ایشیا کپ سپر فور پاکستان اور سری لنکا جمعرات کا میچ سیمی فائنل بن گیاAsia Cup Super Four match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday became the semi-final,,,,,,,, اصغر علی مبارک

Image Posted on September 12, 2023 Updated on September 12, 2023

ایشیا کپ سپر فور پاکستان اور سری لنکا جمعرات کا میچ سیمی فائنل بن گیاAsia Cup Super Four match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday became the semi-final
,,,,,,,,..اصغر علی مبارک

Asia Cup Super Four match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday became the semi-final
,,,,,,,,..Asghar Ali Mubarak…..Asia Cup Super Four match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday became the semi-final. It should be remembered that India defeated Sri Lanka by 41 runs in the Super Four stage match. Qualified for the final. India’s victory has made the calculation easier for Pakistan and now they just need to win the match against Sri Lanka without worrying about the run rate. will qualify for the finals of the Asia Cup. However, Pakistani fans now have to pray that the rain does not affect the match in Colombo on Thursday because if the match does not result and both teams get one point each, then the Pakistan team will be out of the race for the finals based on the net run rate. It will happen and Sri Lanka will play the final with the Indian team. In the Asia Cup Super Four stage, India has won four points by winning both matches, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have lost one of the two matches and both have two points. After defeating Sri Lanka by 41 runs, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee chairman Zaka Ashraf met with captain Babar Azam and other senior players. Chairman Zaka Ashraf encouraged the players and said that winning and losing is part of the game, so don’t lose heart. He said to learn from the mistakes and perform better in the next matches, what had to be done now focus on the next matches. Zaka Ashraf said that I have faith in all of you players, you have the ability to win the Asia Cup, you are continuously winning and will win in the future. National team captain Babar Azam and other players supported Chairman Zaka. Thank you Ashraf.
Babar Azam said that we will try hard to win the next matches, we will show fight, we will give hundred percent performance, the focus is on Asia Cup and we will definitely achieve success. It should be noted that India defeated Pakistan by 228 runs in the Asia Cup match yesterday, while the first match played between the two teams in the same tournament could not be completed due to rain. On the other hand, fast bowler Shahnawaz Dhani and Zaman Khan yesterday. will reach Colombo. If fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are not fully fit, Shahnawaz Dhani and Zaman Khan will be included in the team as an alternative. Salman Ali Agha’s participation in the match against Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup has become doubtful. Salman Ali Agha was hit on the nose while playing a sweep shot in the match against India.
Remember that a match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled in Colombo on Thursday (September 14).

ایشیا کپ سپر فور پاکستان اور سری لنکا جمعرات کا میچ سیمی فائنل بن گیا
,,,,,,,,..اصغر علی مبارک…..ایشیا کپ سپر فور پاکستان اور سری لنکا جمعرات کا میچ سیمی فائنل بن گیا یاد رہے سُپر فور مرحلے کے میچ میں بھارت نے سری لنکا کو 41 رنز سے شکست دے کر فائنل کےلیے کوالیفائی کیا تھا ۔ بھارت کی فتح نے پاکستان کےلیے کیلکولیشن آسان بنادی ہے اور اسے اب رن ریٹ کی فکر کیے بغیر بس سری لنکا سے میچ جیتنا ہے۔جمعرات کو پاکستان اور سری لنکا کی ٹیمیں سپر فور مرحلے کے میچ میں مدمقابل آئیں گی اور اس میچ کی فاتح ٹیم ایشیا کپ کے فائنل کےلیے کوالیفائی کرجائے گی۔ تاہم پاکستانی فینز کو اب یہ دعا بھی کرنا ہوگی کہ جمعرات کو کولمبو میں بارش میچ متاثر نہ کرے کیوں کہ اگر میچ کا نتیجہ نہ آیا اور دونوں ٹیموں کو ایک ایک پوائنٹ مل گیا تو پھر نیٹ رن ریٹ پر پاکستان ٹیم فائنل کی دوڑ سے آؤٹ ہوجائے گی اور بھارت کی ٹیم کے ساتھ سری لنکا فائنل کھیلے گا۔ ایشیا کپ سپر فور مرحلے میں اس وقت بھارت دونوں میچز جیت کر چار پوائنٹس حاصل کرچکا ہے، پاکستان اور سری لنکا کو دو دو میچز میں سے ایک میں شکست ہوئی اور دونوں ہی کے دو دو پوائنٹس ہیں۔سُپر فور مرحلے کے میچ میں بھارت نے سری لنکا کو 41 رنز سے شکست دے کر فائنل کےلیے کوالیفائی کیاپاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ (پی سی بی) کی مینجمنٹ کمیٹی کے چیئرمین ذکاء اشرف نے کپتان بابر اعظم سمیت دیگر سینئر کھلاڑیوں سے ملاقات کی۔ چیئرمین ذکاء اشرف نے کھلاڑیوں کا حوصلہ بڑھایا اور کہا کہ ہار جیت کھیل کا حصہ ہے اس لیے حوصلہ نہیں ہارنا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ غلطیوں سے سبق سیکھیں اور اگلے میچز میں بہتر کارکردگی کا مظاہرہ کریں، جو ہونا تھا ہو گیا اب اگلے میچز پر فوکس کریں۔ ذکاء اشرف کا کہنا تھا کہ مجھے آپ سب کھلاڑیوں پر اعتماد ہے، آپ ایشیا کپ جیتنے کی صلاحیت رکھتے ہیں، آپ مسلسل جیتتے آ رہے ہیں اور آئندہ بھی جیتیں گے۔قومی ٹیم کے کپتان بابر اعظم اور دیگر کھلاڑیوں نے سپورٹ کرنے پر چیئرمین ذکاء اشرف کا شکریہ ادا کیا۔
بابر اعظم نے کہا کہ اگلے میچز جیتنے کے لیے سرتوڑ کوشش کریں گے، فائٹ دکھائی دے گی، سو فیصد کھیل پیش کریں گے، ایشیا کپ پر فوکس ہے اور ہم ضرور کامیابی حاصل کریں گے۔ واضح رہے کہ گزشتہ روز ایشیا کپ کے میچ میں بھارت نے پاکستان کو 228 رنز سے شکست دی تھی جبکہ اسی ٹورنامنٹ میں دونوں ٹیموں کے درمیان کھیلا گیا پہلا میچ بارش کے باعث مکمل نہیں ہوسکا تھا۔دوسری جانب فاسٹ بولر شاہنواز دھانی اور زمان خان کل کولمبو پہنچیں گے۔فاسٹ بولر حارث رؤف اور نسیم شاہ اگر مکمل فٹ نہ ہوئے تو متبادل کے طور پر شاہنواز دھانی اور زمان خان کو ٹیم میں شامل کیا جائے گا۔پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ کا میڈیکل پینل نسیم شاہ اور حارث رؤف کی انجری کا معائنہ کر رہا ہے۔ایشیا کپ کے سُپر فور مرحلے میں سری لنکا کے خلاف میچ میں سلمان علی آغا کی شرکت مشکوک ہوگئی ہے سلمان علی آغا کو بھارت کے خلاف میچ میں سوئپ شاٹ کھیلتے ہوئے ناک پر گیند لگی تھی۔
یاد رہے کہ جمعرات (14 ستمبر) کو کولمبو میں پاکستان اور سری لنکا کے درمیان میچ شیڈول ہے۔

