Pak News Wire

Lashings, beheadings: Saudi’s justice system

Lashings, beheadings: Saudi’s justice system

Prison for female driving, death for dissent, lashes for liberalism -- the spotlight is again on Saudi Arabia's justice system.

Saudi activist’s flogging ‘delayed’

Saudi activist’s flogging ‘delayed’

Saudi Arabian rights activist Raif Badawi will not be flogged Friday for medical reasons, his wife said.

Can we find cures for 7,000 diseases?

Can we find cures for 7,000 diseases?

What policies would help get more cures and treatments to patients?

Insulting religious beliefs: Free speech has limits, says Pak envoy to UN

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823623/insulting-religious-beliefs-free-speech-has-limits-says-pak-envoy-to-un/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823623-zamirakramafp-1421558557-415-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			<div>KARACHI:  Pakistan upbraided western media outlets for defending the right to reprint blasphemous cartoons, reminding them that freedom of expression does not provide a licence to insult the religious beliefs of others. </div> Ambassador Zamir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the European office of the United Nations in Geneva, was speaking in his capacity as the coordinator of the OIC on human rights issues during a meeting with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, at the UN’s Geneva office. He made these remarks in response to the recent Western media assault on Islam and the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Ambassador Akram stressed that the right of free speech under the UN Conventions was subject to limitations, specifically to prevent any incitement to violence – which had clearly happened in the case of the provocative publications of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo. Ambassador Akram also said that certain Western countries pursued double standards since their own laws criminalised any anti-Semitism or anti-Jewish statements or denial of the holocaust on the grounds that this constituted “hate speech”. But expression of lslamophobia and insults to Islam and Muslims was being defended as expression of “free speech”. Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015.

Insulting religious beliefs: Free speech has limits, says Pak envoy to UN

KARACHI: Pakistan upbraided western media outlets for defending the right to reprint blasphemous cartoons, reminding ...

Infectious waste: Plan to tighten noose around erring hospitals

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823581/infectious-waste-plan-to-tighten-noose-around-erring-hospitals/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823581-Medicalcentresillustrationjamalkhurshid-1421557040-402-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			ISLAMABAD: A plan is on the cards to take action against hospitals which dispose off infectious medical waste improperly. The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has written letters to hospital administrations in Islamabad to appear for personal hearing to apprise the environmental body of measures they have put in place for disposing of their waste, an official said. “In the first phase, we have called hospitals for personal hearing in the EPA and if they fail to come with concrete and satisfactory answers, legal suits will be filed against them in the Environment Protection Tribunal,” EPA Director Laboratories Ziauddin Khattak told The Express Tribune.  He said most hospitals, clinics and labs in the federal capital are playing with the lives of people by disposing of their medical waste improperly, which is causing spread of fatal infectious diseases such as hepatitis. Khattak added that children and elderly people are prone to these infectious diseases because of their weak immunity systems. “The Pak-EPA monitoring team visited almost 28 public and private hospitals and clinics in the federal capital and except for two, all of them have zero facilities for disposing of their infectious and non-infectious waste,” Khattak said. He said that some hospitals were even found throwing their hazardous waste into municipal garbage, particularly in the Bhara Kahu area. The official said that civic bodies should also establish integrated infectious waste incinerators in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to overcome the issue. The hospital waste, if not handled properly, not only poses a serious threat to human health but also to the environment, he said. There is a serious inadequacy in handling industrial and medical waste in the country but the improper disposal of medical waste in Islamabad is increasingly becoming a potential public health risk and an environmental burden. Data on waste generation by hospitals in the city is also inadequate or missing, making it difficult to put in place an efficient solid waste system. “The EPA is struggling against inadequacy in hazardous waste management and consistently asks hospitals to take every possible measure to rectify the situation,” Khattak claimed. Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015.

Infectious waste: Plan to tighten noose around erring hospitals

ISLAMABAD: A plan is on the cards to take action against hospitals which dispose off infectious medical waste imprope...

Who’s killing Muslims?

Who’s killing Muslims?

Why the apathy over Boko Haram?

Why the apathy over Boko Haram?

In matters regarding Nigeria, the international community seems to be learning from experience. Why galvanize support for a government that ...

Mom of Kentucky teen asks he, girlfriend turn selves in

Mom of Kentucky teen asks he, girlfriend turn selves in

Moroccan man stabbed 17 times in ‘Islamophobic’ attack in France

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823648/moroccan-man-stabbed-17-times-in-islamophobic-attack-in-france/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823648-murderknife-1421531169-541-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			AVIGNON: A Moroccan man was stabbed to death in his own home in southern France in what a Muslim group called a “horrible Islamophobic” attack the week after France was rocked by the Charlie Hebdo killings. The 28-year-old attacker forced the front door of his neighbours’ house in the picturesque village of Beaucet near Avignon just after midnight on Wednesday shouting “I am your god, I am your Islam” before repeatedly stabbing Mohamed El Makouli, the National Observatory Against Islamophobia said Friday. The 47-year-old victim was unarmed at the time of the attack and had confronted his assailant, but was stabbed 17 times. El Makouli’s 31-year-old wife tried to save her husband, and in the process suffered wounds to her hands, before fleeing with their young child to call the police, officials said. An autopsy showed El Makouli had been stabbed 17 times. Prosecutors in Avignon confirmed that the attacker had been charged on Thursday with “murder, attempted murder and possession of drugs”, before being committed to a psychiatric hospital in nearby Montfavet. “The Islamophobic aspect will be investigated when we interview this boy who claims to have heard voices,” a spokesperson added. Observatory president Abdallah Zekri condemned the attack “as a horrible Islamophobic attack” and claimed that the victim’s partner was very clear about what the man shouted. “She is sure of what he (the attacker) said,” he told AFP. The regional Muslim council said that while it was waiting for “the conclusions of the enquiry”, it feared the climate of suspicion and hostility after last week’s Paris terror attacks were having an effect on “the most fragile of our fellow citizens”. Justice Minister Christiane said Friday the government was going to stiffen laws against racism and anti-Semitism, and wants to give the authorities powers to block Internet hate sites “as already happens with ones that carry child pornography”. More than 50 Islamophobic and anti-Muslim incidents including attacks on mosques have been recorded by the Central Council of Muslims in France since the Paris shootings by three gunmen left 17 dead, including 12 at the offices of the satirical Charlie Hebdo weekly. A source close to the investigation of the Beaucet murder said he did not think it was “a purely Islamophobic act,” although he admitted that the events of the past week could have “stirred up fear and a rise in adrenaline”. He said the alleged attacker was in an incoherent state when he was arrested near the scene.

