The announcement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) follows the sacking of Brendon McCullum as Test coach and the shock retirement of former skipper Ben Stokes from international cricket earlier this month.

McCullum, who remains in charge of England’s white-ball teams, lost his job after a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand in June, which followed a disastrous Ashes campaign in Australia.

Root will resume his role as skipper in the three-match series with Pakistan starting next month but Fleming is not scheduled to arrive until later in the year.

Yorkshireman Root holds the record for captaining England in the most Tests (65) and to the most wins (27).

He skippered the team from 2017 to 2022 and took the role on an interim basis at The Oval during the recent series against New Zealand.

The 35-year-old is second behind India’s Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time Test scoring list, with more than 14,000 runs.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England men’s Test captain again,” said Root. “The Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with Baz McCullum last month, I am excited to lead this next generation of players forward.”

Root described Fleming, 53, as an “exceptional leader with a great knowledge of the game”.

Marcus Trescothick will be interim head coach for the Pakistan series, which starts at Headingley on Aug 19, ahead of Fleming’s arrival later this year.

The ECB said Fleming, who led Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League titles, was one of the “most highly regarded coaches in world cricket”.

Fleming, who retired as a player in 2009, made 111 Test appearances for New Zealand.

“The ambition is always to win now,” said Fleming. “But equally, it’s about ensuring the team is well placed for the medium and long-term future.”

He added: “I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as captain — a generational talent who has achieved so much already.

“There is still plenty more to come from him, and I’m excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint.”

Managing director of England men’s cricket Rob Key hailed Fleming as one of the most highly respected figures in cricket.

“I believe he is the best person to guide a team stacked full of potential and turn that talent into a world-class outfit that can not only achieve success but sustain it,” Key said.

About Root, Key said he was “passionate about leading this team into a new era”.

The two appointments draw a line under the ultra-attacking ‘Bazball’ era of McCullum and Stokes, which started in 2022.

The two men injected new energy into a floundering Test team that had won just one match in 17 under Root.

England won 10 out of their first 11 Tests under the pair but gradually lost momentum, crucially failing to win a series against Australia or India.

Stokes made his dramatic retirement announcement during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

He had been dropped for the second Test after breaking a team curfew at a London nightclub, the latest in a series of off-field incidents involving England players.

McCullum denied rumours of a rift with his skipper after previous reports of tensions between the two men during the 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Competing in Group ‘A’ of the qualification round at Scotstoun Stadium, Arshad finished seventh with a season-best throw of 78.63 metres to progress to Friday’s final as one of the 12 best performers.

The difficult conditions, with a strong headwind preventing any athlete from reaching the automatic qualifying mark of 84 metres, meant places in the final were decided on the next best distances.

Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage topped the group with 82.84m, ahead of Grenada’s Anderson Peters (81.29m) and South Africa’s Douw Smit (80.64m). India’s Neeraj Chopra also advanced after throwing 79.61m.

Arshad secured qualification with his opening attempt of 78.63m before fouling his second throw and registering 75.65m with his third.

Yasir, meanwhile, failed to make the cut after producing a season-best effort of 74.36m. The Pakistani opened with a foul before throwing 71.42m and improving to 74.36m on his final attempt to finish 14th overall.

The men’s javelin final is scheduled for Friday, with the event set to begin at 7:45pm Pakistan Standard Time.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s lawn bowls pair of Maqsood Waseem Khan and Mohammed Ayub Qureshi suffered a heavy 2-0 defeat to Northern Ireland in their second Section D match at SEC Hall 3.

The Pakistanis managed just one point in the opening set, losing it 11-1, before being blanked 16-0 in the second as Northern Ireland completed a comfortable victory.

It was Pakistan’s second successive defeat in the men’s pairs competition, leaving the duo with an uphill task of keeping their campaign alive.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

GLASGOW: Kate O’Connor cruised to heptathlon gold for Northern Ireland as Australia rounded off their best ever Commonwealth Games in the pool with nine more swimming gold medals on Wednesday for a total of 37.

O’Connor said she was “gutted” by her shot put effort on Tuesday in miserable wet conditions that put her quest for gold in danger.

But the 25-year-old was a class apart from the field to go one better than the silver she won in Birmingham four years ago and secure Northern Ireland’s first athletics Commonwealth gold since 1986.

England’s Jade O’Dowda claimed silver, while Australia’s Tori West won the battle for bronze.

Fresh from setting a new world record in the mile earlier this month, Josh Kerr’s bid for gold in his homeland promises to be one of the events of the Games on Saturday night.

The two-time Olympic medallist at 1,500m cruised into the final, winning his heat on Wednesday morning despite easing off in the final stages to whip up the crowd.

“I want as much pressure on me as possible. I’m here to show up and get a gold medal for Scotland and hopefully we can put more people on the podium than just me,” said Kerr. “I grew up dreaming of these championships and there’s a nostalgia of my parents driving me down here at 12 years old and me getting well beaten and then driving home eating a sandwich.”

Canada’s Sarah Mitton retained her shot put title from 2022, while Tajay Gayle of Jamaica won men’s long jump gold.

Faith Cherotich completed a Kenyan double in the 3,000m steeplechase.

AUSTRALIA’S GOLD RUSH

In the final night of swimming action, Australia rounded off an unprecedented level of domination over the course of the meet, winning 37 of the 57 events.

“It’s been awesome. Every year it feels like the Australian team reaches another level,” said 50m freestyle champion Cameron McEvoy after he added bronze in the 50m butterfly.

“I don’t see us slowing down anytime soon, so it’s really special to be part of it, and I’m just happy to keep riding the wave.”

Sam Short completed a treble of the long distance events in the pool by storming to victory in the 1,500m to add to his 400 and 800m golds.

Both Kyle Chalmers and Ben Armbruster walked away with gold in the men’s 50m butterfly with a tied time of 22.73 secs ahead of McEvoy in an Australia 1-2-3.

Kai Taylor won the 200m freestyle, Brittany Castelluzzo the women’s 200 butterfly and Meg Harris lead home another Aussie 1-2-3 in women’s 50m freestyle.

