Tag: Pakistan

  • ICC set to reveal schedule for World Cup 2023

    ICC set to reveal schedule for World Cup 2023

    All the controversies, mismanagements, conflicts, on venues aside, the International Cricket Council (ICC), is now all set to reveal the dates and venues of World Cup 2023.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) previous management committee Chairman Najam Sethi proposed three venues for the India vs Pakistan match including Chennai, Indore and Kolkata while stating that the team will not play in Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium because of security reasons.

    Najam Sethi, also stated that if Asia Cup will be held under Hybrid Model than his Board will propose the same Hybrid Model for the World Cup, with Pakistan playing its matches in Colombo or Dhaka.

    However, Zaka Ashraf, most likely the new chairman of PCB, bluntly dismissed the policies of Najam Sethi, and is currently tight lipped on the participation of Pakistan in the World Cup.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto believes that cricket should be separated from politics, expressing disappointment on India’s policy to not play in Pakistan. However he also said but we are evaluating Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup.

    On June 27, ICC will reveal the schedule for the upcoming World Cup to be held in India. This announcement comes just four months before the tournament is set to begin, which is a shorter timeframe compared to previous World Cups that had their schedules announced over a year in advance.

    According to media reports, the tournament is expected to commence in October and conclude in November. However, the specific venues and fixtures have yet to be confirmed. One of the reasons behind the delay in scheduling was PCB’s delayed approval of the draft fixture list.

    Najam Sethi had stated that the approval or disapproval of the World Cup schedule lies with the government, similar to how the Indian government decides when their team travels to play.

    The PCB had also requested the ICC to change the venues of their matches against Australia and Afghanistan in an effort to gain an advantage. They proposed swapping the locations, suggesting that playing Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would make Pakistan the favorites in both matches.

    “Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai are the two which we should look to get changed as much as possible,” as per the reports we found in media.

    “Ideally, we can switch these around. Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would make us obvious favorites in both matches.” the note further said.

    Normally, venue changes during ICC events occur only when there is a security threat. However, it remains to be seen if the ICC will accommodate their request.

    Overall, the ICC’s announcement of the World Cup schedule in India set to take place in a few months, is eagerly anticipated. The final details of the tournament, including venues and fixtures, will be unveiled soon.

    Pakistan’s tentative World Cup schedule

    October 6 – vs Qualifier in Hyderabad

    October 12 – vs Qualifier in Hyderabad

    October 15 – vs India in Ahmedabad

    October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru

    October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai

    October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai

    October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata

    November 5 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru

    November 12 – vs England in Kolkata

  • Government ministers openly refusing to obey Supreme Court: Imran Khan

    Government ministers openly refusing to obey Supreme Court: Imran Khan

    Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has said in a tweet that government ministers are openly refusing to follow the orders of the Supreme Court, calling it the law of the jungle.

    “If anyone had any doubts about the law of the jungle prevailing in Pakistan where might is right, all those doubts should be removed after the recent statements of the government ministers openly refusing to obey the SC verdict if its against military courts. It also reflects the PDM’s desperation to avoid elections and hide behind the establishment,” the former Prime Minister wrote in a tweet posted on Saturday afternoon.

    After May 9 riots, it has been decided that those involved in the attacks on military installations will be tried in military courts.
    https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1672543581008019458?s=20
    The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, has told the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday that 102 people are currently in the army’s custody for trials.

  • May 9 riots: National Commission for Human Rights releases fact-sheet on the condition of prisoners

    National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has complied a fact sheet on the allegations of torture and sexual abuse of prisoners who were arrested in connection with May 9 riots. The report has been compiled in collaboration with Justice Project Pakistan and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

    The fact-sheet read that one third of male prisoners complained about the use of force during arrest. The brief report further added that most prisoners were not told about the grounds of the arrest.

    However, contrary to the allegations made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, no female prisoner complained about torture or sexual abuse.

    As per the report, most jails were overcrowded, housing prisoners beyond their official capacity, while most prisoners were unaware of their rights.

  • Nawaz Sharif and family to celebrate Eid in Dubai

    Nawaz Sharif and family to celebrate Eid in Dubai

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice-president Maryam Nawaz has left for Dubai as the Sharif family plans to celebrate Eid-Ul-Azha in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) together.

    According to media reports, Nawaz Sharif has already reached Dubai.

    “Vice President and Chief Organizer of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has left for Dubai on a private visit. Party leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has already reached Dubai. Other family members are also with him,” Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb tweeted.

    Reportedly, Maryam Nawaz will go to London after her visit to Dubai, however, Maryam Aurangzeb didn’t give further information about their huddle in Dubai.

  • Gold price drops by Rs1,500 per tola in Pakistan amidst global market slump

    Gold price drops by Rs1,500 per tola in Pakistan amidst global market slump

    On Friday, the price of gold in Pakistan witnessed a decline of Rs1,500 per tola, losing its luster due to a decrease in the international market.

