PPFL. -File photo by White Star

KARACHI: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fluffed their chance to go second in the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) after they were held to a 1-1 draw by PMC Athletico on Wednesday.

PAF’s slip-up allowed Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) to move ahead of them in third after Mohammad Rasool’s brace guided the latter to a 2-0 win over Afghan FC.

The results meant KESC took their points tally top 39, within four of league leaders Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and one behind second-placed Pakistan Army. PAF are fourth on 38 points.

At the PAF Complex Ground in Peshawar, Fazal Hussain scored PMC’s leveller in the 32nd minute after the hosts had taken the lead through Mohammad Mujahid’s fifth minute opener.

PMC’s 11th draw in the league helped them open up a five-point gap over the relegation zone and they now have 14 points.

In Chaman, Rasool scored both his goals in the first-half as KESC had no problems in overcoming Afghan FC a the Government High School Ground.

He opened the scoring in the 29th before following it up with another strike on the stroke of half-time as KESC held on for vital three points after some brave defending in the second-half.

In another match here at the Korangi Baloch Stadium, Pakistan International Airlines and Pakistan Navy played out a 1-1 draw.

Navy’s Mohammad Adnan struck in the 52nd minute to cancel out Shakir Lashari’s 29th minute goal for PIA who have 16 points. Navy, meanwhile, have 20 points.

Thursday’s fixtures: ZTBL v Wapda (Jinnah Football Stadium, Islamabad); Army v Wohaib FC (Jinnah Football Stadium, Islamabad); Muslim FC v KPT (Government High School, Chaman). —Sports Reporter

Opinion

Editorial

Hollow applause
Updated 23 Feb, 2026

Hollow applause

The current account turnaround, though largely driven by import compression, rising remittances and bilateral debt rollovers, has eased external pressures.
Delayed appointment
23 Feb, 2026

Delayed appointment

THE recent appointment of a chief election commissioner for Azad Jammu & Kashmir has once again shone a ...
Fragile equilibrium
23 Feb, 2026

Fragile equilibrium

PAKISTAN is not short of food. It is short of resilience. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification...
March to war?
Updated 22 Feb, 2026

March to war?

With his huge build-up of forces around Iran, and frequent threats targeted at the Islamic Republic, the US president has created a very difficult situation for himself.
Paper proscriptions
22 Feb, 2026

Paper proscriptions

THE Punjab government’s decision to publicly list 89 banned and unregistered groups, and to warn citizens against...
Cricket politics again
Updated 22 Feb, 2026

Cricket politics again

Pakistan refused to play India at the ongoing T20 World Cup and only changed its mind in view of the game’s greater good. It is time for India to reciprocate.