Pakistani 'hero' doctor dies after contracting coronavirus while screening pilgrims

An undated photo of Dr Osama Riaz, a young doctor from Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan (GB) who is in critical condition after treating a number of coronavirus patients. (File photo)
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Updated 23 March 2020
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Pakistani 'hero' doctor dies after contracting coronavirus while screening pilgrims

  • The doctor was not provided with a complete set of protective wear while coming in contact with patients: GB spokesperson
  • Nearly 2,040 pilgrims have returned to GB from Iran via the quarantine facility at Taftan 

MARDAN: A 26 year old doctor from Pakistan’s northern Gilgit Baltistan (GB) region, Dr. Usama Riaz, died on Sunday after contracting the coronavirus while screening pilgrims returning from Iran, the GB government said in a statement. 

“The martyred, Dr. Usama, will be awarded a hero award,” the Gilgit Baltistan information department added in the statement.

His death brings the national tally of fatalities to four people. According to a federal portal which was updated Sunday evening, the total number of cases in the country stand at 760.
According to Dr. Shah Zaman, medical surveillance officer at GB screening camp, Riaz was on duty Friday evening and returned home after completing his shift. 

“When his family went to wake him up the next morning, they were shocked to see his condition,” Zaman told Arab News on Saturday evening.

Commending the young doctor who hails from GB’s Chilas area and was appointed on a contract, Zaman said Riaz had “performed his duty with utmost dedication.”

President of the Pakistan Medical Association in Gilgit Baltistan, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, blamed the government for the critical lapse, owing to a dearth of protective gear for health care professionals. 

“We confirm that Dr. Usama Riaz has contracted COVID-19, which is the result of the negligence of the provincial government and its health department,” Ali said in a press conference held at the district’s headquarters hospital Saturday evening.




An undated photo of Dr Osama Riaz's graduation cermoney. (File photo)

“Dr. Usama Riaz should be declared a national hero and other doctors should be protected so that they can fight this war against coronavirus effectively,” he said.
 Meanwhile, Zaman said 10 other staff members who were on duty with Dr. Riaz were safe from the virus, and added that all medical staff in GB were being provided with facilities similar to those available for doctors elsewhere in Pakistan.

“Dr. Usama Riaz and other doctors had N96 masks, gloves and surgical gowns, the protective gear which is available to doctors elsewhere in Pakistan,” he said, and added that a select committee had been set up to probe the case.

But a spokesperson for the GB government, Faizullah Firaq, conceded that the doctors on the frontline of the outbreak in GB were not provided with the complete protective wear and that his government had requested the federal government for the kits since the outbreak.

“Yes, they had mask, gloves and gowns but not compete kit of protective wear,” Firaq said.

“The province is facing scarcity of ventilators, and we have requested the federal government to help us,” Firaq added. The provincial government has converted 500 rooms in a hotel into a quarantine center on its own expense, he said. 

Nearly 2,040 pilgrims have returned to GB from Iran via the Taftan quarantine center with 56 of them testing positive until Saturday, with a majority yet to be tested. 
“We have screened around 2,500 international travelers from Iran, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world and have quarantined them. We are now entering a stage of tests and treatment,” Zaman said. 

“Doctors are the first line of defense. We know our role and are prepared for any conditions. Doctors are at risk everywhere in the world, but this is our real test,” he said.


Islamabad urges Afghanistan to assure its soil is not used against Pakistan

Updated 5 sec ago
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Islamabad urges Afghanistan to assure its soil is not used against Pakistan

  • Pakistan has struggled to contain surging militancy since a fragile truce between Pakistani Taliban, Islamabad broke down in 2022
  • Islamabad has frequently blamed the rise in attacks on militant groups operating out of Afghanistan, an allegation denied by Kabul