Moroccan man stabbed 17 times in ‘Islamophobic’ attack in France

AVIGNON: A Moroccan man was stabbed to death in his own home in southern France in what a Muslim group called a “horr...

130-year-old rifle found propped against tree

130-year-old rifle found propped against tree

The Winchester Model 1873 was found in the Nevada desert.

Countrywide vaccination drive from Monday

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823590/countrywide-vaccination-drive-from-monday/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823590-polio_nni_pindi-1421546996-529-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			ISLAMABAD: The government has finalised security arrangements for a countrywide polio vaccination drive which starts on January 19. The National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) of the Ministry of Interior will work closely with the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) for polio to ensure security for health workers. The vaccination drive has been postponed in five Balochistan districts —Musakhel, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Loralai, Sherani — and Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency for security concerns, said Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) national manager Dr Rana Muhammad Safdar. He said that NCMC Director General Saud Aziz has been appointed the focal person for security of the campaign. The interior ministry has directed chief commissioners, chief and home secretaries to provide tight security to polio teams. Moreover, a separate plan has been prepared for 11 high-risk union councils (UCs) of Karachi where the anti-polio campaign will be carried out in three phases over nine days. In Peshawar, however, it would be a one-day drive and will be implemented today, January 18. Safdar said measures have been taken to fill the gaps left during previous drives in Peshawar. Punjab has already completed its immunisation drive and is now preparing for a 13-day anti-measles drives on Jan 26-Feb 7. The polio immunisation drive will also be implemented in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) along with the rest of the country. The Capital Development Authority (CDA)’s Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and ICT Administration will take part in the campaign. The ICT Administration has requested around 480 police officials to accompany the teams in the capital’s suburbs. An ICT official said one policeman each will be deployed with 406 polio teams, apart from the area in-charge. “So far we have not received any response from the city administration but hopefully will get something by Monday,” he said. The official added that most cases of refusing polio vaccine for children are recorded in Pashtun inhabited areas and said they would ‘hopefully’ be covered in the catch-up activities. Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015.

Countrywide vaccination drive from Monday

ISLAMABAD: The government has finalised security arrangements for a countrywide polio vaccination drive which starts ...

Indonesia to execute 6 for drugs

Indonesia to execute 6 for drugs

Six people, including five foreigners, face execution by firing squad in coming days in Indonesia, as the country's new president uphold...

SUV runs over boy, but then …

SUV runs over boy, but then …

U.S. to train, arm Syria rebels

U.S. to train, arm Syria rebels

The U.S. military will deploy 400 trainers and hundreds more troops in a train-and-equip mission for Syrian rebel forces, the Pentagon said ...

2 UVA frats cite ‘coercion,’ but sign party rules

2 UVA frats cite ‘coercion,’ but sign party rules

GSP programme: Bangladesh told to do more for workers’ safety

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823503/gsp-programme-bangladesh-told-to-do-more-for-workers-safety/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823503-bangladeshgarmentreuters-1421532152-973-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			WASHINGTON: The United States has stated that it is not ready to restore special trade benefits to Bangladesh until the country does more for workers’ safety and rights in the apparel sector. Nearly two years after the collapse of Rana Plaza factory building near Dhaka that killed 1,100 workers, the US Trade Representative said that the Bangladesh government needs to complete inspection of hundreds of more plants before benefits could be restored. Washington removed Bangladesh’s benefits under the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme two months after the April 2013 disaster, denying the country preferential duty treatment on nearly $ 35 million worth of annual exports to the US. The measure was limited, in that it did not impact exports from Bangladesh’s $ 20 billion garment industry. But it put pressure on the country and many of the world’s largest garment and fashion companies, which sourced clothes from Bangladesh manufacturers. The US stressed Bangladesh government to inspect thousands of factories, shut those which do not meet safety standards and address worker rights issues. More than 2,000 garment sector factories have been inspected by mostly US and European private-sector initiatives under government oversight, resulting in the closure or partial closure of 48 plants, according to the USTR. Even so, it said, “further progress is needed, including to address serious worker rights issues, before reinstatement of Bangladesh’s trade benefits.” “There is more work to do, building on the collaboration between the government of Bangladesh, private sector stakeholders, and the International Labour Organization, to address the concerns about factory safety in the apparel sector,” said US Trade Representative Michael Froman. “We also urge the government to accelerate its efforts to ensure workers’ rights and to take measures to address continuing reports of harassment of and violence against labour activists who are attempting to exercise their rights.” AFP Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ETribuneBusiness">Business on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/TribuneBiz">@TribuneBiz</a> on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

GSP programme: Bangladesh told to do more for workers’ safety

WASHINGTON: The United States has stated that it is not ready to restore special trade benefits to Bangladesh until t...

Strangely beguiling taxidermy art

Strangely beguiling taxidermy art

Two Dutch artists are revolutionizing the world of taxidermy.

U.S. Speaker tailors Swift gifs

U.S. Speaker tailors Swift gifs

House Speaker John Boehner turned to an unorthodox messenger for his pitch to young Americans panning President Barack Obama's proposal ...

Stunning geometric shapes appear in snow

Stunning geometric shapes appear in snow

British artist Simon Beck creates geometric shapes in the snow with his footsteps.

