Pakistan's players began preparations for their historic Test series against Australia after Pat Cummins' team arrived in the south Asian nation on Sunday.
Security was the top priority as armed personnel were stationed during Pakistan's training session at the Rawalpindi Stadium, where the first Test will begin on March 4.
The Australian players were also provided heavy security cover upon arrival in Islamabad. In all, nearly 4,000 police and military personnel will be guarding the team hotel in Islamabad and the nearby Rawalpindi stadium.
Australia captain Cummins said he was reassured by the high-level security, which is normally reserved for visiting heads of state.
"It's comforting," said Cummins. "We are really lucky to be surrounded by so many professionals. Absolutely feel incredibly safe. Lots of security, straight off the plane and straight to the hotel."
Roads will be cordoned off when the Australian players make the 15km commute to the stadium from the capital, with their team bus to be given cover by army helicopters.
Snipers will be stationed on buildings surrounding the stadium. Also, nearby shops and offices have been ordered to remain closed on match days.
Among those who were missing during Pakistan's training session on Sunday were fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who were set to face off in the final of the Pakistan Super League on Sunday.
Karachi will host the second Test from March 12 followed by the third in Lahore from March 21. Rawalpindi will host three ODI series matches from March 29 before Australia round off the tour with a Twenty20 at the same venue on April 5.
Australia last toured Pakistan in 1998, winning the three-Test series 1-0 and sweeping the hosts in the three ODIs.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
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'Gold'
Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Match info
Bournemouth 0
Liverpool 4 (Salah 25', 48', 76', Cook 68' OG)
Man of the match: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
