Sunday Plus by The Nation

TheNation

JANUARY 08, 2012

| interview |

swingIng into the league of legends

amir khan | style |

inside this week January 08, 2012

08. Fashion

Let’s read what our celebrities had to say about their New Year’s Resolution

18. Interview

Exclusive interview of Amir Khan the former boxing champion

22. economy

Overview of Pakistan as a nation caught in its struggle of existence

ethnic rush 24. Interview

Sh. Rashid talks about the changing landscape of Pakistani politics

28. Art

Review of Zé Grill: The Art Café

Editor’s note We present to you second edition of the annual yearender special issue of your very own Sunday Plus. Pakistan has started the year 2012 on a very hopeful note. The celebrities have talked about their new year resolutions and about the revamped Sunday Plus. This week we are in conversation with seasoned politician Sheikh Rasheed, who talks about how the change will come in the year 2012 and what will be the political landscape like in the near future. Meet the most popular boxer to emerge after Muhammad Ali. In an exclusive interview former WBA (Super) & IBF light welterweight champion Amir Khan talks about how he plans to stage a comeback and how he plans to help the Pakistani boxers enter the international circuit. Following in the footsteps of Pak Tea House, Lahore is now also home to ‘Zé Grill: The Art Café’, which offers a unique combination of culinary experience and art exhibition under one roof. Read our special report about the artists new hangout. Read about the great personalities that we lost in 2011 but have not forgotten them. Also read about the great endeavours of your youth in 2011. On our style pages get into the ethnic mode with Uzma Hai’s latest collection. Send us your comments and feedback at

18.

Deputy Managing Director Rameeza Nizami Editor The Nation Salim Bokhari Editor Magazine: Emanuel Sarfraz Editorial Staff: Bishakha Khadka Kunwar, Madiha Syedain, Sadaf Pervez & Navirah Zafar Creative Head: Faiz-ur-Rehman Creative Team: Talat Mahfooz Butt, Shoaib Qadir, Faisal Fazal, HM. Nouman GM Marketing: Bilal Mahmood For advertising: Muhammad Zaeem, 0301 - 8463306 Salman Ahmed, 0300 - 4116792 Khalid Sheikh, 0345-5130728

Interview 2012: the year of elections

Uzma Hai displays her latest collection

40. Society

Report on the happenings and events in your metropolis

56. sports

Overview of Pakistan sports in the year 2011

58. OBITUARY

Lost but not forgotten personalities of the year 2011

Sunday plus Editor-in-Chief Majid Nizami

42.

34. Style

splus@nation.com.pk TheNation

Interview Swinging into the league of legends

62. movie

Review of the latest Hollywood flick to hit theatres this week

64. Picks of the week

Go through the smart wish-list for the best buys and best picks for everyone

08 Fashion

by Bishakha Kunwar

NEW YEAR, NEW HOPE, Shehla Chatoor (Queen of Couture)

1. What is your take on the look and content of Sunday Plus, a year after the amazing revamp?

I feel this year Sunday Plus has really picked up its game and has become a very informative and readable Weekend publication! Me Likes!

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I see civil unrest, unemployment, street crime, political transparency, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf getting more exhausted politicians on board; the intelligence indulging itself into more conspiracy; more of Bilawal Zardari performing clown tricks on the podium; a lot more music from all over the country :)

Kamiar Rokni

Sania Maskatiya

What is your take on the look and content of Sunday Plus, a year after the amazing revamp?

I think Sunday Plus is going from strength to strength. The look and the tone of the magazine is great!

I’m very impressed with the quality and content of Sunday Plus over the past year and wish them all the best!

I think the revamp is amazing, fresh and exciting,

How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I am hoping for a prosperous year where our country grows stable both economically and politically.

(Fashion Designer)

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

(Fashion Designer)

I see people especially the youth getting more involved in the political process because of the upcoming elections especially because of Imran Khan.

I’m an optimist, and I believe that things will improve as we struggle to grow into a truly democratic nation.

Your New Year’s Resolution.

More travel more fun!

To give back to the community

(Fashion Designer)

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

To stop procrastinating

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

Giving everything to my work. 2012 is the even number I’ve been waiting for. Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

splus@nation.com.pk

Fashion This year Sunday Plus expanded into a whole new level from revamping ourselves into a newer format, additional content and hasbecome more stylish, chic than ever. Sunday Plus asked some of our celebrities about the year that went by, their patriotic fervour about Pakistan, their fashion resolutions and what they think about the new, improved, stylish Sunday Plus. Bravo to our team for coming out with fine magazine witha well-balanced content.

NEWER PERSPECTIVE Samia Shahzada (Shoes Designer)

Azmay Shahzada (Shoes Designer)

Kamiar Rokni

Juggun Kazim

(Fashion Designer)

(Garnier Spokesperson)

What is your take on the look and content of Sunday Plus, a year after the amazing revamp?

The question has the answer in itself...amazing!!

Love the new look of The Nation Sunday Plus! The lay out is superb & reader friendly. Plus change is important to keep it fresh & interesting.

I feel this year Sunday Plus has really picked up its game and has become a very informative and readable Weekend publication! Me Likes!

I think the revamp is amazing, I really enjoy my Sunday morning routine of skimming through the magazine and I enjoyed being a part of the Quiz Time contest where I judged a contest for Garnier as their Brand Ambassador.

How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I think the larger infrastructure problems we are facing today will stay with us, but hopefully political change will make for a new beginning.

How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

Very volatile, it can go in either way from here onwards.

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

We as a brand want to open bigger better stores this year.

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

Better stress management! And a better quality of life

I am one of the few people who are still hopeful about the future of this country.

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

To care more for our environment and contribute positively as a socially responsible citizen.

Your New Year’s Resolution.

Giving everything to my work. 2012 is the even number I’ve been waiting for. splus@nation.com.pk

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 09

Fashion

Mehreen Syed

(CEO IFAP and L’Oréal Pakistan Spokesperson)

Sabina Pasha

(L’Oreal Pakistan Spokesperson)

Aamina Sheikh

Emraan Rajput

(L’Oréal Pakistan Spokesperson)

(Fashion Designer)

What is your take on the look and content of Sunday Plus, a year after the amazing revamp?

The Nation Sunday Plus is a remarkable magazine. It covers many different areas within one magazine, whether it comes to designer wear, entertainment, food, festivals, sports, restaurants, Places to visit, advertisements, events and many more. I feel Sunday Plus is doing a very good job.

It definitely stands out and has created its own niche within a short span of time. Wonderful!

I think it’s fabulous and it seems that the spirit of the team is positive and forever-evolving, which is exactly what it should be. My request to them is to continue the spirit of celebrating Pakistan and to always be on the lookout for new efforts being made by Pakistani fashionistas.

I think the Sunday Plus has improved a lot in its content and look. I strongly recommend it to everybody as it is a must-read magazine.

Being realistic, I see a resolution and a revolution of youngsters that will steer my beloved country out of crises.

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

One of my major concerns is the literacy rate in Pakistan. We should join hands

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

My new year’s resolution is to stay positive in life and to carry out my mission towards shedding positive light on Pakistan’s Fashion industry. 10 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I am a positive person to the core and I believe in the grandest revolution to come in Pakistan and turn it into Heaven on Earth.

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

My New Year resolution is to do limitless work in my field be it happening videos or quality shoots. Most importantly to hold on to the people who love me so dearly!

How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I see it taking the final push into the global market; I see our cinema surpassing ‘revival’ in 2012. I see Pakistani creative minds and talents making themselves and their work known internationally!

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected things at us, and flexibility and determination is required to complete anything.

Your New Year’s Resolution.

To be working on international platforms as an actor and model and to sincerely do what I can in my utmost capacity. splus@nation.com.pk

Zahra Saeed

(Brand Ambassador of Toni & Guy)

(The heiress to the Depilex Brand)

Redah Misbah

Nida Azwer

What is your take on the look and content of Sunday Plus, a year after the amazing revamp?

I feel that Sunday Plus is really going in the right direction. I’m loving the revamped look. Keep up the good work.

It is amazing to see the Sunday plus magazine grow from strength to strength

Whether it be content or look Sunday plus has truly marked its place in the print media as one of the best that Pakistan has today.

I love reading Sunday Plus every Sunday morning while sipping my coffee. I really like the look and I find it great in terms of content as well.

