ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): Sidra Amin’s fourth ODI century went in vain as New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by 131 runs in the first ODI at the John Davies Oval in Queenstown on Tuesday.
Chasing a mammoth 366 to win, openers Muneeba Ali and Sidra gave Pakistan a strong start with a 110-run partnership, according to information made available here by Pakistan Cricket Board.
This opening stand surpassed the previous record of 84 runs set by Ayesha Zafar and Nahida Khan against White Ferns in Nelson, New Zealand, in 2016.
Left-handed Muneeba was the first batter to return to the pavilion in the 19th over after scoring a 48-ball 44, hitting five fours. After the departure of Muneeba, Sadaf Shamas (replacing Nida Dar, due to injury) and Bismah Maroof were soon dismissed with 158 runs on the board in the 34th over of the innings. Aliya Riaz (14, 20b, 1×4), stand-in-captain Fatima Sana (11, 10b, 2x4s) were the other batters to register a score in double figures.
Sidra, who is also the leading run-getter in ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 with 852 runs from 16 matches, scored her third century in the ongoing championship. She struck 12 boundaries in her 117-ball 105. The touring side were bowled out for 234 on the penultimate ball of the match.
For the hosts, Amelia Kerr bagged three wickets for 44, while Lea Tahuhu took two for 45 from seven overs.
Earlier, after being put into bat, White Ferns scored 365 for four in 50 overs. Opening pair of Suzie Bates and Bernadine Bezuidenhout added 165 runs for the first wicket. After the departure of Bezuidenhout (86, 86b, 8x4s), Kerr and Bates knitted an 82-run partnership. During the course of the partnership, right-handed batter Bates brought up her 13th century.
Following Bates’ (108, 104, 11x4s) dismissal, captain Sophie Devine and Kerr added a quick-fire 107 runs for the third wicket. On the second ball of the 44th over, Pakistan captain Nida Dar was hit in the face by a shot played by Devine off her own bowling and had to leave the field. She was later ruled out of the match, and Sadaf Shamas was allowed as Nida’s replacement by match referee Trudy Anderson.
Kerr (83, 69b, 6x4s) and Devine (70, 36b, 2x4s, 6x6s) were the other notable contributors with the bat.
For Pakistan, Fatima, Nashra Sandhu and Umm-e-Hani bagged a wicket each.
Both sides will travel to Christchurch on Wednesday to play the remaining two ODIs of the series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on 15 and 18 December, respectively.
The ODIs are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.
Scores in brief:
New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by 131 runs
New Zealand 365-4, 50 overs (Suzie Bates 108, Bernadine Bezuidenhout 86, Amelia Kerr 83, Sophie Devine 70; Umm-e-Hani 1-57)
Pakistan 234 all out, 49.5 overs (Sidra Amin 105, Muneeba Ali 44; Amelia Kerr 3-44, Lea Tahuhu 2-45)
Player of the match – Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
Series schedule:
3 Dec – 1st T20I, Dunedin (Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by seven wickets)
5 Dec – 2nd T20I, Dunedin (Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by 10 runs)
9 Dec – 3rd T20I, Queenstown (New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by six runs on DLS)
12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by 131 runs)
15 Dec – 2nd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
Sidra Amin’s century in vain as New Zealand beat Pakistan in first ODI
Security Forces kill 27 terrorists in DI Khan operations: ISPR
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): The security forces on Tuesday killed twenty-seven terrorists in various intelligence-based operations, conducted to contain the increased activities of terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan District, while successfully thwarting insurgents’
attacks at a military post in Daraban area.
According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release: ” The night of 11 and 12 December 2023, witnessed heightened activities in Dera Ismail Khan District, wherein a total of twenty-seven terrorists were sent to hell during various operations.”
The Security Forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the general area Darazinda on the reported presence of terrorists.
During the conduct of operation, terrorists’ hideout was busted and seventeen terrorists were sent to hell.
In another intelligence-based operation in the general area Kulachi, the Army troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location as a result of which four terrorists were sent to hell.
