PakMonitor - News Around The Globe

Mika Singh and Sunny Leone performing in Dallas

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DALLAS: 
Indian Bollywood film industry mega star and a powerful and magical 
artist and playback vocalist Mika Singh along with Bollywood actress 
Sunny Leone presented a startling and breath taking performances at 
Allen Event Center in a high profile music concert. 
 
The
 star studded music event which was attended by thousands of men and 
women fun loving audience was hosted by MeraBoxOffice presents, in 
association with StarLight HomeTheaters and Classic Management. 
 
The
 event was attended by a large number of south Asian Americans living in
 North Texas. The touring group from India with singer Mika Singh 
includes Miss India Amruta Patki, Akasa Singh, Sufi singer Raman Kapoor,
 Geeta and Violinist Ravi Pawar and a large number of Musicians also 
performed. 
 
The musical event started and ended with a 
special performance on Dama Dum Must Qalander. Mika Singh presented his 
old and new songs to applauding audience which included `Main Tere Agal 
Bagal Hun` Jugni' " Hun Maujan Hi Maujan, Chintala Chuntala, Khali Peeli
 Rooknay ka naii " , Piyar ki Murli Bajakay, Ran jhaga rang Jahga ray, 
'Shona Sohhna ' dil mera Sohna' and other popular songs and received 
accolades from all of the audience. 
 
On the other hand the Bollywood star dancer Sunny leone amused and thrilled all the audiences. 
 
The
 concert organizers Ajay and Shalini Mittal thanked Dallas South Asian 
Community and the sponsors including CEO Molabs Media Mohammad Abbas, 
Qamarali Rayani, Akber Berani Amir Makhani, Sanjay Joshi, Nafiz Hossain,
 Shankar Bala Tina Patel, Marvin Das Ranga Jayanth, Bamburoo Kalpesh, 
Ramani Arul from Bombay Chopstix Tina and Zee, Sandeep Shrivastava, 
Dance Masti Group, and others. 
 
The singer Mika Singh said
 that he came to Dallas after four years and the way they are welcomed 
and greeted in Dallas is very encouraging for which they are thankful to
 people of Dallas. 
 
He made an announcement that next month the Bollywood mega star Shah Rukh Khan will be on US tour. 
 
He
 said that they love Pakistani audience and also presented a special 
Pakistani song. The concert continued till late night. The music group 
will be making a big performance in Houston on 15th of August in Houston
 where program preparations are under way. 
 
Houston 
program promoter Hum Tum Radio owner Rehan Siddiqui and Shake 
Entertainment CEO Amir Makhani are promoting Houston program and are 
inviting general public to the program.

Mika Singh and Sunny Leone performing in Dallas

DALLAS: Indian Bollywood film industry mega star and a powerful and magical artist and playback vocalist Mika Singh along with Bollywood actress Sunny Leone presented a startling and breath taking…

16 Aug 2014

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 17th death anniversary is today

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LAHORE:
 The 17th death anniversary of internationally renowned late Pakistani 
singer and musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is being observed today 
(Saturday). 
 
Ustad Nusrat Fateh who was primarily a 
singer of Qawwali‚ was born on October 13‚ 1948 in Faisalabad. He was 
popularly known as “Shahenshah-e-Qawwali”. 
 
The fame and 
reputation he got from all over the world is exemplary. Khan created a 
world record of releasing as many as 125 audio albums as a Qawwal which 
includes legendary numbers like Dum mustt Qalandar mustt‚ Ali Maula Ali‚
 Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai‚ Mera Pia Ghar Aya and many others. 
 
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan died on August 16‚ 1997 in London.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 17th death anniversary is today

LAHORE: The 17th death anniversary of internationally renowned late Pakistani singer and musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is being observed today (Saturday). Ustad Nusrat Fateh who was primarily a …

16 Aug 2014

Bonanza of trade: ABAD expo brings $200m worth of agreements

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KARACHI: Foreign companies 
participating in the ABAD International Expo 2014 have signed $200 
million worth of trade and investment agreements during the three-day 
event, which is also expected to lead to further investment agreements 
valuing $800 million in the next few months, organisers say.

“The building and construction exhibition brought extraordinary 
results as besides domestic companies, 24 international firms also set 
up their stalls in the fair,” said Mohsin Sheikhani, Chairman of the 
Association of Builders and Developers Pakistan (ABAD), the organisers 
of the event that ended on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference, Sheikhani, flanked by Senior Vice 
Chairman Saleem Qasim Patel and Vice Chairman Hanif Gohar, said three 
Chinese building material companies producing switches, tiles and 
ceramics had expressed interest in setting up their units in Pakistan.