(Fashion Designer)

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

Pakistan is headed for a change for sure, it is an amazing country with abundant talent. It’s about time things change here, I see a Pakistan where the youth can dream and old can feel a sense of security. Great things are to come in the next year.

Shammal Qureshi

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I see a revolution

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

To revolutionize the face of hair and beauty industry in Pakistan.... booya!

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I hope to see every citizen of Pakistan not be lazy and prepare themselves to vote! And to see Imran Khan achieve heights in politics. I have never seen the youth this patriotic and alive, I know we are headed somewhere good

Your New Year’s Resolution.

To spend more time with my girls because they are the ones’ who keep me going. I would also like to travel more J

To do what I love and love what I do. To be a source of happiness for myself and others around me

splus@nation.com.pk

(Fashion Designer)

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I really hope to see it as a prosperous and peaceful country in the future

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

To adopt a healthier lifestyle and especially eat healthy food.

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus

Fashion

Uzma Hai (Fashion Designer)

ZAINAB ALAM

OF KRIZMAH (Accessory Designer)

Shamaeel Ansari

Sana Safinaz

(Fashion Designer)

What is your take on the look and content of Sunday Plus, a year after the amazing revamp?

I think Sunday Plus has completely revamped itself and is slowly becoming one of the country’s leading weekly magazines.

I love the new look and your content is very vast and varied.

I think it looks amazing

Exciting and classy, a unique Sunday Plus.

How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

Struggling with political drama and an ongoing economic crisis!

I am very optimistic about Pakistan and see a great future for the country.

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

I want to see my brand, Uzma Hai, move to a different level altogether by next year

12 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

Not to give up hope in our country and it’s potential.With close family and friends

2. How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

New Year’s resolution is to raise the bar on my own creativity, work with more energized passion, extend the Shamaeel line to ready to wear stores as well.

Unfortunately very dismal but one can only hope and pray with the right leadership we could be in a totally different environment.

Your New Year’s Resolution.

I was honored to win the Lux Style award in the luxury prêt collection. Moreover, the participation in the Veet celebration of beauty fashion show has been an incredible experience. We have had many successful exhibitions in Karachi and especially the Fashion Pakistan lounge in Lahore. We have started stocking at Emporio Taneez now!

Start exercising, read more, try to get less stressed, exercise for a healthier life style, see the world and eat even less food.

splus@nation.com.pk

Asiam Ul Haq

Hanif Bilwani

Mathira Mohammad (Singer, Model, Host)

(Media and PR Manager Catalyst)

What is your take on the look and content of Sunday Plus, a year after the amazing revamp?

My New Year resolution is to work harder and to put my name on top of the flag.Being a Muslim I believe in prayers and Inshallah I will achieve my goal in 2012.

The amazing revamp? It is good addition to the print media.

Well it’s a fabulous magazine and no matter what it will remain that way! Keep it up guys!!

I love reading Sunday Plus every Sunday morning while sipping my coffee. I really like the look and I find it great in terms of content as well.

How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

In the coming years we have plans to target the niche market and in order to attract those niche markets we have our strategic plan in place to change our brand image.

To be zero size as I need to re vamp myself.

How do you see Pakistan in the coming year?

I really hope to see it as a prosperous and peaceful country in the future

(Tennis Star)

I won 4 titles starting with Halle in Germany, Thailand Open in Bangkok, Stockholm and Sweden. Being a first Pakistani and first Muslim I won Paris Master series in November. Other than that played 9 Master series and Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

In coming year, I can see more Pakistanis getting educated, I’ve met young and more energetic people and Inshallah we will have a great leader who will take our counter top of the globe. I can see bright Pakistan in coming years! 14 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

(CEO, The House of Bonanza)

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

We hope Pakistan will have a fresh start in 2012 and I wish all the best forour nation in coming years.

Your New Year’s Resolution.

Well me as an individual, I see Pakistan as a country with better fighting skills against terrorism and corruption. But to make up a nation the people also play a great role too, so as long as we the people obey our laws, do less bribing, quit looting people, murdering others and playing roles in terrorist activities under the blanket then yes. This will become an amazing country in no time!! Let’s hope we can do that!!

Saima Mahmood

3. Your New Year’s Resolution.

To adopt a healthier lifestyle and especially eat healthy food.

splus@nation.com.pk

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18 exclusive interview By MOHSIN ALI

the league of

Amir Iqbal Khan (born 8 December 1986), is a professional boxer who is the former unified He previously boxed in the lightweight division, where he held the Commonwealth, WBO Khan is the youngest British Olympic boxing medalist, winning silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics at the age of 17. He is also one of the youngest British world champions ever, winning the WBA light welterweight title at age 22. Khan began to box competitively at the age of 11, with early honours including three English

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

school titles, three junior ABA titles, and gold at the 2003 Junior Olympics. In early 2004 he won a gold medal at the European Student Championships in Lithuania, and in South Korea several months later he won world junior lightweight title after fighting five times in seven days. Amir Khan won the 60 kg World Junior

Amateur Lightweight champion in 2003. Despite a lot of pressure and announcement of numerous incentives by his promoters and other organisations he decided to turn professional in 2005. Amir won the Commonwealth Gold medal in 2007 and world title in 2009 a record itself as he became the champion at the age of only

splus@nation.com.pk

exclusive interview

f legends WBA (Super) & IBF light welterweight champion. Inter-Continental, and WBA International titles. 24. Amir became the welterweight unified champion in 2011. Khan was recently in Pakistan to attend an international boxing event in Islamabad. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Plus he shared his vision for Pakistan sports especially boxing and how he intends to get back the world title that he

splus@nation.com.pk

recently lost in the USA after a bout with Lamont Peterson. “Hard work and determination is the key to success and Pakistan is blessed with natural talent and in five years' time Pakistan will produce an amateur boxing champion,” Khan said. “Boxing is fast gaining popularity

among the masses. If people like Doda Khan Bhutto (President of Pakistan Boxing Federation) and others like him continue to work for the betterment of this sports, the day is not far when boxing will in Pakistan will enjoy the same popularity and respect as cricket, hockey and squash. Dodo Bhutto is the right person to promote boxing talent in Pakistan,” Khan said. It may be mentioned here that it was due to the efforts of Doda Bhutto and his team that almost 25 countries of the world sent their boxers and other supporting staff with the consent of the world boxing governing bodies. “At a time when no country in the world is ready to allow its players to visit Pakistan, Doda has worked wonders by bringing in so many boxers from around the world. About how he intends to get back the world title, he said International Boxing Federation had set a tentative January 18 date for a hearing on the appeal against the decision regarding controversial loss to Lamont Peterson. "I am sure justice will be done and a deserving rematch date will be set. I would prefer to play in front of neutral judges as the best will emerge as the undisputed winner. I have lodged the complaint mainly against the deduction of points by referee Joe Cooper. If the IBF decides in my favour, a rematch would be a must. However, if

January 08, 2012

Sunday Plus 19

exclusive interview Amir Khan, Doda Bhutto and Amir’s younger brother Haroon Khan

Peterson fails to respond to a rematch, he would lose the title. "If my appeal is upheld, I will be ready to fight against Lamont Peterson, in April or May at Las Vegas or Los Angles. A neutral venue is a must. Otherwise the local crowd and referees are all against you," Khan explained. Khan revealed stunning details about his fight in USA. “After the bout was over and I was declared loser, The Washington Post, one of the leading US newspapers conducted an online survey and asked the general public as to who they thought had won the bout. The answer was in his favour as a whopping 76 percent people thought that I had won the fight and the referee had denied me the confirmed victory,” he said. About his early days Khan said, “I was an aggressive and energetic kid. Boxing suited my nature best. Seeing my aggressive nature, father took me to Halliwell Boxing Club in Bolton at the age of 8. “I grew up as a better person and as a better boxer over the passage of time. I currently weigh 140 pounds. I want to enhance the weight to 147 pounds,” he said. Khan, who is also a die-hard fan of soccer, supports his home town Football

Bolton Wanderers. He takes time out of his busy schedule to see Bolton in action, he going out to the ground s to give moral support to his favourite club. Khan promised to train a select group of Pakistani boxers at his training centre in UK. "I am a very optimistic person. I have achieved all the things in my life through sheer hard work and determination. My father always remains a source of inspiration. He stays with me during my fights, and has never missed even a single bout," he said. Khan said that Pakistani coaches are good, but the PBF must hire the services of some experienced international coaches to groom the talent. “This would also help educate the local coaches. My trainer Freddie Roach had won the best trainer of the year award for five years in running. He remained instrumental in all my recent

