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As part of its humanitarian efforts to assist communities impacted by natural disasters, Qatar Charity (QC) has signed a Contingency Project Co-operation Agreement (CPCA) with Unicef Pakistan.The agreement aims to strengthen emergency response systems and ensure the timely delivery of relief services during crises across the country.The partnership focuses on implementing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions alongside Nutrition services during emergencies, with a strong emphasis on supporting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.Under this collaboration, QC and Unicef launched a Nutrition in Emergencies initiative in four districts of Punjab: Rajanpur, Jhang, Muzaffargarh, and Multan, to support those affected by the 2025 floods. The initiative seeks to improve access to treatment for acutely malnourished children as well as pregnant and lactating women.The programme includes the provision of micronutrient supplements for children aged 6–59 months and breastfeeding women, along with counselling on maternal nutrition, nurturing care, early childhood development, and Infant and Young Child Feeding practices. It also incorporates capacity building, co-ordination, and information management to strengthen emergency nutrition systems.A WASH emergency project has been activated to assist flood-affected communities. It aims to provide climate-resilient sanitation facilities for 20,000 people, including toilets, bathing areas, and washing points designed to be culturally sensitive, gender-appropriate and disability-inclusive.Additionally, 100,000 people will benefit from improved awareness of key hygiene practices, disaster risk reduction messaging, and the effective use of hygiene kits. Furthermore, 5,000 children will gain access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in 20 schools, 10 temporary learning centres, 10 child-friendly safe spaces and 10 health facilities.QC noted that this partnership represents a significant step toward enhancing Pakistan’s preparedness for natural disasters and improving protection for vulnerable populations, ensuring a more effective and timely emergency response. 

His Excellency the Shura Council Speaker, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, held separate meetings in Islamabad Monday with Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Yusuf Raza Gilani. HE the Shura Council Speaker is visiting Pakistan at the head of the Council's delegation participating in the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, which begins today. The meetings focused on strengthening parliamentary co-operation between the Shura Council and the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan, with both sides discussing ways to advance shared interests. Topics on the conference agenda were also discussed.The conference centres on the theme of "Peace, Security, and Development," underscoring the role of parliaments in supporting global efforts to build a more stable and just international order. It serves as a platform for aligning perspectives, promoting dialogue and mediation in conflict resolution, and fostering co-operation in water, energy, and food security. Climate change, sustainable development, and interfaith and intercultural harmony are also key areas of focus.

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck the city of Ziarat and surrounding areas in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Saturday, according to the country's National Seismic Monitoring Center.The quake's epicenter was located approximately 67 kilometers northeast of Quetta, the provincial capital. No reports of damage or casualties have been reported.Ziarat was last hit by a powerful earthquake in 2008, which claimed more than 200 lives and injured around 500 others.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met Wednesday at the Amiri Diwan with President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, on the occasion of his visit to the country to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development.At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the Pakistani president and the accompanying delegation, affirming Qatar's keenness to strengthen the bonds of friendship and bilateral cooperation and advance mutual interests.**media[377786]**For his part, the Pakistani president expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir for the warm reception and voiced his aspiration to deepen bilateral cooperation across all sectors and expand it for the benefit of both nations.During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields. They also discussed the most prominent regional and international issues and developments of common interest, in addition to exchanging views on key topics on the summit's agenda.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, and a number of senior officials attended the meeting. On the Pakistani side, it was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the president.

