Save the shalwar!

As summer approaches I see colourful billboards everywhere! Skinny models in glam make-up are wrapped in designer fabric – all to impress female consumers. The models wear long qameezes and short ones, baggy shirts and tight ones – what they do not wear are shalwars

Pakistan’s ‘ad-woman’ stuck in a time warp

Most ads in Pakistan show women as maids. Their major worries seem to be their family’s health, their complexion, hair and aging skin. All they do is cook, wash and their whole lives revolve around their family. But is this a true reflection of Pakistani women today

Facebook posting: Video clip captures mock suicide missions

A young boy dressed in black bids farewell to other children standing in a queue. The boy, around 12 years old, has his face covered with a black cloth. The children standing in the queue appear to be around four to 10 years of age

World Cup 2011: Why isn’t India prepared?

If India has one thing to learn from the Commonwealth Games debacle in New Delhi last year, it is to improve organisational skills before hosting a mega event.

Afridi, Pakistan fined for slow overs

NEW DEHLI: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and his team mates will lose 10 percent for their slow over rate in Saturday’s 11-run win against Sri Lanka, the ICC said on Sunday.

10 things I hate about World Cup fever

1. The hokey advertising. Not only do I have to endure endless matches endlessly playing themselves out on TV, I also get to watch cricketers mock-pensively recall how one bank changed their lives forever.
2. That we bank all our hopes for redemption on the promise of winning the World Cup. Pakistan’s name has been besmirched by ball-biters? That’s ok, a world cup win

YouTube video of the day: Snowfall in Lahore!

The weather took a turn for the unexpected when a hailstorm which lasted for nearly half an hour left much of Lahore covered with a layer of ice on Saturday.
The heavy hail, unusual for Lahoris, left most residents of the city astonished by the change in weather. However, many residents took to the street to enjoy the

Shabana Azmi’s emotional reunion with Faiz’s daughters

It was a tearful moment for actress Shabana Azmi, as she walked across the Wagah border into Pakistan and had an emotional reunion with famed Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s two daughters.
Shabana and husband Javed Akhtar went across the border this week along with 10 theatre artists including M.S. Sathyu, Shama Zaidi, Atul Tiwari, Rajendra Gupta and Lubna Arif on an invitation from the Faiz Foundation for the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Centennial.
“Faiz is my most favourite poet of all and even

Gaddafi unflinching as rebel city fears counter-attack

Rebels awaited counter-attack by Muammar Gaddafi’s forces on Monday, after the Libyan leader defied calls for him to quit in the hardest-fought of the Arab world’s wave of uprisings so far. Rebels holding Zawiyah, only 50 km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, said about 2,000 troops loyal to Gaddafi had surrounded the city. “We will do our best to fight them off. They will attack soon,” said a former police major who switched sides and joined the rebellion. “If we are fighting for freedom, we are

Portman wins best actress Oscar for Black Swan

Natalie Portman won the Oscar for best actress Sunday night, a credit to her terrifying portrayal of an obsessed, paranoid ballerina in “Black Swan.” It was Portman’s first win in two nominations and follows her supporting actress nomination for “Closer,” which was made in 2004. Portman, 29, who lost 20 pounds in the year she prepared for the film, is in the midst of a new transformation — she wore a deep purple off-the-shoulders dress on the red carpet to accommodate her growing baby bump.

Milan fashion awaits Chinese design boom

Chinese designers will drive catwalk trends more than deep-pocketed Asian buyers as China’s creativity becomes fashions’ next big thing, top fashion executives and designers said at Milan fashion week.
Chinese newly-rich fueled a record year for sales at luxury goods makers such as LVMH, with designers such as Ralph Lauren, Ermenegildo Zegna and Prada drawing inspiration from oriental prints and crystals to cater to Asian shoppers.
“The next big issue for fashion is not China’s economic boom but Chinese creativity,” Italian trend-setter designer and retailer Elio Fiorucci said on the sidelines of a Dolce and Gabbana show.

Petroleum dealers announced to end strike in Karachi

Abdul Sami Khan, the president of Petroleum Dealers Association, on Monday announced to end the ongoing strike.
The delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) met with Petroleum Dealers in Karachi. During the meeting, the senior leader of MQM, Farooq Sattar talked with Abdul Sami Khan on telephone.
President of Petroleum Dealers Association, Abdul Sami said during talking to media that Farooq Sattar ensured to discuss the issues with federal government.
Earlier, hundreds of people staged protest against the closure of petrol pumps in different areas of Karachi.