Boxing Federation has set a tentative January 18 date for a hearing on the appeal against the decision regarding controversial loss to Lamont Peterson. I am sure justice would be done and a deserving rematch would be set. 20 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

achievements,” Khan maintained. He gave the example of the great Muhammad Ali who lost six bouts a in run in his early days, but bounced back and went on to become the greatest boxer of all times through hard work and excessive training. “I am a fighter by nature and all that I have achieved so far is through excessive training and hard work,” he revealed. Meanwhile, Amir and Haroon Khan's father Sajjad Khan who were also present on the occasion, commented on Haroon's issue of representing Pakistan instead of England, Amir Khan said, “England didn't pick Haroon to represent them. Pakistan Boxing Federation contacted us and Haroon came here. After trials he was selected to represent Pakistan. “Haroon is working hard. We are satisfied with his progress so far. He is being well taken care off. As far as his defeat to an Indian boxer is concerned, boxing is a day-to-day affair. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. “I love Pakistan just like my other countrymen do. My relatives live here. I have my own house here. We used to come regularly and Amir had also accompanied us on several visits,” Haroon added. “I feel proud that at least one of my sons is representing the country of his forefathers. I am sure Haroon will win bring accolades for Pakistan just like Amir did for Britain in a very short span of time,” Amir Khan’s father said. Amir Khan has come a long way in a very short span of time. He is very popular across the globe. It is heartening to see that he has not forgotten his roots. Given his temperament and his resolve to excel it will not be long before he will again be the champ.

splus@nation.com.pk

22 economy

by dr. salman shah

Target killings held the Karachi hostage, most of the year

The energy crises is hurting industries

The dip at the stock exchange market

State of the nation in

challenging times With the start of the year 2011, we find ourselves enmeshed in the most challenging fight of our existence. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;memogateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; episode is unfolding before us the fissures between our government and institutions, at a time when geo-strategic forces are shaping the future of our region.

he end game in Afghanistan is being planned and a conflict that has bedeviled our lives for the last thirty years and for which Pakistan as a country and Pakistanis as individuals have paid a huge price in blood and money, may come to an appropriate end if our economic and political interests are catered to. If not, the seeds of the next conflict will be sown and we may be left behind with chaos, as America withdraws from Afghanistan and leaves behind an inherently hostile dispensation in Kabul. If the memo is true, we are left with the sinking realization that our government is willing to toe the American India centric line in totality and is intent

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

on purging the armed forces leadership who are a hurdle in the way. The Armed forces on the other hand are digging in their heels and demanding a central economic and political role for Pakistan as a lynchpin state of the region particularly in Afghanistan and Central Asia. A larger than life imprint of India is not acceptable. The signing of a strategic partnership between Karzai and Manmohan Singh was the proverbial red flag, that confirmed the worst fear of the Pakistanis and as a result the relationship between Rawalpindi and Kabul has nosedived. The new Silk Road initiative of the state department also depends critically on Pakistani participation, but Pakistani

interests are related to connecting central Asia with Gwadar and Karachi, whereas the American strategy is to connect Central Asia to India through Pakistan. The Pakistanis see this initiative as a way for India to establish its hegemony in Afghanistan and Central Asia and will only give this concession, when and if, Pakistan-India relationship is normalized and disputes are settled. If the government and the armed forces had been united in negotiating Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests in Afghanistan then we would not have reached this sorry state of disarray and confusion and would have salvaged a beneficial arrangement for Pakistan and Afghanistan. In addition

splus@nation.com.pk

economy

the unraveling of the economy under the management of the coalition government has taken the wind out of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to stand up to international pressure. The economy is beset by stagflation, with growth having plummeted to around 2.5 percent and inflation in double digits. The high interest rate policy of the last three years has driven the private sector to the sidelines with capacity utilization in large scale manufacturing dropping below 50 percent and investment shrinking to 12 percent of GDP. Billions of dollars of investment flows have disappeared and the rupee is coming under extreme pressure. The exchange rate has collapsed to 90 rupees to the dollar and the new year may bring further deterioration. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the masses and pushed millions of people under the poverty line. A proud nation of 180 million with over 100 million below the age of 25, has been devastated with poverty and unemployment. Corrupt and poor governance is resulting in collapsing services for the people from government departments and state owned enterprises. PIA planes cannot fly and railway engines cannot roll because they are losing money by day.Pakistan Steel Mills has been looted and one fears for other mega government entities when the veil of control of the present government is lifted and the extent of damage is assessed. Huge deficits of the SOEs

A proud nation of 180 million with over 100 million below the age of 25 has been devastated with poverty and unemployment. have elbowed out the budgetary social sector expenditures and financing of the budget deficits have crowded out the private sector. Public debt has doubled with debt servicing ballooning by Rs 500 billion per year over the last four years. The rising expenditures have eroded the public sector development programme. The energy crisis has shut down large swathes of industry across the country. The gas and power shortages are disrupting output at an alarming rate. Energy imports are the main drivers of the trade deficit. The economy remains highly vulnerable to rising oil prices and we have not been able to address the energy crisis head on. Circular debt continues to plague the energy sector. The affordability of imported energy has not been tackled and the PPP, ANP combination that was ideally placed to launch Kalabagh dam, did not rise to the occasion. A project that can be completed in four to five years, give us about 20 percent of our power consumption at a cost of less than 2 Rs per unit, slash our trade deficit, contribute directly about six billion dollars per year to the national GDP, slash food and energy prices and generate rural and urban employment has been abandoned due to political opportunism at the ex-

Will PIA be able to take off again? splus@nation.com.pk

pense of prosperity and wellbeing of the people of Pakistan. The target killings in Karachi during the year were more damaging to Pakistan than the terrorism and extremism afflicting the FATA region. A glorious city, the financial and commercial capital of Pakistan, home to every ethnic group of the country which should have been the melting pot of Pakistan was subjected to the worst type of plunder and strife by our own political parties and interestingly all of them are part of the ruling coalition. The investment climate of the country stands shattered and neither domestic investors, nor foreign investors are willing to invest. Relationship with the IMF has been snapped and the revised GST has been shelved. It seems that economic revival is not on the cards in the immediate future. The only good news is that 2012 may be the year of the change, hopefully for the better, when Pakistanis will display their inner strength and resilience and usher in the changes needed to put the derailed country back on track as the most promising, fast growing, emerging economy in Asia. A task that we showed is very much doable. (The writer is a former federal minister of finance)

Railway suffering billions in losses January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 23

24 interview

by emnauel serfraz

2012: the year of

elections

Seasoned politician and Chairman of Awami League Pakistan, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, began his political career in 1968 by participating in the movement against Ayub Khan Government. After his admission in Gordon College Rawalpindi, he took active part in student politics. Later, he got elected in the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi. He was first elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1985. Since then he has served as federal minister eight times for different ministries. Hugely popular in Rawalpindi he, however, lost both of his constituencies in the 2008 general elections and later in the by-polls also. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Plus he explains the changing landscape of Pakistani politics and what positive change can be expected in the year 2012. Following are the excerpts of the interview: Who rules Pakistan? You have been in government so many times. How would you define the term often used ‘Establishment’? Who are the people that form this so called establishment? The establishment means the armed forces. So they have the role all the time. When government is weak, corrupt and dishonest then establishment is the government. Always armed forces had a role in foreign affairs, sometimes in economy and in disaster management. Government does not have any kind of set up that can deal with floods or any kind of disaster. The politicians in government are there just to deliver the speeches and fill camera sessions. The bureaucrats are very intelligent. They always look towards the army. Fortunately or unfortunately this establishment is the only think tank we have in Pakistan. They think they are good

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

at that. Everything they do they say is in the interest of the country. I don’t know whether it is result oriented or not as in the last 64 years our problems are the same. Now there are two new pillars of state. That is judiciary and media. Earlier they did not have any important role. Now they are strong. Everybody looks towards media and judiciary. The next 120 days are very important for judiciary, army, parliament and people of Pakistan. The undercurrents in Pakistani politics are very strong these days. How do you see the situation emerging in 2012? Are we heading for early polls or will the current inertia prevail, with the government failing to deliver and the situation continuing to take its toll on economy of Pakistan? Elections I am sure are in 2012. There is no way anyone would cross that line. Theyare just waiting for Senate elections.

