The Nail-biting Finish: India vs Australia Live Match Review

Published

3 weeks ago

November 18, 2023

Setting the Stage: India vs Australia Live Match Recap

india vs australia live Welcome to the adrenaline-pumping recap of one of cricket’s most riveting clashes – India versus Australia in a live match showdown. This high-stakes encounter between two cricketing giants had hearts racing, fans on the edge of their seats, and cricket aficionados around the globe glued to their screens.

The battleground was set, the stakes were sky-high, and the anticipation was palpable as India and Australia faced off in a match that promised not just competition but an electrifying spectacle.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the heart of this nail-biting finish, capturing every breathtaking moment, critical play, and the intense energy that defined this epic showdown. From the clash of titans on the field to the roar of the crowd in the stadium, join us as we unravel the thrills and spills of this captivating match

Overview of the Intense Showdown

The Rivalry Renewed

The clash between India and Australia in the cricketing arena is more than just a match; it’s a battle that embodies the essence of sportsmanship, rivalry, and sheer skill. Over the years, these two cricketing powerhouses have engaged in battles that have etched unforgettable moments in the history of the sport.

In this particular encounter, the anticipation was sky-high. Both teams, known for their competitive spirits and remarkable talent, stood toe-to-toe, ready to display their prowess on the field. The stage was set for an intense contest that promised fireworks from the very first ball.

The Build-Up

Months of anticipation, speculation, and analysis led to this momentous match. The teams’ preparation, form, and strategies were scrutinized by experts and fans alike. The media buzzed with discussions about key players, potential game-changers, and the overall strategies of India and Australia.

The excitement reached a fever pitch as cricket enthusiasts awaited the showdown that had all the makings of a classic, with the potential to redefine cricketing narratives and spark new debates.

The Expectations

As the two teams stepped onto the field, the expectations were immense. Supporters on both sides hoped for a commanding performance from their favorite players. Fans yearned for memorable moments that would echo through cricketing history. The intensity of the rivalry only added to the anticipation, promising a contest that would keep everyone on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.

2. Match Overview

Teams’ breakdown: India vs Australia live

India vs Australia

An exciting match between cricketing heavyweights Australia and India promised to be an exhilarating confrontation. Australia, a team recognized for its aggressive tactics and deft skills, took on India, a team known for its tenacity and dynamic play.

Team India:

Showing off their skills in both batting and bowling, Team India was led by their inspirational captain and supported by a lineup of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent. The roster, a masterful fusion of youth and experience, brought to the field an explosive balance of raw skill and strategic sophistication.

Team Australia:

The Australian team faced off against them, bringing a formidable presence to the stage thanks to a history of domination in the sport. They were well-known for their aggressive tactics and unrelenting spirit, and they challenged opponents to give it their all.

Location and Conditions: Effects on the Match

The battlefield India vs Australia live in this high-stakes match had a big influence on the gameplay. The distinct qualities of the location, which included weather variations and pitch conditions, were crucial in determining how both sides approached the game.

Pitch Dynamics:

The field of play, or pitch, presented its own set of unexpected moments. Its characteristics, such as favoring pacers or spinners, significantly influenced the tempo of the match and the strategy used by each team.

Weather Influences:

To make matters more complicated, the weather was always uncertain. The intense heat, the chance of rain delays, or the refreshing wind might all influence the game in different ways and challenge the players’ ability to adjust.

Key Moments Analysis

Turning Points: Critical Plays and Events

In any high-stakes cricket match like the India vs. Australia showdown, certain moments become pivotal. These turning points can sway the game’s momentum and decide the final outcome. Here are some critical plays and events that defined the intensity of this thrilling encounter:

Early Wickets and Explosive Start: The match began with a bang as the opening bowlers secured quick wickets, setting an electric tone for the game. Australia’s aggressive start put India under pressure right from the beginning, setting the stage for a gripping contest.

Middle Overs Battle: The middle overs witnessed a strategic tussle between the batting and bowling sides. Spinners played a crucial role, slowing down the run rate while batsmen aimed to consolidate their positions. This phase was crucial in shaping the game’s trajectory.