Stars gather as 'King's Speech' eyes Oscars crown

 HOLLYWOOD: British royal drama "The King's Speech" got another boost on the eve of what supporters hope will be its Oscars coronation Sunday, as stars gather for the climax of Tinsel Town's annual awards season.

The movie, nominated for 12 Academy Awards including best picture and best actor for Colin Firth, won best foreign film at the Spirit independent movie awards, barely 24 hours before the main Hollywood show.

Ballet thriller "Black Swan," nominated for five Oscars, won best film at the Spirits as well as best actress for Natalie Portman -- who is frontrunner in that category on Sunday.

With less than 24 hours to go before the annual awards mega-bash, stars were fine-tuning their acceptance speeches -- fingers crossed -- and

Fox enjoys high life on Britain's tallest tower

 LONDON: A death-defying fox clambered up Britain's tallest skyscraper and lived the high life on the 72nd floor of the tower in central London for nearly two weeks, officials revealed.

The intrepid animal climbed to the top of the Shard, which is more than 288 metres (945 feet) high and still under construction, where it enjoyed panoramic views over the British capital and lived off builders' scraps.

It managed to outfox its captors for almost a fortnight until February 17 when it was finally put into a cage and brought down from the tower, which will be the tallest skyscraper in Europe when it is complete.

It is believed the fox climbed up the building's central stairwell.

The fox, dubbed "Romeo" by his rescuers, was

Tea improves brain power, alertness

 AMSTERDAM: Natural ingredients found in a cup of tea can improve brain power and increase alertness, according to the latest study.

Researchers looked at the effect of key chemicals found in tea on the mental performance of 44 young volunteers.

The effects of these ingredients, an amino acid called L-theanine – which is also found in green tea – and caffeine at levels typically found in a cup of tea, were compared with a dummy treatment.

The active ingredients significantly improved accuracy across a number of switching tasks for those who drank the tea after 20 and 70 minutes, compared with the placebo

Imran wants Younis, Misbah to bat at 3-4 spots

The former Pakistan Captain Imran Khan believed that experienced batting duo of Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq should bat at number three and four spots in ongoing Cricket World Cup (CWC) would be more fruitful and benefitting.
“Younis and Misbah are our best Pakistan batsmen and should bat up in the top order instead of batting in a crisis situation down,” he told a private Television Channel in his comments. Younis and Misbah have to bat under pressure situation if wickets fell early,” he said.
“War is always fought from the front and we

BREAKING NEWS: England and India play out an epic tie at Bangalore. India remain top of Group B

India 338 (49.5 ov)

England 338/8 (50.0 ov)

Match tied

Pakistan won by 11 runs

Pakistan 277/7 (50 ov)

Sri Lanka 266/9 (50.0 ov)

Patience is a virtue, believes Katrina Kaif

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif sincerely believes that “Sabr ka phal meetha hota hai” (Patience always pays off) — the slogan for her new Mango Slice ad campaign. She says she adapts to it in real life too.
“When one hears the word patience, a lot of people think of ‘waiting for a long time’ and sitting idle doing nothing’ but it is not my interpretation of patience. For me, patience is about waiting for the right thing and also about what you’re doing while you’re waiting,” said Katrina.
“It is about actively having a plan and a goal and

Google search formula gets more discerning

Google has changed its secret search formula in the United States to be more discerning when it comes to which websites are worth recommending and which should sink in the rankings. The move announced late Thursday was part of an ongoing duel between the search titan and low-quality websites that feature only content copied from elsewhere on the Internet or use techniques to trick their way high in results. “Many of the changes we make are so subtle that very few people notice them,” Google principal engineer

US national DeHeaven sent on judicial remand

The Judicial Magistrate in Peshawar sent the detained US national Aaron Mark DeHeaven on 14-day judicial remand on Saturday.
The arrested American national was nabbed on Friday on charges of illegally staying in the country after his Visa expired in October last year. Police say Deheaven, who runs a security agency named ‘Catalyst Services’, was arrested from University Town here.
The American was produced before the court of Judicial Magistrate Qudratullah on Saturday where he told the Pakistani government had issued him licences for different assignments.

