ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla on Friday announced the panel of Presiding officers to act in absence of both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.The Deputy Chairman chaired the proceedings of 285th Senate session, commenced on the very day.The panel of Presiding officers comprises Sitra Ayaz, Agha Shahzaib
Believe in policy of do respect, have respect; Afridi advises cops
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Minister of State for Interior, Shehryar Khan Afridi Friday emphasized that the government believed in practical steps and would provide maximum facilities to make Islamabad police an exemplary one.
All possible resources and state of the art equipment
would be provided to police, besides, training on scientific
lines to maintain law and order, he said this while addressing
a rank wearing ceremony here at Islamabad Police Lines to 183
police personnel who got promotion.
The Minister congratulated the officers and said, “Today is
a big day for you and your families but do not forget promotion
means more responsibilities.”
Shehryar Afridi said,”You will be given peace of mind through
promotions and other facilities. I understand unless your issues are
not resolved you would not be able to perform up to the mark.”
He said, “The government would give think about you, give
you due respect and address your genuine issues. In this way we
can make you a model police.”
The Minister advised, “Believe in policy of do respect and
have respect and be polite with citizens.”
The Minister said Pakistan is a peace loving sovereign country
and would never accept any dictation keeping in view our national
interest and added in new Pakistan decision would be taken keeping
in mind benefits and thinking of Pakistanis.
Shehryar asked the cops, “Try to remove refrain which
is prevailing among the people and respect every citizen
especially women and elderly people.”
He lauded security forces of the country for rendering
matchless sacrifices in the war against terrorism and also paid
homage to martyrs.
The Minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved
a special package for betterment of Islamabad police.
Speaking on the occasion, Inspector General of Police Islamabad,
Amir Zulfiqar said 183 officer and jawans have been promoted
for next rank.
Congratulating them, he said job of police is very hard
and those who got promotion have spent almost 20 to 30 years in
service.
He advised them to fulfill their duties in a responsible
manner and make all efforts to curb crimes in Federal Capital.
Quake jolts parts of KP
PESHAWAR, Dec 14 (APP):An earthquake of moderate intensity jolted parts of Khyber Pakhunkhwa including Malakand Division on Friday morning.
A report of Pakistan Meteorological Department stated that an earthquake occured measuring 5.3 on international Richter scale at 09.36PST of Friday morning, with a depth of 113km and 36.15N latitude and 70.49 longitude.
The epicentre of the quake was in Hinduksh range, Afghanistan.
The tremors were felt in Malakand, Dir upper and lower districts.
Waleed Iqbal, Seemi Ezdi swear in as Senators
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):The newly elected members of the Senate Waleed Iqbal and Seemi Ezdi of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Friday took oath as Senators.
Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla administered
the oath to the newly elected Senators.
Later, the Senators signed roll of members as required by the rules.
Federal Petroleum Minister discusses shortage of gas in Karachi
KARACHI, Dec 14 (APP):Federal Minister for Petroleum Ghulam Sarwar Khan here on Friday shared with the Governor of Sindh Imran
Ismail measures being adopted to overcome gas shortage in Karachi.In a detailed meeting held at the Governor House, the minister said transmission and distribution system was being upgraded on urgent basis to ensure non-disrupted gas supply to the consumers.
He on the occasion also shared details of his meeting, held earlier in the day, with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.
Pakistan can achieve lot through teamwork: Afridi
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Minister of State for Interior, Shehryar Khan Afridi has said the youth in the country are dynamic as Pakistan can achieve a lot through teamwork.
“With help of Almighty Allah we will be able to rise as
a nation,” he said this while addressing on-going 34th AGM and
Conference of Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PIDE)
on late Thursday.
On the occasion, a book entitled `Managers of Little Prince: A Journey of Ego, Justice and Meaning’ was also launched.
The book has been written by Khurram Elahi, a faculty member at
PIDE.
The book uses poetry and fiction to explore Principles of
Management.
In his brief remarks, Vice Chancellor PIDE and Member Economic Advisory Committee, Asad Zaman said modern knowledge only focuses on brain and has no place for heart.
However, the knowledge which affects heart is real knowledge, he said.