That is why I am saying up to March 12, 2012, it is very important. They will go for early elections. All parties are running election campaigns. I don’t see any single party that is not working for elections. PPP may not be doing it but that is because they are running the government and are in great trouble. They could not handle the flood situation in Sindh. I don’t blame them for the first flood. The second time they even did not change the people responsible for mishandling things. After next elections the parliament may be hung but they will not be able to play the Sindh card, which is no longer popular in Sindh. People have a lot of reservations and they are dissatisfied. If there will be election it will change everything. It is going to shake things upside down. You believe in popular politics at the grass root level. People of Pakistan are fed up with the state

splus@nation.com.pk

interview

Elections I am sure are in 2012. There is no way anyone would cross that line. Theyare just waiting for Senate elections. That is why I am saying up to March 12, 2012 it is very important. They will go for early elections.

splus@nation.com.pk

January 08, 2012

Sunday Plus 25

interview of affairs. Only about 30 percent of Pakistanis turn up for casting their vote in the general election. The silent majority is disturbed at the situation. Do you see higher turnout in the next general election? If there is an election, the silent majority must come out of their homes and vote. If they don’t they have no right to complain about the situation. Political pundits are predicting that after the next elections there will be another hung parliament. How do you see the situation? If we have another hung parliament will Pakistan have another five years of the same nature that we witnessed? I am as sure as everyone else that it will be a hung parliament. Major parties are going to get less seats than before. The Lahore rally of Imran Khan at Minar-ePakistan was his first day in politics. It was all because Nawaz Sharif mishandled and could not manage. So this large vacuum that a lot of candidates were waiting for was filled by Imran Khan. No doubt he is the third force in the country now. Earlier, people did not have a choice. Now they do.

A dishonest minister is heading the institution. Most people at the helm of affairs are corrupt. They have destroyed it. They are importing locomotives now. They could make 20 locomotives in one month. In four years if they had worked this would not have been the situation. Imran Khan claims that a political tsunami will come and sweep away both the Sharif brothers and PPP. Do you think that history of 1970 can be repeated and is Mr Khan capable of bringing change? It is too early to say whether he will get 100 seats or not, but he will get some seats. Whether he will be in a position to form a government, it is hard to say right now. If he makes a coalition government he will be able to work. AsifZardari managed to work with the coalition in first three years. It was not possible even in India. But he utilised well the ANP, MQM and PML (Q). This never happened before in the history of Pakistan. He was not a popular

26 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

leader. Popularity is a double edged sword. It supports you and it ditches you. People have great expectations from popular leaders. It is said democracy was restored after General Musharraf left Pakistan. Democracy could not, however, go to the grass root level. Why could local bodies’ election not be held? Never in Pakistan has democracy been real. I have never seen pure democracy in Pakistan. Local bodies’ polls are held in army rule. No political party is ready to hold LB polls. They can’t manage and party divides. Every worker thinks he has the ability to become councillor or nazim. It is the same with all parties except MQM. It can take decisions because it has strong support at the grass root level. You formed a new party Awami Muslim League? How much the party has progressed since then? What is the infrastructure of your party? We have never heard of any other notable name in the party? No one beside you has come to represent the party at any forum? Party is not much. We have infrastructure in four provinces. We don’t have money and resources. If we can get resources that people are spending in one public gathering we can be in a very good position. We have about 7,000 members. But then nobody is much committed in Pakistan. You have worked in the Musharraf government and must have met him a number of times. How did you find him as a person and as a politician? Whatever people say, Musharraf was a nice man. I served him as a minister for information and railways. Believe me, he never dictated me like the other civilian administrators. Dictation mostly comes from civilian prime ministers. I never had to ask to increase the fare or do anything. I may have sometimes made very serious mistakes. He would point it out and I will but he would always say it is all right. And that was all. Some people are of the view that USA had a role in ousting Musharraf. What do you think? USA always has an international agenda. They have a master plan and work according to it. Their plan was to make Benazir Bhutto Shaheed prime minister.

This never worked. He went abroad with the mutual understanding of Pakistan government and USA. How much influence do you think USA has in Pakistani politics? They have power because they have money. They invest and reap results. We are a sick unit. If your finance is so poor you can’t defend your country. You can’t bring stability. For strong defence and foreign policy you need money. No Islamic country is giving money to Pakistan. Do you agree that if all factions of PML get united it will be single largest political entity? What is stopping it from happening? I was urging in early days that PML factions should unite. Nobody listened to me. Unfortunately people who have money don’t have brains. Now the train has left. I was telling Nawaz Sharif that he would be the leader. He didn’t listen to me. Now he is going to nazim level leaders. Majid Nizami Sahib also made a lot of effort. Now things are open for Imran Khan and other parties. Had the PML factions united there was no need for anybody. Do you think India should be given MFN status? As IjazManzoor said this is American desire. MFN is part of American agenda. They are dictating us to accept the supremacy of India. They want India to become the super power of this region. Army did not allow this and that is why it is still pending. Government has changed its position. You have headed the ministry of railways. What are the real problems and what remedies do you suggest? A dishonest minister is heading the institution. Most people at the helm of affairs are corrupt. They have destroyed it. They are importing locomotives now. They could make 20 locomotives in one month. In four years if they had worked this would not have been the situation. See how irresponsible they are. Same is the case with PIA. Mismanagement and appointment of blue eyed people is to blame. In public sector all earning entities that is PIA, Steel Mill, OGDC and Railways have been destroyed by blue eyed people of this government.

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28 art

Oil on Canvas (39”x65”)

Oil on Canvas (22”x32”)

20 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

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art

Oil on Canvas (21”x31”)

Oil on Canvas (36”x64”)

Oil on Canvas (22”x50”)

Imagination comes to life Oil on Canvas (22”x23”)

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Recently, a solo show of QaiserHabibi was held at the Alhamra Cultural Complex’s Collectors Galleria, Lahore.

His work depicted various buildings of Lahore with which the artist had interacted in his childhood. The buildings like Lahore Museum, Sultan Qutbuddin’s Tomb, Government College, Lahore, Badshahi Mosque and many other such monuments and buildings have been captured by artist’s brush dipped in rich imagination.

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30 art

by MADIHA SYEDAIN

Experience the culinary &

artistic delights

Following in the footsteps of Pak Tea House, the artist community of Pakistan has welcomed the opening of another café which offers a unique combination of culinary experience and art exhibition under one roof titled, ‘Zé Grill: The Art Café.’

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

raditionally, Lahore has always been a literary centre for poets, scholars, intellectuals and writers. Beginning from Pak Tea House to other intellectual cafes in Lahore, the city has been frequently visited by the city’s artistic, cultural and literary personalities like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ibn-e-Insha, Ahmed Faraz, Saadat Hasan Manto, Muneer Niazi and others. Following in the footsteps of Pak Tea House, the artist community of Pakistan has welcomed the opening of another café which offers a unique combination of culinary experience and art exhibition under one roof titled, ‘Zé Grill: The Art Café.’ While talking to Sunday Plus, Muhammad Ramzan the Director of Ejaz Galleries pointed out, “we have been working on this project for the last one year with an aim to promote art and artists in the province. The Café would provide general public and families to interact with the artist community.” ‘Zé Grill: The Art Café’ is the first abode of its kind to display the works of 20 prominent artists of Pakistan; Ahmed Khan, Ali Azmat, Asad Faruki, Bin Qullander, Dabeer Ahmed, Dr Khalid, Dua Abbas Rizvi, Iqbal Hussain, Maham Gull, Mughees Riaz, RM Naeem, Rahat Masud, Rukhsana Gul, Sadaf Naeem, Saeed Akhtar, Talat Ahmed, Waseem Ahmed, Zarah David and Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi. Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, the Ex-President Supreme Court Bar Association inaugurated the event and appreciated the initiative of Ejaz Gal-

leries for providing a platform which abridges the gap between the artists and the people and welcomes the artists, literary figures, city elite who with their families can eat in a serene and artistic ambiance. While talking to the artist, Ali Azmat pointed out, “it is an interesting initiative where people from different walks of life will enjoy good food and appreciate the value of art regardless of its commercial aspect.” Saddaf Naeem the artist and wife of RM Naeem also stated, “The café is another valuable addition to the cultural aspect of Lahore and offers a healthy and cosy interaction between teacher students and artists.” Tania Sohail, the curator of Alhamra Art Gallery commented, “‘Zé Grill: The Art Café’ is another nice addition to the art cafes in Pakistan. After Nairang Art Gallery, the artists of Pakistan have set up a place where a good food, elegant ambiance and great artwork would inculcate a spirit of unity and understanding among artists.” Mugheez Riaz another artiste commented, “The artist community has finally found a place where they can think, talk and share art for the sake of art.” Zahra David the art coordinator and artist of Ejaz Galleries said, “the gallery has taken an important step to promote the cultural aesthetic and culinary aspects of Lahorities.” One hopes that Zé Grill: The Art Café’ is going to act as a forum for artists and people of diverse backgrounds to voice their opinions in a light hearted manner and understand art for the sake of art.

