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Pakistan begins voting for PSL Fans’ Choice Awards

Pakistan begins voting for PSL Fans’ Choice Awards
The collage of images created on January 5, 2025, shows Peshawar Zalmi’s batsman Babar Azam (L), Multan Sultans’ captain Muhammad Rizwan (C), and Lahore Qalandars’ opening batsman Fakhar Zaman (R) – the top three leading run-scorers across nine editions of the Pakistan Super League. (Photo courtesy: Peshawar Zalmi/Pakistan Super League)
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Updated 05 January 2025
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Pakistan begins voting for PSL Fans’ Choice Awards

Pakistan begins voting for PSL Fans’ Choice Awards
  • Voting for six categories will take place on PSL official YouTube Channel at 6pm every day till January 10
  • PSL Players’ Draft is scheduled for Jan. 11, while the 2025 edition will be held between April 8 and May 19
Updated 05 January 2025
Shahjahan Khurram
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ISLAMABAD: The voting process for the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) Fans’ Choice Awards began on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said, with voting for the best batter taking place on PSL’s official YouTube channel from 6pm Pakistan time.
PSL is set to welcome its landmark 10th edition later this year. The Fans’ Choice Awards mark the celebration of some of the star players who have entertained fans and contributed toward the popularity of the Twenty20 league worldwide.
The nominees for the best batter of the HBL PSL included the top-three leading run-getters across the nine seasons — Babar Azam (3,504 runs), Fakhar Zaman (2,525 runs) and Mohammad Rizwan (2,403 runs).
“The voting for the six categories will take place on the official YouTube channel of the HBL PSL till Friday, 10 January and the winners of the Fans’ Choice Awards will be announced on Saturday, 11 January at the Players’ Draft ceremony,” the PCB said in a statement.
A total of six lucky fans, who would cast their votes on the PSL YouTube channel between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, will also become eligible to win 2025 edition tickets through a lucky draw.
The six categories for the awards include, best batter, best bowler, best all-rounder, most valuable players, best individual performance, and the PSL icon.
Nominees will be revealed on the PSL official social media handles at the start of voting every day till Jan. 10.

Topics: Pakistan Super League (PSL) PSL 2025

Uzbekistan plans to launch direct flights to Karachi in bid to strengthen ties with Pakistan — envoy

Uzbekistan plans to launch direct flights to Karachi in bid to strengthen ties with Pakistan — envoy
Updated 05 January 2025
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Uzbekistan plans to launch direct flights to Karachi in bid to strengthen ties with Pakistan — envoy

Uzbekistan plans to launch direct flights to Karachi in bid to strengthen ties with Pakistan — envoy
  • The development comes as Pakistan attempts to consolidate its role as a pivotal trade and transit hub for landlocked Central Asian states
  • Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev shares Uzbekistan has implemented a soft visa regime for Pakistani citizens to facilitate business, tourist travel
Updated 05 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Uzbekistan plans to launch direct flights to the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday, citing Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev.
The statement came amid Ambassador Tukhtaev's visit to Karachi this week, during which he addressed the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and members of the business community.
The ambassador highlighted the recent launch of direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore that underscored Uzbekistan’s commitment to fostering people-to-people contacts, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported.
“Our two nations are closer than ever, thanks to the realization of the long-awaited vision of regional connectivity,” the ambassador said, describing direct flights from Uzbekistan to Karachi as a "significant step" to foster closer ties.
The development comes amid Pakistan's efforts to consolidate its role as a pivotal trade and transit hub connecting the landlocked Central Asian states with the rest of the world, leveraging its strategic geographical position. There has been a flurry of visits, investment talks and economic activity between officials from Pakistan and the Central Asian nations in recent months.
In Feb. 2023, Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed a $1 billion deal to increase bilateral trade at the eighth meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation in Tashkent. The agreement was aimed at encouraging the exchange of goods and services.
Ambassador Tukhtaev shared that Uzbekistan implemented a soft visa regime for Pakistani citizens in September 2023, facilitating business and tourist travel. He said trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan had tripled over the last few years, rising from $122 million in 2019 to $387 million in 2023.
He stressed the importance of untapped opportunities for further collaboration between the two countries, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather and tannery, food processing, and agribusiness sectors, according to the APP report.
The Uzbek envoy commended the success of the “Made in Pakistan” single-country exhibition held in Tashkent in June 2024, which provided an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs from both nations to forge new trade and investment agreements. Building on this momentum, he announced plans for a “Made in Uzbekistan” industrial exhibition in Karachi later this year, expressing confidence that it would further strengthen economic ties.
“Uzbekistan offers a safe, conducive, and liberal environment for investment,” he stated, urging Pakistani businesses to capitalize on opportunities in various sectors and welcomed the idea of organizing business-to-business (B2B) meetings alongside business delegation visits to materialize trade and investment prospects.