“I have done research on this subject. Therefore the real change comes from knowledge which is accepted by heart,” he added.
SC set up a commission on water pollution in Balochistan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):The Supreme Court on Friday set up a two-member commission on water pollution in Balochistan, which will provide an initial report in 2 weeks.A three judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar also directed authorities to install the water purification plant within a month in Bhagnari Bolan.
The Chief Justice remarked that the Balochistan government should saw the video of a runway on which donkeys and people are watering from same place.
He said people are drinking poison instead of water, the matter is serious, if I have to call the chief minister Balochistan or whole cabinet then I will, he added.
The video of a dirty water pool in Bolan Bhagariwas played in Supreme Court’s Room Court No. 1.
Chief Justice Saqib Nisar asked the Additional Advocate General Balochistan that the government should see Balochistan that what kind of water available to people, who are your masters? Why did not the Chief Secretary come? Chief Minister Balochistan if visited there then could see the actual condition of the province.
Meanwhile, member National Assembly Shah Zain Bhugti thanked the Chief Justice for taking notice of the matter.
Chief Justice addressing Deputy Commissioner, Bolan said that you are watering poisonous water to people. You put 1200 million rupees in non-developmental activities, at least you people should have installed one water purification plants in the area, Justice Nisar added.
He said that drinking water is not just the problem of people living there but whole Balochistan, will not let anyone to escape, I will call CM Balochistan, if I had to call all the cabinets, I would call.
Subsequently, the court constituted a commission comprising, Amanullah Kanrani, President of Supreme Court Bar Association and Engineer Osman Babai and ordered them to make suggestions to resolve the water problem in Balochistan, moreover Irrigation and other departments will provide full support to the commission, court ruled.
NDMA dealing with drought situation in Sindh, Baluchistan: Ali Muhammad Khan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan on Friday said that National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA) was working in to deal with the drought situation in the specific areas of Sindh and Baluchistan.Speaking in the Senate during question hour session, the minister said that currently NDMA was also busy in
looking after the situation after rains created in the effected areas of Azad Jammu and
Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
He said that in past NDMA has worked efficiently during the earthquake 2005 and the situation created after
the flood 2010.
He said although after 18th constitutional amendment, NDMA was a devolved subject and fundamental responsibility
to manage the disasters rests with respective Provinces, while NDMA acts as national
backup support at federal level.
NDMA functions in close coordination with all relevant Govt departments including Armed Forces, NGOs/
INGOs, UN and Donor Agencies, he added.
He further said that Disaster Management Cycle comprises of Before Disaster Prevention & mitigation, Preparedness, Early Warning, and after disaster Rescue & Relief, Recovery &
Rehabilitation, Reconstruction.
In view of magnitude of disasters vis-a-vis handling capacity various Disaster Management Bodies including
DDMA, PDMAs or NDMA, he added.
At least 350,447 cases still pending in Supreme, High Courts; Senate told
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Federal Minister for Law and Justice Dr Muhammad Farogh Naseem Friday said that as many as 350,447 cases are pending in the Supreme Court and all provincial high courts across the country.Speaking in the Senate during question hour session, he said that the number of pending cases in the Supreme Court is 39,742, while in Lahore High Court 165,800, Sindh High Court 91,548, Peshawar High Court 29,449, Balochistan High Court 6,852 and in the Islamabad High Court 17,056.
Replying to another question, he said, that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the complaints from general public, has authorized inquiry against Management of Eden Housing and Developers and others.
During the proceedings, he said, accused Dr Muhammad Amjad, Anjum Amjad, Murtaza Amjad and Mustafa Amjad did not join the investigation and declared as Proclaimed Offenders by the Accountability Court.
He told the Upper House that NAB Lahore has freezed all immoveable properties of the accused persons including Eden Housing Ltd to secure the interest of general public and appointed Receiver of said immoveable properties.
NAB Lahore, the minister said, published advertisements in daily newspapers and uploaded application form on website of NAB to facilitate the general public for submission of their claims without visiting NAB Office.
In this regard, 7611 complaints/claims of general public amounting to Rs 11 Billion approximately have been received for non delivery of possession of plots/houses or non refund of paid amount to the affectees, he added.