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34 style

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

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style

ethnic Rush

Uzma Hai in her new causal line uses bold and deep colours with an eccentric use of printed silks and jeweled embellishments. She plays with her designs by adding gathered sleeves, princess cuffs, striped pocket and embroidery on the cuffs. The cuts used are lean and straight accentuating upon the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physique. Her collection is best suited for a woman attending her work presentation or high â&#x20AC;&#x201C;tea at a bistro.

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 35

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36 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

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style

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January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 37

38 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

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style

Designer: Uzma Hai Shoot Coordinator: Umair Qazi Make up: Allenora Photographer: Shahbaz Shazi

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 39

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40 society

Shirin collection LAHORE:

Shirin Hassan recently exhibited her Block Print collection at her residence which was a huge hit. Eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Media Management was handled by Bilal Mukhtar Events & PR. 3

1 Zainab 2 Samia & Izza 3 Beela 4 Rida & Shahana 5 Sadaf & Shirin Hassan 6 Lubna & Farhad 7 Farwa & Maheen 8 Madiha & Bilal Mukhtar 9 Amina & Bareeze 10 Sara 11 Shireen 5

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42 society Toy Fest LAHORE:

Babyshop organised an exciting and colourful event at its newly opened location at Mall One, M.M. Alam Road. The Toy Fest was based around a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costume parade. The eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media and PR was arranged by Voila PR. 1

1 Mishal 2 Kinza & Hamza 3 Guests 4 Natasha 5 Annie 6 Fatima & Mohammed 6 Amna 3

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44 society LA CHANTAL launch KARACHI:

LA CHANTAL by SABA was launched at the designers. The event was organized by Savvy PR & events. Angie marshal of Style Q salon did the hair & makeup of the models and the jewellery worn in the fashion show was by sonar. 1

1 Saba & Gul 2 Laiba, Aleena & Murtaza 3 Angie, Afshan, Saneeya & Irfan

4 Sahar with Mifrah 5 Amra, Nilo Pasha & Sabera

6 Pinky Durrany & Mohsin 3

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society

7 Nazish, Nabiha, Fawad & A Guest 8 Aamna Haider Isaani 9 Fauzia, Asad, Afreen & Ayesha Omar 10 Zeba, Amir, Yousaf Bashir Qureshi & guest 11 Salwa & Bisma 10 Talha & Sadia Nawabi 11 Uzma Jamil, Aliya & Laiqa 11

12 13

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08 society

CafĂŠ acacia Lahore: Cafe Acacia was recently launched at Marvel Hotel in DHA. Event was managed by Bilal Mukhtar Events & PR. 1 Danyal , Sadia , Farhad

& Lubna

2 Zarah, Salwa & Zayad 3 Amna Ilyas & Xille 4 Natty & Bilal Mukhtar 5 Hamza Tarar 6 Mahnoor, Alma & Mayan 7 Amina Saeed 8 Uzma 9 Bilal, Waqas & Tanveeer 4

48 Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

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10 11

society

12 13

10 Fawad , Atif & Asif 11 12 13 14 15 16

Khalid & Naveed Tony& Bindya Onaza & Ali Haider & Zona Imania & Sarah Farooq Hassan

17 Sabina Pasha & Bilal 18 Fauzan & Ikram 19 Waleed

14 15

17 18

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11 19

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 49

50 society MOVEMBER ISLAMABAD:

This year at the British High Commission, November was renamed Movember and about 20 men attempted to grow moustaches for the prostate cancer charity which hosts this event the world over. Each entrant had to arrive at work on 1 November clean shaven. For the rest of the month they were under orders to keep their face shaved, while leaving their moustaches to develop. It wasn’t only men who got involved though, and growing a Mo wasn’t the only way people could participate. Staff at the British High Commission and DFID collected over PKR 235,000 for charity during Movember. This money will go to St Joseph’s Hospice, the Pakistani Paralympics committee and to HANDS for their 2011 Floods response.

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

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society

Christmas celebrations LAHORE:

Annual Christmas dinner of the Lahore YMCA was recently held at its hall on Shahrah-e-Quaid Azam. Mr Shamada from the Japan YMCA was chief guest at the event, which was attended by YMCA members and their families. 3

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Ghulam Ali Lahooti

Raja Riaz & Tanzilur Rehman

Tahir Vicky, Asher Imtiaz Massey & Adan

Mr Shagieru Shamada

Malik Razzak

Rev Riaz

Sajjad Taffu, A Nayyar & Salim Bhatti

Waris Baig

Kiran with her sister

Suneila Zain & Shumaila Asher

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus

52 society

Rejoice 2012 KARACHI:

With the beginning of new horizons and new aspirations, ZonG CMPak Limited hosted a grand 2012 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night in the cold and breezy winter at the DHA Golf Club Convention Centre. The event was glittering with famous celebrities from the fashion/TV industry, corporate sector, and government authorities & the advertising world. Over 500 2 exclusive guests chanted the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s countdown together with their beloved and danced till they dropped.

1 Mr. Fu Li, Mr. Sajid ( CCO, CMPak), Mr. Fan

Yunjun ( CEO, CMPak), Ali Kamran ( Director Corporate Pakistan) & Mr. Peng

2 Ali & Mahira Khan 3 Frieha & Iraj 4 Sehr & Naureen 5 Mr. & Mrs. Naeem Zamidar 6 Aamir, Xhalay, Javeria & Zayla 7 Mr. Mrs. Intesar 4

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society

10 11

8 Mr. & Mrs. Sarmad Sufian 9 Mr. & Mrs. Aziz Memon 10 Olita, Mr. Fan Yunjun ( CEO CMPak Ltd.) and Nina

11 Amna Ilyas, Zillay, Uzma Ilyas

12 Mr & Mrs. Sajid Ali 13 Esna, Iraj 14 Mr. Mrs Salman 15 Esna, Dr. Ikhtiar Baig, Mr.

Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Mr. Ali Kamran, Usman , M. Usman & Tehmina

12 13

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January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 53

54 society Carol singing

LAHORE: A Christmas carol singing function was held under the aegis of Pearl Continental Hotel and daily The Nation. Choir of Cathedral Church presented the carols while the event was attended by heads of Christian institutions and children from the SOS village. 1 Choir led by Roy Menzies

2 Irshad B Anjum & Alia Tariq

3 Rameeza Majid Nizami,

Bishop Alexander John Malik & Rev Shahid Miraj

4 Mr & Mrs Cedric Shah with their daughter Kasaf

5 Samuel Pervez 6 Shumaila Asher, Ghazala Sarfraz, Sarah & Imrah

7 Mrs Roy Menzies with her daughter

8 Sister Perveen Rehmat with other sisters of Sacred Heart School

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

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comment by TEHNIAT TIRMIZI

time to

change... W

2012 is almost here. One whole year has come to an end. Noticed any obvious change around you, your community? Remember any resolution you made last year? No? Not surprising, not many of us do. We tend to ignore major facts of life by simply labeling them as mere impracticalities. Sadly, our society has encountered many deep-rooted myths that have successfully been embedded in the mind sets of our locals over the years and have formulated their perception.

