ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday decided to supply 175,000 tonnes of 100 per cent fresh indigenous wheat to Pakistan Army and approved defining ‘forced labour’ in compliance with requirements of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, which also approved a Rs4.188bn severance package to the erstwhile Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) and auction of 8,198 tonnes of flood-damaged wheat.

The Ministry of Defence had sought allocation of 175,000 tonnes of 100pc indigenous wheat only from 2026-27 crop, saying wheat flour was the main staple food in the army and had a direct bearing on the morale of troops deployed in challenging environments ranging from glacial to desert terrains.

For the last four years, Passco had been supplying 175,000 tonnes to the Pakistan Army under government rates on a 50:50 basis, using imported and local wheat, under the ECC decision.

The imported wheat, however, reportedly caused issues with its taste, cooking, and appearance, and was therefore not liked by the troops, leading to numerous complaints about the quality of chappati made from it.

In November 2024, the ECC again decided to allocate wheat to the armed forces at the 50:50 ratio. As a consequence, the army had to procure indigenous wheat through private firms to ensure better quality food preferred by the troops. This will save an additional Rs2.8bn in expenditure on imported wheat, according to the military’s finance wing. The ECC approved a 100pc supply from local fresh-crop produce.

The ECC also “approved a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Commerce to amend the Import Policy Order 2022, by incorporating a definition of “forced labour” in line with the ILO Forced Labour Convention 1930 (No. 29). The amendment will strengthen Pakistan’s legal framework governing imports, reinforce compliance with international labour commitments, and enhance the country’s trade governance framework, an official statement said.

Under the amendment, forced or compulsory labour would mean all works or services extracted from any person under the menace of any penalty for which the said person did not offer himself voluntarily. However, this definition would not apply to compulsory military service, any other similar service, or essential services for normal civic obligations, as covered by any court of law.

The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research for the auction of 8,197.989 tonnes of flood-damaged Passco wheat through an open and transparent competitive bidding process, subject to third-party validation, to minimise financial losses, ensure the transparent disposal of damaged stocks, and support the ongoing restructuring and winding-up process of Passco.

The meeting also approved a Rs4.188bn severance package for Passco employees on the pattern of a similar package to Utility Stores Corporation for the payment of compensation and terminal benefits to eligible employees as part of the orderly winding-up of the corporation.

The ECC took up a summary submitted by the Minis­try of Federal Education and Professional Training regarding the Financial Sustainability and Governance Plan of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The export proceeds also contracted by 5.97pc compared with last year’s $32.04bn.

Furthermore, the trade deficit widened amid a rise in imports and a decline in exports, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday.

In absolute terms, export proceeds were recorded at $30.13bn in FY26, against the budget-projected target of $35bn. Despite the missed target, the Ministry of Commerce did not issue any statement explaining the decline in exports.

Proceeds contract 6pc year-on-year to $30.13bn; trade gap widens 21.57pc

The declining trend has persisted in recent months, with exports posting negative growth in February and March, followed by a brief recovery in April. Despite this short-lived improvement, exporters remain cautious and do not expect a sustained rebound in export earnings in the near term.

In June, exports dipped 9.61pc to $2.24bn, down from $2.47bn in the corresponding month last year. On a month-on-month basis, export proceeds dipped by 16.73pc.

Negative export growth has continued since August, except in July, when exports grew by 16.43pc year on year. Export earnings posted negative growth, with proceeds declining by 20.41pc in December 2025.

This follows a 14.54pc drop in November, 4.46pc in October, 3.88pc in September, and 12.49pc in August, reflecting persistent pressures on the country’s external trade performance.

However, in January, exports grew a modest 3.3pc but returned to a negative growth of 8.76pc in February and 14.4pc in March. Exports rose 14.03pc and 1.25pc in April and May year-on-year.

The export sector had already been under pressure since February due to the conflict in the Middle East. The disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have pushed up shipping costs for exporters and disrupted supply chains. Similarly, exports to Afghanistan, which is a major market, had remained suspended since October 2025. These two factors also contributed to poor export performance in FY26.

In FY25, export proceeds rose 4.67pc to $32.106bn against $30.675bn in the preceding year.

Trade deficit

According to the PBS data, imports surged 26.27pc to $6.77bn in June, up from $5.36bn in the corresponding month last year. Month-on-month, imports increased 24.07pc.

In 2025-26, the import bill grew by 7.89pc to $69.59bn, up from $64.51bn in the corresponding period last year. Imports rose 6.57pc to $58.38bn in July-June FY25 from $54.78bn over the previous year.

The trade deficit swelled 57.11pc to $4.53bn in June compared to $2.88bn in the same month last year. However, the gap widened 21.57pc to $39.47bn in 2025-26 from $32.46bn in the preceding year. The trade deficit for FY25 increased by 9pc to $26.27bn, up from $24.11bn in the preceding year.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

However, June recorded a 20pc year-on-year decline to 1.26m tonnes, but was up 7pc month-on-month.

The YoY decrease was seen due to relatively higher prices, while sales recovered in June after fuel costs eased from unprecedented levels, Myesha Sohail of Topline Securities said.

In June, petrol prices increased by 32pc YoY to an average of Rs338 per litre from Rs256 per litre in the same period last year. Similarly, high-spe­ed diesel (HSD) prices averaged Rs346, a 34pc YoY increase from Rs259 per litre.

On MoM basis, petrol and diesel prices in June fell by 16pc and 14pc, respectively.

She said petrol sales dipped 11pc YoY while up 5pc MoM to 649,000 tonnes in June. Total petrol sales during FY26 stood at 7.677 million tonnes, up by 1pc YoY.

HSD sales saw a 20pc YoY fall and 9pc MoM rise to 497,000 tonnes in June. HSD sales in FY26 fell by 1pc to 6.851m tonnes YoY.

Furance oil sales fell 68pc YoY while rose 41pc MoM to 41,000 ton­nes, while FY26 sales plunged 26pc to 599,000 tonnes.

Fertiliser

Urea sales in June remained almost flat on YoY basis with 584,000 tonnes, while up by 39pc MoM.

The MoM recovery in June is primarily driven by the peak of the kharif application season, compelling farmers to resume purchases after the temporary pause and delayed buying observed in May.

Total DAP sales in June were likely to be down by 59pc YoY and 23pc MoM to 47,000 tonnes. This takes 1H2026 DAP sales to 484,000 tonnes, up by 6pc YoY.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

KARACHI: The State Bank has abolished the incentives paid to banks for increasing remittances, after the amount grew to a level that came under the IMF’s radar.

