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In a first, Gilgit-Baltistan hosts international boxing tournament

Representatives of Nigeria and Afghanistan fight at Lalik Jan Stadium in Gilgit, Pakistan, during a World Boxing Association’s Asia Welterweight Championship match on June 11, 2022. (AN photo)
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Updated 11 June 2022
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In a first, Gilgit-Baltistan hosts international boxing tournament

  • WBA Asia Welterweight Championship held at Lalik Jan Stadium in Gilgit on Saturday
  • Event organized by boxing champion Usman Wazeer with support of the Force Command Northern Areas
Updated 11 June 2022
Nisar Ali

GILGIT: Athletes from 10 countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and the Philippines, fought on Saturday in the first World Boxing Association’s tournament organized in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.





Spectators gather at Lalik Jan Stadium in Gilgit, Pakistan, for World Boxing Association’s Asia Welterweight Championship matches on June 11, 2022. (AN photo)

Hundreds of people gathered at Lalik Jan Stadium in Gilgit, the regional capital, to watch the WBA Asia Welterweight Championship bouts.

The event was organized by Pakistani boxing champion Usman Wazeer with the support of the Force Command Northern Areas.




International boxers pose for a photo in Gilgit, Pakistan, ahead of World Boxing Association’s Asia Welterweight Championship matches on June 11, 2022. (AN photo)

“Boxers from 10 countries have reached Gilgit-Baltistan. There are three title fights while the other seven fights are world-ranking fights. And this is the biggest boxing competition in the history of Pakistan and is happening in Gilgit,” Wazeer told Arab News.

“I am from Gilgit-Baltistan, so it was my stubbornness to bring this event to Gilgit-Baltistan. I want to thank Commander FCNA, GB scouts and police for their cooperation with us to make this event successful.”




Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer, center, poses for a photograph with international boxers in Gilgit, Pakistan, ahead of World Boxing Association’s Asia Welterweight Championship matches on June 10, 2022. (AN photo)

Pakistan’s rising boxing star Syed Asif Shah Hazara who arrived from Quetta to participate in the matches said it was the biggest such event in Pakistan.

“We are here to promote the sport of boxing as there is no dearth of talent among the people of GB in the field of boxing,” he added. “There is no support from the government to promote this sport in the country. If they pay attention to this sport, more boxers will be able to make our country proud.”

Nigerian boxer Abiola Mashood Atobateli told Arab News that it was his first visit to the region and he loved it.

“Pakistan is a very beautiful and peaceful country. It is the center of tourism and I would love to come here again. After the fight and tournament, I will explore different places in Gilgit-Baltistan,” he said. “I love the landscape, I love the mountains, I love the clouds on the top of mountains.”

South Korean boxer Taekyum King, too, enjoyed Pakistani hospitality.

“People are very welcoming,” he said. “I will come to Pakistan again to spend my vacation instead of fighting.”

Pakistan minister says May 2023 protests ‘unforgivable’ despite talks with Imran Khan’s party

Updated 10 sec ago
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Pakistan minister says May 2023 protests ‘unforgivable’ despite talks with Imran Khan’s party

  • Pakistan’s government this week kicked off negotiations with Khan’s party to ease political tensions
  • May 9, 2023, protests saw people carrying flags of Khan’s party attacking government, military installations
Updated 10 sec ago
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar has said that the violent protests of May 2023 led by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party were “unforgivable,” despite the government’s ongoing negotiations with the PTI, state-run media reported this week. 

Tarar was referring to the violent countrywide protests of May 9, 2023, that saw people carrying PTI flags attack government and military installations. Khan’s party denies involvement in the protest, saying that the May 9 incident was a “false flag” operation designed to crush the party. 

Pakistan’s military this month sentenced 85 civilians to prison, which included Khan’s nephew, for sentences ranging from two years to 10, for their involvement in the protests. The decision was criticized by the European Union, the US and the UK, who raised questions over the transparency of the trials. 

Pakistan’s government this week opened talks with Khan’s PTI party to ease political tensions in the country. The PTI has demanded the release of political prisoners and the establishment of judicial commissions to investigate protests on May 9, 2023, and Nov. 26 this year. 

“He [Tarar] said incidents of violence like May 9 cannot be overlooked and anyone who commits acts of violence has to face the law,” Tarar told journalists at a press conference in Gujranwala, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said. 

The minister said that there was “irrefutable evidence” against people sentenced by the military for the May 9 protests, categorically stating that the right to fair trial was ensured.

