOgRAPHY EXHIBItION uNtIL DECEMBER 15 VENuE: VM ARt gALLERY

PHOtOgRAPHY EXHIBItION uNtIL DECEMBER 15 VENuE: gOEtHE-INStItut

Ali Azmat’s ‘The True Path?’ is running until December 8 at the Canvas Gallery. Call 35861523 for more information.

Part One of ‘Subjective Photography’ is running until December 15 at the VM Art Gallery. Call 34948088 for more information.

Part Two of ‘Subjective Photography’ is running until December 15 at the Goethe-Institut. Call 35661633 for more information.

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

tIMES OF INDIA SAKINA yUSUF KhAN

UHARRAM is observed on the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husain(RA), Prophet Muhammad’s(PBUH) grandson, in the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 680 AD. The processions with beautifully decorated taziyas that you see on the roads give the impression that Muharram is a celebration, but it’s actually an expression of grief. The taziyas are replicas of the tombs of Imam Husain(RA) and his comrades who fell fighting in the battle.

The story goes back 1,400 years. According to Muslim cleric Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, there are different versions of this event.

He cites well-known historian Al-Tabari who says that the people of Kufa had pledged allegiance to Imam Husain(RA) instead of the then Umayyad Caliph, Yazid. The genesis of this conflict lay in the struggle for succession that followed Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) death.

One faction wanted the Prophet’s paternal cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali(RA), to succeed him so that succession remained in the Prophet’s(PBUH) family, while another wanted the issue to be decided through consensus among the community elders. In the end, Hazrat Abu Bakr(RA), a senior and trusted ally of the Prophet(PBUH) was chosen as the caliph. He was followed by Hazrat Umar(RA), and Hazrat Usman(RA). After them, Hazrat Ali(RA) was chosen as the fourth caliph, but was soon assassinated and the caliphate passed on to the Umayyads. Hazrat Ali’s(RA) son, Imam Husain(RA) opposed Yazid, the Umayyad caliph, because he felt that Yazid was not following the righteous path. The conflict accelerated and Imam Husain(RA) was killed brutally in the Battle of Karbala. Imam Husain’s(RA) martyrdom divided the Muslims into two: Sunnis and Shias. The Shias consider Hazrat Ali(RA) and his descendants as the rightful successors and look upon others as usurpers, something the Sunnis disagree with.

While all sections of Muslims observe the 10th day of the month of Muharram as a solemn occasion marked by fast, prayer and charity, for the Shias, Muharram is a 10-day period of intense mourning — from the first to the 10th of the month. During this period, coinciding with the Battle of Karbala, the Shias don’t wear bright colours, and women avoid wearing jewellery and make-up.It’s mourning time, so there are no marriages during this period and people avoid going to the movies, watching TV, shopping, and any other form of entertainment. The evenings are spent at the majlis or community mourning. The majlis starts with recitations of verses from the Holy Quran, and is followed by stories of the valour and martyrdom of Imam Husain(RA) and his companions. The listeners are moved to tears; women can be heard wailing and sobbing.

ashura special 09

At the end of the majlis, tabaruk or blessed food is distributed. On the 10th day called Ashura (Arabic word for tenth), large processions of mourners parade the streets with taziyas. In some places even non-Muslims participate along with Shias and Sunnis. Some of the mourners express their grief by inflicting wounds on their bodies with small knives tied to chains with which they flog themselves to relive the sufferings of the martyrs. Others walk along, beating their breasts, chanting “Ya Husain”.

The idea is to identify with the pain and grief of Imam Husain’s(RA) kin who were taken prisoner by Yazid and denied even the chance to grieve, say Shia religious leaders. The procession terminates at the Imambara, a special building for the purpose. The taziyas are either buried here or immersed. The mourners then break their fast, usually with khichra or haleem — a porridge of rice, wheat, pulses and meat, probably as a reminder of the hotchpotch meal Imam Husain(RA) and his men had to make do with in the battle. On Muharram, devout Muslims feed the poor and distribute sherbet. It is a symbolic gesture of feeding the hungry and the thirsty — Imam Husain(RA) and his men had had their supplies cut off by Yazid; many of them died of hunger and thirst on the battlefield. Muzammil Siddiqui, president of the Fiqh Council, states: “There are many

ISLAMABAD AGENCIES

lessons in this story.

We ought to learn the lessons of courage, patience and perseverance from the Battle of Karbala.”

Nation’s unity can be best tribute to Karbala martyrs: KP governor PESHAWAR StAFF REPORt

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar on Monday said the sacred occasion of Youm-eAshur demanded Pakistanis work in unison in the struggle to make the country safe, stable and strong, which was not only in the best interests of the country and the society, but also the best way to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala. In a message on the eve of Youm-eAshur, he said, “Aushura-e-Muharram-ul-Haram carries comprehensive and thought provoking messages for humanity.

This sagacious and sacred event of the Islamic history depicts a unique example of self-less spirit and sacrifice for the supremacy of righteousness and truthfulness, as demon-

President, PM call for end to trivial differences

strated by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions it gives the lesson of patience, tolerance and steadfastness in the hour of trial. This unique event has in fact remained a source of guidance for the forces of righteousness engaged in fighting the forces of evil.”

He said, “The circumstances confronting us as a nation demand us to exhibit the spirit of steadfastness and commitment. The sacred occasion of Ashur requires us to be fully conscious of ground realities and continue struggle till the achievement of the desired goals of a stable and fully secured future not only for ourselves but also for the coming generations. Taking advantage of this sacred occasion, I would like to remind my countrymen in general and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA in particular that they should be conscious of their surroundings; maintain a spirit of complete faith in their destiny and make Aushurae-Muharamul Haram an occasion to re-affirm their commitment never to loose the spirit of patience, courage and tolerance at any phase of their lives.”

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani have called for end to trivial differences and unity in their messages on the occasion of ‘Yaum-e-Ashur’ or 10th of Muharram to be observed in the country on Tuesday. “We have to forget our trivial differences and adopt the teachings of Islam and promote peace, security and brotherhood,” President Zardari said in his message “Today, the way to pay tribute to Imam Hussain (AS), the leader of martyrs is to follow his values wholeheartedly and seek forgiveness for sins so that internal problems can be solved successfully,” he said. He said today “it is 10th of Muharram 1433 and Youm-e-Ashur and the month of Muharram is a revered and venerated month which according to Holy Quran carries special sacredness”. “even before the advent of Islam, this month was seen with reverence and then Islam elevated its respect and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his associates observed fast, he said adding, “For us, this day also holds importance as the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with his 72 companions embraced martyrdom in Karbala.” He said the event of Karbala is very significant which affected every aspect of human life, unveiled aspects of superior character, provided standards to judge a person and increased knowledge. The president said Youm-e-Ashur gave a lesson of sacrifice and piety for achieving higher objectives. Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) decided to live life as a lasting symbol of truthfulness to make realise the followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that they should have the basic values of good character including tolerance, endurance, sacrifice, equality, justice and fairness. The president urged the countrymen to follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and adopt his values to eradicate all kinds of ignorance from the country.

FiGHt: In his message, Prime Minister Gilani said his government would “continue to fight against terrorism and extremism until these forces are completely routed”. “We are fully determined and on this day of Ashura, we reiterate our pledge that we would further strengthen unity, political and social harmony, mutual tolerance, and brotherhood in our ranks,” he said. The prime minister said, “Come and let us vow that we would follow the principles espoused by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) for security of our motherland and glory of Islam and would not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for the sake of Islamic principles.” Gilani said, “We can become an ideal society if we adopt the principles of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in our individual and collective lives,” adding that Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) sacrificed his life for his cherished principles. Gilani said, “Today is the day of Ashura. This day has a special significance in Islamic history. This is the day when Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, took on the forces of falsehood for the glory of Islam. “On this very day, the battle was fought between the forces of truth and falsehood, which would continue to impart Muslims a lesson of sustained struggle against oppression and tyranny till the Day of Judgment,” he said adding in fact, this battle for truth is not only a beacon for the Muslims but also for the entire mankind.

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10 News

Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

Pakistan wants to access australian uranium SYDNEY ONLINE

RAwALPINDI: Former prime minister and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Kulsoom Nawaz meet MNA tahira Aurangzaib who recently had a heart surgery. INP

Cop, mourner killed in rocket attack on Kohat procession pESHAWAR: A policemen and a civilian were killed and another three cops were injured when unidentified militants fired two rockets in Kohat on Monday. The rockets were fired when a procession of 9th of Ashura were being dispersed.

However, the situation on the eve of Ashura remained peaceful in Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Hangu and the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Officials said unidentified men fired two rockets from the mountainous areas of Kohat. One of the rockets landed at the main bazaar, while the second on the main road near the office of the Darra Adam Khel assistant political agent.

Officials said the mourning procession was concluding after passing through its traditional route when t he rockets were fired. No one has claimed responsibility for attack so far, but officials believe they were fired by the Taliban having refuges in the mountains areas of Kohat. StAFF REPORt

Iwf stresses awareness regarding aIdS

MiANWALi: The speakers at a seminar held in connection with the World AIDS Day have stressed upon the need to create awareness among people regarding the fatal disease of AIDS. The seminar was organized by Indus Welfare Foundation (IWF), in collaboration with United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), at the Afghan Refugee Camp in Kot Chandna Mianwali. Addressing the seminar, IWF Chief executive Officer Abdul Saeed Khan Niazi said that there was a need to create awareness among people, particularly of remote areas, about AIDS. He said that people, especially women, usually avoid discussions and awareness campaigns on AIDS due to the social pressures. He said that the educated people should come forward for creating awareness among the people regarding AIDS. StAFF REPORt

Lawyers divided over SC intervention in ‘memogate’ Constitutional experts say SC has jurisdiction to entertain such matters g SCBa president says issues like ‘memogate’ should be taken up in parliament g

ISLAMABAD

T

MASOOD REhMAN

He lawyers’ community is divided over the Supreme Court’s intervention in the ‘memogate’ issue, as some of them believe that the court has rightly entertained the pleas on the issue, while some are of the view that the court should have declined to entertain the matter as such matters should only be dealt by parliament.

According to a renowned constitutional expert, Justice (r) Fakhruddin G ebrahim, the Supreme Court has a wide jurisdiction to entertain and adjudicate upon such matters under Article 184 (3) of the constitution. He said the court even had a jurisdiction to take suo motu notices into such matters. “How the court, being guardian of the constitution, could decline to entertain the pleas on a constitutional issue, purely involving sovereignty and integrity of the county,” he added. To queries, he said the court was fully empowered to form fact-finding commissions on such matters.

Rejecting the government’s stance that only the executive was constitutionally empowered to constitute such commissions, he said not only the Supreme Court, but even the Sessions Courts enjoyed the authority to order formation of such commissions if required. He said the Supreme Court has earlier formed dozens of such fact finding commissions on the matters of national importance and the government never objected to it.

He said the federation was heard before naming former FIA chief Tariq Khosa as commission head to probe the issue of ‘memogate’, as the attorney general was present in the court and he did not oppose to the formation of the commission. According to PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan, the court was fully empowered to entertain such issues. He said, “Had the government started investigation of the ‘memogate’ issue in time, neither petitions over the issue would have come to the court, nor would the court have to intervene in the matter,” he said.

To a query, he said when parliament and the adminis-

tration fail to provide relief to the people, they start approaching the judiciary. However, the judiciary could not be considered a substitute of parliament. He said parliament was not functioning and delivering in a way it should function and deliver to the expectations of the people. According to senior lawyer Justice (r) Tariq Mehmood, “Had the FIA timely taken investigation of the ‘memo’ issue, the court would not have inferred into it.”

He said the commission could not be termed parallel to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, which was due to start probing the issue after a few days, as he said the facts collected by the parliamentary committee could be shared with the commission. Meanwhile, SCBA President Yasin Azad is of the view that the issues like ‘memogate’ should be taken up in parliament and the judiciary should not be involved. He said the political stakeholders should settle their issues in parliament and the matters like ‘memogate’ should be resolved by parliament. He said only parliament should form a commission on the issue of ‘memogate’.

According to former SCBA president Asma Jahangir, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif should have discussed the issue in the National Assembly as his party had 90 seats and should have avoided taking it to the court.

She believed that the SC gave its short order and formed a commission for probing the ‘memogate’ issue without properly hearing the federation. At the same time, the Central Free Legal Aid Committee of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) headed Muhammad Ramzan Chaudhry, believed that the matter which as already pending with the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, should be decided by it and the Supreme Court should not involve itself in such political matters.

He said the matter of ‘memogate’, which did not even offend any fundamental right, should not have been brought before the Supreme Court at the cost of the valuable time of general litigant public whose cases, which are hundreds and thousands in number, were pending adjudication.

Pakistan’s high commissioner to Australia, Abdul Malik Abdullah, said if Australia is willing to export uranium to India, it should sell it to Pakistan as well. A day after Australia’s ruling Labour Party approved uranium sale to India, Pakistan has demanded it be allowed to buy the nuclear raw material if the Gillard administration proceeds with sales of yellowcake to New Delhi. “If Australia is going to lift the ban on a country which has not signed NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) it is much hoped that will also apply to Pakistan the same way,” Abdullah was quoted as saying by The Australian newspaper. Labour Party on Sunday voted to overturn a decades-old ban on uranium sale to India, paving the way for Canberra to supply yellowcake to a nation outside the NPT. Abdullah said Pakistan has not made a request to buy Australian uranium but this could change in the future. “In that case we will hope that we will also be treated at par with other non-NPT signatories,” he said.

Kidnapped Pakistanis freed in afghanistan PuL-E-ALAM AFP

Seven Pakistani workers kidnapped in Afghanistan were released on Monday after five days in captivity, police said. The Pakistanis — engineers and workers on a hospital construction project in Logar province, just south of the capital Kabul — were freed unharmed, provincial police chief Ghulam Sakhi Roghliwani said. It was not clear what prompted their release, he added, saying an investigation into the incident was underway. The men were abducted at gunpoint on Wednesday as they drove from their workplace back to their accommodation in Pul-e-Alam, provincial capital of Logar, which is troubled by the Taliban-led insurgency. The police chief said he believed criminal gangs seeking a ransom payment were behind the abduction. Abduction of rich Afghans and foreign nationals is relatively common in Afghanistan. The Pakistanis were taken to an unknown location in Kabul after their release, the police commander added.

envoys called in ISLAMABAD INP

Unusual changes in Pakistan’s foreign policy are expected after NATO’s raid on Pakistani checkpost in Mohmand Agency that killed 24 troops, as ambassadors serving in various countries across the globe have been summoned for a meeting. Well-placed sources in the Foreign Ministry on Monday said all Pakistani ambassadors abroad had been called back to Islamabad. All the ambassadors would meet after parliament’s joint session and foreign policy and suggestions for reforms would be discussed in the meeting. Alliance in the war on terror and future line of action regarding aggression from western borders would be top agenda of the meeting.

ratification of CrPD requires abolishment of ‘disability culture’ ARIF tAj The International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 was largely overshadowed by the political hype of the “memogate” scandal and the significance of the day failed to attract the media’s attention that it deserved.

