Quaid Trophy: Northern, KP register impressive victories

KARACHI: Northern and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) recorded impressive wins over their respective rivals Balochistan and Central Punjab to stay alive in the penultimate round of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy (first-class) here on Thursday.Northern overpowered Balochistan by eight wickets, their second win which propelled them to the third spot.On the fourth and final day of the ninth round fixture here at UBL Sports Complex Northern chased the 192-run target in 32.2 overs, scoring at an impressive run-rate of 5.94.Ali Sarfraz and Faizan Riaz remained unbeaten on 95 and 52, respectively. The duo put on 118 for the third-wicket unbroken stand after openers Umar Amin (0) and Zeeshan Malik (37) fell cheaply. Ali cracked 15 fours and a six in his blistering knock which lasted for 87 balls. Faizan smashed four fours and four sixes in his 43-ball effort.Earlier in the day, Balochistan added 44 runs to their overnight score of 189-8 before being skittled out for 233 after having conceded a 42-run first innings lead. Stumper Bismillah Khan, who was on 32 on Wednesday, marched on to his first-class career’s 20th fifty, scoring 69 off 101 balls with six fours and two sixes. Northern captain Nauman Ali bagged his fifth five-wicket haul of the tournament, most for any bowler this season. The left-arm orthodox returned five for 75. He was supported by Waqas Ahmed, who claimed 4-72.Balochistan scored 300 in their first innings. In response Northern made 342. After gaining 22 points from the match, Northern jumped to the third spot on the table with 106 points. They were ranked fourth before the commencement of the ninth round. Balochistan, at the bottom of the points table, are out of the race for the final. Northern take on second-ranked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at State Bank Stadium in Karachi in the final round which begins on December 2. Balochistan play Sindh, ranked fifth and also out of the contention for final, at the National Stadium. Meanwhile here at the NBP Sports Complex Khyber Pakhtunkhwa handed Central Punjab their first defeat of the season as they recorded a 211-run win. Central Punjab, chasing 325, were bowled out for 113 in the afternoon session.M Saad and Umar Akmal, who resumed their innings on the overnight scores of one and 0, showed resistance in the earlier part of the morning session, adding 45 for the fifth-wicket.But, Central Punjab began losing wickets, one after another, after drinks and were 89 for seven at lunch.Umar top-scored with 43 from 76 balls, hitting seven fours, while Saad made 12 from 50 balls.KP dismissed remaining three wickets in the earlier half of the second session with leg-spinner M Mohsin doing most of the damage with three for 34.Usman Salahuddin was not out on 29 from 118 balls. He hit two fours and a six.KP scored 355 and 197-7 declared. Central Punjab made 228 in their first innings.This is KP’s second consecutive win in the tournament and they stand at 119 points at the second spot. Central Punjab, despite defeat, still lead the table with 120 points.Here at National Stadium, Abdul Rehman Muzammil stroked his way to a century as the match between Southern Punjab and Sindh ended in a draw.Muzammil scored an undefeated 103 off 209 balls with 14 fours and two sixes.As soon as the right-hander reached his hundred, the bails were drawn as no result was in sight as Southern Punjab were 236-5 in 75.4 overs. He added 138 for the fourth-wicket with Sohaib Maqsood (76 off 107).When Southern Punjab started their second innings all-rounder Anwar Ali, who had taken 5-75 in the first innings, dismissed Sami Aslam (4) and Zeeshan Ashraf (3) cheaply.Muzammil and Sohaib then played aggressively on a flat track. Sohaib struck 11 fours and three sixes in his 107-ball knock. After tea, Southern Punjab lost Adnan Akmal for one. The drawn match saw five centuries from both teams with Fawad Alam scoring 211 and Sarfaraz 131 for Sindh while Zeeshan Ashraf, Adnan Akmal and Muzammil were the century-makers for Southern.Southern Punjab posted 517-9 in their first innings. In response Sindh were bowled out for 486.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2q0JiaV

