ISLAMABAD: The government anno­unced on Monday that it had partially curtailed the “unprecedented windfall” profits of domestic refineries to avoid passing on a looming Rs15 per litre hike in petrol prices last Friday, which was driven by an unusual regional crisis.

“They [refineries] earned more profit in the last three months than in a year, with the support of the government in arranging crude oil to operate at maximum throughput. They have now helped the government maintain the petrol price, which was set to increase by Rs15 per litre last Friday due to an international price hike,” Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik said at a news conference.

Accompanied by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the petroleum minister also assured consumers that arrangements had been made to ensure sufficient gas supplies in November. He added that efforts were underway to avoid any shortages in December and January as well.

Both ministers parried questions about the reasons behind the blockade of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Iranian border and the identity of the attackers on an LNG vessel travelling to Pakistan ahead of the Strait of Hormuz.

The information minister advised journalists to avoid speculating on these sensitive matters, saying, “The truth will come out by itself soon.”

The petroleum minister explained that refineries used to operate on a pre-war import premium benchmark of $5-6 per barrel, which had now exceeded $20.

Furthermore, Pakistan State Oil’s latest tenders have even attracted premiums on the higher side of $30 per barrel.

30-day arrangement

The minister noted that refineries would contribute about Rs50 per litre to the petroleum levy, resulting in a monthly cumulative impact of Rs15 billion. This arrangement, he said, was for a 30-day period given the unusual circumstances.

He expressed hope that the situation in the regional market would return to normalcy and that refineries would move forward with their upgrade projects. The refineries still receive an equivalent of around $20 per barrel in refining margins on petrol, he added.

“When they accumulate so much profit while the people face hardships, this change becomes inevitable,” Mr Malik said. “We do not want to be unfair to anyone. If the loss to the nation is fourfold, then the government has to come forward and intervene.”

Responding to a question about protests from refiners regarding changes to the petrol pricing formula without prior consultation, the minister said he would meet them today (Tuesday) to address their concerns.

Recalling similar changes to diesel pricing, he expressed gratitude to the refineries that recognised the public’s difficulties and agreed to reduce the diesel crack to $42 and then $38 per barrel.

Similarly, they agreed to provide relief in fares for Haj pilgrims and extended pre-war rates to the defence sector.

Mr Malik said the public would see further improvements and thanked refineries for supporting the government in providing relief during a difficult period when it was struggling to procure oil at rising international prices.

Asked about formula-based changes to refinery profitability and their impact on customs duty, the minister said he favoured deregulation to improve services and pricing. He opposed price caps such as those introduced by former prime minister Shaukat Aziz.

The petroleum minister added that 13 million consumers were separately benefiting from the prime minister’s fuel subsidy scheme, receiving petrol at pre-war prices.

Information Minister Tarar shared that 15 million users had registered for the prime minister’s fuel scheme so far. The initiative is now entering its fourth week and running smoothly, with petrol stations being refunded the very next day. About Rs27 billion has been disbursed so far, he said.

He added that once the regional crisis ended, the government would make efforts to return to deregulation; however, the current focus remained on public relief. Asked to compare petrol prices during the PTI government’s tenure with those under the current administration, Mr Tarar said there was no comparison.

He said the world had never witnessed a crisis of this scale, citing the ongoing war in the Gulf, which had led to unprecedented increases in insurance and freight charges and attacks on ships. “They [the PTI] came with the slogan of change and introduced destruction,” he said.

No shortage

Addressing concerns about fuel availability, the minister assured the public that Pakistan had sufficient petroleum stocks and urged people to ignore rumours and unverified information. Cargo shipments had continued to arrive even during the most difficult periods, ensuring uninterrupted supplies, he said.

Mr Tarar claimed that many people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could not benefit from the prime minister’s fuel scheme because the PTI government had “destroyed” the province and allowed non-customs-paid vehicles and motorcycles to flourish.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

TEHRAN: Iran said on Monday it is ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if Washington agrees to its strict conditions amid “intensive” negotiations, while Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the Middle East should not become a battleground for great-power rivalry.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump raised doubts about whether he would follow through on a threatened resumption of military strikes against Iran and said a deal with Tehran could happen.

“Oil Prices are DROPPING LIKE A ROCK, down almost $10 a Barrel, A RECORD, because people feel that there will not be a War with Iran. Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible. It could happen!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Contacts between Iran and the US over ending their eight-month war are continuing after talks with Qatari mediators in Doha finished with altered proposals but no breakthrough.

An official briefed on the talks said Iran’s negotiators left on Sunday, though not because of any problems in the talks, adding that a draft proposal for a US deal is being circulated.

“Given the sensitivity and gravity of the current situation, consultations and deliberations are very intensive,” Iranian Foreign Min­ister Abbas Araghchi told the official IRNA news agency, adding that everything depends on the “political rationality of Washington”.

Araghchi said Qatar and Pakistan are playing a very active mediating role. Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei granted “powers” to the government for the talks.

The basis of the dialogue remains Iran’s September seven-step proposal, now condensed for implementation within two days.

The plan calls for the US to end the war on all fronts, lift its blockade on Iranian ports, grant waivers on oil sales, unfreeze Iranian assets, cancel recent sanctions, reduce regional troop numbers and accept a new Iran-Oman transit route.

“The possibility of implementing this plan in two days is another indication of Iran’s good-faith approach,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters.

“We have stated that, if Iran’s demands are met, it would be possible to restore security to the Strait of Hormuz and resume the negotiating process within a short period.”

The diplomatic push comes ahead of Tuesday’s US midterm elections, where higher fuel prices are weighing on Republicans. While oil prices dropped more than 6pc on Monday on optimism over the conflict, Iranian sources said they believe a new US attack is still more likely than a deal.

Baqaei warned that any military attack against Iran “will be met with a powerful, immediate and comprehensive response”.

Amid fears the conflict launched by US and Israeli strikes on Feb 28 could reignite, China and Russia spoke out Monday against renewed military action. Meeting Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Beijing, Xi urged the US and Iran to pursue a peaceful path and achieve a ceasefire.

“The Middle East Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power ri­­v­­alry and geopolitical conflict,” Xi said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also called for Middle East dialogue in back-to-back Beijing meetings with Saudi National Security Adviser Musa­­ed bin Mohammed al-Aiban and Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Ira­n’s Supreme National Security Council.

Wang urged safeguarding regional energy and shipping security, telling Bagheri Kani that Beijing supports Teh­ran in “safeguarding its own sovereignty and security” and that parties sho­­­u­­ld “focus on a political solution rat­her than once again resorting to armed conflict.”

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Middle East war by telephone Monday with Rezaei as Moscow called reports of new military action a cause for extreme concern.

