Tag: Karachi

  • Shoaib Akhtar to initiate career opportunities for Pakistani footballers

    Shoaib Akhtar to initiate career opportunities for Pakistani footballers

    Former Pakistani Pacer Shoaib Akhtar has reportedly initiated a life-changing career opportunity for 20 of Pakistan’s most outstanding football players. The initiative is led by the Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) in collaboration with Jawan Sports Drive.

    With GSV, Akhtar will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in Pakistan. GSV is heavily investing in the trials in Pakistan, giving the first UEFA scouting examination on a national level in Pakistan to identify talent in 10 cities across 11 sites, with the goal of offering life-changing professions through professional football contracts in Ireland.

    Under St Patrick’s Football Club’s development programme, the visit also includes four masterclasses in major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Lahore to enhance local football coaching expertise to European levels.

    At least 15-25 coaches have been shortlisted based on merit to attend masterclasses to improve their skills as a trainer with the aim of becoming certified trainers who would train other trainers.

    Talking about the initiative, the chairman of GSV Yasir Mahmood said: “Football is here to stay for the right reasons to develop and provide an opportunity for Pakistani players. With Akhtar as an iconic cricket legend well regarded around the world will help play a transitional role in making football become on top of the minds of our nation.”

    Meanwhile, CEO of GSV Zabe Khan said: “The only lifeline a player has and that is to play. Pakistan has seen nothing but football being swiped off its so-called grassroots.”

    “I welcome Shoaib Akhtar standing shoulder to shoulder with GSV offering a new hope for Pakistan’s next-generation football players,” he added.

    British Deputy High Commissioner Allison Blackburne said: “Football is not just a sport, for many in the UK it’s a way of life, and it would be great to see it become more popular in sport-loving Pakistan.

    He further said: “I’m delighted that talented young players here in Pakistan will have this opportunity provided by GSV to learn from some of the best UEFA coaches through St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club.”

    On the other hand, Belgian UEFA licensed coach Karel Freaye said: “Football is for everyone and I am looking for talent with the potential to develop and grow into professional players in Europe.

    With the trial registrations rising by the hour, he said that he is excited to see what football technical excellence Pakistan has to offer.

    On the other hand, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Chairman Kamyab Jawan Program Usman Dar said: “The revival of sports is the top priority of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Government. I welcome GSV in their efforts for reviving football in Pakistan.

    “PM’s Kamyab Jawan Programme together with GSV will ensure that through football talent hunt we will produce the next football Kamyab Jawan heroes who will represent Pakistan nationally and internationally,” he expressed.

    President of St. Patrick’s Football Club Garret Kelleher expressed: “It is simply wonderful that the resources are now being put in place in Pakistan to allow football inspiring those with a passion for the game to fulfil their dreams and aspirations just like Shoaib Akhtar has in the world of cricket representing Pakistan at the highest level.”

    Talking about the sports, CEO of Itel Zeeshan Yousuf said: “What excites me the most about this legacy project of GSV is the prospect of changing lives of 20 successful kids who will be on a life-changing journey to Europe.

  • NCOC allows 25 per cent spectators for PSL 7 Karachi-leg matches

    NCOC allows 25 per cent spectators for PSL 7 Karachi-leg matches

    The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has allowed 25 per cent crowd attendance for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 7 Karachi-leg matches, which will be played at the National Stadium from January 27 to February 7.

    As per the press release isuued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the decision means around 8,000 spectators will be allowed inside the venue each match day. However, to ensure their health and safety as well as others attending the matches, the spectators’ entry will be subject to strict Covid-19 protocols, which are:

    • Individuals above the age of 12 years must be fully vaccinated
    • Valid vaccination certificates must be shown at the time gaining access to the stadium
    • Wearing of masks inside the venue is mandatory
    • Anyone violating the NCOC guidelines shall be liable to be evicted out of the stadium

    PCB Chief Operating Officer and PSL Tournament Director Salman Naseer said: “Spectators are the essence of any sport event and in this background, we now hope to set the stage with 25 per cent crowds to attend the Karachi matches of the HBL PSL 2022.”

