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Pakistan’s Multan to host first T20 international series featuring South Africa women

Pakistan’s Multan to host first T20 international series featuring South Africa women
This screebgrab, taken from a handout video released by Pakistan Cricket Board on February 22, 2023, shows a generic video of Multan Cricket Stadium during a Pakistan Super League match between Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings in Multan. (PCB/File)
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Updated 15 September 2024
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Pakistan’s Multan to host first T20 international series featuring South Africa women

Pakistan’s Multan to host first T20 international series featuring South Africa women
  • The three matches provide an opportunity for both sides to gear up for next month’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in UAE
  • South Africa, who were runners-up in the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, are touring Pakistan for the second time in as many years
Updated 15 September 2024
Shahjahan Khurram
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan women under the leadership of Fatima Sana are set to take on Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa in the three-match T20 series commencing at the Multan Cricket Stadium from Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Sunday, adding that this would be the first T20 international series in the city.
The second and third T20Is will be played at the same venue on 18 and 20 September, respectively. The first and second matches will start at 7pm Pakistan time, while the third will begin at 10am.
This will mark the first time that the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium will host a T20 and a women’s international series. Previously, the stadium has hosted 11 ODIs and six Test matches.
“The three matches provide an opportunity for both sides to gear up for next month’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in the UAE,” the PCB said in a statement.
South Africa, who were runners-up in the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held in South Africa, are touring Pakistan for the second time in as many years.
“The players have been working hard in training, and the series against South Africa is a great opportunity for us to prepare ourselves well before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled next month. South Africa are a strong side and playing against them will help us assess our game under pressure situations,” Sana said ahead of the T20I series.
“We are excited to play at the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium, especially as the stadium is hosting its first-ever international women’s T20I series. The support from the fans in Pakistan is always incredible and with free entry to the stadium, it is a great opportunity for people to come and cheer for both sides.”
During their last visit, South Africa played a white-ball series, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs (part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25). Pakistan whitewashed South Africa in the three-match T20I series held in Karachi on September 1-4.
To encourage fans to come to the ground, entrance to the stadium will be free, according to the PCB. The spectators will be required to bring their original identity cards to get inside the stadium.
After the series, South Africa will depart for the UAE on September 21, while Pakistan will leave on September 23. Pakistan are in Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa are grouped with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and the West Indies.
Following warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh on September 28 and 30 respectively, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on October 3 in Sharjah, followed by matches against India on October 6 in Dubai, Australia on October 11 in Dubai and New Zealand on October 14 in Dubai.
18-member Pakistan squad for series:
Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani

Topics: Multan Pakistan vs South Africa

Pakistan to organize ‘Seerat Festival’ this week to pay tribute to Prophet Muhammad

Pakistan to organize ‘Seerat Festival’ this week to pay tribute to Prophet Muhammad
Updated 43 sec ago
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Pakistan to organize ‘Seerat Festival’ this week to pay tribute to Prophet Muhammad

Pakistan to organize ‘Seerat Festival’ this week to pay tribute to Prophet Muhammad
  • Three-day festival to take place in Islamabad’s National Skills University from Sept. 20-22
  • Festival to feature research papers by scholars, documentary screenings on Prophet Muhammad’s life
Updated 43 sec ago
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will organize a three-day “Seerat Festival” from Sept. 20-22 in Islamabad to pay tribute to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and highlight valuable lessons from his life, a government authority said on Wednesday. 

The National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA), an ideological government institution that aims to promote research on Prophet Muhammad’s life for the betterment of society, will organize the festival. 

The NRKNA said the theme for the festival, which will take place in the Islamic month of Rabi Al-Awwal when Prophet Muhammad was born, is titled: ‘Searching for World Peace: In the Light of the Prophet’s Teachings.’ 

“The festival, organized by the Rahmat Lal Alamin wa Khatam-ul-Nabieen Authority, will feature over sixty research papers presented by scholars from both Pakistan and abroad,” the NRKNA said in a statement. 

“Special sessions dedicated to children, women, and minorities will also be included in the festival agenda.”

NRKNA Chairman Khurshid Nadeem told reporters during a press conference that the festival, which would be held in Islamabad’s National Skills University, would “transform the atmosphere of the capital.”

“The international conference, ‘Searching for World Peace: In the Light of the Prophet’s Teachings,’ will bring scholars from around the world to explore various aspects of the Prophet’s biography,” Nadeem told reporters during a press conference. 

“Our aim is to promote scholarly engagement with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.”