Addressing the turmoil Monday in Abu Dhabi after a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker was struck on Friday, United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said the course of the US-Israeli war on Iran cannot be predicted, but the UAE will be more prepared than before.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

KARACHI: The Pakis­tan Stock Exchange (PSX) eked out modest gains on Monday after sharp swings in the benchmark KSE-100 index. Selective buying helped the market close in positive territory despite persistent volatility.

Amid diplomatic efforts, geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures continued to weigh on sentiment. High energy import costs and supply disruptions also challenged macroeconomic stability.

Topline Securities Ltd said the index traded range-bound, fluctuating bet­ween an intraday high of 166,989 points and a low of 165,585 points before closing slightly higher at 166,564.07 points, up 154.81 points or 0.09 per cent.

Investors maintained a cautious stance, weighing domestic inflationary concerns against easing international crude oil prices.

Refinery stocks crash on PDL shift

Buying interest was primarily seen in select heavyweight stocks from the commercial banking and cement sectors, while selective profit-taking capped the broader market’s gains.

Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX recorded a flat session as the market remained volatile, trading in both directions amid cautious investor sentiment despite easing international oil prices.

The index initially fell 824 points to an intraday low of 165,585 before staging a mid-session recovery of 581 points to 166,990. However, renewed selling pressure in the final hour trimmed the gains, leaving the index below 167,000.

On the sectoral front, the government chose to absorb the Rs14.71 per litre increase in petrol import costs by reducing the petroleum development levy (PDL) from Rs80 to Rs65.29 per litre, keeping consumer prices unchanged, while diesel pricing remained unchanged.

This effectively shifts the burden to refineries, resulting in an estimated PDL impact of Rs49.02 per litre on refinery-supplied petrol, with no change in the levy’s collection.

The development triggered panic selling across the refinery sector, with At­­t­­­­ock Refinery, Pakistan Refinery, National Refin­ery, and Cnergyico PK all clo­­sing at their lower circuits, down 10pc, 9.7pc, 10pc, and 10pc, respectively.

On the macroeconomic front, headline inflation eased to 9.6pc year-on-year in October from 10.3pc in September, driven mainly by a modest 0.25pc month-on-month increase in the housing component.

Meanwhile, the transport index rose 28.6pc year-on-year and 1.8pc month-on-month, while food inflation increased 7.7pc year-on-year and 2.3pc month-on-month, indicating continued pass-through of higher fuel costs to food prices.

Attock Refinery, Oil and Gas Development Company, PSO, Cnergyico PK and Pakistan Petroleum were the major laggards, collectively eroding approximately 466 points. Conversely, Mari Energies, Fauji Fertiliser, Engro Holdings, Pakistan Services and Hub Power provided some support, adding a cumulative 631 points to the index.

However, investor participation weakened sharply, with trading volume plunging 46.28pc to 443.4 million shares and turnover falling 23.31pc to Rs17.6bn.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

In a letter, the mill’s Senior Director, Iskander Khan, said the company received field reports that the fertiliser industry had imposed curbs under an SRO issued by the Ministry of Interior, restricting fertiliser companies from despatching supplies to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

He said the timing of the restriction was particularly critical, as autumn/Rabi sowing was underway and fertiliser was an essential input for the healthy growth and productivity of major crops.

Any delay or disruption in its availability during this crucial season would adversely affect crop yields, increase the financial burden on farmers and aggravate food insecurity in the province, he added.

Mr Khan stressed that the situation would also adversely impact the supply of sugarcane to sugar mills. The restrictions have been imposed as certain categories of fertiliser are used in making explosives, with authorities fearing that terrorists could obtain such material from vendors.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Located in Pinnah Reserved Forest, the plant was set up under the Global Environment Facility-funded Promotion and Application of Sustainable Biomass Energy Technologies in Pakistan (PASBET) project, being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

UNDP and the Sindh government jointly inaugurated the plant, which is the first of four demonstration sites planned under the initiative to showcase scalable woody biomass-based energy technologies.

PASBET is a five-year, $3.5 million project that will promote sustainable biomass energy technologies to support rural livelihoods, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ease pressure on forest resources across Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and KP.

“Pakistan does not have to choose between meeting rural energy needs and protecting its forests. This plant shows how locally available residues can be turned into cleaner fuel, local opportunity and a more sustainable energy model.

The task now is to make that model work at scale, with communities, government and markets moving together,” said UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Samuel Rizk.

Pinnah Reserved Forest demonstrates how forest and agricultural residues can create livelihoods through pellet production, community nurseries and efficient cook-stoves, supporting sustainable forest management and enhancing the indigenous plantations, UNDP said in a statement on Monday.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

The change appears to be the outcome of the government’s continuous effort to force banks to pump maximum liquidity into the private sector.

State Bank data on Monday showed that private-sector net borrowing was Rs87 billion during July 1 to Oct 23 FY27, compared with Rs29bn in debt retirement in the same period last fiscal year.

The prime minister once again reiterated that the Ministry of Finance should take action against banks delaying loan disbursements to farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and applicants under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar scheme.

However, the banks have yet to provide enough liquidity to stimulate the private sector and push the growth rate above its level of the past four years.

SBP data showed that only Islamic branches of conventional banks extended loans, rather than receiving debt retirement, as seen in Islamic and conventional banks.

Conventional banks recorded a meagre debt retirement of Rs320 million, compared with Rs117bn retired in the same period last fiscal year. Islamic banks recorded a net debt retirement of Rs63bn, compared with Rs25bn in the last fiscal year.

While banks face high risks in lending to the private sector, the private sector is reluctant to borrow and invest, apparently for three reasons: high borrowing costs; political uncertainties, including terrorism in the two provinces; and a looming war in the region.

The State Bank last week increased the interest rate by 50 basis points to 12pc, further reducing investors’ chances of borrowing. At the same time, bankers and analysts believe that the State Bank would have to further increase the interest rate in the coming months, since the four-month average inflation is still in double digits.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Iran’s president said the supreme leader had granted the government “certain authorities” regarding peace talks. The country’s negotiators held days of talks with Qatari mediators to end the war. A draft proposal is being circulated, with a follow-up meeting possible, an official briefed on the talks said.

Brent crude futures fell $8.47, or 7.47pc, to $104.96 a barrel by 12:24pm EST (1724 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate crude was down $7.50, or 7.2pc, at $96.62.

The session low for Brent was $104.49 and for WTI it was $96.44, with analysts citing hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had granted the government certain authorities for peace talks.

Pezeshkian added Tehran “will try to resolve the problem with dialogue”, without elaborating, according to state media.

Signs of progress in US-Iran talks pushed oil prices lower, Raymond James analyst Pavel Molchanov said, noting, however, that scepticism is warranted after many “false dawns over the past several months.”

