Pakistan praises Muslim World League for advocating Muslim causes, fostering unity

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Updated 15 November 2024
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Pakistan praises Muslim World League for advocating Muslim causes, fostering unity

Pakistan praises Muslim World League for advocating Muslim causes, fostering unity
  • Shehbaz Sharif met with MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa in Riyadh
  • The two figures discussed various projects and initiatives that were being planned by the two sides

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met with Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and praised his organization for advocating the causes of and fostering unity among Muslim countries, Sharif’s office said.
Sharif met the secretary-general of the MWL, a Makkah-based non-governmental organization that represents followers of Islam around the world, in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, where the Pakistan premier was attending an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit on the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, and rising tensions in the Middle East amid ongoing Israeli military campaigns.
He appreciated the “remarkable” work being done by the MWL in promoting the true image of Islam around the world, particularly lauding the leadership of the secretary-general in steering the organization.
“Muslim World League had a critical role in advocating for Muslim causes and spreading the message of fraternity, tolerance and mutual respect,” he said. “[This] is particularly important during the ongoing conflict in Gaza and various other challenges confronting the Muslim world.”
The Prime Minister recalled the secretary-general’s visit to Pakistan in April this year and said he was looking forward to early completion of various projects and initiatives that were being planned by the two sides.
He mentioned the establishment of the Seerat Musuem in Pakistan and said this noble project would be instrumental in highlighting various aspects of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Sharif laid the foundation stone of the museum that would exhibit relics related to the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) at a ceremony in Islamabad on April 14, which was also attended by the MWL secretary-general.
Through these projects, Sharif said, the MWL was attracting the attention of younger generation and reinforcing the timeless message of Islam by using latest digital technologies. He hoped to receive the secretary-general soon in Pakistan to build on the momentum and fast track implementation of ongoing projects.
“The Secretary General of Muslim World League praised the Prime Minister for his commitment and efforts to further strengthen ties between Pakistan and Muslim Ummah,” Sharif’s office said. “He also congratulated the Prime Minister on the success of his recent visits to Saudi Arabia.”


Pakistanis among 215 foreigners freed by Thai, Cambodian police in scam center raid

Pakistanis among 215 foreigners freed by Thai, Cambodian police in scam center raid
Updated 4 sec ago
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Pakistanis among 215 foreigners freed by Thai, Cambodian police in scam center raid

Pakistanis among 215 foreigners freed by Thai, Cambodian police in scam center raid
  • Rescued foreigners included 109 Thais, 50 Pakistanis, 48 Indians, five Taiwanese and three Indonesians, Thai government said 
  • Hundreds of thousands trafficked by criminal gangs, forced to work in scam centers, illegal online operations across Southeast Asia

BANGKOK: Thai and Cambodian police raided a building in a border town and freed 215 foreigners, a senior Thai official said on Sunday, in an expansion of a regional crackdown against cyber scam centers.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked by criminal gangs and forced to work in scam centers and illegal online operations across Southeast Asia, according to the United Nations. A UN report in 2023 estimated that the fast-growing operations generate billions of dollars annually.
The Sunday raid targeted a three-story building in the Cambodian border town of Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province. The rescued foreigners included 109 Thais, 50 Pakistanis, 48 Indians, five Taiwanese and three Indonesians, Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Sunday.
“This is the largest number of Thais freed from a building suspected of cyber fraud for the two countries,” Jirayu said.
The raid was the result of a joint effort by Thailand and Cambodia to tackle scam centers, he said.
Scam centers have been operating for years. But they now face new scrutiny after the rescue of Chinese actor, Wang Xing, who was lured to Thailand with the promise of a job, and then abducted and taken to a scam center in Myanmar.
Southeast Asian countries have stepped up efforts to tackle scam centers with recent actions along the Thai-Myanmar border. Earlier this month, Thailand cut power, fuel and Internet supply to areas linked with scam centers.
China also repatriated 621 of its nationals rescued from scam centers in those areas over the past few days, the Thai army said on Saturday. 
 


Pakistan sends 14th consignment of relief items for Palestine 

Pakistan sends 14th consignment of relief items for Palestine 
Updated 44 min 12 sec ago
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Pakistan sends 14th consignment of relief items for Palestine 

Pakistan sends 14th consignment of relief items for Palestine 
  • Ninety tons of relief items include bell and winterized tents and tarpaulin sheets, says state media 
  • Pakistan has so far sent 25 relief consignments to Middle East affected by Israel’s military aggression

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s 14th consignment of relief items for the people of Palestine arrived in Egypt’s El Arish International Airport on Sunday, state-run media reported, with Islamabad promising more aid for the people of Gaza affected by Israeli military aggression. 

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) collaborated with leading non-profit organization Al-Khidmat Foundation to dispatch the shipment on Sunday, which is the 25th overall relief consignment sent to people affected by Israeli military actions in the Middle East. 