South African skipper Donovan Ferreira said his team will speed up preparation for next year’s Twenty20 World Cup, with the series against Pakistan starting in Rawalpindi from Tuesday.South Africa finished runners-up to India in the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup, and will be among the favourites for the coming edition which India and Sri Lanka co-host in February-March.Ferreira said Monday that this week’s three-match series provides an ideal opportunity.“It is important to build up towards the World Cup,” he said. “I think this is the big stepping stone for us towards the World Cup.”South Africa will miss David Miller - announced captain for this series but ruled out with injury - as well as Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka, who are both injured.They have rested regular T20I skipper Aiden Markram, batters Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton, and spearhead Kagiso Rabada.Despite less experience in the side and losing to Namibia earlier this month, Ferreira hopes his team will play an aggressive brand of cricket.“The Namibia game is past now and I think we need to play an explosive brand of cricket with the bat or with the ball, as we have got exciting players in the side.”Pakistan skipper Salman Agha also sees the series as an opportunity to build towards the World Cup.“We need to further our preparations and overcome the mistakes we committed in the Asia Cup,” said Agha of the regional event last month where they finished runners-up to India.Agha said he was excited to see star batter Babar Azam back in the T20I side for the first time since December 2024.“Babar is a world class player and he will benefit our team with his batting,” said Agha.“We have good batters and bowlers in the side so we need to build up towards the World Cup.”The remaining two matches are on Friday and Saturday, both in Lahore.

A torrential downpour once again called the tune in Colombo as the Women's Cricket World Cup fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was abandoned after just 4.2 overs on Friday.Heavy rain refused to relent, leaving players and fans drenched in disappointment. It was the last game in the Colombo leg of the tournament.Of the 11 matches staged in the Sri Lankan capital, five ended in no-results, forcing teams to split points.Several other games too were rain-disrupted, prompting questions as to whether Colombo's monsoon-prone month was the right window to stage a global event.Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have borne the brunt of inclement weather, with three of their seven outings each washed down the drain.On Friday, the toss was delayed by more than three hours and the game was trimmed to 34 overs per side.Pakistan had reached 18 without loss when the heavens opened again. Despite the tireless efforts of the ground staff, match officials finally threw in the towel at 8:00 pm local time with parts of the outfield still under water.Sri Lanka climbed to fifth in the points table with five points, courtesy of one win and a point each from their three washed out games.They will stay there if England defeat New Zealand on Sunday, ensuring the islanders finish above the White Ferns. It's a commendable outcome for a side that had failed to qualify for the previous World Cup in New Zealand in 2022."We cannot control the weather. It has been very disappointing. We came into this tournament with lots of hope as we had beaten teams like India, New Zealand and South Africa in the recent past. But not much went our way in this campaign," Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu said.Pakistan ended their campaign without a single win, finishing in seventh place, one ahead of Bangladesh in the eight nation competition with all their points coming through rain affected games."The weather didn't go in our favour. ICC must look into the best venues for World Cups. We are waiting for four years for a World Cup and it's disappointing to finish like this," Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said.

South Africa batsman Tristan Stubbs scored an unbeaten 68 to steer his side to 185-4 at stumps on the second day of the second test against Pakistan Tuesday, but two late wickets saw the hosts keep a firm grip on the contest.The usually swashbuckling Stubbs produced a circumspect innings, featuring in a 113-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi as South Africa looked to haul in Pakistan’s first innings score of 333.South Africa still trail by 148 runs with Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne (10 not out) to resume at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Wednesday. The 25-year-old Stubbs had been promoted back to No. 3 in South Africa’s batting lineup after a poor run in the middle order and looked to take the chance to reaffirm his place in the team after speculation he might be dropped after last week’s first test defeat in Lahore.He showed a patient approach, reaching his 50 in 149 balls with a six over the bowler’s head being one of the few extravagant strokes in his innings.De Zorzi was the only player to score a century in the first test, which Pakistan won by 93 runs, and confirmed a return to form by scoring 55 off 93 balls before losing his wicket in the last half hour before close. He was trapped by debutant spinner Asif Aridi, taking his first test wicket at the age of 38.Asif, who turns 39 in December, quickly followed it up with the wicket of Dewald Brevis, departing without scoring after a sharp delivery saw him edge to Salman Ali Agha at slip. Pakistan were dismissed shortly before lunch as South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj posted figures of 7-102 on his return to the side, taking all five Pakistan wickets Tuesday.The hosts resumed on 259-5 with Saud Shakeel and Salman extending their sixth wicket partnership to 70 runs before Salman was trapped leg before for 45.The last four Pakistan wickets fell for 17 runs with Saud (66) caught at slip by captain Aiden Markram as South Africa’s catching showed a marked improvement from Monday when they dropped several good chances.Left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who took 11 wickets in the first test, bowled only four overs, relegated to a back-up role as Maharaj dominated with the ball and emphasised his position as South Africa’s top Test spinner.BRIEF SCORES: South Africa 185 for 4 (Stubbs 68*, de Zorzi 55, Asif Afridi 2-24) trail Pakistan 333 (Shakeel 66, Agha 45, Maharaj 7-102) by 148 runs.