Pakistani publishers will offer discounts of up to 50 percent on biographical books, the NRKNA said, adding that the festival will also showcase Islamic art and culture through a calligraphy exhibition. 

“Additionally, poetry readings and documentary screenings will highlight the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet, aiming to convey messages of moral integrity based on Qur’anic verses and prophetic sayings,” it said. 

Topics: Pakistan Seerat Festival

Pakistan police arrest key suspect in gang rape of woman polio worker

Pakistan police arrest key suspect in gang rape of woman polio worker
Updated 44 min 10 sec ago
AP
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Pakistan police arrest key suspect in gang rape of woman polio worker

Pakistan police arrest key suspect in gang rape of woman polio worker
  • Three men assaulted woman polio worker during last week’s vaccination campaign in Jacobabad district
  • Anti-polio campaigns in Pakistan are regularly marred by violence by militant groups opposed to them 
Updated 44 min 10 sec ago
AP

MULTAN, Pakistan: Pakistani police arrested the key suspect in the gang rape of a woman polio worker who was assaulted by three men during last week’s vaccination campaign, officials said Wednesday. Two other suspects are still at large.

The assault on Thursday in Jacobabad, a district in the southern Sindh province, was one in a spate of attacks targeting polio vaccination teams going door to door in the campaign across Pakistan.

The woman who was attacked had alerted the authorities, saying she was raped by three men after going into a house in Jacobabad to administer polio drops to the children there, local police official Mohammad Saifal said.

The suspect, identified as Ahmad Jakhrani, was arrested overnight, Saifal added.

Police are still seeking the arrest of the two other men, accused of taking turns to assault the woman, Saifal said. A local police chief was fired for negligence following the attack, for failing to provide the polio worker with adequate security.

The attack shocked many Pakistanis as such sexual assaults are rare, though women polio workers have complained of harassment in the past during the campaigns. The provincial government in Sindh has said it would fully investigate the case.

Police also detained the husband of the attacked woman for kicking her out of their home and threatening to kill her after the assault over allegedly tarnishing the family’s honor by being raped.

So-called honor killings, in which women and girls are slain by their own relatives for allegedly dishonoring the family’s reputation, are still common in Pakistan.

Saifal also said police have been deployed to the house where the woman was now staying with her relatives for her protection.

Anti-polio campaigns in Pakistan are regularly marred by violence. Militants often target polio vaccination teams and police assigned to protect them, falsely claiming that the campaigns are a Western conspiracy to sterilize children.

Since January, Pakistan has reported 17 new cases of polio, jeopardizing decades of efforts to eliminate the potentially fatal, paralyzing disease from the country. Polio often strikes children under age 5 and typically spreads through contaminated water.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in which the spread of polio has never been stopped. Pakistan’s government is planning another polio vaccination drive in October.

Topics: Polio

Pakistan PM accepts King Charles’ invitation to attend Commonwealth summit in Samoa 

Pakistan PM accepts King Charles’ invitation to attend Commonwealth summit in Samoa 
Updated 18 September 2024
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Pakistan PM accepts King Charles’ invitation to attend Commonwealth summit in Samoa 

Pakistan PM accepts King Charles’ invitation to attend Commonwealth summit in Samoa 
  • King Charles III invites Sharif to Commonwealth summit during telephone call
  • Leaders to discuss global economic and environmental challenges during October summit
Updated 18 September 2024
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif on Wednesday accepted an invitation by British King Charles III to attend an upcoming Commonwealth summit in Samoa, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, reiterating his country’s commitment to the international association. 

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM) will take place in Apia, Samoa from October 21-26, 2024. This will be the first time that King Charles III will head a meeting of the global association since becoming king. 

According to the Commonwealth’s website, leaders will deliberate on global economic, environmental and security challenges during the summit. They will also discuss how Commonwealth countries can work together to build resilience, boost trade, innovation, growth and empower the 1.5 billion young people who live in member states. 

Sharif received the invitation over a telephone call from the British king on Wednesday, the PMO said, adding that the Pakistani premier described it as a “significant moment in the history of the Commonwealth.”

“Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter,” the PMO said. 

He noted the UK monarch’s longstanding interest in environmental issues and initiatives for climate sustainability. The Pakistani premier said he looked forward to engaging with Commonwealth leaders on climate change as Pakistan is “highly vulnerable” to its impacts.

