SINGAPORE: Max Verstappen scorched to Singapore sprint race pole position in his Red Bull on Fri­day after a thrilling qualifying session at the Marina Bay Street circuit.

George Russell’s Mercedes joined Verstappen on the front row for the 21-lap dash on Saturday with the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc third and Oscar Piastri’s McLaren fourth.

A resurgent Verstappen, who won for the first time this season in Malaysia last weekend, clocked 1min 31.156sec under lights at a Marina Bay Circuit enveloped in haze caused by fires in Indonesia, 0.120sec quicker than Russell.

“It’s always close here in Singa­pore. And also your lap itself, you’re pushing as hard as you think is possible, close to the walls in places,” said the four-time world champion.

“Once we bolted on the soft tyres (for SQ3), it felt like the car was coming alive a little bit more, but I did not expect this. “Of course, very happy to be first.”

Fifth was the McLaren of Lando Norris, followed by the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton.

Championship leader Kimi Anto­nelli, sporting a new aerodynamic package, was only seventh in his Mercedes, with Liam Lawson (RB), Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) completing the top 10 on the grid.

Verstappen has never won in Sing­apore, where extremes of heat and humidity play a part in the most physically attritional race of the season.

He was buoyed by the pace of his Red Bull, which traditionally struggles on slower speed and bumpy street circuits.

“I think the last few races we have been a lot stronger,” said Verstappen.

“But this track still highlights a few little weaknesses in the car, but we manage to drive with them as well as possible.”

However the Dutchman could face a grid penalty as he was being investigated by stewards after the session for allegedly overtaking Hamilton under yellow flag conditions during SQ1.

Russell said of P2: “It is going to be challenging, the grip here (means) the drivers on the pole side have a big advantage.”

Antonelli admitted he struggled throughout the session.

“Still a lot to understand about this package, the car is very unpredictable and it is very hard to put a lap together,” said the Italian, who is 84 points ahead of Russell in the drivers’ standings.

“I came with high hopes. But I think it will be a difficult weekend. I don’t really see where we can find seven tenths.”

Singapore is featuring a sprint race for the first time, on a track that is notoriously difficult for overtaking.

The only practice session for the teams to get to grips with the idiosyncrasies of the Marina Bay Street Circuit took place on a dusty track before sunset earlier on Friday, hardly ideal preparation for a 62-lap night race on Sunday.

Singapore is extremely tough on drivers, who can shed up to 3kg (6lb) during the grand prix from sweating alone, and the race weekend has been declared a “heat hazard” by organisers allowing drivers to wear cooling vests.

The teams also have to contend with the thick haze caused by wildfires in nearby Indonesia, which saw Singapore’s air quality plunge to an “unhealthy” 205 on Friday according to the IQAir tracking website.

Readings above 150 are classified as unhealthy, while levels above 300 are considered hazardous.

Motorsport’s governing body told AFP the race was not under threat from the haze.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

Protection measures which were due to end on Saturday will now remain in effect pending a new decision, the Justice Ministry said in a statement.

A previous resolution was nullified because Pinto had not been “duly informed of the reasons for the decision” and had not had the opportunity to challenge it, the statement added.

Pinto’s lawyers last week den­ounced irregularities in the proceedings, highlighting the real threats facing their client, who was assaulted in Lisbon last April.

The 37-year-old said he had to move to a secret location “due to the multiple death threats” he had received.

Pinto has been a protected witness since 2020 after agreeing to grant Portuguese authorities access to millions of files gathered before his arrest.

Arrested in Hungary where he was living in January 2019 and extradited to his home country Portugal, Pinto spent more than a year in pre-trial detention before agreeing to cooperate with authorities by granting them access to the encrypted data in his possession.

Pinto was both a defendant and a protected witness in the Portuguese justice system. He is also cooperating with investigators from other European countries.

During his first trial, the former history student and self-tau­g­ht computer expert admitted hacking computers to obtain millions of documents which he began publishing online in late 2015.

Passed on to a consortium of European investigative media outlets, this wealth of information exposed questionable practices involving star football players, clubs and agents, subsequently leading to tax adjustments and judicial investigations in several countries.

A Portuguese court handed Pinto a suspended four-year sentence in September 2023 after he was found guilty on counts of attempted extortion, illegal access to data and breach of correspondence.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

According to the Karachi Tennis Association, Shayan won the decider 4-2, 4-0.

Meanwhile, Ibraheem Gill outplayed Majid Bachani 4-1, 4-0 in the boys U-12 decider.

Results:

Boys U-14 singles (final): Shayan Afridi bt Meer Bhagat 4-2, 4-0

Boys U-12 (final): Ibraheem Gill bt Majid Bachani 4-1, 4-0

Girls U-12 (semi-finals): Dua Yousuf bt Reeha 4-0, 4-0; Shanaya Sheikh bt Alina Rizwan 4-2, 4-1

Girls U-18 (semi-finals): Ayla Benazir bt Zayna Khan 7-5, 6-4; Anaya Khan bt Oreezeh Haroon 6-1, 6-3

Girls U-14 (quarter-finals): Dua Yousuf bt Kavashari 4-1, 4-0; Shanaya Sheikh bt Aryana Raheel 4-0, 4-1

U-10 (semi-finals): Raaif bt Hamza Sattar 4-1, 5-4; Zayan Nomi bt Rayyan Jahangir 2-4, 4-1, 4-2

55-plus doubles (semi-finals): Altaf/Karim bt Razi/M. Saeed 9-8; Iltifat/Javed bt Pervez/Amir 8-5

Girls U-14 singles (semi-final): Zohha Imad bt Anaya Khan 4-2, 5-3.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

According to the PCB, the Pakistan squad will leave for Hong Kong on Oct 28 and will compete alongside 11 other teams in the tournament to be held from Oct 30 to Nov 1.

The participating teams have been divided into four pools of three each. Pakistan have been placed in pool C.

Squad: Mohammad Abbas Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Shahzad and Saad Masood.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

Nine bouts were held in various categories, featuring fighters from all across Pakistan who had been selected after trials.

In the strawweight category, Shayan Mahdi, Ibrahim Khan and Bilal emerged victorious. Lahore’s Shayan beat Abdullah of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Ibrahim downed Danish Munir. Bilal, meanwhile, cruised into the semi-finals with a win over Mohammad Bilal Abbas.

Three fights were decided in the flyweight category, with Suliman Khan defeating Ameer Hamza and Attaullah getting the better of Mohammad Junaid. Mohiz Satti overwhelmed Saad Afridi. The bantamweight category saw Siddiq Ullah and Asad triumph, while Gohar registered victory in the lightweight category.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

The SuperFile-Track­house racer clocked 1min 28.725sec at a dry Perta­mina Mandalika Intern­ational Circuit to push Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi, who had led after the first session, into second place by 0.219sec.

