Al-Qaida expanding recruiting base to Europe, US: Report
Taliban and al-Qaida seem to have quietly expanded their recruiting base from South and Central Asia to European nations like Germany, UK and France and even to the US, with many of the new recruits travelling to Pakistan and Afghanistan for terror training.
The Washington Post in a major article on Monday said the new target countries are now struggling to stop their nationals from being recruited by al-Qaida and the Taliban, and have not been able to much headway.
The Washington Post in a major article on Monday said the new target countries are now struggling to stop their nationals from being recruited by al-Qaida and the Taliban, and have not been able to much headway.
Pakistani Cuisine
akistani cuisine (Urdu: پاکستانی پکوان)
is a refined blend of various regional cooking traditions of South
Asia. Pakistani cuisine is known for its richness and flavour.[1]
Within Pakistan, cuisine varies greatly from region to region, reflecting the country's ethnic and cultural diversity. Food from the eastern provinces of Punjab and Sindh is quite similar to the cuisines of Northern India and can be highly seasoned and spicy, which is characteristic of the flavours of the South Asian region. Food in other parts of Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, involves the use of mild aromatic spices and less oil, characterizing affinities to the cuisines of neighbouring Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia.
International cuisine and fast food are popular in the cities. Blending local and foreign recipes (fusion food) such as Pakistani Chinese cuisine, is common in large urban centres. Furthermore, as a result of lifestyle changes, ready made masala (mixed and ready to use spices) are becoming increasingly popular. However, given the diversity of the people of Pakistan, cuisines generally differ from home to home and may be totally different from the mainstream Pakistani cuisine.
Within Pakistan, cuisine varies greatly from region to region, reflecting the country's ethnic and cultural diversity. Food from the eastern provinces of Punjab and Sindh is quite similar to the cuisines of Northern India and can be highly seasoned and spicy, which is characteristic of the flavours of the South Asian region. Food in other parts of Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, involves the use of mild aromatic spices and less oil, characterizing affinities to the cuisines of neighbouring Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia.
International cuisine and fast food are popular in the cities. Blending local and foreign recipes (fusion food) such as Pakistani Chinese cuisine, is common in large urban centres. Furthermore, as a result of lifestyle changes, ready made masala (mixed and ready to use spices) are becoming increasingly popular. However, given the diversity of the people of Pakistan, cuisines generally differ from home to home and may be totally different from the mainstream Pakistani cuisine.
Real Picture against Pakistan
Early last year, I was discussing The Time Machine and its implications with a friend of mine, a retired officer from the Pakistan army. When I brought up the subject of Pakistan’s nuclear defences my friend did not wish to discuss the subject because of the sensitivity and after some shop talk we departed. The last thing he’d mentioned was “go and research Professor Chossudovsky”. We never met again because he passed away in January 2010 but his opinion that he’d whispered in my ears that Pakistan’s nuclear assets could serve as deterrents against the neo-con regime in Afghanistan interested me.
Recently, I began researching Professor Michel Chossudovsky, a Canadian economist, and came upon his very interesting 2-part publication titled “The Destabilization of Pakistan” (December 30, 2007 and January 8, 2008) which can be read on globalresearch.com Professor Chossudovsky underscored the following salient points:
• Pakistan’s extensive oil and gas reserves, largely located in Baluchistan province, as well as its pipeline corridors are considered strategic by the Anglo-American alliance, requiring the concurrent militarization of Pakistani territory (sic).
• U.S. Special Forces are expected to vastly expand their presence in Pakistan, as part of an effort to train and support indigenous counter-insurgency forces and clandestine counterterrorism units” (William Arkin, Washington Post, December 2007) (sic).
• “Regime change” with a view to ensuring continuity under military rule is no longer the main thrust of US foreign policy. The regime of Pervez Musharraf cannot prevail. Washington’s foreign policy course is to actively promote the political fragmentation and balkanization of Pakistan as a nation (sic) (very interesting that the Professor wrote the article in December 2007 and Musharraf was removed in August 2008)
• It is by no means accidental that the 2005 National Intelligence Council- CIA report had predicted a “Yugoslav-like fate” for Pakistan pointing to the impacts of “economic mismanagement” as one of the causes of political break-up and balkanization (sic). I’ll discuss this issue of “economic mismanagement” further.