Topics: Pakistan Uzbekistan Ties

Pakistani IT bodies urge government to address slow Internet issue amid reports of economic losses

Pakistani IT bodies urge government to address slow Internet issue amid reports of economic losses
Updated 05 January 2025
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Pakistani IT bodies urge government to address slow Internet issue amid reports of economic losses

Pakistani IT bodies urge government to address slow Internet issue amid reports of economic losses
  • Pakistan Software Houses Association says the country suffers a loss of more than 1 million dollars an hour on account of Internet shutdowns
  • Pakistan plans to introduce satellite Internet services, enhance Internet speeds and connectivity by linking up with 2Africa submarine cable this year
Updated 05 January 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani information technology (IT) associations and experts on Sunday urged the government to address the issue of slow Internet speeds by expediting the rollout of 5G spectrum and taking other measures, amid reports that the country suffered the highest economic losses in the world from Internet disruptions last year.
Pakistan suffered a total of $1.62 billion losses due to Internet outages and social media shutdowns in 2024, according to a recent report by global Internet monitor Top10VPN.com, surpassing losses in war-torn countries like Sudan and Myanmar.
The report, released on Jan. 2, said Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, experienced 9,735 hours of Internet disruptions that affected 82.9 million users, with elections and protests cited as the primary causes.
Last month, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the country’s top representative body for the IT sector, warned that Internet slowdowns and restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs) could lead to financial losses and increase operational costs for the industry by up to $150 million annually.
“Pakistan suffers a loss of more than one million dollars per hour on account of Internet shutdown in the country,” P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed told Arab News.
“The country urgently needs to address Internet outages and speed issues by rolling out 5G through a spectrum auction expected in March this year, while simultaneously completing the fiberization of cell towers and bringing new undersea cables to enhance connectivity and ensure the efficient deployment of next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.”
He said Pakistan’s IT sector had been thriving in recent years and its IT-related exports clocked in at $3.2 billion in the last fiscal year, which ended in June 2024, however, frequent Internet shutdowns could lead to a loss of revenues.
“Achieving the government’s target of $15 billion in IT exports [this fiscal year] depends on market access, infrastructure stability, a supportive taxation policy, and a skilled workforce,” he noted.
Internet speeds in Pakistan have dropped by up to 40 percent over the past few months, according to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), as the federal government last year moved to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from cyberattacks, and allow authorities to identify IP addresses associated with what it called “anti-state propaganda” and “terror attacks.”
Authorities have also announced plans to ban VPNs, which encrypt data and mask IP addresses to create a secure connection between a device and a network over the Internet. Access to social media platform X has already been blocked in Pakistan since February 2024, with the government saying the block was aimed at stopping “anti-state activities” and due to a failure by X to “adhere to local Pakistani laws.”
Rights activists say the moves are designed to “stifle critical voices and democratic accountability” in the South Asian country, the government denies it.
Tufail Ahmed Khan, president of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), said Pakistan has over 2.37 million freelancers who were directly impacted by frequent Internet shutdowns in 2024.
“Despite challenges such as Internet shutdowns and connectivity issues, Pakistan’s IT exports showed an upward trend last year, although growth could have been even stronger without these obstacles,” he told Arab News.
Khan praised the government’s announcement in Nov. last year about a National Fiberization Policy initiative to enhance broadband coverage and boost Internet speeds, saying the policy would benefit freelancers.
“The connectivity issue should be resolved on priority, so that we can work on increasing freelancing in Pakistan which will not only increase our foreign remittances, but also reduce pressure on government for employment,” he said.
“We request government to make Internet and VPN-friendly policies and there is also a need to bring freelancers in the banking eco-system and they should be encouraged to bring their money to Pakistan.”
Zohaib Khan, a former P@SHA chairman who owns a leading IT company, said freelancers were the most affected by downgraded speeds or Internet closures last year as Internet outages did not impact fiber optic and fixed lines.
“But reports of Internet shutdowns are damaging Pakistan’s brand image on the global stage, which indirectly impacts the industry,” he told Arab News, advising freelancers to use co-working spaces for their work in such situations.
“The government should consider addressing this issue on priority.”
Arab News reached out to the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), which regulates Internet in the South Asian country, and the IT Ministry for a comment on the subject, but did not receive a response.
On Saturday, the PTA said it had arranged a temporary bandwidth to address degraded Internet services caused by a recent fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, ensuring Internet stability across the country.
The AAE-1 cable is one of seven international undersea cables connecting Pakistan globally. Disruptions in these cables can significantly impact Internet performance, affecting individual users and businesses reliant on stable connectivity for daily operations.
The PTA has also announced that the country was set to enhance its Internet speeds and connectivity by linking up with the 2Africa submarine cable later this year.
2Africa, one of the world’s largest submarine cable systems, spans 45,000 kilometers and connects 46 locations across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, offering speeds of up to 180 Tbps.
State Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja last week said that Pakistan was also in talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite Internet services to the country.

