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Pakistan endorses Saudi bid to host FIFA World Cup, foresees ‘memorable’ tournament

Pakistan endorses Saudi bid to host FIFA World Cup, foresees ‘memorable’ tournament
In this file photo, taken on September 22, 2023, Ahli's supporters cheer in the stands ahead of the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh. (AFP/File)
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Updated 19 September 2024
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Pakistan endorses Saudi bid to host FIFA World Cup, foresees ‘memorable’ tournament

Pakistan endorses Saudi bid to host FIFA World Cup, foresees ‘memorable’ tournament
  • The kingdom said this week it wanted to bid for the hosting rights of the world’s most prestigious sporting event
  • Saudis have passion for football that gained momentum with the signings of international stars by the kingdom’s clubs
Updated 19 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan officially declared its support for Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, expressing its belief in a statement issued on Friday that the prestigious football tournament in the kingdom would create enduring memories for years to come.
The Saudi Football Federation announced its intention to bid for the hosting rights of the world’s most prestigious sporting event earlier this week.
It cited inspiration from the kingdom’s ongoing social and economic transformation, as well as its deep-rooted passion for football, which has gained additional momentum with the recent signings of international football stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, by several local clubs.
“Following the announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of its intention to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Pakistan affirms its support for the Saudi bid to host the tournament,” the Pakistani foreign office said in a brief statement while reacting to the development.
“We wish our Saudi brothers all success in this endeavor and are certain that Saudi Arabia will host a most memorable FIFA World Cup,” it added.
Last year, Qatar became the first Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup which attracted sports enthusiasts from across the world.
The tournament was also unique since it was held in November and December, rather than the traditional months of June and July, to avoid the extreme heat of the Qatari summer.
 

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties Saudi Football Federation FIFA World Cup 2034 Saudi World Cup 2034 bid Saudi 2034 World Cup

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Saudi Arabia announces bid to host World Cup in 2034

Babar Azam becomes first Pakistani batter to register 30 centuries in 50-over domestic matches

Babar Azam becomes first Pakistani batter to register 30 centuries in 50-over domestic matches
Updated 26 sec ago
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Babar Azam becomes first Pakistani batter to register 30 centuries in 50-over domestic matches

Babar Azam becomes first Pakistani batter to register 30 centuries in 50-over domestic matches
  • Babar hit an unbeaten 104 off 100 balls as Allied Bank Stallions defeated Engro Dolphins in Champions One-Day Cup
  • For the 2nd consecutive game Dolphins failed to chase a total and reached only 97 runs in pursuit of the 272-run target
Updated 26 sec ago
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Babar Azam on Thursday became the first Pakistani batter to register 30 or more List-A centuries as he smashed a brilliant 104 runs to guide Allied Bank Stallions to a victory over Engro Dolphins in the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
For the second consecutive game Dolphins failed to chase a total as they could only reach 97 runs in pursuit of the 272-run target set by Stallions.
Babar hit an unbeaten 104 off 100 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes, including a boundary on penultimate ball of the innings to bring up his record century.
“Babar Azam smashed his 30th List-A century, becoming the first Pakistan batter to register 30 or more List-A centuries,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.
The List-A cricket refers to 50-over domestic matches.
Yasir Khan (46, 58b, 5x4s), Shan Masood (34, 36b, 3x4s) and Tayyab Tahir (33, 49b, 4x4s) were the other notable contributors. In turn, Mehran Mumtaz (3-14) and Jahandad Khan (3-18) picked up three wickets each as Dolphins fell for a paltry 97 in just 25 overs.
After Stallions won the toss and elected to bat first, Shan and Yasir provided a solid opening partnership of 76 runs before falling in 13th and 17th overs, respectively. Babar and Tayyab stitched a 57-run third-wicket partnership before the latter fell in the 30th over.
Hussain Talat chipped in with 23 off 25 balls with the help of two fours while also adding 46 with Babar for the fifth wicket. The eighth-wicket partnership between Babar and Haris Rauf stretched for 41 runs in 23 balls with the latter only contributing three runs. All six Dolphins bowlers picked up one wicket each.
Jahandad’s three-wicket burst with the new ball left Dolphins at 40-3 before the other bowlers struck at regular intervals as they lost remaining seven wickets for just 57 runs. Abrar Ahmed dismissed the top scorers for Dolphins, Sahibzada Farhan (32, 36b, 6x4s) and Asif Ali (21, 28b, 3x4s). Haris Rauf bagged two wickets as well.
Stallions made it two out of three wins as they qualified for the playoff stage, along with UMT Markhors and Lake City Panthers, while the Dolphins faced their third consecutive defeat. Lions and Dolphins are fighting for the fourth place in the playoff stage and will face each other on September 22.