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi has welcomed the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Qatar and Turkiye to reach the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan which was signed in Doha.The GCC Secretary-General noted that this agreement represents a positive step towards consolidating stability and strengthening bridges of trust between the two countries.He affirmed the GCC’s support for all initiatives aimed at establishing peace and promoting dialogue in the region and beyond, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for peoples.Saudi Arabia and Oman also welcomed the diplomatic efforts and constructive roles played by Qatar and Turkiye.The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s welcome for signing an immediate ceasefire and establish mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries.In a statement, the ministry affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its constant commitment to ensuring security to achieve stability and prosperity for the Pakistani and Afghan peoples.Oman expressed its appreciation and gratitude for the roles of Qatar and Turkiye in reaching the agreement, expressing hope for its sustainability as well as to achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace between the two countries.Meanwhile, Kuwait welcomed the ceasefire agreement and expressed hope that this step will help end tensions and strengthen security and stability, in line with the aspirations of the peoples of both countries.In a statement issued Monday, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the constructive efforts and tireless endeavours led by Qatar and Turkiye in hosting and sponsoring the negotiations that culminated in the agreement.The ministry stressed the importance of dialogue and adherence to diplomatic means to resolve disputes and enhance regional and international security.Official spokesman for the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fouad Majali praised the mediation efforts made by Qatar and Turkiye to reach this agreement, stressing Jordan’s support for all efforts to establish security and stability in the border areas between the two countries.Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: “We welcome the agreement on a mutual ceasefire along the Afghan-Pakistani border, achieved between Kabul and Islamabad with the mediation of Qatari and Turkiye.”In a statement, she voiced Moscow’s call on Kabul and Islamabad to expand their co-operation, including in countering terrorism.In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun affirmed that his country welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.He expressed China’s support for continued dialogue and consultations between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and work together to maintain peace and stability in both countries and the region.

Pakistan punished poor catching from South Africa to accumulate 259-5 on the opening day of the second and final Test in Rawalpindi on Monday.Had the tourists not dropped five catches on a turning pitch they would have been in a better position after Pakistan won the toss and batted.Skipper Shan Masood, dropped on 71 off a luckless Keshav Maharaj, top-scored with 87 while Abdullah Shafique - dropped four times - made 57.Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha will resume on Tuesday unbeaten on 42 and 10 respectively, with the home team seeking a 2-0 series win against the world Test champions.South African pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Mohammad Rizwan with the fifth delivery with the second new ball for 19 to give some respite to his team.Maharaj, who missed the first Test in Lahore through injury, took 2-63 and fellow spinner Simon Harmer 2-75.With the bulk of the bowling done by Maharaj and Harmer, spinner Senuran Muthusamy -- who took 11 wickets in the first Test -- was surprisingly used for just four overs.The final session also saw Masood fall to an uppish sweep off Maharaj, caught by Marco Jansen, after hitting two fours and three sixes in his innings.Earlier, Shafique's chancy knock finally ended when he edged Harmer to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne after adding an invaluable 111 runs for the second wicket with skipper Masood.The struggling Babar Azam, again cheered by a home crowd willing him to return to form, was dismissed for just 16 when Tony de Zorzi took a low catch at silly point for Maharaj's first wicket.Azam has gone 29 Test innings without a century.Maharaj himself dropped Shafique on 15 off his own bowling and then saw Aiden Markram drop the same batter on 41 and 53.Shafique also survived on nine when a Jansen delivery rolled onto the stumps but did not dislodge the bails.Shafique admitted he was lucky."You need luck in cricket and I was lucky today," said Shafique. "Catches get dropped in cricket and today we benefitted from them and now we need to post a 350-plus total from here."In the morning session South Africa's only breakthrough came from Harmer, who bowled Imam-ul-Haq for 17 with a sharp turner that beat the bat and hit off-stump.Rabada was also unlucky when Tristan Stubbs dropped Shafique in the slips off the fourth ball of the match when he was on nought."It was an even day because we controlled their run rate," said Maharaj. "We know how important are catches but no-one means to drop catches although it was frustrating."Having won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, Pakistan included a third spinner in Asif Afridi, dropping fast bowler Hasan Ali.At 38 years and 299 days, Asif became the second oldest Pakistani Test debutant, behind Miran Bakhsh, who made his debut at 47 years and 284 days against India in 1955.BRIEF SCORES:Pakistan 259 for 5 (Masood 87, Shafique 57, Maharaj 2-63, Harmer 2-75) vs South Africa

