Sunday, January 11, 2026
Home Blog Page 1432

Pakistani officials hold talks with Afghan minister after TTP calls off ceasefire

By
admin
-

KABUL, NOV 29: A high-level delegation headed by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar is in Kabul to hold talks with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi as the TTP called off their months-long ceasefire with Pakistan.

Khar arrived in Kabul Tuesday on a day-long visit during which she discussed matters of bilateral importance with Amir Khan Mutaqqi focusing on political consultations between the two governments.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Afghanistan Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq was also present.

Earlier on her arrival in the Afghan capital, Khar was received at the airport by Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister for Economy Abdul Latif Nazari and the Pakistan embassy’s Head of Mission in Kabul Ubaid-ur-Rahman Nizamani.

According to a Foreign Office statement, Hina Rabbani Khar held political consultations with Amir Khan Muttaqi. 

“A range of bilateral issues of common interest including cooperation in education, health, trade and investment, regional connectivity, people-to-people contacts, and socioeconomic projects were discussed.”

Moreover, the issue of the TTP ceasefire is likely to come under discussion between the two sides. 

“Ms Hina Khar will certainly convey the concerns about attacks on Pakistan security forces emanating from Afghanistan, regulating the movement of people to and from trade matters in view of the increased trade. Improved clearance process and facilities on Afghan side and finally assure the Afghan side of Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance,” former foreign secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani told.

TTP calls off ceasefire

Announcing the end of the ceasefire, the TTP leadership cited the latest military operation against their fighters in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a reason.

Pakistani militants had become active in southern parts of KP and particularly in South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.

The government had to postpone the polio campaign in Lakki Marwat district on Monday due to frequent attacks by the militants on police and operation launched against them.

Several rounds of talks were held with the Taliban leaders in Afghanistan to find an amicable solution to the years-long armed conflict.

Religious leaders and tribal leaders were also involved and sent to Kabul to persuade the Pakistani Taliban to soften their demands.

The militants had lately withdrawn from certain demands but they wanted the government to restore the previous status of erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and their armed return to Pakistan.

PML-N hints at governor’s rule in Punjab

By
admin
-

LAHORE: The PML-N Tuesday hinted at imposing governor’s rule in Punjab in order to stop the PTI from dissolving the assembly.

After holding another round of talks with the coalition partner PPP, PML-N’s Attaullah Tarrar Tuesday said that the opposition parties in Punjab will reveal their strategy in a day or two to counter PTI’s bid to dissolve the provincial assembly.

“When the resolution comes from the National Assembly and the Senate and goes to the President, the governor’s rule can be imposed,” the PML-N leader said.

The PML-N and PPP are making hectic efforts to save the Punjab Assembly after the senior PTI leadership greenlighted former prime minister Imran Khan’s decision to quit all assemblies to force an early election.

The PTI chief, in a surprise move last week, announced that the party doesn’t want to be part of this “corrupt” system and will opt out of the assemblies.

Soon after the announcement, the PDM parties started consultation to foil PTI’s plan and a meeting was held yesterday at the PML-N’s Model Town office.

Today, a PPP delegation, headed by PPP parliamentary leader in Punjab Assembly Syed Hassan Murtaza visited PML-N’s secretariat where both parties discussed the evolving political situation.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, SAPM Attaullah Tarar said that the PPP leaders met with Hamza Shehbaz on the directions of Asif Zardari as part of the consultative process.

“We exchanged views on no-trust motion in the Punjab Assembly,” Tarrar said, adding that they will use all options to stop PTI from dissolving the assembly.

“If the Punjab Assembly is dissolved at the behest of Imran Khan, it will be unconstitutional.”

Tarrar said that the assembly should complete its tenure and warned the ruling party from robbing people of their mandate.

“Various options have been discussed in detail. The government members of the Punjab Assembly are also anxious over the developments and several MPs are also in touch with us.”

He claimed that the parliamentary party of PTI is disintegrated.

