A day before the historic long march, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asks Imran Khan to step down ahead of the scheduled march and no-confidence motion 

Karachi, February 26, 2022 (PPI-OT):Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that there will be no need of protests and a no-confidence motion if Imran Khan resigns adding after the removal of Imran Khan, the interim setup would have limited responsibilities, which includes carrying out electoral reforms and hold transparent elections.

Addressing a press conference at Bilawal House, he said that the Prime Minister who has been imposed on the country has no legal justification. He was selected through rigging and he is a Prime Minister whose three years of puppet rule have been followed by the funeral of democracy, and the drowning of the economy.

The economic, human and democratic rights of the people have been robbed. Khan Sahib has wreaked havoc on everything he has touched in the name of change. Be it foreign policy, be it society, be it politics, be it governance, be it security matters. Even the life of the common man has become unliveable. He said that in view of the current situation, the PPP has decided that it will fight for the rights of the people.

“Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab should be given their rights,” said Chairman PPP. “The provinces are being deprived of the NFC award.” Criticizing the selected government, Chairman PPP further said, “We have been raising our voice against PTIMF from day one. PTIMF is against the interest of Pakistan.”

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is the incompetence and failure of this government to make an agreement with the IMF that goes against the people. The burden of the government’s incompetence is being borne by the common man in the form of price-hike of electricity, gas bills, inflation, and uncontrolled petrol and medicines prices.

He further said that we want Pakistan to come out of this deal and make a new deal which is in the interest of the country. He said that every promise of Khan Sahib turned out to be false, Imran Khan has taken U-turns on every commitment. “This government is undemocratic, but we have taken up democratic arms against it,” said Chairman PPP. “The Long March is a democratic attack on this undemocratic government.”

He said the purpose of our protest is to convince the people and the members of the Assembly that the time has come where people have lost confidence in the selected Prime Minister, now the parliament should also express its distrust. “We want to show the people who stand with this puppet after the no-confidence motion is brought,” stated Chairman PPP. He further said that through protests and no-confidence motion he only wants immediate and transparent elections in the country. After the removal of Khan Sahib, the next setup will have the mandate to amend or introduce electoral reforms. All the opposition parties agree that whatever government is formed with a fresh mandate, it will have the power to get the people out of the tough times they are currently in.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the senior leader of the party Taj Haider has prepared a comprehensive report on the 2018 elections, in which it has been pointed out how the said election process was compromised and what role was played by which institution. We want the Election Commission to review this report and investigate it on their own before releasing this report to the public. If the Election Commission does not address our concerns then this report will have to be brought before other concerned institutions and the public.

Talking about the long march, Chairman PPP said that it would be the longest march in the history of the country covering more than 2000 kilometers. The long march starting from Karachi would pass through 37 cities and reach Islamabad. We will reach Lahore from Sahiwal, Patoki on 5th March, will reach Gujranwala on 6th March, the last phase of the march will be from 8th March.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that he appealed to the people of Pakistan, the youth, farmers, laborers, women and minorities to support the Pakistan Peoples Party, which wants to solve their problems. Let’s build a Pakistan as promised by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Responding to a question from a journalist during a press conference, the Chairman PPP said that all the opposition parties would have to come together and be on the same page to remove the present incompetent government. He said that he wants clean and transparent elections in the country as soon as possible. “I don’t want the 2018 election to be replayed again,” he said. “Imran Khan wants to rig the election, that’s why he’s using tactics such as the PECA ordinance.

Responding to a question, the Chairman PPP said that the PPP believed in the power of the people and democratic politics and demanded that Imran Khan’s facilitators should remain neutral and no institution should go beyond its mandate. We are not asking who is behind Imran Khan. “We demand that all institutions remain neutral. He said that we hope that if the establishment is neutral then Imran Khan will be defeated in the no-confidence motion. We hope that all the institutions will remain neutral as per the constitution,” he added.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the opposition parties agreed on one point, that the current incompetent government should be removed. In the past there have been many forms of protests in Pakistan, sit-ins have been allowed here, Parliament and PTV have been attacked, but we will take a democratic and peaceful approach. Khan Sahib has imposed a tax on everything, but there is no tax on the no-confidence motion. We will bring a no-confidence motion, and God willing, we will succeed.

Chairman PPP said that we always think in the interest of Pakistan, and it is in the interest of Pakistan that we remove this person from office. Khan’s foreign policy has failed, whether in neighbouring countries or in countries like China and the United States. Responding to a question about the march announced by PTI, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the present government was ready to use every tactic to save its tyrannical rule.

“Our long march will be peaceful, we believe in democracy,” said Chairman PPP. “I wonder what the gang of political orphans is protesting against. We should be told who has robbed all the rights of Sindh including gas and water.”

