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			<title>Look and learn</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2586453/look-and-learn</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2586453/look-and-learn#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 26 19:22:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Nabil Tahir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category><category><![CDATA[T-Magazine]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2586453</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Why more Pakistanis are turning to video to search for answers and do they trust visuals more than text today?]]>
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				<![CDATA[The phone is already in her hand when the question forms in her mind. Bareera Asad, a university student in Karachi, is sitting at home, revising notes for an upcoming class. She needs to understand a concept she missed earlier in the week. She only requires more clarity about the concept, not deep research. She could open a browser and type the question into Google. She could scroll through an article. Instead, she opens TikTok.

She does not type a full sentence. A few keywords are enough. Within seconds, short videos begin to appear on her phone screen. One person explains the concept using a whiteboard. Another breaks it down with examples. A third repeats the idea in simpler terms. Bareera watches closely, pausing once, rewinding, then moving to the next clip. In less than five minutes, the confusion feels manageable.

Across Pakistan, students are searching for study tips on TikTok or YouTube while parents are watching how-to repair videos on Facebook or Instagram instead of reading manuals. Seconds-long reels help travellers decide their next destination, a decision that once might have sent someone to a search engine or a written travel guide now leads elsewhere.&nbsp;

The instinct is no longer to read first. It is to watch.

This shift is not always deliberate. Many people do not describe it as a change at all. It simply feels easier. Video shows what words often struggle to explain. It allows people to see a process unfold, then to judge for themselves whether something looks right, and makes sense. Instead of trusting a single source, viewers move between multiple voices, comparing, confirming, and absorbing information in fragments.

Searching, in this form, becomes less about finding the perfect answer and more about sensing one. The act is visual and human. It carries tone, expression, and experience in ways text rarely can. For many users, especially younger ones, this is now the most natural way to learn.



Not reading first

For a long time, searching was closely tied to reading. It meant scanning lines of text, opening links, and trying to piece together an answer from paragraphs written by people you could not see. The process demanded patience and, often, a level of comfort with abstraction. You had to imagine the steps, translate instructions into action, and trust that the explanation on the page would hold up once you tried it yourself.

Through video, learning now often arrives through demonstration rather than description. A concept explained through movement, gesture, and sequence feels immediate. Step-by-step visuals remove the guesswork that text can introduce. They feel faster, as they not only save time, but because they reduce mental effort. Watching someone perform a task allows the viewer to follow along at their own pace. They can pause, rewind, or move ahead.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Digital is where print media and electronic media combine,&rdquo; said senior journalist Ali Tahir Mughees who has worked across all forms of media, print and electronic. He described this shift as part of a broader media evolution. &ldquo;First, your words and still pictures were important, then came broadcast media where video and going live mattered. Digital media is the convergence of both print and broadcast media, where pictures, words, videos and live broadcast all meet each other,&rdquo; said Mughees who now has his own digital platform named Other News PK and also runs a podcast.&nbsp;

In his view, earlier forms of media each had limits. Print could be revisited but could not show movement. Broadcast could show video but disappeared once it aired. Digital spaces combine both, allowing people to return to visual explanations as many times as they need.

What has changed, then, is not just the format of information but the way people approach it. Searching no longer feels like a solitary act of reading and interpreting. It feels more like being shown an answer that is experienced rather than absorbed.

At this stage, the shift is largely practical. It reflects how people want to learn, not what they expect from the systems that deliver information. The deeper implications, for trust and responsibility, come later.

Why video works

Video offers clarity. Even when the information is simple, video does something text often cannot. It shows the human side of an answer &ndash; through a voice that sounds certain or perhaps unsure; or hands that move confidently or hesitate. A face that looks like yours, living in a similar place, using the same tools, making the same small mistakes before getting it right.

This is why video often feels intuitive rather than merely convenient. It is absorbed through cues that people have relied on all their lives: tone, expression, body language, and the pace of explanation carry meaning. They offer a kind of reassurance that a paragraph cannot provide, even when the paragraph is accurate.

For many users, trust begins before the content even reaches the point. It begins with whether the person feels real. Whether they speak in a familiar way. Whether they show the messy parts, the hesitation, the correction. In Pakistan, where advice has always travelled through people more than paper, this feels natural. Information does not arrive as a claim, it arrives as a demonstration.

It also changes how people decide what is true or useful. Instead of searching for one definitive source, users watch three videos, then five. Not because they enjoy uncertainty, but because comparison has become the method. Each clip acts like a second opinion. When different creators show similar results, the viewer feels they have verified information.

Mughees explained why this matters in practical terms. &ldquo;Because &lsquo;seeing is believing, they say&rsquo;. When there is a step-to-step guide for how you can change the colour composition of a video in a Premiere Pro or if I want to register for the YouTube partnership program, it&rsquo;s easier to get your work done while following the video simultaneously,&rdquo; he said.

In that sentence is the real appeal of video search. It lets people do and learn at the same time. It makes learning feel less like study and more like participation.

But there is also something else happening beneath the convenience. When people begin to treat what they see as proof, the act of discovery changes shape. It becomes emotional as well as informational. It becomes personal as well as practical.



Search inside content

People were already scrolling, already pausing on videos that explained something useful, already saving clips to return to later. The need to search did not replace watching; it grew out of it. Curiosity, discovery, and answers began to sit in the same place. A question no longer marked a break in the experience, it became part of the flow. Someone would watch a video, feel a gap in understanding, and immediately look for another that went a step further. The movement from interest to information became seamless.

This is the context in which platforms like TikTok began to see search emerge as a core behaviour rather than a feature. &ldquo;People are increasingly turning to video for practical, everyday questions,&rdquo; said Asma Anjum, Regional Trust and Safety Lead for South Asia. The kinds of questions people ask reveal how practical this shift to video searching has become. &ldquo;We see searches for cooking tutorials, fitness guidance, travel planning, DIY skills, and even explainers on complex or emerging topics,&rdquo; she said.

What draws people to these searches is not novelty but clarity. &ldquo;Video allows users to see real experiences and explanations. It feels intuitive, faster to understand, and easier to compare across multiple perspectives,&rdquo; Anjum reiterated. In her view, this does not signal the end of traditional search. &ldquo;This shift isn&rsquo;t replacing traditional search. It shows how people increasingly prefer to learn visually, understand faster, and explore information in a more intuitive way.&rdquo;

As platforms observed this behaviour, video search began to feel like a natural extension rather than an added layer. &ldquo;As TikTok evolved, we saw that people weren&rsquo;t just watching videos, they were actively looking for information,&rdquo; Anjum said. The goal, she explained, was not to pull users away from content but to allow curiosity to move smoothly within it. &ldquo;Integrating search more deeply allows users to move seamlessly from curiosity to discovery within the same experience,&rdquo; she said. But when searching becomes this effortless, it also becomes easier to accept what appears on the screen without pause.



Context and certainty

Video does not just deliver answers. It frames them. It places information inside a human setting, shaped by voice, expression, and experience. What the viewer absorbs is not only what is being said, but how it is being said and by whom.

That shift is also visible in what people are actually searching for. In its annual 2025 report, TikTok said searches linked to #TravelTok increased by 53 per cent, while #FoodTok rose by 52 per cent. Searches under #StudyTok were up 60 per cent, and #FitnessTok recorded the largest jump, growing 66 per cent compared to 2024. The pattern is consistent. People are not just watching content related to these themes. They are actively looking for it, using video to plan trips, decide what to cook, study, or make choices about their health.

This added context is one of video&rsquo;s strongest appeals. An explanation no longer arrives stripped of background.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Video adds context. You can see who is explaining something, how it&rsquo;s being demonstrated, and whether it aligns with your own experience,&rdquo; Anjum said. For many users, this visual grounding feels reassuring. It allows them to place information against their own reality, rather than accepting it in isolation.

At the same time, video changes how certainty is formed. Instead of relying on a single authoritative source, people increasingly rely on comparison. &ldquo;Many users tell us that watching a few short videos helps them compare perspectives quickly, rather than relying on a single written source,&rdquo; Anjum said. Confidence builds through repetition. When similar explanations appear across different videos, the viewer feels they have done their due diligence.

But comparison brings its own complications. When relatability becomes a marker of trust, credibility can begin to blur. A person who speaks well, looks familiar, or shares the viewer&rsquo;s background may feel more convincing than an expert who does not. The line between experience and expertise becomes harder to distinguish, especially when both are delivered through the same format.

This matters most during moments of uncertainty. In everyday situations, the stakes may be low. But the same habits apply when people search for information about health concerns, unfolding crises, elections, or emergencies. The instinct to watch and compare does not switch off. It simply carries more weight.

Anjum acknowledged this tension. &ldquo;This also increases the responsibility on platforms to ensure that discovery happens in a safe and informed way,&rdquo; she says.&nbsp;



Designing responsibility

As searching becomes increasingly visual, responsibility takes on a different shape. When people rely on what they see, especially in moments of uncertainty, the experience itself begins to influence judgement. The question is no longer only about access, but about design.

&ldquo;When discovery becomes more visual, responsibility becomes even more important. People may rely heavily on what they see, especially during moments of uncertainty,&rdquo; said Anjum. The risk, she suggests, is not that people are curious, but that curiosity can lead them into complex or sensitive areas without enough guidance. &ldquo;For us, that means designing safety, accuracy, and context into the product itself, rather than treating them as afterthoughts,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;At TikTok, responsibility is not a layer added later. It is part of how we build search, organise information, and protect users across different contexts.&rdquo;

That responsibility shows up first in how misinformation is handled. According to Anjum, the platform does not allow harmful misinformation and maintains clear policies across areas where the stakes are high. &ldquo;We have robust policies around specific types of misinformation like medical, climate change, and election misinformation, as well as misleading AI-generated content, conspiracy theories, and public safety issues like natural disasters,&rdquo; she says. Harmful misinformation is removed regardless of intent, and accounts that repeatedly post it are taken down. Detection relies on a mix of automated systems, user reports, and intelligence shared by experts and partners. &ldquo;We detect misinformation through automated technology, user reports, and proactive intelligence briefings from experts and our fact checking partners,&rdquo; she adds.

But moderation alone does not address how people encounter information in the first place. This is where guidance becomes central. For certain kinds of searches, especially those linked to safety, wellbeing, elections, or emergencies, the platform introduces additional cues within the search experience. &ldquo;In addition, for certain types of searches, particularly those related to safety, well being, elections, or emergencies, TikTok introduces search interventions,&rdquo; Anjum explained. These interventions are designed to support users rather than stop them. &ldquo;These are designed to guide users toward credible information and trusted resources, rather than leaving them to navigate complex topics on their own.&rdquo;

Anjum is careful to describe these tools as supportive rather than restrictive. &ldquo;Search interventions are built into the search experience,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;When someone looks for information around sensitive or high-risk topics, the platform may surface additional context, guidance, or links to authoritative sources.&rdquo; The intention, she adds, is not to block interest. &ldquo;The aim is to support it responsibly by making reliable information easier to access.&rdquo;

Fact checking plays a similar background role. Through its global programme, the platform works with independent organisations to assess the accuracy of content. &ldquo;Through TikTok&rsquo;s global fact checking program, we work closely with over 20 International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) accredited fact checking organisations to assess the accuracy of content and support informed, responsible moderation decisions,&rdquo; Anjum said. &ldquo;Fact checkers do not moderate, action, or label content directly on TikTok,&rdquo; she explained. Instead, their assessments help moderation and policy teams apply rules consistently. &ldquo;Combined with search interventions, this approach helps balance open discovery with the need for accuracy and user safety.&rdquo;

Taken together, these measures function less like barriers and more like guardrails. They do not interrupt the act of searching, but shape its direction, especially when the subject carries weight. The system assumes that people will continue to watch, compare, and decide. The responsibility lies in ensuring that what they encounter along the way does not mislead them.

What remains less visible is how users themselves experience this guidance. For those who have grown up watching answers rather than reading them, visual search is the default way of learning. It is in that everyday use, shaped by habit rather than policy, that the next set of questions begins to surface.



Learning by watching

For students who have grown up with a phone always within reach, searching through video does not feel like a shift &ndash; it feels natural.&nbsp;

University student Bareera Asad describes it simply. &ldquo;If I need an answer quickly, I usually open a video app first. Even if I don&rsquo;t know exactly what I am looking for, I know someone will explain it in a way I can understand.&rdquo; For her, the habit is automatic. Video is not reserved for entertainment. It is where practical questions go.

What makes it easier, she says, is not just speed but clarity. &ldquo;When I read something, I sometimes have to read it twice. In a video, I can see what they are doing and follow along. It feels less confusing.&rdquo; Watching also allows room for doubt. She rarely relies on one clip alone. &ldquo;I usually watch more than one video. If everyone is saying the same thing, then I feel more confident about it.&rdquo;

That confidence, however, is not blind. She admits that relatability can be misleading. &ldquo;Sometimes someone sounds very sure, but later I realise they were just sharing their own experience.&rdquo; There are moments when she pauses, especially around health or sensitive issues. &ldquo;I have questioned things before. If it feels extreme or rushed, I try to look for other sources.&rdquo;

Asked whether platforms should play a role in guiding users during serious searches, she does not hesitate to say: &ldquo;I think they should. Especially when people are stressed or scared. At that time, you just want answers.&rdquo; She does not expect to be told what to think, but she values direction.

Her experience mirrors a broader pattern. Sections like LearnOnTikTok, which surface educational content alongside everyday discovery, fit naturally into this behaviour. They are rarely perceived as formal learning spaces. They are simply part of where answers appear. For students like her, the boundary between learning and scrolling has largely disappeared.

Searching, in this form, is no longer a deliberate act. It is woven into daily life. It reflects how people have always learned from one another, by watching, listening, and repeating what feels right. Video has not replaced thinking. It has simply reshaped how thinking begins.

What makes this shift significant is not the technology itself, but the instinct behind it. People are not chasing distraction. They are looking for clarity. They want to see how something works before they decide what to do. They want answers that feel human.

There are no clean conclusions to draw yet. Searching through video is still evolving, shaped by behaviour as much as by design. What is clear is that the act of searching has become more personal, more intuitive, and more visible. In watching others explain the world, people are also learning how to decide what, and who, to believe.]]>
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			<title>Chinese tourist's selfie attempt ends in fall from moving train in Sri Lanka</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2515762/chinese-tourists-selfie-attempt-ends-in-fall-from-moving-train-in-sri-lanka</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2515762/chinese-tourists-selfie-attempt-ends-in-fall-from-moving-train-in-sri-lanka#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 24 08:35:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2515762</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Chinese tourist falls from train while taking a selfie in Sri Lanka, lands safely in a bush.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A Chinese tourist in Sri Lanka narrowly escaped serious injury after falling from a moving train while attempting to take a selfie.

The incident occurred on Saturday on the coastal railway line when the woman leaned out of the train carriage to record a video.








