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Tag: Pakistan

  • Canada To Be Next Pakistan? Justin Trudeau’s Khalistan-Appeasement Policy May Do That | Analysis India News

    It’s well known that Pakistan supported and nurtured terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) to use them against India. Such was Pakistan’s love for them that it not only funded these terrorist organizations but turned its soil into a safe haven for them. Today, there are many active terrorists organizations in Pakistan which have endangered the Islamic Republic’s security putting their people’s lives in danger. There is a saying – ‘You reap what you sow’. This is what is happening with Pakistan but it’s yet to realize its mistake and continues to sponsor terrorism against India.

    Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is also committing similar mistakes by harboring the pro-Khalistani elements for petty electoral gains. Trudeau’s party – the Liberal Party of Canada – is fast losing support among Canadian voters and thus, Trudeau is looking to appease the Sikh population who are around seven lakhs.

    The Canadian government has accused India of using the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistani elements. However, it has failed to give any hard proof for the allegations so far.

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a strong response to the Canadian government’s allegations, stating that while the Trudeau government is accusing India by mentioning Lawrence Bishnoi, it has shown leniency toward criminals associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. India has sent 26 extradition requests to the Canadian government, but no action has been taken. Furthermore, India has also appealed in 29 cases where wanted criminals should have been arrested, but Canada has failed to act on those as well.

    Surprisingly, Canada is ready to sacrifice its diplomatic relations with India for Khalistani terrorists. These terrorists often carry out large protests across Canada against India and have attacked Hindu temples across the country and even in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia in the past. The protest by Khalistani terrorists often create chaos and lead to a security situation. However, despite the fact, that Canada is harboring these declared terrorists for petty gains.

    Canada’s determination to sever diplomatic ties over the issue of Khalistani terrorists reflects that Justin Trudeau’s policies are purely driven by vote-bank politics. In an effort to appease certain groups, Trudeau has once again targeted India. While Trudeau claims to prioritize public safety, the actions of his government tell a different story. Here’s a significant piece of evidence: On May 17, 2024, Zee News requested data from the Canadian government regarding the entry of Khalistani terrorists into Canada, and the Canadian government shared shocking data.

    In 2021, 141 individuals with ties to Khalistani terrorism sought asylum in Canada, and 36 of them were granted entry. In 2022, the number of such applicants increased to 801, with 428 receiving approval. In 2023, 618 applications were submitted, explicitly stating support for Khalistani terrorism, and 364 individuals were allowed entry. By March 2024, 119 applications were submitted, and Canada approved the entry of 78 people with connections to Khalistani terrorism.

    This data highlights Trudeau’s policies of appeasement, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to public safety while allowing individuals with terrorist links into the country. Justin Trudeau is arguing for the security of Khalistani terrorists in his country but by sheltering Khalistani terrorists, he is posing a threat to India’s security. These statistics expose the double standards of the Canadian Prime Minister.

    Trudeau has also failed to understand that the Khalistani terrorists and Lawrence Bishnoi gang members have deep connections with Pakistani terrorist organizations. Sooner or later, if Trudeau fails to put a leash on them and cooperate with India over New Delhi’s extradition requests, it is only going to create internal anarchy for Canada. Meanwhile, Canadians can only hope Trudeau will return to his senses in time, else, the day is not far when Canada will turn into another Pakistan by becoming a home to multiple terror organizations.

  • PAK vs ENG 3rd Test 2024 Preview: Check Pakistan, England’s Probable XI, Venue, Squads, Live Streaming, Match Details, Timing And More | cricket news

    PAK vs ENG 3rd Test: Pakistan finally ended their 11-match and three-year winless streak at home by defeating England in the second Test at Multan by 152 runs, leveling the series at 1-1. The decisive third Test is set to begin on Thursday, October 24, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With both teams aiming to secure the series, Rawalpindi’s pace-friendly pitch could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.

    Rawalpindi’s Pace-Friendly Conditions

    After a spin-dominated second Test at Multan, the teams are set to face a completely different challenge at Rawalpindi, where the conditions will favor pace bowlers. This is a welcome relief for England, who struggled against spin in the second Test, losing all 20 wickets to Pakistan’s spinners.

