ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Monday said that lawlessness would not be tolerated.
He wrote in his tweet that he together with his fellow federal ministers, stood beside the Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar in showing collective backing for the Christian community.
“We will not condone any acts of lawlessness” the interior minister said.
He said that their steadfast pledge was safety and right of the minorities.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): The final phase of Pakistan’s preparations for the mighty cricket season begins on Tuesday as Babar Azam’s team plays Afghanistan at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Hambantota, Sri Lanka in the first of the three One-Day Internationals.
Pakistan enter the series at the back of some brilliant results – they swept Sri Lanka in the two-Test series just last month and defeated New Zealand 4-1 at home in One-Day Internationals in April-May.
With the Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023 beginning just four days after the third and final match in Colombo and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup immediately following up, these three matches against Afghanistan come with an opportunity for Pakistan to fine-tune their combinations.
“It is great to be together as one unit again as we enjoy each other’s company a lot,” Babar told PCB Digital on the eve of the first ODI against Afghanistan.
“We have a few new faces in the side and I wish them good luck for the challenges ahead. Most of the boys have been playing cricket in different leagues, but when you don the Pakistan star, it is a different feeling altogether. We enter this series with good momentum following our Test series win here and we are eager to build on it. As a captain, I am very excited for the cricket ahead.”
Pakistan have recently enjoyed outstanding results in ODIs. Since the start of 2022, Pakistan’s win/loss ratio of 3.250 – with 13 wins in 17 matches – has been the best across all teams. In May, they, for the first time in history, topped the ICC rankings for ODI sides. They have another go at surmounting the table if they maintain an impeccable record against Afghanistan.
The dressing room is buzzing with confidence with each player raring to grab opportunity whenever it arrives. Though the end goal is to be the best side in the World Cup, the team, Babar said, is taking one challenge at a time.
“We are focused in our preparations as we have big events in the Asia Cup and the World Cup coming up,” said Babar, under whose captaincy Pakistan have won 17 out of 26 ODIs. “But, at the same time, we want to take one series at the time … It is always beneficial for a team to get such a series ahead of major events. That we are playing in Asian conditions will definitely provide us an edge and help us get in the rhythm. The Afghanistan team is on the rise and they have some good bowlers. The fans will get to see some exciting cricket.”
Pakistan included all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, uncapped batter Tayyab Tahir and middle-order batter Saud Shakeel in the squad for the Afghanistan series. The three players have been rewarded for their impressive performances recently and their presence further boosts an already solid squad.
“We have had some good additions in the squad,” the number one ranked ODI batter said. “Faheem has been in and out of the side but he has performed well recently. We have included him because of his all-round abilities and believe that his presence will strengthen the side.
“Tayyab Tahir had a good [Emerging Teams] Asia Cup and he performed well here in Sri Lanka and everyone saw how Saud Shakeel played Tests here. I am especially impressed by how Saud has transformed into a modern-day batter in such a quick time. This is a great sign for Pakistan cricket that he groomed himself according to the demands of the team, and whenever anyone does that, I get very happy.”
Though Pakistan have never been defeated by Afghanistan in the format, this series promises to test them as the latter enter this series with a 2-1 win over Bangladesh in Bangladesh. But the players, Babar revealed, are taking this challenge as an opportunity to deliver match-winning performances.
“Every player has a hunger [to perform] in this team. Every player wants to give match-winning performances. Recently we have had different player of the match award winners, which is a good sign for any team. When you perform in big tournaments, it boosts your morale as a team and as individuals and this team has performed well in the recent past.
“The presence of Salman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed has bolstered our middle-order. We already have a settled top-order. Our spin department has strengthened. Thankfully, we have one of the best pace-bowling attacks in Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, and their performances underscore how good they are. Bowlers win you big tournaments and I have faith in them to win us big tournaments.”
So ahead of what promises to be one of the most exciting periods for this Pakistan side, what is Babar’s message to his players? “My message has always been to believe in yourself and make sure that you give your hundred percent in the field.”
The second and third ODIs will be played on 24 and 26 August in Hambantota and Colombo.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Pakistani rupee on Monday witnessed Rs 1.36 devaluation against the US dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs 297.13 against the previous day’s closing of Rs 295.77.
However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs 305 and Rs 308 respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by Rs 1.85 to close at Rs 323.45 against the last day’s closing of Rs 321.60, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen went up by 01 paisa and closed at Rs 2.04, whereas an increase of Rs 2.11 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which traded at Rs 378.16 as compared to the last closing of Rs 376.05.
The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal increased by 37 paisa each to close at Rs 80.89 and
Rs 79.22 respectively.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): For the heat-stricken people bearing hot and humid weather conditions for the last few days, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Monday given a good news of more monsoon rains in various parts of the country from August 23-27 with occasional gaps.
The rains although will provide relief to the people by reducing the intensity of heat but will increase water flow in local streams and nullahs and may cause urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
The moderate monsoon currents from Arabian Sea are likely to penetrate in upper parts of the country from August 22 (evening or night).
