Day: January 24, 2022

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Bismah Maroof back as Pakistan captain for World Cup

Lahore, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):Bismah Maroof will lead the national side in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand as the national women’s selection committee announced the squad for the tournament to be played from 4 March till 3 April.

The event will mark Bismah’s return to international cricket after two years as she took break from the game for the birth of her first child in December 2020. She will be accompanied by a support person, as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s parental policy, to help her look after the newborn, while keeping her focus on cricket.

Asmavia Iqbal-led selection committee that includes Saleem Jaffar and Taufeeq Umar has called up leg-spinner Ghulam Fatima, who last played for Pakistan in 2018, and opener Nahida Khan, whose last outing in Pakistan colours was last January, after impressive performances in practice matches during the recent Karachi camp.

Experienced all-rounder Nida Dar has been appointed as the vice-captain for the World Cup.

Batter Iram Javed, all-rounder Tuba Hassan and wicketkeeper Najiha Alvi are the travelling reserves.

Chair of women’s national selection committee Asmavia Iqbal: “I want to congratulate every player who made it to the squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. We considered the conditions and challenges our team will encounter in New Zealand along with the current form of players and the team’s balance while putting together this squad.

“While we have retained majority of the players who have been on the national duty recently, we have called back Nahida Khan and Ghulam Fatima. Nahida brings with her experience that every team seeks going into a World Cup and Fatima has had an incredible run in Karachi. She has done well to enhance her fitness and has been in good form in domestic cricket of late.

“Tough luck to those who missed out. I hope they will continue to work hard on their skills and fitness and push their cases for national return with strong performances.”

Bismah Maroof: “It is a great honour for me to lead my country into another World Cup. I am thrilled to be back in action and do what I love and have dedicated my life to.

“The recent selection matches proved to be fruitful for me and the whole side as we got some match practice under competitive and challenging environment leading into the mega event. The aim is to reach the World Cup semi-finals and I believe this team has the potential to pull it off.”

Kainat Imtiaz and Sadia Iqbal who were part of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier squad miss out on selections because of injuries.

The Pakistan squad will begin the final phase of their preparations with a 10-day pre-departure camp in Karachi from 27 January. They will depart for NZ on 8 February.

Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Nida Dar (vice-captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz

Traveling reserves: Iram Javed, Najiha Alvi and Tuba Hassan

Player support personnel: Aisha Jalil (team manager), David Hemp (head coach), Arshad Khan (assistant coach), Kamran Hussain (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (strength and conditioning coach), Zubair Ahmad (analyst), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital content manager) and Rifat Asghar Gill (Physiotherapist)

Pakistan’s fixtures at ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022:

6 March – Pakistan v India at Bay Oval, Tauranga

8 March – Pakistan v Australia at Bay Oval, Tauranga

11 March – Pakistan v South Africa at Bay Oval, Tauranga

14 March – Pakistan v Bangladesh at Seddon Park, Hamilton

21 March – Pakistan v West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton

24 March – Pakistan v England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

26 March – Pakistan v New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

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Shariah Academy holds workshop on Rights of Women and their role in Peace 

Islamabad, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):Shariah Academy, International Islamic University, Islamabad conducted a One-Day Workshop for Females on: “Constitutional and Legal Rights of Women and their Role in Creating Peace in the Society” on 19 January 2022. The workshop was aimed to highlight the women rights that are protected in the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 and other various laws of the land and the women empowerment they provide.

During the workshop the following prominent scholars and experts contributed their valuable thoughts over the topic. Prof. Dr. Farkhanda Zia Mansoor (Director-General Shariah Academy) The Chief guests Ms. Zariyab Mussarat (Director, Wafaqi Mohtasib) and Colonel Mubarak, along with Dr. Farhana Mehmood (Head, Department of Islamic Studies FJWU), Madam Malaika, Dr. Tasneem Fatima, Dr. Noreen Sehar, Dr. Shehla Riaz (Assistant Professor Islamic studies, Riphah International University) delivered their thought-provoking lectures during the workshop.

