‘Loss and damage’ fund tops UAE talks ahead of COP28

SINCE 2009, rich nations have failed to fulfil the pledge of $100bn every year in climate finance to developing nations.—AFP/file

• 70 ministers gather to hammer out details before next month’s UN climate summit in Dubai
• Many sceptical of rich countries’ willingness to set up the fund

ABU DHABI: Setting up a “loss and damage” fund for poorer nations hit by climate change dominated preliminary talks on Tuesday one month before COP28 in Dubai, where delegates look set to tussle over the future of fossil fuels.

Around 70 ministers have gathered since Monday at the Emirates Palace, a luxurious resort in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi, to hammer out details before next month’s UN climate summit, the most important since the landmark Paris agreement in 2015.

“The main focus for the moment is clearly the loss and damage fund,” said French Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher.

The agreement to set up a dedicated fund to help vulnerable countries cope with climate “loss and damage” was a flagship achievement of last year’s COP27 talks in Egypt.

But countries left the details to be worked out later.

A series of talks this year have tried to tease out consensus on fundamentals like the structure, beneficiaries and contributors — a key issue for richer nations who want China to pay into the fund.

The last round of negotiations in mid-October ended in failure, with a next round scheduled from Nov 3-5 in Abu Dhabi.

“We were one or two days away from an agreement” during the last round, a European negotiator said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue. But several disagreements, including on beneficiaries, delayed a breakthrough.

“The United States does not want to put in a penny if China is a potential beneficiary,” the negotiator said.

‘Not fit’ for funding

Developing nations are demanding negotiators nail down the fund’s operation, governance, location, contributors and beneficiaries, and a timeline for payouts, at the Nov 30-Dec 12 COP28 summit.

But many are sceptical of the willingness of rich countries to establish the fund, even temporarily, through the World Bank, which is “not fit for purpose for broader development issues,” said Michai Robertson of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia does “not want any wording that would expand the list of donors beyond the developed countries”, said the European negotiator.

Even if these hurdles are settled by COP28, it remains to be seen how much money rich countries are willing to front. In 2009, they pledged to supply $100 billion of climate finance every year to developing nations, but failed to meet the 2020 deadline. There are hopes the goal will be met this year.

‘Strong views’

COP28 will draw up the first official assessment of humanity’s efforts to respect the 2015 agreement and its ambition to limit global warming “if possible to 1.5 degrees C” since the pre-industrial era.

For the first time, the world is flirting with the limit this year. The global climate, over several years, is considered to have already warmed by about 1.2C, accompanied by a procession of natural disasters.

In recent months, the debate on the end of fossil fuels, an essential engine of global warming, has become more important than ever in the UN negotiations.

In about 30 years of COP meetings, the only progress on hydrocarbons was a coal-reduction target at COP26, and there have been no decisions on oil and gas.

“I know there are strong views about the idea of including language on fossil fuels and renewables in the negotiated text,” said COP28 president Sultan al-Jaber on Monday, calling on countries to find “common ground”.

Earlier in July, Jaber, who heads the UAE’s oil giant ADNOC, said that “phasing down fossil fuels is inevitable” — a statement he has not repeated this week.

“It’s too early (for discussions), and would block negotiations even before the start of the COP,” said a member of his entourage on condition of anonymity.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2023

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Govt maintains current prices of petrol, HSD

The caretaker government on Tuesday maintained the current prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) for the next fortnight.

According to a notification from the Ministry of Finance, available with Dawn.com, the prices of petrol and HSD will remain Rs283.38 and Rs303.18 per litre, respectively.

Meanwhile, the prices of kerosene oil and light-diesel oil were reduced by Rs3.82 and Rs3.4 per litre, respectively, to Rs211.03 and Rs189.46 per litre.

The move comes contrary to expectations of a reduction of Rs5-18 per litre for diesel and petrol. Official sources had told Dawn that the price of HSD was likely to decrease by about Rs5-6 per litre, falling to less than Rs300 per litre, unless the caretaker government further increased the petroleum levy. On the other hand, petrol was expected to be cheaper by about Rs18 per litre.

This was mainly due to the rupee’s gain of about Rs3 against the dollar over the last fortnight, while the average price of diesel has dropped by about $1.3 per barrel and that of petrol has increased by about $3.5 per barrel.

On October 16, the caretaker government had slashed the price of petrol by Rs40 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs15 per litre. This had marked the third price cut in a row.

The increasing stability of the rupee against the greenback was cited as the main reason behind this cut.

Most of the transport sector runs on HSD. Its price is considered highly inflationary, as it is mostly used in heavy transport vehicles, trains and agricultural engines like trucks, buses, tractors, tube wells and threshers. It particularly adds to the prices of vegetables and other eatables.

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Who is behind phone tapping, IHC judge wonders

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) came down hard on the federal authorities on Monday, directing the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) to take up audio leaks matter with the cabinet in order to devise a legal framework for surveillance.

“How is electronic surveillance being done, and who is doing it? Who is the competent authority for taking decision of recording phone calls? The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) says they have not permitted listening third party conversation to anyone,” Justice Babar Sattar remarked during the hearing of the petitions of Bushra Bibi, the spouse of ex-premier Imran Khan, and Najamus Saqib, son of former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar.

“The audio of the Prime Minister’s Office, a Supreme Court judge and a former chief justice’s family was leaked. It is a terrible decision to do so without taking the state of Pakistan into confidence,” Justice Sattar noted.

The petitions were moved by the son of ex-CJP Saqib who had challenged parliamentary proceeding over seeking bribe from a candidate of Punjab Assembly, and the former first lady who had challenged ongoing inquiry related to her alleged conversation with Zulfi Bukhari, former aide to the then prime minister, for selling Toshakhana gifts.

Govt told to devise legal framework for audio surveillance

While appearing before the court, AGP Mansoor Awan informed the court that the audio leaks in question had not been probed.

He argued the petition filed by Mr Saqib had become infructuous after the dissolution of the National Assembly, as proceedings of the parliamentary committee ended without arriving at any conclusion.

However, Justice Sattar pointed out that Bushra Bibi also had filed a petition challenging the inquiry of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) based on her leaked audio.

AG Awan claimed it was still not clear who had recorded the audio and sought an in-camera hearing of the institutions capable of audio surveillance. He admitted that the parliamentary committee should not have started the proceeding on the audio tape of an individual.

The judge remarked [it seemed] as if the audios were recorded without the permission and knowledge of the government.

He asked the attorney general to take up the matter with the prime minister and the cabinet. “There is no legal framework for such surveillance, we cannot allow listening the conversations of offices, chambers by a third party,” Justice Sattar observed, adding that the court would hear the stance of the attorney general at length.

He said the FIA was investigating one leaked audio, without first determining where that audio came from and how was it leaked.

The government for­med a judicial commission related to audio leaks, but even in the terms of reference of that commission, there was no question as to who leaks audios, Justice Sattar pointed out.

