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Review clears Uruguay, Pakistan and Uganda challenge WADA anti-doping listings

Review clears Uruguay, Pakistan and Uganda challenge WADA anti-doping listings
The offices of the World Anti-Doping Agency in Montreal, on November 11, 2021. (AFP/File)
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Updated 11 February 2025
AFP
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Review clears Uruguay, Pakistan and Uganda challenge WADA anti-doping listings

Review clears Uruguay, Pakistan and Uganda challenge WADA anti-doping listings
  • All three were put on WADA’s watchlist in September 2024 over “outstanding non-conformities” to updated anti-doping code
  • Sanctions bar non-compliant nations or organizations from hosting major sporting events, flying their flag at sporting events
Updated 11 February 2025
AFP
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Montreal: The World Anti-Doping Agency announced Friday that a review committee recommended the removal of Uruguay from its compliance watchlist, while Pakistan and Uganda vowed to fight accusations of code violations.

All three were put on WADA’s watchlist in September 2024 over “outstanding non-conformities” to the agency’s updated anti-doping code.

Some of the states’ legislation was also alleged to be in conflict with those rules.

In a statement, WADA said Uruguay’s national anti-doping organization provided information and documentation that showed “critical corrective actions had now been corrected in full.”

As such, the agency’s Compliance Review Committee recommended the withdrawal of a notice of non-compliance against Uruguay.

If the Executive Committee agrees, there would be no sanctions applied to Uruguay.

The Olympic committees of Pakistan and Uganda, meanwhile, notified WADA they plan to “dispute the allegations of non-compliance against them, as well as the proposed consequences, and the conditions of reinstatement,” the global anti-doping body said.

The two cases would be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for consideration “in due course.”

No penalties will be imposed until the court rules.

There are currently four signatories to WADA’s code that are non-compliant: Cameroon and Russia, the International Federation of Basque Pelota and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.

Sanctions bar non-compliant nations or organizations from hosting major sporting events and from flying their flag at sporting events.

Topics: anti-doping listings

Pakistanis, Afghans among 119 migrants deported on US flight to Panama

Pakistanis, Afghans among 119 migrants deported on US flight to Panama
Updated 30 sec ago
AP
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Pakistanis, Afghans among 119 migrants deported on US flight to Panama

Pakistanis, Afghans among 119 migrants deported on US flight to Panama
  • Migrants from China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan, among others, were aboard
  • Trump administration taking Panama up on offer to act as stopover for expelled migrants
Updated 30 sec ago
AP

PANAMA CITY: Panama has received the first US flight carrying deportees from other nations as the Trump administration takes Panama up on its offer to act as a stopover for expelled migrants, the Central American nation’s president said Thursday.

“Yesterday a flight from the United States Air Force arrived with 119 people from diverse nationalities of the world,” President José Raúl Mulino said Thursday in his weekly press briefing. He said there were migrants from China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan, among others, aboard.

The president said it was the first of three planned flights that were expected to total about 360 people. “It’s not something massive,” he said.

The migrants were expected to be moved to a shelter in Panama’s Darien region before being returned to their countries, Mulino said.

Asked later Thursday why Panama was acting as a stopover for these deportations, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Ruiz Hernández said that it was something the US government had requested. He also said the US government was paying for the repatriations through UN immigration agencies.

The migrants who arrived Wednesday, had been detained after crossing the US border and did not have criminal records, he said.
Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Mulino in Panama. While US President Donald Trump’s demands to retake control of the Panama Canal dominated the visit, Mulino also discussed Panama’s efforts to slow migration through the Darien Gap and he offered Panama as a bridge to send US deportees back to their countries.

Rubio secured agreements on the trip with Guatemala and El Salvador as well, to accept migrants from other nations in what was seen as the laying groundwork for expanding US capacity to speedily deport migrants.

Migration through the Darien Gap connecting Panama and Colombia was down about 90 percent in January compared to the same month a year earlier.

Since Mulino entered office last year, Panama has made dozens of deportation flights, most funded by the US government.

Ruiz said Thursday that Panama “has been completely willing to participate and cooperate in this request they have made of us.”

Topics: Panama

Champions Trophy 2025: squads, groups and fixtures of all eight teams

Champions Trophy 2025: squads, groups and fixtures of all eight teams
Updated 1 min 22 sec ago
Reuters
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Champions Trophy 2025: squads, groups and fixtures of all eight teams

Champions Trophy 2025: squads, groups and fixtures of all eight teams
  • The 2021 edition of the competition was initially scrapped by ICC in 2016, which wanted only one major tournament in each of the three formats
  • ICC reversed the decision in late 2021 and Pakistan will host the tournament in Feb., with India playing their matches at neutral venue of Dubai
Updated 1 min 22 sec ago
Reuters