Butt, Aamer appeal against corruption ban

Former Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and paceman Mohammad Aamer have lodged appeals against their bans for corruption at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, lawyers said Saturday.
“We have filed a statement of appeal in the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport against the ban by the International Cricket Council anti-corruption tribunal,” Butt’s lawyer Yasin Patel told AFP by email.
Opening batsman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Aamer were all banned on charges of corruption

Pakistan Blind team beat Australia by 61 runs

Pakistan Blind Cricket team beat Australia on Saturday in the 1st ODI by 61 runs at Park 25, Adelaide, Australia.
Australia won the toss and send Pakistan into bat. Pakistan had a terrible start of the innings as Pakistan lost both their openers on just 24 runs, Arfan Majeed was bowled on 7 runs and Muhammad Jameel the in-form batsman was bowled by Raymond Moxly after scoring 3 runs.
Pakistan lost its wickets in regular intervals, the wicket of Anees Javed left Pakistan in deep trouble, he scored just 8 runs and was bowled by Peter Robinson, says a

Egypt army apologises for beating Tahrir protesters

Egypt’s ruling military council apologised on Saturday after military police beat protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, but activists called for fresh protests to denounce violence by the authorities.
A security official and witnesses said that shortly after midnight, military police surrounded protesters, beating them with batons and using tasers to disperse the crowd of several hundred that had gathered to push for reforms.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces said that “what happened late Friday was the result of unintentional confrontations between the military police and the youth of the revolution.”

UK treasury ‘to seize’ Kadhafi’s billions

The British government plans to seize billions of pounds in assets belonging to Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi which include property and bank accounts, the Telegraph reported Friday.
The Treasury has set up a special unit to track down the assets which are believed to include a 10 million pound London home, the paper said.
“The first priority is to get British nationals out of Libya,” a government source told the daily.
“But then we are ready to move in on Kadhafi’s assets, the

Discovery shuttle blasts off on last space odyssey

The shuttle Discovery blasted off on Thursday on its final odyssey into orbit, marking the beginning of the end for what has been a central mission of the US space program for three decades. NASA’s most journeyed shuttle launched at 4:53 pm (2153 GMT) on its way to the International Space Station (ISS), and when it returns next month, it will become the first of the three-member fleet to enter retirement. “Good to be here,” Discovery Commander Steve Lindsey said by radio once the shuttle reached orbit.

PMLN ousts PPP from Punjab Govt

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) has decided to end its coalition with Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) in Punjab as the 45-day ultimatum given to the government to implement PMLN’s 10-point agenda ends today.
Addressing a press conference after an important meeting of PMLN is at Punjab House here, PMLN chief Nawaz Sharif said his party had decided to part ways with PPP in Punjab.
“We have suffered enough at the hands of government and our patience has run out now,” said Nawaz Sharif.
Nawaz Sharif said the government had done

Ireland restrict Bangladesh to 205

Ireland bowled out Bangladesh for a modest 205 runs in their Group B clash on Friday as a sell-out home crowd of 25,000 looked on in stunned silence.
Seamer Andre Botha picked up three wickets and George Dockrell and Trent Johnston claimed two each after the home side elected to take first strike on a slow pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.
Wickets tumbled at regular intervals in a match Bangladesh had targeted as a must-win after they lost their first match to India by 87 runs at the same venue last

Raymond Davis requests immunity

The detained US national and alleged CIA contractor, Raymond Davis was produced before the additional session judge Yousuf Aujla at Kot Lakhpat prison here on Friday.
The accused insisted, during the hearing, he enjoyed diplomatic immunity and refused to sign the Challan against him.
Raymond Davis, who fatally shot dead two Pakistani citizens in a broad daylight last month, requested the court to grant him diplomatic immunity.
The western media say the detained US national was a CIA contractor in Pakistan.

Anti-Gadhafi forces plan new push in Libya

Libyans braced for mass protests Friday as the rebel movement called for a new push to oust Moammar Gadhafi after a day of fierce fighting in which rebels made new gains and advanced closer to his stronghold in Tripoli while pro-government forces attacked two nearby cities in battles that killed at least 17 people.
International momentum also has been building for action to punish Gadhafi’s regime for the bloodshed.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, said Friday that the bloc needs to consider sanctions

Australia beats New Zealand

Shane Watson scored 62 as Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets in their Group A match at the World Cup on Friday.
Scores:
Australia 207-3 in 34 overs (Shane Watson 62, Brad Haddin 55; Hamish Bennett 2-63)
New Zealand 206 all out in 45.1 overs (Nathan McCullum 52, Daniel Vettori 44; Mitchell Johnson 4-33, Shaun Tait 3-35).