A special aircraft that flew from the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi carrying 90 tons of relief supplies, including bell and winterized tens and tarpaulin sheets, landed at El-Arish International Airport on Sunday. 

“Officials from embassy of Pakistan, Cairo received the relief consignment and handed over to Egyptian Red Crescent Society for onward dispatch to Palestinian Red Crescent Society inside Gaza,” state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported. 

“More consignments from the government and people of Pakistan are on their way and will be delivered soon to the Palestinians inside Gaza.”

Israel’s war on Gaza, which began after Oct. 2023 attacks by Hamas, has killed over 48,000 people, injured thousands more and displaced almost all of the 2 million population of the territory.

Pakistan has so far dispatched a total of 1,478 tons of relief aid exclusively for Palestine, demonstrating the country’s continued commitment to supporting the people of Gaza in these difficult times, according to the Press Information Department. 

Overall, the South Asian country has dispatched 1,961 tons of humanitarian aid, including 372 tons for Lebanon and 111 tons for Syria.


Pakistan calls for exhibition centers to promote bilateral trade with Azerbaijan

Pakistan calls for exhibition centers to promote bilateral trade with Azerbaijan
Updated 24 February 2025
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Pakistan calls for exhibition centers to promote bilateral trade with Azerbaijan

Pakistan calls for exhibition centers to promote bilateral trade with Azerbaijan
  • Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan meets CEO of Azerbaijan’s State Oil Fund to discuss trade, investment
  • Khan is part of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation in Baku to discuss cooperation in trade, energy, defense sectors

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is aiming to establish exhibition centers to promote bilateral trade with Azerbaijan through which investors in both countries can showcase their products effectively, Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said recently, as Islamabad eyes deeper economic cooperation with Baku. 

The statement followed Khan’s meeting with Israfil Mammadov, the chief executive officer of Azerbaijan’s State Oil Fund in Baku on Sunday, during which the two discussed bilateral trade and investment matters. Khan is part of a delegation of ministers who arrived in Baku on Sunday night with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on a two-day official visit to the country. 

Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan to discuss enhanced bilateral cooperation in areas like defense, trade and energy. His visit comes as part of Pakistan’s broader economic diplomacy with landlocked Central Asian states, to which it has offered access to its southern ports in Karachi and Gwadar for international trade.

“Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan further stated that after the establishment of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Chamber of Commerce in Islamabad, we are aimed to establish Exhibition Centers for investors to showcase products effectively which would help in increasing imports and exports for both states,” the Ministry of Privatization said in a statement on Sunday. 

Pakistan and Azerbaijan earlier this month inaugurated a joint chamber of commerce in Islamabad to bring investment matters related to their countries’ priority sectors under a single window. 

During his discussions with Mammadov, Khan pointed out that the partnership between the two countries was entering a new phase, adding that it would prove “brighter” for Pakistan. 

“Abdul Aleem Khan also highlighted that Azerbaijan could invest in Pakistan’s communications sector, specifically in the construction of Motorways in Sindh and Karachi, which would help Pakistan to connect with Central Asian Countries,” the ministry said. 

Pakistan’s economic engagement with Azerbaijan has also gained momentum more recently as the South Asian country seeks to escape a prolonged economic crisis that brought it to the brink of a sovereign default in 2023. In July 2024, the top leaders of both countries discussed investment and trade projects worth $2 billion during Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Pakistan.

During his two-day visit, Sharif will hold high-level meetings with Aliyev and other senior Azerbaijan officials. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed in multiple areas of cooperation during the visit, Pakistan’s Press Information Department said on Sunday. 

The Pakistani prime minister and Azerbaijan’s leadership will also address the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum on Monday, the PID said. It said the forum will bring together business leaders from both countries to explore avenues for joint ventures and trade and investment opportunities, emphasizing business-to-business (B2B) collaboration. 


Pakistan’s Rizwan admits Champions Trophy dream ‘ended’ by India

Pakistan’s Rizwan admits Champions Trophy dream ‘ended’ by India
Updated 24 February 2025
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Pakistan’s Rizwan admits Champions Trophy dream ‘ended’ by India

Pakistan’s Rizwan admits Champions Trophy dream ‘ended’ by India
  • Hosts Pakistan went down by six wickets in Dubai for second consecutive defeat in Champions Trophy tournament 
  • Pakistan’s fate in Champions Trophy tournament will be sealed if New Zealand beat Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday 

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted Sunday that his team’s Champions Trophy dreams had “ended” after a shattering loss to bitter rivals India.

Hosts Pakistan went down by six wickets in Dubai for their second defeat in the 50-over tournament to all but bow out of the semifinal race.

If New Zealand beat Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday, then Pakistan’s fate will be sealed.

“Yes, I would say it has ended, that’s the truth,” Rizwan told reporters when asked if his side had reached the end of the road.

