Pak News Wire

SIHH 2015: Luxury watchmakers unveil latest designs

SIHH 2015: Luxury watchmakers unveil latest designs

Tennis: Venus, Serena to collide?

Tennis: Venus, Serena to collide?

It could be a family affair for the Williams sisters at the Australian Open.

Turkish court orders Facebook to block pages insulting Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/827770/turkish-court-orders-facebook-to-block-pages-insulting-prophet-muhammad-pbuh/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/827770-Facebook-1422262130-702-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			ANKARA / ANKARA: A Turkish court has ordered Facebook to block a number of pages deemed insulting to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), threatening to stop access to the whole social networking site if it does not comply, local media reported. The order made by the court on Sunday followed a request by a prosecutor, state broadcaster TRT reported. No one from Facebook was immediately available for comment. It was the latest move to crack down on material seen as offending religious sensibilities in the largely Muslim nation, where the government of President Tayyip Erdogan is seen pursuing a religious agenda. Earlier this month, prosecutors launched an inquiry into a newspaper which reprinted parts of the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo in the wake of an attack by militants on its offices in Paris.

Turkish court orders Facebook to block pages insulting Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

ANKARA / ANKARA: A Turkish court has ordered Facebook to block a number of pages deemed insulting to Prophet Muhammad...

Do not call Charlie Hebdo killers ‘terrorists’, says BBC Arabia

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/827842/do-not-call-charlie-hebdo-killers-terrorists-says-bbc/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/827842-kafala-1422276894-283-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			The militants responsible for the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris should be not be described as “terrorists” by the BBC, a senior executive at the corporation said. Head of BBC Arabic Tarik Kafala the largest of the BBC’s non-English language news services, said the term “terrorist” was too “loaded” to describe the actions of the men who killed 12 people in the attack on the French satirical magazine, according to <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/paris-attacks-do-not-call-charlie-hebdo-killers-terrorists-says-head-of-bbc-arabic-tarik-kafala-10001739.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a>. “We try to avoid describing anyone as a terrorist or an act as being terrorist. What we try to do is to say that ‘two men killed 12 people in an attack on the office of a satirical magazine’. That’s enough, we know what that means and what it is,” Kafala said. BBC Arabic television, radio and online news services reach a weekly audience of 36 million people. “Terrorism is such a loaded word. The UN has been struggling for more than a decade to define the word and they can’t. It is very difficult to. We know what political violence is, we know what murder, bombings and shootings are and we describe them. That’s much more revealing, we believe, than using a word like terrorist which people will see as value-laden,” the executive said. Regarding the attack on Charlie Hebdo, Kafala said, “We avoid the word terrorists. It’s a terrorist attack, anti-terrorist police are deployed on the streets of Paris. Clearly all the officials and commentators are using the word so obviously we broadcast that.” Kafala’s comments may seem shocking but they are in line with the BBC’s editorial guidelines on reporting terrorism. The guidelines state, “[The BBC] does not ban the use of the word. However, we do ask that careful thought is given to its use by a BBC voice. There are ways of conveying the full horror and human consequences of acts of terror without using the word ‘terrorist’ to describe the perpetrators.” When reporting an attack, the BBC guidelines say it should use words which specifically describe the perpetrator such as “bomber,” “attacker,” “gunman,” “kidnapper” or “militant.”

Do not call Charlie Hebdo killers ‘terrorists’, says BBC Arabia

The militants responsible for the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris should be not be described as “terrorists” by the B...

Horses top Queen’s gift list

Horses top Queen’s gift list

New Saudi leaders to press efforts to diversify economy

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/827811/new-saudi-leaders-to-press-efforts-to-diversify-economy/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/827811-salmansaudi-1422270705-392-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new leadership will push forward efforts to diversify the growing but oil-dependent economy, while easing procedures for investors, senior officials said on Monday. “The smooth transition of power to King Salman is a testament of the stability and the commitment that our leadership has,” Abdullatif al Othman, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), told a conference. Salman acceded to the throne of the world’s leading oil exporter last Friday after his half-brother King Abdullah died aged about 90. “King Salman has been a strong supporter of promoting the kingdom as an investment destination,” Othman told the Global Competitiveness Forum. The annual event, organised by SAGIA, brings together high-ranking Saudi officials with world business leaders. Among those attending is Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of tech giant Google. Oil makes up about 90 percent of Saudi government revenues but Othman said the kingdom aims to expand the health, transport and mining sectors, along with information and communications technology. “Already we’ve identified healthcare and transportation investments valued at $ 140 billion in the coming five years,” Othman said. There is also a plan to “transform” the financial services, tourism and real estate sectors while focusing on education and “innovation”, he said. Critics have complained of the administrative obstacles to doing business in Saudi Arabia but Civil Service Minister Abdulrahman al Barrak told the gathering that “fighting red tape… is a priority.” Othman said that during Abdullah’s “transformative” rule, Saudi Arabia joined the G20 group of major world economies as well as the World Trade Organization. “Foreign direct investment grew at an average rate of 10 percent (and) increased by five-fold to reach $ 220 billion,” he said. A 50 percent fall in world oil prices since last June has left Saudi Arabia projecting its first budget deficit since 2011, emphasising the need to diversify.

