West Indies post 344 as Sajid Khan shines, Pakistan face must-win Test

According to the Global Firepower Index, the combined military capabilities of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have become more significant following the signing of a mutual defence agreement between the three countries. The assessment describes the agreement as more than a conventional defence arrangement, saying it represents an effort to bring the military capabilities of three major regional powers into a coordinated defence partnership. Together, the three countries have approximately 1.4 million active military personnel, around 3,415 military aircraft, 6,046 tanks and 344 naval assets, according to the assessment. Pakistan plays a major role in the partnership, with around 660,000 active military personnel and a nuclear capability that significantly strengthens the combined strategic deterrence of the three countries. Türkiye contributes a strong defence industry and advanced military capabilities. It has around 192 naval assets and substantial expertise in drones, missiles, sensors and electronic warfare. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, provides the largest financial contribution to the partnership. Its annual defence budget is estimated at around $63.9 billion. The kingdom’s strategic geographical position also gives it considerable importance within the proposed defence partnership. The combined annual defence spending of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is estimated at approximately $124.4 billion. The figures indicate that the three countries collectively possess substantial manpower, air power, land forces and naval capabilities. Their combined resources could provide the partnership with greater strategic weight in regional security matters. The assessment also highlights the different strengths each country could bring to the alliance. Pakistan contributes significant manpower and nuclear deterrence, Türkiye offers defence technology and military-industrial capabilities, while Saudi Arabia provides substantial financial resources and strategic geographic importance. Together, these capabilities could create a broader and more diversified defence partnership among the three countries.

Pakistan has taken a major step towards becoming a regional digital technology hub with the inauguration of Sky47 Karakoram-01, the country’s largest AI-ready data centre and cloud platform, at Capital Smart City near Islamabad. The facility was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, during a ceremony attended by federal ministers, senior government officials, business leaders, technology experts and representatives of the IT sector. Developed by Sky47 in collaboration with the Habib Rafiq Group, the state-of-the-art facility has been designed to deliver artificial intelligence computing, cloud services, secure data hosting, cybersecurity and high-performance computing infrastructure. The project is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy by enabling businesses, financial institutions, government organisations and technology companies to securely host and process data within the country while supporting the rapid growth of AI applications. The project also reinforces Capital Smart City’s ambition to become Pakistan’s premier destination for data centres, cloud computing and advanced technology investment. With its modern infrastructure, strategic location and dedicated technology zones, the city is positioning itself as a future hub for digital innovation and AI-led development. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Sky47 as a landmark project that would help shape Pakistan’s future and strengthen the country’s digital capabilities. He said the successful completion of the project within a short period reflected extraordinary commitment, professional expertise and determination. The Prime Minister said projects such as Sky47 were essential for building a dynamic, progressive and technologically advanced Pakistan. Referring to Pakistan’s recent achievements, he said that when the nation confronts challenges with determination, optimism and resilience, it is capable of accomplishing historic milestones. He described the project as an important guarantee for Pakistan’s future and said it would provide robust digital security for the country. He also paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his visionary leadership and acknowledged the support of technology partner ZTE, Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Ministry of IT and all stakeholders involved in making the project a reality. The Prime Minister announced that similar state-of-the-art facilities would also be developed in Karachi and Lahore and called for government institutions to make full use of the new infrastructure. The Habib Rafiq Group, under the leadership of Zahid Rafiq, has played a pivotal role in delivering the project and expanding Capital Smart City’s vision beyond real estate into technology-led infrastructure. Industry observers believe the initiative will help attract further domestic and international investment in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services. Speaking at the ceremony, Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the inauguration of Sky47 marked the beginning of a new era of artificial intelligence in Pakistan. She said the project would open the door to a new phase of economic growth by enabling the country to make better use of its digital resources, skilled workforce and data-driven innovation. She added that the future global AI race would depend on the secure, efficient and intelligent use of data. Sky47 Chief Executive Officer Hassan Abbas said there are around 12,000 data centres worldwide but only 22 in Pakistan, highlighting the country’s significant growth potential. He said Pakistan’s e-commerce sector is expanding by around 25 to 30 per cent annually and that Sky47 would provide a strong foundation for the country’s digital economy. The Sky47 data centre has the capability to support artificial intelligence, machine learning and high-performance computing while providing cloud computing, secure data hosting and enterprise digital services. It is also expected to play an important role in safeguarding sensitive national and commercial information. The inauguration is being viewed as one of Pakistan’s most significant technology milestones in recent years, reflecting the country’s ambition to build sovereign digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on overseas data hosting. Supporters of the initiative describe it as a major breakthrough achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the support of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and an important step towards positioning Pakistan as a regional hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and next-generation digital technologies.

