Spurs looked set to escape the bottom three with just minutes remaining after their late goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton’s equaliser at the London Stadium.

But West Ham substitute Callum Wilson scored a winner in the 92nd minute to restore West Ham’s two-point cushion, with just four games to go.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham travelled to already-relegated Wolves without a Premier League win since December but were blunt in attack, mustering just two shots on target in the entire game.

Short of inspiration and confidence, it appeared they were heading for a damaging goalless draw before Joao Palhinha’s 82nd-minute goal secured a 1-0 win.

Travelling Spurs fans celebrated wildly when they learned that Everton had levelled in the 88th minute, cancelling out Tomas Soucek’s headed opener.

At that stage Spurs were out of the bottom three.

But West Ham were not finished, with Wilson adding a remarkable postscript to lift them back above Tottenham.

“The atmosphere was electric,” Wilson told the BBC. “I think the fans and the players have really come together in this period and it has stood us in good stead.

“We’re the ones in the driving seat at the moment and if we take care of our own results it should stand us in good stead come the end of the season.”

Wolves and Burnley are already down but the race to avoid the final relegation spot has effectively become a two-horse race between Tottenham and West Ham, who have 36 points.

Nottingham Forest, three points ahead, hammered Sunderland 5-0 on Friday to pull well clear of the drop zone.

Meanwhile, Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1, getting the better of their opponents for the first time in four meetings this season to climb into fourth place above Aston Villa, who earlier lost 1-0 at Fulham.

Liverpool lost the season-opening Community Shield against Palace on penalties before defeats in the Premier League and League Cup.

Alexander Isak, who has recently returned to action after fracturing his fibula, scored his first goal for Liverpool since December.

Andy Robertson doubled Liverpool’s lead after a slick counter-attacking move.

Daniel Munoz halved the deficit in the second half but Florian Wirtz scored a last-gasp third to restore the home side’s two-goal cushion.

Mohamed Salah limped off in the second half at Anfield holding his hamstring with less than a month of his glittering career with the Reds remaining.

Arne Slot’s men are now near-certainties to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which would be some consolation after a miserable title defence.

They are level on 58 points with Villa and Manchester United — with all three teams eight points clear of Brighton and Hove Albion.

“Our objectives this season have changed due to our form but the Champions League is so important to this football club and we’ve made a big step,” Robertson told Sky Sports.

In the early kick-off on Saturday, Fulham beat Aston Villa to keep their hopes of qualification for Europe alive.

Ryan Sessegnon scored the only goal of the game shortly before half-time after Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins had gone close for Villa.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The world’s most populous nation will stage the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and is also bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games in the western Indian city.

“Indian Olympic Association has already sent an expression of interest to OCA (Olympic Council of Asia) for organising the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad,” IOA President P. T. Usha told Reuters by telephone from China. “I met the OCA president and other functionaries here and they are all happy and want to support us.”

Former Olympian Usha is in China to attend the Asian Beach Games in Sanya.

“They had an EC (executive committee) meeting here where they discussed it. They will be sending an evaluation committee to India very soon,” she added.

India hosted the inaugural Asian Games in 1951 in New Delhi and again in 1982 in the capital city.

The country hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which was mired in mismanagement and allegations of corruption.

Nagoya in Japan will host this year’s Asian Games, while Doha has been awarded the 2030 edition and Riyadh 2034.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The matches of PSL-11 are being held behind closed doors — in Karachi and Lahore — due to the government’s austerity measures taken in the wake of the surge in oil prices amid the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.

Fans, however, have now been permitted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to witness the all-important PSL final here at the Gaddafi Stadium on May 3.

According to Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the PM, on the request of the franchise owners, took the decision.

“Dear cricket fans, I requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow spectators in the stadiums [for PSL]. While he was also inclined to permit fans, he emphasised that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimise fuel consumption,” Mohsin said in a message shared on X his account early Saturday morning.

“However, on the request of [the] franchise owners, he has graciously approved the presence of fans for the PSL 11 Final. I sincerely thank him for this decision and for facilitating the fans.”

The announcement thrilled fans but made them concerned too, as buying tickets for a high-profile match like PSL final was a gigantic task.

“I did not miss any PSL staged in Lahore. [Therefore], I am passionate to watch the final but it is not easy to get the tickets because the 24,000-capacity stadium cannot handle the expected response from the crowd,” Mohammad Usman, a diehard fan, told Dawn soon after the announcement made by the PM.

A PCB official on the condition of anonymity said that there was great pressure on the PCB to allow fans from the franchises as well as from general public from the outset but due to the austerity campaign it did not happen.It has emerged that the PCB is considering keeping normal price for the general stands and charging more for the VVIP boxes.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

LAHORE: David Warner and Reeza Hendricks blasted unbeaten half-centuries on Saturday as Karachi Kings chased down 196 with nine wickets and nine balls to spare against Quetta Gladiators, but the victory was not enough to keep their HBL Pakistan Super League playoff hopes alive.

Kings were officially eliminated later in the day after Lahore Qalandars won their match against table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi.

A second successive captain’s knock from Warner (89 not out), combined with a commanding unbroken 141-run partnership for the second wicket with Hendricks (87 not out), propelled Kings to what proved to be a consolation win in their final league match here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The defeat also knocked Gladiators out of the playoff race, leaving two teams — Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen — in contention for the remaining slot alongside already-qualified Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans and Islamabad United.

The final qualification is likely to be determined on net run rate (NRR).

Chasing a formidable 196, Kings not only achieved the target with ease but did so with nine balls to spare, finishing at 199 for one in 18.3 overs. Notably, four of Kings’s five victories in the tournament have come in Lahore.

Gladiator’s, after being sent in to bat, posted 195-6 in the stipulated overs. Rilee Rossouw top-scored with 90 off 54 balls and captain Saud Shakeel added 57 off 34, but the Gladiators slowed dramatically at the death, managing only 20 runs in the last three overs.

With comparatively cooler conditions for the second innings, Kings never looked in trouble after an early wicket.

Kings’s chase began on a steady note, with Jason Roy providing early impetus.

The English opener scored a brisk 20 off 15 balls, striking four boundaries before being dismissed in the sixth over by Jahandad Khan with the score at 58. Though his stay was brief, Roy ensured the required rate remained under control.

What followed was a dominant batting display led by Warner and Hendricks. Warner, registering his third half-century of the tournament and second consecutive unbeaten effort, anchored the innings with authority.

His knock, laced with 10 fours and four sixes, blended composure with catlculated aggression and kept Kings comfortably ahead of the asking rate.

Hendricks complemented his skipper perfectly, matching him stroke for stroke in a fluent innings of 87 off 48 balls, which included eight fours and four sixes.

The duo dismantled Gladiators’s bowling attack with ease, accelerating seamlessly through the middle overs and leaving no room for a comeback.

The pair’s intent was particularly evident in key overs, with Hendricks taking 24 runs off Alzarri Joseph in the 17th over, while Warner had earlier collected 18 runs from Abrar Ahmed in the fifth. Their unbroken stand ensured a one-sided finish as Kings sealed victory in commanding fashion.

Gladiators’s bowlers struggled after the early breakthrough, with Jahandad the lone wicket-taker. The rest of the attack — including Joseph, Khalil Ahmed, Abrar and Usman Tariq — proved ineffective, conceding ten or more runs per over.

For Gladiators, the innings had started disastrously. Pacer Hassan Ali removed both opener — Shamyl Hussain and Khawaja Nafay — for ducks in the very first over of the day.

Shamyl was caught behind off the first ball for a golden duck and Nafay followed in the same over, caught by Warner at mid-off for nought, leaving Gladiators reeling at 1 for 2 inside the opening over.

Rossouw and Saud then engineered a remarkable recovery. Initially cautious, the pair rebuilt the innings with intelligent strike rotation before shifting gears to dominate the bowlers. By the end of the powerplay, Gladiators had surged to 58 for two, a significant turnaround.

