Day: December 2, 2021

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Sports week for foreigner students of IIUI hostels in full swing

Islamabad, December 02, 2021 (PPI-OT):Sports week for the foreigner students of International Islamic University is in full swing, in which they are participating in various games including badminton, table tennis, football, futsal, volleyball and basketball. So far, China has claimed titles of Basketball and Ping pong, while Afghanistan has clinched first prize in volley ball competition.

The sports week that commenced on November 30th for international students has been organized by Provost Office (Men’s Hostels) and foreigner students living in Men’s Hostels. It was inaugurated by Provost (Men’s) Hostel, IIUI Dr. Abrar Anver.

On the occasion Dr. Abrar appreciated foreign students of different nationalities for their active participation in sports activities and also lauded role of Assistant Director (Sports) Ch. Muhammad Khalid for conducting the event with full spirit.

So far, final contest among Chinese and Thai Students of Table Tennis Championship held at Hostel-4 was won by Chinese Students. The Chief Guest of this contest was Brig. Retd. Muhammad Saleem Khan, Security Consultant, IIUI.

In contest of Basketball, Final match was played among Chinese and Indonesian Students that was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irfan Khan, Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences (FBAS), IIUI as Chief Guest. This contest was won by Chinese Team.

The volley Ball match was witnessed by legal advisor, Iftikhar Ahmed Bashir, the match was play between Afghanistan vs Indonesia and was won by team of Afghanistan. Sports activities will continue till 7th of December, 2021.

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

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Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s message on International Day of Persons with Special Abilities

Karachi, December 02, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the time has come for the state to stop resorting to excuses and depriving those with special abilities of their rights. Everyone must now come to the same page on the issue of rights, health, education, and employment of the more than 3 million special people.

According to a statement issued by Media Cell Bilawal House, the Chairman PPP in his message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities further said that people with special abilities do not need our attention and help, but the aid we provide them is a test of our responsibility and humanity. Creating a balanced and equitable society without full implementation of the rights of persons with special abilities is a dream that needs to be accomplished.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that during the tenure of the selected Prime Minister, special people have been severely affected by historical inflation, unemployment and poverty. The government has left them helpless like other downtrodden sections of the society.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also said that the PPP has always been responsible and committed in including the talents of specially qualified persons in the national development. The introduction of 5% quota for employment in government departments and the interest-free loan scheme of Rs. 1 – 2 lakh with the Benazir Income Support Programme are a few ground-breaking initiatives taken by PPP.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the Sindh government of Pakistan People’s Party has shown remarkable performance in all the standards of implementation of UN conventions on persons with special qualifications. The Sindh Assembly passed the Sindh Differently Abled Persons Act-2014 in 2017, under which persons with disabilities were declared as persons with special abilities.

The issuance of driving licenses for the deaf and the establishment of a Center for Autism Rehabilitation and Training in Karachi are the hallmarks of the people’s government of Sindh. The Department of Special Education in Sindh is also in the process of setting up special children’s schools along modern lines.

The PPP chairman said that Pakistan People’s Party is the only political party in the country whose manifesto includes a revolutionary strategy for the protection of the rights and development of persons with special abilities.

He said that the Pakistan People’s Party government to be formed after the forthcoming elections, would take effective measures to ensure full implementation of the rights of persons with special abilities. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has promised to abide by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was ratified by the government led by former President Asif Ali Zardari in 2011.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk

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Qasim Akram to lead Pakistan in ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

Lahore, December 02, 2021 (PPI-OT):Central Punjab all-rounder Qasim Akram will lead the 15-player Pakistan U19 squad in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup which will be played in January-February 2022 in the West Indies. The Lahore-born Qasim will also captain the team in the U19 Asia Cup that will be played in the UAE later this month.

The junior selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board had invited 21 high-performing cricketers born on or after 1 September 2002 (eligibility criteria) for a training camp that is currently underway in Lahore to prepare the side for the two tournaments, the camp began last week.

