KARACHI
KARACHI
KARACHI
Portugal’s Artist Ricardo Passos performing at Classical Music Night titled “Melodic Heritage”, during 19th day of the 39-day “World Culture Festival 2025”at Arts Council, Pakistan
KARACHI
KARACHI
KARACHI
Pakistan’s resolution reaffirming peoples’ right to self-determination approved unanimously
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 18 (APP): A United Nations panel Tuesday adopted, by consensus, a resolution renewing the global commitment to the principle of self-determination for peoples still subjected to colonial, foreign and alien occupation, with Pakistan underlining that the UN places that right at the heart of its purposes and principles.
Co-sponsored by 65 countries, the resolution, submitted by Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, was adopted without a vote in the General Assembly’s Third Committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural issues.
The resolution, which Pakistan has been sponsoring since 1981, serves to focus the world’s attention on the peoples still struggling for their inalienable right to self-determination, including those in Palestine and Kashmir.
The text is expected to come up for General Assembly’s endorsement next month.
Under its terms, the 193-member Assembly would declare its firm opposition to acts of foreign military intervention and occupation suppressing the right to self-determination of peoples and nations, calling upon those States responsible to cease them.
Introducing the resolution, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said that there were people still living under foreign occupation who are still denied this fundamental freedom. “Their legitimate aspirations are often met with excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, communication blockades, and attempts at demographic engineering, including illegal settlements.”
The right of self-determination, as a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter, has been codified in many international documents, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Social and Cultural Rights, the Pakistani envoy said.
Under the terms of the draft resolution, the General Assembly would reaffirm the universal realization of the rights of all peoples, including those under colonial, foreign and alien domination, to self-determination as a fundamental condition for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights.
The resolution also declared the General Assembly’s firm opposition to acts of foreign military intervention, aggression and occupation, since these have resulted in the suppression of the right of peoples to self-determination and other human rights in certain parts of the world.
It called on those States responsible to cease immediately their military intervention in and occupation of foreign countries and territories, as well as all acts of repression, discrimination, exploitation and maltreatment.
The Assembly would also deplore the plight of millions of refugees and displaced persons who have been uprooted as a result of these acts and reaffirms their right to return to their homes voluntarily in safety and honour.
The resolution urges the Human Rights Council to give special attention to the violation of human rights, especially the right to self-determination, resulting from foreign military intervention, aggression or occupation. It also requests the Secretary-General to report to the next Session of the General Assembly on this question.
19th day of “World Culture Festival” dominated by film, theatre, classical music night
KARACHI, Nov 18 (APP): The 19th day of the 39-day “World Culture Festival 2025” Featured a vibrant lineup of events, including the children’s theatre play “Hansel & Gretel”, the Asia-Pacific Shorts Showcase film screening, and a soulful classical music night titled “Melodic Heritage”.
The 19th day of the festival began with the children’s theatre play “Hansel & Gretel”, written by the Brothers Grimm and directed and adapted for theatre by Uzma Sabeen. A large number of schoolchildren attended the show, filling the auditorium.
A total of five films were screened at the Tiltled Asia-Pacific Shorts Showcase — Film Screening, “ The Art of Eating Sin “(Australia), directed by Hunter Leech, a bold experimental film exploring the themes of sin and desire. “Gone Yet Alive” (Cambodia) Directed by Sereyrath Mech; a thought-provoking story centred on war and survival. “ Pirates of Sepuluh Ribuan” (Indonesia) Directed by Muhammad Azhar; an adventurous and humorous tale set across remote Indonesian islands. “The Buraq That Can’t Fly “(Hong Kong) Directed by Zeed M; a bilingual, imaginative story based on a mother’s dreams. “ Coffee” The Human Journey Behind Your Coffee (Singapore) Directed by Budiyan, Rebeltech Collective, Uitv Tacode; a documentary exploring the personal stories of a coffee grower.