However, after the intense exchange of fire, two brave sons of the soil, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat (martyrdom).
The killed terrorists were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as the killing of innocent civilians. The forces recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives during the operations.
However, in the early hours of December 12, a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in the general area Daraban.
The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack.
The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple causalities; twenty three brave soldiers embraced Shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell.
“Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.
20 drug peddlers, bootleggers, illegal weapon holders netted
Rupee gains 11 paisa against Dollar
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): Pakistani Rupee on Tuesday gained 11 paisa against the US Dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs283.78 against the previous day’s closing at Rs283.89.
However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market stood at Rs283.9 and Rs286 respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by 45 paisa to close at Rs 305.81 against the last day’s closing of Rs305.36, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen went up by 02 paisa and closed at Rs1.95; whereas an increase of 85 paisa was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which traded at Rs356.68 compared to the last closing of Rs355.83.
The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal decreased by 04 and 03 paisa to close at Rs77.27 and Rs75.66 respectively.
Ethiopia seeks investment by Pakistani businessmen for financial sector
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) on Tuesday sought collaboration with Pakistan in the financial sector in order to attract investment from Pakistani businessmen for its flourishing economy.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula expressed the desire for collaboration in a meeting with Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, according to a news release of the Ethiopian Embassy.
During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest including different initiatives to further deepen the already flourishing bilateral ties between the two countries.
Jemal Beker briefed the minister about the home-grown economic reforms carried out by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed in five major sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, technology and tourism.
He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the Embassy of the FDR Ethiopia in Islamabad during its first year for strengthening the bilateral relations through strong regional and multilateral cooperation.
“Opening of Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan is a game-changer for Ethiopia-Pakistan bilateral relations,” the ambassador said, adding the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines flight in Karachi was another breakthrough in this regard.
Exchange of multiple official and trade delegations between the two countries also took place during the maiden year of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad, he said while highlighting the resolve on both sides for advancing partnership between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar congratulated the ambassador on opening the Embassy in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the operation of Ethiopian Airlines in Pakistan.
She lauded the impressive reforms carried out by the FDR Ethiopia in the recent past and reiterated the commitment of the Pakistan government for strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia.
The minister assured the ambassador of all-out support for deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Campaign against underage drivers; police register 147 FIRs
Indian SC verdict on IIOJ&K biased, has no legal standing: Experts
By: Muhammad Ashraf
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The recent affirmation by the Indian Supreme Court regarding the abrogation of the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) has sparked fervent criticism from legal experts and global observers, who term it biased and politically motivated.
The experts see the 476-page biased judgment of the Indian Supreme Court as an attempt to twist the legal and historical facts to fit the agenda of the Indian government it had for future of the disputed region.
For Executive Director, Legal Forum for Kashmir (LFK) Advocate, Nasir Qadri the verdict of the Supreme Court seemed predictable under a regime that leaned towards fascism.
“The observations made by the Chief Justice and other judges during the hearings showed their biased mindset. Now the 476-page judgment has twisted the legal and historical facts to fit their own agenda,” Qadri told APP.
Critics, including legal scholars and international entities, have voiced apprehensions about the validity and credibility of the decision regarding an internationally recognized disputed territory.
Chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) Altaf Hussain Wani told APP that the politically motivated decision by the Indian Supreme Court had no standing in front of United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
He said the resolutions clearly maintained that no assembly had any power to decide on behalf of state of Jammu and Kashmir or part of it. So, neither Indian parliament, nor Supreme Court or President of India have any legal standing to take decision over sovereignty of IIOJK.
“I wish Supreme Court of India had courage to visit this resolution,” Wani remarked adding the decision was more political than legal or constitutional one.
Director General at Institute of Multi-Track Dialogue, Development and Diplomatic Studies, Professor Dr. Waleed Rasool while talking to APP said the verdict against the due justice was miscarriage of justice.
