Islamabad, Nov 26: A blistering century by Haider Ali, alongside Sharoon Siraj’s all-round performance, led Pakistan Shaheens to a commanding 108-run victory over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first 50-over match at Islamabad Club on Monday. After being asked to bat first, the Shaheens overcame a rocky start to post a challenging total of 305/7 in their 50 overs. Openers Mohammad Huraira (26) and Maaz Sadaqat (11) were dismissed cheaply, but Haider Ali, batting at number four, anchored the innings with an explosive knock. Haider’s partnership with Sharoon Siraj, who made a brisk 42 off 48 balls, added 27 runs…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Nov 26: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has proposed a decisive solution to the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict over the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He has urged the ICC to revoke hosting rights for all global events in the 2024-2031 cycle from both nations if they fail to resolve their disagreements. Speaking to a private news channel, Latif said, “My suggestion is that ICC should take away the hosting rights of all global events from India and Pakistan… until they settle their issues.” Champions Trophy Dispute The conflict arises from India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns. Pakistan…
Islamabad, Nov 26: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is accepting applications for the Member IT (MP-1 Scale) position, a key role in shaping Pakistan’s digital transformation and IT policy development. The initial contract will be for three years, extendable annually for up to two more years, contingent upon satisfactory performance. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in ICT fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Software Engineering from an HEC-recognized institution. Ph.D. holders need at least seven years of professional experience, including three in senior management, while Master’s degree holders must have nine…
Islamabad, Nov 26: As of Monday evening, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has received 20,170 applications under the government’s regular Hajj scheme. Fifteen banks across the country are processing applications, with Meezan Bank leading at 4,143 submissions, followed by Muslim Commercial Bank with 4,063, and United Bank Limited with 3,855. The government has allocated 89,605 seats for the regular Hajj scheme, including 5,000 under the sponsorship quota. Out of the total applications received, 198 are for this quota. Applicants must deposit Rs. 200,000 along with their submissions. Hajj applications will be accepted until December 3, with a possibility of an…
Islamabad, Nov 26: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), through its centralized Supervision function, continues to strengthen oversight of capital markets and regulated businesses. In a recent meeting, the Commission reviewed supervisory activities, with a special focus on pooled investments like mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage firms, and discussed measures to safeguard investors from illegal schemes. The Commission stressed adherence to Standard Operating Procedures for resolving court cases, with 53 investigations and 30 criminal complaints currently under stay orders. It commended the recently concluded review of the mutual fund industry, aimed at protecting investors, and highlighted plans…
Islamabad, Nov 26; Taskin Ahmed delivered his career-best bowling performance, helping Bangladesh dismiss the West Indies for 152 in their second innings. Bangladesh remained in contention as Taskin Ahmed’s fiery spell restricted the target to 334 runs. However, a late batting collapse on Day 4 left Bangladesh at 109/7, needing an improbable 225 more runs for victory, while the West Indies require just three wickets to secure the win. Chasing 334, Bangladesh’s innings started disastrously, with Zakir Hasan dismissed for a duck in the first over. Mahmudul Hasan Joy followed soon after, leaving the team at 7/2. Brief resistance came…
Islamabad, Nov 26: With winter setting in, students across Punjab are looking forward to their winter break, starting December 20, 2024. Punjab’s Secretary of Schools, Khalid Nazir Watoo, has announced a 20-day holiday for schools, ending on January 10, 2025. This decision follows severe smog conditions that had earlier forced schools to close and transition to online learning, particularly in Lahore, one of the world’s most polluted cities. The toxic smog, caused by industrial emissions, crop burning, and vehicular pollution, continues to pose health risks, especially for children and the elderly. In Lahore, low visibility and hazardous air quality persist,…
Islamabad, Nov 26: The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has urged the Petroleum Division to increase oil marketing companies’ (OMCs) margins, criticizing OGRA’s proposed hike of Rs. 1.35 per litre as significantly lower than the recommended Rs. 4.78 per litre. In a letter to the Director General (DG) Oil, OCAC requested raising OMC margins from Rs. 7.87 to Rs. 12.65 per litre to address rising costs such as maintaining a 20-day stock cover, turnover tax, handling losses, and sales tax financing. OCAC also rejected OGRA’s allocation of only Rs. 0.5 per litre from the proposed increase for fuel pump digitization.…
Islamabad, Nov 24: Over 40 Swedish companies operating in Pakistan are facing considerable difficulties, including elevated tax rates, high energy expenses, and limitations on foreign currency transfers, as stated by Sweden’s Ambassador, Alexandra Berg von Linde. These issues, she said, are major obstacles to fostering foreign investment and improving trade ties. Speaking at a meeting with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the ambassador highlighted that these Swedish companies, many of which are globally recognized brands, have been present in Pakistan for decades. “These companies have supported Pakistan’s growth and are well-acquainted with the complexities of the local…
Islamabad, Nov 24: Pakistan has entered into 82 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with allied nations to export defense equipment and products valued at $30 billion. These exports include cutting-edge drones, fighter aircraft, commercial and logistic ships, electronic warfare systems, and advanced radars. The agreements were finalized during the four-day International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024), which concluded on Friday at the Karachi Expo Centre. At the closing ceremony of the 12th edition of IDEAS, Lt Gen (Retd) Chiragh Haider, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Production, announced that Pakistan had secured potential defense export orders amounting to $36 billion,…