About 2.49 percent of the Pakistani population has disabilities, according to government figures, but many differ and

claim that the actual percentage of people with disabilities in the country is around 10 percent, while others place it at 18 percent.

The dispute stems from different definitions of the word “disability”.

There could be several types of disabilities of varied degrees, visible or hidden, temporary and permanent or unpredictable, cognitive, developmental and many others. However, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) define, “Disability is the outcome of the interaction between a person with impairment

and the environmental and attitudinal barriers one may face as a result”.

This is a human rights’ perspective to disability that requires society and the governments to actively promote “reasonable accommodation” to ensure persons with disabilities enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

So, regardless of what percentage of the entire population constitutes the figures of persons with disabilities in the country, no one can deny that special persons need fundamental human rights on account of their disabilities and facilitating them is moral and legal obligation of the state.

Pakistan needs concerted efforts to abolish disability culture from ‘the land of the pure’ which requires streamlining of its various departments working for the well-being of the persons with disabilities to improve their inter-departmental coordination and their liaison with NGOs. Millions of people face a social design of exclusion everyday, sometimes on the pretext of social customs and sometimes of the basis of legal requirements. We have to build an all-inclusive society, with equal opportunities for all.

The United Nations educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UN-

eSCO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICeF) urged Pakistan on December 3 to show solidarity and support towards the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of their political, social, economic and cultural lives.

The government of Pakistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – CRPD (2006) on July 5, 2011, with its universal definition based on fundamental rights and now it must make efforts to fulfil its commitments results from the ratification to ensure rights of the persons with disabilities and to abolish disability culture.

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

Editor’s mail 11

recharge yourself Pakistan is in a miserable state, that is what my elders say watching the bloodshed on television sets. But as Seneca said, “Fire tries gold, misery tries brave men.” We, I hope, will emerge out of this situation as a new more united nation.

The government has failed in everything from education to the economy of the country. We have no electricity and for three days a week our cars are without fuel (CNG). In winters, our stoves burn only for a few hours. Our taps are flowing with filthy water. In these conditions only the elite class can survive the jolts of scarcity and inflation while the rest are spending their lives hand to mouth. But I think all this is happening as an outcome of our own actions. We are indulged in playing blame games, daydreaming and idleness and we look for shortcuts.

According to the National Corruption Perception Survey (NCPS) 2010 by the Transparency International, “The four

other side of our stance top corrupt institutions in Pakistan are police, electricity, land department and education.” Police officers should be selected on merit. Only then our police department can do away with the bad impression associated with it for years.

Wapda, Pakistan Railways and PIA are facing hard times despite the fact that they have been extracting desired charges from facility users. Still they are facing criticism and losses. For years, Pakistan has been trying to balance out the supply against demand for electricity but not a single long term solution has been put forward.

A corrupt mafia is ruling over the land department who has their own book of laws. The patwaris are involved in all the illegal deals. The successive governments have been ignoring this department as if they are bound to cooperate with them.

Wherever you see, corruption is

already there. Cheating in exams, getting admissions and jobs through contacts is also corruption. We are so spoiled that we may not survive in a crystal clear system. If we cannot obey the law, how come we should expect the government officials to follow the law of the land?

With every passing day, the poor are being suppressed and getting frustrated, which leads to creating criminals out of them. Pakistan’s biggest issue is the presence of non-uniform educational system. Private and public sector schools have ignited the spark of discrimination.

They have divided the society into two classes; the rich and the lower classes.

Private sector schools charge fee which an ordinary citizen cannot afford, only the elite class can get their children enrolled in these schools.

The situation is totally opposite in the public sector schools. We can sweep corruption, terrorism and illiteracy from

our society only by providing quality education.

Having said that, we have brilliant minds and have potential to bring change. It’s just that we are unable to set our destination. Our country desperately needs a strong leadership and an organised law enforcement system which will guide its people in the right direction. We should not wait for miracles to happen.

We have the spark to turn the tables, so let’s start planning about future.

It’s not too late to rethink and make our lives self-controlled rather leading a submissive life. But for that we have to stand up for ourselves and shun away bad habits stuffed in our heads. Don’t let your fears overcome yourself rather chase away your fears and let the heat of your burning passion come out and make your own world.

ZAIB NAVEED Karachi

Political parties & military The difference between the political system and the army is an extremely stark one. Neutrality and merit does not exist at any level in our political system whereas the army solely promotes individuals, based on their skills and abilities, irrespective of their race class or ethnicity. A poor boy belonging to a slum can only aspire to become a sloganeer of a political party and nothing beyond that.

The same boy however can hope to achieve a respectable position in the army and compete with other boys, solely on the basis of his abilities, skills and talents. This example is enough to show how vastly the two institutions of our country differ from each other.

When we take the example of PML(N) we can see that virtue, fairness and neutrality do not exist in the party.

For instance, if Hamza Sharif was a blue collar worker he would not have any scope or chance of gaining a position in a political party. However, he would be eligible to get a position in the army.

The existing structure of political parties is plagued with greed, violence, biradri system and connections. Our political parties and government needs to amend and eliminate their existing structures and adopt a system of merit for smooth functioning.

The answer to this lies in the establishment of a system where everyone should have an equal chance of raising their voices and opinions. This means adoption of policies such as equal airtime on TV channels for everyone, and imposition of strict punishments for people using biradri, thana, and sectarianism in the political arena. In short, a system should be established which promotes equality at all levels.

MIQDAD SIBTAIN Karachi

mr qureshi’s decision So, Shah Mahmood Qureshi has finally joined Tehreek-e-Insaf thus strengthening Imran Khan’s support. Mr Qureshi has taken his time to make this decision. Parting from PPP and its leadership must have been tough decision but this is real life politics.

Promotion of one’s own self-interest is the basic instinct of human being and Shah is no different from others in this race for survival.

Shah has barrels of his guns pointing at President Zardari. He declared Zardari a security risk for Pakistan. He thinks that his past master has compromised with enemies. He has forgotten that this same allegation has been levelled against his leader Imran Khan.

Imran Khan is a greater security risk for Pakistan. He wants to negotiate with the Taliban, the sworn enemies of Pakistan. Can Shah Mahmood Qureshi tell us which is true? We must take things as they appear to the naked eye. In here, people change their colours like chameleon.

Politics is a dirty game and politicians make compromises every step of the way.

Lust for power blinds even the sane person and they fail to differentiate between the right or the wrong. Two wrongs do not make them right. We must see through the veil. It is Shah’s loss and not PPP’s loss.

JAVAID BASHIR Lahore

The decisions taken by the government of Pakistan in response to the 26th November Nato air raid on Pakistani checkpost are bold and popular, but it should also take into account the future price of these measures.

Along with protest by the government on international level, large numbers of protests and processions have been held during this week by different organisations, political parties and religious groups against this act of blatant aggression. In this atmosphere of public resentment, Pak-US cooperation is at stake because it will be difficult for this weak and choking government to stand up to the anti-American sentiment this time.

This popular policy will also help the PPP-lead coalition government to cover its governance failures and corruption under this popular stance for sometime.

But the principle stance taken by the government must also take into account its wider implications on Pakistan’s future foreign policy on Afghanistan. Boycotting Bonn Conference could be a wrong decision as Pakistan can lose much of its influence in the new international policy on Afghan. This new policy can increase Indian influence in Afghan which in turn will be of much concern for Pakistan.

Likewise, blockage of Nato route can be responded by America with trade barriers, serious cuts on both military and developmental aid and other economic barriers. These responses can affect greatly already deteriorating economic conditions of Pakistan. So, the government should ensure that the price of this popular stance is not too high for our national interests.

MUHAMMAD EJAZ SARWAR Islamabad

Karbala in our hearts

Unemployment breeding crime Unemployment is a central problem from which various other problems are hatching out. It causes frustration, backwardness, poverty among the people and forces them to go astray and follow the path of crime.

It increases tension as people are forced to live well under their earnings. While the crime rates gets higher and higher, our police is unable to counter it owing to the fact the problem lies somewhere else, not in the act of actual crime. It is the reasons that have to be countered.

With the wayward government policies that are directly or

Studies and politics Studies and politics are two different things. The foremost duty of a student is to gain knowledge and awareness from politics. every student should take profound interest in his education. The student-age is the period of perception and assimilation of knowledge. Students should take part in politics after achieving their high level professional education. Only then they are able to understand the pros and cons of political matters. Politics is not an easy subject to understand. It needs sound knowledge of social surroundings.

indirectly supporting terrorism, it is no wonder that more and more people are doing what is totally illegal and unethical.

Lack of resources and increase in loadshedding are forcing the industrialists to wind up their business. To cover their losses they have to lay off their employees which adds to more unemployed people in society. The government must take action to bring this situation under control; otherwise, we will be a lawless country altogether.

MAHAM MUZNA KHALID Karachi

Students should avoid favouritism and should proceed in the right direction with true determination. After the completion of their studies, they have to start their career in a social and political sphere. Practice in politics requires a vast knowledge of the past events and a visionary approach about the future prospects.

It requires selfless devotion. They should perform their positive role on firm grounds. Students must use real moral values of sincerity and honesty. Their contribution to politics would enhance brotherhood and moral cultural values.

M FARAZ HADIER Karachi

a right call

The month of Muharram is observed with great respect and reverence by all Muslims everywhere in the world. The great sacrifice for Islam by Imam Husain is remembered and we take oath that we will stand against aggression and all those who plan and act against Islam, Muslims and humanity. Great tributes are paid to the martyrs of Karbala and throughout the month we try our best to avoid any situation which would cause suffering to anyone.

But there are some who create problems and do not understand the underlying philosophy of the sacrifice. Or maybe these troublemakers belong to the groups who are launched to create a rift and hatred among Muslims. The turmoils we are going through, the misunderstandings created between us and the way Muslim brotherhood is targeted, needs that all of us should have a vision to understand the past, present and future and devise strategies to overcome crises in a saner and more mature way.

The lesson of Karbala is not only for a few days and a month but it should remain in our hearts all through the year through if we really want to fight the evil designs of the enemy and have true peace of mind and heart.

ANWAR PERVEEN Islamabad

The call to appoint Sherry Rehman, an MNA and rights activists, ex-federal minister and a former journalist, as ambassador to the United States after Hussain Haqqani looks like a right call.

In my opinion, she will be positively seen and will be taken by everyone seriously as she doesn’t any controversy attached to her name. She is well-known to the Americans, committed and dedicated. She is also possessed with diplomatic skills.

MARYAM PERVEZ KHAN Rawalpindi

don’t enter politics

students?

A good education should, among other things, train you to think for yourself. The examination system does anything but that. What has to be learnt is rigidly laid down by a syllabus so the student is encouraged to memorise. examinations do not motivate a student to read widely but to restrict his reading; they do not enable him to seek more knowledge but induce cramming.

They lower the standards of teaching, for they deprive the teacher of all freedom. Teachers themselves are often judged by examination results and instead of teaching their subjects, they are reduced to training their students in exam techniques which they despise. The

most successful candidates are not always the best educated; they are the best trained in the technique of working under duress.

The results on which so much depends are often nothing more than a subjective assessment by some anonymous examiner. examiners are only human, they can make mistakes. Yet they have to mark stacks of hastily scrawled scripts in a limited amount of time. After a judge’s decision you have the right of appeal but not after an examiner’s. There must surely be many simpler and more effective ways of assessing a person’s true abilities.

BISMA HANIF Karachi

“The PTI office in Lahore was sealed over tax issue.” The pet-cats make instinct noises to prohibit the entry of unfamiliar cats into “their houses”.

Z A KAZMI Karachi

exams are nothing but injustice We might marvel at the progress made in every field of a study,but the methods of testing a person’s knowledge and stability remain as primitive as ever they were.It really is extraordinary that after all these years,educationists have still failed to devise anything more efficient and reliable than examinations.For all the pious claim that examinations test what you know,it is common knowledge that they more often do the exact opposite.They may be a good means of testing memory,or the knack of working rapidly under extreme pressure,but they can tell you nothing about a person’s true ability and aptitude.

As anxiety-makers, examinations are

second to none. That is because so much depends on them. They are the mark of failure in our society. Your whole future may be decided in a fateful day. It doesn’t matter that you weren’t feeling well or that your mother died. No one can give his best when he is in a mortal terror, or after a sleepless night, yet this is precisely what the examination system expects him to do. The moment a child begins school, he enters a world of vicious competition where success and failure are clearly defined and measured.

Can we wonder at the increasing number of ‘drop-outs’, young people who are written off as utter failures before they have even embarked on a career? Can we be surprised at the suicide rate among

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 Bonn 2011 The road ahead

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he Bonn Conference is being convened at a time when all eyes are fixed on December 2014, the final date for withdrawal of all combat troops from Afghanistan. What everyone expects from the conference is that it would hammer out a realistic scheme to ensure peace and stability post 2014. As things stand few see a light at the end of the tunnel. This is in grim contrast to the spectacular Bonn Conference a decade back which raised hopes of stability and prosperity in Afghanistan while making concrete moves towards the direction, like establishing an interim government under Karazi and a roadmap for the pursuit of the goals. The dominant narrative in Afghanistan is that the Americans are leaving, the government is weak and the Taliban are still strong. Despite all the Nato claims of considerable success in the South, assassination of key Afghan officials and high profile hit-and-run guerilla activities continue incessantly demoralising the Afghans and heightening concerns in the region.

Washington had hoped that by the time the Bonn Conference is held the US would be able to bring an effective section of the Taliban to the talks. More development in the direction was being expected after the UN removed 14 Taliban leaders from an international blacklist. Among the factors that stopped the breakthrough was a deterioration of relations with Pakistan which culminated after the killing of 24 Pakistani troops in Mohmand Agency.

Islamabad’s absence from Bonn would hurt not only the peace process in Afghanistan but also Pakistan’s own vital interests. The country faces an existential threat from the militants and has intensified military operations in a number of tribal agencies over the last several weeks.