Brent ended October at its highest in six months on concerns that the Middle East conflict could escalate again after Tuesday’s US midterm elections.

“The oil market is still reacting with extreme sensitivity to every headline out of the Middle East,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

In a press release, PIA said Hamilton-Manns “brings a wealth of leadership and strategic experience within the global aviation sector”, adding that his appointment “marks a pivotal chapter” in the airline’s ongoing transformation.

It said that he had managed three airlines as CEO and was considered a “world expert” in transforming and reviving airlines, with over 30 years of experience.

“As Hamilton-Manns assumes the role of CEO, the consortium and the entire management board extend their deepest gratitude to the outgoing CEO, Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, for his outstanding service and dedication to this vital national role,” the statement said.

It added that over his four-and-a-half-year tenure, Hayat’s leadership was “instrumental in navigating the airline through significant industry challenges”.

“His relentless efforts were central to initiating comprehensive structural reforms, optimising operational efficiencies and successfully preparing the airline for its highly anticipated privatisation phase,” it said.

“The foundation he has laid will be critical to the carrier’s future commercial viability and success,” it added.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

On Oct 28, when the first ship carrying 51,000 tonnes of wheat berthed at the port, wheat prices in the open market plunged to Rs130 from Rs140 per kilogram. Another ship carrying 58,132 tonnes is due at Karachi today (Tuesday).

Wheat prices in the open market started fluctuating in the open market after arrival of the imported grain. Market stakeholders quoted different rates.

According to wholesalers, the average price stood at Rs132 per kg, while millers say that rates hovered between Rs136 and Rs137 per kg.

Millers had raised the prices of different varieties of flour by Rs20 per kg, but later brought down prices ahead of the arrival of imported wheat.

A miller claimed that all the mills had reduced prices on Oct 28, two days ahead of the ship’s arrival. The latest mill prices of flour No 2.5, Maida and fine flour are Rs156, Rs168 and Rs171, respectively, while the rates during the first week of October were Rs161, Rs173 and Rs176, respectively.

No relief for consumer

But consumers have yet to get any relief as the rates for Chapati, Naan, Sheermal/Taftaan and Qulcha remain unchanged at Rs20, Rs30-35, Rs100-110 and Rs90-100, respectively.

A tandoor owner said the high price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) (Rs500-550 per kg) has offset the impact of reduction in flour prices. “It will be hard to sustain our operations in case LPG prices go up further,” he said.

Likewise, the retail rates for flour No 2.5 and Maida remained unchanged at Rs170-180 and Rs185-190, while fine flour sold Rs185-190 per kg.

Rauf Ibrahim, a wholesaler, said the regulator has been unable to check inflated retail rates despite a dip in the open market.

He said the import of 750,000 tonnes of wheat will turn out to be insufficient as the country needs over two million tonnes to bridge the demand and supply gap as the new crops from Sindh and Punjab will arrive only between March and May.

Ibrahim urged the government to allow the private sector and flour millers to import grain in order to stabilise flour prices.

He said the lives of workers earning below Rs50,000 have become miserable since they have to spend almost the entire income on putting food on the table, leaving little for their children’s education and other needs.

Disparity in prices

Consumers living in Karachi and Hyderabad are paying the highest prices for flour varieties compared to other cities across the country.

As per the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) ending Oct 29, a 20kg flour bag in Karachi costs up to Rs3,540 while its average price in other parts of the country is Rs3,200.

Hyderabad holds the second spot where the price of a 20kg bag ranges between Rs3,360 and Rs3,400. In Islamabad, Rawa­lpindi, Lahore and other major Punjab cities, prices ranged between Rs2,200 and Rs3,333.

Wheat rates

Sukkur is much ahead in terms of wheat rates as a 10kg bag sells for Rs1,488, while Peshawar holds the second spot with a rate of Rs1,469.

The third highest rate of Rs1,453 prevails in Hyderabad. In Karachi the 10kg bag is available at Rs1,440. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the average price is Rs1,453.

The lowest rate for a 10kg bag is in Sargodha with Rs1,223, followed by Bahawalpur with Rs1,266 and Rs1,300 in Faisalabad and Sialkot.

Fine Atta

Consumers in Hyderabad and Quetta are paying the highest rate of Rs187 per kg, followed by Rs185 per kg being paid by the people of Karachi.

The third highest rate of Rs183 per kg prevails in Islamabad. In other cities, the average price of one kilogram of fine flour ranged between Rs147 and Rs180 per kg.

A flour miller said that one of the reasons for high prices in Karachi is that the city is not a wheat-growing area and is dependent on the arrival of grain from the rest of Sindh.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

The deceleration for the second consecutive month reversed the sharp increase recorded in August, when higher food and energy prices pushed the annual rate to 11.1pc from 9.2pc in July.

Rural inflation eased to 9.5pc from 10.1pc, and urban inflation edged down to 9.8pc from 10.5pc.

The October reading was also within the Ministry of Finance’s projection of 9.5pc to 10.5pc in its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook. It linked this to a subsequent path sensitive to international energy prices, food supplies, and base effects.

Perishable food prices ease, transport costs soar

According to the finance ministry, easing headline inflation offers some relief, while improved crop supplies can help ease food price pressures.

However, despite the decline in the annual rate, prices rose 1.1pc month on month in October. The annual inflation was 6.2pc in October last year.

Average inflation between July and October stood at 10.05pc, compared with 4.79pc over the corresponding period last year.

The easing was largely driven by perishable food prices. Food inflation dropped to 7.8pc in urban areas in October from 8.1pc in September. The decline was much sharper in rural areas, where food inflation fell to 7.1pc from 7.7pc a month earlier.

However, non-food inflation moved in the opposite direction, indicating continued pressure on household expenses. Urban non-food inflation decelerated to 10.6pc from 11.5pc in September, while rural non-food inflation fell to 12.3pc from 13.1pc.

The latest data show that the composition of inflation shifted in October. Food inflation slowed sharply, while electricity and transport costs continued to rise. Electricity charges rose 8.50pc from the same month last year, while transport prices rose 30.39pc in urban areas.

At the national level, transport costs increased by 1.79pc in October from September and were 28.61pc higher than in the same month last year. Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuels rose 0.25pc during the month and 11.03pc on an annual basis.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy components, also eased slightly. It stood at 7.8pc in urban areas in October, compared with 8.6pc in September, while the rural rate declined to 7.1pc from 8.1pc.

The month-on-month increase in food items, include chicken (19.38pc), pulse gram (9.17pc), wheat (9.01pc), wheat flour (7.54pc), fresh vegetables (6.55pc), eggs (5.72pc), besan (5.54pc), gram whole (4.19pc), fresh fruits (2.70pc), wheat products (2.27pc), pulse mash (2.16pc), fish (1.42pc), dry fruits (1.37pc) and pulse masoor (1.29pc).