Why an American janitor is a hero in Haiti

Why an American janitor is a hero in Haiti

Pulling off a surprise: Happy that Pakistan aren’t favourites, says Waqar

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823396/pulling-off-a-surprise-happy-that-pakistan-arent-favourites-says-waqar/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823396-Waqar-1421512954-684-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			LAHORE: Head coach Waqar Younis has said he is happy Pakistan are not among the favourites to win the World Cup, saying the tag often puts unnecessary pressure on players. After completing the World Cup training camp in Lahore, Pakistan have now turned their focus towards the two ODIs against New Zealand on January 31 and February 3. The two ODIs will be their final competitive action before they begin their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India in Adelaide on February 15. “I am happy that we are not the favourites to be very honest because it is a big pressure; being the favourites. We were not the favourites last time either but we played excellent cricket and reached the semi-finals,” said Waqar, who was also head coach in Pakistan’s 2011 World Cup, when they lost to hosts and eventual winners India in the semis. Waqar added four-time champions Australia and South Africa stand a better chance. “Of course, teams which play on those bouncy wickets like Australia and South Africa are probably bigger favourites than we are,” he said. “But…I have lots of hopes.” Waqar admitted injury problems have disrupted Pakistan’s preparations. Frontline paceman Junaid Khan injured his leg during practice on Thursday but an MRI revealed he will be fit within a week. “We had problems with our fast bowlers for a few months and, of course, the recent episode with Junaid — it’s a setback. If you have injuries you can’t move forward.” Waqar, ruled out of the World Cup which Pakistan won in Australia and New Zealand in 1992 due to injury, admitted the mega event was never good for him. He was also captain of the team which crashed out in the first round in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. “The World Cup was never kind to me as a player; there’s no doubt about that,” he said. Waqar added he has hopes of strong play from captain Misbahul Haq and Shahid Afridi, who will both retire from ODI cricket after the World Cup. “Of course Afridi is number one, we have big hopes for him and Misbah; they are going out after the World Cup,” he said. “In the camp over the last four to five days I have seen both want to finish on a high, which is a very good sign.” Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EtribuneSports">Sports on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETribuneSports">@ETribuneSports</a> on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

Pulling off a surprise: Happy that Pakistan aren’t favourites, says Waqar

LAHORE: Head coach Waqar Younis has said he is happy Pakistan are not among the favourites to win the World Cup, sayi...

Muhammad Ali leaves hospital

Muhammad Ali leaves hospital

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is back at home following several days in the hospital, a family spokesman said Friday.

Indian media’s selective coverage

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823416/indian-medias-selective-coverage/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823416-AakarPatelNewNew-1421513722-609-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			I was struck by two headlines in the papers this week. The first was from an opinion piece written by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) member of parliament, Feroze Varun Gandhi. It read: “<a href="https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fopinion%2Fop-ed%2Fan-uncertain-hobbesian-life%2Farticle6781570.ece&ei=iL66VLz4Gcf4UreOhFg&usg=AFQjCNEX_-HBb5UyZOQtvp1G_VONHAaR4w&sig2=as58tJ0y8KrKzLwYoyA6cQ&bvm=bv.83829542,d.d24">An uncertain Hobbesian life</a>”. Gandhi assessed the state of farming in India, concluding that “India’s marginal farmers have been worse off for centuries” and that many of them “face an uncertain Hobbesian life: poor, brutish and short”. The second headline was “<a href="https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2Fcity%2Fmumbai%2FMumbai-woman-worth-Rs-30-crore-dies-of-neglect-HC-lambasts-state%2Farticleshow%2F45859513.cms&ei=vL66VJ-qF4L7UOz6gcAM&usg=AFQjCNEfoCtACjYmhp5eCt9pWUju0bcQ7w&sig2=iwVrYjuKf_CiDm870RYEFQ&bvm=bv.83829542,d.d24">Mumbai woman worth Rs30 crore dies of neglect, high court lambasts state</a>”. The story was about how “an angry Bombay High Court pulled up the state after hearing how a 68-year-old woman died of neglect despite owning property estimated at Rs30 crore off Yari Road in Versova”. This is a suburb of the city where many of the wealthy live. “The court said it was unfortunate that neither her family nor the state took care of her though a law for the welfare of senior citizens mandates medical support and old-age homes. Other senior citizens should not face a similar fate, it said, adding it wishes to examine the scope and ambit of the <a href="https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CEYQFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdelhi.gov.in%2Fwps%2Fwcm%2Fconnect%2F090b9400440bb07ebfe5bf24a04cfff1%2FRules%2Bunder%2BMaintenance%2B%2526%2BWelfare%2Bof%2BParents%2B%2526%2BSenior%2BCitizen%2BAct%2C2007.pdf%3FMOD%3DAJPERES%26lmod%3D-1787627201%26CACHEID%3D090b9400440bb07ebfe5bf24a04cfff1&ei=4766VObqJMWvU-OphOAC&usg=AFQjCNFCUcPb0Gaytuf7AIkopNN9jjMuGA&sig2=hnDze2rSAudGEmikR35bWA&bvm=bv.83829542,d.d24">Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007</a>”. The lawyer representing the woman said that “for five years, she was in such a wretched condition. The same fate must not be suffered by others,” adding that under a new law, “anyone neglecting a senior citizen which ultimately leads to unfortunate consequences is not entitled to the person’s property”. However, the court noted that from the woman’s post-mortem report, “it appeared that she died of natural causes”. As the headline announces, what seemed to have been most offensive in the story was the fact that a wealthy woman should have suffered in this fashion. In a nation where, as Gandhi’s piece makes clear, millions struggle to survive, the media attention is focused on the wealthy individual. To some extent, this is a global thing and the idea of covering celebrities is accepted as proper practice and their lives are more worthy of coverage. However, in India, this is extended to the wealthy and even the middle class, often to the exclusion of the large mass of population. India has one of the highest accident rates in the world, but often the stories selected will be headlined ‘BMW accident’, because a fancy car deserves more coverage. This is taken to disturbing levels as those familiar with our newspapers will verify. A second example of this is the employee of the big corporate firm, usually the software firms, which do not have much advertising clout. Infosys, the Bengaluru firm, has more than 100,000 employees, and incidence of suicide or rape or violence or theft is as likely in such a large set as in the general population. However, the media will inevitably use the name of the firm in its headline and on searching the internet for the words “<a href="https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.oneindia.in%2F2012%2F08%2F06%2Freasons-behind-infosys-employee-neelima-death-revealed-1048581.html&ei=oMC6VIX9I9KwuASk7oHYCw&usg=AFQjCNHJOVKVtVKALttnhh3PL_FczflnUw&sig2=3Hdg8Vq2veJEeku3Ng09Wg&bvm=bv.83829542,d.c2E">Infosys employee suicide</a>” and “<a href="https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCIQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fnews%2Fnational%2Fwipro-employee-involved-in-fraud-commits-suicide%2Farticle111753.ece&ei=rsC6VINUkJO4BOrygoAN&usg=AFQjCNHT3JeEESyaMxBcoBzpA-7soVxE3w&sig2=0XI8aKE7DoCIGWcfo7CMng&bvm=bv.83829542,d.c2E">Wipro employee suicide</a>”, this will become obvious. The media may argue that this fact of their corporate employment is interesting but try searching for “Reliance employee suicide” and it is apparent that the treatment is reserved for some. Either Reliance employees do not commit suicide, or that when they do, the media backs off from associating the company with the act, though it is enthusiastic about doing this for Infosys and Wipro. Why? Because Reliance is a big advertiser and has much more clout than the software firms, which have no use of advertising in Indian papers and television stations. I am not saying that the media should begin associating the doings of Reliance employees with their company, but that they are wrong in doing it for the software firms. The same problem of selective reporting is to be found in other coverage. There are about 25,000 rapes in India annually (which is actually quite low compared with other countries, including Western countries), but of these the media will pick those victims whom it sees as more important. The story of <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/821186/uber-cabbie-faces-fast-track-rape-trial-in-india/">rape in a taxi service for the upper class</a> will get disproportionate, and in fact, obscene amounts of coverage over a similar crime elsewhere in the same city. The media constantly taps into the middle class Indian sentiment that the poor are not important enough to be covered, because their lives (“nasty, brutish and short” in the words of Thomas Hobbes) are not important. Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015. Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/EToped">Opinion & Editorial on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETOpEd">@ETOpEd</a> on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