• These various “terrorist” organizations were created as a result of CIA support. They are not the product of religion. The project to establish “a pan-Islamic Caliphate” is part of a carefully devised intelligence operation (sic). Religion has become a means to the end goal.
India is not the least interested in occupying Pakistan with a Muslim population of 170 million for to do so would mean that not only India’s Muslim population increase but also an unmageable ethnic mix. However Balkanization is intended for creating a free Baluchistan with vast natural resources and a coastline of 750 kms. The remaining coastline with Pakistan would be 250 kms. The warm waters have always been the great game objective.
Whether the political and the military establishments of India are aware or not, India’s role carved out by the US is critically important for Pakistan’s denuclearization. The time frame to achieve the goal seems somewhere between 2010 and 2012. The specifics and details of the US-NATO goal have been becoming evident over the past 10 years through political, economic and military manoeuvrings in the region.
The regime change in Pakistan in August 2008 was a strategy meant to put Pakistan’s economy in dire straits. Rumours were that Musharraf, stung by being outwitted by the US in September 2001, had been extracting stringent economic concessions from the US. US thus favoured removing Musharraf with a corrupt regime who would do its bidding. Since then Pakistan’s economy has been moving from bad to worse. Pakistan’s foreign debt has increased from $ 45 billion to $56 billion by mid-2010, an outrageous increase of 10% per annum. By January 2010, Pakistan’s annualized GDP growth had shrunk to a meagre inflation adjusted 2%.
India does comprehend very well that if Pakistan is balkanized and de-nuked, the power in Asia shifts in favour of India. Since China is a fast rising economic and military power, it is essential that the west develop India as an equal economic and military power to counter China. This balance between India and China cannot be maintained if Pakistan is to remains a N-power.
Economy plays a major role in wars. In Chossudovsky’s book “The Global Economic Crisis: The Great depression of the XXI Century”, Peter Dale Scott wrote America escaped from the depression of the 1890s with the Spanish-American War. It only escaped the Great Depression of the 1930s with the Second World War. There was even a recession in the late 1950s from which America only escaped with the Korean War. As we face the risk of major depression again, I believe we inevitably face the danger of a major war again. If this surmise is correct, the only two catalyzing factors would either be an aggravation of America’s war on terrorism or igniting the Korean peninsula. To the author, America has no intention of re-engaging in Southeast Asia.
The likeliest possibility of starting a major war exists in Pakistan’s FATA region involving US-NATO troops and India on the eastern border. Pakistan is already boxed in by having opted to be the front-line state for the war on terrorism in 2001. Its economy is in ruins, corruption among the leadership is rampant and outside of a divine intervention or the involvement of China or the threat of nuclear weapons, the US is set to balkanize Pakistan, at least in two parts. Though the success is doubtful due to various reasons and a heavily stretched military sphere of control, it does not preclude an attempt. If not a military subjugation of Pakistan, an economic debacle could well result in denuclearization terms being put on the table by US-NATO political and economic command. It is the author’s opinion that the US and NATO would be taking a risky gamble in the balkanization operation due to China which also has strategic interests in the region, both in Iran and Pakistan.
Pakistan fails to send team to probe Mumbai attacks
Pakistan has failed to send a team of officials to India to investigate the November 2008 Mumbai (Bombay) attacks, Indian officials said.
Islamabad told Delhi that the judicial commission would not be able to come as planned, a home ministry official said.
The team was due to arrive in Mumbai on Thursday. Its members were due to meet Indian officials and doctors involved in the investigation.
The Mumbai attacks claimed 165 lives. Nine gunmen were also killed.
The sole surviving gunman from the attacks, Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab, was convicted of murder and waging war on India in May 2010 and given a death sentence.
His appeal is pending in the Supreme Court.
Officials said no reason had been given for the cancellation of the visit.
Pakistan had agreed last year to send a judicial team to India during home secretary-level talks between the two countries.