The SBP issued a circular on Thursday announcing that the Sohni Dharti Remittance Programme (SDRP) had been discontinued.

“No further reward points under SDRP will be awarded from the start of FY27, from July 1, 2026,” the SBP said.

Accordingly, eligible transactions processed up to June 30, 2026, will be reported to 1LINK for the awarding of points under the scheme.

Reward points already awarded and accumulated till June 30, 2026, will remain redeemable till the end of FY27, or June 30, 2027.

“Thereafter, SDRP will become completely non-functional effective from July 1, 2027,” the SBP said.

Meanwhile, the State Bank also discontinued the Telegraphic Transfer Charges Incentive Scheme, another incentive for banks.

“It is informed that the TTCIS is discontinued with effect from July 1, 2026. However, the Authorised Dealers will continue to implement the scheme at their end while preserving its key features,” said another circular.

The SBP said the Authorised Dealers would ensure that home remittance transactions meeting the criteria laid down in the circular remained free of cost for senders and beneficiaries of home remittances.

Sources in the financial sector said the amount under the TTCIS had increased to Rs100bn to Rs120bn each year. They said that despite the availability of newer money transfer technologies, the old TTCIS had continued.

Sources said the amount involved was significant and was not linked to performance, prompting the IMF to take notice of the scheme.

Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) Chairman Malik Bostan appreciated the move but said the incentive scheme could have continued with a lower margin on remittance transactions.

However, another currency expert and trader said the State Bank had not abolished the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI), through which banks earned a major share of profits on remittances.

It was not officially known how much banks earned on remittances under the PRI, but a senior banker said one large bank had a bill of Rs30bn this year. This reflected the volume of incentives being given to banks for attracting foreign exchange.

With rising labour exports, Pakistan has recorded significant growth in remittances over the last three years. Remit­tances reached $40bn in FY25 and may stand at around $41bn to $42bn in FY26.

“The growth in remittances is almost the same in all countries exporting labour. Pakistan expects more since labour exports continued despite the war in the Gulf region,” the currency trader said.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The remarks came from the prime minister while speaking to senior tax officers at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat to celebrate the achievement of the downward-revised revenue collection target for FY26.

Mr Sharif said he personally chaired review meetings on FBR affairs twice a month because reforms in the tax authority remain one of the government’s highest priorities. He stressed that only officers with good reputations had been posted in field formations, while corrupt elements had no place in the organisation.

Alongside revenue mobilisation, he emphasised that facilitating taxpayers and the business community should remain a priority. He said the pace of ongoing reforms in the FBR would be further accelerated, with expansion of the tax net, greater transparency, and impro­ved taxpayer facilitation remaining the Board’s foremost priorities.

The new FBR’s operating model, he added, would be based on a faceless, digital system with minimal human intervention.

The prime minister directed the formation of a high-level committee to improve the career progression of officers in the Pakistan Customs Service and the Inland Revenue Service and to further strengthen their service structure.

According to the briefing, Karachi Large Taxpa­yer Office (LTO) collected Rs528 billion in June, while Lahore LTU mobilised Rs261bn. Customs duty collection at airports rose 21 per cent over the past year.

Calling the achievement of the revenue target for FY26 “a milestone”, the prime minister extended congratulations to each officer individually and to the FBR staff collectively. He noted that timely payment of nearly Rs600bn in tax refunds during the year had facilitated the business community and supported export growth.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

Under the MoU, the two companies will partner to market, supply, and finance wind power projects and BESS (battery energy storage systems) for the grid and the commercial and industrial sectors in Pakistan, while also laying the groundwork for a BESS assembly plant in the country.

The two companies will follow up on this MoU with a formal framework agreement in the coming weeks, according to a press release.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday extended its positive momentum for the third session in a row, as select value buying helped the benchmark KSE 100 index briefly cross the 185,000 milestone in intraday trading amid persistent economic optimism. However, late profit-taking trimmed some of the early gains.

Topline Securities Ltd said the benchmark KSE-100 index extended its gains on Thursday, closing at 184,520.96 points, up 470.86 points, or 0.26 per cent, from the previous session.

The market opened strongly and rallied, reaching an intraday high of 185,890.52 points as buying interest remained robust across key sectors. However, profit-taking emerged in the second half of the session, pushing the index to an intraday low of 184,214.79 points. Selective late-session buying then helped the market recover, closing in positive territory.

On the index contribution front, heavyweight stocks United Bank Ltd, Lucky Cement, Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd, and TRG Pakistan were the main contributors to the benchmark index’s gains, collectively adding approximately 469 points to the day’s advance.

Investor participation remained healthy, with trading volume rising 5.65pc to 994.75 million shares. However, the traded value dipped 2.27pc to Rs55.7 billion.

On the economic front, the country posted a trade deficit of $4.5bn in June, the highest monthly deficit recorded in the last four years, due to a 26pc year-on-year surge in imports to $6.8bn and a 10pc decline in exports to $2.2bn.

However, oil marketing companies (OMCs) reported a 20pc decline in sales to 1.26m tonnes in June, down 20pc year-on-year and up 7pc month-on-month.

The year-on-year decrease was due to relatively higher fuel prices, while the month-on-month rise was due to falling fuel prices.

Meanwhile, the government raised Rs438bn via a fixed Pakistan Investment Bonds auction, both competitive and non-competitive, against a target of Rs350bn and with participation of Rs1,938bn. The cut-off yields were reduced by 47-70bps across different tenors.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

Hatem Bamatraf, who served as president and CEO of PTCL and Ufone for the past five years, will now head Pak Telecom Mobile Ltd (PTML), which will be known as Ufone5G now.

The entity, which was previously under the control of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL), has now been separated and merged with Telenor.

Meanwhile, the PTCL Board of Directors temporarily appointed Group CFO Nadeem Khan as the interim CEO for a period of 14 days.

The development came after Telenor-Pakistan formally amalgamated into PTML following final statutory approval, issued by the Islamabad High Court on June 30.

The operations departments of both telecos are now merging the frequencies of both companies, with the blessing of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

“The subscribers of both Telenor and Ufone will experience fast service and better coverage in in Karachi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad and some other cities, as the networks have been merged in these areas,” a senior executive of the merged teleco said, adding, “The integration of billing mechanism, loading balance etc will at a later stage.” In the interim, SIMs and other products of Telenor-Pakistan will continue to remain on sale until a final decision in this regard.

