Blockx, 21, who broke into the top 100 for the first time last month and is at a career-high 69 in the world, has knocked out four consecutive seeds, including third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime, en route to the final four.

Blockx is through to his first tour-level semi-final and is the first Belgian man in tournament history to make it this far at the Madrid Open.

Prior to this month, he had never won a tour-level match on clay. He now enters the semi-finals with a 10-2 mark on the red dirt through qualifying and main draw matches at ATP level.

“To be honest, I don’t know, I’m just happy being here. Even winning my first match here, I barely escaped in the first round,” said Blockx in his on-court interview.

“I was happy about that already, but semi-finals is something I wouldn’t have even dreamed of to begin with. I’m proud with how I’m playing the last couple of matches.”

Blockx drew first blood, breaking in game three en route to a 3-1 lead.

Norwegian Ruud began dictating with his forehand and closed the gap to level for 4-4 but Blockx was unfazed and struck again to regain his advantage and he secured the set on his fourth opportunity after 51 minutes of play.

Blockx made his move in the seventh game of set number two to carve a 5-3 opening and after squandering two match points on Ruud’s serve, he closed it out on his own serve to secure the win in 96 minutes.

Ruud committed 17 unforced forehand errors during the match and will drop out of the top 20 for the first time since May 2021 when the new rankings are released next week.

“I found it depressing this game, because he didn’t have really any weaknesses,” Ruud said after the match.

The three-time Grand Slam finalist revealed he had been dealing with a calf issue since Monte Carlo and is happy with how his leg held up this fortnight in the Spanish capital.

Meanwhile, Andreeva’s remarkable clay-court campaign continued with a strong 6-4, 7-6(10/8) performance against Aryna Sabalenka’s conqueror Hailey Baptiste, which sent the Russian into her first Madrid final.

The ninth-seeded Andreeva is 12-1 on clay so far this season, with a title run in Linz, a semi-final showing in Stuttgart and now a final appearance in Madrid.

Andreeva was broken while serving for the match at 5-4 as Baptiste forced a tiebreak and saved three set points before the Russian wrapped up the win in one hour and 39 minutes.

“Honestly, I feel so much adrenaline inside. I feel like I’m still nervous. I’m just so happy that I won and that I was able to save all those set points,” said Andreeva, who won 81 percent of her first-serve points.

“The serve helped me a lot. I’m so, so happy, I cannot really find ways to describe what I’m feeling right now.”

Baptiste had a stellar run in Madrid with two top-10 victories over Jasmine Paolini and top-ranked Sabalenka, which will earn the 24-year-old American a top-30 debut next week.

Andreeva, who turned 19 on Wednesday, is the second-youngest finalist in tournament history, behind only Caroline Wozniacki. She is the first teenager to reach three WTA 1000 finals and will be targeting a third trophy at this level on Saturday, having won Dubai and Indian Wells last year.

On Wednesday, Marta Kostyuk posted her 10th consecutive victory, on the back of her title run in Rouen, 7-6, 6-0(7/1) over 13th seed Linda Noskova to punch her ticket to semi-final.

The Ukrainian 26th seed created 23 break point opportunities on Noskova’s serve, and broke the Czech seven times en route to her second 1000-level semi-final and first in Madrid.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The decision marks a significant shift for the premier class which has long used wildcards as a development tool for struggling teams and manufacturers seeking to gain ground on their rivals.

While dominant teams like Ducati cannot field wildcards due to their concession rank, manufacturers like Aprilia, KTM, Honda and Yamaha were allowed to have wildcard entries in select grands prix.

“Wildcards in the MotoGP class will no longer be permitted from the 2027 season onwards. This will apply to all manufacturers, regardless of their Concession Rank,” the Commission said in a statement. “Wildcards will remain permitted for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes.”

Wildcards have typically featured veteran riders coming out of retirement or test riders getting rare race experience to help manufacturers develop new components.

Teams struggling for competitiveness have particularly benefited from the system, which gives them an extra bike on the grid under race conditions.

Recent examples include Aprilia using Lorenzo Savadori as a wildcard to aid their development, while Yamaha hired Augusto Fernandez for the same role, with both riders taking part in last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

The move to ban wildcards comes as MotoGP prepares for its biggest technical shake-up in years, with engine sizes shrinking from 1000cc to 850cc from next season.

However, teams eager to get a head start on the new regulations will have to wait after the Commission also ruled that wildcards cannot run the smaller 2027-spec engines during the 2026 season.

“Wildcard entries in the MotoGP class in 2026 are not permitted to run 2027-spec 850cc machinery, regardless of a manufacturers concession rank,” the Commission added.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Local media reports said the former board members had resigned after a meeting with the country’s president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Former state minister and businessman Eran Wickramaratne has been named as the chairman of the new interim committee, which aims to implement a new constitution for SLC to ensure better management and transparency.

“Our immediate priority is a total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC,” Wickramaratne said in a statement.

Former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara, who served as the president of Marylebone Cricket Club in 2019-20, is currently the director of cricket for the Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals.

Mahanama has also been involved in cricket administration since his international retirement in 1999, having served as an ICC match referee for more than a decade.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Former Proteas skipper Du Plessis will also lead the side in the inaugural season of the six-team European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which is set to run from Aug 26 to Sept 20 across six European cities.

“This is my first step into team ownership, and the timing couldn’t be better with European cricket gaining real momentum,” du Plessis said in a statement.

“Having experienced franchise leagues across the world, I see immense potential in what the ETPL is building. I’m looking forward to contributing both on and off the field and helping shape a strong cricketing culture within our team.”

Huib van Walsem, chief executive officer of the Dutch cricket association (KNCB), hailed the development as a major boost for cricket in the Netherlands.