Indian media’s selective coverage

I was struck by two headlines in the papers this week. The first was from an opinion piece written by the Bharatiya Ja...

Lest We Forget

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823419/lest-we-forget/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823419-saroopijazNewNew-1421513820-723-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			“Bara dushman bana phirta hai, jo bachon say larta hai.” These words get into one’s head and make the eyes well up each time one hears or recalls them. The enemy is not only callous and murderous; the enemy is a coward. He thrives on <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/808019/our-darkest-hour/">attacks on the vulnerable</a>. He thrives in the shadows. How can one listen to these words and still be undecided about the nature of the challenge at hand or worse, how can one be on the other side? The other side is of those who murder our children. Make no mistake about it, the Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates are with the enemy. Charlie Hebdo caricatures are offensive, in bad taste and judgment. However, do not believe that the protests outside consulates and attacks on journalists are driven by pure religious fervour. No, they are driven by cynical, dangerous and sometimes murderous politics. Post-Peshawar, there was a shift in the societal narrative; not a momentous one, yet a shift nonetheless. The space for the apologists narrowed just a little bit. It became slightly more difficult to say that “our estranged brothers are only reacting to drone strikes”, etc., at least not shamelessly. The <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/809008/vigil-for-peshawar-attack-victims-outside-lal-masjid-threatens-to-spill-over/">protest outside of Lal Masjid</a> was unthinkable before the Peshawar attack. Along came Charlie Hebdo and again, murder in the name of faith. The project of peacefully demonstrating against religious fanaticism was undermined firstly and obviously by the murderers in Paris; secondly for our particular context, Charlie Hebdo, by printing yet another caricature, giving an opportunity to get riled up those who live and feed on these opportunities. Enough has been said about Charlie Hebdo, and how it is not the great exemplar of the values of free expression and tolerance. Equally evident is the horrific nature of the murders committed, ostensibly in the name of religion at the Charlie Hebdo office, and how those making excuses for the murderers are not the finest specimen of Islamic sensibilities either. Yet, in the sad place we live in, the <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823014/blasphemous-caricatures-law-enforcers-protesters-clash-at-french-consulate/">conversation is between their far-right and ours</a>. <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/521.jpg" /> The unrest in the streets in Pakistan is not about cartoons now; it wasn’t about cartoons a few years ago. It is about politics and demonstration of power; both physical street power and the power of narrative. The rallies lionising the murderer Mumtaz Qadri were not about elevated concepts of religiosity; it was about asserting power and naked intimidation. Some rank and file at these protests might believe that burning down consulates and fast food joints is their ticket to heaven. However, the organisers and planners are far more cunning and far more dangerous. Post-Peshawar there was just a glimmer of hope that <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823120/remembering-aps-victims-call-to-never-forget-resonates-in-capital/">street protests and vigils can be held by the ‘other’ side</a> and can be held outside madrassas. The cartoon and the manufactured outrage are about making sure that does not happen. The leaders of Pakistani religio-political parties were not this outraged at the cold-blooded executions of 140 children as they are about a bunch of silly and offensive cartoons. It seems wrong to emphasise this point too much. It is too obvious and too painful. Come to think of it, Mr Imran Khan and Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan could hardly control themselves, almost teary-eyed, with shaking voices on the day that Mr Hakeemullah Mehsud died. The murder of 140 school kids could not elicit even a fraction of that reaction from the two gallant gentlemen. Both of them have never have bothered to clear their stances subsequently. Mr Imran Khan believed that the “Taliban did not want to impose Sharia at gun-point” and his Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak “did not know” of the TTP. Does Mr Khan now know that the Taliban are capable of using guns and the dancing chief minister, at least, aware of their existence? Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan believed them to be our brothers. Will anybody apologise and merely say that they were wrong? No, they will not. The Jamaat-e-Islami and its lovely student wing, the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba, are hard at work to ensure that they never have to be sorry on this account. The slogan of the protesters who stand today with our children is “Never Forget”; the slogan for many victims of many times and places. This phrase is what shakes the very spirit of religio-political parties and their ideological brothers; they desperately, desperately want us to forget. They are in the business of weekly outrage. A passage from <a href="https://books.google.com.pk/books?id=1zRIiXGw784C&pg=PA193&lpg=PA193&dq=%22The+assassination+of+Allende+quickly+covered+over+the+memory+of+the+Russian+invasion+of+Bohemia,+the+bloody+massacre+in+Bangladesh%22+Milan&source=bl&ots=LhoYUg83Ow&sig=YXGRPolXEgMixrReUtr4Qqx_yjs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=xre6VK2iLdfmuQT_p4GACQ&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22The%20assassination%20of%20Allende%20quickly%20covered%20over%20the%20memory%20of%20the%20Russian%20invasion%20of%20Bohemia%2C%20the%20bloody%20massacre%20in%20Bangladesh%22%20Milan&f=false">Milan Kundera</a> comes to mind: “The assassination of Allende quickly covered over the memory of the Russian invasion of Bohemia, the bloody massacre in Bangladesh caused Allende to be forgotten, the din of war in the Sinai desert drowned out the groans of Bangladesh, the massacres in Cambodia caused the Sinai to be forgotten, and so on, and on and on, until everyone has completely forgotten everything.” That is what they want, for some silly cartoons to drown the memories of our children, for everyone to forget everything, except for the outrage of the moment; and they want complete control over defining and choosing the outrage of the moment. They are cowards too, the lot of them, the murderers and their apologists. The apologists, the Jamaat-e-Islami, Imran Khan, find it easier to rally around some imagined concept of a ‘distant’ West and superpowers than against the killers at home. Since the killers at home are visible, identifiable, heavily armed and willing to kill. It is easy to abuse those from the container, who have nothing but inanities in return to offer. Mr Khan would you climb atop the stage on <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823299/will-only-return-to-parliament-when-judicial-commission-is-formed-imran/">January 18</a> and thunder, “Oye Fazlullah, hamaray bachon kay qatil”? No sir, you won’t, you don’t have it in you. You are in luck (unlike our children). Neither does the prime minister. As parents pull children out of schools, the religious political class can only offer ‘jihad’ against cartoons. It is not about cartoons; it is about making us forget our children. They are also the ‘dushman’ in “Bara dushman bana phirta hai, jo bachon say larta hai”. They are also afraid of our kids; they also fight against them. Lest We Forget. Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015. Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/EToped">Opinion & Editorial on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETOpEd">@ETOpEd</a> on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

