Al-Qandal Forest The beautiful Farasan Islands are renowned for their rich flora and fauna — and particularly for their marine life. The islands’ unspoiled coral reefs are a popular spot with divers, but visitors to the nature reserve can also see plenty of aquatic life without entering the water.
Al-Qandal — one of the northern islands — is home to Al-Qandal Forest, which is rich in mangrove trees and is an ideal place for hiking thanks to its extensive network of walkways and bays. The gorgeous green scenery resembles an oil painting.
In April and May, the Hareed (parrotfish) festival takes place, which celebrates the annual arrival of the parrotfish to the Farasan Islands and honors the vital role of the fish in the lives of the local people. Parrotfish spend up to 90 percent of their time eating algae off coral reefs, which cleans the reefs and helps the corals stay healthy.
This photograph was taken by Mohammed Al-Aalim as part of the Colors of Saudi competition.
ThePlace: Al-Qandal Forest located in Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands
ThePlace: Al-Qandal Forest located in Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands
- The gorgeous green scenery resembles an oil painting
English cricketers seek NOC clarity from board after signing Pakistan Super League deals— report
- As per new policy, English players will be denied NOCs for overseas leagues that take place during English summer
- PSL has moved into April-May window for 2025, meaning it will clash with English season’s start for the first time
ISLAMABAD: English cricketers have sought clarity from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on whether they will be granted a no objection certificate (NOC) after a few of them were signed on Monday to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the upcoming T20 league’s season this year, a report by ESPNcricinfo said.
English cricketers last November reacted sharply to the ECB’s announcement of a new policy regarding NOCs. As per the new policy, the board said players would be denied NOCs for all overseas leagues that take place during the English summer, including the PSL, the Caribbean Premier League and Major League Cricket, with the notable exception of the Indian Premier League. This means that players on white-ball contracts with their counties will be granted NOCs for competitions that do not clash with English T20 competitions, the T20 Blast or the Hundred.
The PSL has moved into an April-May window for 2025 due to the Champions Trophy tournament scheduled to be held in February and March, meaning it will clash with the start of the English season for the first time.
“English players are seeking clarity from the ECB over whether they will be granted No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) after they were signed to play in the PSL at Monday’s draft in Lahore,” ESPNcricinfo reported.
English cricketers Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Peshawar Zalmi), Sam Billings, and Tom Curran (both Lahore Qalandars) were signed during Monday’s draft. Meanwhile, James Vince (Karachi Kings), Chris Jordan and David Willey (both Multan Sultans) were all previously retained by their respective franchises.
The website said that the ECB has softened its stance on the NOCs after pressure from players, their agents and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA). At this stage, Billings, Curran, Jordan and Willey are all expected to be granted NOCs for the PSL, it added.
“The board’s stance is that its NOC ‘consultation group’ will consider all requests against the criteria set out in November,” the report said. “ESPNcricinfo understands that in the case of the PSL, this will mean players will be eligible for NOCs if they are on white-ball contracts, or if they choose to renegotiate existing multi-format deals after the draft.”
The cricket website said six players with England central contracts registered themselves for the draft but were marked “unavailable” on a longlist sent to franchises on Sunday after the ECB clarified it would not grant them NOCs.
“These included Jonny Bairstow, who has not played for England since June, and Adil Rashid, who is a white-ball specialist,” ESPNcricinfo said.
Pakistan’s National Assembly expresses solidarity with Los Angeles fire victims as deaths rise to 24
Pakistan’s National Assembly expresses solidarity with Los Angeles fire victims as deaths rise to 24
- National Assembly passes resolution urging global organizations to come together to aid rehabilitation efforts in Los Angeles
- At least a dozen people remain missing, while 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed as per official estimates
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly this week passed a resolution expressing solidarity with the victims of the raging Los Angeles wildfires, where the death toll has climbed to 24 in the last seven days, state-run media reported.
The blazes in Los Angeles burned for a seventh straight day on Monday, reducing whole neighborhoods to ruins and levelling homes as firefighters continue to battle the flames. More than 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate from Los Angeles, while 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed as per official estimates.
Pakistani lawmaker Naveed Jeeva moved the resolution in the National Assembly, Pakistan’s lower house of parliament, on Monday to extend his deepest condolences to families of the Los Angeles fire victims.