“The process of the exact amount of each affectee is under process. The accused persons have absconded and their extradition is under process. There is no recovery in the case so far. In case of recovery, the claimants will be compensated as per the criteria/SOP without any discrimination, he informed the Senate.
Railways plan to renovate 31 railway stations across country
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Ministry of Railway is planning to upgrade and renovate as many as 31 railway station across the country at an estimated cost of Rs. 2972.95 million for provision better facilities to the passengers.
“In this regard, Pakistan Railways has submitted PC-I for approval to rehabilitation and up-gradation of the railways stations,” an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP.
Giving details of the railway stations, he said that Pakistan Railways will be upgraded nine railway stations in Punjab province, 12 in Sindh, five in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three in Balochistan and one in Federal Capital.
The official said that Pakistan Railways will be spent Rs 977.32 million for up-gradation of railway in Punjab, Rs 1242.93 million in Sindh, Rs 442.71 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rs 243.49 million in Balochistan and Rs 66.5 million in Federal Capital.
He said that Pakistan Railways has incurred Rs 144.605 million on the repair, renovation and re-construction of railway stations across the country during the period 1-1-2012 to 31-12-2014.
“Out of total amount Pakistan Railways has spent Rs 86.556million on repair and renovation of railway stations in Punjab, Rs 57.278 million in Sindh, Rs 0.371 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Rs 0.400 million in Balochistan,” he added.
To a question, the official said that renovation of work of track, bridges and stations on Sibi-Khost Section is in progress and will be completed as soon as possible.
He said that the renovation work on the section included rehabilitation of eight railway stations on at an estimated cost of Rs. 238 million, out of which an amount of Rs. 155 million has been incurred so far.
Price of dollar against rupee artificially maintained in past: Senator told
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar Friday informed the Senate that price of dollar against rupee had been maintained artificially by spending $ 8 billion from foreign reserves in the past.Responding to a Calling Attention notice raised by Sherry Rehman regarding record devaluation of Pak rupees against US dollar, the minister said the government inherited worst economic situation and making all out efforts to put it on right track.
Giving details, he said in December 2017, rupee rate against dollar was Rs 104, in May 2018, it was Rs 124 and in June 2018, it further jumped to Rs.129.
Clarifying the statement attributed to the Governor State Bank of Pakistan, he said rupee would not be further depreciated.
However, the minister could not complete his answer due to pointing out of quorum by PML-N Senator Ashok Kumar.
Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Monday at 2:00 pm.
Meanwhile, as many as two reports of standing committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination regarding getting of WHO certification of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Bill, 2018 were presented in the House.
Chairman Standing Committee Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh presented both the reports.
Good governance, accountability to uplift masses: Governor
LAHORE, Dec 14 (APP):Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar has said that good governance with strong institutions and accountability process carried its impact down to the masses, particularly to the poor.
He was addressing the certificate awarding ceremony among the participants of 109th National Management Course and 24th Senior Management Course held at National School of Public Policy here on Friday.
It was important to improve governance and build institutions for poverty reduction and development of the country, he said.
The governor said that state was responsible for creating a conducive political, legal and economic environment for building individual capabilities, creating socio-economic opportunities and encouraging private initiatives, adding that these could only be delivered through the civil services.
“We should always keep in mind that people are at the heart of public policy and their welfare should be our goal and for which we all will be judged,” he added.
The country needed dedication and commitment by the Civil Servants at the federal and provincial levels, he said.
“It is imperative that we improve service delivery to the people and achieve the expected level of performance,” he said.
He said civil services must now rise to meet the challenges. “The government has provided the direction and policy framework and the civil services should execute and deliver better services to the satisfaction of the people of Pakistan,” he added.
The governor said that they had rich and diverse experience of managing state affairs in the federal and provincial governments and dealing with the public at various levels.
He said that the officers had unique perspectives on problems and issues and more specifically, on formulation and implementation of national policies in various sectors.
He said that Pakistan is a country with immense opportunities ranging from natural resources to its demography. However, he added that currently the country was facing multiple challenges on both social and economic fronts while
terrorism and extremism were the central concerns of the nation.
“The National Action Plan has yielded positive results, however, defeating terrorism completely still remains our top priority,” he said.