According to the law, no member can be prevented from tabling a no-confidence motion or from voting on it, Tarrar said.

After further consultation, all the coalition parties will announce in a day or two, he further said.

PPP stands by PML-N

Speaking on the occasion, PPP leader Hassan Murtaza thanked the leadership of PML-N for including allies in the consultation process.

It is clear now who wants to strengthen the parliamentary system and who wants to weaken it, Hassan Murtaza said.

“PPP will stand side by side with its allies.”

He also questioned the reason behind dissolving assemblies.

ICCI expresses condolences over the sad demise of S.M. Munir

By
admin
-

Islamabad, NOV 29 /DNA/ – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the said demise of renowned business leader S.M. Munir who passed away in Karachi, terming it a great loss to the business community of the country.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari President, Faad Waheed Senior Vice President and Engr. Muhammad Azhar ul Islam Zafar Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) expressed their heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family and prayed that may Allah the Almighty keep the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the bereaved family the courage to bear this loss with patience. They said that S.M. Munir was a great business leader who rendered valuable services for the business community as Chairman TDAP, President FPCCI and Patron-in-Chief, United Business Group.  

Khalid Iqbal Malik Group Leader, Khalid Javed, Tariq Sadiq, Abdul Rauf Alam, Zubair Ahmed Malik, Muhammad Akram Farid, Mian Shaukat Masud, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Zafar Bakhtawari, Ahmed Hassan Moughal, Nasir Qureshi, Ch. Abdul Waheed, former Presidents, Executive Members and members of ICCI also expressed their condolences over the sad demise of S.M. Munir and paid tribute to his services for the business community. They also prayed that may Allah the Almighty keep the departed soul in peace and give courage to the bereaved family members to bear this loss with fortitude.  

Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa hands over baton of command to Gen Asim Munir

By
admin
-
  • Gen Asim Munir becomes 17th COAS of Pakistan.
  • Gen Bajwa hands over command to Gen Asim Munir in ceremony at GHQ.
  • General Bajwa presented guard of honour for last time as COAS.

RAWALPINDI, NOV 29: General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday handed over the command of the Pakistan Army to his successor General Asim Munir in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

With the change of command, Gen Munir has become the 17th army chief of the Pakistan Army when Gen Bajwa handed over the baton to him. Before handing over the command, Gen Bajwa, in his last address, congratulated his successor Gen Asim Munir for being promoted to the four star rank and as the head of the army.

“I have full faith that under his leadership army will reach new heights and his appointment will prove to be a positive for the country,” said Gen Bajwa. He added that he was happy to know that he was retiring by handing the army to an able officer like Gen Munir.

Gen Bajwa said that his journey in the army started 44 years ago and has ended today.

“I am thankful to Allah that he not only gave me an opportunity to work in the courageous and great army but also honoured me to command this army,” he said.

Appreciating the Pakistan Army, Gen Bajwa said that his prayers will always be with it in difficult times.

“I am proud that the army protects the borders from Siachen to Thar despite having limited resources,” he added.

Gen Bajwa said that the army defends regardless of language, colour, caste and religion.

“I will soon go into oblivion, but the spiritual connection will always remain with the army,” said General Bajwa.

Earlier, General Bajwa was presented guard of honour for the last time as the chief of army staff during the ceremony.

The change of command ceremony marks the time-honoured tradition that symbolises the seamless transition of military leadership.

The ceremony was attended by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and chiefs of the armed forces. It was also attended by senior serving and retired military officers with their families.

Chief ministers, federal ministers, secretaries and foreign military officers deployed at embassies were also present at the ceremony. Before the ceremony, Gen Bajwa visited the Yadgar-e-Shuhda for the last time as chief of army staff. Gen Munir had accompanied him during the visit.

Gen Munir was chosen to lead the country’s army by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on November 24. The summary of his appointment was approved by President Arif Alvi the same day.

Gen Asim Munir

Gen Munir was commissioned in the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment in 1986. He passed out with the 17th Officers Training course, Mangla and was awarded the coveted sword of honour.

