Yousuf calls it a day in KPC's Meet the Press show

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

It was around 4.30 pm on March 29 when Mohammad Yousuf, one of the greatest-ever batsmen to be produced by the country, announced his decision to retire from all forms of international cricket.

The Sports Committee of the Karachi Press Club (KPC) had invited the world record-holder for the highest number of Test runs as well as centuries in a calendar year at the Meet the Press Programme upon learning that he was going to make an ‘important’ decision of his career.

Thanks to the media it had become an ‘open secret’ and it was no more going to be a ‘breaking news’ by the time the programme was held that Yousuf would be announcing his retirement. A large number of KPC members, particular those covering cricket, had reached the venue much before the designated time.

The popularity of Yousuf and the significance of the event of the members had also attracted quite a few cricket scribes who are not privileged to be the members of the KPC yet for different reasons.

Yousuf himself arrived at the KPC about 20 minutes before the start of the programme and he had to spend sometime with his media friends in the Ibrahim Jalees Hall before being escorted to the terrace.

The seats were full and everyone was waiting for the moment eagerly when the master batsman was going to make the ‘declaration’ in public. With the members of the electronic media requiring time to get their microphones in order we had to start the programme a few minutes past four.

Being the Secretary of the KPC Sports Committee as well as the host of the programme I did have the option of delivering a long opening speech to pay tribute to the accomplished middle-order batsman and also reflect on the controversies related to him.

But I chose to be precise as I normally prefer to do on all occasions because I know how restless one feels if the speaker goes anywhere close to ‘dragging’ or loses the focus even a bit.

The KPC Secretary, A H Khanzada, talked in detail about the recent failures of the Pakistan cricket team having made the whole country sad and depressed.

The KPC President, Imtiaz Faran, explained the national flavour of the club. He urged Yousuf to change his retirement plans in the larger national interest.

The clock had ticked half pas four when Yousuf, after a brief presentation ceremony, finally came to speak. The cameras became more attentive. The photojournalists started clicking his every move.

The stage was set for Yousuf to explode and play a breezy knock. But he preferred dead batting. He just read out a carefully drafted speech in which he thanked all his former captains and colleagues for the support they had extended to him over the years. Then he announced retirement from international cricket.

Yousuf was reluctant to take the questions from the media but he stood there for a while as it’s a tradition to have an interactive session with the KPC members in Meet the Press programme.

A number of critical questions were hurled at him but he evaded them. He was not prepared to speak his mind. He looked indecisive and unprepared as well for the volley of questions. He, however, registered his appreciation for the KPC.

Bowling Tournament on Pakistan Day Celebrations at Royal Rodale

KARACHI: Mohammad Khalid Abdul Razzak, Consul General of Malaysia presenting Bowling Tournament 1st Position award on the occasion of Pakistan Day Celebrations to Mr. Trigustono Supriyanto, Acting Consul General Republic of Indonesia at Royal Rodale Club, Mr. Asghar Rangoonwala, CEO, Royal Rodale Club also seen in the picture.

Yousuf expected to announce his retirement on Monday at KPC

Pakistani star batsman Mohammad is Yousuf expected to announce his retirement from international cricket. He will make a formal announcement to retire on Monday at Meet the Press of Sports Committee of Karachi Press Club.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has suspended Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan for an indefinite period because of infighting which impacted on the national team's performance during the series against Australia. Yousuf told local urdu daily that it was not an emotional decision and he consulted his elders, friends and family members.

Yousuf was made captain after Younis Khan quit the captaincy last year. Under his guidance, Pakistan drew Test series against New Zealand before being routed 3-0 by Australia in a Test series and 5-0 in the one-day internationals and one T20 match.