He said that an alliance of super powers jointly could not succeed to curb terrorists from Afghanistan whereas
Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorist from the country with the help of public support, Pak-Army, intelligence institutions, police and other security departments.
“Pakistan has sacrificed more than 50,000 lives in the war against terrorism in which soldiers of Pak-Army, Police and other security institutions besides the citizens had rendered their lives,” he added.
“We also faced loss of more than Rs 100 billion in this war,” he said.
“Unfortunately international community does not appreciate our sacrifices for peace and asked us to do more,”
the governor added.
He said that sacrifices of Pakistan should be acknowledged globally.
The governor said that Pakistan has the capacity to become a great and prosperous country.
“We are a nation of over 200 million people whose capabilities are second to none,” he added. The governor shared the information that about 22 million children were not going to school and they were working in workshops or other work places.
“We will bring them to schools so that they could get education and become useful citizens,” he vowed.
He said that political influence in the institutions had been terminated and now posting and transfers would be made on the basis of merit instead of political pressure.
“Our standard should be Right Person for The Right Job,” he added. The governor said that Civil Services of Pakistan were the mainframe that holds together the various state organizations and institutions.
He said the strength of the mainframe lies in professionalism, competence, integrity, compassion, commitment
and perseverance of the officers. It is pertinent to mention here that 58 officers of Grade 20 participated in the 109th National Management Course while 46 officers of Grade 19 attended the 24th Senior Management Course.
Rector of National School of Public Policy Azmat Ali Ranjha was also present on the occasion.
UNSC authorizes 1-year extension of cross-border aid deliveries to Syrians
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 14 (APP):The UN Security Council has extended its authorization for another year to allow UN humanitarian operations to use border crossings for aid deliveries into Syria.
Resolution 2449, sponsored by Kuwait and Sweden, was adopted by a vote of 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining.
Under the terms of the resolution, the 15-member Council allowed the UN humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners until Jan. 10, 2020 to use routes across conflict lines and the border crossings, including Bab al-Salam, Bab al-Hawa, Al Yarubiyah and Al-Ramtha, in order to ensure that assistance reaches people in need throughout Syria.
U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock thanked the council for approving the resolution, saying that cross-border aid provides a critical lifeline for millions of Syrians who cannot be supported through other means.
You have done your part; we will now do ours to sustain aid in a way that is as effective and accountable as possible, he said.
Lowcock said the situation is especially very challenging in northwestern Syria, where some 3 million people remain dependent on cross-border aid.
While a pause in airstrikes has been positive, he said, shelling and fighting continues in and around the demilitarized zone and recent hostilities forced nearly 15,000 people to flee their homes to neighboring villages.
Lowcock also warned that Idlib, the last major rebel stronghold in Syria, remains on the edge of a humanitarian disaster.
He said a further escalation of violence would quickly overwhelm the ability of humanitarian agencies to respond. He urged the warring parties to end the violence and head of the humanitarian catastrophe that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned about.
However, Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia complained that the text was outdated as one of those crossings was now back in Syrian government hands and the situation elsewhere in the country had changed.
“The fact that the stabilizing trends are strengthening in Syria is undeniable … Despite remaining problems there are positive steps in improving the humanitarian situation,” Nebenzia said.
“This is a critical moment and the international community needs to now give a helping hand to the Syrians in order to overcome the devastation and making sure that people who voluntarily decided to return can live normally,” he added.
China’s U.N. Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu said international aid operations in Syria should “scrupulously observe the principles of neutrality, impartiality and non-politicization.”
But Western countries say they will not approve reconstruction funding for Syria, or drop sanctions on the Syrian government, without a political settlement to end the more than seven-year conflict.
As in its previous authorization, the council reaffirmed its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria.
According to the UN data, more than 13 million people in Syria need urgent humanitarian assistance, of whom 6.2 million are internally displaced, and more than 1 million people are still living in hard-to-reach areas.
The UN and their partners reached on average 5.4 million people with humanitarian aid each month in 2018. Life-saving assistance delivered across borders represented a vital part of this, including the delivery of food assistance for on average one million people monthly this year.
