Year-End Zeitgeist 2013 - Maryam Nawaz, Altaf Hussain, Imran Khan, PTV Sports Live, Dunya News top Google Trends in Pakistan

Google has revealed the findings of Year-End Zeitgeist 2013 in Pakistan, which demonstrates the people and events that grabbed interest. Only a handful qualified for Pakistani section on Google's trending list in its 13th edition of "the spirit of the times". Maryam Nawaz, Altaf Hussain, Imran Khan, PTV Sports Live and Dunya News appeared as top Pakistani people and searches in Google Trends.

2013 Google Zeitgeist for Pakistan was uncovered on 17 December 2013 and contains two Top 10 lists: People and Searches. Pakistan Trending People 2013 lists Paul Walker, Jiah Khan and Nelson Mandela as the Top 3 Searched People in country. Maryam Nawaz, daughter of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, turned out to be top Pakistani person and came fourth in this list. Shradda Kapoor, wrong-spelled search for Indian actress, Shraddha Kapoor came fifth. Famous politicians Altaf Hussain and Imran Khan were 6th and 7th respectively. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt floated at 8th. Sara+Bharwana, wife of Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, appeared at ninth. Suraj Pancholi (son of Aditya Pancholi), famed due to possible association with suicide of Jiah Khan, closed the list at 10th.



Pakistan Trending Searches 2013 lists PTV Sports Live as Number 1 search. Indian films Aashiqui 2 and Chennai Express came 2nd and 3rd respectively. Indian reality TV series Bigg Boss 7 appeared 4th. Pakistani news channel Dunya News got the 5th slot. Zindagi Gulzar Hai, famous romantic drama series of HUM TV, grabbed the 6th position. Jang Newspaper settled at 7th place. ECP got the 8th position, due to electioneering interest of people in May 2013 General Elections in Pakistan. Kkrish 3, mis-spelled search for Krrish 3, Bollywood superhero science fiction film of Hrithik Roshan, got the 9th spot. Mera Sultan (Urdu dubbed version of historical Turkish soap opera television series Muhteşem Yüzyıl), airing on Geo Kahani, finalized the list at 10th.

500 dead and hundreds injured after M7.7 Earthquake hit Awaran in Pakistan's Balochistan

More than 500 people have died and over 500 were injured due to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Awaran in Balochistan province of Pakistan on 24 September 2013. Six districts of Balochistan were affected by the quake, including Awaran, Turbat, Panjgor, Chagi, Khuzdar and Gawadar. More than 100,000 people were reportedly troubled by this natural disaster. Awaran district witnessed widespread devastation, where in Tehsil Mashkay alone 55 persons died.

Awaran earthquake struck at 4:29 PM PST (11:29 GMT) and lasted for about 10 seconds. The scale of the territory involved is daunting. Awaran district has an estimated population of around 300,000, scattered over an area of more than 21,000 square kilometres (8,000 square miles). Mir Quddus Bizenjo, the deputy speaker of Balochistan Assembly, put the death toll at 150-plus in Awaran alone and told reporters by phone: "Over 50% of urban and around 90% of rural areas of the district have been ravaged by the quake".

Tremors were also felt in Quetta, Hub, Khuzdar, Qalat, Sibi, Mastung, Jafferabad, Turbat, Panjgor, Kharan, Jhal Magsi, Noshki, Kalat, Mastung, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Lasbela, Dalbandin, Gawadar, Pasni, Ormara and and dozens of other cities and towns of the impoverished province. However, except Turbat, no loss of life reported in these areas.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the epicentre of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake was 120 KM Southwest of Khuzdar in Balochistan province at a depth of 23 kilometers. US Geological Survey measured the epicenter of Balochistan quake at 69km (41 miles) north of Awaran, Pakistan, and 270 KM north of Karachi, Pakistan.

Pakistan government and Balochistan govt ordered a massive rescue operation. Army and civil rescuers were sent to the affected region to pull out dead and injured persons as residents said dozens of people are trapped under the rubble of their collapsed houses. According to an ISPR presses release, rescue and relief operations continue in the earthquake affected areas of Balochistan by Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps troops.

Director General ISPR, Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted that 300 soldiers are already in the area, with the number expected to rise to 1000 by tomorrow morning. Khuzdar would be used as base for the rescue effort.

Earthquake: Khuzdar will be the base for rescue effort.Night flying helicopters with medics on their way. CMH Khuzdar alerted.
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) September 24, 2013

Several areas in Sindh including Karachi was also hit by tremors, but its duration being brief, no damage was done. People working in offices of Karachi, rushed out of their buildings. Minor tremors were also felt in India and Gulf states of UAE & Oman.