Finally at night a classical music night titled “Melodic Heritage” was held, featuring performances by Portugal’s Ricardo Passos, Gul Muhammad, Rahat Inayat Ali, Yousuf Basheer, Mumtaz Sabzal, Imran Abbas, Izzat Fateh Ali Khan, and Fateh Ali Khan. The Jugalbandi of Gul Muhammad, Rahat Inayat Ali, and Yousuf Basheer added remarkable charm to the evening.
Ricardo Passos captivated the audience by playing instruments from Portugal, Türkiye, Romania, Brazil, and several other countries. The performances of Mumtaz Sabzal and Imran Abbas also received loud applause from the audience. The World Culture Festival will continue at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi until December 7.
Sialkot, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues bag victories in penultimate round
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The eighth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy saw three crucial results on day two, Tuesday, as Sialkot, Faisalabad and Karachi Blues continued to race in their quest for a top two finish.
Elsewhere, Lahore Whites and Multan were set targets to achieve by Bahawalpur and Peshawar, respectively as those two fixtures also look destined for an early finish.
No.3 placed Faisalabad registered a crucial 178-run triumph over Abbottabad at the Marghzar Cricket Ground in their bid for a top two finish with one game to go against Bahawalpur.
Chasing a 278-run target on the second day, Abbottabad folded for a mere 99 in 41 overs as Faisalabad’s spin trio of Hasan Raza (4-40), Ali Asfand (3-7) and Ahmed Safi Abdullah (3-41) ran riot returning combined figures of 10-88 in just 11 overs.
Left-arm spinner Asfand was awarded player of the match for his returns of 5-31, 3-7 with the ball and a 16-ball 13 not out and a 115-ball 65 with the bat.
Earlier in the day, Faisalabad were dismissed for 279 in 84 overs after resuming from 97-2 in 30 overs overnight. Apart from Asfand maiden first-class half-century, Mohammad Awais Zafar contributed a useful 83 off 116 hitting 10 fours and three sixes. No.7 Raees Ahmed remained unbeaten for 47 off 83 balls hitting seven fours.
For Abbottabad, Khalid Usman picked up his 18th first-class five-for (32-7-92-5) and second in the match to end up with his best match figures of 12-134.
No.2 placed Karachi Blues made a strong stride towards cementing their place in the final with an innings and 104-run win over Islamabad at the Diamond Cricket Ground. They will face table toppers Sialkot in the last round.
With a massive 207-run first innings deficit in the bank, Islamabad crumbled in their second dig slipping to 27-4 and then 103 all out with no one except Hasan Nawaz (35, 66b, 5x4s) crossing the 20-run mark. For Blues, Saqib Khan and Kashif Bhatti picked up three wickets each, while Muhammad Umar dismissed two batters.
Earlier, Karachi Blues had resumed from overnight score of 294-6 in 57 overs with Saud Shakeel at 88 not out. The Test left-hander took no time to complete his 23rd first-class century (130, 164b, 15x4s, 3x6s) before the Blues were bowled out for 368 after facing 14.5 overs on day two.
Islamabad’s Hasan Nawaz and Shayan Sheikh picked up three wickets each.
Table toppers Sialkot put their best stride forward in creating a gap between second placed Karachi Blues and joint-third placed Faisalabad and Peshawar – after seven rounds – with a seven-wicket victory over Multan at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.
Sialkot chased the 151-run target in 28.4 overs as Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 95 not out off 85 balls hitting 14 fours and four sixes – running out of runs to score with 12th first-class century in sight. Abdullah also shared a 107-run second-wicket stand with Azan Awais (37, 66b, 5x4s, 1×6)
Earlier, Fata began their second innings from 10-0 and looking to overcome a 76-run deficit. No.3 batter Salman Khan Jnr’s half-century 52, 91b, 7x4s) meant that FATA cruised into lead 125-2 before losing the next eight wickets for just 101 runs.
Sialkot skipper Usama Mir led from front with the ball as he bagged his fourth first-class five-wicket haul (5-56) and also registered his best bowling figures in match (9-67).
No.4 batter Khushdil Shah and no.6 Rehan Afridi got starts with 30 runs each but couldn’t convert as their team only managed a 150-run lead, which wasn’t enough in the end. Hamza Nazar and Mehran Mumtaz aided Usama with 3-44 and 2-48, respectively.