“The National Assembly today passed a resolution expressing solidarity with the victims of Los Angeles fire,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Monday. “It called upon local and global organizations to come together in the spirit of humanity to aid in recovery and rehabilitation of Los Angeles.”
The wildfires have also dealt a huge economic loss to the city, with private forecaster AccuWeather estimating the damage and economic loss from the blaze at $135bn to $150bn.
Firefighters got a temporary break from the weather this weekend as the Santa Ana winds finally eased. However, weather experts on Monday forecast that the fierce winds are likely to return and threaten the progress made so far on the two massive infernos.
Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump criticized local officials, saying that they had not dealt with the situation properly.
“The fires are still raging in LA. The incompetent [politicians] have no idea how to put them out,” he wrote on his Truth Social media feed. “Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost. There is death all over the place … they just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?“
Several celebrities residing in Los Angeles have said they lost their homes to the blaze. These include Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Joshua Jackson, Anna Faris, Ricki Lake, Cary Elwes, Cameron Mathison, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag.
Many others, including Tara Lipinski, Chrissy Teigen, Britney Spears and more said they have evacuated as the fire continues to spread.
Pakistan eyes foreign investment as Future Minerals Forum kicks off in Riyadh today
- Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik to represent Pakistan alongside prominent petroleum companies at the three-day conference
- Pakistani delegates to meet regional, international stakeholders to highlight investment opportunities in mining sector, says state media
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik will take part in the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) summit in Saudi Arabia’s capital today, Tuesday, the Press Information Department (PID) said, as Islamabad eyes global partnerships to attract foreign investment in its mining sector.
The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) is the world’s premier platform for minerals, bringing together governments, international organizations, and stakeholders to collectively shape the future of minerals. With 14,000 participants from 178 countries, including 75 government representatives, FMF says it serves as a catalyst for global collaboration.
Pakistan has taken steps in recent months to attract foreign investment in its mining sector. The South Asian country is home to the Reko Diq mine located in the country’s restive southwestern Balochistan province. It is considered one of the world’s largest underdeveloped copper-gold areas by global mining company Barrick Gold Corp, which owns the project jointly with Pakistan. Saudi Arabia offered Pakistan a 15 percent investment stake in the Reko Diq copper and gold mine project, Pakistan’s state media reported in September 2024.
“Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum and Water Resources Dr. Musadiq Malik alongside key policymakers, state-owned entities and industry leaders will represent Pakistan at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh from the 14-16th of January,” the PID said, adding that the delegation would aim to “unlock the country’s mining potential and foster international partnerships.”
The statement said Malik will represent Pakistan at the summit alongside prominent Pakistani companies such as Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Mari Energies, Government Holdings (Private) Limited, Pakistan Minerals (Private) Limited, Saindak Metals Limited and others.
The PID noted that Pakistan’s government had introduced investor-friendly policies and offered incentives such as duty exemptions and tax breaks, reiterating that these measures were designed to grow the mining sector.
“During the FMF, the participants and delegates from Pakistan will conduct meetings with relevant regional and international stakeholders at the Pakistan Pavillion and host a 90-minute session, showcasing Pakistan’s geological assets, projects and investment opportunities,” the PID said.
It said Pakistan’s delegation would aim to attract international investors and drive sustainable economic growth in addition to the ministerial round table, where Malik will highlight Pakistan’s potential in the mining sector.
Pakistan set up the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military hybrid body, in June 2023 with the sole purpose of reviving the country’s frail national economy, damaged by low foreign exchange reserves, currency depreciation and record inflation. One of the key sectors that the SIFC targets is mining.
Pakistan’s state broadcaster has said the government expects up to $5 billion investment in the mining and agriculture sector by June 2025.
Pakistani commerce minister in Iraq for key trade talks after over two decades
- Relations between Pakistan and Iraq have received a boost with a number of ministerial-level exchanges in recent years
- The 9th Joint Ministerial Commission session, the first since 2001, will focus on deepening bilateral economic partnership
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Commerce Minister Jam Kamal arrived in Baghdad on Monday to lead the Pakistani delegation at key trade talks that are being held after more than two decades, the Pakistani commerce ministry said.
Kamal will lead the Pakistani side at the 9th session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iraq. This is the first session to take place since the previous JMC meeting held in Islamabad in 2001.
