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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Tuesday announced the names of the final men’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan, days before Pakistan plays home and away fixtures against the two teams. 
Pakistan will face Saudi Arabia at Islamabad’s Jinnah Football Stadium on June 6 in round 2 of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The clash takes place months after Saudi Arabia thumped Pakistan 4-0 in the first leg of the qualifying matches when the Group G sides faced off at Al Ahsa city in November 2023.
Pakistan suffered another setback in round one of the qualifiers when they lost 6-1 to Tajikistan in Islamabad days after losing to Saudi Arabia. The green shirts will face Tajikistan on June 11 in Dushanbe in what will be their final round 2 away fixture. The South Asian country are in Group G of the World Cup qualifiers with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan. 
“The PFF has named the final national men’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Round 2 matches against Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan,” the PFF said in a statement.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Yousuf Butt (D), Saqib Hanif and Hassan Ali
Defenders: Abdullah Iqbal (D), Mohammad Fazal (D), Haseeb Khan, Rao Omer Hayat, Mamoon Moosa, Mohammad Saddam, Waqar Ihtisham, Moin Ahmed and Abdul Rehman
Midfielders: Rahis Nabi (D), Otis Khan (D), Ali Uzair, Umair Ali, Toqeer ul Hassan, Alamgir Ghazi and Ali Zafar
Forwards: Imran Kayani (D), McKeal Abdulah, Fareedulah, Adeel Younas and Shayak Dost
In the second round of the qualifiers, a total of 36 football squads have been split into nine groups with four teams each. The winners and runners-up from each group would go through to the third round.
Fans can buy tickets for Pakistan’s match against Saudi Arabia on Bookme.pk. 
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Wednesday signed 32 memorandums of agreement in the fields of IT, textiles, leather and footwear, minerals, pharmaceuticals and agriculture and food processing, a statement from the prime minister’s office said. 
The agreements were signed during the second day of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China from June 4-8 as the South Asian nation pushes to bring in much needed foreign direct investment. 
The focus of Sharif’s visit is business-to-business meetings and efforts to seek an upgrade for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, through which Beijing has pledged over $60 billion in Pakistan since 2015.
“A historic moment between private sectors of Pakistan and China was observed today when 32 MoUs in different fields were signed on the sidelines of the Pakistan Business Conference in Shenzhen after the B2B (business to business) meetings between the Pakistani businessmen and their counterparts from China,” the PMO said. 
“The areas of interest for the business community of both sides included the fields of electronics & home appliances, ICT, textile, leather & footwear, minerals and pharmaceuticals etc.”
The private sectors of both countries signed four MoUs in the field of energy, two in automobiles, one in cultural cooperation, four in IT, six in pharmaceutical and health care, four in logistics and ten in agriculture and food processing. A Letter of Intent (LoI) in the field of Optical Fibre Networks was also signed. 
“Business Conference Shenzhen 2024 will not only pave the ground for the introduction of Pakistani products in the regional markets, but it will also leave a positive impact of strong regional government-business relations on Pakistan economy’s strategic transformations,” the PMO said. “An unprecedented next level industrial cooperation between the two nations is expected out of this B2B initiative of the government.”
“Many businesses sat together and participation took place,” National Bank of Pakistan President Rehmat Ali Shamsi, who is part of the delegation visiting China, told state media. “Plus, many MOUs were also signed.”
Additional Secretary of the Board of Investment, Dr. Erfa Iqbal, said the Pakistani delegation was expecting “high-level industrial corporation” from China to help in increasing exports, making way for local products to reach international markets. 
“This will also strengthen CPEC in the second phase,” she added.
ISLAMABAD: The ban on the production and trade of plastic bags in Pakistan’s largest Punjab province came into effect today, Wednesday, the provincial government announced as millions mark World Environment Day across the globe. 
The production of plastic bags adversely affects human health, ecosystems and wildlife. Made from polyethylene, a type of non-biodegradable material, plastic bags remain in the environment for hundreds of years and never decompose fully. 
The carbon-intensive production of plastics has been on pace to emit more greenhouse gases than coal-fired power plants across the world, with the global plastic industry releasing at least 232 million tons of these gases annually. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere of the earth and in turn contribute to global warming and exacerbate climate change, leading to devastating impacts around the world.
Pakistan’s Punjab government announced last week its decision to ban the production, distribution and sale of plastic bags from June 5. 
“From today, the use, production, sale and trade of plastic has been banned,” the Punjab government wrote on social media platform X. 
“The aim behind the ‘No To Plastic’ campaign is to decrease environmental pollution and promote pro-environment steps.”
In a statement last week, the provincial government’s spokesperson said hotels, restaurants and other food joints would be strictly prohibited from giving customers food in plastic bags from June 5. 