Lest We Forget

“B ara dushman bana phirta hai , jo bachon say larta hai .” These words get into one’s head and make the eyes well up ...

Pope Francis visits Sri Lanka

Pope Francis visits Sri Lanka

French woman: Why I want to join ISIS

French woman: Why I want to join ISIS

Women’s cricket: Sri Lanka claim series with five-wicket win

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823326/womens-cricket-sri-lanka-claim-series-with-five-wicket-win/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823326-womencricketpakistanreuters-1421508473-134-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			KARACHI: Sri Lanka women comfortably won the third T20 against Pakistan women, chasing down 111 as they made 112-5 off just 17.5 overs in Sharjah to claim the three-match series 2-1. Pakistan struggled right from the start and only three of their batsmen managed to get into double figures, with Bismah Maroof making an impressive 46 off 38 balls. All Sri Lankan bowlers were impressive, especially Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoka Ranaweera who took two wickets apiece and only gave away 12 and 16 runs respectively in their four-over quota. Three run outs also did not help Pakistan’s cause. In reply, Chamari Atapattu’s 44 ensured that the result was never in doubt after Sana Mir dismissed Lasanthi Madushani with the first ball of their innings.   Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EtribuneSports">Sports on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETribuneSports">@ETribuneSports</a> on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

Women’s cricket: Sri Lanka claim series with five-wicket win

KARACHI: Sri Lanka women comfortably won the third T20 against Pakistan women, chasing down 111 as they made 112-5 of...

Only best dressed should receive benefits: Karl

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823369/only-best-dressed-should-receive-benefits-karl/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823369-KarlLagerfeldfb-1421511784-902-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			It was the advice international governments around the world were looking for  — Karl Lagerfeld’s thoughts on benefits. Designer Karl Lagerfeld believes that current welfare schemes for public should be scrapped in favour of bonus systems, which offer extra payments for those who are “well turned-out”. The Chanel legend says that if he was king, he’d make a few key changes starting with benefits and dress code. He said, “I would make myself head of the style police and we would fight fiercely against sloppiness,” reports IANS. The designer — who proclaims himself a caricature  — is known for his notably outspoken views. He once called Adele “a little bit fat”, asserted that Pippa Middleton “struggles” and should “only show her back” and declared that tracksuit bottoms “are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.” And he’d also like to declare war on the uneducated: “Being well turned-out is not a question of means. Benefits for families would be replaced by maintenance bonuses for those who make an effort,” he added. The 81-year-old designer would also like to see parents educate their children more because he thinks it would reduce the number of people suffering from degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, reports femalefirst.co.uk. He speaks several languages, including German, English, French and Italian, so it comes as no revelation that the designer would like to improve education because in fact it prevents Alzheimer’s. “Studying the dictionary should be compulsory. One page per day, like my mother made me do when I was little, with parents testing children in the evening,” he said. “I would make everybody learn two or three languages. Being trilingual is essential, it opens doors for you, opens your mind and helps you avoid Alzheimer’s disease,” he added, reports Glamour magazine. Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ETLifeandStyle">Life & Style on Facebook, </a>follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETLifeandStyle">@ETLifeandStyle</a> on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Only best dressed should receive benefits: Karl

It was the advice international governments around the world were looking for — Karl Lagerfeld’s thoughts on benefits...