Breakthroughs and Breakout Performances: Key breakthroughs and standout performances emerged as game-changers. A crucial partnership or a timely wicket often tilted the balance in favor of one team. The pressure mounted with every successful play, intensifying the drama.

Nail-biting Final Overs: The climax of the match brought immense tension as the game hung in the balance. The final overs became a battleground where every ball mattered, and each run was crucial. The players’ composure under pressure and decisive actions made these moments unforgettable.

Impactful Player Performances

Amidst the intensity of the game, certain players stood out with their exceptional performances, leaving an indelible mark on the match:

Masterful Batting Displays: Several batsmen showcased their prowess, crafting crucial innings under challenging circumstances. Whether it was aggressive stroke play or patient defense, these performances contributed significantly to their team’s fortunes.

Bowling Brilliance: The bowlers played a pivotal role in restricting the opposition’s scoring and taking crucial wickets. Their precision, variation, and ability to adapt to the conditions influenced the game’s outcome.

Fielding Feats and Game-Changing Moments: Fielders turned the tide with exceptional catches, run-outs, and agile movements on the field. These moments not only boosted team morale but also had a tangible impact on the match’s outcome.

Leadership and Decision-Making: Captains and key players displayed leadership qualities, making strategic decisions that affected the course of the game. Their tactical acumen and on-field guidance were instrumental in critical phases.

Strategy Insights India vs Australia live

Tactical Analysis: Team Approaches and Strategies

In any high-stakes cricket match like India vs. Australia, the strategies employed by both teams play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Let’s delve into the tactical maneuvers and approaches adopted by each team:

India’s Strategy:

Batting Order: Analyzing India’s batting order reveals their tactical flexibility. Did they start aggressively or focus on building a solid foundation?

Bowling Tactics: Understanding India’s bowling tactics – spin, pace, variations, and their adaptability to changing game situations.

Field Placements: How did India set the field? Did they tailor it based on specific batsmen or match scenarios?

Adaptability: Examining India’s ability to adapt their strategies mid-game. Did they adjust to opposition tactics effectively?

Australia’s Strategy:

Aggressive vs. Defensive Play: Did Australia adopt an aggressive style of play or take a more defensive approach?

Bowling Strengths: Analyzing Australia’s bowling strengths and their strategies against India’s batting lineup.

Fielding Dynamics: How did Australia’s field placements impact India’s scoring opportunities and strategy?

Pressure Moments: Exploring how Australia handled pressure situations and made strategic decisions.

Coaching and Decision-Making

Behind the on-field action, coaching and decision-making stand as pivotal aspects influencing the team’s performance:

Coaching Impact:

Role of Coaches: Understanding the influence of coaches on team strategy, morale, and player performance.

Adaptation and Guidance: How did the coaches adapt to in-game situations? Did their guidance influence critical moments?

Player Preparation: Insights into how coaching strategies influenced player preparation before the match.

Decision-Making:

Captaincy Influence: Analyzing the decisions made by team captains during crucial stages of the match.

Team Discussions: Highlighting pivotal moments where team discussions or strategic timeouts impacted the game.

Influence of Support Staff: Exploring how the support staff’s decisions and inputs influenced on-field strategies.

Crowd Reactions and Atmosphere India vs Australia live

India vs Australia

Fan Reactions: Social Media Buzz

During the electrifying clash between India and Australia, the online world exploded with passionate reactions from fans worldwide. Social media platforms became the hub of emotions, where fans expressed their excitement, nerves, and support for their favorite teams.

Twitter timelines were ablaze with hashtags dedicated to the match, flooding feeds with colorful emojis, memes, and passionate comments. Fans from both India and Australia engaged in friendly banter, sharing their predictions, cheering for their teams, and celebrating every boundary or wicket with exuberance.

The buzz on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms was no different. Memorable moments instantly turned into viral memes and GIFs, spreading like wildfire across the internet. The intense rivalry between the two cricketing giants fueled discussions, debates, and moments of unity among fans, regardless of the match’s outcome.

Stadium Atmosphere and Its Influence

Beyond the digital realm, the stadium itself played a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere of the match. The energy was palpable as passionate supporters filled the stands, creating an electric environment that reverberated with chants, cheers, and the wave of national flags.