Lahore Qalandars defeated Multan, become Pakistan Super League champions for second timeلاہور قلندرز، ملتان کو شکست دے کر دوسری بار پاکستان سپر لیگ کا چیمپئن بن گیا…

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Image Posted on April 24, 2022 Updated on June 15, 2022

پاکستان کے خلاف کوئی سازش کامیاب نہیں ہونے دیں گے: ترجمان پاک فوج میجر جنرل بابر افتخار ………….. (اندر کی بات ؛کالم نگار؛اصغرعلی مبارک)……پاک فوج کے ترجمان میجر جنرل بابر افتخار کا کہنا ہے کہ پاکستان کے خلاف کوئی سازش کامیاب نہیں ہونے دیں گے۔ایک بیان میں پاک فوج کے شعبہ تعلقات عامہ آئی ایس پی آر کے ڈائریکٹر جنرل نے کہا کہ پاکستان کی انٹیلی جینس ایجنسیاں دن رات سازشوں کے خلاف کام کر رہی ہیں۔انھوں نے مزید کہا ہے کہ پاکستان کی انٹیلی جینس ایجنسیاں اور ادارے بھرپور طریقے سے کام کر رہے ہیں، اگر کسی نے پاکستان کے خلاف کوئی بھی سازش کرنے کی کوشش کی تو اسے کام یاب نہیں ہونے دیں گے۔ ترجمان پاک فوج اس سے پہلے یہ بتا چکے ہیں کہ پاک فوج کی یہ ذمے داری ہے کہ وہ ملکی سالمیت کے خلاف کوئی سازش نہ ہونے دے اور اس کا تدارک کرے۔میجر جنرل بابر افتخار نے یہ بھی کہا تھا کہ پاکستان کے خلاف کوئی سازش نہیں ہوئی۔یادرہےکہ 14 اپریل ، 2022کوپریس کانفرنس میں ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر کا کہنا تھا کہ ایک روز قبل فارمیشن کمانڈرز نے ملکی سلامتی کے حوالے سے لیےگئے اقدامات بالخصوص اندرونی سکیورٹی اور آئین و قانون کی بالادستی کو پیش نظر رکھنے پر مکمل اعتماد کا اظہار کیا اور اسے درست سمت میں بہترین قدم قرار دیا، پاک فوج کے شعبہ تعلقات عامہ (آئی ایس پی آر) کے ڈائریکٹر جنرل میجر جنرل بابر افتخار کا کہنا ہے کہ نیشنل سکیورٹی کمیٹی کے اعلامیے میں سازش کا لفظ نہیں ہے، ڈیمارش صرف سازش پر نہیں دیے جاتے اور بھی وجوہات ہوتی ہیں۔پریس کانفرنس میں ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر کا کہنا تھا کہ ایک روز قبل فارمیشن کمانڈرز نے ملکی سلامتی کے حوالے سے لیےگئے اقدامات بالخصوص اندرونی سکیورٹی اور آئین و قانون کی بالادستی کو پیش نظر رکھنے پر مکمل اعتماد کا اظہار کیا اور اسے درست سمت میں بہترین قدم قرار دیا، سب نے اتفاق کیا کہ جمہوریت اور اداروں کی مضبوطی ، قانون کی بالادستی اور سب اداروں کا آئین کے دائرہ کار میں رہنا ملکی مفاد میں ہے، دہشت گردی کے خلاف جنگ آخری دہشت گرد کے خاتمے تک جاری رہے گی ، سال کے پہلے تین ماہ 128دہشت گرد ہلاک اور 270گرفتار کیے گئے، پاک فوج کے 168افسران جوان عالمی سطح پر امن کوششوں میں جانوں کا نذرانہ پیش کرچکے ہیں۔ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر نےکہا کہ 9 اپریل کی رات وزیراعظم ہاؤس میں آرمی چیف اور ڈی جی آئی ایس آئی کی اُس وقت کے وزیراعظم عمران خان سے کوئی ملاقات نہیں ہوئی، اس حوالے سے سب باتیں جھوٹ ہیں ، بی بی سی نے بہت ہی واحیات اسٹوری شائع کی، اس سے بڑا جھوٹ کسی انٹرنیشنل لیڈنگ ایجنسی کی طرف سے نہیں ہوسکتا، یہ ایک مکمل من گھڑت اسٹوری تھی۔