Seminar on World Water day

Consumer Association of Pakistan and Bahria Univeristy has arrange a seminar on World Waer day, on the occasion Chief Guest Murad Ali Shah Sindh Minister for Irrigation and Power, Balochistan Minister Haji Nawaz Kakar, Secretary Irrigation Shuja Ahmed Junejo, DG EPA Naeem Ahmed Mugal, Kaukab Iqbal, Capt.(R) Ashfaq Agha, Engr. Farida Essa, Dr Mirza Arshad Ali Baig, Dr Yasmin Nargis, Adbul Hayee Tunio and others in group photo.

Yahoo News Editor’s home tried to be set on fire

Yahoo News Editor’s home was tried to be set on fire by unknown persons, by throwing black inflammable chemical on the night of 24th march.
Security agencies intercepted in time and thwarted this attempt.
Yahoo News reiterate that it would perform it duties despite every kind of threats and attempts to silent it. Yahoo News would keep publishing daring news stories and would expose e very kind of wrongdoings of every mafia.
Editor Yahoo News, Tausif Hanif has provided the names of persons who may be involved in these type of activities, to concerned circles.

NADRA has urged the citizens to get CNICs verification for tenancy and other business purposes

The new CNIC verification system has been designed mainly for the convenience of the public and law enforcement agencies to verify individual’s identity through mobile phone. Verification shall be done in real time communication with NADRA’s national data warehouse. CNIC verification will be a great help to wipe out menace of identity theft and terrorism.

Deputy Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik said that NADRA VERISYS is also playing a noteworthy role for the verification of the particulars of any identity card holder while through mobile SMS citizens instantly can validate the particulars of any person whom they are doing business.


He said that the NADRA mobile SMS verification system is for the convenience of the public. Public can verify any registered citizen instantly by using their mobile phone. The service is beneficial for general public, as it would allow them to verify the credentials of the people with whom they are making business deals and can also verify their employees, Household workers, maids etc

He informed that CNIC verification is being done by sending the CNIC number (which is to be verified) on any of the special numbers ‘7000.’ In response, NADRA will provide the details associated to that CNIC such as the name of person to whom that CNIC number stands allotted (in Urdu) along with any other content deemed appropriate by NADRA pertaining to the CNIC.

Board of Secondary Education Karachi: Thousands of matric students denied admit cards

By S J A Jafri
KARACHI: Future of nearly 5000 matric students hangs in balance as their annual examination begins Wednesday but they have not been provided their admit cards till Monday night which would enable them to entre examination centers.
To add insult to the injury, the officials of Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) called in rangers and police to disperse agitating students including females who resorted to baton charge to disperse the students resulting in minor injuries and bruises to dozen of students who were left with no alternative but to leave the place in a totally disgruntled and confused state.
The students and their parents protesting at the board office pleaded officials to issue them admit cards on Monday because Tuesday being Pakistan Day holiday they would not be able to obtain their cards and appear in their first paper on Wednesday.
The board official gave a deaf ear to the students request and instead misbehaved with them and their parents telling them to get lost. When the students continued to press for their demand they called in rangers and police to disperse them.
However, late Monday evening, BSE Secretary Ms Hoor Mazhar informed the media that the board office would remain open on Tuesday to deliver admit cards to the students who belong to both regular and private categories.
Talking to this scribe, the affected students, their parents and their educational institutions representatives said this was a gross negligence on part of the board management and has been their practice every year to create such crises for candidates.
Ms Hoor Mazhar, however, told media late Monday night that the fiasco was not created on account of board officials negligence but some of the educational institutions had sent examinations forms late due to which admit cards could not be prepared and delivered on time. (NC Report)

Free balance for V-fone customers on activation

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has offered its customers a free balance of Rs 50 per month on acquiring a new V-fone connection. This offer will be valid for a period of three months.
This balance would be transferred on recharging any amount in to V-fone balance. This balance can be availed for on-net calls, SMS to any network and for Internet usage. The validity of the free balance would be for 30 days. Customers with zero balance in their account will not be able to avail our free balance offer, says a press release issued here on Friday.
Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Commercial, Naveed Saeed, has said, “PTCL is committed to develop systems and services that are customer-centric and customer-friendly. PTCL, V-fone has the largest WLL coverage in Pakistan which provides its customers with prepaid and post-paid facility for their convenience”.
EVP Commercial Planning, Syed Asim Ali said, “This offer is an added advantage for our existing customer friendly portfolio of the product. Our customers can avail unlimited phone calls on V-V & V-PSTN in Family & Un-limited packages, high speed Internet with CDMA technology and SMS to all networks at affordable rates”.
V-fone services can be ordered / availed from PTCL One Stop Shops, Customers Services Centers and franchises or by calling their toll free number 0800 8 0800. (Press Release)