Pakistan won by 205 runs

Pakistan 317/7 (50 ov)

Kenya 112/10 (33.1 ov)

Pakistan won by 205 runs

Pakistan reach 317-7 after disastrous start

HAMBANTOTA: Pakistan made 317 runs for the loss of seven wickets after a disastrous start in Group A match of the ICC World Cup 2011 here at the Mahinda Rajapakse Stadium on Wednesday.

Qureshi says he is ready for trial

Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday said in the National Assembly that there have been a lot of blames on me, such as that I am accused of meeting Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Chaudhry Nisar.
He said that he has never said or done anything against the party.
“During Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s first government she showed a lot of faith in me and when former President Farooq Leghari dissolved the government, I was in India then, I caught the first flight back to Pakistan to be with Mohtarma

I should not have acted in `3 Idiots`: Aamir

He won hearts with his portrayal of an engineering student in blockbuster `3 Idiots` and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan says the only reason he decided to act in the film was that its subject was education.
“I shouldn`t have acted in `3 Idiots` as in no way do I look like an 18 year old. The only reason I did the film was because it was about education,” said Aamir.
The Rajkumar Hirani-directed film is the story of three students in an elite engineering institute reeling under pressure from the current educational system to excel in their

4 American hostages killed by pirates, US says

A pirate fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a U.S. Navy destroyer shadowing a hijacked yacht with four Americans aboard Tuesday. Then gunfire erupted, the military said. U.S. special forces rushed to the yacht only to find the four Americans fatally wounded.
The experienced yacht enthusiasts from California and Washington are the first Americans killed by Somali pirates since the start of attacks off East Africa several years ago. One of the American couples on board had been sailing around the world since 2004 handing out

Raymond Davis ‘was acting head of CIA in Pakistan’

A US intelligence agent arrested after shooting dead two men was the acting head of the CIA in Pakistan and had been gathering intelligence for drone attacks, according to intelligence sources.
Raymond Davis, a 36-year-old former special forces soldier, had taken command after the CIA station chief’s cover was blown, according to reports.
American officials insist he is entitled to diplomatic immunity and that he be released immediately.
Davis has been held for almost a month in a

After good reviews, ’7 Khoon Maaf’ earns Rs.28 crore

Vishal Bhardwaj’s films may not be money spinners, but they are high on content as is his Priyanka Chopra starrer “7 Khoon Maaf” that has a different story to tell. The film has not only garnered good reviews but has so far earned Rs.28 crore from its opening week box office collections and satellite and other rights.
The dark thriller about an incorrigible serial spouse-killer cost Rs.22 crore, which includes the money spent on publicity and advertising.
Released with 786 prints, its opening weekend

Salman Khan shoots action scenes on tuk-tuk

If his arch rival Shah Rukh Khan shot action scenes on a desi cycle-rickshaw, Salman Khan decided to be different and performed his stunts on tuk-tuk, the Thai auto-rickshaw, in the narrow streets of Pattaya for Anees Bazmee’s “Ready”.
“It was Bhai’s (Salman’s) idea to shoot with tuk-tuks which are very fast and powerful. He wanted to shoot an action sequence nobody has done before,” Bhushan Kumar of T-Series said in a press statement.
“People have shot romantic songs or scenes perhaps, but such a high-voltage action sequence will be seen for the first time in ‘Ready’. People will enjoy this unique Thai action,” he added.

Milan abuzz as Fashion Week kicks off

Glitterati, hawkish buyers and fashion-savvy writers flocked to the Italian capital on Wednesday for the start of Milan’s glamorous Fashion Week.
After London and New York, fashionistas flew in to see over 66 designers on show on 76 runways, including an exclusive few who will show off their collections on catwalks in front of the city’s towering Gothic cathedral.
Fashion giants Gucci, Alberta Ferretti and Roccobarocco will open the show on Wednesday, while Thursday’s catwalks will star Fendi, D&G and Prada.