Fortunately, the woman landed in a bush, which broke her fall and left her unharmed. After the train stopped at the next station, fellow passengers returned to the scene to help her. Local police confirmed that she did not sustain any injuries.]]>
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			<title>YouTube testing new feature that allows to zoom in on videos</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2369601/youtube-testing-new-feature-that-allows-to-zoom-in-on-videos</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2369601/youtube-testing-new-feature-that-allows-to-zoom-in-on-videos#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 22 07:32:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2369601</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[YouTube is experimenting with a feature that allows to zoom in on videos for premium users]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[YouTube is experimenting with a feature called &ldquo;pinch to zoom&rdquo; on videos for its premium users. The experimental feature has been launched today for limited number of users.

The new option works in both, the portrait and the landscape mode.

For now, the feature is only available to selective audiences. According to The Verge, the experiment will remain functional till September 1, 2022. The one-month-long testing phase will allow the platform to get proper feedback and make changes for the whole audience accordingly.

To access the feature, open the settings menu on YouTube. Being a premium subscriber, it will show the option of &#39;try new features&rsquo; section. There is an option to test the zoom feature in the list. Once the feature is active, a user can zoom the videos up to 8x.

Previously, YouTube allowed users to zoom a video to the extent of filling the screen. However, the new feature will ensure a better zooming experience for the users.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>TikTok hits 1 billion monthly active users globally</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2322336/tiktok-hits-1-billion-monthly-active-users-globally</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2322336/tiktok-hits-1-billion-monthly-active-users-globally#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 21 07:28:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2322336</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[TikTok marked a 45% jump this summer when it hit one billion monthly active users]]>
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				<![CDATA[TikTok hit 1 billion monthly active users globally this summer, the company told Reuters, marking a 45% jump since July 2020.

The United States, Europe, Brazil and Southeast Asia are the biggest markets for the popular short-video app, the company said.

TikTok has experienced surges in users around the world in the past few years, despite regulatory scrutiny it is facing in the United States and other regions.

The company previously said it had about 55 million global users by January 2018. That number rose to more than 271 million by December 2018, 508 million by December 2019, and 689 million by July 2020.

Facebook reported 2.9 billion monthly active users as of end of June 2021, according to its latest quarterly report.

TikTok previously said it surpassed 2 billion global downloads by August 2020.

The video sharing platform is owned by China technology giant ByteDance. TikTok appointed ByteDance&#39;s CFO Shouzi Chew, a Singaporean national, as the new chief executive officer of the company earlier this year.]]>
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			<title>Akshay Kumar serves INR 5 billion defamation notice to YouTuber</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2272920/akshay-kumar-serves-inr-5-billion-defamation-notice-to-youtuber</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2272920/akshay-kumar-serves-inr-5-billion-defamation-notice-to-youtuber#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 20 09:19:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2272920</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Actor claims Rashid Siddiquee's videos linking him to Sushant Singh Rajput's death case are 'derogatory']]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Bollywood actor&nbsp;Akshay Kumar&nbsp;has served a defamation notice to a YouTuber from Bihar, seeking 5 billion (INR 500 crore) in damages for making &ldquo;false and baseless allegations&rdquo; against him in the&nbsp;Sushant Singh Rajput death&nbsp;case, reported the Hindustan Times.

In the legal notice sent through a law firm on November 17, Kumar claimed that Rashid Siddiquee, in his YouTube channel FF News, has uploaded several defamatory, libelous and derogatory videos against him.

&ldquo;Our client (Kumar) states that because of your (Siddiquee&rsquo;s) scandalous, defamatory and derogatory videos, he has suffered mental trauma, agony and huge loss, including loss of reputation and goodwill, which our client quantifies at INR500 crore,&rdquo; the notice said.

&ldquo;The said videos make several false and baseless allegations against our client (Kumar), claiming that he helped (actor) Rhea Chakraborty abscond to Canada, had secret meetings with (Maharashtra minister) Aaditya Thackeray and the Mumbai police Commissioner to discuss the death case of Sushant Singh Rajput and so on,&rdquo; it said.

&ldquo;These videos are false, baseless, and defamatory and have been intentionally published to mislead the public,&rdquo; the law firm added in the notice. &ldquo;Our client is indignant and absolutely outraged at the public embarrassment, discomfort and anxiety he had to face because of these false, scandalous and derogatory videos,&rdquo; the notice continued.

The actor has asked Siddiquee to publish an unconditional apology, take down all the videos where references have been made regarding him and desist from uploading such clips in the future. The notice assures that if Siddiquee fails to respond within a period of three days, the actor would initiate legal proceedings against him.

The Mumbai Police have separately filed a case against Siddiquee on charges of defamation, public mischief and intentional insult for his posts against the city police, Maharashtra government and minister Aaditya Thackeray.

Rajput was found dead in his suburban Bandra apartment on June 14. Chakraborty, the late actor&rsquo;s girlfriend, was arrested by the NCB in a drug case related to Rajput&rsquo;s death. She is now out on bail.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Tribune Fact Check: China-India standoff in Ladakh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2228931/tribune-fact-check-china-india-standoff-ladakh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2228931/tribune-fact-check-china-india-standoff-ladakh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 20 16:44:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Kazim Hamdani]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2228931</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Express Tribune analyses the videos, pictures shared on social media since the neighbours have come face-to-face]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Viral images and posts have surfaced after troops from neighbouring China and India came face-to-face in Ladakh.The Express Tribune analysed the posts to determine their authenticity.

Tensions have flared between the old foes as their soldiers camped out in the Galwan Valley in the high-altitude Ladakh region, accusing each other of trespassing over the disputed border, the trigger of a brief but bloody war in 1962.

Tribune Fact Check: The PK-8303 plane crash

The image below has been shared hundreds of times on Facebook and Twitter here, here and here claiming to show Indian troops holding up a banner asking Beijing to "please go back" on May 26.



Pakistani Twitter began trolling New Delhi over their "cowardice" up against the Chinese army which is in stark contrast to their "atrocities against innocent Kashmiris".A reverse image search on Google found a video on local Indian news outlet WION News Youtube page.

A screengrab at 45 seconds into the video shows the same image being used in the bulletin published on May 2o.

Another video that has gone viral purportedly shows a Chinese soldier kicking an Indian trooper which sends him flying onto the ground at a distance.

https://twitter.com/sajjad_khantwit/status/1265303909289074693

The video is from the standoff from 2017 with footage of the incident available on a local Chinese website.



While another of a August 15, 2017 skirmish between the troops of the two countries by the Pangong lake in Ladakh shows the incident was a significant showdown, involving fisticuffs and stone-throwing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M-e5MvMPaM

The Chinese foreign ministry released this statment in the wake of the incident.



Several Indian news outlets reported last week that an Indian patrol party was detained and later released by Chinese forces after a scuffle between the two sides in Ladakh.

"The situation became very volatile last Wednesday when a scuffle between Indian jawans and the Chinese resulted in detention of some of our jawans but later they were released" a senior Indian senior bureaucrat claimed.

However,the Indian army“categorically denied” the reports.“There has been no detention of Indian soldiers at the borders. We categorically deny this,” Indian army spokesperson Col Aman Anand claimed.]]>
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			<title>Thailand reports no new coronavirus cases, no additional deaths</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2222689/thailand-reports-no-new-coronavirus-cases-no-additional-deaths</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2222689/thailand-reports-no-new-coronavirus-cases-no-additional-deaths#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 May 20 08:32:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2222689</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Thailand has reported a total of 3,025 cases]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Thailand on Saturday reported no new coronavirus cases or deaths as the country begins to reopen businesses and ease restrictions.

“Today there are two zeros ... thank you all Thais who have given their cooperation,” a spokesman for the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, Taweesin Wisanuyothin, said.

This is the second day since March 9 that the country has reported no new daily cases.

Thailand reports no new coronavirus cases for first time since March 9

Thailand on Sunday will allow malls and department stores to re-open. It will also shorten a nighttime curfew by one hour, to 2300 to 0400, from 2200 to 0400.

Thailand has reported a total of 3,025 cases of the coronavirus and 56 fatalities.]]>
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			<title>Preacher appeals to TV channels to telecast Easter service</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2195406/preacher-appeals-tv-channels-telecast-easter-service</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2195406/preacher-appeals-tv-channels-telecast-easter-service#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 20 04:45:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Hussain Dada]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2195406</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[With religious gatherings suspended, clergy turn to the media to reach their flock]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[[tvideo url="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/oMrPtkdg-111BQthM.html"]

Last year, Reverend Shahid Anwar commemorated Good Friday surrounded by thousands of his parishioners.

But with all religious gatherings suspended this year - in Pakistan and around the globe - he is commemorating the solemn Christian occasion at the vicarage, his residence on the grounds of the Central Brooks Memorial Church in Karachi where he is the priest.

Together with his son, who is in the church choir, and his wife and daughters who are gospel singers, the reverend conducted the service that was later relayed to others via Facebook and WhatsApp.

"Sermons and prayers are being delivered online and it is better to pray from home," Reverend Anwar told The Express Tribune.

Churches across Pakistan are holding online services as they try to cope with the coronavirus outbreak, some with more success than others.

One challenge is that much of the city’s Christian population, numbering around 750,000 people, belongs to low-income groups, with limited access to internet.

"We also lack the expertise to carry out a service this way but we are trying," the clergyman said of his efforts to conduct an online sermon using his cell phone. "Once, there were audio issues and a lot of echo while I delivered the sermon," he said, adding that this had an adverse impact on the service and its message.

He said that certain churches and denominations, like the Catholic Church, were having their services broadcast on Christian channels and web services to ensure that the community could easily access it. "But most of these channels are based in Lahore and often are not available on local cable services."

There are also issues of legality. Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority banned at least a dozen Christian channels for operating without a license four years ago.

"We urge private television channels to help broadcast our services, which will also send a message of solidarity with the country's minority communities," he said, adding that though the state broadcaster had televised a service from Lahore, not many people knew about it.

Anwar also pointed to the recent decision by European governments to permit the recitation of the azaan, the Muslim call to prayer, from loudspeakers, and the BBC's decision to broadcast imams delivering sermons and leading people in prayer.

He urged people to stay strong in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak, citing scripture: "No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your way."

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2020.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Hareem Shah to host a Ramazan transmission?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2188618/hareem-shah-might-host-ramazan-transmission</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2188618/hareem-shah-might-host-ramazan-transmission#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 20 08:58:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[TV]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2188618</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Many on Twitter are not to keen on the possibility]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Tiktoker Hareem Shah might grace our television screens in Ramazan this year.  A recent tweet by an account identifying as Hareem revealed that she has been approached by a major TV channel to do a Ramazan transmission.

https://twitter.com/_Hareem_Shah/status/1244573877264699392

"I have been approached by a leading TV Channel to host their 2020 Ramadan transmission. Do you want to see me host it? Share your thoughts," Hareem asked.

A video of hers donning a hijab and lip-syncing to a hymn about fasting and Ramazan was also posted on the same account.

https://twitter.com/_Hareem_Shah/status/1245004409647566852

While reports of her doing a Ramazan show might be dubious it didn't stop the public from voicing their opposition on the possibility. Many on social media, however, weren't too keen on the prospect of Hareem making a transition into Ramazan based television programming.

https://twitter.com/ghouri_kamran/status/1244574163513282562

https://twitter.com/MohsinYasir/status/1244579190252417024

https://twitter.com/Ishfaq06375898/status/1244587957316706305

https://twitter.com/Sarkaar1000/status/1244574535053008898

https://twitter.com/aiman_saleem_/status/1244640318894616576

"No please leave Ramazan transmission for ulema. You look good on TikTok," one user said. "Itna bura waqat bi ana tha kiya hum py? ( Are we supposed to go through such a testing time now?)," another user asked.

However, there are also those that are extending their support to Hareem.

https://twitter.com/Sindhu5951/status/1244593533677436934

https://twitter.com/sonushah512/status/1244590299038527490

https://twitter.com/AliNaqv24219650/status/1244706618937352196

"Chalen theek hai agar Allah apko apni taraf laana chahta hai to yakin janiye aap is transmission se he apne apko Allah ki tarf rujoo karsakti hain (It's fine If God is calling you then you should adhere to it. You have the capacity to turn to God through this transmission)," a user tweeted.

It is pertinent to mention that this is the same account that became the subject of controversy after a tweet from it threatened to expose compromising activities of a famous cricketer.  However, the tiktoker subsequently denied that it was her own account noting that she doesn't even use Twitter.

https://twitter.com/Rehman0o/status/1190329277960597504

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>WATCH: Young fan disconsolate over Lahore Qalandar's losing streak in PSL5</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2163747/watch-young-fan-crying-over-lahore-qalandars-defeat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2163747/watch-young-fan-crying-over-lahore-qalandars-defeat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 20 08:51:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Social Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2163747</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Teary-eyed boy refuses elders advice not to watch Lahore’s matches or to support another team]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[[tvideo url="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/3Bd2GdkR-111BQthM.html"]

The Lahore Qalandars enjoy an unprecedented and unenviable record in the Pakistan Super League, having finished rock bottom in all four previous editions of the country's marquee domestic Twenty20 tournament.

It has caused a lot of heartbreak to its fans, including the viral video of a young supporter crying after Qalandar's latest defeat -- from a winning position -- against Islamabad United on Sunday.

In the video, shared by journalist Mazhar Arshad, the boy is visibly agitated and angry over Lahore Qalandar's defeat. The elders asked him the reason for his tears. "I am angry at Fakhar Zaman for not hitting enough sixes," the young man responded.

When asked to support Multan Sultans instead of Lahore Qalandars, the boy refused and said he only supports Pakistan.]]>
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			<title>Vandals attack house of Indian girl who chanted 'Pakistan Zindabad'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2161482/watch-indian-teen-chants-pakistan-zindabad-rally-faces-sedition-charges</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2161482/watch-indian-teen-chants-pakistan-zindabad-rally-faces-sedition-charges#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 20 13:20:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Social Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2161482</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Amulya, 19, was charged with sedition after shouting pro-Pakistan slogan at anti-CAA rally]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[[tvideo url="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/UkG2DjWI-111BQthM.html"]

The residence of an Indian girl who has been sent to judicial custody for raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogan at a public gathering in Bengaluru was attacked by unidentified miscreants on Thursday evening.

Citing local police, Indian media reported that some miscreants threw stones at the house following which some police personnel were deployed at the premises. The windows of the house were broken in the incident, it added.

The 19-year-old raised the pro-Pakistani slogan at a rally against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) organised by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi in Bengaluru earlier on the same day.