ایک سوال کے جواب میں میجر جنرل بابر افتخار کا کہنا تھا کہ پارلیمنٹ ہاؤس میں صدر کے چیمبر میں دو اعلیٰ افسران کی ملاقات سے متعلق مجھے کوئی علم نہیں، عوام اور سیاسی جماعتوں سے درخواست ہے فوج کو سیاست میں نہ گھسیٹیں، ہمیں اس معاملے سے باہر رکھا جائے۔انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ عمران خان کو اسٹیبلشمنٹ نے کوئی آپشن نہیں دیا تھا، ڈیڈ لاک کے دوران وزیراعظم آفس سے آرمی چیف سے رابطہ کیا گیا کہ بیچ بچاؤ کی بات کریں، ہماری سیاسی جماعتوں کی قیادت آپس میں بات کرنے پر تیار نہیں تھی جس پر آرمی چیف اور ڈی جی آئی ایس آئی وہاں گئے، مختلف رفقاء سے بیٹھ کر تین چیزیں ڈسکس ہوئیں کہ کیا کیا ہوسکتا ہے، ان میں وزیراعظم کا استعفیٰ، تحریک عدم اعتماد واپس لینا اور وزیراعظم کی طرف سے اسمبلیاں تحلیل کرنے کا آپشن تھا۔ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر کا کہنا تھا کہ تیسرے آپشن پر وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ یہ قابل قبول ہے، ہماری طرف سے اپوزیشن سے بات کریں جس پر آرمی چیف پی ڈی ایم کے پاس گزارشات لے کر گئے اور ان کے سامنے یہ گزارش رکھی جس پر سیر حاصل بحث ہوئی لیکن اپوزیشن نے اس پر کہا کہ ہم ایسا قدم نہیں اٹھائیں گے۔ترجمان پاک فوج نےکہا کہ پاکستان کی بقاصرف اور صرف جمہوریت میں ہے اور اس کا دفاع کرنا سب کا فرض ہے، انفرادی بھی اور اجتماعی بھی اور اس کی طاقت پارلیمنٹ ، سپریم اور مسلح افواج ہیں اور جمہوریت نے ہی پاکستان کو آگے لے کر جانا ہے، انشاءاللہ پاکستان میں کبھی مارشل لاء نہیں آئے گا۔ان کا کہنا تھا کہ افواہوں کی بنیاد پر بے بنیاد کردار کشی کرنا کسی صورت قابل قبول نہیں ، یہ ملک کے مفاد کے سراسر خلاف ہے ، فوج کو سیاست میں مت گھسیٹیں ، نہ یہ مہم پہلے کامیاب ہوئی نہ اب ہوگی ، ہماری انٹیلی جنس ایجنسیاں دھمکیوں کے خلاف دن رات کام کررہی ہیں ، پاکستان کی طرف کسی نے بھی میلی آنکھ سے دیکھا تو اسے نکال دیں گے ، نیشنل سکیورٹی کمیٹی کے اعلامیے میں سازش کا لفظ نہیں ہے، اعلامیے میں لکھا ہوا ہے کہ غیرسفارتی زبان استعمال کی گئی۔ ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر کا کہنا تھا کہ ہمارا سیاست سے کوئی لینا دینا نہیں، نیوٹرل وغیرہ کوئی چیز نہیں، کوئی ضمنی انتخاب کوئی بلدیاتی انتخاب اٹھالیں، کوئی مداخلت نہیں، پہلے کہا جاتا تھا کالز آتی ہیں، اگر کوئی ثبوت ہے کہ ہم نے مداخلت کی تو سامنے لائیں، انتشار کے لیے ریٹائرڈ افسران کے جعلی آڈیو پیغام پھیلائے جارہے ہیں، پروپیگنڈا کرنے والوں کے خلاف متعلقہ ادارے کارروائی کررہے ہیں۔میجر جنرل بابر افتخار نے کہا کہ آرمی چیف نہ تو مدت میں توسیع طلب کررہے ہیں اور قبول کریں گے، آرمی چیف اس سال 29 نومبر 2022 کو ریٹائر ہوجائیں گے، آرمی چیف کی اپوزیشن سے پاکستان یا بیرون ملک ملاقاتوں کی باتوں میں کوئی صداقت نہیں ۔شہباز شریف کی بطور وزیراعظم تقریب حلف برداری میں آرمی چیف کے شریک نہ ہونے کے سوال پر ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر نے کہا کہ آرمی چیف کی اس روز طبیعت ٹھیک نہیں تھی، وہ آفس بھی نہیں آئے تھے۔ ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر نے کہا کہ امریکا کی جانب سے فوجی اڈوں کا کسی سطح پر مطالبہ نہیں کیا گیا، اگر مطالبہ ہوتا تو جواب انکار میں ہی ہوتا، ملک کے ایٹمی اثاثے محفوظ ہیں، ایٹمی ہتھیاروں سے متعلق بات کرتے ہوئے محتاط رہنا چاہیے، ایٹمی اثاثےکسی ایک سیاسی قیادت سےمنسلک نہیں، اب تک جتنی حکومتیں آئیں ایمانداری سے انہوں نے اسےآگے بڑھایا، پاکستان کےایٹمی پروگرام کو کوئی خطرہ نہیں ہے۔ان کا کہنا تھا کہ فوج میں کسی قسم کی تقسیم نہیں ،پوری فوج لیڈرشپ پر فخر کرتی ہے، فوج یونٹی آف کمانڈ پر چلتی ہے، جس طرف آرمی چیف دیکھتا ہے، سات لاکھ فوج ادھر دیکھتی ہے، فوج کسی کو این آر او دینے کی پوزیشن میں نہیں ہے، فوج مستقبل میں بھی آئینی کردار ادا کرتی رہے گی۔نہوں نے مزید کہا کہ سوشل میڈیا مہم سےمتعلق بہت ساری معلومات آچکی ہیں، سوشل میڈیا کیلئے کچھ قانون ہیں،ان پر عمل کی ضرورت ہے، سوشل میڈیا پر چلنے والی مہم میں غیر ملکی ہاتھ ملوث ہے، آرمی چیف جس ادارے کے سربراہ ہیں وہ حکومت کے ماتحت ہے، فوج کے خلاف نازیبا زبان کا استعمال ملکی مفاد میں نہیں،ادارےکےسربراہ کے خلاف کوئی بات ہوئی توحکومت کی ذمہ داری ہے کہ کارروائی کرے،ہمیں اپنی سوسائٹی کوانسولیٹ کرنےکیلئے بہت مربوط اقدامات کرنے پڑیں گے، ہماری فوج ڈس انفارمیشن مہم کا بہت بڑا ٹارگٹ ہے، سوسائٹی کو سوشل میڈیاکے اثرات سے بچانے کیلئے بہت مربوط اقدامات کرنا ہوں گے۔

ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر کا کہنا تھا کہ جس دن وزیراعظم نے حلف لیا اسٹاک مارکیٹ میں اوپرگئی اور ڈالر نیچےگیا، یہ ایک طرح کامعاشی استحکام لگتاہے ، سی پیک بہت بڑا اسٹریٹجک پراجیکٹ ہے، ٹی ٹی پی سے کوئی مذاکرات نہیں ہورہے ، فوج نے ٹی ٹی پی کو کافی نقصان پہنچایا ہے

Shehbaz Sharif elected as 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan

Image Posted on April 11, 2022 Updated on April 11, 2022

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif was elected as the 23rd prime minister of Pakistan after 174 lawmakers voted in his favour after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNAs boycotted the election.

PTI MNAs had walked out of the halls, with Shah Mahmood Qureshi — who was the party’s candidate for the top slot — announcing that they would be resigning en masse from the NA.

After the PTI boycotted the elections and walked out of the assembly, Shehbaz remained the lone contender for the prime minister’s slot and was consequently elected as the country’s chief executive.

PML-N’s Ayaz Sadiq presided over today’s session after Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri said his conscience did not allow him to conduct the session.

Following his election, Shehbaz announced several policy measures he intended to take as the prime minister, with a particular focus on the economy and foreign relations.

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Policy measures

• Minimum wage to be increased to Rs25,000 from April 1
• 10pc increase in pensions from April 1
• Wheat flour to be made available at a reduced price under a Ramazan package
• Shehbaz commits to making Pakistan a “paradise for investments”
• High electricity prices will be addressed
• Measures to be taken for the progress of smaller provinces, where the youth will be given technical education and laptops
• Ties to be strengthened with China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, UK and Iran
• Good ties with India conditional on the “just” resolution of Kashmir dispute
• Voice will be raised for Kashmiris, Palestinians and Afghanistan
• Shehbaz expressed the resolve to improve the economy through hard work and national unity.
• The newly elected prime minister announced that he would be making arrangements for an in-camera briefing of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security to discuss and determine the authenticity of a cable that the PTI claimed contained evidence of a foreign conspiracy to topple its government.
• Benazir card to be reintroduced

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Voting and the result

After taking the chair of the speaker, Sadiq read out the rules and procedure for the election of the prime minister and asked for the bells to ring for five minutes so that all lawmakers could come inside the halls before the voting began.

He said after the bells stopped ringing, the assembly’s entrances and exits would be locked and would remain so until the voting concluded.