Besides the final 15 for both events, the squad also includes two travelling reserves who will be part of the touring party for both tournaments.

The squad includes four players who took part in the preceding U19 World Cup that was played in South Africa in January-February 2020, Pakistan finished third in the event. Qasim, openers Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Mohammad Shehzad and middle-order batter Irfan Khan Niazi were the four players to feature in the South Africa event.

Following the 2020 event, Qasim was hugely impressive for Central Punjab in all three formats in the 2020-21 domestic season which was his first, Abdul Wahid scored a double-century for Balochistan in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy besides impressive batting in the National T20.

Irfan appeared for Central Punjab in the National T20 and has already earned the reputation of being a clean striker of the ball, Shehzad was also one of the most prolific batters in the 2021-22 U19 one-day and three-day events.

Besides the quartet, the squad includes promising players like spinners Faisal Akram (left-arm-wrist-spinner), Ali Asfand (left-arm-spinner), Mehran Mumtaz (left-arm-spinner) and Arham Nawab (off-spinner). Faisal represented Southern Punjab in the National T20.

Abdul Faseeh, Haseebullah, Rizwan Mehmood and Maaz Sadaqat were the standout performers with the bat in the domestic U19 circuit. Pacers Ahmed Khan, Awais Ali and Zeeshan Zameer have also performed admirably besides impressing the selectors and coaches with their potential.

Pakistan Shaheens and U19 head coach Ijaz Ahmed will lead the support staff on the two tours.

Chairman Junior Selection Committee Saleem Jaffer: “Selection of U19 squads is always one of the most challenging and difficult tasks due to the available pool of talent. And this selection was no different, but we have tried to pick the best available 17 players who can help Pakistan win the World Cup for the country.

“The PCB has prepared a robust plan for pathways cricket and I can assure all teenage cricketers who have missed out on selection this time that they will get a chance at some stage down the line.

“I want to congratulate the 17 players who have made into the squad for the UAE and the West Indies tournaments. I remain confident that this side has the capability and potential to do well in both the upcoming events.”

Squad (in alphabetical order):

Qasim Akram (captain, Central Punjab), Abdul Faseeh (Northern), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan),

Ahmed Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ali Asfand (Central Punjab), Arham Nawab (Central Punjab), Awais Ali (Central Punjab), Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab), Haseebullah (wicketkeeper, Balochistan), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Maaz Sadaqat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mehran Mumtaz (Northern)

Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Rizwan Mehmood (Sindh) and Zeeshan Zameer (Sindh)

Traveling reserves: Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper, Sindh), Mohammad Zeeshan (Central Punjab).

Support staff: Ijaz Ahmed (Head coach), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (Bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (Fielding coach), Mohammad Javed (Strength and Conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmed (Analyst), Hafiz Naeem-ul-Rasool (Physiotherapist) and Taimur Azam (Manager).

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

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Pakistan name squads for West Indies series 

Karachi, December 02, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan cricket selectors today announced the T20I and ODI squads for the home series against the West Indies, which will be played in Karachi from 13-22 December. The 20-over matches will count towards the ICC T20I Rankings, while the 50-over games will be part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League.

From the 18 players who were part of the recently-concluded T20I series against Bangladesh, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik have been left out, while fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain has been added to the 15-man squad.

Likewise, from the 17 players who were available for selection for the England ODIs in July, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr have replaced Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Salman Ali Agha and Sarfaraz Ahmed in the 17-member side, while Abdullah Shafique has been named as a traveling reserve.

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim: “As we have been playing T20Is since October and now have a pretty settled and balanced side, we have decided to reduce the number of players to 15. As such, we have not included Imad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik.

“For the ODIs, which we last played in July, we have accepted the team management’s request and provided them two additional resources.

“In consultation with Hasan Ali and taking into consideration that he has been playing non-stop cricket since returning from a back injury, we have decided to give him time off from this series.”