Senator Raza Rabbani, amicus curiae of the court, suggested the court that considering the trichotomy of power it should have referred the matter back to the parliamentary committee instead of examining it.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2023

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Seismic shifts rock PCB amid shaky World Cup campaign

• Inzamam steps down after ‘conflict of interest’ allegations emerge
• TV anchor under fire for displaying WhatsApp chat with Babar without consent

THE turmoil continues back home; its aftershocks threatening to further derail Pakistan’s campaign at the World Cup in India. It’s an unwelcome distraction that could’ve been put off, at least until Babar Azam’s men were well and truly out of the race for the semis.

But that’s Pakistan cricket for you: a place where things unravel fast. This time, a lot has happened in the space of just over 48 hours, culminating in the resignation of chief selector Inzamamul Haq on Monday, on the eve of yet another must-win game for Pakistan against Bangladesh in Kolkata.

So when Pakistan take the field at Eden Gardens, looking to keep alive their faint hopes of reaching the last four, they will be essentially be doing so with the man who selected them no longer at the helm; the man who, alongside captain Babar, was named as being responsible for the team’s faltering World Cup campaign.

Inzamam’s resignation, however, doesn’t have to do with the team’s performance. Instead, it’s because of a potential conflict of interest due to his role in a company that represents many of the players who are playing at the World Cup.

Issues over team selection had been raised prior to the showpiece tournament, only for the debate to intensify once Pakistan embarked on a run of four straight losses for the first time in the history of cricket’s showpiece event.

Following the defeat to South Africa on Friday, reports began emanating that Inzamam was one of four directors at Yazoo International Ltd, a company registered in the United Kingdom, which set off alarm bells.

Pakistan wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan is also named as one of the directors, but the tipping point came with the name of Talha Rehmani, the managing director of Saya Corporation, which claims on its company website to represent “70pc of the Pakistan National Team including the top-ranked athletes” like Babar, Rizwan and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi.

That Inzamam’s brother Inti­sa­rul Haq is the company secretary and has close ties in the player agency — with favouritism being alleged in the team’s selection from various quarters — prompted Pakistan Cricket Board interim chairman Zaka Ashraf to pledge during a television programme on Sunday that an inquiry would be conducted into those allegations.

On Monday, this was made official, with the PCB announcing that it had set up a “five-member committee to investigate allegations in respect to conflict of interest… pertaining to the team selection process.”

Soon afterwards, Inzamam appeared at a news conference in Lahore, tendering his resignation but vowing to return if he’s cleared in the investigation. Over in Kolkata, the team had just finished their practice session when that news began filtering in.

Perhaps, it was the last act of the ongoing circus that has been played out before the world.

Question about consent

The same network that aired the PCB chief’s interview was also involved in a rather distasteful episode on Sunday night.

On the state broadcaster a few days earlier, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif had made some claims regarding discord between Babar Azam and Zaka Ashraf. Rashid had alleged that Babar’s calls to Zaka from India had gone unanswered.

During his interview over the weekend, Zaka rebutted that claim, saying that Babar wouldn’t message him directly, but if the captain had any concerns, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer was best-placed to handle them.

Back in the live broadcast, a screenshot of Babar’s alleged message to Naseer was displayed where the captain was asked about reports in the media regarding his calls to the PCB chief. In the reply, ‘Babar Azam New’ said he hadn’t made any calls.

As soon as the screenshot was shown, former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali — part of the panel on the broadcast — questioned whether consent had been obtained from Babar or the person who’d sent the screenshot.

Condemnation poured in on social media, prompting Waseem Badami — the host of the talk show — to claim it was an error of judgement on their part, before adding that the screenshot had been sent to them Zaka Ashraf, who’d asked for it to put up.

Badami, however, said that it wasn’t an “ideal decision” to air the screenshot and “should not have happened”.

It was the sort of move that smacks of amateurism on part of the PCB chief and his advisers. A simple rebuttal through a press release would’ve sufficed, since the PCB’s media manager Umar Farooq Kalson was telling reporters in Kolkata around the same time that rumours of a Zaka-Babar falling out were untrue.

Whether Zaka had sought Babar’s consent before sending over the screenshot remains unknown.

What is certain, however, is the fact that Pakistan players haven’t been paid for five months due to arguments over pay and delays in agreements over central contracts.

That matter seemed to have been resolved, however, with the PCB saying that contracts have been sent to India, which the players had signed.

On Monday, Pakistan coach Grant Bradburn was also dismissive of the fact that the contract issue had affected the players’ mindset.

“In terms of the noise around the team, look, playing for Pakistan and working within this team is a huge privilege,” Bradburn told reporters in Kolkata.

“To prepare ourselves and give our best are the things that we focus on, the things within our control and there are great expectations and we’re desperate to make our nation proud.”

There are things that should’ve been controlled by the PCB, too. Control, however, seems to have deserted Pakistan cricket, with the team seemingly no longer in charge of its own destiny at the World Cup.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2023

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‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry dies aged 54

Matthew Perry, troubled star of the smash hit TV sitcom “Friends,” was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, US media reported. He was 54.

First responders found Perry unconscious in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home and were unable to revive him, law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times.

The LA Times and TMZ, which first reported the news, both said there were no signs of foul play, citing anonymous sources.

“We responded at 4:10pm … It is a death investigation for a male in his 50s,” a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman told AFP, without confirming the deceased’s name.

A fire department spokesman confirmed it had responded to a “water emergency,” which could refer to a “pool, spa, bathtub or fountain,” but could not confirm reports that Perry had drowned.

Perry was best known for his portrayal of the wise-cracking Chandler Bing on the wildly popular “Friends,” which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004.

“Friends” followed the lives of six New Yorkers navigating adult life, dating and careers. It was a mainstay of NBC’s much-vaunted 1990s and early 2000s television lineup, and drew a massive global following.

During the height of his success, Perry battled for years with addiction to painkillers and alcohol, and attended rehabilitation clinics on multiple occasions.

Perry experienced health problems including a burst colon in 2018 due to his drug usage, which required multiple surgeries and the use of a colostomy bag for months after.

In his memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, published last year, Perry described going through detox dozens of times, and spending millions of dollars in repeated attempts to get sober.

Perry dedicated the book to “all of the sufferers out there,” and wrote in the prologue: “I should be dead.”

He wrote: “People would be surprised to know that I have mostly been sober since 2001. Save for about sixty or seventy little mishaps over the years.”

TMZ reported that no drugs were found at the scene on Saturday. It said Perry was found by his assistant, who called 911.

Reactions poured in from the Hollywood community on social media as news of Perry’s death spread.

“Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!!” wrote Mira Sorvino, who starred with Perry in the 1994 television movie “Parallel Lives”.

“May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!”

Josh Charles, who appeared with Perry on “The Good Wife,” wrote: “Awful news. RIP brother.”

Warner Bros. TV, which produced “Friends,” wrote: “We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all.”

“Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones and all of his fans.”

‘Friends’

Perry was born in Massachusetts in 1969, and was raised between Montreal and Los Angeles after his parents separated.

His mother was a Canadian journalist who served as press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. His father was a US actor.

As a young teenager, Perry was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada before moving permanently to California and pursuing acting.

In the 1980s, Perry had guest roles in popular shows such as “Charles in Charge” and “Growing Pains.” He was the final, and youngest, lead actor to be cast for “Friends”.

Perry’s character — the group’s most sarcastic and quick-witted, but occasionally awkward and insecure, member — quickly became a fan favorite.

