ISLAMABAD (Digital Post) Entire nation deserves congratulations on Iran-US agreement: Hanif Abbasi

ISLAMABAD, (Digital Post):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said that the entire nation deserves congratulations on the Iran–United States agreement.
He alongside Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana and former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan, addressed a joint press conference and discussed youth development, cricket promotion, and talent identification initiatives in Rawalpindi.
He said that tributes are being paid to the Field Marshal Asim Munir and the government leadership for their efforts in helping avert a Third World War.
He added that the country’s leadership gives credit to all 250 million Pakistanis for their support and resilience.
Praising Younis Khan, Abbasi said the former captain has rendered invaluable services to Pakistan cricket. He also commended Atif Rana for bringing young people out of their homes and onto cricket grounds, enabling them to represent Pakistan at both national and international levels.
Abbasi noted that the concept of the Rawalpindi Tigers had been under consideration for a long time. In the past, talented youngsters were identified from schools and colleges at the union council level and provided with the best facilities. However, pathways for emerging players were later blocked, resulting in the decline of cricket academies, he said.
He announced that, in collaboration with Lahore Qalandars, the Capital Smart City Trials and Rawalpindi Tigers program is being launched.
Trials for the Rawalpindi Tigers will be held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on June 19 from 9am to 6pm. A total of 20 players will be selected strictly on merit.
The selected players will receive training at a High Performance Centre. All young people holding a domicile of Rawalpindi district have been invited to participate in the trials.
Abbasi said the entire team would be sponsored, adding that departmental cricket once produced major stars and attracted packed stadiums. He lamented that the closure of departmental cricket deprived many people of employment and opportunities.
He emphasized that Pakistan Railways has always played an important role in promoting sports and will continue to support not only cricket but also other disciplines. In the future, talent-hunt programs will also be launched for hockey, weightlifting, and athletics.
Abbasi further said Pakistan Railways would present a major surprise after June 30 and would publicly showcase its performance.
Questioning the representation of local talent in franchise cricket, he asked how many local players are part of PSL teams, including any future Rawalpindi-based franchise. He stressed that the purpose of Rawalpindi Tigers is to provide opportunities exclusively to youngsters from Rawalpindi.
He called for the restoration of departmental cricket and the return of selection authority to departments. He also suggested that PSL franchises should be assigned their respective city divisions to ensure greater opportunities for local talent.
Meanwhile, Younis Khan said he had previously played cricket for Pakistan Railways and credited the department’s athletic infrastructure for his training and development.
He remarked that had he not been part of the Railways department, he might still have been struggling to establish his cricket career.
Younis also described himself as a strong supporter of Lahore Qalandars and praised the franchise for producing players who represent Pakistan across the world.
Atif Rana said that hearing such appreciation for Lahore Qalandars from a cricket legend like Younis Khan was highly encouraging.
He praised Pakistan’s armed forces, government, and people for enhancing the country’s reputation on the global stage.
Rana said Hanif Abbasi genuinely cares about the youth and the people of his constituency. He added that cricket, like Pakistan Railways, has the power to connect people and bring communities together.
He revealed that more than 10,000 youngsters had registered for the trials. Participation, however, will be restricted to players holding a Rawalpindi domicile.
Rana said that if any exceptionally talented player from outside Rawalpindi attends the program, he would personally consider supporting and facilitating that individual.
He also announced that Lahore Qalandars are preparing to participate in the Global Cricket League in Guyana. One outstanding player from the trials may be given an opportunity to gain international exposure and experience through the Guyana program. The selected youngsters will also receive professional training at the High Performance Centre, he said.