The partnership flourished through the middle overs, frustrating Kings’ attack. Rossouw brought up his fourth half-century of the tournament off 36 balls, while Saud reached his fifty off 30 deliveries. Together, they added 100 runs in just 60 balls.

Saud was eventually dismissed for 57 off 34 balls — an innings featuring nine boundaries — when he was caught behind off Rizwanullah with the total nearing 150.

Rossouw, however, continued his assault and, alongside Dinesh Chandimal, pushed the score further before falling for 90 off 54 balls. His innings included six sixes and eight fours as the southpaw reached 10,000 T20 runs during his knock.

Chandimal provided a steady finish, remaining unbeaten on 30 off 17 balls, hitting three fours and a six to ensure Gladiators posted a challenging total.

Among Kings’ bowlers, Hasan claimed two early wickets for 41 runs, while Rizwanullah and Abbas Afridi took two wickets each. However, the attack struggled to contain Rossouw and Saud once they settled.

Despite Gladiators’s recovery, Kings’s clinical chase ultimately rendered the effort insufficient, as Warner and Hendricks produced one of the most dominant batting performances of the season.

SCOREBOARD

QUETTA GLADIATORS:

Shamyl Hussain c Azam b Hasan0

Khawaja Nafay c Warner b Hasan0

Rilee Rossouw c Azam b Abbas90

Saud Shakeel c Azam b Rizwanullah57

Hasan Nawaz c Abbas b Rizwanullah3

Dinesh Chandimal not out30

Jahandad Khan c Hasan b Abbas3

Alzarri Joseph not out2

EXTRAS (B-4, LB-2, W-4)10

TOTAL (for six wickets, 20 overs)195

DID NOT BAT: Khalil Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

FALL OF WICKETS: 1-0 (Shamyl), 2-1 (Nafay), 3-149 (Saud), 4-157 (Rossouw), 5-161 (Hasan), 6-185 (Jahandad)

BOWLING: Hasan 4-0-41-2 (1w), Rizwanullah 3.4-0-28-2 (1w), Ali 4-0-45-0, Salman 3-0-24-0 (1w), Zahid 3-0-29-0, Abbas 2.2-0-22-2 (1w)

KARACHI KINGS:

Jason Roy c Joseph b Jahandad20

David Warner not out89

Reeza Hendricks not out87

EXTRAS (LB-2, W-1)3

TOTAL (for one wicket, 18.3 overs)199

DID NOT BAT: Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Khushdil Shah, Moeen Ali, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Zahid Mahmood, Rizwanullah

FALL OF WICKET: 1-58 (Roy)

BOWLING: Joseph 4-0-42-0, Khalil 3-0-35-0, Jahandad 3.3-0-38-1 (1w), Abrar 4-0-42-0, Usman 4-0-40-0

RESULT: Karachi Kings won by nine wickets.

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: David Warner

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

LAHORE: It was quite an unusual scenario here at the Gaddafi Stadium with Lahore Qalandars batters showing their grit in their last initial-stage match.

Though their innings against Peshawar Zalmi revolved around Fakhar Zaman, Qalandars’ mainstay known for his belligerent willow work, the southpaw on Saturday night crafted an uncharacteristic knock while his batting partners took the main role as they overhauled 200 with three balls to spare.

Abdullah Shafique, Charith Asalanka, Sikandar Raza and Daniel Sams all made valuable contributions with the bat.

The Shaheen Shah Afridi-led side in the process became the first team to beat table toppers Zalmi who had won eight matches of the ongoing edition before Saturday.

The thrilling win, Qalandars’ fifth in 10 games, lifted them to the fourth spot as they kept their playoffs hopes alive in the eight-team league.

With 10 points under their belt, defending champions Qalandars now wait anxiously for the outcome of Sunday’s clash between Hyderabad Kingsmen, who have four wins (eight points), and bottom-placed Rawalpindiz in Karachi. Kingsmen, in order to reach the playoffs, need to beat Rawalpindiz by a big margin to get a relatively better net run-rate or else Qalandars will go through.

Sams’ (35 not out off 15, five fours and a six) couple off pacer Mohammad Basit in the final over gave Qalandars a memorable six-wicket victory.

Earlier in their innings, Qalandars after losing Mohammad Naeem (10) to pacer Khurram Shahzad in the third over at the total of 21 cruised to 64-1 in powerplay as a unusually quiet Fakhar, who made 58 not out off 47 — steadily lifted his scoring rate.

Fakhar was accompanied by Abdullah Shafique who walloped an 11-ball 25 laced with four fours and a six as the duo sought to cruise ahead.

However, immediately after powerplay, spinner Iftikhar Ahmed sent Abdullah back to the pavilion as the batter looked to play a slog sweep but only managed to get caught at deep mid-wicket by Sufiyan Muqeem.

Fakhar, later named player-of-the-match, then combined with Asalanka, who made 33 off 26, to help Qalandars get past 100 in the 11th over. The 53-run stand was broken by Ali Raza in the 13th over when a well-disguised slower ball deceived Asalanka who was caught in the cover by Michael Bracewell.

Sikandar Raza looked in a punishing mood as the right-hander made a whirlwind 29 off just 11 striking three sixes and a couple of fours to steer Qalandars to 150 in the 16th over. In the same over however, he was dismissed — hit-wicket while attempting a shot over fine-leg — by Sufiyan as the scoreline now read 160-4.

But Sams and Fakhar completed the job for Qalandars without any further loss.

Khurram, Iftikhar, Ali and Sufiyan claimed a wicket each for Zalmi.

Earlier after being sent in to bat, Zalmi posted a solid 199-4 off the stipulated overs thanks to the fireworks by Bracewell who was well supported by Babar.

Zalmi were restricted earlier as opener James Vince and in-form Kusal Mendis were sent back in a double strike by Shaheen inside powerplay.

Vince, after making 10, was cleaned up by an inswinging yorker in the third over. In the fifth, Shaheen intelligently deceived Mendis with a slower one as the Sri Lankan batter attempting to pull mistimed it to give a simple catch to Haris Rauf at mid-on. It was now 36-2.

After posting a moderate 43-2 in powerplay, Bracewell and Babar gradually rebuilt the innings to help Zalmi reach 78 at the halfway stage. The duo continued to keep a moderate scoring rate to post 100-2 in 13.1 overs.

Opener Babar, enjoying a sublime run of form with the bat, continued to impress as he completed the half-century — his third of the ongoing edition — off 40 balls. The batter has struck a hundred too in the ongoing edition, against Quetta Gladiators in Karachi.

Playing relatively faster, Bracewell completed his fifty off 30 but not before the New Zealander got a life on 16 in the eighth over when Naeem dropped an easy catch in deep cover.

Babar and Bracewell added an invaluable 94 runs off 64 balls before the former fell in the 16th over when Haris bowled him. Babar consumed 45 balls for his 59 and struck five fours and a six.

Left-handed Bracewell, who during his fabulous knock cracked eight fours and six sixes, was joined by Iftikhar (27 not out off 14, five fours) and the pair changed gears to add 64 runs off just 27 balls steering Zalmi to 194-3.

After bludgeoning 83 off 45, Bracewell was undone by a reverse-swinging yorker by Haris in the final over.

Shaheen finished with two wickets for 36 while Haris conceded 46 runs for his two.