An incredibly dominant meet for the green and gold was capped off by completing a clean sweep of the relays in the men’s and women’s 4x100m medley.

South Africa’s Pieter Coetze was one of the few non-Australian swimming stars of the Games and completed his dominance of the men’s backstroke with 100m gold in a Commonwealth and African record, that was within 17 hundredths of a second of the world record.

Coetze had already eased to victory in the 50m and 200m backstroke finals in Games record times.

“It was something that I was focused on and believed I could do, so to pull it off is a is a great feeling,” said the 22-year-old.

“I know what my body is capable of, so I just relax and let it happen. So far it hasn’t let me down.” Coetze was also part of the South Africa team that won bronze in the medley relay, with Chad le Clos making Commonwealth history in the process.

Le Clos’ 21st medal made him the most decorated athlete in the Games’ history.

Angharad Evans got the biggest cheer of the night after delivering a second gold for Scotland in 200m breaststroke.

In the finals of the 3x3 basketball England edged out Australia 19-17 to claim the men’s gold with Scotland beating New Zealand to take bronze.

Australia ran away with the women’s gold medal match, thrashing Namibia 21-11.

In the overall medal table, Australia are storming clear with more than 100 medals, 47 of them gold.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The Aug 13-23 tournament in Cincinnati marks the 39-year-old’s first appearance there since his 2023 title.

“I am very happy to announce that I will be in Cincinnati this year, for the first time since 2023,” Djokovic said on the tournament’s social media. “That year I played one of the top three Masters 1000 finals of my career.

“I really look forward to coming back, playing in front of you again, and seeing all the fans from around the world. See you soon!” The Serb, currently ranked fifth in the world, joins a dream line-up ahead of the US Open including Wimbledon winner Sinner, world number two Alexander Zverev and no.3 Carlos Alcaraz, who has been nursing a wrist injury since April.

After Cincinnati, Djokovic is expected at the August 30-September 13 US Open, where he will bid for a 25th major title.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The bilateral series, approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), is Pakistan’s first home assignment against a foreign team since 2004 and forms part of the national side’s preparations for next month’s World Cup.

After a cagey opening quarter ended goalless, Pakistan took control in the second period with sustained attacking pressure.

Their breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Sufyan converted a penalty corner. South Korea responded eight minutes later through Ji Hun Yang, who also scored from a penalty corner to restore parity.

Pakistan regained the lead just before halftime as captain Abu Bakr Mahmood scored a field goal to send the hosts into the break 2-1 ahead.

Sufyan then effectively sealed the contest in the 36th minute, converting his second penalty corner of the evening to put Pakistan two goals clear.

South Korea looked to make a comeback but Pakistan’s defence remained resolute in the closing stages.

“We are very happy. Our hockey is making progress now,” Abu Bakr told Dawn after the match. “Hosting an international team after such a long time is very encouraging for us. Playing against an international side ahead of the World Cup is very important.”

The skipper said the series would also help Pakistan improve their ranking.

“These matches are very beneficial for us because victories here will improve our ranking,” he added.

Federal secretary for Inter-Provincial Coord­ination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, who is also serving as the interim president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), termed the occasion a significant milestone for the sport in the country.

“This match and this day are very special for us because we are hosting an international team after 22 years,” Wani told Dawn.

“This is an FIH-approved bilateral series, providing a great opportunity for our national team to improve its ranking ahead of the World Cup.”

Wani said Pakistan would continue to increase its international engagements, revealing that the national team is scheduled to tour South Korea in September, while talks with Canada, China and Belgium over future bilateral series were at an advanced stage.

The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on Saturday.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Shan sustained the injury while batting in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. A scan and subsequent clinical assessment confirmed the fracture, with the left-hander currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of the Pakistan team’s medical staff.

The PCB added that Shan will remain with the squad in the Caribbean, while his availability for Pakistan’s first Test against England, beginning at Headingley in Leeds on Aug 19, will depend on his recovery and clinical progress.

Shan’s injury is the second setback to Pakistan’s squad since its arrival in the Caribbean. Young opener Abdullah Fazal was ruled out before the first Test after suffering an injury, prompting the selectors to summon Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel as replacements.

The latest blow deprives Pakistan of one of the few positives from an otherwise disappointing first Test, which the tourists lost by 90 runs on Tuesday to trail the two-match series 1-0.

Shan had compiled a composed 109 in the first innings, steadying Pakistan after early wickets and putting the visitors in a strong position before a dramatic collapse saw them surrender a potentially decisive first-innings lead. It was his second Test century in three matches and his first outside Asia since 2022.

Despite the injury, Shan returned to bat in the second innings at number eight but managed only three runs before falling to West Indies pacer Jayden Seales as Pakistan were bowled out for 120 while chasing 211.

Head coach Sarfraz Ahmed later admitted the injury had disrupted Pakistan’s plans.

“Shan scored a brilliant hundred in the first innings but got injured while batting,” Sarfraz said after the match. “That cost us because he couldn’t bat in his proper position in the second innings.”

Pakistan now face another selection decision ahead of the second Test, which starts at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on Sunday, as they attempt to level the series after slipping to a fourth successive Test defeat.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The dramatic move came after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued a scathing letter to the continent’s 47 member associations and warned the proposal would never succeed without the support of all of football’s regional blocs.

“UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFAs proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors,” UEFA said in a statement.

“As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.”

European football’s ruling body said the World Cup was not for sale and could not be treated as an investment product or surrendered to private investors.

“This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFAs duty as the custodian of world football,” it said of the proposal.

“The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure.”

AFC EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa said his body was not consulted by FIFA at any level prior to the public announcement and declared that, and the lack of any detailed governance, financial or legal analysis of the proposal, as “totally unacceptable”.

“FIFAs unilateral actions appear to undermine the very foundations of Continental football, which are based on solidarity, cooperation and transparency,” added the Bahraini.

The AFC’s forthright criticism heaps further pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has spearheaded the contentious plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and its other events, while offering minority stakes to private investors.

