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 moves to end week-long transport strike disrupting goods movement nationwide
- Federal delegation sent to Karachi as talks intensify with transporters
- Strike over axle loads and tolls has hit supply chains and economic activity
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government on Monday stepped up efforts to end an over week-long strike by goods transporters that has disrupted the movement of cargo across the country, directing a high-level delegation to hold urgent negotiations with transport unions in Karachi, according to an information ministry statement.
The strike, now in its eighth day, has slowed the flow of goods between ports, industrial centers and markets, raising concerns over supply chains in an economy heavily reliant on road transport for domestic trade and exports. Trucking is the backbone of Pakistan’s logistics system, moving food, fuel, raw materials and manufactured goods, and prolonged disruptions can quickly translate into higher costs and shortages.
Transport unions have been protesting against stricter enforcement of axle-load limits — legal caps on how much weight trucks can carry — as well as increases in toll taxes and what they describe as heavy-handed policing on highways and motorways.
The action comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan, which is trying to stabilize its economy under an International Monetary Fund-backed reform program that places emphasis on controlling inflation and improving fiscal discipline.
“Prolonged strikes cause losses to all stakeholders, particularly those associated with the transport sector,” Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said while chairing a meeting with representatives of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, according to the statement.
Transporters briefed the government on their concerns, including axle-load regulations, toll charges and enforcement practices.
The communications minister said the government was committed to resolving all legitimate issues “through dialogue and consultation” and confirmed that a five-member committee formed earlier had been tasked with finding a solution. He directed a senior delegation to immediately travel to Karachi to continue negotiations and seek a timely and amicable resolution.
The government also pledged to address issues related to driving licenses, road safety and accident prevention on a priority basis, while stressing that axle-load regulations were designed to protect national highways and improve long-term safety.
Representatives of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance expressed satisfaction over the progress of talks and assured the government of their cooperation, reaffirming their preference for constructive engagement, the statement said.
Authorities have warned that a prolonged transport shutdown could deepen economic disruptions, particularly by affecting port operations, industrial supply chains and the distribution of essential goods.