    “As a responsible organisation, we completely understand our obligations in relation to health and safety of the fans and will leave no stone unturned in strictly implementing the NCOC guidelines.”

    Read More – NCOC bans indoor events in cities with Covid positivity rate over 10%

    “However, we will also require complete and unconditional support from the spectators so that they and others can continue to enjoy the matches in a safe and secure environment. This is something they can do by simply following the guidelines,” it added.

    The NCOC will make a decision closer to time for the Lahore-leg matches scheduled for the Gaddafi Stadium, which will be played from February 10-27.

  • NCOC bans indoor events in cities with Covid positivity rate over 10%

    NCOC bans indoor events in cities with Covid positivity rate over 10%

    According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), all indoor gatherings and events have been banned in the districts and cities with Covid-19 positivity rate exceeding 10 per cent. However, only outdoor wedding events are allowed to be organised with a maximum of 500 guests.

    The ban will go into effect from January 24 , the NCOC said.

    The decisions were taken after the NCOC held a detailed review of the country’s current coronavirus situation along with the corresponding Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs). The forum differentiated the new NPIs depending on whether districts have Covid-19 positivity rate up to 10 per cent or above.

    The NPIs to be implemented are as follows depending on the positivity rate and specify that they are for fully vaccinated individuals:

    Gatherings

    • Indoor gatherings allowed up to 300 individuals, outdoor up to 500 for districts with positivity up to 10pc
    • Indoor gatherings banned, outdoor up to 300 for districts with positivity rate more than 10pc (with effect from Jan 24)

    Weddings:

    • Indoor weddings allowed up to 300 individuals, outdoor up to 500 for districts with positivity rate up to 10pc
    • Indoor weddings banned, outdoor up to 300 for districts with positivity rate more than 10pc (with effect from Jan 24 and will remain effective till February 15)

    Dining:

    • Indoor and outdoor dining both allowed for districts with positivity rate up to 10pc
    • Indoor dining banned (with effect from Jan 24), outdoor allowed for districts with positivity rate more than 10pc

    Education sector:

    • Education activities will continue for those under and over 12 in districts with positivity rate up to 10pc
    • Education activities will continue with staggered attendance at 50pc capacity for those under 12 and 100pc attendance for those over 12 in districts with positivity rate more than 10pc
    • Those over 12 will need to be fully vaccinated in both situations
    • Vaccination will be mandatory (at least one dose) for those over 12 from Feb 1
    • Aggressive sentinel testing to be carried out for targeted closures in institutes with high disease prevalence
    • Federating units in consultation with health authorities will decide limits for closure of educational institutions

    Gyms, cinemas, shrines, amusement parks:

    • Indoor activities allowed for districts with positivity rate up to 10pc
    • Indoor activities allowed at 50pc capacity for districts with positivity rate more than 10pc

    Sports:

    • All sports activities allowed for districts with positivity rate up to 10pc
    • Ban on contact sports (karate, boxing, martial arts, rugby, water polo, wrestling and kabaddi) for districts with positivity rate more than 10pc

     

    The NCOC decided that markets and business activities will continue without any restrictions. Employers are encouraged to let people work from home where possible.

    Similarly, intercity public transport has been restricted in districts with high coronavirus positivity ratios at 70pc and 80pc in railways. The ban on serving of meals was also maintained for public transport and domestic air travel.

    The curbs come as the country is in the grip of the fifth wave, which is being driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

    It should be noted that in the last 24 hours, the coronavirus positivity ratio in Pakistan was 9.48pc when 5,472 infections were recorded, with Sindh and Punjab leading the charge in new cases reported.

    Owing to a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, several educational institutions in Islamabad and Karachi have also decided to close all schools to curb the rapid spread of the virus.

  • Karachi cop involved in groom’s killing commits suicide

    Karachi cop involved in groom’s killing commits suicide

     A policeman allegedly involved in the killing a newly-married man for resisting a mugging committed suicide to avoid arrest during a police raid. He has been identified as Farzand Ali Jafri who was posted at the Investigation Wing of Karachi’s District West in Karachi.

