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Gilgit-Baltistan defeats Chitral in ice hockey match at Shandur Lake

Gilgit-Baltistan defeats Chitral in ice hockey match at Shandur Lake
This handout image, released by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority on December 27, 2024, shows players participating in an ice hockey match during the Shandur Ice Winter Sports event in the Chitral district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (Photo courtesy: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority)
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Updated 1 min 33 sec ago
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Gilgit-Baltistan defeats Chitral in ice hockey match at Shandur Lake

Gilgit-Baltistan defeats Chitral in ice hockey match at Shandur Lake
  • The match was part of Shandur Ice Sports Challenge held from December 24 to 28
  • The ice hockey match was tied 2-2 before Gilgit-Baltistan won on penalty shootouts
Updated 1 min 33 sec ago
REHMAT MEHSUD
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PESHAWAR: Shandur Lake in Pakistan’s northern region hosted an ice hockey match on Saturday, with Gilgit-Baltistan defeating Chitral 4-3 in a penalty shootout, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority said.
The match concluded the Shandur Ice Sports Challenge, organized by the tourism authority, which was held from December 24 to 28 and featured competitions in ice hockey and speed skating.
While ice hockey remains a developing sport in Pakistan, it has gained traction in the northern regions, where freezing temperatures and frozen lakes create natural rinks.
“A large number of locals participated in the ice hockey event,” said Tashfeen Haider, Director General of the tourism authority. “The match at Shandur Lake demonstrates the region’s potential to host winter sports.”
Shandur is widely known for its annual polo festival, a tradition dating back to 1936, when British officials set up a polo ground at the Shandur Pass, located at approximately 3,700 meters above sea level.
The festival attracts teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan and has become a significant cultural and sporting event.
The tourism authority informed that the ice hockey match at Shandur was tied 2-2 in regular time before being decided on penalty shootouts.
The match highlighted the growing interest in winter sports in Pakistan’s northern regions, which can help boost local tourism and community engagement.

Topics: ice hockey shandur lake Shandur festival

Key coalition ally criticizes Pakistan government’s ‘excuses’ for imposing Internet restrictions

Key coalition ally criticizes Pakistan government’s ‘excuses’ for imposing Internet restrictions
Updated 36 sec ago
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Key coalition ally criticizes Pakistan government’s ‘excuses’ for imposing Internet restrictions

Key coalition ally criticizes Pakistan government’s ‘excuses’ for imposing Internet restrictions
  • Pakistan announced in June it was setting up a firewall to curb ant-state propaganda, which slowed Internet speeds countrywide
  • Pakistan’s opposition and rights activist criticize government’s measures, allege they are designed to crack down on criticism
Updated 36 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The chairman of a key coalition partner of the government, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, this week criticized the center’s “excuses” for imposing Internet restrictions in Pakistan that freelancers and rights activists say are aimed at cracking down on dissent in the country. 

The PPP chairman’s criticism comes in response to the government’s recent measures which have been interpreted by activists and opposition parties as a digital clampdown on Internet freedom in the country. Pakistani officials admitted in June that the government was installing a national firewall, ostensibly designed to curb “anti-state propaganda” and “blasphemous content,” which slowed Internet speeds across the country. 

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has also intensified its crackdown on virtual private networks (VPNs), allowing their legal use only after users register with the government— posing challenges for freelancers and businesses relying on online access.

Activists say the curbs are meant to counter criticism from jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, who have a powerful presence on social media platforms. The government denies these allegations. 

“There is a lot of room for criticism on this digital issue,” Bhutto-Zardari told reporters in the southern Larkana city on Saturday. 

“Every day there is a new excuse— sometimes they admit that we are shutting it [Internet] off and sometimes they say that we have done nothing of the sort. Then sometimes they say that our wires have been cut, then they say that there is a [firewall] testing going on,” he added. 

Earlier this week, the PPP chairman called for a “digital bill of rights” to ensure Internet freedoms for people across the country. 

In December, Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja defended Internet restrictions, citing security concerns.

“No one is interested in shutting down the Internet,” she told parliament. “Law and order is paramount for us, but we will make every effort to ensure no disruption to the industry.”

Slow Internet speeds across the country have troubled Pakistani freelancers, who have reported disruptions in completing assignments and tasks. 

According to data from the central bank, Pakistani freelancers earned $397.3 million in foreign remittances during the fiscal year 2021-22.

The amount is likely underreported, as much of the freelance income is received as home remittances.