Unusually heavy rains and the melting of glaciers in June 2022 triggered flash floods in many parts of the country. Over 1,700 people were killed as large swathes of crops were destroyed and critical infrastructure was damaged. Pakistan estimated losses of over $30 billion from the floods. 

Sharif also expressed his best wishes for the king’s health and for Catherine Middleton, the princess of Wales, who announced in May that was suffering from cancer. 

“Recalling the fond memories of the King’s last visit to Pakistan, when he was the Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister hoped that the King and Her Majesty The Queen would visit Pakistan soon,” the PMO said. 

Pakistan is a member of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 countries out of which the vast majority are former British territories.

The governments of Commonwealth countries pledge to promote common objectives such as development, democracy and peace.

Topics: Pakistan King Charles Commonwealth summit Samoa CHOGM

Pakistan co-sponsors resolution at UN for implementation of ICJ verdict against Israel

Pakistan co-sponsors resolution at UN for implementation of ICJ verdict against Israel
Updated 18 September 2024
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Pakistan co-sponsors resolution at UN for implementation of ICJ verdict against Israel

Pakistan co-sponsors resolution at UN for implementation of ICJ verdict against Israel
  • Proposal demands Israel’s ‘unconditional’ withdrawal from Palestinian territories, reparation for damage
  • Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and calls for an independent and viable Palestinian state
Updated 18 September 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan co-sponsored a draft resolution presented at the United Nations on Tuesday, seeking the implementation of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

The ICJ declared Israel’s settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem a violation of international law in July, issuing its non-binding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian lands.

Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 War. The Palestinians seek all three areas for an independent state.

“Pakistan has co-sponsored the draft resolution … which seeks to implement the conclusions of the ICJ,” said Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, during the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly.

“The ICJ’s advisory opinion marks a milestone of justice, an expression of equity, and a flame of hope,” he added.

Akram highlighted the resolution demanded Israel’s “immediate, complete, and unconditional” withdrawal from Palestinian territories, reparations for the damage caused, an immediate end to its unlawful policies, compliance with ICJ orders and the assurance of Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

The Pakistani diplomat said the draft resolution also recommended holding Israel accountable for its violations of international law and bearing legal consequences for all its “wrongful” actions by establishing an “international register of damage” to assist in reparations.

Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters.”

The ICJ ruling came against the backdrop of Israel’s devastating 11-month military assault on Gaza, which began last October. The world court also found Israel’s use of natural resources in the occupied territories “inconsistent” with its obligations under international law as an occupying power.

Topics: Pakistan ICJ verdict Palestine Ambassador Munir Akram

British Council launches £15,000 grants for Pakistani artists to tackle climate change

British Council launches £15,000 grants for Pakistani artists to tackle climate change
Updated 18 September 2024
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British Council launches £15,000 grants for Pakistani artists to tackle climate change

British Council launches £15,000 grants for Pakistani artists to tackle climate change
  • Pakistan ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, says the Global Climate Risk Index
  • The council’s country director says arts have a crucial role to play in addressing climate crisis
Updated 18 September 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The British Council has launched a new program for cultural organizations and artists in Pakistan, awarding grants of up to £15,000 to address the climate change emergency, aiming to promote sustainable projects and practices within the country, said a statement on Wednesday.
The program is part of an initiative to support climate action by providing grants to South Asian artists and cultural organizations in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, with mentorship sessions offered to selected grantees by UK specialists throughout the project’s course.
According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, with its susceptibility to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwaves, which have significant impacts on agriculture, infrastructure and public health.
“A new initiative from the British Council aimed at supporting climate action in the creative industries in Pakistan is now open for applications,” the statement said on Wednesday. “The Climate Futures: South Asia program is designed to support the arts sector with grants of £15,000 available to artists and cultural organizations.”
The statement added that the program would support artist-led initiatives promoting “knowledge creation” and cultural sector sustainability, designing and implementing capacity-building initiatives, and “optimizing infrastructure to enhance climate change awareness and sustainable approaches within the arts sector.”
The deadline for all applications is November 25 at 4:59 am PST, the statement said, highlighting that successful applicants would have the opportunity to “make a significant impact on the global climate conversation through their projects.”
“We believe that the arts have a crucial role to play in addressing the climate crisis,” British Council Pakistan’s Country Director James Hampson said. “Climate Futures: South Asia is an exciting opportunity for artists and cultural organizations to lead the way and drive forward innovative projects that will inspire change.”
The British Council will also host a series of information sessions on October 8 and 22 to guide applicants through the application process and help them maximize their chances of securing funding.

Topics: British Council pakistan climate change

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