KARACHI: Former captain of Pakistan cricket team Shoaib Malik has expressed gratitude for nation and media for supporting him.

In a statement, Shoaib said he is thankful to God and Pakistani nation who extended full support during his tough times. He said God knows everything and said he will personally thank the media friends as soon as he reach back home.

“ I apologize if anyone feels hurt as far as my decision is concerned,” Shoaib added.

On the other hand, Indian police said investigations are on as the case against Shoaib Malik has not been abolished.

LAHORE: Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza are going to tie the knot in April, Sania’s father Imran Mirza confirmed to media.

As per reports, the two sports stars have been in an affair for the last six months, which had led to Sania’s earlier engagement to break.

Sources said that the mother of Shoaib Malik went to Indian city of Hyderabad Deccan where she met with the family of Sania Mirza and finalized Shoaib and Sania’s marriage.

This may be recalled that earlier engagements of both Malik and Mirza had come to an end.

Malik was engaged with Ayesha Siddiqui also from Hyderabad Deccan on June 3, 2002 while Sania on the other side was engaged with childhood friend Sohrab Khan which ended in January 2010.

The wedding ceremony of Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza will take place in India while the valima reception will be hosted by Malik on April 16 or 17 in Lahore.

“I desire to get married soon. You will soon get some good news but it depends on my family. I fully expect to get married this year,” Shoaib had said in a recent interaction with the media.

Asked if it would be an arranged marriage, he said, “No can say what will happen, but it will take place with the concurrence of my family.”

KARACHI: The Controller of Examinations cancelled today’s Islamiat paper of matriculation examinations being held under Karachi Matric Board, as the paper was leaked out, Geo News reported Saturday.

According to Examinations Controller, he was informed that Islamiat paper in Matric (science group) was let out through SMS, on this he took action and cancelled the paper.

The new date for today’s cancelled paper would be announced later.

It should be mentioned that today was the first paper of the Matriculation exams being taken by the 150,000 students; however, the paper was cancelled ten minutes before it started..

KARAHCI: Deadly fire has broken out in a chemical storeroom located in Mehmoodabad locality in Karachi which has prompted rescue efforts at an intensive level.

As many as 14 fire tenders have been dispatched to area which are taking part in rescue efforts along with people of locality.

The fire is raging aggressively, said fire brigade sources terming the fire as of 3rd category.

The deadly blazes have also left roof of chemical stockroom collapsed, meanwhile, the fire is on way to engulf closely situated buildings which are being evacuated, sources said.

ISLAMABAD: The nation on Saturday is celebrating Jashan-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal of lunar year with religious reverence and fervor, renewing the pledge to follow true teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him).

A large number of processions, comprising faithful on foot, motorcycles, cars, big trucks, vans and other vehicles, holding banners, green flags and placards, are being taken out in various cities of country including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Hyderabad and others.

The day will begin with special prayers for development, safety, peace, unity and brotherhood amongst the followers of Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Special security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order situation all across the country on the occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal.

Newspapers and magazines are publishing special supplements while television channels and radio stations arranging special ‘Naatia Mushairas’ and quiz programmes on Seerat-e-Mustafa (PBUH) to celebrate the memorable eve.

All major government and private buildings, residential and commercial plazas, markets, mosques, roundabouts and even houses have been tastefully illuminated with colorful lights.

Mahafil-e-Milad and public meetings are being held in different parts of the country, while faithful are actively participating in the programs organized by different local, religious and social organizations.

Na’at and the Holy Quran reciting competitions would be held throughout the day in almost every nook and corner of the country to revive the real spirit of Islam and offer respect to the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

There have been adopted special security arrangements in the Federal Capital, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and other cities and towns across the country to avoid any untoward incident. Participants of Mahafil would be properly verified and checked by security personnel.

Milad processions would be taken out from different areas of twin cities, reciting Na’ats and Darood o Salam for the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

Major event of the day would be the annual National Seerat Conference to be held later in the day in which prominent Ulema and scholars from across the country would deliver lectures on the seerat, services, teachings and holy deeds of Holy Prophet of Islam Hazrat Mohammed Mustufa (Sallalah o Aleh e Waaleh-e-Wasallam).

Selected Ulema and scholars would present their articles on this year’s theme “Preaching strategy in the light of Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings.”

Besides, such conferences would also be held at provincial headquarters, divisional and district levels to pay respect and homage to Allah Almighty’s Last Messenger (SAWW).

Congregations would be organized in all important cities of the country where the preachers and scholars would highlight the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) besides delivering lectures on His way of life.

For faithful, Eid Milad-un-Nabbi is a highly regarded religious festival when they express gratitude and thank to Allah Almighty for blessing the universe with His last messenger and Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).