A westerly wave was also likely to enter in these areas on August 23.
Under the influence of these systems, rain/wind-thundershower with few moderate to heavy falls is expected in Kashmir, (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Gilgit Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera from August 23-27 with occasional gaps.
Rain/wind-thundershower is also expected in Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Bhakkar from August 24 to 26 with occasional gaps.
While in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Musa Khel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar, rain/wind-thundershower is expected on August 25 and 26.
About the impacts, the PMD indicated that moderate to heavy falls might increase the water flows in local Nullahs/streams of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Galliyat, Murree, Rawalpindi, Islamabad from August 23-25 and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and adjoining areas of northeast Balochistan on August 25 and 26.
Moderate to heavy rains may cause urban flooding in low lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore from August 23-26 and may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the wet spell.
Dam operators are advised to manage reservoirs levels accordingly during the wet period.
The PMD advised the farmers to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast and tourists and travelers to remain extra cautious to avoid any untoward situation during the wet spell.
Wind-thunderstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, solar panels etc.
The general public is advised to stay at safe places during wind-storm/lightning/heavy rains.
All concerned authorities are advised to remain alert and to take necessary precautionary measure during the forecast period.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah on Monday stressed the importance of facilitating children with local literature and storytelling to arise their interest in reading to enhance their intellectual caliber as juvenile literature played crucial part in education providing both knowledge and entertainment.
The Minister made these remarks during his visit to National Library of Pakistan (NLP) and Department of Museum and Archeology (DOAM) to review the working and performance of the attached departments of the division.
On the occasion, Director General NLP Asif Iqbal Khan gave a detailed overview of history, functioning, performance and future plans of the NLP.
Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah underscored that proper ramps should be established for the facilitation of differently-abled person at National Library.
He said that his division would adopt all measures to equip the library with modern facilities.
Later, the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah presided over a meeting to review the progress on various projects of DOAM.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture, Humaira Ahmed and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
The Director General DOAM Dr. Azeem Khan briefed the Federal Minister about all matters pertaining to DOAM, archeological sites, various projects, initiatives and current matters.
Federal Minister Jamal Shah said that Takht-e-Bahi which is an ancient Buddhist monastery and one of the most important world heritage site which is extremely important for its integrity, unique state of conservation; and also for its antiquity.
The Minister said that he would specially consult with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for a joint venture program for the promotion and preservation of Takht-e-Bahi site.
He said that he would also hold a meeting with Capital Development Authority (CDA) for the cultural sites being maintained by the civic body.
He said that all the cultural and archeological sites should be maintained and preserved by National Heritage and Culture Division.
Jamal Shah said that the promotion of national heritage and culture among the people can only prevent the society from social ills, hatred and intolerance and bring peace and stability.
The DOAM officials informed the meeting that 38 Archeological sites and monuments have been identified in Islamabad Capital Territory. Later, the minister also visited Islamabad Museum at Sir Syed Memorial.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday emphasised the need for utilizing information technology to enhance the effectiveness of the auditing system.
The president, talking to Auditor General of Pakistan Muhammad Ajmal Gondal here, said it was the need of hour to adopt better internal controls, technology, automation and auditing as per international standards.
The Auditor General of Pakistan presented to the president the annual report of the institution for fiscal year 2022-23.
The president instructed the auditor general to take measures for further improvement in the audit system.
He said that the improvement of the audit process would help promote good governance, transparency, and accountability.
He asked the auditor general to set targets for enhancing the institution’s effectiveness.
He said the institution should also assist the government in the promotion of good governance.
President Alvi also lauded the role of the Auditor General of Pakistan in maintaining financial discipline in the country.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi and Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqir on Monday reiterated their determination to fully support the Election Commission of Pakistan ( ECP) in conducting the general elections in a transparent manner.
During a telephonic conversation Murtaza Solangi congratulated Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir on taking charge as caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh.
The minister also discussed with the Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh the case of slain journalist Jan Muhammad Maher.
The caretaket Sindh CM informed the caretaker information minister about the progress made in the case of the slain journalist.
Maqbool Baqir also congratulated Murtaza Solangi on assuming charge as Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
PESHAWAR, Aug 21 (APP): The City traffic police (CTP) issued challan tickets to as many as 6,555 motorbike riders during the last three-day over violation of traffic rules and for not using safety helmets.
According to CTP spokesman 16 motorcycles were also confiscated due to non-registration, adding that such actions against motorcycle riders would continue without discrimination.
He said that as per the directives of Chief Traffic Officer, Qamar Hayat Khan the CTP officials were taking actions against violators of traffic rules on a daily basis with no leniency.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): The Commandant FC Moazzam Jah Ansari called on Caretaker Minister for Interior Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti here on Monday.
According to a news release, in a separate call on, National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Muhammad Tahir Rai also met Caretaker Federal Minister for Interior Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti here.
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