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Pakistan

Pakistan penalized for slow over-rate in first Test

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Pakistan penalized

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan cricket team has been penalized for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first Test against Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed.

According to the International Cricket Council, match referee Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel imposed sanctions after Pakistan failed to bowl the required overs in the allotted time.

The ICC said the team was found eight overs short, leading to action under Article 2.22 of the code of conduct. Under the regulations, players are fined 5% of their match fee for each over short.

In addition to financial penalties, Pakistan also lost eight World Test Championship points under Article 16.11.2, which deducts one point per over short.

Captain Shan Masood accepted responsibility for the offence, after which the ICC deemed a formal hearing unnecessary.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, third umpire Allahudien Paleker and fourth umpire Ghazi Sohel.

Pakistan had earlier suffered a defeat in the Dhaka Test, while the second match of the two-Test series against Bangladesh is scheduled to begin in Sylhet.

Major shake-up expected in Pakistan cricketers’ central contracts

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Major shake-up

LAHORE: Significant changes are expected in the central contracts of national cricketers as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepares to revise its financial model ahead of the new cycle starting July 1.

The current central contract financial structure is set to expire on June 30, after which a new framework will come into effect. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to take key decisions regarding the revised model.

The previous three-year financial model was introduced in 2023 during the tenure of former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and has remained largely intact, although player categories have been adjusted based on fitness and performance.

Last year, 30 players were awarded central contracts, with no cricketer placed in Category A for the first time.

Sources suggest the upcoming contracts may see major restructuring, with several players likely to be promoted or demoted across categories based on performance.

Players including Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah are reportedly less likely to be included in the new list, while domestic performers such as Azaan Awais and Abdullah Fazal may earn inclusion.

Officials say preliminary discussions regarding player selection and category adjustments are currently underway as the board finalizes the new contract cycle.

Pakistan’s ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ set for landmark release in China

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Pakistan

Pakistan and China have taken a significant step in strengthening cultural ties, as the blockbuster film The Legend of Maula Jatt is set to be released in China on May 21.

The announcement was made by director Bilal Lashari, who shared the news alongside a Chinese-dubbed trailer of the film, marking a major milestone for Pakistani cinema.

This is the first time a major Pakistani film has secured a prominent place in China’s limited foreign film market, reflecting growing interest in cross-border cultural exchange between the two countries.

Released in 2022, The Legend of Maula Jatt is widely regarded as Pakistan’s most expensive and highest-grossing film to date. The movie achieved significant international success, earning millions of dollars worldwide and gaining recognition beyond South Asia.

The upcoming Chinese release is being seen as an important development for Pakistan’s film industry, potentially opening doors for wider distribution of Pakistani cinema in global markets.

Pakistan’s nuclear programme a permanent defence asset, says PM

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Pakistan’s nuclear

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s nuclear programme will remain a permanent defence asset of the country, paying rich tribute to all heroes who contributed to making Pakistan a nuclear power.

Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister stated that Pakistan’s nuclear capability is an enduring pillar of national defence.

 He noted that the nation observed the anniversary of “Maarka-e-Haq” on May 10 with great dignity and unity, adding that divine blessings had granted Pakistan victory, honour, and dignity as a result of national cohesion and solidarity.

The prime minister emphasized that the entire nation stood united during the historic moment, while the armed forces delivered a strong response to the enemy that would be remembered for generations. He said that as May 28 approaches, history will continue to honour this significant day, reaffirming that Pakistan’s nuclear programme will always remain a cornerstone of national security.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear policy is based on defence and deterrence rather than aggression, which is why the world recognizes Pakistan as a responsible nuclear power.

Paying tribute to scientists, political leadership, institutions, and governments involved in the programme, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid its foundation, while his leader Nawaz Sharif brought it to completion. He also saluted all national heroes associated with this achievement.

The prime minister said that after achieving nuclear capability, Pakistan must now move towards becoming an economic power, adding that the government is working day and night as a team and results are gradually becoming visible.

He described the journey as long and challenging, noting that nations that persevere through difficulties ultimately succeed.

He further stated that ongoing regional conflicts have affected economies across the region, though Pakistan’s situation has remained comparatively stable.

He added that unlike other countries, Pakistan did not face severe shortages, and collective efforts helped manage the situation effectively.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to Railway employee Liaquat, who sacrificed his life while stopping a terrorist, calling him a national hero.

He said that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, security personnel, law enforcement agencies, and civilians in the fight against terrorism are unmatched in history.

A prayer (Fateha) was also offered for the martyrs during the federal cabinet meeting.

Pakistan launches Hepatitis C elimination programme: Mustafa Kamal

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Pakistan launches

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has revealed that around 10 million people in Pakistan are suffering from Hepatitis C, while nearly 80 percent of patients remain unaware of their condition.

He made these remarks while addressing the soft launch ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, announcing free nationwide screening and treatment under the initiative. He described the programme as a historic and revolutionary step for Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

The minister said the Rs67 billion programme was initiated after nearly a decade of sustained efforts. He added that while an estimated 60 million people worldwide are affected by Hepatitis C, Pakistan accounts for a significant portion of the burden.

Highlighting the severity of the disease, he warned that untreated Hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer, stressing the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and public awareness.

Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan’s healthcare system must shift from “sick care” to true preventive healthcare, focusing on disease prevention rather than only treatment.