Sialkot will face Karachi Blues in their last fixture at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in a critical fixture in terms of race for the tournament’s final.
Lahore Whites required 78 more runs to win at close of play on day two as they were 58-4 in 21 overs at stumps against Bahawalpur at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Tayyab Tahir (20 not out, 28b, 2x4s) and Hussain Talat (3 not out) will be on the crease on day three for Lahore Whites.
Bahawalpur’s Muhammad Umair took all four wickets for 27 runs in his 10 overs keeping his team in contention of a win.
Earlier in the day, Lahore Whites completed their first innings getting dismissed for 181 in 43.2 overs after resuming from 132-7 in 32 overs taking a 41-run lead mostly on the back of a 13-ball 22-run knock from Noman Ali, who hit two sixes and a four at no.10.
Mohammad Junaid picked up three wickets, while Mohammad Umair, Muhammad Imran and Mohammad Younis dismissed two batters.
In turn, Bahawalpur were dismissed for 176 in 48.1 overs with only three batters Muhammad Imran (44, 49b, 2x4s, 5x6s), Mohammad Ammar (40, 99b, 4x4s) and Saifullah Bangash (35, 59b, 3x4s) getting into double figures.
For Lahore Whites, pacers Mohammad Abbas and Aamir Jamal picked up three wickets each, while spinners Haseeb-ur-Rehman and Noman dismissed two batters each.
Multan were set a 282-run target by Peshawar on day two as they finished the day with 2-1 in three overs with Waqar Hussain departing for a two-ball duck against Azam Khan at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar.
On a 16-wicket day, Multan resumed their first innings from a dire position of 27-5 in 16 overs overnight and managed 125 all out courtesy handy lower order contributions from no.7 Bismillah Khan (40, 53b, 7x4s), no.8 Zeeshan Ashraf (32, 60b, 3x4s, 2x6s) and Ali Usman (22 not out, 3x4s).
Sajid Khan returned with 4-29 in 13 overs, while Razaullah and Niaz Khan picked up two wickets each.
In turn, with a 114-run first innings gain in the bag, Peshawar folded for 167 in 38.3 overs with Multan’s Ali Usman starring again with a five-for to bag match figures of 5-79 and 5-42 – his fourth consecutive five-for, fifth in the tournament, eighth in first-class career, second of the match and second consecutive 10-fer. He also bested his previous best match haul of 10-190 with 10-121 in this game.
Dar, Overchuk hold wide-ranging talks in Moscow to deepen Pakistan–Russia partnership
MOSCOW, Nov 18 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar Tuesday met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk in Moscow following the conclusion of the SCO Council of Heads of Government meetings, with both sides undertaking a comprehensive review of bilateral ties.
The discussions covered political, economic, energy, connectivity, agricultural, industrial, educational and people-to-people cooperation, with both leaders noting the importance of strengthening collaboration through institutionalised mechanisms, a DPM’s Office news release said.
DPM Overchuk, recalling his recent visits to Pakistan, acknowledged the country’s growing potential as a regional hub for transit and connectivity. He emphasised Russia’s interest in expanding joint initiatives that support regional trade flows and infrastructure development.
Dar and Overchuk also exchanged views on major regional and global developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination at bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Both sides expressed confidence that sustained high-level engagement would further consolidate Pakistan–Russia relations and open new avenues of cooperation in shared priority sectors.
After UN Security Council’s Gaza breakthrough, agencies highlight youngsters’ plight
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 18 (APP): As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed Monday’s Security Council resolution paving the way for a consolidated ceasefire via a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza, UN aid teams warned that many Palestinian children in the enclave are in no shape to endure another harsh winter.
“We’re very optimistic that the peace plans will improve the situation,” UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson Ricardo Pires said, briefing reporters in Geneva on Tuesday. “But again, the reality for children on the ground continues to be very tragic.”
“We’re still in the hypotheticals,” UN aid coordination office (OCHA) spokesperson Jens Laerke said, regarding the Security Council resolution on the US peace plan, stressing that it “needs some meat on the bones”, but recalling the UN chief’s backing for the development.
