Shikarpur tragedy: No quick fix to chronic menace of terror, says Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Citing the complex nature of the ‘war against terror’, the government’s security czar warned on Wednesday that terrorist attacks like the Shikarpur Imambargah blast or the Peshawar school rampage could occur in future too.

“This is a long, uneven and difficult war,” Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told lawmakers in the National Assembly while speaking on the Shikarpur bombing that killed 60 worshippers on January 30. He said terrorists wanted to spread fear and panic through such attacks.

“There is no quick-fix to this chronic menace of terrorism. It may take weeks, months or even years to eliminate this scourge,” he said, adding that the recent uptick in violence was a backlash of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which, he said, was launched with the approval of all parliamentary parities after the government’s peace initiative collapsed.

It is difficult to identify the enemy in this war but “we will fight till the death of the last terrorist”, he added.

At the start of Wednesday’s proceedings, the interior minister came down hard on the PPP for questioning the federal government’s ‘inaction’ over the Shikarpur tragedy, saying that it was the Sindh government’s responsibility to ensure law and order in the province.

The intelligence and security agencies work under provincial chief ministers and the federal government only shares intelligence, he added.

“The intelligence agencies share information with the provinces whenever they seek help. Neither any province is blamed for terror incidents nor any province is criticised over the law and order situation,” he added. “It is not right to play politics on security issues.”

“Accusatory finger should be pointed at terrorists rather than at each other,” Nisar said as he called for shunning blame games and forging national unity against terrorism.

He cited terrorist attacks from across the world, including the lone gunman’s siege in the United States, the militant standoff in Germany and the Charlie Hebdo attack in France to make his point. However, neither Nisar nor any of his cabinet colleagues could reply to the opposition’s question as to why he or Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did not visit Shikarpur to sympathise with the distraught families of the victims.

The minister told the lawmakers that Shikarpur had become a hub of elements fuelling sectarian hatred. “According to intelligence agencies, terrorists from Afghanistan and Fata use Shikarpur as a route for operating their networks in Quetta and Karachi,” he added. “To keep an eye on these activities from a distance is not an easy task.”

The minister said that five to nine kilogrammes of explosives was used by the ‘suicide bomber’ in Shikarpur. He said a finger of the alleged terrorist had been found and could lead to his identification. “The tailor who stitched the terrorist’s clothes is under custody,” he added.

Leader of the Opposition Khurshid Shah said they were not doing politics and would continue to extend all possible support to the government on the issue of national security. However, he added that the prime minister or any senior member of his cabinet must visit the area to sympathise with the families. The house also unanimously adopted a resolution on Kashmir Solidarity Day, demanding that India allow human rights groups to visit Kashmir.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2015.

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UAE withdrew from air strikes against IS after Jordanian pilot’s capture: US officials

WASHINGTON: The United Arab Emirates withdrew from air strike missions against the Islamic State group in Syria after the capture of a Jordanian pilot, who has since been murdered by the militants, US officials said Wednesday.

The UAE pulled out of the flights soon after the pilot fell into IS hands in December, a US official told AFP.

“I can confirm that UAE suspended air strikes shortly after the Jordanian pilot’s plane went down,” the official said.

“But let me be clear that UAE continues to be an important and valuable partner that is contributing to the coalition,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The UAE provides access to important air bases for American aircraft and provides other support for the coalition effort, the official said.

UAE’s move was first reported by the New York Times.

IS extremists had posted a grisly yet well-produced video on Tuesday showing the Jordanian airman, Maaz al-Kassasbeh, being burned alive.

Fearing for the safety of its air crews, the UAE raised concerns to Washington about its search-and-rescue resources in the region, officials said. UAE representatives proposed that American forces deploy their V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to northern Iraq to be closer to any planes that go down, instead of in Kuwait.

The UAE has indicated that the suspension of its participation in the air campaign would continue until the Osprey aircraft were moved to northern Iraq, according to the Times.

The Ospreys are considered useful for rescue missions as they can take off like helicopters but fly with the speed of a plane.

The Jordanian pilot was reportedly seized by IS militants within minutes of his jet crashing near Raqqa, Syria.

But UAE officials questioned whether US rescue teams would have been able to reach the pilot even if there had been more time, administration officials told the Times.

The UAE foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, asked Barbara Leaf, the US ambassador, why the United States had not put more resources in northern Iraq for rescuing downed pilots, a senior administration official said, according to the Times.

But a US defense official said that American pilots face the same risks as coalition pilots from the UAE or elsewhere.

“When American pilots fly over enemy territory, they know there are risks involved, but they also know they are backed by an unswerving commitment to recover them if they go down,” the defense official said.

“There is no risk coalition airmen are taking that American airmen don’t share. We do not discuss specifics on the locations of personnel recovery forces or the procedures they follow,” the official added.

As for stationing aircraft in northern Iraq instead of Kuwait, the official said: “There are considerations other than flying distance associated with where we bed down aircraft, including the personnel and logistics needed to sustain operations.”

“We continue to evaluate our basing arrangements and will make adjustments as needed.”

The UAE declined to comment.

