Latest news with #Niaz
United News of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Shoaib Akhtar gets legal notice from broadcaster
Islamabad, May 31 (UNI) Veteran sports broadcaster and former PTV Sports anchor Dr Nauman Niaz has served a legal notice to former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, alleging a sustained "malicious defamation campaign" over a period of three years, conducted via television channels and digital media platforms. In a post on social media platform X, Dr Niaz stated that the campaign against him had been "one-sided" and included repeated personal attacks and "derogatory remarks contrary to reality." He specifically cited Episode 31 of Dug Out, streamed on the Tamasha app on May 25, as a recent example, where Akhtar allegedly made fresh defamatory statements. "Eventually, the silence could no longer be mistaken for acquiescence," Dr Niaz posted. "On the advice of counsel, a line has now been drawn formally, firmly. A legal notice has been issued to Mr Shoaib Akhtar." The notice was served on May 29, by Advocate Qazi Umair Ali on behalf of Dr Niaz. The defamation claim centres around remarks made by Akhtar in which he allegedly described Dr Niaz as a kit man who carried players' bags during his tenure with the national team, an assertion Dr Niaz has labelled as false, derogatory, and damaging to his reputation. The legal notice demands an unconditional public apology and a formal retraction of the remarks made. The notice also sets a deadline of 14 days for compliance, failing which defamation proceedings will be initiated under Pakistan's Defamation Ordinance 2002, including a claim for Rs 1 billion in damages. Dr Niaz has emphasised that he has held significant administrative roles within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and has contributed extensively to the field of sports journalism over the years. He contends that Akhtar's remarks are part of a broader pattern of targeted attacks intended to undermine his professional standing. This is not the first time the two public figures have clashed. In October 2021, a widely publicised incident during a live broadcast on PTV Sports saw Dr Niaz asking Akhtar to leave the studio mid-show following an on-air disagreement. The episode sparked national debate and led to both figures being taken off-air temporarily pending an inquiry. The developing row has reignited discussions in Pakistan's cricketing and media circles about professional decorum, accountability, and the consequences of public defamation. UNI BDN GNK
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Shoaib Akhtar served legal notice by Nauman Niaz over 'kit man' remark
Former Pakistan speedster has landed in legal trouble after making allegedly defamatory comments about cricket analyst and broadcaster Nauman Niaz. The controversy stems from Akhtar's remarks during a recent podcast, where he referred to Niaz as a 'kit man' during their time together with the Pakistan national team. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Dr Nauman basically used to carry our bags and luggage for us in the team,' Akhtar claimed in the discussion, further adding, 'That is what he did in the team. I don't know about anything else he did.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. Niaz, who previously served as Sports Director at Pakistan Television Network (PTV) and was also involved with the Pakistan team in a data analyst capacity during Akhtar's playing days, has taken strong exception to the remarks. Through his legal counsel, Niaz has issued a defamation notice demanding an unconditional public apology within 14 days. The notice states that failure to comply will lead to further legal action, including the pursuit of monetary damages. IPL 2025 Winner Prediction: What Greenstone Lobo's Astrology says The relationship between the two has been turbulent in the past. In 2021, Niaz infamously asked Akhtar to leave a live PTV show following an on-air disagreement, which led to public outrage. Although Niaz later apologised under government pressure, tensions between the two appear far from settled.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
ADB board meets on June 3 to approve $800m Pakistan package
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has postponed the approval of a $800 million financing package for Pakistan for five days on the request of India that sought time to evaluate the loan documents, exposing flaws in the lender's rule book that allows such extensions. The government officials told The Express Tribune that the ADB board meeting had been convened for May 28th to approve the $300 million budget support loan and another $500 million in guarantees to obtain foreign commercial loans. The meeting did not take place on Wednesday and Pakistan had been informed in advance. The meeting has been rescheduled to June 3, the government officials added. When contacted, Economic Affairs Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz confirmed that the ADB board meeting was scheduled for May 28 but has been postponed for five days on the request of the Indian executive director. The secretary said that under the ADB rules any director can seek a one-time extension on the date and India took the benefit of this rule. The ADB country office did not respond to a request for comment on the development. The Indian move came after it failed to block the approval of the $1 billion worth second loan tranche by the International Monetary Fund. The postponement by the ADB underscores that the Pakistani representatives in the World Bank, the IMF, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the ADB will have to adopt a proactive approach to protect the country's economic interests. After facing defeat at the hands of the armed forces in the battlefield, India has started lobbying against Islamabad's economic interests. The five-day postponement has not impacted Pakistan's external financing plans and the money is expected to flow in the central bank's accounts after the approval by the board on June 3rd. Independent economic analysts say that the government should reduce its reliance on the foreign loans, particularly on budget support loans. The ADB's $800 million package is not meant for any development purposes and the money and guarantees will be used to build the foreign exchange reserves. Dr Niaz said that there was no lapse on part of the federal government or its nominee in the board, as the ADB rules allowed the extension. He said that when India sought the postponement of the board meeting, the government took up the matter at the highest level in the ADB. The management and almost all the board directors had supported the view point of Pakistan, which resulted in taking the next date for the board meeting, said the secretary. Pakistan's view was that the international forums cannot be used for settling the political scores