ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s leading opposition figures on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to resign from his position ahead of a no-trust vote in parliament, saying he had lost his majority after a key coalition partner abandoned the government.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) party formally announced to join the opposition before the no-confidence vote against the prime minister which is expected to take place on April 3.
The MQM-P has seven lawmakers in the national assembly that has pushed the opposition’s tally to 175, three votes more than the number required to topple Khan’s administration.
“The prime minister should set a new tradition by tendering his resignation after losing majority,” said Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the opposition in the national assembly, while addressing a joint news conference with other opposition leaders.
He maintained that “revenge was not in the [opposition’s] dictionary” while responding to a question about how the ministers and officials of the present administration would be treated after they were driven out their offices.
Earlier, two federal ministers belonging to MQM-P, Barrister Farogh Naseem and Syed Aminul Haq, resigned from their cabinet positions to join the opposition’s ranks.
“We are with you in this change and hope it will make a positive difference to the lives of people,” Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, convener of the MQM-P, announced at the news conference.
The opposition had been struggling since March 8, when it submitted the no-confidence motion against the prime minister, to seek support of other lawmakers to reach the magical number of 172 to oust the government.
It also nominated Sharif for the coveted premiership slot after Khan’s exit.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also demanded the prime minister’s resignation, saying Khan had lost the majority and confidence of the house.
“Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has lost his majority,” he said. “Today, MQM Pakistan has joined the opposition ranks. Shehbaz Sharif has rightly given a challenge in the spirit of statesmanship to [PM Khan to] resign.”
Bhutto-Zardari added: “The prime minister does not have any option. Either he should resign or come to the parliamentary session tomorrow to settle this issue.”
He maintained the prime minister’s removal would help Pakistan resume its democratic journey again.
The PPP chairman also clarified his party’s working relationship with the MQM-P had nothing to do with the no-trust vote against the prime minister.
“Our conversations were underway from a long time,” he continued, adding: “We will have to work jointly for the prosperity of Karachi and Pakistan.”
Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam (JUI-F) rejected the prime minister’s claim that a foreign-funded conspiracy was behind the opposition’s efforts to topple the ruling administration.
“We want to become a nation,” he maintained. “Our aim is to achieve prosperity and stability in the country and we will work for it.”
The MQM-P signed two separate “charters of rights” with Bhutto-Zardari and Sharif in front of the media that included various demands, including the withdrawal of “false and fabricated” cases against them.
“We hope these agreements will stay and be implemented in letter and spirit,” Sharif said.
Political analysts said the prime minister should “show sportsman spirit” and resign from his position.
“The opposition has attained a majority in the national assembly without dissident lawmakers of the ruling party,” Zahid Hussain, a political analyst, told Arab News. “So, the prime minister should gracefully resign now.”
Opposition demands PM Khan’s resignation after PTI administration loses parliamentary majority
https://arab.news/c366e
Opposition demands PM Khan’s resignation after PTI administration loses parliamentary majority
- The opposition has gone beyond the magical number of 172 required to topple the government with MQM-P’s support
- Political analysts say the prime minister should ‘gracefully resign’ from his position after losing his key coalition partner
Pakistan begins voting for PSL Fans’ Choice Awards
- Voting for six categories will take place on PSL official YouTube Channel at 6pm every day till January 10
- PSL Players’ Draft is scheduled for Jan. 11, while the 2025 edition will be held between April 8 and May 19
ISLAMABAD: The voting process for the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) Fans’ Choice Awards began on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said, with voting for the best batter taking place on PSL’s official YouTube channel from 6pm Pakistan time.
PSL is set to welcome its landmark 10th edition later this year. The Fans’ Choice Awards mark the celebration of some of the star players who have entertained fans and contributed toward the popularity of the Twenty20 league worldwide.
The nominees for the best batter of the HBL PSL included the top-three leading run-getters across the nine seasons — Babar Azam (3,504 runs), Fakhar Zaman (2,525 runs) and Mohammad Rizwan (2,403 runs).