As per the PTA data there were over 206m mobile subscribers by the end of May, and the largest telecom company was Jazz with 36.42 per cent of all mobile subscriber base, followed by Zong with 26.62pc shares. The total share of Ufone-Telenor Pakistan will now become 35.91pc.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

ISLAMABAD: The provinces on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to sustained prison reforms, with all the chief ministers acknowledging that these reforms were not just an administrative necessity, but a constitutional and public safety imperative.

The National Conference on Prison Reforms, hosted by the Supreme Court under the auspices of the National Judicial (Policy-Making) Committee (NJPMC), aimed at building a nationally coordinated prison reform framework with the provincial governments.

While signing the Islamabad Dec­laration on Prison Reforms, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah, Khyber Pakh­tu­n­k­hwa CM Sohail Afridi, and Balo­chistan CM Sarfraz Bugti affirmed the importance of prison reforms.

In his keynote address, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi observed that prisons reflected the true pulse of the criminal justice system and emphasised that meaningful reform required shared institutional responsibility and sustained provincial leadership. He also asked for the resolve that the criminal justice system remain grounded in human dignity.

During the conference, CM Maryam shared her own harrowing experience of solitary confinement that, according to her, translated into improvements across the provincial prisons, whereas CM Afridi specifically mentioned the Adiala jail, where his party chief is jailed, and sought better amenities for those visiting him.

However, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, while announcing the Islamabad Declaration on Prison Reforms, said reforms in the colonial-era jail laws were not for the benefit of prisoners like Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan but for thousands of ordinary inmates languishing in jail.

CM Afridi insisted that the reform process should begin from Adiala jail, where former PM Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.

While speaking about the concept of e-visits, the KP CM requested CJP Afridi to ensure that Imran could communicate with his two sons living abroad. He also asked the CJP to order the jail admin to erect shades so that the visitors who reach Adiala jail to meet their incarcerated leader do not endure the scorching heat.

CM Maryam said the experiences she endured during her imprisonment had changed her forever and helped her understand the responsibility of the state towards those in custody. It helped her understand that the jail should never become a sentence against human dignity, she added. The Punjab CM also shared a presentation to showcase how her government brought improvements by improving facilities in all the prisons of Punjab.

Prison should not be a place of confinement but reflective of values of the society and effectiveness of the justice system, she stressed, adding Punjab has 45 correctional centres across the province which currently house 69,000 inmates against the authorised capacity of 39,000. But the challenge was not the overcrowding since three-fourths of the jail population consisted of undertrial prisoners.

She recalled based on her own experience how she introduced emergency panic buttons inside prison cells throughout Punjab for immediate assistance in case of need. Meanwhile, CM Murad Ali Shah said that the rehabilitation policy was the cornerstone of the Sindh government’s vision to ensure that no inmate should remain unrepresented merely because they could not afford legal assistance.

‘Coordinated national effort’

Meanwhile, the declaration shared a commitment to a coordinated national effort to reform provincial prison systems and recognised that Pakistan’s prisons were operating under serious strain with overcrowding, a high proportion of undertrial prisoners, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and mental health services and insufficient opportunities for rehabilitation, education and vocational training.

The chief ministers committed to reducing unnecessary incarceration, particularly of undertrial prisoners, by strengthening access to bail, legal aid, probation, parole, diversion and other non-custodial alternatives, especially for women, children, persons with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions and those detained for minor, poverty-related offences.

The declaration also committed to reviewing provincial laws, rules, policies and administrative practices governing arrest, detention, sentencing, prison management, probation, parole and rehabilitation with a view to reducing overcrowding and aligning prison administration with constitutional and human rights standards.

The declaration asked to improve prison conditions through increased investment in infrastructure, sanitation, nutrition, healthcare, mental health services, complaint redressal and safeguards against torture, ill-treatment and neglect.

It asked for promoting rehabilitation and reintegration by expanding education, vocational training, psychosocial support, drug treatment, skills development and post-release support for persons in custody.

It also asked for strengthening coordination across the criminal justice system, including prison departments, police, prosecution, probation and parole services, legal aid institutions, health and social welfare departments and the judiciary, to support efficient case processing and timely access to justice.

The declaration also committed to reporting regularly on implementation to the agreed national prison reform coordination mechanism, including progress on reducing overcrowding, improving detention conditions, expanding non-custodial alternatives, and strengthening rehabilitation services.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, who called on him at the PM House.

The premier was briefed that the intensity of the month-long deadly protests launched in AJK by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had subsided, but demonstrations in Rawalakot and its fringes were still being staged.

The protesters were still staging a sit-in in Rawalakot. However, the situation in Muzaffarabad and its nearby areas was reported to be calm.

Shehbaz reviews AJK law and order situation in meeting with Amir Muqam

Federal Minister for Public Affairs Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Minister of State for Power Abdul Rehman Kanju and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Talha Barki also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, they also discussed the overall political situation in the country.

The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to expedite the public service agenda and ensure that resolving public issues remained the government’s top priority.

Meanwhile, former National Assembly deputy speaker and PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa General Secretary Murtaza Javed Abbasi also called on the prime minister.

According to a PM Office statement, they exchanged views on the country’s overall political situation.

Federal Minister Iqbal, Minister of State Kanju and Special Assistant Barki also attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

A full court bench comprising Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram, Justice Raza Ali Khan and Justice Khalid Yousaf Chaudhary ruled that the application would be heard along with the Election Commission’s Petition for Leave to Appeal (PLA) after completion of the latter’s scrutiny in the court registry.

On June 23, the AJK High Court had directed the Election Commission to provisionally register PTI as a political party, effectively suspending the commission’s May 16 decision rejecting the party’s registration application.

Challenging that order, the Election Commission filed a PLA in the Supreme Court along with an application under Rules 1 and 2 of Order VI of the Supreme Court Rules, 1978, seeking ex parte ad interim relief during the pendency of the appeal.

At the previous hearing on June 29, PTI counsel Yasir Safeer Mughal had sought an adjournment, saying he had not been properly prepared to argue the case. Thereupon, Chief Justice Akram had ordered that the operation of the high court’s June 23 order, to the extent of the interim relief granted to PTI, would remain in abeyance until July 2.

When the matter came up on Thursday, the top court ordered that the commission’s application would be heard together with the PLA. Immediately, no date for the hearing was fixed.

However, with the Supreme Court commencing its summer recess on Monday, which will continue until Oct 7, the case is unlikely to be taken up before the elections, effectively leaving the legal status of PTI’s provisional registration unresolved during the electoral process.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The assurance came during an important tribal jirga chaired by the chief minister in Awaran.

