Divisional cricket part of agenda of CAs-PCB meeting 

Lahore, May 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Divisional tournaments at the U19 and senior levels will be part of discussion, amongst other various important matters, when the chief executives of six Cricket Associations will converge at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore tomorrow for a round of meetings with the Pakistan Cricket Board officials.

The feasibility of the introduction of divisional tournaments in all six CAs will be discussed with the aim of providing more opportunities to up and coming cricketers. These divisions will form a buffer between the City Cricket Association and Cricket Association levels – becoming an integral rung for cricketers to nurture their talent before they are introduced at the apex domestic level.

Following the resounding success of the Club winter league cricket, the protocols for the upcoming summer league across the six CAs will also be discussed at the two-day meeting.

The CCA U19 tournaments and development, growth and promotion of the sport at the school level will be on the agenda along with other matters.

The chief executives of the six CAs are:

Balochistan Cricket Association – Anwar Saleem Kasi

Central Punjab Cricket Association – Abdullah Khurram Niazi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association – Babar Khan

Northern Cricket Association – Najeeb Sadiq

Sindh Cricket Association – Toufeeque Ahmed

Southern Punjab Cricket Association – Muhammad Abdul Saboor

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

Senior Leadership of PTI meets Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Parvez Elahi and former Federal Minister Moonis Elahi 

Lahore, May 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Before meeting PTI Chairman Imran Khan, the senior leadership of PTI called on Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and former Federal Minister Moonis Elahi. PTI Punjab Advisory Council Chairman Sibtain Khan, Dr. Murad Raas, Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht and Syed Alamdar Abbas participated in it. The political situation in Punjab was discussed in detail in the meeting and future constitutional and legal options were reviewed.

It was agreed in the meeting that the fake government of Hamza Shahbaz has come to an end after the decision of the Supreme Court. At present, the status of Hamza Shahbaz in the Chief Minister’s House is nothing but an occupant group. Participants demanded that Hamza Shahbaz leave the Chief Minister’s Office immediately. It was decided at the meeting that progress would be made on the next constitutional options soon. After the meeting, the PTI leadership will meet PTI chairman Imran Khan in the evening.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

GCU VC Initiates State of the University Address

Lahore, May 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi, the Vice-Chancellor of GC University Lahore, has explained all his initiatives and development plans to the university students at the first “State of the University” address in one of the oldest universities in Pakistan. Addressing the first of its kind meeting with students at the University’s Bukhari Auditorium, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that they are going to spend an amount of Rs. 50 million in the next fiscal year to upgrade student services and facilities on the campus.

“We’re going to establish a high-tech central science laboratory, central computer lab and fitness centre from the above budget besides improving sanitary facilities on the campus,” he said. Prof. Zaidi said solar power panels will be installed across the rooftops of the University to power the main campus with clean solar energy. He said GCU paid seven million in electricity bills last month and this solar power project with a public-private partnership would not only reduce the 50 percent electricity cost of the university, but it would also help in the reduction of environmental pollution.

He also revealed that the University has received Rs. 100 million from the government for buses to run as a shuttle between the new and main campuses of the University. He also launched the new motto of the University i.e. “Empowering our Youth for Tomorrow’s Leadership.” He said Allama Iqbal’s philosophies of “khudi” and “shaheen” are beacons of light for the empowerment of youth and inculcating leadership qualities.

He also shared the details of academic and admission reforms introduced under his administration at GCU. He believed the University administration should be answerable to his students as well because all the policies they make and initiatives they take directly affect students. To reduce gap between student’s and the University administration, the address was followed by a “Town Hall meeting” where students asked questions from Vice-Chancellor about different his policies and future plans regarding services and facilities to the students and to raise academic standards at GCU.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Sikandar Raza found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct 

Dubai, May 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Men’s T20 International against Namibia at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

Raza was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”

In addition to this, two demerit points have been added to Raza’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period, taking his cumulative demerit points to two.

The incident occurred in the 16th over of Zimbabwe’s innings when Raza was given out LBW. He questioned the decision by showing his bat to the umpire, used inappropriate words about the decision numerous times as he was leaving the field of play, and shouted his displeasure again as he entered the dressing room.

Raza admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Iknow Chabi and Langton Rusere and third umpire Forster Mutizwa levelled the charges.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

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

Establishing the identity of the accused through identification parade 

Lahore, May 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):

Commonly used in murder, dacoity and rape cases

Mian Tariq Javed

Identification parade refers to the identification of stranger offender not previously known to the witnesses. Many times crimes are committed under the cover of darkness when no one is able to identify the accused. The commission of crime in those cases can be proved by establishing the identity of accused through identification parade.

Identification Parade is held by the police in course of their investigation for the purpose of enabling witnesses to identify the accused and properties which are the subject matter of offences. The need for identification parade arises only when culprits are not previously known to the witnesses. Refusal to participate in parade goes against the accused. Evidence of identification parade is direct evidence but not a substantive piece of evidence.

The identification parade is also a process of comparison and it is mostly applicable in murder, dacoity and rape cases. For instance, a recovery of ornaments from the accused which was putting on by the deceased women at the time of occurrence, may point out to the actual commission of murder by that person. The evidence of identification requires vigilance and caution on the part of magistrate and also on the part of Judges in the acceptance of this class of evidence.

Role of police and magistrate

The burden of satisfying a judge necessarily falls on the police. They, therefore, have to take all the necessary precautions which may inspire confidence in this class of testimony. The police must prove to the satisfaction of the judge that the witnesses were not only strangers to the accused person but they also had no access to him from the time of his responsibility.