“At KNCB, we have long believed in the immense potential of the Dutch cricketing ecosystem, and the involvement of such experienced cricket figures will bring both competitive cricket and attract quality talent to the region,” he said.

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh, compatriot Glenn Maxwell, New Zealanders Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, and West Indies stalwart Chris Gayle are among the other co-owners in the T20 league. The event will also feature city-based franchises in Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Led by Labuschagne, Hyderabad enter the contest brimming with confidence after winning six of their last seven matches — a remarkable turnaround for a side that had once languished near the bottom of the table.

“It’s been a roller coaster for us. We’ve been entertaining — we’ve won big and lost big,” Labuschagne said after his team’s eight-wicket win over Multan Sultans in Eliminator 1. “But the confidence we have in our team and line-up, and the consistency we’ve shown in the last six games — winning five out of six — is really impressive. It’s a credit to the group.”

Hyderabad’s emphatic victory over the Sultans has further strengthened their momentum, and they now pose a serious challenge to United, who have been inconsistent of late, winning three and losing two of their last five matches.

Islamabad, however, boast vast experience under captain Shadab Khan, having won three PSL titles (2016, 2018 and 2024). Hyderabad, meanwhile, are featuring in their maiden PSL season.

The two sides are evenly matched in head-to-head meetings this season, with one win apiece. Islamabad registered an emphatic eight-wicket victory in Karachi on April 24, dismissing Hyderabad for just 80. Earlier, Hyderabad had edged Islamabad by six wickets in another low-scoring encounter.

The winner of Friday’s match will meet Peshawar Zalmi in the final on Sunday after Zalmi beat Islamabad by 70 runs in the Qualifier.

For Hyderabad, Usman Khan has led the batting charts with 320 runs in 11 matches, including a century and two half-centuries, while Labuschagne (285 runs) and Maaz Sadaqat (249) have also been consistent.

Reflecting on Usman’s resurgence, Labuschagne said: “With Usman, the key was recognising the slump — and he did. The team picked up the slack while he wasn’t scoring, and now he’s repaying that. What impressed me most is he didn’t change his batting. He stayed confident. Now that he’s scoring, he’s reading the game much better.”

Hyderabad will also be hoping for improved returns from Saim Ayub and Glenn Maxwell, both of whom are yet to fully deliver.

“I’ve had a few conversations with him [Saim],” Labuschagne noted. “Players don’t lose ability — they lose confidence. And confidence creates performances.

“Saim is no longer a young kid — he’s experienced and has many facets to his game. My message to him was simple: trust your ability. It will click. And if he wins us a final, no one will care about earlier performances. That’s what great teams do.”

In the bowling department, pacers Mohammad Ali (15 wickets), Hunain Shah (14) and Akif Javed (10) have spearheaded Hyderabad’s attack.

“As for Hunain Shah, we didn’t fully know what we had initially,” Labuschagne said. “But his performances — especially in death bowling — have been outstanding. I love his character and personality. We’ve built a great on-field understanding. Hopefully, we’ve got two more games to go.”

Islamabad’s batting will rely on Sameer Minhas (343 runs) and Devon Conway (285), while skipper Shadab leads the bowling charts with 17 wickets. England pacer Richard Gleeson has also been effective with 11 scalps.

Speaking to reporters at the LCCA Ground, Gleeson said Islamabad would stick to their strengths despite the Qualifier defeat.

“I think Zalmi played very well, but we won’t go far away from our plans,” he said. “We’ll look to attack early, take wickets, and then let the spinners control the middle overs.

“With the bat, we’ll stay positive and stick to what has worked for us.”

He added that the presence of experienced players in both batting and bowling units meant the team required no additional motivation.

Islamabad head into the match after suffering a heavy defeat against Zalmi, while Hyderabad are riding high after their Eliminator-1 victory.

Despite the stakes, crowd turnout remains a concern. Only around 7,000 spectators attended Wednesday’s match at the Gaddafi Stadium. However, with Friday being a public holiday on account of Labour Day, a larger turnout is expected.

Islamabad held a practice session on Thursday, while Hyderabad opted to rest.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The announcement came hours after LIV Golf, founded in 2021 as a rival to the PGA Tour, said it was seeking to secure “long-term financial partners”.

It has reportedly cost PIF over $5 billion so far to operate the series after signing many of the world’s top players including Major winners Bryson DeChambeau and Spaniard Jon Rahm.

Saudi’s powerful wealth fund, however, said funding for the project would be axed as PIF looked to pare back a string of projects in the kingdom with the war in the Middle East raising fresh speculation about investment priorities moving forward.

“PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a spokesperson for the fund said in a statement provided to AFP. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy.”

The spokesman went on to say the decision had been made in light of “PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics”.

LIV said earlier on Thursday it was searching for new financial backers. The golf league said it was looking to secure “long-term financial partners to support its transition from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model.”

There was also no mention in the LIV statement of PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who co-founded the dissident league. The statement simply mentioned two new board members, Gene Davis and Jon Zinman, had joined.

LIV Golf described the duo as “seasoned experts with proven track records of navigating complex situations and unlocking value for global organizations, to guide the league through its next phase.”

The PIF statement confirmed rumours, which had circulated for several weeks, that the breakaway tour was on the verge of collapse due to the possible withdrawal of the Saudi financing.

LIV’s deep-pocketed backers in Riyadh were rumoured to have cooled on the extravagantly expensive project.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil vowed prior to the announcement to continue the season “full throttle,” though he conceded the league would “probably” have to raise money going forward.

A collapse of LIV Golf could jeopardise the careers and earnings of its star players. The likes of DeChambeau defected from the PGA Tour in acrimonious circumstances, and may face severe penalties if they try to return.