Pakistan’s participation would have ensured that its protest against the Mohmand killings was effectively registered and its interests were not jeopardised when post-2014 arrangements were being formulated. The US has to realise that anything seen to be harming Pakistan’s interest would force the weak and embattled government in Islamabad to go for a revision of the existing terms of business with the US, Nato, ISAF and the UN. It is in the best interests of both Washington and Islamabad to bring down the level of confrontation and improve relations.

The politics of assets The abyss stares into you

D

o always expect a PML(N) presser after one by the PTI. Because it is corruption and financial impropriety that the latter delves into and in that, the PML(N) sees its space being encroached upon. The PPP having long given up even trying to present a holier than thou image, it is the League that always styled itself as the party of clean and impeccable financial behaviour.

The odds, however, are stacked against it, as far as media discourse is concerned. This is but natural; the PTI has never been in power, the League many times over and its leading family is one of the richest in the country. But a lot of the allegations against the PML(N) are clearly false like, to point one out, that its chief pays only Rs 5000 as income tax. Similarly, a lot of the allegations against PTI Chief Imran Khan do have merit, like his not too clear tax records. Tax evasion, said PML(N) leader Chaudhry Nisar, is tax evasion, whether one is in government or not.

This doesn’t, of course, mean to absolve the League from any crime. For industrialists to join politics is their democratic right. For them to want to grow their businesses when they are still in power, however, is not.

The scale of the business that the Sharifs run is huge and knowledge of governmental decisions beforehand is a greater competitive advantage than competitive rates themselves. It is not sharp business, as League spindoctors were fond of calling it in their second federal term, but clear conflicts of interest.

Financial impropriety covers the whole of society and tax evasion is the norm rather than the exception. No one is an honest Joe here. The malaise covers the military, where institutionalised corruption will ensure that even clean officers who make it to a general have an end worth the career corporate executives can only dream of. Ditto for the judiciary, where the earnings of legal practices run by family members cannot really be touched.

It will depend, really, on the strictness of the standards involved. Corruption, governmental or otherwise, is an ill that needs to be combated. But who will cast the first stone?

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36298305-10 Fax: 042-36298302 Karachi – Ph: 021-34330811-3 Fax: 021-34330900 Islamabad – Ph: 051-2287414-6 Fax: 051-2287417 Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

status quo and change will ballot box bring the kind of change people desire?

By Dr Faisal Bari

N

awaz Sharif and PML(N), Imran Khan and PTI, and Altaf Hussain and MQM have all, recently, talked of the need to change the politics of Pakistan and to challenge the status quo. Imran Khan has said that a tsunami is coming that none will be able to stop, while Shahbaz Sharif has also said that if we do not change, it would then be hard to stop a revolution from occurring.

Imran Khan/PTI are building their entire party on the platform for change: they want to provide justice to all, eradicate corruption, and make Pakistan into an ‘Islamic welfare state’.

But what is interesting is that all of these parties want to bring these sweeping changes through electoral politics. Is such fundamental change even possible through just electoral politics?

Pakistan has a very entrenched political elite; extremely strong and entrenched interest groups that have a tight hold on the social, political and economic structure of the country (think military, landed elite, traders, big business, land mafias), and there is a deeply embedded patronage mechanism that backs the various elites and interest groups. Will any candidates and parties that make it through the ballot box and the electoral process a) not be a part of the elite or patronage mechanisms, b) be independent enough of these interest groups, patronage networks or elite structures to be able to argue for and implement fundamental changes, and c) be allowed to change the structure of governance, institutions and organisations in such fundamental ways without resistance from the entrenched forces of the status quo? Do we have good examples of electoral process leading to such fundamental changes in other parts of the world historically?

None of the examples of implementation of major changes that readily come to mind are of cases where it was achieved through the electoral process, especially where fundamental structural/organisational change is concerned. Most of the major changes that we

have read of, from China to europe to South America and even North America, have been through the direct power of the people. even the recent and on-going movements/conversations in the Middle east have not been ballot box-driven.

There are a number of reasons for the above. Fundamental change requires a basic renegotiation of power and resource relationships in a society. People who have power and resources do not like giving these up. They are bound to resist and/or negotiate hard. The ballot allows only certain people to come through. even if a lot of people with radical ideas are elected by the larger population who support change – and this is not easy and does not happen frequently – those who are already in the corridors of power, in the form of bureaucracy, military, industrialists, traders, landed elite, and any other power-holders or powerbrokers, will try their best to limit what the newly elected people will be able to do.

And since the newly elected government does need support of the traditional groups, for one issue or another, there is bound to be dilution in what the new government will be able to do. This is true for whatever the form of change that is promised. Right wing parties that promised the moon to their supporters when in opposition, had to live with a limited canvass for what they could implement. The limited canvas might still be radical enough, but compared to promises it is usually taken to be a betrayal of ideals.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto came to power with the support of a broad spectrum of people –a rare enough event in electoral politics – with a lot of promises for delivering on social, political and economic justice. But once in power we saw that he had to negotiate with the entrenched power groups, allow some of them to join his coalition, tamper his ambitions, jettison the more radical groups from his coalition.

And ultimately the same elite conspired for his hanging.

Imran Khan and PTI are promising justice for all, eradication or near eradication of all corruption, an ‘Islamic welfare state’ and extension of basic rights and services (health, education) to all. Clearly, this cannot be done by just revamping the tax system, having efficiency drives, doing privatisation and/or getting undeclared assets or assets of Pakistanis in other countries back, even if that is possible.

We need a very basic and fundamental renegotiation in the society and almost all major institutions, organisations, laws and ways of doing things will have to be altered if PTI wants to deliver on its promises.

The gulf between the haves and have-nots, the elite and the masses, those who are bene-

fiting or have benefitted through illegal and sometimes legal but immoral or amoral means and those who have paid for it is too large. It requires a structural shift and redress of historical wrongs. Just to give a few examples, will PTI take back the wealth military officers and bureaucrats have accumulated, will it reverse the land-grab of the army, will it redistribute wealth made due to license raj and by not paying taxes? Will land reform be back on the agenda? even if PTI wins, will it have members who are committed to this larger agenda? It sounds unlikely that Shah Mehmood Qureshi and similar sounding grand family names of Pakistan will be the vanguard of a revolution. And even if they are, can basic structural changes be done by an elected government? every move that will even come close to challenging the basic structures will be contested by entrenched power groups and the elected government will be tied down by the need to keep coalitions in place or by the structure imposed by the rules set by existing power groups.

This is not the death of hope, or an attempt to rain on any parade. It is a matter of seeing what can realistically be expected through electoral means solely. Radical change is very unlikely to take place through rules and institutions set by the powerful or those who had been in power. Usually, radical change has happened by chucking the old set of rules and those who tried to defend them, and then bringing in a new set of rules and people. But incremental change can happen, with large enough coalitions and ideological commitments, through the electoral process and through existing rules.

The current wave of popular support for change is making political parties, who are either part and parcel of the current setup (PML(N) or MQM) or who want to play by the existing rules (PTI) to promise radical change, but through the existing set of rules. This is very unlikely. What would be a realistic course of action for them is up to them to decide. But I think they will have to choose. They will either have to go to the people for direct power to alter all the basic structures of governance, or they will have to live with incremental change in case they are elected.

If parties do not do either, they will be fooling themselves and the people and this will inevitably lead to a lot of disappointment in the people post elections.

The writer is an Associate Professor of Economics at LUMS (currently on leave) and a Senior Advisor at Open Society Foundation (OSF).

He can be reached at fbari@sorosny.org

Veena and Vidya

By Ahmed Yusuf

A

s Pakistan had a collective arousal and subsequent ire at Veena Malik’s alleged photo shoot for FHM, India was reveling in Vidya Balan’s celebration of female sexuality in The Dirty Picture. The censor board in Pakistan decided that The Dirty Picture isn’t for the public consumption, what with them being the protectors of our morality and choices.

Released last Friday, The Dirty Picture revolves around the character of Silk Smitha – an actress whose heyday was in the 1980s.

This is the period where Pakistani society was being strangled by General Zia-ul-Haq while India was reaping the benefits of its import-substitution and industrialisation policy. “It [the plot] is about a woman who believes in herself and has no qualms about being the way

she is… Silk was fearless and so was the character in the film,” said Balan in a recent interview published in Dawn.

The Dirty Picture raked in Rs 20.32 crores till December 4, on its opening weekend. Its opening day business, estimated to be around Rs 9.5 crores, wasn’t the highest in 2011: that accolade went to Bodyguard with a Rs 21.5 crores return on the opening day. The Dirty Picture ranked fifth in 2011, behind Bodyguard, Ra-One, Ready and Rockstar in terms of opening day business.

The success of the movie is in part due to its marketing strategy: a bold movie such as this required a wider acceptance of its subject matter despite the acclaim that it had been getting in urban centres such as Mumbai. As part of the strategy, Balan was invited to Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati as a contestant. Balan and the male lead in the movie, emraan Hashmi, also made an appearance in a soap on the same channel, Bade Ache Lagtay Hain.

Their presence was worked into the script, with a narrative created around the cast of the movie running into the protagonists of the soap in a hotel in Australia, culminating with both heroines performing on Ooh La La. This was the Bollywood marketing machine at

its best, “winning hearts and minds” in India and beyond. This was also Indian professionalism at its best, television feeding the film industry and vice versa.

What has been consistent throughout is Balan’s portrayal as an urbane and sophisticated woman, jolly yet reserved in her private life but equally daring to suit a particular role’s demands. In effect, there is little to suggest that Balan has risen from a red-light area – a perception that Veena Malik doesn’t have the luxury of this side of the border.

Unlike the celebration of female sexuality in India, our policy thrust in Pakistan is to ban anything to do with such celebrations.

Or any dissent, anything different that falls outside the interpretation of Islamic or patriotic, as defined by the censor board. Remember the case in the Lahore High Court against singers Naseebo Lal and Nooran Lal for singing “vulgar songs”, and for cable operators for “spreading obscenity in society” through their stage dramas and dances? Or for that matter Slackistan, that portrayed the not-so-secret Islamabad? Or even Tere Bin Laden, a brilliant take on catching Osama bin Laden in Pakistan?

It is not as if debate will be stifled in Pakistan by the banning of such films or songs. It is more

about the government perpetuating its control over what society can or cannot watch/hear. It is more about how much agency is given to citizens, of what is deemed morally decent or indecent. It is definitely not about Islam or Pakistan, it is about defining the limits of a state perpetually concerned about its survival – the same state that is still cast in Zia’s mould and remains preoccupied with controlling male and female sexualities.

This is our Dirty Picture – albeit one where sadly Veena Malik isn’t cast in the lead role. There is much collective arousal and subsequent ire taking place in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and not just in the corridors of power. There is much to censor on television these days, much drivel that stunts our people’s power to think and question what is happening.

Perhaps it is time to prepare for a return to the decade of the 1980s, because our change agents – political and judicial – and those who back them, feel comfortable in maintaining status quo in our social attitudes. The change is coming, and this time, there are more Zias than ever before. Anything else is mere fantasy.

The writer is a Karachi-based journalist. Connect with him on Twitter @ASYusuf

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

se(x)ationalism tV news caters to the misogynists who want to declare Veena a scarlet woman in the daytime and ogle reruns of the FhM story at nighttime

Mighty Obvious

By Syed Hassan Belal Zaidi

D

o you think Veena Malik googles herself? If she were to use Google in the way it is commonly used, she would not be wrong to assume that people in Pakistan think of her only in two ways: as a girl they all wish they could get with; and as a human piñata just waiting to be sticked and stoned into submission. Not too surprisingly, it is very possible for both sentiments to coexist simultaneously in one human mind. Such minds are often allotted to those out in the streets, vociferously decrying Veena’s epicness and proclaiming her infidelity.

Secretly, they all want to be there at the airport when Veena Malik arrives in the country and is being led off the tarmac in the midst of a media circus. It is there that these predators want to be, just so they can discreetly cop a feel in the heaving and panting mass of humanity that will result as the wee lass tries to make her way out. But before you can say “You pigs! How dare you…” allow me to play the devil’s advocate and tell you that such misogynistic minds are the ones that will eventually save our heroine from certain death and disrepute. This is because these people, who would otherwise commit the foulest blasphemies against women’s rights and basic human values in general, have a very strong sense of fidelity. Let me explain.

After the success of “Mufti Sahab – The Remix” and “Ah-AhAh-Aaashwin!” (Gesundheit), Veena’s public portfolio has been flaccid, to say the least. That is to

say, she hasn’t been in the news for some time, what with Memogate and Nato attacks eating up airtime on news channels. Ratings are at an all time low, especially since Meher and Kashif decided to tie the knot. Now that she’s married, Meher Bukhari is obviously off-limits for oglers. The same goes for a variety of other goodlooking TV show hosts, such as Sana Bucha, Najam Sethi and the canned laughter girl from Hasb-eHaal. There has also been a downturn in the number of times Sheila ki Jawani and Munni Badnaam are plugged into news bulletins nowadays. This is why, in recent weeks, average TV viewership in the country has fallen by nearly 17 percent.

All of this is good for journal-

to declare Ms Malik a scarlet woman (look up this reference) in the daytime and fantasize about making her their scarlet woman at nighttime. Hence, Jhankaar Studio-journalism is born and Ms Malik gets to make a living (or killing, as the case may be).

Before you think this diatribe insensitive, let me remind you that TV is all about target audiences. Veena’s target audience, i.e., the people who make sure she keeps making a killing, are the same ones that are currently playing Ghairat Brigade. It is a vicious cycle, one that media barons have learned how to exploit all too well.

What else would be the point of pitting her against Mufti Sahab in an epic battle of the wits, engineered in a way that she would be

that which you call vulgar may be art to Veena, cash and ratings for media moguls, ammunition for radicals and some good alone time for the pigs who want to greet Veena at the airport. ism, you might say. Now that news channels have been weaned off the Jhankaar Studio-style of reporting, you might be tempted to think that reporters and editors everywhere would’ve heaved a sigh of relief. Now, you may think, there will be space for some actual news stories and hard-hitting investigative journalism looking into more seminal concerns, such as the correlation between our forex reserves and trade with India. I take great pride in telling you that if you agreed with all of the above, you would be dead wrong in your analysis.

When was the last time that you watched a whole TV news broadcast? Not too recently, eh?