M7.7 Earthquake struck Pakistan's Balochistan, Tremors felt in Sindh, Hundreds of people dead and injured

M7.7 Earthquake jolted Balochistan province of Pakistan, while tremors were felt in Sindh also. The quake struck on 24 September 2013 at 4:29 PM PST (11:29 GMT) and its epicentre was 66 KM NNE from Awaran in Balochistan at a depth of 15 kilometers. Meteorological Department measured the earthquake at 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale. More than 500 people were left dead due to the natural disaster. Chief spokesman for Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority, Mirza Kamran Zia, said that most of the casualties occurred when houses collapsed on people inside. Hundreds of people are also reported injured.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially measured the Awaran Quake at 7.4 on the Richter scale and 29 kilometers deep but later revised their figure to 7.7 magnitude. Chief meteorologist, Muhamamd Riaz warned that aftershocks were expected and damages are likely as this was a major earthquake. Director Seismic Zahid Rafiq told that the duration of the shocks lasted from 6 to 10 seconds. He further told there is still a possibility of the after-shocks and directed people to remain vigilant.

Epicentre is located 120 KM southwest from Khuzdar and the area is sparsely populated. Officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department have said that major damage and loss of life was averted as the center of the earthquake is located in a remote area. Met office representatives have however warned of after-shocks of up to 5 magnitude.

Commissioner Gwadar and Additional Deputy Commissioner Awaran said several houses have been damaged in the area. Deputy Commissioner Awaran has declared emergency at hospitals. Commissioner Quetta has placed the administration in all districts on high alert. Chief Minister Balochistan declared emergency in Awaran.

The earthquake created a small island on the Gwadar coastline about 1.5 KM into the sea near an area called "Jhanda", according to Express News. The newly appearing island is said to have a mountainous terrain rising up to about 50 feet. A large crowd gathered at the site to see the new island.

Tremors were felt for several seconds in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Nawabshah and other cities of Sindh. Shocks were also observed in Quetta Qalat, Gwadar, Mastung and other parts of Balochistan. People working in offices of Karachi, rushed out of their buildings and sat on the footpaths along the roads or stood away from the buildings.

Light tremors were also felt in India, UAE and Oman. According to the Times of India, office workers in the city of Ahmedabad near the border with Pakistan ran out of buildings and into the streets afraid of the jolts caused by Pakistan quake. Minor tremors shook tall buildings in New Delhi, sending people running out into the streets.

Cancer Research at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre

Cancer Research is required to devise better methods of detecting and treating cancer and to improve cancer care. In years to come, increasing knowledge of cancer genetics at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) will have a significant improvement on its ability to predict an individual's level of risk of developing cancer, to detect and diagnose cancer early and to select treatments which are most likely to be effective. Ultimately, the genetic revolution may lead to ways of preventing cancer. The genetic revolution provides major opportunities for identifying people at risk of cancer and for developing better treatments. At the moment such studies are limited in a under-developed country like Pakistan.

Cancer Research practices at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre are streamlined in three different directions:

1. Epidemiology - Seeks to understand the lifestyle and environmental causes of cancer
2. Molecular Biology - Enables development of better ways of predicting treatment responses and disease outcome
3. Clinical Trials - Primarily focuses on the evaluation of existing and new therapies

SKMCH&RC's The Management Information Systems (MIS) Department has developed an efficient hospital information system, which enables the research team to handle the logistics of a large hospital, documenting a wealth of patient information. Aim of this cancer hospital is to explore the bridge between laboratory and clinic though the support of translational studies in areas of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. It is important to maintain research concerned with cancer in local population, addressing issues of prevention through studies on the effects of genetic make-up, environment and lifestyle. The research section has been developed over the last five years. It has recently received a donation to refurbish the 3rd floor of the Hospital into a Research Wing, housing a suite of research laboratories, a data management and epidemiology division, as well as a clinical research section responsible for clinical trials.

Several projects are underway at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and the team of researchers is ever expanding. Basic Sciences Research is divided into three main areas of interest currently:

1. Identification of genetic risk factors in the development of cancer
• Prevalence and spectrum of BRCA1/2 germline mutations in Pakistani Breast and/or Ovarian Cancer families
• A study to evaluate the association between germline genetic variation and disease risk and outcome in ovarian carcinoma in Pakistan
• The role of p53 mutations in the development, progression and outcome of breast cancer in Pakistan
• Genetic causes of colorectal cancer in the Pakistani population
2. Tumor virology
• Human Papillomavirus Associated with Esophageal Cancer in Pakistan - A Retrospective Analysis
• Human Papillomavirus in Cervical Cancer cases from Pakistan
• Transcriptional profiling of Hodgkin's Lymphoma; relationship to EBV status, histological subtype and geographical locale
3. Infections and cancer
• Quantitative PCR for detection & quantification of fungal infections in patients with AML, ALL and Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Resource(s):
Cancer Research at SKM
Research at SKMCH&RC

UrduEnglishDictionary.org - Free online Urdu English Dictionary

UrduEnglishDictionary.org is best online reference website with Urdu to English and English to Urdu translation features. It contains the highest number of words with almost half million results as compared to other online dictionaries. It can be used free of cost throughout the world.