Addressing the jirga, CM Bugti praised the role of tribal elders and the people of Awaran in promoting peace, stability and development. He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by civilians and security forces in the fight against terrorism.

He said lasting peace in Balochistan could only be achieved through close cooperation among the people, the civil administration and security forces.

The chief minister said the provincial government was launching new development projects in Awaran and working in coordination with security institutions to improve basic services, create employment opportunities and strengthen public welfare in underdeveloped areas.

He said special measures were being taken for the development of the entire Makran Division, including Awaran, adding that ongoing projects under the Balochistan Sustainable Development Initiative (BSDI) had already brought visible improvements to the district.

CM Bugti said the government was also considering additional long-term development schemes to address public issues on a permanent basis across the region.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The decision was announced by Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqaat during a meeting with representatives of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) on Thursday. Quetta Com­missioner Shahzeb Khan Kakar also attended the meeting.

“Providing safe journeys and the smooth movement of transport and passengers is the government’s top priority,” Mr Shafqaat told business leaders, adding that the government wanted to make all highways safe and would take every possible measure to address the situation in this regard.

Mr Shafqaat and the commissioner announced that a convoy system for the secure movement of goods transport vehicles from the Taftan border to Quetta and other parts of the country would be launched soon.

Govt says move to ensure safe movement of cargo, passenger vehicles

They also said immediate steps were being taken to provide compensation to the families of those killed in the recent incident in Kalat.

‘Special measures’

The QCCI representatives expressed serious concern over continuing attacks on cargo trucks, LPG bowsers and other vehicles on highways in the province.

They urged the government to take special measures to protect the lives and property of transporters, passengers and the public.

The participants also shared their views and recommendations reg­arding the proposed convoy system and other security-related issues.

They complained that not only had incidents of trucks being set on fire continued, but cases of highway robbery had also increased, creating fear among importers, exporters, passengers and the general public. They pointed out that incidents such as the destruction of bridges had further worsened the situation.

Mr Shafqaat, Mr Kakar and Quetta Dep­uty Commissioner Meh­rullah Badini assured the transporters and business community that the government and district administration were fully aware of the seriousness of the situation and had already initiated measures to improve security on national highways across the province.

They said the convoy system for goods transport would be introduced shortly, while the services of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and the Anti-Terrorism Force were being utilised to strengthen security and clear areas where repeated vehicle-burning incidents had taken place.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The telecom authority said that Transworld Ass­ociates (TWA) is coordinating with the SMW5 consortium to “identify the root cause of the fault” and determine the estimated time for restoration.

According to its website, TWA is the only private-sector operator with exclusive ownership of submarine fibre-optic cable systems.

“In the meantime, internet traffic is being rerouted through alternative international links to minimise the impact and ensure service continuity to the greatest extent possible,” the statement said.

The PTA said it remains in close coordination with the relevant stakeholders.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

Officials said the pre-monsoon rains, which began the previous day, disrupted normal life across several districts. Flash floods damaged inter-district roads, while heavy rainfall caused widespread destruction to homes, crops and infrastructure.

The roof-collapse incidents occurred near Bacha Khan School and in Shamsi Colony in Zhob, where the roofs of two mud houses caved in under the weight of the rain.

“A woman and two children were buried under the debris and died before they could be shifted to hospital,” a local administration official said, adding that around a dozen members of the two affected families were injured.

Police, district administration officials and rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after receiving rep­orts of the incident and launched a rescue operation.

“Rescue workers retrieved the bodies and evacuated the injured, who were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Zhob,” officials said, adding that those with serious injuries were later referred to Quetta for specialised treatment. After the completion of medico-legal formalities, the bodies were handed over to the victims’ families for burial.

Child killed

In a separate rain-related incident, a child was killed and four other people were injured in Khuzdar district. Reports said heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms damaged mud houses and uprooted trees and billboards in several parts of the district.

Heavy rainfall was also reported in Dera Murad Jamali, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad and Jhal Magsi districts, where standing crops suffered extensive damage. Rainwater inundated low-lying and slum areas, forcing many residents to evacuate after water entered their homes.

Power supply remained suspended in many parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, due to the adverse wea­t­her. According to official reports, rainfall continued in Zhob, Loralai, Musakhail, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Muslim Bagh and other parts of northern Balochistan on Thursday.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

Police sources told Dawn that the incident occurred late on Wednesday near the Dama Dola area of War Mamund tehsil.

According to the sources, the deceased included a five-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy. All 13 victims belonged to the same family.

The bodies and the injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar, the sources said, adding that a police team had been sent to the scene to collect evidence and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police suspect quadcopter dropped bomb on house in War Mamund tehsil

Mamund Circle Deputy Superin­tendent of Police Saidur Rehman, confirming the casualties, told the media that an investigation had been launched to determine who the perpetrators were.

In the recent past, multiple incidents of suspected drone attacks have been reported in Bajaur, with one having taken place as recently as Sunday, in which a child was killed and a woman injured.

Earlier, on May 21, two schoolchildren were killed after a quadcopter drone, reportedly operated from an unknown location, struck a hilly area of the Bajaur.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

Justice Sardar Muhammad Ejaz took up the petition filed by Barrister Syed Abdul Basit Gillani, who appeared in person, and directed all four respondents to submit para-wise comments and/or objections by or before the next hearing on July 15.

Filed under Article 44 of the AJK Interim Constitution, the petition sought a declaration that the suspension of internet services since June 5 was unconstitutional, unlawful and violative of the fundamental rights of citizens.

It also requested the court to order immediate restoration of internet services, direct respondents to compensate consumers for infringement of their rights, and direct the telecom regulator to exercise its statutory functions independently and with due regard for consumers’ rights.

Petition terms suspension since June 5 unconstitutional, violative of fundamental rights

The petitioner contended that the internet shutdown had disru­p­ted communication, legal practice, education, banking, business and access to information across AJK, while consumers had recei­ved neither prior notice nor any official explanation regarding the suspension or its expected duration.

Internet services, including mobile data and fibre broadband, were suspended without notice despite consumers regularly paying service charges and taxes, the petitioner said, arguing that the continued blackout had caused widespread inconvenience and uncertainty, affecting professionals and the public alike.

The petitioner maintained that access to telecommunications had become an essential component of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the AJK Interim Constitution, including the rights to life, liberty, freedom of movement, trade, expression, education and access to information.

