Pak News Wire

Australian PM survives no-confidence vote

Australian PM survives no-confidence vote

Prime Minister Tony Abbott retains his job after members of his own party reject calls for a leadership change amid falling polls.

How to persuade the anti-vaxxers to vaccinate

How to persuade the anti-vaxxers to vaccinate

There's been much discussion over the past few weeks about the so-called anti-vaxxers, parents who have chosen for a variety of reasons ...

Egypt to retrial jailed journalist

Egypt to retrial jailed journalist

International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney will travel to Cairo in hopes of freeing jailed journalist Mohamed Fahmy, the journalist said...

The long arm of Kalashnikov’s AK-47

The long arm of Kalashnikov’s AK-47

Aliens or Atlantis? Who made these stone spheres?

Aliens or Atlantis? Who made these stone spheres?

The stone spheres of Costa Rica are one of the strangest mysteries in archaeology. CNN's Jonathan Mann reports.

Russian lesbians photobomb anti-gay lawmaker

Russian lesbians photobomb anti-gay lawmaker

Seduction before prison break in Brazil

Seduction before prison break in Brazil

Call it a prison break that left little to the imagination.

Greek PM vows to make good on campaign pledges

Greek PM vows to make good on campaign pledges

Greece's new Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras says he won't go for an extension of the country's current bailout.

Jordan says 56 IS targets destroyed in three days of strikes

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835061/jordan-says-56-is-targets-destroyed-in-three-days-of-strikes/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835061-image-1423410046-314-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			AMMAN: Jordan said Sunday it destroyed 56 targets in three days of strikes on the Islamic State group after it murdered one of its pilots, and is determined to destroy IS. Air Force chief Major General Mansour al Jobour did not specify where the strikes took place, but told reporters the air raids launched since Thursday had destroyed 20 percent of IS capabilities. “On the first day of the campaign to avenge our airman Maaz al-Kassasbeh, 19 targets were destroyed, including training camps and equipment,” he said, reading from a prepared text. Jordan has vowed to crush IS after the extremist  burned alive Kassasbeh, who was captured in December when his F-16 warplane crashed in Syria. Eighteen more targets including ammunition and fuel depots and logistics centres were hit on Friday. On Saturday, 19 IS targets were destroyed, including barracks and residential centres. “So far, the campaign has destroyed 20 percent of the fighting capabilities of Daesh,” he said using another name for IS which controls swathes of both Syria and Iraq. Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh told Fox News this week the air force had targeted IS in both Syria and Iraq where the jihadists have proclaimed an Islamic “caliphate” in areas it controls. “We are determined to wipe out this terrorist gang,” Jobour said during Sunday’s press briefing. The air force will step up strikes against IS over the next few days, he added. Interior Minister Hussein Majali said in remarks published on Saturday that Kassasbeh’s gruesome murder by IS was a “turning point” in the kingdom’s fight against extremism. Jordanian air strikes are “the beginning of an ongoing process to eliminate” IS, Majali was quoted as saying by government newspaper Al-Rai. “The day of the hero, martyr pilot’s assassination is a turning point in Jordan’s history in order to face this horrific crime that was committed by the cowardly terrorist organisation,” he said. Jordan is part of the US-led coalition of Arab and Western countries that has been carrying out air strikes against IS since September. Jobour said Jordanian warplanes have flown 946 sorties out of a total of 1,500 by the coalition since the campaign began. “More than 7,000 Daesh criminals have been killed since Jordan began participating in the air campaign,” he added. The country’s air strikes have contributed to crippling IS oil revenues, Jobour said. IS has targeted oil and gas facilities in Iraq and Syria as it seeks to finance its campaign and seize more territory for its “caliphate”.

Jordan says 56 IS targets destroyed in three days of strikes

AMMAN: Jordan said Sunday it destroyed 56 targets in three days of strikes on the Islamic State group after it murder...

2 measles cases at Chicago day care

2 measles cases at Chicago day care

Parents at a Chicago-area daycare center are keeping a close watch over their children for any signs of fever or rashes. They learned yester...

Hubble captures triple solar eclipse on Jupiter

Hubble captures triple solar eclipse on Jupiter

The Hubble space telescope peers millions of light years into the universe to study stars. But it recently focused on Jupiter for a rare cos...

Ivory Coast claims AFCON title

Ivory Coast claims AFCON title

Ivory Coast claimed its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 23 years after beating Ghana 9-8 in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final Su...

British Muslims protest Charlie Hebdo Mohammed cartoons

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835415/british-muslims-protest-charlie-hebdo-mohammed-cartoons/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835415-image-1423442658-950-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			LONDON: Thousands of British Muslims protested against cartoons of Mohammed in French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, in a demonstration near the office of Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday. The crowd marched to Downing Street holding signs reading “Charlie and the abuse factory”, “We love Prophet Muhammad more than our lives”, and “To insult is not freedom”. Speakers addressed the protest and held communal prayers, before representatives delivered a petition signed by over 100,000 British Muslims to Cameron’s office. The petition describes cartoons of Mohammed as “an affront to the norms of civilised society”. After a deadly jihadist attack on Charlie Hebdo’s offices in Paris in January, Londoners had queued to buy the following memorial issue which featured a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed on its front cover. However most British media did not re-publish the cartoons, which are offensive to Muslims as depictions of the founder of Islam are forbidden. “The peace-loving majority of people must become vociferous in promoting global civility and responsible debate,” said Shaykh Tauqir Ishaq, a spokesman for the Muslim Action Forum that organised the protest. “At this time of heightened tension and emotion, it is crucial that both sides show restraint to prevent further incidents of this nature occurring.” A smaller rival demonstration of far-right protesters gathered on the opposite side of the street near the prime minister’s office, waving Union Jack flags and holding a banner reading “Britain First: take our country back”.

