FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, OCT 26: The Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday notified the appointment of Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the new chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He will replace the incumbent Lt Gen Faiz Hameed from next month.

"The prime minister has seen and approved the appointment of ... Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum ... as director general Inter-Services Intelligence, with effect from November 20, 2021, from the panel of officers," a notification issued by the PMO dated October 26 said.

According to the notification, the incumbent ISI director general, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, will continue to hold charge as the spymaster till November 19, 2021.

Separately, the PMO in a series of tweets said Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had called on Prime Minister Imran earlier today.

"The meeting was part of the ongoing consultation process between the Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff about the timing of change of command in ISI and selection of the new DG ISI," the statement added.

During the consultation process, "a list of officers was received from [the] Ministry of Defence" following which Prime Minister Imran "interviewed all the nominees", the PMO said, adding that a final round of consultation was held between the premier and the COAS today.

"After this detailed consultative process, name of Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum was approved as new DG ISI. The designate DG ISI shall assume charge on November 20, 2021."

Earlier this month, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had denied reports that Prime Minister Imran was going to interview candidates for the DG ISI office, saying: Prime Minister Imran Khan will just meet all candidates [for the slot of ISI DG]”.

Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, who was commissioned in service in September 1988, earlier headed Corps V in Karachi.

Gen Anjum commanded a brigade in Kurram Agency, led Frontier Corps (North) in Balochistan and remained commandant of Command and Staff College Quetta before becoming corps commander Karachi in December 2020.

Deadlock

The appointment comes after nearly three weeks of an alleged standoff between the military and the government over the appointment of Pakistan's new spymaster. The army had announced on Oct 6 that the former ISI chief, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, had been made the Peshawar corps commander, while Lt Gen Anjum was appointed in his place.

But the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had not since issued an official notification of Lt Gen Anjum's appointment, leading to rumours about strains in civil-military relations.

After days of speculations, on Oct 12, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had said that the authority to appoint the ISI chief lay with the prime minister, and that the set procedure would be followed for the purpose.

"The legal procedure will be followed in the appointment of the new DG ISI, for which both [Gen Bajwa and Prime Minister Imran] are in agreement," he had said.

Chaudhry had said that PM Imran and the army chief had a "long sitting" the previous night to discuss the matter and the premier had subsequently taken the cabinet into confidence over the issue.

"Gen Bajwa and the prime minister have close and cordial relations. And it is also important from a historical perspective that there are ideal relations between Pakistan's civilian and military leaderships," he had added.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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SHARJAH, OCT 26: Pakistan has defeated New Zealand by 5 wickets in a thriller. 

135-run target posted by New Zealand in the 19th fixture of the T20 World Cup 2021 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. 

Sharjah, OCT 26: The 19th fixture of the T20 World Cup 2021 between Pakistan and New Zealand is currently underway at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Live score and commentary for the match appear in this thread. The page does not refresh automatically.

74-3 after 11.5 overs: Hafeez to Williamson, 6 runs

68-3 after 11.4 overs: Hafeez to Williamson, 4 runs

64-3 after 11.3 overs: Hafeez to Williamson, no run

64-3 after 11.2 overs: Hafeez to Conway, 1 run

63-3 after 11.1 overs: Hafeez to Conway, no run

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Courtesy DAWN NEWS

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QUETTA, OCT 26: The Hunar Rozgar Mela 2021 took place in Quetta to support linking up almost 900 young trained jobseekers with recruiters and Human Resource professionals from leading enterprises of Quetta, who were looking to fill 400 job vacancies. The event was organised to provide an opportunity to trained youth for employment based on their skills and play a productive role in the country’s development by working in key economic sectors.

This Skills Show and Recruitment Drive was made possible with the support of the TVET Sector Support Programme (TVET SSP),funded by the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. TVET SSP is implemented by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ),

Through this Mela, TVET SSP showcased the top training institutes in Balochistan that are providing competency-based training to young people in key sectors prioritised by industry. It also promoted the contribution of Business and Industry Associations (BIAs) and enterprises in providing on-the-job trainings and employment to the youth of this region.