“We cannot comment on issues discussed in private meetings,” an official source said in Abu Dhabi after the New York Times report.

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Twin cities: Police conduct search operations

ISLAMABAD: 

Islamabad Police on Wednesday held 39 suspects during a search operation in various areas of the city, said a police spokesman.

The operation was undertaken by SHOs of Golra and Tarnol police stations in various areas of Machar Colony, Darkh Mohri, Benazir Chowk, Fatheh Jang road.

The suspects are being investigated, said the spokesman.  In Rawalpindi, police launched a ‘special’ search operation in RA Bazaar and adjoining areas.

Heavy contingents of commandos, special branch personnel and Elite Force conducted the operation. According to a police spokesman, police checked 74 houses while 132 persons were interrogated.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2015.

 

BB murder case: ATC issues bailable warrants for five witnesses

RAWALPINDI: 

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday issued bailable arrest warrants for five witnesses in the Benazir Bhutto murder case after they failed to appear in court.

ATC-I judge Ismail Pervez Joya issued the warrants after the witnesses failed to appear despite being issued several summons.

The witnesses include Senior Superintendent of Police Loralai, Balochistan Ashfaq Anwar, SP (retd) Javed Khan, Bilawal House Karachi official Abdur Razzaq Mirani, Federal Investigation Agency Assistant (FIA) Director Khalid Jameel and Inspector Nisar Khan.

The judge expressed his annoyance over the witnesses’ failure to appear and ordered that they be arrested if they fail to appear in the next hearing on February 9.

SSP Anwar was in charge of Benazir Bhutto’s security and was summoned several times to record his statement, but failed to appear.

FIA Special Prosecutor Chaudhry Muhammad Azhar told the court that the witnesses have been serving in other provinces. “They are at the disposal of provinces and they cannot appear in the court in a day or two,” he said.

Former SSP Yaseen Farooq, whose arrest warrant was issued during the last hearing, appeared before the court and recorded his statement.

Dr Muhammad Ashraf of the Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi also recorded his statement.

Defence lawyers did not take the opportunity to cross examine him.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2015.

FA Cup: Van Gaal dreams of Wembley triumph after 1-0 win

MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal reiterated his determination to win a trophy in his debut season after his side beat Cambridge United in the FA Cup fourth round.

United prevailed 3-0 in Tuesday’s replay against fourth-tier Cambridge at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo and James Wilson, setting up a fifth-round trip to third-tier Preston North End.

With rivals such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur having exited the competition at this stage, United are now favourites to end an 11-year wait to lift the world’s most famous domestic cup competition.

But Van Gaal admits the visit to Deepdale in two weeks will be testing, especially after Preston’s impressive 3-1 replay victory away at cup specialists Sheffield United.

“Every club in the FA Cup wants to win; we also,” said Van Gaal. “We have to beat Preston and that will not be easy. They won away against a cup fighter like Sheffield United, so it will be difficult for us to win in Preston North End.

“I heard from [assistant manager] Giggs that Sheffield United are very good cup fighters and Preston beat them 3-1. So Preston is not a piece of cake.”

Reflecting on his side’s performance against a team who is currently 79 places below United in the English league system, the Dutchman added, “I don’t think we played a very good match. But it is always difficult against a defensive team. We could have done better, but I am pleased with the result.”

Cambridge might have taken a sensational lead, with forward Tom Elliott missing a glorious one-on-one opening by hitting a post inside the first minute before Mata and Rojo gave United a two-goal half-time advantage.

Although he failed to get his name on the scoresheet, Belgian international Marouane Fellaini impressed in a role as a striker alongside Robin van Persie, playing a part in the two first-half goals.

“Now with Fellaini, we have always also an attacking player through the air,” said Van Gaal.

“We could also score through the air, not only along the floor, and that was our game plan and he has confirmed it again.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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Afghanistan’s disabled team to visit Pakistan

KARACHI: Afghanistan’s disabled cricket team will tour Pakistan from February 21-28, announced Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA) secretary Amiruddin Ansari yesterday.

According to Ansari, this will be the first international series between Afghanistan and Pakistan’s physically disabled players. Earlier, Pakistan and England created history by playing the first ever series between any disabled teams back in 2012, with the matches held at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

“ECB Disability Cricket Manager Ian Martin has done a lot of work on disabled cricket by trying to gather teams from Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh and India,” said Ansari.

Pakistan will play two 40-over one-day matches and three T20s at Karachi’s National Stadium.

The official added that they were hopeful that the series will be a landmark one and will be well received in the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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Undermining the SBP’s independence

Recently, the finance minister of Pakistan announced the monetary policy for the following two months, and declared a 100-basis point reduction in the discount rate, even before the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had made its official statement regarding this. Not only does this statement hamper the already shaky credibility of the SBP, but also raises questions about its institutional transparency and independence, its true economic mandate and the objectives and targets of the monetary policy.