SCOREBOARD

PESHAWAR ZALMI:

James Vince b Shaheen10

Babar Azam b Haris59

Kusal Mendis c Haris b Shaheen7

Michael Bracewell b Haris83

Iftikhar Ahmed not out27

Abdul Samad not out4

EXTRAS (LB-4, W-5)9

TOTAL (for four wickets, 20 overs)199

DID NOT BAT: Farhan Yousaf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit, Ali Raza, Khurram Shahzad

FALL OF WICKETS: 1-16 (Vince), 2-36 (Mendis), 3-130 (Babar), 4-194 (Bracewell)

BOWLING: Shaheen 4-0-36-2, Ubaid 3-0-28-0, Sams 4-0-35-0 (1w), Raza 4-0-32-0 (1w), Haris 4-0-46-2 (3w), Burl 1-0-18-0

LAHORE QALANDARS:

Fakhar Zaman not out58

Mohammad Naeem c Iftikhar b Khurram10

Abdullah Shafique c Sufiyan b Iftikhar25

Charith Asalanka c Bracewell b Ali33

Sikandar Raza hit wicket b Sufiyan29

Daniel Sams not out35

EXTRAS (LB-1, NB-1, W-8)10

TOTAL (for four wickets, 19.3 overs) 200

DID NOT BAT: Ryan Burl, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haseebullah Khan, Ubaid Shah, Haris Rauf

FALL OF WICKETS: 1-21 (Naeem), 2-65 (Abdullah), 3-118 (Asalanka), 4-160 (Raza)

BOWLING: Khurram 3-0-22-1 (2w, 1nb), Basit 3.3-0-36-0 (1w), Iftikhar 4-0-33-1, Ali 3-0-48-1 (1w), Bracewell 2-0-22-0, Sufiyan 4-0-38-1

RESULT: Lahore Qalandars won by six wickets.

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Fakhar Zaman

POINTS TABLE

(Tabulated under matches, won, lost, no result, points, run-rate)

Peshawar Zalmi 10 8 1 1 17 2.324

Multan Sultans 9 6 3 0 12 0.450

Islamabad United 9 5 3 1 11 1.766

Lahore Qalandars 10 5 5 0 10 -0.482

Karachi Kings 10 5 5 0 10 -0.869

Hyderabad Kingsmen 9 4 5 0 8 -1.037

Quetta Gladiators 10 3 7 0 6 -0.410

Rawalpindiz 9 1 8 0 2 -1.330

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

A champion in the Spanish capital in 2024, Swiatek rebounded from a one-set deficit to level the contest but put an end to proceedings while down 0-3 in the decider.

The Polish six-time Grand Slam champion appeared to be struggling and asked for the doctor after getting broken early in the third set.

Following a conversation with the trainers, Swiatek tried to break Li back but when her opponent held for a 3-0 advantage, the fourth seed realised she was unable to continue the match.

It is Swiatek’s earliest ever exit in five appearances in Madrid.

Earlier in the day, 15th-seeded Iva Jovic squandered a lead and fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Canadian 24th seed Leylah Fernandez, who will be Li’s opponent in the last 16.

Ninth-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva overcame an inspired Dalma Galfi 6-3, 6-2 in a match that was much closer than the scoreline suggests.

The Hungarian qualifier ranked 117 in the world broke early in both sets but was unable to maintain her advantage as Andreeva recovered to improve her clay-court record this season to 9-1 and set up a last-16 showdown with another Hungarian, Anna Bondar.

“Today it was a very tricky match, Dalma is a very tricky opponent to play against,” said Andreeva, who turns 19 on Wednesday.

“In the first set I found myself on the back foot a little bit. She started well, hitting a lot of winners, being very solid and consistent. So I told myself that, ‘If she wants to beat me to today, that’s the level she has to play the whole match’. And I told myself, ‘It’s okay, even if now I don’t feel like I’m playing my best, slowly I’ll get there and figure out’.

“I’m just super happy that I won in straight sets today.”

In ATP action, defending champion Casper Ruud raced into the third round with a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of home favourite Jaume Munar in just 65 minutes.

The 12th-seeded Ruud leads the ATP Tour in clay wins (133) and titles (12) since the start of the 2020 season and bids to become the third man to defend the Madrid crown after Rafael Nadal (2013-14) and Carlos Alcaraz (2022-23).

Alexander Zverev, meanwhile, dropped a set but ultimately progressed to the round-of-32 after beating Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

Felix Auger-Aliassime, Karen Khachanov and Jakub Mensik also progressed following their straight set wins.

In Friday’s late action, Tommy Paul suffered a surprise early exit, falling 7-5, 6-4 against Argentine Thiago Tirante while Spaniard Rafael Jodar, 19, who impressed with a run to the Barcelona Open semi-finals last week, dumped out world number eight Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-1.

In the women’s section, fifth seed Jessica Pegula defeated Briton Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-4 in the late match on the main court to close out the day’s action.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

BERLIN: Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich stormed back from three goals down to win 4-3 at Mainz on Saturday, ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg at Paris St-Germain.

After wrapping up another Bundesliga title last weekend and with an eye on Tuesday’s trip to the French capital, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany made sweeping changes to his team.

Mainz took advantage and cut through Bayern to lead 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Dominik Kohr, Paul Nebel and Sheraldo Becker.

Bayern introduced Harry Kane and Michael Olise for the second half and then also brought on Jamal Musiala, turning the match on its head.

Nicolas Jackson ignited the comeback before Olise and Musiala struck to bring Bayern level. Kane’s 33rd league goal of the season with seven minutes to go won it for the visitors.

With most of the team that started Wednesday’s 2-0 German Cup semi-final win over Bayer Leverkusen on the bench, Mainz broke the deadlock when Kohr scored from close range after a scuffed clearance from Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig.

Mainz doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark, Nebel tapping in a rebound. The hosts added a third moments before the break through Becker.

But Kompany’s decision to throw on his attacking stars swung the game in Bayern’s favour.

Jackson turned in a Konrad Laimer cross and Olise scored with a superb curling effort from the edge of the box to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Olise set up Musiala, with the Germany midfielder then laying one on for Kane to put Bayern ahead and seal a remarkable comeback.

Elsewhere, Patrik Schick bagged a brace as Bayer Leverkusen downed derby rivals Cologne 2-1 away to keep their top-four hopes alive.

The Czech striker converted a penalty late in the opening half before adding another after the break, turning in a Nathan Tella pass to finish off a length-of-the-field counter.

Schick now has six goals in his past five league games and seven in his past eight clashes against Cologne.

Meanwhile, Heidenheim kept their slim hopes of evading the drop alive, beating relegation rivals St Pauli 2-0 at home courtesy of goals from Budu Zivzivadze and Eren Dinkci.

Pauli’s loss leaves them in the relegation playoff spot and five points from safety.

VfL Wolfsburg remain in grave danger of relegation after a 0-0 draw at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach. The Wolves, champions in 2009, are a point behind Pauli in the automatic relegation places.

Augsburg drew 1-1 at home to Frankfurt.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

A Roman Yaremchuk brace, either side of a Corentin Tolisso goal, was enough to move the hosts to 57 points and open up a provisional three point gap to fourth-placed Lille.

Auxerre, despite a Sinaly Diomande strike and Bryan Okoh’s late goal, which set up a nervy finish, were condemned to a 16th defeat of the season and remain in the relegation play-off spot.

Yaremchuk ghosted in at the near post to prod Lyon in front in the 19th minute, before Diomande levelled from close range for Auxerre 10 minutes before half-time.

Lyon captain Tolisso restored his side’s lead six minutes after the hour and Ukrainian Yaremchuk then doubled their advantage five minutes later.

Okoh’s deflected strike in the 88th minute gave Lyon cause for concern late on but Paulo Fonseca’s side were able to keep their opponents at arm’s length to see out the victory.

With three games left for them this season, Lyon moved to within six points of RC Lens, who drew 3-3 at Brest on Friday, and an unlikely top-two finish.

Lens were 3-0 down at the half-time as Daouda Guindo’s, Lucas Tousart and Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe scored a goal each, leaving Lens staring down the barrel just days after they had booked their place in the French Cup final.

Florian Thauvin capitalised hauled Lens back into the contest on the hour, before Abdallah Sima swept home a cross just four minutes later to continue the revival. Lens snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time when Alain Saint-Maximin unleashed a 20-yard strike.

“I’ll admit that I had some very harsh words at half-time,” said Lens coach Pierre Sage.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

In an outstanding performance, Abubakar and Hamza outclassed the pair of Singapore’s Luke Jie Xi Ho and Mikaeel Ali Baig of Pakistan 6-1, 6-0 to claim the title.

