Shoaib Malik became the first Pakistani batter to hit 1000 fours in 482 innings of T20 format.
Right-handed batsman Shoaib Malik performed a unique feat for Pakistan during the ongoing National T20 Cup match between Sialkot Region and Rawalpindi Region at the United Bank Limited (UBL) Sports Complex in Karachi on Sunday.
41-year-old Shoaib Malik, who has represented Pakistan in 446 international matches, became the first Pakistani batsman to hit 1000 fours in 482 innings in T20 cricket.
He became the eighth player in the history of cricket to achieve this milestone. He also hit 400 sixes in the shorter format and became the only Pakistani so far.
Shoaib Malik has also become the first Pakistani batsman to score 5000 T20 runs in Pakistan. In Pakistan, he has so far scored 5068 runs at an average of 46.93 and a strike rate of 135, including 42 fifties, in 156 innings.
Malik had earlier expressed that he wants to break Chris Gayle’s record of most runs in T20 cricket.
The all-rounder needs 1719 runs to make history as he currently has 12,843 runs in 482 innings of T20 cricket while Gayle has 14,562 runs in 455 innings. Considering how much Shoaib Malik has worked on his fitness over the years, it wouldn’t be surprising if he continues to play the shortest format of the game for a few more years and breaks Gayle’s record.
Pakistan’s Arzoo and Laiba Zia won the gold medal in the seventh South Asian Karate Championship, held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Arzoo won the gold medal in the 66 kg category, defeating an opponent from India in the first fight and Nepal’s opponent in the final.
Laiba Zia won the gold medal in the 50 kg category in the South Asian Karate Championship, defeating Sri Lankan opponent in the first fight, Nepalese in the second fight, and an Indian opponent in the final.
In a tragic incident in the Chilas area of Gilgit-Baltistan’s(GB) Diamer district, a passenger bus en route to Rawalpindi was targeted by unknown assailants on December 2. The attack resulted in the loss of at least nine lives, including two soldiers, and injuries to 21 passengers.
The attackers fired from nearby hills, causing the bus to collide with a goods truck.
Six people have been arrested in connection with the attack, according to a local police official as per Dawn.
The bus (Number BLN 4647) was traveling from Gahkuch, the district headquarters of Ghizer, operated by K2 Travels, a private transportation company.
This isn’t the first time passenger buses have been attacked on the KKH by terrorists. Unlike the past attacks, in which passengers from the Shia community were targetted, this time the victims are not from a particular faith group.
Mir Alam, bus driver in cowardly attack that took 10 lives, bravely attempted to save passengers amidst indiscriminate gunfire. His efforts resulted in collision with an oncoming truck. Mir Alam also perished. He was from Hunza and had served in army as driver.#GilgitBaltistanpic.twitter.com/XBlvOipqKg
Contrary to previous incidents in the region, GB Home Minister Shams Lone emphasized that this attack was not sectarian but rather a terrorist act that claimed lives from various backgrounds.
The local community in Diamer has reportedly rejected such acts, and the government has assured the public of taking tough measures against the perpetrators.
The minister said that the GB government has taken “tough decisions” to deal with militants and “all culprits will be arrested soon”.
He added that religious scholars from all sects, civil society and political parties have condemned the attack.
GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, along with other top officials, attended the funeral of the victims and announced compensation of Rs1 million for the deceased, Rs500,000 for the seriously injured, and Rs300,000 for other injured passengers.
The government has also implemented security measures, including daytime travel for passenger vehicles through Diamer in convoys escorted by security personnel.
Protests
Protests erupted across Chilas, Gilgit, Skardu, and Hunza, with the transporters’ association calling for protection for vehicles traveling on the Karakoram Highway (KKH).
Bus Service Suspended
In response to the incident, bus services from Rawalpindi to Gilgit-Baltistan remain suspended until foolproof security is provided, as stated by Malik Shahbaz, the general secretary of the Pakistan Transporter Welfare Association.
Malik Shahbaz, the general secretary of the Pakistan Transporter Welfare Association, told Dawn that 150 to 200 coaches and buses operate from Rawalpindi to 10 GB districts daily.
He claimed that only one security official on a motorcycle is deputed to escort the convoy of buses along the 50-kilometer-long stretch of the KKH in Chilas.
“The public transport service will remain suspended until the provision of foolproof security to Gilgit-bound buses,” Mr Shahbaz said.