Speaking at the occasion of Hunar Rozgar Mela 2021 ceremony, Governor Balochistan Syed Zahoor Ahmad Agha praised the efforts and said, “The Hunar Rozgar Mela 2021 has been offering great opportunity and served as a platform to connect qualified jobseekers that are specially trained in vocational and technical trades with renowned recruiters and HR professionals from leading enterprises”. He further mentioned that programmes like TVET SSP are playing a decisive role in socio-economic uplift of the community and they bring awareness to the youth to best utilize their learned skilled in regional and national development of Pakistan.

Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Ms. Androulla Kaminara, commented “Our ultimate goal in supporting the TVET sector is to make sure that young men and women in Pakistan can find decent employment and contribute to the much-needed inclusive economic growth of the country. Today’s event shows that the efforts of engaging employers with the TVET system have borne fruit. I am delighted to see that the skills which the young people have learnt are equipping them to find better jobs in areas where the industry needs to recruit.”

Mr. Olaf Handloegten, Cluster Coordinator, Training and Sustainable Growth for Decent Jobs GIZ-Pakistan while sharing about contribution of TVET Sector Support Programme said that “As-many-as 950 graduates from 13 different TVET institutes are going to visit recruitment installs of 34 national and multinational enterprises for various employment opportunities against 400 vacant jobs in just one day today. Through the TVET Sector Support Programme, our vision is to promote the private sector engagement for enhanced employability of TVET graduates and today’s event is one of the glimpses of this intention.” He said.

The Hunar Rozgar Mela marks the public-private partnership in creating job opportunities for a trained skilled force of Balochistan. This is in line with the Government of Pakistan’s commitment towards employment promotion and skills delivery by engaging the private sector.

Measures taken by the Government of Pakistan through the TVET Sector Support Programme include involving the private sector in management of training institutes through Institute Management Committees (IMCs), establishment of the National and Provincial Skills Forum, and engaging business industry associations and chambers of commerce.

The specific objective of TVET Sector Support Programme is to improve governance and private sector participation in the TVET sector to enhance access to quality skills development that meets demand of the labour market. The project, since inception of its second phase in 2017, has so far achieved training of approximately 42,000 young men and women in various competency-based occupations. It has assisted national and provincial TVET authorities in recognition of prior learning of around 31,200 men and women across Pakistan. For human resource development of TVET officials, the programme has trained as-many-as 5,000 teachers, assessors, principals and TVET personnel. TVET SSP has supported in accreditation of 330 institutes for promoting workplace-based training and private sector led management of training.  491 IMCs have been established and almost 1,580 partnerships are signed.

Under the TVET SSP training fund initiative in Sindh and Balochistan 12,500 trainees have graduated and 8,653 trainees are currently enrolled. The programme has engaged 81 training institutes for imparting workplace-based training under 62 agreements Up to 60% of employment is so far facilitated in Sindh and Balochistan through these measures. This program has engaged 4 BIAs in Sindh and 4 in Balochistan through the institutes in the entire training process i.e., up to employment facilitation.

The event was graced by the presence of Honourable Governor Baluchistan Syed Zahoor Ahmad Agha, Her Excellency, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Ms. Androulla Kaminara, Chief Secretary Balochistan Mather Niaz Rana, Cluster Coordinator, Training and Sustainable Growth for Decent Jobs GIZ-Pakistan, Mr. Olaf Handloegten, NAVTTC and Balochistan TEVTArepresentatives and representatives of business community of Balochistan and TVET academia.

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ISLAMABAD, OCT 26: Pakistan captain and Brand Ambassador Noon, Babar Azam has won the hearts of the nation with the historic win against India in the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup. The winning captain dedicated his win to the youth of Pakistan and has announced the 'M. Azam & Saya Scholarship' in partnership with Noon. 

The PKR 2 Million scholarship will target young boys & girls with a focus on sports related backgrounds. The scholarship is dedicated to his father who has been backbone throughout his life and career, and Saya Corporation.

Confirming the gesture, GM Noon Pakistan, Umair Chishti said 'Babar's partnership with Noon really furthers our mission to radically change the way people learn in Pakistan. This will allow us to provide quality education across all corners of the country'

CEO & Founder Saya Corporation Global Sports Group, Talha Rehmani commented on occasion, "I am extremely pleased with our collaboration with Noon as it allows us to build role models for our youth. This paves way to positively impact the future of Pakistan which is aligned with Saya Corporation's vision.'