of the member countries, he added. The government had reached an understanding with two foreign commercial banks for a $1 billion loan on the back of the ADB's guarantees due to its low credit rating. The final term sheet and loan disbursement are subject to the approval of the ADB's $500 million guarantee. Pakistan can borrow up to $1.5 billion foreign commercial loan against the $500 million guarantee, said government sources. Pakistan's gross reserves stand at $11.4 billion, which the government wants to increase to over $14 billion by the end of June. The reserves will rise on the back of better-than-expected remittances, $1 billion ADB-backed new commercial loan and the refinancing of Chinese loans, the sources said. The ADB will charge a nominal upfront fee for giving the guarantee. Despite a recent rating upgrade, Pakistan's credit rating still remains low at B negative, which are two notches below the investment grade. Fitch upgraded Pakistan from a substantial default risk to a high risk of default rating. For the current fiscal year, the government has budgeted $3.8 billion in foreign commercial loans but the disbursements remain low due to the low credit rating. China is expected to refinance the $3.7 billion commercial lending before the end of next month. The ADB's $300 million policy loan is the second tranche under the Resource Mobilization programme, which the government wants to take for improving the tax collection by the Federal Board of Revenue. However, there has been criticism for taking loans for purposes, which do not require foreign funding. Pakistan has met all the prior conditions for securing the second loan tranche from the ADB. The ADB's local office spokesperson had been requested to comment about the change in schedule of the board meeting and whether the ADB can allow its platform to be used by the member countries for achieving their political objectives. The people privy to the working of the ADB said that any member, including Pakistan, can request a delay for two working days to undertake more due diligence for any loan.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots woman who dedicated life to helping others dies suddenly after heart attack
Tallat Haq had been feeling unwell with suspected food poisoning for three days before she was rushed to hospital by her concerned younger brother, Niaz, last week. A community pillar in Glasgow who spent her life helping others has sadly died aged 63. Tallat Haq had been feeling unwell with suspected food poisoning for three days so was rushed to hospital last week which turned out to be a severe heart attack. Despite undergoing an operation to unblock arteries, she sadly passed away at the Golden Jubilee Hospital on Tuesday, May 13, with her 94-year-old mum and her brother by her side. Her brother Niaz paid tribute to his sister and told Glasgow Live:"It was very sudden, we didn't expect it at all. It has been a tough number of days. "She was more caring about myself and others than she was for herself, asking me if I am ok. I was there with mum and we held her hand. "We gave her reassurance. I gave her a hug and she gave me such a beautiful smile with noor (light) on her face. She looked up and said she saw so much brightness in the room. She seemed happy, as if the angels came down." Tallat, who managed Al-Khair foundation, in Govanhill, for over a decade and launched a food bank as part of her work has been described as someone who would "go out of her way to care for others." Though she had no children of her own, Niaz says she was like a motherly figure and "we were all her kids". She tirelessly advocated for refugees and the city's most vulnerable no matter where they came from, including helping those suffering around the world in places including Gaza. During Ramadan, she hosted Open Iftars for the community, where anyone - regardless of their faith - was invited to enjoy a communal meal and connect with one another. In a heartfelt tribute, Niaz added: "Everybody in the street knew her because she'd go out in the morning and talk to everybody. She would share her thoughts and energy, and was into natural remedies. "Baji (sister) was very humble - a remarkable soul, compassionate, selfless, and unwavering in her service to others. "She gave her time, her heart, and her energy for the sake of others, well beyond the call of duty. She was a true pillar of the community, a beacon of hope, and someone who left a lasting impact on everyone she met. "She was, without doubt, a true voice for the voiceless, a modern-day saint. She fed the homeless, supported battered women, and stood by asylum seekers and refugees with unwavering compassion. Tributes also flooded in on social media, with many saddened to have lost such a well-respected community figure. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. ALBA Glasgow said: "We are sad to inform you of the sudden passing of Tallat Haq. She was a dear friend of many of us and her charity work for Al-Khair was legendary as was her support of the people of Gaza. "She was a great supporter of Alba and of Alex Salmond. Many people, in many communities in Glasgow and beyond, will say many lovely things about dear Tallat, and this is much deserved. May she rest in peace." A memorial is being held at Glasgow Central Mosque this weekend, Saturday May 24, between 6pm and 9pm.
Express Tribune
17-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pine nut exports to China cross $18m
BEIJING: Pakistani pine nut exports to China surpassed $18.78 million in 2024, according to official data of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC). From January to December 2024, China imported 981.64 tons of pine nuts from Pakistan, with a total value of $18.78 million, up from $8.22 million in 2023. This makes China one of the largest markets for Pakistani pine nuts, accounting for 35% of the total $53.71 million worth of pine nuts imported by China in the last calendar year. Yar Muhammad Niaz, Chief Executive of a food company in Hangzhou, told China Economic Net that Pakistani pine nuts had gained immense popularity in China due to their exceptional taste and quality. He credited the rise in sales to the widespread promotion of Pakistani pine nuts on major e-commerce platforms in 2023. "Pakistani pine nuts are known for their rich flavour and smooth texture, making them a beloved choice for Chinese consumers. Their increasing presence during the Chinese New Year and other traditional festivals, such as the Lantern Festival, underscores their status as a symbol of health, prosperity and longevity in Chinese culture. They make for an ideal gift, symbolising good fortune for friends and family during these significant occasions," Niaz remarked. He noted that the creamy, buttery taste of Pakistani pine nuts complements festive sweets and snacks, while their premium packaging enhances their appeal as a luxury gift.