The 60-hour siege of Mumbai began on 26 November 2008, targeting luxury hotels, the main railway station and a Jewish cultural centre.
Relations between India and Pakistan hit rock bottom after India blamed Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attacks.
After initial denials, Pakistan acknowledged that the assault had been partially planned on its territory and that Qasab was a Pakistani citizen.
Islamabad told Delhi that the judicial commission would not be able to come as planned, a home ministry official said.
The team was due to arrive in Mumbai on Thursday. Its members were due to meet Indian officials and doctors involved in the investigation.
The Mumbai attacks claimed 165 lives. Nine gunmen were also killed.
The sole surviving gunman from the attacks, Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab, was convicted of murder and waging war on India in May 2010 and given a death sentence.
His appeal is pending in the Supreme Court.
Officials said no reason had been given for the cancellation of the visit.
Pakistan had agreed last year to send a judicial team to India during home secretary-level talks between the two countries.
The 60-hour siege of Mumbai began on 26 November 2008, targeting luxury hotels, the main railway station and a Jewish cultural centre.
Relations between India and Pakistan hit rock bottom after India blamed Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attacks.
After initial denials, Pakistan acknowledged that the assault had been partially planned on its territory and that Qasab was a Pakistani citizen.
Radiation spike after fire at Japanese nuclear plant
"I would like to ask the nation, although this incident is of great concern, I ask you to react very calmly," Kan said during a brief televised address.
Radiation levels around the plant Tuesday were measured at 8,217 microsieverts an hour -- more than 7,000 above the legal limit.
Anyone less than 20 kilometres of the reactors was urged to leave the area, while anyone within 20 to 30 km was told to stay inside, close all windows and turn off any air conditioners.
Despite the radiation levels, 50 workers remain at the power plant, locked in a struggle to cool the damaged reactors and prevent any catastrophic meltdowns.
Hospitals in Pakistan, BEST HOSPITALS IN PAKISTAN
Pakistan's healthcare sector has evolved significantly over the past two decades, with a growing number of hospitals offering world-class treatment, advanced medical technologies, and highly trained professionals. Whether you're a resident seeking high-quality care or a medical tourist exploring options in South Asia, this guide outlines the best hospitals in Pakistan known for their clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, and international accreditation.
1. Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) – Karachi
Arguably the most prestigious hospital in Pakistan, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is internationally accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). It offers cutting-edge facilities, highly qualified medical staff, and integrated healthcare services. The hospital specializes in cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, and transplant surgery.
Key Highlights:
First hospital in Pakistan to receive JCI accreditation
Research-led healthcare and education institute
24/7 emergency services and a robust patient care system
2. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) – Lahore, Peshawar
Founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, SKMCH is Pakistan's leading cancer care center. With state-of-the-art facilities and a not-for-profit structure, the hospital is known for providing free or subsidized treatment to over 75% of its patients.
Specialties:
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical oncology
Cancer research and diagnostics
Upcoming facility in Karachi
3. Indus Hospital & Health Network – Karachi and Nationwide
Indus Hospital is Pakistan’s first paperless, fully digital hospital that provides free-of-cost treatment to all patients. It has grown into a nationwide network providing top-class services in pediatrics, orthopedics, nephrology, infectious diseases, and emergency medicine.
Key Features:
Completely free healthcare
High-tech digital patient records
Expanding rapidly with satellite centers across Pakistan
4. Shifa International Hospital – Islamabad
Located in the capital city, Shifa International Hospital is a private healthcare facility known for its high standards, modern infrastructure, and expert consultants. It offers comprehensive medical services in neurology, kidney transplants, endocrinology, and cardiology.
Services:
International-standard diagnostic labs
Telemedicine services
Specialized transplant and surgical units
5. Dow University of Health Sciences & Hospital – Karachi
A leading teaching hospital, DUHS provides affordable yet high-quality healthcare services. It is also involved in pioneering research in public health, infectious diseases, and diagnostics.