“There were rules, and they were broken,” PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp told the Journal this week. “With rules comes accountability.”

Brooks Koepka became the first LIV player to return to the PGA fold when the five-time major winner jumped ship last December. The American’s return was made possible as the PGA created a Returning Member Program, described as offering “a route back to elite performers who no longer have contractual limitations preventing them from complying with PGA Tour rules and regulations”.

LIV Golf postponed its planned June tournament in New Orleans on Tuesday, with officials saying they hope to reschedule an event for later this year.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Asian Football Conf­ederation (AFC) have both said they will back Infantino if, as expected, he stands for a fourth term as FIFA supremo in 2027.

In a brief statement following a meeting ahead of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, CAF said it had “unanimously agreed” to support Infantino when the FIFA chief stands for re-election in 2027.

The Asian Football Confederation also vowed to support Infantino.

“FIFA is in its best position ever and we offer our continued and full support to (Infantino) as a candidate for FIFA President for the term 2027-2031, just as the AFC and Asian football has always supported him since his election in 2016,” AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said in a statement.

The African and Asian confederations account for 101 votes in FIFA’s presidential election out of a total of 211.

Infantino has already secured support for re-election from South American football’s ruling body CONMEBOL, which is worth a further 10 votes.

Infantino took over as head of FIFA in 2016 in the wake of the corruption scandal that led to the downfall of predecessor Sepp Blatter.

He was subsequently re-elected to the post in 2019 and 2023.

Although FIFA statues limit FIFA presidents to three terms in office, Infantino is allowed to run for re-election next year after the body ruled that his first, partial term from 2016-2019 following Blatter’s ouster did not count towards the total.

Infantino has faced controversy during his reign over his close ties to US President Donald Trump, who was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during last year’s World Cup draw.

That led to a formal com­plaint being lodged with FIFA’s ethics committee by advocacy group Fair­Square last year, who alle­ged that the award brea­ched FIFA’s rules concerning political neutrality.

Infantino has also faced criticism for initiatives during his reign which have included expanding the World Cup to 48 teams and the launch of the revamped 32-team FIFA Club World Cup last year.

The Swiss official though has presided over record revenues during his tenure, with this year’s World Cup expected to rake in an estimated $13 billion.

FIFA under Infantino has also dramatically increased funding distributed to FIFA’s 211 member associations via its FIFA Forward Program. In the cycle from 2027-2030, FIFA has pledged to distribute some $2.7 billion to members, an eight-fold increase compared to 10 years ago.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Afghanistan will in future be eligible to qualify for the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, something Popal said was the culmination of a “long fight”.

“I woke up this morning imagining a young Afghan girl opening her eyes and saying, ‘I’ve got the right to play’. This is a basic human right,” Popal said from Copenhagen.

She added: “It’s fantastic news, it’s a historic moment we are trying to absorb.”

The Afghanistan Women’s National Team was founded by Popal and other players in 2007 in Kabul.

After the Taliban authorities retook power in 2021, about 100 players and family were evacuated to Melbourne in Australia, with team members also relocating to Europe, Britain and the United States.

Women in Afghanistan are banned from participating in sport, and the Taliban authorities have shut down clandestine exercise groups held behind closed doors.

A team of Afghan refugee players was formed between Europe and Australia, playing their first international matches at the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series last year in Morocco.

The team could not play official competitions because FIFA rules previously required the approval of the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation.

The FIFA amendment this week allows the official recognition of the Afghanistan team through agreement between FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.

It will also apply to other teams in exceptional circumstances that may be unable to register a national team.

“It has been a long fight but we are so grateful this history is made not only for the women of Afghanistan,” said Popal. “No team, if they face a situation like us, will suffer what we have sacrificed and suffered.”

Afghanistan’s women footballers hope to build an internationally competitive team drawing from players scattered across the globe, she said.

“This announcement will allow us to find the talent within the diaspora,” she said.

The next step is for players to go for trials, ahead of a possible game in June.

Afghanistan will not be eligible to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup but will be able to try and reach future editions.

“This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said following the decision.

“FIFA has listened to these players as part of its responsibility to protect the right of every girl and woman to play football and to represent who they are.” He added: “FIFA is proud to lead this historic initiative and to stand alongside these courageous players on and off the pitch.”

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

After comfortably winning the first set 6-1, Aqeel and Barkatullah faced resistance in the second set, which they lost 4-6. However, they bounced back to claim the third set in tiebreak 10-5 and qualify for the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s top player Mohammad Sho­aib advanced to the men’s singles quarter-finals after his opponent, Matas Vasiliauskas of Lith­uania, retired as the former was in charge 6-0, 4-1.

Results:

Men’s singles (pre-quarterfinals): Mohammad Shoaib (Pakistan) bt Matas Vasiliauskas (Lithuania) 6-0, 4-1 – retired; Mert Naci Trker (Turkiye) bt Abubakar Talha (Pakistan) 6-3, 6-4; Nikita Ianin (Russia) bt Barkatullah (Pakistan) 6-2, 6-0; Fanming Meng (China) bt Essa Qabazard (Kuwait) 6-4, 6-3; Arvid Nordquist (Sweden) bt Darrshan Suresh (Malaysia) 6-3, 6-3; Samir Hamza Reguig (Algeria) bt Alexey Dubinin (Russia) 6-0, 6-3; Leo Borg (Sweden) bt Mohammad Abid (Pakistan) 6-4, 6-4; Kere Yilmaz (Turkiye) bt Dmitrii Shiroki 3-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Men’s doubles (quarter-finals): Aqeel Khan (Pakistan)/Barkatullah (Pakistan) bt Adam Farag-Cao (Canada)/Carl Holder (Britain) 6-1, 4-6, (10-5); Ivan Iutkin (Russia)/Alexey Dubinin (Russia) bt Abubakar Talha (Pakistan)/Ahmad Nael (Pakistan) 4-6, 6-3, 10-5.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

VUCHERENS: Tadej Pogacar continued to dominate the Tour de Romandie on Thursday, winning a sprint finish to take the second full stage the day after winning the mountainous opener.