Why then, pray tell, should news broadcasts be tailored to what you want to watch? The whole point of the mass medium is to give the people what they want to watch, innit? By that logic, TV news should be catering to the aforementioned misogynists who want

seen to have come out on top and Mufti Sahab be left gasping for air (pun intended)? Why else would Veena do a risque shoot and then spew forth hellfire and brimstone on local TV when it emerged that the pictures were causing an uproar back home?

That which you call vulgar may be art to Veena, cash and ratings for media moguls, ammunition for radicals and some good alone time for the aforementioned pigs who want to greet Veena at the airport upon her return. So you see, it is in no one’s interest to see Veena go anywhere. We need Veena to maintain the precarious balance in our oh-so-hypocritical society. We need Veena to show us what’s good, what’s bad and what’s worth suing for. And above all, we need Veena to make sure that the pigs don’t get up to other, more violent and explosive mischief at weird hours of the night. I say God save Veena Malik, our national security depends on it.

comment 13

the violations within A case of selective outrage

“T

hy government is thy keeper, thy head, thy sovereign, one that cares for thee, And for thy maintenance…To watch the night in storms, the day in cold, Whilst thou lie’st warm at home, secure and safe;” says Kate, Shakespeare’s erstwhile Shrew once tamed.

Kate, of course used the word ‘husband’ rather than ‘government’, but alas the unhusbanded people of Pakistan, uncared for, hardly maintained, unable to lie warm at home…neither safe nor secure.

Last month, Nato aircrafts attacked two of Pakistan’s border posts along Afghanistan, reportedly unprovoked, killing at least 24 Pakistani troops.

It is as Huma Yusuf said in her column ‘Understanding Sovereignty’: ‘Other countries cannot be expected to take our state’s flirtation with the concept (of sovereignty) seriously. At times, we thump righteous fists in defence of a concept we barely understand or value. At (others) we are the first to subvert our own sovereignty by inviting foreign states to interfere in matters that ought to be Pakistan’s unique business.’

Inviting the US to meddle with our armed forces, or complaining to Britain to help resolve security issue is the best this government can do but by no means the worst, which is when it subverts its own role as the sovereign authority within

By Rabia Ahmed a state claiming independence.

As many as 24, some say more, soldiers killed by violent means is tragic any time; if the violence is unprovoked it is criminal as well. Yet look around to see how many innocent civilians die everyday in this country because of the criminal negligence of those who are supposed to care for them.

The government asked the National Institute of Health (NIH) to stop compiling lists of dengue-related cases to avoid panic. Therefore there are no figures available for deaths this year as a result of dengue fever, but they appear to be in hundreds.

These deaths, still occurring, are largely linked to the negligence of relevant authorities who failed to take appropriate measures against the spread of this virus.

The horrifying practice of karo kari (‘honour’ killing) is, according to the Ansar Burney Trust website, a ‘shockingly common practice in Pakistan’. Quoting loosely, the website says that “karo kari involves the murder of a female member of a family by a

relative because she is thought to have brought dishonor upon the family. Women on whom suspicion falls are rarely given the opportunity to defend themselves. (Her) relatives have no other socially acceptable alternative but to remove the stain of dishonor on the family name by killing her, the female responsible.

This violation of the code of ‘decent behaviour’ can be anything: a woman refusing to enter into an arranged marriage, seeking divorce (even from an abusive husband), having extra-marital relationships (sexual or otherwise), flirting, or even becoming the victim of rape.

Suspicion and accusations alone are often enough to defile a family’s honour and therefore enough to warrant the killing of the woman.”

News dated 3 December: a girl who had eloped with and married the man of her choice was shot dead by her uncle, right in her parents’ home in Lahore. She was lucky to be shot. Some women in such situations are burnt to death, often with acid, others are beaten and tortured until they die.

This woman was one of about 1000 women who die every year in Pakistan as a result of karo kari. Persons committing murder are punishable with death or life imprisonment under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code. According to the Ansar Burney Trust however, persons ‘who commit karo kari typically go unpunished.’

There have been many expressions of outrage following the Nato attacks, rallies in various Pakistani cities where citizens expressed their anger towards Nato and specifically the US. Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan have been closed, no Bonn, and the government has made the appropriate noises, demanding an apology from Washington which, says The New York Times, President Obama will not tender, at least for now.

Where is the outcry following the dengue, the karo kari, the target killings?

Again, and it was a man, Zaheer Iqbal this time, who suffered the consequences of a family’s ‘lost honour’. Zaheer was shot for having ‘developed illicit relations with the sister of a local man.’

The news of Zaheer’s murder in one newspaper was immediately followed by news of the Chief Traffic Officer of some area deputing wardens intelligently on the roads to maintain traffic flow outside a makeshift goat market.

The issue has been placed in the perspective in which it is viewed in this country. For this issue no righteous fists were thumped.

‘Providence, the most popular scapegoat for our sins,’ said Mark Twain. It is either Providence, or the USA; never ourselves.

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14 Foreign News Syria ‘responds positively’ to Arab plan Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

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5 civilians killed in new violence DAMASCuS/ BAgHDAD

S

AFP

YRIA said on Monday it will allow observers into the country as part of an Arab League plan to end months of deadly unrest, in a turnabout which could stave off crippling regional sanctions, while Syrian security forces shot dead five civilians in Homs province.

“The Syrian government responded positively to the signing of the protocol” on the dispatch of observers “based on the Syrian understanding of this cooperation,” foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdesi told reporters. Foreign Minister

US urges allies to expand sanctions on Iran

Walid Muallem had sent a message to the Arab League to that effect late on Sunday night, as an Arab League deadline was set to expire, paving the way for the signing of the protocol, Makdisi said.

Damascus had until now refused to sign the protocol, arguing that the text contained wording that undermined Syrian sovereignty. The international community wants monitors to be deployed in Syria to keep a check on forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad who have been accused by the United Nations of rights abuses. Syria has asked in its message to the Arab League for “minor changes which do not touch on the substance of the protocol and for clarifications that are not linked to the nature of the mission,” Makdisi said.

“We asked them for the names and nationalities of the observers” he said. Syria in-

sists on the terms of Article 8 of the Arab League’s charter which stipulates that member states must respect the systems of government in other member states and avoid any action to change them, Makdisi said.

The deployment of an observer mission is part of the League’s proposal to end the violence in Syria, which is raging on despite offers of political reforms by Assad. Iraq said it is opposed to sanctions on Syria, a dominant trading partner, while Jordan said on Monday it does not want to impose trade sanctions and a flight ban on Damascus because they will harm Jordanian interests.

SyRiA ARREStS ACtiViSt: Syrian authorities on Monday arrested blogger Razan Ghazzawi at the border with Jordan as she headed to Amman to take part in a workshop on press freedom in the Arab world, activists said. The Syrian

Centre for Media and Free expression called for the release of Ghazzawi, who was to represent the group at the forum, and for the authorities to halt “the repression of bloggers and journalists” in Syria. iRAQi JiHADiStS CALL FOR AiD, ARMS FOR SyRiA OppOSitiON: Members of Iraqi online jihadist forums have called for fighters and arms to be sent to aid Syrians opposing President Bashar alAssad’s regime, who have faced a brutal crackdown since March.

Sunni jihadist sites such as Honein and Ansar al-Mujahedeen display numerous comments and articles critical of Assad’s regime, and videos of bloody events they say took place in Syria. The Syrian regime is largely made up of minority Alawites, an offshoot of Shiite Islam, while protesters demanding reforms are

wAShINGtON: Police officers scuffle with an Occupy DC protester at the McPherson Square. Police detained several protesters as they moved in to remove a wooden structure the demontrators erected illegally in the park. AFP

High alert along Israel-egypt border jERuSALEM AFP

SEOuL

Israeli troops were on very high alert along the southern border with the egyptian Sinai on Monday over fears a cell of gunmen had crossed the border into southern Israel, a security source said. The state of alert was based on “intelligence information about a cell of terrorists planning an attack” on a road which runs close to the border in the southern Negev desert, the source said.

The alert has been in place since Saturday, when the military contacted their egyptian counterparts to pass on the information they had, he said. The Israeli army had no immediate comment on the state of alert, saying only that the military “deploys its troops in accordance with ongoing security assessments.” iSRAEL’S NEtANyAHU MOVES Up LiKUD pRiMARiES: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to bring forward to January the internal elections for his ruling right-wing Likud party, party sources said on Monday. The decision to hold the Likud primaries on January 31 emerged late on Sunday, in a move described by the Israeli press as a “political bombshell.” “This decision was taken in light of the serious challenges which Israel is facing,” party spokeswoman Noga Katz said. Under the party’s constitution, leadership primaries must be held up to six months before general elections, which are due to take place in 2013. Netanyahu is expected to comfortably win re-election to the Likud leadership, and the move was widely seen by commentators as a bid to capitalise on his good standing in the wake of soldier Gilad Shalit’s release and his dominance within the party. Bringing forward the primaries would also allow him to exploit the weakness of the opposition Kadima party, whose leader Tzipi Livni is facing strong internal opposition. Vice premier Silvan Shalom, who has said he would run in any leadership contest, is adamantly opposed to the plan to bring the vote forward, and is planning to take legal action to challenge the move, which his associates said was a violation of the party’s constitution, press reports said.

AFP

A senior US official on Monday urged South Korea and other allies to expand sanctions on imports from Iran for its suspected nuclear weapons programme, calling the Islamic country “a pariah state”.

Robert einhorn, the US State Department’s special adviser for non-proliferation and arms control, said the allies should show a “clear and unified message”. “The situation in Iran has become more and more worrisome over recent months,” he said, accusing Iran of showing “little interest in seriously negotiating over their nuclear programmes”. einhorn said allies should ban petrochemical imports from Iran, except for crude oil. “The timeline for Iran’s nuclear programme is beginning to get shorter. So it’s important that we take these strong steps on an urgent basis,” he said. einhorn ruled out a need for South Korea to ban imports of crude oil from Iran, saying Washington was aware of “energy security needs of countries” like South Korea. “We would like to see a reduction in Iran’s revenues from the sale of crude oil... but at the present time the oil market is very tight,” he said. South Korea in September 2010 announced a package of sanctions against Iran in line with USbacked United Nations action. But there was no ban on oil imports which provide 10 percent of South Korea’s needs. China, the european Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey are the main customers for Iran’s oil exports - a major source of income of the Middle east state.

maliki confident of Iraq’s future WASHINgtON AFP

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Monday expressed confidence in the future of his country following a full withdrawal of US troops at the end of the month. But he said he was counting on US assistance. US President Barack Obama announced in October that US troops would leave Iraq by the end of 2011, bringing to a close an almost nineyear war. “Today, however, I am confident about the future of my country and the capabilities and resilience of our people,” Maliki wrote in an op-ed piece in The Washington Post. He said his government was seeking a “comprehensive redevelopment” of the country, which would involve creation of legislation and institutions, strengthening of freedoms, and reinforcement of Iraqi democracy. “We want to build a state of citizens and not sects,” Maliki wrote. “We want to create a healthy environment conducive to investment and provide vital services to citizens, including access to a proper education.” The prime minister said Iraq sought to build a strong army and security forces that have the capacity to protect its sovereignty and interests.

largely from its Sunni majority. Syrian army deserters have also formed the Free Syrian Army which is inflicting growing losses on regular forces. “Our jihad (holy war), my brothers in Iraq or Syria is for one purpose, which is raising the banner of monotheism, the banner of Allahu akbar (God is greatest).” “The duty of jihad,” AlMansur wrote, “is coming to you again.”

The stances of those posting on the forums is at odds with that of Iraq’s Shiite-led government, which has so far shied away from punitive measures against Assad’s regime, abstaining from both a vote to suspend Syria from the Arab League, and another to impose sanctions against Syria. Analysts have said that the Iraqi government’s response to the situation in Syria has confessional overtones and may boost Sunni-Shiite sectarian divisions here.

Occupy DC protesters arrested after standoff WASHINgtON AFP

Police arrested 31 protesters late Sunday at an anti-Wall Street encampment in Washington and tore down the wooden shelter that activists had illegally erected overnight, prompting a nine-hour confrontation.

Officers on foot and horseback converged on McPherson Square, near the White House, where demonstrators have been living since late September, leading several activists to climb on to the structure and refuse to come down. After making dozens of arrests near the 25-feet tall,

roofless hut, US Park Police deployed an armored car and motorised lift to try to remove six hardy demonstrators who had clung on limpet-like to the shelter.

Ladders were then used to ease down the last protester who for more than 30 minutes held off five officers who had tried to attach a rope to his body to lift him off the building. But he was eventually prised off its beams, and a fork-lift truck later moved in and flattened the structure. A crowd of around 400 people had gathered to watch the unfolding spectacle and many of them shouted “shame on you” at police as arrests were made at

the site while also chanting that “liberty and justice would prevail.” Despite moves to evict “Occupy” protesters from similar camps in New York and other cities, authorities in the US capital have generally refrained from taking action against the village of tents and tarps that has sprung up here. But the erection of a wooden building, against park regulations, prompted officers to swarm into the square, and the standoff ensued. Sergeant David Schlosser, a park police spokesman, said 31 people were arrested and charged - 15 of them for crossing a police line and 16 for defying police orders.

A police officer at the scene said earlier that the people who had climbed on to the structure’s wooden beams were given three warnings that they were subject to arrest.

Protesters were split on the merits of building the wooden shelter frame that led to Sunday’s standoff with city authorities. The anti-Wall Street movement, born in New York in mid-September, is trying to redefine itself, as permission to camp in public spaces is being rapidly curtailed. The loosely organised, left-leaning Occupy Wall Street protesters insist they are exercising their freedom of speech in the run-up to November 2012 national elections.

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

Foreign News 15

18 killed in attack on Shia pilgrims in Iraq BAgHDAD AFP

Bomb attacks against pilgrims in central Iraq killed at least 18 people and wounded 48 on Monday, a day before the peak of the Shia Ashura religious commemorations, a doctor and a police officer said. In the deadliest attack, a car bomb targeted Shia pilgrims in the Neel area north of Hilla, which lies to the south of Baghdad, security officials said. The police officer also said that a car bomb exploded in the centre of Hilla near Shia pilgrims, killing one person and wounding three. But a medical source in another hospital in Hilla said it too had received one body and 20 wounded people.

And a roadside bomb against Shiite pilgrims in Latifiyah, 40 kilometres south of Baghdad, killed another person, a police source said. The Ashura commemoration ceremonies, which peak on Tuesday, mark the killing of Imam Hussein by armies of the caliph Yazid in 680 AD. Monday's attack comes with less than a month to go before US troops are to have completed their withdrawal from Iraq. Violence has declined in Iraq since its peak in 2006 and 2007, but attacks remain common. A total of 187 people were killed in November, according to official figures.