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ith every new generation there is an evolution of thought, but is that true, are we out of our social dilemmas yet? Have we counteracted our problems? The answers are as evident. Neither has there been any major advancement nor have we taken any step towards debunking those myths, we are just in line with the blinded rest. We act upon them without questioning because if we do speak up for ourselves or take a stand we will wholeheartedly be considered ‘rebellious’ and ‘uncourteous’. The term used here should be firmly replaced by ‘individualistic’. The belief in differing perspectives definitely takes an odd stance to-date. ‘Individual difference’ is a term alien to many. It is quite amazing that people still accept the prejudiced system of our society. That is because the once known false believes are now, convictions. It is about time we gear up for getting rid of such trivial issues. The advancement brought under consideration is that of thought of behaviours. I can categorically say that we

as a nation are far captivated by our social ambiguities and dilemmas. Spare me the disagreement but if you suppose we have in any case have achieved a level of modernity, let me tell you that in the first nine months of 2011, 675 It is about time we honour killing cases were reported. embrace the fact To, much astonishment there are that we are equally many that go unreported. Yes, this liable for what our is the so- called modern age where country is going specifically human life is targeted, through. Evolution persistently. for a different The misapprehension that jumps mode of thinking in here is; we blame the establishis not a one day ment, the government for any process. particular mishap, injustice, crime or failure. The point here is have we ever held ourselves liable for any loss to our community. When we tag ourselves as ‘Pakistani’ it means something more than a mere word. What kind of patriotism are we symbolizing where we have not yet fought our existing problems. It is about time we embrace the fact that we are equally liable for what our country is going through. Evolution for a different mode of thinking is not a one day process. Change will come, but gradually. For which we have to educate the masses, launch awareness programs through initiating more public service messages regarding certain integral issues. In short, transform mind-sets.

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus

56 sports

by mohsin ali

one are those days when Pakistan ruled the world of sports and were the proud world champions in cricket, hockey, snooker, Bermuda Bowl and above all squash in 1994, the golden year in the history of the country. 2011 began and ends with misery for the millions of sports loving fans of the country, as this year the Pakistani athletes failed to live up to the expectations of the masses. Pakistani squash players totally flopped in all international events in which they participated. Pakistan Squash Federation completely failed in grooming or finding the new talent.The federation role remained a question mark right throughout the year as first they failed to arrange visas of Belgium for the players, despite the fact Pakistan were the defending champion of the event.In the team event which was held in Germany, Pakistani players performance was the worst ever in the history of the country as they finished at disappointing 21st out of 32 countries. Jansher Khan prior to his appointment as head coach had promised to produce champions in 6 months if the federation gives him a chance.Now after more than a year Jansher has done nothing for improvement in the game. He further widened the gap between players and the federation.He is settling personal scores with the players. Aamir Atlas is the one prime example of Jansherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mishandling of the affairs. Hockey is the national game of the country and we were the proud champions of this particular sport for a long period. Pakistan also holds the unique record of winning all the major inaugural hockey tournaments. But the current Pakistan Hockey Federation top brass headed by President Qasim Zia with Asif Bajwa as Secretary left no stone unturned to completely destroy hockey in Pakistan. Instead of working for providing benefits to the players and trying to improve their life style and provide them better job opportunities, to help the players focus on their game rather than looking for the ways to earn bread and butter for their families through other ways. PHF hired a Dutch coach Michel Van Den Heuvel, who was previously working as assistant coach with the Netherlands national team.During his tenure as assistant coach Holland hockey was in shambles. Pakistan is a poor country.We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to give such a whooping Rs 2 million every

2011 f es o s s i dm n a hits the

The year 2011 was a year to forget as far as Pakistan sports are concerned with the exception of a few cases.

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

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sports Aisam Ul Haq provided Pakistan the greatest joy twice this year by first winning the Gerry Weber Open Doubles Title along with his Indian partner Rohan Bhopana and then writes his name in history books by becoming the first Pakistani to win a Masters event by winning the BNP Paris Masters doubles title in Paris again with his Indian partner Rohan Bhopana.

month to this not more than average coach, in a country where top national players like Sohail Abbas, Salman Akbar, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi, Muhammad Imran and the entire squadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s joint monthly income is less than what the coach is getting. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, as Patron in Chief of PHF, must look into the sad state of affairs in PHF and immediately sack the entire PHF set-up and appoint an ad hoc set up for the time being. Pakistan Hockey team has failed to win even a single major event in 2011, they finished 4th in four nation Robo Cup and above all they got 7th position in the recently concluded Champions Trophy in Auckland out of 8 teams. Pakistan Hockey team comfortably won the four match series against visiting Chinese team 4-0, with first and second match was played in Karachi in the first match Pakistan came out 3-0 winners, in the second encounter the margin of victory was 5-3 in favor of the hosts, the third match was played in Faisalabad in which Pakistan beat China 3-1, the fourth and last match of the series was played at Lahore and Pakistan narrowly beat the visitors 2-1 thus completing a 4-0 whitewash. London Olympics are round the corner and PHF is not ready.Hockey is only real hope of the country to earn medal at Olympics if things went like this their is no hope from this squad of winning splus@nation.com.pk

any thing. There were some positive things for the country in 2011 in different sports, as for the first time in the history of the country Pakistani special athletes managed to win 57 medals at Athens Special Olympics, a rear feat in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sporting history which was never done before. Pakistani Judo player won the gold medal in Asian Games held in Tehran, Iran. One of the biggest sporting achievements in 2011 was the holding of International Beach Kabbadi event in Islamabad by Pakistan Kabbadi Federation and teams from Iran and Afghanistan also participated in the four-day event. Pakistan Army created history by beating strong Iranian team which won the Silver medal in Asian Games in the final to become the crowned champions of Beach Kabbadi. Pakistan Wrestling Federation arranges a dangal with Indian counterparts in Gujranawala and Lahore, which the visiting Indian team manages to win after some hard fought dangals. Perhaps the biggest achievement of all this year was the successful hosting of Second Benazir Bhutto Shaheed International Boxing Championship 2011 at Liaquat Gymnasium, in Islamabad, in which boxers from 26 countries took part, and Doda Khan Bhutto, President Pakistan Boxing Federation must be given the

due credit for organizing such a wonderful and well participated international event, at a time when not a single international sports body or any other individual was ready to come to play in Pakistan. The country was deprived by the Pakistan Sports Board from hosting an international Tenpin Bowling Tournament in which almost 100 countries professional players had confirmed their availability, but thanks to PSB the organisers had to cancel the event at eleventh hour due to PSBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s non-professional attitude. Aisam Ul Haq provided Pakistan the greatest joy twice this year by first winning the Gerry Weber Open Doubles Title along with his Indian partner Rohan Bhopana and then writes his name in history books by becoming the first Pakistani to win a Masters event by winning the BNP Paris Masters doubles title in Paris again with his Indian partner Rohan Bhopana. 2011 was not a good year for Pakistani athletes as far as sports are concerned as they failed to perform according to their abilities. There is no shortage of talent in the country. The players need to be provided better sports facilities and the due respect they deserve. It is high time the federations start working with devotion and promote the genuine talent, instead of providing opportunities only to dear ones. Things will rapidly for the better if nepotism is checked. January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 57

58 OBITUARY by SYED ALI NAQVI

Moin Akhtar

nusrat bhutto

steve jobs

muammar gaddafi

Lost but not forgotten The year 2011 has ended. There have been new developments in every field of human discipline. With access to information we were made aware of almost each and every happening around the world. People have died and in large numbers too. Some of them, it would not be wrong to say, embraced immortality in the face of death. They are the people who made an impact on the lives of millions and millions of people. This year some memorable names have departed, people like Moin Akhtar, Nusrat Bhutto, Steve Jobs and others. As we bid farewell to 2011 the memories of these people will never cease to amaze us in the years to come. They will be remembered and celebrated for their contributions in their respective fields of discipline. A brief salutation to all these people is as follows. Moin Akhtar

Pakistan has produced great comedians over the years. Moin Akthar has been the icon and a true genius when it comes to comedy. His sad demise on the 22nd of April created a huge void in the entertainment industry of the country. He was the most versatile actor, host, comedian, singer, producer and director. His most famous acts include TV shows with Anwar Maqsood namely Studio 2 ½, Studio 2 ¾ and Loose Talk. He shot to international fame with the play Rozi in the Urdu adaptation of Dustin Hoffman’s Tootsie. He was such

Sunday Plus January 01, 2012

a versatile and dynamic actor and host that it would be impossible to encompass his lifelong contributions to Pakistan’s showbiz industry in this short article. Without him the history of Pakistani drama, comedy and TV shows would be incomplete. As long as there is entertainment in this world people will remember Moin Akhtar for his timeless entertainment and quality acting.