According to Gulf News, she has been charged with sedition and sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

Amulya chanted the slogan repeatedly when she was invited to address the gathering at an anti-CAA assembly, following which the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi prevented her from raising the slogan.
#WATCH The full clip of the incident where a woman named Amulya at an anti-CAA-NRC rally in Bengaluru raised slogan of 'Pakistan zindabad' today. AIMIM Chief Asaddudin Owaisi present at rally stopped the woman from raising the slogan; He has condemned the incident. pic.twitter.com/wvzFIfbnAJ

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2020
While men converged around the teenager, she was able to hold on to the microphone and was also chanted 'India Zindabad'.

By that time, however, two policeman had arrived on the stage and whisked her away from the platform.

Condemning the incident, Owaisi then addressed the gathering and maintained that he did not agree with Amulya's stance and that his party had no links with her.

"Neither I nor my party has any link with her. We denounce her. The organisers should not have invited her here. If I knew this, I would not have come here. We are for India and we, in no way support our enemy nation Pakistan. Our entire drive is to save India," he said.

Attacking the AIMIM and Owaisi, the Karnataka unit of BJP tweeted: "AIMIM leader Waris Pathan declares that 15 crores Muslims must snatch "Azadi" from 100 crore Hindus. Anti-CAA Activist Amulya Leona chants "Pakistan Zindabad" in presence of AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Isn't it clear that protests against #CAA are against the "Idea of India"?"
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan declares that 15 crore Muslims must snatch "Azadi" from 100 crore Hindus.

Anti-CAA Activist Amulya Leona chants "Pakistan Zindabad" in presence of AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

Isn't it clear that protests against #CAA are against the "Idea of India"? pic.twitter.com/21KG9P2mCz

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) February 20, 2020
The rally was organised by the Hindi-Muslim-Sikh-Issai Federation at the Freedom Park in Bengaluru, India.]]>
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			<title>Shakargarh lawyers thrash woman outside local court</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2089916/shakargarh-lawyers-thrash-woman-outside-local-court</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2089916/shakargarh-lawyers-thrash-woman-outside-local-court#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 19 07:43:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2089916</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim claims alleged culprits dragged her outside court premises]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Footage of lawyers thrashing a woman outside a local court in Narowal’s Shakargarh area went viral on Wednesday.

The victim, who has been identified as Amrat, was at the court for a hearing pertaining to a door in the street near her residence.

She claims that the the lawyers stopped her from entering the chamber.

They then proceeded to drag her outside the court and beat her up as can be seen in the video.

They kick and push her while bystanders, including policemen, look on.

Lawyers thrash wardens for stopping them over violation in Lahore

The local bar association’s president, Naeem Iqbal, said that the woman was accompanied by some men.

Iqbal also claimed that the woman attempted to kidnap Yasir Khan, one of the lawyers.

A case has been registered against the alleged culprits.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has also taken notice of the incident and given directives to the Narowal district police officer to submit a report.

This is not the first time the custodians of the judicial system have been caught on camera taking the law into their own hands.

Earlier this year, a group of black coats thrashed a warden and an assistant warden for trying to issue them a challan over the violation of traffic rules.

The traffic wardens had stopped lawyers who were riding a vehicle on Jail Road over the violation that the person in the driving seat was using a cellphone and not wearing a seat belt.

The warden had tried to issue a challan over the violations. However, the lawyers resisted and this led to a heated exchange between the two parties.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOY-8gXjETQ

Video courtesy: Viral &amp; Leak's

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>FIA presents report on UoB scandal in BHC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2089668/fia-presents-report-uob-scandal-bhc</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2089668/fia-presents-report-uob-scandal-bhc#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 19 04:26:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2089668</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[BHC division bench directed the FIA not to make the report public]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has submitted to the Balochistan High Court (BHC) its investigative report on a scandal involving harassment and blackmailing of the University of Balochistan’s (UoB) through secretly recorded videos.

On Tuesday, a BHC division bench, comprising Chief Justice Jamal Mandokhail and Justice Abdullah Baloch, heard the case that has sent shockwaves across the province and directed the FIA not to make the report public.

Members of a Balochistan Assembly committee – Mahjabeen Sheraan, Asad Baloch, Shakeela Naveed, Sanaullah Baloch – as well as UoB Acting Vice Chancellor Anwar Panizai, Balochistan Advocate General Arbab Tahir and the FIA Deputy Director Arsalan also appeared in the court.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2019.]]>
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			<title>Social media app TikTok removes Islamic State propaganda videos</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2084954/social-media-app-tiktok-removes-islamic-state-propaganda-videos</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2084954/social-media-app-tiktok-removes-islamic-state-propaganda-videos#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 19 10:53:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2084954</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The videos featured corpses being paraded through streets and Islamic State fighters with guns]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Social media app TikTok has taken down accounts that were posting propaganda videos for the Islamic State group, a company employee said Tuesday, in the latest scandal to hit the popular platform.

TikTok, which is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, claimed some 500 million users globally last year, making it one of the most popular social apps.

An employee at TikTok told AFP that about 10 accounts were removed for posting the videos.

"Only one of those videos even had views that reached into double digits before being taken down," said the staffer, who declined to be named.

The videos featured corpses being paraded through streets and Islamic State fighters with guns, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the story on Monday.

The Journal said the posts were from about two dozen accounts, which were identified by social media intelligence company Storyful.

"Content promoting terrorist organizations have absolutely no place on TikTok," the company said in a statement emailed to AFP.

Zuckerberg: new Facebook panel can overrule him

"We permanently ban any such accounts and associated devices as soon as identified, and we continuously develop ever-stronger controls to proactively detect suspicious activity," it said.

The Islamic State's self-declared "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria fell in March, but the group remains active in several countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, as well as still inspiring jihadists through an online presence.

The TikTok platform, which allows users to create and share videos of 15 seconds, is particularly popular with teenagers.

"Unlike other platforms, which are centred around users' friends or communities, TikTok is based on engaging with a never-ending stream of new content," said Darren Davidson, the editor-in-chief of Storyful.
Chinese video app TikTok bans paid political ads on its platform

"The ISIS postings violate TikTok's policies, but the sheer volume of content makes it difficult for TikTok to police their platform and root out these videos," he said.

The app has been marred by controversy in recent months.
In April, TikTok was briefly banned by an Indian court over claims it was promoting pornography among children.

The app is banned in neighbouring Bangladesh and was hit with an enormous fine in the United States for illegally collecting information from children.

The company has refuted the allegations, saying they abide by local privacy laws.
ByteDance has a version of TikTok in China called Douyin.]]>
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			<title>Blackmailer caught </title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2062288/blackmailer-caught</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2062288/blackmailer-caught#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Sep 19 05:12:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2062288</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He forcibly made obscene videos of the victim to blackmail him]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Police have arrested a blackmailer who forcibly made an obscene video of a boy to extort money from him. According to Wah Cantt police, Jaffar Shah threatened the grade VII student of making the video viral on social media. The victim disclosed his suffering, when his parents caught him stealing money from his house to pay the extortion to Shah. The family informed the police about the whole incident and they took action against Shah. Police said the victim was going through severe depression due to the suspect’s consistent threats. He also fell unconscious in his school a number of times. SP Potohar Syed Ali said that the suspect had been arrested while the police were conducting raids to arrest his companions.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22nd, 2019.]]>
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			<title>Videos of torture lead to ban on smartphones in police stations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2053287/videos-torture-lead-ban-smartphones-police-stations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2053287/videos-torture-lead-ban-smartphones-police-stations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Sep 19 05:30:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2053287</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Restriction withdrawn within hours due to public backlash]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With videos of police torturing citizens going viral on the internet, Rawalpindi police following orders of Punjab IGP have banned smartphones in police stations.

For this purpose, police high command revised standard operation procedures (SOPs) for public barring them from bringing their mobile phones in police stations.

However, owing to a backlash on the media and social media, the notification was revised and only police officials were barred from using camera phones within the precincts. People coming to file complaints were allowed to keep their smartphones with them. Earlier in the day, all police stations and supervisory police officers were sent an information letter stating that Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Faisal Rana in a meeting of police officials instructed that no officials except Station House Officers (SHOs) and moharras would be allowed to keep and use camera-equipped smartphones in the police stations.

He had instructed that police should deposit smartphones of people visiting the stations at entry gates.

Citing the increasing reports of custodial deaths, the CPO strictly said that no suspect should be kept in illegal confinement and tortured.

CPO directed that SHOs and moharrars to assemble entire staff of police stations and explain to them the restrictions on use of smartphones.

Bangladesh bans mobile phone access in Rohingya camps

Later, police spokesman issued a statement saying that there was no restriction on people bringing their smartphones in police stations. However, he said, policemen at the precinct will not be allowed to use smartphones except the SHO and moharrar.

Police to monitor hate speech on social media

City police chief has ordered close monitoring of people belonging to banned outfits and those listed in the fourth schedule of the list of people under watch for terrorism and criminal activities.

City Police Officer (CPO) Faisal Rana chaired a meeting of police high officials on Monday which was attended by SSP Operations Syed Ali Akbar, SSP Investigation Mohammad Faisal, SP Saddar Roy Mazhar Iqbal, SP Potohar Syed Ali, SP Rawal Asif Masood and other police officers.

Citing the threats in Muharram, he said that such people were a threat to societal peace. Faisal Rana instructed all three divisional SPs to hold immediate checking of people named in fourth schedule and ordered them to arrest all those who were missing from their houses and submit a report in this regard.

Foolproof security measures for Ashura were also reviewed in the meeting. Rana asserted that main procession on Ashura would be monitored from air as well as ground. Relevant SP would give clearance of procession route in order to leave no margin of error.

CPO ordered strict vigilance of miscreants during Muharram and directed police to keep an eye on activities of people belonging to banned outfits or named in fourth schedule for provocative content on social media. Rana said besides people posting hate speech, those commenting or sharing such content should be arrested too.

The police chief said that Muharram spread message of peace, harmony and discouraged dissension. Rana expressed that law enforcement agencies were facing fifth generation warfare and any provocative thing posted on social media could engulf entire district and country.

He said any form of miscreation would be uprooted and outlaws would be defeated with power of law. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2019.]]>
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			<title>German Sea-Watch captain to face Italy prosecutor over migrants</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2016304/german-sea-watch-captain-face-italy-prosecutor-migrants</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2016304/german-sea-watch-captain-face-italy-prosecutor-migrants#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 19 12:29:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2016304</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A judge overturs the arrest three days later, saying the 31-year old has merely acted to save lives]]>
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				<![CDATA[German captain Carola Rackete, who sparked international headlines by forcibly docking in an Italian port with rescued migrants, faces questioning by an Italian prosecutor on Thursday over allegedly aiding illegal immigration.

The captain of the Sea-Watch 3 is expected to be questioned in the southern Sicilian town of Agrigento from 10 am (0800 GMT).

Rackete was arrested on June 29 for entering Italy's Lampedusa port despite a veto imposed by far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, and knocking a coast guard boat out of the way to land 40 migrants after over two weeks blocked at sea.

Spain rescues 141 migrants at sea in one day

A judge overturned the arrest three days later, saying the 31-year old had merely acted to save lives.

But the Sea-Watch 3 remains in police custody in the Sicilian port of Licata and Rackete is still the object of two investigations -- one for entering Italian waters despite a direct order to stop, and another for aiding illegal immigration.

Rackete will be heard on the latter on Thursday, and will have to explain why her crew rescued the migrants without waiting for the Libyan coastguard, which has jurisdiction over the stretch of water in which they were found.

The 31-year-old will also be asked why she then sailed the Dutch-flagged vessel to Italy rather than a Libyan or Tunisian port.

Salvini insists that Italy's ports remain closed to people who attempt the perilous Mediterranean crossing.

Prosecutors in Agrigento appealed to Italy's highest court this week against the decision to drop charges against Rackete for forcibly entering the port of Lampedusa, in the hope of establishing a precedent to put off other privately run ships.

A few days after the Sea-Watch drama, another charity vessel forcibly landed in Lampedusa, a scenario that is likely to recur.

Salvini's hardline stance has led to an upsurge in investigations into charity rescue vessels.

In March 2017, the Spanish vessel Open Arms was seized and its captain and head of mission were prosecuted after the crew refused to hand saved migrants over to the Libyan coastguard, which arrived at the scene during a rescue operation.

A month later a judge ordered the vessel be released on the grounds that crisis-hit Libya could not be considered a safe port.

And the prosecutor's office in Catania, eastern Sicily, recently archived the case against the captain and mission head.

The same prosecutor closed a similar probe against the NGO Sea-Watch after a rescue operation in January, concluding that the crew's actions were justified.

But the Sea-Watch 3's dramatic port entry in June marked a new chapter in the war between Salvini and charity vessels.

The arrest of the dreadlocked Rackete sparked an online campaign which raised over 1.4 million euros ($1.57 million) in a few days to pay her legal fees and enable the German NGO to continue its operations -- with a new boat if necessary.

On Tuesday the parliament of Catalonia in Spain voted unanimously to honour Rackete with a Gold Medal, its highest award.

And the city of Paris announced a donation of 100,000 euros to Sea-Watch, as well as a medal for Rackete and Pia Klemp, another German captain prosecuted in Italy.

New migrants brought to Libya center hit by deadly air strike

Paris's move infuriated Italy's far-right, which noted that the French government had remained silent throughout the 15 days the ship had been blocked at sea, despite Rackete's numerous appeals for a safe port.

Salvini has stepped up his attacks on the rescue charities, which he has accused of aiding people-smugglers, while calling Rackete a "bigmouth" and a "criminal".

Rackete filed a complaint last week for defamation and incitement to violence, noting that Salvini's hostile messages on social networks have prompted an outpouring of sexist, violent and threatening comments from users.]]>
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			<title>Pictures of the day: July 13, 2019</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2012583/pictures-day-july-13-2019</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2012583/pictures-day-july-13-2019#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jul 19 10:30:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2012583</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[events around the world]]>
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				<![CDATA[[caption id="attachment_2012584" align="alignnone" width="940"] A young traditional Aztecs -Chichimeca dancer takes part in a "Lights for Liberty" rally march and vigil near the U.S.- Mexico: REUTERS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2012587" align="alignnone" width="940"] Giant Panda Long Zai smells his one-year birthday cake made from fruits and vegetables prepared by the zoo staff members at the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou: REUTERS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2012588" align="alignnone" width="940"] Immigration rights activists hold a "Lights for Liberty" rally and candlelight vigil in front of the White House in Washington: REUTERS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2012591" align="alignnone" width="940"] A camel struggles with bondage rope as another is lifted by a mobile crane to be loaded into a waiting truck headed to the border with Egypt where the animal was meant to be sold: REUTERS[/caption]

&nbsp;

[caption id="attachment_2012593" align="alignnone" width="940"] A wild cow hits a reveller inside the bullring after the running of the bulls at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain: REUTERS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2012595" align="alignnone" width="940"] Italy's Emilio Bicocchi rides with horse Evita SG Z at the Jumping competition of Longines Grand Prix of Falsterbo at Falsterbo Horse Show, in Sweden: REUTERS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2012597" align="alignnone" width="940"] Swimming - 18th FINA World Swimming Championships - Men's 5km Open Water Final - Yeosu EXPO Ocean Park, Yeosu, South Korea: REUTERS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2012598" align="alignnone" width="940"] A worker standing in front of beef carcasses at the production line of the meat processing plant of Frigochaco in Limpio, Paraguay: REUTERS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2012599" align="alignnone" width="940"] People take pictures of the sun setting over Manhattan aligned exactly with the streets in a phenomenon known as "Manhattanhenge", in Times Square, in New York City: REUTERS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2012600" align="alignnone" width="940"] Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 12, 2019, Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after winning his semi-final match: REUTERS[/caption]

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>YouTube disables comments on videos featuring minors</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1920878/youtube-disables-comments-videos-featuring-minors</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1920878/youtube-disables-comments-videos-featuring-minors#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 19 11:46:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1920878</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Commercials ran alongside offensive videos and comments prompted companies]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Alphabet’s YouTube said on Thursday it had disabled comments on videos featuring minors, a week after a magazine reported the platform displayed ads next to videos that showed exploitation of children.

