<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" version="2.0"><channel>
                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
                        <atom:link href="https://tribune.com.pk/feed/goodnews" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
                        <link>https://tribune.com.pk/feed/goodnews</link>
                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
                        <lastBuildDate>Thu, 11 Jun 26 17:48:47 +0500</lastBuildDate>
                        <language>en-US</language>
                        <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
                        <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
                        <generator>https://laravel.com/</generator><item>
			<title>Child protection law soon</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/75994/child-protection-law-soon</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/75994/child-protection-law-soon#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 10 02:41:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[roshan.mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=75994</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bill to be placed before Commission for Child Welfare and Development.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Children living in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will soon have a law to protect their rights and privileges.

AJK’s cabinet has already approved a child policy and the government has started the process to frame the necessary legislation, Sardar Sarfraz Abbasi, the director for Social Welfare and Women Development said in a meeting on Wednesday. He added the law will be in compliance with national and international obligations.

The Child Protection Bill, once prepared, will be placed before the AJK Commission for Child Welfare and Development, which will give it final touches before submitting it to cabinet and state legislature for approval. After bill is approved, the state will be responsible for ensuring that every child has equal and unhindered access to education, health and other rights.

Sarfraz said that healthy child development was a necessary to build a nation with a prosperous and sustainable future. However illiteracy and other socio-economic sufferings, he said, badly affect the mental development of children. He urged the non-governmental organisations to help the government in its efforts to protect and preserve the rights of children.

Saeed Abbasi, a prominent social figure and the regional manager for Trust for Voluntary Organisations, said the step will help improve the image of the country at the international level.

AJK has already adopted a juvenile protection law under which minors cannot be jailed in common jails in the state.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) helped Social Welfare and Women Development draft the child rights’ bill.

SWWD is also collaborating with Unicef to observe the Child Rights Week from November 19 to November 26. During the week children rallies, seminars and symposia would be organised to highlight the issue of child rights.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/child/child.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>‘Wagah returnees were cyclone victims’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/74354/%e2%80%98wagah-returnees-were-cyclone-victims%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/74354/%e2%80%98wagah-returnees-were-cyclone-victims%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 10 04:08:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=74354</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[India to hand over 52 Pakistani citizens at the Wagah border, PFF welcomes gesture.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[India will hand over 52 Pakistani citizens, including 47 fishermen, to the Pakistani authorities at the Wagah border today (Tuesday). Among them, 13 hail from Thatta and 34 from Karachi’s coastal areas.

The others include civilians from Punjab and fishermen from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, 32 of the 47 fishermen from Sindh are Bengalis and the others are Sindhis.

While 52 families will have reason to rejoice, hundreds of others continue to pine for their loved ones. There are at least 100 other Pakistani fishermen who were either arrested from 1999 to 2008 or have been missing since then.

Ten-year-old Porho, son of Juman, belongs to Chohar Jamali of Thatta district. He was arrested by Indian authorities during fishing along with seven other men in 2008. Every month, his mother visits the office of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), an NGO working for the rights of fishermen in the country, in an effort to find out when her son will be released from jail. Unfortunately, the young fisher boy’s name is not included in the list of detainees who are to reach Pakistan today.

“You cannot imagine how the woman feels and how her voices trembles when she inquires about her son’s freedom,” said Sami Memon, spokesperson for the PFF.

Five other fishermen, who accidentally crossed into the Indian waters during the 1999 cyclone and were arrested by the Indian authorities, are languishing in Gujarat jail, awaiting their release.

Wasai, whose two sons, Siddique and Achar, are among these five men, has lost her eyesight during the long wait. “She is alive just to hear her sons’ voice,” said Zubaida, Siddique’s daughter.

According to Muhammad Ali Shah, the PFF chairperson, most of the men being released are those who were thrown into Indian territory by the cyclone in 1999. Shah welcomed the Indian government’s decision and expressed his hopes that the rest of the prisoners will also be freed soon.

The PFF chairman patted his organisation on the back and took credit for the release of the Pakistan fishermen. “We are the ones who gave the required attention to the case of detained fishermen, we fulfilled the legal procedures and organised rallies with civil society groups from Karachi to Islamabad in an effort to sensitise the government to take up the issue at official forums,” he said.

He also talked of 10 fishermen from Baba Bhit Island in Karachi, who went missing on January 17, 2009 during a fishing expedition. “There is no news of their whereabouts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Memon said that they have sent letters to all relevant departments to inform them that the process of releasing Pakistani fishermen is too lengthy and stressful, especially since their families live in remote coastal areas. They requested government officials concerned to hand over the freed fishermen to the PFF. The organisation will bear all expenditures of travel. The families are already in touch with the PFF so there should be no problem.

Three months ago, the PFF together with the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research had filed a petition in the Supreme Court, which made it possible to release 442 Indian fishermen.

The organisation claimed that they submitted another petition in the Supreme Court, after which the court ordered to release the remaining 142 Indian fishermen languishing in Pakistani jails.

The two welfare organisations issued a joint statement, demanding Pakistan and Indian governments to find out where the missing fishermen are and to free the remaining men still in Indian jails.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/wagah-border-afp111/wagah-border-afp111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PM announces package for teachers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/74264/pm-announces-package-for-teachers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/74264/pm-announces-package-for-teachers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 10 02:22:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[peer.muhammad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=74264</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New package includes upgradation of teachers and the introduction of a uniform education system in all schools.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a bid to appease protesting teachers and introduce a uniform education system in the Islamabad Capital Territory institutions, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday announced a package fulfulling some of the longstanding demands of the educators.

The prime minister announced upgradation of teachers and transformation of all federal government schools and colleges into Islamabad Model institutes “to end disparity and provide equal opportunities” to all students of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

Gilani was speaking at the launching ceremony of a programme titled “Uniformity of Education Systems” for the teachers of schools and colleges of ICT.

Some of the key demands of the teachers which had been forwarded to the federal ministry included uniformity in “syllabus and distribution of financial resources, faculty designation, recruitment and promotion, administrative and academic structure of all public sector institutions and formation of a committee with representation of Federal Government, Model and Garrison schools and colleges.”

Federal Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali, Education Secretary Muhammad Athar Tahir, DG Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) Shaheen Khan, teachers and other officials of the ministry were also present on the occasion.

The prime minister said all educational institutions of ICT would be named and administered as Islamabad Model Schools/ Colleges. He directed the Ministry of Education to consider the establishment of a Federation Public School in Islamabad as well as a Model University to cater to the affiliation needs of ICT Graduate and Postgraduate Colleges, which are presently affiliated with the University of Punjab.

Fulfilling the demands of the teachers, the prime minister announced the upgradation of posts of teachers working under FDE and the introduction of Time-Scale Promotion Formula which would replace the previously Four-Tier Promotion Formula.

According to the new formula, teachers of BPS-9 would be promoted to BPS-14, BPS-14 to BPS-16, BPS-16 to BPS-17, BPS-17 to BPS-20 and BPS-21.

Under the new upgradation formula, Matric-trained teachers would be given 14 scale instead of the existing 9 scale, and undergraduate teachers would be awarded 16 scale in place of the current 14 scale. Under the new scales, all the teachers and principals of the schools would be given opportunity for promotion up to BPS-21.

The prime minister also agreed to fulfil the demand of enhancing the charge allowance to the heads/principals of institutions of ICT. The details in this context would be finalised with the Ministry of Finance.

Gilani directed the education ministry to arrange transport facilities for students and teachers especially in the rural areas in collaboration with CDA and ICT. President Federal Government Schools Teachers Association Azher Mehmood welcomed the prime minister’s announcement. He urged that notification of the announcement be issued shortly. “The dreams of teachers would be fulfilled if the notification is issued and implemented in letter and spirit,” he said.

Another member of teachers association, M A Shahid, said that the prime minister took a pro-poor approach by announcing a uniform educational system in the federal capital. He said that this system would provide a level-playing field for all students. He also urged the early implementation of the package.

The prime minister said under the 18th Amendment, the curriculum system has been transferred to the provinces and the decision would not be taken back. He said if there is any controversy between provinces and the federation, it would be resolved in the Council of Common Interest (CCI) and in the Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee.

The PM said religious seminaries that are imparting education to 2.5 million children would also be brought into the mainstream while introducing new subjects. Negotiations in this regard are going on with Interior Ministry and Wafaq-ul-Madaris, which would be presented to the cabinet within a month.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Gilani-PPI/Gilani-PPI.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Film festival, drum rolls and a casual lunch</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73921/film-festival-drum-rolls-and-a-casual-lunch</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73921/film-festival-drum-rolls-and-a-casual-lunch#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 10 02:34:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[maha.mussadaq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=73921</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The diplomatic community kept the ball rolling with cultural events and activities this past week.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The diplomatic community, which has recently been stepping up with cultural events, kept the ball rolling with activities this past week.

The week began with a signing ceremony between US Embassy and the ministry of culture at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). The newly-appointed US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter and his wife Marilyn Wyatt were also present.

After the formal signing ceremony, where the embassy donated generously for the renovation and rebuilding of Sheikhupura Fort in Punjab, Ambassador Munter took a round of the art gallery.

Later that day, in the evening, a group of Japanese children staged a performance with drums, enthralling those in attendance.

Then came the Koreal Film Festival, where Islamabadis got a chance to witness modern Korean culture through the camera lens. Contemporary Korean films were played at the PNCA auditorium.

While all this was happening at a larger scale, the Embassy of Argentina hosted an exclusive lunch for students of the Foreign Services Academy on Saturday. The young cadets were invited by Ambassador of Embassy of Argentina Rodolpho J Martin for a casual barbeque lunch. Tables, covered with delectable “raw materials”, were laid across the lawn.

Light jazz music played in the background and a barbecue grill, with sizzling pieces of meat, was set up in the corner. A slight breeze turned the event into a classic outdoor lunch at this time of the year.

Eduardo Bustamante, a diplomat at the embassy, exclaimed, “Traditional Argentinean style lunch: casual, fun, and tasty!”

Except Ambassador Rodolpho, every one at the lunch was dressed in casual attire – men were in jeans and t-shirts. It was a nice blend of both cultures, with Argentinean women in smart skirts and casual shirts, and the only five Pakistani female students in traditional shalwar kameez.

The food ready, instructions were given to the students to “construct their perfect bite”: one was supposed to make their own burgers by picking up a bun, putting their favourite grilled piece on it and finishing it with their choice of dressing.

The food was complimented with drinks and was followed by traditional dessert.

While a speech by the ambassador gave it a formal touch, the lunch was quite unlike the usual events hosted by embassies, where everyone is spotted in their crisp clothes and shiny shoes. It was a laid-back event – simple and lots of fun.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/festival/festival.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Special package for teachers today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73954/special-package-for-teachers-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73954/special-package-for-teachers-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 10 02:28:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=73954</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[FDE teachers will get upgradations in scale under the 'Time Scale Promotion' formula.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The federal government has decided to announce a special package of incentives for teachers of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), fulfilling their longstanding demand of upgradation. The eagerly awaited package by teachers will be announced today (November 8) in a function organised by FDE, in connection with celebrations to mark “Salam Teachers Day”.

Director General FDE Shaheen Khan while briefing officials of different teachers associations said that FDE teachers will get upgradations in scale under the Time Scale Promotion formula.

FGCTA Press Secretary Mohammad Tahir said that Matric Trained Teachers (MTTs) and Junior Language Teachers (JLTs) in grade 9 will be promoted to grade 14 if they have a BEd degree.

Trained Undergraduate Teachers in grade 14 with six years service experience will be promoted to grade 16.

Trained Graduate Teachers with 10 years experience in grade 16 will be promoted to grade 17.

Teachers in grade 17 with five years of experience will be promoted to grade 18.

While teachers in grade 18 will be promoted to grade 19 with seven years experience in case of direct appointment and five years experience if they were promoted from a lower grade.

He said that promotion from grade 19 to 20 will require five years experience and teachers above grade 20 will not come under Time Scale Promotion Formula.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/School2/School2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Good day: Index hits 26-month high, volumes at six-month peak</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73143/good-day-index-hits-26-month-high-volumes-at-six-month-peak</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73143/good-day-index-hits-26-month-high-volumes-at-six-month-peak#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Nov 10 06:02:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[faseeh.mangi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=73143</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Firm Asian markets, fresh buying among the triggers.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The stock market surged to a 26-month high in line with rising Asian markets on triggers including soaring oil prices and increasing foreign inflows.

The Karachi Stock Exchange benchmark 100-share index ended the week with a bang by rising 1.68 per cent or 179 points to close at 10,882.

Likely solution to the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) chairman issue also encouraged local investors to take fresh positions, said Topline Securities analyst Samar Iqbal.

Expectation for early release of the next International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan tranche of $1.7 billion also played the role of a catalyst in positive activity, said Arif Habib Investments Director Ahsan Mehanti.

Volumes surged to a six-month high of 195.22 million shares compared with Thursday’s tally of 125.9 million shares.

Exceptional buying was seen in the market across the board, analysts said. The oil sector led the fresh rally, with Pakistan Oilfields sprinting 3.93 per cent to end at Rs256. Oil and Gas Development Company and Pakistan Petroleum Limited, contributing 79 points to the total index surge, closed up 2.1 per cent and 2.5 per cent, respectively

Fresh offshore buying worth $12.7 million was recorded during the current week against $2.8 million net selling in the previous week.

Cement shares gained with DG Khan Cement closing at the upper lock of five per cent as sales figures hinted at better times ahead. The sector also moved up on talk of an increase in prices of cement by Rs10 per bag, said JS Global Capital analyst Arsalan Khan.

Nishat Chunian Limited, Attock Refinery Limited and National Refinery Limited closed at their upper limit.

Inflation numbers due next week remain a concern for the market with expectations of 16 per cent CPI inflation, triggering a policy rate hike in the monetary policy statement at the end of the month, said Elixir Securities analyst Faisal Bilwani.

