While the foreign cast and crew members could not make it to the Lahore show, Nair was busy promoting the film earlier this month in Mumbai, where celebs including Priyanka Chopra attended. The Cinestar event in Lahore, which was co-hosted by HKC and Encyclomedia PR, was attended by TRF author Mohsin Hamid, Meesha Shafi, Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Cybil Chowdhry and many others.

View a slideshow of the premiere here.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2013.                    

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“I contested the election so that I could take the issue of freedom  for bonded labouers to Parliament,” said Kohlan, according to a press release. There are 1,700,000 bonded labourers, she added. “My campaign budget was less than Rs1,000,000 compared to millions spent by my opponent, Sharjeel Memon of PPP.” According to unofficial results she came third out of 32 candidates. Kohlan, who contested the election for the provincial assembly seat PS-50 in Hyderabad, belongs to a scheduled caste.

She was threatened by local politicians and feudal lords, her campaign posters were destroyed and her workers harassed after she decided to contest the election as an independent candidate for the provincial assembly.

The night before the election her opponents spread a rumour that she had withdrawn from the contest.

Sharing her experience, Kohlan said she went door-to-door to canvas for votes. She said on election day, her voters were not allowed to leave their farms and brick kilns so they could not vote for her.

She said most of the poor people who wanted to support her did not have CNICs and thus could not vote.

Despite all these obstacles she still came third according to her polling agents. She said her agents were harassed and not allowed to sit in the polling stations till evening. “I would like to submit an official complaint to the Election Commission of Pakistan about the problems I faced as a candidate.”

Kohlan said although she lost this time the contest was a symbolic victory for her, for religious minorities and for all bonded labourers in Pakistan.

“My campaign was based on land reforms and peasants’ rights.” She said her opponents offered her money to withdraw from the election. “I would rather die than withdraw.” I plan to contest again, she stated.

She added that she was not provided security despite the fact that she received death threats and reported them to the police in Hyderabad.

“We salute the courage of Veeru Kohlan for inspiring thousands of rural women to stand up for their rights,” said Sameena Nazir, Executive Director of Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy, which had organised the event. The event brought together civil society members who paid tribute to the activist’s courage.

“Veeru Kohlan proved herself a brave woman and a human rights defender who has shattered centuries-old traditions to stand up against feudal lords in Sindh,” said Dr Ghulam Haider, who was accompanying Kohlan during her travel.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2013.

A press release issued by the Home and Tribal Affairs Department last month stated the DG instructed all district public prosecutors across the province to improve the performance of SSPs by the first week of May.

However, 15 days after the release, any improvements were yet to be seen. Consequently, the director general once again directed district public prosecutors to hold a meeting with SPPs in concerned districts to improve their overall conduct in appeals against acquittals, revision for enhancement of sentences and bail cancellation applications.

The prosecutors were also directed to present minutes of the meeting to the Directorate of Prosecution. If there was no discernible improvement in their work, the DG said a case for deleting the names of those not complying from the panel of Special Public Prosecutors should be submitted to the directorate.

He added the directorate was of the view that if such a situation was observed in the future, strict action would be taken against the concerned officers. “This type of negligence is fatal to the prosecution, and brings a bad name to the overall performance of the directorate,” added the DG.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2013.

Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his Dutch partner Jean-Julien Rojer crashed out of the doubles event at the Nice Open 2013, going down in the quarter-final to local duo of Nicholas Mahut and Edouar Roger-Vasselin 3-6, 7-5, 10-3 in France, yesterday.

Aisam and Rojer, the top seeds in the tournament, had earlier defeated James Cerretani and Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-1 but failed to continue the momentum.

Aisam and Rojer now head to the French Open with their form dipping since their win in Miami last month. The pair lost in Rome and Madrid before their defeat in Paris.

Injured Murray confirms French Open withdrawal

Meanwhile, Andy Murray will miss the French Open with the back injury that flared up at the Rome Masters, confirmed the world number two in a statement.

After meeting with medical specialists Murray has decided to skip the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros to ensure he is fully fit for Wimbledon.

“It’s a really tough decision and I love playing in Paris, but, after seeking medical advice, I am not fit to compete,” the US Open and Olympic champion explained in a statement to Britain’s Press Association.

“After consultation with his team and medical specialists, Andy has reluctantly withdrawn from the French Open and will instead focus on preparation for the grasscourt season,” added the statement.

Murray had raised the possibility of his absence from the French Open after retiring with the back problem in his second-round match against Spain’s Marcel Granollers at the Rome Masters last week.

“I’d be very surprised if I was playing in Paris,” said a subdued Murray then.

This will be the first Grand Slam he will miss since Wimbledon in 2007. The injury was the same one which required him to take a pain-killing injection in order to play at Roland Garros last year where he reached the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, world number seven Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina also pulled out of next week’s French Open after failing to recover from a virus, reported the Argentine media yesterday.

