Day: January 4, 2022

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Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari describes Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as an invincible movement of people of Pakistan

Karachi, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is now an unforgettable history and invincible movement, while the slogan of Jiye Bhutto is the mirror, every dictatorial and anti-people thinking individual is afraid to face.

In his message on the 94th anniversary of the first elected Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Founder Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, the Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, “I pay tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, whose style of politics and governance provided Pakistanis with the opportunity to come close to the state for the first time and take the reins of the country in their own hands.

He said that the Quaid-e-Awam was the first leader to declare the people as the source of power and laid the foundation of a democratic ideological party which defended the rights and interests of the people of Pakistan. “Bhutto Shaheed was and will always be a source of encouragement to the oppressed, and deprived people of the country” he added.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that after Quaid-e-Azam, if anyone has given the most service and sacrifices for the country and the nation, it is Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He used his political savvy and diplomatic skills to lift a broken country, put it back on its feet, got freed 93,000 Prisoners of War (PoWs) and reclaimed 5,000 square miles of land from enemy occupation.

He said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the first unanimous Constitution to the war-torn country, launched a nuclear program to make the national defense invincible, and laid strong foundations for the economy and industries. Steps such as universal suffrage, agrarian reform, equality, elimination of all forms of discrimination, empowerment of women and the weaker sections of society are the hallmarks of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. During the rule of Quaid-e-Awam, significant progress was made in every sector of Pakistan.

He further said that unparalleled services and uncompromising ideals are the reasons why Bhutto is still alive in the hearts and minds of the people. Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari further said that the best way to pay homage to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is to remember his sacrifices and ideology and work together for the growth of prosperity, security and a bright future of the country.

The Chairman PPP reiterated his commitment that the PPP will continue to safeguard the gift given by its founding Chairman Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the unanimous Constitution of 1973, which is the assurance of our national unity and harmony. Moreover, PPP will continue to strive to make Pakistan a true federal democratic country and a greater and stronger state.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also reiterated that his party would continue to provide political, moral and ethical support to the legitimate independence movement of the people of Occupied Kashmir, as the Quaid-e-Awam had laid the foundation of his party on the Kashmir issue. “I am sure that the day is not far when Indian domination will end and our Kashmiri brothers will get back their land,” said Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

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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KP Assembly passes two bills, adopts one resolution

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) passed two government bills and adopted one resolution on Tuesday, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.

Following are key observations of the House proceedings during 29th sitting of 20th session:

Members’ Participation

The House met for two hours and 12 minutes.

The sitting started at 02:50 pm against the scheduled time of 02:00 pm.

The speaker presided over the entire proceedings.

The deputy speaker did not attend the sitting.

The leaders of the House (chief minister) and the opposition were not present.

As many as 33 MPAs (23 percent) were present at the outset and 32 (22 percent) at the adjournment of the sitting.

Parliamentary leader of PML-N was present.

Two out of four minority lawmakers attended the sitting.

Output

The House passed two government bills including and the KP Science, Technology and Innovation Endowment Fund Bill, 2021 and the KP Deserving Artists Welfare Endowment Fund Bill, 2021.

Another bill – the KP Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2021 – was deferred.

Tabled by a PML-N lawmaker, the House adopted a resolution to ensure implementation on a resolution adopted by the House on March 21, 2014. The resolution adopted earlier was about creation of new units including Hazara within the ambit of Constitution with the objective of easing administrative affairs.

Representation and Responsiveness

The House took up four out of seven starred questions while the remaining three questions were lapsed due to absence of relevant lawmakers. In addition, lawmakers asked four supplementary questions.

An adjournment motion on the agenda was deferred.

A privilege motion of PTI lawmaker against Deputy Commissioner South Waziristan was referred to the relevant committee.

The House took up two calling attention notices (CANs) regarding admission policy of Khyber Medical University and fine imposed by an Assistant Commissioner Samar Bagh on a person for cutting forest wood.

The House did not debate an adjournment motion which was regarding missing record of Rs. 43 billion announced during last three fiscal years for merged tribal districts.

Order and Institutionalization

A PPPP lawmaker pointed out the quorum at 03:00 pm following which the sitting remained suspended for 20 minutes. She again pointed out the quorum at 04:59 pm which led to the adjournment of the sitting.

The House was adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, January 7, 2022 at 10:00 am.

Transparency

‘Orders of the Day’ was available for the legislators, observers and the media.