National Industrial Relations Commission restrains NBP union official from unlawful activities

The Chairman, National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) vide its Order dated 16th March 2010 has stopped Syed Jehangir, President , NBP Employees Front, Head Office (CBA) from exhibiting banners & posters which are defamatory in nature and also from forcefully entering into the offices of senior Bank officials with a view to pressurize and overawe them. Restraining orders have also been issued directing the union official to refrain from creating law and order situation in the Bank. Both the parties will abide by the Court Orders.
Inspector General Police (Sindh) has also been directed by the learned Court to ensure that no law and order situation takes place in this respect.

Narjis Malik wons APNS award

Editor Jang Sunday Magazine Narjis Malik receiving APNS award from President Asif Ali Zardari.

Polio victim rehabilitated through Rotary efforts

By Mohammad Nazakat Ali

Ali Rehman is now a happy, lively four-year old with a ready smile and eyes that twinkle like stars. The youngest among four children of Khalil-ur-Rehman, a labourer from Azad Kashmir, has been rehabilitated through the efforts of Rotary International, one of the leading voluntary service organizations.

Today, Ali can almost do a slow run, albeit a minor limp, which has not stopped him from going out to play with his siblings, but most heartening to see, is that Ali’s infectious smile had returned.

Overwhelmed with emotion and moist eyes Ali’s father Khalil-ur-Rehman said ‘I am overjoyed to see my son walk again’ he continued to say ‘but my heartfelt gratitude lies with the Chairman of Pakistan Polio Plus Committee, Aziz Memon, a humanitarian and a true philanthropist, whose act of kindness has restored hope in my child and made him smile again.’

Khalil-ur-Rehman hails from Neelam Valley in Muzzarfrabad, Azad Kashmir. Although a native of Azad Kashmir, he had moved to Karachi in search of better opportunity a couple of decades ago, working as a laborer. He sends three fourth of his earnings to his family in AK, struggling to eek out a living on his meager resources.

Other then being a happy affable little boy, with a mischievous smile, Ali Rehman’s biggest set-back in life was his ill fated right foot. He contracted Type 3 poliomyelitis at the age of 2 years.


Walking for him was close to impossible. Ali’s smile vanished, he became withdrawn, unable to use his leg; he couldn’t take 2 steps without tumbling, but most disheartening was the lonely look in his eyes, as he watched his siblings, going out to play in the fields.


Ali would look with a feeling of sadness at his plight. His right ankle experienced degenerating muscle failure, and his ability to stand on both feet, was impossible. Ali’s father first had him tested at the Jinnah Hospital in Karachi. The tests results were ambiguous, so Jinnah sent Ali’s tests to Islamabad for confirmation. The lab tests in Islamabad revealed that Ali was indeed a victim of the debilitating disease called polio.

Discouraged by the news, his father vowed he would do everything in his capacity to get him treated. His community in AK dissuaded him and the local doctors surrounding his neighborhood, insisted that there was no respite in-store for Ali, except physiotherapy.

Desperate and dejected he approached the Polio Plus Committee’s Chairman Aziz Memon. The Chairman met with Ali’s father, and reassured him of his help. Mr. Aziz Memon referred Ali’s case to Murshid Hospital and Health Care Centre.