CONCACAF, the regional bloc for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, also criticised FIFA for a lack of consultation. Infantino offered FIFA’s 211 member associations $40 million each if they agree to the proposal by September 19 as part of a $10 billion package to become available from January 1, 2027.

If rejected, the package would revert to $2.7 billion previously offered, around $10 million per member association.

Infantino said FIFA will put the proposal to a vote by its member associations (MAs) and then to its executive Council. However, Sheikh Salman said it would need all six of the regional blocs behind it.

“Such an initiative will not succeed without the support of all the confederations, which is not the case now,” he wrote.

The African confederation’s executive committee will meet next week to evaluate the proposal, while the Oceania confederation, the smallest regional bloc with 11 full member nations, said it would discuss the proposal at a meeting next month.

South American governing body CONMEBOL has yet to comment publicly.

‘Events SHOULD NOT BE FOR SALE’

Players’ bodies have also expressed opposition to FIFA’s plan, with FIFPRO, the global players’ union, warning the proposal would irreversibly reshape the incentives underpinning the competitions in which players work and build careers. Australia’s players’ union joined the criticism on Thursday, saying the governing body was putting pressure on member associations to wave the proposal through while sidelining the athletes and fans who generate the value of the tournaments.

“The PFA is disturbed by the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal and the absence of meaningful consultation with those that generate the value that FIFA is seeking to exploit - the players and the fans,” Professional Footballers Australia said in a statement.

“At a time when football desperately requires greater transparency, accountability and good governance, proposals of this significance raise questions about who the game is run by and in whose interests. These tournaments should not be for sale.”

Former Liberty Media Chief Executive Greg Maffei, a commercial adviser to FIFA on the project, said it was not a matter of “selling the World Cup and the governing body would always have majority control.

“There’s a trend of this going on in sports all over the place, the American, who oversaw Liberty Media’s acquisition of Formula One’s commercial rights in 2017, told the Financial Times. It’s something that all sorts of people have done.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Tsitsipas, the former world number three from Greece, had won 12 of his prior 13 encounters, but de Minaur shrugged off a shaky start to turn the tables.

After surviving a break point in the fourth game he handed Tsitsipas a break with back-to-back double-faults.

The Aussie fought back with two breaks of his own and survived another break point in the 10th game to pocket the first set.

Tsitsipas broke first again in the second set and held on to force the third. But de Minaur took advantage of an unforced error by Tsitsipas to seize an early break and held on for the win.

“It’s no secret my head-to-head isn’t the greatest against him. He’s gotten the better of me many, many times,” said de Minaur.

“I’m happy with how it went today… played the match on its own merits, and ultimately found a way in a tricky, tricky match.”

De Minaur next faces 17-year-old qualifier Hewitt, the son of Aussie great Lleyton Hewitt who captured his first-ever ATP Tour victory earlier this week.

De Minaur joked that he won’t be offended if his country’s Davis Cup captain — former world number one Lleyton Hewitt — is rooting against him.

“I would expect him to be in his son’s box, and rightfully so,” de Minaur said.

In other men’s matches, third-seeded American Taylor Fritz reached the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak.

Women’s third seed Naomi Osaka also punched her quarter-final ticket, advancing when American Ashlyn Krueger retired while trailing 6-3, 3-1.

Japan’s Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion coming off a quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon, cut a confident figure on the Washington hardcourts.

But she admitted it was hard to stay focused with Krueger still hindered after receiving treatment on her right ankle while trailing 4-1 in the first set.

“It’s a tough situation, and I hope that she gets better ASAP,” Osaka said.

She’ll next face Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who toppled eighth-seeded American Emma Navarro 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala dumped out defending women’s champion Leylah Fernandez to reach the quarter-finals.

Eala, 21, defeated the seventh seed from Canada 6-2, 7-6 (7/1), battling back from 5-1 down in an epic second set.

It continues a breakout season for Eala, who stunned Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon last month to become the first Philippines player to reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam.

“Everything’s kind of a blur right now. I really made an effort to stay in the moment, and I was ready for anything that could have happened,” Eala, now ranked 28th in the world, said.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The middle-order batsman played 85 Tests, 90 One-day Internationals and 20 Twenty20 matches, but fell out of favour with selectors after a drop in form and last played for India in 2023.

“I’ve always relied on timing in my batting, and I’ve always understood its importance,” Rahane, 38, said in a video posted on Instagram.

“Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats.”

Rahane scored 5,077 runs in Tests, including 12 centuries, and built a reputation as one of India’s most reliable batsmen in overseas conditions.

More than half of his Test appearances came away from home, where he often thrived against pace and bounce on challenging pitches.

The defining chapter of his career came on the four-Test tour of Australia 2020-21 where, as a stand-in, he captained a depleted India to a remarkable 2-1 series triumph.

Rahane took the reins when captain Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave after an opening defeat in Adelaide, where India suffered a humiliating collapse to 36 all out, their lowest Test total.

He led India to an eight-wicket victory in the second Test at Melbourne to square the series.

A draw in Sydney and a successful fourth-innings chase of 328 at Brisbane’s Gabba saw Rahane’s India home by three wickets for just their second Test series win on Australia soil.

“Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously, and I feel so proud to have been a part of it over the last 20 years,” Rahane said.

“While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn’t: I look forward to helping the next generation.”

The International Cricket Council wrote on X: “The curtain falls on an illustrious international career of one of India’s most dependable batters.”

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The all-rounder called it quits in extraordinary fashion during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in late June, making his exit public on the fourth afternoon.

The bombshell annou­ncement came after he returned to duty following the fall-out from a London nightclub incident also involving teammate Gus Atkinson earlier that month. Brendon McCullum was sacked soon after as England’s red-ball coach.

McDonald, whose side travel to England for the latest instalment of the Ashes next year, said Stokes still had plenty to offer and his return would be an ideal storyline for the series.

“The fairytale would be that he comes back out of retirement and takes on one more Ashes and builds a lot of hype on the way in,” McDonald told Australian radio station SEN late Wednesday.