Perry and his co-stars — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer — negotiated $1 million each, per episode, by the end of their colossally popular and zeitgeist-setting 236-episode run.

In a sign of the show’s enduring appeal, the gang reportedly pocketed $2.5 million each for a reunion episode in 2021.

During that episode, Perry’s slurred speech prompted concern among fans. Perry also surprised his costars by admitting to having suffered severe anxiety “every night” during the filming the sitcom.

As well as “Friends,” Perry appeared in movies such as “Fools Rush In” and “The Whole Nine Yards.”

He was nominated for five Emmys, including two for guest appearances on “The West Wing,” but never won the prestigious television award.

Perry never married.

His representatives did not immediately respond to AFP request for comment.

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TikTok removes 14.14m videos in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Social media platform TikTok has removed 14.14 million videos in Pakistan for violating community guidelines in April-June 2023.

According to its Comm­unity Guidelines Enfo­rce­ment Report for April-June 2023, TikTok removed 106.47m videos globally, or around 0.7pc of all videos uploaded to TikTok.

Of them, 66,440,775 videos were removed through automated systems, while 6,750,002 videos were restored after review.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2023

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Michael Neser withdraws from Shield clash mid-match due to personal reasons

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Dar expects Nawaz-Zardari meeting in the near future

Senior PML-N leader Senator Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said he expected a meeting between party supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari would “hopefully” take place, after weeks of enduring withering criticism from the PPP.

Speaking in an interview on Dawn News show Live with Adil Shahzeb, the senator was questioned about mounting criticism from the PPP ahead of Nawaz’s return and on whether there was a possibility of a meeting between the party heads.

“There is no restriction on a meeting; it should happen and will hopefully take place in the near future.”

Dar said Nawaz was busy with his legal issues after returning to Pakistan.

On criticism from the PPP, he said the PML-N had had a “very good working relationship” with the party. Dar added he felt it “inappropriate” to respond to critical statements from PPP leaders since the two parties had a relationship which would continue into the future.

He said he personally wished that all major political parties should be part of the process to take the country forward.

Dar’s comments come on the heels of the PPP taking exception to the decision of the Punjab caretaker government to suspend Nawaz’s sentence in the Al-Azizia reference and terming it a transgression on the part of the provincial administration.

The PPP had claimed the suspension of the sentence was a “crude manner” to provide relief to the former prime minister. “Why don’t you lock up the courtrooms if decisions [on conviction] are to be taken in this manner?” Punjab PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza had said.

He had called Nawaz a ‘ladla-plus’ and said the caretakers were doing everything except holding general elections.

Asserting that suspending Nawaz’s sentence was not in the ambit of the caretaker government, Murtaza had urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take notice of the act which “was tantamount to ensuring a favour” for the PML-N leader in the upcoming polls.

Meanwhile, in a bid to bring the political temperature down and focus on securing relief for Nawaz in graft cases, the PML-N has decided to re-establish “close coordination” with its allies in the former coalition government.

This decision was made during a meeting at Jati Umra on Sunday, also attended by legal experts in addition to the Sharif family members. Sources had told Dawn that Nawaz would approach the PPP, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl, and other parties of the ‘defunct’ Pakistan Democratic Movement this week.

“Initially, Mr Sharif will phone former president Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Akhtar Mengal and others to thank them for their moral support throughout his ordeal, before seeking separate meetings with them,” they had said.

The sources had said that the PML-N would avoid a confrontation with the PPP by not responding to the latter’s scathing criticism of the relief given to the PML-N supremo by the judiciary.

Of late, PPP has been complaining about a lack of a level playing field ahead of polls likely in January next year.

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If Imran’s safety not guaranteed, how can polls be secured: ECP

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday summoned the interior secretary to appear in person on Nov 13 to explain why PTI chief Imran Khan could not be produced for a contempt hearing.

The development came as a four-member ECP bench, led by Sindh member Nisar Ahmed Durrani, conducted a hearing on the matter of contempt of ECP and the chief election commissioner against Mr Khan and two former PTI officials, Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar.

While Mr Chaudhry and Mr Umar were present, Mr Khan could not be brought from Adiala Jail to the proceedings — something PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen described as the “real insult” to the Election Commission.

The assistant inspector general of police (operations) presented a report suggesting potential risks associated with transporting Mr Khan from the densely populated area of Rawalpindi. The report said the PTI chairman had himself said there were threats to his life. At this, Mr Durrani, the ECP’s member from Sindh, asked the AIG about the credibility of Mr Khan’s claims.

Summons interior secretary over PTI chief’s absence from contempt hearing

When the interior ministry said the ECP should hold the hearing at Adiala Jail, the bench raised concerns over the ministry’s capabilities, asking that if it couldn’t ensure the security of one individual, “how will the upcoming elections be conducted?”

“How can the ministry order the commission? The interior secretary should appear himself,” the ECP observed and adjourned the hearing until Nov 13.

This decision follows the ECP’s recently issued production orders for the jailed PTI chairman in contempt cases.

In the Oct 11 hearing, Advocate Shoaib Shaheen told the commission that Mr Khan was in jail and couldn’t attend the proceedings unless a production order was issued.

On Oct 19, a written order shared with the media emphasised the need for a swift verdict in the case lingering since August last year.

“It is a matter of record that the matter was pending adjudication since August 2022 and has to be decided without any further delay,” the order said.

“Since the respondent is in jail and his personal appearance is mandatory to proceed further with the matter. In such view of the matter, there is no alternate except to issue production order of respondent namely Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi,” it said.

The ECP bench asked the office to convey the directions to the superintendent of Adiala Jail to make all necessary arrangements to produce Mr Khan for the proceedings. The police chiefs of Islamabad and Punjab were also asked to ensure foolproof security for Mr Khan in this regard.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2023

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Pakistan have nowhere to hide after Afghanistan thrashing

CHENNAI: Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi shakes hands with his Pakistani counterpart Babar Azam after the former led his team to a resounding victory, on Monday.—AFP

CHENNAI: This time, Babar Azam had nowhere to hide. The Pakistan captain usually manages to skip post-match press conferences, especially when the team loses a match.

But on Monday, he couldn’t. He shouldn’t have, in fact, after Pakistan fell to their first-ever loss to Afghanistan in a one-day international.

To Babar’s horror, it came during the World Cup; his charges falling to a third successive defeat in the tournament, their odds of finishing in the top four narrowing with each game. There was no avoiding questions, probing ones, that needed answers.

“This loss was very hard as a team,” said Babar, his voice shaking as he spoke, no wide smiles on his face to falsely depict all is well.

It must have been hard. Afghanistan hadn’t merely scraped their way to a historic win, they quite clinically bulldozed the competition. That too against Pakistan, a side which had haunted them, dealt a number of agonising defeats that also became the subject of banter, to remind Afghanistan that they sat a rung below their neighbours in the sport, among many other things.

But the Afghans turned the tables at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Monday night. They hurt a team which boasted being the number-one ranked side in the world hardly two months ago.

Nothing worked for Pakistan. It looked like they had batted their way to impose a big enough total for Afghanistan to chase on a historically bowling-friendly surface at the Chepauk.