SRK to feature in a graphic novel

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823361/srk-to-feature-in-a-graphic-novel/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823361-AtharvaTheOriginfb-1421511200-506-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			CHENNAI: Shah Rukh Khan who will be seen in the title role in upcoming graphic novel Atharva  — The Origin, instantly agreed to be part of the project and that too with a lot of enthusiasm, said its author Ramesh Thamilmani. “We felt the character Atharva and the personality of Shah Rukh Khan matched perfectly. Keeping that in mind, when we pitched the idea to him, he instantly agreed and expressed a lot of enthusiasm to be associated with the project,” Thamilmani told IANS. “We approached him with the basic idea and some illustrations. He has always been game for new ideas and innovations, and we think that’s what must have persuaded him to be part of this project,” he said. Chennai-based Virzu Studios is behind Atharva — The Origin, and they’re positive that King Khan will be “pleased and proud with the final product. His involvement will enable the novel to have wide reach.” Atharva — The Origin, a mythological fictional graphic novel, is the story of a young king who sets out to uncover his destiny. Set on a vast island in a forgotten past, the story is populated by fantastical birds, beasts and monsters, inventions of the collaborative efforts of the author and artist. “There are no factual, historical or religious mythological references in the story,” said Ramesh. The first teaser has been received very well and based on the response, the makers plan on turning the story into a film as well. “Talks about the book being made into a movie are on and such a possibility exists, but details have yet to be finalised,” Ramesh added. “It attempts to bring into the Indian literary canon, a blend of writing augmented by rich visual representations. Chronicling the journey of the titular character Atharva, the text will be accompanied by full page illustrations in 3D, supporting several key moments in the storyline,” he said. The last phase of the project is under completion and should be ready shortly. The novel will be made available in print, smart TV, Kindle and e-book formats by mid-2015.  Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ETLifeandStyle">Life & Style on Facebook, </a>follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETLifeandStyle">@ETLifeandStyle</a> on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

SRK to feature in a graphic novel

CHENNAI: Shah Rukh Khan who will be seen in the title role in upcoming graphic novel Atharva — The Origin , instantl...

Adding swag to Pashtun identity in showbiz

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823345/adding-swag-to-pashtun-identity-in-showbiz/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823345-Pashtun-1421509317-850-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			<div>ISLAMABAD:  One fine day while hosting an English live show ‘Music Hour with Wiqar Ali Khan’ from London, a few Pathans called into the show. “I instantly switched from this British talking VJ to a fluent Pashto local guy and I guess it created a lot of buzz as this was never tapped into before and that was the beginning of all good things to come,” says VJ-turned-actor Wiqar Ali Khan, who has worn many hats and gladly continues to do so. With his chiseled features and slick gelled-back look, Khan personifies a multi-faceted Pashtun in the world of showbiz. Someone who plays rural conservative characters on TV and also serves as the host of beauty pageants. </div> It is funny, he adds, because even to this day, when he bumps into Pathans, they say, “marra tu kho engrais yeh ta kha pukhtu cumzay isdako?” (“You’re an English guy, where did you learn such good Pashto?”) “It is always an honour to represent my community through my work. At the end of the day, it is who I am and I can add value to the Pashtun identity, then I am quite fortunate and grateful,” says Khan, who is a Yusufzai Pathan from Barikot, Swat. He observes that there is no denying that Pashtuns have been targeted and stereotyped in the media for decades, but that isn’t the case anymore. <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Wiqar-Ali-Khan.jpg" /> “Our media has come a long way and the audience is more aware now. You can take a simple example from the Hollywood executives at Disney who named the most attractive and feared animal in the jungle, the tiger, ‘Sher Khan’ in Jungle Book, which is synonymous with the Pashtun’s traits of beauty, brawn and bravery.” Pashtuns’ story has been nothing short of remarkable, he adds, from Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar conquering Bollywood to the current Khans. “Also, taking Pakistan to World Cup victories from cricket, squash and hockey.” Nuclear physicist AQ Khan and Malala Yusufzai are also pathans. Pushto is also the fourth language to be spoken in space. So it’s unfair to generalise all of us under the same umbrella, he points out. “If people believe that I’ve made a contribution to the media and the fashion industry then imagine the ocean of talent who could do more than me if given the right platform,” says Khan, adding that he was lucky to be given an opportunity because he was told that he would not succeed, as he couldn’t speak in Urdu. “However, when my TV show started, it got a huge response from Pashtuns and non-Pashtuns respectively. Hopefully more doors open and equal opportunities are given to my people.” <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/160.jpg" /> Following two successful years as vice president at MTV Pakistan, he left a few years before it went off-air, as he was commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mubarak Al Nahyan to head and launch a multimedia company in Lahore. “I spent two years creating an infrastructure for a bouquet of TV channels, which unfortunately never saw the light of day,” he says. Speaking about his experience in the upcoming film Jalaibee, he says that he does not come from a family of actors nor does he have formal training in this area. “I feel fortunate to have been part of an energetic, dynamic and extremely talented team,” he says, adding that he was somewhat daunted by acting with such an experienced cast, the crew including Tarantino-style director Yasir Jaswal and producer Murtaza Shah were extremely supportive. It was a real challenge, he said, that taught him to deliver dialogues in an Urdu accent rather than a “mish-mash” of Pashto and English, which he jokes, was providing free entertainment to the team. Moreover, Khan also acted in a television series, Aag scripted by Jamal Shah. “I had to play a non-glamorous, illiterate villager that motivated me to accept the role. It was an absolute honour to be asked by a Pathan brother and such a prominent figure from the media industry to play the lead role alongside him,” he said. The play is currently airing on Playmax TV. Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015. Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ETLifeandStyle">Life & Style on Facebook, </a>follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETLifeandStyle">@ETLifeandStyle</a> on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Adding swag to Pashtun identity in showbiz

ISLAMABAD: One fine day while hosting an English live show ‘Music Hour with Wiqar Ali Khan’ from London, a few Pathan...

Kohn: Why cartoonists should give it a rest

Kohn: Why cartoonists should give it a rest

Those of us with free speech shouldn't use it to help justify jihadists' apocalyptic narrative of Islam vs. West