LAHORE: Schools across Punjab are set to reopen on August 24 following the summer vacation, with the provincial government directing education authorities to complete all necessary arrangements before students return to classrooms. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has instructed relevant departments and school administrations to ensure that educational institutions are clean, secure and fully prepared for the new academic session. The minister directed school administrations to pay particular attention to the cleanliness of classrooms, washrooms, playgrounds and other areas of school premises. He also stressed the need to ensure the availability of safe and clean drinking water for students and staff. In view of the ongoing monsoon season, authorities have been asked to inspect and clean water tanks and school rooftops and ensure proper disinfection. Drainage systems should also be checked to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, which can increase the risk of mosquito breeding and dengue fever. The education minister ordered school administrations to strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at preventing dengue outbreaks. Officials have been directed to identify and remove potential mosquito breeding sites from school premises and ensure that no stagnant water remains in or around the institutions. Security arrangements have also been made a priority ahead of the reopening. The minister directed both government and private schools to ensure full compliance with prescribed security SOPs and make certain that CCTV cameras and other security equipment are operational before students arrive. Schools where construction or repair work is underway have been instructed to install proper barriers and restrict students’ access to potentially hazardous areas. The authorities have also been directed to inspect electrical installations throughout school buildings. School heads must ensure that fans, lights, switches, electrical sockets and wiring are in safe working condition to prevent accidents. Rana Sikandar Hayat further instructed heads of educational institutions to conduct a final inspection of their respective schools before reopening. He warned that negligence, delays or failure to comply with the government’s instructions would not be tolerated and could result in action against those responsible. The minister emphasized that all arrangements must be completed before August 24 so that students can return to school in a clean, safe and healthy environment.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned the government of expanding protests across the country if the petroleum levy is not withdrawn. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s ongoing protest camp outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore on Tuesday, the JI chief said the demonstrations had entered their 10th day. He said public patience had reached its limit and demanded immediate relief from rising fuel prices and taxes. Rehman warned that the party could announce a nationwide strike, block roads and march towards Islamabad if the government failed to meet its demands. The JI leader said the date for a nationwide shutdown would be announced on 13th Rabi-ul-Awwal. He added that demonstrations would continue during Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ. According to Rehman, the JI had mobilised supporters in all four provinces. He said the protest movement would be expanded if the government continued to ignore public concerns. He criticised the petroleum levy and other fuel-related taxes, saying ordinary citizens were struggling to cope with increasing living costs. He particularly highlighted the difficulties faced by commuters, students, workers and motorcyclists. Rehman also demanded that the price of roti be reduced to Rs10. The JI emir accused the government of placing the burden of economic difficulties on the public. He argued that fuel price increases had added to the financial pressure on households while the government had failed to provide sufficient relief. He also raised concerns about alleged irregularities in coal imported for independent power producers (IPPs). Rehman called for a forensic audit and an independent investigation into coal-related transactions. He claimed that consumers were being made to pay for expensive fuel, electricity that was not produced and costly arrangements involving IPPs. He said the public should not be forced to bear the financial consequences of alleged mismanagement. Rehman recalled the JI’s earlier campaign against IPPs and claimed that public pressure had helped reduce electricity prices by around Rs10 per unit. The JI chief said his party was prepared to intensify its campaign if the government failed to respond. He described a nationwide shutdown, road blockades and a march on Islamabad as possible next steps. “Do not test our resolve,” he warned. Rehman also criticised the political system and questioned the performance of the ruling coalition. He alleged that governments without genuine public support remained unable to address the problems faced by ordinary citizens. He criticised the PPP’s governance in Sindh and raised concerns about what he called political families dominating Punjab. He also questioned the continued delay in holding local government elections. Regarding the Punjab government, the JI leader said its major announcements could not hide failures in dealing with basic public problems. Rehman maintained that the JI’s campaign was aimed at securing relief for the people rather than serving any personal or political interest. He invited the government’s negotiating team to visit the protest camp and clearly explain when the petroleum levy would be abolished. He said the JI would not travel to Islamabad simply to attend another briefing without concrete assurances. The JI emir also commented on a recent incident involving a security official at Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology in Islamabad. He demanded a transparent, merit-based investigation and said legal action should be taken against anyone found responsible, regardless of their position.