Shares of 369 companies were traded on the last trading day of the week. At the end of the day, 244 stocks closed higher, 103 declined and 22 remained unchanged. The value of shares traded during the day was Rs8.23 billion.

Lotte Pakistan PTA was the volume leader with 33.7 million shares gaining Rs0.61 to finish at Rs11.5.

Jahangir Siddiqui and Company came in second place with 17.6 million shares gaining Rs0.59 to close at Rs10.79 while Nishat Mills was third with 12.8 million shares firming Rs1.44 to close at Rs53.39.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Business-stock21111112111111111/Business-stock21111112111111111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Schools of tomorrow</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73210/schools-of-tomorrow</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73210/schools-of-tomorrow#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Nov 10 03:31:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[neha.ansari]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=73210</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Conference discusses changing paradigms, leadership and development.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The more than 1,000 audience gave a standing ovation to Master Ayub as he walked up to the stage. Standing at the podium, he mesmerised the teachers, entrepreneurs, scholars and journalists with his story.

Speaking at the international conference on School of Tomorrow: Freedom to Learn organised by the Beaconhouse School System on its 35th anniversary, Ayub recalled how he had started teaching a street child outside a general store and ended up as the principal of an open-air night school in Islamabad.

He revealed that he was currently working as a fireman-in-charge in the day and as a teacher in the evening. He said he managed to buy a notebook each and meagre amounts of stationery for the children and taught them in the evening. “In return, my pockets are full of candy,” he said. Apart from recognising Ayub’s efforts, the conference emphasised the importance of collaborative learning and leadership.

Dr Saeeda Shah, who teaches master’s and doctoral level students at the University of Leicester and is the programme leader for MSc Education and Leadership, explained collaborative learning is the process in which both the students and the teachers learned from each other. It minimised a teacher’s role as an instructor and expanded it as an observer-learner, she said. Students, she added, needed to apply collaborative learning to their daily lives.Dr Mary Louise Holly, one of the founders of Learning Communities, called for a new paradigm. “Earlier, the model was instruction (by teacher) and learning (by student). Now the model needs to be delivery and discovery through the process of systematic inquiry,” she explained.

Dr Anthony Townsend said he aimed at elucidating a newer side to leader – its succession. He said, “One of the key rules about leadership is to find who will replace you, and how succession will take place in an institution. Not just who’s going to be the next principal, but also who is going to teach after the current faculty.” The conference was also dedicated to the flood survivors, pledging to “rebuild Pakistan through education.”

Kasim Kasuri, the chief executive officer of Beaconhouse put a random question asking if schools killed creativity. To which early childhood education specialist Thomas White answered, “Bad schools do.” Physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy added, “Our schools do.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/School111/School111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Draft laws to be tabled in GBLA’s next session</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73183/draft-laws-to-be-tabled-in-gbla%e2%80%99s-next-session</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/73183/draft-laws-to-be-tabled-in-gbla%e2%80%99s-next-session#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Nov 10 03:01:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shabbir.mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=73183</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bill to curb sale of substandard food items, domestic violence against women, children to be presented soon.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan Law Minister, Wazir Shakeel, has said that legislations to curb the sale of substandard food items and domestic violence against women and children would be presented in the legislative assembly soon.

“I am going to present this bill in the assembly in its next session,” the minister told The Express Tribune on Friday.

He said that work in this connection has been done and that lawmakers will refine it .Shakeel also said that once the bill was passed, those involved in the sale of substandard food items and spurious medicines would be charged and punished accordingly.

Similarly, the minister said that the law would also help eliminate domestic violence as well as the violence taking place in schools against students.

“The concerned government agencies will be able to proceed against those involved in  violence,” he said, adding that legislation will have special emphasis on the sale of iodized salt as vendors will only be allowed to sell iodized salt.

In the absence of such laws in Gilgit-Baltistan, sources said, the sale of substandard food items and violence against women and children were rampant.

In this connection, a NGO recently asked the provincial government to assist the government in formulating laws against violence in schools.

The NGO, Plan Pakistan, had recently announced extending their scope of work to G-B in a bid to assist teachers to impart ‘student violence free’ and ‘student friendly education’ in classrooms.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/gilgit111111211111211/gilgit111111211111211.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Navy inducts second batch of anti-submarine helicopters</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72728/navy-inducts-second-batch-of-anti-submarine-helicopters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72728/navy-inducts-second-batch-of-anti-submarine-helicopters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 10 04:51:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72728</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Four Chinese utility helicopters and electronic warfare aircraft have been inducted into the Pakistan Navy.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Four Chinese Z9-EC utility helicopters and electronic warfare aircraft have been inducted into the Pakistan Navy. The induction ceremony was held at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nauman Bashir as chief guest.

Admiral Bashir said the new addition to the naval fleet will increase its capabilities. The advanced Harbin Z9-EC helicopter was first inducted in Pakistan Navy in September 2009. The aircraft is equipped with pulse-compression radar, low-frequency dipping sonar, radar warning receiver and Doppler navigation system. It is armed with torpedoes and is carried aboard the F-22-P Zulfiqar-class frigates.

The acquisition of IW/EW jet aircraft would add a new dimension to Pakistan Navy’s intelligence gathering capabilities. The aircraft, equipped with modern and sophisticated equipment, is capable of covering larger areas in short time span, and would significantly enhance maritime domain awareness of their own area of operations.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff said that while the Indian Ocean holds maximum stakes in terms of vital resources and strategically important sea lines of communication, it has also witnessed rise in maritime crimes, posing challenges to regional and extra regional players. Considering the threat in the shape of trans-national terrorist networks, security is no longer an isolated affair and navies are today resorting to the concept of  “collaborative and collective security”.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Navy/Navy.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Border troops exchange sweets instead of fire</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72446/pak-india-border-forces-exchange-mithai-for-diwali</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72446/pak-india-border-forces-exchange-mithai-for-diwali#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 10 04:34:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72446</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In a display of border bonhomie, officials exchanged sweets to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a display of border bonhomie, officials from India’s Border Security Force (BSF) exchanged sweets with Pakistan Rangers to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali. The gesture was made at the RS Pura post of Kashmir.

Continuing the yearly tradition, BSF officials presented sweets, wishes and gifts to the Pakistan Rangers to celebrate the ‘Festival of Lights’.

BSF Commander Vinit Kumar presented the gifts while Pakistan’s Wing Commander Zulfikar Ali returned the gesture. The officials hoped peace and love would prevail between the two countries.

The troops exchange sweets on several festivals and the Independence Days of both the nations. On August 15, BSF guards offered sweets to their Pakistan counterparts at the Wagah border check post on the occasion of India’s 64th Independence Day celebration.

The Hindu community will celebrate Diwali on November 5 across Pakistan.

The ministry of minorities has announced it will celebrate this festival officially to bring the minorities into the national mainstream. It is part of an effort to promote tolerance, dialogue and remove misunderstandings among different faiths.

The ministry will hold some programmes, but the events will be simple in view of the devastation caused by recent floods.

Last week, on the request of the BSF, Punjab Rangers decided to discontinue the aggressive marching approach during the flag march ceremony at the Wagah border.

During a strategic meeting between top officials of the border forces of the two countries, discussions were also held on cross-border firing incidents.

Tension between border security forces of both countries remains high, as both India and Pakistan have on many occasions accused each other violating the LoC.

Last week the Indian military accused Islamabad of “major ceasefire violation”, alleging that Pakistani troops opened fire across the de facto border dividing Kashmir, killing one Indian soldier. (Additional input from AGENCIES)

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Border1/Border1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Over 900 Pakistanis have been repatriated</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72735/over-900-pakistanis-have-been-repatriated</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72735/over-900-pakistanis-have-been-repatriated#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 10 04:30:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[kamran.yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72735</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Over 900 Pakistanis, who were languishing in jails in different countries, have been repatriated to their homeland.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Over 900 Pakistanis, who were languishing in jails in different countries, have been repatriated to their homeland since May this year, said the Foreign Office on Thursday.

Of the total 932 Pakistan nationals, 800 were brought back from the United Arab Emirates, 66 from Afghanistan, 46 from Greece and 20 from Yemen, disclosed Foreign Office spokesperson Abdul Basit in his weekly news briefing. “Eight Pakistani prisoners in Thailand are being transferred to Pakistan under the Transfer of Offenders Agreement between the two countries. Another 20 will be repatriated from Sri Lanka soon,” he added.

He said as many as 7,000 Pakistani nationals have been languishing in jails in different countries and some of them for many years. Basit said the government was making efforts to ensure the reparation of its citizens particularly those who had committed minor crimes and completed their sentences.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/jail11/jail11.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>City celebrates Diwali today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72703/city-celebrates-diwali-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72703/city-celebrates-diwali-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 10 03:18:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72703</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hindu Festival of Lights seen as chance to improve interfaith harmony.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Citizens of all faiths should join Hindus in celebrating Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, from today to reaffirm Lahore’s proud heritage as a tolerant and cosmopolitan city, said Hindu leaders and a prominent historian.

“The uniqueness of Diwali is in its plurality,” said Monohar Chand, a Hindu community leader. “Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and Muslims still get together to celebrate Diwali.”

Chand said last year’s event was unique because so many religious holidays were celebrated on the same day. This year’s event should serve as a reminder that “we should all treat each other as we would want others to treat us,” he said. There are some 200 Hindu families left in Lahore, though the city has a long association with the religion. It is said to be founded by Lava, the son of Lord Rama, the Hindu god. And a significant proportion of the city’s population was Hindu at the time of Partition, said historian Dr Mubarak Ali.

“In the past, Hindus and Muslims would both participate in Diwali celebrations. It showed the city’s vast tolerance because when you participate in others’ religious functions you show tolerance,” said Dr Ali. He said that Pakistani Hindus had been treated poorly since Partition. “The situation in Lahore is that society has made them invisible. We have basically wiped out the Hindu history of this city,” he said.

But Chand was optimistic that Diwali could still inspire the city. “Forgiveness is an important aspect of Diwali,” he said. “Remember, love can only grow through love, and hate can only grow through hate.”

This year’s main worship event will be held at Krishna Temple near Ravi Road. Chand said the government had provided all the services needed to make the event a success. The Evacuee Trust Property Board has organised a langar and gift packets for the participants, he added.

A Hindu citizen said that the temple had been provided with adequate security in past events and it seemed secure for this Diwali. He said Diwali was a time for celebration and colour. The celebration marked the New Year so people gave themselves presents for the upcoming year. He said that he had seen many Muslims also participate in some Diwali traditions.

A Muslim citizen said more people should celebrate Diwali. “It is part of Lahore’s heritage to promote religious equality. I have been to a Diwali celebration. It is open to people of all faiths and reminded me of the old stories in which Lahore was a cosmopolitan city,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/diwali-4/diwali-4.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Gas loadshedding to reduce</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72411/gas-loadshedding-to-reduce</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72411/gas-loadshedding-to-reduce#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 10 09:34:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72411</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sui Northern Gas authorities issue new gas load shedding schedule as gas supplies from Zamzama gas field resumes.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sui Northern Gas authorities issued a new gas loadshedding schedule after gas supplies from the Zamzama gas field resumed on Thursday.

Industries will now experience gas load shedding for two days a week while CNG stations will remain closed for one day instead of two.

Authorities say the gas supply from Zamzama gas field was suspended for nine days for repair work. This led to an increase in the gas cuts for industries and CNG stations.

Now with the supply being restored, the earlier schedule will be followed again.

Sui Gas officials say gas supply to cement, fertilizer, textile , chemical and power sector will continue according to schedule.

Last month, SSGC warned of gas supplies being severely affected. The company had requested all industrial zones of Karachi to reduce their consumption of gas while the Zamzama gas field undergoes scheduled maintenance.

An announcement said that “in view of the annual turnaround of the Zamzama gas field, requisite natural gas quantities of 204 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) will not be available to SSGC”.

This led to gas supplies being reduced for the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation and power outages increased in the city. Trade organisations in Karachi called for a strike but later rescinded the call when the Sindh’s Governor, Dr Ishratul Ibad, assured them of emergency measures to ensure the supply of electricity to industries.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/gas_pipe_line_3-copy/gas_pipe_line_3-copy.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>US to fund Sheikhupura Fort renovation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72192/us-to-fund-sheikhupura-fort-renovation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72192/us-to-fund-sheikhupura-fort-renovation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 10 03:35:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72192</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Culture minister, US ambassador signed agreement to work on the restoration of 400-year-old Sheikhupura Fort.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The ministry of cultural affairs has signed an agreement with the new US ambassador to Pakistan to work on the restoration of the 400-year-old Sheikhupura Fort.

Under the agreement, the US embassy will provide a grant of $850,000 for the restoration work. The Pakistani government will contribute $190,000 to the project. The renovation work of the Fort, which is currently closed for visitors, will be completed in three years time. The agreement was signed by Culture Minister, Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, and the US ambassador, Cameron Munter, on Wednesday during a ceremony that took place at the Pakistani National Council of the Arts.

Federal Secretary of Culture Moinul Islam Bukhari and Ambassador Munter’s wife, Ms Marilyn Wyatt, were also present at the ceremony.

Munter said that Sheikhupura Fort was a symbol of both the Mughal and the Sikh culture. The project, he said, was aimed at protecting one of Pakistan’s most important historical buildings. It would strengthen the academic and cultural ties between the two countries, he said. Besides the preservation of the fort, the grant will provide funds for historical research and joint scholarship programmes for US and Pakistani academics in the field. Once the renovation is complete, the Fort will be equipped with state-of-the-art tourist facilities.