Without naming the wrong march of the PTI, he questioned whether these people will ask the people to support them because they have sky-rocketed the prices of electricity, gas, petrol and sugar? Two of his federal ministers robbed a stockpile of fertilizer. There is also a minister who tried to take over the islands of Sindh. I believe the people of Sindh will answer them and he asked to the media to show the truth about who the people are with.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he was confident that the police and the administration would not allow any clash. Chairman PPP said that he appeals to all the parties, including the MQM and GDA, which have formed this government to keep their ministry on one side and the issues facing the people on the other. I have asked the Chief Minister to talk to the MQM and GDA, because we believe in dialogue.

In response to another question, he said that we have never asked the workers to take down the flag of any party. Due to the hard work of the jiyalas, the party has become stronger all over Karachi including Central District. PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Senator Raza Rabbani, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Taj Haider, Shazia Marri, Faisal Karim Kundi, Waqar Mehdi, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani and other leaders were also present on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk

Pakistan play New Zealand in Women’s World Cup warm-up tomorrow 

Christchurch, February 26, 2022 (PPI-OT):Pakistan national women’s team are all set for their first of the two warm-ups ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup against New Zealand at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln tomorrow (Sunday).

The Bismah Maroof-led side began the final phase of their preparations for the event after completing their New Zealand government-mandated isolation on 17 February. On Saturday, they had a light fielding and skills session before it was interrupted by heavy showers.

Prior to their departure to the training session, Javeria Khan, who is the all-time leading run-scorer for Pakistan in ODIs, told PCB Digital that a warm-up match against an in-form New Zealand will prove to be beneficial for the side in the World Cup.

Javeria said: “The warm-up against New Zealand is very important for us as it will help us test our skills and abilities ahead of what is an important event. This will help us prepare for the challenges we might encounter in the World Cup.

“We have had six-seven days of practice, and have acclimatized ourselves with the New Zealand conditions. There’s a lot of wind here, which is not the case in Pakistan, and wickets are also different. So we have tried to make the most of the training sessions we have had.”

Reflecting on her stay in New Zealand so far, Javeria said: “It has been nice to be here in New Zealand. The good thing about being here is that we can move around, which helps you to refresh your mind after training sessions.

“The team environment is really nice. Everyone is gelled and trying to support and help each other. Every girl is in a positive frame of mind ahead of the World Cup.”

Javeria has two centuries in ODIs for Pakistan – the most by any batter – and has accumulated 2,874 runs in 115 matches, also the most for any player in this squad. She will be a vital cog in the Pakistan’s batting lineup.

“This World Cup is very important for me,” she said. “This is a mega event and I will try to get more and more runs and help the side to win the matches.”

Pakistan play their second warm-up against Bangladesh on 2 March, before they move to Tauranga next day where they begin their World Cup campaign on 6 March against India.

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

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

Training and media opportunities – First Test Rawalpindi 

Rawalpindi, February 26, 2022 (PPI-OT):Pakistan and Australia will play the first of the three ICC World Test Championship Tests in Rawalpindi 4-8 March.

The following is the practice and media opportunities schedule for Pakistan and Australian teams, practice sessions start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from tomorrow (Sunday):

Sunday, 27 February

10.00am PKT/4.00pm AEDT: Pat Cummins arrival online presser

11:30am to 2:30pm – Pakistan practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (vision only)

Monday, 28 February

9.30am PKT/3.30pm AEDT: Usman Khawaja online presser

11:30am to 2:30pm – Pakistan and Australia practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (vision only)

Tuesday, 1 March

9.30am PKT/3.30pm AEDT: Steve Smith online presser

11.15amPKT/5.15pm AEDT: Pat Cummins and Pakistan captain Babar Azam will unveil the series trophy at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a vision-only opportunity

11:30am to 2:30pm – Pakistan and Australia practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (vision only)

Wednesday, 2 March

9.30am PKT/3.30pm AEDT: Nathan Lyon online presser

11:30am to 2:30pm – Pakistan and Australia practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (vision only)

Thursday, 3 March

9.30am PKT/3.30pm AEDT: Pat Cummins pre-match online presser

10am PKT/4pm AEDT: Babar Azam pre-match online presser. Please notify the team media manager Emmad Hameed (Emmad.Ahmed@pcb.com.pk; +923018452417) a day in advance if you are interested in attending the session. One reporter per organisation to be provided access

11:30am to 2:30pm – Pakistan and Australia practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Friday, 4 March

8:30am PKT: PCB CEO Faisal Hasnain, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice, CA CEO Nick Hockley and ACA Todd Greenberg will address a media conference in the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium media conference room.

Test match 4-8 March

Post-play: Media opportunities with a player/coach from either side

Please note only one person per organisation will be allowed on the call as space is limited and so access is not guaranteed. However, for those unable to access the call please be aware that audio and video of each opportunity will be distributed afterwards.