“If you’re looking at promoting that series, that’s probably the angle that you would want, that he comes out of retirement.

“To me, he’s still got a lot of good cricket left in him,” he added.

“It’ll be a fascinating watch. I think that whoever the new head coach that comes in potentially has a conversation with him.”

Stokes, who is still playing at domestic level for Durham, is only 35.

By comparison, Australia could field as many five players in their Test against Bangladesh next month who are older — Nathan Lyon (38), Steve Smith and Scott Boland (both 37), Mitchell Starc (36) and Josh Hazlewood (35).

“We don’t know why Ben left. I don’t think there’s been anything on the record around the definitive reason as to why,” added McDonald.

“He may have just called it a day on Test cricket, and that’s it, so there might be a full stop there. Or there might be an opportunity for that new head coach to potentially twist his arm and bring him back in.”

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Teenage forward Rio Ngumoha scored from close range in the 75th minute, greeted by a roar from a largely pro-Liverpool crowd of more than 42,000 at the famous baseball stadium, the home of the New York Yankees and Major League Soccer’s New York City FC.

The victory followed a 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, Iraola’s first match in charge since the former Bournemouth manager replaced the sacked Arne Slot.

That victory was marred by an injury to defender Joe Gomez, who was among the absentees Wednesday along with new signing Jeremy Jacquet and World Cup players Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

Iraola said before the game that the Netherlands’ Graven­berch, Germany’s Wirtz and Sweden’s Isak could be back for the final game of Liverpool’s US tour, against Leeds at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Sunday.

Wrexham, on the rise in recent years under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, missed out on the second-tier Championship playoffs on the final day of last season.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Several key players, including fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, are recovering from injuries.

Wicket-keeper/batter Litton Das is also yet to recover from a calf injury sustained during the home One-day International series against Australia in June.

“Nahid, Shoriful and Litton Das are obviously important players,” Najmul told reporters before the team’s departure.

“But those who are in the squad have also been playing for many years. I have complete faith in the team that is going to Australia and believe we can play good cricket.”

The series marks Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia in 23 years, with their last visit in 2003.

Najmul said the tour was an opportunity not only to challenge one of the world’s strongest teams on their home turf but also to earn Australia’s respect and secure more Test matches there in future.

“Our main goal is to play good cricket there and earn respect,” he said. “If we can play competitive cricket, they’ll definitely invite us again in the future.”

Bangladesh leave for Australia on Friday and will play a four-day warm-up against Cricket Australia XI before the opening Test in Darwin on Aug 13. The second Test begins in Mackay on Aug 22.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Argentina striker Alvarez said during the World Cup it would be “the best thing for everyone” for Atletico to let him leave, amid strong Barca transfer interest.

Atletico believe Barcelona made prohibited contact with the 26-year-old attacker to encourage him to force his departure.

Barca president Joan Laporta said at the start of July his side had made an offer to Atletico for Alvarez which they would leave on the table for as long as they see fit.

Spanish media reported Atletico have also filed a complaint to the Spanish football federation (RFEF), but the RFEF did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

Atletico rejected an offer of 150 million euros from Real Madrid for Alvarez in June, widely viewed as a gambit by Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez to complicate a potential deal for Barca and fulfil a pledge made in his election campaign.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The Saudis have hosted the first two editions of the event, which sees the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final played in a centralised venue, since the continent’s premier club competition was restructured ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Jeddah-based outfit Al-Ahli have won the title on the two occasions the city has hosted the finals, defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in 2025 before beating Machida Zelvia, also from Japan, in May.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The five-day tournament will be played at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex under the auspices of the Sindh Squash Association.

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman has been named the top seed, while compatriot Mohammad Asim Khan has also secured direct entry into the main draw.

The field comprises six players from Pakistan and nine from Egypt, along with two each from Switzerland, Japan and Malaysia. Brazil, Hong Kong and the United States will each be represented by one player.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Sindh Squash Association president Adnan Asad said the event was aimed at providing local players with greater exposure against international opposition while helping them improve their world rankings.

Former world champion Jahangir Khan hoped the tournament would contribute to the development of Pakistan’s players ahead of squash’s return to the Olympic programme at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“I want Pakistani players to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics and win medals, but that depends on their hard work,” Jahangir said.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The 48-year-old replaced Steve Bruce in November 2021 and won the League Cup in March 2025 — the club’s first major trophy since 1969.

The former Bourne­mou­th boss also led Newcastle to Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025. But he came under pressure last season as the Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League.

The club have been depleted by the departures of Sandro Tonali to Totte­nham and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona recently. Speculation continues over the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Howe’s final match in charge was a 4-1 defat to Championship side Bristol City in a pre-season frie­ndly on Wednesday.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Forward Neymar, 34, retired from internationals after Brazil exited the World Cup with a loss to Norway in the round of 16. Midfielder Casemiro, 34, and defender Danilo, 35, have not announced their international retirements.

“I think this World Cup marks the end of a generation of very important players. Starting with Neymar, going through Danilo, Casemiro, all those players who were over 30 years old at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said in an interview published on Wednesday.

“We are going to map out new players who can enter, I’m not saying for the next World Cup in 2030, but who can already be competitive in the first objective, which is the Copa America in 2028.”

Brazil, who will face Australia in two friendlies in September, have reached the World Cup’s semi-finals only once since their record fifth triumph in 2002. They have not won the Copa America since 2019.

“I’m not going to say I’m going to replace all 26 players. We’re going to keep some important players who can continue the work, like Marquinhos, to name one,” said Italian Ancelotti, who took over as Brazil coach in June 2025.

“I think it’s important that you stay to give a sign of continuity to the work. But the idea is to change, to bring in a new generation.” Ancelotti was sounded out by the Italian soccer federation (FIGC) for the role of Italy manager.

“There was simply contact from the federation, but it’s not a contract issue, it’s a matter of commitment,” Ancelotti said.

“I have a commitment to Brazil not because I signed the contract. I have a commitment based on the year I spent here, I was very well received, and I don’t want to break that commitment.”

