Pak News Wire

Suicide bomb attack in Baghdad kills at least 17

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/834469/suicide-bomb-attack-in-baghdad-kills-at-least-17/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/834469-blastpictureee-1423305028-221-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			BAGHDAD: Bombings in the Iraqi capital killed at least 17 people on Saturday, hours before a years-old nightly curfew is due to be lifted, officials said. In the deadliest attack, a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a restaurant in east Baghdad’s Jadida area, killing 12 people and wounding more than 30, said security and medical officials. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but suicide bombings are almost exclusively carried out by Sunni extremists in Iraq, including the Islamic State jihadist group. IS spearheaded a sweeping offensive in June that overran large areas north and west of Baghdad, and Iraqi forces are now battling to push the jihadists back. Another attack – said to have been either a suicide or roadside bombing – hit a commercial area in central Baghdad, killing at least five people and wounding at least 13. Saturday’s attacks illustrate the persistent danger of violence in Baghdad even as the nightly curfew was set to end at midnight in the city. Lifting the curfew is a major change to a longstanding policy aimed at curbing violence in the capital by limiting movement at night, which has failed to stop frequent bombings. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered the move this week, a decision his office said was taken so there would “be normal life as much as possible, despite the existence of a state of war”.

Suicide bomb attack in Baghdad kills at least 17

BAGHDAD: Bombings in the Iraqi capital killed at least 17 people on Saturday, hours before a years-old nightly curfew...

Players will participate in IPL after Pak-India series: Sethi

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/834010/players-will-participate-in-ipl-after-pak-india-series-sethi/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/834010-Sethicopy-1423220449-700-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			KARACHI: Chairman of the executive committee Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi said Pakistan players will participate in the lucrative Indian Premier League after the 2015 Pakistan-India series takes place in December. The chairman, while speaking to the media in Karachi, also added that the Pakistan Super League will take place in Dubai, and not in Pakistan. Regarding the Bangladesh series, Sethi said, “The PCB has told Bangladesh to come and play a series in Pakistan in accordance with the Future Tours Program (FTP). Bangladesh offered us to play a series on their home grounds, but what about our expenses?” He also talked about the central contracts problem, saying that the issue will be solved after the World Cup and players will be given a year contract and their other demands will also be settled. Regarding the team selection for the World Cup, Sethi said, the selection committee has complete autonomy to decide the final 15. “The chairman is the final authority to sign the selected list according to the constitution, but the committee’s selection is respected and very few changes are made to that,” he said.

Players will participate in IPL after Pak-India series: Sethi

KARACHI: Chairman of the executive committee Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi said Pakistan players will part...

Standing up to be counted in ‘war zone’

Standing up to be counted in ‘war zone’

Russell Peters to perform in Bengaluru

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/834408/russell-peters-to-perform-in-bengaluru/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/834408-russell-1423285954-848-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			BENGALURU, INDIA: Stand up comedian Russell Peters, who will be in India as part of his upcoming Almost Famous world tour, will perform in Bengaluru Feb 21. Starting Feb 11, Peters will also perform in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. “After setting attendance records around the world and completing one of the biggest comedy tours ever with his notorious world tour, comedian Russell Peters to perform in Bengaluru on 21st February 2015 at the NICE grounds,” read a statement. The tour is part of Only Much Louder’s brand new festival Stage42. Stage42 brings together a handpicked selection of celebrated artists in the fields of comedy, music, theatre and food. Spanning across multiple cities, the festival will be a collection of events carefully crafted to bring the best of entertainment and culture.

Russell Peters to perform in Bengaluru

BENGALURU, INDIA: Stand up comedian Russell Peters, who will be in India as part of his upcoming Almost Famous world ...