The roar of the crowd echoed throughout the stadium, creating an adrenaline-fueled ambiance that resonated with the players on the field. Every boundary hit or wicket taken amplified the fervor, sending waves of excitement and anticipation through the crowd.

Post-Match Reflections

Reviewing the Result: Winner and Aftermath

After an exhilarating battle between two cricketing giants, the final outcome of the India vs Australia live match left fans on the edge of their seats. With both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination, the winner emerged, celebrating a hard-fought victory. [Here, insert the winning team’s name] clinched the game in a stunning finish, securing their place in cricketing history.

The aftermath of this intense clash reverberated across the sporting world. Fans erupted in jubilation or sighed in disappointment, but the match’s impact extends beyond the scoreboard. It highlighted the resilience and sportsmanship of both teams, leaving spectators in awe of their sheer talent and commitment to the game.

Lessons Learned and Takeaways

In the aftermath of this riveting encounter, there are invaluable lessons to be gleaned. One crucial aspect is the unwavering spirit displayed by both sides. The determination to overcome challenges and adapt to changing circumstances was evident throughout the match. This resilience serves as a testament to the teams’ dedication and perseverance, setting a benchmark for aspiring cricketers worldwide.

Furthermore, the match underscored the significance of strategy and teamwork. Each player’s contribution was integral to their team’s performance. The ability to collaborate, communicate, and execute plans under pressure showcased the essence of teamwork in achieving shared goals, a lesson applicable far beyond the cricket pitch.

Comparing Similar Matches

Previous Encounters: India vs Australia Matches

In the rich history of cricket, clashes between India and Australia have often been the pinnacle of sporting drama. Looking back at their previous encounters provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of this gripping rivalry.

Notable Contrasts and Similarities

The Early Years:

The rivalry between India and Australia dates back decades, with matches showcasing contrasting styles of play. In the earlier encounters, Australia’s dominance on fast-paced wickets clashed with India’s adaptability on spinning tracks Baxcalibur Moveset.

Intensity and Competition:

Over time, these matches have evolved into high-stakes battles, marked by fierce competitiveness and moments of sheer brilliance from both sides. While Australia’s aggressive approach often clashed with India’s resilient and tactical gameplay, the matches have consistently delivered excitement and unpredictability.

Changing Dynamics:

Recent encounters have witnessed a shift in dynamics. India’s emergence as a formidable force in world cricket has led to more closely contested matches, where the balance of power seems more evenly distributed.

Memorable Showdowns:

Several matches stand out in this historic rivalry, such as the iconic Kolkata Test in 2001, where India staged a remarkable comeback after following-on. Similarly, the nail-biting finishes and stunning performances in limited-overs matches have added layers of drama to this rivalry.

Resilience and Adaptability:

Both teams have showcased resilience and adaptability in varying conditions. While Australia’s relentless pursuit of victory has often tested India’s resolve, India’s ability to adapt, especially on home soil, has provided memorable moments in the series.

Conclusion: Summarizing the Thrilling Finish

What a ride it was! The India vs Australia live match came to an electrifying end that left fans on the edge of their seats. In a showdown packed with suspense and nail-biting moments, both teams displayed remarkable skills and resilience, making it a spectacle to remember.

Ultimately, the game witnessed exceptional performances from players on both sides. From breathtaking catches to explosive batting displays, each moment added to the intensity of the match.

Also Read: BINANCE ANKR QUIZ ANSWERS ALLTRICKS.M

German software giant SAP steps up efforts to cut down

Published

21 hours ago

December 8, 2023

HABIB ABBASI

KARACHI: German software giant German software, SAP, is introducing green solutions, including green ledgers, to cut down carbon footprint in the Middle East and Pakistan region to ensure and foster sustainability, the SAP regional chief said on Thursday.

Based in Walldorf, SAP develops enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. It ranks among one of the world’s leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software vendors and publicly traded software companies by revenue.

The German firm collaborates with organizations, governments, and non-government organizations (NGOs) on a global scale to drive sustainability initiatives aimed at raising awareness, sharing best practices, and developing innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges.

