Discipline the key for New Zealand

Dubai, June 19, 2021 (PPI-OT):New Zealand’s bowlers stuck to their task in restricting India’s batsmen after an even first day of the ICC World Test Championship Final according to right-arm quick Kyle Jamieson.

The 26-year-old was particularly miserly, taking 1/14 from 14 overs as India finished the day on 146/3 from 64.4 overs.

Jamieson had broken a promising opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the pair adding 62, and was generally satisfied with the performance of the Kiwi bowlers on a day that was disrupted by bad light.

He said: “It’s probably pretty even at the moment. It was a pretty good day of Test cricket. The disruptions didn’t help some of the momentum we were trying to get and that we had at periods of time.

“They played really well, they put away the bad balls when they were there and they were really patient outside off. Our plan was to stick around there and credit to them, they played pretty well. But I think we were able to keep things relatively restricted and grabbed three important wickets as well.

“It’s obviously pretty crucial to try to keep the ball in reasonable areas for long periods and those runs are there, but it was just good to halt the momentum a little bit. How we did that as a bowling unit throughout the day after they started pretty well, was pleasing and it kept things in the balance very nicely.

“We know they are a quality line-up from one to 11 and there is a reason why they have been one of the top teams in the world for a very long time. For us, as a unit, it was about keeping the ball in the right areas for long periods and I think we were able to do that for the most part today. We’ll certainly take a lot of confidence out of that moving into tomorrow.”

After the opening stand of 62, India lost three wickets for 26 runs before a second important partnership of the innings from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, the pair ending the day unbeaten on 44 and 29 respectively in an unbroken stand of 58.

India batting coach Vikram Rathour was pleased with the way his team kept plugging away after being put into bat in difficult conditions.

He said: “A lot of discipline was shown today but there was a lot of intent to score runs as well. So it’s a reasonable day that we had overall.

“(Kohli and Rahane) batted well, I would give a lot of credit to Rohit and Gill as well because they started off really well. They were challenging conditions when we started. It was a fresh wicket, we lost the toss and it was overcast all day, so credit to all the batters. They showed a lot of restraint and a lot of discipline. We handled it pretty well.

“We need to be looking to score runs wherever we can, if you get a loose ball, you need to make it count. I think we could see that throughout the day, although we showed a lot of discipline, I think we looked to score runs whenever there was an opportunity and that was good to see.”

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England and West Indies tours will help us prepare for the T20 World Cup, Misbah-ul-Haq

Lahore, June 19, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan cricket team head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has reiterated playing against the top-ranked sides will provide Pakistan team enough practice to prepare well for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

“I’m taking it (tours to England and West Indies) positively and it’s a great opportunity for me as a coach and for us as a team, which could help us to get better prepare before the World Cup,” Misbah-ul- Haq said while addressing a media conference at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

“With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup around the corner, we are fortunate to get an opportunity to showcase our skills against the 20-over world cup and 50-over world champions over the next two months. The series against England and West Indies will be a good test case for us to know where we stand before this year’s T20 World Cup.”

Head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team highlighted the improvement in the fielding department and hoped to resolve middle-order batting concerns.

“Yes, the middle-order is one of our major concerns and we have to look at it. We have made improvement in fielding department and I am sure we will overcome our middle-order department before the start of the global event.

“Overall, our fielding has shown a considerable improvement in the recent past series. There has been a lot of improvement in our fielding since the series in New Zealand. The players are taking good catches and ground fielding too has improved.

“Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi are some of the better fielders in the side.”

Misbah said doors for international cricket are open for Mohammad Amir, provided he came out of retirement and produced strong performances.

“I was the captain when Mohammad Amir made his comeback in the international cricket. Last year we took him to England when I was not only the head coach but also the chief selector.

“He was dropped due to his performances and injuries. Subsequently, he announced his retirement. If he comes out of retirement and performs, then the doors are open for him, like any other player.”

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

IIU President holds meeting with VPS and Deans

Islamabad, June 19, 2021 (PPI-OT):H.E. Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, President, International Islamic University (IIU) chaired a meeting of the Core Committee of Directorate of Distance Education at Faisal Masjid Campus. The meeting was also attended by Vice President AF and P Dr. N. B. Jumani, Deans of the faculties, DG IIIE, Officials of Directorate of Distance Education, Officials of IT department and other relevant members of the committee.