Dozens of female lawyers, activists, and students from all over the twin cities have participated in the workshop, which concluded with the Director-General Shariah Academy presenting commemorative shields to the guests speakers and distributing certificates to the participants.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

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A delegation from JKLC visits IPS 

Islamabad, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):A three-member delegation from Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Cell (JKLC) visited IPS on January 22, 2022 and had a detailed meeting with the Institute’s faculty over various issues of common interests. The visiting delegation was headed by JKLC Secretary Ijaz Hussain Lone and comprised Najeeb ul Ghafoor and Khan Afsar, whereas IPS was represented by its GM Operations Naufil Shahrukh and team members Syed Nadeem Farhat, Sabur Ali Syed, Raja Farrukh Zeb, Shafaq Sarfraz and Mohammad Wali Farooqi.

The visitors were given a detailed brief by IPS’ Senior Research Officer Syed Nadeem Farhat about the Institute’s recent initiatives and ongoing research endeavours, to which Lone expressed a lot of enthusiasm and interest. The briefing was followed by a candid discussion in which both sides explored miscellaneous areas for collaborations and different options for joint ventures. It may be mentioned that both organizations have jointly organized an international conference on Kashmir in the past, and are now planning and looking forward to build on that experience further in coming days.

For more information, contact:
Outreach and Publications,
Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
1, Street 8, F-6/3, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8438391-3 (Ext: 122)
Fax: +92-51-8438390
Website: www.ips.org.pk

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President Alvi visits Aga Khan University

Karachi, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):The President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi visited Aga Khan University in Karachi and was briefed on the University’s contributions and social impact in the country. While chairing a meeting with AKU’s leadership, President Alvi underlined the need for harnessing technology to expand the reach of the healthcare system in the country. Healthcare should transition and “focus on [the] preventive side of health rather than curative,” he stressed.

He applauded AKU for its “iconic” services in Pakistan and beyond. The meeting took place in the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education, where poster booths and live demos prepared by students, staff and faculty displayed projects and achievements across all AKU’s areas of work, depicting how the University is truly a national asset for Pakistan. The President was also briefed on the University’s response to COVID-19 through public advocacy, vaccination drives, teleconsultations for patients, inpatient services and training of frontline healthcare workers throughout Pakistan.

On a tour of the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education – which is regarded as the most advanced simulation-based healthcare teaching and learning institute in Pakistan and East Africa – Dr Alvi observed simulation of a medical procedure and a live telehealth consultation. President Alvi was welcomed on the campus by AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Zakir Mahmood; and Vice Provost, Asia and UK and Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Anjum Halai.

For more information, contact:
Media Executive
Department of Public Affairs
Aga Khan University (AKU)
Stadium Road, Karachi
Tel: +92-21-34930051
Fax: +92-21-34934294, +92-21-34932095
Cell: +92-301-8258028
Email: rasool.sarang@aku.edu, public.affairs@aku.edu​
Website: www.aku.edu

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Today’s generation have no regard and respect for the elderly: Anwar Maqsood

Karachi, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):Organized by the children’s premiere Urdu magazine Monthly Sathee, the 16th edition of ‘Sathee Writers’ Awards’ for the year 2022 recently held at Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi. Distinguished playwright Anwar Maqsood was the chief guest on the occasion. In his keynote address, Mr. Anwar Maqsood said today’s generation have no regard and respect for the elderly and older generation as when they enter the home, children don’t leave their seats to honour their elders and keep clinging to their mobile phone screens.

Police Inspector Ahmed Adnan Tariq, who is associated with the Punjab Police in its Faisalabad region, was given the ‘Best Storywriter Award’ for the Year 2020. Among the other award winners were Hammad Zaheer, Beena Siddiqui, Ibn-e-Aas, Altaf Hussain, Bina Siddiqui, Seema Siddiqui, and many others. Every year, the Sathee Writers’ Awards are given to leading Urdu writers, poets and essayists for their valuable contributions to children’s literature produced in Urdu.

For more information, contact:
Assistant Editor,
Monthly Sathee
F206, Saleem Avenue, Block 13-B,
Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-340-8377173
Website: http://satheemagazine.com/

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Two Day Online Workshop on “Cyber Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and International Security” 

Islamabad, January 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised a Two Day Online Workshop on “Cyber Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and International Security” in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Geneva on January 24 -25.