The Champions Trophy is being revived after eight years with holders Pakistan hosting New Zealand in the opening game of the ninth edition on Wednesday.
The 2021 edition of the One-Day International (ODI) competition was initially scrapped by global body ICC in 2016, who wanted only one major tournament in each of the sport’s three international formats, prioritising the 50-over World Cup.
They reversed the decision in late 2021. With politically-estranged rivals India and Pakistan deciding not to visit each other for ICC tournaments, India will play their matches in a neutral venue in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The top seven teams from the 2023 World Cup qualified for the tournament, along with hosts Pakistan. The teams are split into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.
The squads of all teams, groupings and the fixtures are as follows:
CHAMPIONS TROPHY GROUPS
Group A: Pakistan (hosts), India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan
CHAMPIONS TROPHY SQUADS
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Coach: Aaqib Javed (interim)
Best performance: Champions (2017)
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy
Coach: Gautam Gambhir
Best performance: Champions (2002, 2013)
Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana
Coach: Phil Simmons
Best performance: Semi-finals (2017)
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Coach: Gary Stead
Best performance: Champions (2000)
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran
Coach: Jonathan Trott
Best performance: Debutants (2025)
England: Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
Coach: Brendon McCullum
Best performance: Runners-up (2004, 2013)
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa
Coach: Andrew McDonald
Best performance: Champions (2006, 2009)
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch
Coach: Rob Walter
Best performance: Champions (1998)
CHAMPIONS TROPHY SCHEDULE
February 19 — Pakistan v New Zealand (Karachi, Pakistan)
February 20 — Bangladesh v India (Dubai, UAE)
February 21 — Afghanistan v South Africa (Karachi)
February 22 — Australia v England (Lahore, Pakistan)
February 23 — Pakistan v India (Dubai)
February 24 — Bangladesh v New Zealand (Rawalpindi, Pakistan)
February 25 — Australia v South Africa (Rawalpindi)
February 26 — Afghanistan v England (Lahore)
February 27 — Pakistan v Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
February 28 — Afghanistan v Australia (Lahore)
March 1 — South Africa v England (Karachi)
March 2 — New Zealand v India (Dubai)
March 4 — Semi-final 1 (Dubai)
March 5 — Semi-final 2 (Lahore)
March 9 — Final (Lahore / Dubai)

Topics: Champions Trophy 2025 ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan cricket

Saudi Arabia unveils tourist destinations at Karachi event as it expects over 2.8 million Pakistanis this year

Saudi Arabia unveils tourist destinations at Karachi event as it expects over 2.8 million Pakistanis this year
Updated 13 min 46 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia unveils tourist destinations at Karachi event as it expects over 2.8 million Pakistanis this year

Saudi Arabia unveils tourist destinations at Karachi event as it expects over 2.8 million Pakistanis this year
  • The development comes amid Riyadh’s efforts to boost public service sectors to cut the Kingdom’s reliance on oil
  • Pakistan, which has the world’s fifth largest population, stands as one of the priority nations for Saudi Arabia
Updated 13 min 46 sec ago
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) on Thursday held a networking event in Pakistan’s commercial capital of Karachi and showcased luxury tourist destinations in the Kingdom, which expects more than 2.8 million Pakistani visitors this year.
The development comes amid Riyadh’s efforts to boost public service sectors in the Kingdom such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism as part of the Vision 2030 framework, which aims to cut the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.
The STA showcased diverse tourism offerings, including luxury hotels, at the networking event held at Karachi’s Avari Tower hotel, which was attended by travel enthusiasts, members of the civil society and celebrities from Pakistan’s film and drama industry.
STA officials gave presentations to Pakistani audiences at the event, with two giant screens at the poolside showing tourist destinations like Maraya in AlUla, Al-Bujairi heritage tourist park in Diriyah, the Red Sea, King Abdullah Economic City, the skyline in Riyadh, and the historical old city of Jeddah.
“These world-class resorts promise an unparalleled seaside experience, blending sustainability with high-end hospitality,” the STA in a statement at the end of the event.
Saudi Arabia is home to the two holiest cities of Islam, Makkah and Madinah, which are visited by millions of Muslims from across the world for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages each year.
In recent years, Riyadh has intensified its efforts to diversify its economy away from oil to other sectors, particularly leisure travel. Last year, the Kingdom also won a bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
“They want to promote their tourism like we want to promote tourism in up north, in Pakistan,” Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed told Arab News on the event’s sidelines, adding that Saudi Arabia is a fast-developing nation that is opening their culture and architecture to international tourists.
Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country that has the world’s fifth largest population of over 240 million, stands as one of the priority nations for Saudi Arabia, and the STA said it expected more than 2.8 million Pakistani travelers to visit the Kingdom this year, compared to over 2.7 million who visited last year.
Saeed is one such Pakistani who wishes to travel to the Kingdom soon.
“Saudi is full of new adventures. We can promote it, encourage it and avail all these amazing things that Saudi has to offer,” she said.
“It’s exciting and I wish to visit soon.” 
Pakistani talent and travelers are making a significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s thriving tourism and entertainment industries. Last year, Pakistani players dominated the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, showcasing their prowess on the global gaming stage, according to the STA.
The recently concluded LEAP tech conference in Riyadh recorded the highest-ever participation of Pakistani exhibitors, highlighting Pakistan’s growing influence in the tech industry, while the Kingdom’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector has also seen remarkable growth, with 37 Pakistani tourism groups actively engaging in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic event landscape.
Offering seamless travel experiences, the Kingdom’s latest initiatives include group inclusive tours and exclusive Ramadan deals, allowing visitors to experience the spiritual essence of the holy month in an immersive setting. The introduction of e-visa for Umrah pilgrims has further simplified religious travel, granting unrestricted entry to Saudi airports.
Saudi Arabia is also enhancing its accessibility and diverse experiences beyond religious tourism as well as is enhancing travel for various segments, including solo female travelers, destination weddings and cultural exploration, according to the STA.
The Kingdom’s tourism sector accounted for up to 3 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) last year, which Riyadh aims to increase to 10 percent over the next five years by making investments in the tourism sector.
Saeed hailed the cooperation between Pakistani and Saudi stakeholders in the field of tourism, saying it would benefit travelers.
“So, it’s always worth when such a cross-country collaboration takes place and two countries jointly try to do their promotion,” she said. “It is good for travelers.”