In the meeting, working and future plan of the offering of online certificate / Diploma courses through the Directorate of Distance Education were discussed. IIUI President further advised the Deans to motivate their relevant Departments for submission of certificate and Diploma courses and then start preparation to launch degree programs for future. On the occasion, worthy President desired that all the faculties should prepare strategic plan for next five years. During the meeting, issues of the fee and examination were discussed and it was recommended that fee collection must be ensured.

The IT officials apprised the Chair about E-campus management system. The Chair said that paper less working in university is top priority and desired that given tasks be expedited to shift to this mode. The IT officials also briefed about the beta version of the website and informed that it is in the wind up stage. Dr. Hathal emphasized that it is necessary to catch more clientele in competition to other national and international universities. He advised to carefully assess the quality and market demands of the courses to be offered.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

Rectors Merit Award Ceremony Fall 2019 and Spring 2020

Lahore, June 19, 2021 (PPI-OT):UMT believes in acknowledging the relentless efforts of participants in striving to achieve academic excellence. Rector’s Merit Award is granted to participants who score a 4.00 SGPA. The aim is to motivate them and inspire other participants to work hard and achieve their goals in life.

More than 300 participants qualified and were bestowed with the award. Dr Muhammad Aslam, Rector UMT is proud of all the high achievers. He believes they are a source of inspiration for the rest of the learners. He wishes them all the best for a prosperous future.

For more information, contact:
Media Coordinator,
University of Management and Technology (UMT)
C-II, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-300-200
Tel: +92-42-35212801-10
Fax: +92-42-35184789
Email: yaqoob@umt.edu.pk
Website: https://www.umt.edu.pk

Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad Celebrates 48th Foundation Day

Islamabad, June 19, 2021 (PPI-OT):Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) celebrated its 48th Foundation Day with full zeal and zest on June 16, 2021 and renewed commitment to further deepen its work of providing objective analyses on national and international issues and enhancing understanding of public on issues of peace and security in Pakistan.

The event on the 48th Foundation Day of ISSI was held at the Library Hall in which leadership of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, research faculty and staff of the Institute along with their spouses participated. Honourable Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Foreign Secretary Mr. Sohail Mahmood was Guest of Honour.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry Director General ISSI briefed participants about the reforms undertaken at the Institute during past three years and provided overview of future plans. Five Centres of Excellence are now fully functional providing focus research and convening forums for objectives analyes on issues of direct relevance to Pakistan. The Director General informed the Foreign Minister that the Institute was now moving from reforms to consolidation phase.

Foreign Minister during his address praised leadership, research faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication. He encouraged fellows to continue their work with commitment and continue to inform policy-making process through informed and objective analyses. He particularly, praised leadership of the Institute for spearheading reform process to optimise performance of the Institute. At this occasion, Foreign Minister also inaugurated newly renovated conference Room and Library Hall of the Institute which has been upgraded as part of ISSI Building renovation commenced in 2020.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

In-House Meeting on “Mr. Jean Arnault, UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan”

Islamabad, June 19, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted in – house meeting with Mr. Jean Arnault, UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional issues today.

Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry gave a brief overview of the situation in Afghanistan and the consistent and constructive role Pakistan has been trying to play in achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan. He was of the view that while Afghanistan may appear to be a regional issue, it has the seeds to become a global issue once again, therefore it is essential that Afghanistan is not abandoned. While the future does not appear to be optimistic, there is a ray of hope that regional consensus still exists and in this regard Pakistan will continue to extend its support for a peaceful settlement.

Amina Khan, Director, Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) stated that unlike the past, there was a regional consensus amongst Afghanistan’s immediate neighbours, which entails regional ownership, recognition of a negotiated settlement and Afghan Taliban as a major component of the peace process, as well as curbing transnational terrorism and groups like the ISKP. She said that focus should be on a responsible and measured withdrawal which is the responsibility of the US and not regional stakeholders, since the US is a primary signatory of the US- Taliban agreement.

During the interaction, views were exchanged on the latest developments within Afghanistan, impediments to the peace process, the role of the region, international community and the UN towards the overall future of Afghanistan. There was a general consensus that a peaceful solution through a negotiated settlement is crucial not only for Afghanistan itself, but the region and international community at large.

The reduction of violence as an essential component for peace was also highlighted. Focus was also laid on a regional approach towards peace and stability in Afghanistan, bringing together all concerned stakeholders through consensus and cooperation. The UN’s ongoing role in Afghanistan was also discussed. Moreover, Pakistan’s consistent and constructive role in trying to help achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan was also discussed at length.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/