It is interesting to note that monetary policy autonomy is mandated to the SBP by three amendment ordinances, including the State Bank of Pakistan Act, 1956, Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962, and Banks Nationalisation Act, 1974. These ordinances granted full and exclusive authority to the SBP to regulate the banking sector, to conduct an independent monetary policy and to set limits on government borrowings from the SBP. Lack of credibility, transparency and the inability to bind government borrowing has eroded the SBP’s institutional credibility, affecting current economic activity and a failure to achieve any medium- or long-term macroeconomic objectives. The current finance ministry has undermined the SBP’s autonomy by undoing the independent monetary policy committee set up in 2010. It has also removed the limit on government borrowing introduced in that period.

The hallmark of an effective monetary policy in terms of achieving economic objectives as described above rests on transparency, i.e., what the central bank does; and credibility, which may be understood as how the central bank operates. The finance minister, announcing the monetary policy, places a question mark on both these pillars, and raises more serious questions related to the SBP’s current operations since monetary policy credibility affects inflation expectation, and establishing a history of living up to its word is prized by any central bank. Credibility is built the old-fashioned way, by building a track record for honesty and achieving legally-mandated objectives. Would firms and stakeholders believe an SBP whose credibility was doubtful? Uncertainty about future rates would drive firms away from investing in long-term projects. Future monetary policy actions would be distrusted by stakeholders if credibility was low, rendering monetary policy ineffective, causing losses in both foreign and local investment. Transparency is even less complicated.

If the SBP is mandated to achieve low inflation — legally or through its own institutional objectives — the issue of the minister knowing what the central bank is going to announce also raises questions about institutional transparency and independence. Monetary policy is increasingly characterised by trade-offs between achieving full employment or low inflation. In the case of a conflict between the two supposedly independent institutes, i.e., the finance ministry and the SBP, the ministry has chosen to ensure unrestrained financing for the budget deficit. This has undermined the central bank’s inflation-fighting objective, and consequently, affected its credibility.

Globally, there are various examples of effective monetary policy implementation. In the US, the Federal Reserve is mandated under the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 with the responsibility of setting the monetary policy. The US Treasury, which works as the finance ministry of the country, has no direct control over its open market committee, either in influencing the interest rate, or in other policy deliberations in normal circumstances. It took the Federal Reserve a few decades after the Great Inflation of the 1970s — especially during the Volcker period, where interest rates reached unprecedented highs of 17 to 19 per cent — to win back its lost credibility, and it has since switched to a more transparent monetary policy by announcing explicitly its monetary policy objectives in 2012. Closer to home, the appointment of Raghuram Rajan as chairman of the Reserve Bank of India in 2012 has signified the Indian government’s preference in stabilising inflation, signalling the demise of the old system of appointment of subservient central bankers, usually senior bureaucrats. At this crucial juncture, it would be prudent for our government to learn from our neighbour and allow the SBP to evolve into a de facto independent institution, rather than just a de jure independent institution. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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Maintaining the status quo

Let’s be honest, we aren’t honest people. We say one thing, do another. Preach, but not practise. For example, we just need to go back to the 2013 election campaigns. Amongst several other things, the PTI had promised to hold local government polls within the first 90 days of coming into power. Not surprisingly, this has not happened in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa — or in Sindh and Punjab. Surprisingly, however, elections have been held in Balochistan and local bodies will soon be established there. The irony is that the other three provinces now need to play catch up to Balochistan.

Similar to the PTI’s failed promise, the PML-N had promised, among other things, to conduct a country-wide population census within the first month of its tenure. We are well into the twentieth month, and the census has only just entered the conversation. The two — local governments and a population census — are inextricably linked. They are connected because the major political parties risk losing much of their support base if local bodies are installed and a census is conducted. Let me explain.

A census should have been held in 2008, but the previous PPP-led government failed to act in this regard, and now it is seven years overdue. Hence, the last available data we have for our population is 17 years old, from 1998. The consequence of this is that all the demographic changes taking place due to migration and the war on terror remain undocumented, and social and economic indicators remain imprecise. (No one will be able to tell you accurately about the demographic and ethnic make-up of Karachi, for instance.)

A new census will mean the redrawing of constituency boundaries. With rapid urbanisation, this will imply that the number of seats (both in the provincial and national assemblies) in cities will rise, while the number of seats in rural areas will fall. The PPP does not want this for obvious reasons; a majority of their support increasingly lies in rural areas. The PML-N does not want this because it will mean giving the PTI a chance of capturing its seats in Punjab. It does not know how things will play out in these new constituencies. Thus, it is happy with the status quo, which allows it to maintain control of Punjab. Also, provinces generally don’t want this because their resource allocation from the federal divisible pool will change, depending on the new population figures. Hence, the reluctance and delay in collecting the necessary data.

Having said that, it must be noted that the government recently announced that a census will be conducted, pending approval from the Council of Common Interests. Interestingly, the previous census was also conducted by the PML-N, as it ceded civilian space to the military. Read what you want into that.

