Mohammad Huraira to make test debut in first test against West-Indies

Multan:Pakistan has unveiled its playing XI for the opening Test against the West Indies, with an exciting debut for young batter Mohammad Huraira.

The match was set to commence on Friday, marking a key moment in the series as Pakistan aims to start on a strong note.

The inclusion of Huraira, a promising talent from domestic cricket, has generated significant buzz. The right-handed batter has consistently impressed with his performances in domestic competitions, earning him a spot in the national side. His inclusion reflects the team management's focus on nurturing new talent while maintaining a balance with experienced players.

Skipper Shan Masood will lead the side, supported by seasoned players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad and Abrar Ahmd. The playing XI indicates a mix of experience and youth, showcasing Pakistan's depth in talent. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with fans eager to see how Mohammad Huraira fares in his maiden Test.

3-day Livestock Expo to begin at Expo center from Jan 17: Minister

Karachi:Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Muhammad Ali Malkani on Thursday announced that the Pakistan's largest Livestock Expo-2025 from January 17 to 19 here at the Expo Center.

This landmark event will celebrate Pakistan's rich cultural heritage in livestock, showcases advancements in the sector, and emphasizes sustainability in agriculture.

Addressing a press conference at the Sindh Assembly, Minister Malkani stated that the Expo was a groundbreaking initiative that will unite stakeholders from across the country, including representatives from Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that the Expo, hosted by Sindh, is a testament to the government's commitment to enhancing the livestock industry and supporting local farmers, breeders, and industry professionals.

The Livestock Expo 2025 will feature an extensive array of activities, including livestock exhibitions, technical seminars, and research presentations by experts. Attendees will witness a diverse showcase of livestock breeds such as Kundhi and Neeli Ravi buffaloes, Red Sindhi, Thari, and Sahiwal cattle, along with crossbreeds, sheep, goats, exotic pets, and camel dances. The event aims to provide stakeholders with insights into modern practices and innovative approaches to livestock production and sustainability.

The event will also highlight the collaborative efforts of various provincial departments, including the Agriculture and Prices Bureau, Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, and Sports and Youth Affairs, to ensure a well-rounded experience. Traditional games such as Malh Malakhra and Kabaddi will add a cultural flair, while musical evenings featuring prominent artists like Sanam Marvi, Deeba Sahar, Ahmed Mughal, and Reshma Parveen will celebrate Sindh's vibrant heritage.

Minister Malkani further shared that a special session will focus on sustainability, addressing the challenges and opportunities in livestock management.

A grand animal and bird parade, 'The Cavalcade,' will serve as a key highlight, symbolizing the region's livestock legacy. The Expo will conclude with an awards ceremony to honor excellence in the livestock industry, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions.

On the occasion, Sindh Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, shared that musical evenings on all three days will be held, featuring renowned artists such as Sanam Marvi, Deeba Sahar, Ahmed Mughal, Reshma Parveen, and others.

Converting tube wells to solar energy to reduce expenses of farmers: CM Bugti

Quetta:Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Thursday said, converting tube wells to solar energy would reduce the expenses and problems of farmers which would develop Agriculture and Livestock Sectors in the province.

He said this while talking to a delegation of Zameendar Action Committee (ZAC) Killa Saifullah led by the provincial Ameer of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Abdul Wasay called on him here.

The Zameendar Action Committee of Killa Saifullah apprised the Chief Minister of Balochistan about their problems being faced by them in the area.

The Chief Minister said that the problems of the agricultural professionals of Balochistan are well understood saying that in this regard, steps have been taken to convert agricultural tube wells to solar energy for a permanent solution to electricity issues,

'We will take vigorous steps to solve the problems of landowners', he said adding that agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Balochistan.

The CM maintained that the welfare of farmers is the top priority of the government, transferring tube wells to solar energy could help to reduce the expenses and problems of farmers,

He said that the provision of modern facilities to farmers would be ensured saying that a coordinated policy is being formulated for progress of the Agriculture Department in the area.

Shooter killed in encounter

Lahore:A shooter was killed in an exchange of fire between the Organised Crime Unit City Kotwali and the robbers here on Thursday.

According to police officials, the police team was taking the accused Azam Ali to Gujjarpura police station to recover stolen goods and weapons. The accomplices of the accused opened indiscriminate fire on the police party to free their detained fellow shooter. As a result, the accused received serious bullet injuries and was being shifted to a hospital, but he died on-the-way.

The DSP said that the deceased accused was wanted in several cases of serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, terrorism, and drug smuggling. The deceased accused was considered a symbol of terror in Lahore and Sheikhupura.

Governor Sindh visits Palestinian Embassy, greets Ambassador on Gaza ceasefire

Karachi:Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori on Thursday visited the Palestinian Embassy in Islamabad, where he was warmly received by Palestinian Ambassador Zuhair M.H. Darzaid and other diplomatic staff.

The Governor also presented a bouquet and sweets to the ambassador and greeted the Ambassador on the ceasefire agreement.

According to the Governor House spokesman, Kamran Tessori expressed optimism, stating that the ceasefire had sparked hope for peace in the region. He acknowledged the hardships endured by the Palestinian people and expressed the hope for their rehabilitation. He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering diplomatic, moral, and political support for Palestine.

The Governor Sindh also extended an invitation to the Palestinian Ambassador to visit Governor House Karachi.

PTA addressing customers complaints timely: Shaza Fatima

Islamabad: Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication , Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday said that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was ensuring internet speed, quality standards and addressing complaints of customers timely.

Responding to a question answer in of Senators Muhammad Aslam Abro and Anusha Rehman Ahmed Khan in Senate, the minister said that PTA has conveyed that 1015 complaints had been received on fault and distribution in internet services from July 1 to Dec 31, 2024.

She further said that the measures put in a place to bring improvement in network services to facilitate the customers.

She said that IT export was increasing every passing day and internet users in Pakistan were also increasing in the country.

Shaza Fatima informed that foreign investors were directly investing in IT sector to further improve and streamline the system, adding that the present government was providing conducive environment to them.

She said that in a global landscape, IT spectrum was in impact growth through efforts and strategies.

Answering to a question, the minister said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had brought political instability in the country but the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was taking gigantic measures to bring economic stability and growth.