    England’s Changes: Focus on Spin Despite Pace-Friendly Pitch

    Despite Rawalpindi’s reputation for assisting fast bowlers, England have made a surprising choice to bolster their spin attack. Rehan Ahmed, a promising leg-spinner, has been included in the playing XI for the third Test. Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts will make way for Rehan and Gus Atkinson, with the latter returning to add pace firepower to England’s bowling unit. England hopes their aggressive “Bazball” batting approach will be more effective on a quicker surface.

    Pakistan’s Strength in Pace, But Inconsistent Batting Remains a Concern

    Pakistan has traditionally been known for producing quality fast bowlers, and the Rawalpindi conditions should suit the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. However, their batting lineup has shown signs of inconsistency, which could spell trouble if the England pacers find movement early on. With captain Shan Masood and the experienced Mohammad Rizwan in charge, Pakistan will aim to put up solid batting performances to support their bowling attack.

    Pakistan vs England 3rd Test: Probable Playing XI

    Pakistan Probable XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (w), Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Aamer Jamal, Nauman Ali, Naseem Shah, Sajid Khan.

    England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

    Match Details: Pakistan vs England 3rd Test

    Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2024 Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi Toss Time: 10:00 AM IST Match Start: 10:30 AM IST

    ENG vs PAK 3rd Test: Live Telecast And Streaming Information

    Unfortunately, the Pakistan vs England 3rd Test will not be available for live telecast in India. However, fans can catch the action live through streaming on the FanCode app and website. With the series on the line, both teams will look to exploit the pace-friendly conditions in Rawalpindi, setting up an intriguing decider between Pakistan and England.

  • Virender Sehwag Advises Babar Azam: Play Domestic Cricket, Work On Fitness For Comeback | cricket news

    Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag took a dig at Pakistan batsman Babar Azam’s recent performance in international cricket and asked him to work on his fitness. Ahead of the second Test match against England in Multan, Pakistan’s selection committee took everyone by surprise after dropping the former Pakistan captain Babar Azam from the final two long-format matches of the series against the Three Lions.

    Kamran Ghulam was handed his maiden Test cap and placed to fill Babar’s position as Pakistan hunted to level down the series. The batting all-rounder was at the receiving end of criticism from some sections of fans before and during the Test.

    Despite a tough time, the 29-year-old showed grit and resilience against a fierce English bowling line-up to keep Pakistan in the thick of the action. With an array of shots, he kept the opposition on their toes and smashed 118 off 124 deliveries.

    Speaking on Shoaib Akhtar’s official YouTube channel, Sehwag said that Babar should take part in domestic cricket now and then make a comeback in international cricket as a mentally stronger player.

    “Babar Azam should play domestic cricket now. He should work on his fitness, spend some time with family, then come back to international cricket as a physically fitter and mentally stronger player,” Sehwag said.

    The former India cricketer added that the former Pakistan skipper has been more impacted mentally. The 46-year-old also asked Babar to be mentally strong. “With expectations from Babar decreasing and his resignation from captaincy, it seems he has been more impacted mentally than in terms of technique. He needs to stay mentally strong. He’s a talented player, and players like him tend to bounce back quickly,” he added.

    While Ghulam’s knock set the tone of the Test for Pakistan, it was Noman Ali and Sajid Khan who dictated the outcome with their spin prowess.

    The duo took all 20 wickets in the second Test, leaving England completely baffled in the process. While Sajid starred with his figures of 7/111 in the first innings, the plaudits belonged to Noman in the second innings for his splendid effort of 8/46.

    With a 125-run victory, Pakistan leveled the series at 1-1, taking the series decider to Rawalpindi, beginning on October 24.

  • Exclusive: Pakistan Eyes Kartarpur Corridor Expansion Ahead Of Agreement Renewal With India | India News

    As the first five-year agreement for the Kartarpur Corridor approaches its expiration in early November 2024, Pakistan is reportedly aiming to expand the corridor to include other significant Sikh pilgrimage sites, such as Nankana Sahib, which is about a three-hour drive from Gurdwara. Kartarpur Sahib. The initial agreement, signed in 2019, has facilitated visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to visit the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal district.

    The Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated on November 9, 2019, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, allows Indian pilgrims to cross into Pakistan without a visa, although certain conditions apply. Under the current agreement, up to 5,000 Indian pilgrims can visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib daily, with each pilgrim required to pay a service fee of $20. However, the actual number of daily visitors has fallen short of the anticipated 5,000, with fewer than 200 pilgrims visiting on average each day.