Scientists confirm Himalayan glacial melting kAtHMANDu AFP

Millions of people are under threat from melting of Himalayan glaciers, according to scientists carrying out the most comprehensive ever assessment of climate change in the region. The findings, published in three reports by the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), show Nepal’s glaciers have shrunk by 21 percent and Bhutan’s by 22 percent over 30 years. The reports, launched on Sunday at the UN climate talks in Durban, South Africa, provide the first authoritative confirmation of the extent of Himalayan glacial melting. They follow a discredited announcement by scientists in 2007 that the region’s glaciers would be gone by 2035. A three-year Swedenfunded research project led by ICIMOD showed 10 glaciers surveyed in the region all are shrinking, with a marked acceleration in loss of ice between 2002 and 2005. Another study found a significant reduction in snow cover across the region in the last decade.

“These reports provide a new baseline and location-specific information for understanding climate change in one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world,” Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said. “They substantially deepen our understanding of this region... while also pointing to the knowledge gaps yet to be filled and actions that must be taken to deal with the challenge of climate change.” Scientists said the effects of climate change in the Himalayas could be devastating, as the region provides food and energy for 1.3 billion people living in downstream river basins.

NEw DELhI: Muslim activists shout slogans during a protest to mark the 19th anniversary of the demolition of the 16th century Babri Mosque, on Monday. the Babri mosque in the state of Uttar Pradesh was demolished by hindu fundamentalists in 1992, claiming it was built on the site of the birth place of the hindu God, Lord Rama. AFP

Islamists look to extend gains in Egypt CAIRO

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Liberals try to salvage win after Islamist rout

AFP

SLAMIST candidates in egypt looked Monday to extend their crushing victory in the country’s first parliamentary elections since the toppling of Hosni Mubarak, as voters turned out for run-off polls.

Last week, residents in a third of districts including Cairo and secondcity Alexandria cast ballots at the start of the multi-stage polls, choosing a party and two candidates for a new 498-seat lower house of parliament.

In the party returns, Islamists picked up at least 65 percent of votes, with the more moderate Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) in first place with 36.6 percent and the hardline Salafist Al-Nur party in second with 24.4 percent. In the individual contests, all but four of the 56 seats up for grabs went into a run-off vote being held on Mon-

CAiRO: In Cairo’s leafy Zamalek district, liberal egyptians trickled into polling stations from the morning to salvage a victory in run offs on Monday for a parliament Islamists appeared poised to dominate. Ten months after president Hosni Mubarak’s overthrow by an uprising driven by secular youths, liberals say they feel that their way of life is threatened by fundamentalist Islamist groups sweeping the polls. “I voted for (liberal candidate Mohammed Abu) Hammad. If he

doesn’t win here, I don’t know where liberals will win,” Amr al-Gidawi said at a polling station in Zamalek, home to rich and foreign diplomats.

Mohammed Mahmud, a businessman, said he was particularly worried about the rise of the ultraconservative Salafist movement.I came to vote for a liberal, to make sure my vote will count,” he said. “I’m Muslim,” he said. “But that’s between me and my God. I don’t want someone to tell me to pray, or that my wife has to wear the hijab”.

day, with about 20 of them being contested between an FJP and an Al-Nur candidate. The surge in Salafist groups, which advocate a fundamentalist interpretation of Islam dominant in Saudi Arabia, has raised fears among increasingly marginalised liberals about civil liberties and religious freedom.

Voter turnout for the run-offs seemed far below the 62-percent level seen last Monday and Tuesday, when queues had formed early in the morning outside polling stations. The Brotherhood’s FJP had been widely forecast to triumph in the first free election in decades.

assange can pursue extradition fight in Britain: court LONDON AFP

The High Court in London ruled Monday that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can apply to the Supreme Court in an attempt to block his extradition to Sweden over rape allegations. Two judges ruled that Assange’s case raised a question “of general public importance” which should be decided by the highest court in Britain “as quickly as possible”. Although the judges refused Assange permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, they ruled that the Supreme Court should have the last word and he can apply directly to it himself.

Assange, the 40-year-old founder of the whistleblowing website that has infuriated Washington by releasing hundreds of thousands of classified US documents, was in court to hear the judges’ ruling. He was arrested in London a year ago on a european arrest warrant and has been living at the country estate of a supporter under stringent bail conditions.

Italy pushes austerity measures ROME AFP

russia vote exposes chinks in Putin’s armour g g

Putin’s party punished in polls cross russia Communists win about 20 percent of votes-partial count MOSCOW AFP

The United Russia party of Vladimir Putin saw its popularity ratings crumble in elections in a number of Russian regions where it won barely 30 percent of the vote, results showed Monday.

The results for United Russia in Sunday’s polls were particularly weak in regions at the extreme ends of Russia - in the Far east on the Pacific and the Far North - as well as Saint Petersburg and central Siberia. The weak poll rating of 33.4 percent in the Primorye region around the Far east city of Vladivostok is disturbing for the authorities given the city has been the subject of a multibillion dollar spending programme for an Asian summit next year.

At the other end of Russia in the western exclave of Kaliningrad, United Russia polled only 37 percent. In the northern re-

gion of Arkhangelsk it mustered 32 percent.

United Russia managed to stay unbeaten in all of Russia’s 83 regions but its failure to win much more than a third of the vote in several highly-populated areas is a major reverse for its previous domination of Russian politics. Its rating in the former imperial capital Saint Petersburg - which had a reputation for intellectual non-conformism even in Soviet days - was low at 33 percent.

But contrary to predictions, its support in Moscow held up at 46 percent, just below the national average, possibly helped by a high-profile campaign by new United Russia mayor Sergei Sobyanin to improve the quality of life in the city. United Russia’s ratings nationwide were boosted to just under 50 percent with the help of mass shows of support in the Northern Caucasus, where Russia is still battling an Islamist insurgency. The conflict-plagued Dagestan region voted over 91 percent for the ruling party, while in neighbouring Chechnya

Italy would “collapse” like Greece if it does not adopt harsh austerity measures, Prime Minister Mario Monti warned on Monday when his draconian plans got a boost from the financial markets and europe. As he prepared to present the package to parliament for approval, Monti said it would restore Italy’s credibility and help solve the eurozone debt crisis.

Ivory Coast’s Gbagbo faces ICC judges tHE HAguE AFP

MOSCOw: Voters burn flares during their protest against foul play in Russia’s parliamentary elections. the banner reads, ‘you were cheated!’. AFP where Russia waged two wars in the past 15 years, United Russia polled an astonishing 99.50 percent of votes. United Russia also won over 70 percent of the votes in the

largely Muslim regions of Tatarstan on the Volga and Bashkortostan, and also gained over 85 percent of the vote in the Siberian Buddhist region of Tuva.

Former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo appeared before International Criminal Court judges for the first time Monday over his role in the deadly aftermath of last year’s polls. Gbagbo, the first ex-president to be brought before the Hague-based court, will face four counts of crimes against humanity, including murder and rape, over violence the UN says left some 3,000 people dead. His transfer to the ICC last week drew a furious reaction from his supporters and set a tense backdrop for December 11 polls that had been billed as a chance to foster reconciliation in the war-weary country.

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

defends nude shoot NEW DELHI

I

AFP

NDIA'S version of FHM magazine has defended the cover of its latest issue which shows a nude Pakistani actress with the initials of Pakistan's powerful intelligence agency displayed on her arm. The magazine's December issue has yet to hit news stands. But a preview of the cover on its website triggered a media frenzy which intensified when actress Veena Malik denied posing nude and accused FHM of doctoring her image. The editor of FHM India, Kabeer Sharma, said that he was mystified by Malik's allegations.

“Maybe she is facing some kind of backlash, so maybe that's why she is denying it. We have not photoshopped or faked the cover. This is what she looks like, she has an amazing body,” Sharma said.

While Malik's pose preserves a scant degree of modesty, any nudity is still very much frowned upon in conservative India and in Muslim-majority Pakistan.

What has raised more eyebrows was her arm sporting the initials ISI - the acronym for Inter Services Intelligence, Pakistan's intelligence agency. Nucleararmed India and Pakistan have gone to war three times and the ISI has been routinely accused by New Delhi of masterminding militant attacks on Indian soil.

Sharma said the idea had been to take an ironic swipe at India's obsession with the ISI. A tag line on the cover which points to the initials, reads: “Hand in the end of the world too?” “People, especially young people in both countries, want to move past this kind of thinking,” the editor said. “It's a very powerful picture. It took a lot of guts for her to do that. It shows a powerful, sexy woman not afraid to speak her mind”.

Malik is already known in India for appearing on ‘Bigg Boss’, the country's version of the television reality show ‘Big Brother’.

Speaking to Pakistan's Geo TV on Saturday, Malik insisted the nude photos were fake.

“I agreed to a photo shoot and having an ISI tattoo in a humorous way but I did not have any nude photos. My pictures have been morphed,” she said. Sharma responded on his Twitter site, saying he would release a series of photos from the shoot proving his version of the story.

IN LIMELIGHT mUmBaI: US Hollywood actor Tom Cruise poses with co-actors Paula Patton and anil Kapoor before screening of ‘mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol’.

MUMBAI: Fans wait for hollywood actor tom Cruise before a special screening of his upcoming film ‘Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol’.

mUmBaI: Tom Cruise poses with anil Kapoor and daughter Sonam Kapoor with mastan, abbas (3r), and Neil Nitin mukesh before the screening of ‘mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol’.

LEBANON: Artist Alexandre Paulikevitch dances during his ‘tajwal’ (wanderings) performance at a theatre.

Former Miss USA arrested

for drunk driving LOS ANgELES AGENCIES

Former Miss USA Rima Fakih, 26, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. She initially attempted to deny her arrest with a tweet saying: “Let’s clear things up now. I’m NOT in Michigan and I’m not in jail! Wrong Fakih”. The tweet has since been deleted.

Fakih faces up to 93 days in jail if convicted. Her attorney said he did not yet know her blood alcohol

level, having not seen the paperwork, although Fakih reportedly blew a .20.

In Michigan, a .08 is the legal limit.

Fakih was driving her friend’s car because her companion was intoxicated. Her attorney said Fakih’s record “has not a single blemish”, and added that the beauty queen is “very saddened and very apologetic for the situation that she’s in right now”.

Fakih was the first Miss Michigan to win the title since 1993 and the first ArabAmerican to win in the pageant’s history.

SRK, Priyanka, Ranveer and Anushka to attend MUMBAI: It’s raining the world’s biggest movie stars in dubai. Thanks to special events and dedicated fan enclosures at the red carpet fans could be running shoulders with celebs attending the dubai International film festival (dIff) this year. dIff is adding to its Indian cinema celebration with ‘an afternoon with Shah rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, farhan akhtar and ritesh’ on december 8. ranveer Singh and anushka Sharma will also hit the red carpet for their movie ‘ladies vs ricky Bahl, which is going to have its world premiere at dIff. dIff will open with the premiere of Tom Cruise’s highly waited ‘mission Impossible Ghost Protocol’ on 7 december. The star will walk dIff’s red carpet with Bollywood’s anil Kapoor, actress Paula Patton and UK funnyman Simon Pegg. also attending dIff this year are owen wilson, french actress léa Seydoux, US director alexander Payne, Brit director James Bobin and supermodel Helena Christensen. The arabic talent at dIff this year includes Ismail al ajaili and Iman al rabti from libya; mohamed miftah from morocco; mozna alatrash from Syria; and dorra Shihawi and ahlam Bou affoura from Tunisia. AGENCIES

DIFF

GermaNY: US actress Jessica Biel and German fashion designer Karl lagerfeld attend the German Tv game show ‘Bet it?’

Croatian journalist

sues

Angelina Jolie

LOS ANGELES: angelina Jolie’s directorial debut has hit a roadblock as a Croatian journalist has sued her for stealing his story for the film. ‘In the land of Blood and Honey’, which opens in american theatres on december 23, is set in the Bosnian war and involves a love story between a muslim woman aija who falls in love with a Serb daniijel. daniijel ends up becoming aija’s jailer when the Bosnians are captured by the Serbs. according to radar online, journalist James J Braddock claims that an article he wrote and published

in 2007 is the basis for the film that Jolie has written and directed, the daily mail reported. He has given examples of the similarities between his work and Jolie’s film in his legal document and demanded that the court award him damages. “‘The Subject work’s main female character is subject to continuous abuse and rape by soldiers and officers in the camp,” he said in the document.

“In addition to being raped continuously by soldiers and officers, she is forced to become a servant at the camp headquarters, a duty assumed by very few of the captives,” he added.

AGENCIES

LONDON: late amy winehouse’s boyfriend, director reg Traviss, has been receiving offers to make a film on the singer’s life.

He believes that though winehouse’s life will eventually make it to the big screen some day, the project would be too painful for him to handle. “I guess a biopic is inevitable. I have been asked but I honestly don’t think I could do it. I’d be too close to it,” the mirror quoted him as saying. “But whoever does write and direct the film may exaggerate certain points to make it more ‘Hollywood’.

The family would want to be involved to make sure that it’s done justice. But right now it’s all too raw,” he added. Traviss, who dated winehouse for two years, said that he is still grief-stricken after the 27-year-old’s sudden death from alcohol poisoning this year. “I’m taking each day as it comes,” he said.

“I feel I’m living a horrible daydream that I just want to snap out of, but can’t,” he added. AGENCIES

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New videogames

give civil uprising tips LOS ANgELES

T

AGENCIES

He Arab Spring uprisings and Occupy-style US protests have inspired a new genre of serious videogames designed to help activists develop strategy- all in the safety of cyberspace. Games like ‘People Power (The Game of Civil Resistance)’ allow would-be protest leaders to build and test their plans for peacefully opposing the police or the government without actually hitting the streets. The game, which promises “an opportunity to join a community of others who want to learn about civil resistance and nonviolent strategies,” was created

by York Zimmerman Inc, along with the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict.