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Topline Securities Ltd said the PSX remained under pressure throughout the session as investor sentiment weakened following fresh US-Iran attacks, reigniting geopolitical tensions and pushing international crude oil prices higher.

The index plunged to an intraday low of 1,430 points at 174,612.15 before recovering some of its losses to settle at 175,547, down 495 points or 0.28 per cent.

The surge in global oil prices heightened concerns about inflationary pressures and their potential impact on the broader economy, prompting investors to adopt a cautious stance.

Although the market partially recouped intraday losses, persistent uncertainty over the geopolitical situation kept buying interest subdued.

On the index contribution front, Engro Holdings, Lucky Cement, Systems Ltd, Hub Power, and Pakistan Petroleum were the major laggards, collectively eroding approximately 547 points.

Amid persistent bearishness, investor participation rose 23.88pc from the previous session to 711 million shares, while traded value stood at Rs25.3 billion. Trust Brokerage topped the volume chart with nearly 143 million shares.

Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX stayed range-bound as investor sentiment remained cautious throughout the session, with market participants awaiting further progress on the geopolitical front. According to media reports, negotiations between the US and Iran to restore regional stability, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, remain ongoing, keeping investors on the sidelines.

On the corporate front, Engro Fertiliser reported a 2QCY26 profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs3.8bn, with earnings per share (EPS) of Rs2.85, down 32pc year-on-year, reflecting weaker fertiliser offtake.

The company declared a cash dividend of Rs1.75 per share, compared with Rs4.25 in the same period last year, indicating a more cautious capital allocation approach.

Meanwhile, Bank Alfalah Ltd reported 2QCY26 PAT of Rs10bn (EPS: Rs3.22), bringing 1HCY26 earnings to Rs21bn, up 40pc year-on-year, and announced an interim cash dividend of Rs1.5 per share.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The State Bank exceeded the target of $18bn for FY26, reaching $18.4bn. The target was a part of the agreement with the IMF.

During the week ended on July 24, the SBP reserves declined by $229 million.

The country’s overall foreign exchange holdings stood at $22.442bn, including $5.412bn held by commercial banks, during the week.

SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad reportedly told the Senate Standing Committee on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia has rolled over $5bn and that the State Bank purchased $9bn in FY26 from the interbank market.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The Pakistan Pavilion at Texworld New York City 2026 opened on Wednesday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre, where five manufacturers are showcasing home textiles, apparel, leather garments, sportswear, gloves and other value-added products for buyers from across the US and overseas.

Organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with the Trade and Investment Wing of Pakistan’s Consulate General in New York, the pavilion showcases A1 Infinity, MRI Group, Hometex Corporation, Ruqi Sports and Niza Sports.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, described the textile sector as “the backbone of Pakistan’s export economy” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding exports and to strengthening commercial ties with the US.

10pc duty could cost exporters $2 billion

Textiles and apparel account for the overwhelming majority of Pakis­tan’s exports to the US, while the remainder includes rice, leather products, surgical instruments, sports goods and other manufactured items. Ready-made garments, knitwear and home textiles remain the country’s leading export categories.

Pakistan’s participation comes less than a week after the Office of the US Trade Represen­tative imposed a new 10pc ad valorem tariff on Pakistani imports under Section 301, effective July 24.

The measure followed a US investigation into enforcement of forced-labour import prohibitions in 60 trading partners. While acknowledging that Pakistan legally prohibits forced labour, the USTR said enforcement needed to be streng­­thened, placing the country among those subject to the additional duty.

The tariff follows months of uncertainty over US trade policy. Earlier this year, Wash­ing­ton proposed reciprocal tariffs of up to 29pc on Pakistani goods before negotiations reportedly lowered the baseline rate. Exporters fear that the latest duties, combined with rising domestic production costs, could erode Pakistan’s competitiveness in its most important export market.

Analysts estimate the new tariff could reduce Pakistan’s textile exports by about $564m in FY26, with losses potentially exceeding $2 billion if American buyers shift sourcing to lower-cost suppliers.

Pakistan already faces strong competition from Bangladesh, India, Vietnam and China while domestic manufacturers continue to contend with high energy prices, expensive financing, rising taxes and logistics costs.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Speaking at the launch of the Monthly Development Outlook (MDO) for July, the minister said expanding exports through new products and destinations was critical to securing long-term economic independence.

He reported that ministries and divisions reported a total actual expenditure of Rs916.02bn in 2025-26, which was almost 20pc higher than the Rs820.5bn revised allocation for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) due to diversion of over Rs125bn towards fuel subsidies following the US-Iran war. However, even the actual PSDP expenditure at Rs916bn was around 15pc lower than last year’s Rs1.077tr.

The minister said the excess utilisation was due to increased rupee-cover expenditure on foreign-funded projects, especially through third-party payments in the infrastructure, health & nutrition, and governance projects. Moreover, the Government of Sindh’s counterpart share for railways also contributed to increased expenditures.

Planning minister targets $100bn exports by 2035; PSDP spending up on fuel subsidies in FY26

The MDO showed that the infrastructure sector spent Rs608.5bn in FY26 against a revised allocation of Rs514bn, indicating a utilisation rate of 118.4pc. In the energy sub-sector, Rs183bn was spent against Rs105bn, showing a utilisation rate of 174pc. The social sector consumed Rs69.1bn in FY26, achieving 99.8pc of the Rs69.2bn allocation.

The minister said the government was working closely with industry and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to transform the country’s top 20 export clusters into globally competitive sectors while promoting non-traditional industries, including engineering, light engineering, chemicals and advanced manufacturing.

“Our destination is not only stabilisation but sustainable growth of at least 6pc. That growth has to be export-led; otherwise it will become another economic bubble that bursts within a few years,” he said.

Mr Iqbal said the government had set a target of increasing Pakistan’s exports to $100bn by 2035, adding that the existing export structure was inadequate to achieve this objective. “We have to diversify both our product portfolio and our export markets. Pakistan is still exporting many of the same products to the same destinations as it did 40 years ago. This model is no longer sufficient for a competitive global economy,” he remarked.