Pakistan High Commission invites application for conducting NADRA surgeries
LONDON, Dec 14 (APP):Pakistan High Commission (PHC) London has invited application for conducting National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) surgeries during the months of Jan-March 2019.
A statement of the Pakistan High Commission London issued here said that to ensure effective delivery of Consular Services to the community, the High Commission regularly organizes visits of the NADRA Mobile Registration Team (MRT) to the surrounding areas of London.
The High Commission now plans to conduct NADRA surgeries during the months of January, February and March 2019.
In this regard, the High Commission has invited applications for organizing NADRA surgeries in the surrounding areas of London.
The application should be addressed to “Consular Officer, High Commission for Pakistan, London” and can be sent either through email at nadra.london@phclondon.org or through post to the following address:Consular Officer, High Commission for Pakistan, 34-36 Lowndes Square, London SW1X 9JN.
The application should include complete details including names and contact numbers of the oganizer/organization and complete address of the venue.
Moreover, the date of the last surgery conducted in that area should also be mentioned in the application, the PHC statement said.
It said that the last date for submission of surgery requests is December 21,2018. For any queries please write to Email: nadra.london@phclondon.org.
High Commission starts Online Appointment System for Attestation
LONDON, Dec 14 (APP):Pakistan High Commission London has decided to launch Online Appointment System from December 17 for smooth functioning of attestation process of general public .According to a statement of the High Commission issued here Friday, this step has been taken
to facilitate the Pakistani community .
The PHC statement said that It has been observed that there is a long queue for Attestation at
the Pakistan High Commission London every day.
” Resultantly, this makes hard for staff members to facilitate the public in scheduled time and
proper manner.”, it added.
Initially the High Commission will accommodate applicants without any prior appointment till December 31 but priority will be given to those applicants who have booked their appointments online.
After deadline no applicant will be served without online appointment at the High Commission. Appointments can be booked on the below mentioned website:
www.phclondon.org
“Our Diaspora in London is requested to please cooperate in this regard with High Commission enabling us to provide better Attestation Service”, PHC statement concluded.
Religious Scholars, Ulema urge Muslim Ummah to devise Fatwa issuance mechanism
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Prominent religious scholars, Ulema from over 126 countries have urged Muslim counties to devise mechanism of issuing religious decree (Fatwa) and respecting opponent’s opinion.
A two days conference addressed by over 1,200 Ulema, prominent scholars of Islamic world held in Mekkah Mukarma the other day, has issued a joint declaration.
The declaration urged Muslim governments as well as people to desist from abusing each others, respect others faith, religion, cooperate in common issues by ignoring the difference of opinion.
The declaration stressed forging a grand Islamic alliance, said a message received here.
The conference recommended all countries to devise a central system of issuing Fatwas. The Islamic alliance should not be against any country but for the welfare of all fellow Muslims.
The declaration said Muslims should play their role in their countries of residence and respect the law of the land.
Muslims should contribute in progress and prosperity of their countries of residence and earn good name for Muslim Ummah.
The speakers urged the Muslims to avoid discussions on controversial issues and if need arises, the discussions should be held with arguments and by avoiding exaggeration.
The declaration urged Islamic organizations to give priority to common interests of Muslims.
The speakers thanked Custodian of the Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for organizing such an important conference to guide the Muslim ummah.
The 2-day conference was addressed by the advisor to custodian of Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Governor Mecca Shahzada Khalid Al Faisal, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Chief of Pakistan Ulema Council Allama Tahir Ashrafi.
Dr Mofaq Abdul Razzaq Aldemi from Iraq, Mufti Azam Lebnon Dr Abdul Latif, President Islamic Supreme Council, Al Jazair Dr Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ghulamullah, Mufti-e-Azam Egypt Dr Shouqi Alam, Secretary General Islamic Cooperation Dr Yousaf Bin Ahmed Alasaimain and others.
Six security personnel embrace martyrdom, found terrorists killed in Turbat
QUETTA, Dec 14 (APP):An intelligence based operation was conducted on a terrorists’ hideout in Wakai area near Buleda, Turbat, Balochistan on Friday.
Terrorists targeted one of the vehicles of security forces through improvised explosive device (IED) and as a result six security personnel embraced Shahadat (martyrdom), said a press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In exchange of fire four terrorists were killed.