Championship leader Jorge Martin, also on Apri­lia, came third, with fellow Spaniards Pedro Acosta and reigning champion Marc Marquez behind him.

Fabio di Giannantonio was sixth, followed by Fabio Quartararo, Alex Ma­r­­­q­uez, Franco Morbi­delli and Francesco Bagnaia.

In a second session high on drama, last year’s race winner Fermin Aldeguer crashed at the last corner, while Quartararo skidded out at Turn 9, though both were uninjured.

Enea Bastianini, Diogo Moreira, Alex Marquez and Alex Rins also fell.

Japan’s Ai Ogura cras­hed earlier, during the first session.

Marc Marquez won in Japan last week to whittle Martin’s overall championship lead down to two points with six events of the season remaining.

Going into Sunday’s race, Martin sits top with 333 points, with Marquez on 331 and Bezzecchi in third place on 284.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

On the same day, Conquerors face Stars at the Jawad Club Ground in Faisalabad.

Strikers, the fifth team in the tournament, will play their opening match against Challengers at the Jawad Club Ground on Sunday.

Defending champions Stars will continue to be led by Tuba Hassan, while last edition’s runners-up Invincibles will be captained by Gull Feroza. Challengers will be led by Ayesha Zafar while wicket-keeper/batter Muneeba Ali will captain Conquerors.

Pakistan women’s team captain Fatima Sana will lead Strikers.

A total of 75 players will feature in the tournament, with each team comprising a 15-member squad. Of these, six players are currently part of the Pakistan U-19 squad participating in the women’s tri-series in Faisalabad. They will join their respective teams following the conclusion of the tri-series.

The tournament carries a prize money of over Rs3 million, with the winners receiving Rs1.5 million and the runners-up taking home Rs1 million.

Overall, 21 matches will be played on a double-league basis with each team playing at least eight matches before the top two sides qualify for the final. The final will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Oct 25.

Squads:

Challengers: Ayesha Zafar (captain), Arijah Haseeb, Farzana Farooq, Fatima Khan, Komal Khan, Laraib Malik Aziz, Maham Anees, Mahnoor Zeb, Quratulain, Rabia Rani, Saima Malik, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar

Conquerors: Muneeba Ali (captain), Aleesa Mukhtar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Bilal, Dua Majid, Ghulam Fatima, Gull Rukh, Humna Bilal, Kaynat Hafeez, Mahnoor Aftab, Mahnoor Iqbal, Neha Sharmin Nadeem, Noreen Yaqoob, Ravail Farhan, Soha Fatima

Invincibles: Gull Feroza (captain), Aman Fatima, Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Laiba Fatima, Lubna Behram, Rida Aslam, Saiqa Riaz, Samiya Afsar, Shehar Bano, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tayyaba Imdad, Zoofishan Ayaz

Stars: Tuba Hassan (captain), Amber Kainat, Aqsa Bibi, Ayesha Rehman, Diana Baig, Hafsa Khalid, Iram Javed, Javeria Siddique, Manahil Rafiq, Momina Riasat, Rozina Akram, Sadaf Shamas, Samina Aftab, Shabnam Hayat, Yusra Amir

Strikers: Fatima Sana (captain), Aleena Masood, Aqsa Habib, Eman Naseer, Huraina Sajjad, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Neelam Mushtaq, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Masooma Zahra, Zaib-un-Nisa Niaz, Zunish Abdul Sattar.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

At the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, PTV completed a dominant performance by bowling Ghani Glass out in their second innings before knocking off the 15-run target without losing a wicket.

Resuming at their overnight score of 183-3, Ghani Glass were dismissed for 337 after PTV had taken a substantial lead by scoring 428 in reply to Ghani’s 102.

Hussain Talat led the batting effort with 108, while Mohsin Riaz scored 76 and Hammad Butt contributed 63. Kashif Ali claimed five wickets for 60 runs, while Haris Rauf took four for 91 to put PTV in a commanding position.

PTV needed just three overs to complete the 10-wicket win, reaching 15 without loss in their second innings. At the Imran Khan Stadium in Peshawar, SBP held on for a draw against KRL after finishing their second innings at 136-5 in 53 overs while chasing a target of 346.

KRL resumed their second innings at 173-2 and added 84 runs before declaring at 257-4 in 49 overs. Mohammad Faiq narrowly missed a century, scoring 98, while Shahzaib Khan made 52 and Raja Hamza Waheed contributed 48.

Faham led SBP’s resistance with a determined 52 as wickets fell around him. Faheem Ashraf and Arshad Iqbal claimed two wickets apiece, conceding 18 and 37 runs respectively, but SBP managed to survive until the close to secure the draw.

At the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad, Mohammad Suleiman struck a century to help Kingsmen Academy force a draw against SNGPL.

Resuming their second innings at 167-3, Kingsmen added 273 runs before being dismissed for 440 in 110.2 overs. Suleiman top-scored with 125, while Mohammad Shayan scored 75 and Mohammad Tayyab Arif made 70.

Sameer Minhas was the pick of the SNGPL bowlers, taking four wickets for 57 runs.

SNGPL, who had scored 234 in their first innings in response to Kingsmen Academy’s 217, reached 15 without loss in five overs in their second innings before the match ended in a draw. The sixth round of the tournament will begin on Monday, October 12.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

SHANGHAI: Novak Djok­ovic went down in straight sets to Hubert Hurkacz on Friday, exiting the Shanghai Masters in his first match after memorably winning the China Open this week.

Big-serving Hurkacz, the 2023 champion in Shanghai, won 6-4, 6-3 as the 39-year-old former world number one faltered against an opponent a decade his junior.

“I didn’t feel myself on the court,” the Serbian veteran said afterwards.

“It’s a super-quick surface, completely different from Beijing. If you lose your serve, it’s enough to lose a match.”

Djokovic was playing three days after winning the title in Beijing, where he has still never lost a match on the professional Tour.

He hunched over and squatted down between points on a cool evening in Shanghai while a lively Hurkacz refused to give much away.

Djokovic was broken in the fourth game of the second set as he double-faulted to give Hurkacz a 3-1 lead.

The Pole held his serve to see out the win and will face either Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti or Chinese wildcard Zhou Yi in the third round.

“It’s very difficult to return his serve, almost impossible,” Djokovic said of his opponent, who sent down 13 aces across the one-hour-and-28-minute ma­t­­ch. “I didn’t adjust, and it was a really tough draw for me to play him in the first match-up.”

Hurkacz had advanced to the Beijing semi-finals but ended his match early due to a strained muscle.

It was his first-ever victory against Djokovic in nine meetings on the Tour.

“It was a challenging match, always,” Hurkacz said. “I was pleased with how I performed, how I received in important moments.”

