SYDNEY: Former head coach of the Pakistan cricket team Geoff Lawson feels that the Men In Green were lucky to get through the semi-finals but now they are capable of winning the T20 World Cup.

In an exclusive interview with Geo News on Wednesday, the 64-year-old said that Pakistan should play without fear of consequences in the semi-final against New Zealand.

“Predictable in the unpredictability as ever,” the former Australian cricketer said while talking about Pakistan’s journey in the tournament.

“And, lucky to get through the semi-finals. We know that they can be brilliant on their day. And I think the bowling has been fairly brilliant. The batting just let them down a little bit bought,”

“Now, through to the semi-finals, they’re certainly capable of winning this cup,” said Lawson who has represented Australia in 46 Tests and 79 ODIs.

The former coach added that the great paradox about Pakistani players is that sometimes they can look so controlled when they’re under pressure.

“I had this feeling that they’ve got through the panic, they’ve got to the semi-final. They’re very lucky to be there. And then somehow it doesn’t matter what happens now. It’s a bonus being in the semi-final,” he said.

“I think that’s one of the big advantages for Pakistan that there is scraped in, there’s no pressure on them because they weren’t expected to be there,” he said while advising Pakistan to play its natural game without fear of consequences.

Advice ahead of the semi-final

When asked what would he advise the Pakistan team ahead of the semi-final against New Zealand, the former cricketer said that it’s about being relaxed.

“The SCG will have plenty of pace in it. I know it’s got a reputation for spinning but it’ll be fast and back those opening bowlers. Get fast bowlers and try to dominate the game with your bowlers,” he added.

Replying to a question, Lawson said Pakistan’s opening pair — Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — are top players and they have won several games for Pakistan.

He added that it’s been a bit of a surprise that the Babar doesn’t seem to be hitting the ball that well.

“And, maybe it is just the stress of the tournament. It’s trying to make it to the semi-finals and all that pressure of expectation that you should be in the semi-finals. Hopefully now having got through that, that expectation, he can just relax,” he said.

He agreed that being captain in Pakistan is not an easy task and captains in Pakistan are always under pressure.

“Captains have always felt the weight of the nation on their shoulders, particularly when they’re playing big games against Australia or India, perhaps. And yes, there is that pressure there. And it’s a difficult thing to overcome,” Lawson said.

“When I was the coach there, listen, we had a young captain, we had Shoaib Malik, who was brought in as the captain, he was very inexperienced, and we tried to use that inexperience saying don’t worry about it. People aren’t expecting you to be fantastic, because you’re just a young man. And maybe that’s what Babar has got to do as well. Just put all that to one side of play,” he added.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 08 (DNA) — The federal government on Tuesday restored public holiday on Allama Iqbal Day on November 9 to commemorate the birth of Pakistan’s national poet. The national annual holiday has been restored after six years.

The government notified the development on Tuesday. “The Prime Minister has been pleased to desire that November 9 (Iqbal Day) shall henceforth be observed as a Public Holiday,” an official notification read.

In 2015, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government through a circular canceled annual public holiday on November 9 holiday without specifying any reason. Dr Iqbal played an instrumental role in inspiring millions of Muslims across the sub-continent to seek an independent homeland where they could practice Islam freely.

The day would dawn with special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Born in Sialkot on November 9 in 1877, Iqbal received his early education in the traditional maktab and went to Sialkot Mission School, from where he passed his matric exams.

He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Government College, Lahore in 1897 and secured his Masters’s Degree two years later. He was appointed as a lecturer of history, philosophy and English in Lahore’s Oriental College.

Iqbal conceived of the idea of Pakistan and used poetry to motivate the Muslims, especially the youth of the sub-continent in their struggle against their British rulers and their demand for a separate homeland.

Iqbal was an acclaimed poet and philosopher. He is credited with writing poetry and using his political influence to demand the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims.

