ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the members of the National Assembly
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the members of the National Assembly
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the members of the National Assembly
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the members of the National Assembly
ISLAMABAD
Shan Masood shines with century as action unfolds at five venues
ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP):The second day of the seventh Quaid-e-Azam Trophy round saw wickets galore with eight five-wicket hauls across the five games, while Shan Masood was the lone batter to strike a century as exciting action unfolded at all five venues.
Multan required another 288 runs to win against Sialkot at the Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad as they were 103-2 in 30 overs at stumps chasing 391-run target after an eventful 20-wicket day.
Zain Abbas (41 not out, 74b, 3x4s, 1×6) and Waqar Hussain (23 not out, 60b, 2x4s) put on unbeaten 54 runs towards the end after Hamza Nazar had accounted for both Multan openers.
Earlier in the day chaos ensued Multan’s first and Sialkot’s second innings as wickets fell at regular intervals with Usama Mir, Mehran Mumtaz and Ali Usman bagging five-fors in the process.
Resuming from their overnight score of 63-2 in 13 overs, Multan fell in Sialkot’s spin trap as skipper Usama (7.4-2-28-5) and left-arm spinner Mehran (13-3-48-5) combined to take 10-76 in 20.4 overs bagging their third and fourth first-class five-fors, respectively. Multan, who were skittled for 139 in 33.4 overs, conceded a 149-run first innings deficit.
In turn, Multan’s Ali Usman bagged his sixth first-class five for and second in the match (5-98 and 5-98) to reduce Sialkot to 101-8.
At this juncture no.10 batter Hasan Ali slammed his ninth first-class half-century falling nine short of his second such ton (91, 64b, 8x4s, 7x6s) as he stitched a 53-run ninth-wicket stand with Afzaal Manzoor (25, 31b, 3x4s) and an 87-run stand with Usama Mir (18 not out, 38b, 2x4s) to help his team post a sizable target for Multan.
Faisalabad gained a massive 227-run first innings lead over Islamabad on the back of Test pacer Khurram Shahzad’s 15th first-class five-wicket haul (16-5-53-5) as Islamabad were bundled out for 159 in reply to Faisalabad’s 386 at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.
Khurram was aided by left-arm pacer Jahandad Khan (3-27) and left-arm spinner Ahmed Safi Abdullah (2-43) in inflicting an 85-7 collapse over Islamabad as they went from 74-3 to 159 all out in 52.1 overs. Wicketkeeper Ali Shan grabbed five catches behind the stumps, three off Khurram and two off Jahandad.
At close of play, Faisalabad were eight for no loss having faced one over.
Earlier, Faisalabad could only add 64 runs to their overnight score of 322-4 in 81 overs as Islamabad’s pacer Hunain Shah bagged his maiden first-class five-wicket haul (5-84 in 18.4 overs). Jahandad, batting at no.8 struck four fours and three sixes in his 46-ball 40.
Karachi Blues tormented Abbottabad at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi as pacer Saqib Khan recorded his best bowling in the format returning figures of 15.1-3-34-7 to dismiss the latter for 191, who conceded a 67-run first innings deficit.
Then in turn, Blues’ no.3 and Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood (114 not out, 116b, 14x4s, 2x6s) slammed his 32nd first-class century to lead his team to 202-3 in 43 overs at stumps – 269 ahead of Abbottabad. Shan also shared a 98-run third-wicket stand with Saud Shakeel (33, 69b, 4x4s, 1×6).
Abbottabad had resumed from their overnight score of 31-3 and were soon reduced to 78-5 and 149-7 as no.7 batter Khayyam Khan’s half-century (59, 105b, 7x4s, 1×6) kept them afloat while Saqib bested his previous best bowling of 6-62 against Multan in the same tournament.
Bahawalpur were made to follow-on by Fata after they fell for 146 all out in 55.1 overs in reply to 396 all out at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar. Bahawalpur will resume their second innings tomorrow after only one ball was possible towards the end of day two.
Fata’s Hayatullah returned figures of 19-4-71-6 to help his team gain a massive 250-run first innings lead. Earlier, FATA had resumed from overnight score of 271-5 and managed to add 125 runs to their total. Wicketkeeper-batter Rehan Afridi fell 12 runs short of his eighth-first-class century (88, 123b, 8x4s).
At the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad, Sajid Khan-led Peshawar were 123 runs ahead of Lahore Whites as they finished the day two with 108-2 in 33 overs building on their slim 15-run first-innings gain. Israrullah was unbeaten on 61 off 103 balls hitting five fours and two sixes.
Test off-spinner Sajid earlier picked up his 20th first-class five-wicket haul accounting for figures of 30-8-82-5 as Lahore Whites added 200 runs to their overnight score of 30-2 courtesy half-centuries from no.6 batter Qasim Akram (82, 126b, 7x4s, 3x6s) and opening batter Ali Zaryab (57, 133b, 7x4s).
Balochistan CM inaugurates anti-harassment directorate, urges strict workplace protection laws
QUETTA, Nov 12 (APP): Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti inaugurated the newly established Directorate of the Provincial Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment, reaffirming the Balochistan government’s commitment to creating safer, more respectful professional environments for women.
During the ceremony, Secretary Women Development Department Saira Atta presented a comprehensive briefing on the Directorate’s performance and ongoing initiatives to safeguard women’s rights in the workplace.
In his address, CM Sarfraz Bugti emphasized the urgent need for robust and enforceable legislation to prevent workplace harassment.
