ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has offered incentives for Emirati investment in its special economic zones as the province’s leaders met with the UAE ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi, in Lahore on Friday, the chief minister’s office said.
Al-Zaabi met with Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, and Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervez Elahi to discuss cooperation in different departments, as the province is establishing 13 special economic zones and industrial estates.
Buzdar invited UAE investment in the special zones and the Ravi River project — a new city near the Ravi River in Lahore district — and said that “special facilities” would be provided to Emirati investors.
“UAE investors will be welcomed in Punjab. Cooperation with the UAE in Pakistan’s construction and development (sectors) is commendable,” he said after the meeting, as quoted in the statement.
The groundbreaking of the Allama Iqbal Industrial City special zone in Faisalabad took place earlier this year, while Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura was launched last month. Buzdar said that the foundation stone for the third special zone, in Bahawalpur, will be laid soon.
Al-Zaabi, according to the statement, invited the chief minister to visit UAE.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s minister for shipping, Syed Ali Haider Zaidi said the UAE expressed interest in investing in development projects in Pakistan. The announcement came after meeting with officials from a top UAE company, DP World, which specializes in free trade zones, cargo logistics, port terminal operations, and maritime services.
Punjab government offers incentives for UAE investment in special economic zones
https://arab.news/cr5e8
Punjab government offers incentives for UAE investment in special economic zones
- Punjab is establishing 13 special economic zones and Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project — a new city near the Ravi River in Lahore district
- Earlier this month, Pakistan’s minister for shipping said UAE expressed interest in investing in development projects in Pakistan
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.