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has urged Afghanistan to assure its soil is not used against Pakistan, Pakistani state media reported on Friday, amid a surge in militancy in Pakistan’s western regions.
Pakistan has struggled to contain surging militancy, particularly in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province that borders Afghanistan, since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad broke down in November 2022.
Islamabad has frequently blamed the surge in militancy on Afghanistan, accusing it of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks. Afghan officials deny involvement and insist that Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.
Dar said Pakistan shares common religion, culture and history with Afghanistan, and Islamabad would continue to provide all assistance to the landlocked neighboring country, the APP news agency reported.
“We are well wishers of Afghanistan and wished them prosperity,” he was quoted as saying. “However, we wanted assurance from the Afghan authorities that their soil will be not used against Pakistan.”
The statement came as Pakistani security forces killed six TTP militants in an intelligence-based operation in the restive KP province, according to the Pakistani military.
The TTP has stepped up its attacks and frequently targeted security forces, convoys and police check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.
Dar was of the view that the United States and allied forces withdrawal from Afghanistan should not have left behind weapons and ammunition, which came in access of militant outfits.
“Pakistan would retaliate to an attack from any neighboring country,” he said.


Miandad’s six to Jadeja blitz: Six great India-Pakistan ODIs

Updated 11 min 29 sec ago
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Miandad’s six to Jadeja blitz: Six great India-Pakistan ODIs

  • India and Pakistan renew their storied rivalry in the most hotly-anticipated Champions Trophy match in Dubai on Sunday
  • Javed Miandad’s last-ball six at the desert venue arguably remains the most dramatic ODI outcome between the two sides

DUBAI: Cricketing powerhouses India and Pakistan renew their storied if rare rivalry in the most hotly-anticipated match of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday.
AFP Sport looks back at six memorable ODI matches between the bitter rivals ahead of their latest clash.
Javed Miandad’s last-ball six at the desert venue arguably remains the most dramatic ODI outcome between the two sides as Pakistan clinched a one-wicket victory.
Pakistan needed 246 to win in 50 overs and Miandad walked in at 61-3 to hit an unbeaten 116 off 114 balls.
With four needed off the final delivery, Indian fast bowler Chetan Sharma bowled a full toss and Miandad blasted the ball into the crowd to trigger wild celebrations among the Pakistan team and fans.
Miandad was later presented with a golden sword for his heroics.
Imran Khan’s best bowling figures of 6-14 were in a one-day international against India but for the flamboyant Pakistan fast bowler it was all in vain.
Imran ripped through the Indian batting line-up at Sharjah to send the opposition packing for 125.
But Pakistan’s own batting imploded, skittled for just 87 with Ramiz Raja, top-scorer with 29, one of only four batsmen in double figures.
India’s Ajay Jadeja blasted a 25-ball 45 in a late blitz that helped India knock out holders Pakistan in a highly-charged World Cup quarter-final.
Jadeja was severe on Pakistan’s Waqar Younis as he hit the pace bowler for four fours and two sixes in the final few overs to propel the total to 287-8.
In reply, Pakistan were sailing along when opener Aamir Sohail smashed India’s Venkatesh Prasad for a boundary before sledging his opponent.
But Venkatesh got the left-handed batsman bowled on the next ball to bring the house down and Pakistan lost their way to lose by 39 runs.
Sourav Ganguly hit a match-winning century to trump Saeed Anwar’s 140 in a deciding best-of-three final of Bangladesh’s Silver Jubilee Independence Cup in Dhaka.
Ganguly’s knock of 124 was laced with 11 fours and one six as India chased down their victory target of 315 with one ball to spare.
The left-handed Ganguly was named man of the match but lesser-known Hrishikesh Kanitkar stole the show in the end when India needed three on the final two balls and he hit a boundary on the penultimate delivery.
The chase was a world record at the time.
Sachin Tendulkar won many matches for India but his 98 against Pakistan at the 2003 World Cup remains special due his duel with fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
Tendulkar stood tall in his 75-ball knock that guided India in their chase of 274 against a Pakistan bowling line-up boasting Wasim Akram, Waqar and Akhtar.
He uppercut one of Akhtar’s express deliveries to a delightful six over third man — a shot that became iconic in Tendulkar’s career.
Akhtar later got Tendulkar’s wicket but the damage had been done and India won by six wickets.
Pakistan came in as underdogs in the Champions Trophy final, but stunned India by 180 runs, riding on a sparkling century by Fakhar Zaman.
Zaman’s 114 off 106 balls and a 128-run opening stand with Azhar Ali guided Pakistan to a mammoth 338 for four and deflated Virat Kohli’s India at The Oval.
The left-hander clobbered the Indian attack, including fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, hitting 12 fours and three sixes.
Pakistan’s bowlers then came out firing and dismissed India for just 158 in 30.3 overs despite Hardik Pandya’s 76. Fast bowler Hasan Ali took 3-19.


