Both sides fielded strong line-ups and Spurs struck first on 19 minutes through Tonali’s deflected shot before Estevao levelled the scores barely two minutes later.

Tottenham defender Kevin Danso was given a straight red card just three minutes after coming off the bench at the break for bringing down Joao Pedro, with Chelsea dominating second-half proceedings.

But in front of 80,363 fans at Stadium Australia, they failed to capitalise and Spurs stunned them with a late winner.

“Very happy, especially for the first half because we played very well,” said Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi.

“The red card was no good for us, but also (not) for Chelsea because with the condition of the pitch, all players behind the line of the ball, it was tough for them. But we won a good game, a good test.”

The loss means new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will head to Hong Kong for a clash with Juventus on Wednesday on the back of his first defeat, following a 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in midweek.

“It was a really competitive game,” said Alonso.

“The second half was really tight, after the red card we had a few very good chances to score.

“We missed them and at the end, very silly to concede that late goal, but I think that has been a good test for everyone.”

The Spaniard has overseen a string of high-profile signings since being appointed, headlined by Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, as he bids to rejuvenate the club after their disappointing 10th in the Premier League last season.

Spurs, who fared even worse, coming 17th to narrowly miss relegation, have also been on a spending spree with Matheus Fernandes arriving from West Ham United and Tonali from Newcastle.

They fly home after a 2-0 win over Auckland FC and 1-1 draw with Sydney FC.

Most of Chelsea’s close-season signings have yet to link up with the squad, including Rogers.

But right-back Marco Palestra, who joined from Atalanta, got his first minutes while Cole Palmer and Estevao started.

Tottenham midfielder Fernandes, who missed the Sydney game with “fatigue in his calf muscle”, was again absent, as was James Maddison with a “small problem”.

But Tonali made his maiden start along with fellow new recruit Andy Robertson.

After a cagey start, tempers flared when Conor Gallagher hacked down Chelsea’s Dario Essugo in the 10th minute with players pushing and shoving each other.

Gallagher was shown a yellow card and Essugo continued.

Spurs broke the deadlock after a nice break down the right from Manor Solomon, who fed Tonali on the edge of the box with his shot taking a deflection.

But it was a short-lived lead as Estevao headed home at the far post after Romeo Lavia broke free from midfield and they went to the break at 1-1.

Danso’s brain-fade allowed Chelsea to dominate the second-half with Estevao rattling the crossbar among a slew of chances.

But, in a worry for Alonso, they failed to make the most of the extra man and Spurs stole their thunder when Richarlison side-footed home at the death.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Navy Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex on Saturday.

Hamza, fourth seed, edged Switzerland’s David Bernet in a marathon five-game thriller, prevailing 11-13, 14-12, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5 in a gruelling 70-minute encounter.

Noor, ranked 29th in the world, overcame Brazil’s Diego Gobbi in straight games 12-10, 11-5, 11-9.

“I was down in the first set, but I made some adjustments and thankfully was able to win,” the 22-year-old Noor said after the match.

Asim downed Hong Kong’s Matthew Lai 3-1 in a 40-minute contest, with game scores of 5-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-5.

“I was under pressure after losing the first game as I am playing in a tournament after a long time,” Asim said. “But still I am able to win, so I feeling good.”

Veteran Nasir Iqbal continued his strong run, beating Egypt’s Yassin Shohdy 11-9, 11-5, 11-3.

In other second-round matches, Egypt’s Salman Khalil defeated Malaysia’s Yee Xian Siow 11-8, 11-6, 11-4 in 36 minutes, while compatriot Mohammed Naseer overcame Japan’s Naoki Hayashi 3-1 with scores of 6-11, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10 in 47 minutes.

In an all-Egyptian contest, Aly Tolba edged Karim El Hammamy 11-8, 11-13, 11-4, 6-11, 14-12 in an 85-minute battle. Another all-Egypt affair saw Yassin Elshafei down compatriot Abdullah Hafeez 8-11, 11-8, 11-2, 5-11, 16-14 in 50 minutes.

The quarter-finals will be all-Pakistan affairs, with Hamza, 20, taking on veteran Nasir while top seed Noor faces Asim.

About his upcoming match against Noor, Asim said he has a better record against him and hoped it would be an entertaining clash.

“I have played against him in so many matches before and I won majority of them,” Asim said. “We always have tight matches, so hopefully on Sunday it will also be an entertaining clash.”

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Army defeated Navy 19-13 in the first match, while Police edged PNF Elite Academy 28-25 in a tight contest.

The championship, organised by the Pakistan Netball Federation in collaboration with the Sindh Netball Association, features departmental teams competing in the national event.

The championship continues with Navy taking on Police and Army facing PNF Elite Academy in the next fixtures.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The 22-year revealed last month she had spinal stress fractures and had been advised to “stop swimming immediately”.

But the reigning Olympic 200m freestyle champion opted to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

She won silver in the 100m freestyle and gold over 200m, although both times were well short of her best.

“I’m incredibly sad that I’ve made the decision to pull out of PanPacs,” she said on Instagram. “I’ve had to make the decision that is best for me.

“After every race (in Glasgow) I re-evaluated, adapted where I could, and did everything possible to keep moving forward.

“And I’m so proud of what I was able to achieve while managing this injury.”

O’Callaghan’s absence further limits Australia’s star power at the PanPacs in Irvine, California, which start on Aug 12, with fellow big guns Kyle Chalmers and Cam McEvoy giving it a miss.

Reigning Olympic and world 100m and 200m backstroke star Kaylee McKeown will also be absent after pulling out ahead of the Commonwealth Games citing fatigue and loss of breath.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Top-seeded Aussie de Minaur was left to rue his missed chances in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 loss to 33rd-ranked American Brandon Nakashima.

Chile’s 30th-ranked Alejandro Tabilo recovered an early break in the third set to beat US home favourite Shelton 4-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Women’s top seed Jessica Pegula and third-seeded Naomi Osaka made it safely into the semi-finals, but second-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina was sent packing by rising Philippines star Alexandra Eala.

Nakashima, chasing his first ATP 500-level title, avenged a loss to de Minaur in last year’s Washington quarter-finals and followed up a win over the Aussie at Queen’s Club in London this year.

“He came out with some great serving; a lot of first serves,” de Minaur said. “I played at a high level. I just threw in two pretty awful games on my serve.

“It’s a little bit frustrating, but you live and you learn.”

Nakashima booked an all-American semi-final against 10th-ranked Taylor Fritz, who saved a match point in a 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) victory over compatriot Alex Michelsen.

Nakashima, whose only ATP title came at San Diego in 2022, saved six of the seven break points he faced and fired 10 aces — including one to take the first set.

“He’s a very quick and explosive player,” Nakashima said. “I knew I had to serve well at the crucial moments and try to be aggressive.”

Tabilo needed two hours and 23 minutes to subdue the hard-hitting Shelton, pulling out an array of shots that included an impressive “tweener” lob and a string of crisp volleys.

He saved four break points in the second set and broke Shelton in the 12th game to force the third. After Shelton broke for a 3-2 lead, Tabilo broke back immediately to keep the pressure on.

