Akhtar’s new enemy

Shoaib Akhtar is one character in world cricket who has to have at least one active enemy and incidentally it has to be the skipper of the team. After Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik is the new entry in this list. After losing the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Karachi, Malik openly critisized his fitness and commitment and rightly so. In the two ODIs that Akhtar featured in, he failed to complete his quota of 10 overs in either of the matches and gave away 88 runs in the 13 overs that he bowled grabbing only a single wicket. He also appeared sluggish in the field showing signs of the same old  fitness issues.

Malik’s argument centered around the fact that to stay in the team a player’s fitness has to be no less than 100%. Akhtar may be a match winner for Pakistan in the past but if he is not 100% fit and cannot survive two consecutive ODIs how can he manage a test match or a full-blown ODI tournament. Additionally, by giving him opportunity after opportunity, Pakistan is unable to give any chance to the new talent that has shown their capabilities in the domestic circuit. Its time to look beyond and target the future rather than cherish the past and opt for a bleak future.

So far no outcry has been witnessed from Shoaib Akhtar but his axing from the third ODI and Pakistan’s dismal performance in the last two ODIs may prompt one especially against Shoaib Malik. Even if Akhtar doesn’t come out with a statement, he has to do some decision-making. The choice (play or retire) is simple but how to get it is tough – either he has to improve his fitness and perform at his best or again indulge in a war of words with the skipper. May be following Waqas’s advice may help and do some good.

Israel’s deliberate attack on UNRWA school in Beit Lahia

Following is just a small snapshot of what the Israeli attacks on the Gaza strip had in them. Need not to say anything – the pictures say it all.

UNRWA school in Beit Lahia bombarded by Israeli white phosphorous bombs – rain of inextinguishable fire balls falling from the sky in all directions, deliberately designed to cause maximum death and destruction.

Farah Dogar – MBBS

Ansar Abbasi seems to have directed all his energies in trying to crack the case of illegal re-assessment of FSc result of Farah Hameed Dogar. Ever since breaking the story in November, he has diligently continued investigation into the matter. In his recent articles, Glaring flaws in Farah case verdict and Farah Dogar got two marks out of one!, he has virtually challenged the decision of Islamabad High Court by coming up with the examination copies of Farah Dogar and highlighting the obvious mistakes in her answers and the favours bestowed on her by the examiners.

Just have a look at this glorious master piece.

On a funny note, it seems that MBBS is destined for her – just look at her handwriting. Additionally, although her answers depict a clear lack of interest in subjects like physics, urdu, english and history but it doesn’t prove anything about Biology – she might have scored 110 out of 100. Ansar Abbasi, next time you need to work a little harder to prove her wrong and please no more attack on the independent judiciary

Obama’s car – The Beast

So the first change is here – Obama’s new car nicknamed “The Beast”. Being dubbed as the safest car in the world and especially built from scratch for the new president, this fortress on wheel can shy away any terrorist attack be it projectiles from assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, high explosives and even bomb attacks from under the vehicle. It is equipped with run-flat tyres, a secondary power source and an unfeasibly powerful non-standard engine. An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the centre of the rear seat back panel as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also fixed to the exterior rear doors. The US flag is placed on the right front wing and the Presidential Standard is located on the left front wing when the President travels in the vehicle.

According to the US Secret Service, the 2009 ‘Beast’ would be a “valuable asset” in providing the President with the highest level of protection. “Although many of the vehicle’s security enhancements cannot be discussed, it is safe to say that this car’s security and coded communications systems make it the most technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world,” Nicholas Trotta, Assistant Director for the Office of Protective Operations said in a statement. The new limousine is the responsibility of White House Transportation Agency.

Bush’s Farewell Address

U.S. President George W. Bush is all set to deliver his farewell speech this Thrusday. According to Press Secretary Dana Perino it will be a 10-15 minute speech in front of an audience in the East Room of the White House. She also quoted in an email that:

“He will reflect on his time in office and the ways our country has changed these past eight years. He will also uphold the tradition of presidents using farewell addresses to look forward – by sharing his thoughts on the greatest challenges facing the country, and on what it will take to meet them.”

Can we expect something of this pattern:

Bakhtawar’s tribute to her mother

Benazir Bhutto’s eldest daughter, Bakhtawar Bhutto, has paid a special tribute to her beloved mother by composing, writing and singing a rap song. The song entitled “I Would Take the Pain Away” has been broadcast several times on the state-run Pakistani television and is also available on youtube. The video contains various photographs and clips of Benazir Bhutto, including the footage filmed at the rally where she died, while the lyrics scroll across the bottom of the screen.