    According to the police, the suspect killed himself by shooting at his own head to avoid arrest during a police raid.

    On January 17, it was reported that four people, including a policeman, had been arrested for killing a youth, Shah Rukh, in front of his mother and sister on Kashmir Road. 

    The media reports said these arrests were made in Surjani Town, Gulshan-e-Maymar and other areas.

    “The accused shot himself in the head and died on the spot,” according to the police.

    The tragic death became a top trend on the social media as it followed several incidents of street crime in the city. 

  • Old weapons found buried in Karachi residential building

    Old weapons found buried in Karachi residential building

    Weapons buried for several years were recovered from a building in the Old City area of ​​Karachi.

    SSP Central of the police, while talking to media today said that search for more weapons has been underway as “We have got more information.”

    “We are investigating if the arms belong to a banned outfit,” the SSP said, “Details also being gathered about the owner of the godown and the person that hired it on rent.”

    “A large cache of heavy weapons was recovered in digging during last night. More arms including a sten gun were found in the morning,” the police official said.

    SSP Central Murtaza Tabassum said that no arrest has been made in the case so far. “There are reports about arms at some more places,” SSP Central said.

    “Recovered arms include machine-guns, anti-aircraft gun and sten gun,” he said. “The weapons are rusted, how these arms came here we have to look into it,” SSP Tabassum said.

    “Recovery of arms cache near a police station is a matter of concern,” he said.

     An investigation will be launched into who owned the building several years ago. After a complete recovery of arms, there will be investigations from various angles.

    According to the SSP Central, different portions of the floor were excavated. Heavy arms were buried under the house’s floor which included anti-aircraft gun, anti-tank and anti-helicopter weaponry, as well as ammunition to detonate buildings.

    Police claim the weapon appears to be 10 to 12 years old.

  • Prisoner serving a life sentence wins Rs. 1 million educational scholarship

    Prisoner serving a life sentence wins Rs. 1 million educational scholarship

    Naeem Shah, a prisoner who has been serving a life sentence for 11 years for committing murder, was awarded a scholarship worth Rs1 million to undertake a degree in chartered accountancy for his outstanding academic performance.

    The official application reads, “In these joyous moments, we feel delighted in informing you that based on your academic performance in HSSC results; you fulfill the eligibility criteria for the Edhi CA Talent Scholarship Program of ICAP”

    According, to the official letter, the eligible candidate must be among 20 position holders within Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) from respective intermediate boards.

    The scholarship was given to him by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP).

    Senior Superintendent of Central Jail Muhammad, Karachi Hassan Sehto revealed that while being behind the bars the prisoner gave his matriculation exams. He then undertook the intermediate examination in which he secured excellent marks and attained a position in the top 20 students. Throughout his time, he was well-mannered and spent most of his time studying.

    Later, he applied for the ICAP scholarship programme and got selected.

    Naeem is serving a life sentence and will most likely complete the program while in jail.

  • #KarachiEatCanWait trends as event continues with 28 percent positivity rate

    #KarachiEatCanWait trends as event continues with 28 percent positivity rate

    Karachi, where Covid-19 positivity has reached more than 20 per cent and the provincial government is directing towards a lockdown, the food festival Karachi Eat 2022 has kicked off today, despite immense backlash.

    A number of people want the festival to be called of which is currently is taking place in the port city from January 14 to January 16 at Beach View Park in Clifton. The administration has directed visitors to “mask up and strictly follow to the SOPs.”

    However, a number of people have questioned the authorities if organising a food festival when Covid-19 cases are on the rise in a city is a “wise idea?” Here are some of the reactions.

    https://twitter.com/MasomAriba/status/1481969056861282308?s=20

    https://twitter.com/TayyebaZee/status/1481636360167452672?s=20
  • Karachi Eat 2022 will be held this weekend despite 20 percent positivity rate in city

    Karachi Eat 2022 will be held this weekend despite 20 percent positivity rate in city

    The annual food festival, Karachi Eat 2022 will be held at the Beach View Park in Clifton from Friday till Sunday this month. The organisers are hopeful that the festival will be held according to schedule. They are not intending to cancel the event despite the covid positivity rate increasing to 20 percent in Karachi.