He was rewarded for his perseverance with a break in the final game, an increasingly frustrated Shelton firing a forehand into the net on match point.

Tabilo next faces 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar, who ousted fourth-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti 1-6, 6-1, 6-4.

By reaching his third semi-final of the season, Jodar is assured of breaking into the top 20 in the world rankings for the first time.

World number three Pegula, who won her first WTA title at Washington in 2019, eliminated 20th-ranked Anna Kalinskaya 6-3, 7-5, to reach her sixth WTA semi-final of the year.

The American will play for a berth in the final against fourth-seed Diana Shnaider, who beat Russian compatriot Liudmila Samsonova 6-3, 6-4.

Japan’s third-seeded Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, rallied to eliminate Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

World number 13 Osaka will face Eala, who beat Svitolina 6-3, 6-4.

Eala, who ousted seventh-seeded defending champion Leylah Fernandez in the second round, posted her sixth win of the season over a top-10 player and reached her third semi-final of the year.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Root was appointed as skipper following Stokes’ shock retirement from international duty during England’s Test series defeat to New Zealand in June.

The 35-year-old previously captaining England between 2017 and 2022 and took the role on an interim basis when Stokes was dropped for one Test against New Zealand.

The Yorkshire batsman is planning to tweak the approach of Stokes and Brendon McCullum, who was sacked as England’s Test coach after the New Zealand matches, rather than start from scratch.

Root will lead England in the forthcoming Test series against Pakistan, with former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming arriving to replace McCullum later this year.

“It’ll be trying to continue some of the good things we have done over that period [since 2022] and not finding ourselves back to where we were before Baz and Ben took over,” Root said in an ECB interview on Saturday.

“Evolving and tweaking things to get us to where we want to be and really competing against the top nations consistently over a long period of time.

“The wrong thing to do would be to completely rip everything up that we’ve done over the last four years.

“There’s so much good stuff that Ben and Brendon did and changed the way we look at the game and see the game.”

McCullum inspired Stokes to make England play with flair and power, but that approach did not work against Australia and India.

England failed to win a Test series against either of their main rivals in the Stokes-McCullum era, a dismal run culminating in an Ashes thrashing in Australia.

That series and England’s recent clash with New Zealand were both marred by issues involving players drinking, with Stokes and Gus Atkinson left out of the second Test against the Black Caps after breaking a team curfew in a nightclub incident.

Root, a more conservative figure than the brash Stokes, plans to be stricter in his time as captain, without indicating if that will include off-field behaviour.

“I’ve benefitted hugely from that as a player so to think we have to start all over again would be wrong. But there are areas we want to sharpen up a little bit and become a little bit sterner with,” he said.

“The last four years is the most fun I’ve had in cricket and most of that is down to the way they got me to see the game.

“Clearly the last little while is fresh in everyone’s minds but you’re looking at a four-year period where we did a lot of good things.”

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Evenepoel was forced to switch bikes on a climb 50km from home but showed all the power that brought him the world and Olympic time-trial titles to rejoin the leaders with 33km remaining.

The Belgian then attacked his fellow leaders on the final short Murgil climb, with only Carapaz able to follow.

Evenepoel had enough left in the tank to win by a bike length in downtown San Sebastian as he made history in the 221km Basque one-day classic.

“It was the most difficult one of all four,” said the 26-year-old, describing it as a beautiful day.

“I had to be patient. I have to thank my team for all the work, of course,” he said of his Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe team-mates and their efforts to shepherd him to the final hill.

Carapaz won the King of the mountains polka-dot jersey at the recent Tour de France while Evenepoel finished second overall to Tadej Pogacar at the Grand Boucle.

Time-trial specialist Evenepoel is also the reigning Olympic road race champion and said he would now turn his attention to trying to reclaim the world road race title he won in 2022.

“First, what is on my mind is some recovery, some rest, and then I’m going to build up to try and become world champion,” he said.

Reigning two-time world champion Pogacar will also be in Canada to defend his title on Sept 27.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

European football’s governing body UEFA had led the opposition to the plan — saying they would boycott all FIFA competitions — and while welcoming the withdrawal of the proposal said Infantino had lost their and other football family members “confidence” with his “shabby, back room, opaque deal”.

Their response came hours after Infantino, whose previous smooth path to unopposed re-election for a final term next year isbeing openly questioned, had issued a statement announcing the humiliating climb down after a furious backlash since the plan was first revealed on Tuesday.

“Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve,” Infantino said in a statement. “As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”

FIFA, world football’s governing body, had floated the plan on Tuesday, saying it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial subsidiary it proposed to run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

It said that, if approved, the project could provide each of FIFA’s 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027 and increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.

UEFA did not mince its words in holding Infantino to account for the debacle less than a fortnight after he basked in the afterglow of a highly successful World Cup — the first with 48 teams and hosted in three countries.

“The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA’s confidence but also that of many other members of the football family,” read the statement.

UEFA said the 56-year-old Swiss had broken promises he made when he successfully first sought election in 2016 — namely to be “transparent” and that FIFA’s money was “your (the member associations) money” and “not the money of the FIFA President.

“On both these promises, he has failed to deliver,” said UEFA.

“The shabby, back room, opaque deal he hatched and tried to force through were anything but transparent.

“And with reserves standing at over $5bn, he has also failed to use associations’ money for the benefit of the game.”

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which represents 47 member nations, had used less forthright language when it too welcomed the plan’s withdrawal.

Any initiative that may impact global football should be “presented and discussed with the Confederations, the FIFA Council, Member Associations (MAs) and other stakeholders in a timely, transparent and meaningful manner,” the Kuala Lumpur-based body said in a statement.

‘SHARED INTEREST’

Those two powerful bodies had been joined by the North American and Caribbean federation (CONCACAF) — which includes the three World Cup co-hosts, the US, Canada and Mexico — in condemning the move.

UEFA’s strongly-worded statement was followed by equally blunt ones from two of their most powerful member associations.

English football’s Football Association (FA) said there should be “a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently.”

The German FA (DFB) called for a complete change of culture within FIFA.

“Together with UEFA and other confederations, we must ensure that a fundamentally different culture takes hold at FIFA — a culture where, above all, decisions are once again discussed and made by members within the governing bodies.”

In the statement announcing the plan was dead, Infantino said the project was conceived as a means of strengthening member associations, and that it would only have gone ahead if a majority supported it.

“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” he said.

The beleaguered Infantino said he would focus on restoring harmony while continuing to grow the game.

“Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Pakistan were drawn in Group ‘B’ of the region’s premier tournament which runs from Nov 4 to 17 in Bangladesh.

Hosts Bangladesh were drawn alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan in Group ‘A’ of the six-nation event. Pakistan head into the tournament on the back of a historic title at the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament in the Maldives in June. Ahead of the SAFF Championship, Nolberto Solano’s men will participate in the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup in September-October.

Pakistan’s most recent meeting with the Maldives came during the Diamond Jubilee tournament where the former romped to a 3-0 triumph thanks to goals by Umer Nawaz, Abdul Samad and Harun Hamid.

Pakistan’s match against India, the defending champions, will be the first between the traditional rivals since the 2023 SAFF Championship, where Pakistan suffered a 4-0 loss.