“The current laws against harassment should be reviewed and made strict so that women can perform their professional duties in a safe and respectable environment,” Bugti emphasized.
He issued a directive that even if a compromise is reached between parties, the government must continue prosecution to ensure accountability and deterrence.
Recognizing harassment as a serious social issue, CM Bugti called for collective resolve and social consciousness to eliminate it.
He instructed authorities to provide legal assistance and guidance to women who report harassment, encourage victims to come forward without fear or hesitation.
Sarfraz Bugti directed that anti-harassment committees across departments activated and strengthen the operational capacity of the Provincial Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment.
“Women are a dignified and respected part of our society. The State is responsible for guaranteeing their protection and dignity, and there will be no compromise on this,” CM Bugti concluded.
The event was attended by Provincial Ministers Mir Shoaib Nosherwani and Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Parliamentary Secretaries Mir Barkat Rind and Haji Wali Muhammad Norzai.
US Ambassador Natalie A. Baker calls on KP Governor, discuss bilateral ties
PESHAWAR, Nov 12 (APP):US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker called on Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor House on Tuesday. The US Consul General in Peshawar, Thomas Eckert, was also present during the meeting.
The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, investment opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the overall security situation, particularly along the Pak-Afghan border.
Governor Kundi briefed the US envoy on the province’s vast potential in tourism especially religious tourism and its abundant natural resources.
He emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds great strategic and economic importance due to its geographical position and natural wealth.
Highlighting Pakistan-US cooperation, the Governor said, “The United States is a key development partner and a friendly nation. We wish to further expand our collaboration in various sectors.”
He added that the most valuable investment in the province is in its youth through educational opportunities and scholarships in American institutions.
“Our youth have exceptional talent in both education and sports,” he remarked. Governor Kundi also informed the Ambassador about ongoing initiatives by the Governor House aimed at promoting industrial growth, empowering women, and encouraging youth participation in sports and education.
He stressed that sustainable development goals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can be effectively achieved through joint Pak-US efforts in multiple sectors.
During the meeting, Governor Kundi presented the traditional KP shawl to Ambassador Baker as a gesture of goodwill.
Ambassador Baker thanked the Governor for the warm hospitality and praised his commitment to provincial progress and prosperity and expressed solidarity with the people, police, and security forces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Baker reaffirmed the United States’ desire to continue working closely with the provincial government for the development and well-being of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
RCCI holds 36th Int’l Achievement Awards in Tashkent
RAWALPINDI, Nov 12 (APP): The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) hosted its 36th International Achievement Awards ceremony in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, recognising outstanding contributions in business, innovation and industry, and promoting regional trade and investment cooperation.
Chief guest Kurdatov Laziz Shavkatovich, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, lauded the growing business partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and highlighted key areas for future collaboration, including fruits and vegetables, textiles, pharmaceuticals, tourism and information technology.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan; Alisher Shaikhov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan; and Zaheer Abbas, Pakistan’s Trade Counsellor in Tashkent.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat said the event “showcases the dynamism and excellence of our entrepreneurs on an international platform” and reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening trade diplomacy and expanding avenues for Pakistani exports and investment.
According to an RCCI spokesman, the Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on former RCCI President Syed Asad Mashadi for his exceptional services, visionary leadership, and lasting contributions to Pakistan’s business community.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat said the honour reflected both Mashadi’s personal achievements and the chamber’s collective strength.
Group Leader and former RCCI President Sohail Altaf received a memento recognising his dynamic leadership and advocacy for Pakistan’s business community, particularly on critical budgetary and policy matters.
Development projects in Karachi to serve as milestone for urban populace: Sharjeel
KARACHI, Nov 12 (APP):Senior Minister Sindh Sharjeel Inam Memon on Wednesday said that the ongoing development projects in Karachi will serve as milestone for urban convenience and sustainable future growth.
The K-IV project is a promise made to the people of Karachi, under which the city would be provided clean and abundant water.
In a statement, Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, said that all departments of the Sindh government were working in complete coordination as per the directives of the Chief Minister.
The purpose of laying a water pipeline from Aziz Bhatti Park to Urdu University is to provide long-term convenience to citizens. While temporary traffic issues are arising, these challenges are steps toward a permanent solution. He appealed to the public to cooperate, as these projects are being completed for their better future.
Sharjeel Inam Memon further said that the K-IV, Red Line, and other development projects are not just construction activities but part of the Sindh government’s vision to transform Karachi into a modern and well-equipped city.
He added that, on the instructions of the Chief Minister Sindh, the pace of all projects has been accelerated, and wherever public difficulties are emerging, immediate actions are being taken. The Sindh government is working with a spirit of public service, and very soon, the citizens of Karachi will experience the positive outcomes of these projects themselves.
CM Bugti directs concerned authorities to meet demand for sugar
QUETTA, Nov 12 (APP):Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday directed relevant authorities to meet the current demand of sugar in province and finalize timely measures in this regard as soon as possible to ensure availability of sugar.
He said this while chairing a meeting regarding the supply and demand of sugar in Balochistan.
Measures related to the availability and supply of sugar in the province were reviewed during the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary Industries Muhammad Khalid Sarpara and Director General Industries Zulfiqar Shah.
The meeting was briefed by the relevant authorities regarding the availability and required quantity of sugar in the province.
The meeting was informed that the required quantity of sugar is being ensured to Balochistan through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and the relevant sugar dealers.
The CM directed that measures to prevent the shipment of sugar outside the province should be made more effective.
He also ordered the relevant authorities to meet the current demand for sugar in the province and finalize timely steps in this regard as soon as possible.