YouTube quietly offers free movie streaming

"Over the past week, we disabled comments from tens of millions of videos that could be subject to predatory behavior," YouTube said in a blog post.

The report by Wired magazine said that commercials ran alongside offensive videos and comments prompted companies such as food and beverage maker Nestle SA and carrier AT&amp;T to pause advertising on YouTube earlier this week.

Google moves to fix YouTube glitch exploited for child porn

“While we have been removing hundreds of millions of comments for violating our policies, we had been working on an even more effective classifier, that will identify and remove predatory comments,” YouTube said.]]>
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			<title>YouTube clarifies rules on pranks as risky memes rage</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1889478/youtube-clarifies-rules-pranks-risky-memes-rage</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1889478/youtube-clarifies-rules-pranks-risky-memes-rage#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 19 08:32:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1889478</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The company already forbid content inciting dangerous activities likely to result in serious harm]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[YouTube on Tuesday clarified rules against posting videos of dangerous pranks, as risky "challenges" prompt people to video themselves doing things like biting into laundry soap or driving blindfolded.

The company already forbid content inciting dangerous activities likely to result in serious harm.

But the clarifications "make it clear that challenges like the Tide pod challenge or the Fire challenge, that can cause death and/or have caused death in some instances, have no place on YouTube," the company said in a blog post.

YouTube offers creators new ways to earn money

"We've made it clear that our policies prohibiting harmful and dangerous content also extend to pranks with a perceived danger of serious physical injury," said YouTube, which like other social networks is trying to show that it is better tackling problematic content.

It made clear the updated policies ban pranks that trick people into thinking they are in danger, such as fake home invasions or drive-by shootings.

"YouTube is home to many beloved viral challenges and pranks, like Jimmy Kimmel's 'Terrible Christmas Presents' prank or the water bottle flip challenge," said YouTube, owned by Google's parent Alphabet.

"That said, we've always had policies to make sure what's funny doesn't cross the line into also being harmful or dangerous."

While playful or goofy challenges or pranks have become raging trends online, with video shared at YouTube or Facebook, some "memes" have put people in jeopardy.

A "Fire Challenge" dared people to put flammable liquid on their bodies then ignite it, while a "Tide Pod Challenge" involved people, typically teens, biting or chewing the encapsulated candy-colored laundry detergent.

A "Bird Box" thriller released on Netflix a month ago inspired a challenge for people to do things blindfolded, mimicking characters in the original streaming film.

YouTube to invest $25 million to boost ‘trusted’ news sources

A US teenager over the weekend crashed while driving with her eyes covered, taking part in a challenge inspired by the hit Netflix show, according to media reports.

YouTube policy also bans pranks that cause children trauma, for example, the fake death of a parent or severe abandonment, according to the firm.

Accounts that post videos violating policies on pranks will get a "strike" that will limit some features such as live streaming.

A second strike within three months will result in even more limited use of YouTube, while accounts getting three strikes in that time period will be terminated.]]>
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			<title>Lisbon, Portugal: one of the oldest city in the world</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1861335/lisbon-portugal-one-oldest-city-world</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1861335/lisbon-portugal-one-oldest-city-world#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 18 07:01:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asad Altaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1861335</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[We explore Lisbon, Europe’s new capital of cool and one of the trendiest places on earth]]>
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				<![CDATA[[tvideo url="//content.jwplatform.com/players/SICfYCRQ-VpHe0zu5.html" height="545px"]]]>
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			<title>Vintage car rally: a nostalgic journey</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1851848/vintage-car-rally-nostalgic-journey</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1851848/vintage-car-rally-nostalgic-journey#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 18 07:14:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Narendar Kumar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1851848</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A colourful convoy of vintage cars travel from Karachi to Torkham]]>
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				<![CDATA[[tvideo url="//content.jwplatform.com/players/e3xsA41q-VpHe0zu5.html" height="545px"]]]>
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			<title>Two pilots killed in Ukraine fighter jet crash: military</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1827831/two-pilots-killed-ukraine-fighter-jet-crash-military</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1827831/two-pilots-killed-ukraine-fighter-jet-crash-military#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 18 07:18:00 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1827831</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Sukhoi-27 plane crashed at around 5pm]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ukraine's military said Tuesday that two pilots died when a Sukhoi fighter jet crashed during military exercises with the United States and other NATO countries.

The Sukhoi-27 plane crashed at around 5pm (1400 GMT) "during a training flight", the army general staff said on its Facebook page, adding that "the bodies of the two pilots have been found".

At Trump summit, Putin made 'concrete' Ukraine offer: envoy

The circumstances of the crash are being investigated, the statement said.

The general staff initially announced that an American pilot was among the dead but removed the information from their official Facebook page, according to the Interfax news agency.

Bogdan Senyk, a spokesperson for the general staff, told AFP that the earlier message was "likely erroneous information", when asked about the change.

The crash occurred in the Vinnytsia region, around 180 kilometres southwest of Kiev.

Senyk said the two-seater jet was flying as part of large-scale air force exercises called Clear Sky 2018 involving the United States and other NATO countries, which began on October 8.

"This kind of flight is done by very experienced pilots," he added.

The exercises run until Friday.

They involve US fighter and transport planes training with about 30 Ukrainian aircraft.

Some 700 troops are taking part, half of them from NATO member countries including the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania.

The aim is "to enhance regional capabilities to secure air sovereignty and promote peace and security through cooperation," a US Air Force statement said as the drills kicked off last week.

In recent years, concerns have risen about Russia's intentions in Ukraine, particularly after Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

US urges Russia to 'immediately release' Ukrainian filmmaker Sentsov

Kiev, which is not a member but wants to join NATO, and the West have accused Russia of backing rebels in Ukraine's war-torn east and sending troops across the border, claims Moscow has repeatedly denied.

The conflict has claimed more than 10,000 lives since April 2014.]]>
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			<title>Democracy’s best revenge</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1749791/democracys-best-revenge</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1749791/democracys-best-revenge#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 18 03:33:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[farrukh.khan.pitafi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1749791</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[As candidates visit their constituencies, video clips have emerged showing them being accosted by their constituents]]>
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				<![CDATA[Among many of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s celebrated works a short story titled One of these days often fails to find an honourable mention. But a gem of a story it is. In it a dentist living in a town ruled by a corrupt mayor responsible for murder of many is forced to treat the very same mayor. He tells the mayor that he will pull his rotten tooth without anaesthetic because it is abscessed. And when he is about to pull the tooth he tells the mayor “Now you’ll pay for twenty dead men”. These lines have stayed etched in my memory since the day I first came across them decades ago. A small man’s revenge. Momentary and fleeting though it seems, the common man once in a while also gets a chance to get back at the system.

An opportunity seems to have finally presented itself. And people seem to be riding to the occasion. As the elections approach and candidates visit their respective constituencies, a torrent of video clips has emerged showing them being accosted by their constituents. One scion of a political dynasty when thus confronted was found lecturing the voters about their obligations to their tribal chieftain and how the little piece of paper (read ballot paper) meant nothing. But since then the trend has grown leading to a public debate. And in these mad times when there is no dearth of speculation about conspiracies, real and imagined, it has contributed immensely to an all-pervasive climate of paranoia.

Now I am not someone who takes perverse pleasure from seeing influential being publicly humiliated. Quite to the contrary. But I am all for this trend. And there are reasons. Genuine reasons. I will elaborate in detail shortly. But first let us address the elephant in the room. The purported role of the country’s establishment or deep state, a euphemism for the country’s military intelligence complex, in these actions.

The widespread speculation and conspiracy theories you see in society are proofs of its degeneracy and descent into a full blown post-truth society. Our facts have always been shaky but there still was enough sense in the political culture to tolerate your views, albeit grudgingly. But now many folks they are entitled not just to their views but to their facts as well. And a combination of both is considered an absolute truth. There is no gray anywhere. It either can be white or black. And that creates problems for the analysts of a nation where the entire history seems to have been written in gray.

The role of the country’s defence establishment in history can never be denied. Only ten years ago a general president ruled this nation. Also the 2014 sit-in fiasco can be seen through the prism of the country’s troubled civil-military relations although the role of the top man in uniform I broadly misunderstood. But does it mean the claims of such an involvement at this juncture are correct. I cannot disabuse you of any long-held belief but if it is about empirical evidence I have seen none so far. As a journalist who has spent two decades in the field we have witnessed empirical evidence in the past cases when there were visible signs of political concern. Somebody would reach out and try to advise us not to take this party’s side or that one’s. Of course it didn’t affect our work but serious attempts were made. Now you might have heard of people being approached by unidentified individuals but the possibility of fakery or the case of few isolated corrupt incidents cannot be ruled out. What you overestimate is the capacity of what passes for the country’s establishment to act as one indivisible monolith. Even during Musharraf’s time, even during the run-up to the four months of sit-ins that bit was not true.

What you underestimate is the ineptness of the political class and the corrupting lure of crony capitalism. Without going into details of any specific cases we know several instances where big businesses have the power to pretend as the country’s establishment and have enough low-ranking officials in pocket to insinuate just that. On the ineptness of the political class I have said and written enough. For evidence you can take a look at the countless crises that we encountered in the past ten years and ask yourself had it not been for the country’s underappreciated thinking class, the bureaucracy and why even the judiciary and the governments could survive with such huge and often suicidal mistakes?

So that’s that for these speculations. Listen to everything. Just don’t believe anything without any discernible and verifiable evidence.

Now let us return to the episodes of voters confronting the candidates. It is a nice thing to say that a voter should speak through his vote not personally accosts politicians. But it misses a crucial point about elitism in the country. This is about the only time when a common voter gets enough face time with a candidate. Most of them are affluent and do not believe in much public contact once elected. If you want a voter to develop some measure of ownership you will have to let him vent his anger. Of course use of violence and violation of personal space has to be vociferously opposed. But if a voter cannot ask his candidate what he has done for people this can hardly be called democracy.

Then there is the matter of the sense of entitlement. Arrogance of the political leaders is before you. Not only do they take the voters for granted, they expect absolute, unwavering and often slavish loyalty from them. A loyalty they are inherently incapable to reciprocate. It is only yes men and sycophants then who are acknowledged.

I have mentioned one example of this sense of entitlement. Here is another. When a party leader learned of defection of an entire wing of his party, he said on record that they should be tried under Article 6 of the Constitution. Article 6 in case you don’t know deals with high treason and trial under it can lead to death by hanging. That entitled. No matter how well educated and cultured they are, our leaders have not been able to master the feudal impulse.

I know it is not much but this desire for the voter to confront and hold their candidates accountable will not change much in the short run. But like Marquez’s doctor they will at least be able to derive some satisfaction by pulling the metaphoric tooth without anaesthetic and remind leaders that they will have to face this lot again. Democracy, then my dear sirs, is indeed the best revenge.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2018.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>Reluctance of child abuse victims, families hampering investigations: FIA</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1621208/reluctance-child-abuse-victims-families-hampering-investigations-fia</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1621208/reluctance-child-abuse-victims-families-hampering-investigations-fia#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jan 18 13:09:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1621208</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Most suspects arrested are from Central Punjab, hold academic degrees, according to sources]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A report by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has claimed that suspects from Central Punjab lead the gang of criminals involved in recording and distributing inappropriate videos of children over the internet, according to Express News.

According to an article published by a British media outlet, FIA Director-General (DG) ordered an inquiry into incidents of child abuse after the Kasur scandal, and constituted a two-member team which was tasked with arresting those involved in abusing children and circulating the videos online.

10% increase in child abuse cases in Pakistan

Sources in FIA say that the criminals involved in performing inappropriate acts with children mostly belong to Central Punjab, and most of them are arrested and behind bars.

In an interview with the British news organisation, Imran Haider, the head of the two-member team, said that the task force he is leading was coordinating with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as well as local residents to nab all those involved in this heinous crime.

"PTA has established a special cell which will monitor the activity over the internet and investigate those who upload these videos online," Haider revealed.

Over 700 cases since 2015: What makes Kasur a hub of child abuse?

Imran Haider further stated that his investigations into child abuse were facing hurdles because of the reluctance of the victims and their families to come forward and complain about such activities to the police on time.

"This is the reason why those arrested for their involvement in the pornography racket were nabbed with information provided to us by foreign intelligence through Interpol," he said.

"Most of those arrested so far are highly educated individuals and hold professional academic degrees," Haider added.]]>
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			<title>Olympian abused by team doctor sees USA Gymnastics as 'rotten'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1613473/olympian-abused-team-doctor-sees-usa-gymnastics-rotten</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1613473/olympian-abused-team-doctor-sees-usa-gymnastics-rotten#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Jan 18 06:31:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1613473</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Raisman won six Olympic medals, three of them gold, during her career]]>
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				<![CDATA[Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman blasted US gymnastics officials on Friday for failing to protect her and other women from years of sexual abuse by former team doctor Larry Nassar, calling the sport’s governing body “rotten from the inside.”

Raisman, co-captain of the US women’s gymnastics squad at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games, called for an independent investigation into US gymnastics and Olympic officials who she said had the power to stop Nassar.

Nassar pleaded guilty to 10 counts of first-degree sexual assault in November.

Koreas agree on united women's hockey team for Winter Olympics

“For this sport to go on, we need to demand real change, and we need to be willing to fight for it,” she said.

“It’s clear now that if we leave it up to these organizations, history is likely to repeat itself,” she said, referring to USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic Committee.

The 23-year-old gymnast was the latest of dozens of athletes to testify this week at a hearing ahead of Nassar’s sentencing at the Ingham County Circuit Court in Michigan.