    The All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) released data indicating that the price of 24-carat gold dropped by Rs1,500 per tola and Rs1,285 per 10 grammes, settling at Rs217,000 and Rs186,043, respectively.

    Concurrently, the international market saw a $10 decrease, with the yellow metal settling at $1,919 per ounce.

    Recent times have seen the gold rate in Pakistan fluctuate amidst ongoing political and economic uncertainty, as well as high inflation. Consequently, individuals tend to view this precious commodity as a secure investment and a hedge during such periods. The association’s data revealed that the price of silver remained unchanged at Rs2,550 per tola and Rs2,186.21 per 10 grammes.

    Furthermore, the data highlighted that the cost of bullion in Pakistan is Rs4,000 per tola lower than the Dubai market, indicating that the Pakistani gold market currently offers more affordable prices than the global market.

    In terms of foreign exchange, the Pakistani rupee maintained stability against the US dollar, experiencing a nominal increase of Rs0.01. The interbank market closed on Friday with the exchange rate at Rs286.74.

  • UAE-based company to oversee operations and development of Karachi Gateway Terminal for 50 years

    UAE-based company to oversee operations and development of Karachi Gateway Terminal for 50 years

    The AD Ports Group, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has entered into a 50-year concession agreement with the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to manage and develop the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL).

    The group will invest $220 million in infrastructure development over the first 10 years of the agreement. This agreement is particularly significant as Pakistan seeks external financing to support its struggling economy.

    According to the terms of the agreement, a joint venture has been established between AD Ports Group and Kaheel Terminals, a UAE-based company, with AD Ports Group as the majority shareholder. The joint venture will oversee the management, operation, and development of the KGTL, specifically berths 6-9 at Karachi Port’s East Wharf.

    The infrastructure investment will focus on deepening berths, extending quay walls, and expanding the container storage area. These enhancements will enable the terminal to accommodate larger vessels and increase its annual container capacity from 750,000 to 1 million TEUs.

    Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, the Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, expressed enthusiasm about the concession agreement, stating that it aligns with the group’s strategy of investing in strategic maritime trade routes. He believes that this agreement has the potential to bolster the economies of both the UAE and Pakistan, foster stronger relationships with key trading partners, and drive economic growth and prosperity.

    The terminal’s operations are denominated in US dollars, minimising exposure to fluctuations in the Pakistani rupee. The terminal has historically generated revenues of approximately $55 million and an annual EBIDTA of around $30 million.

    The UAE and Pakistan have a robust trade relationship, with the UAE serving as Pakistan’s leading regional trading partner in 2021. Bilateral trade between the two countries accounted for over 40 per cent of Pakistan’s trade with Arab nations. In 2022, non-oil exports from the UAE to Pakistan amounted to nearly AED 4.8 billion ($1.3 billion), while re-exports from the UAE to Pakistan reached AED 10.6 billion (US$2.9 billion), demonstrating a 7.7 per cent growth compared to 2021.

    According to Geo, the agreement between AD Ports Group and KPT has been hailed as a significant milestone by Syed Syedain Raza Zaidi, Chairman of Karachi Port Trust. Zaidi believes that this collaboration will pave the way for a thriving container terminal, driving efficiency, attracting investment, and stimulating economic development in Karachi.

  • 102 people in army’s custody, AGP tells SC

    102 people in army’s custody, AGP tells SC

    Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, has told the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday that 102 people are currently in the army’s custody for trials.

    A seven-member bench included Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yayha Afridi, Justice Sayyed Ma­­zahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha Malik hearing the petition.

    The AGP took to the rostrum in today’s hearing and told the seven member bench that 102 people are in the custody of the military, adding that no journalist or lawyer is included in the list.

    No minors or women are in the custody of the army, he added.

    Authorities had doubts about one of the people because his age is less than 18, and if his age is less than 18, he will be released, the AGP told the Supreme Court.

    A day earlier, the Chief Justice ignored a request for a stay order to stop the trial of civilians in the military courts by saying that it was not possible before listening to the AGP.

  • Bullying by teacher in Karachi continued even after death of a classmate

    Bullying by teacher in Karachi continued even after death of a classmate

    A prominent private school in Karachi is allegedly protecting and, in turn, aiding bullying by a Grade 11 English teacher despite complaints by students and a student’s parents. The teacher went so far as to bully a student, Amal*  in front of the school principal but the principal remained silent. 

    “This is why no one likes you or wants to talk to you.”

    “You aren’t allowed to cry and play victim.”

    “You’re pathetic.”

    The series of bullying events took place at different occasions and almost always in front of eyewitnesses, which included other students and the principal. 