Also at the SAFF Congress, president Kazi Salahuddin was re-elected unopposed for another term.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Litton was added to the squad for the first Test scheduled for Aug 13-17 in Darwin, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said.

The 31-year-old had been sidelined since June with a left calf injury and was initially ruled out of the opening Test of the two-match series. His return provides timely reinforcement for Bangladesh, who have been hit by injury ahead of their first Test tour of Australia in 23 years.

Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been ruled out of the series with a side strain, while left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam was not selected for the opening Test because of a hamstring injury.

Bangladesh will warm up for the Tests with match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin from Aug 6-8.

The second and final Test will be played in Mackay from Aug 22-26.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The hosts, who recorded victory with an identical margin in the first Test of the series at the same venue, retained momentum in the second match to outgun Korea.

After the first half remained goalless in a close battle, Korea took lead in the final minute of the second quarter when Son Dain scored a field goal.

In a remarkable comeback after the break, Pakistan equalised in the 33rd minute when Abdul Rehman smashed a superb field goal to make it 1-1.

The home team then took complete control of the match as their skipper excelled. Abu Bakr first converted a penalty corner in the 52nd minute to put his side 2-1 ahead and then struck again in the final minute of the match with another successful penalty corner to seal an emphatic victory for Pakistan.

For his outstanding performance, Abu Bakr was named player-of-the-match.

“I am very happy to see Pakistan playing against any international team on home soil. For the first time in my life I am watching an international [hockey] match,” spectator Naveed Ahmed said.

Pakistan is hosting South Korea ahead of this month’s FIH World Cup (Aug 15-30) in the Netherlands and Belgium where Abu Bakr and company will face tough opponents including arch-rivals India and England during the pool stage.

“This series [against Korea] is very helpful for our players to improve their ranking. We are making all-out efforts to prepare a good team for the World Cup,” PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani told Dawn.

“The squad for the World Cup will be announced in the next three days.”

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

GLASGOW: Georgia Hunter Bell made the most of the absence of Keely Hodgkinson to cruise to 800m Commonwealth gold on Friday.

World indoor champion and an Olympic bronze medallist at 1500m, Hunter Bell was in a class of her own at the shorter distance in Glasgow to claim gold for England.

Olympic 800m champion Hodgkinson was one of a number of high-profile athletes who decided to skip the Commonwealths in favour of next month’s European championships in Birmingham.

Kenyan world champion Lilian Odira took silver ahead of Australia’s Sarah Billings.

“My first ever Commonwealth Games, it’s my first ever Commonwealth Games gold, first outdoor gold medal as well. It really means so much to me,” said Hunter Bell.

“I had a really good attitude today. It’s really strange being an athlete because you can doubt yourself a lot, like through the rounds you’ve got to stay focused, you’ve got to be aware but you’ve also got to be confident.”

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile broke the 20-second barrier to take 200m gold ahead of Nigeria’s Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike and Jamaican Christopher Taylor.

Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands stormed to gold in the women’s 200m.

Grenada’s Lindon Victor made it three consecutive Commo­nwealth golds in the decathlon, matching English great Daley Thompson who won three golds between 1978 and 1986.

Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel, the third-fastest athlete in the world this year, won the men’s 400m hurdles title.

Jamaica’s Sanique Walker needed a new personal best of 54 seconds flat to win women’s 400m hurdles gold.

New Zealand’s Eliza McCartney upset Australia’s Nina Kennedy to win the women’s pole vault.

Both women successfully cleared 4.65 metres, but the Kiwi took the title having made fewer failures at the previous heights.

Australia picked up three more golds on the second day of track cycling.

Oliver Bleddyn won the men’s 4,000m individual pursuit, Blake Agnoletto edged the elimination race, while Georgia Baker took the women’s 10km scratch race for her fifth Commonwealth gold medal.

There were also two more golds for Wales at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

Anna Morris won the women’s individual pursuit, while Emma Finucane outgunned England’s Sophie Capewell in the women’s sprint final.

The tiny Pacific Ocean island of Tuvalu secured their first ever Commonwealth medal in bizarre circumstances.

Tarona Taafaki lost her first fight in the women’s 75kg division to India’s Lovlina Borgohain on Friday, losing every round on all three of the judges’ cards.

But because there were only five entrants, Taafaki had received a bye to the last four, meaning she was automatically guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan’s first woman boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal believes she could have won gold had she enjoyed the same standard of training facilities and resources as her international rivals.

“I am happy to become the first Pakistani woman boxer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. The competition was extremely tough. Almost all my rivals had been training in the United States,” Fatima Zehra told Dawn from Glasgow, where she settled for a bronze medal after losing her semi-final bout to Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh.

The 22-year-old boxer from Sargodha said her primary target before leaving for Glasgow was to secure a medal, though she had also hoped to reach the final.

“Before arriving in Glasgow, my target was to win a medal and I was also hoping to win the semi-final. But my opponent was too fast and had vast international experience, making her a very difficult rival,” said Fatima, who represents Pakistan Army at the domestic athletics circuit.

“Although I could not meet my expectations of reaching the final, I am still happy with the bronze medal because it was not easy to achieve it against such strong competition,” she added.

“The competitions were too tough as every boxer was well prepared and I learnt a lot from it as I also watched many other bouts,” she said.

Fatima added that many countries, including India, held their training camps in the United States, unlike Pakistan, which conducted all its preparations at home.

“The credit for this medal goes to my department, the Pakistan Army, the Pakistan Boxing Federation and my coach Raheel Adnan, who supported and guided me throughout my preparations for the Games,” she said.

Asked what support she expected from the government to help her improve further, Fatima stressed the need for better facilities and greater international exposure.

“World-class training and coaching facilities at home, along with maximum international exposure through overseas competitions, can change the fortunes of Pakistani athletes, including me,” she said.

“There is a huge difference between the sporting environment available in Pakistan and that in other countries. Unless our athletes receive top-quality training and regularly compete internationally, it will be difficult for us to develop the standard required to succeed at the highest level.

“It is the government’s responsibility to provide maximum support in this regard.”

Fatima, who competed in the women’s 60kg category, said her next target was the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan in September.

“I also won a bronze medal at the 2025 Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia, and now my focus is on performing well at the Asian Games,” she said.

“The challenge of the Asian Games is also a big one but the experience I obtained from Glasgow will help me a lot to show better results in Japan,” she said.

Fatima revealed that boxing runs in her family, with her two sisters, Dua and Aiman, as well as her younger brother Naday Ali, also involved in the sport.

Recalling how she took up boxing, Fatima credited her coach Raheel for discovering her talent.

“All the credit goes to my coach Raheel, who spotted my potential as a boxer,” she said.

“Initially, my family did not support my decision, which is quite common in Pakistan. After competing at the Punjab level, I had to quit boxing because my family was unhappy with my sporting career. However, my coach Raheel convinced them to let me return to the ring.”

“Alhamdulillah, my family is now fully supportive and has also allowed my two sisters to pursue boxing.”

Fatima secured the historic bronze medal after defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson 5-0 in the quarter-finals. Under the competition rules, both losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze medals.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Home team captain Roston Chase is hoping that the hosts can establish their reputation as a formidable opponent in their home conditions.