Nusrat Bhutto

Former Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party Begum Nusrat Bhutto died in Dubai on October 23rd after a prolonged illness.

She was a true symbol of women empowerment, rule of law and of democracy. She was born in Isfahan Iran. She married Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in the September of 1951. During the Zia Marshal Law she fought like a soldier against the dictatorial regime. She sacrificed everything she had. Her husband, her sons and her daughter all of them died for the cause of democracy. People who believe in democracy will always remember her efforts not in Pakistan but in the whole world .

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OBITUARY

Elizabeth Taylor

amy winehouse

Steve Jobs

Born on February 24, 1955 Steve Jobs started his career as a technician at Atari Inc in 1974. Who could tell that this man would change the face of computer technology in the days to come. He was a businessman, engineer and an inventor who revolutionized the world of computer science. He was the cofounder of Apple Computers. Jobs, cofounders Wozniak and Ronald Wayne invented the Apple computer in the garage of Job’s parents in 1976. Since that day the journey of innovation and invention started and jobs never looked back. The list of accomplishments and inventions of jobs are too long to be mentioned here. He died on October 5th and left his fans shocked and mournful. The gap his death has created can never be filled. Anyone who uses iPhones, iPads and Apple Computers owe it to the untiring efforts and the genius of Steve Jobs.

Colonel Muammar GaddafI

After a military coup in 1969 Colonel Muammar Gaddafi seized power. He ruled the Libyan Arab Republic for more than 4 decades. In the last days of his life Gaddafi was encircle by conspiracy both at a national and international scale. People revolted against the dictatorial regime of Gaddafi. The uprising led to the Libyan civil war. The situation spiraled out of control and resulted in the NATO intervention. The way Colonel Gaddafi was executed on the Libyan streets was most unfortunate. If we see his execution in the broader historical perspective things will get a little clearer. The most successful OIC conference of 1974 in Lahore brought together all the Muslim world leadership under one roof. All leaders that participated in the confer-

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joe frazier

jamil fakhri

ence did not die the natural death including Colonel Gaddafi. He will be remembered as the most powerful Libyan ruler who died the most miserable death.

Elizabeth Taylor

The greatest screen actress and the most influential British-American celebrity Elizabeth Taylor was known for her skills as an actress, her beauty and the glamorous lifestyle. She was born on 27th February 1932. She started as a child star from MGM productions and eventually rose to international fame with memorable roles in movies including, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, National Velvet, Father of the Bride, A Place in the Sun, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butterfield 8 and many others. She lived a very eventful life which included eight marriages. After suffering from years of illness the golden actress from the golden age of Hollywood died at the age of 79.

Amy Winehouse

English singer-songwriter and entertainer was found dead on 23rd July. She died a tragic and mysterious death. Known for her powerful vocals and eclectic music mix with genres like R&B and Jazz Amy was the most celebrated female artist of the time. She was the winner of five Grammy Awards and a Brit Award for best female artist. Within no time she gained international limelight and influenced the female musicians around the world. She also revitalized the British music with her popular music. After her death her album Back to Black became the best selling UK album of the century. Amy will always be remembered for her unique vocals and amusing style of singing.

babbu baral

Joe Frazier

Joe Frazier was one of the best boxers the world has ever seen. Also known as Smokin’ Joe he was the undisputed World Heavyweight boxing champion. He came to the limelight as the top contender in the 1960s by defeating opponents like Jimmy Ellis, Oscar Bonavena and Doug Jones. His boxing career consisted of 11 long years from 1965 to 1976. He made a comeback in 1981 for a single fight. The “fight of the century” was fought between him and Muhammad Ali which was decided in favor of Frazier on points. The world will never forget Joe Frazier for his fighting spirit.

Jamil Fakhri

Veteran stage and TV actor Jamil Fakhri was a banker by profession. He made his first appearance in a TV drama ‘Thanda Bokhar’. His major break came with Andhera Ujala which became a major hit. His famous role of SHO Jaffar Hussain will never be forgotten. He died of heart failure on 9th June 2011. His most memorable TV dramas include Dunyadari, Waris, Piyas, Lahore Junction, Andhera Ujala and numerous other long plays.

Babbu Baral

Veteran stage actor and comedian Babbu Baral passed away on 15th April 2011. He was suffering from cancer. In 1982 Babu Baral started his acting career from Gujranwala. Apart from stage he also appeared in a number comedy sitcoms and TV shows. He possessed a natural talent for making people laugh. He will always be remembered for his valuable contributions to comedy.

January 01, 2012 Sunday Plus 59

60 Youth

Talk about

Pakistan’s Pride So readers! 2011 has come to an end. We have had a lot of bad news about Pakistan. We have seen a lot of blood and gore on the TV, listened to a lot of controversies, the army vs. government, the government vs. judiciary and the very corrupt vs.“nearly” corrupt. Hardly are we told about a lot of good happening in Pakistan. That is why we have decided to offer you something good about your country; something that will make you feel proud as a Pakistani. It’s about what Pakistani youth had been doing in their areas of interest. Some of the information has already been reported via different channels and newspapers but probably many of our fellows still don’t know about them. Here we go! Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

Sitara Akbar- Champion of World Record in O-level: Sitara is an 11 year old girl hailing from Chiniot who set the world record in O level exams recently. Sitara was the girl who was expelled from elementary school because she asked too many questions. However, at the age of 9, she set the record in Pakistan by clearing the O-level Chemistry. Then, a year later, she succeeded in passing O level Biology at the age of 10 and set a world record. This year, the brilliant girl set another world record after passing O level mathematics and science. Not only that, she obtained 7 out of 9 bands in International English Language Test System (IELTS) which is a requirement to get admission for post-graduate education in many colleges abroad. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while congratulating Sitara on her Facebook page said, “She is a shining example to the Youth of our nation and has made us all proud. I look forward to inviting her to honor her achievement.

Malala Yousafziai-Nominee for International Children Peace Award: Malala Yusafzai is a 13 year old girl from Swat who became the first Pakistani to be nominated for the International Children Peace Award in 2011. She was one of the five nominees chosen out of 98 children that were put forward by organizations and individuals from 42 different countries

Malala is the girl who came in the spotlight after 2009. It was a time when Pakistan army began military operation in Swat to flush out militants. However, just before the peace was enforced, Taliban had made the lives of people miserable. Nobody dared to say anything over Taliban activities. However, it was Malala who, in this difficult time, dared to report on Taliban’s actions within her community and started writing diaries for BBC Urdu with the supposed name of “Gull Makai”. This diary got famous and was published on many national international forums. Not only that, two international organizations made documentaries on Malala in which she openly criticized Taliban for baring women from seeking education. Even though she couldn’t win the award, she reaffirmed to serve and raise her voice. She planned to become a lawyer and a politician in future.

A young writer: Saeeda Mir, a BA student at Federal Government Margalla College for Women, is a talented girl hailing from Dayore Sultanabad, Gilgit Baltistan who recently won the 1st prize in a book competition in USA. She stood first out of 1900 participants from all over the world. The 100 page book, which she wrote in only 12 days, was about drugs and its uses. She has also been offered a scholarship from Peoples College, Los Angeles to study law. On account of her achievement, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gllani offered her a check

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youth

Rs 500,000. Even though, this is the only achievement that has brought her fame and recognition, earlier she had participated in many competitions and received more than 25 certificates from different academic institutions and organizations from United States and UK. She plans to become a judge in future.

A 14 year old Computer Genius: Babar Iqbal is a 14 year old computer genius from Dera Ismail Khan who is probably the youngest person to work for Microsoft. Started computer programming at the age of 5, young lad went on to make a number of world records in the field of computer. He has passed a number of computer certifications including Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) at the age 9 years, Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) at the age 9 years, Youngest Certified Web Professional Associate (CIWA) at age 10 years and the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) at the age 12 and became the youngest person in the world to clear all of them. Currently, he is undergoing training and working with Microsoft at Dubai. Babar Iqbal’s efforts have been recognized by President and the Prime Minister.

Rehmat Saeed- Another computer genious: Rehmat Saeed is a young kid from Karachi who excels in working with hardware and software technology. He invented a touch screen system with the help of his teacher through which he can control the home appliances and other electronics. Rehmat, while talking to a local channel said that he wanted to become an

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engineer in future.

