KARACHI: May 02 –
Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah presides over 5th Governing Body meeting of Sindh Digital Technology Board at CM House.
KARACHI: May 02 –
Deputy PM for joint actions to counter Islamophobia in context of Israel’s aggression against Palestine
ISLAMABAD, May 2 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday stressed the imperative for joint action to counter Islamophobia, particularly in the context of Israel’s aggression against Palestine, which has resulted in a rise in Islamophobic and xenophobic acts around the world.
He expressed these views during a meeting with the Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic Summit, held in Banjul, the Gambia.
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister congratulated the Secretary General on successfully holding the 15th OIC Islamic Summit, a statement issued by the Foreign Office said.
In the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar shared Pakistan’s grave concerns about rising Islamophobia, as manifested by an increasing number of incidents of discrimination, violence, and incitement against Muslims around the world.
He briefed the Secretary General on the situation in in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the use of excessive force by Indian security forces there.
Noting the historic role of the OIC in support of the just struggle of the Kashmiri people, he appreciated the role played by the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir and the Special Envoy on Kashmir and OIC’s regular monitoring of the human rights situation in IIOJK.
The OIC Secretary General reaffirmed OIC’s support to the Kashmiri people and their legitimate right to self-determination as refelfcted in various OIC resolutions.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed deep concern on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation there.
He also expressed alarm at the escalation of the conflict in the region. Stressing upon an immediate ceasefire and unhindered supply of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Senator Dar reiterated Pakistan’s principled position calling for complete withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories including Jerusalem, restitution of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people including their right of return to Palestine, and establishment of an independent homeland for Palestinians with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also applauded the OIC’s efforts and initiatives for peace in the Middle East and expressed full support of Pakistan for these initiatives.
Sindh Chief Minister , Syed Murad Ali Shah presides over cabinet meeting at CM House
KARACHI: May 02 –
Players in action during the fourthT20I match between Pakistan and West Indies Women’s Cricket Team at National Bank Stadium
KARACHI: May 02 –
APP44-020524
KARACHI: May 02 – Pakistan Women’s Team players celebrate the wicket of West Indian player during fourth T20I match between Pakistan and West Indies Women’s Cricket Team at National Bank Stadium. APP/AMH/ABB
KARACHI: May 02 – West Indies batter Jannillea Glasgow being bowled out during the fourth T20I match between Pakistan and West Indies Women’s Cricket Team at National Bank Stadium. APP/AMH/ABB
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at isolated places:PMD
ISLAMABAD, May 02 (APP):Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm is likely at isolated places of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and Pothohar region, according to the Pakistan Meterological Department (PMD).
However, gusty winds/windstorm are likely in south Punjab and upper Sindh during evening/night.
As per synoptic situation, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country.
A shallow westerly wave was likely to enter western parts of Balochistan from tonight and likely to affect upper parts of
the country on May 3.
During the last 24 hours, the weather remained dry in most parts of the country, while hot in southern parts.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded were Mithi 42C, Sukkar, Jacobabad, Dadu and Lasbella 41C.
Pakistan hockey team reach Malaysia for Azlan Shah Tournament
ISLAMABAD, May 02 (APP):The national hockey team has reached Malaysia to feature in the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament commencing May 4.
The Pakistan national hockey team departed from Islamabad International Airport on Thursday.
The team, led by Ammad Shakeel Butt and Defender Abu Bakar to be his deputy, underwent a rigorous two-week training camp at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium to prepare for the competition.
Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament would commence with a match against hosts Malaysia on May 4, followed by encounters with South Korea on May 5, Japan on May 7, Canada on May 8, and New Zealand on May 10. The final of the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament would be held on May 11.
The team comprises experienced players, including two goalkeepers — Abdullah and Muneeb-ur-Rehman, while it includes six defenders — Usama Bashir, Athisham, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufiyan, Abu Bakar, and captain Shakeel Butt. Midfielders Salman Razzaq, Arshad Liaqat, Moin Shakeel, Zakriya Hayat, Murtaza Yaqoob, and Ghazanfar Ali have also been selected.
Forwards Abdul Rehman, Hanan, Rana Waheed, and Ejaz Ahmed complete the squad.
Meanwhile, seven players have been selected as standbys, including Akmal Hussain, Aqeel Ahmed, Arbaz, Hammad Anjum, Abdul Rehman Jr., Abdul Manan, and Rooman.
The Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament is a premier international hockey competition, and Pakistan’s participation in the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament is a testament to the country’s rich hockey heritage and talent. The team’s performance in the tournament would be closely watched by hockey fans across the country.
Hasan Ali recalled, Salman Agha, Haris Rauf back for Ireland, England T20Is
Naeem Niazi
LAHORE, May 02 (APP):The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recalled all-rounder Hasan Ali to national duty while pace sensation Haris Rauf and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha have made a comeback in the 18-member squad picked for the two T20I series in Ireland and England between May 10 and 30.
The three-match T20Is against Ireland will be played from 10-14 May, while the five T20Is against England are scheduled between May 22 and 30.
Hasan Ali played his last T20I in 2022 and Haris Rauf was out of action due to shoulder injury during the PSL while Salman Agha was among the non-travelling reserves for the five-match T20I home series against New Zealand last month. Explosive wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has also been picked after staying out of the New Zealand T20I series when he developed a hamstring injury. Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan were rested and rehabilitated after sustaining minor niggles against New Zealand last month.