The decrease was recorded in tomatoes (31.63pc), onions (4.23pc), potatoes (4.04pc), sugar (2.17pc), pulse moong (0.59pc), dessert preparation (0.24pc), gur (0.11pc) and rice (0.06pc).

At the same time an increase was recorded in non-food prices which include liquefied hydrocarbons (8.39pc), motor fuel (3pc), cotton cloth (1.22pc), plastic products (0.97pc), house rent (0.94pc), drugs and medicines (0.90pc), hosiery (0.70pc), accommodation services (0.60pc), transport services (0.55pc), recreation and culture (0.54pc), household equipment (0.50pc) and education (0.41pc). However, a decline was recorded in electricity charges (3.31pc).

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Being knocked out by a team 84 rungs lower on the ladder was not the best way for Arteta’s Premier League champions to prepare for a trip to Anfield, especially with Andoni Iraola’s team beginning to click.

Four days later, however, Arsenal’s armour-plating looked fully restored as they held Liverpool at bay and sealed a first league win at Anfield for 14 years to move three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

Kai Havertz’s 16th-minute tap-in proved decisive as Liverpool, for all their attacking intent and 16 goal attempts, could not break down Arsenal’s impregnable yellow wall.

“We just said after the last few days, after the defeat against Fleetwood, that things happen for a reason and that’s going to give us another spring and hunger and belief to go and do it. What the team has done here today is incredible,” Arteta, part of the Arsenal team that won 2-1 at Anfield in 2012, said.

“[Liverpool] are in a really good moment. It was really deserved, to come here and win in the manner that we have done, I think the players deserve so much credit.”

Liverpool, seeking a third league win on the spin which would have mov­ed them within three points of Arsenal, responded well to going beh­­ind with Florian Wirtz curling a free kick against the crossbar and Alexis Mac Allister heading a good chance over the crossbar before halftime.

The hosts also felt they should have had a penalty when Jurrien Timber grabbed at Alexander Isak’s shirt.

But after the break the hosts rarely looked like breaking through a relentless Arsenal rearguard and their frustration boiled over with Mac Allister involved in an altercation with Noni Madueke and falling theatrically to the floor after a slight touch of foreheads.

Despite the setback, Liverpool manager Iraola said there were plenty of positives.

“I loved the reaction from my players after going 1-0 down. We finished the first half very well, kept pushing. I loved a lot of moments of the game,” he said.

“We have to keep going. It is very early in the season. Arsenal are in the best of the situations but it is just the start of November today. A lot of games to play.”

On whether his side should have had a penalty, he was in no doubt, suggesting Isak’s honesty in not falling over after being held by Timber had worked against him.

“There is a clear grab of the shirt. Alex was just in front of him, he was going to head in front of the goal but couldn’t because he had the shirt,” he said.

“I don’t understand why they didn’t call it, probably because he has not gone to the floor.”

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Mohammad Sajjad was the second Pakistani across the finish line in 3:17:29, followed by Iqbal Ali Khan, who clocked 3:23:58. The three headed the Pakistani participation in an event widely known as the world’s only intercontinental marathon.

The race began on Istanbul’s Asian side near the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, crossed the Bosphorus into Europe and ended at Sultanahmet Square. Organised for the 48th time, the event is part of the international road-running calendar and offers participants the unusual experience of racing between two continents.

Kenya’s Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba won the men’s race in 2:08:44, setting a course record, while Ethiopia’s Kasanesh Ayenew Baze took the women’s title in 2:24:40.

Other Pakistani finishers were Irfan Ali, Kamran Yousaf, Mohammad Asad Siddiqi, Mohammad Zeeshan Ali, Adeel Mansoor Khan, Mehnaz Naveed, Mohammad Gulraiz Khan, Mohammad Asad Khan, Nofel Elahi, Qaseem Saeed, Mohammad Asher Siddiqi, Sunaina, Mohammad Jahanzaib Khan, Fahad Mansoori and Mohammad Arsal Ayub.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Lazio made a poor start as Cagliari took the lead through M’Bala Nzola in the 20th minute before goals in either half from Gustav Isaksen and Andrea Pinamonti gave them a sixth straight Serie A win.

With 28 points from 10 games, Lazio pulled clear of Inter after they lost the Milan derby. Unbeaten Roma sit third on 24 points and Como climbed back to fourth with a 1-0 win over rock-bottom Venezia.

Lazio last won Serie A in 2000 and this is the best start to a league campaign in the club’s history, but the Roman outfit’s ambitions remain modest according to Gattuso.

“Our target is to avoid relegation and we still need 12 more points,” Gattuso said. “We need to get our heads down and work, and not look at the table.”

Some Lazio fans aren’t watching at all.

As has been the case in recent home matches, Lazio played in front of largely empty sections of the Stadio Olimpico, with many ultras and supporters continuing their boycott in protest against owner and president Claudio Lotito, whom they accuse of failing to invest sufficiently in the squad.

Earlier, struggling giants Juventus got their fifth win of the season as they won 2-0 against Napoli.

Bosnian wonderkid Kerim Alajbegovic produced a moment of magic as the teenager broke the deadlock on 70 minutes with a thumping left-footed drive from outside the box.

Napoli were then reduced to 10 men as Luca Marianucci earned a second yellow for kicking substitute Jeremie Boga, who added a second goal with a strike that rivalled that of Alajbegovic.

That result lifted Juventus to seventh. Napoli are eighth and host leaders Lazio next weekend.

Elsewhere, Como’s victory at home over lowly Venezia on Sunday was a fifth consecutive victory across all competitions.

The hosts dominated, but needed a penalty to find the back of the net. Como captain Lucas Da Cunha converted in the 43rd minute for the French international’s first goal of the season.

“This is the type of match we found hard to win last season,” Da Cunha told DAZN.

Como moved one point behind AS Roma, who beat Udinese 5-2 on Saturday.

“This victory is really important in terms of our maturing process,” said Fabregas. “Our state of mind is irreproachable,” added the 39-year-old Spaniard.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Alcaraz split the four Grand Slams with Sinner in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, but injuries to the top two this year left the door open, with Zverev winning the French Open and US Open.

With Shelton reaching the Flushing Meadows final, Alcaraz expected no shortage of genuine contenders for the big titles.

“Pre-season is really important,” Alcaraz told reporters after his Vienna Open triumph on Sunday. “I can tell you that players are taking pre-season really seriously, those weeks of training hard to be in good shape.