As far as local governments are concerned, numerous scholars and researchers have pointed out the need for, and the benefits of, decentralisation. Thus, those need not be discussed here. The last time local government elections were held was in 2005, back when Pakistan was being ruled by a military dictator. Almost 10 years have passed, and we have had two national elections in between. Furthermore, four years have gone by since the historic Eighteenth Amendment was passed, which requires the provinces to decentralise power to the local level. However, politics at the provincial level has led to a situation in which three out of four provinces have not held local body polls. Sindh and Punjab, in particular, have delayed the process considerably and are still quite some way away from holding these elections, despite the directives of the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan to speed up the process.

There are several reasons for why provinces have been dilly-dallying on this issue. First, having local governments will allow a new set of politicians to enter the picture, especially as there are lower barriers of entry in this system. They could then potentially move up the ranks over time to challenge the existing political elite. Let’s face it. None of the major political parties want that as they are perfectly happy with the status quo. The second factor relates to the organisational structure of the national parties. None of them have an organised set-up at the local level. Instead, the parties are structured top-down, where district level leaders play an important role. Thus, the PML-N in Punjab does not want to go to the local level, where it is not organised, and more importantly, where it can be potentially challenged by the PTI. Likewise in Sindh, the PPP stands to lose control of Karachi to the MQM, which has much more popular support on the ground.

Currently, the centralised, bureaucratic set-up favours both the PPP and the PML-N because of their substantial majorities in the provincial assemblies. In Sindh, for example, the PPP has the control to use the revenue generated from Karachi elsewhere in the province. With local bodies, it could lose some of this control of resources to the MQM. Thus, even when local governments are established, they will have been deliberately legislated such that the PML-N and PPP will not stand to lose much power. For example, according to the laws in Punjab, non-party based polls will be held. Furthermore, the new local bodies are designed in such a way so as to not give them any substantial fiscal or administrative powers — factors that the literature on the subject states are necessary for effective governance. Importantly, all four provinces have laws that mean the local governments will be subordinate to the provincial government, with the chief minister having the power to dismiss them. Thus, no province will fully devolve power to the local level, meaning the effectiveness of local bodies is drastically curtailed.

Conducted properly, both a census and local bodies elections, will lead to improved governance and greater political participation. Broadly, however, these would not be in the interest of the political parties, in particular the PPP and the PML-N, which prefer to maintain the status quo. Nevertheless, even if decentralisation is implemented half-heartedly, it would improve things as they currently stand and put us on the path forward.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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Not through Manto’s eyes

The question of whether Pakistan was born as an Islamic state and is destined to radicalise has intrigued many. Renowned historian Ayesha Jalal recently added to the debate in her book The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics. She argues that Pakistan was not created as a religious state nor will it get radicalised. This is because Jinnah meant it to operate like a secular state where everyone could pursue his or her respective faiths. Subsequently, leaders used religion mainly for political gains and geo-political pragmatism to suit American strategic interests, and because of the rivalry with India. Therefore, she concludes that there is enough resilience in society to not allow the country to drift towards extremism. “There are many Pakistanis who object to the state’s projection of an imported Saudi variant of Islam … this is simply evident in the musical, artistic, literary and dramatic productions coming out of Pakistan.”

But the world of Coke Studio and the artists, writers and painters, Jalal points out, is very different from the space in which ordinary folk live. The discourse of this other world is quite different. The suicide bomber who blew 61 Shias to death in Shikarpur, Sindh, belonged in the latter space. Abida Parveen, Allan Fakir, Sheikh Ayaz and many luminaries also come from Sindh. This fact does not negate the other reality of gradual radicalisation of Sindhi society in the past couple of decades or more. There has been an emergence of a network of madrassas in Sindh funded from the Gulf or people influenced by retrogressive thinking, which they believe is religion. In fact, businessmen from Karachi finance madrassas in sectarian hotbeds in south Punjab. The slogans scribbled on the carcass of burnt Nato tankers outside Shikarpur announce victory of both the Islamic system and the PTI in Pakistan. The jihadi graffiti on walls all over Sindh is another reminder of the change. People still go to Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine but this does not stop the emergence of radicalism in society.

The absence of a counter-narrative to feudalism, emergence of a new rural and urban middle class that desires power, and a myopic ‘pragmatism’ of Sindhi politicians has contributed tremendously to such change. Not to forget the state’s strategic objectives. The Sindh chief minister’s hometown has madrassas that market a rabid ideology and have been the source of violence in the past. Notwithstanding Bilawal Bhutto’s challenge to the Taliban or a few gestures here and there, the PPP government has watched over the change. The friends and supporters of militants lie in its ranks as they do in other parties in the province.

The emergent violence and growing radicalism cannot be brushed aside simply as being driven by personal greed and resultant extortion, which is how fiction writer Saadat Hasan Manto described the 1947 carnage. For him, religion was not the source of Partition violence. However, the massacre in Shikarpur was driven by a skewed religious perception, as is the bloodshed of Hazaras, Ahmadis and even Sunnis. Such transformation of society was inevitable from the time we silently endorsed the killings of people in 1971 in the then-East Pakistan. Ordinary Bengalis were seen as conduits of Indian conspiracy and hence the need for violence. Ever since then, school textbooks blame the dominance of Hindu teachers as the cause of Pakistan’s partition.

