KARACHI: The Pakistani government is scheduled to discuss a long-term program for the import of discounted crude oil from Russia with the administration in Moscow next week, officials confirmed on Friday, as the South Asian state seeks to diversify its energy supplies at cheaper rates.
A Pakistani delegation, headed by the interim energy minister, Muhammad Ali, will attend the Russian Energy Week 2023 on October 11-13 at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall in the Russian capital.
Pakistan has already started imported crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia.
“The Pakistani delegation will be led by the energy minister along with the secretary petroleum to participate in energy week and exhibition,” Shahbaz Tahir Nadeem, the petroleum division spokesperson, told Arab News.
“Talks with Russia for a long-term deal [related to the oil import] are already going on and that may be discussed during the upcoming visit,” he added prudently without divulging further details.
Another petroleum division official, however, said the delegation would hold talks with Russian officials over the subject on the sidelines of the event.
The official, who declined to be named, informed the Pakistani delegation would also discuss LNG import options and the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline (PSGP), formerly known the North-South gas pipeline, during the meeting with the Russians.
The PSGP is a project jointly implemented by the two countries in Pakistan.
The petroleum division official informed the paperwork was being finalized by the participants with an option of asking Russians to fix the supply of discounted crude oil at $60 per barrel under the deal.
The official said both sides would also consider the progress on setting up Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a legal entity, agreed between them but which has not been formed yet. He added the SPV’s absence was also causing delay in the long-term deal materialization.
The collaboration between Islamabad and Moscow in the energy sector stems from a government-to-government (G2G) agreement signed earlier this year. This move by the South Asian nation is aimed at expanding its sources of energy imports while securing cost-effective options.
Under the G2G deal Pakistan has already imported 100,000 ton of crude oil in June this year which prompted then-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif to describe it as a “transformative day” for his economically struggling country.
The crude oil import was followed by a delivery of 100,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Pakistan by Moscow through Iran late last month.
This week Cnergyico oil refinery announced to have imported the first shipment of Russian crude oil consisting 100,000 metric ton, under private arrangement.
Pakistan plans to import 20 percent of its total oil requirement from Russia under discounted rates, according to the former energy minister, Musadik Malik, who made the announcement in May this year.
Pakistan to discuss long-term deal for discounted crude oil import from Russia next week
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Pakistan to discuss long-term deal for discounted crude oil import from Russia next week
- A senior official says Pakistan wants to explore the option of securing Russian oil supply at the fixed price of $60
- The discussions over bilateral energy sector cooperation will be held on the sidelines of an energy event in Moscow
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.