Systematic doping: IOC bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics

Many of them spoke tearfully of how the abuse at the hands of Nassar, the former national medical coordinator for USA Gymnastics, left them emotionally scarred and angry.

In calling for an independent investigation, Raisman said she was dismayed that USA Gymnastics had offered only “empty promises” as the scandal unfolded.

Raisman, who won six Olympic medals, three of them gold, during her career, called on the governing body’s newly installed CEO Kerry Perry to heed a chorus of demands for more accountability.

“Unfortunately you have taken on an organization that is rotten from the inside,” Raisman said to Perry, who was not in the courtroom on Friday. “You will be judged by how you deal with this.”

Glaring at the former team doctor as she read a 15-minute statement during a fourth day of hearings in the Lansing, Michigan courtroom, Raisman defiantly told Nassar that his victims were no longer isolated and weak.

“We have our voices and we will not be silenced,“ she said. ”I’m no longer that little girl you met in Australia who you first began grooming and manipulating.”

Prosecutors have asked for a sentence of 40 to 125 years for Nassar, 54, who was also a prominent physician at a Michigan State University sports clinic. That would add to a 60-year sentence he is serving in federal prison on child pornography convictions.

With about 120 victims now expected to make statements at the hearing, more than initially expected, Nassar’s sentencing has been delayed to early next week.]]>
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			<title>Internet videos provide training for hacking any IT system, reveal suspects</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1566719/internet-videos-provide-training-hacking-system-reveal-suspects</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1566719/internet-videos-provide-training-hacking-system-reveal-suspects#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Nov 17 04:27:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1566719</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Police say accused used to monitor transactions and withdrew money from banks]]>
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				<![CDATA[There are videos available on the internet which provide training of hacking any IT system, disclosed alleged hackers during interrogation, who were arrested by police a few days ago. The accused were nabbed during a raid at a house located in Shah Nawaz Colony in Rahim Yar Khan City. The police also seized laptops, computers, blank ATM cards, modern IT devices and other material from their possession.

The police disclosed that the accused were allegedly involved in hacking ATM machines of banks and had withdrawn huge amount of money by using latest IT technology and devices.

Kaspersky says it obtained suspected NSA hacking code from US computer

A police official, requesting anonymity, said the accused included two brothers and their accomplice. “The two brothers belonged to Sadiqabad Tehsil of Rahim Yar Khan District, while their third accomplice hailed from Faisalabad and all of them had knowledge of IT and were experts of hacking IT devices and machines,” he revealed.

He said the accused got training of hacking ATM system through the internet. “The suspects used to access ATM machine system of local banks in Rahim Yar Khan through their internet and laptops and would monitor transactions being processed through banks,” the official maintained.

He said the hackers purchased latest hacking software from internet and open market and also got modern IT devices to make blank ATM cards.

The police official pointed out the accused got a rented house in Shah Nawaz Colony in Rahim Yar Khan and introduced themselves as IT students in the locality on the pretext that they had been preparing for their examinations.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Javed Arshad Paracha and another official, Rana Ahsan, who participated in the raid, said that besides IT devices, other material, including mobile phone sets and women's purses were also confiscated from the possession of the accused.

“It is also being investigated whether the suspects were also involved in snatching mobile phones and purses from people as such material was seized from them,” ASI Paracha said. Another police officer said that the accused told the investigation team that modern hacking software was available on the internet and anybody could purchase them by payment through masters, visa and credit cards.

HBO hackers leak 'Game of Thrones' Season 7 climax

Earlier in 2016, the Federal Investigation Agency’s cyber crime wing arrested a man for hacking into Facebook accounts of people and blackmailing them. The accused, identified as Muhammad Naeem, blackmailed people with their photos and personal data after hacking into their Facebook accounts.

Similarly, the cyber crime circle of the FIA also arrested a young man for allegedly blackmailing a girl via the social networking website, Facebook. Accused, Naveed Ahmed was arrested and pictures and internet EVO devices were seized from his possession.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24th, 2017.]]>
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			<title>Convict gets two years for transferring provoking videos</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1523034/convict-gets-two-years-transferring-provoking-videos</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1523034/convict-gets-two-years-transferring-provoking-videos#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 17 05:18:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1523034</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police nabbed the accused during a raid at his shop]]>
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				<![CDATA[An anti-terrorist court awarded two years imprisonment to an accused who was involved in transferring provoking videos on mobile phones of his customers in Dera Ghazi Khan on Wednesday.

The judgment was announced by ATC Judge Shakir Hassan. The prosecution told the court that STD police raided a shop in Jhok Atra and arrested accused Liaquat Ali for transferring provoking videos on cellphones of the customers. The police took him into custody and registered a case against him.

Peshawar man gets 12-year jail term for blackmailing woman on Facebook

After hearing the statements and considering the evidence, the ATC judge handed down two-year jail term to Liaquat. In addition, the court also imposed a fine of Rs20,000 on the convict.

Earlier, an anti-terrorist court awarded 24 years imprisonment to two accused who were involved in a shoot-out with the police in Jhang.

The judgment was announced by ATC Judge Muhammad Khalil Naz. The prosecution told the court that Satellite Town SHO Saifullah Bhatti, on a tip-off, conducted a raid at a hide out to arrest bandits. On seeing the police party, the accused opened fire.

Peshawar school principal confesses to sexually abusing women, recording videos for blackmail

As a result, Constable Zubair Khan suffered bullet injuries. The police returned the fire, killing accused Suleman, while three accused Basharat Ali, Amjad and Shahid alias Bao were injured.

After hearing the statements, the ATC judge handed down 24-year jail term to Basharat and Amjad, while Shahid was declared a proclaimed offender.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2017.]]>
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			<title>Former Brazil leader Lula gets nearly 10 years in jail for graft</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1456883/former-brazil-leader-lula-gets-nearly-10-years-jail-graft</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1456883/former-brazil-leader-lula-gets-nearly-10-years-jail-graft#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jul 17 05:09:51 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[afp]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Workers' Party issued a statement calling Lula's conviction and sentence &quot;an attack on democracy&quot;]]>
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				<![CDATA[razil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for graft on Wednesday - a stark fall from grace for the iconic leftist leader, and the latest twist in a sprawling political corruption probe engulfing Latin America's largest economy.

Lula, who ruled Brazil from 2003-2010, was convicted and handed a 9.5-year prison term for accepting a bribe of a luxury seaside apartment and $1.1 million. But anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro, who handed down the sentence, said the 71-year-old Lula would remain free pending an appeal - something his lawyers immediately said they would lodge. "We are appealing and will prove his innocence," the lawyers said in a statement sent to AFP.

Pakistan gear up for Brazil clash

The conviction nevertheless landed a heavy blow on the prospect of Lula making a political comeback in presidential elections due in October next year. The verdict also sent a dramatic message to much of the rest of Brazil's political class that they, too, risked falling afoul of the anti-graft drive. Even the current president, Michel Temer, has been charged with taking bribes and several of his ministers have resigned after corruption claims were made.

The sea change has come about because of Operation "Car Wash," a sweeping anti-corruption probe looking into a giant embezzlement and kickbacks scheme involving state-owned oil group Petrobras, construction firms and several political parties - Lula's Workers' Party chief among them. But while many Brazilians welcome the long-overdue clean-up of their notoriously dirty political scene, the uncertainty is hobbling their country's struggle to exit from a historic recession.

The verdict against Lula "all but rules him out of the running for next year's presidential election," said Capital Economics, an economic analysis firm. It added that the court's decision was "likely to give a near-term boost to Brazilian markets" as the likelihood of Lula, a former union leader, returning to power and quashing needed economic reforms championed by Temer waned. Lula has repeatedly denied taking any bribes during or after his presidency. He has described the investigation against him by Moro as a campaign to prevent his return to power.

The Workers' Party issued a statement calling Lula's conviction and sentence "an attack on democracy" and Brazil's constitution, accusing the judge of bias. The conviction focused on allegations that Lula received the triplex apartment and cash as bribes from one of Brazil's biggest construction companies, OAS. The judge ordered that the apartment be confiscated. "Between the crimes of corruption and money laundering, there are sufficient grounds for sentences totaling nine years and six months of incarceration," Moro said in his verdict.

The sentence by Moro - whose wide popularity in Brazil for his anti-corruption work has prompted some to see him as a possible presidential candidate - fed into broader political ructions in Brazil.
Lula's chosen successor, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached and booted from office last year, with Temer, her vice president, taking over the reins. Two weeks ago, Moro sentenced an influential minister in the Lula and Rousseff governments, Antonio Palocci, to 12 years in prison for corruption.

Brazil, Argentina set to clash Down Under

Palocci played a central role in the "Car Wash" scheme, most of which unfolded when Lula's Workers' Party was in power from 2003 to 2016. Prosecutors said Palocci was a pointman in the flow of "bribes between the Odebrecht construction group and intermediaries of the Workers' Party," laundering more than $10 million used for party campaign finances. Odebrecht, an industrial conglomerate with projects around the world, named Palocci "the Italian" in its list of code names for politicians regularly taking bribes in exchange for lucrative contracts with Petrobras and other favors.

The apartment bribe matter against Lula was one of five corruption cases stacked against him. Others include allegations that Odebrecht gave $3.7 million to Lula so he could buy land to build the Lula Institution highlighting his political legacy, and that he received a kickback in Brazil's purchase of Swedish warplanes.]]>
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			<title>Indian climber missing after reaching Everest summit</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1415522/indian-climber-missing-reaching-everest-summit</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1415522/indian-climber-missing-reaching-everest-summit#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 May 17 12:09:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1415522</guid>
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				<![CDATA[A tourism department official, Gyanendra Shrestha, confirmed Kumar was out of contact]]>
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				<![CDATA[An Indian climber went missing while descending the "death zone" after scaling Mount Everest, officials said on Sunday, following the death of two climbers over the past month.

Ravi Kumar, 26, was climbing down from the 8,850 meter (29,035 feet) summit and got separated from his guide near a place called Balcony on Saturday, Thupden Sherpa of the Arun Treks and Expedition company that sponsored Kumar's team said in Kathmandu.

Nepal asks climbers to clean quake-littered Everest camp

"Three sherpa rescuers have been sent to search for Kumar," Thupden said, adding the climber had been out of contact.

A tourism department official, Gyanendra Shrestha, confirmed Kumar was out of contact.

On April 30, a famed Swiss climber fell to his death near Mount Everest during preparations to climb the world's highest mountain, while an 85-year-old Nepali man died at the base camp earlier this month while trying to set a record for the oldest climber.

Nepal has cleared 371 mountaineers to climb Mount Everest during the current season ending this month.]]>
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			<title>France begins voting in second round of presidential election</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1403602/france-begins-voting-second-round-presidential-election</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1403602/france-begins-voting-second-round-presidential-election#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 May 17 07:44:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1403602</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Forecasts proved to be accurate for the presidential election's first round last month]]>
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				<![CDATA[Voting stations opened in France for the second round of the presidential election, with opinion polls indicating Emmanuel Macron was likely to beat Marine Le Pen.

Macron, Le Pen set for French election run-off

Macron wants to deregulate the economy and deepen European Union integration, in contrast to the anti-EU and anti-immigration National Front candidate Le Pen.

Violence scars pre-election May 1 marches in France

Forecasts proved to be accurate for the presidential election's first round last month and financial markets have risen in response to Macron's widening lead after a bitter television debate earlier in the week.]]>
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			<title>Attacking a police officer is now a ‘hate crime’ in a US state</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1363575/attacking-police-officer-now-hate-crime-us-state</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1363575/attacking-police-officer-now-hate-crime-us-state#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Mar 17 11:50:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1363575</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Kentucky Governor signs a bill into law, making it a hate crime to attack a police officer or an emergency responder]]>
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				<![CDATA[After the state of Louisiana, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin has signed a bill into law that makes it a hate crime to attack a police officer or an emergency responder.

Louisiana is the other state with a "Blue Lives Matter" law.

When the law goes into effect from July 1 this year, the "hate crime" designation applies to charges such as criminal mischief and rioting, assault, menacing, abuse, unlawful imprisonment, rape and arson.

Arab-American killed in suspected 'anti-Muslim hate crime'

Under this law, judges and parole boards will be given more discretion in denying probation or parole both during the sentencing process and afterwards for those convicted of hate crimes.

The bill earlier drew widespread objections from civil rights groups after Kentucky Representative Kevin Bratcher, a Republican from Louisville, filed it in the wake of the slayings of five Dallas police officers.

"Police and firefighters do a very important job for us in society, and I believe if you're going to mess with them for doing their job you're going to get the full brunt of Kentucky law," said Bratcher in the bill.

"I want to give judges all the tools they need when it comes to punishment for those would hurt our first responders."

Man faces hate crime charges after assaulting Muslim Delta Airlines employee

The NAACP Legal Defence Fund urged Bevin had argued that the bill "threatens to sow division between police and communities and does nothing to improve officer safety or wellness."

"This bill comes at a moment when our country is in the throes of a national policing crisis," the letter stated.

"Using hate crimes laws that have historically been developed to give protection to people of colour from distinct forms of violence motivated by prejudice, including police violence, is a particularly disconnected and non-responsive policy choice."

&nbsp;

This article originally appeared on Washington Examiner.]]>
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			<title>Butcher shops razed amid crackdown on beef in India</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1362458/butcher-shops-razed-amid-crackdown-beef-india</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1362458/butcher-shops-razed-amid-crackdown-beef-india#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Mar 17 10:18:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1362458</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Ghaziabad crackdown coincided with similar action in Allahabad]]>
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				<![CDATA[Several meat shops and an illegal slaughterhouse have been closed in Ghaziabad days after a new Bharatiya Janata Party government took charge of Uttar Pradesh.

The Ghaziabad crackdown coincided with similar action in Allahabad where two slaughterhouses were sealed on Saturday night, within hours of Yogi Adityanath taking over as chief minister.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi picked Hindu hardliner Yogi Adityanath, who has been accused of inciting violence against the country’s Muslim minority, to lead its most populous state after his party won a landslide victory last week.

BJP president Amit Shah and incumbent UP chief minister highlighted the issue of illegal slaughterhouses during their campaigning as well.

Six controversial statements from Hindu extremist leader and UP's CM Yogi Adityanath

Animal rights groups have been running a campaign against slaughterhouses and strongly supported stern measures taken by the government.

The Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955 bans illegal slaughterhouses which deal with buffaloes and are famous for killing bullocks and cows.

“One slaughterhouse was sealed in the Kaila Bhatta locality,” Atul Kumar, sub-divisional magistrate Ghaziabad said.

A similar operation is also underway in Dasna Gate area, officials said. Kumar added that ten open meat shops were also closed down and more such illegal establishments are being traced now for closure.

However, UP pollution control board officials said that four units were given permission in Ghaziabad while Haripur has one and any activity apart from these will be considered illegal. “The new governments have started taking complaints more seriously,” animal rights activists said.