Four-man attack: Pakistan likely to play a bowler short in World Cup

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823327/four-man-attack-pakistan-likely-to-play-a-bowler-short-in-world-cup/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823327-PakistanteamPHOTOBCCIx-1421505387-379-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			KARACHI: Pakistan are bracing for the likelihood of playing the World Cup without key spinner Muhammad Hafeez. The opening batsman has been one of the most economical bowlers in the 50-over format in recent years and his absence from the bowling crease is hurting the balance of the playing eleven. Hafeez is likely to undergo a Test on his action in Brisbane on the eve of the tournament but if he fails to get clearance, Pakistan are to gamble by taking to the field with only four specialist bowlers. In the recent series against New Zealand held in the UAE, the team management gambled with four regular bowlers and the Black Caps rattled off big scores in the last two games of the ODI series to run away with the spoils. In the last match before that series — the final ODI against Australia — Pakistan played five bowlers, including bowling all-rounders Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir and Anwar Ali. Wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed opened the innings with Ahmed Shehzad as Hafeez was ruled out due to a webbing injury. Subsequently Hafeez was suspended from bowling at the international level after the Tests against New Zealand. Selector Shoaib Mohammad, who chose the final 15 for the premier tournament along with five other members of the committee, feels that Pakistan’s batting has the pedigree to post and chase big scores in Australia and New Zealand. According to Shoaib, the modern rules in the ODI format where only four fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle make things tough for both regular and non-regular bowlers. “Now a non-regular bowler should be expected to concede six runs per over but I believe our batting has the depth and the pedigree to chase down the runs and even post big totals,” he said. “The depth in the lower order with Sarfraz and Afridi is our strong point, hence even if we are a bowler short, the batsmen can win games for us.” Playing four bowlers is a risky proposition: Mohsin Former coach and chief selector Mohsin Khan feels that fielding a bowler short can be hazardous for the men in green. “Playing with four bowlers only against strong opposition in an event like the World Cup can backfire badly,” he said. “A bowler like Sohail can be exposed under pressure, even Shahzad and Younus cannot be depended on. The trio can be relied on every now and then but not all the time, especially in pressure situations such as the knockout stages. It would be unfair too on all these batsmen who are expected to chip in as bowlers.” Select Hafeez only if he clears test: Rashid Former captain Rashid Latif also feels that five regular bowlers are needed if Pakistan are to do well in the World Cup. The wicketkeeping great wants Sarfraz to play as an opener if Hafeez is ruled out as a bowler. “The fifth bowler is absolutely essential, we should be sacrificing a batsman, and Sarfraz should open if Hafeez cannot ball,” he said. “Considering the rules in place, we should beef up our bowling stocks and rely on five specialist batsmen, and Afridi and Sarfraz.” Hafeez will clear test: Basit Ali Meanwhile, head of the junior selection committee, former Test batsman Basit Ali, is confident that Hafeez will be cleared before the World Cup. However, he feels that specialist batsmen and bowlers are the ones who generally win matches and should feature prominently. “In an event like the World Cup, specialists help and we should also opt for specialists and play five bowlers,” he said. “But I think Hafeez will clear his action, mark my words he will be the same bowler as before, basically his problem is his left foot and the landing and once that is sorted, he should be back to his best.” Basit applauded the emergence of Sohail as a fifth bowler but feels that a team like India can take him apart. “India is renowned for their batting skills against slower bowlers,” he added. “Sohail might struggle to make an impact against our arch-rivals, so let’s hope that we have Hafeez available as a bowler for the crucial opening tie.”   Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EtribuneSports">Sports on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETribuneSports">@ETribuneSports</a> on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

Four-man attack: Pakistan likely to play a bowler short in World Cup

KARACHI: Pakistan are bracing for the likelihood of playing the World Cup without key spinner Muhammad Hafeez. The op...

Living with ‘Childhood Alzheimer’s’

Living with ‘Childhood Alzheimer’s’

Unilever Talent Hunt showcases future business leaders of Pakistan

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823329/unilever-talent-hunt-showcases-future-business-leaders-of-pakistan/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823329-TeamIoBMwinnersofUnileverTalentHuntwithShafaqOmarDirectorHRUnileverPakistanndfromLeftandAliTariqCFOUnileverPakistanrdfromLeft-1421505493-805-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			KARACHI: The grand finale of the Unilever Talent Hunt (UTH) concluded at a local hotel in Karachi on January 15, 2015, with students from Institute of Business Management (IoBM) winning the chance to represent Pakistan at Unilever Future Leader’s League in to be held in London. According to a press release issued on Saturday, The Unilever Talent Hunt (UTH) is a business competition aimed at building a stronger employer brand amongst the best universities of Pakistan, providing students the opportunity to showcase their academic and strategic acumen. Unilever initiated UTH in 2014 to provide students with leadership opportunities on the platform of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP). USLP aimed to create awareness and give students a chance to contribute to the USLP. This year’s competition focused on the sustainability agenda consisting of six brands, including Lifebuoy, Dove, Pureit, Walls, Blue Band and Surf Excel. Universities from all over the country participated in the competition, from which 1,100 students from varying academic backgrounds ranging from business to fashion and engineering were selected. Unilever initially received a total of 300 registrations (50 per brand), from which Unilever short-listed 13 teams which were mentored by Unilever over the course of four weeks. Unilever also funded the projects of those teams. Six teams comprising of most talented and deserving students were declared as finalists. “I believe that Pakistan has some of the best talent in the world, which is reflected in the many opportunities that our local employees are offered in Unilever’s business across the world,” said Ehsan Malik, the Chairman and CEO of Unilever Pakistan Limited. Shafaq Omar, the director of Human Resources said that UTH gives ‘future leaders’ a perfect opportunity to showcase their talents globally.

Unilever Talent Hunt showcases future business leaders of Pakistan

KARACHI: The grand finale of the Unilever Talent Hunt (UTH) concluded at a local hotel in Karachi on January 15, 2015...