Pogacar cracked a smile and held two fingers in the air to signal a second victory as he finished almost a bike length ahead of Frenchman Dorian Godon.

After the last survivor of a four-man breakaway was caught, Florian Lipowitz launched the sprint but was chased down by Godon, but the Ineos rider had UAE team leader Pogacar on his wheel.

The Slovenian world champion surged up the inside in the final 100 metres of a rolling 173.1 kilometre stage through Switzerland from Rue to Vucherens.

New Zealander Finn Fisher-Black was third.

“Some guys went too early and it was an advantage for me,” said Pogacar at the finish. “For me it was all under control and a super sprint for me.”

Pogacar, who is competing in the Romandie for the first time, picked up 10 bonus seconds to increase his overall lead to 17 seconds over Lipowitz, a German who rides for Red Bull, with Frenchman Lenny Martinez of Bahrain Victorious third at 26 seconds.

Friday’s third stage, a 176.6km circuit starting and ending in Orbe, includes one second-category climb.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The 32-year-old Ecuadorean, who won road race gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, will instead shift his focus to the Tour de France, which begins on July 4 in Barcelona and finishes on July 26 in Paris.

“For me, it’s a complete disappointment, because the Giro is a race that I’ve always had a lot of affection for and looked forward to,” Carapaz said in a team statement. “Finding myself in this situation is frustrating because you put a lot of desire and time into it, but in the end I have to prioritise my health now and move forward.

“These are things you aren’t prepared for. I will make the best of it and move forward. We are at the gates of the Tour.”

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The defeat meant Pakistan ended the tournament at the bottom of the standings, having previously lost to hosts Kazakhstan and Russia.

Pakistan dominated for much of the match, with the midfield and forward line combining well. Striker Danish Masih, introduced in the second half, helped create several chances. However, Azerbaijan struck on the counter in the 77th minute when Pakistan lost possession and Nazim Aliyev scored from close range.

Pakistan’s task became harder in the 86th minute when defender Hamza was shown a straight red card. The side pushed forward in the dying minutes but could not find an equaliser.

Head coach Mohammad Essa said his young side had played positive football despite the results.

“We played really positive football today with good attacking and build up play,” Essa said. “This is a learning tournament for us with Pakistan participating in UEFA competition for the first time and I think the boys played with a lot of spirit and determination. With more exposure I have no doubt that we will learn more.”

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

WADA announced that its ‘Operation LIMS’ probe has resulted in 302 sanctions against 291 Russian athletes, with 11 athletes receiving two sanctions each for separate violations.

The investigation was based on data and samples retrieved from the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) of the Moscow Anti-Doping Laboratory in 2019.

“Put simply, ‘Operation LIMS’ is the most successful investigation in anti-doping history,” WADA president Witold Banka said.

“An incredible 302 sanctions have now been imposed in the wake of Russia’s institutionalised doping scheme.”

WADA said sanctions have been imposed by 23 different anti-doping organisations, with four additional cases still awaiting final judgment.

While weightlifting (107 cases) and athletics (93) had the most violations, a total of 22 sports were implicated.

Russia’s anti-doping agency (RUSADA) was declared non-compliant in 2015 after WADA uncovered widespread, institutionalised doping in Russian sport.

WADA said its conditional reinstatement in 2018 later allowed investigators to recover 24 terabytes of Moscow laboratory data in 2019, laying the groundwork for hundreds of cases.

Banka defended WADA’s decision to reinstate RUSADA under strict conditions, despite fierce criticism at the time.

“Importantly, the decision taken in 2018 to reinstate RUSADA under strict conditions despite opposition from a vocal minority of critics was made precisely in order to get to the truth and formed part of a sophisticated investigative strategy,” he added.

“Without that decision, we would never have been able to obtain the critical evidence from the Moscow Laboratory needed to prosecute these cases.”

WADA confirmed that all Operation LIMS cases have now been investigated, marking the end of a probe that reshaped the anti-doping landscape.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Viktor Gyokeres sent the Premier League leaders ahead from the spot just before the interval after he was fouled, but Alvarez followed suit 10 minutes into the second half after Ben White’s handball.

Arsenal were upset at a late penalty decision being overturned following a VAR review when David Hancko made contact with Eberechi Eze in the area.

“I’m incredibly fuming,” said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “It’s a clear and very obvious penalty. What I’m incredibly fuming about is how the hell the penalty on Ebs gets overturned.”

“If you have to watch it 13 times…That’s a goal that can change the course of the season. This cannot happen.”

Atletico had the better for long periods but Arsenal’s solid defending helped them leave the Spanish capital in a good position to return to the Champions League final 20 years after their last appearance.

“Here, you have to suffer,” Arteta told Movistar. “Many teams have suffered here, including some of the best in the world. We had some good moments in the match and moments where we had to suffer. The margins are very slim.”

Atletico captain Koke said his side could be proud of how they played in the second half.

“We were the team we have to be — if we play at this level we can win,” Koke told Movistar.

“From my point of view they didn’t create much danger against us… the team defended well and they just had that penalty.”

What the game lacked in the dizzying goal rush of Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-4 win over Bayern Munich in the other semi-final the night before, it replaced with tension and a desperation not to fall behind.