“After having the year we had last year [winning one and losing eight Tests], we sat down with the plan and said this is where we want to be,” Chase said ahead of their series decider against Pakistan which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

“And as I said, we’re exactly where we want to be. We want to level up. We want to just come into this second Test, not take anything for granted, just go through the processes that we’ve sat down and talked about.

“We want to come and execute them to the best of our ability. And look to get that second victory,” he added.

The West Indies beat Babar Azam-led Pakistan by 90 runs in a low-scoring series opener at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.

The result added to West Indies’ tally of 30 points in the WTC Standings, where they are placed eighth, just above Pakistan.

“We’re very blessed and very happy for the results that we’ve been having at home so far.

“But I want to make home our fortress, where we make it very difficult for teams to come to the Caribbean and beat us.

“Because it’s our own conditions, we know them inside out, and better than the opposition. So I think we want to really make home advantage count, and we’ve been doing that well so far.

“So, as I said, we’re lucky to continue in the vein of form that we’ve been in, and to take victory in this second game.”

The hosts, inspired by Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales, put together an incredible bowling display to seal their win in the first Test.

A major name missing from their bowling resources was Chase himself, who was unable to contribute with the ball owing to a right index finger injury.

“It’s getting better,” Chase said. “Hopefully, I think I’ll be ready to bowl by Sunday. I bowled two overs [in the nets] today. It still has a bit of pain.

“But I think by Sunday, I should be able to at least bowl probably four to five overs consistently.”

PROBLEMS FOR TOURISTS

On the other hand, Pakistan, having lost a two-Test series 2-0 in Bangladesh recently, continue to slide in the five-day format.

The Babar Azam-led men, who are currently at the bottom of a nine-team WTC table just below the West Indies, face a massive task as the beleaguered tourists seek to avoid another series loss in Port-of-Spain.

The problems for Pakistan compounded when their top-order batter Shan Masood, who scored a century (109) in the first innings of the opening Test against the West Indies, was ruled of the second Test after fracturing the index finger of his left hand during the series opener after being hit by a Seales delivery, which forced the left-hander to drop down to number eight in the second innings.

While the touring side’s bowlers fared pretty well by restricting the West Indies to 311 and 181 in the first Test, explicit chinks in Pakistan’s batting remains their perennial concern.

Chasing 211, Pakistan collapsed to 120 all out in a spineless willow work. Other than Babar (58 not out) no batter could face a disciplined West Indies pace attack on a bowlers-friendly track. Middle-order batters Salman Ali Agha and experienced wicket-keeper/batter Mohammad Rizwan flopped in both the innings of the first Test and must step up in Port-of-Spain if their team are to challenge West Indies.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

According to Topline Securities Ltd, the index closed July down 4,208 points or 2.3 per cent month-on-month as escalating US-Iran tensions pushed global crude oil prices higher, weighing on investor sentiment.

During the month, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported inflation, measured by Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to 11.07pc in June from 11.66pc in May. Workers’ remittances stood at $3.5 billion in June, up 2pc year-on-year but down 18pc from the previous month.

Net foreign direct investment fell sharply to $14 million in June from $214m in May, while the real effective exchange rate rose to 106.44 from 106.08. The current account posted a deficit of $649m in June, reversing a surplus of $500m recorded in May. Meanwhile, car sales reached 22,741 units, rising 4pc year-on-year and 29pc month-on-month.

Weekly gain of 5,073 points cushions monthly loss

Average daily traded volume during the month stood at 845 million shares, while average daily traded value was Rs37.5bn.

Arif Habib Ltd (AHL), however, highlighted a strong weekly recovery, with the KSE-100 index gaining 5,073 points, or 2.97pc, to close at 176,094 points.

The market rallied sharply on Monday, adding 7,241 points after tensions between the US and Iran temporarily eased, raising hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough. The recovery lost momentum later in the week as geopolitical uncertainty resurfaced, alth­ough the market rebounded on Friday as investors cherry-picked at attractive levels.

The State Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee left the policy rate unchanged at 11.5pc, in line with market expectations.

Petroleum imports increased 2pc year-on-year to 17.6 million tonnes in FY26, supported by higher crude oil imports, while imports of motor spirit and high-speed diesel declined amid subdued demand and improved domestic refinery output. Local crude production rose 4pc year-on-year to 64,675 barrels per day.

RLNG supply fell 28pc year-on-year, reducing its share in the national gas mix to 19pc, while petroleum exports rose 10pc to two million tonnes, led by higher furnace oil exports.

The federal government approved amendments to the Refinery Policy 2023, aimed at attracting around $6bn in investment, accelerating refinery upgrades and promoting Euro-V fuel production through a seven-year incentive package.

Gas production increased 1.7pc week-on-week to 3,056 million cubic feet per day during the third week of July, driven by higher output from the Mari, Uch, Kandhkot and Shewa fields. Oil production also edged up 0.3pc to 71,540 barrels per day.

Pakistan’s external position received support after Saudi Arabia rolled over its $5bn deposit for another three years, while State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign currency purchases of $9bn from the domestic market during FY26 also eased financing pressures.

According to AHL, banks contributed the most to the benchmark index during the week, adding 1,975 points, followed by fertiliser, cement, exploration and production companies, and investment banks. The real estate, sugar, miscellaneous, auto parts, and textile weaving sectors posted marginal declines.

Among individual stocks, Fauji Fertiliser Company, United Bank Ltd, Meezan Bank, Habib Bank and Engro Holdings were the biggest positive contributors, while Systems Ltd, Pioneer Cement, TPL REIT Fund-I, Habib Metropolitan Bank and Pakistan Engineering Company weighed on the index.

Average daily trading volume increased 19.4pc week-on-week to 831.3 million shares, while average daily traded value rose 14.2pc to $114m.

AKD Securities also attributed Monday’s rally to a pause in US-Iran hostilities, which pushed international oil prices below $85 per barrel. Although uncertainty persisted for most of the week, improved corporate earnings and optimism over Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts supported sentiment.

The brokerage noted that SBP foreign exchange reserves declined by $229m to $17bn as of July 24, while the rupee appreciated marginally to Rs277.80 against the US dollar.

Other developments included the approval of export finance incentives, Saudi investment interest of up to $10bn and renewed efforts to expand economic ties with Kuwait.

Looking ahead, analysts said investor sentiment would remain closely tied to developments in the US-Iran conflict and movements in international oil prices. They added that June-quarter corporate earnings would be a key driver of market performance, with valuations remaining attractive at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 7.8 times.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

In a post on X, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayra­ktar said the agreement was signed following a “productive meeting” in Ankara with Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Moham­med Khudair.

Zaidi also hailed the deal in a post on X, describing it as “an important strategic milestone” which would involve “a minimum export capacity of 750,000 barrels per day”.

The decades-old agreement on the pipeline — which carries Iraqi crude to Turkiye’s Mediterranean export terminal of Ceyhan, a key outlet for regional oil shipments — had expired on Monday.

“While our efforts continue toward a new long-term agreement for this pipeline.. we have implemented this transit arrangement covering a daily capacity of 750,000 barrels,” Bayraktar wrote.