“We certainly did not aim at a mass audience,” said Steve York, ‘People Power’ executive producer. “I suppose it's not for everyone, certainly not casual players wanting to be entertained. Still, I think it will be interesting and fun for people who enjoy strategy games, even people who like chess,” York added from the

documentary production company's Washington headquarters. “And for our primary audience, activists engaged in real-world conflicts for freedom or rights, it would be unhelpful to make a game which is too simple or too easy,” he said. ‘People Power’ is a followup to a game launched in 2006, ‘A Force More Powerful’, when the group realized there was a need to help activists learn non-violent stategies. “Most of all, they needed help, experience, actually in developing a strategy. They knew how to choose and make tactics, such as protests, strikes, and boycotts. But they didn't know how to put everything together,” said York. “They sometimes neglected the essentials,

like recruiting, organizing, and acquiring funding and resources. Too many of them relied almost exclusively on public protest and street action”, he added.

Specialist game designer Greg Costikyan told AFP: “People Power's focus is on building networks across a society in order to enlist support for a dissident movement. From a gameplay perspective, that's the most interesting aspect of the design: the use of the social graph as a gameplay mechanic. It does, however, present a very simple model of what is, in reality very complicated”.

Using videogames as a training aid or to share views on current events is not new: for example the Pentagon

saif-Kareena’s wedding in March MuMBAI AGENCIES

GERMANy: Singer Anthony Kiedis of the US band Red hot Chili Peppers performs on stage of the O2 world in Berlin during the band's tour for their new album ‘I'm with you’.

Amy Winehouse’s life to be

Immediately after the realese of Saif Ali Khan’s home-production Agent Vinod, he and his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor are all set to tie the knot. This news has been confirmed by Saif Ali Khan’s sister Soha. “The date hasn’t been finalised. Bhai says after Agent Vinod releases, they will finalise the date and share it with everyone,” said Soha. “Tentatively, it is March, since the release of Agent Vinod has been planned for February 2012. It will be soon after that,”

she added. According to sources, Saif has kept Agent Vinod as his current priority. “Saif and Kareena have decided that they would marry in early 2012. After Nawab Pataudi’s death, the family was in two minds about postponing the date. However, both the families decided that the wedding should happen sooner instead of later,” a source revealed. So will marriage be a problem to Kareena’s career?

Say’s Kareena, “Marriage is no longer a hurdle in an actor’s career. Sharmila Tagore and Aishwarya Rai have done their best work after marriage.”

Sanjay Dutt may

give up

into film

smoking for good MUMBAI: Hrithik roshan is a wiser man today and, after reading ‘The easy way To Stop Smoking’ by allen Carr, he has quit smoking for good and is trying to get others to follow suit. rumour has it that, when Sanjoo told Hrithik he didn’t want to smoke in front of his twins Shahraan and Iqra, Hrithik gave Sanjay a warm hug and said, “I have been there too.” does this mean that Hrithik is going to get the former bad boy of Bollywood to give up ciggies? That would be quite the feat indeed! But then again, we wouldn’t put it past Hrithik to achieve the near impossible as he has already been smoke free for over a year now (since august 5th 2010). AGENCIES

uses virtual scenarios to help commanders and fighters understand war strategy, while so-called ‘newsgames’ have existed for a decade or more. It is no surprise then that the generation of activists behind the protests in the Middle east, North Africa and the West should look to videogames to help them develop their plans. ‘Occupy The Game,’ created by activists in Arizona in November, advises players: “Collect money, water and the Constitution.

Dodge the tear gas, bean bags and flash grenades thrown by riot police.

Don’t get arrested! It's time to fix this broken machine”.

National Public Radio (NPR) launched “Occupy America: The Commemorative Game,” last month, a very basic online game in which players roll a dice to move from city to city, pitching as many tents as they can.

“I think even more interestingly, videogames could raise money in support of protesters," he told AFP, citing "Humble Bundle," which offers games for whatever the player can pay, with money going to the organization they name. “People may feel more comfortable contributing in these ways, rather than going to an Occupy camp where law enforcement presence is strong,” he added.

It’s a baby boy for Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao MuMBAI AGENCIES

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao have been happily married for six years now and what completes marital bliss better than having a baby together? However, this hasn’t come easy to the couple as, after many complications and quite a bit of emotional trauma, the couple has been blessed with a bouncing baby boy. The baby boy born at a private clinic was “very healthy” and now at home with Khan and his film-maker wife Kiran Rao. Aamir Khan told a prominent tabloid, “It gives us the greatest joy to share with you the good news of the birth of our baby boy. This baby is especially dear to us because he was born to us after a long wait and some difficulty. Due to medical complications, we were advised to have a baby through IVF surrogacy and we feel very grateful to the Almighty that everything has gone well.” Khan is one of Bollywood’s most popular and successful actors, through hits including ‘Lagaan’ in 2001, ‘Rang de Basanti’ (2006) and ‘Three Idiots’ (2010). Khan, 46, has two children from his first marriage to Reena Dutta.

Charlie Sheen bails out Brooke LOS ANGELES: Charlie Sheen reportedly paid ex-wife Brooke Mueller's bail. Reality TV star Brooke was arrested and charged with intent to distribute drugs and assault in Aspen, Colorado, and it was her former spouse who came to her rescue and posted her $11,000 bond. Brooke - who has two-year-old twins, Bob and Max, with the former 'Two and a Half Men' actor - had originally called her parents to help her, but they refused. A source said: “They actually wanted to leave her in jail. Brooke's family is done with her, she has to get straight or she is going to die”. Brooke who has battled drink and drug addictions in the past and has received treatment in rehab - must return for a District Court hearing. She was arrested on a felony charge of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and a misdemeanour charge of assault. If she is found guilty in the drug charge, Brooke could face up to six years in prison. earlier this year, Brooke and Charlie rekindled their romance but they soon split again and she moved out of his Los Angeles home. AGENCIES

‘3 Idiots’ getting Hollywood MUMBAI: after its blockbuster success in India, the aamir Khan starrer 3 Idiots is all set to get a Hollywood remake. “we are in talks with three studios in Hollywood and one company in Italy for the remake of 3 Idiots,” said director vidhu vinod Chopra at the ongoing International film festival of India (IffI). The film, which released in India in december 2009, is all set to explore other markets. It is releasing in mainland China with a

remake

whopping 900 prints next week. “It’s a first for any Hindi film to release with so many prints in China. It is also being adapted into a stage musical in Taiwan. The film has already made about USd 3 million dollars in Hong Kong,” said vidhu. 3 Idiots is also getting a Chinese remake

by Kung fu Hustle, Stephen Chow. “my films are made with universal values, so they connect with audiences all over the world,” said vidhu. AGENCIES

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

rampaul breaks India’s winning run SCOREBOARD

west Indies bowler ravi rampaul celebrates after taking the wicket of virender Sehwag. AFP AHMEDABAD AFP

Ravi Rampaul and debutant Sunil Narine shared six wickets to bowl the West Indies to a crucial 16-run victory over India in the third one-day international on Monday.

Fast bowler Rampaul finished with 4-57 and off-spinner Narine with 2-34 as the West Indies bowled India out for 244 despite Rohit Sharma's solid 95 after posting a challenging 260-5 in the must-win match in Ahmedabad.

India now lead 2-1 in the five-match series following their victories in the opening two games, with Monday's defeat also ending their 11-match winning streak in one-day internationals at home. India earlier looked like restricting the West Indies to a modest total when the tourists reached 167-4 after 43 overs, but Darren Sammy (41 not out) and Andre Russell (40) plundered 79 off the last 34 balls.

The hosts were reeling at 105-6 but Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin (31) rallied their team with a 91-run stand for the seventh wicket

wESt INDIES: L. Simmons c Patel b Kumar 1 D. hyatt c Patel b Mithun 20 58 M. Samuels b Ashwin 26 D. Bravo retd hurt 38 D. Ramdin c Patel b yadav 29 K. Pollard c Jadeja b Kumar 40 A. Russell not out 41 D. Sammy not out ExtRAS: (b2, w5) 7 tOtAL: (for five wickets; 50 overs) 260 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Simmons), 2-42 (hyatt), 3-122 (Samuels; Bravo retd at 97), 4-177 (Ramdin), 5-181 (Pollard).

BOwLING: Kumar 8-1-39-2 (w1), yadav 9-175-1, Mithun 7-0-47-1 (w1), Jadeja 10-1-37-0 (w1), Ashwin 10-0-33-1 (w2), Raina 6-0-27-0.

INDIA: P. Patel b Samuels 39 0 V. Sehwag c Ramdin b Rampaul G. Gambhir lbw b Rampaul 0 V. Kohli lbw b Narine 20 R. Sharma run out 95 2 S. Raina c Ramdin b Rampaul 11 R. Jadeja run out 31 R. Ashwin lbw b Narine 3 V. Kumar b Roach 23 A. Mithun lbw b Rampaul U. yadav not out 11 ExtRAS: (b1, lb2, nb3, w3) 9 244 tOtAL: (for all out; 46.5 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Sehwag), 2-8 (Gambhir), 3-43 (Kohli), 4-79 (Patel), 5-84 (Raina), 6105 (Jadeja), 7-196 (Ashwin), 8-200 (Kumar), 9-216 (Sharma), 10-244 (Mithun).

BOwLING: Roach 10-0-54-1 (nb2, w1), Rampaul 8.5-1-57-4 (nb1, w1), Narine 100-34-2, Samuels 10-0-50-1, Russell 4-0-25-0 (w1), Sammy 1-0-7-0, Simmons 2-0-10-0, Pollard 1-0-4-0.

Result: west Indies win by 16 runs, toss: India, Umpires: tony hill (NZL) and Sudhir Asnani (IND), tV umpire: Vineet Kulkarni (IND), Match referee: David Boon (AUS), Fourth one-dayer: Indore (thursday)

before Narine struck a vital blow when he trapped Ashwin leg-before. The West Indies also let off the Indian pair during the early stages of their stand, with Sammy dropping Ashwin off Narine and then Sharma off paceman Kemar Roach. Sammy, however, made amends when he ran Sharma out with a direct-hit from mid-on at the nonstriker's end after the batsman had cracked one six and 10 fours in his 100-ball knock.

Abhimanyu Mithun (23) and Umesh Yadav (11 not out) gave some anxious moments to the West Indies with a 28run stand for the last wicket before Rampaul ended the innings when he trapped Mithun leg-before. India were struggling at 8-2 in the second over following the first-ball dismissals of skipper Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, with Rampaul taking both the wickets with his first two deliveries. Narine, who was pressed into the attack after only four overs, did not have to wait long for his first wicket as he trapped in-form Virat Kohli (20) leg-before to reduce the hosts to 43-3.

sports 18

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy hopes in tatters AuCkLAND

P

AFP

AKISTAN'S dream of a triumphant return to Champions Trophy hockey ended with a 4-2 loss to Spain on Monday, as defending champions Australia brushed aside Great Britain 4-1. Hosts New Zealand thrashed South Korea 6-1 to retain a chance of joining Australia among the top four in medal contention at the last major tournament before the London Olympics, while the Netherlands beat Germany 3-2.

Spain's Pau Quemada scored two second-half goals to inflict Pakistan's second defeat in as many matches, meaning the Green Shirts cannot finish higher than fifth in their first Champions Trophy appearance since 2007. Manager Khawaja Junaid said his side had played well at the eightnation tournament and a rebuilding programme ahead of the London Games remained on track. "It's good for us to be here and see what level other teams are at," he said.

"We're trying to improve. We made some mistakes but played good hockey... we're growing steadily. We've seen some good skills and good movement." Pakistan made a disastrous start when veteran Spanish captain Santi Freixa found the net after just two minutes, converting the first penalty corner of the match. With Spain dominating early possession, Pakistan were forced into a counterattacking game, looking to hit Spain on the break. Shakeel Abbasi equalised in the ninth minute, when Spanish keeper Francisco Cortes got a glove to his looping shot but could not prevent the ball dribbling over the line.

Gabriel Dabanch restored Spain's lead

aUCKlaNd: abdul Haseem Khan (l) of Pakistan competes with Juan fernandez (r) from Spain during their second round match at the Champions Trophy hockey tournament. AFP before half-time when he latched onto a pass in the Pakistan area and executed a deft turn to evade two oncoming defenders before scoring.

Pakistan's intensity lifted after the break and the reward came when Sohail Abbas, the highest scorer in world hockey, made it 2-2 with a trademark drag-flick goal from a penalty corner.

Pakistan created chances as Abbasi drove the attack but failed to convert them, while Quemada made no mistake slotting home penalty goals in the 57th and 65th minutes. Freixa predicted the improving Pakistanis, who will remain in the tournament but will finish in the bottom four, would be a

threat in London. "They're growing a lot and looking to the Olympics they'll have a great squad," he said. In the other Pool A match, Australia had little trouble defeating Great Britain 4-1.

Chasing an unprecedented fourth straight title, the Kookaburras found their rhythm after a stuttering display against Spain in the opening round, with goals for Matthew Butturini, Matt Gohdes, Luke Doerner and skipper Jamie Dwyer. Coach Ric Charlesworth said the scoreline would have been even more emphatic if the world champions had not squandered two of their three penalty corner attempts.

"We were much better today... but

you're never happy with that sort of conversion rate," he said.

New Zealand bounced back from a 2-1 defeat to Germany in the opening round to record their best ever win at the Champions Trophy, with vice-captain Shea McAleese scoring a goal either side of half-time in a 6-1 rout. The Netherlands needed a late goal from Rogier Hofman to secure a 3-2 win over Germany, dominating the game but making life difficult for themselves by failing to score off any of their eight penalty corners. The initial pool phase ends on Tuesday with all teams except Pakistan and South Korea in the running to join Australia in the top four.

Pakistan rugby making good progress Katich reprimanded for LAHORE StAFF REPORt

The emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Invitation Tournament is one of the largest annual international rugby events and the two Pakistani teams’ inclusion in this prestigious tournament is a step forward.

Lahore, who got invited to play in the International Open category where teams in this section are highly competitive, may found it hard to keep up with the teams but have gained good experience to bring back to the local circuit.

Islamabad, playing in the international

social category, did well to reach the semifinal of the plate competition beating Tehran rugby club in the quarter finals on their way to the semi final where they lost to a more experienced Moscow Dragons Russian club side.

The Pakistan clubs participation in international tournaments where they competed against some of the best players in the world will help raise the level of the game in Pakistan. Pakistan Rugby union President Fawzi Kawaja and Secretary Arif Saeed said he was happy that two of Pakistan best clubs played a prestigious tournament of the world.

Gilchrist expects Ponting to bat on MuMBAI REUtERS

Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist expects a transitional Australian side to retain the services of Ricky Ponting for their home series against India starting this month. Ponting, 36, Australia's leading test run scorer, stepped down as captain after his team's quarter-final exit from the World Cup this year. He was replaced by Michael Clarke. He has not scored a test century since January last year although he scored 62 and 78 in his last two innings against South Africa and New Zealand respectively.