The project will be funded out of the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, a world-wide initiative to promote cultural heritage. The U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation has previously funded 17 such projects in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/US/US.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Pakistan’s fighting bears get sanctuary in Balkasar</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72086/pakistan%e2%80%99s-fighting-bears-get-sanctuary-in-balkasar</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72086/pakistan%e2%80%99s-fighting-bears-get-sanctuary-in-balkasar#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 10 03:00:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72086</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New sanctuary to provide a safe haven for 60 to 70 bears who are still being used for bear baiting.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Just three months after the devastating floods in Pakistan, a new sanctuary has opened in Balkasar to provide a safe haven for 60 to 70 bears who are still being used for bear baiting - a cruel and illegal blood sport.

The sanctuary’s first residents are Babu, Sohrab and Maylu - the three bears rescued from Kund Park, Pakistan’s only other refuge for fighting bears, which was destroyed during the floods in August.

The new Balkasar Sanctuary is funded by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and run by one of its member organisations, the Bio-resource Research Centre, Pakistan (BRC).

It is located in the Punjab region, away from flood plains, and features many natural aspects of a bear’s habitat, including more than 16 acres of trees and long grass.

“This sanctuary will provide space for all the remaining bears in Pakistan and we hope it becomes a model project for managing bears in sanctuaries,” said Dr Fakhar-i-Abbas, BRC Chief Executive. “It is a miracle that, so soon after we lost our only sanctuary, we have a new one ready for our bears.”

In August, 20 bears tragically lost their lives at Kund Park during the country’s floods. However, the BRC team was able to rescue Babu, Sohrab and Maylu from the disaster area and relocate them to Balkasar, where another sanctuary was already under construction.

Shortly after - despite losing their homes and all of their possessions, like so many Pakistanis - BRC and Kund Park staff worked together to quickly open the new sanctuary.

Determined staff, such as Malik Ghulam Sarwar, even moved across the country to Balkasar to rebuild their lives, alongside those of the bears in their care.

“Overnight, my family lost our home, workplace and school - other staff members have also lost their homes and family crops, and even still have families in flood-affected areas,” says Sarwar, who is now the manager of Balkasar Sanctuary.

“BRC worked to bring us all near the Balkasar Sanctuary. After managing to resettle my family to a certain extent, I rushed back to work. Now, we are trying to get back on our feet again.”

With WSPA support, BRC plans to rescue another three bears from baiting before the end of this year.

Those bears will be brought to the Balkasar Sanctuary to live out their lives in a natural and peaceful environment.

“Thanks to WSPA donors, this new sanctuary will allow us to provide a safe haven for all remaining bears,” says Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach, WSPA Veterinary Wildlife Program Manager.

“Together, with the dedicated and professional work of BRC, I am very optimistic that we will succeed in eradicating this cruel practice once and for all.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Pakistani-fightiging/Pakistani-fightiging.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Programme to improve local content on web</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72022/programme-to-improve-local-content-on-web</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72022/programme-to-improve-local-content-on-web#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 10 02:56:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72022</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PKNIC programme offers 5000 free domains as incentive to develop websites in Urdu or any other local language.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Network Information Centre (PKNIC) announced a joint initiative to launch ‘local internet content drive’ in the country.

Under the programme, PKNIC would offer 5000 free domains for those who would develop websites, in Urdu or any other local language, said a press release issued on Wednesday.

PKNIC is the Country Code Top Level Domain operator for “pk” domain, which represents a particular country on the internet.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman PTA, Dr Mohammed Yaseen said, “The support has been offered in view of the importance linked with prominent web presence. It will boost the Information Communication Technology sector of Pakistan.”

He further said that this programme will encourage and contribute towards greater presence of local content and help generate applications catering to the local clientele. Chairman PTA also appreciated the efforts of PKNIC management for the project.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/computer-key-board/computer-key-board.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Symbol of time-tested friendship</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72038/symbol-of-time-tested-friendship</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72038/symbol-of-time-tested-friendship#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 10 02:49:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[azam.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72038</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[China gifts Rs2.5 billion 'Pakistan China Friendship Centre',  inauguration scheduled for next month.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The inaugural ceremony of Pakistan China Friendship Centre, a gift from the People’s Republic of China, is scheduled for next month. The centre has been built over a period of two years at an estimated cost of Rs2.5 billion.

The building will include a state-of-the-art auditorium with 800 seats, an exhibition centre, a conference room
for 250 people and a multipurpose hall.

Constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group under arrangements of the Government of China, the centre will most likely become functional in the second week of December. The Ministry of Culture will be responsible for its operation, maintenance and management, The Express Tribune has learnt.

The spokesperson for the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Ramzan Sajid told The Express Tribune that the Chinese government offered to establish the centre in December 2004. CDA had provided 12 acres
land for the centre as an expression of solidarity with China and the deepening of Sino-Pak relations.

Project Director Brigadier Maqbool told The Express Tribune that the project was completed within the stipulated time. He said more than 200 Chinese engineers took part in the construction of this centre. To a query, he said the project was not highlighted due to security concerns, but a ceremony would be held in Islamabad soon and the control of the building would be handed over to the Ministry of Culture.

Khalid Javed, executive director Lok Virsa, said “It will provide a wide range of facilities to promote understanding in different fields of life, especially education for the youth.”

He added that the project signifies a special feature of cultural exchange between Pakistan and China, as diplomatic relations between the two countries are based on mutual trust and cooperation.”

The friendship between the two countries has achieved great depth over the last 50 years and the Pak-China Friendship Centre is being considered a significant milestone in this direction, he said.

“The two countries have developed a unique partnership in political, economic, defense, culture and other fields. China has made commendable contributions to Pakistan’s economic development, particularly in building infrastructure and setting up of heavy industry,” he added.

Chinese Ambassador Lou Zhoi on the ground-breaking ceremony back in 2008 had remarked, “This centre would facilitate the Pakistani people to understand the culture and traditions of China.

It will help strengthen people-to-people relations with exchange of cultural programmes, business, sports
and tourism.”

He said the Shanghai Construction Group (SCG), engaged in constructing the tallest buildings in China, will use its expertise in the completion of this project, making it a true representation of relations between the two countries.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Symbol/Symbol.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Strengthening bilateral links</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72040/strengthening-bilateral-links</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72040/strengthening-bilateral-links#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 10 02:46:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72040</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['Pakistan and Norway have abundant opportunities to broaden bilateral relationship in all spheres of life'.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan and Norway have abundant opportunities to strengthen and broaden bilateral relationship in all spheres of life, the Norwegian Ambassador to Pakistan Robert Kvile said on Wednesday. He was delivering a lecture on “Pakistan-Norway Bilateral Relations: Contemporary Challenges” jointly organised by Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Alumni Association and Department of International Relations QAU in Islamabad.

Kvile highlighted the background, scope and different aspects of Pak-Norway relationship in his lecture.

He said that the current level of bilateral trade and investment between the two countries is not significant and that there is huge a potential for enterprises from both countries to start joint ventures.

He identified education, health, good governance and culture as the four priority areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Kvile also acknowledged the contributions of Pakistani Norwegians for the socio-economic development of Norway. “Pakistani origin citizens are the biggest immigrant population in Oslo (the Norwegian capital) and are actively participating in politics and cultural activities and have integrated into the Norwegian society,” he said.

Earlier, answering a question on Norwegian investment in hydrocarbon industry of Pakistan, the ambassador said that some oil and gas companies are seriously considering Pakistan for exploration activities. However, he said, favourable environment for investment was necessary before such an enterprise materialises.

The university’s vice chancellor, Prof Dr Masoon Yasinzai, emphasised the need to develop strong academic linkages between the two countries. Dr Yasinzai underlined the need to promote joint educational, cultural, and research activities. He proposed that top universities in the two countries should offer joint PhD and faculty-exchange programmes.

The lecture was one of the series of the lectures that QAU Alumni Association has planned for 2010. The title of this series is “Speaker at Campus”. The motivation behind the beginning of such initiative is to bring experts closer to the university to share their experience and expertise with the current students, a press handout said.

Asif Noor, chief coordinator QAU Alumni Association; Dr Lubna Abid, chairperson Department of International Relations; and other senior faculty members, scholars and students attended the lecture.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/handshake/handshake.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Women journalists of tomorrow</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72084/women-journalists-of-tomorrow</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72084/women-journalists-of-tomorrow#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 10 02:24:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72084</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[UNESCO to enhance new media capacity of Fatima Jinnah university.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[To strengthen the voice of Pakistani women through new media and online journalism, Unesco signed an MoU with Fatimah Jinnah Women University on Wednesday.

The agreement stipulates that the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) will strengthen the new media capacity of students and faculty of the university during the next one year. It is hoped that this initiative will encourage and promote a free flow of ideas through innovative methods.

The MoU was signed between Dr Warren Mellor, director Unesco, and Dr Saeeda Asadullah Khan, VC Fatimah Jinnah University in Rawalpindi.

The Unesco official said that women constitute less than 5% of media professionals in Pakistan, with most of them working behind the scenes.

“New technology and online media emerges as the next generation of social activism and has great capacity for enabling universal access to information,” Mellor said.

Director Unesco said while talking to the faculty of the Communication Sciences department of the university, “Unesco wants to extend its international expertise in information-sharing. We are keen to develop the capacity of the wonderful staff of Fatimah Jinnah university.”

“We will bring our technical expertise to enhance the quality of curriculum, teaching and learning, while establishing linkages with other universities in the region and bringing the best practices here,” he vowed.

After signing the MoU, the director visited the campus radio station of the university, known as “Voice of Women” and run by Mass Communication students.

Dr Shamim Zaidi, head of Communication Sciences, told The Express Tribune said FJWU was the first women’s’ university of the country to have its own radio station. Director Unesco also recorded his message in the station.

Yusra Mushtaq, a lecturer at FJWU, said Unesco’s assistance to build curriculum as per international standards would ensure the quality of education in the university and encourage the faculty.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/journalism2/journalism2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Intensive Care Ward for children set up</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72083/intensive-care-ward-for-children-set-up</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/72083/intensive-care-ward-for-children-set-up#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 10 02:16:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=72083</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Allied Hospitals chairman appealed for the setting up of more of such wards in other hospitals.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Holy Family Hospital has set up a new Intensive Care Ward (ICU) for children. The ward has been established with the financial support of Chairman Allied Hospitals Dr Muhammad Aslam, Faculty of Paediatric Department and Social Worker Abdul Sattar Edhi, who donated Rs1.2 million, Rs300,000 and Rs187,000 respectively.

Head of the Pediatric Department Dr Hina Aysha said the ward was a “must” for the hospital as around 1,600 to 1,800 children are born in the hospital every year. She said a large number of children are brought in the emergency and OPD department out of which many are admitted for treatment. Trained staff has been deployed for this department she added.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the ICU, Dr Aslam appealed to the philanthropists to come forward and help establish such wards in other hospitals for the treatment of children.

He said the hospital has planned an elaborate arrangement to treat dengue fever patients. He said that besides setting up new departments, old departments in the hospital will be also upgraded.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/flood-children-EPA1/flood-children-EPA1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>BISP looking to branch out</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/71545/bisp-looking-to-branch-out</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/71545/bisp-looking-to-branch-out#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 10 03:50:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=71545</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt working to expand scope of BISP operations with the help of foreign companies.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The federal government has decided to expand the scope of Benazir income support programme (BISP) with the active coordination and support of internationally reputed global firms that will help formulate global alliances to strengthen public-private partnership.

Formal proposals for achieving this task have been called from internationally reputed firms.

The BISP is the government’s major anti-poverty initiative which is recognised by the international community. “The initiative has won accolades from international financial institutions for its legitimacy and the transparency of its operations and purpose,” said BISP official Najam Khaliq.

BISP officials said that the programme had been entrusted to address poverty in the country and was a critical component of the Pakistan government’s commitment to the implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The BISP is looking to expand its operations in all districts of the country and is in the process of launching a comprehensive multifaceted communications, education, public and government relations campaign in this regard.

In a meeting of BISP operatives in Faisalabad, the programme developers have invited technical and financial proposals from global public relations and government affairs firms with direct operations in USA, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, South East Europe, Eurasia, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Asia. To participate in the selection process, companies should submit a formal letter of request (Technical Proposal) by November 30, 2010 along with a detailed profile on the basis of the above mentioned requirements.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Bisp/Bisp.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Violins, ghungroos, tablas and a beautiful event filled with art and dance</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/71624/violins-ghungroos-tablas-and-a-beautiful-event-filled-with-art-and-dance</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/71624/violins-ghungroos-tablas-and-a-beautiful-event-filled-with-art-and-dance#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 10 02:24:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[rahim.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=71624</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In a first of its kind, 'Silent Decibels' starts at Pakistan National Council of the Arts.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With a Pakistani regard for time and the mummery of ‘special’ guests, Silent Decibels, a multimedia art exhibition was ruefully soured to the point of distress. It pained one to see an otherwise agreeable evening tainted by slapdash sand the scrambling that comes when trying to accommodate the fashionably late.

Of course tardiness instils crabbiness like no other, especially when one has to wait an hour well past the stated start time and then be subject to a glut of pointless speeches that are neither necessary nor eloquent. But I shall stave from ranting here for that will be a disservice to the actual event, one that need not be added to the list.

In a first of its kind, Silent Decibels combined the music and instrument-inspired works of Alia Pataudi and Sana Kazi Khan with live performances, enacting in ways the music and the dances the instruments give life to.

In collaboration with the Online Music Museum in the US, the project intends to preserve and celebrate indigenous instruments. And with the watercolours of Pataudi and the miniatures of Khan, the exhibition presents 47 paintings picturing a range of instruments from accordions (in the hands of Stevie Wonder) to violins, ghungroos and tablas.

The exhibition itself started off with an interpretive dance meant to depict the recent deluge that hit the country. Proceeds from the exhibition will go towards flood relief.

The exhibition proper was presented quite imaginatively with select paintings projected on to a screen accompanied by live dances tuned to the music of these instruments. And what performances!

