Babar Azam named Pakistan Test captain, takes charge of all three formats
Pakistan named Babar Azam as their new Test captain on Tuesday, putting the batsman in charge of teams across all formats.
Azam replaces Azhar Ali, who led Pakistan to a 1-0 series defeat in England earlier this year. Ali led Pakistan in eight Tests since he was appointed captain last year. He won two home Test matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but lost in Australia 2-0 and in England 1-0.
Azam is the third Pakistan Test captain in 13 months after Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked in October last year.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the announcement after Azam led the team to Twenty-20 and one-day international series victories over Zimbabwe on home soil. According to a statement by the PCB, the decision was confirmed after subsequent meetings with Ali and Babar.
“As we are looking into the future, it is appropriate that we appoint him the captain now so that he continues to grow stronger with every match,” PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said in a statement.
“I wish Babar all the best and remain optimistic that he will help Pakistan cricket make an upward movement across all formats not only through his performance but also with his positive attitude and result-oriented approach.”
Mani also lauded Ali for “stepping up […] by captaining the side in what was a historic first home Test series in over a decade”.
“I believe Azhar still has a lot of cricket left in him and Pakistan cricket can continue to make the best use of his experience and knowledge as specialist top-order batsman moving forward,” Mani was quoted as saying by the PCB press release.
Azam has been a prolific scorer for Pakistan and currently ranks among the top five batsmen in all three formats.
The 26-year-old’s first assignment as Test skipper will be the ICC World Test Championship matches against New Zealand, which will be played in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch from December 26-30 and January 3-7, respectively.
“I feel truly honoured to have been appointed Test captain and join some of the most iconic players who have captained Pakistan in the purest format of the game,” said Azam, who took charge of Pakistan’s limited-overs teams earlier this year.
“I am ready and prepared to take up the additional responsibility and the fact which gives me additional confidence is that I can do the job is the experience that is available to me in the changing room in the shape of the players and support staff.”
Azam also thanked his predecessor Ali for taking up the “difficult” task of captaining the Test team.
“I want to thank Azhar Ali for the way he captained the team in the last season, which was a difficult one, but I know that he will leave no stone unturned in giving his very best to the team,” the skipper was quoted as saying by the PCB.
Ali congratulated Azam on his appointment as Test captain and assured him of his “full support”.
“May Allah help you achieve many glorious victories for Pakistan,” Ali said in a tweet.
Tehran, Islamabad share common concerns: Mollazehi
TEHRAN, NOV 10 (DNA) – A Foreign Policy Analyst Pir Mohammad Mollazehi said on Tuesday that Tehran and Islamabad have common concerns regarding the region ‘s problems, adding that the Zionist regime actions in the region and normalization of relations with some Arab countries have given rise to new demands by regional countries.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will be heading a high-profile delegation to Pakistan on Tuesday.
In an interview with IRNA on Tuesday, Pir Mohammad Mollazehi commented on the visit, noting that he is to exchange views on regional and global developments as well as bilateral relations with senior Pakistani officials during the visit.
He also touched upon the US policy to bolster the influence of the Zionist Regime in the region and Arab countries and said that the normalization of the relations between the UAE , Bahrain , Sudan , and even Saudi Arabia with the Zionist Regime that took place upon the order of the US President Donald Trump is a serious security concern both for Tehran and Islamabad which will be at the heart of consultations during discussions.
The expert on regional issues recalled Pakistan’s multi-billion dollar income from its labor force in the Persian Gulf countries and added: “On the other hand, India has close relations with the Zionist Regime and in this context, Tel Aviv’s proximity to Arab countries threatens Islamabad’s interests in these countries.”
Referring to the political tension between Iran and the UAE after normalization of relations with the Zionist Regime, Mollazehi pointed out that Pakistan could play a role in reducing US sanctions and providing the commodities needed by Iran through border transactions .
Zarif in a Twitter message outlined details of his upcoming tour to Pakistan as “Top-level talks on bilateral and regional issues with brothers Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood qureshi, Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan.”