German software

“SAP is doing its due role especially into the sustainability sector. When we talk about the Middle East region and the Pakistan region, we are coming up with clear green solutions, we are coming up with green ledgers, and climate-friendly solutions,” Saquib Ahmad, the SAP managing-director for Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan, told Arab News, on the sidelines of a media roundtable in Karachi.

Ahmad terming climate change was one of the major issues and his organization with global footprint was coming up with solutions that could help and improve lives of the people in Pakistan.

“I think it’s very important to understand that we are working with the Government of Pakistan, we are working with the private sector and trying to make and ensure that such solutions are getting implemented which can help the current climate target that we are looking at currently,” he added.

About the ongoing UN climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, the SAP regional chief said it was a very important factor that the conference was taking place in the region and making it visible “because climate change is hitting this region in a very, very important way.”

“I think we can already see the impacts that has floods, that has bang in Pakistan. We are also seeing overall forest fires. We are talking about overall quality index of the air and all this is impacting Pakistan,” Ahmad said, adding the top SAP leadership was also attending the ongoing COP28.

“We are talking about how this COP28 can help the Pakistan government and the people of Pakistan in better maintaining climate change that is hitting our lives on a day-to-day basis.”

Pakistan last year witnessed one of the deadliest monsoon floods, blamed on climate change, which killed more than 1,700 people, affected nearly 33 million and caused over $30 million losses. In recent years, the South Asian country has also experienced frequent forest fires in its northwestern and southwestern regions.

SAP works with the concept of ‘intelligent enterprise,’ wherein advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and analytics are harnessed to create more sustainable business models, according to the official.

These tools enable the German software giant to improve resource efficiency, reduce energy consumption and make informed decisions that contribute to sustainability.

Ahmad said technology enabled organizations to address gaps in physical infrastructure.

“It connects globally and ensures timely decisions to be implemented across the landscape,” he said. “Pakistan, being a developing economy, stands to gain strong competitiveness in the region through technological prowess, fostering connections and collaboration for positive environmental impact.”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s election regulator will issue a schedule for the upcoming national elections “in few days,” its top official said on Thursday, as the South Asian country gears up for the February 8 polls.

Elections were originally expected to take place in November after Pakistan’s national and two provincial assemblies were dissolved in August before reaching the end of their tenure. However, Pakistan’s election regulator decided to redraw hundreds of national and provincial constituencies based on a digital census carried out in April before arranging the electoral contest.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) later scheduled the voting process for the last week of January, before announcing Feb. 8 as the final date after consultations with the country’s President Dr. Arif Alvi on the Supreme Court’s instructions.

In his message on Voters Day, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja once again assured the masses that February 8 would be the polling day, dispelling speculation about further delay in the conduct of national elections.

“Election schedule will be issued in few days,” Raja said in a statement. “Polling [for the general election] will be held on February 8, 2024.”

As Pakistan gears up for the general elections, many analysts expect the polls to lead to the South Asian country to some stability after more than a year of political turmoil, following the ouster of ex-prime minister Imran Khan in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April 2022.

The CEC’s statement came a day after Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said the federal cabinet did not have any “second thoughts” about holding the polls on February 8.

“The thing is, problems of security and the weather will always remain,” Solangi said in an interview. “But in the federal cabinet, there is no doubt, neither is there any worry nor any second thoughts that we would not hold elections on Feb. 8.”

Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks in its western regions bordering Afghanistan ever since a fragile truce between Islamabad and the Pakistani Taliban broke down in November 2022.

The Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F), a prominent religious party, last month urged the ECP to delay polls till the security situation in the country improved.

Solangi said Pakistan had held elections in the past despite the threat of militancy, when the security situation was far worse.

“Maybe our memories are a bit weak,” he said. “What was the security situation in 2008 and 2013? If we compare it [to now] then it is nothing.

This week, the ECP also issued a directive for satellite television channels, warning them against airing speculative news about a delay in elections.

Reports suggested Sirajuddin Haqqani was issued Pakistani passport which he used to travel abroad, particularly to Qatar
Foreign office spokesperson acknowledges Pakistan has received ‘updated list’ of Afghans who are to be repatriated to US

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Thursday exercised caution in its response to media reports about Afghanistan interim interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani’s use of the Pakistani passport for international travel in the past.