Pakistan Blind beat Australia by 43 runs

Pakistan Blind Cricket team beat Australia on Wednesday by 43 runs in the 2nd Twenty-20 at Park 25, Adelaide, Australia. Australia won the toss and asked Pakistan to take guard. Pakistan scored a mammoth 232 runs on the board for the loss of 2 wickets in their stipulated 20 overs. Muhammad Jameel who didn’t capitalised yesterday in 1st T-20, played a brisk innings of 97 runs on just 47 balls. Anees Javeed and Masood Jan remained not out on 63 and 59 runs respectively. Chris Bailie took 2 wickets, says a press release issued here on Wednesday.

Zardari invites Japan’s auto parts giant to invest in Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday invited Toyota Tshusho, a leading Japanese auto parts giant, to invest in Pakistan, as automobile sector in Pakistan is flourishing with the passage of time.
He said that Pakistan is providing attractive investment opportunities and security to foreign investors in various sectors and has set up a special economic zone at an area of 2000 acres near Karachi for Japanese investors.
He was talking to Junzo Shimizu, President Toyota Tsuhsho (Trading House dealing in supply of auto spare

Light showers likely in Lahore

Yesterday’s westerly wave that continues to affect upper country may cause light rain in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad divisions and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, GB , Kashmir during next 24 hours.
According to Met office sources, snowfall is also expected in the mountain areas.
Isolated rain was recorded in some parts of the country. Rain recorded in Quetta was 19 mm, Kalat 8 mm, Parachinar 6, Zhob 4, D G Khan 3, and Multan 1.5 mm during last 24 hours.
On Wednesday minimum temperature of

Excessive use of red meat causes cancer, heart diseases

 LONDON: Cutting back on steak, sausages and salami could help prolong your life, according to the most comprehensive study done on meat and mortality.

A team of researchers tracked half a million Americans over a decade and found those who ate more red and processed meats appear to have a "modestly increased" risk of dying from all causes, and specifically from cancer or heart disease.

In contrast, those who ate more white meat have a decreased risk of dying, and in particular of dying from cancer.

According to a research, excessive use of red meat may cause cancer and heart diseases.

Hakim Zardari acquitted in Baloch’s murder case

 HYDERABAD: District and Session Court Hyderabad acquitted Hakim Ali Zardari, father of President Asif Ali Zardari in the murder case of former federal secretary Alim Baloch.

Former federal secretary was killed in Hyderabad 14 years ago. Case was registered against nine alleged including Asif Ali Zardari and Hakim Ali Zardari.

Town changes name from ‘Speed’ to ‘Speedkills’

SYDNEY: Names can matter, thinks one Australian town named Speed -- which renamed itself ‘Speedkills’ in an effort to promote road safety. Speed, an outback town in rural Victoria with a population of just 45, will change its name for the month of March to reduce rural road accidents and increase awareness of the

Our aim is to win all group matches: Afridi

Skipper Shahid Afridi has said that our main aim is to win all our group matches where Pakistan will face Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Canada.
“There have been so many upsets in the World Cup in the past, like the one against Ireland four years ago, so we have that in mind and we will be on our toes in every match, be it Kenya or Sri Lanka,” Cricket 365 quoted Afridi as saying.
The current Pakistan squad has only four survivors from that Irish defeat – Younis Khan, Umar Gul, Mohammad Hafeez and Kamran Akmal – but Afridi said no player has

Raymond Davis undercover for the CIA

An official said on Monday that an American official arrested last month for killing two men on motorcycles was working undercover for the CIA.
“It is beyond any shadow of a doubt that he was working for CIA,” an official from Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agency told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The official said the shooting in broad daylight at a busy junction on January 27 in Lahore and arrest of Raymond Davis had damaged relations with the Central Intelligence Agency.
“He’s on contract. He’s not a regular CIA guy, but he’s working for CIA. That’s confirmed,” the official said.