Read More

Population may face severe dengue fever outbreak in future

Rawalpindi :The on-going dengue fever outbreak particularly the pattern of spread of infection this year in this region of the country convinced a number of health experts to believe that the population may face more severe dengue fever outbreak in future if necessary preventive measures are not taken by the concerned authorities well in time next year.Experts say that the best way to avoid a severe outbreak in future is in-time proper preventive measures including larvae identification and elimination campaigns along with launching of effective awareness campaigns on permanent basis and provision of mosquito repellents free of cost to public at least in high-risk areas and districts.It is important that before 2006, dengue fever did not pose serious threat to public health though there had been dengue fever outbreaks but limited in nature and in limited regions. After 2006, the infection emerged out as a greater health threat claiming number of lives every year and now the situation has changed as dengue virus has spread almost all over Pakistan due to increased number of infected people among population.With well over 51000 confirmed cases of dengue fever along with at least 84 deaths so far caused by the infection in 2019, the situation may take an alarming turn in the year to come if proper preventive and control measures are not taken by the concerned authorities in general and individuals in particular.The severity of dengue fever outbreak in the region can be gauged by the fact that the three allied hospitals in town received over 87000 patients at dengue outpatient departments from August 14 to date while 14800 patients were admitted at the three hospitals for management. A total of 11961 patients were tested positive for the infection that has claimed 41 lives so far at the allied hospitals.The recent dengue fever outbreak is the most severe in nature in the history of Pakistan and many health experts say that to avoid further loss of lives and huge burden of dengue fever patients in future, the federal and the provincial governments should launch effective awareness campaigns by using simple modes of communication including pictorial material on permanent basis through billboards and not through hanging banners that are vanished away after a month or so.It is also believed that the outbreak in future cannot be averted only through awareness campaign instead the government authorities should have to provide mosquito repellents and insecticides free of cost to public at least in high-risk areas and districts.The dengue fever outbreak has proved to be much deadly this year and according to health experts, the government should motivate individuals to join hands with the health departments in averting possibly a more deadly dengue fever outbreak in future. It is possible by enabling individuals to do so by providing repellents and insecticides at community level.Dengue fever is caused by the bite of an infected female mosquito ‘aedes aegypti’ and elimination of its larvae and adult population is much important to avoid outbreak of the infection.

from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2Ds2hhG

Read More

Sustainable development through balanced population growth stressed

Islamabad :Balanced population growth is critical for Pakistan to achieve sustainable development and put the country on the path of progress.This was highlighted at a panel discussion organised by the Population Council on the inaugural day of the 20th Annual Population Research Conference of Population Association of Pakistan.The new narrative on population developed by the Population Council through a consultative process was introduced which is based on promoting a rights-based approach. The parents according to the new narrative, have the right to freely and responsibly decide the number and spacing of their children to able to fulfil the fundamental rights of the children by maintaining a Balance between their family size and resources. And the government and society have the responsibility to facilitate parents to achieve this balance by providing universal access to family planning information and services, thereby achieving sustainable development.Addressing the audience, Dr. Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to Prime Minister for National Health Services endorsed the national narrative on population and highlighted the importance of creating a balance between population size and resources. Reaffirming government’s role in providing quality family planning services to the citizens, Dr. Mirza said the Ministry had piloted a model community welfare centre in Islamabad which will provide comprehensive family planning and health services to the communities. “The government is providing modern contraceptives through its service delivery network across Pakistan. I urge the provincial and regional governments to integrate family planning services with health services to improve overall quality of life for our people,” he added. The talk hosted a panel of parliamentarians, senators, civil society and media on the population narrative and impact of rapid population growth on country’s development.Senator Farhat Ullah Babar, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh, Kanwal Shauzab, Parliamentary Secretary Planning Development & Reform, Muhammad Malick, head of HUM News and youth representative Ali Moeen Nawazish took part in the discussion. Highlighting the impact of fast population growth, Ali Moeen Nawazish stressed on developing awareness campaigns for youth on family planning and cross sectoral impact of population growth on national life.Senator Farhat Ullah Babar (PPPP) lauded the new narrative and assured Pakistan Peoples Party’s support for the new narrative besides unconditional support for any legislation on these issues in the parliament.Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed (PML) said that there has been lack of political commitment on the issue of population in Pakistan. Even though there is an overall consensus across party lines on this issue, there is a need to show collective will through supportive legislation to promote family planning.

from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2ORvWpW

Read More

Power shutdowns irk Pindiites

Rawalpindi: Power shutdowns of up to 8 to 10 hours every second day in all areas of the city and cantonment board areas have not only affected routine life of citizens but also damaging all business activities of electricians, welders, mechanics, barbers, service stations etc., thanks to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) for continuing annual maintenance work for over six months.The working at all allied hospitals and government offices including commissioner office, deputy commissioner office, Metropolitan Corporation office, RDA office, PHA office, Solid Waste Management office, RCB office, CCB office has also been affected due to the shutdowns. Most of them are using generators for work.Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) Personal Secretary to Chief Officer Muhammad Ishtiaq told ‘The News’ that they continue maintenance work in winter season. “We are trying to provide uninterrupted power supply to our consumers but maintenance work is necessary,” he added. He said that Iesco has hired labour for cutting unnecessary trees that are creating hurdles in power supply. “Maintenance work will continue during December and January as well,” he said. On the other hand the residents of affected areas also face worst water shortage during long hours of power shutdowns every second day. Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is also facing difficulties in sending water tankers to citizens due to prolonged power shutdowns.