In what clearly topped the night, the dances put on were a true delight, one almost forgot the initial tedium, but in true pratfall manner, during one particularly lively dance, a technical fault (or shoddy organisation?) dashed whatever tempo had been built. Regardless of this snag, the overall medley so to speak was spirited and vibrant, the traditional dances such as the Peacock Dance done with finesse and the salsa, a real jaunty affair.

A stirring poetry recital (though slightly out of place) and an enjoyable pop-tabla fusion were also among the performances but in true serendipitous fashion the performance of the evening was Alia Rasheed’s debut, playing the tapara with Allah Lok on the pakhawaj.

Mentored by Raza Qadir, the visually-impaired Rasheed sang and strummed to the adulation of all present.

The evening ended with the exhibition of the artists’ work, on display to the viewing public.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Violins/Violins.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Nariman Ansari: Candid Camera</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68004/nariman-ansari-candid-camera</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68004/nariman-ansari-candid-camera#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Nov 10 09:42:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[anam.mansuri]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=68004</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[“You can’t pay people enough to shoot children,” says photographer Nariman Ansari...]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[“You can’t pay people enough to shoot children,” says photographer Nariman Ansari, who specialises in child and family photography. She is also the first photographer to do maternity and pregnancy portraits. As she leans back on the warm green couch in the living room of her Karachi apartment, frames of all shapes and sizes cram the wall behind her.

She chuckles as she remembers Kulsum, a two-year-old fireball who was brought to her studio a few months ago by her mother Marzia, to get photographs taken. “That girl gave me a gym session I will never forget!” Ansari remembers the day when Kulsum ran out of Ansari’s home studio, outside into the living room, jumping behind their huge sofa, and then running round and round the dining table, and back into the studio with Ansari chasing behind her with the camera and Marzia trailing after, her hands flailing, expression aghast and a stream of hopeless apologies pouring out of her mouth. “There was a moment where Kulsum was running towards me really fast, her hair flying and pink dress fluttering and her eyes full of a delirious kind of joy, and I was running backwards, away from her clicking my camera. I just had to capture the moment.”

Ansari, 31, one of a handful of child and family photographers in the country, started Firefly Fotoworks out of her one-room home studio in November last year. Before that, the young Indus Valley graduate dove headfirst into directing right after she finished university, giving her photography minor a backseat. For two years she assisted director Saqib Malik with high profile commercial music videos like Fuzon’s “Khamaj”, Ali Azmat’s “Na re Na” and even the India-based “Ghoom Tana” featuring actress Nandita Das. She worked for a couple of production firms and briefly directed a Pakistani sitcom called “Minglish”, until she gave birth to her son Izdeyar. It was not until the beginning of last year that she decided to pick up her camera again and start a business from home.

“I spent about two to three years feeling like a failure because I wasn’t directing, something I had wanted to do ever since I was 12. I thought that by now I would’ve directed a serial. It felt even worse because people had had so many expectations of me because of who my parents were,” she says referring to her mother, popular TV personality Bushra Ansari, and her producer/director father Iqbal. “And then I had to make a decision. I couldn’t keep feeling sorry for myself. I decided to make the most of what I had — if my lifestyle was giving me the opportunity to do this, with my children, or with my yummy mummy friends who had children, who was I to say no? It was time I accepted who I was and stopped trying to be someone I thought I was going to be.”

It was Ansari’s newfound appreciation of her relationship with her husband and son which inspired her to take up this kind of photography. She remembers trying to get her son Izdeyar’s picture taken at Jimmy’s studio, and how nerve-racking it was. Izdeyar simply would not allow the man take a decent picture. “There was no chemistry between them,” explains Ansari, “the photographer was a sombre old bearded man waving a ganda sa khilona in front of Izdeyar and nothing was happening. There was no magic.”

It was then that Ansari returned home, took out her studio lights and her digital camera and started setting up a studio space in her home. She called over her neighbour Maroosh and her twin daughters and held a trial photoshoot. “I needed to see if I really had the chemistry I thought I did with kids. I had to see if I could bring magic.” The pictures turned out great. And that’s hardly surprising given Ansari’s playful nature and comforting look. The cuddly yummy mummy has short curly hair, a sweet coaxing voice and lots and lots of patience. It is with this gentleness that she slowly wins the trust of the fussy divas that visit her studio, and once they feel comfortable they allow her in, and she gets her picture.

While photographing, it is relationships in their rawest most natural forms that continue to intrigue Ansari; relationships between a mother and daughter, husband and wife or grandfather and grandson. She captures moments that are as natural as they can get, be it anger, sadness or utter joy.

She clicks away with her camera for hours on end if she has to, never directing. “You cannot direct children, they are not going to listen you because they don’t even listen to their moms.” Ansari simply allows her subjects to interact; interact with their families, their surroundings and themselves. Some of Nariman’s favourite pictures include a little girl, Leena playing with her long curly hair, and another one that she took of the fireball Kulsum in between her fits of energy when she’s rubbing her eyes and her mother is kissing her head, or the one of baby Haadi flashing a smile with his eyes twinkling so mischievously they seem like they’re on fire.

“It is so important to cherish those moments,” says Ansari, “I wish I had somebody take pictures like that of me when I first met my husband as opposed to those emotionless wedding portraits that have been photoshopped to death. They aren’t memorable at all!” She then gets up from her seat to show me a photograph that hangs on her living room wall, a picture of four generations of Ansari women, Nariman holding little Izdeyar, her mother Bushra, Bushra’s mother and grandmother, in two rows of two, with the top row standing and bottom sitting, staring straight at the camera with forced smiles. “This just documents what we look like, but it doesn’t capture what we had between us,” she says sadly, “and for this we went all the way to Lahore to get the photograph taken with my great grandmother. I would make this sort of effort for a photograph…and I would want to cherish the magic that existed between all of us.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Camer03/Camer03.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Motorway Police run soft policing campaign</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/71074/motorway-police-run-soft-policing-campaign</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/71074/motorway-police-run-soft-policing-campaign#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Nov 10 02:47:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ppi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=71074</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[National Highways and Motorway Police have launched a campaign aimed at creating a public-friendly face for police.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&amp;MP) have launched a campaign aimed at creating a public-friendly face of the police. The campaign has been launched in the N-5 North Zone on the directives of the IG NH&amp;MP Dr Wasim Kauser.

DIG Abbas Hussain Malick led the campaign, the focus of which was to introduce the concept of soft policing and enhance the standard of the services provided by the Motorway Police.

During this soft policing campaign which lasted three hours all patrolling mobiles, including recovery vehicles and ambulances, were utilised to provide maximum and instant help.

DIG Abbas Hussain Malick and SP Ali Ahmad Sabir Kiani distributed gift packages to passing traffic at Mandra toll plaza. NH&amp;MP also registered complaints of the locals regarding traffic issues and concerned officers were directed to resolve them.

While talking to reporters at Mandra plaza the DIG said that media should play a pivotal role to educate the public regarding traffic rules and regulations as this will help reduce accidents.

A special briefing was conducted by mobile education units at Mandra, Sangjani, Taraki and Jhelum toll plaza. Road safety stalls were set up at these locations as well including the Islamabad-Muzaffarabad dual carriage way. Commuters were briefed on how to help establish a public-friendly environment and avoid violating traffic laws.

Abbas Hussain Malick said that the purpose of this campaign is to reduce the communication gap between the police and the public. He further said these campaigns will be conducted in future as well to create a sense of public friendly policing among people.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/IG-Motor-way-Photo-Masood-Majid/IG-Motor-way-Photo-Masood-Majid.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>K-P to generate 15,000 IT jobs in three years</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/71073/k-p-to-generate-15000-it-jobs-in-three-years</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/71073/k-p-to-generate-15000-it-jobs-in-three-years#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Nov 10 02:45:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[manzoor.ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=71073</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Cabinet meeting approves plan to promote information technology sector in provincial capital, provides employment.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) cabinet approved a five year plan on Monday to promote information technology (IT) in the province.

Briefing reporters following the cabinet meeting the K-P Information Minister, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, said that under this plan call centres, IT cities and parks will be established all over the province and IT will be developed to achieve the aim of forming an effective e-government.

The government plans to train people for the promotion of IT and at least 14,000 graduates will be trained over a period of three years. “Approximately 2,000 graduates will be trained during the first year, 5,000 during the second year and 7,000 will be trained during the third year,” Mian Iftikhar said.

He said that at least 15,000 jobs will be created during the coming three years in the sectors of call centres, IT parks, software houses, the corporate sector, banks, financial institutions and other organisations.

The provincial cabinet, he said, also approved Rs1 billon for the implementation of this project and directed the concerned officials to prepare a roadmap of the plan by the third or fourth week of November, so that it can be put up for approval before the steering committee.

The cabinet also approved building IT parks in Peshawar and Abbotabad. “The provincial government will provide facilities and incentives to promote information technology and will work with the private sector to achieve this objective,” Mian Iftikhar said.

The government will provide incentives to investors by the federal, Punjab and Sindh governments including the provision of international standards in the business environment.

Mian Iftikhar said that a nine member committee would be set up to ensure the implementation of this project and will be headed by the KPK Chief Minister and other members will include the provincial minister of Information Technology, Additional Chief Secretary, Secretary finance, two members from information and communication industry, vice chancellor Engineering university and Managing Director Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).

The board will be a policy making body and it will devise overall policies and will do the final selection of IT companies, call centers, IT training institutes and will also devise a process of selection and will also approve grants and other incentives. Mian Iftikhar said that the provincial cabinet was also briefed on the Benazir Health Support System in the province.

The cabinet was told that there were around two per cent hepatitis B patients in the KPK and seven per cent were hepatitis C patients.

He said that the cabinet was told that every eleventh person in the province could suffer from hepatitis and the amount incurred in the treatment of this disease was around Rs50.7 billion.

During 2009-12, around Rs360 million has been allocated for the control and prevention of hepatitis and the cabinet has also approved an allocation of Rs200 million for the treatment of registered hepatitis patients during the ongoing year, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Peshawar-New-Map211111111111111111212111111/Peshawar-New-Map211111111111111111212111111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Cholistan festival concludes at Lok Virsa</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70984/cholistan-festival-concludes-at-lok-virsa</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70984/cholistan-festival-concludes-at-lok-virsa#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Nov 10 02:38:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[azam.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70984</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Indigenous craftsmen showed off unique skills and impressed their audience at the three-day cultural festival.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The three-day cultural festival at National Institute of Folk &amp; Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) depicting the indigenous culture of Cholistan desert concluded on Monday.

Over 100 participants including craftsman, folk artists, musicians and camel dancers from Cholistan took part in the festival which ran from Oct 30 to Nov 1. The festival aimed to entertain while exposing the capital’s population to Cholistan’s culture.

A performance pit was erected in the middle of the festival grounds where folk singers, artists, musicians and dancers from Cholistan gave periodic performances.

Lajpat Ray, a stall holder from Tharparkar, said, “My visit has been very successful both in terms of entertainment and finances, I sold all my shawls and ralhis.”

Aziz Bibi, who works for women welfare in Cholistan, set up stalls of traditional foods like saag (Spinach) and khunmbi which she presented to Federal Minister for Culture, Secretary for Ministry of Culture and other diplomatic visitors.

Krishan Lal Bheel, an accomplished folk singer from Cholistan, said that he could sing in eight languages, including Seraiki, Marwari, Thari, Sindhi, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi. He plays instruments like iktara, harmonium, majira, tamboora and chhapri. He also says he has recorded more than 500 songs for Radio Lahore and Radio Bahawalpur. He Krishan, who has also been appearing in PTV since 1988 is a recipient of several awards conferred by the government including Minority Award.

Another skill on display was the cutting of camel hair. Muhammad Hanif is a unique artisan from the Cholistan region is a craftsman of camel hair. With the help of a pair of scissors, he cuts out the camel’s hair in such a way the geometrical designs are imprinted.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/the-ethnic/the-ethnic.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>The wedding gift quagmire</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70977/the-wedding-gift-quagmire</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70977/the-wedding-gift-quagmire#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 10 17:31:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70977</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[As wedding season rolls around, what is there for you to buy for the newlywed couple?]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As wedding season rolls around, most people are confused by the thought of what to buy for the happy couple. Confusion reigns supreme, and people usually end up buying  a mirror from Object or a silver frame from Taneez at the last minute. But if one isn’t old enough to hand over envelopes of cash and can’t figure out what the couple would like, what is there for you to buy?

Many countries have the concept of a gift registry where a bride and groom compile a list of presents they want and register the gifts they want at a retailer who maintains the list for the registrant. He or she will ensure that items are removed from the gift as they are purchased and will make the list public to whoever asks for it.

The advantages in this concept is that the bride and groom get what they need, guests don’t have to rack their brains trying to come up with a present and generally the bride and groom will register gifts of varying prices so that their friends and family can choose a present according to their individual budget.

Unfortunately this concept has not yet caught on in Pakistan, so there is the definite possibility that you will end up buying your near and dear something that he or she doesn’t need or doesn’t want. “The best gifts that I got were small jewellery pieces but along with this I also received a number of household items like lamps, vases and decorations that weren’t my style so they’re just kept in the store room,” said Anam, who got married in June.

“The best thing to do is to ask the couple what they need because everyone has something different in mind. My friends and I have that comfort level so I told them but I ended up receiving a lot of random presents from others,” said Madiha, who has been married for two years.

Another point to remember is to make sure the gift is for both the bride and groom. “I felt that the majority of the presents like jewellery and perfume sets were for my wife, it would’ve been nicer if we could have shared them,” said Omar, who got married recently.