During the exhibition, housing and trading projects worth Rs150 
billion were designed and the construction industry planned to initiate 
more projects valuing Rs600 billion by the end of 2014.

Stressing the need for developing a master plan for the whole 
country, particularly Karachi, Sheikhani warned that if it was delayed, 
it would increase problems for the coming generation with the 
mushrooming of slums.

“Twenty years ago, slums constituted 17% of the area in Karachi, but 
now the ratio has jumped to 57%,” he said. “If the construction industry
 develops, it will boost the pace of economic growth and create 
thousands of new job opportunities.” In an effort to provide employment 
to young students, the association of builders has approached many 
universities for imparting training to fresh graduates in its ongoing 
projects.

According to Sheikhani, investors from Germany, Malaysia and many 
other countries want to come to Pakistan, who could assist in reducing 
the housing shortage. Separately, the builders association has come up 
with suggestions of low-cost housing schemes for the poor and 
reconstruction of slums.

“If the government helps execute the plan, a large number of people 
will get shelter for their families and a society based on equality will
 develop.” He also called for introducing one-window operations for 
addressing the problems besetting the construction industry.

On the last day of the exhibition, Independence Day celebrations were
 a prominent feature during which star cricketer Shahid Afridi was also 
present.

Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Saeed Ghani visited different stalls 
and said the expo would not only lead to development of the construction
 industry, but also boost the country’s image.

Bonanza of trade: ABAD expo brings $200m worth of agreements

KARACHI: Foreign companies participating in the ABAD International Expo 2014 have signed $200 million worth of trade and investment agreements during the three-day event, which is also expected to…

14 Aug 2014

Tokyo stocks down 0.13pc by break

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TOKYO: Tokyo stocks fell 0.13 percent Friday morning as investors locked in profits after four days of gains. 
The
 Nikkei 225 index slipped 20.66 points to 15,293.91 by the break, while 
the Topix index of all first-section issues was down 0.13 percent, or 
1.67 points, at 1,268.83. 
Trading was muted with many investors away for Japan's traditional mid-summer holiday. 
"With
 volume so light and incentives so few, the selling we're seeing today 
is nothing more than rudimentary after a stretch of strong gains," said 
Mitsushige Akino, chief fund manager at Ichiyoshi Investment Management.
 
"It's entirely possible, however, that even following the 
resumption of 'normal' trading next week, overall market movements will 
remain somewhat subdued," he told Dow Jones Newswires. 
In share 
trading, Skymark rose 1.19 percent to 169.0 yen after the airline said 
it was terminating some domestic services and raising fares as it faces 
potentially huge penalties in the wake of a cancelled jet order with 
European plan manufacturer Airbus. 
Sony climbed 1.88 percent to 
1,869.5 yen after the Nikkei business daily reported the firm plans to 
sell image sensors for cameras used in vehicles. 
The consumer 
electronics and entertainment giant is looking to tap new growth markets
 on the back of a move toward driverless cars and other "smart" vehicles
 that depend on image sensor technology, the newspaper said. 
In currency markets, the dollar fetched 102.48 yen in midday Tokyo trade, compared with 102.45 yen in New York. 
On
 Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.37 percent, 
extending the prior day's gains after jobs data continued to suggest the
 US labour market was improving.

Tokyo stocks down 0.13pc by break

TOKYO: Tokyo stocks fell 0.13 percent Friday morning as investors locked in profits after four days of gains. The Nikkei 225 index slipped 20.66 points to 15,293.91 by the break, while the Topix in…

14 Aug 2014

Independence Day: Pakistan stars receive significant awards

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KARACHI: 
Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was honoured on Independence
 Day for his bowling feats by being awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz — one of
 the highest civilian awards in Pakistan.

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Ajmal’s bowling action has been questioned recently, but his performance to date was deemed worthy enough.

Meanwhile, four athletes – cueist Mohammad Asif, mountaineer Samina 
Baig, boxer Amir Khan and tennis player Aqeel Khan – were given the 
President’s Award for Pride of Performance.

Asif was previously snubbed for the award, but this time he has been 
included after strong reservations from the snooker fraternity last 
year.

Asian squash champion Aamir Atlas Khan was awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, 
while other recipients of the recognition comprise skier Mir Nawaz and 
hockey trio Munir Dar, Anwar Ahmed Khan and Abdul Waheed. Meanwhile, the
 Sports Journalism award went to Dr Nauman Niaz.