ZVEREV SURVIVES SCARE

Earlier, top seed Alexander Zverev churned out a win over Chinese wildcard Wu Yibing 6-4, 7-6(7/4), and will next play Quentin Halys of France.

A dive left the German world number two grimacing and grabbing his left ankle during the 11th game of the second set, with Wu, ranked 113th, going 6-5 up.

But the 29-year-old held serve and forced a tie-break, capitalising on a series of errors to win on his second match point when the home hope fired long.

“Credit to him, he was playing amazing tennis,” Zverev told the crowd afterwards. “He hits every ball as hard as he can.”

Zverev is on track to end the year at number one after Jan­nik Sinner announced he was ending his season due to injury.

A gritty Ben Shelton beat Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 7-6(8/6) and will play France’s Arthur Gea in the third round.

It was a fitting present for the American third seed, who turned 24 on Friday, though he hinted he may go easy on the celebrations, telling an on-court interviewer: “I hate cake.”

Frenchman Adrian Mann­arino upset sixth-seeded Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 to set up a tie against Karen Khachanov.

And Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto beat Russia’s Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4 to earn a match against ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

BEIJING: Homegrown hero Zheng Qinwen pulled out some of her best tennis to beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-3, 7-6(8/6) at the China Open on Friday and storm into a semi-final against Belgium’s Elise Mertens.

Zheng, a wildcard entry in Beijing, finally notched her first straight-sets win of this year’s tournament having needed more than 10 hours on court to get to the quarter-finals.

The world number 54 sent the crowd roaring as she punched winners down the line, though the seventh-ranked Svitolina came back fighting to force a second set tie-break.

Zheng double-faulted on the first point but crawled her way out from a 0-2 deficit and fell onto her back victorious after winning her second match point.

“Truthfully, because I really wanted to grab this win, I was really nervous,” the 24-year-old told the crowd.

“I played really aggressive in important moments,” she said, adding that her opponent “raised her level” in a tight second set.

Svitolina made just 13 unforced errors over the one-hour-and-47-minute match, but was outgunned by 48 winners from the 2024 Olympic champion.

Mertens, the wor­ld number 19, beat Pola­nd’s Iga Swi­­atek 7-6(7/0), 6-3, overcoming some nerves to dump out the 2023 title winner.

“I tried to be consistent. She’s a great player, so I had to really push myself,” said Mertens, who had lost both of her two previous matches against eighth-seeded Swiatek.

“It was really nerve-wracking at the end but I kept myself calm… I just can’t believe it.”

The 30-year-old was the evening’s better technician, making just 11 unforced errors to Swiatek’s 34 across the one-hour-and-50-minute affair.

Mertens had surged into her singles quarter-final after beating third-seeded Coco Gauff, also in straight sets.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

DURBAN: Australia’s captain Pat Cummins and Matt Renshaw led an afternoon fightback to see the tourists to 187-6 before bad light brought a premature halt to play on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa here at Kingsmead on Friday.

The pair put on an unbeaten 63 for the seventh wicket with Renshaw four runs short of a fifty and Cummins 33 not out.

The umpires took the players off one hour before the scheduled close as windy and gloomy conditions coincided with South Africa bringing back the pacy Anrich Nortje into the attack and when he sent a bouncer over Renshaw’s head, play was immediately halted after the light meters were consulted.

The umpires waited out in the middle for another 45 minutes before calling off the day’s proceedings.

Nortje was returning after almost four years away from first-class cricket, and took two wickets in the space of three balls before tea to give the hosts the upper hand.

The 32-year-old had not played since March 2023 as persistent injury and a focus on the T20 format kept him away from red-ball cricket but he justified his recall with a fiery spell after lunch that left the tourists teetering.

NORTJE BRINGS X-FACTOR

South African captain Temba Bavuma predicted Nortje could provide X-factor, and he did as much in having Alex Carey caught at second slip off a fuller delivery that clocked in at 143kph and then, two balls later, snagging Beau Webster caught behind to see Australia fall to 124-6.

“To be honest I thought I wasn’t going to get a wicket for the next few weeks the way the ball was passing the bat but then it was good to take the wickets and get the blood flowing again,” Nortje said at the post-match press conference.

The fortunes of Nortje, who finished the day with 2-40 off 13.2 overs, contrasted with those of Australian cancer survivor Nic Maddinson, also making a comeback, who failed to get a run.

The 34-year-old, a surprise choice to open after Australia won the toss and chose to bat, survived 33 balls without scoring before Marco Jansen bowled him to end a remarkable return following his battle with cancer last year.

His duck was the longest by an Australian opener in Test history and the third-longest by any Test opener.

It was Maddinson’s first Test appearance in almost a decade, having not played first-class cricket for 18 months as he fought testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs. He was only named in the team half an hour before play started. Australia counter-attacked after Travis Head (9) and Maddinson went early, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith putting together a 60-run partnership for the third wicket before Wiaan Mulder (2-31) trapped Labuschagne lbw for 37 with the last ball before lunch.

Smith scored 25 on his first Test appearance in South Africa since the 2018 tour that led to his one-year ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal known as “Sandpapergate”.

Smith walked to the crease without any noticeable heckling from the sparse crowd and quickly set about speeding up the scoring, with two sixes when spinner Keshav Maharaj was introduced to the home attack.

However, Smith was dismissed in the first over after lunch, getting a thick edge to gully to earn Jansen (2-35) a second wicket.

Renshaw said South Africa had bowled tight and there were many challenges for the visiting batsmen to face.

“Some pace, some bounces, some nibble, some spin, but I thi­nk there were moments in the game where I felt like we were getting close to having the foot on their throat.”

Scoreboard

AUSTRALIA (1st Innings): N. Maddinson b Jansen 0 T. Head c Verreynne b Mulder 9 M. Labuschagne lbw b Mulder 37 S. Smith c Mulder b Jansen 25 M. Renshaw not out 46 A. Carey c Markram b Nortje 14 B. Webster c Verreynne b Nortje 4 P. Cummins not out 33 EXTRAS (LB-14, NB-4, W-1) 19 TOTAL (for six wickets, 65.2 overs) 187 STILL TO BAT: M. Starc, N. Lyon, J. Hazlewood FALL OF WICKETS: 1-17 (Head), 2-24 (Maddinson), 3-84 (Labuschagne), 4-84 (Smith), 5-120 (Carey), 6-124 (Webster) BOWLING: Jansen 16-7-35-2 (3nb), Mulder 15-6-31-2 (1nb), Nortje 13.2-2-40-2 (1w), Maharaj 7-0-33-0, Harmer 14-1-34-0 SOUTH AFRICA: A. Markram, R. Rickelton, D. Bedingham, T. Bavuma, T. Stubbs, W. Mulder, K. Verreynne, M. Jansen, S. Harmer, K. Maharaj, A. Nortje

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

RANCHI: Skipper Shai Hope and Sherfane Ruther­ford struck blazing knocks as the West Indies recorded the second-highest T20 chase of all time on Friday to beat In­d­ia by six wickets in Ranchi.