But how Afghanistan openers Rehmanullah Gur­baz and Ibrahim Zadran chopped and cracked Pakistan pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali for boundaries every now and then, showed that Babar and his men had no clue what was happening to them.

Mistakes caused more mistakes; this was probably what Babar meant when he tried to put into words what was actually going on with the team. “You are not able to execute — because sometimes what you want to do is not happening,” he said.

“Sometimes what you want to hit the length is not happening. And when you get a boundary in that, you try to wrap up as soon as possible, give as [few] runs as possible.

“In that you keep making mistakes back-to-back. So, there is pressure. I think because of that pressure we are not able to apply what we have learned.”

While the bowlers faltered, the fielders made it worse. The vicious cycle of pressure kept going, getting more intense with time.

The “attitude”, which Babar believed was an important characteristic for the fielders to possess, was missing.

“In fielding, whenever you do fielding, it is only with attitude,” observed the skipper, in danger of losing his once untouchable popularity. “And I don’t see any attitude from the team.

“You need to put in extra effort and be fit. You should focus on the ball, not on other thoughts and when the ball comes, as a fielder you have to be proactive, so I think we are lagging a little bit as a fielding unit.”

Only Babar would know about the “other thoughts” going on in the heads of his boys.

The thought that should be at the top of his mind, though, is how Pakistan can now make it to the semi-finals.

Coming into the World Cup, they had their eyes on the revered trophy. Now, they are left needing to win their remaining league games to have a chance of making it to the last four.

Would they be able to overcome the uphill task?

“You never know. It’s cricket. Anything can happen,” said Babar. “We will try to play our best cricket till the end. There are a lot of matches left, we will try to win all the matches. We will try to overcome our mistakes.”

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2023

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'It inspires another generation' - Jonathan Trott believes his team is inspiring Afghanistan's youth

Trott praised the fitness of the team in the Chennai heat while Naveen-ul-Haq says he will remember the wins over England and Pakistan for the rest of his life

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ODI World Cup digest: Afghanistan humble Pakistan; South Africa prepare for Bangladesh

Noor Ahmed and Ibrahim Zadran lead Afghanistan to their first win over Pakistan while South Africa contemplates challenges chasing as they prepare for Bangladesh

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'This win tastes nice' - Afghanistan jubilant after historic win against Pakistan

"It's a big moment for the whole team, but also whole Afghanistan as well," Mohammad Nabi says

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Jhye Richardson sidelined after another shoulder dislocation

Luckless fast bowler suffers injury while fielding for WA's second XI last week with his imminent Sheffield Shield return now delayed

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ODI World Cup digest: India remain undefeated; Afghanistan, Pakistan in must-win territory

Shami five-for and Kohli clinic helps India beat New Zealand despite Mitchell's century, while Afghanistan and Pakistan prepare for a must-win clash in Chennai

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Virat Kohli leaves them wanting more after narrowly missing out on No. 49

Dharamsala nearly witnessed a repeat of the finish in Pune only for Kohli to fall short of his hundred with victory assured

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Rohit credits bowlers for fightback against New Zealand

New Zealand had built a strong platform in Dharamsala but India did not allow them to capitalise in the slog overs

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Palestinians haunted by fears of another ‘Nakba’

PALESTINIANS evacuate a wounded man after an Israeli strike near a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Khan Yunis, on Saturday.—AFP

AL ZAHRA: Omar Ashur became a refugee during the Nakba (catastrophe) experienced by Palestinians following Israel’s creation in 1948 and now fears the ongoing bombardment of Gaza will again force him into exile.

A retired general from the Palestinian Authority security forces, 83-year-old Ashur lives in Al Zahra, central Gaza, where Israeli missiles flattened an area of more than 20 buildings late on Thursday.

Residents had been warned to flee before the strikes, but many of them raced into the street with no idea of where to go.

When they returned in the early hours of Friday morning, they found a scene of devastation, with several blocks of buildings reduced to smoking ruins and rubble.

The area lies about 10 kilometres south of Gaza City, where Israeli warplanes have focused their fierce bombardments since the Hamas raid on Oct 7.

Beyond the ongoing bombardment, he also worries about the future, fearing the war will push Gaza’s residents — two-thirds of whom are refugees — to flee again.

‘Clear aim’

“What’s happening is dangerous,” Ashur said.

“I fear that the ongoing destruction has a clear aim, so people don’t have a place to live which will spark a new Nakba,” he said, referring to the 760,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes after the creation of Israel 75 years ago.

Gaza’s population of 2.4 million is largely made up of descendants of those refugees.

Ashur was just eight when he and his family fled in 1948 from Majdal — what is today the Israeli town of Ashkelon — to Gaza.

And for him, the ongoing war brings back painful memories.

“What’s happening today is much worse. At the time, Israel would shoot to kill and force people to flee, but the current situation is more horrific,” he said.

More than 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed in relentless Israeli bombardments since Oct 7, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

‘A hellish night’

Around one million Gazans have been displaced by the ongoing bombing campaign, the UN says, with Israel also cutting off supplies of water, electricity, fuel and food to the impoverished enclave.

Gazing at the destruction in Al Zahra is Rami Abu Wazna, his haggard face struggling to take it in. Twenty-four 24 buildings were razed, an AFP journalist said. “Even in my worst nightmares, I never thought this could be possible,” he whispers.

Thousands of residents who had fled the neighbourhood spent the night trying to find shelter from dozens of Israeli strikes.

“Why bomb us, we’re civilians! Where will we go? Everything is gone,” Abu Wazna said.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2023

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ODI World Cup digest: South Africa dominate England; Sri Lanka beat Netherlands

Klaasen clubs England as defending champions sink further into the mire while Sri Lanka out-class Netherlands despite some sloppy moments

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Man arrested in Karachi for killing brother, his wife over ‘honour’: police

Karachi police on Saturday arrested a man for allegedly killing his brother and sister-in-law over “honour” in the city’s Jeddah Hazara Colony.

Ittehad Town Station House Officer (SHO) Inayatullah Marwat confirmed the arrest and said the police had recovered the pistol used in the crime.

He added that during the initial probe, it transpired that the suspect killed his younger brother’s wife for allegedly meeting “bad people”.

When the brother intervened, the accused killed him as well, the official said.

The SHO added that the bodies had been shifted to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital to fulfil legal formalities.

A day ago, a man allegedly shot dead his wife and cousin in the Jacobabad district in the name of honour. He then fled the area.

A week ago, a young man was shot dead by his maternal uncle in Kohat over an honour-related issue.

Earlier this month, a man was arrested after he allegedly shot dead his niece and her friend in the name of honour in Larkana while days before that, a man killed his wife and son-in-law allegedly for similar reasons.

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Nawaz comes out of exile as ‘things go PML-N’s way’

• ‘N’ supremo set to return today by chartered plane
• Will land in Islamabad to ‘make bail’, then head to Lahore
• Scheduled to address at Minar-i-Pakistan this evening
• Party tasks ticket aspirants with ‘bringing crowds’

LAHORE: PML-N sup­remo Nawaz Sharif is all set to arrive in Pakistan today (Saturday) after a four-year self-imposed exile in the UK, and his party is rallying its base, urging supporters to converge at Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore from around the country to greet their leader and showcase the undiminished popularity of the party, which has been declared ‘irrelevant’ by its rivals.

