KBO cancels games amid heatwave warning

  MANSEHRA: Young people were encouraged to expand their perspectives, develop stronger social networks and turn their ideas into practical actions at the ninth annual Qalb Conference, held on August 8 and 9 at Sirin Resort in Naran. The two-day event was organised by the District Youth Office Mansehra in partnership with the Qalb Welfare Foundation under the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The conference brought together young people, volunteers, social workers and tourism enthusiasts from different parts of Pakistan to discuss youth leadership, community participation, volunteerism and the role of young people in the country’s social development. The conference was held under the theme “Explore, Connect, Change,” which encouraged participants to discover new opportunities, establish meaningful connections and contribute towards positive change in their communities. Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Sports and Youth Affairs, Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand, attended the event as the chief guest. Chairman of the District Development Advisory Committee (D-DAC) Mansehra Ikramullah Ghazi, along with other officials and guests, also participated in the gathering. Speaking at the conference, Mr Tarand highlighted the importance of young people in the social and economic development of the province. He said youth represented a valuable part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s social capital and needed greater opportunities to improve their skills, exchange ideas and participate in productive activities. He also stressed that young people should be actively involved in community-based initiatives. According to him, meaningful participation could help youth transform their abilities, creativity and ideas into practical contributions that benefit society. Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Abbas Khan Afridi said the Directorate was working to provide young people with platforms where they could strengthen leadership abilities, meet people from different backgrounds and discuss challenges faced by their communities. He emphasised that youth development should not be limited to occasional conferences or events. Instead, young people should have continuous opportunities for learning, collaboration, skill development and practical involvement in social activities. The conference took place in the scenic surroundings of Naran, providing participants with an environment that combined learning and interaction with personal development. Various activities focused on teamwork, leadership, communication and learning. Participants also shared their experiences in areas including social welfare, voluntary blood donation and tourism promotion. The presence of participants from different regions of Pakistan added diversity to the discussions and allowed attendees to exchange experiences and perspectives. Speakers and participants highlighted the potential of Pakistani youth to contribute to community welfare, promote volunteerism and create a more positive image of the country. The organisers said the main purpose of the conference was not only to encourage discussion but also to motivate young people to take practical steps towards bringing positive change to their communities. The two-day conference concluded on August 9 with participants reaffirming the message of “Explore, Connect, Change.” The event emphasised the importance of discovering new possibilities, building meaningful networks and empowering young people to play an active role in shaping a better future for Pakistan.

  Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Pakistan has completed 79 years of independence and that the country will celebrate the centenary of its independence 21 years from now, in 2047. In a video message issued on the occasion of Independence Day, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reflected on the meaning of Pakistan’s independence and emphasized that freedom was not simply about acquiring a separate territory. According to him, the creation of Pakistan represented a broader promise of rights and dignity for its people. Bilawal said that independence should be understood as more than the establishment of a geographical homeland. He described it as a commitment made to the people of Pakistan and to the regions and states that chose to become part of the country at the time of its creation. He said that this commitment was subsequently incorporated into Pakistan’s Constitution and has continued to be reaffirmed over the years. According to Bilawal, the constitutional promise represents an important responsibility for successive generations and should not remain limited to political speeches or written documents. The PPP chairman stressed that the younger generation has an important role to play in fulfilling this promise. He said it is the responsibility of the present generation to ensure that the constitutional guarantees and principles associated with Pakistan’s founding vision reach every household by 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of independence. Bilawal’s remarks came as Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day with nationwide ceremonies, flag-hoisting events and public celebrations. The day is observed every year on August 14 to commemorate Pakistan’s independence from British rule in 1947. In his message, Bilawal focused on the relationship between independence, constitutional rights and the responsibilities of citizens. He suggested that the true meaning of freedom lies not only in national sovereignty but also in ensuring that citizens are able to enjoy their fundamental rights. He further emphasized the importance of remembering the commitments associated with the creation of Pakistan while looking toward the country’s future. As Pakistan approaches its centenary in 2047, he called for collective efforts to translate constitutional principles into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens. According to Bilawal, fulfilling the promise of Pakistan is a responsibility shared by every generation. He said the country’s future depends on ensuring that the principles of rights and justice are reflected in the everyday lives of people across the country. The PPP chairman also extended his greetings to the nation on Independence Day and expressed his hopes for Pakistan’s continued progress and prosperity. Concluding his message, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed his commitment to Pakistan and expressed the slogan “Pakistan Khappay, Pakistan Paindabad,” conveying a message of support for the country’s unity, stability and lasting prosperity. His Independence Day message centered on the idea that Pakistan’s journey should be viewed not only through the achievement of independence but also through the fulfillment of the rights and aspirations that accompanied the country’s creation. With 2047 approaching as the centenary year of Pakistan’s independence, Bilawal called on the current generation to work toward realizing the constitutional promise for every citizen and household. His message highlighted the importance of connecting the ideals associated with independence to the everyday realities of the Pakistani people.

Pakistan were dismissed for 282 runs in their first innings on the third day of the opening Test against the West Indies, leaving the hosts with a 29-run first-innings lead. Despite a determined century from captain Shan Masood, Pakistan failed to build on a solid overnight position as the West Indies bowling attack wrapped up the innings effectively. Resuming the day at 199 for 3, Pakistan appeared well placed to post a competitive total. However, the batting lineup struggled against disciplined bowling, losing wickets at regular intervals. Apart from Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq, none of the remaining batters managed to make a significant contribution. Shan Masood led the innings with a composed 109 runs, anchoring Pakistan’s batting effort with patience and confidence. His century proved to be the standout performance for the visitors and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure in challenging conditions. Imam-ul-Haq also made an important contribution, scoring 63 runs and sharing a valuable partnership with the captain that gave Pakistan a strong foundation. After the dismissal of the top-order pair, Pakistan’s middle and lower order failed to capitalize on the platform. Regular breakthroughs from the West Indies bowlers prevented the visitors from reaching a larger total, and the innings came to an end after 80.1 overs. The West Indies bowling attack was led by Justin Greaves, who delivered an outstanding spell to claim five wickets. His consistent line and length troubled Pakistan’s batters throughout the innings and played a key role in restricting the total. Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach and pace bowler Shamar Joseph picked up two wickets each, while Jayden Seales added one wicket to complete the innings. With a 29-run lead, the West Indies gained a slight advantage heading into their second innings. However, the match remains evenly balanced, and Pakistan’s bowlers will now aim to make early breakthroughs to keep the contest alive. As the Test progresses, both teams will look to capitalize on every opportunity in what promises to be an intriguing battle. Pakistan will be encouraged by Shan Masood’s excellent century but will also recognize the need for stronger contributions from the rest of the batting lineup if they hope to secure victory in the series opener.