Salman gets relief in chinkara poaching case

Bollywood star Salman Khan Monday got a relief in the 1998 chinkara poaching case as the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court allowed him to leave the country without informing it in advance. The court had imposed the restriction on him before granting bail in the case in 2007. Following that, the actor had to inform the court before leaving the country in connection with movie shootings abroad. “The court while hearing our application has exempted Salman from the necessity of giving information prior to

Corruption row will not haunt Pakistan: Waqar

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said on Monday that the spot-fixing scandal, which sparked lengthy bans for three high-profile players, will not haunt his embattled team at the World Cup. In fact, the controversy, said Waqar, is not even discussed in the dressing room. “I don’t think it will haunt Pakistan at all,” said Waqar, ahead of Pakistan’s opening match here on Wednesday against Kenya. “We all know that we have been through tough times in the

Ali Zafar looks at longer innings in Bollywood

Pakistani singer-actor Ali Zafar, who shot to fame with `Tere Bin Laden`, says the film was a stepping stone for him and he is looking forward to a longer innings in Bollywood and aspires to do two-three films a year.
“I am very comfortable in Bollywood now. I am looking for a longer innings in Bollywood. I am looking forward for my journey in this industry. I would do two-three films a year,” Zafar told in an interview.
“Tere Bin Laden` was a stepping stone for me in Bollywood. I feel I am lucky and blessed to be accepted and

Quake in New Zealand kills at least 85

A powerful earthquake slammed New Zealand’s already-bruised city of Christchurch on Tuesday, killing at least 65 people, and sending rescuers scrambling to help people trapped under collapsed buildings.
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the country’s second-largest city around lunchtime, collapsing buildings and sending bricks and other heavy debris toppling into busy city streets. It was the second major quake to strike Christchurch in the past five months.
Prime Minister John Key told reporters that the

Libya’s ambassador to US calls for Gadhafi to quit

Libya’s ambassador to the United States on Monday joined other diplomats from the Arab nation in calling for Moammar Gadhafi to step down as their leader and asked the international community to condemn strongly the regime’s violent crackdown on protesters.
“I think he should step down, of course, after what’s happening in our country now,” Ambassador Ali Aujali said in an interview with The Associated Press. “There’s no other solution. He should step down and give the chance for the people to make their future.”

Court orders Davis’ trial in prison

A session court in Lahore on Tuesday ordered the Raymond Davis’ trial to be held in prison. The detained US national Raymond Allen Davis, who the America insists is a member of diplomatic mission and, therefore, enjoys immunity, was charged with the murder of two Pakistani men. Faheem and Faizan, residents of Lahore, were fatally shot dead by Davis at Mazang Chowk last month. The Punjab government, citing security reasons, filed a plea, on Tuesday, requesting Davis’ trial to be held in prison in the future.

Shahid afridi VS Irfan Pathan - Pathan Comments on pathan

Raymond Davis a CIA agent: Guardian

British newspaper The Guardian claims Raymond Davis is a CIA operative. PHOTO: FILE
“The American who shot dead two men in Lahore, triggering a diplomatic crisis between Pakistan and the US, is a CIA agent who was on assignment at the time,” guardian.co.uk reported on Monday.

Couple’s attempt to break the world record for the 32 hours long world’s longest kiss

if you are looking for inspiration ahead of Valentines Day – look to Thailand where 14 couples have been trying to break the world record for the longest kiss.    The contestants are taking part in the kissing marathon in Pattaya in the hope of breaking the current 32-hour world record.

Reema appointed Zoo ambassador

Actress Reema Khan was appointed Lahore Zoo ambassador at a ceremony here on Saturday.
She will work to create awareness about animals among the general people, raise funds and lead an animal and bird adoption campaign.
Speaking on the occasion, she said she would continue working for the betterment and protection of animals and hoped her work would inspire more people to join hands for animal rights.

Lara Dutta – Mahesh Bhupati get married in Goa

The much talked about wedding of the tennis ace Mahesh Bhupati and Bollywood actress Lara Dutta solemnized on Saturday evening at the sunset venue of a heritage five-star resort near Candolim beach.
Former Miss Universe Lara, 32, wore a white Ellie Saab gown with jewelry in white gold and diamonds while Mahesh, 36 was dressed in black suit for the Christian style wedding.
Among the invited guests were B-town celebrities Ritesh Deshmukh, Sajid Khan, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, Cellina Jaitley, designers including Wendell Rodricks, Sheetal Malhar and from the sporting field Rohan Bopanna and Leander Paes along with his wife

Players not affected by Shiv Sena threats: Waqar

Pakistan cricket team coach Waqar Younis has said that threats given by Shiv Sena would not affect Pakistan players.
They all are fit and ready to perform with great spirit in the World Cup.
According to a private TV channel, they are focusing the upcoming matches of tournament.
He said the players have worked hard for the World Cup and victory is vital to revive cricket in Pakistan.
Waqar Younis did not termed any team as favourite but he said the team who will play well, would win the World cup and he hopes it would be Pakistan