Please write to Cricket Australia media manager Brian Murgatroyd at brian.murgatroyd@cricket.com.au by 8pm Pakistan time this evening (Saturday 26 February) to request access to the activities.

The times of each media interaction are approximate and subject to change.

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

Sultans v Qalandars – dream HBL PSL 2022 final at Gaddafi Stadium 

Lahore, February 26, 2022 (PPI-OT):Headquarters of Pakistan cricket – the iconic Gaddafi Stadium – will provide the perfect setting to the HBL PSL 2022 finale on Sunday with Mohammad Rizwan-captained defending champions Multan Sultans taking on Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars. The first ball of the sell-out final will be bowled at 7.30pm.

This will be the second HBL PSL final to be staged in Lahore, the 2017 final was won by Peshawar Zalmi in the first-ever HBL PSL match to be staged in Pakistan. To date, 33 of 34 matches in one of the most challenging and competitive leagues have been played in Pakistan, which is only the second time since the inception of this tournament in 2016.

Sultans and Qalandars have richly entertained the fans in Karachi and Lahore with top quality T20 cricket. To date, Sultans have won 10 out of 11 matches, while Qalandars have won seven out of 12 matches this year. On a head-to-head in this tournament, Sultans lead Qalandars 2-1.

Sultans have played like champions from the beginning of the HBL PSL 7 in Karachi a month ago. They created an HBL PSL record by winning nine out of their 10 round matches and are in red-hot form heading into the final.

Sultans reached their second successive final with a 28-run win over Qalandars in the Qualifier on Wednesday, while Qalandars reached their second final in three years after a thrilling victory against Islamabad United on Friday evening, which undoubtedly has warmed the hearts of their huge Lahore fan base.

Sunday promises to be another memorable occasion.

The two captains want their sides to enjoy the momentous occasion on Sunday and play fearless cricket, a formula that has done wonders for both in the HBL PSL 7.

Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan: “It has been an amazing tournament for us and I as a captain could not have asked more from my players. Heading into the tournament as defending champions could have added extra pressure on us but I am delighted that the players and our management have succeeded in maintaining our high standards.

“Lahore Qalandars have played good cricket throughout the HBL PSL 7 and I am sure they will have great support on Sunday. The Lahore crowd has been amazing and I am sure we will also have our supporters at the venue. Last year we won in front of an empty stadium in Abu Dhabi due to covid restrictions so the opportunity of lifting the trophy in front of a packed Gaddafi Stadium by the grace of Almighty Allah is amazing and our entire squad is fully motivated to deliver.

“I want to thank our fans for their support and we look forward to the final tomorrow knowing well that we have them backing us on this memorable occasion.”

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi: “After Friday’s night’s incredible win we want to settle for nothing but the HBL PSL trophy. The last month and a bit has been a memorable journey. After our success in Karachi we have succeeded in raising the level of our game further backed by the passionate Lahore crowd.

“The joy of playing in front of a packed home crowd and winning is second to none. I really want to thank the Lahore crowd and request them to pack the GSL once again on Sunday as we will give it our all to win our first HBL PSL trophy in their presence.

“I am delighted with how the team has performed so far, we have come through tough situations with bat and ball as we have been challenged every inch of the way in this incredibly tough tournament. Multan is the form side but we have the belief that we can beat them and we will try our very best.”

Top performers:

Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman is 15 runs away from becoming the first batter to post 600 runs in a HBL PSL season. The left-hander has so far tallied 585 runs (12 innings) at 48.75 and a strike-rate of 154.35. His tally includes one century and seven half-centuries.

Rizwan has led the Sultans from the front with 532 runs in 11 innings at a brilliant average of 76. The right-hander’s strike-rate is 126.96 and his runs tally includes seven fifties.

Shan Masood, the Sultans opener, is third on the run-getters list with 459 runs from 11 innings, while Qalandars second-best run-getter is Kamran Ghulam. His 284 runs places him at No.9 on the leading run-getters list.

Shaheen, like Rizwan, has led Qalandars from the front. The ICC Men’s Cricketer of 2021 has continued his rich vein of bowling form with 17 wickets from 12 matches (21.41 average, 7.58 economy), which has put him at number-two on the bowling charts behind Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan.

Sultans’ all-rounder Khushdil Shah has remained the surprise package with the ball in the tournament. The left-arm-spinner has time and again taken crucial wickets for his side and has collected 16 wickets in 11 games at 12.31 and an economy rate of 6.71

Imran Tahir and Shahnawaz Dahani, Best Bowler of HBL PSL 2021, have also taken 16 wickets each at 17.25 and 18.87 respectively.

Qalandars’ emerging pick Zaman Khan has been one of the finds of the tournament, the right-arm fast has collected 16 wickets in 12 outings at 22.56.

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