KARACHI, FEB 09 (DNA) -The second edition of the French Embassy Fiction Prize has been awarded to Shandana Minhas for her book Survival topics for lunatics. The Prize was announced during the opening ceremony of the Karachi Literature Festival 2015. Shandana Minhas is a Karachi-born playwright, screenwriter and actor. She was a nominee for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book for the novel Tunnel Vision, published in 2007. Survival topics for lunatics is her second novel. The decision to award the Prize to Shandana Minhas was reached by a 4-member jury comprised of writers, journalists, critics, and professors. After long and hard deliberation, the jury came to the conclusion that Survival topics for lunatics deserved the honor for breaking considerable new ground in children’s fiction thanks to the sheer lunacy, sustained ventriloquism, and brilliant inventions of character and plot. It is a book that has shades of both Rudyard Kipling and Georges Remi.
“Charlie Hebdo” is Not about Freedom of Expression
Ali Sarwar Naqvi
The storm over the terrorist attack on the offices of the French satirical magazine ‘Charlie Hebdo’ ignores a fundamental fact. It was not an attack against the principle of freedom of expression; it was instead a violent reaction to the long series of intolerable insults heaped by the journal on the sacrosanct beliefs of a significant percentage of French citizens. The horrific incident occurred against a background of a frequent and willful campaign by the magazine against Muslims and their veneration of the Prophet (pbuh). Even the survival issue of Charlie Hebdo, published after the terrorist attack, carries a cover caricature which is most deplorable, and grossly insensitive to the sentiments of Muslims all over the world. Unfortunately, the magazine and its editorial team have learnt nothing from the tragedy that befell some of their staff. Disregard of the fact that such insults hurt a large number of people and lead to polarization and social discord is inexcusable and socially irresponsible. If this indifference continues, the future possibility of another violent reaction will loom on the horizon.
Why Putin Days are Numbered
Alexander J. Motyl
The longer the Russian war against Ukraine continues, the more likely it is that President Vladimir Putin’s regime will collapse. Despite Putin’s bluster, the authoritarian regime he has constructed is exceedingly brittle. At the center stands Putin; surrounding him, the power-hungry loyalists he has folded into his inner circle. Some, called the siloviki, belong to powerful institutions such as the secret police or the army. Others, formally affiliated with various government agencies, are loyal only to Putin. In such a system, sycophantism is rewarded above good governance, empire-building runs rampant, policy loses its effectiveness, and corruption becomes routine.
Evolving Situation in Af-Pak Region
Mohammad Abdullah Gul
The situation in Afghanistan has been rapidly changing in the last few months. After a prolonged standoff in Presidential elections between the two leading aspirants, John Kerry had to ultimately step in to break the stalemate. Dr. Abdullah eventually agreed to cede power to Ashraf Ghani and form a unity government, with himself taking over as CEO. This vital breakthrough was achieved at a critical time when the US led ISAF was packing its baggage to exit from Afghanistan, which it had been occupying for the last 13 years. The US having failed to accomplish the objectives set forth for Operation ‘Enduring Freedom’ and failing to defeat the Taliban, folded up its mission on December 28, 2014 and handed over the security of the country to Afghan National Army (ANA).
China and Pakistan are iron brothers
By Sun Weidong
This article is based on Chinese ambassador’s speech delivered at Chinese New Year. President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion. Here are excerpts of the speech.
It is such an honor and privilege for me that Your Excellency President Mamnoon Hussain graces this function today. Please accept my warmest welcome and heartfelt thanks to your Excellency, and to all the brothers and sisters of Pakistan for your attendance!
Brazilian literature books launched in Urdu
ISLAMABAD, MAR 04 (DNA) – The Ambassador of Brazil, Alfredo Leoni, and the Director-General of the National Library of Pakistan Ch. Muhammad Nazir, inaugurated two books of classic Brazilian literature, published in Urdu and English languages, at a ceremony at the National Library, in Islamabad, on Wednesday.
In order to make Brazilian literature better known in Pakistan, the Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad decided to publish the translation to Urdu and English languages of two major novels of the Brazilian literature of 19th century: “Iracema”, by José de Alencar, and “Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas”, by Machado de Assis.
TAPI, CASA 100 Projects To Spur Regional Development
JANAN MOSAZAI
Ambassador of Afghanistan talks to DNA and Centreline
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
Janan Mosazai, Ambassador of Afghanistan gave an exclusive interview to DNA and Centreline and discussed a variety of bilateral and regional issues. His particular focus was on improving and strengthening bilateral relations besides early completion of projects such as TAPI and CASA 1000 which will bring peace and prosperity in the region. Here are excerpts from his interview.
Cricket in doldrums
A narrow win against Zimbabwe on March 1, 2015 in the World Cup fixture ostensibly came as a breather amidst utter disappointment and gloom, which had gripped our cricket team. Pakistan managed to secure a 20 run win over Zimbabwe that stand nowhere in the World Cup rankings. By the time the March issue of Centreline reaches you, Pakistan might have played against UAE, South Afrida and Ireland. UAE especially are considered cricket minnows nevertheless, they have the potential to turn the tables at any time. Ireland of course is a tough side and the way Pakistan has played in this World Cup so far, victory against Ireland appears to be an uphill task.
Fidel meets the Five
03 MARCH, (DNA) – On February 28, the Cuban leader received the five anti-terrorists and conversed about the many years of injustice they suffered.
By Fidel Castro Ruz
I received them on Saturday, February 28, 73 days after they stepped foot on Cuban soil. Three of them had served 15 long years of their youth breathing in the damp, foul smelling, repugnant air of yankee prison cells, after being convicted by venal judges. The other two, who also attempted to stop the empire’s criminal plans against their homeland, were also sentenced to various years of brutal imprisonment.
The very same investigating bodies, completely devoid of the most basic sense of justice, participated in their inhumane incarceration.
