Srinagar, The recent visit of Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar to the region of occupied Jammu and Kashmir has inadvertently shed light on the local population’s strong affinity for Pakistani cricketers, juxtaposed with their apparent resentment towards Indian governance. The visit, intended to be private, has sparked conversations about the political undertones perceived by the local Kashmiri populace.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor, a noted Kashmiri author and former BBC editor, detailed these sentiments in her article for the Jammu-based Kashmir Times. Mahjoor analyzed the reactions and interpretations of Tendulkar’s visit, which included stops at various significant sites and interactions with select figures, suggesting a broader, symbolic context that resonated politically with the residents.
The article brings to the forefront the voices of local Kashmiris like Riyaz Lone from Gulmarg, who articulated a profound admiration for Pakistani cricketers, indicating that figures like Shahid Afridi hold a special place in the hearts of the Kashmiri people. Lone’s hypothetical scenario where the visit of a Pakistani player could lead to overwhelming, even dangerous, public gatherings underscores the depth of this sentiment.
Additionally, the narrative extends to other local perspectives, including businessman Ghulam Rasool from Islamabad, who interpreted Tendulkar’s itinerary, particularly his visit to the Line of Control, as a politically charged gesture. These insights collectively illustrate the nuanced interplay between sports, cultural affiliations, and political identities within the region.
The commentary concludes by echoing a broader suspicion among some Kashmiris regarding the intent behind Tendulkar’s trip, suggesting it transcended mere personal leisure, thereby reflecting the ongoing complexities of Kashmiri identity and allegiances.
Islamabad, The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has released the new prices for Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), reflecting adjustments in response to supply cost changes, effective March 1, 2024.
According to Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, the new RLNG pricing marks a slight increase from February 2024 rates for both transmission and distribution stages across the two major gas companies. The specific rates set for March 2024 are 11.8643 and 12.8142 for transmission and distribution respectively for SNGPL, and 11.2147 and 13.0563 for SSGCL. The adjustments represent percentage increases ranging from 0.76% to 2.75%, attributed to rising supply costs. The detailed price breakdown and the comparison with the previous month highlight a continued focus on aligning domestic energy prices with underlying market dynamics. The updated RLNG prices are accessible on the OGRA’s official website.
Lahore, In a significant step toward supporting the families of its personnel, the Punjab Police has initiated a partnership with Shamim Ramzan College of Health Sciences to provide specialized technical education opportunities for the children of police martyrs and employees.
According to Punjab Police, the collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Inspector General Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar and the college’s CEO Shahid Rasool. This agreement grants children of police martyrs access to various technical courses and degrees without any cost and offers substantial fee discounts for children of currently serving police personnel. The educational programs include pharmacy technician, dispenser, medical lab technology, operation theater technology, and radiology and imaging technology courses available across five colleges in Vehari, Okara, Jhang, Arifwala, and Shorkot.
Dr. Usman Anwar lauded the initiative as a means to empower the offspring of police martyrs and employees with valuable skills, enhancing their employment prospects in technical fields. Shahid Rasool, the college’s CEO, acknowledged the sacrifices of the Punjab Police martyrs in his address. Senior Punjab Police officials, including Additional IG Welfare and Finance Riaz Nazir Gara and DIG Welfare Ghazi Muhammad Salah-ud-din, attended the MOU signing event, emphasizing the department’s commitment to welfare and educational support for its community.