“Sascha (Zverev) showed us what he’s capable of doing. The best player of this year. He deserves to be there. Let’s see if he’s going to continue to do the great things he’s been doing this year in 2027.

“Shelton reached his first Grand Slam final and I think he’s ambitious and hungry for more next year. A couple of others also playing great and they’re going to try to practice at their best to be at their best next year.

“I don’t like to say it’s going to be Jannik and me and the rest. Let’s see who’s going to be there. I’m pretty sure that a lot of players are going to show up.”

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Lyon won 2-0 at home to Angers with goals in each half from Ernest Nuamah and captain Corentin Tolisso, as they bounced back from a 2-0 defeat away to PSG last time out.

The seven-time French title winners are third in the table, three points behind leaders PSG and one behind second-placed Lille.

Lyon’s win came amid reports that coach Paulo Fonseca is close to leaving the club to return to his native Portugal. Fonseca, the former trainer of Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Roma and AC Milan among other clubs, is reportedly a target for Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.

Paris FC are fourth in the Ligue 1 table, behind Lyon on goal difference, after getting the better of Monaco at the Stade Jean-Bouin.

Lassine Sinayoko scored twice late in the first half for Paris FC before Balogun pulled one back on 65 minutes.

However, Pablo Pagis soon scored a third for Paris FC, as Monaco slumped to a fourth straight Ligue 1 game without a win.

Later on Sunday, Olympique de Marseille beat Toulouse 2-0 to record their fourth consecutive win and move upto sixth in the standings.

Elsewhere, Strasbourg beat Auxerre 5-1, ending a run of four straight defeats.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Hamburg defender Warmed Omari turned the ball into his own net to give Frankfurt the lead in the 10th minute, but forward Terem Moffi levelled four minutes later when he rattled home a pass from midfielder Albert Gronbaek.

That was as good as it got for the visitors as Raphael Onyedika scored for Frankfurt just after the break, and Fares Chaibi had a goal chalked off following a VAR review before Younes Ebnoutalib lashed the ball into the net to complete the scoring in the 69th minute.

The result puts Frankfurt in eighth place on 11 points, two behind sixth-placed Bayer Leverkusen with eight games played, while Hamburg are 15th on nine points.

Earlier, Union Berlin secured a 1-1 draw at home to Cologne that moved them out of the bottom two, Janik Haberer getting the goal in their first stalemate of the season to leave them on seven points, one ahead of Schalke.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Defending a target of 155, Ayesha returned impressive figures of four for 15 to help dismiss Champions for 130 in 19.2 overs, securing Warriors’ third consecutive victory in the tournament.

Ayesha struck at a crucial stage, removing Saira Jabeen, Najiha Alvi and Champions captain Tuba Hassan (18 off 16 balls) before trapping Tayyaba Imdad to complete her four-wicket haul.

Warriors’ spin attack further tightened the grip on Champions, with Zunash Abdul Sattar claiming two wickets for 27 runs and Rameen Shamim taking one for 17.

Rameen also dismissed the aggressive Komal Khan, who scored 18 off 12 deliveries, including two fours and a six.

Natalia Parvaiz offered the strongest resistance with 31 off 27 balls, while Shawaal Zulfiqar struck a brisk 22 off 12 deliveries.

However, their efforts were insufficient to keep Champions in the chase. Diana Baig also made an impact with the ball, taking two wickets for 19 runs, while Humna Bilal dismissed Shawaal.

Earlier, Warriors recovered from a precarious 66-4 to post 154-8 after being put into bat.

Hafsa Khalid led the recovery with a top score of 47 off 36 balls, striking five fours and two sixes, while Rameen contributed 29 off 24 deliveries. The pair added 65 runs for the fifth wicket to revive the innings.

Sadaf Shamas chipped in with 22, while Diana provided a late flourish, scoring an unbeaten-looking contribution of 19 off 14 balls, including two fours and a six, to take Warriors to a competitive total.

For Champions, Tayyaba was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets for 27 runs, while Tuba, Momina Riasat, Fatima Khan and Ayesha Rehman claimed one wicket apiece. Tuba also effected Hafsa’s run-out.

The victory takes Warriors to three successive wins, while Champions, despite the defeat, have already secured their place in the final with two victories from four matches. Incredibles, having lost all three of their matches, are out of contention for the final.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

After dropping serve three times as he lost the first set, the 27-year-old from Monaco gradually gained control of the match to claim his second title on the main tour, following his surprise victory at the Shanghai Masters in 2025.

For Lehecka, 24, the loss extended his poor record in finals to seven defeats from nine appearances. He has lost each of the past five.

The Czech had completely dominated Vacherot in a two-set victory in their last meeting in early October, in the semi-finals in Tokyo.

The first set on Sunday suggested that result might be repeated. Lehecka conceded only one point on his first three service games and proved superior in every aspect of the game.

Lehecka put pressure on Vacherot’s serve throughout the match but the Monegasque saved all five break points he faced over the next two sets.

In both a single break was enough for Vacherot, who closed out the match on his first championship point.

“I ended up playing a really solid second and third set,” Vacherot said. “I had to hold tight in the second set because even until the last game he had break points. Then I started serving much better in the third set and that helped me a lot.

“I hit really good shots at the right moments,” he said. “Sometimes it’s about not playing perfect for the whole match and just playing good when it matters.”

The victory over Lehecka, who entered the tournament ranked No. 21 in the world, was Vacherot’s third against a top-25 opponent in Basel, where he also saw off 11th-ranked Rafael Jodar after a three-hour battle and world number 13 Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Third-placed Real moved to within three points of leaders Barcelona and one of second-placed Atletico Madrid. Santander remain 16th, a point above the relegation zone.

Buoyed by last week’s El Clasico victory, Jose Mourinho’s side moved the ball sharply and delivered another assured performance.

Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 11th minute before combining neatly with Arda Guler, who sent Bellingham through 10 minutes later. Bellingham glided around Racing goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala and rolled the ball into an empty net.

Diomande made it 3-0 nine minutes before halftime, thundering a bouncing ball into the top corner. The Ivorian has scored four goals and provided three assists in his last six appearances.

Santander competed well but rarely threatened, allowing Real to control a largely uneventful second half. Mbappe came closest to adding another goal when he struck the post on the hour.

Real Madrid produced a disciplined defensive display, limiting the hosts to one shot on target as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois enjoyed a quiet return after missing last week’s game through illness.

Mourinho praised Real’s forwards for setting the tone of their defensive work.

“When more attack-minded players put in the hard, sacrificial work, it sends a positive message to the rest of the team,” the Portuguese manager told reporters.

As Real Madrid continue on their upward trajectory, a satisfied Mourinho said his connection with his players was growing.

“I’ve come to understand things that I didn’t grasp on the first day; the players have a better understanding of my character.