Daughter-in-law of Latif Khosa killed in car accident

The daughter-in-law of Governor Punjab was killed in an accident on the motorway in Sheikhurpura early morning on Monday.
According to Governor’s House sources, the deceased was Hina wife of Khurram Latif Khosa, son of Governor Punjab Latif Khan Khosa.
In this accident the sister of the deceased was also injured.
According to DHQ Sheikhurpa sources,a woman in early twenties,identified as Hina was killed in the accident while the victim’s sister Sana who was driving the car

Death sentence upheld for Ajmal Kasab

Ajmal Kasab, sporting a new beard, watched via video-conference as the Bombay High Court confirmed his death sentence. He did not react after the judges delivered their three-sentence verdict. Kasab was sentenced to death last year for waging war against India. 166 people died during 26/11 after ten terrorists, including Kasab, sailed into Mumbai and unleashed attacks in different parts of the city. Legal procedure needs the High Court to ratify a death sentence given by a lower court. But in addition to

Shiv Sena warns Bollywood against hiring Pakistani artists

Indian extremist outfit Shiv Sena has warned Bollywood against hiring Pakistani artists, saying it will teach a lesson to those who do so. India’s famous film director Mahesh Bhatt revealed that the Maharashtra Cinema Television Sena (MCTS), a frontal organization of the Shiv Sena, has threatened those hiring Pakistani artists. He received the letter on Feb 19 and it was addressed to all production houses, organizers, event managers and media houses, he said.

We want to win World Cup again: Ponting

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is pretty bullish when it comes to talking about the defending champions’ chances in this World Cup.
“We are not to here to defend anything, but to win it again. We want to win the World Cup again,” said Ponting during a media briefing at the Motera on the eve of their World Cup opener against Zimbabwe. The skipper also wants Australia to make a good start to the tournament.
“India scored 370 and their batsmen did really well in the opening phase of the match. But then

Rakhi, Veena Malik Engage In Arm Wrestling To Grab Yuvraj

Rahat Fateh charged under Customs Act

Pakistani Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has been charged under Customs Act for carrying undeclared foreign currency. His manager Maroof also faces similar charges.
According to Indian TV that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) will now confiscate the currency and the issue will go to a quasi-judicial authority headed by a Customs officer.
The authority will be go through charges and will adjudicate what is the penalty and the quantum. After paying penalty, Rahat and Mahroof can leave.
The singer, along with his manager and owner of

Blazing Sehwag lifts India to 370-4

Virender Sehwag smashed a career-best 175 off 140 balls to power India to 370-4 after they were asked to bat by Bangladesh in the opening match of the World Cup on Saturday. A sell-out crowd of 25,000 at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium watched in stunned silence as the aggressive opener lashed 14 boundaries and five sixes in his 14th one-day century. Young Virat Kohli chipped in with 100 not out to leave the Tigers with a daunting target of 7.5 runs an over in the first Cup game between the two sides since

Fauzia Wahab resigns from party office

Sectary information Pakistan Peoples party (PPP) Fauzia Wahab has resigned from her party office on Saturday.
Talking to media here Wahab said that the statement regarding Raymond Davis was personal her view adding that she had a proud for being a part of PPP.
She said that she would continue to work as a worker for party.

Sachin equals Miandad’s record of 6th WC

The legendary India batsman Sachin Tendulkar Saturday equaled Pakistani great Javed Miandad’s record of six consecutive appearances in the Cricket World Cup (CWC) in the opening game against Bangladesh at Mirpur.
The 37-year-old veteran star Sachin, made his World Cup debut in 1992 World Cup which Pakistan won under Imran Khan with Javed Miandad was featuring in his fifth CWC after making his debut in the inaugural competition held in England in 1975.
Mumbai-based super star, Sachin Tendulkar had the

ATC reissues warrant for Musharraf

The Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Saturday issued non-bailable arrest warrant for former president Pervez Musharrad in connection with Benazir Bhutto murder case.
Earlier, the ATC had, while issuing the bailable warrant, warned that it would issue the non-bailable warrant if Musharraf failed to appear before the court on February 19.
The court on Saturday ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) dispatch the warrant to former army chief’s residence in Islamabad and London.
The court, later, adjourned the hearing till March 5.