Zaidi said Iraqi and Turkish companies would begin implementing the agreement while the two governments would push ahead with efforts “to fi­­nalise a comprehensive framework agreement covering the oil, electricity, and water resources sectors”. The Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline has a maximum capacity of about 1.5 million barrels per day.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The latest data from the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) for the week ending July 30 shows that the national average prices of a 20kg flour bag, 10kg wheat, and one kilogram of fine flour rose to Rs2,200-3,133, Rs1,223, and Rs152.14, respectively, from Rs2,200-2,960, Rs1,179, and Rs148 during the week ending July 23.

The national average prices at the end of March stood at Rs1,810-2,740 for a 20kg flour bag, Rs1,039 for 10kg wheat, and Rs137 per kilogram of fine flour.

In Karachi, flour millers have increased prices. The rates of a 50kg flour bag (No. 2.5), a 50kg bag of maida, and a 50kg bag of fine flour have risen to Rs6,675, Rs7,325, and Rs7,475, respectively, from Rs6,325, Rs6,825, and Rs6,975 in mid-July.

Given that wheat harvested in Sindh and Punjab entered the market between March and May, official data shows fluctuating price trends, suggesting that the higher wheat output has done little to ease prices, while speculative investment and hoarding have remained widespread.

With wheat and flour prices already at elevated levels, the decision to import one million tonnes is unlikely to provide significant relief. Even if flour prices fall by Rs8 to Rs10 per kilogram, the reduction would offer little respite to consumers already struggling with rising fuel and other living costs.

However, the government’s plan to import one million tonnes of grain has caused jitters among the private sector commodity importers, who sought import of two million tonnes grain in the first phase and another two million tonnes in the second phase, urging the government to refrain from import via Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). However, commodity wholesalers believe that there is no need to allow the private sector to import grain.

At a recent meeting of the Wheat Board, the provinces reportedly sought the import of a total of 2.2 million tonnes of wheat. Punjab requested one million tonnes, followed by Sindh with 500,000 tonnes, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 200,000 tonnes, and Balochistan with 57,500 tonnes.

In absence of any effective price checking mechanism and a strict vigil on hoarding commodities, market forces had enjoyed a free hand by hoarding grain, while the flour millers continued to play havoc with the prices, blaming rising wheat prices in the open market.

Traders divided

Stakeholders also expressed reservation over a 4pc rise in wheat output in FY26 to more than 29m tonnes.

Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association (KWGA) Chairman Rauf Ibrahim said the wheat output this year is 27 million tonnes instead of over 29m tonnes while the annual consumption is 32m tonnes.

“Whatever the wheat production, I am concerned about where the Punjab and Sindh crops have gone in the last four months and what will happen till the arrival of next crops,” he questioned.

“How can a person earning Rs35,000 a month survive when he has to struggle to buy expensive flour while also meeting education, food and fuel expenses,” Mr Ibrahim said.

He said the imported wheat will arrive in two to three months but till then the wheat and flour prices will remain under pressure.

“I think the government should personally handle the import rather than allowing the private sector to import grain, as it may lead to cartelisation,” he said, adding that the government needs to increase the import quantity to four million tonnes to meet wheat demand until March/April next year, while also ensuring hassle-free movement of wheat among the provinces.

Offering a different view, Cereal Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Muzammil Chappal said: “I am sure that wheat crop is not more than 26m tonnes in FY26. The government’s data is inaccurate.”

Total wheat demand is 31m tonnes in which one million tonnes to 1.5m tonnes is required for animal feed.

He said that if the government gave the private sector the green light to import wheat, its landed cost would be Rs95-100 per kg, based on a cost and freight (C&F) price of $330-350 per tonne at Karachi.

The practical experience of the private sector in international procurement, shipping, logistics, financing, and market operations can provide valuable commercial insights to support timely and well-informed policy decisions, he said.

Pakistan’s private sector wheat importers stand fully prepared to import wheat entirely through their own commercial resources, without requiring any government subsidy or placing any financial burden on the national exchequer, Mr Chappal said.

The previous import policy clearly demonstrated the capability of Pakistan’s private sector, which successfully imported approximately 3.7m tonnes of wheat a few years back which increased domestic availability, stabilised supplies throughout the country and helped reduce wheat prices, he said.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Imports from the region, however, rose 6.52pc to $3.822bn from $3.588bn.

Under the new agreement, Pakistan will import additional goods from the US to balance the trade deficit. As a result of this agreement, imports from the region, especially the US, grew sharply during the year.

However, exports to Canada declined. Imports under the agreement grew by nearly 39pc in FY26, while Pakistan’s exports to the US grew by a paltry 1.55pc.

Trump tariffs reshape trade landscape

The development comes amid policy shifts by US President Donald Trump, who has imposed additional tariffs while extending limited relief to Pakistan under a reciprocal arrangement.

Under the understanding, Pakistan is expected to increase imports of oil and other commodities from the US to narrow the bilateral trade gap.

The US remained the dominant market, accounting for nearly 94pc of Pakistan’s total exports to North America, with the remaining share going mainly to Canada and other countries.

In FY25, Pakistan’s merchandise exports to North America rose by 9.97pc to $6.415bn, up from $5.833bn in the corresponding period of the previous year, driven mainly by higher textile and clothing shipments to the US, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan.

Within the region, exports to the US increased 1.55pc to $6.125bn in FY26 from $6.031bn a year earlier.

In FY25, exports to the US rose 10.72pc to $6.028bn, up from $5.444bn in the preceding year.

Exports to Canada contracted 2.30pc to $377.455m in FY26 from $386.347m a year ago.

Imports from the US surged 38.93pc to $3.265bn in FY26 from $2.350bn in the preceding year.

In the same region, Pakistan’s exports to Latin America declined by 8.32pc to $66.98m in FY26, down from $73.06m a year ago.

Similarly, exports to Central America dipped 2.11pc to 165.86m in FY26 from $169.43m the previous year. The main export destination was Mexico, which fell 6.25pc to $122.03m in FY26, down from $130.17m.

According to SBP data, exports to South America — Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, etc., — rose 15pc to $402.39m in FY26 from $349.88m in FY25.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The EU has the world’s most comprehensive digital rulebook covering social media, online retailers and search engi­nes, with plans for more rules this year.

In 2024, the EU adopted a sweeping AI law known as the “AI Act”, but its rules have been introduced in stages.

New law

The EU’s new law takes a risk-based approach to the technology from Sunday.

The higher the risk to Europeans’ rights or health, for example, the greater the obligations of firms to protect individuals from harm.

Chatbots must disclose AI identity; companies face up to €35m fine in case of violation; labelling rules hit general-purpose models

It also bans AI used for predictive policing, emotion recognition systems in workplaces or schools and AI that manipulates human behaviour.

From Sunday, AI-generated content like deepfakes must be labelled, while firms must ensure their AI systems like chatbots make it clear to users they are AI.

Existing AI systems have until December 2 to adapt to the new rules, and there are exemptions for “artistic, creative, satirical, fictional” work.

Enforcement powers

On Sunday, European regulators in the AI Office will have the power to enforce the bloc’s rules on the most advanced AI models.