“The next match, what Bangladesh does with New Zealand and what New Zealand does with India. What we do? It’s a long journey. Our Champions Trophy depends on others and I as a captain I don’t like this.”

“If we could have done something on our own then it would have been different. We admit to our losses against New Zealand and India but don’t want to sit eyeing other results.”

Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament for the first time in nearly three decades since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which they co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.

India, however, refused to tour Pakistan due to political reasons and are playing all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium.

Pakistan elected to bat first in the crunch game but were bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs despite a 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel and Rizwan.

India rode on Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 to chase down the target with 45 balls to spare on a sluggish pitch where stroke-making was difficult.

Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed returned figures of 1-28 from his 10 overs but other bowlers leaked runs.

“We are disappointed, yes, because a defeat brings a tough day, facing difficult things and lots of questions,” said Rizwan. “Abrar Ahmed’s bowling was a positive but we made mistakes in all three departments.”

After Saud, who hit 62, and Rizwan, who made 46, departed the middle-order stuttered with only Khushdil Shah hitting a late cameo with his 38.

“Our middle-order has performed before and 270-280 would have been good on this pitch,” said Rizwan.

“I tried to build a partnership and took some time as well, we lost wickets and our shot selection was poor. In turn our middle-order crumbled.”

Pakistan lost the tournament opener to New Zealand and Rizwan said mistakes are being repeated.

“Honestly we made the same mistakes that we have been doing since the last three-four matches,” the wicketkeeper-batsman said.

“We are working on them but we are mortals and falling short. India probably worked harder than us and were brave. We lacked being brave and fell short in the field.”

Pakistan, who won the last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017 after beating India in the final, next play Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Thursday.


Didn’t see Pakistan making any effort against India in crucial Champions Trophy match, Azeem Rafiq says

Didn’t see Pakistan making any effort against India in crucial Champions Trophy match, Azeem Rafiq says
Updated 24 February 2025
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Didn’t see Pakistan making any effort against India in crucial Champions Trophy match, Azeem Rafiq says

Didn’t see Pakistan making any effort against India in crucial Champions Trophy match, Azeem Rafiq says
  • Pakistan suffered an embarrassing six-wicket loss to India in Dubai on Sunday, which has pushed the Mohammad Rizwan’s side to the Champions Trophy exit
  • Pakistan have lost two matches and will need Bangladesh to beat New Zealand on Monday to have any chance of staying in contention for a last-four spot 

ISLAMABAD: Former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq has said that he did not see Pakistan making any effort against India in their crucial Champions Trophy match in Dubai on Sunday.

India secured a six-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan and pushed the title-holders to the brink of elimination from the tournament, with Virat Kohli hitting an unbeaten 100 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan have lost both their matches and will need Bangladesh to beat New Zealand on Monday to have any chance of staying in contention for a spot among last four teams in the tournament.

Pakistan-born Rafiq, who went public with allegations of racism and bullying against Yorkshire County Cricket Club in 2020, said Pakistan had long been disappointing fans with their dismal performances, particularly in significant matches.

“I don’t say this lightly. I didn’t see an effort [by Pakistan]. I didn’t see the, you know, the wanting to be out there and putting themselves in the fire line, you know, I didn’t see that,” he said in Arab News-hosted Instagram live after Sunday’s match.

“And it’s been too long now, you know, it’s been, it’s been far too long.”

Pakistan chased down a record 353 against South Africa this month in a tri-nation tournament at home but crashed in the final to 242 all out in a defeat to New Zealand.

Pakistan hammered India in the final of the previous Champions Trophy in 2017. That was India’s last defeat to Pakistan in a one-day international (ODI) match and Rohit Sharma’s men have since won five of the last six games against their greatest rivals, with one rained off.

Pakistan have been knocked out in the group stage at the last two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and suffered the same fate at last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after losing to co-hosts USA.

Rafiq said the consistent poor performances had been embarrassing for Pakistani cricket fans, and someone needs to take responsibility to fix things.

“You know, you can’t keep expecting your fans to just forget what’s going on. That was embarrassing, and I don’t think there’s any other words for it,” he said.

“I think the coaching staff, I don’t even know who is the selector [of Pakistani team] because there’s been so many. Someone, somewhere needs to really fix up.”

He pointed out that Dubai stadium was not filled to its 25000-seat capacity despite the India-Pakistan contest, which was not a good omen for the world cricket.

“I think that today should be a warning [to] not just Pakistan cricket, but to world cricket, you know, that ground [Dubai stadium] was not full. Honestly, that ground was not full. And, and at different times people were, it was pretty empty. But Pakistani fans were hardly there,” he said.

“This is you take advantage of this game, which is what world cricket does and expects that this is going to commercialize always. Be very, very careful... there were people that didn’t want to go and watch [the match].”