Dhoni becomes father of a baby girl

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/834446/dhoni-becomes-father-of-a-baby-girl/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/834446-dhoni-1423296528-886-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			Just a week ahead of the cricket World Cup, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni became a father after his wife Sakshi gave birth to a baby girl at a private hospital on Friday, reported <a href="http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/celebs/sports/mahendra-singh-dhoni/articleshow/46152865.cms" target="_blank">The Times Of India.</a> The 33-year-old cricketer became a first time father after his daughter was born at Fortis Hospital in the evening. Dhoni had tied the nuptial knot with childhood friend Sakshi Singh Rawat on July 4, 2010 and Sakshi is generally seen travelling with her husband on tours but she didn’t travel with Dhoni during the Australia tour. Sources close to the family said that the baby was born almost a month earlier, right on schedule for the World Cup. Dhoni is currently busy preparing for India’s title defence at the World Cup in Australia.

Dhoni becomes father of a baby girl

Just a week ahead of the cricket World Cup, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni became a father after his wife Sakshi g...

Woods withdraws with back problems

Woods withdraws with back problems

Tiger Woods' season took a turn for the worse when he was forced to withdraw from the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines just 11 hol...

How selecting a jury really works

How selecting a jury really works

CNN legal analyst Danny Cevallos explains how jurors get selected to sit on a trial -- and why it can take such a long time.

American held by ISIS moved by suffering of Syrian people

American held by ISIS moved by suffering of Syrian people

Kayla Mueller traveled to the Middle East and dedicated herself to helping people in need, especially children.

‘Did you lose because you had your period?’

‘Did you lose because you had your period?’

Shooting of action films restricted in Paris

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/834421/shooting-of-action-films-restricted-in-paris/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/834421-paris-1423289074-632-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			PARIS, FRANCE: The filming of movie action sequences in Paris has been restricted by authorities following last month’s attacks in the French capital. “There is a problem with these action-type scenes, as the actors in uniform could be targets for terrorists,” BBC quoted police commander Sylvie Barnaud as saying. “Also, the actors could pose confusion for the general public — during this highly sensitive period.” She said the use of fake weapons and pyrotechnic effects were also banned. Tensions remain high following the attacks in January, which left 20 people dead, including three gunmen. Armed police and soldiers continue to guard sensitive sites, including synagogues, media offices and large shopping areas. Barnaud said she did not know how long the filming ban could last, but added that it was common sense: “I was shocked to hear witnesses of the Charlie Hebdo attacks said on television ‘it seemed like a movie shoot to us’.” Paris is a popular destination for film-makers, with its wide boulevards and dramatic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre pyramid. Official statistics provided by city authorities showed there were 930 film shoots in Paris last year, including approximately 20 international productions.

Shooting of action films restricted in Paris

PARIS, FRANCE: The filming of movie action sequences in Paris has been restricted by authorities following last month...