Topics: Babar Azam

Indian general praises professionalism of Pakistani soldiers on UN mission in South Sudan

Indian general praises professionalism of Pakistani soldiers on UN mission in South Sudan
Updated 3 min 39 sec ago
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Indian general praises professionalism of Pakistani soldiers on UN mission in South Sudan

Indian general praises professionalism of Pakistani soldiers on UN mission in South Sudan
  • Severe flooding in Sudan last month led to the destruction of nearly two dozen villages and caused 30 confirmed deaths
  • Pakistani peacekeepers undertook daunting engineering tasks in a complex environment, ensuring protection of civilians
Updated 3 min 39 sec ago
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Indian Force Commander at the United Nations (UN) mission in South Sudan, Lt. Gen. S Mohan, has commended the efforts of Pakistan’s peacekeeping contingent in saving hundreds of thousands of Sudanese people stranded in floods last month, the Pakistani military said on Thursday.
Severe flooding that resulted from torrential rains overwhelmed the Arbaat Dam and led to the destruction of nearly two dozen villages and caused at least 30 confirmed deaths in Sudan last month, Reuters reported.
Pakistani peacekeepers, who have been performing duties for peace and security in South Sudan, undertook daunting engineering tasks in a complex environment and ensured the protection of civilians, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.
The Indian general acknowledged their professionalism in a letter written to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, in which Lt Gen Mohan commended the “dedication and unwavering commitment” of Pakistani peacekeepers in Sudan.
“Pakistani blue helmets have undertaken daunting engineers’ tasks in complex and challenging operational environment to ensure protection of civilians, which has always remained top priority for Pakistani peacekeepers,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“Pakistani contingent worked day and night and protected over 250,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in worst flood affected areas.”
The complex and contentious relationship between Pakistan and India has been marred by territorial and other disputes, with the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir being the most significant of them. Ties between the two neighbors remain suspended since Aug. 2019, when New Delhi revoked semi-autonomous status of part of Kashmir it controls.
The ISPR said the Indian general specially acknowledged Pakistan’s Brig. Shafqat Iqbal and Lt. Col. Shahbaz Aslam for their role in saving the lives of Sudanese people, which served as a “testament” to Pakistan Army’s reputation in international peacekeeping efforts.
“Pakistan remains committed to play a pivotal role as a responsible member of the international community to help realize the ideals of global peace and security through active support in UN Peacekeeping Missions,” it added.

Topics: ISPR Pakistan Army South Sudan Pakistan India

PM Sharif says second phase of CPEC to help transform Pakistan’s economy

PM Sharif says second phase of CPEC to help transform Pakistan’s economy
Updated 40 min 20 sec ago
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PM Sharif says second phase of CPEC to help transform Pakistan’s economy

PM Sharif says second phase of CPEC to help transform Pakistan’s economy
  • CPEC, a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect China to the Arabian Sea and help Islamabad expand and modernize its economy
  • Beijing has shown willingness for its second phase that includes new corridors for growth, livelihood, innovation, green economy and development
Updated 40 min 20 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would help Pakistan transform its economy, Pakistani state media reported.
The statement came at a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Islamabad with regard to China’s National Day, which was attended by PM Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, diplomats, dignitaries, and senior civil and military officers.
CPEC, a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect China to the Arabian Sea through a network of roads, railways, pipelines and ports in Pakistan and help Islamabad expand and modernize its economy.
China has also shown willingness for the second phase of CPEC and has given assurances for the establishment of five new corridors, including that of growth, livelihood, innovation, green economy and open regional inclusive development.
“We are entering into the second phase of CPEC which has huge potential of mutual cooperation in the field of agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals and many other important areas of mutual interests,” the state-run APP news agency quoted Sharif as saying at the event to commemorate China’s 75th anniversary.
He acknowledged China’s critical role in Pakistan’s talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new $7 billion bailout program to keep its economy afloat. Islamabad has for years relied on China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for assistance to meet such external financing requirements.
“The ongoing partnership not only fostered regional development and peace but also contributed to global stability and progress, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision,” Sharif added.
Speaking at the event, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working together with China for shared prosperity, peace and stability in the world.
The high-quality development of CPEC would “help unlock greater benefits for our people, besides enhancing connectivity and prosperity of the region,” he was quoted as saying by the APP.
President Zardari felicitated the Chinese people on the auspicious occasion, saying the first of October marked the rebirth of a strong, united China that was achieved through the “heroic struggle” of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party.
He reflected on the invaluable contributions made by the successive generations in transforming the Pakistan-China friendship into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Topics: Pakistan China Ties China's National Day Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