Independence Day: Pakistan stars receive significant awards

KARACHI: Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was honoured on Independence Day for his bowling feats by being awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz — one of the highest civilian awards in Pakistan. Ajmal’s bo…

14 Aug 2014

Emraan Hashmi gets his 'Aati Kya Khandala' moment

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A decade and a half after Ghulam and 'Aati Kya Khandala',
 Aamir Khan has finally found his match. Emraan Hashmi, who has been a 
trailblazer when it comes to romantic Sufi outings, has turned over a 
new page (and 'flipped his collar' in the process) with an out and out 
'tapori' number 'Flip Your Collar'. Interestingly, it not just 
has a reference to 'Khandala' here but also plays around in the same 
mode, what with Emraan wooing newbie Humaima Malick in as massy a manner
 as one could expect him to be seen in. 
 
"This is one song that not just reminds of 'Aati Kya Khandala' 
but also has a similar stage and setting. What sets it apart is the 
presentation though," says an insider, "If Aamir Khan charmed Rani 
Mukerji with his antics in Ghulam, Emraan Hashmi is being cool, yet a 'tapori' at heart, while proposing to Humaima Malick in Raja Natwarlal. The song is bound to be a hit with the masses and those who loved Aamir Khan in 'Aati Kya Khandala' could well be 'flipping their collar' with the beats of this song." 
 
More than just the song, what is all the more important for Emraan 
Hashmi is the fact that after a rather long wait, he is being seen in an
 avtar that masses love to see him in. After a couple of niche multiplex
 films like Ek Thi Daayan and Ghanchakkar, Emraan is returning to his naughty self in Raja Natwarlal and is enjoying every moment under the sun with the kind of setting that Raja Natwarlal provides him. 
 
"I thought that now was the time to get back to basics with a film like 
this," says Emraan Hashmi, "It brings all such components like foot 
tapping dance numbers and some naughty moments, while amplifying them to
 a greater degree." 
 
While he is also addressing the gallery with another 'tapori' number 'Dukki Tikki', Emraan Hashmi does confess that he missed out on these fun moments for last couple of years. 
 
"Yes, it's something that I had missed out on. I do realize that there 
are certain components that my films are known for. My last couple of 
releases were devoid of that though. I am happy to bring it all back to 
my audience now. So you can pretty much join me and flip the collar," 
winks Emraan Hashmi before signing off.

Emraan Hashmi gets his 'Aati Kya Khandala' moment

A decade and a half after Ghulam and 'Aati Kya Khandala', Aamir Khan has finally found his match. Emraan Hashmi, who has been a trailblazer when it comes to romantic Sufi outings, has turned over a…

