Category: Lahore

Lahore: Ace fast bowler Haris Rauf has said that he felt comfortable during the fielding and bowling practice on Monday and was available for selection for Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium, Karachi on February 19 (Wednesday).

Haris Rauf had left the field early after bowling 6.3 overs against New Zealand in the first match of the tri-nation series at the Gaddafi Stadium after he felt discomfort in his ribs. He did not take part in the remainder of the series and rested as per advice of the PCB medical panel.

Pakistan team spent good time in bowling and batting practice at the Oval Ground of the PCB's Hanif Muhammad High Performance Center, Karachi on Monday afternoon. The cricketers also participated in exercise drills.

Haris Rauf bowled at full throttle during the nets and looked confident to spearhead Pakistan bowling attack against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium Karachi.

When asked about Virat Kohli by the journalists, the speed merchant said, "We have played quite good cricket against Indian batter Virat Kohli and enjoy good bonding with one of the modern day batting greats. I enjoy bowling against him and learn from his as well."

To a question, Haris Rauf said the current team had a burning desire to win an ICC events, adding that they had made to the finals and semi-final of ICC events as well as the Asia Cup in the recent past but there was nothing like recording a trophy against your name. "We have together as a group for quite good time and wish to be remembered as the ones who won an ICC event for the country," he responded.

Lahore: Punjab Home Department has taken a commendable step by amending the 125-year-old prison rules under the vision of Punjab's chief minister for comprehensive jail reforms.

According to the spokesperson here on Monday, in the first phase, 138 jail rules were revised to meet modern standards. These amendments aimed to ensure the protection of human rights and adherence to international laws. The spokesperson said that the modernization and changes in the rules would facilitate prisoners, their families, and the jail administration.

A summary for approval of these amendments was being submitted. Special attention was given to the rights of women inmates and children in these amendments, he added. Additionally, proper medical treatment facilities were ensured for prisoners suffering from mental illnesses and a structured system of reward and punishment was introduced to enforce discipline.

The spokesperson further mentioned that a system was set up to grant prisoners the right to appeal against their sentences. Under the new prison rules, foreign prisoners will receive consular assistance in accordance with international laws. Following the amendments, foreign prisoners will be able to understand the legal proceedings in their own language. Emphasis was placed on providing clean water, balanced nutrition, and a hygienic environment to prisoners across all jails in Punjab.

The spokesperson further added that the appointment of a medical officer, psychologist and welfare officer was made mandatory in every jail. Additionally, training of all prison staff was made compulsory to enhance security in jails.

The spokesperson said that under the new prison rules, every prisoner will have timely and confidential access to legal counsel.

It is noteworthy that the Home Department was implementing these amendments to prison rules in phases as part of the Jail Reforms Policy.

Lahore: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council Geoffery Allardice has

congratulated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on hosting an ICC event after almost three decades as the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 1996 was the last tournament co-hosted by Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.

'It is tremendous opportunity for the country to show its passion for cricket while extending its finest hospitality to all the overseas visitors attending this event,' he said while speaking the ICC hosted extravaganza to mark the opening ceremony of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 at the Lahore Fort on Sunday night.

Welcoming the members of the Champions Trophy 2017 winning team of Pakistan at the opening

ceremony, Allardice fondly recalled the moment Pakistan cricket team lifted the Champions trophy 2017 and donned the white jackets at the Oval in 2017 - last time the tournament was held.

The ICC Champions Trophy is being held after a lapse of eight years. The ICC CEO thanked the PCB for getting the world-class stadiums ready in Lahore and Karachi and providing an opportunity to the fans to enjoy two weeks of intense competition.

Allardice heaped praise on PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the redevelopments of the Gaddafi stadium, Lahore; and National Stadium, Karachi, adding 'I still find it hard to believe that the major changes were made in these stadiums in mere 117 days.' the ICC CEO added.