He argued that uninterrupted internet connectivity had become indispensable in modern society for professional, educational, commercial and governmental activities.

The petitioner further argued that under the Pakistan Telecommu­ni­cation (Reorgani­sa­tion) Act, 1996, as adapted in AJK, telecommunication services could be suspended across an extensive area and for a prolonged period only after a proclamation of emergency under Article 53 of the AJK Interim Constitution.

He maintained that no such proclamation had been issued since the internet shutdown began on June 5, rendering the suspension without lawful authority.

He further contended that the law envisaged only temporary and localised disruption of telecommunication services to address specific security concerns, whereas a blanket suspension across the entire territory for an indefinite period fell outside the scope of those powers.

He also alleged that the Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations, 2009, had been violated as consumers were neither given prior notice nor informed of the reasons for the suspension.

The petitioner claimed that while internet services remained unavailable to ordinary citizens, some government offices continued to enjoy connectivity, rendering the suspension discriminatory.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The 15-sitting session from June 10 to 24 had 333 members, with three general seats vacant. Overall, 234 MNAs, or 70pc, skipped at least one sitting, the report stated.

The 13th sitting, which saw voting on demands for grants and consideration of a standing committee report on the budget for FY27, recorded the highest attendance of 75pc, with 300 MNAs present.

According to Fafen, 191 members were present between eight and 14 sittings, while as many as 37 members attended betwe­­en one and seven sittings.

PM Shehbaz attended six sittings during the session, while Leader of the Oppo­sition Mehmood Achakzai attended 12.

Among cabinet memb­e­­rs from the NA, six federal ministers and three ministers of state attended all sittings.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

India, who came into the match on the back of a surprise series defeat in Ireland, had posted a competitive target of 189-7 in their 20 overs after contrasting half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer.

England’s chase, though, did not get underway with the drizzle that had fallen for the majority of India’s innings intensifying and the game was called off at 2017 local time.

India, who again chose to delay a debut for their 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, had fought back well from a terrible start.

They were 6-2 after two overs with opener Sanju Samson departing to a flying catch by Tom Banton at backward point off Saqib Mahmood and Ishan Kishan run out two balls later by Harry Brook after a mix-up with Abhishek Sharma.

Sharma, deposed by Kishan at the top of the ICC T20 batting rankings, shrugged off the incident to take the attack to England, dispatching Mahmood for successive sixes.

It took the 25-year-old past 100 T20 International sixes. He is the quickest player to reach the milestone off 785 balls.

Three successive boundaries off Luke Wood maintained the momentum as India reached 61-2 at the end of the six-over powerplay.

The onslaught gave Brook, who was captaining England’s white-ball side two days after being part of the test team that lost the series to New Zealand, a lot to think about.

He turned to Sam Curran and it proved a smart call as the left-armer trapped Sharma lbw with his second ball for an exhilarating 59 off 24 balls.

India captain Iyer, who hit a beautiful six over extra cover off Wood, made a more workmanlike 68 off 47 balls before falling lbw to Mahmood who finished with 3-33.

Shivam Dube finished on 42 not out from 21 balls.

India, who beat England in a high-scoring semi-final on their way to lifting the World Cup in March, would have been pleased with their total but England were still in the game.

The teams move on to Old Tra­fford, Manchester for the second game of the series on Saturday.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The clubs did not disclose financial details, but British media said the total deal was worth up to 116 million pounds ($153 million), surpassing the package of up to 115 million that Real Madrid agreed to pay Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham in 2023.

“Anderson, 23, is currently competing at the FIFA World Cup with England and has completed a medical in Kansas. The formalities of the move will be finalised upon his return to England,” City said in a statement.

The move also makes Anderson Manchester City’s most expensive transfer, eclipsing the 100 million pounds they spent to buy winger Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021.

Anderson, a product of Newcastle United’s academy, joined Forest for 35 million in 2024 and made 92 appearances for them in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. The midfielder has earned a reputation as a high-energy, tactically sound player, combining defensive solidity with the ability to contribute further up the pitch.

He is particularly known for his relentless work-rate, with strong pressing and ball recovery abilities as well as having a high rate of progressive passing and carrying the ball forward.

He joins a City midfield already packed with quality in the shape of Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunes and fellow Englishman Phil Foden.

City, who finished runners-up to Arsenal in the Premier League, will begin a new era under former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola’s departure after a hugely successful decade in charge.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The opening match will be played at the Galle International Stadium from August 15, while the second will begin on August 23 at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club, Sri Lanka Cricket said.

“The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle,” the board said.

India’s last Test tour of Sri Lanka was in July 2017, when they played three matches, with the tourists completing a clean sweep, including two innings victories.

Sri Lanka’s last Test tour of India was in March 2022, when they lost both matches to the hosts.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The diminutive Astur­ian helped his local team Oviedo reach La Liga in 2025 and played his final season with them in the Spanish top flight.

“Now that everything is ending, when the boots are being hung up, and the noise is turning into sile­nce, everything fits toget­her, because the ending wasn’t just anywhere — I was at home,” said Cazorla in a video on X.

After developing in Oviedo’s youth ranks, Caz­o­rla headed to Villarreal, later joining Arsenal in 2012 after spells at Recr­eativo and Malaga.

Cazorla won two FA Cups with Arsenal in 2014 and 2015, during a six-year spell in London.

The creative midfielder lifted the European Cha­mp­ionship with Spain in 2008 and 2012, but missed their 2010 World Cup triumph through injury, a constant problem for him during his career.

Cazorla returned to Villarreal and then signed for Qatari side Al Sadd, before returning to Oviedo in 2023.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

“The PHF has taken a major step to arrest the decline of Pakistan hockey by appointing Herman Kruis as National Hockey Coaching Adv­iser for two years,” the federation said in a media statement on Thursday.

The appointment of Kruis, 70, comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disastrous campaign in their maiden participation in the FIH Pro League, where the Green-shirts finished at the bottom of the premier nine-team competition after losing all 16 matches of the 2025-26 season. In a forgettable league campaign that ended in London recently, Pakistan conceded a whopping 79 goals while scoring just 22.

The PHF in its media release said that Kruis, possessing decades of experience, has worked as a coach and consultant with both European and Asian teams, the PHF added in its media release.

“Kruis specialises in developing young talent and preparing teams for major international events. As National Hockey Coaching Adviser, he will guide the PHF in strengthening the entire ecosystem of Pakistan hockey,” the PHF statement added.

