ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP):A three day Islamabad Family Gala would be held in the federal capital from April 6 to 8 at F-9 Park to promote the rich and diverse Pakistani culture before the world in a positive way, Interior Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal said Monday.
Talking to media, he said Family Gala would have food stalls, cycling competition, musical concert, cultural /folk programmes, fireworks, flower exhibition, water sports, brunch, dog show, Mushaira night, special children’s cricket matches, marathon race, vintage cars, supper festival, tree plantation and Sufi night. Different events of the festival would be held in F-9 Park, Lakeview Park . Renowned singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen will perform.
The festival would have the attractions for the persons of all age group would help portraying the bright side of the country. The Family Gala would become an annual feature. Pure Pakistani culture would be promoted by holding such events.
The festival would be transformed into a major tourist attraction from next year. The festival has been organized in collaboration with private sponsors including Eighteen, Pepsi Cola, Marriott, Capital Development Authority and Islamabad Capital Territory Police.
Islamabad Police has chalked out a comprehensive programme to provide security to participants of the festival. According to details, the festival would be inaugurated on April 6 at 7:30 pm at F-9 Park. Cultural /folk performance would done be on 7:35 pm followed by Army, Navy, Rangers Band’s display, firework would be on 8:15 pm.
The last event of the first day will be a grand musical concert from 9 pm to 12 pm. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sara Raza Khan will perform.
Giving details of day two of the festival, he said Cycling Competition would be from Islamabad Zoo to Daman-e-Koh. A number of saplings would be planted at Damn-e-Koh during the entire festival.
Responding to a question, he said shuttle bus service would run from various areas to Metro Bus to enable the citizens of Rawalpindi to attend the festival.
To another question, regarding water shortage in Islamabad, he said Rs 300 million has been allocated to provide clean drinking water to the residents of the federal capital.
Government has planned to gift residents of federal capital another Metro Bus service from Faizabad to Rawat. The initial work on the project would be started from next financial year.
Three day Family Gala to start in federal capital from Apr 6
Pakistan 15-member squad for T-20I series against West Indies announce
LAHORE, Mar 26 (APP):The National Selection Committee, headed by Inzamam ul Haq, after consultation with Pakistan cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed and Head Coach Mickey Arthur on Monday announced the 15-member T20 squad for the three-match series against West Indies.
The three-match T-20I series will be played on April 1, 2 and 3, 2018,respectively at National Stadium, Karachi.
Asif Ali, Hussain Talat and Shaheen Shah Afridi made a place in the T-20 squad after performing well in the recently concluded PSL third edition.
Rahat Ali also gets a chance in the squad after bowling well in the league. Imad Wasim and Ruman Raees have yet to recover from the injury occurred during the PSL, and therefore both were not considered for selection.
Usman Khan Shinwari makes a comeback in the team after recovering from his injury, said Inzamam ul Haq.
T20 Squad: Ahmed Shehzad, FakharZaman, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed (Captain and wicketkeeper), Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Nawaz, Shahdab Khan, Muhammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Usman Khan Shinwari and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Shenzhou aerospace institute enrolls Pakistani students
BEIJING, March 26 (APP):China’s aerospace institute for the first time enrolled students from different countries including Pakistan, prompting a Chinese expert to note the massive progress the nation has made in space technology.
Shenzhou College under China Academy of Space Technology held a ceremony to welcome its first eight foreign students, the first time China has admitted foreign students in the aerospace field, according the website of the People’s Daily.
The students come from Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Venezuela and Cambodia. After two years’ study and oral defense of their thesis, they will receive a Chinese master’s degree in aerospace science.
“China’s aerospace industry technology is comprehensive especially its satellites for navigation, communication and meteorology, a field in which China can and would like to help other countries cultivate talent,” said Jiao Weixin, a space science professor at Peking University.
To provide a better service for foreign students, the college customized courses that would fit individual student’s needs. the foreign students have been asked to write abstract in both English and Chinese. They will also take courses such as Chinese language and an introduction to China.
The academy has cooperated for years on project know-how to transfer with Pakistan, Nigeria, Venezuela, Ethiopia and Algeria.
While cultivating talent in those countries, the academy has also improved its training system, teaching administration and comprehensive capabilities.
“The enrollment of foreign students also proved that China’s technology in the field has made huge progress during the past years,” Jiao said. “China used to receive help from countries such as the former Soviet Union and now is able to help others, which is also good for China in building its international image.”
Mayor praises cricket enthusiasts for successful final
KARACHI, Mar 26 (APP):Mayor of Karachi, Wasim Akhtar said the citizens of Karachi by making the final of Pakistan Super League a successful event have proved once again that they love cricket and now the city is ready to welcome the West Indies team.
This very important event has in fact restored the magnificence
of Karachi as all the municipal organizations have worked excellently and made this final historical by their team work.
Talking to media representatives while watching the PSL Final in
the Hanif Muhammed Enclosure of the National Stadium Karachi, he said the people of Karachi have a good understanding of the game of cricket and they have always supported best players, said a statement on Monday.