UAE’s AD Ports delegation discusses investment opportunities with Pakistan’s deputy PM

UAE’s AD Ports delegation discusses investment opportunities with Pakistan’s deputy PM
Updated 48 min 45 sec ago
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UAE’s AD Ports delegation discusses investment opportunities with Pakistan’s deputy PM

UAE’s AD Ports delegation discusses investment opportunities with Pakistan’s deputy PM
  • High-ranking AD Ports delegation meets Ishaq Dar to discuss investment opportunities particularly in aviation sector
  • To ward off its prolonged economic crisis, Pakistan has intensified its efforts in recent months to attract international investments
Updated 48 min 45 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ports (AD) group discussed investment opportunities with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar this week, his office said, amid Islamabad’s push to secure investments to bolster its fragile economy. 
Pakistan has intensified its efforts in recent months to attract international investments, particularly from Gulf countries, as it looks to evade a prolonged macroeconomic crisis. The South Asian country has been struggling with a chronic balance of payments crisis, a weak currency and low foreign reserves that have crippled its $350 billion economy. 
AD Ports Group, a leading maritime and logistics provider in the Middle East, signed an agreement in July this year to invest $250 million in Pakistan in 10 years as it plans to build an advanced port facility in the country’s seaside metropolis of Karachi.
“A high-ranking UAE delegation led by CEO of Shipping and Transhipment, Abu Dhabi Ports Amir Maghami, today called on DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50 to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the aviation sector,” Dar’s office said. 
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States. It is also an ideal export destination for the South Asian nation as the short distance between the two countries limits transportation costs and facilitates commercial exchanges.
The Middle Eastern country is also home to over a million and a half Pakistani expatriates. After Saudi Arabia, the UAE is Pakistan’s largest source of workers’ remittances and the preferred choice of thousands of laborers who live and work in the country.

Topics: Pakistan UAE ties

Female leopard succumbs to gunshot wounds in Pakistan’s capital

Female leopard succumbs to gunshot wounds in Pakistan’s capital
Updated 20 September 2024
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Female leopard succumbs to gunshot wounds in Pakistan’s capital

Female leopard succumbs to gunshot wounds in Pakistan’s capital
  • Leopard was brought to Islamabad from Azad Kashmir, where it suffered gunshot wounds
  • She was shot near the heart at close range which proved fatal, says wildlife official 
Updated 20 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A female leopard succumbed to gunshot wounds in Pakistan’s capital this week, state-run media reported, despite efforts by the city’s wildlife team to save her life.
The leopard, also known as “The Malka Queen” was rescued from Azad Kashmir’s Haveli district by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) in a severely injured state after being wounded by gunshots, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
It said bullets had damaged the leopard’s spinal cord and rear paws due to which she could neither stand nor walk. The report did not specify when the female leopard was rescued and brought to Islamabad.
“A female leopard (Malka-Queen) rescued from Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Haveli district perished amid rehabilitation efforts of IWMB,” APP said. 
It added that the killer had shot the leopard close to her heart which proved fatal for her. 
An IWMB spokesperson said medical experts removed the bullets from the leopard’s body but were unable to prevent her from dying. 
“One shot hit Malka near the heart and the other near the spinal cord,” the spokesperson said. “The veterinarians had also expressed concern for the Queen’s life as the vet had already indicated minimal chances of recovery but still, we tried our best as we wanted to give her a chance.”
The IWMB had informed the Azad Kashmir Wildlife Department about the leopard’s death, prompting the latter to initiate legal action against the accused responsible for shooting the leopard, the spokesperson said. 
 “We have informed AJK wildlife department that it’s a 12-bore shotgun shot hit from quite close distance with an SG or LG Cartridge,” the spokesperson said. 
The body of the leopard was shifted to the Pakistan Museum of Natural History in consultation with the Azad Kashmir Wildlife Department to preserve the leopard’s taxidermy for research and education purposes. 
The IWMB official clarified that taxidermy of only those wild animals was allowed that were considered important for research and education purposes whereas those with risks of communicable or viral diseases were buried.
He said taxidermy was an important component required for further research and education purposes to enhance knowledge of the wild species.

Topics: Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) leopard Pakistan wildlife azad kashmir

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