After India posted 249-5 batting first, the West Indies rode on a 120-run fourth-wic­ket partnership between Ho­pe, who hit an unbeaten 102, and Rutherford (84) to achieve the target with nine balls to spare at the JSCA Inte­rnational Stadium Complex.

Hope completed the win with the ninth six of his innings and one that brought up his century off 45 balls, as the West Indies bounced back to level the five-match series at 1-1.

South Africa hold the record for the highest successful run chase in men’s T20 cricket, scoring 259-4 against the West Indies in Centurion in 2023.

West Indies’ previous best chase was when they overhauled 231 by South Africa in Johannesburg in 2015.

Hope and the left-handed Rutherford led an aggressive counter-attack after joining forces with the West Indies 58-3.

Rutherford reached his fifty off 24 balls and kept up the charge before falling to left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

He hit seven fours and seven sixes in his 37-ball blitz.

Hope, who struck his second T20 ton, stood firm and put on an unbeaten stand of 74 with Romario Shepherd, who hit 34.

Indian speedster Mayank Yadav struck in the opening over with two successive wickets, removing Shimron Hetmyer for a first-ball duck.

Yadav also bowled Rov­m­an Powell for 24 with a del­ivery that clocked 150kph (93mph), but Hope and Ruth­e­rford turned the chase on its head. Earlier, Sanju Samson made 82 off 41 balls before skipper Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma powered India to an imposing total after being asked to bat first.

Samson and Ishan Kishan (43) put on 97 runs for the second wicket after swashbuckling opener Abhishek Sharma departed for 20.

Spinner Roston Chase struck the first blow and then delivered two more — bowling Kishan and Shivam Dube — to check India’s surge.

Pace bowler Shamar Springer dismissed Samson but Iyer and Varma bludgeoned 83 runs off 33 balls for the fifth wicket.

Iyer fell to the penultimate ball of the innings after a rapid 40 off 18 balls while Varma finished unbeaten with 44 in equally quick time.

The third match is on Sunday in Indore.

Scoreboard

INDIA: A. Sharma c Motie b Chase 20 S. Samson c Pooran b Springer 82 I. Kishan b Chase 43 S. Dube b Chase 7 S. Iyer c Hetmyer b Springer 40 T. Varma not out 44 N. Dhir not out 4 EXTRAS (LB-1, NB-2, W-6) 9 TOTAL (for five wkts, 20 overs) 249 DID NOT BAT: A. Patel, A. Singh, M. Yadav, K. Yadav FALL OF WICKETS: 1-42 (Sharma), 2-139 (Kishan), 3-158 (Dube), 4-162 (Samson), 5-245 (Iyer) BOWLING: Hosein 3-0-46-0 (1nb), Shepherd 3.4-0-47-0 (4w), Chase 4-0-24-3 (1w), Motie 2-0-21-0, Joseph 3-0-39-0 (1w), Springer 4-0-64-2 (1nb), Powell 0.2-0-7-0 WEST INDIES: S. Hope not out 102 K. Pooran c (sub) b M. Yadav 4 S. Hetmyer b M. Yadav 0 R. Powell b M. Yadav 24 S. Rutherford c Samson b K. Yadav 84 R. Shepherd not out 34 EXTRAS (W-4) 4 TOTAL (for four wkts, 18.3 overs) 252 DID NOT BAT: R. Chase, S. Springer, A. Hosein, S. Joseph, G. Motie FALL OF WICKETS: 1-5 (Pooran), 2-5 (Hetmyer), 3-58 (Powell), 4-178 (Rutherford) BOWLING: M. Yadav 3-0-36-3, Singh 4-0-45-0, Patel 3.3-0-63-0 (1w), Dube 2-0-30-0 (1w), K. Yadav 4-0-53-1 (1w), Dhir 2-0-25-0 (1w) RESULT: West Indies won by 6 wickets. MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Shai Hope

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

New Zealand host India in five T20s, five One-day Internationals and two Tests, with the opening T20 in Christchurch on Oct 22.

Chapman suffered a left hamstring tear during the European T20 League last month but is expected to be available for the ODI series against India.

Foulkes injured his right hip flexor during a recent Canterbury men’s training session, with no timeline yet set for his return.

All-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been added to New Zealand’s T20 squad as replacements for Chapman and Foulkes.

“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery. We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very exc­ited to be involved,” coach Rob Walter said.

Squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

“It has been decided not to continue with our head coach,” the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said on X.

Turkiye have lost all four of their Nations League matches against France, Belgium and twice to Italy.

Appointed in September 2023, the former Italy international enjoyed some early success as he guided Turkiye to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, where they were beaten 2-1 by the Netherlands.

However despite boasting stars including Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and forward Kenan Yildiz of Juventus, the team’s results have deteriorated in recent months. Turkiye were the first country to be eliminated from this summer’s World Cup despite beating co-hosts the US in their final group match.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

The AHF announced the revised schedule for the event without Pakistan following the country’s decision to withdraw from the event after its request for a neutral venue was rejected.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had formally approached the continental body, seeking either the relocation of the entire tournament or the staging of Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue, citing the sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and concerns over the safety and dignity of players and officials.

Hockey India and the AHF turned down the proposal, insisting that the tournament would be held as scheduled at the designated venues in Jalandhar and Mohali. Following the decision, the PHF informed the AHF that Pakistan would not travel to India under the existing arrangements.

Bangladesh, named as one of the two reserve teams alongside Oman, were subsequently invited to fill the vacant slot and accepted the offer.

The revised six-team line-up comprises India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Bangladesh. All league-stage matches will be played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar from Oct 27 to Nov 2, with the opening ceremony also scheduled at the venue.

The semi-finals will be held in Mohali on Nov 4 while the final is scheduled for Nov 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.

Defending champions India, who won the Asian Champions Trophy title in Chennai in 2023 and Hulunbuir, China, in 2024, will open their campaign against Bangladesh on Oct 27. The scheduled India-Pakistan encounter on Nov 1 in Jalandhar has been scrapped following Pakistan’s withdrawal.

First held in 2011, the Asian Champions Trophy has regularly featured the traditional rivalry between India and Pakistan. The two sides last met in the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where India secured a 4-3 victory before retaining the gold medal.

Pakistan had also withdrawn from the Junior World Cup held in India last year, citing similar concerns.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier indicated that Pakistan was expected to participate, referring to India’s policy of allowing neighbouring countries to compete in multi-nation sporting events.

Despite Pakistan’s withdrawal and the subsequent inclusion of Bangladesh, the organisers have confirmed that the tournament will proceed as planned.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

Tanzid, fresh from his maiden hundred against Australia at Dar­win, hit eight boundaries and four sixes in his 83, while Islam’s 67 had seven hits to the rope after Ban­gladesh won the toss and batted.