Former finance minister and PML-N stalwart Ishaq Dar confirmed that the elder Sharif would fly in from Dubai to Islamabad via a chartered plane on Saturday afternoon.

“After staying an hour or so in Islamabad, he will leave for Lahore to address a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan,” Mr Dar told journalists on Friday.

According to the party, the elder Sharif will likely land in Islamabad at 12.30pm on a chartered plane and leave for Lahore after a couple of hours. He may first go to his Jati Umra residence before leaving for Minar-i-Pakistan later in the day.

Observers say the reason Nawaz is arriving in Islamabad instead of Lahore is that his touchdown in the capital was necessary to make bail, earlier granted by the Islamabad High Court on Thursday.

“Putting up an emphatic show for the homecoming of Nawaz Sharif is very important to tell everyone around that the PML-N still is a popular party in Lahore, which was once its citadel,” a PMLN leader from Punjab told Dawn on Friday. “And the party leadership here will succeed in it, as a lot more is at stake in this regard.”

He said Nawaz’s arrival would give a much-needed impetus to the party at a time when the country was heading for general elections in a few months. “He will lead the party polls campaign and become the premier for the fourth time,” he said.

In Lahore, the PML-N leadership, including Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz, spent a busy day on Friday to ensure that caravans of the party workers from Balochistan, Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan left for Lahore and those who have to come from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab will leave on Satur­day morning. The trio also paid a visit to Minar-i-Pakistan to see the arrangements.

Qawwali, rose petals

On Friday, PML-N Punjab and Lahore presidents Rana Sanaullah and Saiful Malook Khokhar took a helicopter ride to have an aerial view of the rally’s venue. To charge up local workers, the party also arranged a qawwali night at the venue.

The party reportedly has made staying arrangements for those arriving in Lahore on Friday night.

Some former lawmakers of Lahore have been tasked with arranging accommodation and food.

Even though the party has an ambitious target of assembling one million people, the organisers on Friday placed only 10,000 chairs. Thousands of Punjab police officials, both in uniform and plain clothes, will perform security duties in and outside the venue.

The provincial caretaker government of Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi is also fully cooperating with the PML-N for its political show.

The PML-N has also categorically told ticket aspirants that their candidature may not be considered if they fail to meet the required target of bringing people to the venue on Saturday.

According to the party, only Mr Nawaz will speak at the public meeting.

The PML-N has also hired two small aircraft to shower rose petals in Lahore on Saturday.

‘New ladla’

Mr Nawaz left for London in Nove­m­ber 2019 on medical grounds after a higher court granted him bail for four weeks. By that time, he had served half of his seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia corruption case.

During the four years since then, Nawaz was declared a proclaimed offender in Al-Azizia and Avenfield corruption cases for his continuous absence from the proceedings on appeals against the sentences.

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday granted him protective bail until Oct 24 in both references after NAB did not oppose the petitions filed by him.

There has been a talk among political circles that he is returning to the country at the “right time” as his arch-rival, PTI Chairman Imran Khan, is in jail and there has been a “perfect equation” of PML-N with the establishment.

Against this backdrop, the PTI has called the PML-N supremo “the new blue-eyed boy of the system”.

“The one who was calling someone else [Imran Khan] ladla has now become ladla,” PTI leader and former federal minister Moonis Elahi has said.

“Nawaz Sharif, a proclaimed offender and a convict, has got permission to roam around in the country … but let me tell you that neither offering of motorbikes nor paradise pass will help them as the people have rejected him and his party.”

Late on Friday night, Mr Nawaz’s son-in-law, Safdar Awan, held a rally at Jati Umra Raiwind and demanded accountability of the retired generals and judges who were responsible for the ouster of the elder Sharif in 2017.

Islamabad airport on standby

Meanwhile, the Islamabad International Airport administration has been instructed to remain on standby and not take weekly holiday on Saturday, as Mr Nawaz is set to land in the capital at around noon on Saturday.

According to sources, the airport’s management has been asked to remain on standby today.

The former prime minister will leave Dubai on a chartered flight of Flydubai (FZ4525) at about 9:30am Pakistan time and land in Islamabad at 12:30pm. Later, the plane will take off for Lahore at about 2pm. “Any chartered flight can land at the airport as a routine flight, as there is no need to make any special arrangements,” a senior airport official told Dawn.

Convoys leave from Balochistan

In Quetta, a convoy of PML-N leaders, workers and supporters left for Lahore in a special train on Friday to welcome the party leader and participate in the Minar-i-Pakistan rally. The party’s leadership in Balochistan has booked the special train comprising six bogies.

According to reports, such convoys of party workers and supporters also left for Lahore from Sibi, Dera Murad Jamali, Usta Muhammad and Hub.

Some leaders of the Balochistan Awami Party also sent workers and supporters to Lahore to participate in PML-N’s rally.

Mohammad Asghar in Rawalpindi and Saleem Shahid in Quetta also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2023

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ODI World Cup digest: Australia into top four after twin tons; England and South Africa must rebound from shocks

David Warner and Mitchell Marsh superb hundreds in Bengaluru, while Netherlands will hope for another big scalp and there's a huge game in Mumbai

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PTI ally Sheikh Rashid resurfaces, says he was on ‘pilgrimage’

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and PTI ally, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, has resurfaced over a month after his arrest from Rawalpindi, and said he was gone on a “pilgrimage”.

Rashid made these remarks in an interview with Samaa TV on Friday, marking his first appearance since his detention by plainclothes personnel at his residence on September 17.

Widespread violent protests broke out across the country on May 9, following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. During the protest, military installations — including the Lahore corps commander’s residence — and state properties were damaged across Pakistan, eliciting strong condemnation from the military.

Since then, several PTI leaders have chosen to part ways with the party. Farrukh Habib and Usman Dar are among the most recent.

In line with other PTI leaders who have either departed from the party or resigned from their party roles, Rashid also voiced his disapproval of the events on May 9, deeming them “highly condemnable”. He also described the day as a “black day” for Imran.

During the interview, he said he was on a “40-day pilgrimage (chilla)” where he studied the Holy Quran in detail and introspected. “This was a tough period too, but no one harmed me and [rather they] cooperated with me,” he said without elaborating.

When questioned about his motivation for giving an interview, Rashid mentioned that he did so “because it has become customary”.

Commenting on the May 9 incident, he said the events of that day should be condemned during sermons every Friday. He underlined that he was abroad at that time and had condemned the incident a day later “but it went unnoticed”.

When asked as to why Imran desired to prevent Gen Asim Munir from becoming the army chief, Rashid did not elaborate, just saying that “we [PTI] shouldn’t have done that”.

“He [Gen Munir] was eligible and on the top too.” He described it as a “mistake”.

He emphasised that politicians should steer clear of such issues, stating, “This falls within the domain of the military, and it’s up to them to determine seniority. We should refrain from engaging in this debate.”

Rashid highlighted that decisions made by the “chief” cascaded to the bottom.

“I used to pray during Tahajjud prayer, beseeching God to grant me the strength to reach Asim Munir and ask him to forgive all those involved.”

“I firmly believe that a politician should refrain from naming any army officer,” he conveyed to the host.