Urdu English Dictionary is a welfare project, which was launched in 2007 by EGlobalSolution. It is free to access worldwide and is especially helpful for the people of South Asia including Pakistan and India. It contains more than 400,000 Urdu English terms and increasing gradually. It is now serving more 300,000 users every month.

Urdu English Dictionary iPhone/iPad/iOS App provides English and Urdu words search facility on internet enabled iPhone and iPad devices via WiFi/GPRS/Edge/3G/4G. It was launched in December 2011 and has been downloaded on more than 100,000 iOS devices so far. Urdu English Dictionary - UED Lite Apple App serves more than 10,000 iOS users worldwide everyday.

Urdu English Dictionary Android App provides English & Urdu words search facility on internet enabled android phones via WiFi/GPRS/Edge/3G/4G. It was launched in November 2012 for all android phones, android tablets and all other android devices. Urdu English Dictionary - UED Lite Android App has been installed on nearly 60,000 android devices since Nov 2012 so far. There are nearly 17,000 active daily users using it on their Android devices.

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre - Health initiative by Imran Khan

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) is a well equipped non-profit medical facility situated in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is a project of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust (SKMT) and vision of renowned Pakistani cricket superstar and politician, Imran Khan. He was inspired to start charitable work after the death of his mother, Mrs. Shaukat Khanum, from cancer.

Imran Khan first appealed to the nation for the collection of funds for the construction of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre through a match between Pakistan and India on 10 November 1989 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Then a series of more than 50 successful fund raisers were held worldwide. Pakistan's win of the 1992 Cricket World Cup under Imran's legendary captaincy helped in fundraising efforts. He donated his entire prize money for the project. He launched a mass contact campaign touring 27 cities in the country after, the ongoing construction required more financing.

Dr. Nausherwan K. Burki, MB, PhD, FRCP, FCPS, FCCP, of the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA developed and executed the master plan of SKMCH&RC in collaboration with an international team of cancer physicians and research workers. Designing and architectural services were provided by Arrasmith, Judd & Rapp, Architects in Health Planning of Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Architectural aspects were managed by Messrs. Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates of Lahore. Local engineering was undertaken by Messrs. Progressive Consultants, Lahore. Ground was broken in April 1991 and the hospital opened its doors on 29 December 1994.

Clinical Services offered by SKMCH&RC include:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Oncology
• Internal Medicine
• Nuclear Medicine
• Pathology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Pharmacy
• Radiation Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

ClubUfone - Pakistan localized Social Networking website by Ufone

ClubUfone is a Social Networking website localized for Pakistan, which was launched in 2012 by Ufone. It is just like a Facebook clone, is available in English and Urdu languages and users can use it on computers and mobiles. It was introduced under the umbrella of the Pakistani GSM cellular service provider's youth brand, Uth package.

ClubUfone was initially an exclusive service for Ufone subscribers only. Now anyone having a cell phone can get registered, irrespective of their mobile network. It has almost all basic features of a social networking website: users can post statuses and links, add photos, videos, music and events. Users can search & add friends; chat with each other and can enjoy the Video Chat service also. It also offers an option to create pages for businesses and celebrities (just like Facebook Pages).

It is specifically developed with localized features and language for Pakistani citizens. Users can select Urdu as primary language to operate the website in Urdu fonts. So it targets a number of non-English speaking people also who want to communicate in their national language. It is optimized for phones with minimalist look and feel.

Club Ufone is a new social networking website exclusively for all, providing a platform to come together and stay connected. It is exclusive online networking site that is user friendly and has a stringent privacy policy. Unlike other social networking websites, users can access it in both English and Urdu languages.

Members can simply log on to clubufone.com from their computer or mobile phone and enter the world of Club Ufone. Its purpose is social; where participants will be able to establish friendships. Also, with it, businesses or people can make their own pages that can then be promoted. So whether it is their talent or something they want to share with millions, they now have a platform for it.

Users will also be able to keep themselves updated with the latest news from Ufone and stay up to minute to the new products and services that Ufone has in store. They can also provide their precious suggestions and advises as to how their experience can be improved further. So become a member of this amazing Club Ufone now and keep chatting, post pictures, upload videos and spoil themselves with tons of fun.

Edhi Foundation - Social Welfare Program in Pakistan by Abdul Sattar Edhi

Edhi Foundation is a non-profit social welfare program in Pakistan, which was initiated in 1951 by Abdul Sattar Edhi. The foundation provides 24-hour emergency assistance across the nation of Pakistan and abroad. Its headquarters are situated in Karachi, Pakistan. His wife Bilquis Edhi, a former nurse at first Edhi dispensary, look afters the maternity and adoption services.