Thereafter, Sadiq read out the names of the contenders, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi. In a slip of tongue, he named PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif as one of the contenders initially and quickly corrected himself, clarifying that he meant to say Shehbaz.

“I apologise Shehbaz sahab, Nawaz’s name remains in my heart.”

Sadiq then asked the lawmakers supporting Shehbaz to proceed to lobbies on his left side for voting. Similarly, he asked those who wanted to vote in favour of Qureshi to proceed to the lobby on his right side to cast their votes.

Announcing the result of the premier’s election, Sadiq reminisced that he had also chaired a session during which PML-N supremo and Shehbaz’s elder brother was elected as the premier.

“And today, I have the honour of chairing the session for Shehbaz Sharif’s election,” he said.

“Mian Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif has secured 174 votes,” he announced. “Mian Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif has been … elected as the prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

As soon as Sadiq announced the result, lawmakers began shouting slogans in favour of Shehbaz and Nawaz.

The speaker then asked Shehbaz to move to the seat of the prime minister in the NA, following which he shifted to the treasury benches amid cheers, with other members of the former joint opposition following suit.

‘Big day for the nation’

In his maiden address to the house as the prime minister, Shehbaz thanked Allah for “saving Pakistan”.

He said it was the first time in Pakistan’s history that a no-confidence motion against a prime minister had been successful. “And good has prevailed over evil.”

Shehbaz said today was a “big day” for the entire nation when a “selected” prime minister was sent packing in a legal and constitutional manner.

He added that the US dollar’s value declining by Rs8 signified the “happiness of the people”.

The newly elected prime minister also thanked the Supreme Court (SC) for burying the doctrine of necessity forever. “In the future, no one will be able to rely on it,” he said.

He said the day when the SC ruled against the dismissal of the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan by Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri should be remembered as one when the supremacy of the Constitution and parliament was established.

Shehbaz said a “drama” had been going on over the past few weeks and lies were being told about a “letter”, which was said to contain evidence of a foreign conspiracy to topple the PTI government.

He said the deputy speaker had waved the cable yesterday in the assembly and requested the NA secretary to show it to him (Shehbaz), who was the leader of the opposition at the time.

“But neither did I see it nor anyone showed it to me,” he said. It was a “lie, drama and fraud” he added, as he went on to clarify that there was no conspiracy linked to the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan.

He said the PTI had been alleging that they had received the cable on March 7, a day before the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan was filed. “But I have been meeting Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on this (the vote of no-confidence) since the initial days of March.”

On March 3, Shehbaz continued, Nawaz held a meeting of the PML-N’s central executive committee and PPP held a separate meeting of its own. “And we decided that we would bring a vote of no-confidence against the most corrupt, incompetent and laid back government in history”.

He said the matter was then discussed with the Pakistan Democratic Movement and the motion was eventually filed on March 8.

“They say they received the cable on March 7, but we have been holding meetings way before that,” Shehbaz said.

Stressing that the nation should be made aware of the truth, he announced that he intended to hold an in-camera briefing of the parliamentary committee on security, where the military leadership, Inter-Services Intelligence director general, foreign secretary and the ambassador who sent the letter should be present.

“The nation should know whether they have been lied to,” he said, adding that even if an iota of evidence of a foreign conspiracy was found, “I will go home”.

“This debate should be laid to rest and I will make arrangements for the in-camera session at the earliest,” Shehbaz said.

Decrying the “injustices” witnessed in “naya” Pakistan, he said: “No one is a traitor before and no one is a traitor now”.

Improving economy through unity

Turning his attention to the economy, Shehbaz remarked, “I have said it many times that a life of debt is no life.”

Highlighting the importance of hard work and financial independence, he said, “If we have to survive, we have to do it like an honourable and self-relying nation. Else, we cannot regain our lost status.”

“And if we have to take the country’s economy forward, we will have to opt for dialogue over deadlock … and rapprochement over disagreements,” he underlined.

Taking a jibe at the PTI over its slogan of “tabdeeli” (change), he said, “Change doesn’t come simply by talking.”

Over the past four years, he added, “our society was poisoned and it will take years to clean this poisoned water. And this will only be possible if we stay united.”

“Otherwise, difficulties and disappointment will be our destiny.”

Shehbaz termed the country’s economic situation “very serious” and emphasised the need for hard work to improve the economy.

Addressing the leaders of other parties, he said, “If we have to save the sinking boat, then we have to stay united and work hard.”

“The situation is very bad but, God willing, it will change if we work hard.”

He lamented that the previous government had rejected his proposal of introducing a “charter of economy” to improve the economic situation.

“Had they not rejected it in a humiliating manner, the economy would not have been in such a bad state today,” Shehbaz added.

Shehbaz went on paint a bleak picture of the country’s economy and assailed the previous government for its economic policies.

He then expressed the resolve to rebuild Pakistan, announcing that his government would increase the minimum wage to Rs25,000 from April 1. Necessary legal procedures would be undertaken regarding this with the help of the provinces, he added.

Shehbaz further committed to making Pakistan a “paradise for investments” and appealed to investors to increase the salaries of their employees who monthly income was Rs100,000 or less.

He also announced a 10 per cent increase in the pension of civil and military pensioners. This, too, would be implemented from April 1, he said.

Moreover, Shehbaz said atta (wheat flour) would be made available at cheaper rates under a Ramazan package.

Further, he said, “we will also address the high prices of electricity” and take measures for the progress of smaller provinces.

“Punjab is the elder brother but not the entire Pakistan. We will take smaller provinces along ourselves and move forward,” he commented. “We will give the youth of Balochistan, erstwhile Fata and other provinces technical education and skills instead of weapons.”

Shehbaz further announced that “Benazir card” would be reintroduced, which was renamed in the previous government’s tenure. He said the programme would be expanded to cover education.

Foreign policy

Criticising the PTI government over its foreign policy, he lamented that Pakistan’s strategic partners and friends had left it while it remained silent on the Kashmir issue.

Underlining the importance of having good ties with China, he alleged that the previous government had attempted to weaken the friendship between Pakistan and China.

“But this friendship is for forever and … I assure that we will make progress on the CPEC,” he added, thanking Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He further underlined the significance of having good ties with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, European Union nations, the United Arab Emirates, Britain and Iran. He also said ties needed to be strengthened with US on the basis of equality and “we need to raise our voice for Afghanistan” where the situation was dire.

“We want peace in Afghanistan.”

Shehbaz also stressed the need to get the EU GSP Plus Status.

With regards to India, Shehbaz said while they wanted good relations with the neighbouring, it was conditional on the “just” resolution of Kashmir issue.

“We will raise our voice for Kashmiri brother on every forum. We will give them diplomatic and moral support,” he said, adding that his advice to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to realise that there “is poverty, unemployment and diseases on both sides of the border”.

“Why do we want our coming generations to suffer. Come, let’s resolve the Kashmir issue in line with United Nation resolutions and Kashmiris’ expectations, so that we are able to end poverty on both sides of the border.”

Shehbaz also expressed the resolve to raise voice for Palestinians.

