KSrelief launches 2025 winter kits project for Pakistan

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Updated 31 January 2025
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KSrelief launches 2025 winter kits project for Pakistan

  • 84,500 winter kits to be distributed across Pakistan as part of KSrelief annual initiative for vulnerable communities
  • In 2023 alone, KSrelief provided over 110 million meals globally, including a significant share for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Thursday launched its 2025 project to distribute winter relief kits in Pakistan, to be distributed to needy people in all four provinces of Pakistan as well as the Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir northern regions. 
As part of the program, KSrelief will distributes 84,500 shelter, NFIs (non-food items), and winter kits across Pakistan as part of its annual initiative to support vulnerable communities.
“It’s my pleasure to participate in this ceremony on behalf of my country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, said at the launch ceremony. 
“This kit will be distributed among the needy people in all four provinces of Pakistan, including Gilgit-[Baltistan] and Azad Kashmir.”




In this handout photo, released by Saudi Embassy, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki (left), Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, speaks during the launching ceremony of KSrelief’s 2025 winter kits project in Islamabad on January 30, 2025. (Photo courtesy: X/@KSAembassyPK)

In the first phase, KSrelief will deliver 50,000 winter kits to residents of the 50 coldest and snow-bound districts in Pakistan. Distribution will be region-specific, targeting 16,000 kits in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 12,000 in Balochistan, 10,000 in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), 6,000 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), 4,000 in Sindh, and 2,000 in Punjab. These winter packages include two polyester quilts and a kit of warm shawls for both men and women, as well as warm clothing for children and adults.




In this handout photo, released by Saudi Embassy, Pakistan’s National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain (3L), Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki (2R) and other officials inspect packages during the launching ceremony of KSrelief’s 2025 winter kits project in Islamabad on January 30, 2025. (Photo courtesy: X/@KSAembassyPK)

The remaining 34,500 Shelter NFIs will be strategically allocated for disaster response, with distribution planned over three additional phases, set to conclude by December 2025.
To ensure transparency and effective implementation, the project will be carried out in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), and local authorities. 




This handout photo, released by Saudi Embassy, shows trucks, loaded with winter relief kits to distribute in Pakistan, parked during the launching ceremony of KSrelief’s 2025 winter kits project in Islamabad on January 30, 2025. (Photo courtesy: X/@KSAembassyPK)

“The joint effort is expected to benefit over 591,500 individuals, underscoring KSrelief’s commitment to alleviating hardships and improving the well-being of those in need across Pakistan,” a statement from the humanitarian agency said. 
Attending the ceremony, Pakistani minister for food security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, said the event marked “yet another milestone in the strong and historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reflecting their shared commitment to humanitarian aid and development.”
In 2023 alone, KSrelief provided over 110 million meals globally, including a significant share for Pakistan.


Pakistan, UAE resolve to foster cooperation in trade, investment, energy and other sectors

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Pakistan, UAE resolve to foster cooperation in trade, investment, energy and other sectors

  • The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the US, and a major source of foreign investment
  • Policymakers in Pakistan consider the Gulf country an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to foster their bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy and other sectors, the Pakistani foreign office said late Friday, amid Pakistan’s efforts to revive its $350 billion economy.
The statement came after Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s meeting with his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, at which the two leaders engaged in discussions to further strengthen Pakistan-UAE fraternal ties.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE’s foreign ministry.
Both countries have stepped up efforts in recent years to strengthen their economic relations. In Jan. 2024, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure.
“They explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, defense, and people-to-people connections,” the Pakistani foreign office said, following the meeting between DPM Dar and his Emirati counterpart.
“The two leaders agreed to maintain regular high-level engagements and consultations to further solidify bilateral ties and coordinate on regional and international issues of mutual concern.”
The development comes amid Islamabad’s efforts to forge closer ties, especially in trade and investment, with several Central Asian and Gulf nations as Pakistan treads a tricky path to economic recovery since avoiding a default in June 2023.
Policymakers in Pakistan consider the UAE an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions. It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates, making it the second-largest Pakistani expatriate community worldwide and a major source of foreign workers’ remittances for Pakistan.
During the meeting, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with the Emirates and highlighted the pivotal role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, describing them as a bridge between the two nations.
“In response, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to strengthening its strategic relationship with Pakistan,” the Pakistani foreign office said.
“He acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contributions to regional stability and expressed appreciation for the positive role played by the Pakistani community in the UAE’s development.”


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

Updated 26 min 36 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 38 min 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 19 min 3 sec ago
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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.