The Pakistan Association of Tour Operators also condemned the attack and said the act of violence not only resulted in the loss of innocent lives but had a profound impact on the tourism industry as well. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy.”
Security Enhanced
Meanwhile, Islamabad Capital City Police Officer(ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan issued directives to enhance security measures in the Diplomatic Enclave following the attack.
“Police remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment and ensuring the protection of the lives and property of the citizens within the federal capital,” he said.
“Citizens are urged to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities or items by dialling helpline Pucar 15 or at ICT-15 app,” he said.
A fire has broken out over the weekend in the forests of Sherani and Musakhail, divisions close to the border area of Balochistan, reports Geo.
This is not the first time that these regions have been caught in a wildfire as last year in May, another fire destroyed a vast cultivation of Chilgoza pine plants spread on almost 30 square kilometer area. The fire lingered on for more than 10 days and took the lives of three people.
Deputy Commissioner Musakhail Zulfiqar Kirar has employed Levies Force and fireballs to curb the fire in the mountainous forests. As cars can not reach the region, the Levies force is heading the firefighting effort on foot. He further said that inmates of the two houses have been relocated due to the fire. The operation will continue all night while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) will remain in close coordination with the administration.
Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Ali Mardan Domki has also directed officials to stop the spread of the fire.
In compliance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, WhatsApp has released its monthly report detailing actions taken in response to user grievances and violations of Indian laws or WhatsApp’s Terms of Service. The report covers the period from October 1, 2023, to October 31, 2023.
The report from Meta’s instant messaging platform details the abuse detection mechanisms operating at various stages of an account’s lifecycle and emphasises the company’s focus on prevention. In the specified period, WhatsApp banned a total of 7,548,000 accounts in India, with 1,919,000 of these accounts being proactively banned before any user reports.
As per the instant messaging platform, the section on user grievances provides insights into the types of complaints received and the corresponding actions taken.
Reportedly, WhatsApp received a total of 9,063 reports during the reporting period. The majority of the reports were related to “Ban appeal” (4,771), while others covered topics such as “Account support,” “Other support,” “Product support,” and “Safety.” Out of the total reports, 12 accounts were actioned, with bans or account restorations based on the nature of the complaint.
Additionally, the report outlines the orders received from the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), indicating that WhatsApp received five orders during the same period, complying with all of them.
To recall, from September 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, a total of 7,111,000 WhatsApp accounts were banned. Among these, 2,571,000 accounts were proactively banned prior to receiving any user reports, as mentioned in the WhatsApp report.
In the month of September, as per the report, the platform received six orders from the Grievance Appellate Committee, all of which were duly adhered to.
Moreover, WhatsApp mentioned receiving 10,442 user reports in various categories during September, including account support (1,031), ban appeal (7,396), other support (1,518), product support (370), and safety (127).
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) claimed on Sunday that party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will become the president of Pakistan whether the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) or Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) win the upcoming elections on February 8 next year.
Currently, Dr. Arif Alvi is the head of the state under Article 44 of the Constitution, which allows the president to work in the absence of provincial and national assemblies, which were dissolved early this year in January and August, respectively.
Alvi is the fourth head of state to complete his full term. The previous three presidents who completed their five-year terms were the fifth president Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry (1973–1988), the 11th president Asif Ali Zardari (2008–2013), and the 12th president Mamnoon Hussain (2013–2018).
In an interview, JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah said that if Fazlur Rehman can be the head of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), then he can also be the president of the country as well.
Hafiz Hamdullah also criticised PML-N and PPP for “keeping an eye” on Balochistan.
“Father-son and father-daughter duos keep an eye on Balochistan’s [politics], let’s see what results it bears [in future],” he said.
In a confirmation made by the foreign office spokesperson on Sunday, Pakistan is set to host successive visits by senior US officials, marking a continuation of bilateral consultations between the two nations.
According to Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the foreign office spokesperson, Pakistan and the United States are actively engaged in discussions on a spectrum of issues, prompting the need for reciprocal visits to facilitate and further these consultations.
Scheduled to commence on December 4, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes, is expected to visit Pakistan until December 6.
Following her visit, the Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, is slated to be in Islamabad from December 7 to 9. Subsequently, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Pakistan, Elizabeth Horst, is scheduled to visit from December 9 to 12.
The spokesperson for the foreign office emphasised that these visits are integral to the ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the US, with a primary focus on addressing issues pertaining to Afghanistan. Notably, the discussions are not confined solely to matters related to Afghanistan but encompass a broader spectrum of bilateral concerns.