The PHF said that Kruis would work closely with both the senior and junior national teams and help establish a modern and sustainable high-performance framework for player development. He will also provide technical support alongside specialist coaches and improve talent identification programmes.

According to the federation, Kruis will formally begin his assignment at the World Cup (Aug 15-30) to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, where he will work with the current coaching staff during the transition period.

‘MORE WORLD-CLASS COACHES TO BE HIRED’

Talking to Dawn from Islamabad, PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said that the appointment of Kruis marks the first step in its comprehensive strategy to revive Pakistan hockey.

“More world-class coaches and specialists will be hired in the coming months,” he said.

“The PHF is also in the process of hiring a sports psychologist from South Africa and a physical trainer from Australia,” he added. “We are trying our best to overcome this difficult phase of Pakistan hockey by bringing in experienced professionals from around the world.”

Wani expressed confidence that Kruis’ experience will benefit Pakistan in restoring the country’s glory in its national sport.

“He holds vast international coaching experience, and it is encouraging that he was also interested in working with Pakistan hockey,” he said, adding that the PHF shortlisted eight, nine candidates for the position before eventually selecting Kruis after a comprehensive evaluation.

After the World Cup, the Dutch coach will lead the planning and preparations of the senior and junior national teams for the Asian Games, scheduled for September-October, and other major international events.

The PHF chief noted that Kruis had previously worked with India’s senior and junior teams, besides coaching in the Netherlands and various professional leagues around the world.

Here it is pertinent to mention that the PHF a couple of weeks ago appointed Tahir Zaman as director High performance. Now with the latest appointment of Kruis, the responsibilities of both the officials seem to overlap.

However, Wani in this regard clarified the situation.

“Tahir will assist Kruis but that does not mean that Tahir will be working under him. Rather, both will work together [as a coaching team],” the PHF chief explained.

Commenting on the players of the national team, Wani admitted that they lacked mental resilience.

“The players come under pressure after conceding a goal [in an international match], which often leads to them conceding more goals,” he said.

When asked about the future of Manzoor-ul-Hasan Senior, national senior team’s incumbent head coach under whose supervision Pakistan played the final leg of the Pro League in Belgium and England, Wani said he would meet him in the coming days after receiving his report.

“At present, Manzoor remains part of the set-up. Tahir, Kruis and Manzoor are working together as one team for the betterment of Pakistan hockey,” he maintained.

When asked about the inclusion of teams from women’s academies in the National Women’s Hockey Cha­m­pionship, for the first time, which began in Islamabad on Thursday, Wani said that the PHF had initially planned to allow only five teams.

“However, we received an overwhelming response from women’s hockey organisers across the country. Therefore, we decided to allow all eligible teams to participate. As a result, the number of participating teams has increased to 16,” he said.

‘Federation funds surge to 400 million Rupees’

Meanwhile, Wani said that the federation’s funds have now reached Rs400 million, emphasising that this amount will be utilised entirely for training and travel expenses.

According to the PHF president, when he assumed charge, the federation’s account held a meagre Rs2 million.

“Through relentless efforts and collaboration with government and private sector sponsors, we successfully elevated the funds to Rs400 million,” he disclosed.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

MORRISTOWN (New Jersey): As Norway prepare to face Brazil in the last 16 of the World Cup this Sunday — an opponent they have never lost to — managing player fatigue has become a central focus.

Star striker Erling Haaland scored Norway’s 86th-minute winner in the 2-1 win against Ivory Coast on Tuesday, but said afterward that he was “dead tired” and could not have faced extra time. Both Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, who like many players have long and intense domestic seasons behind, them had been rested for Norway’s final group match against France earlier, which ended in a 4-1 defeat.

But head coach Stale Solbakken said Haaland was “on his last legs” early in the second half, giving Norway supporters cause for concern ahead of their clash with Brazil.

“Can you undo the chronic stress that has accumulated over the course of the tournament, or the last season or two? No,” said Dom Rae, a graduate in sports and exercise medicine who is working with Al Nasr in the UAE Pro League.

“These guys, especially the key players, have played a lot of matches,” Rae said. “They are chronically fatigued. You’re not going to undo that in five days. But you can certainly freshen up to a significant level by kick-off.” Brazil and Norway have at least faced similar challenges from their travel schedule and the climate in the host cities. Brazil have a six-day turnaround before their next match, and Norway five.

“What we generally see in sports performance is that the peak fatigue marker is around 48 hours,” Rae said. “For some, it can trickle into 72 hours. But by 96 hours, into day five, everyone is pretty much back to normal.

“I’d actually rather have Norway’s turnaround here than Brazil’s,” he said.

“When you only have three or four days, it’s simple: rest, recover, prepare, play. But when you have five or six days, it gets tricky. You can’t train too hard because you’re too close to the game, but it’s too long to do nothing.” After their group match against Iraq, Norway let their squad sightsee and travel around New York during their days off.

Rae said that has its benefits.

“Walking around New York is tiring, but the brain controls stress, hormones, and sleep. If you are psychologically happy, that emotional lift is just as important as pure physical rest. It was a calculated, necessary trade-off by the coach.” He has no time for those who grumble about the hydration breaks taking place in each half, even where the temperature hardly requires it.

“Players are losing fluids, electrolytes, and sugars, and glycogen utilisation is going up because temperatures are higher and the games are getting harder,” Rae said.

“The teams that look at hydration breaks and say ‘They’re not going anywhere, so we need to use them as a performance answer’ put themselves in a better position.”

PAQUETA RULED OUT

Meanwhile, Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta on Thursday was ruled out of the game against Norway with a hamstring injury according to a source at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

He is not expected to play again in the tournament, unless Brazil reach the final on July 19 at Met­Life Stadium in East Rutherford, the source added.

Paqueta suffered the injury during Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 win over Japan in Houston on Monday. He has been undergoing intensive treatment and is the only confirmed absentee for coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the meeting with Haaland’s Norway this weekend.

Ancelotti could opt for a like-for-like replacement in Danilo Santos, or alter his set-up to accommodate a more attacking player, such as Endrick or Gabriel Martinelli.

Barcelona forward Raphinha, sidelined since suffering a thigh injury in Brazil’s second group-stage match against Haiti, has resumed individual training away from the main squad.

Depending on his progress between now and Sunday, he could be included among the substitutes if required, the source said.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

Reigning champion Swiatek, who struggled to hold back tears after battling past Taylor Townsend in the first round, was back to her ruthless best in a 6-1, 6-3 dismantling of former world number one Pliskova in 70 minutes.