“The voting for the six categories will take place on the official YouTube channel of the HBL PSL till Friday, 10 January and the winners of the Fans’ Choice Awards will be announced on Saturday, 11 January at the Players’ Draft ceremony,” the PCB said in a statement.
A total of six lucky fans, who would cast their votes on the PSL YouTube channel between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, will also become eligible to win 2025 edition tickets through a lucky draw.
The six categories for the awards include, best batter, best bowler, best all-rounder, most valuable players, best individual performance, and the PSL icon.
Nominees will be revealed on the PSL official social media handles at the start of voting every day till Jan. 10.
History maker Maphaka removes Babar as Pakistan battle at Newlands
- Pakistan reach 155-7 at lunch trailing by 460 runs
- Pakistan are a batter short after Saim Ayub’s injury
CAPE TOWN: South Africa’s youngest test debutant Kwena Maphaka took the key wicket of Babar Azam as Pakistan reached 155 for an effective seven wickets at lunch on day three of the second and final test at Newlands on Sunday, trailing their hosts by 460 runs.
Fast bowler Maphaka, 18, induced an edge down the leg side from Babar, who was caught by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne having looked in control with a well-played 58.
Aamer Jamal will resume after the interval on five along with Khurram Shahzad, who has yet to score, as Pakistan seek to reduce their first innings deficit on a wicket that is still good for batting, but likely to deteriorate on days four and five.
Pakistan are a batter short after opener Saim Ayub fractured his ankle while fielding on the opening day and will take no further part in the game.
Maphaka (1-43) set off on a wild celebration when he captured the prized scalp of Babar, his first test wicket having taken over from former spinner Paul Adams as South Africa’s youngest test player.
Mohammad Rizwan made 46 before he inexplicably charged down the wicket at seamer Wiaan Mulder and was the second wicket to fall in the session with a wild swipe that resulted in him playing the ball onto his own stumps.
Salman Agha made 19 but was the third man out, stumped by Verreynne off the bowling of spinner Keshav Maharaj.
The home side posted a massive 615 in their first innings thanks to centuries from Ryan Rickelton (259), Temba Bavuma (106) and Verreynne (100).
South Africa have already claimed their place in June’s World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s from June 11-15, and are looking to win this series 2-0 after claiming a tense first test by two wickets in Pretoria.
Pakistan to fly injured Ayub to London for treatment as Champions Trophy looms
- Saim Ayub has been ruled out of cricket for six weeks after he sustained ankle injury on Friday
- Pakistan are scheduled to play Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand on Feb. 19
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send injured left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub to London for immediate medical treatment, the board said on Sunday, with the important Champions Trophy tournament just weeks away.
Ayub has been ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture that he sustained while fielding against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.
Ayub, one of Pakistan’s in-form batters who has performed well in white-ball matches against Australia and South Africa in recent weeks, is in danger of missing Pakistan’s Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand at Karachi on Feb. 19.
“Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send Saim Ayub to London for immediate treatment and the decision was made after consulting the doctors,” the board said in a statement.
The PCB said that Ayub, who was supposed to return to Pakistan with the squad, will now head to England. It said Naqvi spoke to Ayub over the phone and inquired about his well-being.
Naqvi said the Pakistani batter will be checked by sports ortho specialist doctors in England, adding that an immediate appointment has been made by the PCB.
“The medical team is looking into the entire case and Dr. Mumraiz has shared Saim’s medical reports with specialists in England,” Naqvi said.
He described Ayub as a “brilliant stylish batsman and asset of Pakistan cricket.”
“Saim’s treatment will be done in the best hospital in the world and in this regard all resources will be used for his treatment,” Naqvi said. “We hope that the left-handed batter will make a full recovery before the ICC Champions Trophy.”
Saim will travel to London from Cape Town on the first available flight, with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood accompanying him.