He further stated that a nationwide screening drive will be launched in collaboration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to ensure wider public access. In the initial phase, 12 screening counters have already been set up in federal hospitals in Islamabad.

He announced that the Hepatitis C screening test, costing around Rs7,000, along with a full three-to-six-month treatment course, will be provided free of cost under the programme.

Comparing international success stories, he said that if countries like Egypt can eliminate Hepatitis C, Pakistan can achieve the same goal through timely screening and public participation.

The minister also highlighted the growing pressure on Pakistan’s healthcare system due to population growth, stating that doctors are now treating over 350 patients a day compared to an ideal workload of around 30 patients.

Bangladesh defeat Pakistan by 104 runs in first Test match

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Bangladesh defeat

MIRPUR: Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test, as the visitors struggled while chasing a target of 268 runs.

In the final innings, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed and the team was bowled out for 163 runs. The first wicket fell at just 3 runs, putting early pressure on the batting side.

Pakistan national cricket team continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Arafat Owais scored 15 runs before getting out, while captain Shan Masood managed only 2 runs.

 Debutant Abdullah Fazal played a fighting knock of 66 runs, and Salman Ali Agha contributed 26 runs. Saud Shakeel scored 15, Noman Ali 4, and Hasan Ali 1 run.

Earlier, Bangladesh national cricket team set a challenging target after declaring their second innings at 240 for 9 on the fifth day of the match in Mirpur.

Bangladesh’s innings was highlighted by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 87 and Mominul Haque’s 56.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali took three wickets each, Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two, and Muhammad Abbas took one wicket. Notably, Noman Ali completed 100 Test wickets in his career during the match.

Batting first, Bangladesh scored 413 runs, while Pakistan replied with 386 in their first innings before collapsing in the final chase.

Pakistan likely to observe Eid-ul-Adha on May 27, says SUPARCO

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Pakistan likely

KARACHI: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has indicated that Eid-ul-Adha in Pakistan is likely to fall on May 27.

According to a spokesperson, the new moon on May 17 will be 18 hours and 30 minutes old at sunset, making the chances of sighting the Zilhaj moon on the evening of May 17 favorable.

The spokesperson added that the first of Zilhaj 1447 Hijri is expected to fall on Monday, May 18.

Based on these calculations, Eid-ul-Adha is likely to be observed in the country on May 27.

However, SUPARCO clarified that the final decision regarding moon sighting and the official start of Zilhaj will be taken by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan.

Pakistan rejects reports claiming presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Air Base

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Pakistan rejects

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office has strongly rejected and termed misleading media reports regarding the alleged presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Air Base.

In a statement posted on social media, the Foreign Office dismissed a report by CBS News, calling it “misleading and sensationalist.”

The statement said such speculative narratives are aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace.

The Foreign Office clarified that after a ceasefire and during the initial phase of talks in Islamabad, multiple aircraft from Iran and the United States had arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomatic staff, security teams, and negotiating personnel.

It added that some aircraft and supporting staff remained in Pakistan in anticipation of the next round of discussions.

Although formal negotiations have not yet resumed, high-level diplomatic contacts continue. In this context, visits by Iranian Foreign Minister to Islamabad were made possible through existing administrative and logistical arrangements.

The statement further clarified that the Iranian aircraft present in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and had no connection with any military emergency or security deployment.

Pakistan emerges as symbol of regional stability, says President Zardari

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Pakistan emerges

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan has emerged as a symbol of balance and stability in the region due to the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, in a message marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq.

In an official statement issued by the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president paid tribute to the nation and the armed forces, praising the leadership, strategy, and decisive actions of Field Marshal Asim Munir, which he said played a key role in the success of the operation.

He also commended Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, appreciating the exceptional professionalism and operational excellence of the Pakistan Air Force, while acknowledging the Pakistan Navy under Admiral Naveed Ashraf for its readiness and strong defence capabilities.

President Zardari said Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving state that has demonstrated its defensive strength to the world through a firm yet measured response to aggression.

He reiterated that the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir must be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions, adding that Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people.

He further described India’s alleged suspension efforts regarding the Indus Waters Treaty as “water aggression,” stressing that water remains a vital lifeline for millions of Pakistanis.

The president also urged Afghanistan to ensure its territory is not used for terrorism against Pakistan or other regional countries, calling the elimination of externally backed terrorism essential for regional peace.

He noted that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for the peaceful resolution of the Iran–US tensions have been widely appreciated at the international level.

Concluding his message, President Zardari reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan and the armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the country and respond to all challenges.

Pakistan reach 179-1 at stumps, trail Bangladesh by 234 runs

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Pakistan reach

DHAKA Pakistan national cricket team ended the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh national cricket team on 179 for 1, needing another 234 runs to erase the hosts’ first-innings lead.

Pakistan made a cautious start to their innings after bowling Bangladesh out for 413.

Azaan Awais remained unbeaten on 85, while Abdullah Fazal was not out on 37 at the close of play. The only wicket to fall was that of Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 45 before being dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Earlier, Bangladesh resumed the day with Mushfiqur Rahim on 48 and Litton Das on 8.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led the scoring with a composed 101, while Mominul Haque contributed 91 and Mushfiqur Rahim added 71. Litton Das made 33, Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 10 and Taijul Islam added 17.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas was the standout bowler, claiming five wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up three.

The match remains evenly poised heading into day three, with Pakistan aiming to first wipe out Bangladesh’s lead and then build a substantial advantage.