The Edhi Foundation offers shelter for the destitute, free hospitals and medical care, drug rehabilitation services, national & international relief efforts and many other social services. It focuses majorly on Emergency Services, Orphans, Handicapped Persons, Shelters, Education, Healthcare, International Community Centers, Blood & Drug Bank, air ambulance services, Marine And Coastal Services.

Edhi was born to industrious Memon community in 1928 in Bantva, Gujarat, India. The family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Karachi, after the partition of India in 1947. He formed his first welfare center and then the Edhi Trust with a little amount of 5000 Pakistani Rupees. A one man operation from a single room in Karachi gradually transformed into the largest welfare organization in Pakistan.

The Foundation's activities include a 24 hour emergency service across the country through 335 Edhi Centers with the fleet of 1800 Ambulances. They facilitate services like free shrouding and burial of unclaimed dead bodies, shelter for the destitute, orphans and handicapped persons, free hospitals and dispensaries, rehabilitation of drug addicts, free wheel chairs, crutches and other services for the handicapped, family planning counselling and maternity services, national and international relief efforts for the victims of natural calamities.

PTI Se PPP Tak - Choraha Column - Hassan Nisar

Hassan Nisar opposed questionable awarding of tickets by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Imran Khan in his Choraha column titled PTI Se PPP Tak published in Daily Dunya on 19 April 2013.

Source: http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2013-04-19&edition=LHR&id=299865_28499181

Hadsa Election Se Pehle Aur Baad - Choraha - Hassan Nisar

Hassan Nisar questions about wrong ticket distribution by Imran Khan and Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) in his Choraha column Hadsa Election Se Pehle Aur Baad published on 18 April 2013 in Daily Dunya.

Source: http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2013-04-18&edition=LHR&id=298087_40029129

Rehan School aims to educate 2 billion illiterate people worldwide free of charge

Rehan School is a mobile phone based free of cost education system created for 2 billion people worldwide who can not even read or write their names in any language. It operates without the need of internet, and is totally free to use and distribute. Rehan School uses the most frequently used electronic media device, a Mobile Phone, to become a Learning Device, hence turning into a School.

Rehan School is part of the Supertec Foundation, whose objective is to eliminate poverty from the world. Supertec Foundation is working on extremely hard goal of developing procedures to help make 1 Million New Businesses by the year 2014, each with an investment of only 100 US dollars and producing a minimum of 300 US dollars per month. Supertec Foundation is a US based CSR project of Super Technology Inc., which is a United States based software concern, offering solutions for telecommunications industry. Mr Rehan Allahwala is the founder, president and CEO of the organization. Suzanne Bowen was the co-founder of the 1999 Florida startup.

Educational videos are produced by famous people who have been very kind to give their valuable time to produce Amazing Fun Learning Content. This school is available in all DVD and Mobile Phone Shops across the country in Pakistan and is distributed by the largest Content Distribution company CD Bank Pakistan. The price of this informative material is absolutely Free. But the mobile shop keeper may ask for a little charge of 50 Rupees to Transfer the content in the required format on the cell phone storage. Afterwards this same content can be supplied to someone else from that mobile phone memory card, using wireless Bluetooth for free.

PSL: Cricket Australia & Cricket South Africa Deny Support

Pakistan Super League (PSL) suffered a major blow as Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa denied support for the upcoming Twenty20 competition. Pakistan Cricket Board's effort to bring international players for PSL suffered a setback on Wednesday, 30 January 2013. Pakistan will start Pakistan Super League in March 2013, which will be a 5-team T20 tournament. Cricket Australia made it clear that they would not support any contracted players participating in PSL.

A spokesman of Cricket Australia said: "Due to the ongoing security concerns in Pakistan, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association would not be supportive of any international or state contracted player participating in the Pakistan Super League".

Cricket South Africa has also refused to issue NOCs to its players for Pakistan Super League, given the security situation in the country. South Africans were not satisfied with the idea of sending players to Pakistan after reviewing security situation in Pakistan.

PCB had offered $2 million life insurance & tax-free income for foreign players participating in Pakistan Super League. But the International union of Cricketers, FICA was not impressed by this offer. Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA), along with England's players' representative, Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) had advised international cricketers to stay away from the League.

Source:
Geo News - http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=85957
The News - http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-86006-PSL:-South-Africa-denies-NOC-to-players

Is Sar Zameen Ka Akhri Maarka - Harf e Raz - Orya Maqbool Jan

Orya Maqbool Jan warned about famed future Pak-India war in his Harf e Raz colomn, Is Sar Zameen Ka Akhri Maarka, published on 28 January 2013 in Daily Dunya.