Modi picks Hindu hardliner to lead Uttar Pradesh

Ruchin Mehra, an animal rights activist said that earlier there were laws too but hardly enforced and such activities were taking place for more than a decade.

Several groups, including the Hindu Raksha Dal, had recently staged demonstrations against illegal slaughterhouses. “We have taken up the issue of slaughterhouses and also called a meeting of different departments toe ensure that there is a crackdown,” said Nidhi Kesarwani, district magistrate, Ghaziabad.

Police were investigating the "mysterious" overnight blaze that reduced the three butcher shops to ashes in Hathras district, local police chief Dilip Kumar told AFP.

This article originally appeared on Hindustan Times.]]>
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			<title>‘The Daily Show’s’ Muslim correspondent tears into Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1312561/daily-shows-muslim-correspondent-tears-trumps-muslim-ban</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1312561/daily-shows-muslim-correspondent-tears-trumps-muslim-ban#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 17 09:26:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Matt Wilstein]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The ‘Daily Show’s’ Hasan Minhaj thanks President Trump for making Americans finally embrace Muslims]]>
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				<![CDATA[It’s week two of Donald Trump’s presidency and people are 'pissed' about his ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries.




Trevor Noah began Monday night’s Daily Show with the chaotic scenes from airports across the country over the weekend. But it wasn’t until he brought on Muslim correspondent Hasan Minhaj that the show’s criticism of the policy truly came alive.

Obama rejects faith-based discrimination amid travel ban uproar




As Minhaj told Noah, he’s “not surprised” that an American president has decided to label Muslims as the enemy of the United States. While previous presidents have implemented similar policies, he said “Trump is taking this thing to a whole new level.”

Minhaj went on to give a “shout-out” to all his “Republican friends” who promised Trump would never actually enact the “Muslim ban” he promised on the campaign trail. “What the f***?” he asked. “So we are getting banned?”


Reminded by Noah that “as a citizen” of the US he will not be banned himself, Minhaj shot back, “Yet! We’re on day 11, man. That’s it! Where do you think this is going to go?” He compared it to watching the first episode of Breaking Bad and thinking, “Oh, this is just a science teacher cooking meth, it can’t get any crazier. But it does!”

Tens of thousands in US cities protest Trump immigration order




There was one bright spot to Trump’s executive order, though. As Minhaj explained, usually being a Muslim at the airport 'sucks', but “this weekend it was like I was The Weeknd.”




“How can I hate Trump right now?” he asked. “Just look at what he’s done at the airport. White women were turning their scarves into hijabs. Muslims were publicly praying and people were cheering them on!”




“Think about how crazy this is,” Minhaj continued. “Because of Donald Trump, people were being nice at the airport.” The “beautiful irony,” he said, is that for years Trump has been “terrified” about the spread of Islam in America. “Well congratulations, Mr President, mission accomplished,” he said, as a protest sign that read “We are all Muslims now” appeared on the screen.]]>
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			<title>US, India agree to strengthen maritime cooperation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1083427/us-india-agree-to-strengthen-maritime-cooperation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1083427/us-india-agree-to-strengthen-maritime-cooperation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 16 12:40:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Carter is in New Delhi to bolster a strategic relationship Washington considers crucial]]>
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				<![CDATA[US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and his Indian counterpart agreed Tuesday to strengthen their cooperation on maritime security, as concerns grow in Washington over Beijing's growing military ambitions.

Carter is in New Delhi to bolster a strategic relationship Washington considers crucial in the face of what it sees as China's rising assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea.

"Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of maritime security," said a joint statement issued after Carter held talks with Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

India, US closer to pact to share military logistics: officials

The two sides "reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region, including in the South China Sea," said the statement.

Washington has increasingly turned its focus to Asia as it tries to counter China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, and is eager for India to play a greater role in its network of regional defence alliances.

Regional superpower China is expanding its deep-water naval presence and staking a claim to disputed areas of the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

Beijing claims almost all of the contested South China Sea, which is important for international shipping, and has in recent months built massive structures including radar systems and an airstrip over reefs and outcrops.

US lawmakers ‘gravely concerned’ at growing intolerance in India

It has also courted countries in the Indian Ocean, pouring money into the Maldives and Sri Lanka to the annoyance of New Delhi, which regards those countries as part of its sphere of influence.

A senior US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said China was "operating more frequently both throughout Southeast Asia and in the Indian Ocean", something both Washington and New Delhi were "watching closely".

Carter will also hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the three-day visit, aimed at shoring up security and defence ties with regional power India.

Modi, who enjoys close ties with US President Barack Obama, has in the past criticised what he called China's "expansionist mindset".

Carter said after his meeting with Parrikar that the two countries had agreed "in principle" to share and exchange military logistics, a deal which has been in the pipeline for years and would allow the two countries to expand military cooperation.

But there was no final agreement on a series of deals under negotiation.

India, the world's biggest arms importer, wants access to US technology so it can develop sophisticated weapons at home -- a key part of Modi's "Make in India" campaign to boost domestic manufacturing.

New Delhi has historically relied heavily on Russia for arms imports, but is now seeking US help to develop its own new-generation aircraft carriers.

India wants American know-how on building more sophisticated launch technology that would allow it to deploy heavier aircraft on the vessels than existing carriers allow.

The US is also hoping to sell its F-16 or F-18 fighter jets to India as part of a major co-production deal involving more than 100 planes which would be partly manufactured in India.

The two countries had a long history of mutual suspicion during the Cold War, when non-aligned India developed closer ties to the Soviet Union, while the US allied with Pakistan.

But Modi's election in May 2014 gave fresh momentum to negotiations on a number of issues that had become bogged down under the previous administration.

"The courtship began more than a decade ago, but in the last two years we have really seen things move a lot faster on a range of things," said Rick Rossow, India specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in the US.]]>
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			<title>Pat Conroy, author of 'Prince of Tides', dies at 70</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1059806/pat-conroy-author-of-prince-of-tides-dies-at-70</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1059806/pat-conroy-author-of-prince-of-tides-dies-at-70#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Mar 16 07:11:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1059806</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hollywood loved the emotional aspects of Conroy's works]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pat Conroy, who turned tales of his painfully dysfunctional family into best-selling novels such as "The Great Santini" and "The Prince of Tides," died on Friday at the age of 70, his publishing company said.

Conroy, who had announced in a Feb. 15 Facebook post that he had pancreatic cancer, died at his home in Beaufort, South Carolina, surrounded by family and loved ones, said Todd Doughty, a spokesman for Doubleday.

“The water is wide and he has now passed over,” said his wife, novelist Cassandra King Conroy.

Much of Conroy's work was inspired by a dark muse - his father, U.S. Marine Colonel Donald Conroy. The elder Conroy was a fighter pilot who fought in four wars - World War Two, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the long-running conflict with his family. He was a tyrant who beat his wife and children.

"I remember hating him even when I was in diapers," Conroy wrote in the prologue of "The Death of Santini," the memoir that put to rest his feelings about his father, as well as serving as a postscript to the novel "The Great Santini."

Hollywood loved the emotional aspects of Conroy's works and "The Water Is Wide," "The Prince of Tides" and "Lords of Discipline," as well as "The Great Santini," were all made into successful movies.

Conroy once told People magazine that his books were an effort to explain his life to himself, which was a complicated undertaking.

He was one of seven children in a family that, due to his father's military assignments, moved 23 times before he was 18.

Conroy's mother did not know how to deal with his father much beyond designating hiding places for the children to run to when a rampage started. As the oldest child, Conroy often tried to intervene when trouble started, which meant that he would took the brunt of his father's cruelty.

Harper Lee, author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', dies at 89

Later in life, as he exposed the ugly side of his family in his books, Conroy became estranged from some siblings who he said were in denial about the early days. Some family members were so upset by "The Great Santini" that they picketed his book-signing appearances.

In "Why We Write About Ourselves," a book about memoirists, Conroy said he actually played down his father's abuse in his books.

"I wasn't yet prepared to say he beat us half to death and left us in the driveway," he said. "I had trouble getting people to believe me."

The two reached something of a reconciliation before the elder Conroy died in 1998 and the father would sometimes attend book-signings with his son and autograph books as "The Great Santini."

Despite his literary success, Conroy would struggle through alcoholism, depression and two failed marriages. Like four of his siblings, he attempted suicide.

"My family is my portion of hell, my eternal flame, my fate, and my time on the cross," Conroy wrote in "Death of Santini."

Conroy was a teenager when his father was assigned to a military base in Beaufort, South Carolina, and the state would become the setting for many of his books, as well as his long-time home.

Italian writer Umberto Eco dies aged 84: media

"It was in Beaufort in sight of a river's sinuous turn and the movements of its dolphin-proud tides that I began to discover myself and where my life began at 15," he wrote on Facebook in announcing his cancer.

Conroy graduated from The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina that he attended to appease his father, and his novel "The Lords of Discipline" explored the physical and mental abuse heaped on students there. "My Losing Season" was a memoir about his experiences on the school's basketball team.

Instead of a military career, Conroy became a teacher on isolated, impoverished Daufuskie Island, where many of his students were illiterate and direct descendants of slaves. He was fired after a year because of his maverick approach to teaching and fights with administrators but came away with material for "The Water Is Wide," which was made into the movie "Conrack."

The 1986 novel "Prince of Tides" also bore resemblances to Conroy's life - a man trying to overcome the psychic trauma from life in a troubled family. The movie version starred Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand.

Conroy cleaned up his lifestyle in his mid-60s after dealing with diabetes, escalating weight, high blood pressure and a failing liver. He lost weight, quit drinking, began eating healthily and joined his personal trainer in opening a fitness studio in Port Royal, South Carolina.

"He will be cherished as one of America’s favorite and bestselling writers, and I will miss him terribly,” his longtime editor Nan A. Talese of Doubleday said in a statement.

Conroy was married three times.]]>
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			<title>Singapore deports Indonesians accused of heading to join Islamic State</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1052594/singapore-deports-indonesians-accused-of-heading-to-join-islamic-state</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1052594/singapore-deports-indonesians-accused-of-heading-to-join-islamic-state#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 16 07:36:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1052594</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[National police chief said the detained men were also thought to be followers of radical preacher Aman Abdurrahman]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Singapore has deported four suspected Indonesian extremists allegedly heading to Syria to fight with the Islamic State (IS) group, authorities said Tuesday.

The four, who included a 15-year-old boy, were arrested Sunday in the city-state when officials became suspicious after checking their documents and finding one of them had previously spent time in Syria, Indonesian police said.

Authorities deported them to Batam, an Indonesian island not far from Singapore, the same day, and they have since been sent on to Jakarta.

"Four Indonesians were deported to Indonesia after investigations revealed that they had plans to make their way to Syria to fight for ISIS," a spokesman for Singapore's ministry of home affairs said, using an alternative name for Islamic State.

Italy agrees to let anti-Islamic State drones depart from Sicily

"Singapore authorities informed their Indonesian counterparts before the deportation."

After questioning the men, all from the main island of Java, Indonesian officials also concluded that the group were likely heading to Syria, Indonesian police said.

Islamic State has provided a potent new rallying cry for Islamic extremists in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, with hundreds believed to have headed to fight in the Middle East with the extremists.

National police chief Badrodin Haiti said the detained men were also thought to be followers of radical preacher Aman Abdurrahman, who is in jail for his role in forming a militant training camp, and has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

There have been suspicions Abdurrahman may have helped plan last month's gun and suicide attacks in Jakarta that left four attackers and four civilians dead.

They were claimed by Islamic State, which controls vast swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq, and were the first major attack in Indonesia for seven years.

The detained men originally entered Singapore from Batam but left for Malaysia, where they stayed only several hours, said local police chief Helmy Santika.

Islamic State blasts kill more than 150 as US, Russia press Syria truce

They were detained as they returned to Singapore, where they planned to catch flights, he added, without giving further details.

Indonesian police have launched a nationwide crackdown since the Jakarta attacks, rounding up dozens of alleged Islamic extremists.

Indonesia suffered several major bomb attacks by Islamic radicals between 2000 and 2009, but a subsequent crackdown weakened the most dangerous networks.]]>
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			<title>10 times Danish Ali made us laugh out loud</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1045577/10-times-danish-ali-made-us-laugh-out-loud</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1045577/10-times-danish-ali-made-us-laugh-out-loud#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 16 11:00:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1045577</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[But why?]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Danish Ali may be the most underrated comedian out there. But why? Because the stand-up comedian never fails to amuse us with his hilarious videos, images and statuses – all proof of his comedic brilliance.

Moreover, his video (which he posts on Facebook) so relatable that we can't help but share them with friends and family.

Here are 10 Danish Ali comedy videos which made us laugh out loud:

1. Paan eaters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grnY4VzvNsw

2. Agent Lover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWZyXIAJjVY

Danish Ali and a comedy of sorts

3. But why

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ktmPPMiuqo

4. When you don't have hot water

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBGZgcACDCI

5. Every time you light a gas stove

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm48W-v2zus

6. The shaadi translator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhjdSJT33Pc

For Danish Ali, laughter is the best medicine

7. Little joys of life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOKdNPtj2GE

8. When your girlfriend calls you in front of your friends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNstbMTIOkk

9. The annoying food delivery guy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztW0B2gsDRc

10. Girlfriend vs Sunlight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI5jUCNEGlo

Ali recently took to Facebook with news of his upcoming collaboration with singer Sara Haider (known for her song Ae Dil with Ali Zafar) for Ae Selfie. We can’t wait to watch it!

To view the funnyman's videos, go to his Facebook Page.]]>
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			<title>US says Americans traveling to Iran risk arrest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1036876/us-says-americans-traveling-to-iran-risk-arrest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1036876/us-says-americans-traveling-to-iran-risk-arrest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 16 07:45:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1036876</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['Various elements in Iran remain hostile to the United States' US State Department]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[US citizens traveling to Iran, particularly Iranian-Americans, risk arrest and detention in the Islamic republic, the US State Department said in a travel warning on Friday.

The notice, which largely echoes an August warning, was issued days after five Americans, including four dual Iranian nationals, were released by Iran in a prisoner swap coinciding with the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran as the implementation of a deal to curb its nuclear program began.

Iranian drone flew over US aircraft carrier operating in Gulf: US Navy

The warning aims to "reiterate and highlight the risk of arrest and detention of US citizens, particularly dual national Iranian-Americans, in Iran," the State Department said.

"Various elements in Iran remain hostile to the United States," it said, adding that Iran has "continued to harass, arrest, and detain US citizens, in particular dual nationals" since the nuclear deal was signed in July.