    Pakistan’s Proposed Expansion

    Ahead of the agreement’s renewal, sources suggest that Pakistan is likely to express interest not only in renewing the corridor but also in expanding its scope to include Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. This initiative would allow pilgrims to visit both Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib, two of the most sacred places in Sikhism. Additionally, Pakistan is reportedly considering a proposal to allow devotees to stay overnight at Kartarpur Sahib, rather than adhering to the current requirement to return to India by evening.

    “I have raised this matter at the highest forum in Pakistan, emphasizing that pilgrims coming from India should be allowed to stay for at least one night so they can have the privilege of listening to Gurbani at Rahras Sahib in the evening and during Amrit Vela, ” said Ramesh Singh Arora, a member of the Provincial Assembly of Pakistan’s Punjab. “At the same time, I urge our Sikh religious bodies, such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Committee, to make efforts to facilitate Indian devotees in visiting. Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib,” added Arora.

    However, logistical challenges remain. The distance between the two sites and the associated travel requirements could complicate any expansion plans. It is unclear how the proposal might be implemented or whether India would agree to the extended itinerary. Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the SGPC, has called for not only eliminating the $20 service fee but also scrapping the passport requirement for pilgrims. He noted that many residents of Punjab do not possess passports, which limits their ability to visit the holy site. These demands echo longstanding grievances, as Indian officials have repeatedly raised concerns about the service fee, labeling it an obstacle for pilgrims.

    Service Charge Debate

    The $20 service charge imposed by Pakistan has been a contentious issue since the corridor’s inception. Pakistani authorities argue that the fee is necessary to cover operational costs, including shuttle services, free meals (langar), medical facilities, and administrative support provided to the pilgrims. In contrast, Indian leaders have criticized it as a commercial imposition on a spiritual pilgrimage.

    Amid growing calls for a reduction or waiver of the service charge, Sikh authorities in Pakistan have suggested revising the fee structure. They have proposed that a collective fee of $20 could be applied to families, rather than charging each individual separately. They also recommended implementing a reduced fee for frequent visitors, subject to approval by the relevant ministries in Pakistan.

    Vikramjit Singh Sahney, a member of the Rajya Sabha, recently urged the Indian government to address the fee issue with Pakistan in upcoming negotiations. He highlighted the broader challenges faced by Sikh pilgrims and advocated for measures to ease access to the holy site.

    Significance of the Holy Sites

    Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, also known as Kartarpur Sahib, holds a unique place in Sikh history as the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who spent the last 18 years of his life there before passing away in 1539. Located roughly five kilometers from the India-Pakistan border, it has long been a beacon of devotion for Sikhs worldwide. Meanwhile, Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, is another pivotal site in Sikhism, making the proposed expansion of the corridor a potentially monumental development for the community.

    Corridor for Peace

    In recent years, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib has witnessed several family reunions of people separated by the India-Pakistan Partition, who had previously been unable to meet. This is why former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ambassador Ajay Basariya, referred to Kartarpur as both a “corridor of faith” and a “corridor for peace” in his public remarks.

    Broader Implications and Diplomatic Hurdles

    The expansion proposal comes at a time when India and Pakistan have not engaged in formal bilateral talks for nearly a decade. Renewing the Kartarpur Corridor agreement and addressing concerns such as the service fee could provide an opportunity for limited engagement between the two nations. However, it remains a significant challenge for India to persuade Pakistan to waive the $20 charge, especially in light of the broader diplomatic freeze.

    Financial and Operational Aspects

    Pakistan claims to have invested PKR 16.2 billion in the development of the Kartarpur Corridor. The service fee has been justified as a means to recoup some of these expenses, though the issue remains a sore point between the two governments. At the same time, India has not only established the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Dera Baba Nanak, dedicated to the Sri Kartarpur Corridor, but has also invested billions of INR in developing the road network leading up to the ICP. Pakistan, for its part, has constructed a 400-metre-long bridge; however, the final phase of connecting the bridge remains incomplete even after five years.