Highlights:
Innovative in-house diagnostics (Dow Lab)
Affordable treatment plans
Skilled faculty and advanced teaching hospitals
6. Liaquat National Hospital (LNH) – Karachi
LNH is one of the oldest private sector hospitals in Pakistan, offering affordable and quality healthcare. It has strong departments in gynecology, orthopedics, ENT, and plastic surgery.
Why It Stands Out:
High patient volume and clinical expertise
Excellent post-surgery recovery programs
Comprehensive diagnostic facilities
7. Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Network
The CMH hospitals across Pakistan serve both military and civilian populations. They are especially well-known for trauma care, orthopedic surgery, and neurology. The CMH in Rawalpindi and Lahore are particularly well-equipped.
Specialist Areas:
Trauma & emergency care
Specialized surgical procedures
Teaching hospitals for military medical cadets
8. National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) – Karachi & Regional Centers
NICVD is a public hospital specializing in heart-related diseases. It offers free treatment for cardiac surgeries, angioplasties, and consultations, making it one of the largest heart hospitals in South Asia.
Notable Features:
Free heart care
Widespread reach with satellite centers
Advanced cardiac imaging and electrophysiology
9. Ziauddin Hospital – Karachi
Ziauddin Hospital is a prominent private healthcare provider with multiple campuses in Karachi. It offers high-end services in general surgery, urology, oncology, and internal medicine.
Known For:
Modern ICU and NICU units
Accredited medical school and research labs
Online patient portal and teleconsultations
10. Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) – Islamabad
PIMS is one of the largest public sector hospitals in Pakistan and a key referral center in the capital. It offers specialized care in nephrology, pulmonology, ENT, and general surgery.
Facilities:
Government-supported services
Comprehensive OPD and emergency units
Training facility for postgraduate medical students
Conclusion
Pakistan's top hospitals combine expertise, infrastructure, and patient-focused services, making healthcare more accessible and reliable. Whether you're seeking specialized treatment, emergency care, or long-term therapy, these institutions stand as the backbone of medical excellence in the country.
For patients at home and abroad, these hospitals continue to raise the bar for medical innovation and compassionate care in South Asia.
List of hospitals in Pakistan Here is the list of Pakistani Hospitals. Which is the best hospital in your opinion. Are these doing their work well?
Islamabad Capital Territory Public institutions
------------------------------------------------------------
Dar-ul-Shifa Hospital, Islamabad
Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad
Glora Welfare Hospital (Ghosia-Mahria Trust), Islamabad
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad
PAEC Hospital, Islamabad
Nescom Hospital, Islamabad
KRL Hospital, Islamabad
{Aslam Memorial Medicare Hospital (ISLAMABAD)
National Institute of Health, Islamabad
Islamabad Capital Territory Public institutions
------------------------------------------------------------
Dar-ul-Shifa Hospital, Islamabad
Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad
Glora Welfare Hospital (Ghosia-Mahria Trust), Islamabad
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad
PAEC Hospital, Islamabad
Nescom Hospital, Islamabad
KRL Hospital, Islamabad
{Aslam Memorial Medicare Hospital (ISLAMABAD)
National Institute of Health, Islamabad
ICC World Cup 2011
Cricket Schedule of ICC World Cup 2011. Fixtures of ICC World Cup 2011 has been announced. The first schedule match of ICC World Cup 2011 between India vs Bangladesh begins Feb 19, 2011 onwards. Keep viewing CriSchedule for latest updates on Cricket Schedule and Fixtures of upcoming ICC World Cup 2011.
Good times are here for India. The country will get to host the tenth world cup of its most loved sport in 2011 along with co-hosts Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It will be the first time co-hosting for Bangladesh in a cricket world cup. Fourteen national teams are scheduled to compete for the coveted cup between February and early April 2011. According to the announced fixtures of ICC World Cup 2011, the first match will be played among co-hosts India and Sri Lanka at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The formerly announced time-table of 2011 world cup also included Pakistan as a co-hosting nation but the 2009 attack on Sri Lankan cricket team at Lahore which left seven players injured, forced the world cup governing body (ICC) to strip off Pakistan of its co-hosting rights on Apr 17, 2009. India will now host 29 of the total 49 planned matches including the all important grand final at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai and one semi-final as well. Sri Lanka will host 12 matches while the first time nation Bangladesh has been given the opportunity to host the tournament opener along with eight other matches. Since India has been allotted the highest number of matches, the ICC has moved its headquarters to Mumbai to ensure smooth and timely preparations for the event. Mr. Ratnakar Shetty has been appointed as the managing director of the event, while the security directorate will be headed by Mr. Shashank Manohar of BCCI.