Rising costs of living means that people have limited money to spend on wedding gifts. A popular option is to split the cost a gift amongst friends. “My wife and I really wanted a television set so all my friends pitched in and got us one!” said Imran. “My friends and I had a limited budget so six of us got together and bought a small emerald and zircon jewellery set for our friend, she can wear it on a daily basis and it’ll last forever,” said Kamila.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/The-wedding/The-wedding.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Costumes run short as Halloween fever hits schools</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70591/costumes-run-short-as-halloween-fever-hits-schools</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70591/costumes-run-short-as-halloween-fever-hits-schools#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 10 03:20:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sonia.malik]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70591</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Several schools hosted Halloween carnivals, children across the city rush to get costumes.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Several schools arranged their annual carnivals over this weekend to coincide with Halloween, sparking a rush to get costumes for children across the city.

But apart from the few who had planned in advance and had customised costumes produced by their tailors, novel Halloween outfits were hard to find. The Early Learning Centre (ELC) and Next stores in Defence and the Mall of Lahore were the only ones carrying costumes for children aged between 5 and 12. They included fairy, vampire, spider, doctor, witch and nurse costumes.

The ELC store in Defence ran out of costumes due to its location, said an employee, but its other outlet in the Mall Of Lahore had a wider range with stocks lasting until Halloween night (Sunday). Another employee at the Mall of Lahore believed parents purchased the costumes at prices between Rs2,500 and Rs4,000 “as no decent alternative is available in the market”.

Al Fatah, Pot Pourri and The Shoppe, besides carrying their regular Spiderman and Batman costumes, also sold accessories like masks, wigs, face crayons and Halloween makeup. Animal costumes available at Al Fatah were cheaper than those at ELC and Mothercare at Rs695 a piece. A mother looking for a costume for her five-year-old at Mothercare in Defence eventually settled on a pumpkin outfit. “If I’d had time I could have come up with something better because I had brilliant ideas for costumes,” she said. “But tailors here never finish a job on time so I decided not to risk it.”

A teacher at Lahore Grammar School in Defence said most students came in normal clothes for their Saturday carnival. Apart from the cost and inconvenience of a costume, she said, many parents believed Halloween to be ‘un-Islamic’.

The Lahore American School held its Halloween carnival on Friday, with kids of all ages dressing in fancy costumes. Many younger kids came dressed as tigers and pumpkins.

The LGS event had a girls-and-mothers theme. Many girls chose to come as witches, bats, skeleton, spiders and goats, with the younger ones dressed as fairies or bears. Several kids said they had got their costumes during trips abroad. Some had relatives in the US and UK who sent them costumes every year.

Middle-school girls, aged 8 to 12, dressed as characters from horror movies such as Scary Movie, Hostel and The Exorcist. Some had help with their costumes from Madihas, a salon famous for its bridal makeup. An exhibition selling Halloween accessories and costumes for children was also organised at the salon.

Mothers also came in costume, with the best dressed mother judged to be a ‘90s punk. She was rewarded with Maria B dresses. The 60 best dressed girls were handed goodie bags containing candies.

A Halloween event was also held at The New School.

Meanwhile, several Halloween parties were held across the city on Saturday night. Imtisal Zafar, who runs Verve Event Management Company, said he had organised a graveyard theme party attended by celebrities and foreigners. “Our guests have the resources to spend as much as it takes to make a costume,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/halloween-11/halloween-11.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Gilani’s special address</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70517/gilani%e2%80%99s-special-address</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70517/gilani%e2%80%99s-special-address#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 10 03:14:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70517</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PM addressed a ceremony attended by over 2,000 special people in Multan, offers aid.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressed a ceremony which was attended by over 2,000 special people on Sunday. This was the first ceremony of its kind and the programme was arranged by the Pakistan Baitul Mal.

Over 1,000 wheel-chairs were distributed among the disabled on the occasion and Rs50,000 each were also given to them.

A local MPA, Malik Ahmed Hassan Dehrr said that after working with the disabled for over two years, he had begun  to identify with the community and was determined to ensure that they received financial assistance that would allow them independence.

Dehrr said that he had spent a year visiting homes of disabled men and women across Punjab’s districts to register them. He then contacted the Pakistan Baitul Mal administration and conveyed his objective to provide financial assistance to them, he said. Dehrr said that the Baitul Mal welcomed suggestion.

The prime minister addressed the rally, saying “It is the government’s duty to take care of its people’s needs and those with special needs require extra efforts by the government.” Gilani said that he was determined to ensure that the disabled community was looked after. “The disabled have as much right to earn a living and maintain a dignified lifestyle as anyone else,” he said.

One of the patients at the rally, eight-year-old Shahzad Ali had polio since birth and said that he would now be able to attend school because of the money provided by the government. Shahzad Ali said, “This is like Eid for me.”

I can finally move around without someone helping me. My family could never afford a wheelchair.” Shahzad’s father Wali Ahid thanked the prime minister and said that he hoped special treatment centres would be opened in all districts to make it easy for parents to avail long term treatment options for their children.

Similarly, Labourer Mohammad Siddique 12-year-old daughter Sonia Bibi received a brail kit and money for her treatment.  All the special poeple who participated in the event appreciated the government’s attention towards the issue of disability funding and schooling.

The prime minister assured the disabled community that their names would be included in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Gilani promised to establish rehabilitation centres in different parts of the country that would allow disabled persons to be reintegrated into society.     “The government will also work to enhance the quota of jobs available for disabled people so that they can contribute to the national economy and earn a living for themselves,” he said.

Disable persons are a very important segment of our society and it is unfortunate that they are often neglected by the government when it comes to health, education and employment.

“Many disabled people are forced into beggary and are destitute. It is the government’s duty to make sure that they have options and security,” Gilani said. “There is no human being who doesn’t have the potential to contribute to society. We need to work towards helping members of the disabled community find how they can help,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/GILANI-EPA111/GILANI-EPA111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Over 100,000 Afghans return voluntarily this year</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70658/over-100000-afghans-return-voluntarily-this-year</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70658/over-100000-afghans-return-voluntarily-this-year#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 10 02:26:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70658</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[109,243 Afghans returned home this year through a voluntary return programme initiated by UNHCR.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A total of 109,243 Afghans returned home this year through the voluntary return programme initiated by UNHCR in 2002, said a press release on Sunday.

About 3.7 million refugees have returned to Afghanistan in the past nine years, while 1.6 million registered Afghans are still living in Pakistan.

The number of returnees this year has increased by 51 per cent, when compared to the number of people that returned in 2009.

The main reason for the higher number of returns this year is that the voluntary repatriation programme had to be suspended in July last year due to precarious security situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The voluntary return process is governed by a tripartite commission agreement by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Every year the programme resumes in spring and continues until the end of October.

The repatriation programme conducted by UNHCR is the largest operation conducted by the agency anywhere in the world and will continue until 2012, according to the handout.

Mengesha Kebede, UNHCR representative in Pakistan, said, “Repatriation is one of our preferred solutions in any post-conflict situation. These returns prove that Afghans are eager to go back home if better alternatives are provided to them.”

Kebede added that UNHCR was working with government of Pakistan to help support the Afghan government in managing their population in a more efficient manner. The renewal project of Afghans and the upcoming population profiling verification survey are two of the initiatives undertaken by the Pakistani government with support from UNHCR, Kebede said.

The initiatives, he said, will enable the two countries plan development activities for Afghans who have returned and those who may not be able to return in the near future.

Dr Imran Zeb Khan, joint secretary of Ministry of States &amp; Frontier Regions, added that the voluntary and gradual return of refugees remained the government’s top priority.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Gea/Gea.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>The undying pull of Ajoka’s plays</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70659/the-undying-pull-of-ajoka%e2%80%99s-plays</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70659/the-undying-pull-of-ajoka%e2%80%99s-plays#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 10 02:11:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sachal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70659</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[When something as freakishly spectacular as Ajoka’s Bullha or Dara comes along, we are left speechless.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In our world of abundant movies, television shows and amateur theatrical presentations, we have become accustomed to their limited and generally mediocre range. Therefore when something as freakishly spectacular as Ajoka’s Bullha or Dara comes along, we are left speechless. If you have not seen any of Ajoka’s plays I strongly recommend that you do so the next time such a chance comes along.

As far as meaningful theatre is concerned, it simply does not get better than this.

With their rich cultural content Ajoka plays address serious social issues, never letting the entertainment tempo flag and without stooping to the suggestive vulgarity of the popular stage. They rely on tasteful humour and powerful live music to keep the audience enthralled.

Theatre goers of the city are familiar with Ajoka’s work and each time the group brings its plays to Islamabad the productions get louder applause. This time around Ajoka has staged three plays at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) beginning with Raja Rasalu on Friday, Bullha on Saturday and Dara on Sunday evening in aid of the flood survivors.

Bullha is Ajoka’s most popular play; it has been performed around the globe and even 10 years gets a houseful response. On Saturday people sat on stairs, many stood through the two-hour long performance.

Directed by Madiha Gohar and written by Shahid Nadeem, the play revolves around the life of great Sufi poet Bulleh Shah (1680-1758), who witnessed the downfall of the Mughal Empire. People joined in the robust chorus of Bulleh’s words, and when a crowd that large hums in unison, everything from the ceiling to the soul vibrates as one. The Sufi (mystic) concept of Wahdat-al-Wajud (Oneness of being) becomes a mass reality, a collective demonstration.

The strength of the spiritual sentiment the play is able to generate can be gauged from what happened when Bullha was performed at Patiala, Indian Punjab, where an old man brought his sick son to the stage at the end of the show and asked Sarfraz Ansari who plays the saint to bless him. “I am just an actor, I have no spiritual powers of healing,” Ansari told the old man. But the old man insisted saying Ansari was the saint’s avatar and through him Bulleh Shah’s blessing will reach his son.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/The-under/The-under.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Commercial theatres rake in profits</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70489/commercial-theatres-rake-in-profits</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70489/commercial-theatres-rake-in-profits#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Oct 10 19:12:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ali.usman]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70489</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Forget Lollywood, commercial theatre houses across Lahore are pulling in large crowds.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Lollywood may not be drawing in people but commercial theatre houses across the city are pulling in large crowds.

Commercial theatre producers, directors and artists are enjoying the boom which they say has come again after seven years. According to estimates obtained by The Express Tribune, theatres in Lahore earned Rs13.3 million collectively in the last spell which ran for 16 days.

People associated with the business believe that the reason for increased interest in theatre may be due to a lack of other modes of entertainment and the good value for money. “In one performance, a viewer is treated to a live performance of two and a half hours which includes dances and comic dialogue. Ticket prices range from Rs200 to Rs2,500,” said a commercial theatre artiste.

Commercial Theatre Producers Association Chairman, Zulfiqar Ahmad said that theatres used to generate profits in 2001 and 2002, but after 2004 business declined because of raids on theatres. “Theatre has picked the same momentum that it used to have seven years ago meaning that those associated with the business are very happy,” he said.

Unlike cinema owners, theatre producers haven’t tried to get taxes waived and are willing to pay these dues. “If we are earning (good) money we should pay it back in form of taxes. The excise and taxation department earns the maximum amount of entertainment taxes from commercial theatre,” said a producer who spoke on condition of anonymity.

According to official figures, Alfalah Theatre earned Rs4 million from its last spell which starred Nargis as the lead and had an estimated profit of Rs1 million spread out over 10 days. Mehfil Theatre’s drama, Sharmili, earned Rs3.8 million with an estimated profit of Rs1 million in its last spell and according to the management, their current production, Munni Badnaam Hui, is also doing excellent business.

Business at Naz Theatre was down for several years and at one point the theatre shut down because they couldn’t generate enough money to meet their costs. However, in the last spell the theatre made Rs0.5 million, which is the most it has earned in six years.

Zufliqar Ahmad said that Alhamra Hall 1 had been booked for record breaking Rs0.67 million for a single spell. “The booking was done through an auction and the money was to be donated for flood relief activities. Never before has a public auditorium has been booked for this amount when the price of a ticket ranges between Rs150 and Rs250,” he said. However, despite paying this huge amount, producers earned Rs0.2 million in 16 days.

Business is good but with uncertainty prevailing in the country, one doesn’t know for how long.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/commerial/commerial.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Razzaq leads Pakistan to victory</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70485/ingram-amla-power-south-africa-to-286</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70485/ingram-amla-power-south-africa-to-286#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Oct 10 19:10:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70485</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Batting up a storm, Abdul Razzaq’s 109 led Pakistan to victory against South Africa in the second ODI.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Batting up a storm, Abdul Razzaq’s 109 led Pakistan to victory against South Africa in the second ODI, leveling the series 1-1 on Sunday. Razzaq was declared man of the match for his outstanding performance at the pitch.

Speaking about the match, captain Shahid Afridi said:
"Day before yesterday I told you we would bounce back, but I had never imagined it would come this way. My batting, not 100% but better than before. We are feeling better now as a team. We have areas to improve, but we will try our best in the coming games."
South Africa had set Pakistan a target of 287 runs in the second One Day International in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Fast-rising Colin Ingram hit a sparkling century and Hashim Amla an aggressive 65 to lead South Africa to a formidable total.

The 25-year-old Ingram scored exactly 100 for his second century after notching his first on his debut against Zimbabwe at home two weeks ago to show his enormous potential as South Africa batted solidly after winning the toss and opting to bat.

Jean-Paul Duminy chipped in with a swift 43-ball 54.

South Africa, who led the five-match series 1-0 after winning the first match by eight wickets here on Friday, had to leave out captain Graeme Smith and all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who were both unfit.

Duminy's knock contained three fours and a six before he fell in the last over.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/razzaq/razzaq.gif" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Slackistan's Aisha Akhtar: From slacker to stardom</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70487/slackistans-aisha-akhtar-from-slacker-to-stardom</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70487/slackistans-aisha-akhtar-from-slacker-to-stardom#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Oct 10 19:05:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[maha.amin]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70487</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The film's target audience knows what it is like to be ‘privileged’ in Pakistan says Slackistan's diva.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The highly-awaited and much-discussed Slackistan is currently doing the tours of film festivals. Raindance Film Festival founder Elliot Grove said, “It passed with flying colours.”  Cast member Aisha Linnea Akhtar talks to The Express Tribune about her experience at film festivals and what the film is about.