    With the current agreement set to expire, the terms of the renewed pact, including the potential expansion to Nankana Sahib, are likely to be central to discussions. Both sides will have to weigh the religious, logistical, and financial aspects of any changes. As the Kartarpur Corridor enters its next phase, the aspirations for its expansion underscore its symbolic significance and the complex interplay of religion, politics, and diplomacy between India and Pakistan. Whether these aspirations will materialize depends on the willingness of both nations to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunity to foster greater connectivity and understanding.

  • PAK Vs ENG 2nd Test Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Pakistan Vs England Second Match Live On TV, Mobile Apps, Online | cricket news

    PAK vs ENG: The second Test between Pakistan and England is set to begin in Multan today, Tuesday, October 15, as the home side looks to recover from a heavy defeat in the series opener. England took a commanding win in the first Test by an innings and 47 runs, despite Pakistan scoring over 500 runs in their first innings. The victory handed England a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

    Ben Stokes Returns

    Ahead of the second Test, England has been boosted by the return of their captain, Ben Stokes. The star all-rounder missed the first match due to a hamstring injury but has been declared fit to play in Multan. Stokes’ return will further strengthen an already dominant England side, who are in good form as they sit fourth on the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table with 93 points from 17 matches.

    Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Dropped From Pakistan’s Squad

    In a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes to the squad, resting several senior players. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed have been dropped, allowing some fresh faces to step up. Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, and Sajid Khan have been called up to the squad, while spinners Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood make a return after being released following the first Test.

    Here are all the details about livestreaming the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test:

    When is the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match?- Date

    The Pakistan vs England 1st Test match will be played on Tuesday, October 15.

    When will the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match take place?

    The Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match will begin at 10:30 AM (IST).

    Where is the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match going to be played?

    The Pakistan vs England 1st Test match will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium.

    PAK Vs ENG Test Live Streaming: Where to watch the live broadcast of the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match?

    Sky Sports Network has acquired broadcasting rights for England vs Pakistan Test series 2024. They will also be available for live streaming on Sky Sports Main Event.

    PAK Vs ENG Test Live Streaming: How to watch the live-streaming of the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match?

    The Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match can be live-streamed on FanCode app, TamashaWeb app and website in India.

    With England’s impressive performance in the first Test and the return of their captain, Ben Stokes, Pakistan faces an uphill battle to level the series. The second Test in Multan promises to be a crucial encounter as the home side looks to regroup and fight back against a formidable England side.

  • Can India Still Qualify For Women’s T20 World Cup Semi-Finals? Check All Possible Scenarios After Loss To Australia | cricket news

    T20 WC 2024: India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, suffered a heartbreaking nine-run loss to Australia in a crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With Australia already securing their place in the semi-finals, India now finds their own chances of progressing hanging in the balance. The narrow defeat has significantly dented their hopes of reaching the semi-finals, leaving their fate dependent on the outcome of the final group-stage clash between New Zealand and Pakistan.

    Australia Prevails In A Nail-Bitter

    Batting first, Australia posted a competitive total of 151/8 in their 20 overs. Despite a disciplined bowling effort from India, Australia’s middle-order batters managed to push their score past the 150-run mark, setting India a tough target. India’s chase started well, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading from the front with a resilient 54, but they faltered under pressure in the final stages of the match. Needing 10 runs off the last over, India could only manage 142/9 in their 20 overs, falling agonizingly short by 9 runs.

    Harmanpreet’s innings kept India in the hunt, but with her stranded at the non-striker’s end during the crucial final over, India’s hopes were dashed as wickets tumbled at the other end.

    IND vs NZ: Semi-Final Qualification Scenarios

    India’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals now hinge on the outcome of New Zealand’s final group-stage match against Pakistan. Here are the scenarios:

    New Zealand Win: If New Zealand defeat Pakistan in any manner, India will be knocked out of the tournament, and New Zealand will secure the second semi-final spot.

    Pakistan Win Big: If Pakistan manages a resounding victory, surpassing both India and New Zealand’s net run rate (NRR), Pakistan will leapfrog into second place, eliminating India.

    Pakistan Win Narrowly: If Pakistan wins but fails to improve their NRR significantly, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan will all be tied with 4 points each. In this case, India, who currently has a higher NRR (+0.322) than New Zealand (+0.282), would progress to the semi-finals.

    India’s Disappointing Journey

    India’s World Cup campaign has been filled with ups and downs. After losing their tournament opener against New Zealand by 58 runs, India bounced back with back-to-back wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which reignited their semi-final hopes. However, the loss to the defending champions, Australia, has now left India on the brink of elimination.

