ISLAMABAD: Ex-army chief General (retired) Raheel Sharif called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday to discuss the regional security environment and counter-terrorism measures taken by a Saudi-led coalition.
Sharif currently serves as the top commander of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) which was formed in December 2015.
The prime minister, for his part, reiterated that his administration wanted to bring enduring peace and stability to the country by supporting various peace initiatives at the regional level. He also emphasized greater regional cooperation to eradicate violence and extremism.
Earlier in the day, Sharif met with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. The minister applauded the IMCTC for making substantial contributions to the security of the region.
The coalition, which had 34 members initially, is comprised of 41 now. Sharif, who played a vital role in Pakistan’s war against religious militancy, was nominated as its first commander-in-chief after his retirement, and the coalition has since been striving to eradicate terrorism from the Muslim world under his guidance.
Raheel Sharif briefs PM Khan on counter-terrorism measures
Raheel Sharif briefs PM Khan on counter-terrorism measures
- Chief of Saudi-led coalition also discussed the regional security environment
- Premier reiterates support for peace and stability
Pakistan Cricket Board approves stadium upgrades, targets PSL matches in new regions
- PCB is working to stage T20 league matches and future international games at Muzaffarabad Stadium
- It reviews the success of PSL roadshows in London and New York to boost the league’s global profile
KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved major upgrades to stadiums in Karachi and Lahore and cleared plans for a new state-of-the-art venue in Islamabad, as it looks to expand the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and spread top-level cricket to new regions, officials said on Tuesday.
The decisions were taken at a video-link meeting of the PCB Board of Governors chaired by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, which formally approved the second phase of renovation of Karachi’s National Stadium and the upgrading of the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground along the lines of England’s Oval.
Pakistan has stepped up investment in cricket infrastructure in recent years as it seeks to strengthen its domestic system, attract international events and grow the PSL, its premier T20 league, into a more geographically inclusive and internationally visible league.
“We are making every effort to stage PSL 11 matches at Muzaffarabad Stadium and to host international matches there as well,” Naqvi said, according to a PCB statement.
The board also endorsed plans to construct a modern cricket stadium in Islamabad, while officials briefed the meeting on preparations for future International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s and women’s tournaments and efforts to strengthen domestic cricket at the grassroots level.
The meeting also reviewed the success of recent PSL promotional roadshows in London and New York, which the PCB sees as part of a broader push to position the league as an international brand and attract overseas audiences and investment.