Before taking charge he was posted as the quartermaster general at the General Head Quarters.

Before taking charge as COAS, Gen Munir was also posted as a directing staff in Command and Staff College, Quetta, brigade major of a deployed infantry brigade in Kel, general staff officer, grade-2, CGS secretariat and chief of staff of Mangla corps.

Gen Munir has commanded the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, Infantry Brigade, remained as a force commander in Northern Areas, Gilgit.

The incoming army chief has also served as the director general of Military Intelligence (MI).

In 2018, Gen Munir was appointed as the director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and later transferred as corps commander Gujranwala.

After heading the Gujranwala corps, he was posted as quartermaster general which was his last assignment before becoming COAS.

Gen Munir graduated from Fuji school Japan, Command and Staff College, Quetta, Malaysian Armed Forces College, Kuala Lumpur and National Defence University, Islamabad.

The general also has M Phil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from National Defence University.

Gen Munir has become the first army chief who has headed both — MI and ISI. He is also the first army chief awarded the Sword of Honour.

Gen Munir is a keen sportsman, avid reader, traveller and also a Hafiz e Quran.

British HC hosts reception to ‘Welcome the Return of England Test Cricket to Pakistan’

By
admin
-

DNA

ISLAMABAD, NOV 29: The British High Commission hosted a reception to welcome the return of the England Test cricket to Pakistan. In attendance were notable sports and media personalities, political figures, representatives from the ECB and PCB as well as cricket players who are set to play Test cricket in Pakistan for the first time in 17 years.

The return of the England Test team comes amid a standout year for UK-Pakistan sporting and cultural ties, coinciding with the 75-year anniversary of UK-Pakistan relations, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the England T20 Pakistan cricket tour and the World Cup T20 England-Pakistan final. The Tests mark a highpoint, as 2022 draws to a close.

The return of England cricket has coincided with a strong focus on the power of sports diplomacy – with both tours taking place following devastation caused by floods. Both the ECB and cricketers contributed to the UK’s DEC Pakistan flood appeal during the T20s which raised over £30m to provide lifesaving aid to those affected. England Test Captain, Ben Stokes, has also generously announced that he will be donating his match fees for this Test series to the DEC appeal. In addition the ECB in collaboration with the Lord’s Taverners, BA, IAG Cargo, Football for Peace and the Sarwar Foundation are shipping in 1 tonne of cricket kit to enable schools affected by flooding to rebuild their sports curriculums and help children return to a sense of normality.

This sports diplomacy drive compliments a wider UK Government focus in supporting Pakistan’s resilience in the aftermath of the floods via education development. Through its programmes, the UK is currently supporting 40,000 marginalised children with back to school kits including essential textbooks, providing 8,000 dignity kits for adolescent girls, and delivering an accelerated learning programme to 30,000 children to help them catch up on lost learning due to flood disruption. These efforts will safeguard girls in particular, and in the coming months the UK is set to expand its educational drive even further with a ‘Girls and Out of school children: Action for Learning (GOAL)’ programme which will support 20,000  flood-affected students (at least 60% female) to return to education in 235 schools.

The British High Commissioner, Dr Christian Turner said the following:

‘Cricket teaches us to play hard, accept defeat and respect our opponents. The players, PCB and ECB are great ambassadors for their sport and it is a pleasure to welcome them to the High Commission. The generous donations to flood victims is a sign of the deep ties and affection between our two countries.’

England Batter, Ollie Pope, said:

‘We’re delighted to return to Pakistan for this historic Test tour after such an exciting T20 series earlier this year. We’re grateful for the warm welcome we have received but also know that many communities have been impacted severely by the floods. It’s great to see so many different organisations coming together to arrange this donation of cricket equipment and hopefully it will go a small way to ensuring that children in some of the affected areas can still benefit from all the good that cricket can do as they try to recover.’

