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Pakistan Football Federation announces women’s futsal team participation in next year’s Asian Cup

Pakistan Football Federation announces women’s futsal team participation in next year’s Asian Cup
The photo posted on August 11, 2023, shows the Pakistani football team captain Maria Khan, during a match. (Photo courtesy: @EasternFlamesFC/Twitter)
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Updated 29 June 2024
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Pakistan Football Federation announces women’s futsal team participation in next year’s Asian Cup

Pakistan Football Federation announces women’s futsal team participation in next year’s Asian Cup
  • Futsal, a dynamic indoor variant of soccer played with a smaller ball, emphasizes skill and control over physical power
  • The competition will mark the first time the national women’s futsal squad will compete in any premier competition
Updated 29 June 2024
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced on Saturday the participation of the country’s national women’s futsal squad in the Asian Cup tournament next year, marking it their first competition under the auspices of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Futsal, a dynamic indoor variant of soccer played with a smaller, harder ball, emphasizes skill and control over physical power, and is popular in countries like Brazil, Portugal, and Spain. Recognized by major soccer organizations, including FIFA, the game’s focus on quick passing and space management has contributed to its growing global appeal.
“I am pleased to announce that the PFF has confirmed the participation of the Women’s Futsal team in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025,” PFF Chairman Haroon Malik said in a statement. “This participation highlights PFF’s commitment to developing women’s futsal in Pakistan and providing our players with opportunities to compete at the international level.”
To prepare for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025, the PFF has organized five Futsal National Cup (FNC) competitions in major cities across Pakistan.
The qualification round for the tournament will begin at the start at the outset of the next year, with the round of 12 set to take place in May 2025.
Pakistani authorities have been actively seeking to diversify athletic interests and skills beyond the nation’s predominant passion for cricket, promoting sports like futsal to broaden the athletic landscape.
Despite the cultural and social hurdles, these efforts include encouraging more participation among women, who rarely have opportunities to engage in sports and international competitions.

Topics: Pakistan women football team

Grand jirga brokers ‘indefinite ceasefire’ in Pakistan district after sectarian clashes— official

Grand jirga brokers ‘indefinite ceasefire’ in Pakistan district after sectarian clashes— official
Updated 20 sec ago
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Grand jirga brokers ‘indefinite ceasefire’ in Pakistan district after sectarian clashes— official

Grand jirga brokers ‘indefinite ceasefire’ in Pakistan district after sectarian clashes— official
  • Sectarian clashes between Shiite and Sunni tribes have killed 133, injured over 170 since Nov. 21
  • Shiite and Sunni jirga members say resolving land disputes key to avoiding future conflicts in Kurram
Updated 20 sec ago
REHMAT MEHSUD

ISLAMABAD: A grand council of elders formed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has brokered a ceasefire in the restive Kurram district for an indefinite period, an official said on Friday, where sectarian clashes since last month have killed at least 133. 

The KP government this week formed the grand jirga or council of elders comprising former parliamentarians and senators from tribal districts, with representation from both the Sunni and Shiite sects, to broker a truce between warring tribes. The decision was taken after clashes in the volatile Kurram district killed 133 and injured 171 since Nov. 21. 

Pakistan is a Sunni-majority country, but Kurram has a large Shiite population, and the communities have clashed for decades. The latest round of clashes broke out in the restive district after a caravan of Shiites was attacked in Parachinar town last Thursday, killing 41. 

“The grand jirga held individual as well as collective settings with both the sides and after the hours-long deliberations, agreed on a ceasefire in Kurram district for an indefinite period,” Commissioner Kohat Division Syed Motasim Billah Shah told Arab News. 

“And the bunkers will remain empty until the final decision of the grand jirga.”

Javedullah Mehsud, Kurram district’s deputy commissioner, said authorities were using a “multi-pronged policy” to resolve the issue, which included the deployment of security officials in sensitive locations and the jirga engaging in talks with rival sides. 

“The jirga is heading in the right direction and we expect a permanent ceasefire in the next three, four or five days,” Mehsud told Arab News. 

Shaheen Bangash, a Sunni member of the council, said both warring tribes earnestly want peace and harmony. However, he doubted the jirga could succeed in striking a peace deal. 

“De-weaponizing Kurram region was the shortest possible route to avoid bloody clashes in future,” he said. 

Bangash urged the government to help resolve land disputes in Kurram, pointing out that in most cases, a small dispute developed into an armed clash leading to tensions. 