“The government wants to build on a momentum of hard-earned economic progress during the last few months and political stability is inevitable to this end,” Radio Pakistan said. 

Khan’s ouster in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in 2022 has plunged the country into a long-term political crisis, particularly since the PTI founder was jailed in August last year on corruption and other charges and remains behind bars. 

His party and supporters regularly hold protests calling for his release, with many of the demonstrations turning violent, including one last month in which the government says four troops were killed and the PTI says 12 of its supporters died. 

The next session of talks between the government and the PTI is scheduled to be held on Jan. 2 in which it is expected that the PTI will present their demands in writing.

Topics: Pakistani information minister atta tarar May 9 protests May 9 riots

Gilgit-Baltistan defeats Chitral in ice hockey match at Shandur Lake

Updated 8 min 12 sec ago
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Gilgit-Baltistan defeats Chitral in ice hockey match at Shandur Lake

  • The match was part of Shandur Ice Sports Challenge held from December 24 to 28
  • The ice hockey match was tied 2-2 before Gilgit-Baltistan won on penalty shootouts
Updated 8 min 12 sec ago
REHMAT MEHSUD

PESHAWAR: Shandur Lake in Pakistan’s northern region hosted an ice hockey match on Saturday, with Gilgit-Baltistan defeating Chitral 4-3 in a penalty shootout, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority said.
The match concluded the Shandur Ice Sports Challenge, organized by the tourism authority, which was held from December 24 to 28 and featured competitions in ice hockey and speed skating.
While ice hockey remains a developing sport in Pakistan, it has gained traction in the northern regions, where freezing temperatures and frozen lakes create natural rinks.
“A large number of locals participated in the ice hockey event,” said Tashfeen Haider, Director General of the tourism authority. “The match at Shandur Lake demonstrates the region’s potential to host winter sports.”
Shandur is widely known for its annual polo festival, a tradition dating back to 1936, when British officials set up a polo ground at the Shandur Pass, located at approximately 3,700 meters above sea level.
The festival attracts teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan and has become a significant cultural and sporting event.
The tourism authority informed that the ice hockey match at Shandur was tied 2-2 in regular time before being decided on penalty shootouts.
The match highlighted the growing interest in winter sports in Pakistan’s northern regions, which can help boost local tourism and community engagement.

Topics: ice hockey shandur lake Shandur festival

Key coalition ally criticizes Pakistan government’s ‘excuses’ for imposing Internet restrictions

Updated 36 min 29 sec ago
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Key coalition ally criticizes Pakistan government’s ‘excuses’ for imposing Internet restrictions

  • Pakistan announced in June it was setting up a firewall to curb ant-state propaganda, which slowed Internet speeds countrywide
  • Pakistan’s opposition and rights activist criticize government’s measures, allege they are designed to crack down on criticism
Updated 36 min 29 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The chairman of a key coalition partner of the government, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, this week criticized the center’s “excuses” for imposing Internet restrictions in Pakistan that freelancers and rights activists say are aimed at cracking down on dissent in the country. 

The PPP chairman’s criticism comes in response to the government’s recent measures which have been interpreted by activists and opposition parties as a digital clampdown on Internet freedom in the country. Pakistani officials admitted in June that the government was installing a national firewall, ostensibly designed to curb “anti-state propaganda” and “blasphemous content,” which slowed Internet speeds across the country. 

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has also intensified its crackdown on virtual private networks (VPNs), allowing their legal use only after users register with the government— posing challenges for freelancers and businesses relying on online access.

Activists say the curbs are meant to counter criticism from jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, who have a powerful presence on social media platforms. The government denies these allegations. 

“There is a lot of room for criticism on this digital issue,” Bhutto-Zardari told reporters in the southern Larkana city on Saturday. 

“Every day there is a new excuse— sometimes they admit that we are shutting it [Internet] off and sometimes they say that we have done nothing of the sort. Then sometimes they say that our wires have been cut, then they say that there is a [firewall] testing going on,” he added. 

Earlier this week, the PPP chairman called for a “digital bill of rights” to ensure Internet freedoms for people across the country. 

In December, Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja defended Internet restrictions, citing security concerns.

“No one is interested in shutting down the Internet,” she told parliament. “Law and order is paramount for us, but we will make every effort to ensure no disruption to the industry.”

Slow Internet speeds across the country have troubled Pakistani freelancers, who have reported disruptions in completing assignments and tasks. 

According to data from the central bank, Pakistani freelancers earned $397.3 million in foreign remittances during the fiscal year 2021-22.