Can we admit that the problem is not simply one of re-imagining Pakistan, but a more fundamental one of the dominant narrative being that of a clash of civilisations? Since a country’s literature maps socio-political ethos of its people, do we realise that it is not Manto but Naseem Hijazi who played a greater role in shaping people’s imagination? Literary critic Ajmal Kamal has often written about the difference between “internationalised” literature festivals in Pakistan and those that ordinary folks go to. The two worlds are worlds apart. While the former struggles to appear hip and politically correct, the latter is comfortable with its political incorrectness. Most importantly, the two market different types of literature and cater to different audiences.

This is not something new. The world of literature was always divided between writers which the literary community thought ‘should be taken seriously’ and writers rated as ‘B-class’ ones. It is the latter that shaped public imagination and were in greater circulation. Hijazi fictionalised history that went on to shape people’s minds. The theory of the ‘clash of civilisations’ did not start with Samuel Huntington, but with Hijazi who, in novel after novel, talks about militant and powerful Muslim warriors fighting against Jews, Christians and Hindus. Other writers from this genre, like Tariq Ismail Saghar, glamourised battles against foreign threats, essentially modern inter-religious conflicts played out in the form of Pakistan versus the CIA and RAW. Ashfaq Ahmed, who was initially not in this category, joined with his post-Zia reincarnation to market subservience to authoritarianism in the name of Sufism. Similarly, Bushra Rehman, who is for women what Hijazi is for men, laid out the characteristics of an ideal Muslim woman. And while Manto was ignored and abused by the state, his contemporary Hijazi told tales of mujahids. His novel Dastan-e-Mujahid (Mujahid’s Tale), for instance, makes jihad and martyrdom look normal, something that every Muslim household must desire. In any case, parents and teachers object to the youth reading Manto, a problem they don’t have with Hijazi, whose novels are found in the libraries of every school and college. For this category of readers, the Faiz and Manto brand does not matter. This crowd will not ban what they don’t agree with but they are mindful of the barriers that separate the world of friends from foes.

The imaginary world of Hijazi and the like is constantly uncomfortable and in conflict with everyone considered as part of the ‘other’. Thus, the intellectual ground is furrowed for mullahs and militants to sow their seeds in. Violence is part of the harvest. The rest goes in constructing religious nationalism.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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There’s a certain determination needed throughout awards season – the kind that requires A-listers to bring their A game whenever they step out of the house. So, it’s no surprise that Emma Stone and Felicity Jones got dressed up to the nines for a lunch time event on Monday, the 87th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon, which was held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Other than their head-turning star power, their embellished ensembles made a starry statement on the red carpet. Here’s a breakdown of their looks. Take your pick.

Emma stone

Hair and make-up

With copper hair, styled in loose waves, and green eyes punched up with dramatic black eyeliner and lengthening mascara, the Birdman star was spot-on radiating a sensual yet feminine vibe. Wearing a bold fuchsia lipstick and with shimmering peachy cheeks, Emma was a sight for sore eyes.

Outfit

The Oscar-nominee proved her fashionista status in a shiny sequined striped top and polka-dot skirt. Looking comfy in a Michael Kors ensemble featuring a myriad of patterns, Emma worked the lax outfit effortlessly. The embellishments on the striped top added a fun element to the full-sleeved outfit.

Accessories

To make the appearance all the more alluring, the star opted for black suede sky-high Jimmy Choo heels. Wearing minimal accessories, she let her shimmery sequined ensemble do the talking.

Felicity Jones

 Hair and make-up

The Theory of Everything star kept her look simple and sophisticated by sporting her dark mane relaxed and tousled. With a bare face and a burnt orange lip, Felicity rocked a grey smokey eye smeared with mauve eyeshadow.

Outfit

The British actor stayed true to her classy sartorial reputation with a unique ensemble. Donning a Pre-Fall 2015 Christian Dior dress, the star stood out. Eccentric and fun, the green leather mini-dress featured an immaculately embellished turtle neck and long, sequinned sleeves, diverging from the usual floor-grazing gowns that don’t always feel age-appropriate.

Accessories

Also going completely accessory-free, the brunette beauty polished off her look with a jet-black mani and her million-dollar smile. The star stood tall in a pair of bottle-green Manolo Blahnik stilettos, which matched the tone of her olive dress. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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Kerry reveals ‘Scandal’ collection

Followers of television series Scandal love it for its political plot and suspense, but fashion retailer The Limited is cashing in on the bang-on-trend apparel sported by lead character Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington. To give fans a taste of the power suits, outwear and separates featured on the show, the clothing brand’s head of design Elliot Staples has teamed up with Kerry and Scandal costume designer Lyn Paolo to roll out a collection of clean cuts and silhouettes, reported Huffington Post.

“What’s most exciting about the spring collection is that we were inspired by the fans’ reactions to the line,” Kerry said in an interview. “Lyn, Elliot and I were constantly discussing the responses we saw on social media about what people loved and were gravitating towards. That direct fan-and-consumer response really informed the new pieces of the spring collection.”