“For sure the first round was really emotional but today I felt like it’s another day at the office, I need to be ready, be sharp,” said Swiatek.

The Pole, who has been inconsistent since winning her sixth Grand Slam title at the All England Club 12 months ago, will next face the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala, who beat Serena Williams’ first-round conqueror Maya Joint.

Pliskova, who returned to the tour this year after a long-term injury absence, was no match for the third seed.

Eala, the 29th seed, became the first woman from the Philippines to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, defeating Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 on a raucous Court Three.

Last year’s runner-up Amanda Anisimova came back from a break down in the third set to beat Sofia Kenin in a deciding tie-break.

Former Australian Open champion Madison Keys ended home interest in the women’s singles, beating Britain’s Katie Swan in straight sets.

ZVEREV POWERS ON

Zverev was on top form in a 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Valentin Royer, raising hopes the German can finally master the grass courts.

He ended his long wait for a maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open last month but has never performed well at Wimbledon, failing to get past the last 16 in nine previous appearances at the All England Club.

The second seed has a golden opportunity to go further this time around, with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic in the other half of the draw, and fourth seed Ben Shelton already out of the tournament.

“If I keep playing like this I definitely think it can happen this year,” said Zverev. “In tennis you need to have a short-term memory, whether it’s good or bad.”

Zverev made short work of Royer, banishing some of the memories of last year when he was dumped out in the first round by another unseeded Frenchman, Arthur Rinderknech.

American sixth seed Taylor Fritz continued his strong recent record at the All England Club, seeing off compatriot Patrick Kypson 6-2, 6-2, 7-5 to reach the third round.

Fifth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also breezed through with a dominant straight-sets victory over French veteran Adrian Mannarino.

Rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar returned to court in a match delayed by darkness on Wednesday, winning the last two sets to complete a comeback victory over Pablo Carreno Busta.

Arthur Fery kept British hopes alive for another couple of days, beating Finland’s Otto Virtanen in four sets.

Late on Wednesday, fifth seed Mirra Andreeva’s dream of becoming the first female player since Serena Williams in 2025 to win the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back was shattered by former champion Barbora Krejcikova despite saving six match points.

For all her fight and fury, the 19-year-old Andreeva went down 4-6 7-5 6-4 as the understated Krejcikova showed the cool grasscourt-craft that took her to the 2024 title.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

In a dramatic high-tempo game in the San Francisco Bay Area, Folarin Balogun scored near halftime then was sent off after the break, with Malik Tillman converting a free kick late on to spark euphoria in a partisan arena of red, white and blue.

Victory brought an end to a dismal US run of 10 consecutive defeats by European opposition, and set up a last-16 tie in Seattle with Belgium.

“I felt we put on such a good performance and didn’t deserve the red card,” said Christian Pulisic.

“But for us to dig in deep like that and just to get another goal and to defend the way we did, it took a real team effort, but we’re proud of that.”

It was a physical encounter in the Golden State where luck was not always on the side of the hosts, with Balogun and Pulisic having goals ruled out and Bosnia crowding out their defence to stifle a succession of US attacks.

Balogun was always a threat, coming close a few times early on before seizing his chance, slotting home a loose ball to put the hosts ahead for his third goal of the tournament.

Basketball superstar LeBron James congratulated Balogun on scoring after the striker emulated his trademark “Silencer” celebration.

“THE (Silencer) HAS (Arrived) at the World Cup!” posted James on X, using a shushing emoji and another of a plane landing.

“Helluva goal there Young (King)!” added James, whose nickname is King James, using another emoji featuring a crown.

Balogun was later stunned when he was dismissed after the break for a serious foul on Tarik Muharemovic that appeared accidental.

Playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout round match, Bosnia had barely threatened and looked content defending compactly and hoofing long balls upfield towards Edin Dzeko, who forced a save early on from goalkeeper Matt Freese.

PATRIOTIC FERVOUR

In a match full of patriotic fervour that got under way with a flyover by fighter jets, the Americans started with attacking verve and silky one-touch moves, spurred on by the reverberating roars of U-S-A by a crowd with high expectations.

And the US delivered, showing speed, grit and intensity, with talisman Pulisic back in the team and intoxicating the crowd with a few blazing runs for goal.US coach Mauricio Pochettino said that Balogun should “never” have received a red card. The striker will miss his side’s last-16 World Cup showdown with Belgium next week.

“For me, it was never a red card,” said Pochettino. “It never was (his) intention to step on the player.

“It was a normal action in football, that you are fighting for the ball, and your feet land, no? Yeah, maybe it was a little bit tough, the scene, to watch. But I think it never was intentional.”

Bosnia’s coach Sergej Barbarez was disappointed they did not create more chances but praised his players for getting this far in the tournament.

“We should hold our heads up high and we can really improve and build on this,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The Egyptians are in the knockout rounds for the first time after group phase eliminations in 1990 and 2018 and Salah’s availability is a key concern for coach Hossam Hassan ahead of the clash with Tony Popovic’s side.

A video of Salah working out in the gym away from team mates on the training pitch was posted on social media on Wednesday, suggesting the 34-year-old could be fit enough to play a part at Dallas Stadium.

“The road back begins,” said the latest post, “and the King is coming back stronger.”

The draw with the Iranians booked Egypt’s place in the last 32 as runners-up in Group ‘G’ after a win over New Zealand and an opening stalemate with Belgium.

Salah’s stellar talent and reputation have been a focal point in the lead-up to the game for the Australians, who are attempting to win in the knockout rounds for the first time.

The Socceroos have moved past the group phase for the third time in their history and for a second World Cup in a row having been knocked out in Qatar in 2022 by eventual winners Argentina in the last 16 under former coach Graham Arnold.

Popovic’s side started their 2026 campaign with a win over Turkey before losing 2-0 to the United States and drawing 0-0 with Paraguay to finish second in Group ‘D’.

The prospect — or otherwise — of facing Salah has dominated the build-up but full back Jordan Bos stressed the Australians would not be overawed if they do face the Premier League and Champions League winner.

“Maybe off the field there’s some respect, but on the field there’s no respect,” Bos said. “It’s eat or be eaten. That’s how everyone’s going to go into the game, and that’s how I’ll go into the game.

“Mo Salah is a top player. He’s been at the top for a very long time. We’ll definitely have to look at how we can stop him and Egypt.

“We’ve already done a little bit about that, and it’s just fine-tuning and seeing what the coach and the staff have in mind to help us with that.”