The minister said the government, in collaboration with the SBP and the private sector, was offering incentives to promote non-traditional export sectors, including engineering, light engineering, chemicals and advanced manufacturing, to broaden the country’s export base.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

This has raised serious concerns for policymakers about the decline in exports to Europe, while Brussels has already hinted that any further extension in GSP+ status will be contingent on full compliance with human rights, press freedom, and political rights.

For Pakistani exporters, the evolving situation presents a dual challenge: maintaining compliance with EU conditions while facing increasing competition from countries gaining preferential or expanded market access.

Official data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan showed that exports to European countries shrank by 0.18pc to $9.089 billion in FY26 from $9.106bn in the preceding year.

Exporters will face a greater challenge in retai­ning market share amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising input costs in the country. Exports to northern Eur­ope slightly dipped by 1.31pc to $741.985m in FY26, from $751.783m in FY25.

Exports to southern Europe grew by 3.35pc to $3.206bn in FY26, from $3.102bn a year ago. In this region, exports to Spain grew 5.18pc to $1.562bn in FY26 from $1.485bn in FY25.

Exports to eastern Europe grew 3.36pc to $801.71m from $775.63m in FY25.

In the post-Brexit period, Pakistan’s exports to the UK decreased 0.55pc to $2.148bn in FY26.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

However, the Ministry of Finance, in its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for July, simultaneously assured that the external sector will remain resilient, supported by government measures to facilitate exports and sustain the strong momentum in remittance inflows.

“Overall, prudent macroeconomic management, fiscal discipline, ongoing structural reforms, stronger industrial activity, and improved external buffers are expected to sustain the recovery in economic activity while preserving macroeconomic stability,” the ministry said, adding that macroeconomic stabilisation had largely been achieved in FY26.

It said the economy was expected to maintain its growth momentum in 2026-27, supported by improving macroeconomic fundamentals, continued expansion in the manufacturing sector, fiscal consolidation, resilience in agriculture, and a stable financial environment.

Finance ministry projects 9-10pc inflation for July; sees external sector resilient on strong remittances

Manufacturing activity is likely to maintain its positive trajectory, underpinned by stable energy availability, easing financial conditions, improving domestic demand, and continued export-oriented production. “Inflation, however, is expected to remain elevated in the near term, with CPI inflation projected in the range of 9.0-10.0pc in July,” it said.

At the same time, it warned that the normalisation of global energy prices remained contingent on a durable peace agreement between the US and Iran. Among high-frequency indicators, the US Weekly Economic Index (WEI), which measured real-time economic activity, stood at 2.9pc for the week ended July 18, while its 13-week moving average was at 2.87pc.

Likewise, the Composite Leading Index suggests that Pakistan’s major export markets (OECD economies, the UK, and the US) remain broadly aligned with their long-term potential of 100, indicating continued support from external demand, although renewed geopolitical tensions could pose downside risks.

It said the government’s focus on poverty alleviation and social protection continued in the outgoing FY26. In June, the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment registered 38,410 workers for overseas employment, reflecting continued opportunities for Pakistani workers in international labour markets.

The report noted that Pakistan’s economy entered FY27 with an improved macroeconomic environment, as the stabilisation gains of FY26 continued to support economic recovery and strengthen prospects for sustainable growth.

In FY26, average CPI inflation remained within the targeted range despite elevated global oil prices and supply chain disruptions.

Large-scale manufacturing rebounded, and agriculture maintained moderate growth despite weather-related challenges. Improved revenue mobilisation and prudent expenditure management further strengthened the fiscal position. The external sector remained broadly balanced, with the current account recording a marginal deficit of $140 million in FY26. Record-high workers’ remittances and higher foreign exchange reserves helped offset the import recovery, associated with the strengthening of domestic economic activity.

Meanwhile, IT exports reached a record $4.6bn, up 20.6pc from last year, underscoring Pakistan’s growing potential in technology and digital services. In light of these positive developments, S&P Global Ratings recently upgraded Pakistan’s long-term sovereign credit rating to B from B-, reflecting improved institutional capacity, sustained reform implementation, stronger fiscal performance, and a significant rebuilding of foreign exchange reserves.

With these gains continuing to strengthen the foundations for sustained economic growth, real GDP growth is targeted at 4pc in FY27, based on the government’s continued advancement of the reform agenda by deepening financial markets, broadening the domestic investor base, strengthening debt sustainability, and enhancing the country’s presence in the global capital markets.

Nevertheless, renewed US-Iran hostilities once again pose downside risks through global energy prices, trade and financial market volatility.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and its territorial waters have been removed from Lloyd’s list of countries in a “war zone” after more than two decades, raising hopes of a reduction in war-risk insurance premiums for shipping lines coming to the country and lifting the business repute of its three ports.

The announcement was made by Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry while addressing the Pakistan Logistics and Shipping Summit on Thursday.

The Listed Areas of Lloyd’s Market Association’s Joint War Committee (JWC) removed Pakistan and its territorial waters from its list, 25 years after inclusion following the Sept 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.

The event was attended by key players in logistics and shipping business, freight forwarders, maritime experts, policymakers and senior management of the country’s three ports.

The minister welcomed the decision and said it would improve the competitiveness of Pakistani exports and strengthen the confidence of international shipping companies, traders and investors in the country.

He hoped the move would make Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar more attractive to global shipping lines and investors, creating opportunities for regional trade, cargo transit and transshipment.

The minister said the issue was taken up with Lloyd’s on March 13 after it was noted that Pakistan and its maritime areas had remained on the JWC’s Listed Areas since 2001. Consequently, additional war-risk insurance premiums and surcharges were imposed on Pakistani shipping and trade. Junaid Chaudhry said the war risk premium had been fluctuating, “but now it has dived to zero”.

Presenting Pakistan’s case

After the report was forwarded to the prime minister, he constituted a special committee to prepare Pakistan’s case for removing it from the list of countries in a war zone.

The committee was headed by Junaid Chaudhry and it included stakeholders from the three ports, the ministry of maritime affairs and the private sector.