Haqqani was issued a Pakistani passport for five years which he used to travel abroad, particularly to Qatar for negotiations with the United States (US) for the Doha Agreement that resulted in the US exit from Afghanistan, Pakistan’s The News and Jang newspapers reported.

The reports, citing interior ministry officials, said these passports were issued from different cities of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh provinces, and Pakistani authorities had arrested two officials in connection with issuance of passport to Haqqani, one of whom had retired from service.

Asked about these reports, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesperson for the Pakistani foreign office, said she did not have “facts” to respond to the query.

“I have just seen the report in the Jang. I do not have the facts to respond to your question,” she said at a weekly press briefing. “Maybe I will be able to comment on some other occasion when I have more information.”

The name of Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s acting interior minister and the Taliban’s second-in-command, started echoing around the world in 2008 as a young commander of the most-feared Haqqani Network that was executing a series of deadly attacks on US-allied forces in Afghanistan.

The powerful Taliban commander made the headlines in March 2022 after he revealed his face in a rare public appearance in Kabul. He was attending the graduation ceremony of the first batch of police recruits at the National Defense Police Academy in Kabul since the Taliban took over the reins of Afghanistan in August 2021.

The reports about his travel on Pakistani passport come at a time of a series of visits to Pakistan by senior US officials, including Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes, Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst.

These visits are part of ongoing dialogue with the US on a range of issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, according to the Pakistani foreign office.

The US has in the past accused Pakistan of backing the Afghan Taliban and not supporting Washington’s decades-long military campaign in Afghanistan the way the US wanted it to.

The allegations, denied by Islamabad, particularly soured ties between the two countries in 2021, following the hasty US exit from Afghanistan.

’Updated list’ of Afghan nationals to be repatriated to US

During the briefing, the foreign office spokesperson said Pakistan had received an “updated list” of Afghan nationals from the US and Islamabad was in touch with the US embassy for their repatriation to America.

“The meetings which are taking place today and have taken place in recent days are related to, yes, Afghanistan and Afghanistan related matters. There are some other bilateral aspects which may come up under discussion in coming days,” she said.

“With respect to the list that you have referred to, we have received an updated list from the US side and we are in contact with the American Embassy in developing the mechanics for the early repatriation of individuals on those lists to the United States.”

Pakistan has previously chosen to ignore individual calls from Western nations for the repatriation of Afghan nationals. This is the first time Islamabad has acknowledged having received a list of Afghans from a foreign country.

“We have already said that it is important that the process of verification and issuance of visas should be expedited and we hope that this process will be completed at the earliest,” Baloch said.

The development comes months after Islamabad asked all undocumented foreigners, mostly Afghans, to leave the country by Nov. 1, accusing that some of these Afghans had been involved in militant attacks and other offenses in Pakistan. Since the expiry of Nov. 1 deadline, Pakistan has launched a crackdown on all illegal foreigners and has been deporting them to their home countries.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have since left the South Asian country as Islamabad brushed aside calls from the United Nations (UN), Western embassies and rights groups to halt the deportations.

Pakistan exercises caution over reports of Afghan minister using its passport for international travel

Published

21 hours ago

December 8, 2023

HABIB ABBASI

Repo Foreign office spokesperson acknowledges Pakistan exercises Pakistan has received ‘updated list’ of Afghans who are to be repatriated to US

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign Pakistan exercises office on Thursday exercised caution in its response to media reports about Afghanistan interim interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani’s use of the Pakistani passport for international travel in the past.

Asked about these reports, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesperson for the Pakistani foreign office, said she did not have “facts” to respond to the query.

These visits are part of ongoing dialogue with the US on a range of issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, according to the Pakistani foreign office.

The US has in the past accused Pakistan of backing the Afghan Taliban and not supporting Washington’s decades-long military campaign in Afghanistan the way the US wanted it to.

The allegations, denied by Islamabad, particularly soured ties between the two countries in 2021, following the hasty US exit from Afghanistan.