KP Governor meets PM Imran Khan
PESHAWAR, Dec 14 (APP):Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan here Friday arrived at Governor House where KP Governor Shah Farman met with him and discussed matters pertaining to wellbeing of people of the province.
Upon reaching at Governor House Peshawar, the PM was received by Governor KP.
Chief Minister KP, Mehmood Khan was also present on the occasion.
Matters pertaining to expediting pace of economic development in the wake of merger of Fata into KP also came under discussion.
Lt-Gen Shah Rafi Alam Memorial Polo Cup: Newage qualifies for final
LAHORE, Dec 14 (APP):Newage/Diamond upset high-flying EFU Life to three-and-a-half goals to three to qualify for the main final of the Lt-Gen Shah Rafi Alam Memorial Polo Cup 2018, sponsored by Al-Khair Group here at Lahore Polo Club ground on Friday.
The match ended at 3-3 draw and in the end, it was half goal handicap advantage, which helped Newage/Diamond Paints register 3.5-3 win and also booked berth in the main final. It was Newage’s
Antonino Menard who played key role in his team’s triumph as he not only converted one goal but also helped his team and teammates to score crucial goals.
The first two chukkers of the match were dominated by EFU Life as they converted one goal in first chukker and two in the second chukker. Aun Rizvi opened the account of EFU through his field goal and then Raja Temur Nadeem doublee their lead in the second chukker when he fired in a fabulous field goal. Aun completed the hat-trick of EFU’s goal making it 3-0. Before the end of the second chukker, Adnan Jalil smashed in a field goal for Newage/DP to reduce margin to 3-1.
Despite a number of attacks launched by both the sodes, the third chukker remained goalless. The fourth and last chukker saw total dominance of Newage/Diamond Paints as they banged in a brace through Antonino Menard and Alman Jalil Azam to square the things at 3-3.
After that both the sides tried their best to convert the match-winning goal but their efforts proved ruitless, as when the final whistle was blown, the score was tied at 3-3 and the half goal handicap helped ewage/Diamond Paints win the match by 3.5-3. Nicholas Pepper and Abdul Rehman Monnoo supervised the match as field umpires.
In another match of the day, Team Eighteen defeated Total Nutrition by a narrow margin of 7-6 to qualify for the subsidiary final.
Ahmed Ali Tiwana emerged as hero of the day as he hammered fantabulous five goals for the winning sode while Shahnawaz Durrani and Mumtaz Abbas Niazi struck one goal apiece. From the losing side, Ahmed Bilal Riaz and Bilal Haye thwarted two goals each while Omer Minhas and Ahmed Zubair Butt contributed one goal apiece. Nicholas Maria Ruiz and Raja Temur Nadeem officiated the match as field umlires.
President Hockey XI named for Hockey Series Open
LAHORE, Dec 14 (APP):Chief selector, former hockey Olympian Islahuddin Siddique, on Friday announced the 18-member Pakistan team for the Hockey Series Open, scheduled for December 17-22 here at the National Hockey Stadium.
The Hockey Series Open is an FIH event and the four nations competing are Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Nepal, said a spokesman for the PHF here.
Since Pakistan has been selected for the FIH Pro-League, the high profile new event starting from early 2019, the Pakistan side here is not the national side and it will enter as the President XI.
“Importantly, the matches played by the President XI against the other sides will only be considered friendly games and will not carry any points towards the event,” he said.
The other four sides will be competing against each other in real terms. President XI: Goal Keepers: Muneebur Rehman & Hafiz Umair Defenders: Abid Bhatti, M Ammar, Samiullah & Mubashar Jibran Midfielders: Usman Ghani, Mohibullah, Ali Raza (Gojra) & Asif Hanif.
Forwards: Zaheer Hussain, Abdul Mannan, Murtaza Yaqoob, Awaisur Rehman (Captain), Qamar Bhukhari, Arsalan Haider, Zulqarnain & Mohsin Khan.
President PHF Brig (rtd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has named the following officials for the President XI. Manager: Shahid Parvez Bhandara. Coaches: Kashif Jawad & Muhammad Shabbir.