British Muslims protest Charlie Hebdo Mohammed cartoons

LONDON: Thousands of British Muslims protested against cartoons of Mohammed in French satirical magazine Charlie Hebd...

See cop bust a move for dashcam test

See cop bust a move for dashcam test

An officer with Missouri's Smithville Police Department decided to have some fun while testing out his squad car's dashcam recorder.

Messi magic boosts Barca

Messi magic boosts Barca

Barcelona took full advantage of arch-rival Real Madrid's humiliating derby defeat to close the gap in the La Liga title race to just on...

Best of BAFTAs: Highlights from UK film night

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835413/best-of-baftas-highlights-from-uk-film-night/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835413-image-1423437684-741-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			LONDON: From a wheelchair-bound Stephen Hawking taking to the stage to an emotional tribute for late director Richard Attenborough, it was a memorable night at the BAFTA awards ceremony on Sunday. Here are some of the highlights as up-and-coming actors joined Hollywood heavyweights like Tom Cruise for the event at London’s Royal Opera House: - Award presenters this year included Hawking, the theoretical physicist and motor neurone disease sufferer who is the subject the award-winning biopic “The Theory of Everything”. As he took to the stage, Hawking received a standing ovation. He joked that he was not only more intelligent but also “better-looking” than the night’s host, comedian Stephen Fry. Actor Tom Cruise, former footballer David Beckham also took to the podium, along with Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci, who are in London filming the new James Bond movie “Spectre”. - British actor Eddie Redmayne, who scooped best actor for portraying Hawking, told AFP that he spent four months in a London clinic “trying to educate myself on the disease” and worked with a dancer to “find the specifics of Stephen’s physicality in my body”. - J.K. Simmons, who won best supporting actor for his role as a fearsome music teacher in “Whiplash”, told AFP that the script was “one of the most brilliant pieces of writing I have ever read.” - Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays troubled World War II codebreaker Alan Turing in “The Imitation Game”, said on the red carpet that the role of the persecuted gay man had become a “cause” and “real passion” for him. Cumberbatch also lent his support to save the Soho neighbourhood from gentrification, saying it was “a unique part of London’s cultural life”. - In a pre-recorded message, Robert Downey Jr. paid tribute to Attenborough with lines from the late director’s film “Chaplin” which he starred in saying: “Smile though your heart is aching. Smile even though it’s breaking. When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by.” Prince William also praised Attenborough’s “passion for nurturing, supporting and developing talent”. - British director Mike Leigh was honoured with a career achievement award previously won by Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg. Leigh has won three BAFTAs and is best known for “Naked” (1993), Secrets & Lies (1996) and Vera Drake (2004). His work has often been about working-class lives and showed particular anger against former prime minister Margaret Thatcher. - “Citizenfour” — the film about US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden — won for best documentary but there was no-one to collect the award. Director Laura Poitras fears prosecution in Britain for revealing state secrets and currently lives in Berlin. - Serge Pizzorno of the rock band Kasabian, which played at the ceremony, had his own take on the night’s strict dress code, wearing a white T-shirt with “black tie” written on it. - The animal rights group PETA gave official approval to the night’s vegan menu, featuring quinoa salad, asparagus, roasted butternut squash and sun-blushed tomato lasagne with wilted spinach.

Best of BAFTAs: Highlights from UK film night

LONDON: From a wheelchair-bound Stephen Hawking taking to the stage to an emotional tribute for late director Richard...

Ivory Coast ends 23-year wait

Ivory Coast ends 23-year wait

Ivory Coast claimed its first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1992 after beating Ghana 9-8 in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final Sun...

‘Old man’ haircut for misbehaving kids?

‘Old man’ haircut for misbehaving kids?

British-made films boost economy

British-made films boost economy

The UK is making more international blockbusters than ever before. CNN's Nina dos Santos looks at this billion dollar industry.

Higher education: Call for inclusion of social sciences in varsity curriculums

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835304/higher-education-call-for-inclusion-of-social-sciences-in-varsity-curriculums/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835304-education-1423429990-596-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			The Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairperson Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin has called for promoting research-based education at the higher education level with a special focus on social sciences. He was speaking at a reception hosted by the Inter-University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (IUCPSS) at the Islamabad Club, said a press release. “Inter-university collaboration is vital for strengthening social sciences in Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country was far behind in the region in terms of accessibility to higher education. Nizamuddin further said that lack funds, trained faculty and university-industry linkages were some of the issues the higher education sector was facing. “All these issues need immediate attention through collaborative efforts and support of the international community,” he said adding that the Punjab HEC will benefit from the expertise and experience of the consortium in addressing the socio economic issues of the province. IUCPSS Chairman Pakistan and University of Haripur Vice-Chancellor Dr Nasser Ali Khan said the inter-university consortium, an alliance of more than 20 universities, will continue its contribution to promoting research in social sciences. President American Institute of Pakistan Studies Prof Dr Kamran Asdar Ali appreciated the consortium’s contribution towards improving the state of social sciences in Pakistan. Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2015.

