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Aqib Javed ‘advises’ Waqar Younis to learn coaching first

Lahore : Former Pakistan fast bowler Aqib Javed has advised ex-bowling coach Waqar Younis to learn the art of coaching before going for another stint in cricket commentary.

“Whenever Waqar Younis quit coaching, he went back to commentating on cricket,” said Javed. “He does only two things–coaching and commentating. [As far as coaching goes] he hasn’t learned that so I would say it’s better if he focuses on learning how to coach [this time],” he added.

The former bowler shared his opinion on the resignations of Pakistani coaches who had stepped down from their roles after developing differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the selection of the squad for the T20 World Cup.

He said Waqar Younis had coached the national squad five times over the last 15 years as either head coach or the bowling coach.

“Even a player doesn’t make so many comebacks to the squad [as Waqar Younis did],” he said. “But here, coaches are making comebacks.”

Javed said he was against the board’s hiring process, wondering why people who were not professional coaches were appointed to coach the national squad.

He said Pakistan is likely to appoint foreign coaches for the national team, given that the board has not done much to groom coaches in the domestic circuit.

“Neither do we have ‘A’ team coaches nor do we have quality coaches at the National High Performance Centre,” he lamented. “All coaches working there are not even qualified.”

Javed said the PCB had a way of appointing coaches, adding that it picked cricketers who were stellar batsmen and thought they could also teach others how to bat.

He said people who were appointed without any professional coaching training, such as even Javed Miandad, failed to succeed because “playing and coaching are two different fields.”

“I had said that this was the worst decision as someone who had never coached a single day in his life was appointed the national team’s head coach,” Aqib Javed said while speaking about Misbah’s appointment as head coach.

98 More Pakistanis Die Of Covid-19 During Past 24 Hours

ISLAMABAD : The daily statistics shared by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) on Tuesday showed that COVID-19 has claimed 98 more lives, during the past 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll to 26,330.

According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 3,316 persons tested positive for COVID-19.

Pakistan has conducted 52,314 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 3,316 persons tested positive for the disease. The country has conducted overall 18,162,771 tests to diagnose the deadly virus.

The COVID positivity ratio was recorded at 6.33 per cent as compared to yesterday’s 6.32%.

The NCOC data showed a decrease in the number of COVID-19 serious patients as the figure dropped down to 5,478.

The country has so far administered 61,724,580 COVID-19 doses out of which 19,427,419 have been completely vaccinated and 47,054,090 partial COVID-19 doses have been administered.

On Monday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had rejected the rumours circulating on social media regarding the closure of educational institutions till September 30 due to the fourth Covid-19 wave.

“This social media news regarding the closure of educational institutions from 6 to 30 Sep across the country is fake. No such decision was made at NCOC. Please avoid rumors,” said the body leading the country’s Covid-19 response in a tweet.

Paf Is Fully Prepared To Defend Sovereignty And Territorial Integrity Of Pakistan : Air Chief

07 Sep, 2021: PAF observed 07 September as Martyrs’ Day at all PAF Bases throughout the country. The day started with special Du’aa and Quran Khawani for the Shuhada of 1965 & 1971 Wars and those who laid down their lives in action since creation of Pakistan.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the Chief Guest during a Martyrs’ Day Ceremony held at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. During his address the Air Chief paid tribute to all heroes of Pakistan Air Force who responded to the nation’s call with unparalleled courage and put their lives ahead of others for a cause greater than life. “PAF is alive to the evolving situation in the region and remains fully prepared to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, said the Air Chief. On this special day, he extended reverence to the generations of Kashmiris who have laid down their lives fighting for freedom. He assured Kashmiri brothers and sisters of resolute commitment and steadfast moral, political and diplomatic support. To pay homage to the martyrs, the Air Chief laid floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered “Fateha”. Principal Staff Officers, officers, airmen and PAF civilians attended the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, a wreath laying ceremony was also held at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, (Nishan-i-Haider) at Karachi. Air Vice Marshal Zaeem Afzal Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command, offered ‘Fateha’ and laid floral wreath at the grave of the Shaheed on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. Similar wreath laying ceremonies were also held at the graves of PAF Martyrs all over the country.