14 Aug 2014

How Pakistanis see their country today - A Complete servey

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August 14 is an auspicious day for Pakistan, the day when our country
 gained its independence from British rule. But how many Pakistanis know
 how Independence Day came about? 
The new generation has just 
perfunctory knowledge of the sacrifices that were made to gain the 
country. With the exception of students of history and political science
 and those who would be considered senior citizens, the majority know 
little of the efforts that went into making Pakistan. 
The reasons for the creation of Pakistan are crystal clear. 
As
 the 19th century ended, Muslims of India found themselves in a 
depressive state. Events of several preceding decades, and the 
marginalization of the community by the new rulers of India had put them
 in a very disadvantageous situation. The marginalized Muslims began to 
notice Hindus occupying positions of strength over them. They sought a 
forum whereby they could voice their grievances and seek rights. 
In
 response to this desire the All India Muslim League was formed in 1906.
 This was to be the voice of the Muslims and its primary objective was 
to gain the rights of the Indian Muslims. 
On August 14, 1947, the 
dream finally became a reality. It took over a million Muslim lives to 
create the homeland for the Muslims. Both the Hindus and the Sikhs went 
on a killing spree indulging in wanton destruction and looting of 
property of the Muslims. Their behaviour vindicated the demand for a 
Muslim nation. 
The matter, of course, did not end here. 
The
 Indian government of the day, which was drawn from the Congress Party, 
was using other methods to nullify the creation of Pakistan. It held 
back the military stores due to the new nation. More than that, it held 
back the finances which were rightly Pakistan’s share. 
<hr />
<h4>
Shaharyar, student, 14 years — “I do not have any knowledge about 
the Pakistan Movement and neither the reasons leading to the creation of
 Pakistan. But I do know that Pakistan is in a bad situation and needs 
good leadership to get out of it”</h4>
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The Indian government felt that without finances the Pakistan 
government would not be able to function and would seek reunion with 
India. In that case, Pakistan’s return would be accepted on India’s 
terms. However, this Indian hope was dashed by the generous intervention
 of the Nizam of Hyderabad who loaned Rs. 2 billion to the government of
 Pakistan. In addition, Habib Bank, which had shifted its headquarters 
from Mumbai to Karachi, also loaned Rs. 48 crores. This was a handsome 
amount in 1947. 
With the help of the infusion of these finances, 
the government functioned and grew, enabling Pakistan to survive those 
crucial early days. It has come a long way since then. Nevertheless, the
 Indian machinations against Pakistan continued unabated which resulted 
in the breakaway of the Eastern wing in 1971. The country survived that 
trauma and continues to function. 
Senior citizens have some 
knowledge of the Pakistan Movement which is not surprising. Some lived 
in the time when the matter was still fresh and were also able to get 
first hand information. However, with the passage of time, the new 
generation has only scant knowledge about the subject. This reflects 
inadequate educational curriculum as well as sub-standard level of 
teaching in schools. 
In any case, all the people who were 
interviewed, irrespective of age, were unanimous in their view that 
Pakistan was experiencing major difficulties which have to be addressed 
and if remedial action was not taken very soon it could harm the 
integrity of the country. 
Sixty-eight years later where does the 
country stand? It is interesting to know the views of some Pakistanis 
belonging to different age groups. 
Syed Nadeem Ahmad - 51 years.
 “The creation of Pakistan was necessary. Initially, the country showed 
much cohesiveness. People, irrespective of ethnicity, were drawn to each
 other. There was a feeling of nationhood and everybody took pride in 
being a Pakistani. That, however, changed over the years. In the early 
days life was simple and there was much happiness. Peopled looked after 
each other. The government functioned well and the bureaucracy showed 
fair responsibility. There was corruption, but it was not rife. Things 
began to change in the ‘70s and became worse in the ‘80s. The country, 
instead of making progress went into a downward spiral, economically and
 politically. Despite these drawbacks, there was faith in the people 
that the country would return to the right path. 
“The return of 
the democratic government in 1988 did not help at all. At best, it was a
 farce. Neither party would not let the other function and complete its 
term. As a result democracy suffered and eventually paved the way for 
the army to take over. Gen. Musharraf succeeded in stabilizing the 
economy and seemed to give good direction to the country. Nevertheless, 
democracy must rule, but for that good leaders are needed and they are 
nowhere to be found.” 
 
Siraj Ali — 71 years.
 “I was about four years old when my parents left India. I don’t 
remember the journey from India’s Lucknow in U.P., and know only what my
 father and uncles have related. They talked of fear of Hindu mob 
attacks in Lucknow. Then on the way, the Sikhs were playing the role of 
butchers. I recall early difficult days in Karachi. Then things began to
 improve as time went on. From a jhuggi (hut) we moved to a proper house
 located in what was then called ‘Lalu Khet’. I attended a government 
school and did my matriculation. After that I joined my father’s 
business selling crockery in a shop. The business was reasonably good. 
People were generally happy. Trouble started in the late ‘60s, as a 
movement developed to oust Ayub Khan. His successor didn’t stay long 
enough, but his rule did cause a massive upheaval in the country’s 
politics. There was a war and a big part of Pakistan broke away. 
“I
 blame the government in the ‘70s which started the country’s decline 
including its unity. It introduced corruption and lawlessness on a large
 scale. It was from then on that things began to turn for the worse and 
have continued their downward spiral. I am happy that Pakistan was 
created. I fear that unless the rising trend in corruption and 
lawlessness is not arrested it will endanger Pakistan’s existence.” 
 
Mohammad Hassan Abid, student - 21 years.
 “I was never a serious student so I have little knowledge about the 
Pakistan Movement and whatever I know about it was through school 
lessons, the print media and radio and talk shows on TV. But I do 
believe that Quaid-e-Azam was an able leader. He had the ability to take
 on the British and the Indian Congress and fight for Pakistan and he 
won in the end. 
“I also feel that Liaquat Ali Khan should have 
visited the USSR instead of going to the USA as the latter is 
responsible for Pakistan’s current deplorable situation. Ayub Khan’s 
tenure gave the country not only economic stability but also resulted in
 the development of industries, agriculture and trade. I blame West 
Pakistan for the secession of East Pakistan. Mr Bhutto’s foreign 
policies were good but his domestic and economic policies weren’t. I 
blame the Afghan War for the current security problems the country is 
facing. I also condemn the politics that Nawaz Sharif and Benazir 
indulged in during the 1990s. Musharraf’s rule brought Pakistan some 
stability and it seemed that Pakistan would finally make some progress. 
The government of Mr Zardari introduced corruption on a large scale. His
 tenure was dismal. Hopes were tied with Nawaz Sharif. So far he has 
proven to be a disappointment. I feel that Pakistan holds many promises.
 If ably led, it can make tremendous progress.” 
 