Higher education: Call for inclusion of social sciences in varsity curriculums

The Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairperson Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin has called for promoting research-based...

English Premier League: Mourinho warns against complacency

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835141/english-premier-league-mourinho-warns-against-complacency/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835141-EPLcopy-1423415568-336-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists the Premier League title race is not over even though the Blues extended their lead at the top to seven points with a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa as second-placed Manchester City fluffed their lines at home to Hull City. Branislav Ivanovic’s second-half winner enabled the league leaders to take advantage of City’s draw and strengthen their grip on pole position on Saturday. “In another country I would say it’s fantastic, in this country I would say it’s nothing,” said Mourinho. “Every game is difficult, anything can happen.” City had kept Chelsea within their sights by holding Mourinho’s side to a draw at Stamford Bridge last weekend, but after drawing 1-1 against Hull, the champions’ grip on the title is weakening. “It is difficult to know what the reason is for the spark going,” said City manager Manuel Pellegrini. “Every point you lose, it is more difficult to recover.” Pellegrini fielded Edin Dzeko up front alongside Sergio Aguero, but it was Hull who showed the greater enterprise as they hauled themselves out of the relegation zone. Meyler broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, sweeping home after Gaston Ramirez’s low shot hit the right-hand post before Milner bent in a fine 25-yard free-kick in the 92nd minute. Rodgers impressed by Liverpool’s ‘Rolls Royce’ stars Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised the performance of the youngsters in his team as they played a leading role in extending Liverpool’s long unbeaten record against Everton in their goalless draw on Saturday. “What was pleasing tonight in such an intense atmosphere was the composure of my young players,” said Rodgers.   Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th,  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.

English Premier League: Mourinho warns against complacency

LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists the Premier League title race is not over even though the Blues extende...

The future of the people of FATA

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835111/the-future-of-the-people-of-fata/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835111-UzairMYounusNew-1423413275-527-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			The recent announcement that <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/825566/idps-repatriation-to-start-from-feb-15/" target="_blank">IDPs from North Waziristan will be allowed to return home from February 15</a> should come as a relief to the thousands of families that escaped when the summer offensive began last year. While this is indeed good news, little has been said of what the future holds for the tribal areas. When the Pakistan military first moved into the tribal areas in 2002 to tackle militants who had streamed in from across the Durand Line, a political system that had local buy-in and represented local customs was disrupted. As the conflict raged on and militancy took hold in these areas, tribal norms, traditions and political processes were sidelined. The dominance of the military in the region, coupled with the sinister assassination campaigns run by militants against tribal elders, ensured that the traditional system of governance in Fata failed. During a recent trip to Peshawar and adjoining areas, I had the opportunity to learn about the tribal form of governance from tribal leaders and locals. Evolved over centuries, this unique system represents the cultural norms of the tribes that inhabit Fata. The idea of taking collective responsibility for the actions of a family or a sub-tribe, protecting the honour of one’s family, and seeking justice through arbitration by jirga are amongst some of the core elements of this system. Rendered ineffective due to the nature of the conflict in the region, locals continue to yearn for this system, for not only did it represent their traditions, it also provided stability in the region. There will be some who would argue that these traditions have many archaic and even draconian elements to it and that Fata must be brought into the mainstream. Such a belief is rooted in a lack of understanding of the local context and a sense of cultural superiority that justifies the imposition of norms and practices considered foreign by local citizens. Locals argue that while there is room for change in some of these traditional practices, the reform should not be forced upon them but should occur through a process of local debate. A key point that many raised during discussions I held with them was that why should they accept a system of governance that is not only foreign for them, but one that has largely failed in the core of the country? Bribery, nepotism and a lack of interest dominate the mainstream institutional processes in Pakistan today. Evidence of the effectiveness of this system in bringing stability to Fata lies in the recent process of reconciliation, where a militant group in Khyber Agency decided to renounce violence. The agreement came about through a long process of discussion conducted by a jirga and it was this process that gave a way for the tribal leadership to initiate a process of reconciliation with militants. The TTP have over the years recognised how effective these local processes of conflict-resolution can be, which is why they have targeted jirgas and tribal elders time and time again. Local tribes, with thousands of men who are unemployed, also provide <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/739598/tribal-ties-salarzai-tribe-forms-lashkar-to-combat-militants/" target="_blank">a willing and able supply of manpower</a> that can help police these agencies. Men in tribal areas grow up learning how to use small weapons and are effective fighters. Furthermore, they possess knowledge of local geography and culture that can be an asset in maintaining security. While the Pakistan Army can do a good job at dominating space in the tribal agencies to flush out militants, it is not its job to hold and maintain security within the agencies. Given our precarious economic conditions, keeping such a large military presence in the tribal areas after they have been cleared of militant presence is not a sound proposition. For years, the local communities that inhabit the tribal areas have been passive stakeholders in this conflict. While some have taken up arms against the state, the vast majority are patriotic Pakistanis who want to play a role in helping bring peace back to Pakistan. While our armed forces can continue to flush out militants from their hideouts, only the local citizens can provide sustainable peace to the region. Achieving this stability requires implementing a system of governance that resonates with the local tribes. Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th,  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.