Source:
http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2013-01-28&edition=LHR&id=136835_24380587

PSL: Foreign Players offered $2 million Life Insurance & Tax-free Income

Pakistan have offered a handsome insurance policy of $2 million worth and tax-free income for foreign cricketers who will participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Cricket operations in Pakistan aren't tax exempted. But the PCB is offering residential and non-residential players tax-free income from the PSL. Apart from the "emerging" players, they stand to earn between $25,000 and $100,000 for taking part in a 10-day tournament. The base price for the top category diamond players starts at $100,000.

Pakistan have not hosted international cricket since terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009. Since then they have had to play their "home" matches at offshore venues such as England and the UAE. The idea of having a PSL in the country is a strategic move by the PCB to win back the confidence of cricketing nations. Pakistan supplied 5,000 police and para-military personnel to provide security, when a World XI played two Twenty20 exhibitions in October 2012. Pakistan will host Pakistan Super League in March 2013, a 5-team T20 tournament.

But the world professional cricketers' union, Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) has raised its concerns over the security situation in Pakistan and warned players against taking part in the PSL, citing it an unmanageable risk. Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), England's players representative, had also advised international cricketers to stay away from the Pakistan Super League.

PCB chairman, Zaka Ashraf told ESPNcricinfo: "We understand their concerns and we can't blame them". "It's the negative perception about Pakistan that has to be changed and people should understand that things are not so bad. "But for their sense of security we are offering an optional insurance policy worth $2 million for the satisfaction of their families. They will be our special guests and we are ensuring every possible step to give them security at a higher level and if they think this isn't enough they can take the insurance option as well."

"Government is ready to grant us the exemption on income of the PSL and it's an added advantage of our product for the players to earn tax free income," Zaka Ashraf said. "We are offering the most money compared to the other leagues in the world. In ten days you can get the most out of it before going to the IPL starting in April."

Source(s):
Cricinfo - http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/601992.html
Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/9825231/Foreign-players-offered-2million-life-insurance-to-play-in-Pakistan-T20.html
Dawn - http://dawn.com/2013/01/23/pcb-to-offer-insurance-worth-2-million-to-visiting-players/
Express Tribune - http://tribune.com.pk/story/498495/pakistan-super-league-pcb-offers-2m-insurance-to-foreign-cricketers/

Sheikh-ul-Islamabad Zindabad - NOkhaizian - Gul e Nokhaiz Akhtar

Gul e Nokhaiz Akhtar's funy take on Dr Tahirul Qadri headed Minhaj-ul-Quran backed Islamabad Long March in his NOkhaizian colomn, Sheikh-ul-Islamabad Zindabad, published in Daily Nai Baat on 20 January 2013.

Reference:
Nokhaiz.com - http://nokhaiz.com/sheikh-ul-islamabad-zinda-bad/

Aik Dam Barhiya Film - Raah-e-Raast - Talat Hussain

Talat Hussain's take on Dr Tahirul Qadri headed Minhaj-ul-Quran backed Islamabad Long March in Aik Dam Barhiya Film, Daily Express' colomn Raah-e-Raast published on 19 January 2013.

Reference:
Daily Express - http://www.express.com.pk/epaper/index.aspx?Issue=NP_LHE&Page=Editorial_Page012&Date=20130119&Pageno=12&View=1

No Intra-Party Elections By 114 Political Parties : ECP

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has revealed that 114 political parties have not held intra-party elections in years. Holding these elections is not only a legal requirement under the election laws of the country, but it is also part of every political party's election manifesto.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid e Azam (PML-Q), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League - Functional (PML-F), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) registered under Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP), Qaumi Watan Party are among the 114 parties that have not held intra-party elections before the general elections and within the time frame given in their manifestoes.

Under its party manifesto, the ruling PPP is meant to hold elections every two years. However, the last time it did so was in 2006. Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) under its party manifesto, has to hold party elections every three months; but has also failed to do so since 2009. PML-F is now led by the Pir Pagara Syed Sibaghtullah Shah Rashdi after the demise of his father Syed Shah Mardan Shah-II.

Likewise, the renowned Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which held its last intra-party elections almost 11 years back in 2002, is meant to hold the polls every four years. PTI is going through intra-party elections these days. It is hoped that this process will complete by the announcement of General Elections 2013.

Meanwhile, religious parties have also failed to fulfill the constitutional requirement. Religious parties – which contested in the 2002 elections, under the banner of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), while the JUI-F contested the 2008 polls under the MMA flagship – are supposed to hold intra-party elections every six months; however, they have not held any since 2007.

According to the Political Parties Act 2002, a political party is bound to fulfill two conditions to be eligible for elections, including submitting to the ECP a consolidated statement of accounts audited by a chartered accountant 60 days before the close of each financial year. The second requirement is to hold intra-party elections and submit its results to the ECP. Though the provisions do not provide any verification mechanism to the ECP, the law serves just a cosmetic exercise.