The duo took advantage of a slow-paced Sheikh Zayed Stad­i­um, putting up a solid 124-run stand before Afghanistan hit back with five wickets for 101 runs.

The slump included the wicket of Bangladesh’s most experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim for nought, Mominul Haque for 39 and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for 29.

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das with 53 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (24) added 62 for the sixth wicket to help push Bangladesh’s total towards 300.

At close, Nayeem Hasan was unbeaten on 11, and Taijul Islam was four not out.

Afghanistan’s quicks Moham­m­ad Saleem (3-70), Ismat Alam (2-20) and Yamin Ahmadzai (2-62) shared the bowling honours.

Ahmadzai could have had Islam caught on five but Hashmatullah Shahidi spilled an easy chance at cover, costing Afghanistan dearly.

Leg-spinner Qais Ahmad had figures of 1-60.

This is Afghanistan’s home Test as they play matches on the neutral venues of the United Arab Emirates and India, given the volatile security situation in their own country.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

RAWALPINDI: Sahibzada Farhan marked his first match as Pakistan’s full-time Twenty20 International captain with a commanding 89 as the hosts chased down Sri Lanka’s 182-8 to secure a four-wicket victory with seven balls to spare in the opening match of the three-game series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Farhan struck 10 fours and four sixes in his 53-ball knock, while Maaz Sadaqat smashed a maiden T20I half-century to put Pakistan firmly on course for victory. Their 92-run second-wicket partnership proved decisive as Pakistan reached 187-6 in 18.5 overs.

The hosts made a flying start to the 183-run chase, with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman adding 54 for the opening wicket. Fakhar struck four boundaries in his 13-ball 21 before falling to Eshan Malinga in the final over of the powerplay, by which time Pakistan had raced to 70-1.

Maaz immediately maintained the momentum, taking advantage of loose deliveries to punish the Sri Lankan bowlers. He swept Maheesh Theekshana past fine leg for four before Farhan launched the spinner for six as Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark in the 10th over.

The left-hander continued to attack, smashing Dunith Wellalage over long-on for six before Farhan brought up his half-century off 33 balls. Maaz reached his maiden T20I fifty off just 21 deliveries in the 13th over, striking four fours and three sixes in an innings that gave Pakistan control of the chase.

Farhan then took Theekshana apart in the 14th over, sweeping him over long-on for six before adding two more boundaries. The spinner, however, ended Maaz’s 29-ball knock of 50 by trapping him leg-before, leaving Pakistan at 146-2.

Sri Lanka briefly threatened to turn the contest around as Hasan Nawaz was caught behind off Dushmantha Chameera for one and Theekshana bowled Saim Ayub for eight in successive overs. Pakistan slipped to 156-4, but Farhan remained the key to the chase.

After two quieter overs, the captain attacked Nuwan Thushara in the 18th, striking a boundary through square leg before launching a low full toss over extra cover for six. His innings ended at 89 when he was caught by Sahan Arachchige in the deep off the next delivery, with Pakistan needing just four runs for victory.

Shadab Khan fell for a duck, caught off Malinga, but Khawaja Nafay ensured there was no late drama. He finished unbeaten on 12 off seven balls, including a six over long-on, as Pakistan reached their target in 18.5 overs. Mohammad Imran remained not out on nought.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted 182-8 after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Lahiru Udara anchoring the innings through a superb 91 off 55 balls.

The batter struck 11 fours and a six, lifting Sri Lanka from 83-4 after Pakistan’s bowlers had made early inroads. Naseem Shah removed captain Kusal Mendis for one in the opening over, while debutant Mohammad Imran dismissed Kamil Mishara for six.

Udara then joined Kamindu Mendis in a counterattack that brought 60 runs for the third wicket. Kamindu made 23 off 18 balls, hitting four boundaries, before falling to Saim, caught by Fakhar at long-off. Two balls later, Sahan Arachchige departed for one after Shadab took a fine catch at point off Imran.

Undeterred, Udara brought up his maiden T20I half-century off 32 balls and continued to score freely. Dasun Shanaka contributed 18 off 15 balls, including two sixes, before Fakhar caught him off Shadab with Sri Lanka at 140-5.

Udara survived a missed chance on 77 when spinner Abrar Ahmed misjudged a high catch, but his innings ended nine runs short of a century when Naseem had him caught by Hasan at long-on in the final ball of the 19th over.

Naseem finished with 3-36 from four overs, while Imran claimed 2-21. Razaullah took his maiden T20I wicket in the final over, dismissing Theekshana for one, before Dushmantha Chameera struck a boundary off a free hit to help Sri Lanka finish on 182-8.

Despite Udara’s effort, Pakistan’s aggressive top-order batting proved decisive. Farhan’s captain’s knock and Maaz’s rapid half-century gave the hosts a winning start to the series, while Sri Lanka were left to rue their inability to stem the scoring during the middle overs.

Scoreboard

SRI LANKA: L. Udara c Hasan b Naseem 91 K. Mendis c Imran b Naseem 1 K. Mishara c Fakhar b Imran 6 K.D. Mendis c Fakhar b Saim 23 S. Arachchige c Shadab b Imran 1 D. Shanaka c Fakhar b Shadab 18 D. Wellalage b Naseem 5 M. Theekshana c&b Razaullah 1 D. Chameera not out 6 E. Malinga not out 1 EXTRAS (B-7, LB-3, NB-1, W-18) 29 TOTAL (for eight wickets, 20 overs) 182 DID NOT BAT: N. Thushara FALL OF WICKETS: 1-9 (K. Mendis), 2-18 (Mishara), 3-78 (K.D. Mendis), 4-83 (Arachchige), 5-140 (Shanaka), 6-167 (Wellalage), 7-172 (Udara), 8-172 (Theekshana) BOWLING: Naseem 4-0-36-3 (4w), Imran 4-0-21-2 (1w), Razaullah 3-0-29-1 (1w, 1nb), Abrar 4-0-36-0, Shadab 3-0-33-1, Saim 2-0-17-1 PAKISTAN: Sahibzada Farhan c Arachchige b Thushara 89 Fakhar Zaman c K. Mendis b Malinga 21 Maaz Sadaqat lbw b Theekshana 50 Hasan Nawaz c K. Mendis b Chameera 1 Saim Ayub b Theekshana 8 Khawaja Nafay not out 12 Shadab Khan c Thushara b Malinga 0 Mohammad Imran not out 0 EXTRAS (B-1, LB-3, W-2) 6 TOTAL (for six wickets, 18.5 overs) 187 DID NOT BAT: Razaullah, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed FALL OF WICKETS: 1-54 (Fakhar), 2-146 (Maaz), 3-147 (Hasan), 4-156 (Saim), 5-179 (Sahibzada), 6-180 (Shadab) BOWLING: Thushara 3-0-32-1, Chameera 3-0-40-1, Malinga 3.5-0-33-2, Theekshana 4-0-36-2, Shanaka 2-0-16-0 (1w), Wellalage 3-0-26-0 (1w) RESULT: Pakistan won by four wickets. MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Sahibzada Farhan

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its overnight bearish trend on Friday, despite a bullish start, as investors took profits ahead of the weekend.