What was it like to attend festivals where Slackistan was screening?

The film went way beyond my expectations. I didn’t even think I would be attending film festivals to promote Slackistan. The first festival we went to was in London, which has a huge desi community and we were all extremely nervous. There was a full house and we got a standing ovation. It made us feel very positive and set up the entire run. In Abu Dhabi we were competing against Adrien Brody’s new film and didn’t expect to win, but the fact that we were put in that category was so flattering. Surprisingly, the response in Abu Dhabi was just as strong as in London.

How was the experience of working on the film, especially with director Hammad Khan?

As amazing as it is to go to premieres and travel the world, it wasn’t a fraction of the fun we (the cast) had working on the film. Hammad is amazing; he is such a relaxed, calm person and is so easy to be around. He was great to work with and brought the entire team together.

You said the film was the ‘anti Slumdog’. What does that mean?

That was actually in the first interview I did with a lady from the Guardian. She was asking a lot of odd questions and I could tell she didn’t know what Pakistan is about and she kept asking if the film was like Slumdog Millionaire. So I said it was the ‘anti Slumdog’, that while Slumdog is about poor kids from the slums, Slackistan is about rich kids living in Pakistan.

I didn’t mean anti, I meant the characters were very different.

Why would this film appeal to a Pakistani audience? The target audience knows what it is like to be ‘privileged’ in Pakistan.

You don’t always want to watch a film that’s far from reality, unless it’s sci-fi. A film like this has never been shown and sometimes it’s interesting to watch something you can relate to.

Do you think it would’ve been more potent if someone who had lived in Islamabad their whole life had been chosen for the role?

I don’t think that matters. I spent some formative years in the city (my childhood and I did my O and A levels from here) and Islamabad is not just full of people who have lived their entire life here. Slackistan portrays the little bubble that we live in Islamabad in and it’s true to reality.

Do you have any other projects planned?

I have some acting offers but I’m focusing on college right now. Slackistan was really inspiring and motivated me to get behind the camera. Shahbaz (Shigri, the male lead) and I are good friends now and we’re doing our own little projects and I write every day. I’d be interested in acting but I think my heart is behind the camera.

What do you hope audiences will take back from the film?

At the end of the day, Slackistan is a film. It is not a political message, and it’s not a saviour for the country. Pakistan is going through a rough time and if we can provide some entertainment to people, then it’s not half bad.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/From/From.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Shock and joy of returning to Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70270/shock-and-joy-of-returning-to-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70270/shock-and-joy-of-returning-to-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Oct 10 07:36:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[momina.sibtain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70270</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Students coming back from abroad find life back home restricted yet comforting.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Going off to foreign colleges is one of the most exciting experiences that any high school senior can look forward to. Moving away from home and getting the initial sense of freedom can be very liberating but moving back home after three or four years though very welcoming is not without  the culture shock that most students experience when they move back to Islamabad. It requires a period of adjustment all over again.

Coming from a close-knit, protected-family-oriented society the freedom to live your life the way you want to and explore yourself as an individual morphs one into a very independent person but this opportunity is not available when the students move back home.

Anam Butt, a recent SOAS graduate with a degree in Economics, moved back to Islamabad after three years and feels that her freedom is being curtailed here. “I am very happy to move back to Islamabad, it is home but life was a lot simpler in London, here you have to rely on other people domestically and professionally to get your foot in. Islamabad is a little sluggish but the social scene is picking up. You need to know people to go to events, its all about being with the in crowd. In London it was acceptable to all. It wasn’t exclusive and something was always going on. I’m accustomed to that life style now and Islamabad is a culture shock all over again.”

After doing 3-4 years of your own laundry and cleaning your apartment with no maids or chefs available and without the luxuries taken for granted at home, most students look back to moving home and easing back into the easy life style again.

Faraz Khan, after doing his bachelors from Clark University in the United States, progressed to London School of Economics to pursue his masters  and has recently moved back to Islamabad says: “Life isn’t easy there, even though security is a major issue here but still life here is much easier.

However the hardest thing to adjust to is the loss of freedom; you aren’t on your own anymore and once again become dependent on your parents. You cannot be yourself here and it takes time to get used to it all over again. For young people Pakistan is a bit restricted but overall I am happy to be back.”

Loss of freedom is not the only setback for returning students. After getting a feel of a more professional environment, adjusting to a more or less dysfunctional work environment back in Islamabad, can be a little disheartening.

Madiha Butt an aspiring developmental consultant in the NGO sector in Pakistan, freshly arrived after a Masters in development studies from SOAS, shares her experiences with The Express Tribune: “Socially I wasn’t away for long though I miss the company of my friends there, it hasn’t been that hard for me to adjust back.

However, with the line of work I want to pursue, the political situation in Pakistan is very unstable and alarmingly disturbing and as a result I feel it’ll take me some time to establish myself. Even though Pakistan is an ideal market for my services but it just takes a while for things to process.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/islamabad61132313131_1738303722/islamabad61132313131_1738303722.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Gripping documentary on RD Burman’s life</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70268/gripping-documentary-on-rd-burman%e2%80%99s-life</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/70268/gripping-documentary-on-rd-burman%e2%80%99s-life#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Oct 10 07:32:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=70268</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Documentary on well-known music composer of India, was screened at the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA).]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A documentary on the life of Rahul Dev Burman, the well-known music composer of India, was screened at the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA). 

Tilted Pancham Unmixed- Mujhay Chalna Hai, the documentary was created by Brahmanand S Singh as a tribute to RD Burman and gripped the hearts of many music lovers. Highlighting both the highs and lows of RD Burman’s career, Singh captures the essence of his passion and commitment for creating music.

More popularly known as Pancham to his friends and the film industry, Burman created legendary music. Majority of his music has been remixed and reproduced for commercial use.

Outlining his life journey following his rise to a downfall and eventual success, the documentary covers all features of his personality.

He is the creator of some of the most renowned Indian songs such as “Dum Maro Dum,” “Mehbooba Mehbooba,” “Dekha Naa Haye Re” and “Meri Bheegi Bheegi.” Married to the nightingale of Bollywood, Asha Bhonsle, Burman lived a full life surrounded by friends and music. His passion for creativity refined his ability to find music in mundane objects such as glasses and pearls. He has been known to use the sound of birds and crashing waves as an inspiration for his music.

After many decades of success, Burman faced his downfall beginning 1986 when 27 of his films failed at the box office. When the films didn’t do well the music didn’t fare well either, leading to the downfall of the artist.

Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist, commented on Burman’s downfall saying that a “champion is the one who punches his opponent right before falling down.”  1942: A Love Story, his final gift to the film industry before he passed away, blew his critics away.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/ci/ci.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Swept away by the rising tide</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69750/swept-away-by-the-rising-tide</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69750/swept-away-by-the-rising-tide#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 10 05:30:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[rabia.ashfaque]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=69750</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Work by 42 artists go up on display at the Mohatta Palace Museum.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As the Mohatta Palace Museum opened its doors to display works created by 42 artists from across the country between 1990 and 2010, it wasn’t just the sheer magnitude of the exhibition that took one’s breath away. Divided into six theme-based wings, “The Rising Tide” is the first contemporary show of its kind to take place at Mohatta, which encompasses the diverse talents of artists who have made their mark on the Pakistani art scene.

Drawing an overwhelming response from the crème de la crème of Karachi who graced the occasion with their presence, the show satisfied a growing need among the people for a space that could pay tribute to the art being produced in the country.

Rashid Rana stole the show with his larger than life piece, titled “Desperately seeking paradise”. A glass cube depicting the skyline of the metropolis, Rana constructed the piece in keeping with his patent style - a photo montage of tiny images that captures scenes from the streets of Lahore. Part of the “Cartographies of Intimacy” theme, Rana’s work embodied the essence of Pakistan’s history with colonial, modern, urban and nationalistic nuances. These were echoed in works by Roohi Ahmed as well, whose “Mobius Karachi” - a sculpture made out of maps of the city - was a comment on the history of the city as well as the artist’s own experiences while living in Karachi. Durriya Kazi and David Alesworth collaborated on a series that revolved around truck art, while Imran Qureshi’s “You are my love and my life’s enemy too?” compelled a viewer to look at the political and social comment seeping through the blood-coloured paint.

Ayaz Jokhio’s “99 self portraits” - a part of “The Urban Transition” wing at the museum - was the artist’s way of exploring the various facets of his own identity under the influences of his surroundings. Pieces by Jamil Baloch, Malcolm Hutcheson and Farida Batool also revolved around the lines of an artist’s journey through a multifaceted and shifting lens that permits glimpses of everyday life within the urban context.

Meanwhile, Nausheen Syed managed to extract an overwhelming response from the audience through her “Based Delicacies” - parts of the human body that Syed managed to sculpt out of bread. Her work was part of the “Languages of Belonging” theme, in which Nusra Latif’s “Did you come here to find history?” also managed to stir many questions pertaining to the identity of a modern Pakistani living under the influences of the past. Questioning and translating the traditions surrounding us and their significance in the contemporary practices, these artists portrayed the complex relation between tradition and modernity in their work.

A poignant part of the exhibition was the final series of work produced by Asim Butt - a unique and unseen documentation of the artist’s last road trip around Pakistan, in which he had left his political comments on the walls of the country. Asim Butt’s work was featured in “Between the Real and the Fabricated”- a wing dedicated to recreating, dismantling, erasing and reinventing history through art. The wing also featured an installation by Aisha Khalid.

Mehreen Murtaza’s “Divine Invasion” - a digitally manipulated print depicting the chaotic nature of Karachi - was part of the “Imagined Worlds Envisioning Spaces” theme, which was based on artists’ comments on their practices while living in a certain space. Works by Arif Mahmood, Hamra Abbas, Afshar Malik and Mansur Salim were also exhibited in the wing.

The last section of the show - “Ghosts in the Turret Room” - exhibited a selection of video art and installations by Auj Khan, Noor Yousof and Asma Mundrawala, among others, who tried to depict their concerns while living in an urban landscape in their work.

The  exhibition has been curated by Naiza Khan and will continue till February 28 at the Mohatta Palace Museum.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Swept01/Swept01.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Gilgit-Baltistan approves filling 2,400 new vacancies</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69781/gilgit-baltistan-approves-filling-2400-new-vacancies</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69781/gilgit-baltistan-approves-filling-2400-new-vacancies#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 10 05:00:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shabbir.mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=69781</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM Gilgit-Baltistan says appointments to be made on merit, asks ministers to reduce expenses.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Mehdi Shah on Friday approved filling of 2,400 newly created posts, saying that the appointments will be made strictly on merit. “The decision to this effect was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister,” Information Minister Ali Madad Sher told The Express Tribune after the meeting.

The information minister said that apart from other sectors, the education sector will have 600 posts. Aside from this, there will be 350 posts in the health sector, 36 posts in the livestock sector, 350 posts in water and power department, 246 posts in agriculture and 333 posts in the newly-formed district of Hunza-Nagar.

This was the fourth cabinet meeting since its formation earlier this year. The cabinet members presented individual progress reports, Sher said, adding that the chief minister expressed satisfaction over their performance and stressed the need to further improve it. The chief minister also asked the ministers to submit a report on incomplete projects of their respective departments and issued directives to hold quarterly meetings of the cabinet to review the pace and progress of the ongoing schemes.

Taking exception to the use of government vehicles, the chief minister asked authorities concerned to curtail expenditure and reduce burden on the national exchequer. “The officials will have one vehicle with them and neither their children nor the officials themselves will be allowed to drive the vehicles,” said the provincial information minister, adding that the policy is in line with the one issued by the prime minister.

He also said that Chief Minister Shah asked the chief secretary to ensure that all the officials seek prior permission before leaving G-B for official visits.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/mehdi-shah111/mehdi-shah111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>New designer duo hits the fashion world</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69699/new-designer-duo-hits-the-fashion-world</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69699/new-designer-duo-hits-the-fashion-world#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 10 04:18:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saleha.rauf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=69699</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New brand Armario fuses 'sensuality with a touch of funkiness'.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Lahore’s fashion industry welcomed yet another fashion designer duo in one of the most competitive businesses of the country.

Armario was launched in the Pakistan Fashion Lounge on Thursday night. Madiha Qaiser and Sadaf Malik, the creators of the brand are fresh graduates of the Beacon House National University and the Pakistan School of Fashion Design, respectively.

The first display of the creations by the two designers attracted a crowd of keen shoppers all day.

As Madiha told The Express Tribune, “Armario aims at providing everything a woman looks for in a semi-formal dress. We have created attire that is wearable to the work place and parties.”

Dressed in black, Madiha revealed the philosophy behind their label. “We have tried to fuse sensuality with a touch of funkiness. The ingenuity of classic tailoring and the value of designs lie in the details we have given to our clothes,” she added.

Sadaf said their dresses were not just any dresses bought and kept in the cupboard for ages due to their impractical designs. She said that the idea behind Armario was comfort with practicality. “Our label is for women of different life styles and ideologies,” she said, adding, “Sophistication and femininity are the key elements.”

Visitors commended the blend of modern and local fashion. Samra Khan, a student of the Lahore School of Economics said, “Armario has come up with a very different collection. They have revolutionised the traditional shalwar qameez with a modern touch and a bold combination of colours.”

The US consul general, Carmela Conroy, attended the launch as the chief guest. She said, “The two designers have used local textures in lovely colour combinations. These are feminine and comfortable dresses with creative embellishments.  They are perfectly wearable for a working woman like me.”

Sameera Shehzad, a renowned cooking instructor appreciated the effort of the designer duo. She said, “These girls, at such a young age, have done a great job. There is always some gap in market. Their prices are affordable and they have targeted a specific group, which will help them get a positive response.”