“The government, Shiite and Sunni are the three main stakeholders in the Kurram saga,” Bangash said.” And there are a few people who created constant disharmony in this sensitive region.”

Since last Thursday, days of fighting with light and heavy weapons have brought the region to a standstill, with major roads closed and mobile phone services cut as the death toll surged.

Kurram police spokesperson Riaz Hussain told Arab News that no fresh clashes had been reported during the last two days. 

However, he said the main highways connecting the district with Peshawar and other adjacent areas such as the Thall-Parachinar Road had been blocked for the movement of passenger vehicles.

“The ceasefire is so far in place in Kurram and no fresh firing incident has been reported as of yet,” he added.

Hajji Abid Hussain, a Shiite elder and former president of Anjuman-e- Hussainia Parachinar, the biggest social, religious and political platform of the Shiite community in the district, told Arab News that he was optimistic about the jirga’s progress in maintaining peace in the area. 

Hussain, also a member of the jirga, was also of the view that resolving small land disputes was a prerequisite to ensure lasting peace in the district. 

“The jirga members are shuttling between both the rival sides, holding negotiations with the elders,” he said. “I’m very optimistic that a breakthrough to achieve durable ceasefire is expected very soon.” 

Topics: kurram kurram district parachinar Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur Grand Jirga

Pakistan advises citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Syria amid civil war

Pakistan advises citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Syria amid civil war
Updated 58 min 37 sec ago
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Pakistan advises citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Syria amid civil war

Pakistan advises citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Syria amid civil war
  • Syria’s armed opposition forces last week launched largest offensive against government in years
  • Pakistan urges nationals against traveling unnecessarily to Syria until the situation improves
Updated 58 min 37 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign ministry on Friday urged its nationals in Syria to exercise “extreme caution” and avoid unnecessary travel to the country, as fears of civilian casualties rise amid fierce clashes between government and opposition forces there. 

A coalition of Syrian armed opposition forces last week launched their largest offensive against the government in years, raising fears of instability in the Middle East. 

The armed forces swept through villages outside Aleppo last week and now say they control much of the city, meeting little resistance as the Syrian military quickly withdrew.

“In view of the recent developments and evolving situation in Syria, Pakistan nationals are advised to avoid unnecessary travel or visit to Syria until the situation improves,” the foreign ministry said in its latest advisory. 

“Those currently in Syria are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain in contact with the Embassy of Pakistan in Damascus,” it added. 

Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Thursday expressed alarm at the escalating violence in Syria and called for a de-escalation in violence. 

The Syrian government has vowed to fight back against the rebels’ assault. Russia, which deployed its air force to Syria in 2015 to help President Bashar Assad, is conducting airstrikes in support of the army.

It marks the most serious escalation of the conflict in years, adding to a toll which stands at hundreds of thousands dead since 2011, when the war mushroomed out of an Arab Spring uprising against Assad’s rule. Since then, more than half the pre-war population of 23 million have been forced from their homes, with millions fleeing abroad as refugees.

Topics: Syria cival war Syrian rebels Pakistan Syria Ties

OIC’s COMSTECH plans 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May next year

OIC’s COMSTECH plans 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May next year
Updated 06 December 2024
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OIC’s COMSTECH plans 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May next year

OIC’s COMSTECH plans 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May next year
  • COMSTECH coordinator general meets OIC chief in Jeddah to discuss educational initiatives
  • Established by OIC, COMSTECH aims to promote science and technology among member states
Updated 06 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

KARACHI: The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) plans to hold its 16th general assembly in Islamabad in May 2025, a statement from the organization said on Friday, as it eyes promoting educational initiatives among member states.

COMSTECH is an intergovernmental organization established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1981. It aims to promote and coordinate science and technology activities among OIC member states, focusing on sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improving the quality of life.

The COMSTECH general assembly is chaired by Pakistan’s president every two years in Islamabad where its budget and programs are discussed at length. 

COMSTECH Coordinator General Dr. Iqbal Choudhry met OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha in Jeddah to discuss enhancing science and technology, and educational initiatives throughout OIC member countries, COMSTECH said. 

“Key discussions centered on COMSTECH’s new initiatives including hosting the First Extraordinary Conference of Ministers of Higher Education dedicated to supporting Palestinian students and addressing the education crisis, scheduling the 16th General Assembly of COMSTECH during May 2025 at Islamabad,” COMSTECH said. 

