Papers ponder Pakistan's future
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7163757.stm Version 0 of 1. The funeral of Pakistani opposition politician Benazir Bhutto and questions about the future of Pakistan dominate the front pages of the papers. The Daily Telegraph says cancelling elections planned for next month would be a big setback for the country. The Independent argues the stakes are too high for Pakistan to ditch democracy. While the Guardian doubts President Pervez Musharraf is the best man to reconcile factions, the Times urges him to show the leadership now needed. House price debate There are different interpretations of the Nationwide building society's survey of house prices. The Daily Telegraph says they indicate a fall that is the worst in seven years, increasing pressure on the Bank of England to cut interest rates. But the Daily Express concludes that the society's figures show house prices are rising in many areas. It singles out the Home Counties and the West Midlands as regions which have seen healthy rises. Unsung heroes With the New Year Honours published, the Daily Mail focuses on the unsung heroes, who it terms the "ordinary people who do the extraordinary". Head teacher Alastair Macdonald is to receive a knighthood for turning round the fortunes of his school in Bethnal Green, east London, the paper reports. It also hails Salvation Army officer Captain Tracy Palmer, who is made an MBE for helping during the summer floods. Sunderland bus driver and vicar David Hands (MBE) is also recognised. Toy weapons advice The Times is among the papers to cover the government's advice to nurseries and playgroups to let young boys play with toy weapons. "Let boys be boys" is the paper's headline, but it says the guidance contradicts the advice given by the police and teachers. The Sun reports nursery staff have been advised to resist a "natural instinct" to stop boys playing with weapons. But the paper says teachers have rejected the guidance, saying weapons are often accompanied by aggression. |