ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani postponed a trip to the UAE following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi earlier this week, his office said in a statement on Saturday night.
Sanjrani was scheduled to travel to the emirates from August 25 to 28, but hours after PM Modi was honored with the “Order of Zayed” – the UAE’s highest civilian award – He announced his decision to postpone the visit.
“Pakistan strongly supports the freedom movement of Kashmiri people, while the Modi government is subjecting Kashmiri Muslims to extreme oppression and a curfew is imposed (in Indian administered Kashmir),” excerpts from the statement read.
“Under the given circumstances, a visit to the UAE would hurt the sentiments of Kashmiri mothers, sisters and old people. So the chairman canceled the visit of a parliamentary delegation,” it added.
On August 5, PM Modi’s government revoked Article 370 of the Indian constitution which accorded a special status to India-administered Kashmir.
The move generated widespread anger in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close bilateral ties, with the UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan visiting Islamabad in January this year, following two visits by Prime Minister Imran Khan to the UAE last year to seek economic assistance. In December, the UAE announced a $3 billion financial support package for Pakistan.
According to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, around 1.6 million expatriates live and work in the UAE and remit more than $4.5 billion to the country every year.
Pakistan’s Senate chairman postpones UAE trip over Indian PM’s visit
Pakistan’s Senate chairman postpones UAE trip over Indian PM’s visit
- Premier Modi was honored with the emirates’ highest civilian award on Saturday
- Pakistan and UAE enjoy close bilateral ties, around 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates in the UAE
Umar Zaib leads Pakistan U19 into tri-series final with commanding win over Afghanistan
- Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from top order
- Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 (U19) confirmed their place in the final of the tri-series in Zimbabwe with a commanding 133-run win over Afghanistan U19 at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on Friday.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from the top order. Sameer Minhas top-scored with a fluent 56, while Usman Khan (43, 59b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Ali Hassan Baloch (39, 68b, 1x4, 1x6) laid a strong foundation for the side.
In turn, Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong.
“Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib led the charge with a match-winning spell, clinching five wickets for 31 runs, including early breakthroughs and key middle-order dismissals,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
“He was adjudged player of the match. Support came from Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar – both taking two wickets each.”
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had edged Afghanistan U19 by one wicket, while their league match against Zimbabwe U19 was washed out after the first innings due to rain.
Pakistan U19 will now face hosts Zimbabwe U19 on Sunday in their final league fixture before meeting the same opponents again in the final on Jan. 6.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Pakistan 238-9, 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 56, Usman Khan 43, Ali Hassan Baloch 39; Salam Khan 2-48, Zaitullah Shaheen 2-50)
Afghanistan 105 all out, 30.2 overs (Mahboob Khan 29; Umar Zaib 5-31, Ahmed Hussain 2-2, Momin Qamar 2-26)