Unfortunately, he did not live to see the dream of a separate homeland for Muslims come true and passed away on April 21, 1938. A prestigious change of guards ceremony will be held at the mausoleum of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal at Lahore in connection with his birth anniversary. =DNA

PRCS organizes International and National Donors Conferences for flood victims

ISLAMABAD, NOV 8 /DNA/ – President Arif Alvi has said rehabilitation of the victims is no less than a challenge; national-level aid organizations, especially Pakistan Red Crescent Society, have done valuable work; says winter and other problems have increased the difficulties and victims living in temporary shelters are looking to the international community

Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari says the Red Crescent has gone above and beyond and is now focusing on the resettlement and reconstruction phase, PRCS, in collaboration with its partners, will strengthen government initiatives and will ensure the rehabilitation of flood victims

Qadir Patel says Pakistan’s share in carbon emissions is negligible and we need justice for the damages caused by climate change a large number of victims, says families are facing health issues and they are looking for aid

ISLAMBAD: Pakistan has been suffering from natural disasters for the past 3 decades. After the terrible floods, recovery and reconstruction is no less than any challenge, national level aid organizations, especially Pakistan Red Crescent Society, have done valuable work. We are grateful for the assistance from international organizations and friendly countries, but the difficulties have not decreased and we need to develop and adopt a comprehensive strategy to coup up with this gigantic challenge, President Dr Arif Alvi said this while addressing International and National Donors Conference organized by Pakistan Red Crescent Society here today.

Dr Arif Alvi said that the government is making every possible effort to speed up the reconstruction and rehabilitation works. Highlighting the importance and usefulness of first aid, the President said that the Red Crescent should be equipped to provide first aid training to every individual. He said there is a dire need to have a first aider in every house who can save precious lives in times of need. “Diseases caused by polluted water, living in camps in severe winter and other problems have increased the difficulties and victims living in temporary shelters are looking to the international community”, Dr Arif Alvi added.

The President urged the international community and donor agencies to generously donate funds for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the victims and for the construction of infrastructure.

PRCS Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmad Laghari, while delivering the welcome speech on this occasion, said that since the first day, the Red Crescent has been in the service of flood victims and playing its fullest and effective role in relief operations. “The Red Crescent has gone above and beyond and is now focusing on the resettlement and reconstruction phase, PRCS, in collaboration with its partners, will strengthen government initiatives and will ensure the rehabilitation of flood victims”, Shahid Laghari added.

Sardar Shahid Ahmad Laghari said that PRCS is proud of its Movement Partnersand together we will continue our relief efforts until the rehabilitation and resettlement of the last affected family. He urged the international communities and donor agencies to provide funding support to PRCS for its relief efforts for flood-hit population.

Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel said that Pakistan’s share in carbon emissions is negligible and we need justice for the damages caused by climate change. PRCS  and its movement partners have carried out enviable relief activities. A large number of victims are facing health issues and they are looking for aid. He said PRCS has made significant progress and earned name under the leadership of Sardar Shahid Ahmed Lagahri.

NDMA’s Umar Chatha briefed the participants on devastation caused by floods and the measures undertaken by NDMA. PRCS Secretary General Abaidullah Khan briefed the participants on PRCS relief activities and future plans. IFRC Interim Head of Delegation Don Johnston Murphy also spoke on this occasion.

The conference was attended by officials from ICRC, IFRC, delegates of Partner National Societies, ambassadors, high commissions, philanthropists, stakeholders, governance and management of provincial branches and other imminent personalities. On this occasion, the Federal Health Minister Qadir Patel and NDMA representative Umar Chattawere also presented with Red Crescent commemorative shields.

By FAISAL MUNIR / DNA

ATTOCK: Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hassan Abdal Zainab
Ayub has said a foolproof security plan has been finalized for the
Sikh pilgrims who are reaching the city to celebrate 553th birthday of
Baba Guru Nanak.

The Sikh pilgrims from around the world will visit Gurdwara Sri Panja
Sahib in Hassan Abdal to participate in the Baisakhi festival. The ASP
said that the protection of all religious places and followers is the
top priority and they would not any miscreant to spread unrest.

The district police will provide foolproof security to Sikh pilgrims.
District Police Attock Security plan finalized for Sikh pilgrims at
various places. Around 1,000 police officers and personnel, including
Four SDPOs, 17 Inspectors/SHOs, 103 upper superintendent, 94 head
constables, 667 constables and 36 ladies constables will be on-duty to
monitor the security.