“A crackdown will also be launched against factories manufacturing illegal plastic products,” the spokesperson said. The government has warned those violating the ban that they will face action and heavy fines. 
Pakistan, which ranks among countries most vulnerable to climate change, has witnessed untimely downpours, deadly floods, heat waves and droughts in recent years, which experts have attributed to climate change effects.
The South Asian country of more than 241 million people last week witnessed an intense heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 52 degrees Celsius (126°F) in parts of the country.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stepped up lobbying as it vies for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), reported state media on Wednesday, with the General Assembly set to meet tomorrow, on June 6, to elect five non-permanent members to the world body’s most significant and powerful institution.
The UNSC comprises 15 countries, five of which are permanent members with veto-wielding authority, including China, France, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom. The council’s primary responsibility is the maintenance of international peace and security.
Pakistan’s previous terms as a non-permanent member arrived in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69 and 1952-53.
“The UNGA is set to meet on Thursday to elect five non-permanent members of the Security Council,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said on Wednesday. “Pakistan and other candidates have stepped up their lobbying activities for a seat.”
The report said the Asian seat was being vacated by Japan this year, adding the countries elected now would serve for two years from Jan 1, 2025, through the end of 2026. Other outgoing countries include Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland whose terms end on December 31, 2024.
The APP said the seven-term candidate Pakistan was likely to get elected unopposed following endorsement by the 53-member Asian group.
“If elected, Pakistan will devote its efforts to promoting the maintenance of international peace and security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes per the principles and purposes of the UN Charter,” the news agency quoted Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, as saying.
The voting for the non-permanent members is conducted by a secret ballot and candidates need to receive a two-third majority, or 128 votes, even if they run uncontested. Re-polls are conducted if the required number of polls are not secured by a country.
In the same contest, Somalia and Mauritius are candidates for the African seat, while Denmark and Greece are contesting for the Western European seat.
Panama is the sole candidate for the Latin American seat.
ISLAMABAD: The head of Pakistan’s Hajj mission in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday applauded the kingdom for systematically distributing special identification cards among pilgrims and ensuring a functional cooling system at every location amid extreme heat while discussing preparations for the upcoming annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The Saudi government has taken several measures in recent years to facilitate pilgrims and make their spiritual journey more comfortable, including the introduction of Nusuk cards in both physical and digital formats, which contain detailed information about each pilgrim, including their identity and pilgrimage registration details.
These cards are mandatory for all pilgrims to gain access to holy sites and facilitate movement within Makkah, as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to streamline the Hajj process and ensure safety by distinguishing registered pilgrims from unauthorized individuals.
“Saudi Arabia is committed to providing all possible services along with maximum comfort and facilities to pilgrims to reduce any inconvenience,” Director General of Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro told Arab News in a telephone interview from Makkah.
He highlighted the Route to Makkah initiative had greatly benefited Pakistani pilgrims traveling from Karachi and Islamabad, which allows pilgrims to complete the immigration process in their home countries while reducing waiting times at Saudi airports.
“To facilitate the pilgrimage experience for people from across the world, Saudi authorities have taken steps including the enforcement of legitimate Hajj through Nusuk cards, implementation of cooling measures like misting fans and developing shaded areas along with the provision of air-conditioned tents for pilgrims in Mashair,” Soomro said, referring to the general area where Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat are located and where the pilgrimage rituals are performed.
“Along with these other services included accessibility to free medical services through hospitals and clinics, placement of first aid stations in Mashair and provision of guidance and support via information centers and volunteer staff,” he continued.
The Hajj official noted the transformation of the pilgrimage experience by corporate-style service providers had also led to reduced costs for people and improvement in service quality.
Additionally, the first-come-first-served basis zone allocation in Mina, he pointed out, had prompted Hajj missions and private groups to complete their contracts well ahead of time to secure spaces of their choice.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year, with around 70,000 people performing the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the rest will use private tour operators.
Over 85,000 Pakistani pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, with 55,284 coming under the government scheme and over 30,000 through private operators.
Speaking about Pakistani pilgrims, Soomro said the country’s Hajj mission offered a range of facilities, covering accommodation, transportation, food and medical services.
“In the kingdom, facilities for Pakistani pilgrims include 100 percent accommodation in Madinah Markazia [central], one hospital and nine dispensaries in Makkah, one hospital and three dispensaries in Madinah operating 24/7, 18 ambulances in service, guidance from welfare staff at airports, Haram entry points, bus stations, and Mashair, and dedicated staff at each building’s reception to promptly address pilgrims’ concerns,” he added.
The official said around 154 buildings had been rented for the accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah.
“In Mina, spaces have been reserved in Zones Two and Four,” he added. “Arrangements include tents equipped with amenities like cold water, sofa mattresses, air coolers or air-conditioners and welfare staff also performs duties in Mashair for pilgrim’s facilitation.”