Nawaz says govt disappointed nation

Pakistan Muslim League-N (PMLN) chief Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday the government disappointed the nation over the 10-point agenda, blaming the president for the failure of every attempt by his party to resolve national issues.
Addressing a meeting of party workers from here at his residence, the former prime minister said PMLN cooperated to full extent with government but the president Asif Ali Zardari considered his sincerity as weakness and had broke all the agreements.
Referring to his 10-point agenda given to the

‘Who are you?’ – Dhoni stumped by own team

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni embarrassingly forgot the name of one of his own players at the toss for Saturday’s World Cup opener against Bangladesh on Saturday.
Dhoni was stumped by TV interviewer Ravi Shastri as they stood in the middle at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium when the name of omitted left-arm pace bowler Ashish Nehra escaped him.
“(Ravichandran) Ashwin, (Piyush) Chawla, (Virat) Kohli and…. one other guy won’t play,” smiled Dhoni, after being asked to name his team line-up.

Lara Dutta-Mahesh Bhupathi wedding: Time to highlight Goa’s disappeared beach

A walk on the Sinquerim beach may be what Bollywood heart-throb Lara Dutta and tennis pro Mahesh Bhupathi look forward to after their wedding here Saturday. But that may not be possible because the beach itself has practically disappeared thanks to a grounded cargo vessel. However, the celebrity wedding at the Taj holiday village resort has provided Goa’s environmental activists an opportunity to once again bring up the issue of the massive beach erosion caused by the grounding of M.V. River Princess on the nearby Candolim beach in

Veena Malik lost her identity

Reason : she lost her identity even she dont know that she is an Indian or Pakistani no one is accepting her she is in between both countries and standing no where even she dont knows to which team she will support India or Pakistan

Skippers in rickshaws as WC opens

The opening ceremony of the World Cup got under way Thursday with the captains of the 14 competing teams paraded through Dhaka’s historic Bangabandhu Stadium in colourfully draped rickshaws.
Protected by a sheet of bullet-proof glass, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina watched as home skipper Shakib Al Hasan received a rapturous welcome from the packed arena as he arrived at the rear of the unusual parade.
The two-hour event, in which Ricky Ponting, captain of defending champions Australia, led the sparkling

Salman is my best friend: Katrina

In all the years they have been together, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif have never admitted to seeing each other. Which is why, even today, there is much speculation about whether the two are still together or have they parted ways. Their “no comments” stand, whenever asked about their relationship, s related stories Katrina to romance Salman, again till remains a constant, leaving the media to decide for themselves whether the relationship is on or off.
Surprisingly candid for what is perhaps the first time she is talking about their relationship status, Kaif

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan questioned again

The Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Tuesday questioned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for the second time.
According to Indian media that Rahat was questioned for 11 hours today and the DRI officials said they will question him again on Friday.
Earliet Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was questioned for 24 hours by DRI.
He was detained for allegedly carrying $124,000 in undeclared cash at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in

Fan spends USD 3,300 to meet Shah Rukh Khan

Mehjabeen Erum Alim, of Bangladesh, kept a patient vigil and spent a whopping 10,000 ringgit (about USD 3,300) over two days to meet Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan along with some other fans in Malacca.
She did realise her dream — but the actor only smiled, gave autographs, posed for photographs and left, blowing flying kisses. Mehjabeen was told that he does not speak before shooting to stay within the character he is playing.
Khan, who is on a month’s schedule to shoot a sequel to his earlier blockbuster “Don”, saw the news of Mehjabeen spending big money on her vigil in The Star.

Paris announces new album on birthday

Socialite Paris Hilton made her birthday celebrations more special with the announcement that her new album will be released “in the next few months”. The heiress, who turned 30 yesterday, said she is keeping quiet on the album`s details but insisted that the record will hit shelves within the next few months, the Hollywood Reporter said. Hilton confirmed that she is currently working with numerous collaborators and producers but wants to keep their identities “a surprise”.

BREAKING NEWS : FAUZIA REMOVED FROM THE POST OF SECTARY INFORMATION

Obama Meeting Zuckerberg, Jobs, Schmidt In San Francisco Tonight

Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg will join other technology executives like Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Google’s Eric Schmidt at a San Francisco meeting tonight convened by President Barack Obama, mostly to discuss job creation and other economic stimuli.