Toilet paper rained down from the stands of the Metropolitano stadium minutes before kick-off, in a striking — if wasteful — display, which invited cynical jokes from some quarters about the calibre of the spectacle ahead.

In a tussle between arguably the continent’s two biggest teams never to lay a finger on the trophy neither wanted to blink first.

Atletico still have an old-style defensive reputation but pinned Arteta’s miserly Arsenal back in the early stages, with David Raya tipping Alvarez’s shot around the post.

The Gunners, a long way from Arteta’s eve-of-the-game demand they dominate proceedings, looked to smash and grab.

Noni Madueke, starting on Arsenal’s right flank with Bukayo Saka only fit for the bench, hammered just wide as last year’s beaten semi-finalists sporadically emerged from their half.

The next time they did, Gyokeres won a penalty. The Swedish striker, who might not have started if Kai Havertz had been fit, exchanged passes with Martin Zubimendi and Hancko clumsily shoved him in the back from behind.

Diego Simeone and Atletico veteran Antoine Griezmann begged for the decision to be reviewed but VAR saw no reason to intervene.

Gyokeres took the spot-kick himself, walloping it past Jan Oblak, who dived the right way but stood no chance of keeping it out.

ATLETICO BATTLE BACK

Three-time runners-up Atletico, back in the semi-finals for the first time in nine ye­a­rs, came out guns blazing in the second half.

Raya saved Ademola Lookman’s drive with Gabriel blocking Griezmann’s follow-up.

The hosts pulled level from the penalty spot after White handled Marcos Llorente’s shot, the ball bouncing up and hitting his arm, which was away from his body.

Alvarez took it, and having missed in Atletico’s Copa del Rey final shoot-out defeat earlier in April, this time made no mistake with an unforgiving blast rivalling Gyokeres’s first-half effort.

MLS-bound Griezmann looped a shot off the crossbar and then sent the rebound off target as Atletico turned the screw in pursuit of an advantage to take into next Tuesday’s second leg.

“This is what we have to do in the away game,” said Griezmann. “(The second half) was much better in terms of intensity.”

“Whether you’re at home or at the ground, it’ll be a nail-biter but that’s the beauty of football.

“Conceding at the end of the first half hurts. We made two or three tactical adjustments to press better and shift our shape, and that made the difference. Then our fans really pushed us on.”

Nigeria international Lookman twice came close and could end up ruing his missed chances, kept out by the alert Raya.

Arsenal thought they had won a second penalty when substitute Eze went down under a sluggish Hancko challenge but to their fury the referee changed his mind after a VAR review, deciding the Slovakian defender’s contact was minimal.

Arsenal next take on Fulham as they continue their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title, while with little to play for in La Liga Simeone will rotate heavily, before this tie is decided in London.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

According to Topline Securities Ltd, the bearish trend persisted as the KSE-100 index shed 2,829.70 points, or 1.71 per cent, to close at 162,994.17. The decline was attributed to the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran, with Washington maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports to push for a deal on Tehran’s nuclear programme. The resulting deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz has driven up crude oil prices.

Major negative contributions to the index came from United Bank Ltd, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd, Fauji Fertiliser, National Bank of Pakistan, Engro Holdings and Lucky Cement, which collectively dragged the index down by 1,293 points.

Lucky Cement announced its third-quarter FY26 earnings per share at Rs13.02, up 6pc year-on-year but down 16pc quarter-on-quarter. The result fell short of industry expectations due to lower-than-anticipated gross margins and reduced share of associate profits.

Index tumbles 2,830 points as Hormuz fears rattle sentiment

Investor participation weakened markedly, with trading volume falling 22.99pc to 837 million shares, while traded value declined 8.09pc to Rs36.34bn. WorldCall Telecom led the volume chart, with more than 75.3 million shares traded.

Ali Najib, deputy head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX extended its losing streak as trading commenced on a weak footing amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Heightened rhetoric between US and Iranian officials pushed international oil prices higher, weighing on global equities, including the PSX.

During the session, the index plunged as much as 3.28pc, though late-session value hunting helped trim losses.

Going forward, elevated oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainty are likely to keep market sentiment cautious in the near term. The 160,000 level is expected to serve as strong support, while 175,000 remains attainable if the geopolitical environment improves. Any dip may present a buying opportunity, supported by attractive valuations and resilient medium-term fundamentals.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The SBP reported receiving $730 million from the Eurobond issuance, marking the country’s return to international debt markets after a prolonged absence.

Pakistan had announced the launch of Eurobonds on April 20. The size was increased from an initial $500m to $750m through a greenshoe option amid strong investor demand.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb recently said Pakistan would launch $250m Panda bonds in the Chinese market in May.

The SBP had targeted foreign exchange reserves of $18bn in FY26. However, the unexpected withdrawal of $3.5bn by the United Arab Emirates and a $1.4bn repayment on account of maturing Eurobonds altered the outlook. Saudi Arabia extended $3bn in support, while the Eurobond inflow of $750m helped lift SBP reserves to $15.828bn during the week ended April 24.

SBP reserves stood at $16.382bn on April 3, the highest since FY21, when reserves were recorded at $17.298bn.

Financial sector experts said the situation shifted largely due to the Gulf war that began on Feb 28, though Pakistan continues to perform better than peer economies. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced an increase in petroleum product prices, which could further fuel inflation, already exceeding 7 per cent. He noted that Pakistan is currently spending $800m per week on petroleum imports, compared to $300m prior to the conflict.