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi welcomed the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar and Turkiye to reach the ceasefire agreement that was signed by Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha. The GCC Secretary-General noted that this agreement represents a positive step towards consolidating stability and strengthening bridges of trust between the two countries. He affirmed the GCC's support for all initiatives aimed at establishing peace and promoting dialogue in the region and beyond, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for peoples.

Ten civilians were killed and a dozen more were wounded late Friday in a Pakistani strike on a border province in western Afghanistan, an official at the Paktika provincial hospital said."In the airstrike on Urgun district, 10 civilians were killed and 12 others wounded," he told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that two children were among the dead.Earlier Friday, a senior Taliban official accused Pakistan of breaking a 48-hour ceasefire that had brought two days of calm to the border, and warned that Kabul would "retaliate."

Spinners dominate on difficult pitchNoman Ali takes a 10-wicket match haulPakistan lead 1-0 in two-match seriesPakistan secured a 93-run victory over South Africa on the fourth day of the first test, taking the eight wickets needed on Wednesday to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.Left-arm spinner Noman Ali completed a 10-wicket haul and seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi took the last three wickets as South Africa, who were 51-2 overnight, were dismissed for 183 in the middle session.The slow and deteriorating wicket proved far too testing for the tourists although Dewald Brevis offered them hope as he bludgeoned a quick-fire half century.South Africa were always going to be up against it when Tony de Zorzi, who scored a century in the first innings, was trapped leg before wicket by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the first over of the morning, as they chased a target of 277 to extend a 10-test winning streak.It was a rare wicket for a seamer in a contest where neither side used them much, such was the spin-friendly condition of the turning wicket, although Afridi returned to secure victory for his team.Tristan Stubbs lasted only eight balls before a viciously turning delivery from Noman deceived him, bringing Brevis to the wicket.The 22-year-old already has a reputation in limited overs cricket for his expansive hitting and did not temper his approach in his third test appearance.He made up for his first ball dismissal in the first innings with 54 runs off as many balls as he put the pressure back onto the Pakistan bowlers and offered South Africa the brief potential of an unlikely win.Together with Ryan Rickelton they put on a 73-run partnership, but Noman had the last laugh with a turning delivery that clean bowled Brevis.Rickelton then got a leading edge to Sajid’s turning ball to depart for 45, leaving the tourists 137-6 at lunch.The last four wickets fell without much resistance with Afridi given another spell to wrap up the tail and return figures of 4-33. Noman took 4-79 to add to his six wickets in the first innings."We built enough margins where we could have the upper hand and I'm glad we finished it off," said Pakistan captain Shan Masood.Defeat for South Africa marked a losing start to the defence of their World Test Championship crown at the beginning of a new two-year cycle."There was some good stuff over the few days that we played, I thought, really good signs, I suppose, bat and ball. So we have a bit to take out, bit to learn as well, and clean up our space for the next game," said South Africa captain Aiden Markram.Next week's second test will be played in Rawalpindi.BRIEF SCORES:Pakistan 378 and 167 (Babar 42, Muthusamy 5-57, Harmer 4-51) beat South Africa 269 and 183 (Brevis 54, Rickelton 45, Afridi 4-33, Noman 4-79) by 93 runs