Pakistan stands by Palestine against Israeli oppression: President Alvi

By
admin
-

ISLAMABAD, Nov 29 (DNA): President Arif Alvi on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s unflagging support for the cause of Palestine against the tyranny and illegal occupation of the Israeli forces.

“Pakistan has historically supported the legitimate struggle of Palestinians and shall continue to do so,” the president said in his message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

President Alvi said collective voice and action could bring peace and security to the Palestinians and expressed hope that justice and fairness would prevail over tyranny and oppression.

He hoped that the conscience of the world would triumph over narrow self-interests.

He stressed that Pakistan fully supported the Palestinian position and their readiness to negotiate a peace accord based upon internationally recognized terms of reference and pre-1967 borders.

The accord, he said, needed to be under international monitoring, holding accountable the parties and within a determined and binding time frame, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine.

President Alvi pointed out that during the last seven and half decades, there was systematic and increasing abuse of the Palestinians at the hands of Israelis.

“So much of the innocent blood has been shed and the bleeding of Palestinians has not stopped yet. The two undeniable realities of the conflict are unstoppable Israeli violence against Palestinians and the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel,” he said.

The president said the most recent episode of the incessant Israeli violence was seen in August this year when it’s bombing in Gaza resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 Palestinians including 17 children, and injuries to more than 300.

“Despite any action that Israel takes to annex occupied Palestinian territories, the annexation and occupation will remain in contravention of the principles of international humanitarian law and international law,” he said.

Dr Alvi said the occupying power could take control of the territory, but it could not take control of the minds and spirit of the occupied people.

“The struggle of the Palestinians for their freedom will continue until they are given the chance to exercise their right to self-determination and Pakistan will stand by them,” he said.

WHO unveils ‘mpox’ as preferred term for monkeypox

By
admin
-

GENEVA: Monkeypox is to be renamed mpox, the World Health Organization announced Monday, in a bid to avoid stigmatisation stemming from the existing name.

Monkeypox received its name because the virus was originally identified in monkeys kept for research in Denmark in 1958, but the disease is found in a number of animals and most frequently in rodents.

A surge in monkeypox infections has been reported since early May among men who have sex with men, outside the African countries where it has long been endemic.

“When the outbreak of monkeypox expanded earlier this year, racist and stigmatising language online, in other settings and in some communities was observed and reported to WHO,” the UN health agency said in a statement.

“Following a series of consultations with global experts, WHO will begin using a new preferred term ´mpox´ as a synonym for monkeypox. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while ‘monkeypox’ is phased out.”

The disease was first discovered in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the spread among humans since then mainly limited to certain West and Central African nations.

But in May, cases of the disease, which causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions, began spreading rapidly around the world.

The WHO triggered its highest level of alarm on July 24, classifying it as a public health emergency of international concern, alongside Covid-19.

More than 80,000 cases

Some 81,107 confirmed cases and 55 deaths have been reported to the WHO this year, from 110 countries.

Where the given dataset was known, 97% were men, with a median age of 34 years old; 85% identified as men who had sex with men, according to the WHO´s case dashboard.

The 10 most affected countries globally are the United States (29,001), Brazil (9,905), Spain (7,405), France (4,107), Colombia (3,803), Britain (3,720), Germany (3,672), Peru (3,444), Mexico (3,292), and Canada (1,449). They account for 86% of the global number of cases.

A total of 588 cases were reported last week. Over the past four weeks, 92% of cases were reported from the Americas and 6% from Europe.

Seventy-one countries have reported no new cases in the past 21 days.

It is down to the WHO to assign names to diseases, as it did with Covid-19.

The WHO announced in August it was looking for a new name for the virus, seeking suggestions from experts, countries and the public.

According to WHO’s best practices in disease naming adopted in 2015, names should aim to minimise unnecessary negative impact.

Considerations include scientific appropriateness, pronounceability, and usability in different languages.

“WHO will adopt the term mpox in its communications, and encourages others to follow these recommendations, to minimise any ongoing negative impact of the current name,” it said.