Topics: Pakistan internet Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Internet disruptions

Pakistan, UAE resolve to foster collaboration in various economic sectors

Pakistan, UAE resolve to foster collaboration in various economic sectors
Updated 05 January 2025
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Pakistan, UAE resolve to foster collaboration in various economic sectors

Pakistan, UAE resolve to foster collaboration in various economic sectors
  • The statement follows a meeting between PM Shehbaz Sharif and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Rahim Yar Khan
  • UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner and major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in last 20 years
Updated 05 January 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday resolved to foster bilateral collaboration in various economic sectors, the Pakistan prime minister's office said, following PM Shehbaz Sharif's meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

The Pakistan premier met with the UAE president in Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan city, according to Sharif's office. They discussed a wide range of issues, including economic collaboration, regional stability, climate change, and the promotion of mutual interests on the global stage.

PM Sharif praised the UAE’s role as a key development and investment partner of Pakistan, and underscored Pakistan’s readiness to expand this cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, trade, infrastructure and skill development.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the Gulf nation’s "keen interest" in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals and agriculture sectors, PM Sharif's office said.

"The meeting concluded with a joint resolve to foster greater cooperation, particularly in priority sectors, ensuring a brighter future for both nations," it said in a statement.

The development comes as Pakistan, faced with a prolonged economic crisis, has been making efforts to leverage its geopolitical position to enhance trade with various countries in the region as well as to attract foreign investment to revive its $350 billion economy.

The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States (US), and a major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE foreign ministry. It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates. Policymakers in Pakistan consider the UAE an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.

In January last year, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure, a Pakistani official said, amid Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit to Davos, Switzerland to attend 54th summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

During Sunday's meeting, PM Sharif extended his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed for the UAE’s support to Pakistan during critical times, particularly in humanitarian assistance and development aid.

The UAE president expressed admiration for the manner in which Pakistan’s economy had stabilized and was moving in the "right direction," and emphasized that this "renewed economic vigor has created prospects for enhanced bilateral investment and collaboration," Sharif's office said.

"In his remarks, His Highness also reiterated the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and shared prosperity," it said.

"Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to peace and progress in the region, vowing to work closely on matters of mutual interest."

Topics: Pakistan UAE ties

Captain Masood leads Pakistan fightback in second Test against South Africa

Captain Masood leads Pakistan fightback in second Test against South Africa
Updated 05 January 2025
AFP
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Captain Masood leads Pakistan fightback in second Test against South Africa

Captain Masood leads Pakistan fightback in second Test against South Africa
  • Pakistan fought back after conceding a 421-run first innings deficit on the third day of the second Test
  • Pakistan were 213 for one in follow-on innings at close, 208 runs short of making South Africa bat again
Updated 05 January 2025
AFP

CAPE TOWN: Shan Masood and Babar Azam shared a record opening partnership as Pakistan fought back after conceding a 421-run first innings deficit on the third day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands on Sunday.
Pakistan were 213 for one in their follow-on innings at close of play, still 208 runs short of making South Africa bat again.
Pakistan captain Masood made 102 not out, his sixth Test century, and Babar scored 81, his third successive half-century in the series.

Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood (right) celebrates his 100 while Pakistan’s Babar Azam looks on during the third day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa, on January 5, 2025. (AP)

Babar, who has not scored an international century since August 2023, fell short again when he was caught in the gully off Marco Jansen 14 minutes before the close of play.
Their partnership of 205 was the highest for the first wicket for Pakistan in Tests against South Africa. It also exceeded Pakistan’s first innings total of 194, which prompted South African captain Temba Bavuma to enforce the follow on.
It was the second significant partnership of the day for Babar, who was forced to open the batting after Saim Ayub was ruled out of the match with a broken right ankle.
Babar made 58 in the first innings and put on 98 for the fourth wicket with Mohammad Rizwan (46) before his dismissal triggered a collapse.
Babar and Rizwan resumed at the overnight 64 for three and batted comfortably through the first hour, seeing off the threat of Kagiso Rabada and Jansen, South Africa’s premier strike bowlers.
The stand was broken by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka five balls after the morning drinks break when Babar was caught behind by Kyle Verreynne, glancing a loose ball down the leg side.

South Africa’s Kwena Maphaka celebrates his debut test wicket of Pakistan’s Babar Azam during the third day of the second Test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa, on January 5, 2025. (AP)

Babar had batted solidly in a 127-ball innings. He stood in seeming disbelief at his dismissal before returning to the pavilion.
Rizwan followed five overs later when he charged down the pitch against Wiaan Mulder and edged a wild slog into his stumps.
There was minimal resistance from the rest of the batsmen.

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (second-left), is congratulated by teammate Marco Jansen (second-right) after his wicket of Pakistan’s Aamir Jamal during the third day of the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa, on January 5, 2025. (AP)

Masood and Babar showed in the second innings that there were no demons in a pitch on which South Africa scored 615.
They kept the scoreboard moving with positive stroke play and good running between the wickets and seldom looked in danger of getting out.
South Africa’s frustration boiled over when Mulder, after bowling a ball which Babar struck back firmly, threw the ball at the batsman, who was on 56.
The incident led to an exchange of words, which also involved wicketkeeper Verreynne, and an intervention by the umpires.
The left-handed Masood struck 14 fours in posting his century off 159 balls.

 

Topics: Pakistan vs South Africa Pakistan cricket Babar Azam Kwena Maphaka

Pakistan to fly injured Ayub to London for treatment as Champions Trophy looms

Pakistan to fly injured Ayub to London for treatment as Champions Trophy looms
Updated 05 January 2025
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Pakistan to fly injured Ayub to London for treatment as Champions Trophy looms

Pakistan to fly injured Ayub to London for treatment as Champions Trophy looms
  • Saim Ayub has been ruled out of cricket for six weeks after he sustained ankle injury on Friday 
  • Pakistan are scheduled to play Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand on Feb. 19
Updated 05 January 2025
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send injured left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub to London for immediate medical treatment, the board said on Sunday, with the important Champions Trophy tournament just weeks away. 

Ayub has been ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture that he sustained while fielding against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

Ayub, one of Pakistan’s in-form batters who has performed well in white-ball matches against Australia and South Africa in recent weeks, is in danger of missing Pakistan’s Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand at Karachi on Feb. 19.

“Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send Saim Ayub to London for immediate treatment and the decision was made after consulting the doctors,” the board said in a statement. 

The PCB said that Ayub, who was supposed to return to Pakistan with the squad, will now head to England. It said Naqvi spoke to Ayub over the phone and inquired about his well-being. 

Naqvi said the Pakistani batter will be checked by sports ortho specialist doctors in England, adding that an immediate appointment has been made by the PCB. 

“The medical team is looking into the entire case and Dr. Mumraiz has shared Saim’s medical reports with specialists in England,” Naqvi said. 

He described Ayub as a “brilliant stylish batsman and asset of Pakistan cricket.”

“Saim’s treatment will be done in the best hospital in the world and in this regard all resources will be used for his treatment,” Naqvi said. “We hope that the left-handed batter will make a full recovery before the ICC Champions Trophy.”

Saim will travel to London from Cape Town on the first available flight, with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood accompanying him.

Topics: Pakistan Cricket Saim Ayub Champions Trophy 2025

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