The country’s total liquid foreign reserves stood at $21.269bn as of April 24, including $5.441bn held by commercial banks.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The consortium has submitted a standby letter of credit and a bank guarantee to the Privatisation Commission for the acquisition of the remaining 25 per cent shares of PIA.

The consortium has already acquired a 75pc stake in Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Ltd (PIACL) for Rs135 billion, while the remaining 25pc will cost Rs45bn. The consortium is expected to assume full ownership within the next 12 months upon completion of payments.

PIA Equity Ltd’s shareholding comprises Arif Habib Corporation Ltd, Fatima Fertiliser Company Ltd, Lake City Holdings, AKD Group, The City School Group, and Fauji Fertiliser Company Ltd.

PIAEL will act as the central platform for the acquisition and future management of PIACL, bringing together institutional investors under a unified structure.

The management changes and full private control was expected by early next month, freeing the airline from government-appointed board members.

Thousands of workers of PIA could be problematic for the new management as there is resistance among the workers regarding complete privatisation as their jobs may be at stakes.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The oil markets have been in a period of heightened volatility since the conflict in the Middle East began in late February.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures rose as high as $126.41 a barrel, the peak since March 9, 2022, but by 12:29pm ET (1629 GMT) were down $3.96, or 3.36 per cent, to $114.07. The prompt contract for June delivery expires on Thursday. The more active July contract was at $109.98, down 46 cents, or 0.42pc.

WTI crude futures were down $2.36, or 2.21pc, at $104.52. The contract reached $110.93 earlier, the highest since April 7. Still, both benchmarks are on track for their fourth month of gains, reflecting fears that the Iran conflict could choke global oil supplies for months to come.

The drop in prices from intraday highs did not have an obvious catalyst.

The decline did not look related to a specific development and reflected the heightened volatility in the market since the Iran war started, said Tamas Varga of PVM.

Two large sell orders for June Brent traded earlier in the session, LSEG data showed. Other analysts said that prices can be volatile ahead of contract expires.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

An official order of the commerce ministry, a copy of which is available with Dawn, said the export date was extended at the request of stakeholders, adding that all other conditions would remain unchanged under the Export Policy Order 2022.

Last year, exports began on May 25, while the government had initially considered May 10 for the current season. Growers, particularly from Sindh, warned that weather conditions could affect fruit maturity and taste, and early shipments risked ceding market share to India.

A senior commerce ministry official said the extended winter and recent climatic shifts had altered the ripening cycle of Sindhri mangoes, making it necessary to adjust the export window to ensure the fruit met the required physiological maturity and quality standards before entering global markets.

He added that preventing the premature export of immature fruit was critical to protecting Pakistan’s reputation for quality mangoes, warning that dumping underdeveloped produce could erode customer confidence and cost the country market share to its competitors.

“We have to ensure consistent product quality, thereby fostering stronger customer loyalty and mitigating the risk of losing market share to international competitors,” the official continued.

The ministry advised exporters to use reefer containers and maintain an efficient cold chain for both sea and air shipments to preserve fruit quality upon arrival in European markets.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Banks, which import most of India’s refined gold, have halted shipments since Indian customs began demanding a 3pc integrated goods and services tax on the metal, said Surendra Mehta, secretary at the India Bullion and Jewellers Association.

In 2017, when India adopted the IGST, gold-importing banks were exempted from paying the 3pc levy.

The tax demand now being imposed on banks follows a delay in issuing a formal government order authorising bullion imports by banks, Reuters reported earlier this month.

“Banks did not clear any gold from customs this month. A small quantity was cleared via the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX),” said a government official, who declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media.

India’s tax authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the IGST now being sought on gold imports by banks.

India, the world’s second-largest gold consumer, imported 35 tonnes of gold in April 2025 and averaged about 60 tonnes a month in the fiscal year 2025-26 to March.

The 15-tonne figure for April is the lowest for the month in around three decades, excluding 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic forced Indian jewellery shops to close, and could weigh on global gold prices, the sources said.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Officials said the widening gap between the target and actual collections had become more pronounced over the past two months as the conflict affected trade flows, import volumes and overall economic activity, leading to lower tax receipts, particularly sales tax at the import stage.

In April alone, the impact of the conflict on revenue collection was estimated at around Rs40bn, including a Rs15bn shortfall in gas imports, officials said. They added that this estimate did not factor in austerity measures and a marked slowdown in consumption, which further dampened economic activity and tax receipts.

Further analysis showed that sales tax and federal excise duty collected at the import stage recorded negative growth in April, while withholding tax rose by 4pc and customs duty increased by 9pc. This suggests that, despite stable or slightly higher import values in certain categories, the tax base linked to consumption and excisable goods weakened.

Shortfall widens amid Middle East disruptions

By contrast, domestic sales tax posted relatively stronger performance, rising by about 9pc year-on-year. The data indicate that April’s revenue trends were shaped by subdued consumption and selective import compression. Growth in customs duty and domestic sales tax provided some support, but weakness in import-stage sales tax and excise duty underscored pressure on consumption-led tax streams.

FBR data showed that total collection rose by 10pc to Rs10.262 trillion during July-April FY26, compared with Rs9.295tr in the same period last year. The FBR had set a target of Rs10.946tr for 10MFY26.

In April, collections increased by 13pc to Rs956.3bn from Rs846bn in the corresponding month last year. However, the month’s collection fell short of the target of Rs1.029tr by Rs72.7bn.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its last review, had already revised down the FBR’s annual tax collection target by Rs150bn.

In FY25, the FBR missed its revenue target by nearly Rs163bn even after two downward revisions, collecting Rs11.737tr against the revised target of Rs11.900tr. However, this still reflected a year-on-year growth of 26.19pc over Rs9.301tr in FY24.