The regulatory body attached to the EU executive will be made up of dozens of tech experts, lawyers and economists.

The AI Office will be able to test the most advanced general-purpose AI models, such as chatbots, to ensure they comply with the law.

Companies must also give the EU access to their models, and in some cases the EU can demand access before they are placed on the market, an EU official said.

The EU will also be able to restrict a model’s deployment within the EU if it has concerns that the provider doesn’t address.

The powers arrive at an opportune moment. The EU struggled this year to get access to American AI developer Anthropic’s Mythos model, but the rules kicking in on Sunday mean an issue like that shouldn’t happen again.

National authorities will be able to enforce the rules for smaller AI systems.

If the EU finds companies breaking the rules, it can force them to take action to remedy the breach and fine the firms if they fail to do so.

The stiffest fines are for businesses that allow their systems to conduct banned practices — up to seven per cent of a company’s annual worldwide turnover or €35 million ($40m), whichever is higher.

For other violations, companies could be fined up to 3pc of their global annual revenue or €15m. They may also be fined if they hinder or fail to cooperate with EU probes.

What’s next?

More rules under the AI Act will be enforceable later this year and beyond.

From December, there will be a ban on artificial intelligence systems generating sexualised deepfakes, introduced following the global outrage over non-consensual nudes produced by Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok.

The EU is also delaying the implementation of some high-risk AI rules concerning models deemed as potentially dangerous to safety, health or citizens’ fundamental rights — to give companies more time to prepare.

The rules will apply for stand-alone high-risk AI systems from December 2027 and in August 2028 for AI tools embedded in other products.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The oil companies have been demanding that oil smuggling be stopped, but it has continued for years. However, the arrival of Iranian petroleum products increased after the US-Israeli war on Tehran began, pushing crude oil prices above $100 per barrel.

“Over the past month and a half, at least six oil tankers coming from Iran were destroyed by terrorists, but the actual number is not known,” said the source familiar with those in the oil business. However, it was not confirmed by other sources.

Since the US-Israeli attack on Iran on Feb 28, the entire world was shocked due to due to closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is the world’s most critical energy transit chokepoint, carrying roughly 20pc of global oil, 20pc of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and about one-third of the world’s fertiliser trade.

Influx slows after terrorists destroyed six tankers in 45 days

Reserves of petroleum products began to decline in countries like Pakistan, which depend largely on imported fuel.

Pakistan faced the same situation, but the country did not experience rationing of oil and gas products. Reserves for 25 days were available, while more ships entered Pakistan during the war.

However, the influx of Iranian oil increased significantly. Smuggled petroleum products were available not only in Balochistan but also in Sindh, up to Karachi. Many say that Punjab also benefited from these smuggled oil products, which helped the country avoid rationing of oil products, as seen in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the region.

“It is difficult to determine the proportions of previous and current influxes, but smuggling has decreased significantly, by at least 60pc,” the source claimed.

In FY26, Pakistan spent a record $16.86bn on the import of petroleum products, which was around 22pc of the country’s total import bill. Notably, despite higher prices, the share of petroleum products in the import bill remained within the average. Each year, Pakistan has to spend 22-25pc of its total imports on oil products.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the import bill for petroleum products in FY25 was $15.94bn.

Pakistan’s illegal trade with Iran is worth more than $2 billion per year, and a number of products, such as edible oil, food products, washing powder, soaps, etc., are readily available in Karachi.

It is widely believed in the circles of trade and industry that the smuggling of oil products from Iran was deliberately ignored by the authorities due to the war and to avoid a crisis from a possible shortage of oil supplies across the country.

The government has consistently been passing on the increase in oil prices to consumers, but has successfully avoided a shortage-like situation.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

DERA MURAD JAMALI / GWADAR: Eight people were killed in separate incidents across Balochistan on Saturday, including a passenger bus driver shot dead in Kachhi and two people gunned down in Khuzdar, police said

A passenger bus driver was shot dead and a traveller wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a coach on N-65 National Highway in Balochistan’s Kachhi district.

The attack occurred near Haji Shahr when a coach travelling from Sadiqabad to Quetta came under gunfire, according to police. The driver, Shamood-ul-Haq, a resident of Quetta, was killed on the spot, while passenger Hazrat Gul, a resident of Musakhel, was wounded.

The body of the driver and the injured passenger were taken to the Teaching Hospital in Sibi, police said.

Following the attack, transporters and passengers blocked the National Highway in protest, halting traffic and accusing police of failing to provide security along the route. The protest ended after negotiations with police officials, and traffic resumed.

Transporters said armed robberies had become frequent at several points along the N-65, including Balanari, Haji Shahr, Kambri Bridge and Bakhtairabad. They said authorities had repeatedly promised to eliminate criminal gangs operating on the highway.

Elsewhere in Balochistan, two people — including a woman — were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Wadh, Khuzdar district. Police identified the victims as Muhammad Ishaq Bugti and Ayesha, adding that the attackers escaped and an investigation was under way.

In Kech district, police recovered three bodies from separate locations around Turbat over the past 24 hours.

One body was found in the Nasirabad area of Turbat and was identified through a COVID-19 vaccination card found in the victim’s pocket as Badal Khan, a resident of the Jhao area in Awaran district.

Two other bodies were recovered from the Mirani Dam canal area in Dasht and the Kohak forest area of Mirabad and were identified as Sher Jan and Salman, a resident of Khaddam, according to police.

Hospital sources said one of the bodies showed signs of torture, while no gunshot wounds were found. The other victim had reportedly been electrocuted.

Meanwhile, a motorcycle collision near Rabi in the Dera Murad Jamali area killed Muhammad Jan, police said. Another man, Muhammad Ibrahim, was seriously injured and receiving treatment.

In another incident in the Siri Kahn area of Turbat, a young man died after a ceiling fan fell on him while he was asleep at his home, officials said.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

According to the AJK Election Commission, 207 candidates are in the fray for the nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad division, comprising five seats in Muzaffarabad district and two each in Neelum and Jhelum Valley districts.

Another 137 candidates are contesting the 12 refugee constituencies, including six seats representing refugees from the Kashmir Valley and six from Jammu.

A total of 809,621 voters are registered in Muzaffarabad division, while the 12 refugee constituencies have a combined electorate of 438,834. According to the commission, 1,483 polling stations have been established across Muzaffarabad division, of which 533 have been declared highly sensitive, 741 sensitive and 209 normal. Another 1,057 polling stations have been set up for the 12 refugee constituencies.

Out of 12 refugee seats, seven seats are in Punjab, one seat is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one seat (Jammu-VI) is divided between Pun­jab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtun­khwa, one seat is divided between Sindh and Balo­chistan (Valley-I), and one seat (Jammu-I) is shared among refugees living in Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh. Valley-V seat is divided between Punjab and Islamabad.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, about 27,000 registered male and female voters will elect lawmakers for LA-43 (Valley-IV), LA-44 (Valley-V), and LA-39 (Jammu-VI) seats. A total of 175 polling stations have been established, out of which 18 polling stations in Rawalpindi have been declared sensitive. A total of 34 candidates are in the fray.

