Pakistan participates in OIC golden jubilee celebrations

Pakistani folk artists captivated people in Jeddah during the golden jubilee celebrations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that began on November 26 and ended on Nov. 28, 2019. (AN Photo)
Updated 29 November 2019
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Pakistan participates in OIC golden jubilee celebrations

  • PM’s adviser on information and broadcasting represented the country in the inaugural session
  • Two Pakistani folk artists captivated the audience with their dance and performance

JEDDAH: Pakistan enthusiastically participated in the golden jubilee celebrations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), said an official statement released by the country’s Consulate General in Jeddah on Friday.
Pakistani folk artists, Akhtar Chanal Zahri and Akbar Khamiso Khan, traveled to Saudi Arabia in connection with the celebrations and performed with musicians from other parts of the Muslim world.
The celebrations lasted for four days from November 25 to 28. The inaugural session was held on Monday in which Special Adviser to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan represented the country.
Later, from November 26 to 28, the celebrations were open for public, and a large number of people came to see the performances of folk artists from across the Muslim world.
On the last day of celebration, a large number of students from the Pakistan International School, Jeddah, attended the cultural evening along with their parents.




Pakistani folk artists captivated people in Jeddah during the golden jubilee celebrations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that began on November 26 and ended on Nov. 28, 2019. (AN Photo)

The Pakistani folk singers and musicians belonging to Balochistan and Sindh sported their traditional outfits and performed in front of a large audience who thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
The folk singers captivated the audience with their traditional music and dance.
The audience rose from their seats and danced to the tune of the folk songs and music. The Pakistani artists received a lot of appreciation from the audience.
Talking to Arab News, Akhtar Chanal said: “It was a great pleasure for me to perform in Saudi Arabia. It was my first performance here and I enjoyed it a lot.”
He added: “The Saudi-Pak relationship is growing stronger by the day.”
Children from school said they enjoyed the gathering as well, adding that the cultural program was quite informative and gave them a glimpse into the ethnic diversity of their country.


Pakistan cricket players to gather at Times Square today as PCB courts global PSL investors

Updated 17 sec ago
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Pakistan cricket players to gather at Times Square today as PCB courts global PSL investors

  • PCB is targeting US, Middle Eastern and European investors, aims to expand PSL from six to eight franchises next season
  • The board has extended the bidding deadline to Dec. 22, citing increased international interest after the London roadshow

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricket players are scheduled to gather at Times Square in New York today, Sunday, as part of a Pakistan Super League (PSL) fan engagement event, as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) pushes to raise the league’s global profile and attract foreign investors.

The event comes days after the PCB held a PSL roadshow in London and as it seeks investors for two additional franchises ahead of the league’s 11th edition, set to be played in April and May next year. The board is aiming to expand the PSL from six teams to eight amid what it has described as growing international interest.

“Pakistan cricket team players, along with the HBL PSL Trophy, will be present at Times Square at 5:30 pm, offering fans a special opportunity to celebrate the global spirit of the HBL Pakistan Super League,” the PCB said in a statement released Saturday.

“Pakistan cricket and HBL PSL fans in New York are invited to join this unique fan engagement moment,” it added.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in New York to attend the event, according to the board.

Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, said the deadline to submit bids for the two new PSL teams has been extended until Dec. 22 to accommodate heightened interest from investors in the US, Middle East and Europe.

Earlier this week, the PSL roadshow in London featured former Pakistan cricket stars Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja, alongside current players Babar Azam, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The players spoke about their careers and the role the PSL has played in developing Pakistan’s cricketing talent.

Launched in 2016, the PSL has grown into Pakistan’s flagship T20 competition, featuring a mix of local and international players.

The league now competes for global viewership with tournaments such as the Indian Premier League, Australia’s Big Bash League, England’s Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League.