With the situation in the Middle East remaining fluid and oil prices elevated, concerns about rising inflationary pressures persisted. As a result, the benchmark KSE-100 index closed in the red for a second consecutive session.

A staff-level agreement with the IMF mission on Thursday, following the successful completion of the fourth Extended Fund Facility and third Resilience and Sustainability Facility reviews, paved the way for $1.2 billion in disbursements but failed to enthuse equity investors, as rising oil and LNG import costs heightened concerns about macroeconomic stability.

Topline Securities Ltd said the market turned range-bound, with the index fluctuating between an intraday high of 168,134.13 and a low of 166,837.73, before closing at 167,089.28, down 352.63 points, or 0.21 per cent.

The lacklustre performance reflected investors’ preference for staying on the sidelines amid a lack of fresh market catalysts and persistently elevated oil prices.

Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the index traded in both directions amid cautious investor sentiment, fuelled by geopolitical uncertainty and position-squaring ahead of the weekend.

On the macroeconomic front, the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) for the week ended Oct 8 rose 11.97pc year-on-year and 0.57pc week-on-week. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s liquid foreign exchange reserves rose by $26.5m to $26.8bn as of Oct 2, with SBP reserves at $21.4bn, providing an import cover of 3.04 months.

Engro Fertiliser, TPL REIT Fund I, Engro Holdings, Pakistan Services Ltd and Pakistan Oilfield collectively added 130 points, while Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank, Oil and Gas Development Company and Fauji Fertiliser dragged the index down by a combined 335 points.

Investor participation remained subdued, with trading volume falling 15.43pc to 309.4 million shares and total turnover value dipping 12.88pc to Rs15.4bn. Cnergyico PK led the volume chart with 27.2m shares.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

The commerce minister stated this during a meeting with Exim Bank Chief Executive Officer Shahbaz H. Syed. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul also attended.

An official announcement said the minister emphasised that export support should reach emerging businesses and smaller producers seeking to enter international markets.

He noted that access to capital, practical guidance, and appropriate risk protection could help these enterprises become established exporters.

The minister proposed closer coordination between Exim Bank and trade and investment officers abroad to identify opportunities, facilitate business contacts and support exporters in destination markets.

He also encouraged the bank to explore cooperation with international export credit agencies and financial institutions to broaden financing opportunities.

Mr Syed explained that Exim Bank’s export credit insurance protects exporters against specified commercial and political risks associated with overseas transactions. These include buyer default and covered events that prevent payment or the transfer of funds from destination markets.

He said coverage could extend to up to 90 per cent of the insured risk, subject to applicable terms and assessment, with exporters retaining a share of the exposure.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

According to the Ministry of Communications, a joint meeting co-chaired by Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari reviewed progress on the Rs140 billion Carec Tranche-III (Rajanpur-Dera Ghazi Khan-Dera Ismail Khan) project.

The session was convened at the request of Mr Leghari to review progress on the project, a press release said.

During the meeting, progress on all four lots of the project, aimed at improving connectivity among Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Dera Ismail Khan, was reviewed. The National Highway Authority chairman briefed participants on the overall implementation status.

The meeting also discussed matters relating to the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan, including land acquisition, resettlement of affected people and measures required to fulfil the Asian Development Bank’s requirements. Emphasis was laid on addressing outstanding issues and ensuring timely completion of the project, the press release said.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

The Sensitive Price Index (SPI), which tracks short-term inflation, rose 0.57pc week-on-week, reflecting price fluctuations in both food and non-food items.

Of the 51 essential items monitored during the week, prices of 20 commodities increased, while those of six items declined. Prices of 25 items remained unchanged from the previous week.

Short-term inflation has remained in double digits for several consecutive weeks, largely on the back of persistent increases in petroleum prices.

SPI records 11.97pc annual rise as flour, poultry, diesel, petrol, LPG rates surge

Unwilling to ease the petroleum levy, the government has continued to raise petrol and diesel prices on a daily basis. The surge in energy costs is not only fuelling inflationary pressures but also indirectly boosting sales tax collections through higher prices of goods and services.

According to tax analysts, higher inflation benefits the government in terms of increased sales tax collection.

Meanwhile, an unprecedented incre­ase in transportation costs has also been reflected in the prices of essential food items, including onions, tomatoes and other vegetables.

Chairing the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) meeting on Thursday, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed concern over rising prices of essential commodities, particularly wheat flour, and directed provincial and district administrations to strengthen monitoring of supplies, market arrivals, hoarding, profiteering and unjustified price increases.

The items whose prices increased the most over the previous week included wheat flour (5.69pc), chicken (4.93pc), pulse gram (3.99pc), petrol and tomatoes (2.40pc each), pulse masoor (1.29pc), prepared tea (1.08pc), cooked daal (0.98pc), pulse mash (0.91pc) and LPG (0.57pc).

Items whose prices declined week-on-week included bananas (2.81pc), diesel (1.37pc), potatoes (0.89pc), sugar (0.37pc), gur (0.19pc), and pulse moong (0.03pc).

On an annual basis, the items that recorded the highest price increases included onions (100.24pc), LPG (68.55pc), electricity for Q1 (58.59pc), petrol (47.52pc), diesel (42.52pc), wheat flour (32.60pc), chilli powder (15.55pc), mutton (15.02pc), beef (12.60pc), chicken (9.44pc), plain bread (8.99pc) and curd (8.08pc).

In contrast, potato prices fell by 39.51pc, followed by tomatoes (37.07pc), sugar (22.44pc), eggs (18.88pc), powdered salt (14.81pc), pulse masoor (9.79pc), gur (8.59pc) and pulse moong (8.37pc).

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

The minister reviewed progress on the retailers’ tax scheme and discussed measures to facilitate registration and broaden the tax base. State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar and Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial attended the meeting.

An official announcement said the meeting reviewed progress and measures to speed up compliance with the scheme. The meeting was held at a time when the response from the traders was below expectations.

Mr Aurangzeb emphasised that the scheme offers a simplified route for retailers to join the formal tax system and contribute to the country’s economic development. The minister emphasised the need to assess implementation experience and address operational matters to ensure its success.

The meeting reviewed progress on registrations and tax returns under the scheme, including existing taxpayer participation and applicable tax payment requirements.