Around 26 sections of elite commandos will be on constant alert and
patrol for the protection of Sikh pilgrims. Assistant Superintendent
of Police (ASP) Zainab Ayub reviewed security arrangements for the
protection of the Sikh pilgrims. She said that all Sikh pilgrims
should be able to worship freely and without fear multilayered
security plans have been made to ensure that visiting pilgrims are
safe.

Earlier, the ASP while issuing instructions to the officials concerned
to provide foolproof security to the pilgrims coming from all over the
world, said that the protection of the life and property of the
pilgrims is their utmost responsibility. She had directed the traffic
in charge to manage the parking and flow of traffic during the
festival. She also instructed Rescue 1122 officials to keep vehicles
on standby.

Islamabad, NOV 8 /DNA/ – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Works shall organize the 1^st International Housing Expo from December 9-11, 2022 at Convention Center, Islamabad, said Ahsan Zafar Bakhtwari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry during a meeting with Shafiq Akbar, CEO Graana and Imarat Group. He said that both local and international developers, builders, architects, designers, allied industries and real estate development companies shall participate in the Expo to showcase their projects and announce state of the art residential and commercial projects. He invited Graana for collaboration in this mega event. Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President, Sh.Aamir Waheed, Convener Expo Committee ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik, Zaffar Bakhtawari and Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, Former Presidents were present in the meeting.

The main theme of the Expo is “SHELTER FOR ALL”, as this is one of the basic rights of every citizen of Pakistan, said Ahsan Zafar Baktawari. He said that in the Expo, on the sidelines panel discussions shall be held in which renowned national and international speakers shall participate to discuss the policy reforms for urban regeneration, technology and experience sharing, eco-friendly, affordable and low-cost housing. He informed that exhibitors and speakers from 10 countries have shown their interest to participate in the Expo and there would be exclusive sessions with the Chinese companies. He invited Graana for its collaboration in the Expo and offered to establish a desk for urban regeneration at ICCI.

ICCI President said that with Public-Private partnership, new housing schemes shall be started to develop low cost and affordable housing. He said that bylaws should be framed for vertical development and building of skyscrapers in the capital and other cities of Pakistan.

Shafiq Akbar, CEO Graana appreciated the initiative of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Housing and Works for International Housing Expo and assured the collaboration and support of Graana in the upcoming event. He emphasized that ICCI should focus more on urban-regeneration and assured to establish a desk for urban regeneration in collaboration with ICCI.

He said that CDA has started the process for online verification of property and it is important for any investor to make verification of property before making any investment. He informed that about 450 town planners are operating and Graana is serving about 12000 clients and have invested huge amounts in 15 mega projects.

Shafiq Akbar said that there is a great need of proper town planning to meet housing needs and informed that Graana has prepared a White Paper setting vision 2047 focusing on youth and area to provide housing to all. This paper has already been presented to the Government, he said. He said that there must be proper utilization of money of urban planning. 

Shamim Shahid

PESHAWAR, NOV 8 /DNA/ – Some unknown militants on mid night between Monday and Tuesday set om fire a newly Girls Middle School in Darail Area of Diamir District of Gilgit Baltistan. So far no loss to life was reported as the incident occurred at night time. The GB chief minister and Chief Secretary through separate statements confirmed the incident and directed police and other security forces for early arrests of culprits involved in this act. So far no any arrest was made.

Media believe that watchman of the school was also picked up by alleged terrorists. However he was made free on Tuesday morning. The newly established and constructed Girls Middle School recently are operative with two female teachers and two watchmen. It enrolled 68 female/Girls students in its 7th classes. In Giglit Baltistan similar attacks against schools and other terror acts are taking place from last two decades. In early August of 2018, unknown militants attacked at least 14 Girls schools in Chilas area of Diamir Dubudion.

Likewise several foreign mountaineers were included amongst killed in militants attacks in 2013. And at least 18 Shia pilgrims upon return from Iran have been disembarked from a passenger bus and brutally assassinated in this particular area in 2012.