“They understand what is non-negotiable for me. There’s a good human connection between the players and the coach. We’re in a good place,” Mourinho added.

Later on Sunday, the Basque derby opened with a tribute to the 50th anniversary of captains Jose Angel Iribar and Inaxio Kortabarria carrying the Basque flag onto the pitch. Real Sociedad won that match 5-0, but Athletic ran out winners in the derby for the first time in six matches.

It took 14 minutes for current Athletic captain Inaki Williams to open the scoring after latching onto a pass behind the defence from brother Nico Williams.

Sociedad midfielder Luka Sucic hit back in the 30th minute with a fine strike from outside the box as his side found their rhythm, but Athletic retook the lead on the stroke of halftime through an Alex Berenguer penalty.

Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon exhibited the Yashin Award to the home crowd before the game and pulled off a string of brilliant saves to propel his side to a 2-1 victory.

Elsewhere, Getafe came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 and Javier Aguirre secured his first win as Valencia manager in a 1-0 triumph over Elche.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Yahya won 6-2, 6-1. His compatriots Amir Mazari, Ahtesham Humayun, Mohammad Shayan, Hamza Roman and Hassan Usmani also advanced to the second round after winning their respective matches.

In the girls’ singles first round, three Pakistani players suffered defeats against foreign opponents.

The championships were formally inaugurated by Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi at an opening ceremony held on Monday.

Boys’ singles (first round):

Napat Pattanalertphan (Thailand) bt Zohaib Afzal Malik (Pakistan) 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-0; Aliaksandr Viarsotski (Belarus) bt Muhammad Ahmad Afzal (Pakistan) 6-1, 6-1; Amir Mazari (Pakistan) bt Yupei Liang (China) 6-1, 6-1; Muhammad Yahya (Pakistan) bt Alshinhan Mukhamedkali (Kazakhstan) 6-2, 6-1; Ahtesham Humayun (Pakistan) bt Tachatam Srisen (Thailand) 6-1, 6-2; Muhammad Shayan (Pakistan) bt Vukasin Pavlovic (Serbia) 6-3, 4-6, 4-0 (retired); Nikita Dogadin (Russia) bt Arham Tariq (Pakistan) 6-0, 6-0; Phasin Sinchalong (Thailand) bt Abdul Basit (Pakistan) 6-3, 6-0; Daniel Elias (Russia) bt Haziq Asim (Pakistan) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(2); Aolun Ma (China) bt Abdar Ali (Pakistan) 6-0, 6-0; Sanzhar Bolat (Kazakhstan) bt Nabeel Ali Qayum (Pakistan) 6-2, 6-1; Haoxuan Xu (China) bt Rayyan Khan (Pakistan) 6-1, 6-4; Aahil Khalil (Sri Lanka) bt Bo Han Yang (China) 6-1, 6-1; Nils Preger (Sweden) bt Moazzam Babar Khan (Pakistan) 6-0, 6-1; Hassan Usmani (Pakistan) bt Adnan Afzal (Australia) 6-0, 6-3.

Girls’ singles (first round):

Yuqi Li (China) bt Yeanna Chowdhury (Bangladesh) 6-2, 6-1; Daixi Hu (China) bt Romaisa Malik (Pakistan) 6-2, 6-2; Xuan Yi Wei (China) bt Anayaa Khan (Pakistan) 6-0, 6-0; Stefaniia Vasilevskaia (Russia) bt Hajra Sohail (Pakistan) 6-4, 6-3; Githmi Riyana Fernando (Sri Lanka) bt Xeniya Semenova (Kazakhstan) 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

MEXICO CITY: A tearful Kimi Antonelli became Formula One’s youngest world champion at 20 years and 68 days old on Sunday when he finished third for Mercedes in a red-flagged and restarted Mexico City Grand Prix won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

The first Italian champion since 1953 sobbed with joy over the team radio as he took the chequered flag at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with his overall lead now an unassailable 119 points.

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton started from pole position and took a close second place — after clashing with team-mate Charles Leclerc — on an afternoon of drama with two safety cars, multiple crashes and an agonising 33-minute halt with 25 of the 71 laps remaining.

“Get in there, Kimi. Champion of the world,” said his race engineer Peter Bonnington, a regular target for the young driver’s practical jokes. “We did it thank you so much,” gasped the Italian, whose parents and sister were there to embrace him when he stepped out of the car. He was then mobbed by his pit crew.

The previous youngest champion was Germany’s Sebastian Vettel, who took the first of his four with Red Bull at 23 years and 134 days in 2010.

“Im speechless. Im trying to process what has just happened,” said Antonelli in comments to the crowd. “Its been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible. And looking forward to some more battles in the future.

“This weekend I did feel a bit more tense, but Im just so happy that we got it done, and now we can enjoy the rest of the season,” he added, with an Italian flag wrapped around his shoulders on the podium and spraying the champagne with abandon.

The last Italian champion was Alberto Ascari, 73 years earlier.

VERSTAPPEN GOES SECOND OVERALL

Leclerc finished fourth, McLaren’s outgoing champion Lando Norris was fifth and Antonelli’s team-mate George Russell only sixth in a race he had to win to have any chance of staying in contention.

That also meant Verstappen went second in the overall standings, with Hamilton third and pre-season favourite Russell plummeting to fourth and 130 points behind Antonelli.

Mercedes have 630 points in the constructors standings to Ferrari’s 504 and could clinch that title in Brazil next weekend.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was seventh in the race, ahead of Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly completed the top 10.

The race was stopped, after a brief safety car deployment, on lap 46 of 71 after Valtteri Bottas suffered a high-speed front-left suspension failure down the straight with his Cadillac pitched uncontrollably into the barriers at turn one.

Bottas received medical attention in the car but then walked to an ambulance, giving a thumbs up, as the rest of the field returned to the pits. He went to the medical centre and was released.

Verstappen led from the re-start, challenged by Hamilton with Antonelli passing Leclerc, and there was then another safety car when Racing Bulls’ rookie Arvid Lindblad and Piastri collided — with the field released to race again with nine laps to the chequered flag.

The four-time champion, cleared of a false start, hung on to take his 74th career win — and sixth in Mexico — by 0.799 of a second with Antonelli four seconds down the road.

FERRARI PAIR COLLIDE

Hamilton had led away from the original pole position, for the 105th time in his career but first for Ferrari at a full grand prix, with Leclerc slotting in behind from third on the grid.

The Briton held him off as they went side by side through the opening corners but Leclerc cut turn four and went across the grass as they battled for the lead, with Verstappen then taking second from Hamilton as the Ferrari looped wide.

“Pushed out by my own team-mate,” said Hamilton over the radio.