For the first time, Ali’s father could see a ray of hope. He went with Ali, where the CEO of the Murshid Hospital Dr. Abdul Sattar E Jaffar had already informed the hospital administrative department in advance of Ali’s case. Dr. Jaffer had referred Ali’s case to one of Murshids capable orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Rehman Beg. Dr. Beg called upon Ali for his first appointment on 22nd January’2010, for a detail check-up. Ali Rehman was diagnosed as EQUINUS right foot (Post polio deformity).

Dr. Rehman Beg operated on Ali Rehman on 8th February’2010 at the Murshid Hospital, (free of charge), for subcutaneous lengthening of Achilles’ tendon in equinus deformity of the right ankle joint. A plaster cast was bound for 2 weeks, to help heal the ankle. On 22nd February 2010, Dr. Rehman Beg’s Surgical RMO Dr Suhail Ahmed removed the plaster cast, stating that the ankle had healed well.

Ali Rehman started taking baby steps again, after his corrective surgery, but he was so enthused with his ‘new and improved’ foot, that he used every minute of the day, to practice walking again.

Rotary Airport launches Obaidullah Baig’s documentaries on Pakistan

Rotary Club of Karachi Airport with the collaboration with Defence Central Library, DHA, launched the latest documentaries of veteran scholar Mr Obaidullah Baig in their programme ‘Hamara Watan’ here at DA Degree College for Women on Thursday.

Mr Mohammad Faiz Kidwai, Chairman, Rotary Foundation, was the chief guest in the ceremony presided over by Mr Aziz Memon, Chairman, Rotary National Polio Committee, and Mr Obaidullah Baig was the guest of honour.

In his welcome address, Anwar Jabeen Qureshi, President, Rotary Club of Karachi Airport, observed that the screening of the new documentaries on Pakistan for the first time, produced and directed by the popular figure of Mr Obaidulla Baig, will go a long way in inspiring the youth and helping them become more responsible citizens.

“Rotary Club of Karachi Airport has taken the initiative of spreading the message among the students who hold the key to the future of Pakistan. These documentaries tell us how much resourceful and blessed country Pakistan is and we need to be more patriotic at all times,” he added.

Brig (R) Ifikhar Arshad Khan, Director Education, DHA, paid rich tribute to Mr Obaidullah Baig describing him as an iconic figure in the literary and scholastic circles whose words and deeds are a source of inspiration to the country.

He lauded the efforts of Rotary Club of Karachi Airport particularly the Humara Watan programme having been specially developed to bring about awareness and importance of our country Pakistan.

Mr Obaidullah Baig was accorded a standing ovation by the students and the dignitaries when he arrived at the podium to deliver his speech that itself was laden with golden words.

He complimented Rotary Club of Karachi Airport for screening his documentaries that convey the message that the country is blessed with numerous resources ranging from agriculture, minerals, historical sites and above all the country has five seasons.

“These documentaries are basically meant to project Pakistan’s image and convince the younger generation that Pakistan has its own tremendous worth and there be no dearth of talent provided we value our country and own it to be recognized as Pakistanis in the true sprite,” he added.

Mr Aziz Memon, who presided over the ceremony, did not mince words in stating that an under-developed country like Pakistan needed to enhance literacy rate to make significant progress and be counted as a front-runner in an era of stiff competitions.

He praised Mr Obaidullah Baig for doing such a wonderful project that highlighted the glorious traditions of country, urging the youngsters to work hard and lead from the front to accomplish their cherished goals.
The chief guest of the function, Mr Faiz Kidwai, showered Mr Obaidullah Baig for taking the time out to develop such fascinating documentaries that are informative, inspirational and recreational.

He hoped that such efforts will be immensely helpful in boosting the image of Pakistan that had been tarnished by the people with vested interests in the past.

The ceremony was held at the auditorium of the DA Degree College for Women in which a large number of teachers and students were in attendance besides the Rotarians.

