No polio case detected in last seven months: Dr Faisal

Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan has said that no polio case has been detected in the country during last seven months.

Addressing an event in Islamabad today (Friday), he said this is an important milestone which will be taken forward. He said our future campaigns will focus on high risk areas in order to completely rid the country of this disease.

The Special Assistant clarified that polio drops are completely safe, appealing the parents to get their children administered anti polio drops whilst giving no ears to propaganda.

Dr Faisal Sultan was appreciative of international organizations including Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for extending cooperation to Pakistan in anti-polio campaigns.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Babar Talks About the Impact of Misbah and Waqar’s Resignations

Pakistan’s all-format captain, Babar Azam said that the departure of former head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, and former bowling coach, Waqar Younis, has led to more responsibility being added on his shoulders but he is ready to take on the challenge.

While talking in a virtual press conference ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, Babar revealed that the resignation had nothing to do with the team and it was their personal decision to leave their roles in the national team.

“It was Misbah and Waqar’s personal decision. But, it has put extra responsibility on me and I am taking this as a challenge,” Babar stated.

The 26-year old said that the national team is in good spirits and looking forward to the series against New Zealand under interim coaches, Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq. Babar said that the preparations are coming along nicely and both the new coaches have been working really hard to finalize the strategy for the team.

“Interim coaches Saqlain Bhai and Razzaq Bhai are trying to share their experience and finalizing the combination for the series. We are focused on the New Zealand series. You can’t take any team lightly as any day you can get surprised,” Babar added.

Babar revealed that the final decision on Pakistan’s playing eleven will be taken on the matchday after judging the pitch and weather conditions.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Waqar Younis Names His Pick for Pakistan’s Head Coach Role

Pakistan’s former bowling coach, Waqar Younis, believes that legendary pacer, Wasim Akram, should consider coaching Pakistan’s national team as he would be a perfect fit for the role. Waqar said that Wasim has been a terrific coach in the franchise T20 leagues and should take the step to coach the national team in the near future.

While talking on a show on ARY News, Waqar said that Wasim could have a similar role to that of Indian cricket team head coach, Ravi Shastri.

“I am serious, and I have talked about this with him a lot of time. He also has a good say in the cricket board, and he is one of the biggest cricketing names in the country. See, what Ravi Shastri is doing in the Indian team, leading the coaching panel, Wasim can play the same role in Pakistan,” Waqar stated.

The 49-year old added that it is not necessary for the Pakistan team to look for a foreign coach as he believes that local coaches are capable of doing a good job. Waqar said that there are a lot of accomplished coaches that are familiar with Pakistan’s domestic structure who can do a remarkable job for Pakistan.

Waqar also took a sly dig at the former fast bowler, Aqib Javed, who had commented that Waqar should learn the art of coaching before making his inevitable comeback as a coach for the national team. Aqib said that Waqar had made five comebacks in 15 years, and he still does not know how to coach.

Waqar said, “Let’s say, Aqib Javed, he has done coaching courses and is currently coaching Lahore Qalandars. Why doesn’t he try for the Pakistan team’s coaching?”

Former Pakistan captain recently resigned from his coaching position after serving as the bowling coach for two years.

Source: Pro Pakistani

LAT & Law-GAT Exam Rescheduled for October

The Law Admission Test and the Law-GAT examination have been rescheduled for Sunday, 3 October due to the pandemic-related lockdowns.

Registered candidates will be notified about their roll number slips via email and text messages a week in advance.

The Law Admission Test (LAT) had been scheduled for 29 August but was not held in Sindh.

It had been tentatively rescheduled for 26 September along with the Law-GAT examination, and registrations had been opened for all of Pakistan (including Sindh) until 10 September to provide Law students another opportunity during the ongoing admission season.

However, both the examinations have now been postponed by a week on account of the pandemic.

Source: Pro Pakistani

PM, Iranian President exchange views on bilateral, regional and int’l issues

Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi, at Dushanbe today [Thursday] on the side-lines of SCO's Heads of State Summit.

On the occasion, the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt felicitations to President Raisi on his victory in the recent Presidential elections. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue working with Iran to further strengthen and expand brotherly ties between the two countries.

The wide-ranging talks covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with a special focus on trade and economic sphere and regional connectivity. The Prime Minister highlighted his economic security agenda and Pakistan’s shift from geo-politics to geo-economics.

The Prime Minister thanked President Raisi for Iran’s consistent support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, especially by the Supreme Leader.

He highlighted the grave human rights situation in IIOJK and added that Iran’s just and principled position was a source of strength for the Kashmiri people, fighting for their right to self-determination.

On the situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s vital interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister stressed that there was an opportunity to finally end the conflict and war in Afghanistan after 40 years. It was essential to take urgent steps to stabilize the security situation in Afghanistan, prevent humanitarian crisis and stabilize the economy.

The Prime Minister added that the efforts for stabilization would be reinforced by respect for the rights of all segments of Afghan society and an inclusive political structure.

The Prime Minister appreciated Iran’s support for Pakistan’s initiative on engagement with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries for a coordinated approach.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan through positive messaging and constructive practical steps.

The Prime Minister reiterated his cordial invitation to President Raisi to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. For his part, President Raisi invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Iran.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also met Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan at Dushanbe on the sidelines of SCO.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Rupee Makes A Remarkable Recovery Against All Currencies After SBP Warning

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) appreciated against the US dollar (USD) on Thursday, recovering from September 15’s record low and gaining 94 paisas in the inter-bank market to close at Rs. 168.18.

The rupee slid, on Wednesday, to Rs. 169.70 against the USD before recovering and closing at an all-time low of Rs. 169.12.

Ali Khizar, Head of Research at Business Recorder, tweeted that the warnings of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Deputy Governor Murtaza Syed against speculators had worked to alleviate some pressure on the PKR.

Asad Rizvi, former Treasury Head Chase Manhattan Bank, also tweeted that the SBP Deputy Governor’s statement, wherein he had claimed that the central bank would not allow speculations, helped the rupee.

On September 15, the SBP Deputy Governor appeared on a talk show, hosted by anchorperson Kamran Khan, and said that the central bank would take action to prevent panic in the forex market.

He said, “Our trade deficit has increased because the economic growth in the country is picking up, and along with that, international commodity prices are rising, impacting the import bill.”

“If some people start speculating, they must remember that they will be the losers at the end of the day,” he warned.

While breaking its losing streak, the local currency also appreciated against other major currencies on September 16. It gained Rs. 1.98 against the Euro, Rs. 1.64 against the Pound Sterling (GBP), 44 paisas against the Canadian Dollar (CAD), and 93 paisas against the Australian Dollar (AUD). It also appreciated by 25 paisas against the Saudi Riyal (SAR) and by 26 paisas against the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).

Source: Pro Pakistani