The statement added that discussions were also held about launching fellowships for Palestinian students at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah.

Other initiatives that came under discussion were the COMSTECH expert service that advises OIC member states, establishing a halal products testing and standard center at the King Faisal University in Chad, and the COMSTECH-CHAD program for the promotion of science and technology.

The OIC secretary general commended Dr. Choudhry’s initiatives, expressing his gratitude to the Pakistani government for supporting COMSTECH’s vision to uplift science and technology in OIC member states, the organization said. 

“This collaboration signifies a robust commitment to addressing educational and scientific challenges while fostering development and innovation within the OIC framework,” the statement concluded.

Topics: Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) COMSTECH

Pakistan’s UN envoy calls for end to Israel’s ‘genocidal war’ in Gaza

Pakistan’s UN envoy calls for end to Israel’s ‘genocidal war’ in Gaza
Updated 06 December 2024
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Pakistan’s UN envoy calls for end to Israel’s ‘genocidal war’ in Gaza

Pakistan’s UN envoy calls for end to Israel’s ‘genocidal war’ in Gaza
  • Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israel’s military campaign since last year has killed more than 44,500 Palestinians
  • Israel launched its air and ground war in Gaza after Hamas fighters attacked Israeli communities on Oct. 7
Updated 06 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, has reiterated the country’s demand for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza at the UN General Assembly, calling on the body to take steps to end Israel’s ‘genocidal war’ on the besieged enclave. 

Israel launched its air and ground war in Gaza after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities across the border on Oct. 7 last year, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says that Israel’s military campaign since then has killed more than 44,500 Palestinians and injured many others.

“At the United Nations, Pakistan has underscored urgent need to put an end to Israel’s genocidal war in besieged Gaza enclave,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said on Friday. “Speaking at UN General Assembly, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram stressed the need to consider steps needed to prevent realization of Israeli extremists’ dark vision.”

The world has witnessed the “indiscriminate slaughter” of the Palestinian population of Gaza for over 400 days, Munir added, calling on the UNGA to exercise its responsibility to demand an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and implement several resolutions on the conflict by the UN Security Council and General Assembly.

Pakistan currently does not recognize the state of Israel over its thwarting of Palestinians’ aspirations for a state of their own. Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the Sinai peninsula and the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights in the 1967 Middle East war. 

Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future free state, a demand Pakistan has supported for decades.

Topics: Pakistan at UNGA Ambassador Munir Akram War in Gaza

Pakistan stock market closes above 109,000 points on Saudi deposit rollover, upbeat indicators

Pakistan stock market closes above 109,000 points on Saudi deposit rollover, upbeat indicators
Updated 06 December 2024
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Pakistan stock market closes above 109,000 points on Saudi deposit rollover, upbeat indicators

Pakistan stock market closes above 109,000 points on Saudi deposit rollover, upbeat indicators
  • The benchmark KSE-100 index surged by 814 points, or 0.75 percent, to hit a record high of 109,053.95 points
  • The development came a day after Saudi Arabia extended term of its $3 billion deposit for a year
Updated 06 December 2024
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday closed at 109,053.95 points when trading ended on Friday, as the bullish sentiment prevailed in the market, analysts said, a day after Saudi Arabia rolled over $3 billion deposit with Pakistan and amid improving macroeconomic indicators.
The benchmark KSE-100 index surged by 814 points, or 0.75 percent, when trading ended on Friday. 
Ahsan Mehanti, chief executive officer of Arif Habib Commodities, attributed the euphoria to the rollover of Saudi deposit, a stable rupee and upbeat economic indicators.
“Stocks bullish trend was led by selected scrips, led by oil and banking sector, amid speculation ahead of SBP [State Bank of Pakistan] key policy rate announcement next week,” he told Arab News.
Saudi authorities extended the $3 billion financial support to Islamabad in November 2021 to shore up Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. The Kingdom rolled over the deposit in 2022 and 2023 as Pakistan faced an economic crisis.
The South Asian country slashed interest rates by 250 basis points in November to help revive a sluggish economy, amid a major drop in the annual inflation rate.
On Thursday, the PSX posted its third largest single-day gain, adding 3,135 points, or 2.98 percent, to the KSE-100 index to close at 108,239 points.
According to a poll conducted by Topline Securities, 71 percent of participants expect the central bank to announce a minimum rate cut of 200bps later this month.

Topics: Pakistan economy Pakistan Stock Exchange Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)

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