The magistrates who preside over the identification process are required to countercheck the person whom the witnesses pick out from the parade on the account of any distinctive marks on his or her face or body. The identification of suspects and under-trials who are mixed with them should be similar in order to rule out any possibility of identification by means of any peculiarities or special features of a suspect.

The purpose of holding test identification parades enables the police to ascertain whether those persons against whom they receive information are really the persons who were involved in the commission of the offence. Since the statements to the police officer made under Section 161 Cr. P. C. cannot by virtue of Section 162 Cr. P. C., be used for the purpose of corroboration, it is the magistrate who conducts the identification proceedings.

Jail becomes part of the process

When the prisoners for identification are admitted to the jail, the circle inspector or senior police officer informs the jailor immediately or as soon as possible so that the identification proceedings can be held. On receipt of such information, the superintendent of jail issues instructions to prevent the prisoners from being disguised for their appearance changed in such a way as to make recognition difficult. Such prisoners are required to keep their hair in the same state until the identification proceedings are held and they are not allowed to grow beard if clean shaved or vice versa.

During identification proceedings, the prisoners should wear the same clothes as they were wearing at the time of admission unless the magistrate who conducts the proceedings directs otherwise. The identification parade is held under article 22 of Qanoon-e-Shahadat order 1984. It is carried out by modern devices like tape recorder, cameras, videos, audios and sometime with the help of dogs.

Examples for clarity

On 14th August 2021, at Minar-e-Pakistan an incident took place in which a female Tik Toker was assaulted by 300 to 400 people. The FIR was lodged in Lari Adda Police Station Lahore against unidentified persons. The complainant identified some of the persons in the District Jail who surrounded her, torn her clothes and forcibly took her jewellery. These suspected persons were traced out by the police through videos of that incident. The police arrested a few of them and later on, the identification parade was held in the District Jail Lahore.

Similarly, another incident took place at LDA Avenue Lahore on 22nd August 2021 in which a mother and her daughter were allegedly gang raped by rickshaw driver and his accomplice. The police arrested the rickshaw driver and his companion. The complainant identified the suspects through an identification parade through an order by the magistrate. Hence, we can safely say that in blind incidents, the identification parade has become very important in tracing out and identifying the real accused by the victim of the offence. The author is the Vice-Principal/Head of Department, College of Law, UOL.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk

Substantiating on the everlasting surge in mental Illnesses amongst adolescents and teens 

Lahore, May 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Psychological disorders or mental illnesses are described as non-prevalent irregularities in any person’s emotion, perception, thinking, and behaviour that not only affect an individual’s mental health but also cause apparent physical health problems.

As these ailments are associated with our key body organ, the brain, they are becoming the principal causes of alterations in an individual’s development and growth processes by disrupting the overall body functioning. Mental health problems including stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal attempts are on the rise among adolescents and young adults.

These mental illnesses amongst adolescents and teens, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of factors such as negligence or ignorance from parents and relatives, unhealthy competition for good grades, better jobs, greediness for prospering lifestyle. Moreover, youngsters/teens are less patient towards worldly affairs. They get effortlessly hurt by insignificant consequences and overthinking, financial issues, low self-esteem and unaccepted behaviour of relatives, family, and friends. Slight falls and failures lead them to increased stress and depression. Sometimes situations get worse that even compel them to run away from home or attempt suicide.

According to many researchers, the increase in mental health problems is concentrated among adolescents and teens. Moreover, mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes among young people are more in number as compared to old people. According to a new study, published by American Psychological Association, the rates of mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes have increased significantly over the last decade among these age groups, impacting females and those who are wealthier than others, in particular.

Another factor that is increasing the risk of mental health issues is technological advancement. Undoubtedly, technological advancement is proving beneficial but at the same time, it is posing harmful impacts on human health. If we take a look at some stimulating factors of mental illnesses, we can pinpoint many causes which include more usage of mobile phones, laptops, excessive indoor smartphone gaming, negligence of physical exercise that ultimately impact the mood, behaviour, and other physical states. Excessive consumption of fast food is also an active factor. Moreover, limited socializing and outdoor exposure may also cause increased stress and anxiety.

The signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorders, circumstances, and other factors. Following are some of the symptoms that are apparent in the majority of the mental illness cases: the feeling of sadness, confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate, excessive fears or worries, extreme feelings of guilt, extreme mood changes of highs and lows, withdrawal from friends and activities, significant tiredness, low energy or sleeping problems, detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations, inability to cope with daily problems or stress and trouble understanding and relating to situations and people etc.

If signs or symptoms of a mental illness are majorly apparent, it is recommended to consult a primary care provider or mental health professional. Most mental illnesses do not improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may worsen over time and cause serious problems. Other measures that can be undertaken to improve the condition of an individual suffering from mental illness include: exposing mentally sick people to nature as nature is a great healer, letting such people practice yoga, meditations, physical exercise, offering encouragement and support, enabling them to talk with their close friends, avoiding unnecessary use of smartphones and other toxic devices that can boost up the level of depression.

It is not necessary to always rely on professional care because counselling of depressed individuals especially youngsters can be done by their close friends, relatives and siblings who have proximity to that particular individual. Parents must ensure equality among children and make them feel highly comfortable sharing all their problems. It is the responsibility of parents to avoid unnecessary talks and abuses in front of their children. Parents must focus on their children’s school friends and their outdoor environment and must get in touch with their teachers before indulgence in any bad activity which ahead can cause any sort of stress and mental problems.

Apart from the aforementioned measures, it is necessary to spread awareness amongst the masses regarding mental health issues. General masses can get education regarding mental health through different social media platforms by organizing medical camps to give information regarding psychological therapies and other treatments.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk