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West Indies win toss, opt to bat first against Pak…

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West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. The hosts decided to take advantage of a pitch that appeared conducive to batting early on, with captain Kraigg Brathwaite expressing confidence that his spinners would play a crucial role later in the match.

The first session was interrupted by rain, with West Indies reaching 23-1 after losing opener Brandon King, who was dismissed by Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas. Pakistan captain Babar Azam stated he would have preferred to bat first as well, but his team now focused on making early inroads with the new ball.

Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, with left-arm spinner Ali Usman making his Test debut. The match also marked Babar Azam’s 100th first-class appearance, a significant milestone. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is hosting its first-ever Test match, becoming the 13th Test venue in the Caribbean.

West Indies will look to capitalize on their decision to bat first and post a competitive total, while Pakistan’s bowlers, including debutant Usman, will aim to exploit the conditions and restrict the hosts. The match promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to start the series positively.

The weather is expected to play a role, with forecasts predicting further interruptions, but both sides hope for a full game. The series is crucial for both teams in the context of the World Test Championship, and the first Test at the new venue is a historic occasion for Caribbean cricket.

Pakistan will look to overcome the absence of injured batsman Abdullah Fazal, while West Indies aim to capitalize on home advantage. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having the potential to emerge victorious. As the game progresses, the performance of the spinners and the batsmen’s ability to adapt will be key factors. The first Test is poised to be a memorable encounter at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, marking a new chapter in Caribbean cricket history. Fans worldwide are eagerly watching as the two teams battle for supremacy in the Caribbean.

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      Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has called for a more supportive regulatory framework to expand electronic transactions, improve digital access to finance and accelerate Pakistan’s broader digital transformation. The minister made these remarks during a meeting with Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir, where the two discussed digital finance, technology-driven economic activity and the development of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Finance, Aurangzeb stressed that existing regulations must evolve alongside technological advancements and new business models. The meeting focused on creating an environment that recognises electronic transactions and encourages greater use of digital systems in trade and financial activities. The participants also examined ways to improve access to finance by expanding digital platforms and making financial procedures more efficient. Aurangzeb particularly highlighted the need to simplify customer onboarding, strengthen data-sharing systems and improve the interoperability of financial information. Greater integration between banks and capital markets was also discussed, with the aim of making investment opportunities more accessible to ordinary citizens. The minister said streamlined digital account-opening procedures could encourage wider participation in the capital market. Better connections between banking and capital-market systems, he added, could increase investor participation and improve access to investment opportunities. The meeting also covered the importance of connecting government data systems. According to the ministry, better-integrated data could help policymakers improve planning, policy formulation and decision-making. The increased use of technology and artificial intelligence was identified as another opportunity to improve the efficiency of government and financial services. Digital infrastructure was another key area of discussion. Aurangzeb emphasised that new initiatives should be practical, scalable and consistent with Pakistan’s wider digital transformation goals. Digital assets and tokenisation were also discussed, particularly their possible applications in real estate and other investment sectors. Participants stressed that appropriate regulations and supporting mechanisms would be necessary for the responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Aurangzeb appreciated the work of the Pakistan Digital Authority and called for practical, high-impact initiatives that could improve efficiency, expand financial access and strengthen the country’s digital capabilities. He also emphasised continued coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure steady progress in Pakistan’s digital economy. Pakistan has already witnessed significant growth in digital payments. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, retail payments through the banking system reached 3.7 billion transactions during January-March 2026, representing a 9% increase from the previous quarter. Digital channels accounted for 92% of total retail payment volumes, processing around 3.4 billion transactions worth Rs68.3 trillion. Mobile banking and digital wallet registrations exceeded 132 million by March 2026, rising 37% year-on-year. Nearly half of Pakistan’s 268 million bank accounts were connected to a mobile banking application or digital wallet. Meanwhile, Raast processed 742 million transactions worth Rs23.27 trillion during the quarter, reflecting growing public acceptance of instant digital payments. Mobile wallets such as Easypaisa and JazzCash have also expanded access to basic financial services, particularly for people previously underserved by traditional banking. Merchant adoption is growing as well. QR-enabled merchants more than tripled during FY25, rising from 516,000 in FY24 to more than 1.9 million by the end of 2025. Although digital adoption remains stronger in urban areas, the figures indicate that Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem is expanding rapidly.

  • Tarar links AJK unrest to foreign funded agenda

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    Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that the recent protests by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee in Azad Jammu and Kashmir were not peaceful. He alleged that militant groups pursuing a foreign agenda, backed by funding from India, were involved in the unrest. Earlier the same day, AJK Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif said many protesters taking part in the JAAC demonstrations were linked to Fitna Al Khawarij. This is the term Pakistani authorities use for militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference, Hanif said illegal and violent acts had taken place in AJK, aimed at disrupting the ongoing phases of the region’s elections. He said maintaining law and order and protecting the democratic process remains the state’s core duty, and the state is capable of doing so. Hanif said the JAAC protests were not made up of ordinary citizens alone. He played a video showing masked gunmen standing on a rooftop as evidence. He said common protesters were fewer in number, while armed militants linked to Fitna Al Khawarij were present in significant numbers. He urged people to distance themselves from these elements and said the government would issue public appeals soon. He also alleged that anti-state groups were using women and children as human shields, and that misleading videos calling this a human rights movement were being spread on social media. AJK police spokesperson DIG Irfan Kashfi said these armed individuals would be treated as militants, not peaceful protesters, given their possession of automatic weapons, M-4 rifles, AK-47s, and reportedly sniper rifles. He said one police official was killed and five others injured in recent clashes. One suspect, described as a foreign national acting as a sniper, was arrested in Rawalakot with a military-grade weapon in his possession. Kashfi said security forces were acting purely in self-defence and to protect the public, and assured citizens that militants would not be allowed to capture Rawalakot or any other area. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said the unrest had been planned for weeks and described the march toward Muzaffarabad during the elections as a scheme to trigger mass unrest. He appealed to the public to stay away from the protesters, alleging they were using civilians as human shields. The JAAC was declared a banned organisation on June 5 after weeks of protests demanding the abolition of 12 reserved refugee seats in the AJK assembly. Authorities have since arrested many of its leaders and placed 147 activists under anti-terrorism watch.

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    Pakistan backs Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defe…

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    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming that every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself under international law. Islamabad stated that Saudi Arabia’s military response in Iraq should be viewed within the framework of legitimate self-defence. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Article 51 of the United Nations Charter grants states the inherent right to take necessary measures to protect their sovereignty and security against armed attacks. He said Saudi Arabia’s actions should be understood in that legal context. The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of regional tensions. Andrabi also said Pakistan supports the effective implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the United States and Iran, adding that diplomatic efforts are continuing to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue among the concerned parties. During the briefing, he welcomed the ratification of a defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral ties. He noted that Pakistan also maintains close defence cooperation with Jordan and Bahrain and continues to expand collaboration in multiple sectors. He added that if any new defence agreements are finalised with Jordan or Bahrain in the future, the government will inform the public and the media at the appropriate time.

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    Dylan Sprouse opens up about becoming a ‘girl da…

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    Dylan Sprouse is embracing an exciting new chapter in his life as he prepares to welcome his first child with wife Barbara Palvin. While the actor admitted he has a few fears about becoming a parent, he said he is especially thrilled about becoming a “girl dad” and cannot wait to meet his baby daughter. Sprouse spoke candidly about fatherhood during the August 4 episode of the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast with host Amanda Hirsch. The actor shared that although he feels excited, the thought of childbirth is something he finds difficult to imagine, describing it as a “traumatic experience” for mothers and expressing deep admiration for everything women go through during pregnancy and delivery. (people.com⁠) The 33-year-old actor admitted that watching his wife experience pregnancy has given him a new appreciation for the physical and emotional challenges of bringing a child into the world. He said the process has strengthened his respect for women and made him even more grateful for Barbara’s strength as they prepare to become parents together. Despite his concerns about the birth itself, Sprouse made it clear that excitement outweighs any nerves. He said he has always loved the idea of raising a daughter and is looking forward to creating special memories with her as she grows up. The actor described becoming a father as one of the biggest and happiest milestones of his life. Sprouse and Palvin announced earlier this year that they are expecting their first child, delighting fans who have followed their relationship for years. The couple married in July 2023 in a romantic ceremony in Hungary after several years of dating. Since then, they have frequently shared glimpses of their life together while keeping many personal moments private. Throughout the podcast conversation, Sprouse also reflected on the changes parenthood will bring. While he acknowledged that life will soon look very different, he welcomed the challenge and said he is eager to learn and grow in his new role as a father. He added that he hopes to provide a loving, supportive environment where his daughter can feel confident and happy. Fans have warmly responded to the actor’s honest comments, praising his openness about the realities of childbirth and his excitement for fatherhood. Many also appreciated the respect he showed toward mothers and the sacrifices they make during pregnancy. As Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin count down the weeks until their daughter’s arrival, the couple appears ready to embrace every moment of the journey. With love, anticipation and a healthy dose of humility, they are preparing to begin one of life’s greatest adventures—raising their first child together.

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    PPP to challenge AJK election results over rigging…

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    The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has announced that it will challenge the results of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections through legal and constitutional forums, alleging widespread rigging, voter manipulation and administrative interference during the electoral process. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, accompanied by senior PPP leader Chaudhry Yasin, accused the federal government, the AJK Election Commission and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of working together to influence the election outcome. He claimed the electoral process was neither transparent nor impartial and alleged that several complaints submitted by the PPP were ignored by the election authorities. Memon said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had repeatedly called for free, fair and transparent elections in AJK. He said Bilawal had urged all institutions to protect the democratic process and ensure that the interests of the Kashmiri people remained above political considerations. The PPP leader alleged that the AJK Election Commission failed to perform its constitutional responsibilities fairly. He claimed the commission did not take action on complaints submitted by the party during polling and questioned its impartiality throughout the election process. According to Memon, polling staff and election materials reached several polling stations late, affecting the voting process and creating unnecessary confusion among voters. He also questioned the postponement of polling in constituency LA-27, saying the decision was based on weather conditions despite what he described as clear circumstances. He further alleged that violence and intimidation were reported in several constituencies during polling. Referring to the killing of PPP worker Mukhtar Younis in LA-9 Nikyal, Memon claimed the incident reflected the deteriorating security situation on election day. He also alleged that attacks on PPP workers and political leaders were not properly investigated despite complaints to the relevant authorities. Memon accused authorities of failing to take action against those allegedly involved in election-related violence. He also claimed that PPP workers who reached certain polling stations after receiving reports of irregularities came under fire. The senior minister further alleged that ballot papers had reached some candidates before polling day and claimed there were serious violations during the voting process. He also alleged that voter turnout in one constituency exceeded 100 percent and called on the Election Commission to investigate the matter immediately. He said the PPP would continue to pursue all available legal and constitutional options to challenge the election results. The party, he added, would present evidence before the appropriate forums and seek action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also criticised the conduct of the elections, saying the Election Commission had failed to address complaints raised after the first phase of polling. He maintained that the party reserved the right to demand re-elections in constituencies where it believed the electoral process had been compromised.

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    PSX gains nearly 1,380 points in early Friday trad…

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    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a strong recovery during the first half of trading on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index climbing nearly 1,380 points before trading was temporarily suspended for the weekly Friday prayer break. The market opened on a positive note, extending gains throughout the morning session as investors returned to selective buying following recent losses driven by regional geopolitical tensions. By midday, the KSE-100 Index had risen 1,378 points, or 0.79%, to reach 176,926. During intraday trading, the benchmark touched a high of 177,108.66 before easing slightly. The index also found support around 176,405.33, indicating sustained buying interest across key sectors. Trading activity remained steady, with more than 101.8 million shares changing hands during the morning session. The total value of traded shares reached approximately Rs6.96 billion, reflecting healthy market participation despite the shortened trading period. Trading was suspended at midday in line with the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s routine Friday prayer break and was scheduled to resume later in the afternoon. The market’s rebound followed a volatile trading week shaped by uncertainty in the Middle East and fluctuations in global oil prices. Investors appeared to set aside concerns over rising regional tensions and instead focused on attractive valuations in selected stocks. On Thursday, the benchmark index had closed at 175,547.98 after selling pressure weighed on investor sentiment. Friday’s recovery helped the market regain a significant portion of those losses. Broader market performance also remained positive, with the All-Share Index and several sectoral indices posting gains during the morning session. Market participants are expected to closely monitor both domestic economic developments and geopolitical events in the Middle East as trading resumes, with investors assessing their potential impact on market sentiment in the coming sessions.

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