After politicians and actors, Pakistani cricketers are also hooked to the Turkish TV blockbuster Ertugrul. Speaking to reporters via teleconference, captain Azhar Ali said that the series is being used as an unlikely motivator for the Pakistan team ahead of their must-win third Test clash against England. “There is hardly any player who is not watching Ertugrul,” said Azhar.
The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) rating agency has affirmed Pakistan’s ‘B-’ long-term and ‘B’ short-term sovereign rating while maintaining ‘stable’ long-term outlook. The New York-based rating agency also affirmed ‘B-’ long-term issue rating on Pakistan’s senior unsecured debt and sukuk trust certificates. It said the country’s rating remains constrained by a narrow tax base and domestic and external security risks, which continue to be high.
A 76-year-old man in Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to pursue a Bachelors programme after completing his Intermediate degree this year. Syed Muhammad Khan, a retired Islamiat teacher, said he taught at a local school for 60 years after his Matriculation in 1962, but wanted to study further now. Khan approached the vice-chancellor of Malakand University for admission and was hopeful to pursue his studies.
A recent study conducted in 25 cities shows that almost 11 per cent of Pakistanis have already developed protective immunity against the coronavirus. The “National Seroprevalence Study” which was initiated in July this year by the Health Services Academy revealed that the population of urban areas and people up to middle age are more protected against the disease.
A Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) Peshawar-bound flight, made an emergency landing at Karachi International airport after developing a mid-air technical fault. As per details, flight PK-218’s hydraulic system went out of order on the way from Abu Dhabi. The aircraft’s pilot contacted the air traffic control (ATC) tower in Karachi and apprised them of the situation, after which the aircraft was safely landed.
The Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department has imposed a ban on shooting of films and dramas in mosques and shrines, especially the cinematography featuring women. The notification comes after a video shoot at Wazir Khan Mosque by actors Saba Qamar and Bilal Saeed garnered a great deal of criticism from the public and clergies alike.
Saudi Arabia has refused to establish diplomatic ties with Israel until the Jewish state has signed an internationally recognised peace accord with the Palestinians. Days after the United Arab Emirates became the first Gulf state to normalise relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan ruled out the possibility of any such accord until the Palestinian issue is resolved.
Reports about a side agreement of sale of F-35 and advanced drones between United States and United Arab Emirates has come as a shock to Israel, which claims to have been kept in the dark. The sale, which could reduce Israel’s military advantage in Middle East, was a condition of the emerging normalization agreement between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi that was brokered by Washington.
The State of Palestine has thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for his “strong response” on Israel, and for extending support to the Palestinian cause. A statement issued by Palestine embassy in Islamabad also thanked the government for condemning Israeli aggression towards Palestine. “Palestinians consider Pakistan as our second homeland and Pakistanis as our dearest brothers, who always supported Palestine” it said.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has categorically rejected any possibility that Pakistan can establish relations with Israel after it signed a historic deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to normalise bilateral ties. In an interview with a private news channel, the premier said accepting the state of Israel is equivalent to give up Pakistan’s stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).