Pakistan Hamara Watan to be organised by Rotary club of Karachi Airport on Thursday

Rotary Club of Karachi Airport in collaboration with Defence Central Library, DHA has organised a program for the students of A and O level, on Thursday, March 11 2010 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at DA Degree College for women Auditorium. The program is specially developed to bring about awareness and importance of our country Pakistan. The country is blessed with numerous resources ranging from agriculture, minerals, historical sites and above all the country has five seasons. This education is to be imparted at the root level from a different prospective, syllabus education on Pakistan is limited to just preparing them for the exams and nothing else.

We have custom designed the program by mixing it with screening of a series of new documentary on Pakistan and direct interaction with the personalities who have contributed for the building of Pakistan and reached to such a height which they could not have imagined without an independent and sovereign state, this is a creative and informative activity for the students.

The program is basically to project Pakistan Image and to give the message to the younger generation that Pakistan has its own worth and there be no dearth of talent provided we value our country and own it to be recognized as Pakistanis in the true sprite.

The Special feature of the Program is the Screening of the new documentaries on Pakistan or the first time, produce and directed by Mr. Obaidulla Baig, the expert TV producer of documentaries.

The Chief Guest on the occasion is PDG Rtn. Mr. Mohammad Faiz Kidwai, other speakers are Mr. Aziz Memon, PDG & Chairman, Kings Group, Mr. Shahab Balkhi, Rotary Present District Governor and Brig (R) Ifikhar Arshad Khan, Director Education.

Motorway police start road users’ education drive

On instruction of Inspector General of Motorway Police Dr Waseem Kausar, the motorway police N-5 South Zone Sunday started a special campaign to educate the road users about traffic rules while traveling on the highway.
This one-day campaign was implemented from Karachi to Sukkur from 1500 to 1800 hours. It was supervised and commanded by DIG Motorway N-5 South Zone Dr Aftab Ahmed Pathan . During the campaign, all the sector commanders (SP), beat commanders (CPO) and patrolling officers displayed their presence with great endeavor. They informed and educated the road users the rules of highway and to taking precautions while travelling on it.
Violators of the highway law were briefed and warned about taking strict measures against them. All patrolling vehicles, education units, ambulances, tow trucks and mobile workshop displayed their presence on the highway during the drive.
Officer of the education unit briefed the drivers on the traffic rules at different locations on the highway, including hotels, petrol pumps and other places.

SELECTED ESSAYS ON DRUG ABUSE, SENT TO PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN

Foundation for a Drug Free World is an International non- profit organization, working globally to raise awareness among the youth regarding the consequences of drugs through extra curricular activities. Foundation recently launched International Essay Competition in which, more than 1200 individuals and 900 institutions participated from all over Pakistan. The first winner received cash prize, while all the top position holder received awards and International Certificates.

The first position was bagged by Sadaf Nawaz Khan of Garrison School for Women, Lahore Cantt; Second by Syeda Alvina Mehak of Aga Khan Higher School, Chitral; Third by Hajira Ijaz by Zafar Shaheed Army Public School Malakand; Fourth by Lujane Vaqar Pagganwala of The International School, Karachi; Fifth by Tehreem Azhar by Garrison Army School, Peshawar and Sixth by Azhar Nooruddin Pradhan of Beacon House School, Karachi

On this occasion, Pakistan Coordinator, Munir Moosa Sewani said that Foundation for a Drug Free World has taken the responsibility to educate youth about the hazardous consequences of drugs. He said that around 7 million people are engaged in drug addiction in Pakistan and that drugs are now very common among students in the form of cigarette, sheesha and beetle nuts. There is no such law to ban drugs in public places, transportation and parks. He further added that although many NGOs are working in Pakistan to combat drug abuse, but unless we educate our children, we cannot expect a safe future. He further added, print media has played a pivotal role in raising awareness to curb drugs abuse on several occasions which is applauded. thanked President of Pakistan for doing great in raising issues of drug abuse.

Pascal Cottier, Judy Shervill and Tom Pacquitte said that the issue of drug abuse has been raised by Foundation for a Drug Free World in Pakistan from a grass root level because children are prone to drugs. They further explored that productivity and competitiveness of youth can be enhanced through such activities.