The future of the people of FATA

The recent announcement that IDPs from North Waziristan will be allowed to return home from February 15 should come a...

Afridi says it’s time for the seniors to deliver

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835139/afridi-says-its-time-for-the-seniors-to-deliver/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835139-shahidafridiAFP-1423425563-439-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			KARACHI: Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said that is time for him and other senior players to give something back to the country after having played so much cricket in their careers. Afridi, who is a veteran of 391 ODIs, 27 Tests and 77 T20Is, is still going strong after having made his debut way back in 1996 but has announced his retirement from ODIs after the 2015 World Cup. “It’s time to give something back to Pakistan with our performances,” said Afridi. “As senior players, there is a big responsibility on me and others to perform.” <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Misbahul-Haq.jpg" /> Afridi is closing in on a landmark 400 wickets and 8,000 runs in ODIs. Right now, he has picked up 393 wickets and has scored 7,948 runs in his career. And in his view, his stint in the Big Bash League will go a long way in helping him perform Down Under. “I’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia and the Big Bash will certainly help me,” he said. “The pitches have changed a lot from what they used to be in the 90s, so hopefully our batsmen will adjust.” Afridi hoped that the likes of Muhammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz would be able to do their job up front by picking up early wickets. He also praised the coaching staff for fine-tuning the bowling abilities of Haris Sohail and Ahmed Shahzad ahead of the mega event. Afridi stated that it would be unfair to compare the side with that of 1992, even though their mixture of youth and experience is similar. Speaking about Saeed Ajmal, the leg-spinner said: “Ajmal may have cleared the test but you can’t say how effective he is with the new action and maybe after a domestic season, we can see where he stands.” Misbah rues Junaid loss Pakistan skipper Misbahul Haq admitted that Junaid Khan’s injury has made life difficult for him as the World Cup approaches. Junaid, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, has been heading Pakistan’s inexperienced pace attack in the last 12 months. “Junaid was an experienced bowler and has performed well in the last couple of years, especially in the ODIs,” said Misbah. <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Shahid-Afridi.jpg" /> Like Afridi, Misbah also expressed doubt over Ajmal being ready for the World Cup. “It’s a tough decision because Ajmal hasn’t played any sort of cricket for the last five or six months,” said the skipper when asked whether the off-spinner should have been called in Junaid’s place. Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th,  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.

Afridi says it’s time for the seniors to deliver

KARACHI: Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said that is time for him and other senior players to give something back...

Haier President’s Cup Silver League: Irfan’s brilliance guides WAPDA to title

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835144/haier-presidents-cup-silver-league-irfans-brilliance-guides-wapda-to-title/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835144-ChairmanPCBShaharyarMKhanandDirectorDomesticCricketIntikhabAlamwiththewinningteamofHaierPresidentsSilverOneDayTournamentattheGaddafiStadiumLahorecopy-1423415591-789-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			KARACHI: Seventeen-year-old Muham-mad Irfan’s brilliance with the ball helped Wapda clinch the President’s Cup Silver League title as they won the final against Hyderabad Hawks by eight wickets in a one-sided affair at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday. Hawks, who had won their previous encounter against Wapda in the triangular stage, were put in to bat and were dismissed for a mere 117 in 43.5 overs. The Hawks batsmen were up against it right from the start as Zeeshan Gul was caught behind by Rafatullah Mohmand off Waqas Maqsood on a duck in only the second over. They then lost three wickets for just one run when Irfan’s wickets of Hawks skipper Azeem Ghumman and Faisal Athar sandwiched the run out of Muhammad Sadam to leave the Hyderabad side reeling at 4-25. Irfan also dismissed Shoaib Laghari to send back half of the Hawks line-up for just 31. Irfan then came back on later to dismiss top scorer Muhammad Awais on 32 to finish with incredible figures of 4-12 in 10 overs with five maidens, at an economy rate of 1.2 and an average of three. The other Wapda bowlers also chipped in with wickets to set their side a simple 118-run target.` In reply, Wapda’s openers were also quickly back in the pavilion as Mir Ali took a quick-fire double. First he dismissed Muhammad Fayyaz on 10 as the right-hander edged it through to the wicketkeeper and then caught Iftikhar Ahmed in front of the stumps on eight in his next over to leave Wapda 23-2. However, there was little joy for the bowlers there on in as Ayaz Tasawwar and Aamer Sajjad put on an unbeaten 98-run partnership to end the match. “The young and talented Irfan was put into the team in the final as a surprise package and took four wickets,” Wapda skipper Rana Navedul Hassan told The Express Tribune. “Other bowlers and fielders backed him and gave him confidence, which resulted in him bowling a tremendous spell.” Hassan was also happy with the way his side replied back after suffering defeat against the same opponents. “Nothing else could have been a better answer for our first defeat against them,” he added. “We won the tournament in a fabulous manner. Credit goes to all team members, including the management.” Meanwhile, losing captain Ghumman was left disappointed with his team’s performance in the final. “We should have performed in the final as we were just one step away from winning the title,” said Ghumman. “However the one who puts in more effort wins and Wapda deserved victory after their good performance throughout the tournament.” Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th,  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.

Haier President’s Cup Silver League: Irfan’s brilliance guides WAPDA to title

KARACHI: Seventeen-year-old Muham-mad Irfan’s brilliance with the ball helped Wapda clinch the President’s Cup Silver...