The meeting also discussed efforts to identify and map unregistered retailers using available data and relevant identification records. The FBR briefed the meeting on data validation and the need to ensure that registration records accurately reflect the businesses concerned.

The minister emphasised a balanced approach that combines taxpayer facilitation with targeted, well-documented measures.

Emphasising the scheme’s longer-term purpose, Mr Aurangzeb noted that the Retailers’ Tax Scheme should not be seen as a one-year arrangement limited to 2026. It is intended to provide a simplified route for small retailers to enter and remain in the formal tax system in the years ahead.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

The acquisition of modern aircraft reflects the new PIA administration’s commitment to providing modern facilities for passengers. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are entering the Pakistani aviation industry for the first time.

A PIA spokesman said the addition of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner marks the start of the airline’s expansion. By expanding its fleet, the airline aims to meet rising demand with direct flights and broader global connectivity.

The aircraft are expected to join PIA next month and operate direct long-haul flights from Pakistan to the United Kingdom, he said, adding that they will support PIA operations between different points in the UK and Pakistan.

This dynamic partnership enables PIA to expand its routes with cutting-edge aircraft, expert crews, maintenance, and insurance, while allowing Norse to rapidly redeploy its returning fleet.

PIA Chief Executive Amir Hayat said the UK is an important market for PIA, and that this agreement will enable us to expand much-needed capacity and provide greater choice and connectivity for passengers travelling on these routes.

Norse Atlantic CEO Eivind Roald said, “As previously communicated, we have been working to redeploy capacity into new ACMI opportunities, and we are now executing that strategy.”

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

The tariff experts on Friday discussed and reviewed the government’s NTP and its expected impact on the economy. The discussion, titled “Pakistan’s Tariff Reform and the Road to 2030”, was organised by the Revenue Mobilisation, Investment and Trade Programme.

The discussion noted that tariff reforms promise stronger competition and export gains if implemented, but delays or selective application risk eroding productivity. Take the auto sector as a case in point: despite repeated calls for tariff rationalisation, duties on imported components remain high and policy drafts have not been shared across ministries.

Warn selective tariff protection erodes productivity

This not only shields local assemblers from global competition but also undermines the very coherence of tariff reform, illustrating how selective non-implementation can blunt the broader gains projected under the NTP.

Member Customs Operations Shakeel Shah said Pakistan’s growth model has remained revenue-centric and protection-oriented for decades. “Moving towards productivity, competition and exports will inevitably create winners and losers, and any policy will have far-reaching effects on investment, industry and jobs,” he remarked.

Mr Shah suggested that tariff reforms must be complemented by governance reforms to make industry competitive. “When growth begins, pressure builds on the import side because the export push is missing,” he said, adding that within two to three years Pakistan is forced back into another stabilisation programme.

“The question is how to break this cycle,” he remarked.

Independent expert and lead member of the NTP, Dr Robina Athar, said that over the past two to three decades, economies that embraced trade liberalisation and export-led growth have generally performed better than those relying on import substitution.

She noted that Pakistan’s experience suggests high protective tariffs have failed to deliver the desired outcomes, underscoring the need to shift towards a more competitive, export-oriented growth model.

Trade expert Dr Vaqar Ahmed emphasised the importance of consistent implementation, saying tariff reform can deliver its intended benefits only if applied uniformly, without favouring particular sectors or creating exceptions under pressure from vested interests.

Dr Ahmed added that a tariff policy must be allowed to run its course rather than being undermined by conflicting industrial or sectoral measures.

Wajid Bukhari of the Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers said the NTP had a positive impact on the industry during its first two years, while cautioning that its benefits and implications would continue to evolve.

“The impact of the NTP on the industry has been positive during the first two years, but will turn neutral in the third year,” he noted. However, safeguards that exist only on paper provide little reassurance to domestic manufacturers, underscoring the need for effective protections and a predictable policy environment.

Zain Mustafa of Rubatech Manufacturing stressed the need for policy predictability, saying export growth requires an enabling environment where exports are commercially viable. He warned that frequent policy shifts create uncertainty for manufacturers and investors, while industries need time to adapt and build capacity.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

KARACHI: Workers’ remittances increased by 14 per cent in the first quarter of FY27 compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday.

However, remittance inflows declined slightly by 1.9 per cent in September compared with August of the same year. The growth trend could help the government achieve its annual remittance target of $44 billion for FY27.

“Workers’ remittances were recorded at $3.6 billion during September 2026. In terms of growth, remittances increased by 12.7pc on a year-on-year basis and decreased by 1.9pc on a month-on-month basis,” the SBP said.

The seven-month Gulf war did not appear to have significantly affected remittance inflows, despite earlier concerns. Millions of Pakistanis have been working in Gulf countries for years, making their remittances a major source of support for the national economy. Remittances continue to exceed export earnings, despite what the government describes as incentives for exporters. Exporters, however, dispute this assessment, arguing that heavy taxation has weakened the export sector.

The latest data show that workers’ remittances rose by 14pc to $10.9 billion during the first quarter of FY27, compared with $9.5bn received in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The increase provides some relief to the government as Pakistan continues to face economic challenges and seeks to meet the conditions attached to its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The IMF pushes for sustainable economic growth but appears less concerned about the resulting increase in poverty.

Meanwhile, the World Bank said this week that 48pc of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, despite the country’s adherence to IMF guidelines. However, the impact of remittance growth on the broader economy remains constrained by Pakistan’s rising trade deficit, which offsets some of the benefits of these inflows, including their contribution to the external account.

UK remittances up 19.4pc

Among major sources of remittances, inflows from the United Kingdom recorded the highest growth rate, rising by 19.4pc to $1.643bn during July-September FY27 compared with the same period last year.

Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances, with inflows reaching $2.686bn, representing growth of 16.2pc during the quarter.

Remittance inflows from almost all major destinations recorded positive growth during the first quarter of FY27.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) contributed $2.23bn, marking an increase of 12.6pc. Inflows from European Union countries amounted to $1.4bn, up 9.8pc, while Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, excluding Saudi Arabia and the UAE, contributed $1bn, representing growth of 11.7pc.

The major sources of workers’ remittances during September 2026 were Saudi Arabia ($899 million), the UAE ($748.5 million), the UK ($515.1 million) and the United States ($305.9 million).

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said Balochistan-related cases would be reviewed daily at the Central Assessment Unit from 5pm to 11pm.

He said that Customs operations would be automated within eight months to make cargo inspections and clearance faster and more convenient.

Quetta Chamber representatives highlighted serious problems confronting traders, including repeated inspections, unnecessary checkpoints and cargo vehicle fires.

They said that goods and vehicles worth billions of rupees had been destroyed at locations along Mastung Road and Ziarat Cross, with affected parties still awaiting compensation.