Upon his arrival at the Baghdad International Airport, the Pakistani commerce minister was received by Iraq’s Minister for Housing and Construction Bangen Rekani, Pakistan Ambassador to Iraq Muhammad Zeeshan Ahmed, and Pakistani Ministry of Economic Affairs Secretary Dr. Kazim Niaz.
“The 9th JMC session, scheduled during Mr. Jam Kamal’s visit, is expected to open new avenues for economic collaboration and further solidify the longstanding friendship between the two nations,” the Pakistani commerce ministry said.
“This visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Iraq in various domains, including trade, infrastructure, and regional development.”
Relations between Pakistan and Iraq have received a boost with a number of ministerial-level exchanges in recent years. The two countries have held discussions on enhancing defense and law enforcement cooperation, focusing on counterterrorism, counternarcotics and intelligence-sharing.
The Pakistani commerce ministry said the historic nature of the JMC session highlights mutual determination of both countries to deepen their economic partnership after a hiatus of over two decades.
Kamal also discussed a range of topics of mutual interest, including enhancing trade ties, boosting economic cooperation and fostering closer collaboration in key sectors, in his meeting with the Iraqi housing and construction minister.
“Both sides expressed optimism about revitalizing bilateral engagements and addressing shared challenges,” the commerce ministry added.
Warner, Williamson, Joseph and Mitchell to make debut in Pakistan Super League 2025
- All six franchises assembled their squads at the glittering PSL 2025 Player Draft ceremony on Monday
- PSL 2025 is scheduled to take place between April 8 and May 19, with 116 players from 10 countries
ISLAMABAD: New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell became the first pick of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 Player Draft as the two-time winners Lahore Qalandars roped him in to bolster their batting order at a ceremony in Lahore on Monday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.
Mitchell, who has played 70 T20Is, will make his PSL debut later this year. Left-handed batter David Warner was pouched by 2020 PSL champions Karachi Kings as they made use of the second pick in the first Platinum round. Warner, with his wealth of experience including 12,727 T20 runs in 392 T20 matches, will also be among the list of notable debutants this season.
Peshawar Zalmi used the Right to Match option for Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who was picked by Quetta Gladiators. Kohler-Cadmore has represented Zalmi in the last four PSL editions. Gladiators then picked up New Zealand’s Mark Chapman, who has played 81 T20Is in his 10-year long international career and is a dual international as well.
Michael Bracewell and Matthew Short were the last two picks in the Platinum one round as they were gleaned by Multan Sultans and Islamabad United, respectively. Bracewell, an all-format player for New Zealand has played 149 T20s having scored 2,744 runs and taken 66 wickets. Short will add to Islamabad’s explosive batting line-up as they look to add a fourth PSL Trophy to their cabinet later this year.
“In the Platinum round two, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings had two picks each. Gladiators used their Wild Card pick option to snare all-rounder Faheem Ashraf to their squad,” the PCB said in a statement.
“Aggressive Kiwi opening batter Finn Allen was the other player Quetta picked in this round. Allen, 25, has played 47 T20Is for New Zealand and scored 1,141 runs with the help of two centuries and at a strike rate of 158.69.”
Karachi Kings strengthened their pace arsenal as they went for Adam Milne as their first pick of the Platinum two round and followed it up by using Wild Card on Mohammad Abbas Afridi.
Milne will bring in extra pace to PSL 2025 along with his experience of 186 T20s in which has bagged 213 wickets at an average of 23.61. On the other hand, Abbas Afridi, who will now ply his trade for the Kings, was the leading wicket taker – 23 wickets, for Multan Sultans in PSL 2023 and also became part of the team of the tournament.
The Diamond round of picks saw Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars bag quality overseas talent in the form of Corbin Bosch, Jason Holder and Kusal Perera. Bosch was picked by Zalmi, Holder by United and Perera by Qalandars.
Peshawar Zalmi topped up their pace stocks by picking Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana in the Gold category round one. Rana, 22, has impressed one and all with his express pace in his brief international career.
In the same category, Islamabad United picked Aussie left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis, who has bagged 176 T20 wickets at an average of 22 in 140 games. He will join his fellow countrymen Riley Meredith and Short on the United roster for PSL 2025.
“In the Silver category round three Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was picked up by Qalandars. In a first, United States of America’s (USA) Andries Gous made it to the HBL PSL 2025 and he will turn up for Islamabad United,” the statement read.