    Last Hope For India

    India’s qualification hopes are now ironically in the hands of their arch-rivals Pakistan. If Pakistan defeats New Zealand on Monday, India stands a chance of making it through to the next stage. A loss for New Zealand would keep India alive in the competition, but anything short of that will bring an end to India’s World Cup journey.

    India’s heavy loss to New Zealand and their close win against Pakistan earlier in the tournament have kept their net run rate intact, but they will now be hoping for a favorable result in the final group-stage match to keep their World Cup dream alive.

  • ‘Babar Azam Should Be Dropped’: Ex-Pakistan Legend Calls For Star Batsman’s Exclusion From Test Squad | cricket news

    Former Pakistan cricket legend Zaheer Abbas, famously known as the “Asian Bradman,” has made a bold statement regarding Babar Azam’s place in the Pakistan Test team. Speaking at the Cricket Predicta Conclave in Ajman, UAE, during the 100th episode celebration of the international cricket talk show, Zaheer voiced his opinion on Babar’s recent struggles.

    “Babar Azam should be dropped from the team if he’s not scoring runs. He’s our main batsman, and if he’s out of form, he should be out of the team,” said Zaheer. His remarks come after Babar’s string of low scores in Pakistan’s recent Test series against Bangladesh, where he managed just 0, 22, 11, and 31, contributing to Pakistan’s defeat in the series.

    Adding to the pressure on Babar, his name was recently removed from the ICC top 10 Test batsmen rankings for the first time in years. This slump in form has ignited debates about Babar’s place in the team, especially after Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they suffered defeats to the USA and India, leading to their group-stage elimination.

    Zaheer also dismissed ongoing comparisons between Babar and Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, calling them “pointless” given their current form. “The comparisons are meaningless. Virat Kohli scores in every match; Babar doesn’t score in any match. So how can you compare? The one who scores is the bigger player,” Zaheer added.

    With Pakistan’s next assignment being the Test series against England as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, starting in Multan on October 7, all eyes will be on Babar’s performance.

    Babar Azam Steps Down As White Ball Captain

    In a surprising move that has once again shaken the Pakistan cricket world, star batsman Babar Azam has stepped down as the captain of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams for the second time in less than a year. Babar, who announced his resignation on social media on October 2, 2024, cited the increased workload of captaincy as the key reason behind his decision. His departure from the leadership role has ignited widespread discussions about his form, future, and the trajectory of Pakistan cricket.

    In his statement, Babar emphasized his desire to prioritize his performance, stating, “By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game.” For Pakistan cricket fans, the hope is that this move will allow Babar to once again rise to the top as one of the game’s premier players.

  • Amid ‘Political Chaos’ In Pak, Maryam Says ‘Doesn’t Know Long I’ll Remain CM’ | world news

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, whose party heads the ruling coalition in Pakistan, on Wednesday said that if the “political chaos” continues in the country, even she wasn’t sure how long she will remain in office.

    Addressing a ceremony in Faisalabad city, the daughter of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif said that ambassadors of different countries are also raising serious concerns over “political chaos” in Pakistan.

    “The political chaos continues in the country and even I don’t know how long I will remain in office (of CM),” she said.

    “Today, an ambassador of a country met (ex-premier) Nawaz Sharif and me, and inquired about ‘political chaos’ in Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif told him that political upheaval is not a new thing in Pakistan as he has grown older seeing this. Maryam said.

    On Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong called on both Nawaz and Maryam in Lahore. A day earlier, US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome met the father and daughter and discussed the ongoing political situation in the country.

    Maryam’s uncle Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

    Since the last two years political instability has been on the rise in Pakistan with the country’s most popular party – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – is in loggerheads with the military establishment.

    PTI supremo and former prime minister Imran Khan has been in jail for over one year in multiple cases and the military establishment is accused of installing a hybrid regime of Shehbaz Sharif after massively rigging early this year’s general election which the PTI claims it had won with a two-thirds majority.

    There are reports that ‘friendly countries’ are reluctant to invest in Pakistan because of persistent political chaos.