Parties usually file asset details and before the announcement of the election schedule release a statement claiming that intra-party polls were held. The list of the 'elected' office bearers of the party is attached with the statement.

However, election authorities have no mechanism to check the authenticity of such statements. Similar is the case when it comes to filing annual statements of assets by elected legislators for the national parliament and the members of the provincial assemblies.

Note: PTI Intra-Party Elections
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is going through Intraparty polls already. Intra-Party Elections at UC Level in all provincess are underway at the moment. PTI is expected to complete this exercise before the announcement of 2013 General Elections.

Refrence(s):
Geo TV - http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=83223
The Express Tribune - http://tribune.com.pk/story/492452/intra-party-elections-114-parties-fail-to-fulfill-legalities-before-polls/
Business Recorder - http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1141859/

Altaf Hussain Targeted Quaid e Azam's Nationality In His Political Drone Attack

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain in defence of holding dual nationality, said that Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also held British passport. Altaf claimed that Quaid-e-Azam took oath to remain loyal to British crown and his successors. He made a telephonic address in emergency meeting of MQM Executive Committee and workers in Lal Qila Ground Azizabad Karachi on 10 January 2012.

Altaf Hussain said that 99% of Pakistanis did not know the real historical facts. He echoed: "I do not want to keep the nation in dark", adding historical facts have been concealed from people in past. Altaf Hussain said: "It is wrong that Pakistan got independent status 1947". He claimed that Pakistan became a democratic republic in 1956 before which it was under the British Empire. Altaf had earlier said that his upcoming speech would set a new direction for students' research articles and studies. He had advised students to keep a pen and paper hand while listening to his address.

MQM cheif showed the image of Quaid-e-Azam oath that he took as first Governor General of Pakistan. Altaf claimed that Quaid e Azam pledged to remain faithful to the King of England, George VI in his oath. He said that first three governor generals of Pakistan took the same oath, as it was a legal necessity. He also read a provision of Indian Independence Act 1947 which stated that the office of Governor-General in each of the two new countries (Pakistan and India), as representative of the British Crown.

Defending his stay in London, Altaf said he had been constantly in touch with his workers for the last 22 years. He advocated: "I was forced by circumstances to live away from country, it was not my choice". He echoed: "PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif stayed in Saudi Arabia for eight years on diplomatic passport when his government was toppled by Parvez Musharraf". He said that various leaders of PPP also lived abroad. Under the pretext of his arguments, Altaf tried to defend his dual nationality. He reasoned that one can be faithful to ones country despite having nationality of another country.

Source(s):
The News - http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-4-153587-Altaf-Hussain-says-Quaid-e-Azam-took-oath-of-allegiance-to-King-George-VI
Geo News - http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=83234
The Nation - http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/karachi/10-Jan-2013/quaid-e-azam-had-uk-passport-he-took-oath-to-remain-loyal-to-british-king-altaf
Daily Times - http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\01\11\story_11-1-2013_pg1_3
Pakistan Today - http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/01/11/news/national/dual-nationality-and-jinnah-altafs-drone-strike/

Pakistan Super League: PCB Launched Twenty20 League

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Thursday, 10 January 2013, that it would host Pakistan Super League (PSL) in March 2013 in hopes the Twenty20 competition can revive international cricket in Pakistan. PCB aims to host a multinational Twenty20 League on the lines of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), which has featured more than 100 foreign players since its inception in 2008.

Pakistan is suffering with no top-class international cricket since militants attacked the Sri Lankan Cricket team in March 2009. The tragic incidence killed eight Pakistanis and injured seven visiting players. Foreign teams have kept away from the troubled country over security fears, leaving Pakistan to play its home series in England and the United Arab Emirates.

The logo of the Pakistan Super League was unveiled at a colourful ceremony in Lahore,Pakistan. PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf, former International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat and Pakistan captains Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul Haq were present on the occasion of new T20 event launch.

Haroon Lorgat, who is acting as adviser to the new league, said he hoped the participation of foreign players would help Pakistan in a big way. "With the rising popularity of Twenty20 cricket, every ICC member country has the right to host its own league. Pakistan has done hard work and I hope with foreign players' participation, perceptions about the country will change", Lorgat echoed.

Source(s):
PCB - http://www.pcb.com.pk/photos-detail/-100/chairman-pcb-ch-zaka-ashraf-unveiled-the-logo-of-pakistan-super-league-4501.html
Cricinfo - http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/600429.html
Geo News - http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=83244
Dawn - http://dawn.com/2013/01/10/plans-for-pakistan-super-league-unveiled-as-pcb-lures-international-stars/

BCCI ensured MS Dhoni got Man of the Match award in 3rd Ind-Pak ODI to boost morale: TOI

The decision to give Indian Captain MS Dhoni the Man of the Match award for 3rd Ind-Pak ODI on Sunday, 6 January 2013 has surprised many watchers. Though the skipper had top-scored in the match for India with 36, his wicket-keeping wasn't spectacular and he dropped the catch of Misbah-ul-Haq, his opposite team captain. Times of India (TOI) quoted from some sources that Dhoni wasn't the frontrunner for the award but left others behind to the accolade at the last minute. Insiders have accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of influencing the jury of commentators to name MS Dhoni for the award for the match that India won by 10 runs. Team India has scored 167 in 50 overs, but managed to bowl-out Team Pakistan on 157 in 49th over.