Noon Pakistan has amassed a user base of 1.6 Million students in its first year of operations. The online learning platform is offering daily live classes for O&A Levels, Matric & Inter across all major boards in Pakistan. 

Saya Coporation is a leading sports management company with offices in Pakistan, England and South Africa mentoring the likes of Babar Azam, M. Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Rassie van der Dussen and many more.

The app can be accessed through the link: https://bit.ly/3nagDeN

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WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, OCT 26: US Senator Bob Menendez said on Sunday that he had asked US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to urge President Joe Biden to have a conversation with Prime Minister Imran Khan in an effort to rebuild the relationship with Pakistan.

The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee underscored the need for such conversations while speaking at a fundraising event hosted at the residence of a board member of the American-Pakistani Political Action Committee (APPAC), Dr Tariq Ibrahim.

"I think it would serve us well to have such a conversation and, you know, when we have these conversations, they are honest, and that means they are also transparent,” the senator said, referring to the request he had made to Blinken.

Such a course, he said, means “where there is agreement, we build upon it and where there is disagreement we talk about how do we get through that disagreement.”

“I think there is an extraordinary moment in which this is a relationship that can be rebuilt to what it once was," Menendez said.

“And if we can rebuild on it we, I hope, we can expand on it — not just about Pakistan in the context of a military or security dimension, but much greater — talking about an incredibly large population that is very young; there is tremendous opportunity to build upon the economic dynamism that we create,” he said.

“And that's what I look forward to be able to continue to promote as your US senator,” Menendez told the APPAC members.

Diplomatic affront

Biden's apparent refusal or avoidance to engage with Prime Minister Imran Khan since the former assumed office has been viewed as a diplomatic affront and seemingly become a point of contention between the two countries with US lawmakers criticising the reluctance to engage as well.

In an interview with the Financial Times in August, National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf had made clear that Pakistan had other options if Biden continued to ignore the country’s leadership.

“The president of the United States hasn’t spoken to the prime minister of such an important country who the US itself says is make-or-break in some cases, in some ways, in Afghanistan — we struggle to understand the signal, right?” Yusuf told The Financial Times.

“We’ve been told every time that… [the phone call] will happen, it’s technical reasons or whatever. But frankly, people don’t believe it,” he had said. “If a phone call is a concession, if a security relationship is a concession, Pakistan has options,” he added, refusing to elaborate.

At the time, a Biden administration official had said that there were "still a number of world leaders President Biden has not been able to speak with personally yet. He looks forward to speaking with Prime Minister Khan when the time is right.”

Meanwhile, the prime minister himself said in August that he was not really "waiting" for a phone call. "I keep hearing that President Biden hasn't called me. It's his business. It's not like I am waiting for any phone call," he had said in response to a question from a Reuters journalist.

Later in September, the premier had opined that the US president was "quite busy" to call him and discuss the regional situation.

On October 11, during an interview with Middle East Eye, the prime minister had again clarified that he still had not yet spoken to President Biden — a fact which the interviewers had described as "astonishing".

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Courtesy DAWN NEWS

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SHARJAH, OCT 26: Pakistan will take on New Zealand today on Oct 26 in Sharjah. Pakistan cricket authorities were left fuming after New Zealand ended the tour minutes before the start of the first one-day international in Rawalpindi, citing an unspecified security alert.

Williamson, not part of the squad in Pakistan as he was playing in the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates, played down talk of a grudge match.

"There are a lot of good relations within the two teams. Over the years they've played a lot against each other, and a number of players have played with each other, as well," said Williamson on the eve of the match.

"I am sure the game will be played in the right spirit."

A week after New Zealand left, England also withdrew their men's and women's teams from a tour to Pakistan due to concerns over the physical and mental health of the players.

That prompted newly elected chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Ramiz Raja to proclaim New Zealand will be one of the targets in the T20 World Cup.

"We had one team in our target, our neighbours (India), now add two more teams, New Zealand and England," Raja said last month.

Williamson, who admitted the decision to abandon the tour was based on New Zealand government advice, praised the Pakistan team.

"I suppose the focus now is here at the T20 World Cup, and no doubt after the performance last night, Pakistan have some momentum and are feeling pretty good about their cricket," said Williamson.