The allocation of world cup venues is always a much sought after event with major cricketing nations bidding for hosting rights. To avoid favoritism, the ICC prefers to rotate venues between major cricket playing nations. In the bidding for the 2011 event, Australia/New Zealand had an upper hand over the trio of India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as they had not had a chance to host the World cup since 1992. But Indias argument that the trio being a bigger group of countries helped clinch the final deal. The 2015 cricket world cup will be held in Australia/New Zealand.
Cricket world cup organized every four years is the fourth largest and one of the most eagerly awaited and viewed event of the cricket world. It is widely considered to be the pinnacle of achievement in this sport. The excitement among fans is already palpable as the first phase of tickets was put for sale in Mumbai on 1 June 2010. Priced affordably at around 20 US cents, the organizing committee is expecting to reap in bumper sales and not diminish the euphoria of fans. The new revised format of the world cup wherein 14 teams instead of 16 will be participating also ensures that fans get to see their favorite teams play a minimum of six matches even if they are ruled out of the tournament due to early defeats.
Cricket fan or not- there is no way you can escape the all-engulfing madness. From cricket merchandise at stores to travel packages to host nations and restaurants and cafes serving cricket-themed food, the fever is all over. Personal relationships too are not unaffected by the craze. While the love for cricket unites some, it also spells doom for many relationships. There is simply no running away, so prepare to drown yourself in the drone of cricket slogans in the year to come.
So, Get the latest ICC World Cup 2011 Schedule to be played in 2011. The world cup 2011 schedule will begin on Feb 19, 2011. Cricket World Cup 2011 schedule will have 14 teams, out of which 10 would be of test rank status.
ICC World Cup 2011 Schedule
Date | Local | GMT | PST | Match Details | Venue |
Feb 19, 2011 | 14:30 | 08:30 | 13:30 | ||
Feb 20, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Feb 20, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Feb 21, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Feb 22, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Feb 23, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Feb 24, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Feb 25, 2011 | 09:30 | 03:30 | 08:30 | ||
Feb 25, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Feb 26, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Feb 27, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Feb 28, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Feb 28, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 1, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 2, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 3, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Mar 3, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 4, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Mar 4, 2011 | 14:30 | 08:30 | 13:30 | ||
Mar 5, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 6, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Mar 6, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 7, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 8, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 9, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 10, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 11, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Mar 11, 2011 | 14:30 | 08:30 | 13:30 | ||
Mar 12, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 13, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Mar 13, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 14, 2011 | 09:30 | 03:30 | 08:30 | ||
Mar 14, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 15, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 16, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 17, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 18, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Mar 18, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 19, 2011 | 09:30 | 03:30 | 08:30 | ||
Mar 19, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 20, 2011 | 09:30 | 04:00 | 09:00 | ||
Mar 20, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:00 | 14:00 | ||
Mar 23, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:30 | 14:30 | TBC vs TBC, 1st Quarter Final ODI | |
Mar 24, 2011 | 14:30 | 10:00 | 15:00 | TBC vs TBC, 2nd Quarter Final ODI | |
Mar 25, 2011 | 14:30 | 09:30 | 14:30 | TBC vs TBC, 3rd Quarter Final ODI | |
Mar 26, 2011 | 14:30 | 10:00 | 15:00 | TBC vs TBC, 4th Quarter Final ODI | |
Mar 29, 2011 | 14:30 | 10:00 | 15:00 | TBC vs TBC, 1st Semi Final ODI | |
Mar 30, 2011 | 14:30 | 10:00 | 15:00 | TBC vs TBC, 2nd Semi Final ODI | |
Apr 2, 2011 | 14:30 | 10:00 | 15:00 | TBC vs TBC, The Final ODI |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)