The committee held negotiations with Lloyd’s officials and presented Pakistan’s case on the basis of technical evidence and factual data, adding that sustained negotiations eventually resulted in the country’s removal from the list.

He said the decision would reduce the additional financial burden on the country’s maritime trade and help Pakistani exports compete more effectively in the international market.

“The development was an important step towards making Pakistan a major regional logistics, transit and transshipment hub,” Mr Chaudhry added.

Retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, the chairman of Karachi Port Trust, highlighted the KPT’s 138-year history and its achievements.

He said the new initiatives taken to cater for growing transshipment and transit trade, following the US-Iran war. would soon transform the Karachi port into a “smart port”.

Asif Pervaiz, the CEO of Glaxify, Muhammad Rajpar, the chief of Pakistan Ship’s Agents Association (PSAA), and others informed the gathering about opportunities in the maritime sector.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

ISRAEL’s military is systematically expanding an extensive network of earth barriers and shifting demarcation markers deeper into the Gaza Strip, displacing Palestinian families and raising concerns of a prolonged occupation, according to a BBC News report.

Under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas last October, Israeli forces agreed to withdraw to a designated demarcation known as the Yellow Line, leaving Israel in temporary control of 53pc of Gaza’s territory.

However, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated the military controlled over 60pc of the teritory, and in May said his directive was to increase that area to 70pc, the report said.

Hamas maintains that Israel is violating the agreement by pushing the Yellow Line westward.

The IDF, meanwhile, described its posture as a defensive measure involving physical barriers and intelligence capabilities to prevent infiltrations, declining to provide further details on the barrier’s route for operational security reasons.

Yet, physical evidence demonstrates encroachment beyond agreed boundaries. Despite initially marking the boundary with concrete blocks, Israel has since constructed a network of barriers stretching more than 42 kilometres and covering 85pc of the Yellow Line, according to the report.

The longest section spans 13.8km. The embankments extend significantly beyond the originally mapped line, including a section near the al-Mawasi camp positioned more than 1.5km past the boundary and another in Khan Younis extending more than 500 metres over it.

For displaced Palestinians, the shifting markers have prompted renewed evacuations.

In the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of northern Gaza, residents found yellow concrete blocks moved westward into the center of Salah al-Din road, a key north-south thoroughfare, with an Israeli flag hoisted atop a three-metre (10-foot) earth barrier nearby.

Similar displacement occurred east of Gaza City in the Zeitoun area on July 18, when dozens of families fled following an IDF evacuation order.

According to UN-OCHA, roughly 30 families lost their shelters during the evacuation. Residents reported shooting from military vehicles, drone activity and shelling as heavy machinery built a new base and earth banks east of the neighbourhood.

Satellite imagery and verified video analysed by BBC News show land cleared, olive groves torn down and scores of buildings demolished beyond the Yellow Line in Khan Yunis, Deir al-Balah, Rafah, Jabalia and Beit Lahia.

The military has also established 14 new positions along the boundary since the October ceasefire, and expanded seven existing sites.

Palestinians say the changes have further restricted an already displaced population of more than two million people.

“The Yellow Line keeps moving day by day,” Abu Kamel Hamami, a displaced resident of Gaza City, told BBC News.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

Following the first round of voting, ambassadors of the 15 Security Council members were tight-lipped about the outcome of the secret poll.

Four women and three men are so far in the running to succeed Antonio Guterres, who will complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026.

They are Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argen­tina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Olara Otunnu of Uganda, Car­olyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guy­ana, and Macky Sall of Senegal.

Although Grossi, the head of the IAEA, is arguably the most recognised figure, observers believe there is no clear favourite in the race that could last several months.

Even if a candidate bags the required nine votes from the 15 available in the Security Council, they must also avoid a veto by the five major powers, which are deeply divided. Once a candidate clears those bars, their name will go to the General Assembly of all UN members for confirmation.

On Thursday, the Council’s 15 members met behind closed doors to test the waters with the first “straw poll,” devised in the early 1980s in an attempt to break a deadlock between two candidates whose bids were shut down by vetoes. Many states are also pushing for a woman to lead the UN for the first time.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

The head of the inform­ation and culture department in Badakhshan, Zabihullah Amiri, was shot dead on Tuesday while en route to the provincial capital Faizabad.

The Islamic State-Kho­rasan (IS-K) group claimed on Wednesday that it had carried out the attack.

“The soldiers of the Caliphate targeted a commander from the apostate Taliban militia… with machine guns, killing him along with one of his guards,” it said in a statement quoted by monitoring organisation SITE Intelligence Group. Amiri was a nephew of Amanuddin Mansur, the governor of southern Helmand.

Afghanistan’s information and culture ministry said one of the assailants was killed and a second arrested after the “cowardly attack”.

The ministry “reminds the enemies of the Islamic government that such cowardly acts will never weaken our firm resolve and steadfast determination”, it said on Tuesday.

Taliban officials have vowed to restore security to Afghanistan, but sporadic attacks remain since they returned to power in 2021.

IS-K had claimed responsibility for a Dec 2024 suicide bombing in Kabul that killed Taliban minister Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

ISLAMABAD: The government is taking steps to improve services for overseas Pakistanis by digitising document attestation, simplifying complaint procedures and developing electronic payment systems, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a briefing on Thursday.

PM Shehbaz called overseas Pakistanis a “valuable national asset” and said ensuring they receive every possible facility remains one of his administration’s highest priorities.

The prime minister welcomed a newly introduced QR code-based system for registering complaints and ordered that the codes be prominently displayed at Pakistani embassies and missions worldwide to improve public access.

He instructed officials to launch a special awareness campaign so more citizens abroad can use the system to register complaints.

Officials informed the prime minister that a QR code system is already operational to streamline procedures for power of attorney, property purchases and sales, and document attestation for overseas Pakistanis.

To further ease public access, the Foreign Ministry recently launched an evening shift at its Islamabad office, introduced a courier-based attestation service, and opened document attestation facilities at the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad.

The attestation system has been integrated with databases from the Higher Education Commission, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission, the National Database and Registration Authority, and the National Police Bureau to make processing faster and more efficient.