Attendance of the lawmakers was not available for the observers and the media.

For more information, contact:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN)
FAFEN Representative
FAFEN Secretariat 224, Margalla Road F-10/3 – Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-2211026
Fax: +92-51-2211047
Cell: +92-321-5017355, +92-301-8549188
Email: media@fafen.org
URL: www.fafen.org

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Senate passes four govt. bills

Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Senate passed four government bills and witnessed presentation of a copy of the Money Bill on Tuesday, observes the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.

Members’ Participation

The Senate met for two hours and 46 minutes.

The sitting started at the scheduled time of 04:00 pm.

The chairman presided over the sitting for two hours and 15 minutes while the deputy chairman chaired the remaining sitting.

The leader of the house attended the sitting for two hours and 27 minutes.

The opposition leader did not attend the sitting.

The Prime Minister was not present.

As many as 14 lawmakers (14%) were present at the outset and 18 (18%) at the adjournment of sitting.

The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PTI, JI, PkMAP, NP, JUI-F and ANP attended the sitting.

Three out of four minority lawmakers were present.

Output

Moved by the Minister for human rights, the House passed four government bills including the Protection against Harassment of women at the Workplace (Amendment) Bill, 2021; the National Commission on the Rights of Child (Amendment) Bill, 2021; the Juvenile Justice System (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Minister for finance and revenue presented a copy of the Money Bill, the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2021 in the House. Five lawmakers spoke on it for an hour and five minutes while the Minister also sought Senate recommendations, if any, to be forwarded to the National Assembly on the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2021.

On behalf of chairman standing committee on religious affairs and inter-faith harmony, a member of the committee presented report of the committee on the Guardians and Wards (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Chairman standing committee on interior presented reports of the committee on the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

The House passed a motion under Rule 194 (1) grating extension of sixty working days to standing committee on information and broadcasting for presentation of reports on the Right of Access to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Representation and Responsiveness

The House took up six out of 32 starred questions while lawmakers asked 23 supplementary questions.

The House did not hold debate on a motion of thanks to the President for his address to parliament on September 13, 2021.

Ten lawmakers spoke on matters of public importance for 20 minutes.

Order and Institutionalization

The opposition walked out from the proceedings on two occasions for 14 minutes against non-submission of detailed reply to a question and not taking it into confidence on Reko Diq issue. The quorum was also pointed out soon after these walkouts but it was found complete on both occasions.

A PPPP lawmaker pointed out the quorum at 06:46 pm which was found incomplete upon counting and the House was adjourned to meet again on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:30 am.

Transparency

Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and public.

Attendance of lawmakers was available to the media and observers.

For more information, contact:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN)
FAFEN Representative
FAFEN Secretariat 224, Margalla Road F-10/3 – Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-2211026
Fax: +92-51-2211047
Cell: +92-321-5017355, +92-301-8549188
Email: media@fafen.org
URL: www.fafen.org

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How Bangladesh won the 2020 title and what it meant for the country 

Dubai, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):Bangladesh became just the seventh team to be crowned ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup champions by beating India to clinch the 2020 tournament in South Africa.

Skippered brilliantly by Akbar Ali, the first-time finalists clinched their maiden title against the odds as they defeated the four-time winners by three wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method to make history.

Chasing 178 to win, the young Tigers were struggling at 102 for six before Akbar’s knock of 43 not out dragged them over the line in a rain-shortened finale in Potchefstroom.

The triumph was a significant achievement for Bangladesh cricket as they won a global ICC tournament for the very first time at any level, coming 22 years after they made their debut in the prestigious ICC U19 Men’s CWC – a moment that was not lost on Akbar.

“It’s a dream come true,” said the wicketkeeper-batter. “We’ve had a very good experience, and this is just the beginning for us. Hopefully, this will be the starting stone for us.”

Bangladesh’s previous best performance at the ICC U19 Men’s CWC was on home soil in 2016, finishing in third place after losing their semi-final to eventual champions West Indies.

But the 2020 edition was a different story after they progressed to the Super League knockout stages by topping their group, beating Zimbabwe and Scotland along the way.

Shoriful Islam and 2022 skipper Rakibul Hasan then starred with the ball for Bangladesh as they knocked off South Africa and New Zealand to reach the showpiece final.

And despite coming up against an inspired Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made 88 to take the Player of the Tournament award, nothing could stop Bangladesh from sealing the title.