Meanwhile, Korea’s Yerin Lim and Zhiyu Zhou of China defeated the pair of Japan’s Kiko Okuyama and Zihan Feng of China 6-3, 1-6, (12-10) in the girls doubles final.

The ITF men’s Futures M-15 (Leg-1) tournament starts on Sunday at the same venue.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

Real confirmed in midweek that Militao felt a twinge in a challenge shortly before halftime in Tuesday’s win against Alaves and signalled straight away to be replaced.

While Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa initially struck an optimistic tone after the game, an MRI scan later revealed a muscle injury to the hamstring in Militao’s left leg.

Spanish radio COPE first reported it was a recurrence of the injury he sustained in December, which could require surgery and rule him out of the World Cup, which starts in less than 50 days. Reuters has confirmed that report with several sources.

The 28-year-old now faces an anxious wait. Sources told Reuters a final decision will be made and announced on Monday, when Militao undergoes a new series of examinations with Real’s doctors to determine the next steps.

The latest blow marks another setback for the Brazilian centre back, who has endured a succession of injuries in recent seasons, including ACL tears in back-to-back years.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

Napoli are second in the standings on 69 points, nine behind Inter who are away to Torino on Sunday and three points ahead of AC Milan who host Juventus. Cremonese are third from bottom, with 28 points.

With their title defence all but over, Napoli were still keen to impress after a dismal performance last weekend when they failed to register a single shot on target in a 2-0 home loss to Lazio.

Scott McTominay was denied by the onrushing keeper Emil Audero in an early attack but his opening goal quickly followed in the third minute.

McTominay collected Kevin De Bruyne’s pass, took one touch to control before rifling a low shot to the bottom corner of the net for his ninth league goal of the season.

Napoli created plenty of chances before doubling their lead on the stroke of halftime with an own goal.

Rasmus Hojlund slipped as he got his shot away but the ball took a wicked deflection off Filippo Terracciano to wrongfoot Audero and Napoli finished the game off in stoppage time before the break.

After McTominay made an acrobatic pullback from the byline to keep the ball in play, De Bruyne battled to win possession from Youssef Maleh in the area and drilled his shot beyond Audero.

Napoli continued where they left off after the interval. Keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic threw the ball to Alisson Santos who ran the length of the pitch unchallenged before firing home from the edge of the area.

Amir Rrahmani rattled the Cremonese crossbar and Audero denied McTominay from the penalty spot late on as Napoli failed to add to their goal tally, but Conte, and the home fans, will be more than happy with an impressive performance.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The match marked the first time a Pakistan side has competed in a UEFA competition.

Kazakhstan opened the scoring in the seventh minute through a penalty converted by Platon Shipstin. Anuar Tolendi doubled the lead on a counter-attack in the 21st minute, and captain David Zarechnyy made it 3-0 after a defensive lapse in the 30th. Daniyar Kassi added a fourth with a header in first-half injury time.

Pakistan regrouped after the interval and produced a more vibrant performance. Captain Abdul Samad pulled a goal back with a bullet header off a pinpoint cross from Muhammad Hanzala from the right. Substitute Danish Masih went close twice as Pakistan created more chances in the second half.

Head coach Mohammed Essa said the experience was valuable for his young side.

“This is a learning experience for the team since it is the first time that a Pakistan side is playing in a UEFA competition,” Essa said in a statement released by the Pakistan Football Federation. “It was the first game for the team here and I think we did well after a tough first half.”

Captain Abdul Samad acknowledged the disappointment but struck a defiant tone.

“It wasn’t the result that we wanted,” Samad said. “But we will take our learnings from this match and come out stronger and better in the second match.”

Pakistan in the event next face Russia on Monday.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

GETAFE: Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford’s goals took Barcelona to the brink of the La Liga title with a 2-0 win at Getafe on Saturday.

The defending champions moved 11 points clear of second place Real Madrid, who drew at Real Betis on Friday to dent their hopes of finishing the season with a trophy.

Hansi Flick’s side can win their second consecutive Spanish title if they overcome Osasuna next weekend and Real fail to beat Espanyol.

Barcelona were without vital injured wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha but still did enough to see off Jose Bordalas’s tricky side, sixth, in the Madrid suburbs.

“We were aware of what was going to happen here, we were going to have few chances and I think we played well, competing well defensively and putting away the chances we had,” Lopez told Movistar.

“We know we’ve got a big advantage (in the title race) but even so, we can’t relax, I know it’s a cliche but it’s the truth.”

Getafe set out to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm with small fouls and Barca struggled to create many clear opportunities.

Dani Olmo made the first with a neat dribble, speeding into Getafe territory, but pulled his shot wide of the far post.

Eventually the hosts made the breakthrough just before half-time when Pedri played in Lopez.

Wearing a protective mask after hurting his face in a collision with Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Juan Musso during Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final elimination last week, Lopez stayed calm to slot home. The midfielder imitated Yamal’s usual “304” celebration in tribute to the injured teenage star.

With Getafe needing to come out of their shell to find an equaliser, Barca had more opportunities after the break.

David Soria saved from Olmo after he met Jules Kounde’s cross, and then the French defender headed a Joao Cancelo ball narrowly off-target.

Martin Satriano threatened for the hosts before Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, secured Barcelona’s triumph.

Robert Lewandowski sent the England international charging through on goal and he slipped a low effort past Soria to help Barca put one hand on the trophy.On Friday, Hector Bellerin scored deep into stoppage time to earn Betis a 1-1 draw against Real, denting the hosts’ fading title hopes with five games remaining.

Real took the lead in the 17th minute when Federico Valverde’s drive from outside the box was spilled by Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles and Vinicius Jr reacted quickly to finish from close range.

However, Betis equalised in the 93rd minute as Ferland Mendy lost possession to Antony inside the box, sparking confusion in the area. The ball broke kindly for Bellerin, who drove a low effort through a crowd of players and into the net.

“We suffered another blow in the final minutes, as has already happened to us many other times, and we end up with a result I don’t think we deserved, because we had chances (to win),” Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa told reporters.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The benchmark KSE-100 index ended the week lower, though a strong rally in the final session helped to trim losses. The late recovery was driven by speculation surrounding a visit by Iran’s foreign minister, which some investors initially interpreted as signalling a possible resumption of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Arif Habib Ltd (AHL) reported that the index closed at 170,672 points, down 3,267 points, or around 1.88pc, over the week. The market remained under pressure due to delays in a second round of US-Iran negotiations, despite an extension in the ceasefire reportedly secured at Pakistan’s request.

According to Topline Securities Ltd, the market’s downturn reflected heightened geopolitical risks. The deadlock between the US and Iran triggered broad-based selling across key sectors, including banking, fertilisers, and oil and gas exploration.

Hormuz crisis, oil surge spook banking and energy stocks

Global equity markets also weakened as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz disrupted supply routes and pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude rose 3.2pc over the week to settle at $104.8 per barrel, exacerbating inflationary concerns for oil-importing economies such as Pakistan.

The average daily traded volume stood at 1.2 billion shares, while the average traded value was Rs46bn. Individuals emerged as major buyers, with net purchases of $14.6m. In contrast, foreign corporates and insurance companies were significant sellers, offloading equities worth $12.5m and $11.9m, respectively.

AKD Securities Ltd noted that investor risk appetite weakened amid renewed diplomatic friction. However, sentiment improved towards the end of Friday’s session following confirmation that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would visit Pakistan over the weekend, raising hopes of renewed engagement.

The US president’s decision earlier in the week to extend the ceasefire indefinitely also helped avert a sharper sell-off, keeping expectations of a potential resolution alive.

On the macroeconomic front, several developments provided some support. Pakistan received the final $1bn tranche of Saudi Arabia’s $3bn support package and repaid $3.45bn to the UAE against maturing deposits, meeting its external obligations on time.

Meanwhile, the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reser­ves rose by $18m week-on-week to $15.1bn as of April 17. The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02pc to close at Rs278.85 against the dollar.