Tributes pour in for Syed Ali Geelani at condolence references held in Canada

Syed Ali Shah Geelani was a towering personality who used his unwavering courage, resoluteness and steadfastness to wage a lifelong struggle for the cause of freedom and self-determination for the people of Kashmir, and inspired generations of freedom-loving Kashmiris, Pakistanis and the Muslims around the world in the process.

This was the crux of thoughts and feelings expressed by speakers and human rights activities at two back-to-back virtual condolence references arranged respectively by the Pakistan High Commission in Canada and the Salam Pakistan Canada to pay homage to the great Kashmiri leader who breathed his last on Wednesday. 

In the first reference hosted by Consulate General of Pakistan Toronto, former AJK President Sardar Masood Khan led the tributes to late Syed Ali Geelani whom he described as a towering personality who suffered persecution all his life but did not flinch back in the path of freedom. The most outstanding aspect of Geelani sahib’s personality was the absolute and unqualified trust Kashmiris of all schools of thought reposed in him, he said.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to Canada Mr Ameer Khurram Rathore extolled virtues of integrity, character, and charisma as being the hallmark of Syed Ali Geelani’s personality. He also lauded late Geelani for his ability to mobilize millions of Kashmiris and a clear vision he always exhibited to see through the fog of confusion manufactured by various so-called initiatives for diverting Kashmiris from their real objective of self-determination.

Former Pakistan ambassador Mr Karamatullah Ghori eulogized Syed Ali Geelani for dedicating all his life to the goal of freedom and self-determination. He said that while Geelani sahib had passed away, his legacy and sacrifices would keep ingrained in the memory of people.

Dr Zafar Bangash, Director of Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought (ICIT) Toronto, singled out late Syed Ali Geelani for his leadership qualities, especially his ability to identify a goal and have a clear vision about where he wanted to go. Geelani sahib went beyond this and practically offered personal sacrifices and successfully motivated the people, particularly the youth, to the goal of freedom and self-determination.

Dr Ghulam Nabi Mir, President of World Kashmir Awareness Forum, opined that the Kashmiris would always remember Syed Ali Shah Geelani as being the most honest and steadfast leader who suffered house arrests and incarcerations and yet did not betray the Kashmiris.

Noted Canadian human rights activist and Director ‘Just Peace Advocates’ Ms. Karen Rodman remembered Syed Ali Geelani for his dedication and steadfastness to the principle of freedom for the people of Kashmir and inspiring generations of Kashmiris to remain resolute for realization of self-determination.

In the second virtual reference arranged by Salam Pakistan Canada and attended by Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate Ameer Khurram Rathore, ICIT Toronto Director Dr Zafar Bangash, Prof Rehana Hashmi, Zafar Malik, Iftikhar Mirza, Abid Hussain, Uzma Khan, the speakers highlighted the services and sacrifices of Syed Ali Geelani for the cause of freedom and right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir. The speakers also dilated upon the significance of Defence Day and vowed to stand against all kinds of aggressions and threats against their motherland.

Peaceful Afghanistan vital for region: PM

Foreign Minister Luigi Di Mario thanks Pakistan for the facilitation of its evacuation operations

Ansar M. Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan had suffered enormously due to protracted conflict and instability in Afghanistan. As such, a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan was in the best interest of Pakistan as well as regional countries.  

He was talking to Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, who called on him on Monday.

 Views were exchanged on the latest developments in Afghanistan as well as bilateral relations.  

​ 

The Prime Minister noted that, at this critical juncture, it was vital to stabilize the security situation in Afghanistan, take steps to consolidate peace, and preclude any mass exodus of refugees. In this context, preventing humanitarian crisis and stabilizing the economy were the most urgent priorities.

The Prime Minister stressed that the international community must stand in solidarity with the Afghan people, undertake positive engagement, and create incentives for ensuring sustainable peace, stability and economic development in Afghanistan.