"I wouldn't expect him to be left out of the Indian series. He is keen to play," Gilchrist told reporters on Monday. "His last two innings as a player have been as impressive as anything in quite a while. He is the second best player from Australia after Sir Don Bradman. "He is the only one to know when he should finish international cricket...I am sure he will be featuring in that series." Gilchrist, Australia's most successful wicketkeeper/batsman said India, who lost their world number one ranking when they were beaten 4-0 in england this year, now had their best chance to win a test series in Australia for the first time.

A golden generation of Australian cricketers including Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Matthew Hayden and Gilchrist retired one after the other after their country had dominated world cricket for more than a decade. "It's a good chance for India with Australia being through somewhat of a transitional period. They are still finding their way," Gilchrist said. "India have got a few good results in the last couple of series (against Australia). "I think Australia are aware of that. They need to be on top of their game to hold on to their record at home against India."

‘detrimental’ comments SyDNEy: Former Test opener Simon Katich was reprimanded by a Cricket Australia disciplinary hearing Monday after pleading guilty to making a detrimental public comment. Katich, 36, was ordered to face a disciplinary hearing to explain his outspoken comments accusing Test captain Michael Clarke of playing a part in his axing from the Australian team, despite averaging 45 runs in his 56 Tests. AFP

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

Kvitova to play in Sydney International Page 23

whatmore likely to become Pakistan coach

BANglAdeSH v PAKIStAN, 3Rd OdI, CHIttAgONg

Unchallenged Pakistan aim for clean sweep

LAHORE StAFF REPORt

CHIttAgONg

T

CRICINFO

He fact that the third ODI is a dead rubber is hardly surprising. There has not been an ounce of competitiveness in each of the three games so far in this tour. Pakistan captain Misbah-ulHaq said,"The top order has no clue how to bat, and the the moment it has left me clueless in regard to what I tweet next."

Nasir Hossain's battling century in the second game in Mirpur wasn't enough to mask the bigger problem for Bangladesh the batting. The overall reaction among passionate Bangladesh fans, going by feedback received by eSPNcricinfo, was not necessarily that of disappointment, but more specifically, anger. Some went as far as to question Bangladesh's right to participate at the international level. Their status as a Test nation has always been debated, though now fans have extended that discussion towards their ODI status too. Public memory is short. It's easy to forget that just over a year ago, Bangladesh thrashed a listless New Zealand 4-0 at home.

It's the failure of the batsmen that has deflated the team. All efforts on the field have been nullified by the top order collapses. They were dismissed for 91 in the first game and in the second, the chase was all but lost at 19 for 4. Bangladesh threw in the towel at that stage. Given the situation, Bangladesh did the best they could to salvage some pride by batting out the 50 overs. It didn't make a good advertisement for one-day cricket, but in the process they discovered what Nasir is capable of. A bit more support from the top order would've been handy though. "The wicket was really good in the last game, but there were several dot balls," Mahmudullah said. "Shakib and Nasir played well, especially Nasir who has taught us some stuff, like how to be patient against this attack." There are fewer

B’desh set to launch T20 competition CHIttAgONg REUtERS

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has accepted an offer of approximately $51million from Indian firm Game On Sports Management for six editions of a Twenty20 competition, the BCB said on Monday. The Indian Premier League-style Twenty20 tournament, named the Bangladesh Premier League, will be launched in February with six franchises.

The BCB picked Game On from three Indians firms who had submitted a financial offer to run the competition last month.

The offer from Game On is $10million more than the next best offer from Solutionz Unlimited, BCB spokesman Jalal Yunus said.

Kayes ruled out of third odI CHIttAgONg REUtERS

Influential Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes has been ruled out of Tuesday's third oneday international against Pakistan because of a groin problem. "Kayes picked up the injury during the warm-up in Chittagong on Monday and is definitely ruled out of the next match," Debashish Chowdhury, a doctor with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, told reporters. "He was given a 48-hour rest and we will observe his situation after that period. Only then can we tell you if he will be available for the test series or not."

CHITTaGoNG: Pakistan's coach mohsin Khan (2l) talks to Younus Khan (l), Shahid afridi (r) and Umar Gul (2r) during a cricket training session at the Zahur ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. AFP concerns for Pakistan. However, they didn't have the best outing in the field for the second match, spilling catches off Nasir and Shakib Al Hasan. Shahid Afridi had a rare off-day with the ball, conceding 49 off 7 overs and failing to take a wicket. The final game gives them a chance to rest a couple of players and give everyone in the squad a chance.

Since his 128 against India in the 2009 Champions Trophy, Shoaib Malik has gone 14 innings without a fifty, with a highest of 39. He's been a shadow of the player he was

when he was captain, and before. His bowling gives Pakistan another spin option, but he's in the team primarily as a batsman.

After hitting two half-centuries against Australia, Shahriar Nafees has done little of note, with the highest score of 14 in his last five ODIs. He has failed to recreate the kind of form he showed in 2006. It's been nearly five years since he scored an ODI century.

Pakistan are likely to make a couple of changes, dropping Imran Farhat and Sohail Tanvir, and bringing in Asad Shafiq and the left-arm seamer Moham-

mad Khalil.

Pakistan (probable) 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Asad Shafiq, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Misbah-ul-Haq, (capt) 5 Umar Akmal, 6 Shoaib Malik, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 8 Shahid Afridi, 9 Saeed Ajmal, 10 Umar Gul, 11 Mohammad Khalil.

Bangladesh (probable) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Shahriar Nafees, 3 Alok Kapali/Naeem Islam, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Nasir Hossain, 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Abdur Razzak, 9 elias Sunny, 10 Shafiul Islam, 11 Rubel Hossain.

A Pakistan Cricket Board official has confirmed that Australian Dav Whatmore, who currently is in India's National Cricket Academy, is the front-runner to take over as head coach of the national team. "We have held talks with Whatmore along with other potential candidates for the coaching positions advertised by us," the senior official, who declined to be named, said. The PCB has said that it is looking to appoint a head coach and specialist batting, bowling and fielding coaches for the national team. The board, since September, has been in the process of inviting applications from interested candidates and has shortlisted some of them for the prime positions in the team. The hunt for the new coaches began after former Test captain Waqar Younis stepped down after the Zimbabwe tour in September due to personal and health reasons. When he resigned, Waqar had 14 months left in his contract with the PCB. The official said initial talks had been held with Whatmore to assess his point of view and the committee appointed by the board and headed by Intikhab Alam was still in the process of preparing a list of final candidates for the board to approve.

Whatmore, a former Australian Test player, gained recognition as the coach of the Sri Lankan team that won the 1996 World Cup. He later coached Bangladesh with no notable success and is presently working in India in the National Cricket Academy. Whatmore was among the three candidates shortlisted in 2008 by the PCB for the position of head coach when Nasim Ashraf was chairman but later the board preferred to appoint former Australian pacer Geoff Lawson after reports emerged that some players were not comfortable with having Whatmore. The source said the board would be taking into confidence captain Misbah-ul-Haq and other senior players before making a final appointment of the coaches. Besides Whatmore, the source said former South African player Jonty Rhodes, Australian Julian Fountain and englishman D Dunlop were also in the run. "The PCB is facing a catch22 situation with the team doing well and on a winning momentum under Misbah and interim coach Mohsin Khan. It has yet to decide when to bring in the new coaching staff," another source said.

Pakistan play their first match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdury stadium Zaka yet to get govt stats corner S. PERVEZ QAISER

B

ANGLADeSH have won seven and lost six in 13 one-day international at Zahur Ahmed Chowdury Stadium Chittagong where they play the third and final match of the series against Pakistan on Tuesday (December 6). This day/night match will start at 12.30 (PST).

This will be the first ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh at this ground.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh in both matches played in Chittangong but these two matches were played at MA Aziz Stadium which was not in use since January 26, 2005.

Situated about half-an-hour outside the city centre, Zahur Ahmed Chowdury Stadium, formerly know as the Chittagong Divisional Stadium, was one of the five purposebuilt cricket grounds established in the run-up to the 2004 Under-19 World Cup. It was finally granted full international status in January 2006, ahead of Sri Lanka’s visit to the country. The stadium itself is an unremarkable concrete bowl set in acres of prime agricultural land, with a three-tier pavilion providing the focal point.

HiGHESt iNNiNGS tOtALS: Sri Lanka holds the record of mak-

ing the highest ever score at this ground. They made 309 for seven in 50 overs against Bangladesh on February 25, 2006. Bangladesh's 239 for nine in 50 overs against england on March 5, 2010 is the highest by hosts.

LOWESt iNNiNGS tOtALS: Zimbabwe were bowled out for 44 in 24.5 overs against Bangladesh on November 3, 2009 which is the lowest ever total at this ground. Bangladesh's lowest at this ground is 170 for eight in 50 overs on October 14, 2008.

HiGHESt iNDiViDUAL SCORES: The record of highest individual

score is held by Zimbabwean Brendon Taylor who made an unbeaten 118 against Bangladesh on November 5, 2009. Tamim Iqbal's 95 against Zimbabwe on December 12, 2010 is the highest score by a Bangladeshi batsman. bESt bOWLiNG pERFORMANCE: Shakib Al Hasan's four for 16 against the West Indies on October 18, 2011, is best bowling here. The record of best bowling by a visiting bowler is held by england's Tim Bresnan who took four wickets for 28 runs against Bangladesh on March 5, 2010.

EACH tEAM’S pERFORMANCE At CHOWDURy StADiUM tEAM BANGLADeSH AUSTRALIA NeW ZeALAND SOUTH AFRICA SRI LANKA eNGLAND WeST INDIeS ZIMBABWe NeTHeRLANDS SCOTLAND

p 12 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1

W 7 1 1 1 1 1 -

L 5 1 1 3 1 1

SUCCESS% 58.33 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00

nod for India tour LAHORE StAFF REPORt

The Pakistan government has still not given approval to PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf's planned India trip for holding talks with BCCI officials to discuss bilateral ties, it was learnt Monday. Ashraf said the government is also yet to give clearance to the Board to confirm the next year's bilateral Test series with India. "We are expecting the government clearance for my visit and also for the series," Ashraf said. Ashraf is due to visit India this month on the invitation of his Indian counterpart after he wrote a letter to the BCCI emphasising the importance of resuming bilateral cricket ties between the two countries. According to the FTP, Pakistan is due to tour India in March-April for a Test and one-day series but the dates are yet to be finalised. The PCB Chairman last month said Pakistan was willing to even send its team to India to play the series if it helped restore bilateral ties that have been suspended since 2008 after the Mumbai terror attacks. But Ashraf said that Pakistan was keeping its option of playing the series at a neutral venue open. "We are trying to see if the series can also be played at a neutral venue as one of the options available to us," he said. Ashraf said people on both sides of the border were eagerly looking forward to the series and that is why government clearance had been sought in advance.

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20 sports woods ends two-year drought with world Challenge win

Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

No Nadal, no Ferrer, Spain face Davis Cup struggle SEVILLE

S

tHOuSAND OAkS AFP

Tiger Woods birdied the last two holes to win the Chevron World Challenge on Sunday, the one-shot triumph his first victory since a 2009 sex scandal shattered his iconic image. Woods had gone 26 starts worldwide in more than two years without a victory as personal turmoil was followed by struggles on the course with swing changes and, this year, injuries that curtailed his playing time and stalled his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles at 14. On Sunday, the former world number one delivered under pressure, making birdies at 17 and 18 to erase a one-shot deficit and beat former Masters champion Zach Johnson by one stroke in the unofficial 18-man event.

TEN SPORTS FIH Champions Trophy Pakistan v Australia 8:25AM

TEN CRICKET Pakistan v Bangladesh Third ODI 12:30PM

AFP

PAIN'S fifth Davis Cup title party in 11 years fell flat when Rafael Nadal revealed he'd skip next year's title defence while brother-in-arms David Ferrer called time on his tournament duties. World number two Nadal, who battled back from a set down to defeat Juan Martin del Potro and give Spain victory over Argentina in an epic clash on Sunday, insisted that the defence of his Olympic title must be a priority. Ferrer, who defeated Del Potro in a marathon five-setter on Friday, said that at 29, his five-year tour of Davis Cup duty was virtually over. The double blow, coupled with captain Albert Costa's uncertainty over his availability and the worrying decline of doubles pairing Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco, left Spain looking seriously under-powered for 2012.

"Next year I will not play. It's an Olympic year. For many years, I have been one of the players that plays the highest number of matches and I don't want to overplay," said Nadal, who racked up a year-leading 82 matches on the ATP Tour in 2011. "I want a coherent calendar. So, next year, my participation in the Davis Cup is impossible. Then we will think about the future." Nadal has built up a record of 20 wins in Davis Cup against just one defeat -- and that came on his debut as a 17-year-old in 2004. But he has regularly complained about a jam-packed calendar which this year will afford him just over two weeks rest before he heads for the United Arab emirates and a lucrative New Year exhibition tournament. After that, the

wAtch It LIve

City stay top, Barca, real set for Clasico PARIS AFP

In europe this weekend, Manchester City stayed top in england while Real Madrid and Barcelona also won to increase the expectancy ahead of next weekend's el Clasico.

ENGLAND – manchester City remained five points clear after thrashing Norwich 5-1, while manchester United kept in touch thanks to a 1-0 win at aston villa. Sergio aguero, Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, mario Balotelli and adam Johnson were all on target for City. Sir alex ferguson's United kicked off the late game at villa Park eight points behind City and suffered an early blow when mexico striker Javier Hernandez was stretchered off with ankle ligament damage.

However, the champions sealed the points in the 20th minute when england international Phil Jones scored the first senior goal of his career. at St James' Park,

SPAIN SevIlle: Spain's player rafael Nadal (l) holds the davis Cup trophy next to david ferrer after winning their davis Cup final against argentina at the olympic Stadium on monday. reuters Australian Open will beckon and the start of his campaign to wrest the world number one spot back from Djokovic. World number five Ferrer, meanwhile, turns 30 next year and he said it's time to hand Davis

Cup responsibilities over to another generation. "It's going to be very difficult for the four of us to play together again," said Ferrer, who has a record of 18 singles wins against four losses since his debut in 2006.