Headlines claimed that a famous commentator received a call from a senior BCCI official and was clearly told to make sure that Dhoni was named Man of the Match. So the commentator proposed Dhoni's name during the jury meeting. Although there were protests, the one who proposed Dhoni's name was influential enough to ensure the decision was taken as the BCCI wanted, even though the announcement raised several eyebrows.

The decision surprised some commentators not involved in the decision making so much, that they questioned the reason of giving the Indian captain a 'consolation prize' when others deserved it more. Sources said the commentators who voted for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, claimed that the choice was unanimous. But one former cricketer who voted in favour of MS Dhoni told TOI that Dhoni was given the award to boost his morale at a time when the time wasn't doing well.

The contenders for Man of the Match (MoM) of Sunday included Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal, who was almost unplayable as he teased the Indian batting to claim his career best ODI performance of 5 for 24. He was on hattrick chance in 29th over after picking Suresh Raina and R Ashwin. He also ended little cameo innings of RA Jadeja. Saeed Ajmal's performance was the most dominated one throughout the match.

Another top contender was India's Ravindra Jadeja, who scored valuable 27 runs when Indians were struggling. Then bowled his spell of 10 overs economically giving away just 19 runs and picking a crucial wicket of Umar Akmal. He also fielded brilliantly throughout the match and took a brilliant catch in the deep.

Medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was also in the running for MoM award for his magical opening spell which claimed two Pakistan wickets. Ishant Sharma was also another contender as his 3 wickets broken the backbone of Pakistan middle order. As far as the number of runs are concerned: Misbah-ul-Haq, Nasir Jamshed and SK Raina bagged similar scores to MS Dhoni. It is not known whether or not Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained about the MoM issue or not.

Source(s):
Times of India - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/pakistan-in-india-2012/top-stories/Skipper-Dhoni-given-Man-of-the-Match-award-to-boost-his-morale/articleshow/17931480.cms
CricketNext - http://cricketnext.in.com/live/news/mom-award-handed-to-dhoni-to-boost-his-morale-report/70457-13.html
Yahoo! Cricket - http://cricket.yahoo.com/news/dhoni-awarded-man-of-match-to--boost-his-morale--043123065.html
That's Cricket - http://www.thatscricket.com/news/2013/01/08/why-was-dhoni-preferred-over-others-for-mom-award-065718.html
Geo News - http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=83072

Obesity on rise in Pakistan

Obesity and overweight are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. Estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that 26 percent of women and 19 percent of men in Pakistan are obese. Women are 2-3 times more likely to be obese then men. Childhood obesity is increasing at an estimate of 10 percent. It was stated by Professor Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Director International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi University.

He delivered a lecture at the 4th International Symposium-Cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research being held at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) on Wednesday, 9 Janary 2013. Over 350 scientists are attending the international event, which is organised by Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi. It includes 35 foreign scientists from 24 countries.

Dr. Iqbal said that obesity had become a serious health problem globally, as a result of an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The molecular cascade involves in obesity and associated disorders are not fully understood. Proliferation of adipocytes plays an important role in the onset and progression of obesity, he said. Obesity is linked to a number of serious health risks like heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and more.

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Once considered a problem only in high income countries, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low and middle-income countries as well. Obesity and overweight are largely preventable; the intake of healthier foods, and regular physical activity are easiest ways to prevent obesity, he added.

There is an urgent need to have R&D programme in the field of anti-obesity drug discovery and development, he urged. He echoed that the fundamental causes of obesity are an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat, salt and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients; and a decrease in physical activity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation and increasing urbanization.

Talking about the multi-drug-resistant pathogens, he said that a rapid decline in research and development on new antibiotics coincides with increasing frequency of infections caused by multi-drug-resistant pathogens. The key reason of bacterial resistance is the indiscriminate of suboptimal use of antibiotics.

During the first three days of the symposium, various lectures of the national and international scientists were held on different scientific issues. The event is scheduled for January 7 - 10, 2013.