The resolution endorsing the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” announced by US President Trump on 29 September received backing from 13 countries on the Security Council. China and Russia abstained from the vote.
The resolution welcomes the transitional administration known as the “Board of Peace” – which President Donald Trump will reportedly chair – to establish a temporary international force in Gaza and coordinate reconstruction efforts including the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
In a statement issued by his Spokesperson overnight, the UN Secretary-General encouraged respect for the fragile ceasefire by all parties to the conflict, which was sparked by Hamas-led attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023.
Guterres acknowledged the “continued diplomatic efforts” of Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, the United States and regional neighbours regarding the Gaza crisis, before stressing the importance of “moving towards” the second phase of the U.S. Plan, “leading to a political process for the achievement of the two-State solution, in line with previous United Nations resolutions”.
Meanwhile in Gaza, aid agencies stressed on Tuesday that more than two years of destructive war between Hamas fighters and Israel and a chronic lack of all forms of assistance have left the enclave’s people exhausted.
In recent days, heavy rains have inundated worn-out tents that are sheltering people displaced multiple times because of the war, said Ricardo Pires, from the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.
“We are seeing heartbreaking stories of desperate families feeling completely lost and exhausted after their tents got flooded,” he told journalists in Geneva. “When children are sleeping in flooded tents without warm clothing or dry bedding, many lacking the required nutrition, with very low immunity and already traumatized by conflict, winter becomes extremely dangerous.”
Pires noted that the recent bad weather in Gaza has sparked an increase in people seeking medical help – particularly among children weakened by “years of malnutrition, starvation, trauma (and) multiple displacements”.
The UNICEF officer also explained that because Israeli forces occupy more than 50 per cent of the enclave, many of the areas where Palestinians have been forced to seek shelter are coastal and the most prone to flooding.
In a call for greater aid access, he stressed this was “part of the [peace] deal and we need to see more humanitarian corridors open”.
According to OCHA, more than 5,400 metric tonnes of aid were collected between Thursday and Sunday, including shelter, medical and food items. The Zikim border crossing has reopened after staying shut for two months, bringing the number of available crossings to three.
Pires highlighted the importance of Zikim opening and said that recently UNICEF managed to bring in 96 pallets of high energy biscuits destined for the famine-stricken north of Gaza.
“We need more, a lot more,” he said. “Hopefully with the new plan, that will become a reality for children and families.”
APP/ift
Fakhar’s innings made the difference in Zimbabwe’s loss: Brad Evans
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans believes Fakhar Zaman’s innings made the difference in Zimbabwe’s close loss to Pakistan in the Tri-Nation Series opener.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s batting performance after the end of the game, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Evans said the team initially assessed 175 as a par score on the surface.
“If we had managed to get to 160 or 165, I think that could have been enough tonight because I thought we bowled well,” he said. “That being said, we were close. We took it to the last over. That often seems to be the case when Pakistan and Zimbabwe play.”
Evans praised Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman for his match-defining contribution. “I think Fakhar batted really well and became the backbone of their innings. Once he got out, the game opened up again for us,” he said.
“Zaman rotated the strike, ran hard, and punished the bad balls for fours and sixes. He kept their chase alive by maintaining the run rate, and the players around him chipped in with important cameos. Credit goes to Fakhar for the innings he played in the middle.”
Speaking about conditions, Evans said the team had prepared for significant dew but were surprised to find it manageable. “At the ground we trained at, Islamabad Cricket Club, there was a lot of dew, and we were shocked. But when we trained here last night, we were pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t as much. There was some dew during the match, but it didn’t have a major impact.”
Evans added that Zimbabwe’s young squad is steadily growing in confidence. “Taking big teams to the end of games is an achievement. Many of our players are young or haven’t played international cricket consistently. I think once we win a couple of matches and get a taste of victory, things will change. Winning is a habit, and once we get a few big wins, it will ease the pressure and help us finish games.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan said following the coaches’ instructions to spend time at the crease helped him finish the match successfully, adding that he is determined to deliver consistent performances and play a key role in the team’s victories.