Stewards handed Leclerc a five-second penalty but that did little for Hamilton, who remained behind his team-mate after their respective stops on laps 28 and 29 with the Monegasque taking his penalty.

“The problem with the five-second penalty is he’s got clean air and doesn’t have to manage like the rest of us. He should just give the positions back,” said the seven-time world champion.

Stewards said neither car would have made the corner on track, given the speed they were going.

Russell, who had lined up on the front row, made a poor start and dropped to fifth. The Briton also collided with Isack Hadjar, with the Red Bull punted off, and the stewards handed him a 10-second penalty.

Hadjar pitted for a change of tyres when a virtual safety car was deployed on lap seven when Lance Stroll stopped his Aston Martin on track.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Batting prospects Ollie Peake and Jake Fraser-McGurk were also included, as were wicket-keepers Lachlan Shaw and Sam Harper with Mitchell Marsh captaining both the one-day and Twenty20 sides.

“These ODI and T20 matches provide several players, many of whom have had opportunities on recent tours, with a great chance to further demonstrate their ability against very strong opposition,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey.

Beardman, Peake, Edwards, Scott, Nikhil Chaudhary, and Joel Davies made their white-ball debuts in recent times. Harper and Shaw are the two uncapped players.

“They are good examples of players who have had an opportunity at the international level and have continued working on their game from what they learnt from those experiences,” added Bailey.

Australia play three home ODIs against England between November 13-18 followed by five T20s.

They will provide an opportunity for Australia’s next generation to stake their claims ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

With a home Test series against New Zealand to follow, star fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are being rested after playing their part in Australia’s 2-1 Test series defeat in South Africa.

Fellow Test players Travis Head, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Cameron Green were named in the ODI squad, but will not play the T20s.

Following the New Zealand series, Australia travel to India for five Tests before a 150th anniversary clash in Melbourne against England then an Ashes campaign.

“We are in the middle of a highly demanding phase of our schedule,” said Bailey, referring to Australia’s Test players. “To manage this workload, each player’s build-up to the New Zealand series will be carefully planned and focussed on individual’s physical and mental preparation.”

One-day squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Ollie Peake, Matt Renshaw, Liam Scott, Adam Zampa

T20 squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Joel Davies, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Spencer Johnson, Mitch Owen, Lachlan Shaw, Adam Zampa.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

De Zorzi has recovered from a hamstring problem that kept him out of the recent 2-1 series win over Australia. Hamza won the last of his eight Test caps against New Zealand in 2024. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has recovered from the groin injury that kept him out of the third test against Australia, and is part of a pace attack including Dane Paterson and Kagiso Rabada, and all-rounders Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder.

Ngidi’s hamstring injury meant he was not considered for selection by South Africa, whose series win over Australia took them to the top of the Test world rankings for the first time since 2016.

“Traditionally, surfaces on the Highveld favour pace and bounce, although we have seen the Wanderers offer some assistance to spin in recent times. So with that in mind, there will be greater focus on our seam-bowling options,” South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said.

The first Test is at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from November 15-19, and the second at Centurion Park in Pretoria.

Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

All-rounder Ravindra’s right shoulder requires more recovery time before he is able to field at full capacity, the team said in a statement.

Batter Chapman underwent an MRI scan which showed his left hamstring required another two weeks of rehabilitation before he is fit to return.

Tim Seifert, who had been selected for the fourth and fifth ODIs only, will now be in the squad for the full series, while Henry Nicholls will come in for the first three games and Dean Foxcroft for the last two.

Seamer Matt Henry, who suffered a muscle tear during the Twenty20 series against India, will join the squad on Monday and be assessed on his readiness to play.

The series starts in Auckland on Wednesday with further matches in Wellington and Hamilton before the last two games in Tauranga.

India, who won the T20 series 3-2, will also play two Tests against the Black Caps.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

MADRID: Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone hailed Harry Kane as a worthy Ballon d’Or winner as his buoyant side prepare to put their nine-game unbeaten run on the line against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Simeone praised the England captain’s enduring scoring instinct ahead of the clash at the Metropolitano Stadium.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate him on his well-deserved Ballon d’Or. It’s incredible I’ve always admired him,” Simeone said. “As he’s matured over the years, he’s found his best form without losing his eye for goal; he knows what the team needs.”

The Argentine said Kane’s influence extended beyond his performances.

“His talent is a real asset to the game and to the young players who look up to him, because he leaves a legacy showing that you can achieve great things through hard work.”

Atletico have won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions, including a 2-1 La Liga derby victory over Real Madrid.

They sit 16th in the Champions League standings with four points from three matches, one point behind 14th-placed Bayern, who arrive after successive draws in the competition.

“Finding that balance and consistency is the hardest part, and it’s what all of us coaches want,” Simeone said. “We need to enjoy the run and approach it with enthusiasm as we move forward.”

‘BARCA EQUAL TO PSG, REAL’

Fellow La Liga side Barcelona host Premier League outfit Aston Villa on Tuesday as they aim to get back on track in the Champions League and the Catalan club midfielder Anthony Gordon said he is looking forward to the match.

“I’m always motivated the same… the fact they’re English doesn’t make it more motivating for me,” said Gordon ahead of Villa’s visit to Camp Nou. “They’re a very good team… they have a great coach [Unai Emery], one of the best in the world… it’s going to be a very difficult game.”

Villa hold a 100 per cent record so far in the Champions League, defeating Viking, Fenerbahce and Club Brugge.

Barcelona signed Gordon from New­castle United in the summer for a fee which could rise to 80 million euros ($89m).

The 25-year-old has three goals and five assists in 13 appearances across all competitions, but said his best is yet to come.

The former Newcastle United midfielder also insisted that his team are not below the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Mad­rid, despite recent defeats by both sides.

“I don’t think they’re above [us]. We have to take responsibility for both losses because they’re the two biggest games we played so far this season and we lost, but I don’t think they’re above us,” Gordon told reporters. “I think we’re a fantastic team and on any given day we can beat anybody.”

In these two games, the PSG game has a bit of context… on the weekend in their league they rested their whole team.

“We didn’t have this privilege, so we were really tired in the game. This is normal, fine, we have to take responsibility, but I think they had a massive advantage with this.”

INJURY-HIT PSG VISIT VILLARREAL

Meanwhile on Tuesday, PSG head to Spain to face Villarreal with the French club’s quest to win a third consecutive Champions League title under threat as injuries to key players raise doubts about the strength of their squad for another tilt at European glory.

PSG’s thrilling win against Barcelona was overshadowed by the sight of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia having to be helped off injured in the second half.

The Georgian was probably the best player in last season’s Champions League knockout rounds, with seven goals and four assists in eight games up to and including the final against Arsenal.