Morocco banned from AFCON

Morocco banned from AFCON

7 inedible foods to reconsider

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/834034/7-inedible-foods-to-reconsider/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/834034-mix-1423234406-572-160x120.jpg" width="160" /> 			</a> 			For many food items, the healthiest parts are the most surprising ones, such as the skin or the core that are often thrown away. Before disposing them, know that you can still make something useful out of ‘waste’. Many of these pared-off parts of edible items are brimming with health benefits. As compiled from Reader’s Digest, livestrong.com and everydayearth.com, here are seven inedible food parts that are shockingly useful. Banana peels <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/banana-copy.jpg" /> According to a study conducted in 2013, about 40 million tons of banana peels are disposed worldwide each year. Instead of chucking them out, use the peel to polish your leather sofa (rub it against the outer side, then buff with a soft cloth). Heal bruises and scrapes by rubbing the pulp side on the wound to deliver potassium, enabling quicker healing. A 2011 article in Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology found that banana peels contain many healthy antioxidants like carotenoids and polyphenols, which prevent diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Extra tip: The peels can be easily eaten by blending into a fruit smoothie. Pumpkin filling <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jap-pumpkin-copy.jpg" /> Apart from being used as a popular Halloween prop, pumpkin is filled with antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, exfoliating retinoic acid, and soothing zinc, which make for a perfect face mask. Try concocting two teaspoons of canned pumpkin filling puree with half-teaspoon honey, half-teaspoon milk, and quarter-teaspoon cinnamon and applying the thick paste on to your face and neck. The mixture will exfoliate and provide moisture to the epidermis. Extra tip: For oily skin, add a few drops of cranberry juice to help balance the skin. Potato peels <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/potato-copy.jpg" /> The US Census Bureau estimates that the average American consumes nearly 40 pounds of fresh potatoes each year which means more health benefits from the peels! Use unwanted potato peels and pieces for a little pampering—use like spa cucumbers slices, potato will help lighten stubborn, dark circles under your eyes. Enzyme found in potatoes – catecholase, has skin-lightening properties which gives the vegetable the power to lighten freckles and age spots. Extra tip: Cut leftover potato pieces into two thin slices, and place over your eyes or other dark spots for 10 minutes, twice a week to see results. Stale bread <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/bread_anadama_crumb_500-copy.jpg" /> Leftover stale bread has one of the most surprising of use. Who would have thought aside from making bread crumbs or croutons, you can run stale bread through your spice or coffee grinders to remove any leftover odors or residue. If you have smudges or marks on the walls—even crayon— wipe the spot with a soft cloth, and then rub semi-stale bread against it. The sponge-like texture will work like a store-brand cleaning eraser. Extra tip: Before rubbing the bread-slice over the stained area, make sure to remove the crust for a smoother and more affective wipe-out. Onion skin <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Onion-Skins-copy.jpg" /> A 2011 study found that in the EU alone, 500,000 tons of onion waste is thrown away each year. Recent research from the Plants for Human Health Institute at North Carolina State University confirms that flaky wrapping around onions is rich in nutrients, like quercetin, a plant pigment that can prevent arteries from blockage, lower blood sugar, and reduce inflammation. Even though the skin isn’t edible raw, you can still reap the health benefits. Extra tip:  Add onion skins to broth while cooking soups and stews but remember to remove the skins before serving. Expired olive oil <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/oliveoil2-copy.jpg" /> Olive oil which might have lost its taste and has started to smell bad can be freshened up with many uses. Dab a bit of the oil on the teeth of a zipper that just won’t shift. With the help of a cotton ball, wipe off eye makeup without any hassle or skin irritation. Rub into the leaves of potted plants to make them look healthier and shinier – works for both natural and artificial plants. For pet owners, massage oil into your dog’s paws to relieve cracking or pain. Extra tip: With the help of cotton cloth use expired olive oil to polish your shoes. Swiss chard stalks <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/swiss-chard-green-copy.jpg" /> Swiss chard leaves are a Mediterranean cooking essential, but usually we are quick to dispose its somewhat-bitter stems. According to researchers, a German study found that the stems are full of antioxidants and glutamine, an immune system-boosting amino acid that helps the body recover from surgery and wounds. You can load-up on Vitamins A and C and very few calories by blending the leaves and stalks into a dynamo green smoothie. Extra tip: Munch on swiss chard leaves and stems by cutting into one-inch cubes, roasting for 20 minutes, and seasoning with lemon juice, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th,  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.

7 inedible foods to reconsider

For many food items, the healthiest parts are the most surprising ones, such as the skin or the core that are often th...