    Amal states that during a school trip this year to Turkey, the teacher verbally attacked Amal on the bus. Another student was trying to find her missing phone and had forgotten she had given her phone to Amal. When the phone was returned to the owner, the teacher turned to Amal and said, “This is why no one likes you or wants to talk to you. You aren’t allowed to cry and play victim like you always do because this is all your fault. You better not start crying.” The comments were made in front of the student’s classmates and the principal of the school was also present in the bus. The principal did nothing.  

    This was not the first time that Amal had been bullied by the same teacher. 

    The teacher targeted Amal by telling Amal’s friends to ‘stay away from her’ and not interact with her. If students did not comply with the teacher’s demand, she approached them and said: “What did I tell you about staying away from her [Amal]?” She also did this while Amal was standing with her friends.

    Conversation between Amal and her classmate who passed away, who was told to stay away from her by the teacher involved. She scolded him in the lobby for speaking to Amal.

    Bullying by teachers is a common occurrence in Pakistan and in the world. According to recent studies, about 15 per cent of children are likely to be targeted by teachers, and 93 per cent of high school and college students identified at least one teacher as a bully in their school. The reason why the teacher tends to get away with it is because most schools are not willing to take action — and lose — teachers and rather look the other way. 

    Three months later after the school trip, Amal’s friend and classmate died in an accident. in a It was a difficult time for the school and the student’s friends and classmates. Shockingly, the teacher’s bullying did not stop then either. The teacher reportedly told other students that Amal was an ‘attention seeker’ by crying at the classmate’s funeral. Many students were shocked by how the teacher was speaking about the death of her student, and relating it to another student. 

    Studies show that teachers who bully students usually were bullied when they were in school. But the problem with school teachers in Pakistan runs deeper. 

    Our teachers, even those who work at private schools, are not trained or equipped to teach. “They do not have degrees in education or know how to deal with students and this is a serious problem. You’re dealing with the lives of students, their childhood, the way they will grow and treat others. It’s a serious role, the role of a teacher and Pakistani schools don’t take it seriously,”  an educationist told The Current.

    *The student’s name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.

  • From hopeless ashiq to feared warrior: celebrating three powerhouse performances by Hamza Ali Abbasi on his birthday

    From hopeless ashiq to feared warrior: celebrating three powerhouse performances by Hamza Ali Abbasi on his birthday

    Happy birthday Hamza Ali Abbasi! Since his debut thirteen years ago, he has been gracing our screens with powerful performances revered by audiences. Within a short time, he has played a lovelorn man willing to decieve parents for his crush, a rebellious filmmaker who learns how to find a path back to God and a terrifying villain, cementing his status as one of Pakistan’s most versatile stars. While Abbasi has announced that he is set to come back on the big screen with two new projects, lets take a jog down memory lane in celebration of his birthday, and review three outstanding performances.

    1 Alif

    If there will be a Pakistani drama remembered years from now, it will definitely be ‘Alif’. The serial aired I 2020 but has remained alive within Pakistani pop culture as one of the few times a drama dominated all public discourse. Abbasi plays the troubled and rebellious Momin, who is grieving from childhood trauma and has completely lost his way in life. When he crosses paths with Momina (played by Sajal Aly), a struggling actress trying to make a living for her family, they help each other reach their destinations, and Momin learns to find refuge in God.

    2 Maula Jatt

    Action-thriller Maula Jatt made a wave around the world, raking in money and praise alike. Abbasi and Fawad Khan took the remake to dizzying heights, recreating old magic and generating plenty of new thrills. Hamza took the feared Noori Natt to new heights with his chilly portrayal of a psychopathic killer.

    3 Pyarey Afzal

    If Maula Jatt changed the way Hamza Ali Abbasi went from being the token good boy to a dark villain, then the lovelorn aashiq in ‘Pyarey Afzaal’ was the role that cemented his position in the industry. Acting opposite Ayeza Khan, who played Farah, Abbasi portrayed the titular character Afzal, who has a crush on Farah, and writes letters to himself that he claims to have received from her. But his world changes when Farah reaches out to him and requests him to pretend to be a love interest, so her parents don’t marry her off against her wishes.

  • Lal Masjid’s Maulana Abdul Aziz booked for firing at police

    Lal Masjid’s Maulana Abdul Aziz booked for firing at police

    Lal Masjid’s Maulana Abdul Aziz has been booked on terror charges along with four others, for opening fire on police officials on Wednesday.

    The case was registered at a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station. The first information report (FIR) invokes six sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including 324 (attempt to commit murder), as well as sections 7 (punishment for acts of terrorism) and 11E (measure to be taken against a proscribed organization) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

    On Wednesday, a CTD team went to the Lal Masjid area to ask him to present himself for answering queries. However, a “suspicious” vehicle opened fire on the police.

    According to the FIR, Aziz’s name is listed in the ATA’s fourth category, which states that anyone suspected of supporting terrorism must be kept under watch.

    The FIR further said Aziz and other people in the car opened fire on the cops with the intention of killing them.