The one-year transition is to avoid confusion caused by changing the name in the midst of a global outbreak.

England coach Brendon McCullum promises result-oriented cricket against Pakistan

By
admin
-

RAWALPINDI: England head coach Brendon McCullum said that his side will be looking to play result-oriented cricket in the three-match series against Pakistan.

Speaking to media at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test, McCullum said that Pakistan is a great place to tour and it’s been starved of international cricket for a long period of time.

“We understand how passionate the people are here in Pakistan about the sport of cricket and we understand the obligation that we have as an England side. We’re looking forward to playing an entertaining style of cricket which hopefully ends up in results whether that’s in our favour or in Pakistan’s favour,” said the former New Zealand captain. 

“I don’t know if we’re going to win the series. I can almost guarantee when the skipper comes in 48 hours’ time he will say that there’ll be no draws in the series, we’ll certainly be pushing for results because we see it as our obligation to try and ensure that people walk away entertained and if we get beaten then Pakistan would’ve played well. I expect us to play well. If we get outplayed that’s okay too, but looking forward to the opportunity looking forward to the challenge,” added McCullum.

When asked if pitches in Pakistan would force England to modify their traditional aggressive approach in Test cricket, the head coach said that they’ll find a way out but added that the team always respect the conditions.

“We know that it may not necessarily be as prominent, the aggressive cricket as what we’ve seen in the past, but there’ll be opportunities to try and play positively and when that does arise, I expect the guys to try and take that on,” said the coach.

McCullum added that it is important to entertain people even in red-ball cricket and that’s why he has adopted the aggressive approach in the longer format of the game as well.

“We see an obligation to try and ensure that if people turn on the TV anywhere around the world, or they pay their money, their rupee or the pound, to come and watch your play, then they’re going to get entertained. And for us, it’s about trying to play that style. It’s not always going to be successful, we know that but I think what we’ve seen in a short period of time is that it can unlock your skill.”

“I think in this game we can we can suffocate ourselves a little bit by the want or the willful results, and we’ve to stymie our ability for our talent to come out,” he added.

Talking about the three-match series with Pakistan, McCullum said that he expects his side to be prepared in time before the first test which starts on December 1 in Rawalpindi.

He also confirmed that Mark Wood will miss the first Test in Rawalpindi but is likely to be available for Multan Test.

“We’ve got a couple of days. It’s nice to be here. And we had a great camp and Abu Dhabi and spent lots of time together as a team sort of trying to build that camaraderie back after a little bit of a break, which we identified throughout the English summer that that’s a really important component to how this team is going to operate,” the head coach of England’s Test side said.

“Mark Wood obviously will not make it to the first test squad unfortunately because of his injury but we expect him to be ready for the second test otherwise, we’ve got a full squad to pick from.” 

“The pitch looks good but is expected to change over the next couple of days. See how things scrub up. I think one of the things we’ve talked about is that we just adapt to whatever we are given, and not too stuck in our preconceived thoughts. Just play what’s in front of us and be prepared to adapt accordingly. But I’d anticipate the pitch will be a pretty good wicket. But we’ll just have to wait and see,” he said.

Replying to a question, he said that to be able to win a Test series against a strong side in away conditions is something every cricketer would want to achieve in their career.

“To win away from home is the greatest accomplishment you can achieve as a test player and as a test side. We understand the size of the challenge in front of us but that’s great. That’s where you want to play the game for, you don’t want easy challenges, you want to take on the best and their own conditions and you want to try and test where you’re at as a side and I’m really excited,” McCullum pointed.

SM Munir passes away

By
admin
-

DNA

KARACHI: Renowned business figure SM Munir has passes away. He was chairman of United Business Group and a leading businessman from Karachi. He was also former Chairman of TDAP.