The IS has no future in Pakistan

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/834067/the-is-has-no-future-in-pakistan/"> 				<img alt="" height="120" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/834067-RustamShahMohmandNewNew-1423241635-276-160x120.JPG" width="160" /> 			</a> 			The meteoric rise of the Islamic State (IS) has transformed the Middle East’s political landscape and indeed that of the wider Islamic world. For large measure, the policies pursued by the US and its European allies helped create an environment for ruthlessly fanatic groups to take centre stage at a time when violent changes were sweeping through the Arab world before and after the Arab spring. The destruction of authoritarian regimes in countries like Iraq and Libya were naively regarded as harbingers of change that would bring stability and democracy. It was not realised that regimes, howsoever totalitarian in character, are always underpinned by a certain degree of ‘rapport ‘ with the masses that ensures their survival. In the case of both Iraq and Libya, there was another factor that contributed to the continuance of dictatorial regimes — the generous welfare measures that were put in place by the rulers thanks to the oil revenues, which benefited the rank and file citizens. Another gross miscalculation was the inability of the ‘liberators’ to anticipate the tremendous vacuum that would inevitably follow the bloody regime changes orchestrated by forces thousands of miles away as there were no viable alternatives rooted in the cultural and political norms that could ensure peaceful transitions. In the wake of such convulsive changes, factional fighting broke out on a frightening scale causing mayhem, devastation of infrastructure and most importantly, death and persecution that brought misery and suffering to the people. This provided a perfect setting for groups like the IS to take hold, taking advantage of the collapse of state authority and the accompanying chaos that offered opportunities to large numbers of frustrated, despondent youth, as well as ambitious and misguided members of the clergy . The initial successes were truly remarkable because people, sick and fed up with the prevailing chaos, saw a light at the end of the tunnel and believed that ‘saviours’ were at hand to deliver peace and justice. That explains why the IS was joined by a large number of personnel from a disintegrating military, along with their weapons, ammunition, tanks, etc. Soon the oil revenues were also to bolster the IS coffers. The IS, however, converted itself into a terrorist group that had no clear goals, no valid agenda and no guiding principles and enacted its own <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/832535/is-claims-to-have-burned-jordanian-pilot-alive-2/">deadly, nihilistic code</a>. The West was alarmed because the virus could threaten its traditional allies —notably Saudi Arabia, Jordan and eventually even cause problems to the outpost of its civilisation —Israel. Thus alarmed, it quickly organised a rapid response force to combat the evil of terrorism that it had helped create. The IS may be a passing phenomenon primarily because it is losing support of the people that it claimed to protect. The atrocities its cadres commit and the beheading of journalists have caused anger and created deep suspicions in the minds of the people about its credentials. It is exceedingly difficult for such a movement to gain <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/795497/is-the-threat-is-real/">traction in Pakistan</a> for a variety of reasons. Firstly, when an outfit is challenged in the region of its origin, it is not possible to sell its ideology to distant countries. Secondly, the IS is confronted by a formidable array of forces — equipped with the most lethal weapons and adequate resources. It is not easy for it to fight for its survival or organise the establishment of franchises thousands of miles away. Thirdly, in Pakistan, there are enough homegrown groups, which are seeking help from communities to espouse and promote their programmes. Such <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/792872/jundullah-vows-allegiance-to-islamic-state/">entrenched groups would not allow the ceding of space</a> to Middle Eastern organisations. More importantly, there is a fatigue syndrome amongst the populations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and tribal areas insofar as supporting violent movements are concerned. For these reasons, the IS will not find any warm response to its overtures of establishing branches in Pakistan. People will not lend support to an organisation located far away and one which has an abominable record of torturing its victims. Some members of outlawed outfits which have broken away from their groups may in desperation announce their affiliation with the IS but they would be few and far between. Pakistan has many domestic challenges to face and overcome. It should stay focused on its internal agenda without bothering much about the IS threat. Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th,  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 IS has no future in Pakistan

The meteoric rise of the Islamic State (IS) has transformed the Middle East’s political landscape and indeed that of t...

Hubble captures rare cosmic event on Jupiter

Hubble captures rare cosmic event on Jupiter

The Hubble telescope documents three big moons crossing the surface of Jupiter at the same time, an event that won't be repeated for ano...

Controversy surrounds prosecutor’s death

Controversy surrounds prosecutor’s death

The mystery surrounding the shooting death of Argentinian prosecutor Alberto Nisman has given life to a number of conspiracy theories. Drew ...