Ali bin Mushtaq, student - 16 years.
 “The reasons that led to Pakistan’s creation was due to Hindu-Muslim 
conflict. Beyond that I have no knowledge of Pakistan’s history nor have
 any desire to study about the Pakistan Movement. I accept that Pakistan
 has a bright future but corrupt leaders are stopping that progress. I 
am not very optimistic about Pakistan’s future if the current situation 
persists. 
 
Shaharyar, student - 14 years.
 “I do not have any knowledge about the Pakistan Movement and neither 
the reasons leading to the creation of Pakistan. But I do know that 
Pakistan is in a bad situation and needs good leadership to get out of 
it, as I hear grown ups talking about it, but I am optimistic. I feel 
that things will turn out all right for Pakistan.” 
 
Atiya Fatima, housewise - 65 years.
 “I consider myself a proud Pakistani and am very happy that I was born 
in this country. I have lived all my life in Karachi and have had a 
happy childhood. Life was simple yet full of happiness. Karachi did not 
have many of the facilities that exist today, yet people were happy. 
Everyone ate well and looked after one another. Relations, neighbours 
and friends - they were all caring. 
“All that changed when the 
Bhutto government took over. His rule saw the rise in corruption, a 
malady that has become worse overtime. Lawlessness, too, has become 
worse over time. As a result, the country and the city of Karachi are 
not making any progress. The intellectuals and professionals are being 
compelled to leave the country. This country was built in the name of 
Islam. In reality, the country has gone off course and is doing 
everything prohibited by Islam. The feelings of disunity abound and this
 can lead to the disintegration of the country. Only a leader of great 
stature can save the country and he is nowhere to be seen. Pakistan was a
 beautiful idea, but now I fear for its existence.” 
 
Mohammad Hyder Khan - 75 years.
 “My family migrated in 1948. My father was a civilian working for the 
Indian army and had opted for Pakistan. We lived in a small flat in Lea 
Market. It was a different place then, not a squalor locality that it 
has now become. I got my education at Sindh Madrassahtul Islam school. 
While the essentials of today may have been missing then, one very 
important element existed in those days which was love and affection and
 caring of neighbours, friends and relatives, irrespective of religious 
or ethnic background. People met with sincere feelings and came to each 
other’s help when needed. Ethnicity was introduced by Ayub Khan in the 
1964 elections. Ayub was displeased with Karachi as the city voted for 
Fatima Jinnah. But Ayub’s first five years were probably the best and 
Pakistan did well. In his last five years he was surrounded by 
sycophants and they destroyed him. 
“Bhutto’s nationalization 
policies destroyed whatever the country had built up. His educational 
policies did much harm to the country as well. The quality of education 
has not recovered since then. His foreign policy was brilliant. Equally 
brilliant was the way he got Pakistan the nuclear technology. Zia ul Haq
 helped defeat the USSR and thus freed the Muslim Central Asian 
Republics, but he was so engrossed with the Afghan war that he could not
 launch economic development plans. 
“The politics of the ‘90s 
during Benazir and Nawaz Sharif’s rule was disastrous for Pakistan. 
Musharraf’s tenure did give some stability to the country. The economy 
improved and the country seemed to be going in the right direction. 
Zardari introduced corruption on a mega scale. Lawlessness in the 
country and especially Karachi, increased tremendously. Zardari’s term 
of five years has nothing to show. Politically, economically and 
socially, Paksitan is in a mess. The country expected much from Nawaz 
Sharif. So far he has been a big disappointment. We need a leader of 
very high stature in order to get out of this dangerous situation. So 
far it is Divine intervention that has kept the country intact. But, for
 how long.”

How Pakistanis see their country today - A Complete servey

August 14 is an auspicious day for Pakistan, the day when our country gained its independence from British rule. But how many Pakistanis know how Independence Day came about? The new generation ha…

14 Aug 2014

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