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Arabia ties Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) Saudi Tourism Authority

Roadside bomb hits vehicle carrying miners in Pakistan’s Balochistan, killing nine

Roadside bomb hits vehicle carrying miners in Pakistan’s Balochistan, killing nine
Updated 25 min 49 sec ago
AP
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Roadside bomb hits vehicle carrying miners in Pakistan’s Balochistan, killing nine

Roadside bomb hits vehicle carrying miners in Pakistan’s Balochistan, killing nine
  • The attack happened in Harnai, a district in Balochistan province, according to a government administrator
  • He said police had transported the dead and wounded to a hospital and officers are still investigating
Updated 25 min 49 sec ago
AP

QUETTA: A roadside bomb struck a vehicle carrying coal miners in restive southwest Pakistan on Friday, killing at least nine people and wounding others, officials said.
The attack happened in Harnai, a district in Balochistan province, according to a government administrator Wali Kakar. He said police had transported the dead and wounded to a hospital and officers are still investigating.
Most of the victims were from the country’s northwestern Swat Valley and other areas, authorities said.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and provincial authorities in separate statements condemned the attack and ordered local authorities and police to trace and arrest those who orchestrated the attack and killed innocent laborers.
Though no one claimed responsibility, the suspicion is likely to fall on the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army separatist group which has been blamed by the government for such previous attacks on laborers from other parts of the country.
Oil- and mineral-rich Balochistan has a long-running insurgency, with several separatist groups staging attacks, targeting security forces and civilians in their quest for independence. Several militant groups also are active in the province.

Topics: Balochistan Attacks militancy in Pakistan Balochistan blast

Pakistan deadline for third Hajj fee installment under government scheme ends today

Pakistan deadline for third Hajj fee installment under government scheme ends today
Updated 14 February 2025
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Pakistan deadline for third Hajj fee installment under government scheme ends today

Pakistan deadline for third Hajj fee installment under government scheme ends today
  • Religious affairs ministry spokesperson urges pilgrims to deposit remaining fees at the designated banks
  • Around 179,210 Pakistanis will perform the annual pilgrimage this year under the Hajj Agreement 2025
Updated 14 February 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A deadline for intending Pakistani Hajj pilgrims to submit their third installments of Hajj fees is set to expire today, Friday, Pakistani state media reported, citing the religious affairs ministry.
The Hajj Policy 2025 allowed pilgrims for the first time to pay in installments, easing financial constraints. Under the scheme, the first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) was required with the application, followed by Rs400,000 ($1,435) within 10 days of balloting. The remaining amount had to be paid by Feb. 10, which was extended till Feb. 14.
Last month, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Hajj Agreement 2025, under which 179,210 Pakistanis will perform the annual pilgrimage this year. The quota is divided equally between government and private schemes.
“Today is the last day for intending pilgrims to deposit the third installment of their Hajj dues,” the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported, citing religious affairs ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt.
“The intending pilgrims under the Government Hajj Scheme have been asked to deposit their dues in the designated bank branches.”
Pakistan has also introduced a shortened Hajj program of 20 to 25 days to make the pilgrimage more convenient and accessible, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. It set the cost at around Rs1,075,000 ($3,854) for the long Hajj package and Rs1,150,000 ($4,122) for the short Hajj package, as shorter stays often incur higher airfare, premium accommodation rates, and expedited transport services, which drive up overall costs.
The government has also launched the ‘Pak Hajj’ cellphone app to provide real-time updates, guidance, emergency contacts, lodging details, route navigation and complaint registration to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
This month, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced a reduction of up to Rs50,000 (179) in this year’s Hajj packages and a refund of over Rs4.75 billion (17 million) to 2024 Hajj pilgrims to be disbursed from Feb. 7, citing savings in sacrificial animal costs and airfare reductions.

Topics: Pakistan Hajj mission Hajj 2025

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