Talking about the advantages of holding events at the members countries, he said the young generations pf players can watch their cricketing heroes in person. One other advantage that the ICC leaves a legacy in the host country, Allardice said, adding that one of the great legacies of this tournament in Pakistan will be the improved stadiums and facilities for the generations of players and cricket fans in Pakistan.

Geoff Allardice also thanked the Emirates Cricket Board for providing the Dubai Cricket stadium to hold the four matches including the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a hybrid model after the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan citing non provision of No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Indian government on political and security reasons.

Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi stadium, Lahore and if, under the hybrid model as decided by the ICC, India qualifies for the final, the match will be played in at the Dubai Cricket stadium, UAE.

In his welcome note, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi thanked the ICC for the guidance in the redevelopment of the stadiums in Pakistan, acknowledging that the return of the ICC event after a lapse of 29 years to the cricketing fields in Pakistan is an opportunity to show hospitality and passion.

The PCB chairman reassured the cricket fans across the globe that Pakistan was ready for the Champions Trophy 2025.

On the selection of Lahore Fort as the venue, he said the venue not only shows to the world the cultural heritage of the country but it also showcases the deep-rooted legacy of cricket in the nation.

Lahore: The Punjab University Hailey College of Commerce International Office organized a seminar to celebrate 'International World Education Day' and 'International Environmental Education Day' here on Monday.

On this occasion, Director International Office Dr Sadia Farooq, Deputy Director Hafiz Fawad Ali, Assistant Professor Dr Sarfraz Khalil, Assistant Professor Dr Tayyaba Yousaf, faculty members and students were present.

International speakers including Prof Dr Cepiku Denita from the University of Rome, Italy, discussed the role of education in fostering global change. Lumondt Kritzinger from the UK focused on the significance of climate education in addressing global challenges.

Marianthi Sykiotou from Greece emphasized the need for sustainable practices in everyday life. Climate activist Mirna Acras Abed Moraes from Brazil shared her experiences in advocating for climate change awareness, while Head of Excellence and Contracting Supply Chain at Fatima Group Fouzia Abid highlighted the connection between education and sustainable development in the corporate world.

Ms Yvonne Odhiamb from United People Global delivered a thought-provoking message on the importance of global collaboration to tackle the environmental issues of today. Dr Sadia said that the event brought together a diverse group of experts, academics, and students fostering discussions on the critical intersection of education and environmental awareness.

Meanwhile, the PU Examinations Department has extended the last date for receipt admission forms and fee for regular, late college, private, improve division, additional subjects and special categories candidates of Associate Degree Arts/Science/Commerce Part-I and II annual examination 2025. According to details, now the last date of submission of admission forms for said exams with single fee is 3-3-2025. This schedule is also open for those candidates who appeared in Associate Degree in Arts/Science and Commerce Part-I, II supplementary examinations 2024. Details are available at www.pu.edu.pk.

Lahore: The city experienced partly cloudy weather on Monday, with the MET Office forecasting similar conditions for the next 24 hours.

Officials reported that a shallow westerly wave was affecting the upper regions of the country, moving northeast, while a fresh westerly system was expected to reach Balochistan by Tuesday evening or night.

Cold and dry weather is anticipated across most districts of Punjab, with colder, partly cloudy conditions likely in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, and surrounding areas.

Murree recorded Punjab's lowest temperature at 0.0°C, while Lahore saw a minimum of 11.2°C and a maximum of 27.5°C.

Lahore: Punjab University's 134th convocation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 in Faisal Auditorium.

The full dress rehearsal of PU's 134th convocation will be held on Sunday; at 1: 30pm at Faisal Auditorium in which student's participation is compulsory. The position holder students of BS, MS, MPhil and PhD who completed their degrees in 2024 will be bestowed medals and degrees.

Invitation cards for students have been sent in this regard, however, the students who have not received the invitation cards may contact the Computer Degree Section, Punjab University Examination Department.