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
https://arab.news/p4k5m
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 say 27 cops killed in 134 attacks in restive Bannu district in 2025
- Bannu is a restive district in northwestern Pakistan where militants frequently attack law enforcers
- Police say at least 20 drone attacks by militants killed nine civilians, injured 19 cops during the year
PESHAWAR: Police in Pakistan’s northwestern Bannu district said this week that at least 27 police personnel were killed in 134 attacks while 53 militants were killed during various security operations in the volatile area during the year, as Islamabad grapples with a surge in militancy.
Bannu district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province is one of Pakistan’s most dangerous districts, where militants affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) frequently target law enforcers in attacks.
Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan told reporters during a press briefing on Wednesday that at least 134 “terrorist attacks” were recorded in Bannu district during 2025 that targeted police stations, posts, checkpoints, police mobiles and police parties.
“As a result of these attacks, 27 police personnel were martyred and 79 were injured,” a statement issued by Bannu Police said on Wednesday.
It said at least 168 intelligence-based operations were conducted by police across the district during the year, in which 105 militants were arrested and 65 were killed.
Khan informed media that militants carried out 20 drone attacks targeting police installations and civilian areas in 2025, killing nine civilians and injuring 19 police personnel.
“However, following the installation of an anti-drone system in Bannu district on Jul. 18, 2025, the situation improved significantly,” the statement said. “More than 300 drone attacks were thwarted, and four drones were struck/spoofed.”
He said the Bannu police force has been equipped with drones, anti-drone guns, sniper rifles, armored personnel carriers (APCs), thermal imaging systems, tactical helmets and bulletproof vehicles.
“Bannu police reiterates its resolve to continue its struggle to maintain law and order in the district, completely eliminate terrorism and protect the lives and property of the public,” the statement concluded.
Pakistan blames the Afghan government for facilitating TTP attacks inside its territory, a charge Kabul denies. The surge in militant attacks has strained ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to deadly border clashes in October that saw dozens killed and several wounded on both sides.