Bernard Tomic will, however, feature in the Grand Slam despite his off-court troubles only to keep some momentum going for the grasscourt season ahead, said Tennis Australia’s (TA) Todd Woodbridge yesterday.

Tomic’s father John faced a charge of causing criminal injury in a Madrid court earlier this month after allegedly assaulting his son’s hitting partner Thomas Drouet.

“He needs to keep playing coming into the grasscourt season — that’s where he’s played some great tennis before,” said Woodbridge, TA’s Professional Tennis Manager. “If you do not get that little bit of match play, it’s hard to get the momentum going.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2013.

Once you’ve planned your summer trip, it’s easy to just forget about packing until the night before. This mistake always leads to over-packing and physical exertion. 

While it’s extremely necessary to pack the season’s must-haves, it’s also important to do your homework and research for what is required at your destination hot spot.

Hotels.com, the global hotel bookings expert, shares a few travel tips that will help plan your holidays better.

Tips for travelling

Pack light

Carry stuff that you actually need. Don’t overload your bag with unnecessary items.  Take your time to pack, if necessary talk to a stylist at a fashion store to help you plan your wardrobe. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Remember smart packing is always the key to travelling light.

“If my destination is a resort, apart from swimwear, I throw in printed kaftans that can be carried from day to night, several pairs of flip flops and Moroccan oil for frizzy hair days. I almost always carry my vintage kimono on all my trips dressed with flip flops for the day and wedges for night outs,” says Shehla Chatoor, fashion designer.

Summer essentials

Don’t forget to carry stylish caps and hats to keep your head cool in the sun. Sunscreen lotion with a high SPF is a must – it protects your skin from sunburn. Use facial tissues to avoid stickiness on your face and hands while travelling. You can also carry hand fans especially on a hot day at the beach. Don’t take products that will just take up space.

“I always carry my shampoo and conditioner with me. I have to have Pantene no residue. I also need my sun block.” (Zhalay Sarhadi, actor)

Healthy diet

It is crucial to take fluids, mineral water, coconut water, orange juice and squashes wherever you go. Even on the plane, make sure to drink lots of water, this will help prevent jet lag and general fatigue. You can avoid dehydration and sunstrokes by eating and drinking well. Cucumbers, watermelons and oranges are great to include in your diet.

“During long flights I usually carry a great moisturiser and lip balm, lots of water and Evian spray to keep my skin hydrated and smooth.”
(Shehla Chatoor, fashion designer)

Arrive early

Summer is a busy season for airports. You are bound to face long queues, delays in parking and lengthy security searches. Hence, it is always safer to arrive a bit early and give yourself enough time to complete the formalities. Online check-ins are also recommended, and if you have any questions about the flight, the airline agents are there to help you.

Relax

The sun tends to make you feel weary and drained out. To avoid this lethargic feeling, try to take as much rest as you can, the night before leaving for the trip, so that you make the most of your holiday. Once at your destination, relieve your body and mind of useless worries and work; this means tune into your vacation and enjoy.

“I don’t check my emails and I don’t put my phone on roaming. When I go abroad, I get a sim and give that number only to my family. If it’s a leisure trip, I don’t do anything work-related.” (Zhalay Sarhadi, actor)

Fully indulge

Early morning or evening is the best time to indulge in outdoor activities and expeditions as opposed to afternoons. If you’re not into sight-seeing and want to stay inside, opt for a hotel that offers a host of indoor activities to keep you occupied. Try to avoid going out during afternoons.

Last minute deals

If you have planned your trip in a hurry, worry not! Last minute deals offered by hotels can benefit you. There are numerous applications on smartphones and tablets that can help you check out over 20,000 last-minute deals by popular hotels worldwide.  Remember, it’s never too late to book your holiday.

“Pack a lot of basic stuff, so that you can mix and match your clothes. Also, if you’re in a hurry, remember to double check that you have your documents, passports, keys and tickets,” says Omar. 

“If it’s not a resort, and you’re around malls, you’re probably going to shop a lot. I advise that you pack very light so that you have enough space in your bags”

(Ayesha Omar, actor-singer)

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2013.

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Webber has suffered a troubled season so far, with its highlight being the controversial saga in Malaysia when he was deprived of a win by Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel’s decision to ignore team orders.

The 36-year-old is currently sixth in the drivers’ standings, 47 points adrift of three-time champion and current pace-setter Vettel. If the Australian is to have any hope of mounting charge, he has to earn a podium finish at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, where he has taken the chequered flag twice in the last three years.

“It’s always been a good track for me,” said Webber, whose 2010 win remains one of his best memories. “I won there in Formula 3000, and I’ve had my couple of wins in Formula One.

“It probably goes back to my street-racing experience in Adelaide in Formula Ford. I’m comfortable on street circuits, although I can’t translate it to Singapore yet. I don’t know why.