During a press conference at the Gaddafi stadium here on Thursday, the Men’s national selection committee announced the 18-member squad which included Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha while wrist-spinner Usama Mir and Zaman Khan could not make the cut and were left out keeping in mind various cricketing aspects.
The Men’s national selection committee admitted that a lot of deliberations were involved in the 18-member squad from which the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024 in West Indies and USA will be picked. ““Crafting this squad was a challenging task due to the outstanding talent available,” Wahab Riaz said, adding that “We understand Usama and Zaman will be disappointed and they should be as they must be looking ahead to the tours of Ireland and England. They are quality cricketers and have long careers ahead of them. They need to continue to focus on their cricket so that they are available, if required.”
However, the selection committee put off announcement of 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024 till May 23 in Birmingham (England) after Pakistan have played their first T20I against England in Leeds. The ICC deadline for squad submission is May 24.
Wahab Riaz has said that the four players, working on their rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), including Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Azam Khan and Haris Rauf have been picked after fitness assessment at which they showed significant improved. Wahab was optimist that the players will be fully fit by the start of the Ireland series in Dublin.
Hasan Ali’s selection is due to his experience and extraordinary performance in the ICC events and he might be useful during the second half of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies. Hasan Ali is currently playing county cricket for Warwickshire in England. Salman Ali Agha’s selection has been made to strengthen the spin-bowling attack with a useful off-spinner alongside Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan besides the part-timer Iftikahr Ahmed.
The 18-member Pakistan squad (in alphabetical order): Babar Azam (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Khan
Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 following a three-day training camp in Lahore from 4-6 May.
Schedule of matches:
10 May – v Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin
12 May – v Ireland, 2nd T20, Dublin
14 May – v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin
22 May – v England, 1st T20I, Leeds
25 May – v England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham
28 May – v England 3rd T20I, Cardiff
30 May – v England, 4th T20I, The Oval
ADB delegation visits FBR
ISLAMABAD, May 2 (APP):Asian Development Bank (ADB) mission on Thursday visited Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and met the senior officials of the board who have been assisting in the implementation of the Domestic Resource Mobilization Program (DRM).
The mission was led by Senior Director ADB Tariq Niazi and included Senior Public Sector Management Specialist Laisiasa Tora, Sana Masood and Farzana Noshab economist were also presented in the meeting, said a press release issued by FBR.
The mission’s objectives included discussion on structural and policy reforms under the DRM Program funded by the bank and showed satisfaction on the successful rolling down of the DRM Program and noted that significant achievements were made in the Sub-Program I of the DRM program.
Due to the dedicated efforts of FBR, $300 million was disbursed by ADB to the Government of Pakistan in December 2023. Sub-program I laid down the foundations for improved policies, laws and institutional capacity for the FBR.
Sub-program II reforms are to be completed by end 2024 which will build on earlier actions to ensure full implementation and operationalization.
FBR apprised the ADB team that the Revenue Division in line with the vision of the Prime Minister to transform Federal Board of Revenue into a digital tax administration and keeping pace with global trends, has embarked on a journey of digitalization focused towards automation of its processes and digitalizing of the economy.
These initiatives reduce the cost of compliance of taxpayers, document the economy, expand the tax base and lead FBR on a sustainable path to revenue growth. FBR will be collaborating with Karandaaz for developing a comprehensive digital strategy for realizing the digital transformation of FBR and its digitalization initiatives and their implementation.
Contours of a Digital Tax Administration Project of the FBR with the support of ADB were also discussed and the ADB team showed keen interest in this reform.
Both sides agreed to explore ways to strengthen collaboration in support of Government of Pakistan’s Digital Tax Administration Project.
Govt. expects to generate Rs30bn in first year implementation of forest administration policy
PESHAWAR, May 02 (APP): Provincial Advisor on Finance, Muzamil Aslam Thursday said that revenue of Rs 30 billion was expected in the first year under a scientific policy of forests administration that would be implemented after getting approval from provincial cabinet.
He was chairing a meeting that was convened to review scientific policy for administration of forests in KP. It was also attended by Provincial Minister for Forests, Fazal Hakeem, Secretary Forests, Nazar Hussain Shah and officials concerned.
Finance Advisor said that foreign investor would be invited under the scientific policy that would be implemented for administration of forests after approval of cabinet. He said that fifty percent of KP revenue was generated from timber that has reached to zero.
He said that forests are situated on 26 percent and said that decrease of forest land has also affected financial position of stakeholders. He informed that KP needs a result oriented policy that is finalized and soon be sent to cabinet for approval.
Ambassador Amna for enhanced collaboration between Pak, Belgian varsities
BRUSSELS, May 02 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg Amna Baloch on Thursday emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations between Belgium and Pakistan, highlighted the potential for fruitful cooperation and collaboration between universities in both countries.
The ambassador, during her visit to the Hasselt University in Belgium, commended the varsity for its innovative approach and impressive progress across various academic disciplines.
On her arrival, she was warmly received by Director Research, Library and Internationalisation, Sadia VANCAUWENBERGH.
As part of the university’s annual world evening event, Ambassador Amna Baloch also visited a Pakistani food stall, where she appreciated the efforts of Pakistani students in showcasing diverse Pakistani culture and cuisine on an international platform.
This visit underscores the commitment of Pakistan to strengthen ties with Belgium academic institutions for mutual benefit.