  • Massive Oil, Gas Reserves Found In Pakistan; Can It Change The Cash-Strapped Country’s Destiny? | Economy News

    Islamabad: A substantial deposit of petroleum and natural gas has been discovered in Pakistan’s territorial waters, a cache so large its exploitation could change the country’s destiny, according to a media report.

    A three-year survey was undertaken in collaboration with a friendly country to verify the presence of the oil and gas reserves, DawnNewsTV quoted a senior security official as saying on Friday.

    The geographic survey has allowed Pakistan to identify the location of the deposits, and the relevant departments have informed the government of the resources found in Pakistani waters.

    Terming it an effort to benefit from what he called the ‘blue water economy’, the official said that proposals for bidding and exploration were being studied, meaning that the exploration work can be started in the near future.

    However, he said the work of digging wells and actually getting oil out could take several years.

    But the ‘blue water economy’ can yield more than just oil and gas; there are several other valuable minerals and elements that can be mined from the ocean.

    The official said that taking the initiative and acting quickly could help turn around the country’s economic fortunes.

    Some estimates suggest that this discovery constitutes the fourth-largest oil and gas reserves in the world.

    Currently, Venezuela is thought to be the leader in oil reserves with around 3.4 billion barrels, while the US has the most untapped shale oil reserves.

    Saudi Arabia, Iran, Canada and Iraq constitute the rest of the top five.

    While talking to DawnNewsTV, former Ogra (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) member Muhammad Arif said even though the country should remain optimistic, there’s never 100 per cent certainty that the reserves would be discovered as expected.

    When asked if these reserves are enough to meet the country’s energy needs, he said it depends on the size and recovery rate of the production.

    “If this is a gas reserve, it can replace LNG imports and if these are oil reserves, we can substitute imported oil.” However, he cautioned that it is “wishful thinking” until the prospects for the reserves are analysed and the drilling process begins.

    He pointed out that exploration alone required a hefty investment of around USD 5 billion and it might take four to five years to extract reserves from an offshore location.

    He said if the exploration resulted in the discovery of reserves, then further investment would be needed for wells and laying down the infrastructure to extract the reserves and produce fuel, reported Dawn.

  • ICC Inspection Team To Visit Pakistan To Assess Preparations For Champions Trophy 2025, India’s Participation Still Uncertain. cricket news

    Champions Trophy 2025: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to send a delegation to Pakistan in the coming weeks to assess the country’s preparations for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. According to a reports, the ICC team will arrive within the next 10 days to inspect key venues and facilities. This visit will be crucial to determine Pakistan’s readiness to host the prestigious tournament, marking its return to global cricketing events after a long hiatus.

    Following the ICC’s inspection, the governing body is expected to announce the tournament’s schedule and initiate the sale of tickets.

    Major Upgrades Underway at Pakistan’s Key Venues

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been working extensively to ensure world-class facilities for the event. Earlier this year, the PCB allocated Rs 12.80 billion for the upgradation of three key stadiums: Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium. These venues will host the matches of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and the upgrades aim to elevate their infrastructure to meet international standards.

    India’s Participation Still Uncertain

    While preparations are in full swing, India’s participation in the tournament remains uncertain due to geopolitical tensions between the two nations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that it will follow the Indian government’s directives regarding the team’s involvement in the tournament. Relations between India and Pakistan have historically impacted cricketing ties, with India refusing to travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, leading to their matches being held in Sri Lanka.

    PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that discussions with the BCCI are ongoing. “We are in touch with the boards of the teams participating in the tournament,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by Geo News. Naqvi also expressed confidence in the smooth execution of the tournament and highlighted that there are no concerns regarding Jay Shah’s recent appointment as the ICC chairman.

    Jay Shah’s New Role As ICC Chairman

    Jay Shah, who was unanimously elected as the new chairman of the ICC last month, will step down from his roles as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the BCCI secretary. His election to the top post is significant, with many eyes now on how India’s role in international cricket evolves under his leadership. Shah’s elevation also signifies the growing influence of Indian cricket on the global stage, as he joins a prestigious list of Indian officials who have headed the ICC.

    PCB Confident Ahead Of Champions Trophy

    The PCB remains optimistic about the success of the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite uncertainties surrounding India’s participation, Naqvi emphasized that preparations are on track and that he is working closely with the ICC and participating boards. “The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, and we are in touch with the boards of the teams participating in the tournament,” he reiterated.