Largest Cell phone maker: Another young man Shahid Waseem from Nawabshah claimed to build the world’s largest cell phone. According to a report, it took Shahid nearly three months to make the huge mobile phone. While giving interview to a local scribe, he said that he had talent to make it and hoped that some company would hire him keeping in view his technical expertise. Shahid is not a graduate neither he seems to come from a well off background. However his technical skills give him edge over many people and demands attention from high ups.

started volunteer work in their respective communities in Pakistan with the grants coming from US department of state. The grants range from US$ 100 to US$300. With these grants alumni have launched projects in different sectors including education, health and cleanliness etc. For instance, Mujtaba Zaidi from Forman Christian College University Lahore had recently arranged a drawing and crafts at SOS Lahoreunder the title “Discovering New Artists”. He planned to use these drawings to do exhibitions and raise funds for the orphans’ education. Similarly Afza Asifanother alumni from Fatima Jinnah Women University is planning to launch a book drive under “Giving back to community” on campus. She and other volunteers would collect books from campus and donate to two public schools in their community.

Pakistani youth in Germany:

Global Undergraduate Program Pakistan: Global Undergraduate is a program sponsored by US department of State Bureau of educational and cultural affairs and administered by IREX. Each year hundreds of Pakistani undergrad students from various universities across Pakistan are selected to study a semester in USA. Students, in addition to study, deliver presentations about Pakistan in their respective communities and participate in volunteer activities as well. This year, nearly 200 students from across Pakistan were selected for it after interview conducted by United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan. Nearly 100 students were sent in the fall semester in August and 100 students will be leaving for USA in January.

Project Smile:

Many alumni of Global Ugrad Pakistan program, who went last year, had

This year, a delegation of Pakistani students went to Germany on a study tour in October. Nearly 14 students from different universities of Pakistan were selected to go on a study tour to Germany. The students spent a fortnight and got a chance to visit German universities, parliament and meet officials. These are just few achievements that some of Pakistanis made this year. Every year, many Pakistanis set records in their fields not only in Pakistan but abroad. However, it’s time for us to see these examples as a ray of hope and motivation and encourage the remaining youth to do their best. Its not necessary for everyone to break world records to make Pakistan proud rather, it’s about trying your best. Abraham Lincoln was one in USA, Mao Tze taung was one person but the struggles of every individual make the countries progressive. Only waiting for another Quaid e Azam is not going to make Pakistan a progressive state.

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 61

62 MOVIE

by SYED ALI NAQVI

JAM-packED WITH clues and chases

“

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo THE PLAYERS: Genre: Crime | Drama | Mystery director: David Fincher Cinematography: Jeff Cronenweth

Actors: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright, Yorick van Wageningen and Joely Richardson writers: Steven Zaillian & Stieg Larsson Music: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

What is hidden in the snow comes forth in the thaw.” That’s the gloriously intense tagline on the poster for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and oh what a tangled web is revealed on the windswept Hedeby Island, home of the wealthy industrial Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) and his fractious family. The murder investigation that takes place there, led by disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) and his testy punk assistant Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), makes up the twisty mystery plot that engaged millions of audiences in Stieg Larsson’s original novel. But adapting the story with his usual flair for the dramatic and dark, David Fincher draws out themes and ideas that were barely present in the novel, creating a film that’s

less about the lugubrious story than the fascinating characters who inhabit it. It’s a vast improvement on the source material, a brooding and gripping mystery that’s captivating even if you know exactly how the story turns out. Odds are a lot of audiences do know the story - Larsson’s novel is an enormous bestseller, and Fincher and screenwriter Steven Zaillian are careful to stick to the basic points of the novel, while also streamlining and making the story smarter. We follow our two heroes on parallel, totally separate tracks for nearly half the film, as Blomkvist suffers the fallout of his trial for libel and reluctantly travels up to Hedeby to accept an unusual assignment from Vanger, who 40 years later still obsesses over the unsolved murder splus@nation.com.pk

MOVIE of his niece Harriet. There’s reason to suspect someone in the family did it, and as Blomkvist gets more tangled in the Vanger clan the story flips between him and Salander, a private investigator and hacker assigned at first to do a background check on Blomkvist before he was hired by Vanger. That’s the only connection between the characters for a long time, as Salander deals in her own violent way with her abusive legal guardian and Blomkvist is isolated on Hedeby; by they meet, Craig and Mara have so expertly developed their characters that it feels like a head-on collision. Larsson’s original narrative is convoluted and often meandering, getting tangled in the intricacies of the Swedish

legal system one moment and making room for about four different conclusions, none as explosive and dramatic as the moment when Blomkvist and Salander find their man. Zaillian and Fincher are only able to improve it so much, and there are still moments when the narrative seems to jet off after unnecessary tangents or linger too long on a minor point; and yet, when dealing with the central characters, Fincher brings laserlike focus and attention to detail. In one deft edit Fincher draws a comparison between Salander, a ward of the state who dresses in dingy black clothing to mask her physical weakness and battered soul, and Harriet Vanger, a girl of privilege who is still searched for 40 years after her disappearance. Tiny bits

of body language immediately establish Blomkvist’s affair with his editor Erika Berger (Robin Wright), and then set it up in stark contrast to his warming relationship with Salander. Even early scenes in which Blomkvist reluctantly takes in a stray cat have a powerful payoff-- ever meticulous, Fincher wastes not a moment in his long two and a half hour film. While the movie is still a little hampered by a narrative that can’t be tamed, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo a bracing and completely absorbing thriller, hopefully just the beginning of a trilogy that’s just as ferocious throughout.

RATING: 8.3/10

THE PLAYERS:

Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara

Steven Zaillian

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Robin Wright Penn

Megan Everett, Stellan Skarsgard

Elaine Taylor, Christopher Plummer

Noelle Reno & friend

Sarah Robinson, Matt Cardle

Joely Richardson

Michael Michele

January 08, 2012 Sunday Plus 63

64 picks of the week We at Sunday Plus are sharing our exclusive recommendations T, ES T T O H T, with all our readers. NEWEST… Read on for the best LATES buys, the trendiest brands and the most enticing eateries that you need to know about. We slog through the jungle to bring you the hippest happenings and must-have information, right here in your copy of Sunday Plus: your essential weekend luxury.

Reflecting with AKS

Vanishing Pordoom by Krizmah

Krizmah introduces contemporary design with the tradition, folklore and cultural riches of Chitral. Krizmah’s latest offering “Por – doom” (Snow Leopard). The endangered Snow Leopard is now on the brink of extinction across most of its traditional Himalayan habitat. A few of these magnificent creatures still roam the rugged terrain of Chitral’s Hindukush. Krizmah pays homage to these kings of the mountain and brings forth this tres chic clutches.

AKS, meaning reflection, is a jewelry brand which is all set to take the Pakistani market by storm. The AKS range comprises of silver jewelry and accessories studded with the most intricate stones and gems and comprises of complete sets and individual pieces such as rings, bracelets (male/female), pendants, chains (male/female), brooches, wrist watches, studs (males) and complete necklace sets. AKS is not just another jewelry store but a brand with an ideology that Beauty is Timeless. It is ideal for the all fashion lovers and followers out there so just get ready to be dazzled by a glitzy and glamorous treat, very soon! Launched at: Vogue Towers on MM Alam Road, Lahore. Opening soon @ Xinhua Mall, Lahore; and Dolem Mall, Zamzama and Sofitel Tower, Karachi.

Sunday Plus January 08, 2012

TFFY is here! Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt vows to please Pakistan with premium quality yogurt that is great on taste and high on nutrition, and provides you with the satisfaction of indulging in your sweet tooth to your heart’s content - while still keeping the guilt meter in check. Tutti Frutti is set to get the entire country in Frozen Yogurt frenzy. So get ready for the World’s Best Frozen Yogurt. Location @ St. 55 F-8/4, Islamabad, Pakistan-46000

Sehyr Anis takes on the world

Available at Ensemble Lahore and Karachi

Sehyr Anis’s prêt and couture is now bigger and better! Due to high demand, she has increased her production and produced much more of the fun, funky and extremely stylish clothes you love. Sehyr Anis’s clothes stand out because of the emphasis she puts on cuts and minimal embellishments, leading to maximum impact. Her new collection is a true fusion of western sensibilities and eastern embellishments, brought together in perfect harmony to create truly eye catching clothes. Available at Fashion Pakistan Lounge in Lahore and you can also check her out on www.facebook.com/sehyranis

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