Source(s):
The News - http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-83095-Obesity-on-the-increase-in-Pakistan
Geo News - http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=83095
4th International Symposium-Cum-Training Course on Molecular Medicine and Drug Research

India to build 292 Dams in Himalayas causing 8% reduction in Indus River water

Government of India (GOI) aims to build 292 hydroelectric dams throughout the Indian Himalaya over the next several decades. India Govt is embarking on a fast-track dam-building program, which will result in roughly a dam every 20 miles. If completed, the 7,000- to 11,000-megawatt dams will double current hydropower capacity and will meet about 6% of projected national energy needs by 2030. India's total carbon emissions are projected to more than double by 2030, with the use of coal set to expand. New dams can play dual role, helping to limit carbon emissions while providing power to needy people.

Indian government is not been hesitant about relocating its citizens. India is second only to China in embracing the practice. Estimates of the number of people already displaced by Indian dams in past decades range from 16.4 million to 40 million. Because India has not approached the subject of resettlement in a people-friendly way, its citizens are organizing more powerful resistance movements against hydropower development. It included protest by Tawang people mostly monks and villagers led by Save Mon Region Federation (SMRF) on 25 December 2012 in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. It also included media coverage of the divastating situation resulting in protest against Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project, although such efforts receive relatively little attention in the Western press.

Impact on species and ecosystems will be disastrous according to an estimate by Dr. Grumbine and Dr. Pandit that was published on 26 December 2012 in Conservation Biology. The dams are proposed in areas of the Himalayas that are rich in biodiversity. And their creation threatens to submerge over 130,000 acres of forest, which would probably push 22 plants and seven vertebrate groups into extinction by 2025, according to an estimate by Dr. Grumbine and Dr. Pandit that was published earlier this year in Conservation Biology.

How this dam-building exercise will affect communities and ecosystems in neighboring downstream countries like Pakistan Bangladesh is not discussed much. Scientists predict that by 2050, the water supply from the Brahmaputra and Indus — two major rivers among the 28 that would receive dams — will decrease by about 20 percent and 8 percent, respectively. These water-supply reductions will cut the rivers' capacity to produce electricity, and in reult undermine the dams' purpose.

India loses about 20 to 30 percent of the total power it generates annually, as a result of poor grid transmission and energy theft. This amount is greater than current hydropower production. If power losses could be reduced, the need for building more dams would lessen.

Sources:
Newyork Times - http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/hobbled-on-energy-india-ponders-a-multitude-of-dams/
ScienceMag - http://www.sciencemag.org/content/339/6115/36.short
Waqt News - http://waqtnews.tv/59482

Skardu temperature lowers to -17°C while Astore -15°C & Hunza -12°C

Temperature of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan regin of Pakistan has droppped to -17°C. While Astore and Hunza witnessed -15°C and -12°C repectively. Although the snowfall has stopped for time being in the region, but the freezing wind from the mountainous range has decreased the temperature. Cold weather in Attaabad has frozen lakes and streams in the region. Snow has covered and blocked the roads in Northern Areas of Pakistan. Azad Kashmir, Malakand, Hazara and FATA continue to suffer due to harsh weather.

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People living in Pakistan's Northern Areas are facing several difficulties due to blockage of roads and unavailability of gas. Sky rocketing prices of gas cylinders and wood for burning is adding misery to the population problems. A passenger coach turned turtle due to heavy fog injuring six passengers in Muzaffargarh, Azad Kashmir.

According to the Pakistan Met Office (pakmet.com.pk), the current cold wave will continue to freeze different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Balochistan for the coming three days. While the plain areas of Punjab and Sindh will remain covered in dense haze.

Severe cold weather in Pakistan's upper regions

Snow has covered and blocked the roads in Gilgit-Baltistan. Cold weather in Attaabad has frozen lakes and streams in the region. According to Pakistan met department (pakmet.com), the temperature in Skardu has dipped to the lowest of -17 degrees in the country. Temperature has dropped to -15 in Atore and -12 in Hunza. Malakand, Hazara, Azad Kashmir and tribal areas continue to suffer due to harsh weather.

Residents of Northern Areas of Pakistan are facing many difficulties due to blockage of roads and unavailability of gas. Adding to the problems is the sky rocketing prices of gas cylinders and wood for burning. A passenger bus turned upside down due to fog that injured six persons in Muzaffargarh.

Source: Geo News - http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=82911

Several cities of Pakistan face cold wave and thick fog

Upper areas of Gilgit-Baltistan are facing extreme weather conditions where the temperature has decreased below the freezing point. Snowfall has now halted in northern areas. But the freezing wind from the mountainous range has decreased the temperature. The minimum temperature of -17 was recorded in Skardu, -15 in Astore and -12 in Hunza.

People in Kashmir, Sawat, Malamjabba, Kalam, Kurram Agency and Hazara Division are also facing extreme winters. While the plain areas of Punjab and Sindh remained covered under thick fog. A passenger coach turned turtle in Muzaffargarh, Azad Kashmir; due to dense haze wounding six passengers.

The met department of Pakistan (pakmet.com.pk) told that the current cold wave will continue to freeze different parts of Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan for the next three days.

Source: Geo News (http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=82885)