Title contenders

Pakistan thumped arch-rivals India by 10 wickets in the teams' opening Super 12 match in Dubai on Sunday.

Williamson labelled Pakistan as one of the "favourites".

"Yeah, I mean, it was a fantastic performance. I think Pakistan have come to the T20 World Cup full of confidence, having played in these conditions more than most," he said.

"They certainly put it on show last night and showed why they're one of the favourites in the competition."

Spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi took 3-31 to keep India to 151-7 in 20 overs before openers Mohammad Rizwan (79 not out) and skipper Babar Azam (68 not out) wiped off the target in just 17.5 overs.

"Tomorrow I'm sure they'll be very strong again, so for us, it's focusing on the cricket that we want to play and trying to adjust to conditions."

Pakistan can count on being well supported after playing most of their home matches in UAE in the wake of terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

Williamson said Pakistan, who at third are ranked one place above New Zealand in T20, have a key blend of youth and experience.

"They've got a very well-balanced side, and also a great mix between youth and experience with Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik in the middle order, as well, which brings a lot of experience to the side."

Williamson has declared himself fit after a recurrence of his elbow injury.

"My elbow is improving. It's just a work in progress. But I think all in all, it's showing improvement, which is good."

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Courtesy cricketpakistan

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Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to their first ever win over India in World Cups with a clinical performance in Dubai

DUBAI, OCT 25: Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne believes that Pakistan are favourites to win the T20 World Cup after emphatic win over India.

Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to their first ever win over India in World Cups with a clinical performance in Dubai.

Warner, in a tweet, heaped praise on Pakistan team and its star batsman and skipper Babar Azam.

ANKARA, OCT 25: Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will head to Azerbaijan on Tuesday, his third visit since the liberation of the Karabakh region last November.

Erdoğan will meet his counterpart İlham Aliyev and attend the inauguration of the Fuzuli International Airport.

The Turkish leader was most recently in Azerbaijan in June, when he visited Shusha, the country's cultural capital that was occupied by Armenia for 28 years.

Erdoğan and Aliyev signed the Shusha Declaration during that trip, a pact focused on defense cooperation and establishing new transportation routes.

The agreement also affirms that Turkey and Azerbaijan will work together in the face of any external threat.

The Turkish president was also a guest of honor as Azerbaijan celebrated its Karabakh victory with a special parade in December 2020.

In his address at the event, Erdoğan reaffirmed Ankara's unwavering support for Baku's security and development goals, vowing that the two countries will make the region "prosperous, developed and more livable place for our children."

LIBERATION OF KARABAKH

Relations between the former Soviet republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Upper Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

New clashes erupted on Sept. 27, 2020, with the Armenian army launching repeated attacks on civilians and Azerbaijani forces and also violating several humanitarian cease-fire agreements.

During the 44-day conflict, Azerbaijan liberated several cities and some 300 settlements and villages that were occupied by Armenia for nearly three decades.

The fighting ended on Nov. 10, 2020 after the two countries signed an agreement brokered by Russia.

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Courtesy Anews

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LAHORE/DUBAI, OCT 24: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has opened up after the Men in Green’s historic win over arch-rivals India.

Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to their first ever win over India in World Cups with a clinical performance in Dubai.

In a post on his official Twitter account, Raja termed the victory as a “moment to cherish”.

Shaheen Afridi (3-31) headlined Pakistan's disciplined bowling effort to restrict arch-rivals India to a modest 151-7 in a rematch of the inaugural 2007 final.

Babar and opening partner Mohammad Rizwan then returned to overwhelm the target with 13 balls to spare and register Pakistan's maiden win against India in a World Cup in their 13th attempt.

Babar remained not out on 68, while Rizwan made an unbeaten 79.

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COURTESY cricketpakistan

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DUBAI, OCT 24: Pakistan made history on Sunday night, defeating India for the first time in World Cup fixture and ending a painful jinx that first began in 1992.

Chasing 152, captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan batted till start to finish as they made India’s ‘world class’ bowling attack look ordinary for once.

Earlier, Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets, including skipper Virat Kohli for 57, but India managed 151 for seven in their high-voltage Twenty20 World Cup clash.

Left-arm fast bowler Afridi returned figures of 3-31 after a lethal first spell to hurt India after they elected to field first in the Super 12s encounter in Dubai.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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