“Visit follows Iqbal Day, celebrating great Islamic scholar, international poet and tireless promoter of Muslim unity who ties together our two nations,” he added. = DNA
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World Travel Awards honours Maldives with top Indian Ocean prizes
World Travel Awards has unveiled its Indian Ocean 2020 winners to coincide with its inaugural Indian Ocean Winners Day. The global initiative to recognise and reward excellence in travel and tourism will also reveal its global title holders later this month during the Grand Final.
Winners include Maldives, which cemented its reputation as the definitive secluded sanctuary to win ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination’, ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination’.
Meanwhile the lush forests, wild waterfalls, unique wildlife and palm-fringed beaches of Mauritius helped it lift ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’.
The mystical island of Madagascar was named ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination’, whilst Reunion Island was heralded ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Nature Destination’.
Maldives enjoyed a strong showing in the hospitality sector. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, home to the world’s first underwater villa, lifted the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel’, while Vakkaru Maldives, with its unique take on luxury, picked up ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort’, and Kurumba Maldives won ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’.
New arrival on the region’s luxury hospitality scene, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, was voted ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort’.
Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa claimed ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort’ and Andilana Beach Resort, Madagascar declared ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Resort’.
In the aviation sector, Air Seychelles lifted ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline’, while ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport’ went to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius.
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands.
Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.
Graham Cooke, founder, World Travel Awards, said: “Our winners represent the very best of the Indian Ocean’s travel and tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them.
“They have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges.”
He added: “The World Travel Awards 2020 programme received a record number of votes cast by the public.
“This shows that the appetite for travel and tourism has never been stronger and bodes well for the industry’s future as the global recovery begins.”
Other winners include Constance Hotels & Resorts (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand); Cunard (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Line’); Simply Maldives Holidays (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency’); The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort’); Seychelles Travel (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Tour Operator’); and Hey Hey Maldives (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator’).
More Information
For a full list of winners, head over the official website.
World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.
President emphasizes on expanding bilateral cooperation with Kazakhstan
ISLAMABAD, NOV 10 (DNA) – President Dr. Arif Alvi has emphasized on expanding bilateral cooperation with Kazakhstan in areas of mutual interest, including political, trade, cultural and defence fields.
He said this while talking to Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Kazakhstan Sajjad Ahmed Seehar, who called on him in Islamabad Tuesday.
The President said that regional integration and connectivity were the key drivers of economic development and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in this regard, offered tremendous opportunities to countries of the region. He stated that Kazakhstan could also benefit from CPEC as it played vital role in promoting regional connectivity.
He asked the Ambassador to make endeavors to promote parliamentary and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The President congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment as Ambassador to Kazakhstan and expressed the hope that he would play active role in further promoting economic and political relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. = DNA
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Malaysian HC lauds RCCI efforts in promoting trade activities
RAWALPINDI, NOV 10 (DNA) – The Malaysian High Commissioner Ikram Bin Muhammad Ibrahim paid a visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Tuesday.
RCCI President Mohammad Nasir Mirza, Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, members of the executive committee and officials from the High-Commission and members of the RCCI were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the business community, the High Commissioner lauded RCCI efforts in promoting trade activities in the region. High Commissioner Ikram Bin Muhammad Ibrahim also appreciated RCCI for its recent tree plantation drive and assured full support from the embassy in this regard.
He said, there is a need to intensify efforts for improving two-way trade between Pakistan and Malaysia that would bring far better results for their economies.
Both countries have good potential to enhance cooperation in many fields including auto-mobile, construction, pharmaceutical, halal food, tourism, telecommunication and renewable energy. Malaysia’s famous auto brand Proton will make its pre launch in December 2020 in Karachi, he added.
We should encourage frequent exchange of trade delegations to explore all untapped areas of potential cooperation and added that Malaysia has relaxed its visa policy amid Covid-19.
He assured full cooperation and assistance for RCCI upcoming events including Rawal International Expo 2021 and other events.