Meanwhile, President Dr. Arif Aliv has condloled his death. In his message the President said ‘My very dear friend, like an elder brother Mr. SM Muneer passed away. He was a great philanthropist. Our fathers were friends too, indulging in persistent charity.May his soul rest in peace and may his family gain strength from Allah to bear this loss’.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Kudus double sparks Ghana’s 3-2 win over South Korea

By
admin
-

DOHA: Ghana’s opening goal had a rattling effect on South Korea but they showed amazing powers of recovery only to be floored again. Mohammad Kudus scored twice for Ghana, including the 68th-minute winner, as they revived their World Cup campaign with a rip-roaring 3-2 win in an absorbing, incredible match at the Education City Stadium on Monday.

Ghana had gone into half-time with a 2-0 lead after goals from Mohammed Salisu and Kudus but two headed goals in the space of three second-half minutes by Cho Gue Sung had put South Korea level just past the hour mark. Kudus and Ghana, however, had the final say when the 22-year-old fired in the decisive goal in the 68th.

After a game in which momentum swung wildly, tempers flared at the end; South Korea coach Paulo Bento was shown a red card as they protested the referee’s decision to blow for the final whistle before they could take a corner and possibly a last-gasp chance to equalise.

Son Heung Min’s South Korea had started with more enterprise, and more will, pushing Ghana back into their own box. Ghana’s lynchpin, their captain, Andre Ayew issued a rallying cry to no avail; the Koreans were coming at them from all angles.

They were quick in interceptions, even faster in transition. They had a flurry of corners, six to be precise, in the opening 17 minutes. It seemed a matter of time for them to get the breakthrough.

It was Ghana, though, who broke the deadlock in the 24th, sparking widespread joy among a section of their fans who had continued to beat their drums, and blow their trumpets despite seeing their side come under a period of sustained pressure. A free kick on the left was bent in superbly by Jordan Ayew from his right foot. The South Korean defence failed to clear it and Salisu was on hand to bundle it in from the six-yard box. Replays showed the ball had brushed Andre Ayew’s arm before falling to Salisu but VAR let it stand.

The goal gave Ghana a foothold in a game they needed to win to keep alive their hopes of advancing from Group ‘H’. Ten minutes later, they got a second. Jordan Ayew received the ball in a similar position to the one from which he’d sent the free-kick for the opening goal and this was another delightful, pinpoint cross for Kudus to glance past Kim Seung Gyu.

Ghana were all over South Korea now. The expression on their talisman Son’s face at half-time, despite the fact that he was wearing a mask because of his fractured eye socket, was telling of the situation. They needed to get back in this. They almost did seven minutes into the second half when Cho’s powerful header was beaten away by Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Ati-Zigi, though, had no chance six minutes later. Kangin Lee had been on the pitch for less than a minute when he found space on the left to curl in a cross that was gleefully headed in after a darting run by Cho.

Spurred by the goal, South Korea piled on the pressure and were on level terms in the 61st when Son released Kim Jin Su on the byline and Cho towered above Ghanaian defender to power it in. The Korean fans behind the goal were in raptures, some couldn’t hold back their tears.

No joy is everlasting though. Ghana had been stunned into action and just seven minutes later they were back in the lead. Gideon Mensah was released on the left and sent in a low cross which Inaki Williams couldn’t connect with but Kudus, arriving at the back post, opened up his body and sent a shot with his left foot into the back of the net.

It was all happening. It was electric, frenetic, furious. Blink, and you’d miss. Ati-Zig had to be alert to turn away a free-kick from Lee Kang In and in an interlude of relentless Korean pressure, Salisu cleared a cross-turned-shot by Kim.

South Korea cranked up the pressure as time ran out but the Ghanaians defended by putting their bodies on the line; Ati-Zigi punching away a fierce drive from Cho as they closed out the win.

1...1,4311,4321,433...3,800Page 1,432 of 3,800

Stay Connected

64FansLike
60FollowersFollow

Latest Reviews

Exchange Rates

USD - United States Dollar
EUR
1.16
GBP
1.34
AUD
0.67
CAD
0.72

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Centreline Magazine