The FBR issued Rs499bn in refunds and rebates during 10MFY26, up from Rs431bn in the corresponding period last year, an increase of 15.77pc.

Income tax collection stood at Rs5.084tr during 10MFY26, reflecting a shortfall of Rs210bn against the Rs5.294tr target, though it rose by 14pc compared to Rs4.476tr in the same period last year.

Sales tax collection totalled Rs3.425tr, falling short of the Rs3.808tr target by Rs383bn, but increasing by 8pc year-on-year. Customs duty stood at Rs1.080tr against the Rs1.158tr target, a shortfall of Rs78bn, though it rose by 4pc from Rs1.042tr last year.

Federal excise duty collection reached Rs673bn, below the Rs687bn target, but up 12pc from Rs603bn a year earlier.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Despite a healthy primary balance of 3.3 per cent of GDP, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Thursday warned that Pakistan’s external sector may face risks due to emerging global uncertainties and regional supply disruptions, amid higher inflation.

“External demand may remain supportive in some markets, but the balance of risk has become less favourable than in the pre-war setting,” the MoF said in its Monthly Economic Update and Outlook for April. It added that the ongoing Middle East conflict is posing risks and increasing uncertainty for the macroeconomic outlook.

The MoF forecast April inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index, at 8-9pc, significantly higher than 7.3pc in March.

It highlighted that the primary surplus in 8MFY26 was recorded at 3.3pc of GDP (Rs4.319 trillion), compared to 3pc (Rs3.452tr) last year. During July-March FY26, FBR’s tax collection grew by 10.1pc to Rs9.306tr. This growth was driven by both direct and indirect taxes, which rose by 12.4pc and 7.9pc, respectively. Within indirect taxes, sales tax, customs duties and federal excise duty increased by 8.5pc, 3pc and 13.3pc, respectively.

The government’s strategy to optimise revenue collection and improve expenditure management was reflected in the fiscal position during the first eight months of FY26, with a deficit of 0.1pc of GDP (Rs161.2bn), compared to 2.2pc of GDP (Rs2.524tr) in the same period last year.

Net federal revenue increased by 10.1pc to Rs7.463tr, supported by growth in both tax and non-tax revenues of 10.6pc and 7.7pc, respectively. Total federal expenditure declined by 10.9pc to Rs9.232tr, mainly due to a reduction in current expenditure, which fell by 11.4pc on account of a 25pc decline in markup payments.

The economy completed its third quarter on a stable footing, underpinned by macroeconomic stability and gradually strengthening growth momentum. On the domestic front, the manufacturing sector maintained its growth momentum, while the external sector recorded three consecutive monthly current account surpluses, driven by strong remittances and rising IT exports.

Inflation inched up but remained within the annual target. Prudent fiscal management supported continued improvement in the fiscal position. Timely Eurobond repayment, a successful IMF Staff-Level Agreement, and Fitch’s B- rating with a stable outlook reinforced external credibility, reflecting ongoing reform efforts and the economy’s overall positive direction.

The report noted that regional tensions are adding uncertainty amid escalating energy costs, but Pakistan’s economy appears better positioned than in previous episodes of external stress to manage these challenges.

The Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment registered 50,506 workers in March, a reduction of almost 14pc compared to 58,555 in the same month last year.

Despite geopolitical uncertainties, key macroeconomic indicators have remained stable, including sustained growth in Large-Scale Manufacturing, a broad-based recovery in the automobile sector, and rising cement despatches, pointing to improving domestic demand. “Based on this momentum, economic activity is expected to remain firm,” it said, but added that “amid ongoing supply chain constraints, inflation is likely to remain in the range of 8-9pc in April.”

It added that despite risks from regional tensions, including higher global commodity prices and supply chain disruptions, the external position is expected to remain stable, supported by higher remittance inflows and IT exports. Overall, the economy appears well positioned to sustain its growth trajectory, backed by strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals and timely policy responses to minimise adverse impacts.

The MoF said that continued geopolitical uncertainty and the lack of a clear path to resolution are affecting oil supply and pricing, reinforcing volatility in global energy markets. Despite global uncertainties, major trading partners, such as the US, are showing resilience. Likewise, Pakistan’s key export destinations — except China, where growth has slowed in recent months — are operating near their long-term potential.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The Balochistan Home Depart­ment has imposed Section 144 and announced strict measures to prevent the unlawful movement and stockpiling of wheat. Authorities have been directed to take immediate action against violators and seize illegally stored wheat.

The official notification issued by the Home Department, Section 144 has been enforced in border areas to stop wheat smuggling and hoarding. The notification said that legal action will be taken against individuals found hiding, storing, or possessing wheat beyond the permitted limit.

Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to conduct searches of suspected warehouses, verify transport documents, and confiscate illegally transported or stored wheat.

The notification said that the orders have taken effect immediately and will remain in force for two months.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The funds were originally part of a Rs700 million allocation under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for dam projects in his constituency.

Speaking to the media here on Thursday, Mr Rind said that the current situation in Balochistan demands stability rather than unrest.

He said he is avoiding street protests to prevent further complications for the government, but the “theft” of allocated funds is unacceptable.

“Funds approved for specific regions must be spent on projects in those areas to ensure timely completion and public welfare projects.”

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Official sources said security had been placed on high alert, with strict measures taken to maintain law and order and ensure the protection of life and property.

Security forces launched a search operation soon after the attacks, which were carried out from unknown locations in the mountainous areas surrounding Quetta.

Sources said that more than two dozen suspects had been taken into custody from these areas for interrogation.

Over two dozen suspects detained from surrounding mountainous areas

Four rockets were fired by unidentified assailants at the provincial capital, injuring three people and damaging at least two houses.