Bilateral ties: 'Iran considers West, particularly US, as main enemy'

In his first appearance since returning to the United States, one of the prisoners freed in the swap, Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, thanked US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday for negotiating his release after 18 months in an Iranian jail.]]>
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			<title>Saudi foils large-scale fuel smuggling bid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1011751/saudi-foils-large-scale-fuel-smuggling-bid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1011751/saudi-foils-large-scale-fuel-smuggling-bid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 15 14:05:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1011751</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[No details were given on the planned destination of the fuel, or whether any arrests were made]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Saudi Arabia, whose subsidised fuel prices are among the world's lowest, said on Thursday it foiled a large-scale attempt to illegally export diesel fuel.

Nine million litres (around two million gallons) of the fuel in 450 tankers "had been prepared at a number of locations" in Riyadh and the Eastern region before movement to Dammam port, the oil ministry said, quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency.

No details were given on the planned destination of the fuel, or whether any arrests were made.

Russia says it has proof Turkey involved in Islamic State oil trade

The ministry said it was the largest attempt to smuggle diesel since it introduced technology to "mark" the fuel.

SPA said the large difference between the domestic and external price of fuel motivates such smuggling attempts.

Saudi petrol prices are the cheapest in the Gulf. Motorists in the kingdom can fill their tanks for around $6 (5.53 euros) for a sedan or $18 for an SUV.

Oil and gas-dependent Gulf economies are coping with plunging revenues after world crude prices fell by more than 60 percent since early last year.

Smuggling bid: Weapons cache found hidden in cars

Saudi neighbour the United Arab Emirates ended subsidies on fuel in July, in a move expected to conserve billions of dollars annually.

It raised the price of petrol but lowered pump prices of diesel.

In October, Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said the kingdom was considering raising domestic energy prices, but last month said his country is not in "dire need" to cut energy subsidies.]]>
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			<title>16 must-see Muharram photos from around the world</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/978041/16-must-see-muharram-photos-from-around-the-world</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/978041/16-must-see-muharram-photos-from-around-the-world#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 15 11:01:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=978041</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[We look at how Muharram is being observed across the world]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Shias across the world have been taking part in processions ahead of Ashura. The holy month is held in high importance, during which the death of Imam Hussain, who was killed in the 7th century Battle of Karbala, is commemorated.

Sanabis, Bahrain

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: REUTERS[/caption]

Lahore, Pakistan

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Islamabad, Pakistan 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Baghdad, Iraq

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Allahabad, India

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Najaf, Iraq

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Beirut, Lebanon

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Karbala, Iraq

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Sanabis, Bahrain

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Sanabis, Bahrain

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Sanabis, Bahrain

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Karbala, Iraq

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Karbala, Iraq

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: REUTERS[/caption]

 Srinagar, India

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: REUTERS[/caption]

Karbala, Iraq

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Srinagar, India

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="945"] PHOTO: REUTERS[/caption]]]>
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			<title>Keratin treatment: What’s all the hype about?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/600319/keratin-treatment-whats-all-the-hype-about</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/600319/keratin-treatment-whats-all-the-hype-about#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 11 Sep 13 08:36:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Nisha Masroor]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=600319</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ms.T investigates the pros and cons of ever-popular hair-straightening treatment to see if it’s right for you or not.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In every beauty salon, Keratin seems to be the new buzzword and not just for curly-haired girls but even those with the slightest wave, looking to rid their hair of the frizz. Straight hair has been the way to go for a long time now and indulging in a Keratin treatment seems to be worth it as not only do you acquire that smooth and silky mane you have always desired, you also avoid hours of blow-drying and flat-ironing — even it’s just for a few months.

What is Keratin?

Essentially, Keratin is a protein which is found in hair naturally and adds strength to it. The treatments are usually made up of a chemical called Formaldehyde which creates the smoothing effect and some conditioner to keep the hair moisturized. This hair-straightening treatment is semi-permanent and softens one’s curls as opposed to flattening them out completely. The natural volume of the hair is maintained and the end result is much silkier, smoother and easier-to-manage than before. Not to mention, Keratin treatments shorten the time you will need to spend on your hair by almost 60%! Several cosmetic companies are jumping onto the Keratin bandwagon but in Pakistan, the brand used most commonly is L’Oreal.

How does it work?

In a Keratin treatment, the stylist simply applies the Keratin product to the hair and seals it in by running a heated flat-iron over it. The cream breaks down the bonds in the hair and the flat-iron sets the hair into the new, sleeker shape. After this, a neutralizer is applied to seal the hair bonds back into their new form. The hair may appear too flat at first but generally, it takes a couple of weeks and washes for it to settle down although one cannot wash their hair for at least 72 hours post-treatment.

How is Keratin Treatment different than the Japanese Straightening Treatment?

The Japanese hair-straightening treatment is permanent — it actually seeps into the hair and changes its structure from the core, removing all traces of curls and creating pin-straight hair. Not to mention, this treatment can prove to be very harmful for hair in the long run. Keratin, on the other hand, lasts just three to six months, depending on the growth of the hair, and relaxes the kinks and eliminates frizz, with the end result being a much more tamed crop.

Controversy about Keratin Treatment

The fact that Keratin treatment creams are based on Formaldehyde has been a cause of much controversy surrounding the products as much like any other chemicals, Formaldehyde poses grave threats to one’s health. For instance, research has shown that excessive exposure to the chemical can lead to some severe forms of cancer, including Leukaemia. While the client need not worry about this as they do not come in contact with Formaldehyde regularly, the stylist may be at risk and must ensure proper protection and ventilation during the treatment.

Pros and Cons of Keratin Treatment

After speaking with several people who have undergone Keratin Treatment, I have come to the conclusion that the only valid negative aspect to the procedure is that the effects are not permanent and one has to visit the salon at regular intervals of 3 to 6 months for ‘touch ups.’ Most of the clients had nothing but great things to say. The many benefits of Keratin treatments include:

1)  Wash and Go: Hair is much easier to tame and style and if you don’t want to style, a quick shower will also do!

2)  Easy styling: As mentioned earlier, blow dry time is reduced by up to 60% which is ideal for times when you are running late and need to fix your hair up.

3)  All that glitters: The Keratin products contain essential conditioners that boost your hairs natural radiance and so, you can do away with all your shine sprays and mousses.

4)  Frizz-ease: Having frizz-free hair was once impossible, thanks to the heat and humid weather but now, Keratin treatments can be used to eliminate frizz significantly, if not completely.

5)  High volume: Keratin doesn’t just smoothen your hair, it also infuses it with volume and boost, making it all the more bouncier and healthy.

Who is the ideal candidate for this treatment?

•  People who spend a ton of time blow drying and straightening ones hair

•  People who want to loosen their curls or waves

•  People who desire frizz-free hair

•  People who want smoother, silkier and shinier hair

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, September 8th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Scarf up this season</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/492176/scarf-up-this-season</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/492176/scarf-up-this-season#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 13 08:21:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=492176</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pair a kurta with some jeans, add the right amount of oomph and you can rock pretty much any scarf or hat you like.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Glamorous yet elegant accessories like scarves and hats have never been a Pakistani woman’s best friend. We only consider things that dangle or have major bling (like necklaces, rings and earrings) to be real accessories.

Even if we wanted to wear hats and scarves, they wouldn’t look good on our typical shalwar kameezes. But that’s when the western-fusion kurta comes to the rescue. Pair the kurta with some jeans, add the right amount of oomph and you can rock pretty much any scarf or hat you like. And since none of the retailers are offering dupattas these days, these scarves can work as a great alternative.



Infinity loop scarves

If your scarf always looks messy and comes undone, you may just fall in love with the infinity loop scarf. It’s woven together in a loop so it doesn’t slip off and always look very fashionable. It’s also a great alternative to a dupatta as it covers all the right areas and keeps your neck warm.



Neck scarves

If you use a short, brightly coloured scarf and tie it closely around your neck, it instantly gives you a classy look for an evening out. Not only does it make your neck look longer, it completes an outfit without having to invest in earrings or necklaces.



Long shawl wraps

It might be winter and you might be shivering all the time, but nothing justifies wearing your long, big shawl like a chowkidaar on night duty. Pin it on the sides, or take two different shawls together to create this effortlessly elegant look.



Knotted scarves

While this is a scarf knotting technique European men are famous for, women can’t help but steal it. While Western women may like to keep the knot close to the neck to avoid the harsh wind, us Pakistani women who don’t have to battle extreme weather can keep the scarf a little looser and choose one that’s a bit longer.  All you have to do is fold the scarf lengthwise, put this shorter scarf around your neck and then put the end with the tassles through the loop on the other side. Tighten or loosen it according to your look.



For the adventurous Beanies

A ‘beanie’ also called a ‘toque’, is the most common winter hat worn by women. It comes with the most designs, materials and colour variations and keeps your head warm without making you look like a snowman. Now if the hat can look good with a long coat, why shouldn’t it look good with a nice slim fitting kurta?

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, January 13th, 2013.

Like MsT on Facebook for your dose of girl talk.]]>
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			<title>Pak-US friendship: Consul General wants closer cultural ties</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/453553/pak-us-friendship-consul-general-wants-closer-cultural-ties</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/453553/pak-us-friendship-consul-general-wants-closer-cultural-ties#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 12 00:31:23 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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				<![CDATA[Michael Dodman says Pakistan sends more than 100 students to the US on Fulbright scholarship.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The new US consul general, Michael Dodman, said that he wanted to bring Pakistan and US together culturally and economically.


He was speaking at a conference on ‘Pakistan-US Friendship and Importance of Culture’ in the Pakistan American Cultural Center on Thursday. “I believe in strengthening ties [between the two countries] and making sure we stand on solid footing,” he said. “My focus has been business and trade, and that is what brought me to Karachi.”

While listing academic exchange programmes that US has initiated, he mentioned that Pakistan sends more than 100 students to the US on Fulbright scholarship, which is more than any other country. He said that cultural and educational programmes could bridge the gaps between people.

With reference to musical talent in both countries, Dodman said that he enjoyed listening to Pakistani band Noori and singer Arieb Azhar when they performed at the Daniel Pearl Music Day. “I wish that prominent jazz bands from the US could play in Pakistan but unfortunately such exchanges are not taking place.”

After the speech, a musical performance was put up by Aziz Kazi, Ahsan Bari, Sheroz Hussain and others who presented a beautiful blend of eastern and western music.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>How Disney ruined me for the real world</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/443420/how-disney-ruined-me-for-the-real-world</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/443420/how-disney-ruined-me-for-the-real-world#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 12 04:29:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saba.khalid]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Watch the same as a grownup and you’ll come to realise how messed up these princesses really are.]]>
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				<![CDATA[When you’re a little girl, the most magical thing you’ll ever see on screen is a colourful Disney film and chances are that you’ll be fascinated by the big-eyed, rosy-cheeked Disney Princess who’ll become a role model of sorts.

Watch the same as a grownup and you’ll come to realise how messed up these princesses really are. Bursting at the seams with gender-stereotyping, these films build up ridiculous expectations in girls — from themselves, from relationships with men and life in general. And while I realise that the job of these films is to entertain, not prepare you for the world, the fantasies projected in them have deceived many a little girl and crushed many dreams. Someone should rewrite these innocuous tales to reveal exactly what’s out there. Here are just a few bad lessons that come out of Disney films.

1. No need to work, just find yourself a savior

The only reason Disney princesses breathe, eat, swim, sing, grow their hair, wear ridiculous clothing and shoes, is so that they will one day find themselves a good-looking prince. And once they do, all their problems in life are solved. That means if you don’t find a prince, or if yours happens to be on the ugly or on the less charming side, you’ll still be struggling all your life.

2. Crying solves everything

So your stepsisters practically stripped you for wearing their rags and your stepmother deceived you and wouldn’t take you to the ball, DON’T bother to struggle, talkback, rage or run away. JUST CRY, CRY, CRY! A fat lady will pop out of nowhere and take care of all your miseries. But the last time I bawled when I had nothing to wear for a shaadi, my mother told me to suck it up and act like a grownup!

3. Rodents make the best of  friends

Inspired by Cinderella and her hardworking rat pals, I spent my own childhood trying to befriend the mouse in the house. And let me tell you, it has still not braided my hair, cooked for me, made me a brand new dress or wiped my tears. But it has ruined quite a few of my dresses.

4. In Disney world, no need for positive female figures

What is up with the fact that almost all Disney princesses have no mothers? Cinderella’s mother — dead, the Little Mermaid’s mother — dead, Sleeping Beauty’s mother — gave away the kid to some crazy fairies! With all these motherless role models, as a child, I didn’t know what to make of my alive-and-kicking amma. At the time, she seemed like an impediment in my own fairytale. But maybe if all these Disney princesses had mothers like mine, they’d knock some sense into their flighty heads and tell them to study  instead.

5. No real career aspirations

Considering the princesses’ retirement plan has been to serve the prince, what happens when the prince breaks up with you, dies, or goes to war? The princess would have nothing to fall back on. Okay, that’s stretching it, because she could definitely make a great maid. Think about it — Snow White’s urge to cook and clean was so extreme that she broke into someone’s house and just decided to cook and clean for them probono.

6. Good always kicks evil’s butt and karma is your best friend

When you’re in the Disney world, everything fixes itself towards the end. The glass shoe fits, the girl comes out of her coma, the dragon is slain, the sea-witch dies — but none of that happens in the real world. I mean, if good triumphed over evil, would we be in this state?

7. Obsession with gora rung and never-fading youth

It’s always the FAIR princess — she’s called Snow WHITE, you know! There’s no sanwali princess, no Plain Jane heroine. Now maybe that’s why little girls want to powder themselves and put on some lipstick at age 5. No one is born that rosy and gorgeous, Snow White, so where are you hiding your stash of Fair n Lovely?

8. Everything ugly and old is evil

This is how a princess thinks: if it’s something cute, dwarfish and furry — trust it. If it’s old and ugly, run like a mad dog. The Queen in Snow White is so obsessed with youth, she’ll do anything and everything to get it. The takeaway from this is when you’re young, milk it, because when you’re older, you’ll only turn desperate and crazy.

9. Uncomfortable = pretty

You know the real reason why Cinderella left that shoe at the palace — it hurt like crazy! And what is up with all the pink frilly nylon tutus these Disney princesses keep wearing? Has anyone worn those while sweeping floors and scrubbing the windows and not developed a mad rash?

10. Once the prince is in your pocket — ditch your family and friends

I’m sorry, but the Little Mermaid is a conniving minx. After she gets the prince and her dream Caribbean wedding, she ditches her entire family and friends. I’m kind of glad though. Imagine what would happen to Sebastian if he showed up at the wedding — he’d end up served as an entrée.

The good side of Disney

Now it would be unfair to say that all Disney heroines are bad role models — it’s only those spoilt princesses. Whenever Disney shows a regular gal who isn’t conventionally beautiful, she turns out to be pretty smart and intriguing.