The amount is likely underreported, as much of the freelance income is received as home remittances.

Topics: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)

Pakistan PM orders swift installation of smart meters to enhance billing transparency

Updated 28 December 2024
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Pakistan PM orders swift installation of smart meters to enhance billing transparency

  • Shehbaz Sharif calls overbilling unacceptable, orders action against officials involved in the practice
  • Sharif instructs the authorities to take concrete measures to prevent electricity theft in the country
Updated 28 December 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the rapid installation of smart meters to improve transparency and curb overbilling in Pakistan’s power sector, according to an official statement.
Pakistan’s power sector faces significant challenges, including billing issues, electricity theft, and data discrepancies. Earlier this year in September, a Senate committee review highlighted these issues, noting that consumers have suffered due to incorrect meter readings and mismanagement.
“The installation of smart meters should be completed at the earliest to ensure transparency in the billing system,” the prime minister instructed the relevant officials in a meeting to review the performance of power distribution companies.
“Overbilling is absolutely unacceptable and strict action will be taken against officials involved in overbilling,” he added.
He also mentioned the problem of electricity theft in certain areas of the country, which contributes to the sector’s financial instability.
This is made possible through various methods, such as meter tampering or using illegal connections to consume power without proper billing.
“Concrete measures must be taken to prevent electricity theft,” the prime minister said.
He instructed the power companies utilize all necessary resources to meet targets set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
He also instructed merit-based recruitment within power distribution companies, saying no compromise on transparency would be tolerated.

Topics: Pakistan electricity

Pacer Marco Jansen admits South Africa face challenge after losing three wickets

Updated 28 December 2024
AFP
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Pacer Marco Jansen admits South Africa face challenge after losing three wickets

  • Pakistan’s opening bowlers had South Africa reeling at 27-3, 121 runs short of a win
  • The third day of the match started with a three-hour delay due to continuous rain
Updated 28 December 2024
AFP

CENTURION, South Africa: South African fast bowler Marco Jansen admitted that his team faced a challenge after Pakistan took three quick wickets late on the third day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Saturday with the hosts chasing 148 runs for victory.
Pakistan opening bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad had South Africa reeling at 27-3, 121 runs short of a win which would clinch them a place in the World Test championship final in England next June.
Abbas took two wickets for three runs in four immaculate overs of swing bowling, dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, while Shahzad trapped Ryan Rickelton.
Aiden Markram, South Africa’s top scorer in the first innings, was unbeaten on 22 going into what could be a nervy fourth day for the hosts.
Jansen, who took six for 52 as Pakistan were bowled out for 237 in their second innings, said the pitch had “quickened up,” with some balls lifting sharply and others keeping low.
“If Pakistan keep on bowling the lengths they did now we will have a task on our hands,” said Jansen.
But he added that a victory target of 148 “isn’t too much.”

South Africa’s Marco Jansen, left, celebrates with his teammates after dismissing Pakistan’s Babar Azam for 50 runs during day three of the Test cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa on December 28, 2024. (AP)

“We know the new ball moves quite sharply, especially in the second innings. Once the ball gets older it gets a lot easier to bat,” the 24-year-old added.
All three South African wickets were leg before wicket decisions as the Pakistan bowlers attacked the stumps — and all three were reviewed.
De Zorzi batted outside his crease in an attempt to counter the swing which undid him in the first innings, but Abbas beat his inside edge and he was given out.
He reviewed umpire Alex Wharf’s decision but replays showed the impact was “umpire’s call,” with the ball going on to hit the stumps, and he had to go for two runs.
Rickelton failed to score before he was trapped by Shahzad and Stubbs made one before falling to Abbas — with Pakistan successfully reviewing on both occasions after the batsmen were initially given not out.
It was a dramatic end to a day on which the start was delayed by three hours because of rain.
South Africa seemed well on target for victory when Pakistan were bowled out for 237 despite Saud Shakeel making an impressive 84.
Resuming at 88-3, Babar Azam and the left-handed Shakeel batted confidently, adding another 65 runs in 14.5 overs.
Babar made 50, his first half-century in 19 Test innings, before Jansen had a burst of three wickets in 14 balls, starting when Babar slapped a short ball to deep point.
Shakeel was ninth man out when he missed a full toss from Jansen after hitting 10 fours and a six in a 113-ball innings.
“I was looking for a yorker,” admitted Jansen. “I missed by a shin length.”

Topics: Pakistan vs South Africa

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