ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced Rs1 million ($3,599) for each member of the Pakistan hockey team that clinched the silver medal in the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup in Malaysia.
The announcement came shortly after the Pakistan team arrived in the eastern city of Lahore to a hero’s welcome on Sunday, where they were welcomed by Rana Mashhood, chairman of chairman of PM’s Youth Program, and hundreds of jubilant Pakistanis.
Japan defeated Pakistan in a penalty shootout after a tense 2-2 draw in Ipoh on Saturday in a dramatic conclusion to the 2024 Azlan Shah Hockey Cup final. Pakistan reached the tournament’s final for the first time since 2011 following a series of stellar performances.
In a post on Facebook, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) thanked PM Sharif for his generous support and encouragement toward the national heroes.
“Thanks to the PM’s announcement of 18 million PKR (1 million cash for each player), for our Silver medalist Pakistan Hockey Team at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup feels honored and appreciated for their hard work and dedication,” the PHF said.
“This gesture not only acknowledges their exceptional performance but also serves as a motivating force for them to continue striving for excellence on the international stage!“
Six teams participated in the event, including the tournament Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and Canada.
Pakistan have won the Azlan Shah Cup title three times in the past and stood the second runners-up in the last edition that was also held in Malaysia two years ago.
Pakistan’s feat at the Azlan Shah Cup has rekindled hopes of a hockey renaissance after decades of dormancy in the national game.
PM announces Rs1 mln for each player as Pakistan hockey team returns home to hero’s welcome
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PM announces Rs1 mln for each player as Pakistan hockey team returns home to hero’s welcome
- Pakistan on Saturday won the silver medal after reaching the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup final in Malaysia
- The feat has rekindled hopes of Pakistan hockey renaissance after decades of dormancy in national game
Pakistan police repel militant attack on Bannu checkpoint, five officers injured
- Police say several attackers killed or wounded in overnight assault in northwest Pakistan
- Incident comes amid surge in militant attacks Pakistan blames on Afghanistan-based groups
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani police said on Friday they repelled an overnight militant attack on a checkpoint in the northwestern district of Bannu, injuring five officers in an area that has seen a sharp rise in militant violence in recent years.
The attack took place late at night at the Sheikh Landak check post, located within the limits of Huweid police station in Bannu, a district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border. Police said officers responded swiftly, preventing the attackers from overrunning the post.
Militant attacks in Pakistan have surged since 2021, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southwestern Balochistan, with security forces frequently targeted. Islamabad says the violence is largely driven by groups it refers to as Fitna Al-Khawarij, a term Pakistani authorities use for militants they say are linked primarily to the Pakistani Taliban and allied factions operating from across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistan has also accused India of backing militant networks involved in attacks, allegations New Delhi denies.
“Late at night, terrorists of Fitna Al-Khawarij carried out a cowardly attack on Sheikh Landak check post,” police said in a statement, adding that officers “displayed full courage, bravery and a timely response, successfully foiling the attack.”
Police said effective retaliatory fire caused “heavy human and material losses” to the attackers, with reports of several militants killed or wounded.
Five police personnel sustained minor injuries during the exchange and were immediately shifted to hospital for treatment, where they are receiving medical care, the statement said.
Following the attack, additional police units were deployed to the area and a search operation was launched to locate any remaining attackers.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of failing to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies the allegation, saying it does not allow its soil to be used against any country.
The accusations have added to tensions between the two neighbors, who have also seen periodic border clashes over the past year.
