KARACHI: Pakistan Rangers Sindh organized an exhibition cricket match in connection with the Defence Day of Pakistan at National Stadium Karachi. Governor Sindh Imran Ismail was chief guest on the occasion. The friendly match was played between ShowBiz-XI, having Film and TV artists and Defenders-XI, comprising of personnel of armed forces and Sindh Police.
The governor observed that sports is a metaphor of life. Such events provide a solid platform to channelize the energy of youth towards productive and constructive activities, besides recognizing their talent, the Governor maintained.
Ismail paid rich tributes to the martyrs and ghazis of September 6, who rendered immense sacrifices for the nation which stood united behind its soldiers, sailors and airmen. “On this day, our valiant armed forces routed the false ambitions of the enemy on all the three fronts”, he added.
He said that our ancestors had rendered great sacrifices for independence of Pakistan and as a nation it is our collective responsibility to play our positive roles for the progress and prosperity of the country.
In this connection, he said, the law enforcement agencies were playing their vital role for maintenance of peace and elimination of crimes. Besides, the role of Pakistan Rangers Sindh, in organizing different sports events in Karachi, is also commendable as it is aimed at providing healthy activities to the citizens.
Expressing complete solidarity with the Kashmiri brethren, the Governor said that Indian actions in Occupied Kashmir had endangered the peace of the whole region. He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to support the just and rightful struggle of the Kashmiris on all fronts.
Earlier, the DG Rangers, Major General Iftikhar Hassan in his welcome address highlighted the significance of the day and said that the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs would not be forgotten. He also thanked the participants as well as the guests for the successful organizing of the event and expressed their commitment to revive grassroots sports, cultural and economic life in Karachi.
Later on, the chief guest distributed gifts among the players who exhibited extraordinary performance. The friendly match was won by Defenders XI and secured the winning trophy. The winning team bagged 215 runs in 20 overs whereas the runner up team were 193 for 4 wickets, in limited overs match. Man of the match award went to Col. Zahid of Defenders XI.