He also appreciated the discipline of the big crowed that enjoyed
the final in National Stadium.
The Mayor said the people of Karachi have made this event
historical by their great support and cooperation. Karachi also hosted international cricket in past and the world cup matches also held here and proved quite successful due to good behavior of the spectators.
He said this match has sent a very good message to all such parts
of the world where the game of cricket is played or watched. Karachi
has seen such an ideal environment after a gap of 20 to 25 years which is good omen for the citizens of Karachi, he added.
The Mayor said all the arrangements for the final were done under
a comprehensive strategy and every organization has played its role in excellent way.
The Mayor also congratulated the winner of the PSL Final
Islamabad United and said that it was a better team and deserved this win which is their second overall title in the PSL.
Seeded players move to pre-quarters in National grass courts championship
LAHORE, Mar 26 (APP):All the seeded players moved into men’s single pre-quarter finals of the Sheheryar Malik National Grass Court Tennis Championship after winning their respective matches with ease and comfort here on Monday at the PLTA tennis courts Bagh-e-Jinnah.
Secretary Punjab Lawn Tennis Association, former Davis Cupper Rasid Malik inaugurated the premier activity being participated by leading tennis players.
In men’s single event top Seed Aqeel Khan beat Ahmed Kamil 6-1, 6-1, Barkat Ullah of KPK beat his hometown player Shakil-Ullah 6-1, 6-1, Muzamul Murtaza of Jehania beat Israr Gul of KPK 6-1, 6-1, Ijaz Khan beat M Hamad 6-3, 6-3, Muhammad Zahid Mujahid of Sahiwal beat Ahmed Babar of Lahore by 6-2, 7-6, Heera Ashiq beat Asad-Ullah 6-1, 6-1, Abdal Haider beat Fayaz Khan 7-6, 6-4, Shahzad Khan beat Zariab Peerzada 6-1, 6-1, Usman Rafique of Lahore beat Ikram-Ullah of Peshawar 6-0, 6-1, Hassan Riaz beat Aqib Umer 6-4, 6-4, Muhammad Abid beat Irfanullah 6-3, 6-3, Yousaf Khan beat Nouman Aftab 7-5, 6-4 and all qualified for pre-quarter finals.
In under-18 boys first round, Zain Ch of Lahore beat Umair Ansar 6-1, 6-2, Abdul Hanan Khan beat Uzair Khan 6-4, 7-5, Faizan Fayyaz beat Kashan Umer 6-1, 6-0, Hassan Ali beat Ahmed Nawaz 5-7, 6-4, Nalain Abbas beat Waleed Quershi 6-0, 6-1 and all breezed into the next round.
ICCI congratulates Islamabad United on winning PSL final
ISLAMABAD, March 26 (APP):Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Monday congratulated Islamabad United on winning the final of Pakistan Super League and expressed best wishes for the team.
President of ICCI Sheikh Amir Waheed, in a statement, said winning the final of PSL by Islamabad United was not only a great honor for the Isloiites, it was a source of pride for the whole nation.
He said the PSL had brought international cricket back to Pakistan which had created a spirit of happiness and confidence in the entire nation.
He hoped that the international cricket teams would soon start visiting Pakistan.
Senior Vice President of ICCI, Muhammad Naveed, and Vice President Nisar Mirza also congratulated the team.
The president also congratulated the government, Pakistan Army and the security agencies for making it possible to hold PSL’s last two matches and final in Pakistan as it was not possible without the efforts of those institutions to hold matches successfully.
He said the holding of PSL final had sent a positive message to the world that Pakistan was now a peaceful country and any team could come here to play games.
The ICCI office bearers also lauded the efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board for organizing PSL, semi-final and final matches in Pakistan and added the efforts of PCB had provided good opportunity to the Pakistani nation to enjoy cricket in their own country.
They were of the view that cricket and other sports not only promoted solidarity in the nation, it also provided good entertainment and generated lot of business activities.
They said PCB should strive to organize all matches of next edition of PSL in Pakistan that would not only improve the image of our country, it would also help in promoting business and industrial activities and achieving positive outcomes for the economy.
Pakistan has bright future in Wushu: Secretary Sports Punjab
LAHORE, Mar 26 (APP):Secretary Sports Punjab Muhammad Aamir Jan has said Sports Board Punjab (SBP) will continue to provide a suitable platform to talented youngsters of the province.
He was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of 4th South Asian Wushu Championship at Nishtar Park Sports Complex Gymnasium Hall here.
DC Lahore Sumair Ahmed Syed, Deputy Director Hafeez Bhatti, DSO Nadim Qaiqser, Administrator Gymnasium Hall Mustafa Shah and Pakistan Wushu Federation (PWF) officials were also present on the occasion.
The DC also presented a shield to Secretary Sports Punjab Muhammad Aamir Jan, who also witnessed the march past on this occasion.
Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Pakistan Greens and Pakistan Whites were the participating teams of the event.
Muhammad Aamir Jan witnessed the exciting competitions of 5-team championship for some time and also appreciated the skills of male and female wushu players.
Later, Secretary Sports Punjab distributed prizes among the prominent performers of the event. He said Sports Board Punjab has always encouraged the talented players and will continue this practice in future.
He said Wushu is a fast emerging game in Pakistan and young boys and girls are taking keen interest in this game.
“The way Pakistan Wushu players are doing hard work, one can predict a bright future of this game in Pakistan,” he added.
Economic stability and improved law and order has boosted confidence of foreign investors: PM
ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Monday said that Pakistan has achieved significant economic stability and with the improved law and order situation it has boosted confidence of the local and foreign investors.
Talking to a delegation of Mitsubishi Corporation and Diamond Gas International Pvt. Ltd led by Kimihidi Ando, Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation, here at the PM House, the Prime Minister said the government has undertook mega projects to address the energy issues faced by the county.
Special Assistant to PM Ali Jehangir Siddiqui and senior government officials were present during the meeting.
The Prime Minister appreciated Mitsubishi Corporations’ diverse investment in Pakistan and apprised them about the positive economic indicators owing to successful economic policies of the government.
The Vice President thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan’s support to Mitsubishi Corporation’s operations in Pakistan and expressed desire to further expand investment in energy projects.
Mitsubishi, one of the largest trading companies of Japan is among the world’s leading infrastructure development, logistics, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, household appliances producer is working on several joint ventures in Pakistan, including setting up of Pakistan’s third LNG Terminal.
20 Wapda players to represent Pakistan in Commonwealth Games
LAHORE, Mar 26 (APP):As many as 20 Wapda players will represent Pakistan in the 21st Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held from
April 4 to 14 in Gold Coast, Australia.
This is the largest number – more than one third of the players of Pakistani contingent – which belong to any organisation
or province to hold the honour of representing the country in the upcoming
Commonwealth Games, followed by nine players each from Army and National Bank, three players each from Navy, SNGPL, SSGC and PIA, two players from Punjab and one player each from Sindh, HEC, Air Force and Fauji Fertilizer Limited.
“Wapda players, who are part of 56-player contingent, include two athletes, two badminton players, one boxer, three hockey players, one swimmer, one table tennis player, five weightlifters and five wrestlers,”
said a spokesman for Wapda on Monday.
He said Wapda has been patronising sports in Pakistan for more than five decades. Its players have not only been showing their class at the national level but also bringing laurels to Pakistan in international competitions.
In January 2017 to March 2018 alone, Wapda players won 10 gold, 11 silver and 38 bronze medals for Pakistan in various international events. At present, Wapda is national champion in 33 sports and runners-up in 18 disciplines.
“It is a matter of pride that Wapda is the biggest employer of sportspersons in Pakistan, as more than 2,200 players and sport officials are associated with various units of Wapda Sports Board across the
country. Wapda has 65 teams — 37 men and 28 women — of different
games,” he added.
It has also introduced four initiatives in sports for improvement in standard of sports and betterment of players. These initiatives include ‘Wapda Endowment Fund for Sports’ to elevate the standard of sports in Pakistan; ‘Wapda Athletics Colts’ to promote athletics in the country; ‘Focus on Fitness and Fielding’ and ‘T-12 Cricket’ to improve fielding in Pakistan’s cricket, he stated.
Naval chief expresses complete satisfaction over PN’s combat readiness
ISLAMABAD, March 26 (APP):Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi Monday expressed complete satisfaction over the combat readiness of Pakistan Navy (PN)’s fighting units and emphasized that joint operational exercises are essential to achieve desired level of training and readiness for defence of motherland.
Special emphasis was laid on joint operations by Pakistan Navy in sync with Pakistan Air Force to achieve higher level of synergy between the two services, he said while addressing as a chief guest at the debrief of Pakistan Navy Operational Exercise RIBAT-2018 in Karachi.
Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi appreciated the efforts put in by exercise participants who proved their mettle while practically manifesting war plans at sea.
He during interaction with officers and men also appreciated their morale, level of preparedness and resolve to defend maritime frontiers of the country.
“Challenges at hand necessitate a constant review of our operational plans through extensive war gaming and brain storming processes”, he said.
He emphasized that Pakistan Navy was a professionally capable and potent force, fully capable to thwart any act of aggression by our adversary.
“We must train hard, strategize well and refine our tactics regularly through frequent exercises and drills”, he further asserted. Pakistan Navy’s platforms and personnel remain vigilant and combat ready to guard the sea frontiers and defending Pakistan’s maritime interests.
He said PN will continue to hone skills of its personnel through conduct of such joint exercises in sync with other services in future.
RIBAT series of exercises are focused on validating PN war fighting concepts under evolving multi-faceted threats, ranging from conventional to sub-conventional or asymmetric warfare. Another hallmark of this exercise was validation of joint operations of PN and PAF in the Arabian Sea.