The collection will also include a variety of new looks, thanks to Scandal-enthusiasts, who also expressed interest in the rest of the cast’s attire.  “We’re introducing three fantastic looks inspired by the other women on the show,” Kerry explained. “Mellie, Abby and Quinn each have a signature style and it’s fun to offer the fans something that reflects those characters as well.”

Commenting on her level of involvement in the designs, Kerry stated, “It has been really fun to have a voice at every stage of the production, from picking buttons to choosing fabrics to weighing-in on hair and make-up people.” She shared that the collection is versatile, “Being an actor who has worn fashion and being somebody who is a fixture on red carpets, I have been able to pull from every level of my experience, including working with magazines. The collection is a range of all those looks,” she said, reported Elle magazine.

The Limited Scandal collection will launch at 250 Limited stores and on the company’s website in September. The price of the 42-piece line ranges from $ 49 to $ 248, and includes mix-and-match tops, pants, jackets and outerwear in the neutral, feminine colours that have become an Olivia Pope signature. The star, who, until now, has been costumed in designer wear such as Armani, Donna Karan and Gucci, will also don pieces from the new collection on the show.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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Arab culture in the spotlight

In the wake of the deadly attacks on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, the Arab World Institute in Paris faces the daunting challenge of addressing longstanding prejudices, reported Al-Arabiya News. The institute, whose mission is to create awareness about the Arab region and its culture, has tried to bring several Arab personalities together in order to reduce the backlash of the attack.

“After the attack, the role of the Arab World Institute became even more important as it has a mission to prevent” common misperceptions about Muslims, said Jack Lang, former minister of culture and president of the Arab World Institute. “We have to help people broaden their horizons and push them to stop being prejudiced about this part of the world, mainly through Arab classes, representations, exhibitions and artistic shows,” he added.

In January, France witnessed one of its deadliest attacks, where two gunmen stormed the office of the publication, killing 12 people. Lang, who had been appointed as president of the institute two years ago, noted that a recent visit by French president Francois Hollande had helped project the institute’s “respect of all religions.”

Hollande was attending the opening of the Arab World Institute’s international forum titled ‘Renewal of the Arab World’. “During his visit, Hollande highlighted the importance of respect between all cultures and religions, especially the Muslim religion, which is also what we promote,” Lang said. He added, “Through the event, we wanted to shed light on the positive changes that are happening in several Arab countries and give a lively and real view of the Arab world.”

The forum served as a platform for personalities from 21 Arab countries to meet and greet. They discussed six key topics, including entrepreneurship, education, the voice of women and culture. Lang mentioned that the institute, which was founded by France and members of the League of Arab States in 1980, will remain a non-political institute.

Besides politics, some countries have been left out of the institute, with a few war-ridden countries facing difficulty cooperating with the organisation. “Unfortunately, since the beginning of the war, Syria has not been well-represented at the institute,” Lang commented, adding, “Syria is a country of great culture.” Other countries, such as Morocco and Egypt hold an important place at the Arab World Institute. In fact, a recent Moroccan exhibition titled ‘The contemporary Morocco’ saw the highest number of visitors ever registered at the institute.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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Depicting Manto’s pen and peeves

ISLAMABAD: 

Whether or not they agree with his ideas, anyone with a passing fancy for Urdu literature recognises Saadat Hassan Manto. Some critics argue that he was ahead of his time or, maybe, society itself was far behind. Infamous for his bold stance against the status quo, the 20th-century storyteller and short-story writer has garnered fame posthumously. In a tribute to his literary genius, a play titled Manto Se Miliye was staged at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts Tuesday evening.

Scripted by Dr Shaista Nuzhat, the play offered a series of flashbacks, which lent insight into the life of the multi-faceted Manto. It depicted his love for his family and penchant for writing, which was also his sole means of sustenance, and the meagre resources that forced him to indulge in heavy smoking and drinking, which proved to be detrimental to his health.

Actor-director Afzaal Nabi, the lead character in the play, effortlessly transformed into the role by not only donning Manto’s signature white kurta pyjama, but also by recreating the writer’s lanky posture and animated persona. He is shown seated with his legs folded with a cigarette perched on his lip, squinting in concentration, with his hair falling between his eyes, as he scribbles away on a notepad with a kaafi playing in the background. The play showcased the poster image of Manto that most people identity with in popular literary culture.

The play showcased the poster image of Manto that most people identity with in popular literary culture. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY

But, of course, there was a lot more to the writer who refused to be bogged down by irony and social ills. In an interview ahead of his performance, Nabi said, “Manto was a great writer, whose stature could not be given befitting recognition. He lived and died in circumstances indeed not enviable for many.” Speaking about the challenges in performing Manto’s character, he said that Manto was a difficult person; he was egotistical and avoided helping anyone. He added that since he had never met Manto, his research involved reading up on him, referencing old photographs and seeking advice from author Mustansar Hussain Tarar, who was Manto’s neighbour at one time.

The small-framed Dr Zoya Qazi rendered Manto’s wife Safiya’s character, emulating a woman who was repelled by her husband’s compulsive drinking habit and unabashed creative expression, which often landed him in trouble. Her subtle nit-picking characterised the marriage trivia alongside bringing up three daughters in a modest household.