“As for Monaco, it’s still a daunting place, a very challenging venue. I’m not saying you are on holiday there. But when I’m out there, I don’t know what makes me feel as comfortable as I do.”

Ferrari must improve qualifying: Massa

Meanwhile, Felipe Massa says if there is one area where Ferrari has the greatest room for improvement, it is qualifying pace.

Ferrari has only been on the front row once in the five grand prix so far, courtesy of Massa’s second place in Malaysia.

“Overall, it’s been a positive start,” he said, according to ESPNF1. “In some races, we did very well, while in others, Bahrain for example, we had a few problems, which cost us valuable points.

“We have seen an all-round improvement this year, but clearly we can still improve, especially in qualifying. We are well aware of this and working towards that goal.

“I like the Monaco track a lot, partly because it’s my second home race, given I live there. My aim is very simple, to always be in the fight for a podium finish.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2013.

In a constant on-and-off relationship, Twilight actors Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson have been straddling between yes and no — she cheated on him, he was heartbroken and later they both pretended to be normal. But not anymore!

According to eonline.com, Robsten has called it quits for now. A source revealed that the Twilight stars broke up on Saturday, after over four years of dating.

However, sources privy to the couple believe that the break-up is just temporary. A source said, “Kristen is heartbroken and so sad over the break-up. They are going to continue living at Kristen’s house because of the dogs,” the source continued. “It’s not fully over or he would have moved out.”

The couple got back together after their first break-up when Stewart started to date Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders. They celebrated Stewart’s 23rd birthday together, attended Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and also spent time together in New York, where Stewart had gone to attend the Met Gala.

However, the pair has not been spotted together since they landed at Los Angeles on May 8. We hope Robsten doesn’t make their fans too anxious and reveal something clear about their relationship status soon!

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2013.

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Residents of the twin cities on Sunday demanded the authorities concerned to cease collection of entry fees for parking at Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA) Baqir Sajjad said the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) imposed a fee of Rs40 on every visitor who parked for three hours or less.

He said that the CAA was charging the fee without providing visitors any additional facilities, adding that other airport administrations across the country did not indulge in such a practice.

Another visitor, Tanveer, said that the authority was unlawfully collecting the parking fees, while expressing disappointment that the airport management had not provided vehicle security.

Muhammad Aslam said cars belonging to government employees were allowed to use the parking facilities free-of-charge whereas regular citizens were forced to pay a fee.

A CAA official said that the authority had imposed entry fees to curb the growing number of visitors accompanying those who were travelling, citing a lack of space and security concerns as the major reasons.

The official said the authority had published newspaper advertisements requesting passengers not to bring too many visitors with them, adding that “all of our efforts were in vain”.

He said the entry fee had led to a 20 per cent decline in the number of people visiting the airport.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2013.

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has finalised arrangements to expand existing space and hire more officials to facilitate citizens with the degree attestation process.

HEC Chairperson Dr Javaid Laghari said the decision to expand the facility, which is expected to be completed by June 1, was taken during a meeting with the commission’s senior officials.

He said the commission had also decided to hire the services of more courier companies to avoid delays in dispatching degrees to or receiving degrees from foreign countries for attestation purposes.

Laghari added that degree verification was an essential requirement for overseas Pakistanis seeking jobs or looking to further business interests.

Hundreds of applicants visiting the HEC’s main office were experiencing inordinate delays for degree attestation because of a lack of manpower and insufficient space, he said.

However, new arrangements have ensured that applicants will be able to receive their degrees within three to four days while urgent cases will be processed within one day.

Laghari said the HEC had recently cleared a backlog amounting to around 40,000 degrees, which were pending for attestation.

On fee status, Laghari said the charges for urgent requests would be nominally increased.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2013.

In an answer to a parliamentary question, Foreign Minister Alistair Burt confirmed that the Foreign Office had ‘supported’ surveys which showed the proportion of respondents in the tribal areas who believed drone strikes were ‘never justified’ had risen from 59% in 2010 to 63% in 2011.

It appears to be the first time the British government has revealed it has carried out opinion polls on the CIA drone campaign in Pakistan – a programme on which it has refused to comment publicly.

Previously, British ministers have said: “Drone strikes are a matter for the United States and Pakistan.”

However, there have been claims that the UK government has been complicit in the programme, sharing locational intelligence with US agencies to help them target the strikes.

“The UK should not need to carry out polling to determine that a campaign of illegal killing is wrong,” said Kat Craig, legal director for the charity Reprieve, which campaigns for human rights around the world.

“But what this does show is that even British government surveys find that the drone campaign is increasingly unpopular.

“Ministers must come clean on the role that UK intelligence is playing in supporting drone strikes, put a stop to it, and put pressure on the US to end its campaign.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2013.