For hassle-free and luxurious transportation, Soomro said 239 buses had been arranged this year, with shuttle service remaining available round the clock.
“A 100 percent train service is provided for Mashair for government scheme pilgrims, while pilgrims under private schemes will utilize bus facilities during Mashair days,” he added.
The top Hajj official said complaints and feedback were managed through designated channels such as the Pak Hajj app, toll-free numbers, WhatsApp and manual visits.
“Authorities promptly resolve these complaints, as a dedicated team also deputed at the call center,” he added.
CHAKWAL, Pakistan: A public school in Pakistan’s Punjab province has set up a special center offering free education and speech and behavioral therapy to over a dozen children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.
According to the non-profit Autism Society of Pakistan (ASP), around 350,000 children in the country have ASD, though there is no reliable official data to corroborate this figure. Autism spectrum disorders range from Asperger syndrome, a relatively mild communication disorder, to severe autism in which patients communicate little or not at all with others and may display severely debilitating behaviors such as rocking or banging their heads. About 40 percent of children with autism do not speak at all.
Autism is usually diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 5. There is no cure and no one knows the causes, but doctors are eager to identify autism as early as possible because therapeutic intervention can reduce its effects at an early age.
This intervention is exactly what is being offered at a special center established in the District Public School of Punjab’s Chakwal city last year. Seventeen children were initially enrolled in the center out of which two have graduated and gone on to attend mainstream schools, while 15 remain in the care of psychologists and therapists.
The center offers sensory, behavioral and speech therapy and has ADL (activities of daily living) classrooms where children are taught things like eating, bathing, brushing teeth, toileting, washing hands, dressing and undressing, and grooming. The center also has a separate bathroom and kitchen for children with ASD. 
“A psychologist tests the children when the parents schedule a visit,” a teacher at the autism center, Umme Kulsoom, told Arab News. “We admit the child If they are diagnosed with autism level one,” the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism.
The work of Kulsoom and other teachers at the center is to determine the autistic child’s academic level by using various techniques such as testing their handgrip with pencils, coloring, drawing, and letter and sound recognition. Teachers the work with the children to improve their educational skills.
“Autism is a disorder in which the child’s focus and concentration needs to be worked on. Children can’t perform up to par academically as they have weak motor skills,” Kulsoom explained, saying the focus was on improving the child’s weaknesses before helping them pursue academics.
Psychologists working at the center give individual attention to each student to help them improve the performance of daily activities with sensory integration.
“It’s difficult to deal with these children as they have tantrums and mood swings but we are trained to handle them by using relaxation techniques to calm them down,” psychologist Maryam Jadoon said. 
Psychologists at the center use a portage guide, a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with additional support needs and their families, as well as applied behavioral analysis procedures that can help increase language and communication skills and improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics.
The ADL room at the center has a bed, cupboard, hangers, and shirts to teach autistic children how to sleep, wake up, walk, comb their hair, brush their teeth, hand wash and dress.
Besides classwork, the teachers have also set up a dedicated WhatsApp group for parents on which they share videos and lessons to help them engage and teach children at home as well.
“We were not aware of autism before. When our daughter was diagnosed, we learned that there is a word like ‘autism’,” Javeria Arqam, a mother of two children with ASD, told Arab News.
“We visited different institutions in Chakwal, Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore before it, but the basic issue was that either they were offering [facilities for] academic or therapies. We were not able to find both of them together, but after coming here, we are getting almost all the facilities.
“QUITE WIDESPREAD”
The state-of-the-art autism center is the brainchild of the Punjab government and Chakwal Deputy Commissioner, Quratulain Malik.
“We provide speech therapy, clinical services, psychological assessments, cognitive disorders treatment and all other facilities required for boosting children’s confidence level,” Malik told Arab News. 
“Ever since we have established this autism center, we have realized that the problem persists at quite a significant level, but parents were actually unaware,” she added. 
“Now, they would bring their children and once they are diagnosed or once they are not diagnosed, at least they know where does the child stand. Many mothers who used to keep their child’s condition to themselves are now cooperative.”
Arab News sent a letter to the secretary of Punjab’s special education department seeking information on ASD figures and facilities, but didn’t receive a response till the filing of this report.
But while appreciating the efforts of the government, especially in providing free care for families that could not otherwise afford specialized care for ASD children, activists and experts said authorities needed to involve the private sector at public centers to improve facilities, clinical therapies, and education.
“Autism spectrum disorder is quite widespread in Pakistan as one in every three children is affected by it,” Maheen Gul-Malik, the founder of the Lahore Autism Center, told Arab News.
“The therapists and teachers hired in the public schools are not trained enough to extend individual attention to autistic children. There is also a need for constant monitoring of all activities at these centers through cameras.”

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