Game changer: Football camps revive outdoor activities for children in Islamabad

Updated 22 February 2025
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Game changer: Football camps revive outdoor activities for children in Islamabad

  • Parents say the camps provide outlets for physical activity, social engagement to the ‘tablet generation’
  • Football coaches stress the importance of making it possible for children to participate in sports

ISLAMABAD: Six-year-old Soha Noon darts across the lush green field, her hair swaying with each determined stride. Amid the lively cheers at Islamabad’s Spanish Football Academy, her enthusiasm mirrors a growing trend: an increasing number of Pakistani children, including young girls, embracing football with passion and dedication.
This surge in interest is the result of efforts by individuals like José Alonso, a FIFA-certified coach and founder of the training camp in Islamabad. Alonso, who first visited Pakistan in 2005, recalls that physical education was not taken seriously in local schools, leading to a sedentary lifestyle with long-term consequences for people’s physical and mental well-being.
Football camps, he noted, provide an essential outlet for physical activity and social engagement, ensuring that children develop critical life skills.
“This is the tablet generation,” he said in a conversation with Arab News. “They were born into technology. Children hardly spend any time playing outdoors, which impacts their physical development and emotional well-being. Increased screen time and changes in diet can have lasting effects.”
“We want to teach children essential life skills through play, helping them develop psychomotor skills, teamwork, camaraderie, resilience and decision-making abilities,” he added.
Alonso’s academy offers professional training facilities and expert coaching for children aged five and above, incorporating fitness, diet awareness and character-building sessions into their programs.
“Football, basketball and handball require strategic thinking and transitions between defense and offense,” he said. “These games help children develop both physically and mentally. Parents can also encourage outdoor activities like trekking and walking to complement these efforts.”
Alonso believes structured training programs like his academy’s are pivotal in channeling this enthusiasm into real opportunities for young players.
“We work with the vision of nurturing young talent and instilling strong morals and values,” he added.
Faizan Sameer, founder of Football Factory in the capital, said training facilities such as the one he manages offer children the chance to pursue their dreams and hone their skills.
“When I was growing up, we didn’t have many opportunities, especially when it [came] to the underage [sports] programs,” he said. “Whether [the children] go pro or not, that doesn’t matter. But the platform should be there for [them] to achieve their dreams and pursue what they really love to do.”
He concurred with Alonso that screen time was a “big problem,” taking its toll on children’s attention spans.
“If you talk to [them], you would hardly find a kid who could listen to you for one minute or two minutes,” he said. “I believe there’s a strong sentiment that this is happening because of the screen time that is being given to the kids.”
Football may not yet rival cricket in Pakistan’s sports scene, but its popularity surges whenever the FIFA World Cup comes around. The country’s sports buffs passionately follow international teams, each rooting for their favorites.
Beyond fandom, Pakistan has also seen its own success stories in the game. The country’s street football team has performed remarkably well internationally, with a notable performance at the 2024 Norway Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals, defeating Norway’s Kasterndam Club 3-1.
The football camps in Islamabad say they are trying to inspire children and nurture their talent in the sport by providing them with structured training.
“I love playing football the most because it’s my favorite game,” young Soha said before starting her practice at the Spanish Football Academy. “I’ve been playing with a ball since I was a baby.”
Her father, Taimur Noon, shares her enthusiasm, saying he strongly believes his daughters should have the opportunity to participate in sports.
“I don’t have anything against screens,” he said. “I feel like it’s important for [children’s] development and education as well. But I feel like this is a big component that a lot of parents should focus on to help their children be connected to nature and outdoors for their well-being.”
An entrepreneur, Noon emphasized that playing football at the academy allows children to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds.
“It helps them interact with different kids from different backgrounds, with different sorts of qualities that they can obviously learn from and sort of adapt with and grow into a more diverse personality,” he continued. “When Soha converses with them, when she talks with them … she learns a lot, different cultures, different languages.”