Concluding his speech, he emphasised national unity, saying that a “nation is built through consensus”.

Sending ‘threat letter’ sent to CJP, says deputy speaker

The development comes two days after an  Unceremonious end  to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s tenure as the country’s chief executive through a no-confidence vote.

Today’s NA session had begun with the recitation of the Holy Quran.

After the recitation, Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri explained his rationale behind his contentious ruling to dismiss the no-confidence motion against erstwhile prime minister Imran Khan on April 3.

“The ruling was declared unconstitutional by the court … and we all are obliged to respect the court. But I want to tell you the reason behind my ruling,” he said, adding that he had taken the decision “as a responsible Pakistani and deputy speaker of the NA”.He then referred to a communique, which purportedly contained evidence of a foreign conspiracy to topple Imran Khan’s government, saying that cable was discussed in the federal cabinet, a meeting of the National Security Committee and a meeting of the parliamentary committee for security.

“And it was proven that the no-confidence motion [was linked] to a foreign conspiracy,” he said.

Suri added that on April 9, it was decided during a cabinet meeting that the cable would be declassified and sent to then-NA speaker Asad Qaiser by the government.

“Asad Qaiser read and reviewed it [the cable],” he said. He then held up a piece of paper, saying that he had the cable with him. In the letter, he continued, an “open threat” had been made to Pakistan.

He added that the communique was sent to Pakistan before the no-confidence motion was submitted on March 8.

The cable, he continued, stated that in case of the failure of the no-confidence motion, Pakistan would have to face dire consequences.

The deputy speaker went on to question, “Was talking about an independent foreign policy, independent economy … and fighting the case of Islamophobia Imran Khan’s fault?”

“Was he punished because he refused slavery?”

The deputy speaker announced that he was sealing the cable and sending it to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.

Before giving the floor to PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi, he said his April 3 was in line with the oath he had taken as the deputy speaker and the Constitution. “I did it to stop a regime change at the will of another country,” he said.

But, he added, “I accept the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter.”

He appealed to MNAs to think about the matter and apologised for hurting anyone’s sentiments.

After Qureshi’s address, he was replaced by Sadiq as he refused to chair the session, saying his conscience did not allow him to do so.

Qureshi began his speech by noting that a constitutional process would reach its conclusion today.

“An election will be held, in which one side will be successful and another will be freed,” he said. “Today, the nation is at a crossroads. It has to choose between the path of independence and the path of slavery.”

He then thanked Imran Khan and his party for showing confidence in him and nominating as the candidate for the prime minister’s slot.

Qureshi continued that today, there was a cohort driven by a single ideology on one side and a coalition of parties, which was “unnatural” in the PTI’s view, on the other.

NA agenda

The premier’s election is the only item on the agenda — apart from the recitation of the Holy Quran and a Naat, which marks the commencement of every NA session — stating that the house would convene to vote for the new leader of the house “as required by Article 91 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, read with rule 32 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007”.

Former prime minister Imran Khan arrived at Parliament House ahead of the session for the election of a new premier to chair a meeting of the party’s parliamentary committee.

When asked to comment on protests held across the country by PTI supporters last night, he smiled and said: “God is the one who gives respect.”

Submission of nomination papers

Both Shehbaz and Qureshi had filed their nomination papers yesterday, hours after Imran Khan’s ouster as the prime minister.

Qureshi had submitted four forms with the NA Secretariat, while Shehbaz had filed 13 forms.

During the submission of the nomination papers, the PTI had raised objections to Shehbaz’s nomination and subsequently PTI’s Qureshi and Babar Awan had exchanged heated words with PML-N leaders Zahid Hamid and Atta Tarar.

The senior PTI leaders had submitted objections against Shehbaz, stating that the latter was contesting the election on the day of his expected indictment in a money laundering case. They were of the opinion that he did not deserve to be the new PM due to his “involvement” in corruption cases.

On Monday, the court, however, deferred the indictment.

Responding to these allegations, Tarar had said since Shehbaz had not been convicted in any case, his nomination could not be rejected merely on the basis of allegations. Hamid had reminded the PTI leaders that nomination could be rejected only on the grounds mentioned in the Constitution and Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the NA, 2007, under which the candidate for the office of PM must be a Muslim, an MNA and signature of the candidate and his proposer and seconder must be genuine.

The NA secretary had eventually accepted the nomination papers of both the candidates.

No-trust motion ousts Imran

The election for the prime minister comes two days after a premature end to the PTI tenure following weeks of political turmoil.

The saga began with the joint opposition — primarily the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and the PPP — submitting the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan with the NA Secretariat on March 8.

In the days to follow, the country’s political landscape was abuzz with activity as parties and individuals changed alliances and the PTI and opposition were seen trading barbs and allegations alongside intensifying efforts to ensure their success in the no-confidence contest.

Eventually, major allies of the ruling PTI — Balochistan Awami Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan — deserted the government and joined the opposition ranks which led to PM Imran losing his majority in the lower house of parliament.

In addition, over a dozen PTI dissident MNAs have already come into the open with their criticism on PTI policies.

For its part, the PTI had managed to secure the support of another one of its key allies, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), as Usman Buzdar stepped down as the Punjab chief minister in favour of the PML-Q’s Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, who the ruling party announced as its candidate for the province’s new chief executive.

However, one of the many twists in the saga emerged when Imran Khan claimed to have evidence of a “foreign conspiracy” to oust his government. At the PTI’s rally on March 27, the premier had pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and waved it at the crowd, claiming it was evidence of an “international conspiracy” being hatched to topple his government.

The PTI accused the opposition of being part of the foreign plot and tried to turn the tide in its favour by disclosing some of the details in the “threat letter” to journalists and lawmakers.

Separately, after a few delays, the National Assembly finally convened on April 3 to vote on the no-trust motion against the premier.

However, the PTI would prove to be five steps ahead of the opposition as the deputy speaker, who was chairing the session, dismissed the motion, saying it was part of a foreign conspiracy to oust Imran Khan, after Chaudhry spoke on a point of order, citing Article 5 of the Constitution, which mandates loyalty to the state for every citizen.

Within minutes of the pandemonium that broke out, Imran Khan appeared on television to announce that he had advised the president to dissolve the lower house of parliament and called on the people to prepare for fresh elections.

The government’s move also led to the Supreme Court taking suo motu notice of the deputy speaker’s ruling with Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial stating that all orders and actions initiated by the prime minister and president regarding the dissolution of the NA would be subject to the court’s order. Meanwhile, opposition parties also filed pleas questioning the legality of Suri’s ruling.

What followed were five days of marathon hearings where the court heard arguments from the government and the opposition. At the same time, the PTI began its preparations for the next elections, insisting on the existence of a foreign conspiracy behind the no-confidence motion.

On Thursday last week, the apex court — in a historic ruling — set aside Suri’s ruling and the subsequent dissolution of the assembly by the president on the erstwhile PM’s advice, with all five judges unanimously voting 5-0 against it.