Radicalisation of Muslim youth in UK ‘frightening’: Prince Charles

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835241/radicalisation-of-muslim-youth-in-uk-is-frightening-prince-charles/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835241-PricneCharlesAFP-1423418978-370-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			Britain’s Prince Charles said the numbers of vulnerable young Muslims being radicalised by “crazy stuff” on the Internet was “frightening”, in an interview to be broadcast Sunday. The heir to the throne also voiced concern about Christians fleeing the Middle East in droves, saying the situation might end with very few left in the cradle of the religion. In a BBC radio interview, Charles said radicalisation was “one of the greatest worries” and the issue could not be simply “swept under the carpet. “It’s the extent which this is happening is the alarming part,” the 66-year-old said. Speaking of “the values we hold dear”, Charles said: “You’d think that the people who have come here, born here, go to school here would abide by those values and outlooks. “But, the frightening part is that people can be so radicalised either through contact with somebody else or through the Internet and the extraordinary amount of crazy stuff which is on the Internet.” He added: “Some aspect of this radicalisation is a search for adventure and excitement at a particular age.” The Prince of Wales said much of his own work with young people in deprived areas had been aimed at finding “constructive paths” for people to channel their energies. “There are some really interesting examples of how people can be de-radicalised once they become radicalised because I think sometimes they find they are horrified by what it leads to,” he said. He said more people now realised they had to address prevention. “You can’t just sweep it under the carpet.” Charles said the numbers of Christians in the Middle East was going “dramatically down”, with people “intimidated to a degree you can’t believe” where the Islamic State jihadist group has taken control in northern Iraq. “There is a danger that there is going to be very, very few left,” he said. “Christians have been in the Middle East for 2,000 years. Before Islam came in the 8th century. And have contributed an enormous amount, as many Muslims and others would agree. “So that makes it an even greater tragedy.” Charles is visiting Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from Saturday to Thursday. As first in line to become the British monarch, Charles is thus next in the line of succession to become the supreme governor of the Church of England under the title Defender of the Faith. He explained that he, as does his mother Queen Elizabeth II, interprets the role not as being “to defend Anglicism to the exclusion of other religions” but instead to protect all religions because “the Church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country”. A new biography of Charles out Thursday has reignited debate about his suitability for the politically neutral role of king, given his outspoken views and energetic activism.

Radicalisation of Muslim youth in UK ‘frightening’: Prince Charles

Britain’s Prince Charles said the numbers of vulnerable young Muslims being radicalised by “crazy stuff” on the Intern...

Miss Universe asked to attend peace talks

Miss Universe asked to attend peace talks

Amal Clooney to push Egypt to free journalist

Amal Clooney to push Egypt to free journalist

International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney will travel to Cairo in hopes of freeing jailed journalist Mohamed Fahmy, the journalist said...

No rats or bats on the menu: Chinese govt

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835054/no-rats-or-bats-on-the-menu-chinese-govt/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835054-rats_chinesecopy-1423411905-410-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			BEIJING: With just a few days to go before the Chinese New Year, which people celebrate with an abundance of food and merrymaking, China’s government has launched a campaign to prevent virus infections caused by eating ‘strange food’ such as rats, snakes and bats. Authorities in charge of food safety urged citizens Friday not to consume ‘wild animals’, and above all, not to ‘go over the top’, as it is common for people in certain parts of the country to come up with astonishing dishes, using animals not commonly found on the dinner table. In the southern Canton province, for example, people savour preparations made from snakes and rats, which is why the authorities are urging everyone, particularly old people, children and pregnant women, to abstain from what it calls strange dishes. The government has announced the start of inspections around the country, in an attempt to reduce diseases caused by eating such food during the New Year festival, also known as Spring Festival in China, which falls February 19 this year. During this year’s festivities, the Chinese will see off the Year of the Horse and welcome the Year of the Sheep, as every year is represented by a different animal. The government’s concern over the issue is not unwarranted, since a 2013 study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS virus that caused a pandemic in 2002 blamed for 800 deaths in China came from a local species of bat.  Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th,  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.

No rats or bats on the menu: Chinese govt

BEIJING: With just a few days to go before the Chinese New Year, which people celebrate with an abundance of food and...

Laughing it off with Dan Nainan

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835055/laughing-it-off-with-dan-nainan/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835055-___ncopy-1423411907-986-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			<div>LAHORE:  American born-half-Indian-half Japanese stand-up comedian, Dan Nainan makes for an interesting fusion of cultures. He is in Pakistan for a series of shows and started off his act in Lahore with stories about his own journey and quickly ventured into jokes about his own unique mix. “The only other person I’ve met like me is my sister,” Nainan stated comically.   </div> He has performed in many different countries but especially likes coming to the sub continent and performing for desis abroad. He fondly remembers performing for a group of 6000 Pakistani doctors in America. The reason his jokes sit well with our people is that they hit home. People can relate to them because the instances he talks about seem familiar. Nainan is an international sensation but he knows the importance of making sure the audience being able to relate locally. He says, “People can’t laugh at something if they don’t know what you’re talking about.” Nainan has a joke about the name Patel being common in the NFL team, but with a desi audience he changes the sport to cricket. <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/unnamed-copy.jpg" /> While comedians from Pakistan are facing issues with self-censorship with topics like politics, religion and sex which are off limits, Nainan is a complete clean comedian to the extent of teetotalism. This helps his popularity amongst the more conventional and conservative. Russell Peters has been a huge inspiration for Dan Nainan who is not a clean comedian such as himself but has captured the audiences of the east. The east has always essentially looked up to the west, as the effects of      colonisation still linger on. If a comedian from Pakistan points out our own eccentricities it probably won’t be as funny as a half-western half-eastern point of view which partly is the reason for the success of Nainan and Peters. Nainan has performed for famous personalities like Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, Micheal Bloomberg, Steve Wozniak and has a published book titled, How To Become a Full-Time Standup Comedian. At his show he informs the crowd his book is up for sale and then wittily adds, “I’ll email a soft copy of Russell Peters’ book to whoever pays for mine.” Nainan also appeared in The Last Airbender (2010) playing the role of the Fire Nation Warrior. During his act he touched on some interesting topics. He asked a crowd of about fifty odd people if anyone there was into comedy. Nadir Ali, raised his hand, who later spoke to us about his own experience with standup comedy in Pakistan. “It’s still a niche activity as the disparity between the topics people find humorous is huge”, he said. “A joke for the masses would be completely different as opposed to one catered to a more intellectually sound audience and it’s up to the comedian to decide what audience he prefers.” The dearth of standup comedy was in itself visible from the people in attendance even though Nainan put on a great show. Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th,  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.

Laughing it off with Dan Nainan

LAHORE: American born-half-Indian-half Japanese stand-up comedian, Dan Nainan makes for an interesting fusion of cult...

Herzog unveils female ‘Lawrence of Arabia’

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835052/herzog-unveils-female-lawrence-of-arabia/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835052-nicolekidman-1423412874-167-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			BERLIN: Nicole Kidman says she loves the desert, which was lucky for her as veteran German director Werner Herzog expected her to spend a lot of time there for his entry for this year’s Berlin film festival competition. His Queen of the Desert, which had its premiere on Friday, is based on the life of the British society woman Gertrude Bell. Known as ‘the female Lawrence of Arabia’, she trekked the deserts of the Arabian peninsula in the early part of the 20th century, knew T.E. Lawrence, befriended Bedouins, had two failed love affairs, worked as a spy and wound up as Britain’s diplomatic expert on the Arab tribes. <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Werner-Herzog.jpg" /> Herzog, 72, who directed off-the-wall features such as Fitzcarraldo and other films starring the maniacal Klaus Kinski in the 1980s, said he wished he’d made more movies with women. “I think I should have done films about female protagonists much earlier in my life. I always thought I was a director for men… and I’m glad that finally this discovery came to me, I should have done films about female characters from much, much earlier on,” Herzog told a news conference. Kidman said she was attracted to the movie in part for the opportunity to bring Bell’s life to the screen but also for the chance to film in the desert. James Franco, Robert Pattinson and Damian Lewis co-star, but as Herzog pointed out, the Australian actor appears in all but one scene. “I think what’s so beautiful about this movie is you just see how exquisite that region is and the desert and the people and being a part of it certainly gives you a strong affinity for that, but I’ve always felt a pull toward the desert,” she said. Herzog said he hoped the film will give viewers a better appreciation of the region and its politics, in part complicated by borders Bell helped to draw. He said if the West did not understand the region, it risked falling further into the hands of Islamic State. “We legitimately have to ask ourselves the question whether the border delineations… have been the best of all worlds, no they have not. But we see the alternative out there, the alternative is materialising and the alternative is no borders — and Islamic State running this as a Caliphate which includes Lebanon and Israel, among others,” he said. The film received mixed early reviews, with Britain’s Independent newspaper saying: “This is the closest Herzog has come to making a conventional Hollywood movie — what it lacks is the perversity, drive and wildness that are usually his hallmark.”  Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th,  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.

Herzog unveils female ‘Lawrence of Arabia’

BERLIN: Nicole Kidman says she loves the desert, which was lucky for her as veteran German director Werner Herzog exp...

‘Ghost’ super-boat cruises on bubbles

‘Ghost’ super-boat cruises on bubbles

A boat is copying the tech behind a super-fast Russian torpedo by riding a foam tunnel through the water.

Colombia’s FARC rebels invite Miss Universe to attend peace talks

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/835049/colombias-farc-rebels-invite-miss-universe-to-attend-peace-talks/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/835049-PaulinaVegaAFP-1423405306-480-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			BOGOTA: Colombia’s Marxist FARC rebels have invited the newly-crowned Miss Universe Paulina Vega, a native of the country’s Caribbean coast, to attend their peace negotiations with the government, a bid to end 50 years of fighting. The 22-year-old Vega, a business student and model from the northern city of Barranquilla, was named Miss Universe in late January and has said in interviews that she would be willing to travel to the talks. “We have read with interest your desire to contribute with your good works to reaching peace,” the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, said in a statement on their website late on Friday. “We salute your willingness to travel to Havana, at this time we invite you to make a visit,” added the FARC, which has been holding negotiations with the government in Cuba since late 2012. The FARC did not say how Vega’s visit would help advance the peace talks. She has yet to respond to the invitation. Representatives at the talks have so far reached agreement on three of five agenda points, including land reform, an end to the illegal drugs trade and political participation for ex-guerrillas.

Colombia’s FARC rebels invite Miss Universe to attend peace talks

BOGOTA: Colombia’s Marxist FARC rebels have invited the newly-crowned Miss Universe Paulina Vega, a native of the cou...

BAFTAs: How numbers stack up

BAFTAs: How numbers stack up

As the 2015 British Film and Television Awards approach, we look back at the previous winners of the famous bronze mask and the numbers behi...

John Legend boycotts Beverly Hills Hotel, Sharia law

John Legend boycotts Beverly Hills Hotel, Sharia law

Up for two Grammys and his first Oscar, John Legend is the dapper cover star of Los Angeles Confidential's latest issue and an honoree a...

$755 for a box of condoms?

$755 for a box of condoms?

Shortages of basic products such as corn, milk and chicken have plagued Venezuela for years, creating long lines at supermarkets and pushing...

Gunman sought in Pittsburgh-area mall shooting

Gunman sought in Pittsburgh-area mall shooting

‘Fire volcano’ closes airport, forces evacuations

‘Fire volcano’ closes airport, forces evacuations

An eruption of Guatemala's so-called "fire volcano" has closed an airport and forced the evacuation of at least 100 people.

Powerball jackpot up to $450M

Powerball jackpot up to $450M

Millions played and prayed.

Book review: Gray Mountain – rise and fall

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/832772/book-review-gray-mountain-rise-and-fall/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/832772-Bookcutoutcopy-1423061532-909-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			As I started reading John Grisham’s Gray Mountain, it transported me back to my time in London in September 2008. It was the year that shook the world as Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy. Around 5,000 people lost their jobs at their Canary Wharf office in London and every British newspaper carried images of devastated young people crying outside their office on their front page. This book tells the story of 29-year-old Samantha Kofer, a third-year associate at a big New York law firm, who is also laid off from her job within 10 days of the Lehman Brothers’ fall as the impact of the economic meltdown trickled to all financial firms across the US and Europe. While Kofer is still struggling with the shock and depression at the recent turn of events, her law firm offers to retain her as an intern with the possibility of rehiring her for her old job if the economic climate improves. However, she chooses to work with a Mountain Legal Aid Clinic in rural Virginia, Appalachia, instead. <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/JohnGrisham-cutout-copy.jpg" /> <blockquote> Author John Grisham </blockquote> In this part of the book, Grisham vividly describes the beauty of the region and the living conditions of the people of Appalachia — a stark contrast from the glamorous bustling life that Kofer left behind in New York. He also highlights the way mining companies exploit their workers. For example, one of the cases assigned to the young lawyer is one of black-lungs. If miners can prove that they have been disabled by years of breathing coal dust, they are entitled to payments that can reach up to $ 1,000 a month. However, since the employers collude with the lawyers, cases usually end up getting delayed until the miner dies or forgets about them. The lawyers are also supported by doctors, judges, regulators and prosecutors, which ultimately benefits coal companies at the cost of their workers. Koffer eventually finds out that standing for the truth sometimes means putting one’s life on the line. The characters in the book, particularly of Kofer, have been developed carefully and seem very real. The heart of the book though is how big corporations thrive on the labour of those who work for them but give little in return. Overall, Gray Mountain is a good read and keeps the reader engaged throughout. However, it does leave you wondering why Grisham chose to start the novel with the fall of the Lehman Brothers five years after it happened. But that might be a story for another time. <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1-copy.jpg" /> Ishrat Ansari works at The Express Tribune Karachi desk. She tweets @Ishrat_ansari Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, February 8th, 2015.

Book review: Gray Mountain – rise and fall

As I started reading John Grisham’s Gray Mountain , it transported me back to my time in London in September 2008. It ...

Internet access: The future is online

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/832835/internet-access-the-future-is-online/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/832835-Spacecopy-1423064441-169-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			A 2011 United Nations report stated that access to the internet is a basic human right, and “should be a priority for all states”. In 2012, the UN Human Rights Council passed a motion that spoke of “the global and open nature of the internet as a driving force in accelerating progress towards development,” and stated that it was against international law for governments to block internet access. Yet, as of 2015, only 2.7 billion people have access to the internet, while it is estimated that by 2018 nearly half of the world’s population will have digital access. This still leaves a significant portion of the world’s population offline. However, this may change if Mark Zuckerberg, founder, CEO and chairperson of Facebook, has his way. In late March 2014, Zuckerberg stated his intentions of providing internet access to the world through an initiative called ‘internet.org’, which was meant to be a global partnership between technology leaders, nonprofits, local communities and experts working together to bring internet access to two-thirds of the world’s population. Facebook’s Connectivity Lab project was also revealed simultaneously, which, through the technology of drones and laser, would embark on this mission. Professionals working for this project were recruited from prominent companies such as Nasa and the Ames Research Center. It is only lately that intriguing details behind this project are coming to light. The company intends to manufacture drones in the thousands that will fly high and in the high corners of the Earth where internet isn’t readily accessible. These drones will provide wireless internet through laser beams transmitted via unmanned aircrafts that will fly at least 60,000 feet. This altitude is both above unforgiving weather and what any aircraft can reach. The Facebook drones will also be enormous in size, as big as a 747 commercial jet. Although Facebook drones seem to have the technological answers, they may run into legal issues. For example, plans to have one pilot fly several drones at once may not sit well with certain governments whose laws dictate that each drone must be piloted by a single pilot. Moreover, Facebook isn’t the only company experimenting with such a project. Technology giant Google also has similar designs. In fact, Titan Aerospace, a startup that manufactures solar powered drones, was initially in negotiations with Facebook before being bought by Google. Insiders report that Google’s offer to better any deal from Facebook was readily accepted by Titan Aerospace, who were acquired by Google to work on their Project Loon. Google’s own initiative is termed a research and development endeavour designed to provide internet through high-altitude and unmanned weather balloons. After some experimentation, both companies intend to launch their projects full scale in the near future. Facebook has stated that after test runs it will run its drones in third world nations, where easy access to the internet is most needed. Of course, neither Google nor Facebook are running these projects purely out of the goodness of their hearts. Both technology giants are in the business of the internet, and marshaling the information superhighway is in their prime interest. Noman Ansari is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to The Express Tribune magazine. He tweets @Pugnate Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, February 8th, 2015.

