Sports

ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah, congratulates Pakistan’s national football team. Their remarkable victory in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives marks the team’s first international trophy in 74 years. Milestone in Pakistani Football This victory represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s sports history. It highlights a renewed focus on improving football infrastructure and talent development. Minister Sanaullah praised the team’s efforts and expressed hope for future achievements in Pakistani football. Impact on Pakistan’s Sports Landscape The triumph is seen as a transformative event for sports in Pakistan, with potential to enhance the country’s presence on the international football stage. Following the win, the government has reiterated its commitment to supporting and nurturing sports talents.

KARACHI — The Regional Inter-District Under-19 (Karachi Region) One-Day Cricket Tournament is set to begin on Tuesday, 2026. Overseen by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the matches will be held at three different venues across Karachi. Competing Teams This tournament will feature seven zonal teams. Head Coach Iqbal Imam and Saeed Bin Nasir, in collaboration with various zonal coaches, have carefully selected these teams. The competition promises to deliver intense matches as teams strive for top honors in this prestigious event. Tournament Objectives The main objective of this tournament is to provide a platform for young cricket talents to shine. It offers athletes the chance to enhance their skills and gain valuable exposure in the sport. As these athletes showcase their abilities, they might advance to higher levels of competition, paving the way for future cricketing success.

RAWALPINDI — The District Emergency Response Committee (DERC) convened a meeting to evaluate dengue prevention strategies with cooperative housing societies in Rawalpindi. The session, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Abdul Rehman Khan, included officials from multiple departments and representatives of housing societies. Review of Anti-Dengue Measures Participants reviewed ongoing anti-dengue measures throughout the district. Housing societies were instructed to finalize their micro-planning, action plans, and logistical arrangements. This approach aims to efficiently manage potential dengue risks. Emphasis was placed on maintaining cleanliness and regularly monitoring open plots, graveyards, and vacant areas to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Coordination and Reporting Emphasis The meeting stressed the importance of coordination between all departments and housing societies to ensure the campaign’s success. A follow-up meeting is planned in five days to review progress and assess targets. Registration and Reporting Obligations Housing societies were urged to register and report their anti-dengue activities promptly on the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) dashboard.

PESHAWAR — Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi stressed the importance of quality education, youth empowerment, and sports for developing future leaders. He shared these insights during a meeting with cadets from Pakistan Scouts Cadet College Batrasi, Mansehra, held at the Governor’s House on Monday. Cadet College Delegation Meeting The delegation, led by Brigadier (Retd) Abdul Hafeez SI(M), the college principal, was warmly welcomed by Governor Kundi. He acknowledged the cadets as future leaders of Pakistan, praising the college as one of the province’s premier educational institutions. The governor also recalled its establishment by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Focus on Education and Sports Governor Kundi expressed his dedication to advancing student welfare and the college’s development. He mentioned his intention to send a letter to the President regarding institutional growth and committed to visiting the college. Discussions centered on enhancing educational and sports opportunities for youth, recognizing the abundant talents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Boosting National Cricket and Educational Opportunities Highlighting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s contributions to national cricket, Governor Kundi called for more educational and sports options for young people. In response to cadets’ questions, he commended Pakistan’s military and political leaders for their roles in global peace. Additionally, he suggested initiatives like subsidized electric bikes for students and expanded scholarship programs.

Enhancing SAU and FAO Partnership The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has partnered with Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, to enhance collaboration. Their focus includes crucial areas such as climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and youth capacity development. An essential part of these discussions is the introduction of a paid internship program for students. Internship Program Benefits and Goals The proposed internship program aims to provide students with valuable practical experience. This initiative aligns with SAU’s educational objectives and supports FAO’s mission to advance sustainable agricultural practices. The program is designed to nurture future leaders in the fields of agriculture and food security. Future Collaborative Initiatives SAU and FAO are planning to draft a joint Expression of Interest (EOI). This document will ease the creation of collaborative projects, ensuring their commitment to developing a skilled workforce capable of addressing global agricultural challenges.

Urban Sewerage Infrastructure Project The city is undertaking a major urban sewerage infrastructure project. Workers employ heavy machinery to load concrete sewer pipes onto tractor trolleys. This initiative aims to improve the drainage systems and resolve long-standing issues for local residents. Enhancing Water Flow in Sewer Systems The project primarily focuses on upgrading sewer systems to enhance water flow. This upgrade is crucial for preventing blockages and urban flooding. Authorities emphasize the project’s role in promoting public health and maintaining environmental standards. Building Resilient Urban Infrastructure This effort is part of a larger plan to fortify urban infrastructure. It seeks to boost resilience against seasonal weather. Through these critical upgrades, the city aims to manage heavy rainfall better and accommodate urban growth demands.

ISLAMABAD — Construction is moving forward on the Park Road underpass in Islamabad. The use of heavy machinery aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance commute times in the federal capital. Infrastructure Enhancements The underpass is a vital component of larger infrastructure upgrades designed to streamline vehicular movement. It tackles major route bottlenecks and has garnered attention for its potential to significantly improve local transportation efficiency. Construction Progress Construction teams are working diligently to complete the underpass at the earliest possible date. The project is expected to ease daily travel for both residents and visitors, highlighting Islamabad’s commitment to advancing urban infrastructure.

CHINIOT — Rescue 1122 has intensified its search for a 22-year-old woman who is believed to have jumped into the Chenab River near the old bridge on Sargodha Road. The thorough search operation began on Sunday morning following the report of the incident. Emergency Alert and Response Rescue officials received an emergency call reporting the woman’s entry into the river under unclear circumstances. In response, they promptly deployed water rescue teams to begin a coordinated effort. Search and Rescue Operations The operation involves comprehensive line and boat searches at multiple locations along the river. Despite exhaustive efforts, Rescue 1122 has not yet located the missing woman. Identity and Ongoing Search The missing woman has been identified as Iram Bibi, daughter of Mirza, and a resident of Chak No. 44, Lalian. Specialized water rescue experts alongside rescue boats remain active in the search efforts.

ISLAMABAD — Yawar Hussain, Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), conducted a thorough inspection of sports and administrative facilities in Islamabad on Saturday. The purpose of his visit was to evaluate the condition of these facilities and review current activities. Engagement with Officials During his visit, Hussain engaged with officials who provided detailed briefings on the current state of the facilities. These discussions offered insights into both sports and administrative capabilities. Assessment of Operations The inspection focused on assessing the operations within sports and administrative sectors. The main objective was to ensure that all facilities operate at their optimal levels. Infrastructure Development Initiatives This inspection is part of the PSB’s ongoing initiatives to enhance Pakistan’s sports infrastructure. By improving resources and environments, the board aims to support athlete development across the nation.

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has organized a specialized training session for the Junior Under-21 Hockey team. This initiative is designed to enhance fitness standards and align players with modern sports practices. Focus on Player Development As part of the PHF’s efforts to elevate junior players, a senior sports nutrition expert led the session. The emphasis was on improving the young athletes’ overall fitness, preparing them for upcoming competitions. Modern Techniques and Strategies The PHF is dedicated to integrating modern techniques and strategies to boost the team’s sporting capabilities. This approach underscores the federation’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent in hockey. Commitment to International Competitiveness The specialized training is crucial for ensuring the team’s competitiveness on the international stage. Further sessions are planned as the PHF continues investing in the development of junior players.