​In the bilateral context, the Prime Minister stated that Italy was a vital partner for Pakistan and stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration in diverse areas, including trade and investments, defence, and people-to-people contacts. The Prime Minister also highlighted that the large Pakistani diaspora in Italy constituted a strong bridge between the two countries.   

​Foreign Minister Luigi Di Mario thanked Pakistan for the facilitation of its evacuation operations. He underscored Italy’s commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

The Italian Foreign Minister also conveyed invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Italy. The Prime Minister extended invitation for Prime Minister Mario Draghi to visit Pakistan.

Pak concerns genuine, says Zabihullah

Those who have valid documents such pas passports etc, are allowed to cross over adding a system is proper checks and balances is direly needed

DNA News Agency

KABUL: The spokesperson of the Taliban Zabihullah Mujahid has made it clear that all efforts shall be made to stop sneaking of criminals into the neighboring countries for Afghanistan adding the Northern Alliance leaders have fled to Tajikistan and therefore Taliban are in full control of Panjshir now.

He expressed these views during a news conference on Monday.

Regarding a question about closure of various crossing points such as Spin Boldak, Torkham, Zabihullah Mujhaid said they are in touch with the Pakistani authorities. He also mentioned Pakistani security delegation’s visit to Afghanistan adding the Pakistani side is concerned about pilferage of criminals who have recently been freed from the Afghan jails or got freedom as a result of jail breaks.

He said the closure of these crossing points is in the backdrop of this development. He said, those who have valid documents such passports etc, are allowed to cross over adding a system of proper checks and balances is direly needed to stop unwarranted people from crossing over to the neighboring courtiers or for that matter into Afghanistan.

To a question about relations with China, he said, we want to establish good relations with China and for that matter all the neighboring counties. We do want to fulfill various gas projects such as CASA 1000 and other projects. ‘We do want these projects to complete as per the deadlines. However security is the main issue and we first want to make sure that these projects do not have challenges’.

Regarding Panjshir he said the area is now in full control of Taliban. He announced amnesty for the people of the area. He also invited the Northern Alliance leadership who had fled abroad to come back and be part of the rebuilding of Afghanistan.

He said Taliban shall soon announce a new government however he did not give a specific deadline. He said parleys are going on and hopefully a new set up shall be announced sooner rather than later.

Zabihullah said that Turkish and Qatari engineers are doing their best to make the Kabul airport operational. While the domestic flights have already been started, now all attention is being focused on the resumption of overseas flights. He said the Americans have done great damage to the Kabul airport. Even the Control Tower is damaged badly, but he hoped all will be well in a few days.

MILITARY COUP LEADERS IN GUINEA BAN MINISTERS FROM TRAVELLING

The leaders of a military coup in Guinea blocked government members from leaving the country on Monday.

The members of the cabinet, convened a day after the removal of president Alpha Conde, were told to hand over their passports and official vehicles, coup leader Mamady Doumbouya said in the capital Conakry.

Doumbouya, who is the commander of an elite military unit created by Conde, also lifted an air traffic suspension imposed on Sunday as well as a curfew in mining areas.

Guinea is one of the world’s largest suppliers of bauxite, an ore used to make aluminium. The country supplies all major markets, with China one of its biggest customers.

Following the meeting, Doumbouya drove in a military convoy to the Sirute central prison in Conakry and arranged the release of four opposition politicians, according to a local dpa reporter.

“The others will be freed later,” the coup leader said, referring to thousands of opposition members who had been arrested under Conde.

Across the capital, hundreds of opposition supporters celebrated Conde’s downfall. People danced on the roadside, raised their fists in a show of victory and honked horns to express their joy and hope of a new start.

The whereabouts of the deposed president remained unclear on Monday. According to military sources, Conde is said to be under house arrest in a hotel in Conakry. The United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia have condemned the coup.

Conde had been in office since 2010, when Guinea had its first free democratic election since independence in 1958.

He secured a third term in 2020 after a controversial constitutional amendment. The vote was preceded by months of political tension and violent protest.

Critics saw Conde as an increasingly authoritarian ruler whose tenure was marked by human rights abuses.