The court’s verdict also restored the prime minister and his cabinet in their position and directed for the session of the National Assembly to reconvene on Saturday no later than 10:30am, saying that the session cannot be prorogued without the conclusion of the no-trust motion against Imran.

On Saturday, the session commenced at 10:30am but continued into the wee hours of Sunday as the opposition’s clamour for immediate voting throughout the day fell on deaf ears amid lengthy speeches delivered from treasury members on the floor of the house. The session was adjourned four times and the voting took place only after Asad Qaiser resigned at the speaker of the house almost 15 minutes before midnight, which according to legal experts, was the deadline to implement the Supreme Court’s orders to conduct voting on the no-trust motion.

PML-N’s Ayaz Sadiq, who was among the panel of chairmen, had then chaired the session, with the voting on the motion finally taking place at 11:58pm.

The results were announced in the early hours of Sunday, with 174 MNAs voting in favour of the resolution, two more than the required number of 172 out of a total 342 for the resolution to pass.

History was written as Imran Khan became the first prime minister in Pakistan to have been removed from office through a no-confidence vote.

MY TODAY COLUMN PUBLISHED IN NATIONAL NEWS PAPERS”.ANDER KI BAAT ” BY ASGHAR ALI MUBARAK

Image Posted on July 14, 2017

National T20 Cup: Lahore White beat Lahore Blues by 9 wickets; Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rescheduled two matches By ;ASGHAR ALI MUBARAK

Image Posted on August 25, 2016 Updated on August 25, 2016

National T20 Cup: Lahore White beat Lahore Blues by 9 wickets; Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rescheduled two matches

By ;ASGHAR ALI MUBARAK

 

 

 RAWALPINDI – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rescheduled two matches of the ongoing the Cool & Cool presents Jazz National T20 Cup 2016. PCB Domestic Affairs Committee Chairman, Mr. Shakil Ahmed Shaikh, Member BOG has been named as chairman tournament organizing committee, with Rawalpindi Region president Major (R) Naeem Gillani along with seven others as member of the organizing committee.

“Yes, we’ve rescheduled Sunday’s matches between Karachi Whites and Peshawar and between Islamabad and Lahore Whites,” a PCB official told media. Member Board of Governors of Pakistan Cricket Board, Shakeel Shaikh, said that all the arrangements to hold the tournament in a befitting had been completed. He said highly competitive and thrilling contests are expected to take place among country’s top T20 teams.”It is for the first time that such a great tournament is being held in two different cities and the board deserves appreciation for that,” he said

Mr. Shakil Ahmed Shaikh said the matches had been rescheduled on the request of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) as they said they would have some other engagements on that day and would not be able to provide foolproof security.

“Now one match of the two fixtures will be held on Friday, while the other will take place on Monday”, he said. A total of eight teams are participating in the event, whose initial 14 matches of the event will be held at the Pindi Stadium Rawalpindi, while the remaining 17 fixtures, including two semi-finals and final will take place at Multan Cricket Stadium.Earlier  in the first match of the Cool & Cool Presents Jazz National Twenty20 Cup 2016 Karachi B won by 9 runs Karachi B scored 158/8 v Karachi W 149/8 (20/20 ov) , in the 2nd match the Lahore Whites beat Lahore Blues 9 wickets .Earlier in the first match Karachi Regions (B) won by 9 runs Karachi B scored 158/8 v Karachi W 149/8 (20/20 ov)  The Lahore Whites won the toss and elected to bowl first on a green wicket. Lahore Whites 185/1 (16.3/20 ov) Lahore Blues are playing under the captaincy of Ahmed Shehzad while Kamran Akmal is leading Lahore Whites team. the No dought this time the fans will miss some big names due to the Pakistani teams is busy for one day and T20 series in England .But on other hand the local players has golden chance to shows skills, abilities through their outstanding performance and become the part of the second edition of the Pakistan Super League T20 which is likely to begin on 4th February 2017 in UAE. The retention window for the second edition of the Pakistan Super League has now been opened by the PCB till September 14, 2016 the final match at Multan Cricket Stadium. The shining starts of the current T20 domestic event can  considered and replaced the participating teams for PSL 2017.The all teams have now equals chance to revamp their squads as the transfer window is now open for the teams till September. PCB has already constituted the Domestic Affairs Committee headed by Chairman, Mr. Shakil Ahmed Shaikh, Member BOG PCB for  monitoring  domestic affairs at  Cool & Cool presents JAZZ National T20 Cup starting from 25th August 2016 at Rawalpindi and Multan, respectively .Other members, Mr. Amjad Latif , Member BOG , Mr. Gul Zada, Member BOG , Mr. Ali Zia, SGM Domestic Cricket and  Mr. Saqib Irfan, Manager Domestic Cricket (Secretary) after the approval from the PCB Board of Governors. Players who were not retained can go back into the PSL Draft which will be held before the start of the next season and other teams can then pick them up from there. Even the same team can pick that same player if they think they have erred in letting go of him. Things are beginning to get interesting in the Pakistan Super League with news coming in that the tournament could see the signing of T20 experts Lasith Malinga and Albie Morkel and others. Malinga, who is well-known for his yorker-bowling prowess with a slinging action, has featured in T20 cricket around the world including the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Big Bash League, NatWest T20 Blast and the Bangladesh Premier League. His 299 T20 wickets has him second in the list of most wickets taken in the format behind Dwayne Bravo and he will be a welcome addition to whichever side that gets him in the PSL Draft.The other player is Morkel, South African all-rounder and another specialist in this format. Morkel has 230 wickets of his own in T20 cricket and his strong batting towards the end of the innings could end up making him one of the draws in the PSL Draft.More recently, Eoin Mogan and Brendon McCullum had also agreed to getting themselves placed in the PSL Draft, and together with Morkel and Malinga could be the players to watch out for in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League if they manage to play in the competitions – subject to their national commitments. Even bigger news is coming from the PSL stable with rumors that the final of the next edition of the Pakistan Super League could be played in Pakistan. The Gadaffi Stadium Lahore is ready to host the PSL 2017 final. The first ever edition of the Pakistan Super League PSL-T20  was ended on February 23 rd this year with Islamabad United winning the title after defeating Quetta Gladiators in the final of the PSL  tournament. The foundation for Islamabad’s victory in the final was laid by Andre Russell’s three-wicket haul before Dwayne Smith and Brad Haddin smashed fifties to guide the side towards their chase of 175 against Quetta Gladiators.Ahmed Shehzad and Kumar Sangakkara had hit fifties of their own in the final for the Gladiators, and at one stage would have harboured thoughts for a win after piling up 174 in a pressure final. Earlier, the Quetta Gladiators made the final by winning their only playoff match against Peshawar Zalmi, edging Peshawar out by a run. This was followed by Islamabad overcoming the Karachi Kings by nine wickets; a chase of 115 that lasted just 14.2 over’s for them. Islamabad was then slotted to take on the Zalmis in which they crushed their opponents yet again. Sharjeel Khan became the first centurion in the PSL to steer his side to 176 for three in the 20 over before the united saw Russell and Imran Khalid share seven wickets to bowl Peshawar out for 126.Among the five sides, Lahore Qalandars faced the bitter end of the disappointment as they failed to qualify for the final four. Despite having a strong squad with names like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, they could win just two matches out of the possible eight. The HBL PSL has put the cricket action from the country back on the map. Boasting of international players and a league like format, the tournament took place in three stages, which was played in Dubai and Sharjah. The teams representing five major cities – Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore took part in the competition. The dates for the second edition of the tournament will be out soon and the fans will hope the tournament gets played in Pakistan this time. Even if it’s not possible, the tournament has made an excellent start and there will be a lot of fans waiting with bated breath for the second season. The opening ceremony and opening match is likely to take be played on 4th February 2017 in Dubai. Five teams will represent Pakistan’s from the four provincial capitals and the federal capital in the League stages. The Tickets for the matches of all the franchises is now available on the official website.  In the last edition of PSL the top names like Shahid Afridi, Kevin Pietersen, Shoaib Malik, Shane Watson, Andre Russell, Chris Gayle and Shakib al Hasan represents their teams. Now some new players have chance for the PSL 2nd edition. The PSL is bringing together top international cricketers from different countries to play matches in Dubai and Sharjah.Before  arranged 1st Edition at UAE  due to some  security concerns in Pakistan, the tournament was initially set to scheduled  in Doha, Qatar .later the  the Pakistan Super League matches were  played in United Arab Emirates at two venues in Dubai and Sharjah. In the coming edition the quality players from around the globe expected to make an appearance in the tournament .The Players like Angelo Matthews, Kevin Pieterson, Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Brad Hodge, Brad Haddin, Lasith Malinga  already performed and expected to be the part of next edition but this is depends on conditions. Earlier the 2016 Pakistan Super League or PSL 2016 was the debut season of the Pakistan Super League which was established by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The tournament featured five teams and was held from 4 February 2016 to 23 February 2016 in the United Arab Emirates. The opening ceremony and first match of the tournament were held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 4 February 2016. The final was held in Dubai on 23 February and saw Islamabad United defeating Quetta Gladiators by 6 wickets to win the first title. Dwayne Smith of Islamabad United was awarded the man of the match award for his innings of 73 runs from 51 balls. Ravi Bopara of the Karachi Kings was named player of the tournament. Around half of the TV viewing audience in Pakistan watched matches in the competition at peak times. The opening ceremony of the tournament was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on 4 February 2016. It featured live performances by singers Ali Zafar, Jamaican rapper and singer Sean Paul, and such other artists and ended with a firework display. A large crowd attended the ceremony at the stadium. The player draft for the 2016 season was held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 21–22 December 2015. 308 players, including both Pakistani and international players, were divided into five different categories. Each franchise was allowed to pick a maximum of six non-Pakistani players in their squads which could have a maximum of 20 members.

