Karachi: A leading figure in the business community urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to extend diplomatic gestures not only to neighboring countries like India but also to Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala jail.

Arif Habib, a prominent businessman, voiced this recommendation during a question and answer session with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Karachi on Wednesday. The prime minister was engaging with local business leaders to address their concerns and queries regarding trade and the economy.

Habib commended PM Shehbaz for his efforts in securing a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Referring to his meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva last June, Habib proposed that the prime minister should reach out not only to neighboring countries like India but also to Imran Khan, imprisoned in Adiala jail. He believed that such gestures could contribute to stabilizing the country.

In response, the premier reiterated his commitment to close collaboration with the Sindh government for the betterment of Pakistan. He assured Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah of the federal government's full support in addressing the issues raised by the provincial authorities.

The prime minister's reassurance came after the provincial chief minister expressed grievances about the lack of federal support for Sindh's inclusion in new development projects. CM Murad Ali Shah highlighted the neglect of Sindh by the federation in recent years, stressing the need for greater attention to the province's developmental needs.

Recognizing the significance of cooperation between federal and provincial governments, PM Shehbaz emphasized that collaboration is essential for the progress and prosperity of the nation. He pledged unwavering support to CM Murad Ali Shah, assuring him of his readiness to provide any necessary assistance.

Lahore: Imad Wasim is anticipated to join the lineup for Pakistan in the fourth T20I match against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match between the two teams is scheduled for Thursday.

According to Shadab Khan, a prominent Pakistani all-rounder, Imad may make a comeback to the team as part of the rotational strategy devised by the team management. When questioned during a press conference about Imad's potential participation in the fourth T20I, Shadab Khan stated, "This falls within the rotation policy communicated to us before the series. I believe Imad could feature, but I can't confirm it at this moment."

Last month, Imad had announced his retirement from T20I cricket, preceding the World Cup. Imad had earlier announced his retirement from international cricket in November.

Imad boasts an impressive T20I record, having participated in 66 matches, scoring 486 runs with a strike rate of 131.7, and claiming 65 wickets with an economy rate of 6.26. His last appearance for Pakistan was 12 months ago in Rawalpindi, his hometown, against New Zealand. Recently, he showcased stellar performance during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, leading Islamabad United to victory.

Imad's exceptional performance, including taking five wickets against Multan Sultans in the PSL 9 final, earned him the Player of the Match title. Islamabad United clinched their third PSL trophy overall and their first since 2018. Imad Wasim made history in the PSL by winning the Player of the Match award in all three playoff games.

Over the years, Imad Wasim has been a pivotal member of the Pakistani cricket team. He was part of the triumphant squad that secured the Champions Trophy in 2017. He has represented Pakistan in the 2016 T20 World Cup, 2019 World Cup, and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Lahore: Wicket-keeper batsman Muhammad Rizwan and batsman Mohammad Irfan Khan have been sidelined from the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand due to medical reasons.

In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it was disclosed that the PCB Medical Panel had received Radiology reports of Muhammad Rizwan and Mohammad Irfan Khan. After careful review of the reports and consultation with the Pakistan team management, it was decided to give both players rest from the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand scheduled for Thursday and Saturday.

The statement further mentioned that the two players would undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the PCB Medical Panel at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

This development comes ahead of the fourth T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand, set to take place on Thursday at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

Despite the absence of these players, both teams remain focused on delivering a stellar performance in the upcoming clash.