He informed that Pakistan and Malaysia were the first two Islamic countries that had signed the FTA a long time ago, but the bilateral trade was still confined to few products. He said there was an urgent need to focus on diversification of trade for improving trade figures.
In his welcome address, President RCCI Mohammad Nasir Mirza said that Pak-Malaysia are enjoying cordial relations and stressed that both countries should focus on new products to improve two-way trade. He also emphasized on further cementing the trade ties and exploring new sectors. He also shared an update on RCCI ongoing activities and future programs. He informed that RCCI is going to organize Gwadar Business Conference focusing on Central Asian Republics (CARs), Build 2020 Construction Trade Fair and Rawal Expo in near future.
Mohammad Nasir Mirza said that exchange of trade delegations is direly needed to boost the bilateral trade ties and volume. However, as Corona hit economies all over the world we should not stop here and increase virtual platforms for improved networking and Ecommerce to support businesses.
He said many Pakistani products including rice, wheat, mangoes, halal food, seafood, meat products, cutlery and sports goods, spices, handicrafts, light engineering goods, hospital and surgical equipment, pharmaceuticals and gems and jewelry could find a good market in Malaysia. Later the High Commissioner planted a sapling in the chamber premises to mark RCCI Tree Plantation Drive 2020. Ends PRO RCCI.=DNA
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CDA begins restoration of roads in sectors I-10, I-11
DNA
ISLAMABAD: Upon the special directions of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) the developmental work in the industrials areas of the city.The work on restoration of roads and infrastructure in the neglected sectors, I-10 and I-11, have been started.
Bidding has been opened for the two ways north road of both the sectors.The biddings were invited through proper advertisement in Newspapers before starting the developmental work. Different companies and firms have given their technical and financial bids.
The period of 6 months has been allocated for the completion of the said road.The developmental work has been delayed in these sectors like all the other sectors in past. Upon the special interest of Chairman CDA, Aamir Ali Ahmad the developmental work in I-10 and I-11 has been started.
PM proposes 6-point strategy to counter COVID-19
Prime Minister speaks at SCO forum; terms exchange of knowledge among SCO countries significant to reduce the risks of virus
Shujaat Hamza
ISLAMABAD, NOV 10 (DNA) – Prime Minister Imran Khan, at the platform of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, on Tuesday proposed a six-point strategy to galvanize joint efforts including setting up a knowledge bank to counter second wave of COVID-19, policies to mitigate pandemic’s economic impact and declaring vaccine a source of global good.
Addressing at the 20th Heads of State (SCO-CHS) meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council held through video conference, the Prime Minister termed exchange of knowledge among SCO countries significant to reduce the risks of virus, which he said continued to rage the world with 15 million affected and 2 million dead.
The heads of State and government from China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan addressed the SCO meeting. The 20th Heads of State (SCO-CHS) meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council was held through video conference.
Imran Khan suggested the SCO states to formulate short, medium and long term policies along with a framework in consultation with World Health Organization to reduce the adverse effects of pandemic.
He stressed that COVID-19 vaccine must be seen as a “global good” for the betterment of mankind rather than restricting it to a certain nations. On other proposals, the Prime Minister called for a multi-year strategy on educational institutes, partnership on scholarships for youth in scientific fields, and also on public health and global economy.
Imran Khan lauded China’s effective handling of coronavirus and assistance rendered to countries including Pakistan. He said China and Pakistan were also collaborating in vaccine development, which was in phase three after human trials.
He mentioned that Pakistan’s policy of smart lockdown protected from the worst fallouts of pandemic, saving people both from virus and hunger. He recalled his earlier proposal on debt relief for developing countries and welcomed the measures by G-20 countries to help create fiscal space to deal with aftereffects of pandemic.
Under SCO’s vision of regional connectivity and integration, he said, Pakistan and China were pursuing the Economic Corridor under Belt and Road Initiative.
He stressed upon equality and sovereignty of states, non-oppression, sanctity of borders and recognizing people’s right for self-determination and also strongly supported role of United Nations in securing peace and global development.