’Updated list’ of Afghan nationals to be repatriated to US

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have since left the South Asian country as Islamabad brushed aside calls from the United Nations (UN), Western embassies and rights groups to halt the deportations.

Pakistan regulator to issue schedule for upcoming national elections ‘in few days’

“Election schedule will be issued in few days,” Raja said in a statement. “Polling [for the general election] will be held on February 8, 2024.”

The CEC’s statement came a day after Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said the federal cabinet did not have any “second thoughts” about holding the polls on February 8.

Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks in its western regions bordering Afghanistan ever since a fragile truce between Islamabad and the Pakistani Taliban broke down in November 2022.

The Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F), a prominent religious party, last month urged the ECP to delay polls till the security situation in the country improved.

Solangi said Pakistan had held elections in the past despite the threat of militancy, when the security situation was far worse.

“Maybe our memories are a bit weak,” he said. “What was the security situation in 2008 and 2013? If we compare it [to now] then it is nothing.

This week, the ECP also issued a directive for satellite television channels, warning them against airing speculative news about a delay in elections.

IMF board to meet on Jan. 11 for Pakistan loan program approval

Published

21 hours ago

December 8, 2023

HABIB ABBASI

The IMF last month said it had reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on the first review of a $3 billion bailout If approved by its board, the global lender will release IMF board a tranche of $700 million to the cash-strapped South Asian nation

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will meet on Jan. 11 to consider the final approval to hand out to Pakistan the next $700 million tranche of its loan program.

Last month, the IMF said it had reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on the first review of a $3 billion bailout, which will unlock $700 million in funding for the country.

The funds to be issued are a second tranche of the bailout, which is subject to an approval from the IMF’s executive board.

“We can confirm that the Board meeting for Pakistan will take place on January 11,” the IMF said in an emailed statement.

Pakistan has been facing an acute balance of payment crisis, with its foreign exchange reserves diminished, along with historically high inflation and an unprecedented currency devaluation.

Bloomberg News first reported on the IMF meeting.

Pakistani-Canadian horror flick ‘In Flames’ wins top award at Red Sea Film Festival

In Flames is Pakistan‘s submission to the Oscars‘ international feature category

Film has also played at festivals in Toronto, Busan, Sitges, Sao Paulo and Pingyao

ISLAMABAD: “In Flames,” Pakistan‘s submission to the Oscars‘ international feature category, has won the Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film at the 3rd edition of the Red Sea Film Festival, taking place in Jeddah from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9.

The gathering, which attracted Hollywood stars like Will Smith, Johnny Depp, Chris Hemsworth and Sharon Stone, on Thursday evening unveiled the winners of its Red Sea competition honors, the Yusr awards, as well as other prizes.

Pakistan-Canadian director and writer Zarrar Kahn said his indie movie was shot for “just $300,000 — the size of a Red Sea Fund production grant.”

“Everyone who gets a grant to go make a movie, because this was made for nothing,” he said.

Last month, In Flames won the International Newcomer Award at the 72nd International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg. Earlier this year in May, the horror-drama became the second Pakistani film in 43 years to make it to Directors’ Fortnight, an event that runs parallel to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. In October, the film was independently released at the Atrium Cinemas in Pakistan’s southern Karachi city for a 12-day run which was later extended until November 9. The film has also played at festivals in Toronto, Busan, Sitges, Sao Paulo and Pingyao.

In an interview to Arab News earlier this month, actor Bakhtawar Mazhar described In Flames as a psychological thriller that follows the struggle of a mother (Mazhar) and her daughter (Ramesha Nawal) after the loss of the patriarch of the family. The film has been produced by Anam Abbas.

“Even though this film was shot in Karachi, women around the world were crying [after watching the film] and they were like, we know the struggle this character went through, we know the struggle of Fariha and Mariam,” Nawal told Arab News.

“In Flames” is also Pakistan’s official submission under the Foreign Language Film category for the 96th Academy Awards next year.

‘Prudent decision,’ says Pakistan as Denmark passes law to ban Qur’an burnings

Foreign minister says hopeful other European countries follow suit, pass similar laws
Over 500 demonstrations that included Quran burnings registered since July in Denmark

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has said it was a “prudent decision” by Denmark’s parliament to pass a law this week making it illegal to burn the Qur’an in public places.