    East River, which is responsible for public relations and digital media of the festival, has taken strict precautionary measures to ensure SOPs compliance for the crowd. They have also uploaded the mandatory instructions on their official Instagram for people who want to attend the food festival.

    According to the Head of Special Projects Amna Saleem, people will receive booster shots of Pfizer at the festival in partnership with HANDS, a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). It is also mandatory to wear masks and carry your vaccination certificate.

    The company has arranged an online ticketing system and partnered with TicketWala this time to avoid overcrowding at the ticket booth.

    Meanwhile, the Covid positivity rate has increased to 20 percent in Karachi which is an alarming situation. Until now, 1,223 cases of coronavirus of omicron variant are confirmed in the city.

    According to the Sindh health ministry, “The ratio of Omicron variant being reported in Karachi has reached 95 percent.”

  • Shahrukh Jatoi shifted to jail after enjoying private hospital facilities for two years

    Shahrukh Jatoi shifted to jail after enjoying private hospital facilities for two years

    A death row convict, Shahrukh Jatoi was shifted to Central Jail after benefiting from a luxurious life in the private hospital room for more than two years. When the news aired on various channels, the administration of the jail came into action and put him behind bars once again.

    According to media reports, Jatoi’s family rented the whole upper floor of the Hospital named Qamar-ul-Islam Hospital in Karachi for the inmate where he enjoyed all facilities and appeared to be living like a normal citizen.

    The amenities included a television, airconditioner, and a refrigerator among other facilities which violated the rules and procedures of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    According to Geo News, Shahrukh Jatoi was also allowed to leave the premises of the hospital without any police protocol.

    He was transferred to the private hospital “orders of the Sindh Home Department and an influential person was behind this breach of rules,” stated the news network. However, the department was not aware of the transfer of the death-sentenced convict.

    He was transferred to the hospital when he complained of a backache and later reportedly complained of having gastric problems.

    According to the rules, if the life of a prisoner is in danger, he would be transferred to public or private hospitals. However, the provincial health department did not receive any letter to shift him to the private hospital from the provincial home department regarding this case.

    Shahrukh Jatoi was arrested after he killed a young man, Shahzeb Khan near his home, Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Karachi on December 25, 2012.

    The victim’s family flew abroad to live without any fears. His mother reportedly said, “We may not have forgiven them in our hearts, but we have pardoned our son’s killers in the name of Allah. We cannot spend our entire lives in fear… we took the decision considering the circumstances.”

  • Want to go watch the PSL matches during Covid? Here is what you need to know

    Want to go watch the PSL matches during Covid? Here is what you need to know

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalised a plan to complete the Pakistan Super League season seven smoothly despite Covid-19 fears.

    The much awaited league is set to start from January 27 and will be played in Karachi and Lahore.

    The previous two editions of the league were affected by the pandemic and were completed in two phases after a brief postponement.

    Keeping the fifth Covid-19 wave in mind, the board and the franchises have chalked down the protocols to complete the tournament smoothly.

    Reportedly, the authorities have made a three-day quarantine mandatory for the people associated with the league.

    Local and foreign players will enter quarantine from January 20. In case of a positive test, 10-day isolation will be obligatory for the affected person.

    Families of the players will not be allowed to stay with them during the tournament.

    The report further revealed that the availability of a minimum of 13 players is essential for the conduct of a match. In case less than 13 players are available, a match will not be possible.

    The tournament will be suspended for seven-day if coronavirus infections break out during the league.

    A reserve pool of 24 local players will be readied for the PSL 7. These players will also enter quarantine from January 20.

    The security plans were also discussed in a meeting held by Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja.

    Meanwhile, the online sale of tickets of the league will start from today (Tuesday). PCB has also reportedly offered free tickets for the fans, one free ticket will be given for every four tickets purchased.

    The spectators will have to be fully vaccinated and follow the Covid-19 SOPs.