He said he has been placing special emphasis on his fitness. As part of this focus, he also participated in domestic cricket.
Usman said that alongside batting, he is rigorously working on his wicketkeeping to further improve his overall game. Usman said his experience of playing several Pakistan Super League matches in Rawalpindi proved valuable and helped refine his performance.
Reflecting on his evolving batting approach, he admitted that in the past he often got out early while trying to score too quickly. “Now I have changed my strategy and prefer spending more time at the crease, and the results have been positive,” he said.
He said representing Pakistan is every cricketer’s dream and he has no regrets about giving up cricket in the UAE. “Playing for Pakistan is an honour for me. If I get the opportunity in the World Cup, I will try my best to contribute to the team’s success by playing my natural game,” he said.
Inaugural session of Naval Medicine Seminar 2025 held in Karachi
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The two-day maiden Naval Medicine Seminar 2025 commenced in Karachi, marking a significant milestone in advancing regional collaboration in naval healthcare and maritime medical support.
The event is being hosted by Pakistan Navy under the auspices of Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) and is attended by a large number of foreign delegates from 28 WPNS countries, said a press release.
While addressing the seminar, Director General Medical Services (Navy), Surgeon Rear Admiral Rizwan Sadiq, highlighted Pakistan Navy’s continued commitment to medical excellence, humanitarian assistance, and the enhancement of international partnerships through knowledge sharing.
Later, Commandant PNS SHIFA introduced the seminar’s theme while emphasising the importance of innovation, leadership, and resilience in shaping modern naval medical practices.
The scientific proceedings of the day featured a diverse range of professional presentations and discussions.
The first day’s activities reflected active participation, constructive dialogue, and professional engagement among all delegates, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches in addressing contemporary challenges in naval healthcare and operational medical support.
The seminar serves as a vital platform for the exchange of ideas, expertise, and best practices in naval medicine, preventive healthcare, and medical readiness at sea, thereby promoting mutual understanding and strengthening professional cooperation among regional navies.
Pakistan outplay Zimbabwe by five wickets
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Pakistan began their Tri-Nation Series campaign with a commanding five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a modest target of 147, Pakistan encountered early setbacks as Sahibzada Farhan (16), Saim Ayub (22), Babar Azam (0), and captain Salman Ali Agha (1) fell inside the first half of the innings.
Fakhar Zaman steadied the chase with a fluent 44 runs off 32 balls, combining with Usman Khan for a crucial 61-run stand for the fifth wicket before being removed by Richard Ngarava.
Usman Khan (37 off 28) continued to anchor the innings, while Mohammad Nawaz (21 off 12) provided the finishing touches. The pair guided (36-runs partnership) Pakistan to 151 for 5 in 19.2 overs, sealing the match with four balls to spare.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 26, while Tinotenda Maposa and Graeme Cremer claimed one wicket apiece. Mohammad Nawaz was declared Player of the match.
Earlier when put in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 147 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Brian Bennett (49 runs off 36 balls) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30 runs off 22 balls) laid a solid platform with a 72-run partnership for the first wicket.
Skipper Sikandar Raza added valuable runs in the middle order, making 34 off 24 deliveries, including three fours and a six. Brendan Taylor chipped in with 14, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled to gain momentum.
For Pakistan, Muhammsad Nawaz led the bowling attack with figures of 2 for 22. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed each picked up one wicket.
Fixtures: Sri Lanka will face Zimbabwe on Thursday while Pakistan will play Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Hearing on cases of Nov 26, protest adjourned
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The hearing in the case filed against PTI leaders for the November 26, protest under trial in the Anti-Terrorism Court has been postponed due to the unavailability of the learned judge.
Judge Abua Hasanat Zulqarnain was to hear the pre-arrest bail applications. PTI leaders Junaid Akbar, Shahram Tarkai, Rauf Hassan, Salman Akram Raja, and others appeared in the court. The court staff summoned the accused present.
Due to the unavailability of the learned judge, arguments could not be made. The hearing was adjourned till January 19, extending the interim bail of the PTI leaders.
A case has been registered against the PTI leaders in the Karachi Company Police Station under the provisions of terrorism.