In response to a question, Rashid suggested that the torching of the corps commander’s residence in Lahore might have been part of a larger plan. “But I have prayed to God that I will advocate for the release of all those who are detained and I will seek forgiveness on their behalf.”

He stressed his desire to seek forgiveness, particularly for the “common people.” Rashid urged the army to “forgive all those who were involved in the events”.

The AML chief said he had always advised Imran to be on good terms with the army.

Rashid recollected that he had requested permission from Imran to join the negotiation team but was denied. “I hail from Rawalpindi, and someone from that city naturally has connections with an agency.”

In response to a question about whether Imran’s government was indeed the target of a US conspiracy, Rashid replied, “I participated in a meeting convened to discuss this, and I was also present at a rally where this issue was raised. It’s quite a coincidence that all three individuals who were negotiating with the army on behalf of Imran have now established their own political parties.”

Rashid said Shahbaz Gill, Zulfi Bukhari, Shireen Mazari and Hammad Azhar were close [to the PTI chief]. “This country cannot function without its institutions, and in a conflict between politicians and institutions, it is always the latter that prevails.”

When asked if PTI was now his adversary, the AML chief responded negatively, stating, “I have only one seat, and what difference would it make if they were to take my seat?”

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From sickbed to match-winner - Cummins and Stoinis laud Zampa

The legspinner has battled injuries and illness to thump life into Australia's World Cup campaign

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Surge boost: Devine likely to start WBBL season in middle order

The New Zealand allrounder is expected to slot in at No. 4 at least until the arrival of Nat Sciver-Brunt

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Hayden calls for Green to open, Labuschagne to be left out

The former opener accepts the change is unlikely, but does not think having Smith and Labuschagne together works

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ODI World Cup digest: Kohli's hundred keeps India flying; Australia-Pakistan face huge clash

Bangladesh started promisingly but then subsided as the hosts overcame a significant injury scare while Ben Stokes nears a return for England

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‘No objections’ from NAB as Nawaz moves IHC for bail

• Lawyer tells bench PML-N supremo to land in capital on Saturday
• NAB prosecutor sees no objections if ex-PM wants to pursue cases

ISLAMABAD: The PML-N’s lawyers on Wednesday moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking protective bail for party supreme leader Nawaz Sharif in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases ahead of his return from London on Saturday, with a NAB lawyer saying the accountability watchdog did not object to pleas moved by the elder Sharif.

The former premier through his special attorney filed two petitions to enable his surrender in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia references pending. The case was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

Mr Sharif also sought suspension of his perpetual arrest warrants from the accountability court issued against him for being a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana vehicle case.

NAB Special Prosecutor Afzal Quershi had reached the courtroom much earlier than the legal team of the PML-N. Mr Qureshi did not object to the bail application of Mr Sharif and in response to a bench query about the reason for his presence in the court, he said he was instructed by the anti-graft watchdog to appear before the bench.

When the bench asked him about NAB’s stance on these petitions, the prosecutor replied that the NAB had “no objections” if Mr Sharif intended to pursue the cases. Justice Aurangzeb took a swipe at the watchdog, saying the court could also set aside the conviction of Mr Sharif as well if the NAB wants.

Arguing before the bench, Mr Pervaiz said that the trial court convicted Nawaz Sharif and sentenced him in absentia but he returned along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz to face the legal challenges.

He said that Mr Sharif sought suspension of sentence in both cases and went abroad for medical treatment after seeking permission from the relevant quarters.

He said that the IHC declared him a proclaimed offender in both cases. Justice Aurangzeb retorted that Mr Sharif was declared a proclaimed offender for jumping his bail.

At this, Azam Tarar argued that the case of Mr Sharif is of a “peculiar nature and cannot be treated at par with the other cases”. He requested the court to grant five-day protective bail to enable Mr Sharif to file appeals which were dismissed for non-prosecution.

In response to a court query, Mr Pervaiz said that Mr Sharif will land in Islamabad on Oct 21. The court issued notice to the NAB and adjourned the hearing till Thursday (today).

Legal team at IHC

The legal team of Mr Sharif comprising Amjad Pervaiz, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ataullah Tarar, Barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon, Arshad Jadoon and others reached the IHC in the afternoon. The petitions were filed at 1:15, but the court started hearing them after a couple of hours.

Unlike the legal team of the PTI that keeps track of the petitions of their leader Imran Khan, the PML-N legal team preferred to keep waiting at the office of the president of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA). However, the IHCBA president also accompanied the legal team to the courtroom of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq.

Since the matter was related to the NAB, therefore, the protective bail could only be placed before the division bench. The regular division bench of the IHC Chief Justice was with Justice Babar Sattar.

Since Justice Sattar was not available in the late afternoon because of his personal commitments, a special bench was constituted which consisted of Justice Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

The 24-page identical petitions stated the brief facts about the Panama leaks case and how the cases were instituted in the accountability court against the former prime minister. It stated Mr Sharif and his family members were subjected to “political victimisation at the hands of anti-democratic forces”.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2023

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ODI World Cup digest: New Zealand maintain perfect record; Warner vents at DRS

Phillips, Latham and the bowlers combine to down Afghanistan while Warner suggests umpire's decision stats should be shown on scoreboards

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Temba Bavuma: 'It is going to hurt, it should hurt'

South Africa captain admitted they "dropped the ball" after Netherlands scored 245 after being 112 for 6 in the 27th over

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Catherine Dalton becomes PSL’s first-ever female fast bowling coach, joins Multan Sultans

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans on Tuesday appointed former Irish cricketer Catherine Dalton as their fast bowling coach, making her the league’s first-ever female coach.

As per the franchise’s announcement, Catherine Dalton is an England Cricket Board (ECB) certified Level 3 coach. She has previously served as a coach at the National Fast Bowling Academy in the UK, the Rajasthan Cricket Association, and the Ultimate Pace Foundation in India.

With her appointment, Dalton now holds the distinction of being the first woman to assume a coaching role within a prominent men’s team, the Multan Sultans said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“Dalton is currently working with Multan Sultans’ youth academy in Lodhran.”

Reacting to the announcement, Dalton said “I am excited about this on multiple levels. The opportunity to work with such talented players is fantastic, I will be re-engaging with many I have worked with before.”

She remarked, “Being the first female fast bowling coach in men’s cricket is very humbling.”

Multan Sultans CEO Ali Khan Tareen lauded Catherine’s work with the Multan Sultans’ youth academies, noting that her contribution spoke for itself.

He further expressed, “We’re all looking forward to her bringing those skills to the main team.”

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'That's a massive boost for us' - Edwards pleased to get first big World Cup win out of the way

"Obviously, yeah, proud, I suppose, of the group, and putting in that performance, as a whole and being able to play my part"

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Sri Lanka's finishing failings exposed against Australia

Even though Sri Lanka have made large totals in recent games, a closer look reveals a deeper issue

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Australia thrash Sri Lanka to revive World Cup campaign

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa played through pain to return figures of 4-47 and help Australia down Sri Lanka by five wickets for their first win at the 2023 Cricket World Cup on Monday.

Five-time winners Australia bundled out Sri Lanka for 209, a total they overhauled in 35.2 overs at a windswept Ekana Stadium.