Madiha and Sadaf said that they were satisfied with the response and hoped for a better one in the future.

The price of the dresses varies from Rs8,000 to Rs20,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/fashion/fashion.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Love really is blind...</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69581/love-really-is-blind</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69581/love-really-is-blind#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 10 04:01:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=69581</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Visually impaired newly-weds have sought government protection from their relatives.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Two visually impaired people recently got married in Layyah and have sought government protection from their relatives.

According to their Lawyer, Nazar Hassan, Layyah resident Kamran and Attock resident Rozina fell in love while they were being schooled at an institution for disabled people in Multan.

“Rozina’s uncle violently opposed the match and she said that he even locked her in the house for several days to ensure she couldn’t leave and meet Kamran,” Hassan said. “I couldn’t leave the house but my maid helped me leave when my uncle was not at home, she accompanied me to school and we left straight from there,” Rozina said.

According to the couple, they decided to get married in court and left their school in Multan for Leyyah by train. Upon reaching the city, they contacted a lawyer and got married on Tuesday. “They were both scared that they would be caught by Rozina’s uncle and one of their friends helped them reach the court,” Hassan said.  According to Hassan, Rozina’s uncle also reached Layyah after questioning the housemaid about his niece’s whereabouts. “He is here. I know it because he called me on my cell phone and threatened to kill me when he found me,” Rozina said. Nazar Hassan has arranged for the couples protection and they have said that they had appealed to the court and Supreme Court justice for protection against their family.

Kamran and Rozina have submitted an application for their personal protection in the Layyah sessions’ judge court with the help of advocate Nazar Hussain.

The couple told journalists that they had been threatened several times since they had been married earlier in the week and were afraid for their life. “We are not going to stay apart but it is hard to be on our own without protection given our disability,” Kamran said, adding that he wished to take Rozina to stay with his family but did not want to return to his home while there was still a danger that they would be discovered by her family members.

Kamran and Rozina said that they met and worked together in a group therapy session at the Multan school for disabled persons. “We both knew what the other was going through and so we immediately got closer,” Rozina told reporters, adding that they were two of seven people in the school who were visually impaired since birth. Both Kamran and Rozina can read brail and have worked at the school making furniture.

“We can both earn a living and that is what I intend to do, the moment I am sure that our lives are no longer in danger,” Kamran said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/heart-blue1/heart-blue1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Women’s Tailoring Centre to be set up</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68966/women%e2%80%99s-tailoring-centre-to-be-set-up</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68966/women%e2%80%99s-tailoring-centre-to-be-set-up#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 10 05:15:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=68966</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sindh Chief Minister says programme aimed at strengthening women economically and socially.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah announced that provincial officials were setting up a Women’s Tailoring Centre, saying that the programme aimed at strengthening women economically and socially.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the tailoring centre at the Razzaqabad Flood Relief Centre on Thursday, he said this is the right time for the centre as it can help the women affected by the flood and transform their grievances into aspirations.

The centre is a programme under the Economic Development Project organised by the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in collaboration with the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Youth Development Programme.

The chief minister said that the Shaheed Benazir Income Support Programme initially distributed Rs1,000 every month, but now deserving women are being provided Rs3,000 each.

He lauded the efforts MNA Nafeesa Shah and said that more than 8,750 women will be imparted skilled training in 133 districts. There are thousands of young people without jobs in the province and it is the government’s responsibility to provide them with employment. About 96,000 young people have been trained in various skills under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Youth Development Programme, out of which 32 per cent have jobs, while others have initiated their personal business, said Shah.

The chief minister also announced that 50,000 acres of land have been distributed among women haris while another 100,000 acres of land will soon be distributed among the women.

Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Women Development Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto said the government and NCHD participated in rescue and relief operations and more than 25,000 people were rescued in Dadu. Over 350 women are being trained in tailoring, cutting, stitching with a monthly stipend of Rs2,500 while more than 8,750 women will be trained in four months.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Syed-Qaim-Ali-shah12111/Syed-Qaim-Ali-shah12111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>4 dengue patients head home after recovery</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68965/4-dengue-patients-head-home-after-recovery</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68965/4-dengue-patients-head-home-after-recovery#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 10 05:06:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=68965</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Patients cannot endure the heavy dosage of an antibiotic, says EDO Health Sukkur.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Four dengue patients, who were under treatment at different hospitals in Sukkur, have recovered and have left for their homes on Thursday.

A female patient at Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital is, however, still admitted.

Three patients, Najeeb Mirbahar of Ghotki district, Zahid Hussain Shah of Rohri and Zahida from Miani Road Sukkur, were admitted to Ghulam Muhammad Mahar hospital. Nasir Ali Shaikh of Babarloi, Khairpur district, was admitted to a private hospital while Asadullah, resident of Thehri, Khairpur district, was at Sukkur Hospital. All patients tested positive for dengue.

According to EDO Health Sukkur Dr Tariq Abbas Dareshani, Zahid Hussain and Zahida visited Karachi for eight days and perhaps contracted the virus from there. Zahida is the only patient who is still under treatment, he said, adding that anti-mosquito sprays are being used in the entire city to prevent the spread of the virus.

Dr Dareshani believed that there is no specific treatment for dengue except giving patients pain killers and platelets, if needed. “We cannot give antibiotic to dengue patients because the infection reduces their body’s resistance and they cannot endure the heavy dosage,” he said. Special fever wards have been established in Ghulam Muhammad Mahar hospital and taluka hospitals in Rohri and Pano Aqil, where all required facilities are being provided.

Referring to preventive measures, he suggested that people should not allow water to stand in flower pots, frequently use mosquito repellents and be extra careful around sunrise and sunset. Neighbourhoods should be kept clean and residents should not allow garbage and drain water to accumulate in their area, he added.

The EDO also cancelled the leaves of employees in his department to ensure the fumigation schedule is not disturbed.

Dengue prevention in Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, MNA Tayyab Hussain held a meeting on Tuesday with health officers, taluka administrators and the district administration to discuss the spread of dengue virus. Dr Nadeem Shah, incharge of the dengue campaign, informed the meeting that the virus has been reported positive in 16 districts of Sindh and so far 16 people have died.

EDO Health Hyderabad Dr Bux Ali Pitafi informed that the district government has 18 fumigation machines out of which only nine are working. The department has started a fumigation campaign from October 20 and it will end within five days. He added that the provincial government has recently granted Rs1 million to purchase more fumigation machines.

Isolation ward in Larkana

A fully netted, isolated ward for dengue patients has been established in Chandka Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Larkana. The ward comprises eight beds, four for men and the remaining for women, said CMCH medical superintendent Dr Zulfiqar Ali Siyal after a meeting with department heads on Thursday.

All dengue-related treatment will be available free of charge and Dr Hakim Ali Abro will administer the procedures.

All three heads of medical units will provide treatment to the patients as per their out-patients department days.

The central laboratory has also been given 1,000 special tubes to conduct platelets tests.

In addition to this, two nets will be provided to all three medical units of CMCH and a seminar will be held on Tuesday, November 2, at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto auditorium to create awareness. Handbills will also be published and consultants will give interviews on radio as well.

Additional input from APP and PPI

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/mosquito-dengue-blood-virus-fever1211/mosquito-dengue-blood-virus-fever1211.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Pak-Afghan accord inked</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69298/pak-afghan-accord-inked</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69298/pak-afghan-accord-inked#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 10 03:24:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=69298</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pak-Afghan transit trade agreement is signed by both countries.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a positive development in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the two countries signed the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) on Thursday.

Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim and his Afghan counterpart Anwarul Haq Ahadi inked the deal.

Under the agreement, Afghanistan will be able to send export consignments to India via the Wagah border. The deal, however, does not allow Delhi a trade corridor through Pakistan to Afghanistan.

Trade between India and Afghanistan through sea routes will, however, continue under the previous arrangement.

In return, Pakistan will have access to Central Asian Republics (CAR) through Afghanistan.

Earlier this month, Pakistan’s federal cabinet gave the go-ahead to the trade agreement, but kept its scope restricted by disallowing the transport of Indian export goods to the war-torn country through its land.

The deal is expected to bolster Pakistan’s exports to  Afghanistan and Central Asia. Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told the media after the cabinet meeting that Pakistan would be the ultimate winner of the agreement.

Kaira said it would largely help manufacturers and exporters and the country was expected to earn up to $2 billion through this arrangement. “It is going to be a very significant facility for our manufacturers and exporters.”

After signing the accord on Thursday, Fahim called on Afghan President Hamid Karzai and discussed matters of mutual interest with special reference to strengthening of trade relations between the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Pak-afghan/Pak-afghan.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>The work of a relentless artist</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68967/the-work-of-a-relentless-artist</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68967/the-work-of-a-relentless-artist#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 10 03:04:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zulfiqar.baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=68967</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A 68 years old man has been making portraits with beads for more than 40 years now.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Forty years and going strong. Ishtiaq Ahmad is 68 years old and has been making portraits with beads for more than 40 years now. It’s a meticulous process, often taking months to complete just one portrait. His latest portrait of President Asif Ali Zardari took him eight months to finish.

Ahmad starts by making a tentative sketch. He then goes out to the market and finds beads with the right colours. The last step in the process is the meticulous and extremely detailed arrangement of beads to capture the likeness of the person being drawn. The final portrait is made up of many threads of beads placed together such that the person’s face is reproduced.

The process is hard because one wrong bead placement and the whole thread has to be re-beaded.  The minimum size of a
portrait is 10 x 12 inches. There is no limit on the maximum size. The veteran painter does not make these portraits to make money – he does not sell them. He gifts them to politicians in the hope that someone will finance his dream of opening a large academy spread over about 5,000 square yards in Hyderabad, where he will pass on his skills to students.

He also wants to make a portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The portrait, he says, will be 14x16 feet and controlled by machines that will automatically unwind the bead-threads. The portrait will change up to four colours without the aid of special lighting, he says.
For this purpose, he plans to import diamond cut beads from Japan.

So far he has made portraits of many prominent political figures including Benazir Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Ayub Khan. All political figures received his portraits happily and praised Ahmad for his art and craftsmanship. But, as Ahmad recalls, no one has offered to help him make his dream academy.

Ahmad’s love for his art dates back to his childhood. He learnt the basics of bead-making from his teacher Rasul Baksh. He remembers how his teacher used to make garlands for cattle. “He taught me the art of the needle and the thread,” Ahmad says.

Since then he has been scolded by many a teacher in school for his disinterest in other subjects. Eventually his family realised his love for the art and left him to pursue his interests.

But this elderly artist from Hyderabad feels that his art is wasting away without recognition. He believes there is “no one else in the world” as good as him.

Ishtiaq Ahmad is not rich. But he does not need to be to pursue his art. While he would not mind a little appreciation from the government, and some funds, the lack of attention, he says, will not deter him from his craft. He is 68 years old, and time is running out, if his dream is ever to be fulfilled.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/the1/the1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Bored young ‘dips’ take the plunge</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69229/bored-young-%e2%80%98dips%e2%80%99-take-the-plunge</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/69229/bored-young-%e2%80%98dips%e2%80%99-take-the-plunge#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 10 02:45:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[maha.mussadaq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=69229</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['Young Diplomats Group' formed, younger set of diplomats socialise, learn about each other's cultures and...]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The younger set of diplomats assigned to a high security capital like Islamabad have few options for entertainment. Those newly posted here have few friends and social gatherings are few and far between to strike a friendship.

Fed up with this constant whining among the diplomatic community, one young Egyptian diplomat decided to step forward for his fellow ‘dips.’ “I took the initiative with the help of some friends of forming a Young Diplomats Group,” said Tarek Kotb.

The Young Diplomats Group was established in January 2010 and held its first get-together in the lawns of the Egyptian embassy. With some 70 diplomats, the evening gave a kick start to the group with barbeque and music.

The diplomats organise a monthly gathering and not only do they get to know one another, but also learn about the host country’s culture and traditions. “We have the country’s food and play their music,” said Kotb. Countries which added to the evening’s pleasure and showed a taste of their culture were Argentina, Poland, the US and Australia.

However, it’s not all fun and no work. These young diplomats are also keen on learning more about the country of their duty. In addition to their monthly gatherings, the group has made an agreement with General Athar Abbas, Army spokesperson, to give them a monthly briefing on Pakistan Army’s efforts in combating terrorism and helping the flood affected people.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/islamabad9-153553-15_1735040977/islamabad9-153553-15_1735040977.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Slackistan: Welcome to Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/65240/slackistan-welcome-to-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/65240/slackistan-welcome-to-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 10 08:54:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[anealla.safdar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=65240</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It has already been described as the anti-Slumdog movie, the first feature of its kind from Pakistan.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[It has already been described as the anti-Slumdog movie, the first feature of its kind from Pakistan and one of the most unexpected and surprising films this year.

At the world premiere in London earlier this month, during the Raindance film festival, tickets for Slackistan sold out. At the Abu Dhabi Film Festival last week, seats were once again unavailable to those who have left it too late. The 85-minute low-budget film and its director Hammad Khan will then fly to New York for the South Asian film festival on October 30 and take a trip to the West Coast for the November 5 San Fransisco South Asian Film Festival. Slackistan will also be the only Pakistani movie to show at the oldest, largest film festival in India, the 41st International Film Festival of India.

There is one country, however, that has shown little interest in picking up the film for distribution — Pakistan.

“I am trying to secure distribution partners in Pakistan, but am awaiting someone to help me do it,” said 34-year-old Khan. “There is a lot of demand but the so-called industry hasn’t taken notice yet. It’s ironic that the film is invited to screen around the world and nobody has made an offer in Pakistan.”

Pakistan’s industry executives, he says, are failing local filmmakers by paying little attention to movies that not from neither Hollywood nor Bollywood.

“What makes it worse is that fans of the movie, the people who should be seeing it think that we’re choosing not to release it in Pakistan and prefer to screen it in other countries. I tell them, they chose us, we didn’t choose them.”

During the international festival tour, Khan is working to get Slackistan, which was shot over three weeks in April 2009 in Islamabad, showing in Pakistan but he called for a protest to speed the process. Fans, who have probably watched the 100,000 times-viewed trailer on YouTube and created a Google alert to check when the film may arrive in Pakistan, should launch the campaign.

“If you want to see our film on the big screen in Pakistan, I tell the fans, campaign don’t complain. If we all did that, we might be able to change not only Pakistan’s film culture, but the entire nation itself.”

At the London show, the audience, in the low hundreds, attracted mostly British Pakistanis and a handful of others curious about a side to the country rarely depicted in the Western press.

On an unusually balmy evening in Piccadilly Circus, cinema-goers crammed the theatre to catch a glimpse of the lead actress Aisha Linnea Akhtar, the director Khan,his co-writer, wife Shadana Ayub, and his mother, Shahana Ahmed who plays Aisha’s mother in the film.

“Making this film has been a long journey,” said British Pakistani Khan, who was born in Pakistan and has spent around eight years living there. The film, described by Khan as an antidepressant for Pakistan as the country’s situation goes from bad to worse, centres around the lives of three lazy young men, no older than 25. They spend their days drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. Their nights are filled by attending parties to smoke more cigarettes, sheesha and drink alcohol to escape the mundane nature of their lives.

The deliberately thin plot is a consequence of the lead characters’ dilemma; they are educated, attractive, young and rich but irritatingly unmotivated and disaffected. They have little to worry about but themselves and what they should do with their lives but instead make a life out of doing nothing.

There is not a mullah in sight, no bombings, violence (ignoring a comical scene where the three lead actors get beaten up by a politician’s son who has to pay to get invites to ‘hot’ parties) and little mention of religion or politics.

Though only three actors out of the entire cast have had professional training, the acting is convincing, natural and of a higher calibre than most debuts.

Humour breaks up the occasionally slow story and the commitment to ‘keeping it real’ extends to a scene where one character could have run to the airport to stop his beloved from flying to America but instead cries into his duvet to the bewilderment of his servant.

Neither keen to promote Pakistan nor bash his homeland, Khan’s debut cannot be interpreted as propaganda. The beautiful Islamabad scenery, the decision by the lead character to choose Pakistan over America as a place to build his career and the general avoidance of stereotypes demonstrate Khan’s neutrality.

Conservative critics are likely to be offended at the discussion of purchasing condoms or depictions of men and women drinking at basement parties. Nationalists may also criticise the characters’ moral code and their explicit language.

Amid the sensation and humour, however, Khan slips in many (perhaps too many) messages for Pakistan, its inactive youth and those watching the country’s every move. The first one comes in the opening scene following a debate between two characters, Hasan and his friend, over where to eat. “If they can’t make up their mind and they choose nothing, they’ll end up with nothing,” warns a voiceover. Hasan, who at one point calls his country an “illiterate nation, man” also delivers some gems. While watching a friendly cricket game in a park, he says: “The whole world used to be scared of playing Pakistan, now they’re scared to play in Pakistan,” and while partying with his friends asks his love interest, Aisha, “Do you see a room full of people that are happy or in denial?”

But, Khan, who insists he is passionate about showing another side of Pakistan, maintains he is not attempting to save the nation through film.

“I just saw people leading a vacuous existence,” he said, during a question and answer session after the showing. “People need to look at themselves and the youth needs to take more responsibility.” But, he added: “You cannot fix the country’s problems in 90 minutes of film time. I have an allegiance to cinema, not Pakistan.”

Slackistan was the only Pakistan-origin film at the eight year old Raindance festival and beat almost 30 other entries to get a showing.

“It passed with flying colours,” said Elliot Grove, the Raindance founder. Turning to Khan, he accurately summed up Slackistan: “You did take me to a world that I did not know,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/24-to-25-Feature-Slackistan/24-to-25-Feature-Slackistan.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Rich students to help fund typhoid shots for poorer classmates in Gulshan schools</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68635/rich-students-to-help-fund-typhoid-shots-for-poorer-classmates-in-gulshan-schools-karachi-city</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68635/rich-students-to-help-fund-typhoid-shots-for-poorer-classmates-in-gulshan-schools-karachi-city#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 10 04:41:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[samia.saleem]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=68635</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[NGO, Trust for Vaccination and Immunisation (TVI), plans to start work in Gulshan October-end.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A typhoid vaccination campaign by the Trust for Vaccination and Immunisation (TVI) will kick off at the end of this month and will involve richer students helping pay for the shots for their less privileged counterparts.

Incidents of the highly antibiotic-resistant bacterial fever are decreasing with an improvement in sanitation across the world, but in countries like Pakistan, it is still a common threat.

In the more densely populated areas of Pakistan, at the top of which lies Karachi, almost 500 out of 100,000 people are affected by typhoid every year. The rate is a little lower in places with thinner population, said Dr Imran Khan, member of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) staff.

The disease mainly spreads through faeco-oral transmissions and affects children more than adults, he said, adding that this makes almost 70 per cent of Pakistan’s population vulnerable.

TVI spent the whole of August planning and organising their campaign. On September 25, a seminar, “Burden of Typhoid Fever in School-aged Children and Potential for Prevention”, was held. The discussion was attended by teachers of schools in Gulshan town.

TVI aims for complete eradication of typhoid from Pakistan by implementing a unique cross-subsidisation model through which well-off school-going children will pay a subsidised vaccination fee, which will be used to generate revenue for free vaccinations to the less affluent school-going children.

Health awareness sessions on typhoid fever are being held in consenting Gulshan schools. These sessions are targeting almost 150,000 children in private and public schools as well as madrassahs. In each session doctors discuss the health implications of typhoid, preventive measures and why and how the typhoid fever still remains a major public health problem in Pakistan.

A child affected by the bacterial fever skips at least five days of school and in extreme cases almost a month, which is a significant educational loss, said Dr Khan. According to him, prompt action can prevent typhoid in almost 100 per cent of the cases.

The cost of treatment is very high and if the fever is not treated on time, the repercussions can be fatal. Treatment and medication cost from Rs1,000 to Rs4,000. In more serious cases that require hospitalisaton, the costs can rise to Rs30,000 or even Rs60,000.

Vaccinations will start at the end of October. The cost of one dose of vaccine, which produces a three-year immunity, is Rs200 in schools. Children above the age of two are being injected with the anti-body.

The TVI has taken this initiative in collaboration with the Sindh health ministry, education ministry, the City District Government of Karachi - Gulshan Town and Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Sindh. Another collaborator in this effort is the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Seoul, South Korea.

Dr Khan told The Express Tribune that Gulshan town has children from all strata of society and here they can hope to establish a successful chain of vaccination for the poor as well as affluent.

The trust has funds to carry out the campaign in one more town and they plan to target Jamshed Town next. However, he hopes that eventually they will be able to conduct the vaccination programme in all towns of the city.

What is TVI?

A non-profit organisation, TVI was formed in December 2009. Dr Abdul Gaffar Billoo, Naseem Iqbal, Dr Ejaz Vohra and Dr Tariq Iqbal Bhutta are among the Board of Trustees. Professor Billoo, chairman of TVI, believes that philanthropic efforts through his organisation will lead to effective programmes for the use of vaccines in Pakistan.

The vision of TVI is that every child in Pakistan, irrespective of his/her social standing and ethnic background, should be protected against diseases that can be prevented by administering the correct vaccines.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/vaccine/vaccine.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>LHC directs ECP to re-calculate reserved seats for women</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68740/lhc-directs-ecp-to-re-calculate-reserved-seats-for-women</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68740/lhc-directs-ecp-to-re-calculate-reserved-seats-for-women#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 10 03:42:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[obaid.abbasi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=68740</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[LHC directs ECP to allot the deserving seat to JUI-F according to the ratio of reserved seats.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A Division Bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi bench on Wednesday directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to re-calculate the reserved seats for women and allot the deserving seat to JUI-F, according to the ratio of reserved seats.

The ECP conceded before the court that JUI-F member Naeema Kausar deserved the seat according to the ratio of reserved seats for every party from the Khyber-Pakhtukhwa Provincial Assembly.

Hearing the petition filed by JUI-F, the bench comprising Justice Sagheer Ahmed Qadri and Justice Ijaz Ahmed directed the ECP to recalculate the seats within a month’s time.

JUI-F had first filed an application for re-calculation in the ECP from where it had gone to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after the 2008 General Elections. However, the petition was taken up by the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench on the dissolution of IHC.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s party had alleged it was deprived of a seat on reserved seats for women as per the quota from the provincial assembly according to the formula used to calculate reserved seats.

Out of a total of 35 seats from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), seven seats were reserved for women and one for independent candidates in the National Assembly in the February 2008 General Elections.

However, the JUI-F claimed that a seat that its candidate, Naeema Kausar, deserved was not awarded to her. Instead, candidates from Pakistan Peoples party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) were awarded a seat each, whereas one of them had to gain it since there was a tie. This extra seat allotted to one of them should actually have gone to the JUI-F candidate.

As a result of the re-calculation of seats by the ECP, one of the two parties, either PPP or ANP, will lose their seat on reserved seats for women, said Kamran Murtaza, the counsel for JUI-F.

However, he said it was up to the ECP to decide within a month, since they had submitted in written that the JUI-F rightfully deserved the seat which it had been denied.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/lahore-highcourt221112111221111111131132111111112111211111211111111113111111/lahore-highcourt221112111221111111131132111111112111211111211111111113111111.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Turkmenistan pipeline gets green light</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68736/turkmenistan-pipeline-gets-green-light</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68736/turkmenistan-pipeline-gets-green-light#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 10 03:25:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=68736</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Federal cabinet approves framework agreement for Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The federal cabinet on Wednesday accorded approval to the framework agreement for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said this at a media briefing after the cabinet meeting held at the Governor House Lahore.

He said this international gas pipeline project was in the best interest of Pakistan, asserting that the project would continue among the three countries even if India chooses not to sign the deal.

Kaira said the cabinet also gave its nod to the draft MoU on cooperation between Naif Arab University For Security Sciences (NAUSS), Saudi Arabia, and National Defence University (NDU), Pakistan, and the draft  of the Land Surveying and Mapping Bill 2010 and referred them to the Law and Justice Division for vetting.

The cabinet, he added, also referred the draft bill for regulating Hajj, Umra and Ziarat to a cabinet committee.

At present, tourism laws do not cover the specific problems of people who travel abroad to perform religious rituals. The cabinet noted that there are certain areas in which the tour operators and travel agents mislead the pilgrims for which there are no legal remedies.

The federal cabinet also decided to take the parliament into confidence while approving the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani chaired the meeting which reviewed rehabilitation of flood victims and other important issues.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi updated the cabinet colleagues on the dialogue with the US and said it would translate into bilateral cooperation in 13 pre-identified sectors.

During the structured dialogue, the US was told about the impact of flood disaster on various sectors. The US delegation promised five-year economic assistance package of $1.5 billion per annum under the Kerry-Lugar law for the country’s socio-economic development.

Kaira, while commenting on Transparency International’s report placing the country low on its corruption perceptions index, said that the law department had been told to give legal notice to the organisation.

He said now food security, agriculture, industry, energy, public diplomacy and IT sectors had also been incorporated in the strategic dialogue with the US.

He said the steering committee headed by Pakistan’s foreign secretary and US special envoy Richard Hoolbrooke would follow up on decisions of the dialogue, while a ‘Vision Paper’ covering all 13 sectors and the mechanism had been prepared to monitor the progress.

US President Barack Obama also met Pakistani delegation and expressed strong support for democracy in Pakistan. He made a commitment to visit Pakistan next year and also invited President Asif Zardari to visit his country, the minister said.

He said the cabinet deliberated upon the forthcoming Pakistan Development Fund (PDF) meeting to be held on November 14 and 15. Pakistan would present its future economic development vision before the forum and prospective donor countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/green-signal/green-signal.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>14m year-old fossils of ‘terrible beast’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68677/14m-year-old-fossils-of-%e2%80%98terrible-beast%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/68677/14m-year-old-fossils-of-%e2%80%98terrible-beast%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 10 02:21:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=68677</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Paleontologists uncovered the remains of a primitive animal species in Chakwal.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The fossils remains of Deinotherium (“Terrible beast”) have been discovered during an excavation at village Lava district of Chakwal.

The fossils are reportedly 14 million years old and belong to the primitive animal species which had lower denture with undistributed set of teeth attached to the gums.

This terrible beast is known to have survived between the Miocene epoch (from 25 million to 13 million years ago; appearance of grazing mammals) to the Pleistocene epoch (from two million to 11 thousand years ago; extensive glaciation of the northern hemisphere; the time of human evolution). Its ancestors or descendants can not yet be ascertained due to unavailability of fossil records with which a chain of identification could be testified. But Deinotherium is said to be a prehistoric relative of modern elephants.

Usually the Deinotherium Indicum is associated with Asia. The excavation at the site was conducted under the supervisory guidance of Professor Dr Muhammad Akhtar Chairman Department of Zoology and Registrar University of the Punjab, Lahore. The significance of fossils from the evolutionary point of view is crucial, as it may provide clues about changes in climate and proximate causes of extinction of various species.

Also the petrified bony bits and pieces of dentition of ruminants (Rhinoceros, Giraffids, Suids and Bovids) were discovered from Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon, Chakwal. Their age is calculated to be more than 8 million years old. This is one of the best discoveries of fossils ever made in Pakistan. Prof Dr Muhammad Akhtar is of the view that the world of paleontology will benefit a lot from this recently uncovered ‘treasure’.

University of the Punjab is the only institution in Pakistan that offers education of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2010.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/14m/14m.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item>	</channel>
                </rss>