On Day 1, the opening session was moderated by Ms Moliehi Makumane, Researcher, UNIDIR while Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, made the opening remarks and said that with global arms races picking up, arms control collapsing, there could be efforts to weaponize these emerging technologies and effective regulations are vital. India is rapidly weaponizing the technologies that pose a threat to regional security. In his welcome remarks Dr Robin Geiss, Director, UNIDIR, said that digital transformation is a key driver of military affairs and international security.

While the field of new technologies is limitless – two key issues that are prominent at the UN and most challenging need particular attention are – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyber technologies. Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, made remarks where he said that while cybersecurity and IA stand out in discussion at the UN for many years, progress remains elusive. These technologies provide huge multiplier effects to existing and new military capabilities. Pakistan has followed a preventive approach whereby it has highlighted that international regulation should be developed promptly.

Session I on “Cybersecurity 101” was moderated by Dr Andraz Kastelic, Researcher, UNIDIR, while speakers were Dr Mehreen Afzal, Associate Professor, Department of Cybersecurity, Air University Islamabad and Dr Samuele Dominioni, Researcher, UNIDIR. Dr Afzal said that key concepts of cybersecurity are espionage and sabotage. The use of technology has made espionage and sabotage easier. She recommended a hybrid approach to deal with cyber threats – a combination of education and effective security controls. Dr Dominioni said that tremendous global digitisation is also increasing cyber risks. Cybersecurity is a complex domain due to security paradox where it is impossible to distinguish between offensive and defensive capabilities, opacity, asymmetry, the problem of attribution.

Session II on “Cybersecurity and UN” was moderated by Dr Tughral Yamin Dean CIPS, NUST, and speakers were Mr Usman Jadoon, Director General, UN Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan and Ms Moliehi Makumane, Researcher, UNIDIR. Mr Jadoon said that Cyberwarfare has emerged as a new domain of warfare, a new weapon of mass destruction – a challenge that requires a global response. Discussion in the UN framework is facing a stalemate over the issues of “applicability of International Law, including International Humanitarian Law” and “Attribution.”

He emphasised the urgent need to formulate acceptable norms for state behaviour, as well as to develop clarity regarding the applicability of existing rules and responsibilities to both states and other stakeholders operating in cyberspace. Ms Makumane said that norms rules, CBMs and capacity building are some of the issues under discussion at the UN but that framework is not legally binding. Malicious use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) is having devastating effects on countries and Member states have called for more regulations vis a vis emerging technologies.

Session III on “Responsible and Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure” was moderated by Dr Andraz Kastelic, Researcher, UNIDIR, and speakers were Mr Ahmer Bilal Soofi, former Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Founding Partner of ABS and Co and Ms Kaja Ciglic, Senior Director, Digital Diplomacy, Microsoft. Mr Soofi provided a comprehensive overview of the procedures for vulnerability disclosure developed by various states like Pakistan and the US.

These procedures allow organisations to identify and visualise the threat landscape to accelerate digital transformation and brand protection. These procedures also set the rules of engagement for ethical hackers to discover security flaws and facilitate data exchange. While defining the basic concept and processes of vulnerability disclosure, Ms Kaja Ciglic said that it is about minimising risk for customers, businesses and critical infrastructures. Governments could bring together all stakeholders to raise awareness, increase legal certainty and develop clear principled-based policies.

Session IV on “Global Supply Chains” was moderator Dr Samuele Dominioni, Researcher, UNIDIR. Speakers included Mr Khawaja Ali, Head Technology Strategy, Risk and Governance, National Bank of Pakistan and Ms Anastasiya Kazakova, Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Kaspersky. Ms Kazakova said that the scope of hard, soft and connectivity components of digital technologies is extremely broad and complex. The global supply chains experience a security dilemma where they cannot trust everyone but they have to trust everyone.

Attacks like software, firmware and hardware implants on supply chains are further poisoning the existing trust, policy, operational, safety and security mechanisms. Mr Ali said that in addition to supply chains related to hardware and software, the global supply chains of the services sector has been impacted by cyber-attacks. He stressed designing the global norms and treaties for the management of global supply chains.

In the closing session of Day 1 Dr Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of Programme, UNIDIR, made remarks. He said that given the complexity of issues, there is still a lot to discuss and debate to achieve clarity and consensus. The multi-stakeholder approach is the key where governments remain key actor when it comes to policymaking, standard making and legislation for a robust framework to promote peace and stability in cyberspace. However, the private sector has a significant role to play to achieve cybersecurity culture.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/