Imran Khan said peaceful solution to outstanding disputes was important to avert crisis in regional peace.
As a shared responsibility, he said, Pakistan supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned solution that realized into the Doha peace deal. He warned of the role of “spoilers ,within and outside” who did not wish peace and stability to return to Afghanistan.
Imran Khan strongly supported China’s global data security initiative. He said as Pakistan fought terrorism as frontline state, it was against resurgence of extremist ideologies, racism, neo-Nazim and Islamophobia in the region and world over.
The Prime Minister also spoke on issues including climate change, widening inequality among nations, poverty, disease, hunger and illicit money flow to offshore accounts.
Pakistan, he said, had launched an ecosystem restoration initiative to plant 10 billion trees in next three years. He said Pakistan firmly opposed illicit financial flows to impoverished nations restricting their development.
Russian President Putin as chair of the meeting said the SCO countries reached out to developing states in providing assistance to each other during the coronavirus pandemic. Sixty joint events of SCO were held by the chair Russia to share experiences on the spread of virus.
Putin called upon the SCO countries to stay united against the challenges of terrorism and fierce regional conflicts as the organization believed in facilitating political dialogue. He expressed Russia’s readiness to facilitate in developing a safe and drug-free Afghanistan.
Putin also stressed business cooperation, digital economy and energy security among SCO states. Chinese President Xi Jinping in his address said trending towards peace and mutual development was need of the current situation as ‘multilateralism would win over unilateralism’.
Xi Jinping said SCO required to carry forward Shanghai Spirit and deepen cooperation for benefit of mankind. On cooperation to fight COVID-19, Xi emphasized on global health security to counter the ‘virus without borders’ and called for refraining from politicizing the situation.
He proposed hotline contacts among SCO countries to contain the situation in battle against coronavirus. He said as joined COVAX, China would actively consider the need of SCO countries and stressed stability and security as the foremost pre-condition.
The Chinese president stressed non-interference in domestic affairs of SCO states, curbing drug proliferation, non-glorification of terrorists and need for practical solution to Afghan peace. He mentioned that China had launched global initiative on data security and welcomed participation of all countries for cyber security. = DNA
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Japan donates Jasmine trees to Japanese Park
ISLAMABAD, NOV 10 (DNA) – The Embassy of Japan, in line with the PM Imran Khan’s initiative, ’Clean-Green Pakistan’, donated 20 Jasmine trees to Japanese Park in Islamabad on 10 November.
Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, along with the State Minister for Climate Change, Honorable Ms. Zartaj Gul planted Jasmine trees at the Park during a tree plantation ceremony. Mr. Naveed Tareen Khan, Director General Environment, Capital Development Authority, was also present.
While speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador said that “Many local residents enjoy visiting this park, this became a symbol of friendship between Japan and Pakistan’. The park opened in 1985 after the then Japanese Prime Minister NAKASONE visited Pakistan and donated playground equipment for the children of Pakistan as a gift from the children of Japan. In 2015 again, Japan refurbished the equipment as the equipment became old.
When bamboo trees at the park had fallen due to the heavy monsoon rain this summer, Ambassador had special interest to rehabilitate the garden by donating new trees to the Park.
In order to make the park clean and beautiful, ’tree planting at the Japanese Park is a small contribution by the Embassy towards a Clean-Green Pakistan initiative of PM Khan”, said the Ambassador.
He also mentioned that the Embassy had planted trees at its compound last November, aiming to contribute to a clean and green Pakistan.
On this occasion, the Minister and the Ambassador exchanged views on the importance of technical cooperation on the issue of climate change, especially referring to the area of next-generation solar cells, carbon recycling and electric vehicles.=DNA
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Experts call for govt steps for women empowerment
TDAP has organized more than 50 women specific local exhibitions, sent many women entrepreneurs on international exhibitions and delegations, sponsored many solo women exhibitions internationally: CRSS seminar
Khayam Abbasi/DNA
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has a women population of around 49% and just less than 10% of entrepreneurs are women in the country. Government of Pakistan is making all out efforts to pass legislations for the betterment of women folk, yet no specific, sustainable and beneficial facilitation is being carried out to help women earn their own living, to bring them at par with men, to start and run their own businesses and to help them export their products.
