In pictures: Islamabad bombing July 6, 2008
A suicide bomber struck Islamabad on the day thousands of Pakistanis marked the first anniversary of the storming of the Red Mosque. Warning: the following pictures contain disturbing images.
Earlier in the day, people performed ritual ablutions at the Red Mosque on the sidelines of a protest rally held by Islamists outside the compound.
Security was tight, as thousands of police were deployed around the gathering in front of the mosque. Protesters chanted slogans praising “martyrs” of the siege.
The suicide bomber struck as people were dispersing. Many of the dead were police officers.
At least 20 people were injured in the blast, which occurred in front of a police station.
The scene was covered with blood, and scattered body parts were found as far as 50 meters away.
Natasha Paracha Considering offers from bollywood. July 6, 2008
Miss Pakistan World 2008, Natasha Paracha, has received several offers to act in Bollywood movies.
The 23-year-old beauty queen told NDTV.com that she is at present studying these offers and scripts and soon take a decision on them.
”I have received few offers from Bollywood. I want to look into them before taking a call,” she said.
Natasha, who lives in New York and works at United Nations with International Energy Renewable Organisation, however, refused to divulge further details about the offers, because of confidentiality.
”Personally I want to do a movie, which deals with issues that are dear to my heart women’s rights and children,” Natasha said.
An avid fan of Bollywood movies, Natasha said she watches a lot and the recent super hit Om Shanti Om and Sarkar Raj are her latest additions to her favourites.
Of all the Bollywood stars, she admires Sushmita Sen a lot the former Miss World and wants to follow her footsteps.
”Sushmita Sen is not only a great actress but she has also been involved in raising awareness about the issues which are dear to my heart,” Natasha said.
”She (Sushmita) has adopted a child. She is definitely somebody whom I admire and follow,” Natasha said.
Using her celebrity status, she has been working in villages of Pakistan especially those of the Pak-occupied-Kashmir through NGO Vision of Development – run by her. ”My goal is to work towards women’s issue and children,” she said.
Natasha argued that exchange of artists can act as a catalyst for peace between the two countries.
”I definitely believe that the entertainment industry can help in mitigating tension between India and Pakistan. There is need to allow Pakistani artists to go into India and work in Indian cinema as well as Indian entertainment industry and vice versa,” she said.