Under the apostille system, attestation has been converted into a one-step procedure, officials said.

Thursday’s briefing about progress made in improving services for overseas Pakistanis brought together Pakistan’s ambassadors stationed in various countries, officials from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Investigation Agen­­cy (FIA), the Ministry of Information Technology, and other senior officials.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

GILGIT: The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said it was deeply concerned after it lost contact with a 10-member international climbing team on Broad Peak, after an avalanche struck around midday on Thursday.

The avalanche on the 8,047-metre peak hit an expedition led by renowned mountaineer Nir­mal ‘Nims’ Purja, according to initial reports from the club.

The team comprises Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi of Hunza, five Nepalese climbers, an American, an Omani, a Chinese, and one other foreign climber.

According to ACP’s Karrar Haidri, the club was closely monitoring the situation. A statement issued on Wednesday night said that they were coordinating with government authorities and rescue agencies to mobilise helicopter support and ground rescue teams as soon as weather and operational conditions allow.

According to the climbers’ GPS locations, they had been thrown down a full kilometre by the avalanche, and were likely trapped.

The team had launched its summit bid on Broad Peak on Wednesday, targeting the summit by Friday. ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri told Dawn the climbers were heading to Camp 3 on Thursday when the avalanche struck.

“The club prays for the safety and successful rescue of all the climbers and stands in solidarity with their families and the international mountaineering community during this difficult time,” the club said in a statement.

Gasherbrum II summit

The incident came on what would have been an otherwise eventful day at the northern peaks of Pakistan, as more than 200 foreign climbers advanced toward higher camps on K2 (8,611m), Gasherbrum I (8,080m) and Broad Peak (8,047m) after improving weather opened a summit window.

Earlier on Thursday morning, an eight-member foreign expedition team summited Gasherbrum II (8,035 metres). According to Seven Summit Treks, the climbers reached the peak between 4:50am and 5:05am.

The summit team included British-Pakistani mountaineer Nadia Azad, Brazilian climber Roman Andrade Romancini, and six Nepalese mountaineers: Lakpa Sherpa, Lhakpa Temba Sherpa, Pasang Tenje Sherpa — who climbed without supplemental oxygen — Tashi Sherpa, Ngima Dorchi Sherpa, and Dawasange Sherpa.

Lhakpa Temba Sherpa completed his 14th and final 8,000-metre peak during the ascent, earning congratulations from Seven Summit Treks and the Alpine Club of Pakistan for joining elite mountaineering ranks.

For Azad, Gasherbrum II marked her fifth 8,000-metre summit, following previous ascents of Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna, and Manaslu.

After completing acclimatisation rotations, the team had waited at base camp for favourable weather following a halt on July 21, before launching their summit push from Camp 3 on Wednesday.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026

LAHORE: Recent floods in Feroze­wala, Muridke — Sheikhupra tehsils — and Kala Shah Kaku have affe­cted more than 94 villages, submerging vast tracts of land along the Lahore-Guj­ranwala tract of the GT Road for the past several days.

According to a Punjab Provincial Disaster Man­a­gement Authority (PDMA) report, at least 1,215 hou­ses — 1,075 in Ferozewala and 140 in Muridke — were affected, while 43,188 acres of land were inundated.

The PDMA said 738 pe­­o­ple and 46 livestock were evacuated, adding that 13 relief camps were established. Over a dozen medical camps and mobile clinics treated 1,633 pati­e­nts while 4,085 ration bags were distributed among af­­­fected families. The PDMA report said that Rescue 1122 deployed seven dewatering sets and 25 more were deployed by the municipal committees.

The situation, however, seemed to be returning to normal on Thursday, as officials and locals said the water level in the Bhed and Deg nullahs was rece­ding. “However, if there are heavy rains in the next four to five days as predicted (by the Met office), the situation may again turn dangerous,” an irrigation official feared.

“The water level in ma­­jor localities, such as Pat­h­­an Colony and Noor­pur, Rahim Colony and others, has come down,” confir­m­­ed an official of the Lahore division’s administration. The official said that the Lahore commissioner and the Sheikhupura deputy commissioner were visiting the flood-affected areas daily and also met officers from various departments at the Ferozewala Muni­­ci­pal Committee (MCL). The Sheikhupura DC informed the commissioner about the losses, stating that the flooding in the nullahs (Bhed, Deg etc) submerged 94 mauzas and affected a large number of people, the official claimed.

More boats for rescue

Meanwhile, the administrations also expanded rescue and relief operations by adding more boats to reach residents in several rural and semi-urban localities that were still underwater after the nullahs breached their banks. Police have also been deployed in the area to safeguard the life and property of the victims.

The residents confirmed the intensification of the rescue and relief operation. “Yes, the government has reached us well with the expansion of the operation. Now the area has more boats to rescue people. We are also being given food and dry fruits,” said Waseem Khan, a resident of Pathan Colo­­ny. “The water level in the nullah as well as the village has dropped to one to two feet. The accumulation of water in our houses has also reduced,” he added.

Meanwhile, a press rel­ease issued by the office of the Lahore commissioner said that Commissioner Nauman Yousaf visited flo­od relief camps and inundated areas in Sheikhu­pura to review rescue and relief operations.

Flood forecast

In a statement on Thu­rsday, the Flood Fore­casting Divi­sion (FFD) said the Indus River will remain in a medi­um flood at Guddu Barrage for up to 36 hours before entering a similar state at Sukkur Barrage over the next 24 hours.

River Chenab will like­­ly fluctuate between low and medium floods at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad and flow in high flood at Marala in the coming days. Accor­ding to the FFD, the water level in Ravi, Chenab, Jhe­lum, Sutlej and Kabul has come down considerably, and they were flowing bel­ow the low flood threshold.

The FFD, however, predicted medium-to-high-level flows in the nullahs of Jhe­lum, Chenab (Dora, Dotta, Dowara, Bhimber, Halsi, Aik, and Palkhu), and Ravi (Bein, Bassanter, Deg, and Sakki).

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026