Pakistan raised an additional $250m by exercising a greenshoe option, bringing the total size of its latest Eurobond issuance to $750m, after a four-year gap.

The World Bank also reclassified Pakistan from the South Asia region to the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) grouping, effective from fiscal year 2026.

On the economic data front, gas production fell 3.1pc week-on-week to 2,962mmcfd in the second week of April, primarily due to reduced output from Uch and a shutdown at Shewa. Oil production declined 1.1pc to 66,838 barrels per day, reflecting lower output from Makori East and Kunar Pasakhi Deep fields.

Repatriation of profits and dividends dropped 35.1pc year-on-year to $102.4m in March, although it rose sharply on a monthly basis. For the first nine months of FY26, repatriation increased 3.4pc to $1.78bn.

Sector-wise, textile weaving, refinery, and synthetic and rayon sectors posted gains, while jute, pharmaceuticals, and cement stocks lagged behind.

Analysts expect market direction to remain closely tied to developments in US-Iran relations. The ongoing corporate earnings season and the upcoming monetary policy decision are also likely to influence near-term sentiment.

Despite recent volatility, valuations remain attractive. The market is currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of around 8.3 times, with a dividend yield of approximately 6.3pc, offering some support to investors.

AKD Securities projected that a constructive geopolitical outcome could act as a key catalyst for recovery, adding that the index could reach 263,800 points by December if stability improves.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

Master Group’s Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV (Rs9.5m) and the Nishat Group’s Jaecoo J7 (Rs10.499m) are two different brands of China’s Chery Group, targeting modern sport utility vehicle (SUV) customers in Pakistan who are going wild for electrified vehicles, with a focus on performance and technology.

In reality, both Chinese brands are built on closely related platforms, share core engineering, and deliver near-identical hybrid performance — yet are priced differently in the Pakistani market, with an almost Rs1m difference. A senior official at Chery Master said this is a new competition in the booming SUV market, not just between brands but also within the same global automotive groups.

The Tiggo 7 PHEV enters the C-segment as a plug-in hybrid built on Chery’s latest Super Hybrid architecture. It combines a 1.5TGDI engine with an 18.3 kWh battery and a dedicated hybrid transmission, producing strong power output and delivering up to 90km of pure electric range and a combined range of around 1,200km.

Tiggo 7 undercuts Jaecoo J7 sharply

The Jaecoo J7, meanwhile, is part of Chery’s newer sub-brand strategy aimed at a more design-led, lifestyle-oriented positioning. While it introduces a distinct exterior identity — more rugged, upright, and off-road inspired — its underlying engineering DNA remains closely aligned with Chery’s existing hybrid platforms.

The official said this is not unusual in the global auto industry. Shared platforms across different brands — often referred to as “badge engineering” — are common practice.

But in Pakistan’s price-sensitive market, such comparisons are increasingly influencing buying decisions.

For many buyers switching from conventional petrol to SUVs, this difference is not marginal — it materially impacts affordability and ownership economics, the official said.

As petrol prices remain high, PHEVs offer a practical middle ground — enabling daily commutes on electric power while retaining the flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys.

The official said buyers are no longer evaluating vehicles purely on exterior styling or badge perception, but increasingly on underlying engineering and cost efficiency.

As Pakistan’s hybrid segment expands, such intra-group comparisons are likely to become more common. Consumers are currently not upbeat about the look of vehicles, but they prefer vehicles that deliver more for what they pay, he added.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The GB Council has approved the summary to launch 5G trials.

Speaking on the details of the development, GB’s caretaker IT Minister Ghulam Abbas said that the council secretariat had prepared a summary seeking approval of policy directives for 5G trials.

The summary has been endorsed by the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of IT. After approval by the prime minister, who is the chairperson of the council, the summary will be forwarded to the IT Ministry.

“The IT ministry will authorise Pakistan Tele­communication Authority (PTA), the regulator, to initiate the 5G trials,” Mr Abbas said.

The 5G spectrum auction was held on March 10, but GB and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were not included, as separate regulations apply to these regions.

Meanwhile, a senior PTA official said after policy approval, the four telecos operating in GB will be directed to initiate trials.

After the merger of Ufone with Telenor, there are three telcos, with Zong and Jazz. However, the Special Communications Organisation operates only in GB and the AJK.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

KARACHI: New auto players appear reluctant to share the localisation in their vehicle assembly operations, while local vendors continue to complain about the negligible localisation by the new entrants.

As the current auto policy is expiring on June 30, vendors claim that the new entrants have not given any clear signal about future local assembly of parts, while some big vendors might have inked deals with them to assemble a few parts. Some assemblers already have parts-making factories, utilise their parts for their own vehicles, and sell parts to other assemblers.

According to official data, imports of semi- and completely knocked-down (SKD/CKD) components by assemblers have surged by 116 per cent to $1.47bn in 9MFY26 year on year (YoY), while the import bill for auto accessories from FY22 to 9MFY26 has crossed $6bn, suggesting lukewarm efforts towards higher localisation.

As new entrants did not respond to the request of sharing localisation in their vehicles, an executive in Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC), however, said the company has localised wiring harness, seats, bumpers, grills, mufflers, battery, carpets, instrument panel reinforcement, AV Panels, HVAC Assy, Door trims, Rims and so many other parts which are feasible.

“Kia Sportage’s localisation is up to 35pc, and we are slowly targeting 40pc plus, while localisation in Picanto stands at 40pc,” he said.

Many vendors quote higher prices than those for imported parts, while some vendors ask assemblers to invest in tooling, which is also not possible, the executive said.

On the rising import bill of CKD/SKD kits, he said that it seems that assemblers have been trying to bring the kits and accessories in larger volumes before the new budget, fearing any changes in case the Middle East war prolongs and pressure on foreign exchange increases, resulting in suspension of opening LCs to curb dollar outflow.

The LMC official said, “Localisa­tion will only be possible if we have volumes, and without them, it’s not feasible.”

One of the reasons for higher SKD/CKD bills is the launching of new models at limited localisation under the incentives in the auto policy, low localisation in new models introduced by old players and higher sales of cars, SUVs and pickups.

Localisation of parts in Japanese assembled cars ranges between 50-70pc but vendors believe that local parts in new models are less than 50pc.

Auto sector expert, Mashood Ali Khan, claimed that vendors are not getting the required orders from the new entrants for parts making.

The auto sector, instead of evolving into a localised manufacturing base, is increasingly shifting toward an assembly-driven model.

Rising consumer demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) — estimated at 35,000 to 40,000 units annually — is largely being met through imported CKD/SKD kits, restricting the growth potential of Pakistan’s industrial ecosystem, particularly SMEs.

“Pakistan’s experience over the past decade has been marked by stagnant localisation levels. New entrants, despite policy commitments, have largely relied on CKD/SKD imports, benefiting from concessional tariffs without meaningful investment in local supply chains,” he said, adding that in many cases, parts are imported under multiple HS codes to minimise duties, effectively bypassing the spirit of localisation policies.

As a result, SMEs are now facing declining demand, reduced production, and limited technological advancement, he said.

Pakistan’s current IMF-suppor­ted economic framework is gradually steering the country toward an import-led auto industry, raising serious concerns about its long-term sustainability. While such policies may provide short-term macroeconomic stability, they risk undermining local manufacturing, technological development, and job creation, he said.

Policy inconsistency, weak enforcement, and continued incentives without accountability have contributed to the current imbalance. As a new auto policy is under consideration, it is essential to evaluate past outcomes rather than repeat past mistakes, he said.

Key reforms in the new auto policy must include a clear definition and strict monitoring of CKD/SKD structures, enforcement of time-bound localisation targets, linking incentives to actual technology transfer and local investment and protection and support for domestic auto parts manufacturers.

Chinese automotive success is not based on frequent model launches, but on deep localisation, scale production, and strong state-backed industrial policy, Mashood said.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

At the same time, most experts believed that it was not inflation but the growing fears in the region, including Pakistan, due to the Gulf war, that would determine the direction of monetary policy.