According to the US State Department, Julieta Valls Noyes will engage with senior government officials as well as representatives from non-governmental organisations and international partners.
The purpose of her visit is outlined as discussions on “shared efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and accelerate safe, efficient relocation and resettlement of Afghan refugees in the US immigration pipeline.”
These diplomatic engagements underscore the commitment of both nations to maintain an open dialogue and collaborate on multifaceted challenges, with a particular emphasis on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
Liu Jianming, Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Political Commissar of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, announced that China is set to extend support to Pakistan by providing top-quality, disease-resistant, high-yield hybrid seeds for cotton, canola, and wheat crops.
The objective is to achieve robust crop production while simultaneously addressing the escalating demands of the textile industry and earning essential foreign exchange. During his visit to the head office of Guard Agricultural Research and Services, he emphasised, “We aim for enhanced crop production through modern mechanised agricultural farming,” according to a news release.
Furthermore, Liu affirmed that China will collaborate with Pakistan in the production of cotton hybrid seeds, encompassing sunflower, maize, sesame, and other varieties. He also mentioned that China would share its successful experience with “Water Saving Technology.”
Expressing appreciation for the research activities of Guard Agriculture Research, Liu stated that all nine members of the delegation were keenly interested and extended an invitation to visit China for one-on-one interactions with stakeholders.
Liu asserted, “Together, we can leverage the power of innovation to address the challenges confronting the agricultural sector in Pakistan,” underscoring China’s readiness to provide technical expertise, research collaboration, and necessary resources for the development of cutting-edge hybrid seeds.
Highlighting the significance of the agriculture sector, he mentioned that China is eager to support Pakistan in hybrid seeds, with the shared goal of enhancing crop productivity and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Deputy Consul General Cao Ke was also present during the occasion.
According to APP, earlier in the event, Shahzad Ali Malik, CEO of Guard Agri, extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. He informed them, “We are pioneers in developing the first-ever Guard Hitech hybrid rice seed, which not only doubled production but also significantly increased farmers’ profitability in Pakistan.”
Malik mentioned that Guard Agri has been actively engaged in research since 1999 in collaboration with the Longping Chinese Company. He added that their rice is exported to 41 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The CEO emphasised ongoing research in rice, wheat, cotton, maize, oilseed, and vegetables in various stations across Punjab and Sindh provinces.
“Pakistan aims to enhance the production of all crops through modern technology and Chinese expertise,” Malik stated, expressing gratitude to the Chinese delegation for visiting Pioneer Company. He accepted their invitation to visit Xinjiang Province for further cooperation and collaboration in the agriculture sector.
Subsequently, Liu and Shahzad exchanged souvenirs to mark the occasion.
Pakistan’s Commerce and Industries Minister, Dr Gohar Ejaz, led an official delegation to Saudi Arabia. The delegation included secretaries from the Ministry of Commerce, the Board of Investment (BOI), and officials from the Attorney General’s Office.
They engaged in discussions with the GCC Chief Negotiator to finalise the investment-related aspects of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Technical teams delved into details such as investment protection and facilitation.
Dr Ejaz expressed optimism about strengthening economic ties and highlighted the significance of the investment chapter.
The GCC FTA is anticipated to enhance trade, investment, and job opportunities between Pakistan and the GCC.
Both parties are considering a joint business forum to further promote economic collaboration, and Dr Ejaz expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the GCC.
In the initial five months of the fiscal year 2024, Pakistan’s trade performance has witnessed notable enhancements, marking a positive stride towards economic stability, as articulated by Dr Gohar Ejaz, the Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries, in a communication on X (formerly Twitter).
The minister conveyed his unwavering confidence in Pakistan’s trajectory towards economic recovery, emphasising the commitment to diligent efforts aimed at job creation, economic growth, and the overall betterment of citizens’ lives.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan’s exports experienced a year-on-year increase of 1.93 per cent, reaching $12.17 billion in the aforementioned five-month period, while imports exhibited a substantial decrease of 17.32 per cent to $21.55 billion.
Consequently, the trade deficit contracted to $9.38 billion, registering a noteworthy decline of 33.59 per cent compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year.
Zooming in on November’s performance, Pakistan’s exports demonstrated a robust year-on-year growth of 7.66 per cent, totaling $2.57 billion, whereas imports saw a decline of 13.47 per cent to $4.46 billion.
This translated into a trade deficit of $1.89 billion for November, marking a notable reduction of 31.72 per cent compared to November 2022.
