Premier emphasizes that the recognition aims to inspire young athletes

ISLAMABAD, MAR 9: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a reward of Rs 1.5 million for each member of Pakistan’s national hockey team for their exceptional performance in the World Cup Qualifiers.

The announcement celebrates both the team’s success and their dedication to the sport.

Recognition for excellence
The prime minister described the prize as “a testament to the players’ perseverance,” highlighting the commitment and hard work of the national hockey players. He added that this initiative not only rewards the team but also serves to promote hockey across the country.

Pakistan’s team created excitement among fans by securing qualification for the Hockey World Cup after an eight-year gap, following outstanding performances in the World Cup Qualifiers held in Egypt.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the recognition aims to inspire young athletes and strengthen hockey’s popularity nationwide. “The players’ achievements have brought immense pride to Pakistan, and this initiative will encourage future generations to excel in the sport,” he said.

China says appointment followed Iran’s constitution

ISLAMABAD, MAR 9 /DNA/ – Russia and China have reacted to the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader of Iran, with Moscow pledging strong support and Beijing stating that the decision was made in line with Iran’s constitution.

Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei following his appointment as Iran’s supreme leader.

In a message to the new leader, the Russian president reaffirmed Moscow’s continued backing for Tehran.

“For my part, I would like to confirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said.

He added that he was confident Mojtaba Khamenei would continue the legacy of his father and help unite the Iranian people during challenging times.

China says appointment followed Iran’s constitution

Meanwhile, the foreign ministry of China said the appointment was an internal matter for Iran.

In an official statement, Beijing said the decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader was made in accordance with Iran’s constitution.

China emphasized that the process was carried out by the Iranian side under the country’s legal framework.

Assembly of experts elects Mojtaba Khamenei

The powerful Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.

Iranian state media reported that the 88-member clerical body, responsible for selecting the supreme leader, voted to appoint him to the country’s highest political and religious position.

The assembly confirmed the decision in an official statement issued shortly after midnight in Tehran.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has made eight requests to Saudi Arabia under long-term economic cooperation, including conversion of short-term existing deposits of $5 billion into a long-term facility of 10 years, enhancing oil facility on deferred payment from $1.2 billion to $5 billion with increased tenure, securitisation of Pakistani diaspora’s remittances of $10 billion and others.

Top official sources confirmed to The News that Pakistan’s economic woes were multiplying in the aftermath of ongoing geopolitical tension amid the ongoing US-Israel-led war against Iran.

On the other hand, Pakistan is negotiating with the IMF for completion of the third review under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

Pakistan and the KSA were already negotiating a comprehensive economic cooperation package, and the recent escalation has given impetus to the ongoing parleys, whereby at the highest level, Pakistan asked for the required support to tackle the arising challenges.

Pakistan has requested the conversion of existing KSA deposits of $5 billion lying with the SBP into a long-term facility. This request has been made to convert a short-term deposit of $5 billion into a long-term facility of 10 years with favourable pricing.

The second request is to jack up the oil facility on deferred payment under which the KSA is being asked to enhance the facility of $1.2 billion to $5 billion. The tenor period for repayment may also be increased from one year to three years, whereby repayment of every tranche is made after three years.

The third request has been made to the KSA for the securitisation of diaspora’s remittances. This kind of securitisation can boost forex reserves and reduce costly foreign borrowing.

For the fourth request, the KSA may consider providing a guarantee for Pakistan’s any new endeavours for international Sukuk issuance in order to allow the country to raise international capital at lower rates.

Pakistan made the fifth request to the KSA for a concessional credit line to the EXIM Bank of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan has established a new EXIM Bank in order to achieve export-led growth under the IMF programme.

Islamabad has also made a request to the KSA for the consideration of waiving off bank guarantee requirements for import-related transactions with Pakistan.

The KSA has been asked to consider investment, especially in the Public Investment Fund (PIF), in order to explore investment opportunities in the country.

The Government of Pakistan also requested the KSA to help it in adjustments in primary surplus targets in line with the IMF programme to accommodate the proposed tax rationalisation. The expenditures remain highly rigid, curtailing further cuts, so the fiscal deficit may rise further, but the long-term impact will be positive.

The KSA response could not be ascertained immediately to these eight requests from Pakistan.

This scribe sent questions to both the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan for seeking their comments but received no reply. The finance ministry spokesman, however, replied that he would ask from the relevant colleagues, but till the filing of the report, there was no reply.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 09 (DNA): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday predicted heavy rain, wind, and thunderstorm in the upper parts of the country from March 9-12 due to the effect of a westerly wave.

The westerly wave approaching from the west is likely to trigger widespread and potentially unsettled weather conditions across multiple regions.

Under the influence of this weather system, the districts of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, are expected to bear the brunt of the system.