Topics: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)

Pakistan PM orders swift installation of smart meters to enhance billing transparency

Pakistan PM orders swift installation of smart meters to enhance billing transparency
Updated 28 December 2024
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Pakistan PM orders swift installation of smart meters to enhance billing transparency

Pakistan PM orders swift installation of smart meters to enhance billing transparency
  • Shehbaz Sharif calls overbilling unacceptable, orders action against officials involved in the practice
  • Sharif instructs the authorities to take concrete measures to prevent electricity theft in the country
Updated 28 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the rapid installation of smart meters to improve transparency and curb overbilling in Pakistan’s power sector, according to an official statement.
Pakistan’s power sector faces significant challenges, including billing issues, electricity theft, and data discrepancies. Earlier this year in September, a Senate committee review highlighted these issues, noting that consumers have suffered due to incorrect meter readings and mismanagement.
“The installation of smart meters should be completed at the earliest to ensure transparency in the billing system,” the prime minister instructed the relevant officials in a meeting to review the performance of power distribution companies.
“Overbilling is absolutely unacceptable and strict action will be taken against officials involved in overbilling,” he added.
He also mentioned the problem of electricity theft in certain areas of the country, which contributes to the sector’s financial instability.
This is made possible through various methods, such as meter tampering or using illegal connections to consume power without proper billing.
“Concrete measures must be taken to prevent electricity theft,” the prime minister said.
He instructed the power companies utilize all necessary resources to meet targets set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
He also instructed merit-based recruitment within power distribution companies, saying no compromise on transparency would be tolerated.

Topics: Pakistan electricity

Pacer Marco Jansen admits South Africa face challenge after losing three wickets

Pacer Marco Jansen admits South Africa face challenge after losing three wickets
Updated 28 December 2024
AFP
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Pacer Marco Jansen admits South Africa face challenge after losing three wickets

Pacer Marco Jansen admits South Africa face challenge after losing three wickets
  • Pakistan’s opening bowlers had South Africa reeling at 27-3, 121 runs short of a win
  • The third day of the match started with a three-hour delay due to continuous rain
Updated 28 December 2024
AFP

CENTURION, South Africa: South African fast bowler Marco Jansen admitted that his team faced a challenge after Pakistan took three quick wickets late on the third day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Saturday with the hosts chasing 148 runs for victory.
Pakistan opening bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad had South Africa reeling at 27-3, 121 runs short of a win which would clinch them a place in the World Test championship final in England next June.
Abbas took two wickets for three runs in four immaculate overs of swing bowling, dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, while Shahzad trapped Ryan Rickelton.
Aiden Markram, South Africa’s top scorer in the first innings, was unbeaten on 22 going into what could be a nervy fourth day for the hosts.
Jansen, who took six for 52 as Pakistan were bowled out for 237 in their second innings, said the pitch had “quickened up,” with some balls lifting sharply and others keeping low.
“If Pakistan keep on bowling the lengths they did now we will have a task on our hands,” said Jansen.
But he added that a victory target of 148 “isn’t too much.”

South Africa’s Marco Jansen, left, celebrates with his teammates after dismissing Pakistan’s Babar Azam for 50 runs during day three of the Test cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa on December 28, 2024. (AP)

“We know the new ball moves quite sharply, especially in the second innings. Once the ball gets older it gets a lot easier to bat,” the 24-year-old added.
All three South African wickets were leg before wicket decisions as the Pakistan bowlers attacked the stumps — and all three were reviewed.
De Zorzi batted outside his crease in an attempt to counter the swing which undid him in the first innings, but Abbas beat his inside edge and he was given out.
He reviewed umpire Alex Wharf’s decision but replays showed the impact was “umpire’s call,” with the ball going on to hit the stumps, and he had to go for two runs.
Rickelton failed to score before he was trapped by Shahzad and Stubbs made one before falling to Abbas — with Pakistan successfully reviewing on both occasions after the batsmen were initially given not out.
It was a dramatic end to a day on which the start was delayed by three hours because of rain.
South Africa seemed well on target for victory when Pakistan were bowled out for 237 despite Saud Shakeel making an impressive 84.
Resuming at 88-3, Babar Azam and the left-handed Shakeel batted confidently, adding another 65 runs in 14.5 overs.
Babar made 50, his first half-century in 19 Test innings, before Jansen had a burst of three wickets in 14 balls, starting when Babar slapped a short ball to deep point.
Shakeel was ninth man out when he missed a full toss from Jansen after hitting 10 fours and a six in a 113-ball innings.
“I was looking for a yorker,” admitted Jansen. “I missed by a shin length.”