from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/37IAJ5r

Read More

Film ‘Badal’ screening today

Jamal Shah’s film Badal (Revenge of the Worthless) comes to Islamabad Club today (Friday) at 3 pm at final screening of Islamabad Art Festival 19.The film takes us back to 2005 insurgency in the Swat Valley when the extremist forces take over, they distort the narrative. Terrorism destroys the peace and serenity. Tolerance and democratic values go down the drain. Out of rigidity, comes a ray of hope but a heavy price paid with life. A family insists on staying in their ancestral home and fight against the injustice. Tragedy strikes.‘Badal’ comes with extremely rich production and competent technical effects. Based on true events, the film was lensed with great difficulty on original locations and the film crew had to walk miles(with the heavy equipment).Director: Jamal ShahProducer: Amna ShahCast: Jamal Shah, Ayub Khoso, Firdous Jamal, Shamil Khan

from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2OWPvx1

Read More

CDA generates Rs82m from approval of building plans

Islamabad : The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has generated Rs82 million on account of approvals of lay out plans and completions of different buildings in the approved housing societies falling in the territorial limit of the Islamabad during the last two months.Due to effective policies of the incumbent management, authority is not only attaining financial stability but gradually problems and issues of the residents are being addressed in addition to ensuring implementation of laws, the spokesman of CDA said.During the last two months, total 2,665 cases regarding approval of building plans were received in the authority out of which 1,643 cases were approved, while remaining cases are under process or are in pending status due to non-submission of pay orders, non-fulfilment of codal formalities and violations of approved lay out plans.Similarly, 509 cases regarding completion of buildings were submitted in the authority out of which 354 have been disposed of while rest are in process or are in pending status due to non-fulfilment of codal formalities and violation of building bye-laws. The exercise which was initiated for regulating construction activities in the housing societies falling in territorial limits of the capital city has started bearing its fruits as not only building control is being exercised in these societies but handsome revenue is also being generated in addition to redressal of problems of the people residing in these societies.In this connection, authority has activated its Building Control Directorate -II and strengthened it with required staffing so that early disposal of cases could be ensured. It is pertinent to mention here that incumbent management of the authority has taken various initiatives aimed to ensure discipline in all spheres. Multipronged policies were introduced and initiatives were taken which are beneficial for the city coupled with a permanent source of revenue for the authority.

from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/37JevQS

Read More

Call for preserving art, culture

Islamabad :Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training and National History and Literary Heritage Shafqat Mehmood on Thursday stressed the need to highlight the importance of the art and culture of Pakistan and preserve the country's rich historical and cultural heritage.He was addressing a ceremony after inaugurating the 'International Conference and Exhibition on Aesthetic Encounter between Traditions and Modernity in Pakistani Art and Culture' at the COMSATS University here.The event is part of a 10-day series of activities being organised as part of the Islamabad Art Festival 2019.The organisers underlined and emphasized the importance and the role of universities in the development of art and culture of Pakistan.The minister praised the university for becoming a hub of arts and literary activities.He said that the government had given immense importance to the preservation of the Kalaash civilisation and was actively engaged with UNESCO in preserving and passing on cultural heritage to future generations.The minister also appreciated the Islamabad Art Festival for bringing together a large number of artists from across the country under one roof.CUI Rector Dr. Raheel Qamar said that cultural diversity was a vital social and traditional resource that must be embraced as a unifying bond in Pakistani modern art."The traditional arts are the backbone of our cultural heritage and in this constantly changing world they give a distinct identity to our modern arts," he said.The rector said the main focus of the conference was to concentrate on building a bridge between the traditional arts and modern arts of Pakistan and highlight the importance of creating the modern identity of Pakistani art based on its cultural heritage.President of IAF2019 Jamal Shah, who was the keynote speaker of the conference, talked about the importance of traditions and modernity and how to bring them together for a unique modern identity of Pakistan.Later participants were shown the works of local and foreign artists, including miniature art, new materials, and media for aesthetic expression.

from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/35HPHHa

Read More