“Rockets were fired from unknown locations and landed in different areas of the city,” DIG Quetta Imran Shoukat confirmed. He added that two rockets hit the rooftops of houses on Akhtar Mohammad Road and Mir Ahmed Road, damaging solar panels and portions of the structures.

Other rockets exploded in Shanti Nagar and Faqir Mohammad Road areas.

The first rocket landed on Mir Ahmed Khan Road and exploded near a transformer, which caught fire and was destroyed. Three people were injured in the area. Another rocket struck Faqir Mohammad Road, while a third hit Akhtar Mohammad Road. A fourth landed in Shanti Nagar, hitting the rooftop of a house and creating a large hole. Doors and windowpanes of the house were also damaged.

Following the explosions, police and Frontier Corps personnel rushed to the affected areas and shifted the injured to Civil Hospital.

The local administration issued a high alert and tightened security across the city. Helicopters were also deployed to locate the sites from where the rockets had been fired.

Police officials said that security forces cordoned off the affected areas immediately after the attacks.

Adviser to the Home Department Babar Yousafzai said the situation was under control and that security forces had launched operations to trace those responsible.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

Officials said here on Thursday the agreement would make the national anti-corruption system more effective, integrated, and in line with modern requirements.

The MoU was signed by Director General of Paca Ghulam Safdar Shah and Director General of Anti-Corruption Establishment Balochistan Naseebullah Kakar.

Under the agreement, both institutions will promote cooperation for professional training, advanced investigative skills, forensic analysis, and effective investigation of financial crimes, the officials said.

This collaboration is expected to improve the capacity of officers, which will provide a stronger foundation for anti-corruption operations.

This agreement will not only strengthen institutional linkages but will also play an important role in promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the country, they said.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The conference, which was originally scheduled to be held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on May 6-7 in Islamabad, has been moved to the Sheesh Mahal Hall of Serena Hotel, Islamabad, the announcement said.

According to the organisers, the change in location was necessitated due to circumstances beyond their control. All other event details, such as the agenda, dates, and session timings, remain unchanged.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

In its report, Regulatory Repres­sion of Freedom of Expression — Legal Controls and Peca Undermine Media and Journalism in Pakistan, the watchdog said that amendments to the Prevention of Elec­tronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016 had created a climate of fear, where journalists are compelled to self-censor to avoid legal repercussions.

The report was released to mark World Press Freedom Day, observed globally on May 3.

The report highlighted high-profile convictions of human rights lawyers, including Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, as examples of how custodial sentences were used to deter dissent.

Freedom Network report says custodial sentences being used to deter dissent

In addition, dozens of journalists have faced charges under expanded provisions of Peca, while defamation suits, regulatory suspensions and internet shutdowns further constrained independent journalism.

The report also notes that state-led efforts to counter disinformation and hate-speech are often accompanied by increased surveillance and selective enforcement. Regulatory bodies monitoring online content, coupled with vague definitions of “fabricated news,” blur the line between misinformation and legitimate dissent.

In terms of journalist safety, the report documented at least 129 verified incidents of violations during the review period, which ranged between April-2025 and March-2026. Legal threats and physical violence accounted for nearly two-thirds of these cases.

Among these violations include two murders, five cases of threats to murder, 58 legal cases (mostly Peca-invoked), 16 cases of assault, 11 cases of threats to harm and two cases of kidnapping and enforced disappearance.

Punjab and Khyber Pakhtun­khwa emerged as the most dangerous regions for journalists, while murders in Sindh and Balochistan underscored the persistent risks.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

The service was sus­­pended due to the Mid­dle East war triggered by the US-Israel attack on Iran. The US and Israel on Feb 28 launched what they described as a “pre-emptive” joint strike against Iranian targets.

A circular issued by additional director general of the Pakistan Post, Maqsood Ahmed, said that arrangements have been made with seven international transit hubs to ensure smooth transportation of Pakis­tan-origin mail includ­­ing Azerpost via Baku, Emirates Post via Dubai, Post Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur, Turkish Post via Istanbul, Post NL via Amsterdam, Australia Post via Sydney and China Post via Beijing.

Direct flight connectivity through Pakistan International Airlines is also available for some destinations where outbound international mail operations have resumed.

However, booking remains suspended for 19 destinations including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. Services to these countries will res­ume gradually.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026

While Mr Khan’s sisters continue to show up at the jail on Tuesdays, party leaders were nowhere to be seen over the past two weeks, prompting criticism.

The visit materialised after PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, who has been authorised by the IHC to share the names of leaders intending to meet Mr Khan with the jail administration, withdrew the initial list as his own name was missing from it and issued a revised one including himself, before also reaching Adiala jail.

The initial list included the names of PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Advocate Hamid Khan and Barrister Ali Zafar.

Raja says party to approach SC again to ensure meeting with ex-PM

However, in addition to Mr Raja, the fresh list also included Humayun Mohmand, Ali Muhammad Khan, Sahibzada Sibghatullah, Mehboob Shah and Ali Bukhari.

Speaking to Dawn, Mr Raja said all six leaders included in the list arrived at Adiala jail on Thursday and “stayed there for two-and-a-half hours, in the hope that a meeting with Khan Sahib would be allowed”.

However, despite their efforts, they were once again denied a meeting with Mr Khan.

“The party has decided to approach the Supreme Court again to ensure meetings between party leaders and Khan Sahib,” he said.

The PTI also expressed deep concern over persistent delays by the IHC in deciding the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case against party founder Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, and has called for the immediate suspension of their sentences and their release forthwith.

In a statement, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that the case had become a critical test for the judiciary and urged an expeditious decision to restore public confidence and institutional credibility.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026