These areas are forecast to experience partly cloudy to fully overcast skies, accompanied by moderate rain, strong winds, and thunderstorm activity, with heavy downpours likely at times.

This spell is expected to begin from Monday evening and last through March 12.

Meanwhile, lighter rain and thunderstorm activity is also anticipated across a broader belt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 10 and March 11. The districts of Khyber, Mohmand, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Bajaur, Bannu, Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu, and Mianwali are all expected to witness spells of light rain and gusty winds during this period.

The federal capital and its surrounding areas are also not expected to be spared. Islamabad, the Pothohar region, Murree, Galliyat, and nearby areas are forecast to receive rain and thunderstorm activity from the night of March 9 through March 11, with occasional breaks in between. Hailstorms at isolated places is additionally likely across Islamabad and the upper parts of the country during the forecast period.

The Met Office has warned of several possible impacts associated with this weather system.

Daytime temperatures across upper Pakistan are expected to drop by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.

There is also a risk of landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, and residents of these regions are urged to exercise caution. Tourists planning to visit northern areas are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period and to remain alert to changing conditions.

The farmers across the affected regions are encouraged to take appropriate measures to protect their crops in light of the forecast.

The Met Office has flagged a concern regarding air quality. Owing to the prevailing situation in Iran, winds blowing into Pakistan may carry pollutants that could significantly deteriorate air quality, particularly in the western parts of the country.

The authorities and the general public are urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts and take all necessary precautions for their safety.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 8: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said three petrol cargoes are expected to arrive in Pakistan by Monday amid concerns that rising tensions in the Middle East could affect fuel supplies in the country.

The minister made the statement during a meeting to review the evolving regional situation and its possible impact on Pakistan’s energy supplies and economy.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Secretary Energy Shuhab Ansari and other officials.

The federal government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre as surging global oil prices, fuelled by the US‑Israel war with Iran, put pressure on domestic energy costs.

The meeting, held at the CM House in Karachi, was given a detailed briefing on rising global oil prices and the country’s fuel reserves.

The officials warned that if the Middle East conflict escalates further, crude oil prices could reach $120 per barrel, putting additional pressure on Pakistan’s economy. The participants also discussed emergency energy conservation measures aimed at managing fuel consumption and ensuring the continuity of economic activity.

Speaking on the occasion, Sindh chief minister emphasised the need for responsible use of energy and public cooperation. He said the government’s priority was to keep the wheels of the national economy moving while managing the energy situation prudently.

The chief minister said the proposals discussed in the meeting would be presented before the cabinet for further deliberation and decision-making.

FinMin told the meeting that the federal government was closely monitoring global energy markets and preparing contingency plans to deal with the financial impact of rising oil prices.

He added that if crude oil prices surged significantly, Pakistan’s monthly oil import bill could increase by up to $600 million, putting pressure on the country’s external account.

Petroleum Minister Malik said fuel conservation measures were essential to ensure that existing reserves lasted longer and remained available for essential sectors.

The meeting was informed that three petrol cargoes were expected to reach Pakistan by Monday.

The meeting was also informed that Qatar had issued a force majeure declaration that could affect LNG supplies, raising further concerns about the country’s energy outlook.

The participants were informed that the federal government had also intensified diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates to secure alternative fuel supplies through routes outside the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting also decided to strengthen coordination between federal and provincial authorities to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth fuel distribution across the country.

The federal ministers-led delegation also informed the meeting that the govt would seek relief in the petroleum levy during upcoming discussions with the International Monetary Fund to reduce the financial burden on consumers.

The participants agreed to maintain close coordination between the federal and provincial governments to effectively manage the evolving energy situation and safeguard the country’s economic stability.

LAHORE, Mar 08 (DNA): Several international flights from Lahore to the Middle East and Asian destinations remained cancelled for the ninth consecutive day, aviation sources said on Sunday.

A total of 12 flights to the UAE, Doha and Bahrain were cancelled due to operational reasons. Among them, Air Blue flight PA-430 and Etihad Airways flight EY-285 from Lahore to Abu Dhabi, as well as Etihad Airways flight EY-284 from Abu Dhabi to Lahore, were cancelled.

Similarly, Air Blue flight PA-410 from Lahore to Dubai and Qatar Airways flights QR-621 from Lahore to Doha and QR-620 from Doha to Lahore were also cancelled.

Flights between Lahore and Bahrain were also affected, including Gulf Air flights GF-767 from Lahore to Bahrain and GF-766 from Bahrain to Lahore. In addition, China Southern flights CZ-6038 from Lahore to Guangzhou and CZ-6037 from Guangzhou to Lahore were cancelled.

Sources said that 26 domestic and international flights were cancelled on Saturday, including services to Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait.

Lahore Airport authorities have advised passengers to confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport and contact the respective airline helplines to avoid inconvenience.