– real madrid defeated Sporting Gijon 3-0 while Barcelona hammered levante 5-0 as Spanish football's two superpowers warmed up for next weekend's el Clasico by preserving their grip on the title race. real stretched their winning run to 14 games in all competitions and lead Barcelona by three points with the defending la liga and european champions having played a game more. angel di maria, Cristiano ronaldo and marcelo were on target against a Sporting Gijon side who finished the game with 10 men when Sebastian eguren was sent off.

ItALy

Kvitova to play in Sydney International Beckham bides time on future SYDNEY AFP

Wimbledon champion and world number two Petra Kvitova will play in next month's Sydney International, tournament organisers said on Monday. The 21-year-old Czech will become the third reigning Grand Slam titleholder to play in the Sydney event along with French Open winner Li Na and US Open champion Sam Stosur. Kvitova, who also won the season-ending WTA Championships, will be playing in Sydney for the first time. "I have had some great results in Australia over the years, winning in Hobart and Brisbane, so hopefully 2012 will be my year to win the title in Sydney," Kvitova said. Both the top two ranked women's players will play in the Sydney International following last week's confirmation of world number one Caroline Wozniacki's entry. Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton

Hewitt and 2010 champion Marcos Baghdatis are confirmed starters for the men's event. The Sydney International takes place at the Sydney Tennis Centre from January 8 to 14.

MELbOURNE: Superstar David Beckham said Monday he was no closer to deciding his football future as he prepared in Australia for what may be his last match as a Los Angeles Galaxy player. Beckham, 36, is about to come out of contract with LA Galaxy and is believed to be weighing up a huge offer to play for French club Paris St Germain, or stay in the United States. But the former england captain said he is unlikely to decide until early in the New Year. After the Galaxy won the Major League Soccer championship he said he wanted to take some time out with his family before making a decision. "I wanted to end this season with a championship and we did that, then I wanted some time to be able to celebrate it," Beckham said ahead of game against Melbourne Victory. AFP

– Juventus went back to the top of Serie a after a 2-0 victory over Cesena in a match where the visitors had their goalkeeper controversially sent off. Claudio marchisio and arturo vidal, from the penalty spot, scored the goals that restored the old lady of Turin's two-point lead over aC milan and Udinese. roma finished with eight men after Juan, fernando Gago and Bojan Krkica were sent-off in a 30 humiliation at fiorentina, who began the game by paying tribute to former player Socrates, who died earlier on Sunday. Inter milan are fifth from bottom after losing 1-0 at home to Udinese while aC milan defeated Genoa 2-0.

GERMANy – Bayern munich shot back to the top with a 4-1 win over 10-man werder Bremen and replaced defending champions dortmund who were held 1-1 at moenchengladbach. france star franck ribery scored two superb individual goals, while dutch winger arjen robben converted two penalties as munich opened a one-point lead at the top. dortmund drop to second after they were held to a 1-1 draw at third-placed 'Gladbach. The visitors went ahead when Poland striker robert lewandowski rose highest to head home a corner on 40 minutes for his 10th league goal of the season.

Messi, Ronaldo, Xavi on FIFA Ballon d’Or shortlist PARIS AFP

ParIS: The fIfa Ballon d'or trophy is pictured during a press conference to present this year's final contenders. AFP

Holder Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi were on Monday named on the final three-man shortlist for the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or award, which will be presented at a ceremony in Zurich on January 9. Barcelona superstar Messi won the inaugural award -- a combination of the France Football Ballon d'Or prize and FIFA's World Player of the Year award -- last year, having picked up both awards in 2009.

His great Real Madrid rival Ronaldo had won both awards the previous year.

Messi's Barcelona team-mate Xavi was also shortlisted for the 2010 prize and finished in third place, behind another Barca colleague, Andres Iniesta. The three-man shortlist was unveiled during a press conference at France Football headquarters in Paris attended by FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke.

Messi, 24, will start as a strong favourite to retain his prize, after a year in which he inspired his club to a La Liga and Champions League double.

He scored twice, including a memorable solo goal at the Bernabeu, as Barca beat arch rivals Real in the Champions League semi-finals and was also on target in the 3-1 defeat of Manchester United in the final at Wembley. This sea-

son he has scored his 200th goal for Barcelona and is closing in on Cesar Rodriguez' all-time record of 235 goals for the club. Like Messi, 26-year-old

Ronaldo scores at a rate of roughly once a game and last season broke the record for most goals scored in a La Liga season with 40 as his side finished runners-up

maNCHeSTer: manchester United’s wayne rooney (C) leaps and scores an overhead volley for their second goal during the english Premier league against manchester City on february 12, 2011. The goal was shortlisted for fIfa's ferenc Puskas award for the best goal of the year. AFP

to Barcelona. He scored an extra-time winner in the Copa del Rey final against Barca in April and recently found the net for the 100th time in a Real shirt.

The award is voted for by national team coaches and captains, as well as a panel of football journalists selected by France Football magazine. In the award for Men's Coach of the Year, Messi's Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola was shortlisted alongside Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United. A shortlist for FIFA's Ferenc Puskas Award for the best goal of the year was also revealed, with Wayne Rooney's spectacular overhead bicycle kick for Manchester United against Manchester City leading the nominations. Messi's inventive chip over the goalkeeper and volley against Arsenal in the Champions League and a slaloming solo goal by Brazilian sensation Neymar in a league game for Santos against Flamengo were also shortlisted.

In the women's equivalent of the Ballon d'Or, holder Marta of Brazil was nominated alongside USA striker Abby Wambach and Japan's Homare Sawa, who finished top scorer at this year's women's World Cup. Japan coach Norio Sasaki was recognised for leading his country to their first ever World Cup title by being named in the shortlist for the Women's Coach of the Year prize.

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Tuesday, 6 december, 2011

US has backup bases in afghanistan: report WASHINgtON ONLINE

Pakistan’s decision to evict the United States from a drone-launching base will have little impact on the CIA’s ability to strike terrorists in the Tribal Areas because the US has backup bases in Afghanistan, a senior defence official has said. The official told The Washington Times that the US military and CIA built the launching strips in Afghanistan in anticipation of the day when Pakistan would want US forces out of the Shamsi facility. The government ordered the US to leave the Shamsi base and shut down a vital supply line to NATO forces in Afghanistan after NATO airstrikes killed 24 soldiers in a border clash November 26. The defence official, who asked not to be named because of the issue’s sensitivity, said the administration’s view was that Pakistan announced the eviction of the drone operation as a public relations move to placate political and Islamic groups.

“They are dealing with multiple audiences,” the official said. US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, while CIA director in 2009, revealed that the Predator strikes in the Tribal Areas represented the only way for the United States to kill al Qaeda and Taliban targets because Pakistan would not allow any expanded ground or air assaults by American forces. “We have many redundancies,” the official said.

“We like to have multiple ways of doing things. It’s not a big issue that would mean any huge degradation.” Pakistan realised that there were terrorists who threatened its regime, the official said, adding that for that reason, “Islamabad wants the US to continue drone attacks”.

Pakistan also does not want to further jeopardise the huge amount of economic and military aid the United States sends its way. The Congressional Research Service reports that Congress has authorised $22 billion in such aid since 2002. “They have to play both sides of the fence sometimes,” the official said.

Tareen’s group may join PTI this week ISLAMABAD

A

IRFAN BUKhARI

S several politicians from the Pakistan Muslim LeagueFunctional (PML-F) and the Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid (PML-Q) are set to join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) under the leadership of Jahangir Khan Tareen within a week, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi has geared up efforts to rope in leaders of Sindh Awami Alliance (SAA) to dent the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) aspirations in Sindh.

The Jahangir Tareen-led group took the decision of joining PTI following a series of meetings with Imran Khan. Previously, it was mulling the option of an alliance with the PTI after forming an independent group or a new political party registered with the election Commission of Pakistan (eCP). A source in the PTI told Pakistan Today that

Qureshi had contacted anti-PPP elements – Sindh Awami Alliance (SAA) – to muster support against the PPP’s stronghold and urging them to join the PTI at the party’s rally in Karachi on December 25.

The SAA, formed in 2009, is largely composed of anti-PPP politicians from Sindh, including former chief minister Liaquat Jatoi, former ministers Asghar Shah, Maqbool Shaikh, Murad Shah, Salim Jan Mazari, Naseer Khoso, Altaf Unnar, Irfan Gul Magsi, Irfanullah Marwat and Manzoor Panhwar, and former legislators Sadaqat Jatoi, Ali Nawaz Maher, Mohammad Shah, Agha Ghulam Ali Buledi, Mujib Pirzada, Kamil Shah and Dr Bahadur Dahiri. SAA leader Maqbool Sheikh confirmed that Qureshi had contacted the alliance members for winning their support.

“We are meeting on December 17 in Karachi to decide the fate of the group …

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has also contacted the alliance recently,” he added.

AMER SIAL

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is faced with a dilemma due to the government’s failure to tap budgeted foreign inflows and half-baked efforts at broadening the tax base may end in the government settling its obligations by borrowing from the central bank, again.

An official source said the government needed to ensure that all major budgeted foreign inflows for the current fiscal year should materialise to retain the fiscal deficit to the projected budgetary level of 4 percent of the GDP. He said the government had made efforts to reduce the expenditures, but most of the budgetary allocations were against fixed expenditures and they could not be further cut. He said additional steps were required for tax reforms to broaden the tax base, as it would help reduce the

said the core committee of the party met on Sunday (December 4) in Lahore to discuss the party’s future course of action but could not reach a consensus vis-à-vis joining the PTI or the PML-N. Ghulam Sarwar Khan of the Jahangir Tareen group said they were in consultations but the final decision would be taken in the near future. “Some colleagues are suggesting joining the PTI while others are in favour of keeping separate political identity by launching a new party and then make an alliance with the PTI,” he said.

Sarwar claimed that a large number of former and sitting parliamentarians as well as former district and tehsil nazims were approaching them “but we will reveal their names at an appropriate time”.

On the other hand, a PTI leader claimed that some PML-Q leaders were not sincere in joining the PTI or establishing their own political party, rather they were posing so to make inroads in either the PPP or PML-N.

tAREEN GROUp: A source told Pakistan Today that the Jahangir Tareen-led likeminded leaders would join the PTI just before or after the PTI’s Karachi rally scheduled for December 25. “Around a dozen former and sitting parliamentarians mainly from the PML-Q, including Jamal Leghari, Awais Legahari, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Ishaq Khakwani, Sikandar Khan Bosan and Jahangir Tareen from the PMLF are set to join the PTI,” the source added.

He said the group was mulling how sitting parliamentarians like Tareen and Legharis would tackle the legal challenges in case they joined the PTI without tendering their resignations from parliament. He said some leaders of the Salim Saifullah-led PMLLikeminded were also supporting them and intended to join the PTI against the desire of party’s secretary general Humayun Akhtar Khan and Information Secretary Kashmala Tariq, who wanted to join the Sharifs. A source in the PML-Likeminded

mansoor Ijaz is a liar: munter ISLAMABAD AGENCIES

United States Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter on Monday said Mansoor Ijaz’s recent allegations were nothing but “a pile of lies”. According to a private TV channel, Munter rejected Ijaz’s statement regarding the “memogate” scandal and the Osama Bin Laden raid in Abbottabad as baseless and fabricated. Munter said the US was probing the NATO airstrikes on Pakistani checkposts, adding that Pakistan would be kept informed of the outcome.

The US ambassador also promised that Washington would take action against those responsible for the strike. He said Washington was doing its best to comply with Pakistan’s demand of vacating the Shamsi airbase in time.

LAhORE: the main Zuljinnah procession emerges from Nisar haveli on Monday. IrFAN CHAuDHry

Govt fails to tap budgeted foreign inflows, may end up borrowing from sBP ISLAMABAD

21

budget deficit as against the borrowing from the commercial banks. The source said, under the scheduled repayments of outstanding loans during the current fiscal year, realisation of substantial foreign flows, especially the proceeds of assumed privatisation receipts, euro Bond, Coalition Support Fund (CSF), and 3G licence fees, becomes important for strengthening the external position. The external inflows are not materialising due to the international debt crisis and strain in the relations with the US. Pakistan wanted to sell $500 exchangeable bonds of its most profitable oil and gas entity OGDCL, but the debt crisis has withheld its launch for the last several months. The US is withholding CSF dues of over $3.5 billion of which Pakistan considers $1.8 billion were mature for release on June 30, 2011.

However, the US administration has not released $500 million dues which it

promised to released before the end of last fiscal year. The government had plans to sell three 3G licenses, one GSM licence and a couple of wireless local loop licences which are expected to generate close to $2 billion during the current fiscal year.

However, there remain issues to be resolved as the government has an agreement with the UAe- based etisalat, which owns PTCL, under which no new licences could be awarded until March 2012. Currently, the government is mainly benefiting form the system’s liquidity and banks remain hesitant to extend credit to the private sector. The government has recently used commercial banks to settle Rs 391 billion circular debt and commodity loans of previous fiscal years.

It borrowed Rs 255 billion from banks and Rs 62 billion from SBP in the July 1 to November 18 period to finance current fiscal year’s budget deficit. The growth in private sector credit has remained muted

even though the policy rate was reduced by 200 basis points to 12 percent.

The government is supposed to finance its expenditure through taxation and not by borrowing from the commercial banks. excessive bank borrowing by the government during the last three fiscal years has already crowded out the private sector and led to excessive expansion in money supply. The government has so far refrained from borrowing from the central bank, as this is inflationary, but reliance on commercial banks had also affected economic growth and financial stability. The government’s assumption that exports proceeds would continue to increase during the current fiscal year remain unfulfilled. The windfall gains in export receipts due to abnormally high commodity prices in last fiscal year have not continued, as is evident from less than $2 billion per month export receipts in September and October 2011.

Haqqani’s name yet to be added to eCl ISLAMABAD StAFF REPORt

Despite the Supreme Court’s orders preventing Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani from leaving the country during the pendency of the memo case before the court, the government is yet to put his name on the eCL (exit Control List). The SC in its order dated December 1 had told the secretaries of the ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs that Haqqani should not leave the country without prior permission of the court, otherwise they shall be held personally responsible. There is no other mechanism to stop an individual from proceeding abroad except putting his name on the eCL, suggesting Haqqani’s name should have been put on the eCL, but it is interesting to note that the Interior Ministry is waiting for the SC’s orders in this regard. In other words, the government’s lethargy is reflective of its trust in Haqqani that he would not create a problem for the government by leaving the country without the SC’s permission. Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Monday told reporters that Haqqani’s name had not been put on the eCL, adding that the government would do so after SC’s orders.

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