Qazi, who has been associated with film and theatre for some time, expressed that the play aimed at making the public learn something and bringing about some positive change in society. “I feel many people have deviated from theatre altogether and they remain oblivious to personalities, such as Manto, Baba Bulleh Shah and Hazrat Shah Hussain.” She stated, “It’s important to highlight these people, so that our coming generation knows about them and their contribution to society and humanity at large.”

The play showcased the poster image of Manto that most people identity with in popular literary culture. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY

Chronicling the smooth decline of a freethinker, the play had a melancholic undertone of standing for one’s ideals in the face of adversity and heavy criticism. Its deliberately slow pace symbolised the misery of a life of turmoil. Nuzhat sent a powerful message across as she restated a line from the play, that people should only critique Manto after they have read and tried to comprehend his writings as opposed to blindly dismissing him and his stories.

“Manto remains inimitable. He wrote how he saw things and was always unapologetic about that. I find this quality admirable. He held up a mirror to society, which, unfortunately, many could not digest,” commented Asma Khan, an academic and guest at the play. She added that the play was a commendable effort towards taking Manto’s legacy forward and inspiring tolerance among people.

The play was organised in collaboration with Mass Foundation, which has been working to promote theatre and raise awareness about poignant and socially-relevant themes for about a decade now. The production team has also performed the play in Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th,  2015.

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Usman Mubeen appointed as new NADRA chairman

ISLAMABAD: Over a year after National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) chief had resigned, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday appointed Usman Yousaf Mubeen as the new chairman of the authority, Radio Pakistan reported.

According to an interior ministry spokesperson, the appointment was made following recommendations by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar. The appointment was made under the Nadra Ordinance.

Before the appointment, Mubeen has been working as Nadra’s chief technology officer.

Last year, then chairman Tariq Malik had resigned citing personal reasons.

Malik’s resignation came after a period of controversy and conflict with the government. He had been sacked by the government in December 2013, but the Nadra chairman sought intervention from the Islamabad High Court which restored him.

Quality should trump big names: Shamlan

KARACHI: Pakistan coach Mohamed Shamlan believes that for the national team, selecting players based on their individual skills rather than the performance of their departments and clubs as a whole is imperative.

Shamlan has been preparing a squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers –beginning in March this year – and the AFC Cup qualifiers.

The Bahraini had earlier been criticised for picking players from Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) Division B league this year for the national squad.

However, he believes that quality should trump everything.

“I picked around 10 players for the national camp from the Division B league,” Shamlan told The Express Tribune. “I chose them because I saw quality in their game.

“For me, the departments they are representing don’t matter. I don’t care which club they are playing for.”

Pakistan to face Afghanistan in friendly

The coach will also field his team against Afghanistan on February 6 in a friendly match organised by the PFF in Lahore to provide exposure to the national side.

“The main objective of our training is the qualifiers and the AFC Cup and a friendly match will be good practice,” he said.

International players including Saddam Hussain, Hassan Bashir, Sami Malik and Otis Khan will join the team for the friendly match, while Zesh Rehman, Kaleemullah and Muhammad Adil will miss the February 6 fixture.

Shamlan is confident that Pakistan can at least reach the second round in the World Cup qualifiers and the AFC Cup.

“I have realistic expectations, but we need to improve. Our match against Afghanistan will be a basic test for the important events coming up.”

Afghanistan have sent their B squad for the friendly, but that does not deter Shamlan from expecting a competitive match. “Every match is played to win. It doesn’t matter if it’s a B team or A.

“Afghanistan are the South Asian Football Federation Champions and have a good side, but I believe that we aren’t too far behind. We can give them a tough time.”

Pakistan last played Afghanistan in August. Afghanistan are ranked 144th in the world and Pakistan are on the 188th place.

 

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Shelling kills 4 at Ukraine hospital

Shelling in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday killed four people, as civilian infrastructure such as a hospital and schools were damaged by the fighting, local officials said.

What’s keeping people from getting protection they need?

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Secret stash: 80 Monopoly French sets will be played with real money

Eighty lucky fans of Monopoly can bank on the board game on making some real cash.

Celebrating the 80^th anniversary of Monopoly, Game maker Hasbro has announced its decision to slip in real money in 80 Monopoly game boxes.

In the special sets, being distributed in France, five to 10 euro notes will be added in 69 sets, while five sets will have 20 euro notes and another 10 sets will have five 20 euro and a 100 euro bill.

The remaining lucky set is the one which will include a total of $ 23,650 or 20,580 euros.

The most expensive Monopoly set is a $ 2 million board made of gold along with diamond studded dice.

A Monopoly standard set consists of 28 properties, 12 hotels, 40 spaces and 32 houses.  A record was made in 2008 where the game was played by 3,000 people at the very same time.

PML-N not even competent enough to rig polls properly: Imran

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan took a dig at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Wednesday, saying that the prime minister’s party is “so incompetent, they couldn’t even rig the elections properly.”

