Category: Lahore

Lahore: ICC ODI top-ranked batter Babar Azam has said that the Pakistan Men's cricket team was full of self-belief to defend the title as they take on New Zealand in the opener of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 at the National stadium, Karachi on Wednesday.

In an exclusive talk in the ICC Media Zone on Tuesday, he said a lot had changed since the Champions Trophy 2017 with only three or four players being part of the squad from the team that lifted the trophy, adding that the team had the same belief, confidence and execution.

To a question, the elegant right-hander said he did not live in the past glory and wanted to create more memories playing in front of the adoring Pakistani fans during the next 20 days.

He further said he was excited because of the fact that an ICC event was being staged on the home soil after a long break and he was yearning to do well.

Of the pressure of the home crowd, the crowd-puller dispelled the impression, adding that the past was beyond them. "The team has learnt from the past mistakes and we will not try to repeat them."

'When I have responsibility as a senior player and the team relies and believes in me to deliver , I take it in a positive way,' Babar responded, adding, 'I try to give my best in every match. I try to perform so that Pakistan wins and that is how I enjoy my cricket.'

On his memories of the victory in Champions Trophy 2017, he said the primary memories are of Fakhar Zaman's match-defining innings of 114 runs, a match-winning bowling spells by Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali and the winning moment.

'For me, it was a new journey as I was a young player. Playing against India, that excitement and the nervousness was there but when we won, we enjoyed and celebrated,' the world No. 1 batter reminisced.

Home advantage could be key if Pakistan were to experience a change in fortunes. Babar's home city of Lahore is among the three Pakistani cities hosting matches and he believes local knowledge will help his side thrive.

'When you play at home you get that edge as you know the conditions,' he said.

'You have a knowledge of how the pitch will behave, both in the first and second (innings), but still you have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best."

As the ICC Champions trophy kicks off at National stadium, Karachi after eight years, Babar Azam has made a name for him as a world-class performer and runs shoulders with Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Virat Kohli and his form with the bat will define Pakistan's destiny in the CT 25.

The reputation is on the line and a fruitful tournament will help Babar Azam solidify his hold on the top position as ODI batter and win laurels for the country.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has also expressed the desire to win yet another ICC title which has eluded them for so long.

With Babar Azam not delivering for the team in the past three ICC tournament, the reputation of the master batter is on the line and he must score big runs to save his reputation! A solid performance during the ICC Men's Champions Trophy will take the monkey off his back.

Lahore: In various operations conducted this year under the Anti-Kite Flying Act, Lahore Police arrested 440 individuals and registered 429 cases.

According to a statement issued by the Lahore Police on Tuesday, a total of 20,664 kites and 621 spools of string were confiscated from the arrested individuals. Among the arrested, 92 were from the City Division, 146 from the Cantt Division, 28 from the Civil Lines Division, 28 from the Saddar Division, 56 from Iqbal Town and 90 from Model Town.

CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana emphasised that a crackdown on those involved in the dangerous practice of kite flying and the use of metal strings is ongoing. He added that strict actions are being taken against those involved in the production, sale, and use of deadly kites and strings.

The CCPO further instructed officers to adopt proactive policing and closely monitor habitual kite flyers. He warned that kite flying is a life-threatening activity and urged parents to prevent their children from participating in this hazardous practice.

Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari visited the home of stage actor Lucky Dear and presented a financial aid cheque of Rs 2.5 million on behalf of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Azma Bokhari also presented a bouquet to Lucky Dear sent especially by the Chief Minister.

Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Punjab, Shazia Rizwan, and Director of Punjab Arts Council, Muhammad Tanveer Majid, also accompanied the minister.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Azma Bokhari said, "Artists are our valuable asset, they bring recognition to Pakistan worldwide. The theatres of Punjab have a unique cultural identity, and our mission is to transform them into true family entertainment venues."

Later that night, the Information Minister conducted surprise visits to Mehfil Theatre and Naz Theatre. She inspected the backstage areas, cleanliness standards, and artists' dressing rooms. During these visits, she met with stage actors, listened to their concerns, and assured them of the government's full support.

She also reviewed the quality of food at the theatre canteens and cafeterias, instructing the management to maintain high standards.

During her visit, she also interacted with renowned actors Agha Majid and Zafri Khan.

Lahore: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met with Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) to discuss public welfare projects and the party's future political strategies.

MPAs from Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Rajanpur, and DG Khan were included in the meeting.

During the meeting, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif expressed optimism about the country's economic recovery, citing a likely turnaround with a reduction in inflation and interest rates. He stated, 'Allah Almighty is making things easier. The reduction in the policy rate has increased business confidence, and after challenging economic conditions, inflation is decreasing, which will bring more relief to the people.' He also highlighted the resumption of construction work and the international recognition of PM Shehbaz Sharif's efforts.

Nawaz Sharif further emphasized that the opposition's focus on negativity and hatred contrasts with PML-N's record of serving the country, especially in the fields of politics, defense, and development. He noted, 'Had the continuity of development not been disrupted, the country would have been much further ahead, and the people would not have had to suffer.'

CM Maryam Nawaz acknowledged the trust placed in her by the party, leadership, and the people of Punjab. She said, 'It is a big responsibility to meet the high standards of public service set by Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.'

MPAs in attendance praised the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting that, even in difficult times, Nawaz Sharif provided hope and demonstrated unmatched patriotism. They commended the swift, transparent, and high-quality development in Punjab, spanning various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, industry, and the environment. They also noted the increasing popularity of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, particularly among women and youth, and appreciated her efforts in advancing the welfare of farmers and the agriculture sector.

Senior party leaders, including Senator Pervez Rashid, Rana Sanaullah, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Rashid Nasrullah, were present at the meeting. Other notable attendees included Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channer, Provincial Minister for Irrigation Muhammad Kazim Pirzada, and several other provincial ministers and assembly members.

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, till March 14 in three cases related to the May 9 violence, including the attack on Jinnah House.

ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill presided over the hearing on Omar Ayub's pre-arrest bail applications. However, the opposition leader failed to appear before the court despite the expiry of his interim bail.

Omar Ayub's counsel submitted an exemption application, stating that his client was in Peshawar to attend proceedings in a high court case. He requested the court to grant a one-day exemption from personal appearance.

During the proceedings, DSP Legal Javed Asif presented the case records against Ayub.

After reviewing the application, the court granted the exemption and extended Omar Ayub's interim bail till March 14.

Omar Ayub is facing charges in multiple cases, including attacks on Jinnah House and Askari Tower, as well as the torching of Shadman Police Station.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif laid the foundation stone for the state-of-the-art Saudi-German Hospital in Lahore Smart City by pressing a ceremonial button, alongside Sultan Sobhi Batterjee, Chairman of Batterjee Group.

The new facility, Saudi German Hospital Lahore, will be part of the Lahore Batterjee Medical City, which will have a total of 500 beds. The Saudi German Hospital itself, constructed at a cost of $250 million, will feature 300 beds.

CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted that the Saudi German Hospital Network is renowned worldwide for its cutting-edge medical technology and high-quality treatment services, with a successful presence in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, and Yemen. 'This hospital will not only provide world-class medical facilities to the people of Lahore but will also serve the entire Punjab region,' she said, emphasizing the hospital's commitment to modern technology and international standards.

The CM noted that the establishment of the hospital in Lahore Smart City would create employment opportunities for local youth, while strengthening Punjab's healthcare system. She called on the private sector to play an active role in improving the province's health services, asserting that this new hospital will mark a significant milestone in advancing public health and establishing a welfare society.