“The risks in the Gulf war are unseen and so uncertain that nobody can claim that the economy of Pakistan and other countries like it would remain in the same shape as it is now,” said a financial expert.

He added that inflation could entirely change the economy, with greater uncertainty, in the form of a sharp decline in manufacturing and a further increase in existing poverty.

Experts see 100bps hike in SBP committee’s meeting on Monday

The short-term inflation hit 14 per cent during the week that ended on April 23, reflecting the mood of headline inflation. The government has again increased diesel and petroleum prices, an approach to shield against possible future hikes in main inflation.

Opinions divided

There was consensus among most researchers, bankers and other stakeholders of the economy that the interest rate would rise. However, opinions were divided over the size of the increase in the interest rate.

Most researchers believe that the interest rate will increase by 100 basis points to 11.5pc from the prevailing 10.5pc. However, a sizeable opinion was in favour of 50bps.

“An increase in the interest rate of up to 50bps will reflect a slight deviation from the normal situation, but the situation is highly unpredictable and uncertain even regarding the main inflation,” said S.S. Iqbal.

He believes the situation demands at least a 100bps increase in the interest rate.

It is important to note that earlier predictions during the current fiscal year about interest rate cuts or increases by experts proved wrong, as the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) calculations are different and it considers long-term impacts on the economy and future global trends.

“Considering higher than expected petroleum prices and consequently inflationary pressure, the SBP is expected to increase the rate by 100bps. If conditions persist in the mid-term, the rate may further go up,” said Rashid Masood Alam, a senior banker.

Tresmark, a research-based currency tracker, believes a 100bps hike will take place, not because data compels it, but as a pre-emptive move to protect hot money flows, counter inflation, and stay aligned with rising global bond yields.

“This is no longer just an oil story. Market relationships are breaking down. Oil, bonds, foreign exchange, and equities are all moving simultaneously, often in conflicting directions, with no clear anchor,” said Faisal Mamsa, the CEO of Tresmark.

A higher interest rate will yield more money for exporters and remitters but create serious problems for importers. It will also increase the debt burden of the government, which borrows heavily from banks and corporates to accumulate liquidity needed to run the government.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

PARIS: Heating with geothermal energy, lighting with solar panels, cooking with biodegradable waste: how can we live with less oil and gas? It’s a long-burning question — but one that is catching fire as energy costs soar due to the conflict in the Middle East, which has strangled exports of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

With the global energy shock caused by the conflict expected to linger, AFP’s video journalists around the world have explored how countries are experimenting with the climate transition.

Solar in Pakistan

The aerial view of Islamabad is striking: solar panels stretch as far as the eye can see from the rooftops of the lush, green Pakistani capital.

Pakistan’s shift to solar power is “one of the fastest consumer-led energy transitions on record”, according to a recent study by a Pakistani think tank.

Unlike Western economies, Pakistan — whose citizens have long struggled with energy shortages, blackouts and regular loadshedding — did not impose tariffs on solar technology from neighbouring China from 2013 to 2025.

The rise in oil and gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has also spurred consumers to embrace solar power.

In the bustling streets of the ancient Mughal city of Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital, 49-year-old shopkeeper Aftab Ahmed is looking for solar panels to install at his home.

“It has become so expensive that an average person can no longer afford fuel for a motorcycle or a car. Fuel prices are also affecting electricity bills, leading to further increases,” he says. Solar power offers the possibility of “at least some savings”.

Geothermal in France

For a long time, the owners of the building where Anne Chatelain lives near Paris resisted switching from gas heating to geothermal energy.

But on Jan 1, they finally began heating their homes using the natural heat from the subsoil — the soil immediately beneath the surface.

As energy bills soar elsewhere in the world, “Our property manager has announced a 20 per cent reduction in heating and hot water bills for 2026 and 2027,” rejoices the 69-year-old retiree.

The tech is both climate-friendly and, as a local resource, “not subject to taxation and geopolitical upheavals” such as the war with Iran, says Gregory Mascarau, a Paris director for the French multinational electric utility company ENGIE.

Shallow geothermal energy allows heating and cooling by using the subsoil’s temperature at depths of less than 200 meters (650 feet).

‘Green coal’ in Chad

It looks like charcoal, but the black briquettes are actually made from plant waste: millet and sesame stalks, palm fronds and cobs. The residues are sorted, ground and mixed with a maceration of gum arabic to facilitate ignition, and with clay to slow combustion.

“It doesn’t smoke, it lasts, and it’s economical. And I can see that it doesn’t blacken the pot, and there aren’t even any side effects,” says Sophie Saboura, 24, a resident of the Chadian capital N’Djamena.

The briquettes last up to three times longer than traditional charcoal, according to Ousmane Alhadj Oumarou, technical director of the Raikina Association for Socio-Economic Development (Adser) factory.

“From an environmental standpoint, eco-friendly charcoal contributes to sanitation. And it also reduces the effects of climate change. It also helps combat deforestation,” says Oumarou.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The project is being described as an important step toward strengthening the maternal and child healthcare system and ensuring the provision of quality medical services to the public.

Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti said in a statement that the provincial government is grateful to the Chinese government for this important cooperation. He said the project is a shining example of Pakistan–China friendship and mutual cooperation, reflecting the strong relations between the two countries.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

In the Sherani area of Chhatter, a land dispute between the Jakhrani and Chakarani tribes turned violent, resulting in gunfire that killed a man identified as Bakhsh Ali Jakhrani, authorities said. Two others sustained injuries in the clash.

In a separate incident in Goth Sher, a woman was killed in a shooting by armed men, according to police.

Separately, authorities said a three-year-old boy, Rawal Khan Jat, drowned in the Pat Feeder Canal near Dera Murad Jamali. His body was recovered from the water and taken to the Teaching Hospital before being released to his family.

In Sohbatpur, the driver of a tractor-trolley was killed when the vehicle overturned in Goth Muhammad Ismail Khoso. The driver was killed on the spot.Separately, a young man was injured during a fight in Goth Liaquat Laghari.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The remarks were made while addressing a National Party meeting in Turbat. The meeting discussed in detail organisational issues and political matters of Tehsil Council Turbat and Tehsil Council Shahrak.

They alleged that the parliament has become a “lifeless institution”, where elected representatives are not heard. They added that by undermining the mandate of the National Party and other nationalist parties, further fuel has been added to the already worsening situation in Balochistan.

Dr Malik said that the attitude of the federation and federal institutions towards the province is inappropriate. He added that the sanctity of the public vote has been violated, and the mandates of political and nationalist parties are not being respected by the state and its institutions, which is increasing a sense of deprivation among the people.

NP leaders criticise parliament, calling it a ‘lifeless institution’

He further said that interference in the electoral process is eroding public trust in democracy and its institutions.

Senator Buledi said that the problems of Balochistan cannot be resolved through force. He said it is the fundamental responsibility of the state and its democratic and constitutional institutions to restore public confidence in democracy by adopting a reconciliation policy and initiating dialogue with all political forces of Balochistan. He stressed that national and political parties must be taken into confidence.

He added that the National Party is a political party of the people of Balochistan and represents the political workers of the province. He said the provincial government is not of the people, and party workers must reconnect with the public and make the party more active and dynamic.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

Police said unknown attackers planted the bomb behind Mr Umrani’s residence near a Wapda transformer.

“The bomb exploded and damaged some parts of the residence,” a police officer told Dawn, adding that the transformer was completely destroyed in the powerful blast that rocked the area.

Officials said Umrani was not present at the time of the explosion. Only servants were inside the house, and no casualties were reported.

“CCTV video showed two people planting the bomb, which exploded after they fled the site,” police officials said, adding that an investigation is underway.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has initiated dialogue with the United Nations Committee on World Food Security (CFS), seeking policy guidance to shape its national strategies on food security, officials said Saturday, as the country works to address challenges affecting access to food.

The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and CFS Chairperson Anas Al-Nabulsi on the sidelines of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific in Brunei Darussalam.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Mr Hussain led the national delegation and outlined the country’s ongoing efforts to ensure food availability for its population of more than 215 million.

“Pakistan continues to advance policies and strategies aimed at ensuring access to food while responding to evolving environmental and socio-economic challenges,” Mr Hussain said during the meeting.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s active engagement in global efforts to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, while pointing to opportunities for strengthening collaboration with the CFS. The discussions focused on how international policy guidance can be adapted and implemented effectively at the national level.

Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening the uptake and implementation of CFS policy recommendations within countries. Al-Nabulsi stressed that sustainable transformation in food systems requires coordinated action and inclusive governance.

“Transformation depends on inclusive governance and stronger collaboration across sectors, stakeholders and levels, supported by increased access to sustainable finance and stronger integration of evidence into policy and investment decisions,” Mr Al-Nabulsi said.

“This is precisely where CFS adds its value, by convening diverse actors around shared evidence and supporting coherent, voluntary policy guidance that countries can adapt to their own realities.” The talks also addressed the ongoing development of global policy recommendations on building resilient food systems. Pakistan was invited to actively participate in the process.

Officials said the meeting underscored the importance of research, innovation and technology in modernising agriculture and food systems.

Both parties acknowledged the role of universities and research institutions in advancing solutions such as precision agriculture and digital tools aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and resilience.

The interaction further provided an opportunity to review upcoming CFS initiatives, including a high-level forum on artificial intelligence, digitalisation and data, as well as continued policy work on resilient food systems.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and stressed the importance of translating global policy guidance into tangible, country-level outcomes.

The CFS is regarded as the foremost inclusive international and intergovernmental platform on food security and nutrition. It brings together representatives from governments, United Nations agencies, civil society, non-governmental organisations, indigenous groups, financial institutions, research bodies, philanthropic foundations and the private sector.

Using a multi-stakeholder approach, the committee develops policy guidance on a wide range of food security and nutrition issues. Its recommendations are informed by scientific and evidence-based reports produced by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition.

Saturday’s meeting reinforced the shared view that addressing food insecurity requires coordinated global and national action. It also highlighted the need for countries like Pakistan to integrate international expertise with local realities to build sustainable and resilient food systems.

Both delegations concluded by emphasising that stronger collaboration, evidence-based policymaking and inclusive participation will remain central to achieving long-term food security goals.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The survey, conducted by cybersecurity company Kaspersky, highlights a disconnect between corporate policies and emp­loyee adherence, underscoring risks link­­ed to shadow IT and unmanaged device usage.

According to the report, 38pc of respon­dents said there are no policies governing the use of non-corporate devices. Mean­while, 17pc admitted they can use personal devices to access business information if these have some form of cybersecurity protection, even consumer-grade software.

On the positive side, 16pc said personal devices must pass stringent corporate IT security checks before use, while 29pc reported that only company-issued devices are permitted for work.

The situation is relatively better when it comes to installing software on corporate devices. Around 56.5pc said only IT specialists are allowed to install software, while 19.5pc reported that only top management or designated users have such permissions. Another 17pc said employees can install software approved by the IT team. However, 7pc noted that all users can install any software without IT approval.

At the same time, 26pc of professionals acknowledged installing software on work devices without IT supervision in the past year, highlighting a persistent shadow IT challenge that exposes organisations to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks and data breaches.

“Shadow IT is now a mainstream operational risk. When one in five employees installs software without IT oversight, it signals a policy gap,” said Toufic Derbass, Managing Director for the META region at Kaspersky. He stressed that organisations must move beyond restrictive controls and adopt user-centric cybersecurity strategies that integrate technology with employee awareness and responsible use.

To strengthen defences, the report recommends conducting shadow IT audits to identify unauthorised software, cloud services and personal devices accessing corporate data, alongside implementing rob­u­­st monitoring and cybersecurity solutions.

It also advises that where personal dev­ice use is permitted, organisations should define clear minimum security requirements and enforce them through mobile device management or endpoint management tools, complemented by employee training on real-world risks.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Provincial Asse­mbly member Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, and Women Development Department Secretary Saira Atta.

The women’s market in Gwadar is being welcomed as a major milestone toward strengthening women’s financial independence. It has already started providing respectable employment opportunities to local women and is considered an effective step toward promoting women’s economic inclusion in the province.

During a briefing, officials informed that 14 shops have initially been set up in the Gwadar Women Market, where women are actively engaged in various business activities and showcasing their skills.

Chief Minister Bugti visited the market and interacted with businesswomen to hear about their issues, suggestions, and experiences.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Bugti said that empower-ing women is among the government’s top priorities.

He stated that such initiatives not only strengthen women’s economic independence but also play an important role in overall economic development.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Mobile manufacturers have urged the government to protect the local industry from the open sale of stolen and smuggled phone sets.

“Despite our continuous engagement with your office, we regret that IMEI numbers are being copied from genuine, legally imported devices,” the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) said in a letter to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

It added that this malpractice involves cloning IMEI codes from authentic mobile phones and assigning them to counterfeit, illegally imported, or even stolen devices.

As a result, such phones are falsely presented as duty-paid and legitimate, while some may actually be stolen items originating from other countries.

The association said unauthorised imports have penetrated the local market without undergoing proper regulatory procedures or payment of applicable duties.

The PMPMA, which represents 33 manufacturers of both domestic and international mo­­bile phone brands in Pakistan, has asked the PTA to implement an effective and technologically advanced IMEI tracking and verification system to eliminate cloning practices.

It noted that Pakistan’s mobile manufacturing base has strengthened significantly. Up to March 2026, about 31.79 million devices were sold in the market, of which more than 30.86 million were locally assembled, indicating the industry’s capacity for further value addition.

The association warned that the issue is damaging investor confidence and discouraging further investment in the local manufacturing ecosystem.

In a separate letter to the Ministry of Industries and Production, the PMPMA said the sector has generated over 40,000 direct employment opportunities and expressed concern over reports that commercial imports of used phones may be allowed.

It cautioned that allowing the import of used and refurbished mobile phones would seriously harm the local assembly industry, discourage industrial investment, reduce documented tax contributions, and create enforcement, consumer, and security risks.

The local mobile phone assembly industry, it said, operates within the documented economy and contributes to the national exchequer through sales tax, income tax, withholding tax, payroll-related taxes, utility payments, compliance costs, and formal employment.

In contrast, the used phone trade has historically remained far less documented and does not contribute proportionately to national revenue.

The association stressed that sustainable industrial activity should be protected over second-hand imports that weaken the documented economy.

It concluded that allowing commercial imports of used mobile phones at this stage of Pakistan’s industrial development would be a damaging policy decision, undermining the tax-paying formal sector and encouraging the grey market in mobile phone trade.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

In this regard, the signing of a Mem­o­randum of Understanding (MoU) with the Supreme People’s Court of China in August 2025 marked an important milestone in this journey, establishing a formal framework for judicial exchange, technology integration, capacity-building, and cooperation in emerging areas of law.

In an announcement, it explained that the participation of a high-level judicial delegation including the district and sessions judge, Gwadar, and a lady senior civil judge from Lakki Marwat in the 20th Conference of Chief Justices of SCO Member States in Hangzhou (April 2025) laid the foundation for deeper institutional linkages.

These initial engagements have since evolved into technical cooperation, structured training programmes and reciprocal visits, reflecting a deliberate shift from symbolic interaction to practical and impactful collaboration.

Focus on district judiciary, tech integration drives global partnerships

Engagement with China has been particularly robust, encompassing participation in high-level judicial conferences, specialised training programmes and structured nominations to SCO-related judicial forums.

A defining feature of this collaboration is the deliberate inclusion of top-performing judges from the district judiciary, particularly those serving in remote and underserved areas. This approach reflects a strategic focus on strengthening judicial capacity at the grassroots level, ensuring that international best practices are internalised where they matter most, at the level of trial courts.