T20Is

Babar Azam (captain, Central Punjab)

Shadab Khan (vice-captain, Northern)

Asif Ali (Northern)

Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Haider Ali (Northern)

Haris Rauf (Northern)

Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab)

Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh)

Mohammad Nawaz (Northern)

Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh)

Usman Qadir (Central Punjab)

ODIs

Babar Azam (captain, Central Punjab)

Shadab Khan (vice-captain, Northern)

Asif Ali (Northern)

Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Haider Ali (Northern)

Haris Rauf (Northern)

Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan)

Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab)

Mohammad Nawaz (Northern)

Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh)

Saud Shakeel (Sindh)

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh)

Usman Qadir (Central Punjab)

Traveling reserve: Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab)

Player Support Personnel: Mansoor Rana (manager), Saqlain Mushtaq (interim head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Talha Ejaz (team analyst), Col (retd) Muhammad Imran (Security Manager), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital manager), Dr Najeeb Soomro (team doctor) and Malang Ali (Masseur)

Series schedule

13 Dec – 1st T20I, Karachi

14 Dec – 2nd T20I, Karachi

16 Dec – 3rd T20I, Karachi

18 Dec – 1st ODI, Karachi

20 Dec – 2nd ODI, Karachi

22 Dec – 3rd ODI, Karachi

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

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West China’s Chongqing Wushan County opens red-leaf themed tourism festival

CHONGQING, China, Dec. 2, 2021 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– As the leaves turn red, they will be reminiscent of west China’s Chongqing Wushan County. The 15th China Chongqing Yangtze River Three Gorges (Wushan) International Red Leaf Festival opened on evening, November 26, according to Wushan County Publicity Department, Chongqing Municipality.

Wushan is located in the heart of the Three Gorges reservoir area across the banks of Wuxia Gorge of the Yangtze River. It is inlaid in the easternmost part of Chongqing with unique natural scenery and historical sites.

With some 200,000 mu (13,333 hectares) of red leaves, Wushan is known at home and abroad in terms of red leaves resources as it has the largest growing area, most varieties, most beautiful landscape, longest viewing cycle, highest viewing value, and most flexible touring choices.

It is a mixture of colors in early winter across the banks of the Three Gorges, with mountains covered with red leaves presenting a scenic painting. Over ten km of such scenes make an impressive red ocean that keep visitors lingering.

The red leaf festival has been successfully held for 14 years since 2007, attracting both domestic and global spotlight. Driven by this brand event, the tourists visiting Wushan rose from 1.35 million in 2007 to 19.57 million in 2020. The view of Wushan red leaves has become a signature tourism brand in the Three Gorges area of the Yangtze River.

At the opening ceremony, eight diplomatic envoys from Laos, Singapore, Italy, Thailand, the Netherlands, Japan, Pakistan and the United Kingdom sent their best wishes via video.

The application of Longgupo Site for World Cultural Heritage was officially announced at the opening ceremony, which is another world heritage application project in Wushan after the successful application of Wulipo.

Longgupo Site in Wushan, known as the cradle of East Asian people, has unearthed the earliest hominid fossils discovered in East Asia, and is also one of the earliest prehistoric cultural sites in Eurasia with the most abundant discoveries. It is of great significance to the study of the origin and evolution of east Asian people.

Moreover, this year’s red leaf festival highlights immersive experience with brand-new visual and auditory designs. By enhanced interaction and combination of virtual and real experience, it has created a brand-new tourism mode of immersive leisurely travel. In order to enhance tourists’ experience, Wushan has also created creative light show along the riverside building clusters, creating a harmonious and unified immersive visual feast.

The festival runs until December 31. During the period, a total of 13 fine red leaf tourism routes will be rolled out. At the same time, Wulipo scientific expedition tourism, ancient human culture introduction, tasting Wushan grilled fish and other theme activities will be staged in turn to meet the different needs of tourists.

Source: Wushan County Publicity Department, Chongqing Municipality