Zampa was named man of the match in Australia’s first win in three matches, but the 31-year-old said it had been tough coming into the match.

“To be honest, I wasn’t feeling great because I had a bit of a back spasm,” said Zampa.

“I was playing through it the last couple of days. Today I felt better, bowled better.” Former champions Sri Lanka slipped to a third loss in as many games.

The drama on the field may have been limited but that was not the case in the stands.

After rain interrupted Sri Lanka’s batting, strong winds brought scaffolding and hoardings crashing down onto the seats below.

With only around 3,000 people inside the 50,000-capacity ground, spectators managed to escape injury.

However, Australia’s reply was delayed when the umpires felt it unsafe to restart the match with high winds still a danger.

Once the game resumed, opener Mitchell Marsh smashed 52 and wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis made 58.

Marsh led the chase after Australia lost two early wickets of David Warner, for 11, and Steve Smith, for a duck, to slip to 24-2.

Marsh reached his first fifty in a World Cup off 39 balls but was soon run out after attempting a second run with Marnus Labuschagne, who hit 40.

Labuschagne and Inglis put on a key stand of 77 to deny the thin crowd of any late drama.

Left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka broke the partnership to send back Labuschagne for his third wicket and spinner Dunith Wellalage got Inglis.

But Glenn Maxwell, who hit a 21-ball 31, took the team home with Marcus Stoinis, who made 20, for company.

‘Outside noise’

Pat Cummins was under attack for his captaincy in the opening two losses.

“Outside noise doesn’t bother us too much,” said Cummins.

“All parts of the game came together at the end. We’re underway in the tournament and hope we keep it up.”

Madushanka had raised early hopes of a fightback for Sri Lanka after he trapped Warner and Smith — both lbw — in the same over.

The left-handed Warner reviewed his decision but the tracker showed the ball would have kissed leg stump and the batsman returned to the stands fuming.

Earlier Sri Lanka elected to bat first and started with a 125-run opening stand between Pathum Nissanka (61) and Kusal Perera (78) before the opposition bowlers hit back to end the innings in 43.3 overs.

Perera reached his fifty with a boundary off Stoinis amid applause from the dressing room and a few Sri Lankan fans.

Nissanka soon claimed his second successive half-century as Sri Lanka charged ahead.

Cummins dismissed Nissanka through a good outfield catch by Warner and then bowled Perera.

Zampa sent back skipper Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama on consecutive balls between overs to be on hat-trick avoided by Dhananjaya de Silva.

Rain interrupted play for about 25 minutes and the break only gave Australia more power to return with wickets as left-arm quick Mitchell Starc bowled De Silva.

Sri Lanka kept losing wickets and Zampa grabbed two more including Chamika Karunaratne, who was only called up to replace injured captain Dasun Shanaka at the weekend.

But Mendis remained confident of his batting line-up and said they “have six more matches to perform better”.

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In major relief, govt slashes petrol price by Rs40, HSD by Rs15

The caretaker government on Sunday slashed the price of petrol by Rs40 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs15 per litre for the next fortnight.

According to a notification from the Ministry of Finance, the new price of petrol is Rs283.38 and Rs303.18 for HSD.

It said the price revision was due to the variations in the international prices of petroleum products and the improvement in the exchange rate.

This is the second time in a row that the caretaker government is reducing petroleum prices after three fortnightly incre­ases.

In the previous change, it had cut the price of petrol by Rs8 per litre and that of high-speed diesel by Rs11 per litre.

Between Aug 15 and Sept 15, petrol and high-speed diesel prices had risen by Rs58.43 and Rs55.83 per litre, respectively, to historic highs of Rs331-333 per litre at the retail stage.

Earlier this week, the prices of HSD and petrol were projected to fall below Rs300 per litre in the coming review due to a significant drop in global oil rates and the rupee’s appreciation.

The dollar lost another 93 paise on Thursday to close at Rs278.58 in the interbank market, which did not react to the disappointing figure of remittances.

However, there were also chances of the interim government deciding otherwise, particularly in the case of high-speed diesel, which presently carries the petroleum development levy of Rs50 per litre compared to Rs60 on petrol.

The government aims to charge about Rs869 billion in levy on petroleum products during the current fiscal year’s budget target and commitments made with the Inter­national Monetary Fund (IMF).

Petrol and diesel prices have stayed above Rs300 per litre since September 1. Along with costly electricity, fuel has been the key driver of high consumer prices, pushing inflation to 31.4 per cent in September. Against this backdrop, the reduction could halt the rising inflationary trend.

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'Important you celebrate victories': Trott wants Afghanistan players to bask in their success

"We've got to move on quite quickly… but I think it's important that the guys enjoy it"

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Buttler: England must 'let defeat hurt' after Afghanistan spring World Cup shock

Off-colour display leaves world champions in danger of group-stage exit

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Six labourers shot dead in Turbat

GWADAR / QUETTA: At least six labourers were killed and two others inj­ured after gunmen barged into a house in Turbat during the small of hours of Saturday and opened indiscriminate fire.

“Two brothers, maternal uncle and his son were among the deceased,” officials said, adding that all belonged to Punjab and worked as construction workers in Turbat.

Police officials said the incident took place in Satellite Town, Turbat, when a group of armed men barged into a house and opened fire, targeting the labourers who were asleep in a room.

“Armed men used automatic weapons to kill the workers who were staying at an under-construction house owned by a local contractor named Naseer Ahmed,” a senior police officer said, adding that soon after receiving information, the police and personnel of other law enforcement agencies rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to a district hospital in Turbat.

“We have received six bodies with multiple bullet injuries, which caused their instant death,” hospital officials told Dawn.

They added the injured also received bullet injuries but their condition was stable.

Makran Division Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani said that a local contractor had hired these workers for the construction of his house in Satellite Town. They were sleeping in the same house when the assailants targeted them.

“All victims belonged to different areas of southern Punjab,” Mr Umrani told Dawn when reached on the phone in Turbat.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hunt for culprits

Meanwhile, investigators have started hunting for the culprits through geo-fencing and evidence collected from the site, he said, adding that efforts were underway to trace the culprits involved in the killings.

The deceased labourers were identified as Rizwan, Shehbaz, Wasim, Shafiq Ahmed, Muhammad Naeem, and Sikander while the injured included Ghulam Mustafa and Tuheed.

Officials said that the injured were sent to Multan along with their relatives via an aircraft of the Balochistan government after initial treatment while the bodies would be dispatched to their native areas on Sunday after completing all medico-legal formalities in Quetta. According to reports, the injured were shifted to Nishtar Medical College Hospital in Multan, for further treatment.

Additional Inspector General Police Jawad Ahmed Dogar who reached Turbat after the incident said that a joint team, comprising officials of CTD, Special Branch, police and other agencies was being set up to investigate the incident.

“At the moment, our investigation is at an initial stage and soon the elements involved in this brutality would be brought to justice.”

A survey will be carried out in Turbat and other areas to collect data of labourers working in Makran to make arrangements for their security.

This was not the first such attack in Makran. In 2015, 20 labourers were killed when armed men attacked their camp near Turbat.