Internet access: The future is online

A 2011 United Nations report stated that access to the internet is a basic human right, and “should be a priority for ...

Health: Demystifying epilepsy

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/832820/health-demystifying-epilepsy/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/832820-had-1423064271-767-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			Epilepsy is one of the most common serious chronic neurological diseases affecting people of all ages globally. It is characterised by recurrent seizures and can be caused due to various factors. In some cases, there is an underlying genetic basis, whereas brain damage from prenatal or perinatal injuries (for example, a loss of oxygen or trauma during birth), congenital abnormalities or brain malformations, head injury, stroke, neurological infections such as meningitis, encephalitis and neurocysticercosis, and brain tumours can also trigger the disease. In about half the cases of epilepsy, the cause cannot be identified. Overview The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is two to three times higher than for the general population in high-income countries and more than six times higher in low- and middle-income countries. People with epilepsy also often suffer from other psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety, associated intellectual disabilities, especially in children, and physical injuries (for instance, fractures and burns). <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/50.jpg" /> People with epilepsy are often subjected to stigmatisation and discrimination because of misconceptions and negative attitudes surrounding the disease. Some common misconceptions associated with the disease are that the patient is possessed by ‘evil spirits’ or that epilepsy is contagious or is equivalent to madness. Stigmatisation leads to human rights violations and societal exclusion. For example, in some settings children with epilepsy may not be allowed to go to school and adults may not find suitable employment or be able to marry. Challenges and gaps in epilepsy care Up to 75% of people with epilepsy can live a normal life, free from seizures, if they are appropriately treated with antiepileptic medicines. Despite the availability of affordable treatment, up to 90% of people with epilepsy may not be properly diagnosed or treated in resource-poor settings. The so-called “treatment gap” (the percentage of people with epilepsy whose seizures are not being appropriately treated at a given point in time) is estimated to be 75% in low-income countries and substantially higher in rural areas than in urban areas. The wide treatment gap may result from a combination of inadequate capacities of healthcare systems and inequitable distributions of resources, particularly in resource-poor and rural areas. Factors that widen the gap include an insufficiency of staff, poor access to antiepileptic medicines, societal ignorance and misconceptions, poverty and low prioritisation for the treatment of epilepsy. <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/0.85.jpg" /> Only limited numbers of specialist health professionals are available in low- and middle-income countries. Epilepsy can be treated at the primary healthcare level but very often, the healthcare workers there are not adequately trained to diagnose or treat epilepsy. There are several barriers to accessing antiepileptic medicines. For example, the price often remains unjustifiably high, even for generic medicines. Data and information necessary for planning, forecasting and budgeting are often lacking. Certain regulatory policies prevent wider use of some antiepileptic medicines. Lack of knowledge or misperceptions about epilepsy may affect health-seeking behaviour. People with epilepsy may not access treatment from healthcare facilities and instead might seek help from other sources that may be ineffective. They also may not seek regular follow-up care or adhere to medications as prescribed. Epilepsy care: Need of the hour  Strengthen effective leadership and governance: National policies and legislation need to be formulated, strengthened and implemented in order to promote and protect the rights of people with epilepsy and to prohibit discrimination in education, employment, marriage, reproduction, driving regulations and recreation.  Improve provision of epilepsy care: Policies on general health, mental health or non-communicable diseases should include consideration of care for people with epilepsy and adequate budgets should be allocated to undertake the necessary steps. Stakeholders from all relevant sectors, including people with epilepsy and their caretakers and family members, should be engaged in the development and implementation of policies, laws and services.  Integrate epilepsy management into primary healthcare: In order to help reduce the epilepsy treatment gap, non-specialist healthcare providers should be trained and supported so that epilepsy can be diagnosed and treated in primary healthcare settings.  Increase access to medicines: Strategies should be formulated and implemented to make antiepileptic medicines more available, accessible and affordable  Support strategies for prevention of epilepsy: Many of the causes of epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries are preventable, and the health and social sectors should be supported to assist in reducing its incidence. Examples include promoting safe pregnancies and births, control of cysticercosis, prevention of head trauma and prevention of strokes.  Strengthen health information and surveillance systems: Data on epilepsy should be captured, collated, routinely reported, analysed and disaggregated by sex and age in order to measure progress in increasing access to services for people with epilepsy.  Improve investment in epilepsy research and increase research capacity.  Collaborate with civil society and other partners. Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, February 8th, 2015.

Health: Demystifying epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common serious chronic neurological diseases affecting people of all ages globally. It is ...