Topics: Pakistan vs South Africa

Imran Khan’s party denies seeking concessions for jailed leader through negotiations

Imran Khan’s party denies seeking concessions for jailed leader through negotiations
Updated 28 December 2024
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Imran Khan’s party denies seeking concessions for jailed leader through negotiations

Imran Khan’s party denies seeking concessions for jailed leader through negotiations
  • Shibli Faraz says Khan is in prison for the people of Pakistan and is firm on his ‘principled stance’
  • He calls PTI a peaceful party that stands against ‘fascism’ and demands rule of law in Pakistan
Updated 28 December 2024
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Saturday challenged the perception its ongoing negotiations with the government were aimed at securing concessions for its jailed leader, calling instead for constitutionalism and rule of law in the country.
The government and PTI formally began talks this month to address political differences and end deep polarization that has impacted Pakistan’s fragile economy. Khan, who has been imprisoned for more than a year, has called for a timeline to advance the talks, the release of PTI political prisoners and the establishment of judicial commissions to investigate violent protests on May 9 last year and Nov. 26 this year, which the government claims were orchestrated by PTI supporters.
“We completely reject the perception that these negotiations are held because the [party’s] founding chairman Imran Khan is seeking concessions for himself,” Shibli Faraz, a senior PTI leader, said during a joint news conference with other top colleagues.
“He will not be part of any arrangement which builds a perception that he’s doing this for himself,” he continued. “He is in prison for the people of Pakistan and he is firm on his principled stance.”
Faraz reiterated that his party was facing political victimization, saying its leaders, including Khan, had been targeted through politically motivated cases.
He also emphasized PTI’s commitment to peaceful political activism.
“We are a peaceful party and peaceful protest has always been our way,” he said, adding: “We are not in favor of any violence or extremism, but we firmly stand against fascism. We disagree with undemocratic ways and condemn them. This country should run on the basis of the constitution.”
Faraz also criticized what he described as selective application of the constitution, calling for consistency and adherence to democratic principles.

Topics: Imran Khan Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party

Karachi paralyzed as protests erupt in solidarity with violence-hit Kurram district

Karachi paralyzed as protests erupt in solidarity with violence-hit Kurram district
Updated 28 December 2024
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Karachi paralyzed as protests erupt in solidarity with violence-hit Kurram district

Karachi paralyzed as protests erupt in solidarity with violence-hit Kurram district
  • Mayor Murtaza Wahab affirms people’s right to protest but asks them not to disrupt life in the city
  • Demonstrators call protests in Karachi vital to draw attention to the ‘overlooked’ crisis in Kurram
Updated 28 December 2024
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi remained paralyzed for a second consecutive day on Saturday as protesters staged sit-ins at ten locations to show solidarity with demonstrators in Kurram, where violence and a lack of medical access have claimed over 130 lives.
Kurram, a northwestern district of around 600,000 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has long been a hotspot for tribal and sectarian violence, with authorities struggling to maintain control.
The area’s situation has necessitated travel in convoys escorted by security personnel, yet it failed to prevent an attack on Nov. 21, when gunmen ambushed a convoy, killing 52 people. The attack sparked further violence and road closures, restricting access to medicine, food and fuel in the region.
A grand jirga, or council of political and tribal elders, has attempted to mediate between rival factions, as protests in Parachinar, the main city in Kurram, have spread to Karachi, where the mayor, Murtaza Wahab, has criticized demonstrators for disrupting daily life in the metropolis.
“These protesters told [provincial minister] Nasir Shah Sahib that they were protesting peacefully on the side and had not blocked roads,” he told the media. “I informed him and the chief minister [Murad Ali Shah] that this was not true. Roads are indeed blocked, and people are facing difficulties.”
While affirming his support for the constitutional right to protest, he emphasized such actions should not disrupt life in a city.
“If the aim of a protest is to inconvenience people, disrupt a city’s system, prevent ambulances and fire brigades from operating, or hinder police and administrative vehicles, then I believe this is inappropriate,” he continued.
Wahab urged the protesters to move to designated areas for such protests.
“The media will cover your protest,” he added. “But if your aim is to paralyze the city, no responsible state can allow this.”
Karachi’s protests were called by the Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), a Shia organization, with demonstrators blocking main thoroughfares, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, which connects the airport to the city’s Red Zone, home to sensitive government installations, and major hotels. Another area that has been choked is Numaish, a vital junction linking the city’s central district to its commercial hubs.
MWM’s Karachi spokesperson, Syed Ahmad Naqvi, told Arab News the protests in Karachi were tied to the Parachinar sit-in.
“We are staging sit-ins at ten locations, and these will continue as long as the Parachinar protest persists,” he said. “Once their demands are met, the protests in Karachi will also end.”
Naqvi said the protests in Karachi were essential for drawing attention to the “overlooked crisis in Kurram.”
“Large-scale protests in Karachi highlight the situation in Kurram, where many precious lives have been lost in recent weeks but have received no attention,” he said.

Topics: karachi protest kurram district parachinar

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