Condemnations

Meanwhile, Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Kakar, Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Domki, Home Minister Zubair Ahmed Jamali, Information Minister Jan Achakzai and PPP Balochistan senior leader Syed Hasnain Ahmed Hashmi condemned the killings.

Chief Minister Domki has ordered the investigators to thoroughly examine the incident from all perspectives and submit a comprehensive report.

While taking notice of the attack, the CM suspended the Kech district superintendent of police and ordered a high-level probe into the tragic incident.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2023

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What is driving steady decline in dollar rate?

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan on Friday reported the closing price of the US dollar at Rs277.62 in the interbank market, a depreciation of 96 paise against the rupee.

Meanwhile, the open market reported the dollar price at Rs277 compared to Rs278 a day earlier, a decline of Re1.

This daily decline has become a routine matter for both the banking and open markets. The open market apparently has ample liquidity, which ultimately goes to banks and improves their foreign exchange reserves.

But when asked about the reason for this steady decline, bankers point to the central bank, saying that it sets the daily dollar rate for banks to follow.

But the SBP has a different point of view, stressing that the interbank currency trade is guided by a market-based exchange rate, based on supply and demand dynamics.

“The day-to-day decline in the dollar rate is simply the outcome of supply and demand of dollars in the interbank market,” SBP’s chief spokesman Abid Qamar told Dawn.

However, bankers still insist that the central bank is guiding the steady decline. They point to the fact that SBP is now the biggest buyer from the banking market, purchasing foreign exchange through forward booking by offering a slightly higher rate than the ready rate, despite the dollar having declined each day.

Bankers Dawn spoke to said exporters had already sold their future dollars at ready or forward rates. “The two-month forward is being offered at Re1 per dollar more than the ready rate, which is highly attractive for exporters witnessing a daily decline in the exchange rate,” said Atif Ahmed, a currency dealer in the interbank market.

“Despite the higher supply of dollars, the pressure on exchange rate is still there, particularly as demand from importers is increasing each day,” he said.

Currency dealers said an increase of 5.3 per cent in remittances in September was a positive sign after a declining trend for a long time.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2023

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Rohit says India in nice ‘rhythm’ ahead of Pakistan clash

India skipper Rohit Sharma on Friday said the team remains confident going into a “massive” World Cup clash with arch-rivals Pakistan at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

The two powerhouses renew their rivalry on Saturday at the 132,000-seater Narendra Modi Stadium, named after the Indian Prime Minister.

Favourites India have won their two opening matches of the 50-over showpiece event to get past five-time winners Australia and then Afghanistan.

Rohit said the team has momentum after they won the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and then beat Australia in a three-match series.

“Rhythm is very important. If you look at it in other terms, it is called momentum,” Rohit told reporters on the eve of the hotly-anticipated match.

“We have played seven or eight matches in India and before that in Sri Lanka and here too we played two matches of the World Cup.”

He added: “The bowlers have shown very good performances. Whether it is spinners or seamers, whenever they have got a chance to put pressure on the batsmen, they have done so. All the batsmen have scored runs.”

Tournament favourites India beat Australia by six wickets and then hammered Afghanistan by eight wickets riding on Rohit’s record seventh World Cup century on Wednesday.

India also enjoy an unbeaten record against Pakistan in seven World Cup meetings but Rohit doesn’t read too much into it.

“I am not a person who looks into all those kind of stats. We’ve got to play good cricket on that particular day to win the game and that is what we will be focusing on,” said Rohit.

“And how we are going to play good cricket, which is understanding the conditions, what is required from the team’s perspective and things like that.”

Pakistan ‘quality’

With Pakistan fans still awaiting visas to travel to India, the huge stadium is expecting a capacity home crowd for the key contest.

Rohit, who had earlier spoken about shutting out the outside noise for the big game, said the team’s focus remains on playing a quality opposition.

“Like I said many times before, in the context of it, yes, it’s a massive game. But for us, what is important is, we are playing an opposition tomorrow, which will be quality,” he said.

“So, we’ve just got to come against a quality opposition and play good cricket, which we’ve done in the last two games. And hopefully we can again show some consistency in our performance.”

India crushed Pakistan by 228 runs in the Asia Cup Super Four contest — their last ODI meeting — in Colombo last month.

But Rohit said there will be no “psychological advantage” against a side who have also won their first two matches in the World Cup.

“As I said, we should not pay too much attention to what is already over, he said.

“We should pay attention to the fresh day, the fresh opposition. Both the teams will start evenly. I don’t think there is a favourite or an underdog. “

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World intervention needed to end Gaza hostilities: Foreign Office

ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan has strongly condemned the “indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force” by Israeli forces against the civilian population in Gaza and called for an urgent intervention by global powers to cease hostilities.

“We are deeply concerned over the fast-deteriorating and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza due to the inhumane blockade and collective punishment by Israeli forces,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told reporters at a weekly briefing on Thursday.

“The decision to cut off electricity, fuel and water supplies is unjust and should be reversed, as it would severely impact the lives of the Palestinians residing in the enclave.”

The spokesperson dem­anded Israel to “bring an immediate end to its campaign of indiscriminate bombing against the people of Gaza”.

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Spokesperson says various options being discussed with OIC members to ease situation

“It should fulfil its obligations as an occupying power under international law, lift the blockade and allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.”

Ms Baloch added that the current cycle of aggression and violence was “a sad reminder and a direct consequence of over seven decades of illegal foreign occupation, aggression and disrespect for international law, including UNSC resolutions that recognise the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people”.

Urgent intervention

The unprecedented situation demanded urgent intervention by the international community, Ms Baloch said, and urged the UN to play a proactive role in facilitating a ceasefire to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“The international community must work in concert for a just, comprehensive and lasting two-state solution with a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Peace in the Middle East will remain elusive in the absence of such a solution.”

When asked if there was any consultation at the highest level among Muslim states about a practical strategy to end the blockade, the FO spokesperson said these consultations were taking place at the OIC head­quarters in Jeddah, where various options were being discussed.

“We have also noted the meeting which has been held by the Arab League, and we hope that the demands made by the Arab League are heeded by the Israeli authorities,” she remarked.

According to Ms Baloch, Pakistan’s Perma­nent Mission to the OIC was in consultation with other member countries, and discussions are ongoing for calling a special meeting of the OIC on the current situation in Palestine.

The spokesperson said Pakistan has always maintained that the only solution to the situation is a two-state solution and the creation of a state of Palestine established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. “We believe that this policy is in alignment with the wishes of the people of Pakistan”.

When asked if Pakistan sent any aid to earthquake-hit Afghanistan, she said Pakistan expr­essed deep sympathy with its Afghan brothers and sisters, as they face a very difficult situation following the earthquake.

“Pakistan also stands in solidarity with its Afghan brothers and sisters and remains in contact with the interim Afghan government to meet any needs that they may have during the relief and recovery efforts.”

Answering another question, she said a deadline of November 1 has been set for all aliens illegally living in Pakistan to leave the country.

.

She added after the de­­ad­line, the government will take action against those found to be violating Pak­istan’s immigration laws.

“There are different prescriptions within these laws, including deportation. This process will be completed in a phased and orderly manner.”

To a question about the killing of alleged TTP militants in Afghanistan, Ms Baloch welcomed actions taken by the Afghan authorities against the terror groups that threaten Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2023

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