 

Pakistan has a very rich and diverse culture. Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez Rashid Ten days ‘Lok Mela’ folk festival of Pakistan opens with color full fanfare, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Imran Gardezi, H.E. Jan Riemer the Counsellor Embassy of Denmark, Islamabad was also present on the occasion. Senior Pakistani journalist Asghar Ali Mubarak along with H.E. Jan Riemer the Counsellor Embassy of Denmark Islamabad during the inauguration ceremony of folk festival of Pakistan, popularly known as ‘Lok Mela’ opened on other day at Islamabad . Islamabad; The Ten day NOWRUZ celebration folk festival of Pakistan, popularly known as ‘Lok Mela’ opened on other day with the traditional ‘CHADARPOSHI’ of Khurshid Nauma and ‘DASTARBANDI’ Sachu Khan of senior artisans. The theme of the first day of the festival was ‘Nowruz’ and the ambiance of the day long activities revolved around it. A special ‘Nowruz’ table was decorated and placed on stage during the opening ceremony. The mega annual cultural event is organized by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa). It will continue till April 10th2016. The ‘DASTARBANDI’, a turban in folk mythology of Pakistan always is a synonymous to great honor, self-respect and courage. By placing a turban on some one’s head, a complete trust is rested in that person’s wisdom and his or her stature. Through ‘Dastarbandi’ or ‘CHADARPOSHI’, Lok Virsa offers tribute to the services of artisans keeping in view their contribution to the cultural heritage of the country. The chief guest performed ‘CHADARPOSHI’ of Khurshid Nauma, an 80-year old master artisan in Sharma weaving and Namda making from Shimshal, Gilgit-Baltistan and ‘DASTARBANDI’ of an eminent Saroz player Sachu Khan from Sui, District Dera Bugti, Baluchistan . Both the traditional practitioners possess a vast knowledge and experience in their respective fields and contributed a major part of their lives for the continuance of their traditions. The inauguration ceremony was held at Lok Virsa open air theatre in rain. The Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez Rashid was the chief guest. Federal Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Imran Gardezi, H.E. Jan Riemer the Counsellor Embassy of Denmark, Islamabad was also present on the occasion. In his address, Senator Pervez Rashid said that Pakistan has a very rich and diverse culture. “People living in each province and region proudly practice their indigenous folk culture. Lok Virsa is doing a great service to the nation by preserving our folk traditions and projecting them at the national and international level. This is not only important but also essential and the need of the hour. Lok Mela is a true depiction of rural Pakistan. It reinforces national harmony and integration by promoting our cultural heritage through active participation of all provincial governments, master artisans, folk artists, performers and musicians”. He said that it is policy of the government to give balanced representation to all federating units in safeguarding their traditional culture and Lok Mela is the best example of this policy. The Minister assured full cooperation to Lok Virsa on behalf of his Ministry for successful holding of this huge festival. Later, the minister visited each provincial and regional pavilion and met rural artisans, folk artists, musicians and performers hailing from different provinces, regions, remote and far flung areas. Each province has erected its cultural pavilion focusing on a specific theme. Punjab pavilion depicts the richness of Cholistan desert and its beautiful traditions and architecture. Sindh has showcased Tharparkar, Balochistan Makran and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chitral. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir cultural departments have also set up their beautiful cultural pavilions at the festival grounds. Earlier in her welcome address, Dr. Fouzia Saeed, executive director of the Lok Virsa, gave a brief overview of the concept and objectives of Lok Mela with special reference to the mandate of Lok Virsa, i.e. research, collection, documentation, preservation and dissemination of Pakistan’s tangible and intangible heritage. “Our focus is on the promotion of our folk cultures and inculcating them in the lives of people as a means of rejuvenating our pride in which we are as a nation by appreciating our pluralistic identities”. She assured all the participants a very warm hospitality at Islamabad during the ‘mela’ . Lok Mela focuses on diversity within provinces and provides an opportunity to craftspeople not only to display their artisanship at the federal capital for ten consecutive days but also to sell their products to public without involvement of middleman, thus enabling them to understand the marketing mechanism of various crafts. The ‘mela’ also serves to afford an opportunity to the diplomatic community to witness authentic folk musical and cultural entertainment besides buying traditional items on affordable prices. Around 500 artisans and artists from different parts including remotest regions are participating in Lok Mela, bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation. Lok Mela will continue till April 10, 2016 with all its festivities and attractions. Daily timings are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The daily features of the ‘mela’ include provincial cultural pavilions, folkloric song and dance ensembles, rural musicians, cultural nights, shopping mall, craft bazaar, artisans at work, traditional food court and many other attractions. A large number of people from different walks of life attended the ceremony and enjoyed thrilling performances presented by folk artists and musicians.