But the rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee means he is unlikely to return this season.

Luis Enrique’s team began this season’s league phase with three wins from three and are well set to reach the knockout stage, but PSG must now be mulling whether to sign a replacement for Kvara­tskhelia in the January transfer window.

“Not especially. No injury means we need to sign a new player. None,” Luis Enrique said when asked if PSG now needed to go shopping. “I already said at the start of the season that our team could stay the same, even with two or three injuries. That said, we are always open to the possibility of new players. But not just because we have injuries.”

PSG will also be without Ousmane Dembele after he suffered a hamstring injury against Barca, while centre-back Marquinhos and left-back Nuno Mendes are also sidelined due to injuries.

CARRICK SHRUGS OFF MAN UTD SACK TALK

Michael Carrick brushed off suggestions he has just two games left as Manchester United boss as he prepares his underperforming side for Tuesday’s clash against AS Roma.

Carrick’s position at Old Trafford is increasingly precarious following defeat at Chelsea, which extended United’s winless run in all competitions to nine games — their longest such run in 42 years.

The club are just one place above the Premier League relegation zone after taking a mere seven points from their nine matches so far this season. And they are 20th in the Champions League table following a dismal 4-1 defeat away at Como.

Carrick was asked at his pre-match press conference on Monday whether he felt he had just two games left at the helm — the match against Roma and Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa. There is an international break after the Villa game.

“No, not at all,” said the 45-year-old, in his first full season in charge of United. “If you look into the future, you never know what’s going to happen. That doesn’t change the way I feel, how we’re preparing for the game. I’m actually really looking forward to the game, can’t wait for it. You might think I’m crazy with the results we’ve had and what’s going on, but I genuinely can’t wait.”

Carrick said the dressing room was in “a good place” despite the terrible start to the season.

“Perception is a funny thing. You can make things look all sorts of different ways and think about all sorts of different things,” he said.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, French side Lille face Bodo/Glimt while last year’s finalist Inter Milan lock horns with Feyenoord. Rock-bottom Slovakian club Slovan Bratislava will try to stop the rot as they travel to Austria to face LASK.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

Babar will turn out for Lahore Whites, who face Shaheen-led Fata at the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad, in what promises to be one of the early highlights of the premier first-class competition.

Several other established Pakistan players will also feature in the tournament, with Saud Shakeel captaining defending champions Karachi Blues, Mohammad Rizwan leading Peshawar Blues and Imam-ul-Haq taking charge of Multan. Abdullah Shafique will captain Sialkot Blues, while Mohammad Nawaz has been named skipper of Rawalpindi in the Silver tier.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced the schedule and team rosters for the Gold and Silver competitions, which will run simultaneously and feature 20 regional sides.

Eight teams will compete in the Gold tier, with Karachi Blues, Faisalabad, Fata, Lahore Whites, Islamabad, Peshawar Blues, Multan and Sialkot Blues vying for the title. The competition will run from Nov 3 to Dec 12, with the five-day final scheduled for Dec 15-19.

The winners will be crowned champions of the 69th edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, while the 12-team Silver competition will provide a pathway to the top tier for next season.

The Silver teams have been divided into two groups of six. Lahore Blues, Rawalpindi, Larkana, Quetta, Bahawalpur and Peshawar Whites form Group ‘A’, while Group ‘B’ comprises Karachi Whites, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad, Dera Murad Jamali, Abbottabad and Sialkot Whites.

Group ‘A’ matches will be staged at the KCCA Stadium, SBP and UBL Sports Complexes in Karachi, while Group ‘B’ fixtures will be held at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Sports Complex in Rahim Yar Khan and Dring Stadium in Bahawalpur.

The Silver group matches will take place from Nov 3-30, with the final between the two group winners scheduled for Dec 3-7. The winners will earn promotion to the Gold tier for the following season.

A total of 60 first-class matches will be played across the two competitions, with 29 fixtures in Gold and 31 in Silver. Both tiers will carry first-class status.

The tournament will also mark the first time that Peshawar and Sialkot regions will field two teams each in a first-class competition.

In the Gold tier, Lahore Whites’ squad includes Babar, all-rounder Aamir Jamal, Tayyab Tahir and Noman Ali, while Fata will be led by Shaheen and also feature Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Wasim Khan.

Karachi Blues, meanwhile, have retained a strong line-up under Saud, with Saim Ayub and Omair Bin Yousuf among the players in their squad. Shan Masood, Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza are included in the team’s reserves and national-duty pool.

Peshawar Blues will be captained by wicket-keeper batter Rizwan, with Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris and Iftikhar Ahmed also named in the squad.

In the Silver competition, Abbottabad have included Fakhar Zaman and Kamran Ghulam, while Rawalpindi’s squad features Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Mohammad Nawaz and Jahandad Khan.

The PCB said teams would operate with revolving rosters throughout the tournament, with 15 travelling members and the option to draw on reserve players and those in the national-duty pool when available.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

The hosts were found to be one over short after time allowances were taken into consideration by match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emir­ates ICC Elite Panel, the International Cricket Council said on Monday.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, which was imposed under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The provision stipulates a fine of five per cent of a player’s match fee for every over his side fails to bowl within the allotted time.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz.

Pakistan had conceded 325-8 in the final before chasing down the target of 326 with three wickets and nine balls to spare, securing the tri-series title in front of their home crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.

Fakhar Zaman led the successful chase with 127 off 99 balls, hitting 11 fours and six sixes to register his 12th ODI century. His innings helped Pakistan recover from an early collapse and complete a joint-record successful chase in an ODI final.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

He was arrested last week after a local court cancelled his pre-arrest bail and sent him to Chaman District Jail. The court subsequently granted police his seven-day physical remand.

After completion of the remand, the court ordered his release from Chaman District Jail.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

According to a press release, the general body elected three members from the TV category as directors on the PBA board. They are: Neo TV’s Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Mehran TV’s Ghulam Nabi Morai and Verda Naqvi of City 42.

In the radio category, Dawn Media Group’s Chief Executive Officer Nazafreen S. Lakhani from FM89, Shahid Jamal from FM106, Mirza Muhammad Naeem from Radio Awaz, Zulfiqar Ali Shah from FM105 and Sara Taher Khan from FM91 were elected unopposed as directors on the PBA board.

According to the press release, a board meeting later elected office-bearers for 2026-2027. Shakeel Masud Hussain of DawnNews was elected as the chairman, Geo TV’s Mir Ibrahim Rahman as senior vice chairman, ARY’s Salman Iqbal as vice chairman, Dunya TV’s Mian Amer Mahmood as secretary general, Hum TV’s Duraid Qureshi as joint secretary, and Aaj TV’s Ahmad A. Zuberi as finance secretary.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026