Mulan

This girl is truly one of the most bad-ass chicks I’ve seen. She shows that if you’re not taken seriously because you’re a woman, trick them into believing you’re a man! Genius … that’s something us working girls with our stiff suits and manly pants have been trying to do for ages. She’s also a fighter and cares about her nation. And love isn’t something she sets herself out for — it just happens to her while she’s achieving her bigger goals.

Pocahontas

She ended a war, she cared about the environment and her people, and she freaking jumped off a cliff — now that’s the girl I want to be!  

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, September 30th, 2012.

Like MsT on Facebook and follow at @TribmagMsT for your dose of girl talk]]>
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			<title>Beads and mirrors</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/323463/beads-and-mirrors</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/323463/beads-and-mirrors#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 12 07:44:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sher.alam.shinwari]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Afghan refugees brought with them their own customs, food and fashions, and not just weapons and drugs to Pakistan.]]>
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				<![CDATA[When one thinks of the consequences of the influx of Afghan refugees in the 80s after the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, smuggling, weapons and drugs are the first things that come to mind.

Even among the Pashtuns of what was then the North-West Frontier Province, the newcomers were looked at with disdain, and given the derogatory label of ‘Gilam Jam’, or carpet stealers. In later years, this term achieved notoriety as the label given to the murderous Uzbek militia of General Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose propensity for looting was such that many said that they took everything that wasn’t nailed down, even the carpets.

What many tend to overlook is the social and cultural contribution that the Afghan refugees made to Pakistan because, as they started pouring in, they brought with them their own customs, food and fashions, many of which have now taken root this side of the Durand line.

While the majority of refugees were Pashtuns, a small number of Persian speaking Kabulites also migrated to Pakistan.  Smart, stylish and fashion conscious, they were often referred to as poor Europeans, as they settled in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta. A handful also emigrated to the Gulf States and Western countries.

Slowly and gradually, as the Afghan immigrants set up their own businesses in and around Peshawar, their foods and sense of fashion literally changed the flavour of the area.

Nowadays Kabuli Pulao and Afghan boutiques are common among the Peshawarites and the rest of the country.

Alongside the new business ventures, there were also those who simply transplanted the businesses which they had left behind in Afghanistan to their new abodes in Pakistan. Ahmed Wali is one such person. “My father once owned a big boutique in Shahray Nau, a posh market in the heart of Kabul,” he says, “but after the Russian invasion our family shifted to Peshawar and set up shop in 1983.” Ahmed now runs the popular Afghan boutique Sham-e-Uros in Peshawar, and according to him, business is booming. “The unique style of Afghan fashion attracts a lot of people, and now we have branches in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi,” he says proudly.

Wedding season provides a huge boost to all Afghan boutiques in Peshawar as prospective brides are drawn towards the traditional Afghan wedding dress, called the Gandey Afghani. The dress, also called Khate Zunzeyree (a dress in chains) in the local dialect, consists of three main layers, the qameez (outer portion), the shameez (middle portion) and the mameez (inner portion). The qameez which is the most decorated of the three layers is usually adorned with colourful beads and miniature mirrors.

These detailed dresses require at least a month to complete; with as many as 20 to 25 artisans stitching and adorning the 6 to 15 metre cloth required for the complete outfit. Previously the dresses were exclusively stitched and designed by Afghan women but over time, young men were trained to stitch the fabric while the women focused solely on designing.

But the sheer intricacy of the dresses, and the level of work that each dress requires also makes them too expensive for most buyers in these economically troubled times. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and these determined businessmen and women have no shortage of will. “A bridal dress costs anywhere between sixty to seventy thousand rupees and most people cannot afford to buy it,” Ahmed explains. “So we now offer these dresses for rent for 24-hours at rates ranging from six thousand to fifteen thousand rupees.”

Colours are a major feature of all Afghan outfits, with different colours and designs playing a vital role in the overall look of the completed outfit. The white Gandey Afghani is exclusively reserved for the wedding, while pink, purple, and red are worn at the Sherini Khuri (engagement) and blue and green are the preferred colours for the Nikah.

Apart from wedding dresses, Afghan boutiques have also experienced a boost in popularity due to the recent trend of sending Afghan dresses as gifts to relatives and friends abroad. These outfits are sent to the Gulf States, Germany, USA and UK where Pashtuns are living in large numbers. These dresses, inexpensive copies of the more expensive and intricate designs, are made in the rural areas of Peshawar, Nowshera and Charsadda. Prepared on demand, they are stitched in two to three days collectively by women, small children and skilled men. While the women do the Muraduzi (inlaying of colourful small beads), teenage boys and girls stitch Sheeshaduzi (miniature mirrors) and the men perform Silmaduzi (tapestry) on the dress. “The rates vary from five thousand rupees to seven thousand rupees depending on individual taste. We have also seen an increase in demand from cities like Lahore and Multan. In Karachi, white Gandey Afghanis are in great demand around December as Christian women prefer to wear them on Christmas Eve,” explains dress designer Noor Rahman.

This influence on fashion in Peshawar is one of the more benign aspects of the war next door, a gentle reminder that it is not just guns and drugs that our neighbours bring when they cross the Durand line.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, January 22nd, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Mr know it all: A 'tube light' and a newly single man</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/309872/mr-know-it-all-a-tube-light-and-a-newly-single-man</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/309872/mr-know-it-all-a-tube-light-and-a-newly-single-man#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Dec 11 07:46:57 +0500</pubDate>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[From relationship blues to money woes, Mr Know It All has the answers!.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Q. Dear Mr Know It All,

A few months ago, my girlfriend of six years (who I thought was my soulmate) broke up with me and started seeing another guy. I thought I’d never get over her but thankfully I think I’m getting there. Anyway, my problem right now is my friends have recently started forcing me to start dating again, and I have no idea how to go about it! I’ve never been into the whole dating game. I’m completely lost, and have no idea how to woo girls without making a fool of myself. I know I sound like a teenager, but can you please tell me what the current rules for impressing girls without seeming too desperate are?

Derailed

A. One usually needs to walk before running ... and you, my friend, are not even crawling yet! Seriously, go easy on yourself. Take time to become comfortable as a single man before jumping onto the relationship train again. Otherwise, it’ll take you straight to Hurt Avenue which we all know is a dark, cold place crawling with desperados on the prowl for vulnerable specimen like yourself. Yup, you definitely don’t want to fall into the wrong hands again this soon!

But if your friends have already hooked you up with someone nice and you’re sure she’s not just the poor rebound girl destined for misery, remember that pleasing women is really not as hard as they make it sound. Just remember my ABC theory: Always Agree with everything they say; Bathe regularly; and try to be as Charming as possible!

On a serious note, though, I’ve often noticed a man’s attempt to impress women often sells out his dignity, his confidence and his self-esteem. He stops being himself; stops speaking his mind, giving his opinion, making decisions and being in-charge overall like a real man should. If you’re able to avoid all that, while still being kind and funny and charming, chances are you’ll have her turning to putty pretty soon!

Q. Dear Mr Know It All

All my friends call me a ‘tube light’ just because I get things slower than them. Their jokes are just hard to crack because they rely on common knowledge which perhaps isn’t as common as they think. It’s getting to me now as I really want to be on the same page as them and keep up with their pace. What should I do?

Faster than a snail

A. Sweetie, the only person who gets all the jokes all the time is the liar who doesn’t. Really, you can’t expect to tiptoe through life by being so naïve. You’ve got to fake your acumen, do cartwheels in public for whatever amounts of brainpower you possess, you know… make a show of your intelligence.  I personally think there’s no point in trying to keep up with anyone’s pace unless you have a girlie crush on them. In which case you can simply invest in a new wardrobe and hair extensions and be done with it. That’s more than half the work done and you won’t even have to start reading the newspaper! But seriously, don’t let a few smart-asses dictate your opinion of  yourself, and memorise the perfect comeback to being called slow: Tube lights may take their time to turn on, but when they do, they’re the brightest, so watch out!

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, December 25th,  2011.]]>
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			<title>Mr know it all: An unhappy student and a tyrant boss</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/300040/mr-know-it-all-an-unhappy-student-and-a-tyrant-boss</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/300040/mr-know-it-all-an-unhappy-student-and-a-tyrant-boss#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Dec 11 07:23:01 +0500</pubDate>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[From relationship blues to money woes, Mr Know It All has the answers!.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Q. Dear Mr Know It All,

I was recently told that either my friend or I would get the promotion for senior editor and I just can’t wrap my mind around this. I decided I wanted to work for a magazine only recently, but he’s wanted this his whole life. I feel that I can’t take away something my friend has worked so hard for. I’m not saying that I don’t want the promotion — if I was against any other person, I’d be completely fine and willing to crush the little bugger if I had to, but this is my best friend. I can’t deal this blow to all her hard work and aspirations. I also fear that if I get promoted, we may not remain such good friends. Can you help me out?

To crush or not to crush

&nbsp;

A. It’s pretty much an established fact that the universe has a perverse sense of humour. People who work all their life to achieve something often have to watch the prize being whisked away from right under their nose by someone who wasn’t even in contention to begin with. It’s happened before and let me assure you, it will happen again. And again. And again… because that’s just how things work in this big, bad world of cold, heartless corporations and out-of-line promotions! I might sound like an insensitive twit for saying this, but you feeling sorry for your friend looks good only in theory. In real life, it wouldn’t take me (or any other potential employer, for that matter) two seconds to write you off as a softie with too much baggage for the new job. A magazine editor is supposed to be a hotshot who knows precisely what he wants and how to get it — there’s no room for sentiments in the recipe for professional success. If you want to go far, you’ve got to look out for yourself first. Remember, self-control is overrated and being an adult all the time sucks. If your friend can’t handle a little competition or, after all said and done, doesn’t want to play with you anymore because you won, it’s his problem to email me about. You just do your job, do it well, and screw everyone else!

Q. Dear Mr Know It All,

My boss is a tyrant in the making. She’s lazy, inefficient and never comes to work on time. Then she keeps me extra hours to help her out with her work. If I make even the slightest error, she yells at me and blames me for her work not being completed on time, even though it’s her fault for worrying more about her beauty sleep than her job. Besides, I’m not even paid for the extra hours I put in. I can’t tell her how I feel because it will compromise my career progression. However, it’s irritating trying to cover her tracks. What should I do?

Bossanova

&nbsp;

A. Life gives us plenty of choices, and you have one to make right here, right now as well: you can either sit on your behind and share painful monster-boss anecdotes with anyone who’ll listen, hoping your problems will miraculously go away on their own. Or, you could listen to me, stop moping and own up to your mistake of letting a negative influence bog you down like this. I mean, sure, I admit a boss-subordinate relationship has an interesting if twisted dynamic... even a top-notch suit-wearing professional sometimes can’t help but feel the urge to walk out the door when the boss walks in. Or simply wag the tail and roll over to avoid unpleasant confrontations ensuing from unrealistic expectations. But really, how long can you go on like this? Sometimes you have to pimp your worth to be taken seriously. There’s no shame in it. Remember that you can’t let a bad supervisor emasculate you simply because she has a nameplate and you don’t. More often than not, it is our inability to stand up for ourselves that actively feeds the egos of workplace tyrants. So unless your job description includes a yo-ma-bitch clause, or your boss bought you off eBay, start demanding a little respect from her. Overcome your fear of getting fired and tell her off when she’s being unfair…and no matter what you do, don’t log another hour of overtime without making sure you’re paid for it, because that’s just criminal!

&nbsp;

Q. Dear Mr Know It All,

Throughout my life as a student I have been a hard worker but I did not get the grades I wanted. Maybe my expectations were really high ... I am not exactly sure. But I feel that I may not be going about studying in the right way. Even my teachers suggest that one has different ways of grasping a subject — it can be through the kinaesthetic sense (where you learn only what you wrote in your very own writing), the visual sense (photographic memory) and the auditory sense. The only problem is I don’t exactly know what my way is. Please help!

Concerned student

&nbsp;

A. If you hate your grades so much, here’s a little exercise for you: Stop wasting your time on your usual method of study and try everything else you just listed here. Trial and error, baby — that’s the name of the game!

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, December 4th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>10 things I hate about my mother-in-law</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/296344/10-things-i-hate-about-my-mother-in-law</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/296344/10-things-i-hate-about-my-mother-in-law#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 Nov 11 07:33:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[jehanara.dar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category><category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[When will she learn to mind her own business and quit telling me to “stop family planning”?]]>
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				<![CDATA[1.    Her “I-am-so-young” complex. I hate how she blatantly lies about her age. She should be more careful with her math when she proudly claims to be 43 years old, with a 26-year-old son.

2.   The contradictions in her personality. She constantly claims that she is ‘modest’ and ‘humble’, but still goes to weddings sporting enough bling to put Missy Elliot to shame.

3.    Delusions of being the best mother-in-law in the world. She endlessly recounts anecdotes of satanic mothers-in-law just so that I am utterly grateful that mine has not drenched me in kerosene and burnt me alive or spiked my milk with rat poison.

4.    Unsolicited advice. When will she learn to mind her own business and quit telling me to “stop family planning”? How long do I have to wait for the day when mummy jaan does not (un)enlighten me with ways to keep her son happy?

5.    Faking respect. Gone are the days when I could imperiously patronise my mother for mispronouncing words or wearing an atrocious dress. With my new “mom”, I am supposed to be on my best behaviour — that includes biting my tongue every time she epitomises a sartorial catastrophe or invites me to eat “lowbuster”.

6.   Boot camp on Eid. What pleasure does she draw from forcing me to wake up at 7 am, dress up in gaudy wedding wear and entertain dozens of nosy relatives the whole long day? Thanks to her, Eid is now a hellish experience.

7.   The tendency to exaggerate. She’ll brag about “exercising for hours” every day when all she actually does is tittle-tattle with gossipy middle-aged aunties at the gym, while walking in slow motion on the treadmill. No wonder mummy jaan stays flabby despite her “physically rigorous routine”.

8.   The constant comparisons with her own daughter. Every now and then, she smugly tells me how her daughter prepares seven-course meals for her in-laws and gives her sasu maa expensive gifts. While most of her not-so subtle insinuations fall on deaf ears, they do end up making me cringe with irritation.

9.    The attempts to trap me with her smooth talk. She coaxes me to take charge of the household because she believes I have “strong leadership skills”. But “taking charge” is actually a euphemism for household drudgery and my “strong leadership skills” are simply intended to cut down expenses for domestic help.

10.   Kitty parties. Being married automatically makes me a member of a universal married aunties’ club. Mummy jaan makes sure I attend every dreadful kitty party and contribute to the heated discussions on manicures and clothing.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, November 24th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Doctors promise to return to emergency wards</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/144737/doctors-promise-to-return-to-emergency-wards</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/144737/doctors-promise-to-return-to-emergency-wards#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 11 20:53:04 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Spokesperson for YDA promises good news from doctors very very soon as negotiations with Punjab government begin.]]>
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