Debate of the week

Pakistan’s off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has come under criticism by the English media, specifically Bob Willis, who has questioned the bowler’s action. Commenting during the first day’s play between Pakistan and England at Dubai, Willis said “Why is it that all these spinners wear long-sleeved shirts buttoned around the wrist?” said Willis. “The answer is clear isn’t it? They are bending their elbows.” While Ajmal, in his post-play press...

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, gave the government a six-day deadline for the implementation of the SC verdict in the NRO case. The court’s order referred to six possible options to proceed with the case in case the government fails to implement its decision on the NRO. The options are listed in the judgment which can be read here. Supreme Court’s Justice Asif Saeed Khosa reportedly said that the president and the prime minister preferred loyalty...

Having remained silent on the memogate scandal for the last few months, the United States finally released a statement demanding a fair and transparent judicial process. US senators have reportedly voiced concern over former ambassador Husain Haqqani’s ‘mistreatment’ in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the State Department’s spokesperson also told journalists in Washington DC that the US believes “it is important for us to speak out, as we do around...

The Government of Pakistan has reportedly decided to increase gas tariff for all consumers, a move triggered by the severe gas crisis the country currently faces. This increase will apply to CNG as well as gas used for domestic and commercial purposes. It will vary between 14 per cent and 207 per cent depending on the region and nature of utilisation, according to the Petroleum Ministry’s estimates. Along with the tariff hike, the government will...

In a strongly worded speech in the parliament, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that the military is subservient to the parliament and will remain so. The PM’s remarks came amidst growing rumours that a military coup was on the cards, posing threats to the current government. Dismissing such rumours, Gilani said “I want to make it clear today that conspiracies are being hatched here to pack up the elected government.” Responding...

Sindh High Court has denied Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf permission to hold its December 25 rally at Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi. According to the policy of the Mazar Management Board, the body responsible for the governance of the mausoleum, holding a rally within the 10-foot radius of the mausoleum is not permitted. The SHC has, therefore, ordered the PTI to contact local authorities for arranging an alternate location for the rally. In response,...

Dawn was founded by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In a run-up to his birthday celebrations this year, tell us, and the Quaid, in one sentence how you think Jinnah would have viewed his and our Pakistan today. Please give your name, age, profession and location at the end of your message. For example, “Pakistan is indeed your dream come true.” —Shehla Mirza, 27, physician, Peshawar A selection of these comments will be published in the Quaid-i-Azam...

Two bills were passed in the Senate today, which will aim to protect women against customs and traditions that mistreat women. The bills will also call for punishment for the people involved in implementing customs such as kari, wani or swara. Such customs, which are in open violation of basic human rights, have been a part of the Pakistani culture for several decades and many a life has been lost to these traditions. By introducing these bills, the...

Pakistan hockey team’s performance at the ongoing Champions Trophy has been dismal, to say the least. With three massive losses against Spain, Great Britain and Australia, and the solitary win against South Korea; the gap between Pakistan and world’s best sides has been highlighted. As if this humiliation wasn’t enough to worry the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) at home, eight of Pakistan’s top players have signed up with the rebel World...

At least 78 people have been killed in Afghanistan over the last 24 hours. Attacks, targeting Shia mourners in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif killed 59 people on Tuesday, while another 19 civilians were killed in Helmand province on Wednesday. The attacks have been said to incite sectarian violence in Afghanistan. Security officials in Afghanistan have blamed Pakistan for the attacks, saying that militant groups from across the border orchestrated these...