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Imran said he used to think Pakistan Peoples Party was the most incompetent, but the PML-N has proved him wrong.

The PTI chairman said that a report of the audit in NA-122 has been prepared, which is enough to remove Ayaz Sadiq as speaker of the National Assembly.

“I am certain Ayaz Sadiq cannot remain as the NA speaker anymore,” said Imran.

Regarding the Election Tribunal’s report in NA-118, the PTI chief said that out of 170,000 votes, 119,000 votes are bogus, and that it was better to just not organise elections, which were such largely rigged.

“…we staged our sit-in for 126 days because of this rigging…,” said Imran.

McIlroy reaches out of court settlement

Rory McIlroy can focus on his driving and putting after settling a protracted legal dispute with his former management company.

New Sri Lanka president to visit India: Modi

Sri Lanka’s new President Maithripala Sirisena is to visit New Delhi later this month on what is expected to be his first foreign trip since winning power, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday.

“I look forward to welcoming President Sirisena later this month,” Modi said on his Twitter account in a goodwill message to Sri Lanka as the former British colony celebrated Independence Day.

“The bonds of history, culture & shared values that we share are unbreakable,” Modi added.

On their Independence Day, my greetings to people of Sri Lanka.The bonds of history, culture & shared values that we share are unbreakable.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 4, 2015

There was no immediate confirmation of the dates from Indian officials but Sri Lankan sources said Sirisena was set to travel to New Delhi on February 16 for a two-day visit which would also include a pilgrimage to a religious site.

Sirisena has previously said India would be his first port of call as president.

Ties between India and its southern neighbour Sri Lanka were often tense during the decade-long rule of Sirisena’s predecessor Mahinda Rajapakse, who infuriated New Delhi by openly courting China.

Modi’s predecessor Manmohan Singh pointedly boycotted a 2013 Commonwealth summit that was hosted by Rajapakse.

Sirisena’s victory over Rajapakse in last month’s presidential election has been seen as a chance for the two countries to reboot ties as Modi seeks to reassert India’s dominance in its own backyard.

Sri Lanka’s new Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera travelled to New Delhi in his first week in office, saying that his visit “reflects our priorities”.

Action comes after ISIS burned alive Jordanian pilot

Jordan swiftly responded to the brutal killing of one of its fighter pilots by ISIS, announcing the executions of two jihadist prisoners early Wednesday.

Bringing rhinos back to Uganda, one calf at a time

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Report on Sydney cafe siege gunman due this month

SYDNEY: The Iranian-born gunman who took 17 people hostage in a Sydney cafe had “taken advantage of our system”, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Wednesday, saying he had received an official report into the tragedy.

The report investigates how 50-year-old Man Haron Monis, who had a history of violence and extremism, was able to take staff and customers at the Lindt chocolate cafe in Martin Place hostage in December.

Monis, a self-styled Islamic cleric, was on bail for various charges at the time of the siege in which he and two hostages died, including sexual offences and abetting the murder of his ex-wife.

“Plainly the Martin Place murderer took advantage of our system — that’s what this report is designed to expose to us, and we will take the strongest possible action to ensure that this can’t happen again,” Abbott said.

“And I’m determined to learn those lessons and assimilate them into policy because the first priority of government… is to keep our country safe and plainly our country wasn’t safe on that dreadful day in Martin Place just before Christmas.”

A coronial inquest is looking at what occurred inside the cafe, including how two hostages died — cafe manager Tori Johnson and barrister and mother-of-three Katrina Dawson.

The government report investigates Monis’s background, and is expected to detail how he was given refugee status and welfare benefits.

Abbott said he expected to release the report, along with the government’s response to it, by the end of the month.

The coronial inquiry which opened last week heard that Monis shot Johnson, 34, in the back of the head moments after several hostages had escaped in the early hours of December 16.

The killing led to the order for police to storm the cafe and Dawson, 38, was struck by six fragments of a police bullet or bullets which ricocheted from hard surfaces into her body, it heard.

Work is underway to reopen the Lindt cafe, which has been boarded up since the incident, with reports saying it will have a permanent tribute to the victims. A decision on when the cafe will reopen is expected next week.

“There will be a tribute, a plaque or something,” an unnamed Lindt employee told Australian Associated Press.

Want to dine with the Lannisters?

HBO is providing Game of Thrones fans with an opportunity to get as close as possible to reliving life on the hit TV series, The Independent reported.

Londoners – to be specific – will be able to attend an epic three-day feast at a Game of Thrones pop-up restaurant, which will be set up as a covert meeting of the Small Council in King’s Landing.

A menu for the ‘one-of-a-kind banquet’ will be prepared by the Wandering Chef, and will feature courses such as The Lies of Tyrion Lannister and his Proclaimed Innocence, Horseradish and Oldtown Mustard, and Poached Veal Tongue with Beetroot.

The chance to dine in a lavish manner at a restaurant designed to make you feel as though you’re in Westeros will begin on Friday, February 13.

Further, not only will one get to feast on a meal that is fit for a king, fans will also be able to enter for a chance to win a seat on the table.