New Saudi leaders to press efforts to diversify economy

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new leadership will push forward efforts to diversify the growing but oil-dependent economy, w...

Pakistani, Indian troops exchange sweets at LoC on India’s republic day

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/827800/pakistani-indian-troops-exchange-sweets-at-loc-on-indias-republic-day/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/827800-eccfea-1422271053-544-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			While it is becoming increasingly normal to expect an exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops stationed along the line of control (LoC), on Monday, the two sides exchanged sweets instead, the Press Trust of India reported. On the occasion of India’s republic day, sweets were exchanged in at least three spots along the LoC, including Kaman Post in Uri sector on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road, Teetwal in Tangdhar sector and Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch Sector. Despite the tension along the border, the exchange of sweets between troops stationed along the line of control on their days of national important has become a regular feature.

Pakistani, Indian troops exchange sweets at LoC on India’s republic day

While it is becoming increasingly normal to expect an exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops stationed a...

Soldiers save 1 city from Boko Haram

Soldiers save 1 city from Boko Haram

Nigerian forces fought off Boko Haram militants in the northeastern city of Maiduguri, military officials said Monday, but the extremists se...

Dozens die in Philippines clashes

Dozens die in Philippines clashes

Forty-three people were killed in intense fighting between police commandos and Muslim insurgents in the southern Philippines Sunday, placin...

Tennis: Stan, Serena into QF

Tennis: Stan, Serena into QF

Stan Wawrinka was staring at a fifth set at the Australian Open but pulled off a great escape. Serena Williams, meanwhile, survived another ...

Misbah is 50-50 as a captain: Shoaib Malik

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/827744/misbah-is-50-50-as-a-captain-shoaib-malik/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/827744-ShoaibMalikphotoafp-1422263492-757-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said in an interview to a private TV channel that Misbahul Haq will need support from the senior players in the team if the men in green are to stand any chance of winning the 2015 World Cup, reported Press Trust of India. “I would say Misbah is 50-50 as captain,” said Malik. “Fifty percent weak in taking aggressive decisions and fighting for his players. Senior players like Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi and Muhammad Hafeez will have to advise him on the field and help him take positive decisions if we are to do well in this World Cup. “I have been told he is not able to fight for his players enough. As a captain you have to fight for the players you have faith in. They then repay you with their top performances and that is good for any team. “He has his strong points. He is calm and strong under pressure and that is a plus point in a mega event like the World Cup. But I would like to see other senior players advising him on the field.” The 32-year-old also talked about his term as Pakistan’s ODI captain, when he was sworn in after the team’s failure in the 2007 World Cup, saying that communication barriers caused a lot of problems for him back in the day. “I want to make one thing clear that I myself asked the then PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt to find someone else to lead the team as I wanted to resign as captain during the home series against Sri Lanka after we lost the one-day series,” he clarified. “Ijaz Butt accepted my resignation. I was not happy at that time leading the team because there were communication gaps in the side and it was clear to me some of the players were more interested in the captaincy themselves. “In hindsight I made a mistake and it was too early to accept the captaincy after Younis had refused an offer from the board. But just when I was beginning to gain confidence and learn the tricks of the trade some players caused communication problems. “There are communication problems in the Pakistan team which need to be sorted out. Instead of sitting down across the table and settling grievances we have a culture in the dressing room where players form small groups and stay away from others and it spoils the atmosphere and spirit.” He also shed light on his preference to play for Pakistan and said he sensed a comeback after the premier event. “At my age I have still not given up hope of playing for Pakistan again. Whenever the selectors recall me, my commitments in foreign leagues will take a backseat. I am realistic about making a comeback after the World Cup because I have matured as a player and have been in good nick.”   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.

Misbah is 50-50 as a captain: Shoaib Malik

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said in an interview to a private TV channel that Misbahul Haq will nee...