In Gujrat, almost 2,000 policemen will perform security duties at scores of polling stations for the LA-38 elections. The total number of polling stations in these districts is 115, with 75 in Gujrat, 24 in Wazirabad and 16 in Mandi Bahauddin. The total number of voters is 50,225 in the entire constituency. As many as 11 candidates are contesting this seat.

In Sindh, officials said the elections will be conducted on LA-34 (Jammu-I) and LA-40 (Kashmir Valley-I) with polling stations established across Karachi and other districts of Sindh.

In LA-34 (Jammu-I), a total of 17 candidates are contesting the election, which has 698 registered voters in Karachi’s seven districts and 477 voters in 13 other districts of Sindh. For LA-40 Kashmir (Valley-I), 11 candidates are in the race. The constituency has 4,200 registered voters in Karachi and 403 voters in 17 other districts of Sindh.

In Balochistan, seven polling booths have been established across the province for the Kashmir Valley-I constituency, where 1,174 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots. Balochistan shares this seat with Sindh.

For the Jammu-I constituency, six polling booths have been set up, with a total of 182 registered voters, including 85 men and 97 women, eligible to vote. Polling stations have been established for AJK refugee voters residing in Balochistan at various locations, including Quetta, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Hub, Loralai, Sibi, Mastung, Zhob and Barkhan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 41 polling stations, mostly in Swat and Mansehra, have been set up for the LA-45 (Kashmir VI) seat.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club, he thanked Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for acknowledging that the country was not being run effectively. He claimed that unemployment had reached its highest level in 21 years, while investment had fallen to one of its lowest levels in recent history.

“The situation for young people has become extremely difficult. They are unable to find jobs because the country has failed to create an environment that attracts foreign investment,” he said, adding that successive governments had focused on increasing taxes rather than encouraging economic growth.

He said the country’s economic conditions had deteriorated over the past decade, with many families now unable to afford even basic necessities.

“Compared to 10 years ago, the consumption of chicken, meat, pulses, vegetables, and other food items has declined because people can no longer afford them,” he said.

Mr Abbasi said recent remarks by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations had also highlighted the need for reforms.

“These reforms are essential for the country’s future, but there are always pe­­ople who do not want meaningful ch­­an­­ge,” he said. Criticising the agricultural policies, he said farmers had been devastated. “Our farmers have been ruined, and today we are even importing wheat by spending precious foreign exchange,” he said, alleging that those in power were more interested in purchasing official vehicles and aircraft than addressing the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The explosion occurred on Thursday at a private coal mine in the Sorange coalfield, about 30 kilometres northeast of Quet­­ta. The methane gas expl­o­­sion triggered a fire, cau­sed the mine to collapse and affec­ted another nearby mine.

Balochistan Chief Insp­ector of Mines Muham­mad Atif confirmed to Dawn that “all 34 bodies of coal miners trapped” in the mines had been recovered.

He said the last two bodies were recovered after hectic search efforts. The bodies of 32 miners were recovered on Friday.

‘Probe ordered’

Mr Atif said both mines had been sealed after the rescue operation was completed and a probe into the tragedy had been ordered.

“A team of mining experts has been formed, which has initiated a probe into the incident,” the official added.

All of the miners hailed from KP’s Shangla district, Mr Atif said, adding that their bodies hadbeen disp­atc­h­­ed to their native villages. “Twenty-three miners who lost their lives belon­ged to Pirabad alone,” he added.

Abid Yaar, president of the Shangla Coal Mine Workers Association, said that Mian Kalay in Pira­bad, from where 23 of the miners hailed, had beco­­me an epicentre of repeated coal mine tragedies.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Saturday that the friendship between Pakistan and China was “unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges”.

He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the military’s med­ia wing, China’s Ambassador to Pak­­istan Jiang Zaidong was the guest of honour.

China’s Defence Attaché, Major General Wang Zhong, officials from the Chinese embassy and senior military officers from Pakistan’s tri-services also attended the ceremony.

The ISPR said Field Marshal Mu­­nir extended a warm welcome to the guests and congratulated the PLA on its 99th founding anniversary.

“He paid tribute to the PLA’s remarkable contributions to China’s defence, national development, and international peace and security,” it said.

“Highlighting the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, the field marshal observed that the friendship between the two countries is unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges,” it added.

‘True partners’

“He reaffirmed that the Pakis­tan armed forces and the PLA are true partners, bound by mutual trust, unwavering support and a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and the protection of common strategic interests.”

The statement said the Chinese ambassador thanked the field marshal for hosting the commemorative event.

“He acknowledged the Pakistan armed forces’ significant contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and its enduring commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries,” the statement added.

At last year’s commemoration ceremony at the GHQ, Field Marshal Munir had said the “enduring partnership” between Pakistan and China would continue to play a pivotal role in regional stability.

Pakistan and China share a longstanding strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, economic cooperation and regional connectivity. Over the decades, bilateral ties have expanded across trade, energy, defence and infrastructure, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) symbolising the two countries’ shared vision for development.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), meanwhile, said river flows, dams and barrages across Punjab were being monitored continuously. It warned that low-level flooding was currently being recorded in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma and that the prevailing weather system was likely to persist until Aug 5.

According to the FFD, a well-marked low-pressure system over southeast Raja­s­­than in India, coupled with strong monsoon currents, is expected to trigger a widespread wet spell over central and eastern Punjab as well as parts of Sindh and Balochistan. The system is likely to produce heavy to very heavy rainfall through Aug 4, significantly increasing water flows in the eastern rivers — Sutlej, Ravi and Beas — and their major tributaries.

The division said water levels in the River Chenab at Head Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad were likely to rise to the low-to-medium flood category during the forecast period. However, exceptionally high inflows could push the river to a high flood level at Head Marala.

Chenab may reach high flood level at Marala; PDMA issues fresh monsoon safety advisory

The FFD also warned of possible flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, streams originating in Khyber Pa­­k­­tunkhwa and northern Balochistan, as well as other vulnerable catchment areas.

Urban flooding is also feared in several Punjab cities due to the forecast of intense rainfall. The areas at risk include Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.

The FFD further said water flows were expected to increase in tributary streams of the River Jhelum, including the Dora, Dota, Dwara, Bhimber and Halsi nullahs. Similar increases are anticipated in the Aik and Palkhu nullahs, which feed the River Chenab, as well as the Bein, Basantar, Deg and Sukki nullahs associated with the River Ravi.

Reviewing the current hydrological situation, the FFD said the River Indus was flowing at low flood levels at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur. In contrast, the Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum and Sutlej rivers were currently flowing below the low flood level.

The division forecast that the Indus at Sukkur would remain in the low flood category at the upstream section over the next 24 hours. It also predicted flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, streams in KP and northern Balo­chistan, and parts of Punjab and Sindh.

For the next 24 hours, the FFD forecast widespread rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over parts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. It also expected scattered rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls, over the upper catchments of all major rivers, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and KP.

Highest rainfall in Pindi

Meanwhile, the PDMA reported widespread rainfall across Punjab during the past 24 hours. Rawalpindi received the highest rainfall at 95 millimetres, followed by Murree (85mm), Jauharabad (56mm), Multan (37mm), Bhakkar (31mm), Narowal and Noorpur Thal (27mm each), Khanewal (21mm), Chakwal (20mm), Gujranwala (12mm), Jhang (10mm) and Sargodha (8mm).