Fault also lies with the women as they have not been going in the right direction. Moreover, no coordinated research has been carried out to find the reasons and circumstances till now for resolving the issue. The result of this apathy is that 70% of women businesses die down the very first year, as they cannot survive due to lack of support.
The remarks were made by Ms. Roubina Toufiq Shah, former Director General, Ministry of Commerce (MoC) while presenting her keynote during a public-private dialogue on Gender Focused Economic Reforms (GFER), organized by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad.
Commenting on TDAP, she stated that over the years, TDAP has organized more than 50 women specific local exhibitions, sent many women entrepreneurs on international exhibitions and delegations, sponsored many solo women exhibitions internationally and also held multiple seminars and conferences with women participations. Though, these can be termed as practices not a defined policy. This is the very reason that efforts towards gender empowerment in economic domain are not sustainable and fade away eventually.
She opined that TDAP policy document needs to revive the specific clauses for gender inclusion. TDAP should allocate 25% budget quota for women exporters to ensure their participation in TDAP sponsored trade delegations and exhibitions. It should also allocate budget for capacity building programs each year for women start-ups and exporters in all major cities of Pakistan. Women entrepreneurs require handholding, guidance, facilitation, and acceptance from men. Together we can bring the change and ensure gender inclusiveness; working in isolation won’t work.
In her concluding remarks, she suggested to develop a database of women entrepreneurs and identify the areas they are mostly concentrated, deliberate and solve the issues of their concern based on global best practices. The relevant ministries and departments should respond by policy changes required. It is also important to provide guidance to women chambers on improving their members’ knowledge, vision, access to resources etc. and advise women entrepreneurs to join relevant trade associations to stay in touch with latest trends and opportunities; this will enable them to come into the mainstream of businesses and learn from male counterparts.
Mr. Shahzad Ahmad Khan, Director General, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) noted that Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2020-25 will be an ever more gender inclusive trade policy and which makes it incumbent for the TDAP to align its policies accordingly. TDAP has an exclusive 10% quota for the participation of women entrepreneurs in the international trade exhibitions, however, the pandemic has put these activities to a halt and until resumption, women should resort to online conduits for communication with the international markets through webinars. TDAP is utilizing an array of digital media tools for awareness and outreach especially during the COVID-19 times and has around 100 webinars on its website related to different products and markets.
As part of its capacity building efforts for the growth and development of women entrepreneurs, TDAP successfully ran the National Exporter Training Programme across the country. As a matter most important policy change, we will assign a dedicated human resource for women entrepreneurs, who will also be open to private sector’s recommendations for gender inclusion.
Gilgit Baltistan, interestingly, is a female dominated region in terms of trade and TDAP has started a project where it will be handholding 80% of women entrepreneurs and use Hunza as a brand name for exports.
Ms. Aisha Humaira Moriani, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce noted that in preparation for the international market outreach, women must also capitalize on the potential of domestic commerce and also tap into domestic market, especially in the COVID environment. The sub-committee of national e-commerce council on women economic empowerment augurs well for their inclusion (which has also been WNBA’s recommendation).
Ms. Masooma Sibtain, Former Vice President, FPCCI noted that TDAP focuses on providing subsidies to women businesses in international exhibition. However, no written policy for development of women owned export businesses exists. Without anything in black and white, we can not move forward in cultivating gender inclusion.
Mr. Mustafa Malik, Team Leader, CRSS, noted that the public-private dialogue spaces are critical to transform the women empowerment priorities into implementation. He shared the priority intervention areas identified in the women national business agenda (WNBA) – a policy proposal on gender focused economic reforms presented from the platform of FPCCI – along with the progress.