Search for next-generation antibiotics

Search for next-generation antibiotics

ODI tri-series: Starc expects Australia, India to renew rivalry

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823319/odi-tri-series-starc-expects-australia-india-to-renew-rivalry/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823319-AusvInd-1421501494-260-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			MELBOURNE: Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc said he expects Australia’s tri-series one-dayer with India in Melbourne on Sunday to continue where the recent niggling Test series left off. Starc was the chief destroyer in the opening game of the series against England on Friday, finishing with figures of 4-42 in Australia’s bonus point three-wicket victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He ripped through the tourists’ top order with two wickets in the opening over of the match on his way to being named man of the match. The 24-year-old left-arm quick was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council during the fourth Test in Sydney for his exaggerated send-off in the face of Murali Vijay after dismissing the opener. It was one of several flashpoints from both sides in a highly-competitive series won 2-0 by Australia, and Starc has predicted another tough battle between the top two ranked sides in one-day standings. “It was a pretty intense Test series,” Starc told reporters. “Two great teams going hard at it and it will be much the same on Sunday [today]. There will be two sets of guys trying to play their best for their countries. It was a fantastic Test series to watch and to be a part of and it will be no different on Sunday [today].” Starc’s four wickets against England took him past the 50 mark in his 29th ODI and he now averages an impressive 21.58 with the white ball. He was publicly criticised by Test spin great and now television commentator Shane Warne during the India Test series and he admits he needs to transfer his one-day form to Test matches more consistently. “I think in recent times I know my one-day and T20 game and know what I need to do for the team,” he said. “I guess it comes back to that confidence thing and I showed against England why I like to be taking the new ball. “But I want to play as often as I can for Australia and if I keep bowling fast I know I can take wickets in all forms of the game.” Ballance fractures finger, fit for World Cup England batsman Gary Ballance fractured the little finger on his right hand during fielding practice in Canberra last week but will be fit for the World Cup, announced the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Saturday. He will remain with the team for the ongoing Tri-series against Australia and India and no extra players will be called up. “Gary Ballance has a fractured right little finger, sustained during fielding practice in Canberra,” the ECB said in a statement. “Ballance will be available for the ICC Cricket World Cup and therefore we will not be calling another player into the squad.”   Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EtribuneSports">Sports on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETribuneSports">@ETribuneSports</a> on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

ODI tri-series: Starc expects Australia, India to renew rivalry

MELBOURNE: Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc said he expects Australia’s tri-series one-dayer with India in Melbourne o...

The cancer gamble: ‘I knew I needed a new approach’

The cancer gamble: ‘I knew I needed a new approach’

A cancer sufferer's life changed after watching an episode of CNN's Vital Signs.

Were Paris terrorists trained?

Were Paris terrorists trained?

Sen. Richard Burr, the Intelligence Committee Chairman, says it looks like the attackers at Charlie Hebdo knew what they were doing.

The spectacular ancient city that tourism forgot

The spectacular ancient city that tourism forgot

The remains of Great Zimbabwe, a powerful 15th-century capital of 10,000 people, were once a top attraction. Now they're deserted and my...

Gaza graffiti protest over Charlie Hebdo cartoon

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823279/afghan-president-slams-charlie-hebdo-cartoon-as-insult-to-islam/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823279-Gaza-1421491579-336-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			KABUL / GAZA CITY: Protest graffiti was sprayed outside the French cultural centre in Gaza before dawn Saturday following the publication of a new cartoon of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) by satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. “You will go to hell, French journalists,” read one of the slogans daubed on the walls of the cultural centre compound, which has been closed since it was damaged in a fire last October. “Anything but the prophet,” read another. Police were deployed outside the compound’s main gate as well as on the adjacent main road, an AFP correspondent reported. The cover cartoon carried by Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday, in its first edition since an attack on its Paris offices claimed by al Qaeda killed 12 people on January 7, has sparked angry protests across the Muslim world. Last month, a bomb attack claimed by small ultra-conservative group Jund Ansar Allah caused minor damage to the compound’s walls. Afghan President condemnation Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday condemned the decision by French magazine Charlie Hebdo to show a cartoon of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) on its cover. Ghani blasted the cartoon as “an insult to the sacred religion of Islam and the Muslim world”, a statement from the presidential palace said. The satirical magazine’s new cover has angered many Muslims worldwide, sparking protests from Pakistan to Niger. “President Ghani on behalf of the Afghan nation condemns this insulting act, and termed it desecrating the religious values,” the palace said, describing the magazine’s decision to publish it as “irresponsible”. Wednesday’s issue of Charlie Hebdo was the first since brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi gunned down 12 people at the magazine’s Paris offices on January 7 over such cartoons. Ghani had strongly condemned the bloody assault on the magazine, branding it “heinous”. There were protests across deeply conservative Afghanistan in 2012 over earlier cartoons by the magazine showing Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), as well as over a US-made anti-Islam film. A few hundred people demonstrated last week in the central Afghan province of Uruzgan, praising the gunmen and criticising Ghani’s condemnation of the Paris attack.

Gaza graffiti protest over Charlie Hebdo cartoon

KABUL / GAZA CITY: Protest graffiti was sprayed outside the French cultural centre in Gaza before dawn Saturday follo...

3rd ODI: New Zealand-Sri Lanka game washed out

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/823296/3rd-odi-new-zealand-sri-lanka-game-washed-out/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/823296-guppy-1421491994-565-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			AUCKLAND: The third one-day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was abandoned Saturday after frequent interruptions because of rain.  The players were forced from the field for the third and final time with New Zealand, batting first, 145-3 after 28.5 overs. More than three hours later, the umpires ruled there was no likelihood of the weather clearing enough for play to resume and the match was abandoned. For New Zealand Martin Guptill was not out 66, while for Sri Lanka Angelo Mathews had three for 21. New Zealand were rocked early when batting mainstay Brendon McCullum was removed by Mathews for 28, putting pressure on Guptill to repay the faith the selectors had in him after he failed in the first two games. He overcame a shaky start, offering a caught and bowled chance that fell just short of Nuwan Kulasekara and twice sent an inside edge across the front of his stumps, before confidently accumulating runs. McCullum again blazed away in trademark fashion at the head of the innings, racing to 28 off 22 deliveries before mistiming a pull shot off Mathews’s first delivery and edging the ball to Kulasekara at fine leg. Tom Latham, another top order New Zealand batsman in need of confidence-boosting runs, proved an able lieutenant for Guptill. He put on 42 in a 99-run stand for the second wicket before being bowled by Mathews when trying to settle in after the second rain break. Ross Taylor became Mathews’s third victim when trapped leg before wicket for three. He appealed the dismissal but replays supported the bowler. Taylor left the field as the rain swept in for the final time. The seven-match series is locked at 1-1 with the fourth game to be played in Nelson on Tuesday.   Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EtribuneSports">Sports on Facebook</a>, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ETribuneSports">@ETribuneSports</a> on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

3rd ODI: New Zealand-Sri Lanka game washed out

AUCKLAND: The third one-day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was abandoned Saturday after frequent int...

Europe security boosted amid possible terror threats

Europe security boosted amid possible terror threats