The PDMA urged citizens to observe safety precautions during the ongoing wet spell, advising parents to keep children away from rainwater drains, low-lying areas, rivers and canals to avoid accidents.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

WASHINGTON: A warning from one of America’s top military commanders has exposed a growing dilemma for Washington: The United States may no longer have enough naval forces to simultaneously defend Israel against Iranian missile attacks and protect its own interests across the Middle East.

General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US European Command, has privately informed Pentagon officials that American naval assets are becoming stretched too thin as the conflict with Iran continues, according to reports by The Washington Post and other news outlets.

The general reportedly warned that without another US Navy destroyer assigned to the region, commanders could eventually face a difficult choice between protecting American forces and continuing missile-defence operations for Israel.

News outlets noted that the significance of the warning lies not only in the shortage itself, but in who delivered it.

Grynkewich is not an outside analyst; he is one of the senior officers responsible for managing US military commitments. His message reflects an internal military concern that America’s global commitments are exceeding available resources.

Navy destroyers equipped with the Aegis combat system have become a central part of Israel’s missile defence. These ships can track incoming ballistic missiles and launch advanced interceptors such as SM-3 and SM-6 missiles.

But these destroyers are also among America’s most valuable global military assets. They are needed in the Pacific to deter China, in Europe to reassure Nato allies, and in the Middle East to protect American bases and shipping routes.

His warning highlights a difficult military calculation: Every ship sent to defend Israel is a ship unavailable for another potential crisis. The warning comes amid reports that the United States has carried a substantial share of the burden in defending Israel from Iranian missile attacks.

Pentagon assessments cited by The Washington Post indicate US forces fired more than 200 THAAD interceptors during the Iran conflict — roughly half the Pentagon’s reported inventory — along with over 100 interceptors launched from Navy ships.

Israel also used its own Arrow and David’s Sling systems but relied heavily on American support during the most intense missile exchanges.

The issue is not simply the number of missiles fired. Advanced interceptors are expensive, complex weapons that take years to manufacture and replace. Recent assessments have warned that prolonged combat could place pressure on US stockpiles of critical air-defence weapons.

For decades, American military strategy has rested on the belief that Washington can respond to multiple crises simultaneously. The United States maintains alliances in Europe, commitments in the Middle East, and a growing military focus on the Indo-Pacific.

The warning from US European Command suggests that this assumption is being tested. The problem facing Pentagon planners is not whether the United States has the strongest military in the world — it does.

The problem is whether even the strongest military has enough ships, missiles, and industrial capacity to sustain simultaneous commitments. A conflict with Iran may therefore be revealing a broader vulnerability: America’s military power is vast, but not unlimited.

According to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies cited by CNN, the military has used a significant portion of its advanced missile inventory in recent weeks of fighting.

The assessment estimates that American forces have consumed about 45pc of their Precision Strike Missiles, at least half of their THAAD interceptors, and around 50pc of their Patriot interceptors.

The analysis also indicates the US has used roughly 30pc of its Tomahawk cruise missiles, over 20pc of its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, and around 20pc of its SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors.

Either way, the message from inside the Pentagon is clear: Modern warfare is consuming advanced weapons faster than they can be replaced, and even the US military must make choices when several crises demand the same resources.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

HERAT: The bodies of 14 Afghans attempting to reach Iran were found in a scorching desert in southwestern Afghanistan, officials said on Saturday, weeks after their vehicle broke down and they set off by foot.

Authorities have been searching for the group since the driver of the vehicle staggered into a village in Nimroz province, parched and exhausted, seeking help.

Five bodies were found soon after, but authorities launched a hunt for 14 others who had continued the journey on foot.

Nimroz is one of Afghanistan’s hottest and most arid provinces, with temperatures hovering around 45C at this time of year.

The 14 bodies were found buried in sand, a source at the Nimroz provincial hospital told AFP on Saturday.

Provincial government spokesman Abdul Mutawakil Tawhidi confirmed the grisly desert find on Friday.

Iran is a popular destination for Afghan migrants seeking economic opportunity not available at home, but legal avenues for entry are scarce.

“These 14 young men are from our village. They had left home 23 days ago, and today we are receiving their bodies,” Abdul Khaleq, a resident of Qolghi in the eastern province of Badghis, told AFP before heading to the cemetery for the burial.

Afghan authorities are “firmly continuing their fight against (…) human trafficking,” Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani said in a statement to national broadcaster RTA.

While temperatures in the border areas between Afghanistan and Iran can soar in the summer, they also plummet to dangerous levels in the winter.

At least 18 Afghans attempting the perilous crossing into Iran died in the cold last December, including a fifteen-year-old boy.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

DEIR: Israel’s military on Saturday kil­led two Palestinians in Gaza and destr­o­yed two warehouses near a hospital that were said to be storing medicine in separate strikes, amid uncertainty over whe­t­her Israel has accepted a deal reac­h­ed with Hamas over the group’s disarmament.

In southern Gaza, an Israeli airstrike destroyed two warehouses used to store medicine by Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said.

Several hours after the strike, the Israeli military said it had struck a Hamas hideout near the hospital used to store weapons. The strikes were directed by the Shin Bet intelligence agency, but the military did not disclose evidence to support the claim.

The hospital said the warehouses stored essential medical supplies used to treat kidney failure patients undergoing dialysis, along with other materials like gauze used in wound care.

Two other warehouses storing medicine and the hospital’s outpatient clinic were damaged.

“The Israeli occupation has committed a heinous crime,” Khalil al-Daqran, a doctor at the hospital, said of the strike. “In the middle of the night, [the military] targeted a warehouse containing medical supplies for the hospital, and the occupation completely destroyed it.”

Fatima Sharab, 34, a displaced Palestinian mother of two living in a tent near the warehouses, said the strike destroyed tents housing 60 to 70 people who had been sheltering there to be close to the hospital.

In central Gaza, Palestinian health officials said two Palestinians were killed in the Sheikh Radwan area of Gaza City in an Israeli airstrike.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026

The remarks came after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) mobilised large protests in New Delhi and other cities over examination paper leaks, posing the biggest challenge to Modi’s government in recent years.

Some protesters featured in widely circulated videos shouting insults at the prime minister have since faced online abuse from Modi supporters as well as police complaints.

Police have also asked social media platforms, including Meta and X, to take down what they described as abusive and manipulated content targeting the premier.

“The country and the world witnessed what happened at Jantar Mantar. Some mischievous youngsters hurled vile abuses,” Modi, 75, said in a video posted on Instagram. “Words were used that do not belong to civilised society — directed not just at me, but even at my late mother... I want to forgive them.”

Modi also said “mistakes made in youth” should be corrected through guidance rather than legal action, referring to the police cases.

The protests that began last month were initially sparked by anger over examination paper leaks.

But they broadened into a wider expression of frustration over unemployment and governance, culminating in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Since the protests began, Modi has increasingly used Instagram, the platform on which the CJP built much of its support, to communicate directly with youngsters.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026