The ICC U19 Men’s CWC is known for being a major stepping stone in the development of all the participating teams, providing a platform for cricket’s future stars to shine on the world stage.

That certainly proved to be the case for Bangladesh, who unearthed several supreme talents along the way who have since gone on to receive full international honours.

Shoriful, in particular, became a left-arm pace sensation almost overnight thanks to his role in Bangladesh’s title success, taking nine wickets over the course of the tournament.

His aggression and pace against South Africa, New Zealand and India proved pivotal, earning him a maiden call-up to the senior ODI side in January 2021 for the series against West Indies.

He has since played in all three formats for his country, taking 22 wickets in 17 T20I matches and seven wickets in four ODIs to cement himself in the team for years to come.

And Akbar recognised the importance of capitalising on his team’s silverware success soon after the tournament’s conclusion, thanking the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their support.

“I believe age-group cricket is different compared to international cricket, the latter is much more difficult and challenging,” said the captain just a few days after lifting the trophy.

“The board is providing us facilities to move on to the next level and our first target will be to minimise the gap between age-level cricket and international cricket and prepare ourselves properly for the next level.

“After winning the World Cup we got two days rest in South Africa and our team management gave us some messages to prepare ourselves for the next level.

“We are determined not to be carried away after winning the Under-19 World Cup. We know our professional career has just started. We know that we need to improve ourselves as players.

“We are not carried away with self-satisfaction after winning the Under-19 World Cup, rather we are taking this as an inspiration and will try our best and train hard to reach the next level.”

Bangladesh have continued to grow as a cricketing force on the international stage since 2020 and will now look to achieve the rare feat of defending their ICC U19 Men’s CWC crown.

Three players – Rakibul, Tanzim Sakib and Prantik Nabil – remain from that title-winning team, forming the nucleus of a strong squad for the 2022 edition in West Indies.

Only Pakistan have managed to win the tournament back-to-back – in 2004 and 2006 – so a place in the ICC U19 Men’s CWC history books awaits Bangladesh if they can do the double.

Even if they are unable to go all the way once again, it’s clear to see from the progress they have made as a cricketing nation in the last two years the sizeable impact that 2020’s triumph has had.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

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PCB Chairman spends a busy day in Karachi 

Karachi, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):Chairman PCB Mr Ramiz Raja spent a busy day in Karachi as preparations for the HBL Pakistan Super League 7 go into full swing.

The first leg of the seventh edition of one of the most sought after cricket leagues in the cricketing world will be played at the National Stadium, Karachi from 27 January to 7 February.

Mr Ramiz Raja met with the Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah at the CM House on Tuesday morning. During the meeting various PCB initiatives for talent-hunt and grooming in Sindh, renovation of cricket grounds, developing high performance centres besides plans for the successful hosting of the HBL PSL in Karachi were discussed at length.

Later in the day, Mr Ramiz Raja met with senior police officials, district administrators, Sindh government officials and security officials who will be involved in the staging of the HBL PSL Karachi-leg.

The meeting was aimed at discussing all possible means and measures to ensure a smooth entry to the National Stadium for cricket fans while providing then world-class facilities including the provisions of a fan park.

All stakeholders extended their full cooperation to the PCB initiatives for fan engagement and ease of security clearance and operations at the National Stadium for the spectators.

In the coming days, the PCB and all relevant stakeholders will work closely to provide cricket fans in Karachi the best possible experience for the HBL PSL, similar plans are being brought in shape for the HBL PSL 7 Lahore-leg which follows the Karachi-leg from Thursday, 10 February.

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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Meeting of Dr Sajjad Ahmad Baig with Industrialists regarding WP7-GCF Project 

Faisalabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):A meeting of WP7-GCF project was held at 17th Nov. Dr. Sajjad Ahmad Baig, Director FBS, chaired the meeting as team leader of the Work project 7. Senior industrialists from denim industry participated in the meeting and discussed the viable ways of enhancing export competitiveness.

The members highlighted the problems being faced by denim sector of Pakistan and made a comparison of opportunities and challenges with the regional competitors such as Bangladesh and Turkey and the possible solutions to those problems. Moreover, the members also emphasized on devising a policy by the government so that the denim industry of Pakistan my flourish.

For more information, contact:
National Textile University (NTU)
Sheikhupura Road, Faisalabad 37610, Pakistan
Tel: +92-41-9230081-90
Fax: +92-41-9230098
Email: info@ntu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.ntu.edu.pk