They also reported that between 3,000 and 3,500 cargo vehicles remained stranded, urging authorities to expedite clearance and auction of seized goods.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

Addressing the rally, JUI-F district chief Maulana Abdul Rehman Rafiq, General Secretary Haji Ainullah Shams and other speakers said the open activities of criminal elements and armed groups in Quetta had raised serious questions about the performance of the government and the administration.

They alleged that armed groups operating openly in the city enjoyed government patronage and held the government and administration responsible for the growing incidents of lawlessness. They said government negligence and administrative indifference had left citizens increasingly insecure.

They demanded action against criminal elements and called for those providing them with protection to be brought to justice.

The speakers also condemned the alleged humiliation, unnecessary restrictions and harassment of ordinary citizens at security checkpoints. They said peaceful residents of areas including Aghbarg, Panjpai, Hanna and Nohisar were being harassed and subjected to collective punishment in the name of counterterrorism operations, describing such treatment as unacceptable.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

“The 11 labourers have been released and they are safe and sound,” Hamza Shafqaat, the additional chief secretary (home), told Dawn, adding that they had been shifted to a safe place.

On Sept 26, around 40 to 50 unidentified men attacked the SMC Construction Company camp at Palri in Duki district. During the attack, four company vehicles were also set on fire.

One private security guard was killed and another was injured in the incident. The attackers also took away 12 labourers at gunpoint.

After receiving information, the Duki SP, along with other police personnel, FC and other law-enforcement agencies, immediately reached the area, cordoned it off and launched a search operation.

However, the kidnappers killed one of the abductees, identified as Shahid. His body was later dumped in the Kohlu area.

Sources said the authorities had sought the help of tribal elders, who held lengthy negotiations with the kidnappers.

Following successful negotiations between the kidnappers and the tribal elders, 11 labourers were released, the sources added.

Ten of the 11 labourers belong to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab, while only one is a resident of Duki district.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ruled that a trial court can reject a palpably vexatious or time-barred lawsuit on its own initiative at the earliest stage, without waiting for a formal application from the defendant.

“There is no bar or embargo under Section 3 of the Limitation Act, 1908, or Order VII, Rule 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908, preventing a court from dismissing a suit or rejecting a plaint on its own initiative, without a formal application from the defendant, if it is barred by law,” observed Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar while heading a three-judge SC bench that took up an appeal against a Sindh High Court (SHC) order.

The case concerned a dispute over a house in Army Officers Housing Colony, Askari-IV, on Rashid Minhas Road in Karachi.

The original plaintiffs, including Abdul Wahab Shah, had filed a suit seeking a declaration, possession and partition. In September 2024, the trial court rejected their plaint, ruling that the suit was barred by limitation. The plaintiffs challenged the decision before the SHC, which set aside the rejection order and directed that all pending applications, including one seeking amendment of the plaint, be decided together. The defendant, Muhammad Islam Badshah, then challenged the high court’s decision before the SC.

In an eight-page order, Justice Mazhar observed that a court’s power to reject a plaint did not always depend on an application under Order VII, Rule 11 of the CPC. The powers conferred by Section 3 of the Limitation Act were broader in cases where a suit was found to be time-barred, allowing the court to dismiss it and bring the proceedings to a close.

A court was responsible for dismissing fundamentally flawed suits to save judicial time and prevent unnecessary litigation, without conducting a mini-trial or examining the written statement, the judge said.

If a plain reading of the plaint showed that it was palpably vexatious or meritless, the trial court could invoke Order VII, Rule 11 of the CPC to terminate sham litigation at the earliest stage. This applied where the plaint disclosed no actionable legal right or injury constituting a cause of action, or where the suit was expressly barred by an applicable statute or law, the judgment stated.

The court could exercise this power even before issuing summons to the other side, thereby saving judicial time and shielding parties from vexatious and misconceived litigation, Justice Mazhar emphasised.

Before rejecting a plaint, however, the court must examine whether it discloses a cause of action; whether the relief claimed is undervalued and, if so, whether the plaintiff has failed to correct the valuation within the prescribed time; and whether the relief is properly valued but the plaint is written on insufficiently stamped paper, with the plaintiff failing to supply the required stamp paper within the time allowed. The court must also determine whether the suit appears, from the statements in the plaint, to be barred by law, the judgment said.

The underlying principle is that ineffectual and unproductive lawsuits should be disposed of at the outset so that judicial resources can be devoted to serious and genuine disputes. At the same time, courts should not allow procedural manoeuvres designed to delay proceedings. A meaningful reading of the plaint is essential to reach a just conclusion, the judgment added.

If a suit is inherently incompetent because of an express or implied legal bar, rather than a formal, technical or curable defect, it should not be allowed to burden judicial proceedings further. However, the law does not permit the rejection of a plaint in parts. If even one prayer is maintainable, the entire plaint cannot be rejected. Where questions of law and fact are intertwined, the suit should proceed to the written statement and discovery stages. The court may then determine the dispute by framing preliminary issues or conducting a regular trial, ensuring both parties have an equal opportunity to present their cases.

The proper course in such matters is to frame issues and decide them on merit in light of the evidence. Courts must ensure substantial justice and avoid leaving parties without a remedy, the judgment held.

Concluding the order, the SC directed the trial court to decide the maintainability of the civil suit in accordance with law after giving both parties an adequate opportunity of hearing, and then proceed further. The SC also set aside the SHC’s Feb 6, 2025, order to the extent that it directed the question of maintainability to be decided alongside the application seeking amendment of the plaint.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with isolated hailstorms, in the upper and central parts of the country from the weekend, with occasional gaps.

The Met Office said light snowfall was also likely over high mountains and glaciers during the forecast period. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. In its forecast issued on Friday, the department said a westerly wave was likely to enter the upper parts of the country on Saturday and persist until October 15.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with isolated hailstorms, are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan from October 10 to 15.

Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

Rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with isolated hailstorms, are expected at isolated places in Kashmir, including the Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, from October 10 to 15, with occasional gaps.

Balochistan

Mainly hot and dry weather is expected to prevail across the province. However, rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are likely at isolated places in Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel on October 10, 11 and 13.

Sindh

Mainly hot and dry weather is expected to continue over the coming days.

Regarding potential impacts, the Met Office warned that windstorms, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including the roofs and walls of mud houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels.

Hailstorms could also damage standing crops in the plains of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the forecast period.

Farmers have been advised to plan their agricultural activities in accordance with the expected weather conditions.

Punjab

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday issued a province-wide alert in anticipation of rain across Punjab over the coming days.

According to the PDMA Punjab, a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on Saturday, bringing rain to most districts of Punjab between October 10 and 14.

A PDMA spokesperson said rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms was expected on October 10, 11, 13 and 14 in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galiyat region, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal and Mianwali.

Similarly, intermittent rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms was forecast for Faisalabad, Khushab, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh on October 10, 11 and 13.

Imran Gabol in Lahore also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026