Australian Open: Stan Wawrinka’s escape act

Australian Open: Stan Wawrinka’s escape act

Puppy undergoes sex-assignment surgery

Puppy undergoes sex-assignment surgery

When animal shelter workers discovered 8-week-old Charcoal was born a hermaphrodite, they performed surgery and she's now ready to be ad...

IAEA chief urges vigilance against ‘terrorist’ nuke threats

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/827747/iaea-chief-urges-vigilance-against-terrorist-nuke-threats/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/827747-israelsaudiirannuclearAFP-1422259532-327-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			SINGAPORE: The head of the UN’s atomic watchdog warned Monday that “terrorists” could attack or sabotage nuclear facilities in countries where security is weak, and urged governments not to let their guard down. “This is a very serious issue for the international community now,” Yukiya Amano, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a lecture in Singapore. “In this area, international cooperation is extremely important because terrorists always target the weak link,” he said. “The country which does not recognise the threat of terrorist sabotage or attacks on nuclear power plants or facilities is the most dangerous country,” he added, without referring to any specific threats or countries. Media reports in July last year cited Iraq’s United Nations ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim writing to UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon about insurgents seizing nearly 40 kilogrammes (88 pounds) of uranium compounds kept at Mosul University. The Islamic State group has overrun parts of Syria and Iraq since last June and declared a Muslim caliphate in those areas. Speaking to reporters later, Amano declined comment on the prospect of global powers and Iran reaching an agreement by the end of June on Tehran’s nuclear programme. “The IAEA has long been insisting that the solution needs to be found through dialogue. We welcome if and when the agreement is reached,” Amano said. “We have communications with them, we provide assistance as necessary and as appropriate, but we are not a party to this negotiation.” Iran and the so-called P5+1 group – the United States, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia – have been seeking a comprehensive accord that would prevent it from developing a nuclear bomb in return for an easing of economic sanctions. Iran says its nuclear programme only has civilian aims.

IAEA chief urges vigilance against ‘terrorist’ nuke threats

SINGAPORE: The head of the UN’s atomic watchdog warned Monday that “terrorists” could attack or sabotage nuclear faci...

Colombia’s Paulina Vega wins Miss Universe title

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/827741/colombias-paulina-vega-wins-miss-universe-title/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/827741-PaulinaVegaAFP-1422257890-114-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			DORAL: Colombia’s Paulina Vega was crowned Miss Universe Sunday, beating out contenders from the United States, Ukraine, Jamaica and The Netherlands at the world’s top beauty pageant in Florida. The 22-year-old model and business student triumphed over 87 other women from around the world, and is only the second beauty queen from Colombia to take home the prize. The last time Colombia won the crown was in 1958 when Luz Marina Zuluaga took home the title. Vega, wearing a long silver sequined gown, was beaming and tearful as she accepted her sash and crown from reigning Miss Universe, Venezuelan Gabriela Isler. She edged out first runner-up Nia Sanchez from the United States, hugging her as her win was announced. Vega spoke proudly of her country, and said in the question round Colombia “has been a role model for the rest of the world.” “We are persevering people, despite all the obstacles, we keep fighting for what we want to achieve. After years of difficulty, we are leading in several areas on the world stage.” Vega won highest possible score of 9.9 in every presentation at the Miss Universe Colombia contest, according to the pageant’s website. The five-foot-nine model from Barranquilla is the granddaughter of legendary tenor Gaston Vega and 1953 Miss Atlantico, Elvira Castillo. She beat out Ukraine’s Diana Harkusha, Yasmin Verheijen from the Netherlands and Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, who were also top five finalists. The 63rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant, held at Florida International University, geared up with the traditional parade of eye-catching national costumes before a full house of enthusiastic fans. Ten judges were tasked to select this year’s winner, including Cuban-American music mogul Emilio Estefan, Cuban soap opera star William Levy and Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiao. The event is actually the 2014 Miss Universe pageant. The competition was pushed back until now to try to get a bigger television audience. The contest, owned by Donald Trump, is watched by about 600 million worldwide, pageant officials say. There was some criticism of the $ 2.5 million contribution that the city of Doral made to the pageant, as local politicians were divided over whether the promotion for the city near Miami is worth that money. The Miss Universe contest started out in 1952 as a local “bathing beauty” competition organized by a swimwear company in Long Beach, California. Today, the competition is more than a beauty pageant and contestants “compete with hope of advancing their careers, personal and humanitarian goals and… seek to improve the lives of others,” according to the Miss Universe website.

Colombia’s Paulina Vega wins Miss Universe title

DORAL: Colombia’s Paulina Vega was crowned Miss Universe Sunday, beating out contenders from the United States, Ukrai...