ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said the sale of sophisticated US military equipment to India will have “serious security implications for Pakistan” and that the deal was tantamount to destabilizing the region.
“Pakistan sees the growing defense relations and deals between US and India as contribution in destabilization of South Asia,” the foreign office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said in a weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement earlier this week that the US Department of State has approved a possible sale to India of military equipment comprising an integrated air defense weapon system.
“The sale of such sophisticated weapon system to India at this time is particularly disturbing for Pakistan,” Farooqui said.
The US decision “will disturb the strategic balance” in South Asia and will have “serious security implications for Pakistan and the region.”
“The world is aware of Indian aggressive approach toward Pakistan as they (India) have already committed 272 cease-fire violations on the Line of Control (LOC) in six weeks of this year, which resulted in killing of three civilians and 25 were seriously injured,” Farooqui said.
She emphasized that South Asia cannot afford an arms race and that it was the international community’s responsibility to prevent the region from further destabilization.
She expressed hope that President Trump will raise the issue of Kashmir with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit to India, as the American leader had multiple times offered mediation to help resolve disputes concerning the region.
“The president of the United States has expressed more than once his desire to mediate on Kashmir. We hope to see those offers converted from statements to actions during President Trump’s visit to India, as Kashmir is one of the most destabilizing factors for peace in the region,” Farooqui said.
US-India defense deals 'disturbing' - Pakistan
https://arab.news/6ebtj
US-India defense deals 'disturbing' - Pakistan
- US has approved a possible sale of integrated air defense weapon system to India ahead of Trump’s visit
- Pakistan cannot afford arms race in the region, foreign office spokesperson says
PCB sets Feb. 11 as date for player auction for Pakistan Super League 11th edition
- The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and a maximum of 20
- The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced that the player auction for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held on Feb. 11, setting the stage for franchises to begin assembling squads for the country’s premier Twenty20 tournament.
The development came after a workshop regarding PSL player auction at the Qaddafi Stadium, which was presided over by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL CEO Salman Naseer.
The workshop was attended by PSL officials, all eight franchise representatives, members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, PCB officials and other capped players.
“The HBL PSL management shared a detailed presentation on the mechanics of the retention and the auction process and consulted with all the participants,” the PCB said.
“It was agreed that the HBL PSL player auction will take place on Wednesday, 11 February.”
The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and maximum of 20 players per franchise. The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size, according to the PCB.
It would be mandatory for the franchises to play minimum of three and maximum of four foreign players in the playing XI. The teams are also required to have minimum of two uncapped Under 23 players in the squad and one in the playing XI.
Players either retained or picked in the auction will be engaged for two-year contracts with their respective franchise teams, the board said, adding that franchise teams will be able to retain a maximum of seven players for the 12th edition of the tournament.
“I’m delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for bright future for the HBL PSL,” Naqvi said.
“The Player Auction model is a landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive.”
PSL CEO Naseer said the player auction system modernizes player recruitment by promoting fairness, transparency, and market-driven value, strengthening the PSL’s appeal for both players and franchises.
“Today’s workshop saw all views being taken into consideration and this rich feedback will be reflected in our execution of a successful player auction scheduled next month,” he said.
PSL has become a key pillar of the country’s cricket economy, providing financial stability to the PCB and serving as a talent pipeline for the national team. The 11th edition of the league is set to begin from Mar. 26 while the final is expected to be played on May 3, as per the PCB’s schedule.