He also maintained that the local courts of India could neither surpass the UN resolutions nor the international law, treaties and conventions. “Kashmir was legitimized dispute and UN resolutions are its concrete base therefore, Indian SC verdict to augment Modi policies on Kashmir cannot change the legal dynamics of Kashmir dispute,”
Advocated Nasir Qadri also raised same questions and said, “India is acting under defacto constitutionalism in occupied territory, and no order or judgment can suppress the peoples’ right to self-determination guaranteed by United Nations.”
He said, Jammu and Kashmir was being treated as a testing ground by the occupying authorities, adding this judgment seems like another attempt to solidify India’s military occupation and illegal annexation.
“The court brushed aside the fundamental legal issues related to Article 370 and 35-A and interpret them in a way that suits their own subjective satisfaction,” he remarked .
Meanwhile, senior Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said in a statement in Srinagar, the verdict was not unexpected particularly in the present circumstances while another APHC
Senior leader Yusuf Naqash maintained that the decision would not deter Kashmiris from pursuing their goal for freedom.
It is pertinent to mention that the decision has been vehemently criticized by the pro-India politicians in IIOJK. President Peoples’ Democratic President, Mehbooba Mufti said that it was India that suffered a defeat adding the betrayal has come from them, not us while National Conference President, Omar Abullah said the BJP succeeded in achieving its political objective after 70 years.
Govt. committed to ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to fertilizer sectors: Minister
Training of DROs, ROs to kickstart from Wednesday
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): The extensive training for the newly appointed District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) to facilitate the oversight of the 2024 general elections, would commence on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
The Election Commission, has finalized the training preparations. Senior Election Commission officers will conduct training sessions for district returning officers and returning officers, covering election procedures, rules, and other administrative aspects.
An ECP spokesperson stated that preparations have been completed for a one-day training session on December 16, 2023, for 142 District Returning Officers in all four provincial headquarters. This comprises 40 from Punjab, 36 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 36 from Balochistan, and 30 from Sindh.
Similarly, 859 returning officers (ROs) will receive a two-day election training at their respective divisional levels from December 13 to 15. This includes 441 returning officers from Punjab, 160 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 191 from Sindh, and 67 from Balochistan.
CCI calls for slaughterhouse and a separate market for the poultry sector
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday said that a new slaughterhouse is a longstanding demand of the business community of the meat sector for enhancing their trade and ensuring the supply of fresh meat to their customers.
He urged the Capital Development Authority in consultation with the stakeholders to establish a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse in the vicinity of the federal capital to promote trade and exports of meat products, besides establishing a separate market for the poultry sector to boost its business activities.
He said this while addressing a delegation of the All-Pakistan Jamiat Ul Quresh Meat Welfare Association that visited ICCI led by its President Khursheed Ahmed Qureshi. Javed Qureshi Senior Vice President, Sardar Zaheer Ahmed Secretary General, and others were in the delegation.
Ahsan Bakhtawari said that Pakistan has good potential to export Halal meat products to the Gulf region and many other countries and stressed that the business community should focus on the value-addition of products to improve exports.
He assured that the ICCI would cooperate with the Meat Welfare Association to address the key issues of the business community of their sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Khursheed Ahmed Qureshi briefed the President ICCI about the key issues being faced by the business community of the meat sector and hoped that ICCI would take up them with relevant authorities for redress.
He stressed the need for a new slaughterhouse for the federal capital and urged that the government focus on resolving the issues of the poultry sector.
He said that the livestock sector plays an important role in the economy as it contributes over 60 per cent to agriculture, and over 11 per cent to GDP, as well as provides livelihood to rural families as they derive 35-40 per cent of their income from this source.
He urged the government to cooperate in the value addition of the livestock sector that would help boost its exports and contribute more effectively to reviving the economy.
Ajmal Baloch, President, All-Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, and others also spoke on the occasion and urged the government to focus on resolving the issues of livestock and poultry sectors to facilitate better growth of their business activities and exports.