“Multan Sultans added Irish pacer Josh Little and West Indies’ spinner Gudakesh Motie to their side during this round.”
In the supplementary round one, Kane Williamson was picked by Karachi Kings, who will join his New Zealand teammate Milne. He will be one of the notable overseas signings for Kings along with Mohammad Nabi, David Warner and Litton Das. Johnson Charles, Tom Curran, Kusal Mendis and pacer Alzarri Joseph were bagged by Sultans, Qalandars, Gladiators, and Zalmi, respectively in the supplementary round one.
In the round two, Sam Billings was snared by Qalandars who used Right to Match card against defending champions Islamabad United, who later picked up Rassie van der Dussen. Quetta Gladiators made a strong pick as they bagged Australia’s Sean Abbott adding more pace and batting firepower to their line-up. Shai Hope was picked by Sultans while Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi will return to Karachi Kings this year.
Shoaib Malik will feature in his tenth consecutive PSL edition as he was picked up by Quetta Gladiators in the Supplementary round three. Among the two Emerging rounds of picks, notable selections were made. Batting prodigy Hasan Nawaz went to Gladiators’ roster, while talented Maaz Sadaqat was picked up by Zalmi.
Saad Masood the right-arm leg-spinner, who can bat as well and made headlines in the recent Champions T20 Cup in Rawalpindi, found home in Islamabad United and will be marshalled by Shadab Khan himself. Hunain Shah returns to Islamabad United while Ubaid Shah was picked up by Multan Sultans.
FINAL SQUADS
Islamabad United: Matthew Short, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan (all Platinum), Imad Wasim (mentor) and Azam Khan, Jason Holder (both Diamond), Ben Dwarhuis, Salman Irshad, Salman Ali Agha (Brand Ambassador) and Haider Ali (all Gold), Andries Gous, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz and Rumman Raees (all Silver), Hunain Shah, Saad Masood (both Emerging)
Supplementary – Riley Meredith and Rassie van der Dussen
Multan Sultans: Michael Bracewell, Mohammad Rizwan and Usama Mir (all Platinum), David Willey (mentor), Iftikhar Ahmed (Brand Ambassador) and Usman Khan (all Diamond), Chris Jordan, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Hasnain (all Gold), Akif Javed, Gudakesh Motie, Josh Little, Faisal Akram and Tayyab Tahir (all Silver), Ubaid Shah and Shahid Aziz (both Emerging)
Supplementary – Johnson Charles, Muhammad Amir Barki, Shai Hope and Yasir Khan
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (all Platinum), Corbin Bosch, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Haris (all Diamond), Abdul Samad, Hussain Talat and Nahid Rana (all Gold), Arif Yaqoob, Najeebullah Zadran, Max Bryant, Mehran Mumtaz and Sufyan Moqim (Brand Ambassador) (all silver), Ali Raza and Maaz Sadaqat (both Emerging)
Supplementary – Ahmed Daniyal and Alzarri Joseph
Quetta Gladiators: Faheem Ashraf, Finn Allen and Mark Chapman (Platinum), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir (mentor) and Rilee Rossouw (all Diamond), Akeal Hosein, Saud Shakeel (Brand Ambassador) and Mohammad Wasim Jr. (all Gold), Haseebullah Khan, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Kyle Jamieson, Khurram Shahzad and Usman Tariq (all Silver), Mohammad Zeeshan and Hasan Nawaz (both Emerging)
Supplementary – Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis, Sean Abbott and Shoaib Malik
Karachi Kings: Adam Milne, David Warner and Mohammad Abbas Afridi (all Platinum), Hasan Ali and James Vince, Khushdil Shah (all Diamond), Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Shan Masood (all Gold), Arafat Minhas (Brand Ambassador), Litton Das, Mir Hamza, Tim Seifert and Zahid Mehmood (all Silver), Fawad Ali and Riazullah (Emerging)
Supplementary – Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, Omair Bin Yousuf, Mirza Mamoon
Lahore Qalandars: Daryl Mitchell, Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi (all Platinum), Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador), Kusal Perera and Sikandar Raza (all Diamond), Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan and Zaman Khan (all Gold), Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, David Wiese, Muhammad Akhlaq and Rishad Hossain (all Silver), Mohammad Azab and Momin Qamar (both Emerging)
Supplementary – Mohammad Naeem, Sam Billings, Salman Ali Mirza and Tom Curran