UZBEK GOVT ALLOWS SCHOOL GIRLS TO WEAR SCARFS

Education minister said the move was necessary to ensure every child got a secular education

News Desk

TASHKENT: Uzbekistan will allow girls to wear headscarves in schools in a bid to ensure devout Muslim families send their daughters to school, the Central Asian country’s education ministry said.

Islam is the dominant religion in Uzbekistan, but the government is staunchly secular and has retained tight control over the faith in the three decades of independence from the Soviet Union.

Education minister Sherzod Shermatov said  the authorities “intend to allow national headscarves and skullcaps in white or light colours” in schools after “the appeals of many parents”.

He said the move was necessary to ensure every child got a secular education.

Prototypes of the permitted headscarves presented by Shermatov suggested girls of school age would not be able to cover their chin as is the case with the hijab — a head covering popular throughout the Muslim world.

Shermatov did not specify what age category the measures would affect.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has relaxed some controls on state-sanctioned Islam since coming to power in the country in 2016 after the death of long-ruling Islam Karimov.

India beat England by 157 runs in fourth Test

India overwhelmed England by 157 runs to win the fourth Test at the Oval on Monday and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

England set 368 to win, were bowled out for 210 after tea on the last day with fast bowler Umesh Yadav taking 3-60.

The hosts were relatively well-placed at 141-2 before left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and paceman Jasprit Bumrah both struck twice as England lost four wickets for six runs in 36 balls after lunch.

Star batsman Root, bidding for a fourth hundred in successive Tests, then played on to Thakur for 36 to the delight of India fans among a capacity crowd revelling in the south London sunshine.

And on the stroke of tea, Chris Woakes chipped Umesh Yadav to short midwicket, leaving England 193-8 and India just two wickets away from going 2-1 up in a five-match series.

England had been in a relatively comfortable position at 141-2 before left-arm spinner Jadeja, again preferred to star off-break bowler Ravichandran Ashwin, was eventually rewarded for a probing spell on a wearing pitch.

Haseeb Hameed, 43 not out overnight, had become becalmed at the crease, adding just 20 more runs in 108 balls on Monday.

But his defence was pierced by a Jadeja delivery that pitched just outside his leg stump before turning sharply and clipping the top of the right-handed opener’s off stump.Ollie Pope, who made 81 in the first innings, was bowled for two by Bumrah, gaining reverse swing, giving the fast bowler his 100th Test wicket.

Bumrah then took his second wicket in five deliveries when a brilliant yorker clean bowled Jonny Bairstow for a duck.

Moeen Ali was powerless to prevent further collapse, the all-rounder also falling for nought when he deflected a Jadeja delivery that turned and bounced out of the rough straight to short leg.

England had resumed on 77-0, with Rory Burns 31 not out.

History, however, was against the home side as the most they have made to win in the fourth innings of a Test is 362-9, requiring 359, against Australia at Headingley in 2019.

But Ben Stokes, whose unbeaten century took England to that thrilling one-wicket win two years ago, is not playing in this series while the all-rounder takes a mental health break from all cricket.

And no side have made more to win in the fourth innings of a Test at the Oval than England’s 263-9 against Australia way back in 1902.

Burns and Hameed had denied India an early breakthrough on Sunday after the tourists had piled up 466 in their second innings, with Rohit Sharma scoring 127.

Thakur strikes

Umesh Yadav and fellow paceman Bumrah opened the attack on Monday, with the pair both bowling a significantly fuller length and straighter line than on Sunday.

However, it was all-rounder Thakur — playing in his first Test since suffering a hamstring injury in the drawn series opener in Nottingham —who ended the opening stand.

With just his fourth ball of the innings, and one delivery after Burns had completed a fifty to take England to 100, Thakur’s excellent leg-cutter to the left-hander took the outside edge and was caught by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Hameed completed a 123-ball fifty — his fourth in five Tests — before he mistimed a needless slog-sweep off Jadeja only for Mohammed Siraj to drop a routine catch at mid-on.

But Dawid Malan fell for five when, slow to respond to Hameed’s call, he was run out by substitute Mayank Agarwal’s throw from cover to Pant.

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