KHAPLU: Knocking out his Tanzanian contender, young Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer won the World Boxing Council (WBC) Middle East title in Dubai on Wednesday.
Wazeer, who hails from the Astore district of Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, is nicknamed ‘The Asian Boy’ and widely regarded as one of the greatest contemporary Pakistani boxers. He is currently an undefeated welterweight boxer and holds the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) Asian title, being the first Pakistani to do so.
Wazeer, 21, made his professional boxing debut against Moroccan Brahim Oubenais (0-1-0) on May 3, 2019, in Dubai, where the former won by a split decision after four rounds, claiming his first professional victory. The Pakistan boxer, who has so far featured in six professional bouts, remains unbeaten.
“I thank Allah Almighty!” Wazeer cried out in the ring after Wednesday’s victory. “After becoming the champion of Asian Boxing title, now I am the champion of WBC Middle East.”
“I want to thank my coach and all supporters for supporting me at every movement,” he said. “It is a proud movement for us and I will keep winning the fights and no stone will be left unturned to make Pakistan proud.”
Wazeer said he wanted to dedicate the latest title to the Pakistan army.
“I want to dedicate this title to the Pakistan Army as they live on the borders to protect us,” the boxer said. “Owing to them we are safe in the country.”
The fight was not easy, he said, “but Alhamdulillah, I have done it.”
Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer wins World Boxing Council Middle East title
https://arab.news/bp6nm
Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer wins World Boxing Council Middle East title
- Is currently undefeated welterweight boxer, first Pakistani to hold Asian Boxing Federation Asian title
- Dedicates Wednesday’s win in Dubai to Pakistan army, “owing to them we are safe in the country”
Pakistan approves $713 million to ease power sector’s cash flow constraints
- Finance minister chairs Economic Coordination Committee meeting to approve grants, review economic situation
- Pakistan is grappling with a ballooning “circular debt,” or unpaid bills and subsidies, that has choked its power sector
KARACHI: Pakistan’s top economic body this week approved a grant of $713 million to ease the power sector’s cash flow constraints, the Finance Division said in a statement, as Islamabad looks to reform its priority sectors.
The development took place as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to approve grants for various projects and review the overall economic situation of the country.
“[ECC approved] another Technical Supplementary Grant amounting to Rs200 billion ($713 million) under the head of Government of Pakistan investment in DISCOs’ equity to address cash flow constraints in the power sector,” the Finance Division said on Thursday.
DISCOs, which handle billing, recoveries and grid maintenance, have long suffered from corruption and political interference.
Pakistan has attempted to privatize its loss-making state-owned enterprises to raise funds and reform them as envisaged under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program secured last year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government plans to privatize three DISCOs, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) and Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) in the months ahead.
The Pakistani government, which owns or controls much of the power infrastructure, is grappling with a ballooning “circular debt,” or unpaid bills and subsidies, that has choked the power sector and weighed on the economy.
The liquidity crunch has disrupted supply, discouraged investment and added to fiscal pressure, making it a key focus under Pakistan’s IMF program.
The ECC also approved, on the interior ministry’s proposal, a provision of Rs 4.775 billion [$17.19 million] as payment to 945 families of “missing persons” as identified by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.
“The disbursement will be made under the supervision of the Commission in accordance with approved procedures,” it added.
Taking stock of the economic situation, the ECC noted that cumulative inflation for the period July–November averaged 5 percent, which it said was “significantly lower” than the 7.9 percent figure recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year.
It attributed this improvement to prudent fiscal management, effective price stabilization measures and close market monitoring by the government.