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

The Portuguese managed Colombia from 2019 to 2020 before leaving after heavy World Cup qualifying defeats by Uruguay and Ecuador, and faces his former side after guiding Ghana into the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

While Ghana had to wait to learn whether four points from Group L would be enough to advance behind England and Cro­atia, Colombia cruised through Group ‘K’ unbe­aten, finishing above Portugal after a thrilling scoreless draw in their final group match.

Nestor Lorenzo’s Colo­mbia have quietly established themselves among the tournament’s most convincing teams, combining defensive solidity with the sort of attacking football that helped them top a group many considered one of the toughest.

Midfielder Richard Rios said Colombia would not abandon the proactive app­r­oach that had carried them into the knockout phase.

“We have to keep working step by step because I feel we can go very far,” Rios told reporters.

“Every match is very difficult. Ghana may present a different physical challenge than Portugal. But if we approach every game the way we have been, showing everything we are capable of, it becomes much harder for our opponents.

“That’s what we’ll keep doing - imposing our game and going out to win,” the 26-year-old added.

Queiroz, appearing at his sixth World Cup as a coach, is aiming to emulate the kind of joyful run Ghana had in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

“It’s important that everyone wakes up in the morning and feels that happiness,” captain Jor­dan Ayew said in an interview with Olympics.com. “It’s been lacking for some years now, and to bring that back is a good feeling.”

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

Senegal looked set for a place in the next round as they led by two goals with five minutes remaining, but Belgium produced a dramatic fightback thro­ugh strikes from Rom­elu Lukaku and Tielemans to force extra time in Seattle.

Tielemans then held his nerve to convert a penalty in the 125th minute and send Belgium into the last 16.

The Aston Villa player faced a lengthy delay before taking the kick as Senegal players surrounded the spot, but he calmly dispatched his effort to cap an improbable turnaround.

“What matters is that Youri Tielemans had the composure and the quality. And once again, we have the experience to take that kind of penalty, because it’s not easy,” said Garcia.

“At 2-2, in the 120th minute or even later, when you’re tired, and Youri was feeling it physically, to go and score that penalty is a difficult task. He succeeded.

“As a result, he has sent us through to the round-of-16. Congratulations to our captain. I think he was outstanding.”

Belgium will stay in Seattle to play co-hosts the United States on July 6 for a place in the quarter-finals.

For much of the afternoon, it seemed the curtain was about to fall on the last remnants of Belgium’s golden generation — Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and perhaps goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois — who helped lead the country to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.

Instead, a late act of defiance from the Red Devils means they live to fight another day.

“Going 2-0 down and then coming back to make it 2-2 gives you a huge lift, and now the journey continues,” said Garcia. “It’s true that a scenario like this can bring a group even closer together.

“It can make the players realise that, until a match is over and the final whistle has blown, anything can happen — as we showed.”

‘SLIPPED AWAY’

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw admitted it was a “cruel” way for his team to exit the tournament.

Habib Diarra turned in a rebound after Ismaila Sarr’s header came back off the post.

Sarr then equalled Roger Milla’s record for the most goals by an African player at a single World Cup with his fourth of the tournament, but a late collapse allowed Belgium to pull off an unlikely escape act.

“We had the game in hand, we were leading 2-0 and we sat back a bit towards the end I think because we wanted to protect the lead,” said Thiaw.

“Once we conceded for 2-1, we dropped even deeper and they got their second goal. It wasn’t easy, we tried to get back on our feet, but it unfortunately didn’t work out.”

Thiaw didn’t want to be drawn into a debate over the penalty decision, but he felt his side were hard done by.

Memories of Senegal’s walk-off protest following a late penalty award in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco in January resurfaced, but this time there was no such reaction.

“When we looked at it, our interpretation was that there was no penalty. The players tried to contest it. It’s their right, (but) they respected the referee’s decision,” said Thiaw.

“It’s not easy to lose this kind of match… unfortunately it slipped away from us, but it’s football, it’s cruel, it’s not easy at all, but you have to accept, even if it’s difficult.”

Meanwhile, Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye said he would no longer be available for national team selection while the current coaching staff remains in place.

“I will come back to tell you a few words regarding the elimination but I announce today that, as long as this technical staff remains in place, I’ll be taking a break from the national team,” the 27-year-old posted on social media.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026

Draws with former World Cup winners Spain and Uruguay helped them into the knockout stage and far from cursing their luck at having to play the reigning champions in the round-of-32, assistant coach Humberto Bettencourt said this week that it would be “a pleasure” to face the Albiceleste.

“Statistics are theories. Football as many results throughout history have shown proves that what really counts is what happens inside the four lines,” he told reporters at the team’s camp in Tampa on Sunday.

“They gave us one percent before, and now four per cent is irrelevant to us. We focus much more on our ambitions, our expectations, and above all on the value that defines this working group.”

Bettencourt said Cape Verde would not be changing their style measurably to contain the world champions and had no plans to man-mark Messi in an attempt to nullify the threat of the little Argentine general.

“We consider Messi to be a player who makes a difference,” Bettencourt added. “But we always look at the collective the combinations that can be created, the spaces they may try to open up for Messi.”

RAISED PROFILE

The least populous nation ever to make the knockout rounds of a World Cup, Cape Verde’s campaign has not only raised the profile of the squad but also put the entire island-nation on the map.

People have migrated from Cape Verde throughout its history — the World Cup squad includes players born in the Netherlands, Portugal, France, the United States and Ireland — including a sizeable number to Argentina.

Bettencourt, the only member of the Cape Verde delegation to speak to the media this week, confirmed that Telmo Arcanjo was 50-50 for the Argentina game because of a leg injury. The skilful midfielder did not train with the team on Wednesday.

Combative left back Sidny Lopes Cabral will be available again, however, after serving a one-match ban against Saudi Arabia for picking up yellow cards against Spain and Uruguay.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni looks set to bring Messi back into his line-up after starting him on the bench in their last group match against Jordan.

Messi came on as a substitute to score his sixth goal of the tournament in the 3-1 win that kept the Albiceleste perfect with three wins out of three through the opening round.

Otherwise, Scaloni will be considering which of the many top-class players in his squad are best suited to breaking down the Cape Verde defence and avoiding what would rank among the greatest World Cup upsets.

All kick-off times in PST
Today’s fixture:
Australia vs Egypt (11:00pm)
Saturday’s fixtures:
Argentina vs Cape Verde (3:00am)
Colombia vs Ghana (6:30am)

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026