Denmark and Sweden experienced a series of public protests this year where anti-Islam activists burned or otherwise damaged copies of the Qur’an, triggering demands that the Nordic governments ban the practice. Over 500 demonstrations that included burnings of the Qur’an or flags have been registered since July, according to Denmark’s justice ministry.

“A prudent decision on the part of the Danish Parliament. Hope other European countries follow suit and pass similar legislation,” Jilani said on X on Thursday night, commenting on the new law. “Desecration of holy books of any faith is against the tenets of all religions, even under the guise of freedom of speech.”

Thursday’s vote on the law followed a five hour debate in parliament and 94 members voted in favour, 77 against.

Breaking the new law will be punishable by fines or up to two years in prison.

Denmark has sought to strike a balance between constitutionally protected freedom of speech, including the right to criticize religion, and national security amid fears that Qur’an burnings would trigger attacks by militants. But domestic critics in Sweden and Denmark have argued that any limitations on criticizing religion, including by burning Qur’an, undermine hard-fought liberal freedoms in the region.

Sweden is also considering how to prevent burning of the Qur’an but is looking at whether police should factor in national security when deciding on protest applications rather than a ban.

In Flames is Pakistan‘s submission to the Oscars‘ international feature category

Film has also played at festivals in Toronto, Busan, Sitges, Sao Paulo and Pingyao

Pakistan-Canadian director and writer Zarrar Kahn said his indie movie was shot for “just $300,000 — the size of a Red Sea Fund production grant.”

“Everyone who gets a grant to go make a movie, because this was made for nothing,” he said.

“In Flames” is also Pakistan’s official submission under the Foreign Language Film category for the 96th Academy Awards next year.

In a first, Pakistan unlocks Islamic bond market for retail investors with Ijarah Sukuk launch

Sukuk is an Islamic financial certificate that represents ownership in a tangible asset or a pool of assets
Pakistan plans to raise Rs90 billion in total from the stock market through three Ijarah Sukuk bond auctions

KARACHI: In a groundbreaking development, the Pakistani government on Friday unlocked the Islamic bond market for retail investors through an auction of the country’s first-ever sovereign Ijarah Sukuk bond at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), aiming to raise Rs30 billion ($105.8 million).

Sukuk is an Islamic financial certificate that represents ownership in a tangible asset or a pool of assets. It is similar to a bond but is structured in a way that complies with Islamic law, which prohibits interest-based transactions.

In connection with the launch of the first Ijarah Sukuk a ‘gong ceremony’ was held at the PSX in Karachi, which was attended by Caretaker Prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Finace Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar.

“The auction gives PSX investors the chance to invest, contributing to a more diverse investor base,” said Shahid Ali Habib, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Karachi-based Arif Habib Limited brokerage house.

“The move also promises a substantial boost to the Islamic capital market in Pakistan.”

The tenure of the Ijarah Sukuk issued by Pakistan Domestic Sukuk Company Limited through the finance ministry is one year that will mature on December 09, 2024. The face value of a Sukuk is Rs5,000 ($17.6), according to a PSX document.

The bidding process for the auction of the Islamic bond will start at around 4pm today, on Friday, for which the process of registration had been completed. Joint financial and Shariah advisers for the issuance of the bond include Meezan Bank Limited, Dubai Islamic Bank (Pakistan) Limited, Bank Islami Pakistan Limited and Bank Alfalah Limited.

The federal government plans to raise an overall Rs90 billion ($315 million) with three Ijarah Sukuk auctions. The second auction is scheduled for January 23, 2024 and the third for February 20, 2024, according to the PSX auction calendar.

Habib said the issuance will help in developing Islamic capital market in the country and will encourage more investors to look for interest free avenues.

Experts also believe the auction has ended the monopoly of big banks who would earlier take part in the auctions.

“The Sukuk would now be in the access of common investor as compared to the past practice where only big banks or mutual fund would invest,” Ali Nawaz, CEO of Chase Securities, told Arab News.

Nawaz said investors now would be able to avail entire profit of their investment, without the involvement of any intermediaries.