Community development conference on March 8

A national conference on community development would be organized at a local hotel on March 8.An announcement on Saturday said that the three-day moot would be held under the auspices of the Department of Sociology, University of Karachi, in collaboration with HANDS.

It said that there will be scientific session on health, education and poverty alleviation on March 9 and 10 at Karachi University. The theme of the conference is “Women Empowerment is the key to Development”.The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, has been invited to be the chief guest at the inaugural session of the moot, the announcement added.

Man arrested by Quaidabad Police for killing wife

A man was booked for stabbing his wife to death over suspicion of illicit relations at Rehri Road, Muzaffarabad Colony in the limits of Quaidabad police station on Friday night.

Police said the incident occurred at a slum locality where victim Aneela, 22, used to live with her husband Asad.

Station House Officer (SHO) Irfan Meo said the deceased got married to Asad two years ago and had no children, adding that her husband with the help of relatives killed the victim. Police found the body after the local residents of the area informed them, he added. Her body was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for legal formalities.

Police said that the victim may be killed over suspicion of illicit relations however, a case 253/10 was registered under section 302/34 against Asad and his relatives.

The victim hailed form Hazara while Asad is from Mardan. Further investigations are underway.

Separately, police found a body of a person from the bushes who had died by an overdose of heroin at Ghareeb colony in the limits of Malir City police station. The body was shifted to JPMC for legal formalities after which it was shifted to Edhi Morgue for identification. (DT Report)

Foot Prints In the Sand- Rise and Fall of Walmarts of India to be launced on friday

Mr lqbal Ismail’s Book “Foot Prints In the Sand- Rise and Fall of Walmarts of India” to be launched at Avari Karachi on friday March 5, 2010.

In his book Mr. Iqbal Ismail Calcuttawala, chairman of Ace Securities writes about the history of Bantva Community and the role of his family members in strengthening the economy of Pakistan.

Between the segments of history there lies an element of an autobiography of him, in which he narrates the role of Memons in Economic Development of Pakistan. The book is clad with memories and garlanded with pictures of Economic Heroes of the past.

The book also pictures him with notable personalities including Mr. Aga Khan, Former Pakistani Presidents Pervez Musharraf and Late Mr. Ayub Khan.

His achievements and details about his role in the Arag acquisition of Dentogene Laboratories, Albert David, Premier Bank, English Biscuit Factory - EBM and Pak Bank is well documented in the book.

The book is set to launch in grandeur style at Avari Towers Karachi on 5th of March 2010. Abdul Razzaq Yakoob Owner of ARY Group will be the chief guest of the book launching ceremony, Mr. Arif Habib will preside over the ceremony.

Notable list of guest of honors include Mr. Jahangir Siddiqui (Chairman JS Group of Companies) Mr. H.N Akhtar (Chief of NGO Saiban), Mr. Stephen G. Fakan (Consul General, USA), Mr. S. Sabharwal (High Commissioner of India), Dr. Hafeez A. Pasha (Dean, School of Social Sciences at the Lahore),Dr. Ishrat Hussain(Dean Institute of Business Administration (IBA).

The author Mr. Iqbal Ismail was educated at Pittsburgh University. He served at Arag Industries for 5 years, as the Director of Finance. After that he was made the head of Gillanders. Mr. Iqbal Ismail is married with five children and lives in Karachi.

23rd Convention of MQM Labour Division

FIA arrests forgery expert, fake documents seized

Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Corporate Crime Circle claimed to have arrested an alleged forgery expert and seized a cache of fake documents and currency from his possession.
According to FIA officials, the accused identified as Farid Anwar Khan was apprehended outside the Saddar passport office.
They said during the initial course of investigation, a huge recovery of forged, counterfeit documents, Pakistan passports, visa stickers, Pakistan and foreign currency, security, revenue papers, adhesive, printing machines and other items were seized on the pointation of the accused from this house, located in Sector 7-D, Surjani Town. Further investigations are underway. (NC Report)