PCB seeks ICC clarification over omission of Pakistan’s name in Champions Trophy broadcast — media

Updated 22 February 2025
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PCB seeks ICC clarification over omission of Pakistan’s name in Champions Trophy broadcast — media

  • The incident happened during the live broadcast of match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai
  • ICC has reportedly assured PCB authorities future broadcasts will not have the same ‘technical error’

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking an explanation for the omission of the country’s name from the Champions Trophy branding during the live broadcast of the match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo on Friday.
The tournament, being staged after a hiatus of eight years, is the first major ICC championship in Pakistan since the country hosted the 1996 ODI World Cup. During the broadcast of the game in Dubai, the logo displayed in the top-left corner featured the event name, Champions Trophy 2025, but omitted the host nation’s name, Pakistan, prompting the PCB’s response.
“The ICC is believed to have informally told PCB it was an early technical error, [but] the explanation has left PCB dissatisfied,” ESPN Cricinfo reported. “Graphics are prepared and provided to the live ICC feed well in advance; that Pakistan’s name was on the logo for the opening game of the tournament has left PCB unconvinced over why the issue arose for the game between Bangladesh and India.”
The ICC has assured that future broadcasts will not have the same issue, regardless of whether matches are played in Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates.
The championship’s hybrid model was established after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the PCB that the Indian government would not permit its team to play in Pakistan, leading to an agreement where India’s matches are held at neutral venues.
India will now face Pakistan in a highly anticipated match on Sunday in Dubai.
For Pakistan, the encounter is crucial to maintain their chances of advancing in the tournament, especially after a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the opening match held at the National Stadium in Karachi. 


Pakistan PM prioritizes youth skill development for global employment to boost remittances

Updated 21 February 2025
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Pakistan PM prioritizes youth skill development for global employment to boost remittances

  • Shehbaz Sharif says professional training should be in line with local and international market needs
  • He assures the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission of all necessary funding

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday his administration aims to equip young people with professional skills aligned with international market demands while presiding over an inter-ministerial review meeting focused on youth workforce training.
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis, particularly those in the Middle East, are a cornerstone of the national economy, bolstering the country’s external account. According to central bank data, during July to January of fiscal year 2025, workers’ remittances reached $20.8 billion, a 31.7 percent increase from $15.8 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
As Pakistan strives to recover from the impact of a prolonged economic crisis, the government plans to boost exports, attract foreign investment and send more skilled workers abroad to enhance remittance inflows.
Efforts are underway to produce more health care professionals and information technology experts to meet international market needs.
“Pakistan’s talented workforce is the nation’s true asset,” the prime minister said during the meeting. “Equipping Pakistani youth with internationally demanded professional skills is among the government’s top priorities.”
He emphasized increasing the number of institutions offering nursing training in Pakistan whileee ensuring that courses align with global standards.
“Professional training for youth in various sectors should consider the needs of industries and both local and international markets,” he added.
Sharif assured the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) would receive all necessary funding to facilitate youth training programs.
The meeting was told NAVTTC had provided professional training to 60,000 youths across various sectors, including IT, this year.
The organization aims to train an additional 141,000 individuals by June 2025, with plans to train 250,000 in 2026 and 337,000 in 2027.