Image Posted on April 2, 2016

Pakistan has a very rich and diverse culture. Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez Rashid

 

Ten days   ‘Lok Mela’ folk festival of Pakistan opens with color full fanfare, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Imran Gardezi, H.E. Jan Riemer the Counsellor Embassy of Denmark, Islamabad was also present on the occasion.

Senior Pakistani journalist Asghar Ali Mubarak along with H.E. Jan Riemer the Counsellor Embassy of Denmark Islamabad during the inauguration ceremony of folk festival  of Pakistan, popularly known as ‘Lok Mela’ opened on other day at Islamabad .

Islamabad; The Ten day NOWRUZ celebration  folk festival  of Pakistan, popularly known as ‘Lok Mela’ opened on other day with the traditional ‘CHADARPOSHI’ of  Khurshid Nauma and ‘DASTARBANDI’ Sachu Khan  of senior artisans. The theme of the first day of the festival was ‘Nowruz’ and the ambiance of the day long activities revolved around it. A special ‘Nowruz’ table was decorated and placed on stage during the opening ceremony.

The mega annual cultural event is organized by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa). It will continue till April 10^th2016. The ‘DASTARBANDI’, a turban in folk mythology of Pakistan always is a synonymous to great honor, self-respect and courage. By placing a turban on some one’s head, a complete trust is rested in that person’s wisdom and his or her stature.  Through ‘Dastarbandi’ or ‘CHADARPOSHI’, Lok Virsa offers tribute to the services of artisans keeping in view their contribution to the cultural heritage of the country. The chief guest performed ‘CHADARPOSHI’ of  Khurshid Nauma, an 80-year old master artisan in Sharma weaving and Namda making from Shimshal, Gilgit-Baltistan and ‘DASTARBANDI’ of an eminent Saroz player Sachu Khan from Sui, District Dera Bugti, Baluchistan . Both the traditional practitioners possess a vast knowledge and experience in their respective fields and contributed a major part of their lives for the continuance of their traditions.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Lok Virsa open air theatre in rain. The Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez Rashid was the chief guest. Federal Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Imran Gardezi, H.E. Jan Riemer the Counsellor Embassy of Denmark, Islamabad was also present on the occasion.

In his address, Senator Pervez Rashid said that Pakistan has a very rich and diverse culture. “People living in each province and region proudly practice their indigenous folk culture. Lok Virsa is doing a great service to the nation by preserving our folk traditions and projecting them at the national and international level. This is not only important but also essential and the need of the hour. Lok Mela is a true depiction of rural Pakistan. It reinforces national harmony and integration by promoting our cultural heritage through active participation of all provincial governments, master artisans, folk artists, performers and musicians”.

He said that it is policy of the government to give balanced representation to all federating units in safeguarding their traditional culture and Lok Mela is the best example of this policy.  The Minister assured full cooperation to Lok Virsa on behalf of his Ministry for successful holding of this huge festival. Later, the minister visited each provincial and regional pavilion and met rural artisans, folk artists, musicians and performers hailing from different provinces, regions, remote and far flung areas. Each province has erected its cultural pavilion focusing on a specific theme. Punjab pavilion depicts the richness of Cholistan desert and its beautiful traditions and architecture. Sindh has showcased Tharparkar, Balochistan Makran and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chitral. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir cultural departments have also set up their beautiful cultural pavilions at the festival grounds.

 

Earlier in her welcome address, Dr. Fouzia Saeed, executive director of the Lok Virsa, gave a brief overview of the concept and objectives of Lok Mela with special reference to the mandate of Lok Virsa, i.e. research, collection, documentation, preservation and dissemination of Pakistan’s tangible and intangible heritage.

“Our focus is on the promotion of our folk cultures and inculcating them in the lives of people as a means of rejuvenating our pride in which we are as a nation by appreciating our pluralistic identities”. She assured all the participants a very warm hospitality at Islamabad during the ‘mela’ .

Lok Mela focuses on diversity within provinces and provides an opportunity to craftspeople not only to display their artisanship at the federal capital for ten consecutive days but also to sell their products to public without involvement of middleman, thus enabling them to understand the marketing mechanism of various crafts. The ‘mela’ also serves to afford an opportunity to the diplomatic community to witness authentic folk musical and cultural entertainment besides buying traditional items on affordable prices.

Around 500 artisans and artists from different parts including remotest regions are participating in Lok Mela, bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation. Lok Mela will continue till April 10, 2016 with all its festivities and attractions. Daily timings are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The daily features of the ‘mela’ include provincial cultural pavilions, folkloric song and dance ensembles, rural musicians, cultural nights, shopping mall, craft bazaar, artisans at work, traditional food court and many other attractions.

A large number of people from different walks of life attended the ceremony and enjoyed thrilling performances presented by folk artists and musicians.

.caption………………..Senior Pakistani journalist Asghar Ali Mubarak along with H.E. Jan Riemer the Counsellor Embassy of Denmark Islamabad during the inauguration ceremony of folk festival  of Pakistan, popularly known as ‘Lok Mela’ opened on other day at Islamabad .

UK’S PRESTIGIOUS CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAMME CONTINUES TO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEPTIONAL TALENT By. Asghar Ali Mubarak Islamabad—–A fully-funded learning and development opportunity for outstanding professionals has been announced today by The British High Commission. The newly launched Chevening – British Library Fellowship is collaboration between the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Library. The Fellowship offers international experts from South Asia and Africa region a year-long professional research placement in the UK. One of the two fellowships focuses on the acquisition and preservation of news in South Asia, and the other on how big data and open data benefit libraries across the world.The Applications are now open for the Chevening/British Library Professional Fellowships, which are tenable from 2016/2017 and will provide a 12 month long opportunity to carry out research at the British Library. Selected fellows will benefit from embedded working and hands-on training within a specific team, as well as having access to a range of organisational training and development opportunities, such as the British Library’s Digital Scholarship programme.The British Library is the United Kingdom’s national library, and is one of the world’s greatest research libraries, housing a collection exceeding 150 million items developed over 250 years. The fellowships will capitalise on the breadth and depth of the Library’s collections and expertise, enabling new types of research, informing strategy, and fostering international collaboration.The Candidates with personal, intellectual, and interpersonal attributes reflecting their potential to rise to positions of leadership and influence are encouraged to apply. More details are available at http://www.chevening.org/programme/british-library.

Image Posted on November 24, 2015

Pakistan anxiously awaits President Xi’s visit: Spokesperson, Ms. Tasnim Aslam

Image Posted on September 24, 2014