Over 4,000 participate in second World Athletics-certified marathon in Karachi
- Athletes from Poland, Germany, Japan and other countries take part in marathon event
- The event featured Marathon (42.195 KM), Marathon Relay, Half Marathon (21.0975 KM) and 5KM Fun Race
KARACHI: At least 4,000 people from all walks of life took part in an annual marathon event, accredited by the World Athletics and held in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi on Sunday, its organizer said.
The event kicked off on Sunday morning from the city’s Nishan-e-Pakistan monument at Sea View. It featured five types of marathons, such as the Full Marathon (42.195km) the Half-Marathon (21.1 km), the Relay Marathon, a team of four participants for 42.2km (10.5km run, 10.5km run, 10.5km run, 10.5km run and the Fun Run, a 5 km run.
Athletes hailing from Poland, Germany, Japan and many others participated in the event, Sports in Pakistan, one of the organizers of the event, said in a press release. The marathon’s certification by the World Rankings Competition ensured a world-class experience for all participants, it added.
“We are delighted with the overwhelming success of the Karachi Marathon 2025,” Shoaib Nizami, CEO of Sports in Pakistan, said.
“The event has emerged as a testament to Karachi’s unwavering resilience and warm hospitality and we extend our sincerest gratitude to our participants, sponsors, and partners for their invaluable support.”
The top performers in each category were:
Marathon Category:
- Male Winner (1st Prize): Israr Muhammad (Pakistan) – Time: 2:30:13 won Rs. 500,000/
- Male Winner (2nd Prize): Muhammad Riaz (Pakistan) – 2:32:13 won Rs. 250,000/
- Female Winner (1st Prize): Enub Khan (Pakistan) – 3:47:49 won Rs. 500,000/
- Female Winner (2nd Prize): Uzma Abid (Pakistan) – 4:01:13 won Rs. 250,000/
Half Marathon Category:
- Male Winner (1st Prize): Muhammad Ajhtar (Pakistan) – Time: 1:12:08 won Rs. 50,000/
- Second Runner-up Male (2nd Prize): Qasim Bajwa (Pakistan) – 1:12:52 won Rs. 40,000/
- Female Winner (1st Prize): Mumtaz Naimat – 1:43:26 won Rs. 50,000/
- Second Runner-up Female (2nd Prize): Dua Nazakat (Pakistan) – 1:51:45 won Rs. 40,000/
The city saw its first-ever World Athletics-certified marathon last year in January 2024 where hundreds of people from all walks of life participated.
OIC body, Pakistani university launch fellowship program for Bangladeshi students and scholars
- Program open for Bangladeshi nationals aged 22-45 residing anywhere, says state media
- Covers tuition fee waiver, airfare, honorarium and free accommodation for students, scholars
ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation and Pakistan’s University of Lahore have joined hands to launch a fellowship program for Bangladeshi students and scholars, state-run media reported on Sunday.
The program is open for Bangladeshi nationals aged 22 to 45, residing in any country of the world, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. It said Bangladeshi nationals must have outstanding academic achievements and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to their communities for the fellowship.
The program covers tuition fee waiver, round-trip airfare, honorarium and free accommodation, it added.
“This fellowship program is a testament to our commitment to bridging gaps in education and research across the Muslim world,” Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, COMSTECH’s coordinator general said.
“By investing in Bangladeshi scholars and students, we aim to cultivate a generation of innovators and leaders who will address the challenges of our time.”
Eligible candidates can apply through the official websites of COMSTECH and the University of Lahore, APP said, adding that applications are open until Mar. 1, 2025.
The development takes place amid a renewed push from both Bangladesh and Pakistan to improve their ties after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster from office in August last year.
Established together as one independent nation in 1947, Bangladesh won liberation from then-West Pakistan in 1971. Relations between the two countries continued to deteriorate during Hasina’s administration, which prosecuted several members of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party for war crimes relating to the 1971 conflict.
However, Islamabad’s ties with Dhaka have improved as Bangladesh’s relations with India, where Hasina has sought refuge, have deteriorated.