This inclusive approach is further reflected in targeted exposure and capacity-building initiatives. The district and sessions judge, Ghotki, along with the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, participated in the 9th China-South Asia Legal Training Programme in Shanghai (May 2025). This was followed by the participation of a Court Associate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the 8th China-AALCO Exchange and Research Programme on International Law in Beijing (July 2025).

Further expanding this engagement, another delegation led by the Chief Justice of the High Court of Balochistan, including a lady Additional Sessions Judge from Quetta and a Senior Civil Judge from Mithi (Tharparkar), is scheduled to participate in the Forum of Justices of Local Courts of China-SCO countries in July 2026. In addition, a top-performing lady senior civil judge from Bannu and a senior civil judge from Dera Ghazi Khan have been nominated for the 10th China-South Asia Legal Training Course in Shanghai (May 2026).

Complementing judicial exchanges, a specialised delegation of IT officers from the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the high courts is scheduled to visit the Supreme People’s Court of China in Beijing (July 2026). This visit aims to gain first-hand insight into technology integration and digital transformation in judicial processes, particularly the use of artificial intelligence, further reinforcing Pakistan’s reform-oriented agenda.

These developments reaffirm that the MoU is a living instrument, actively driving judicial capacity, institutional innovation and cross-jurisdictional learning. The Supreme Court of Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to further strengthening this partnership, recognising that meaningful judicial cooperation is essential to addressing the complex and evolving demands of contemporary justice systems.

Likewise, the signing of another MoU with the Constitutional Court of Turkiye in April 2026 marks a significant step in formalising this collaboration, providing a structured platform for judicial exchange, technology integration and joint capacity-building initiatives.

This engagement is rooted in sustained judicial interaction at the highest level. Participation of a high-level judicial delegation in the 63rd anniversary of the Cons­­titutional Court of Turkiye (April 2025) laid the groundwork for deeper ins­titutional cooperation. This was followed by the reciprocal visit of a distinguished delegation led by the president of the Constitutional Court of Turkiye to Pakis­tan in April 2026, reinforcing mutual commitment to long-term collaboration.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

Mr Rehman was arrested a day earlier under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).

According to an NCCIA first information report (FIR) dated April 20, the journalist was one of nine accused of spreading “false and misleading information against state institutions” through the social media platform X.

On Saturday, Mr Rehman was produced before the court of District Magistrate Yasir Mahmood.

Magistrate denies NCCIA’s request for physical custody of Fakharur Rehman

Defence counsel Ahad Kho­khar argued that the prosecution had failed to clearly establish the extent of Mr Rehman’s alleged role.

He maintained that the journalist had merely quoted statements made by a religious scholar in a post on X and not expressed any personal opinion.

The defence further contended that thousands of social media users had shared the video in question, wondering why no action had been taken against the original speaker.

The lawyer also asked whether the investigation officer had recorded the statement of the cleric whose remarks were being referenced.

He informed the court that Mr Rehman had already responded to the NCCIA notice issued on April 14, asserting that he had not spread any false information. He added that the journalist had been cooperating with investigators and was available whenever required.

The lawyer opposed physical remand, noting that the journalist’s mobile phone had already been taken into custody and that no further recovery was pending. He requested the court to discharge his client from the case.

The NCCIA prosecutor argued that Mr Rehman had admitted ownership of the social media post but had not provided the password to his mobile phone. The agency maintained that further examination of the device was necessary and sought his physical remand for that purpose.

After hearing the arguments, the magistrate rejected the request for physical remand and ordered that Mr Rehman be sent to jail on judicial remand.

The NCCIA had registered the FIR under Section 20 (offences against the dignity of a natural person) and Section 26-A (dissemination of false and fake information) of Peca.

The FIR stated that Mr Reh­man, journalist Sabir Shakir, an­­chorperson Moeed Pirzada, PTI’s Jibran Ilyas, Rizwan Ahmed Khan, Syed Haider Raza Mehdi, Adil Farooq Raja and Aqil Hussain had allegedly “with malafide intention and ulterior motives knowingly disseminated/propagated fake, false, misleading and misinterpreted information leading to hatred against government functionaries”.

It contended that such content was “likely to cause fear, panic, unrest and disorder among the general public and in society”.

The complaint added that a review of the nominated individuals’ social media activities revealed a “deliberate pattern of conduct involving mocking, ridiculing and maligning state institutions”.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

Until this latest move, Washington had been sending mixed but cautiously constructive signals. Backchannel contacts and Pakistan’s mediation had raised the possibility of direct engagement in Islamabad, potentially involving Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Mr Trump’s decision to cancel the trip does not formally end the diplomatic track, but it significantly alters its momentum. Instead of actively pursuing negotiations, the burden now shifts to Tehran, effectively placing the onus on Iran to initiate contact on US terms.

US president’s decision to cancel envoys’ trip does not formally end diplomatic track, but it significantly alters its momentum

For mediators like Pakistan, this is a notable setback. Diplomacy thrives on continuity; abrupt reversals complicate both timing and trust.

‘Erratic and provocative’

Iranian officials have long argued that Mr Trump’s public messaging disrupts diplomacy, a concern reflected in Western media coverage.

The Guardian has described Mr Trump’s “erratic and provocative commentary” as “a major obstacle” to diplomacy, noting that such statements can undermine ongoing engagement. The publication has also warned of a broader “lack of a clear exit strategy”, highlighting uncertainty in US policy direction.

The New York Times has frequently noted that President Trump uses social media as an instrument of policymaking, often announcing or shaping decisions in real time.

The Washington Post has reported that his messaging has at times complicated or contradicted official diplomatic positions, while the BBC has highlighted how such statements can move markets and influence global diplomacy.

Analysts across the Western world have pointed to the growing role of presidential messaging in shaping events in real time, where public statements can advance, complicate, or abruptly halt diplomatic efforts. In this conflict, communication is not commentary. It is action.

Mr Trump’s approach has followed a recurring pattern: escalation, pause, outreach, and sudden withdrawal.

The conflict began with what analysts described as a “shock-and-awe” phase, followed by a shift towards economic pressure and conditional diplomacy. Yet even within short timeframes, the president has moved between optimism and coercion, welcoming diplomatic openings while maintaining military pressure.

The cancellation of the Islamabad trip now reinforces this cycle.

The impact extends beyond diplomacy. Energy markets, highly sensitive to geopolitical signals, have reacted sharply throughout the crisis. Oil prices have surged, rising more than 50 per cent since the conflict began, and remain volatile amid mixed signals about war and peace.

More recently, renewed uncertainty following the cancellation of talks is likely to reinforce market instability, as traders respond not only to developments on the ground but also to shifts in tone.

Across Europe, unease is also expected to deepen. Allies already grappling with disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have expressed concern about the absence of a predictable US strategy.

Islamabad talks on hold, not over

Despite the setback, diplomacy is not dead. Pakistan’s effort to convene talks remains relevant, and both Washington and Tehran retain incentives to avoid a prolonged conflict. However, the dynamics have shifted.

Any future engagement is now more likely to depend on whether Iran chooses to initiate contact — and whether Washington maintains a consistent position long enough to sustain negotiations.

The core issues remain unchanged: US demands for verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear programme, and Iran’s insistence on sanctions relief and an end to military pressure. Mr Trump’s assertion that “we have all the cards” reflects Washington’s attempt to frame the situation as leverage-driven diplomacy.

Tehran, however, is likely to interpret the cancellation differently — as inconsistency or even hesitation.

Both sides are shaping narratives for domestic and international audiences. In that contest, Mr Trump’s communication style remains both a tool and a risk: it enables rapid pressure, but complicates the credibility of long-term commitments.

What lies ahead

The immediate future is more uncertain than it was just days ago.

The Islamabad talks, once appearing within reach, are now effectively on hold. Whether they are revived will depend on Tehran’s response — and whether Washington sustains a coherent approach.

A narrow path to de-escalation still exists: a limited agreement offering phased concessions on both sides. But that path now appears more fragile.

For now, the conflict remains suspended — between diplomacy and escalation — shaped as much by sudden statements as by deliberate strategy.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026