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World Desk

Future Soch World Desk covers international politics, conflicts, markets, diplomacy and global developments with context for Pakistani readers.

Infantino gains African backing as FIFA leadership criticism continues

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Infantino gains

ZURICH: FIFA President Gianni Infantino received a major boost in his bid for a fourth term after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously expressed support for his leadership, while criticism from European football authorities continued.

CAF, which represents 54 member associations and is one of FIFA’s largest voting blocs, endorsed Infantino’s leadership, a move seen as a significant political gain for the FIFA president ahead of the next election.

However, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) reiterated that it still lacks confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

UEFA said its position had not changed despite FIFA withdrawing a controversial proposal involving private investment in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other major events. The European body said FIFA had not provided guarantees that similar decisions would not be pursued in the future.

FIFA has apologized to its 211 member associations over the handling of the investment proposal, acknowledging flaws in the decision-making process and promising a comprehensive review.

Meanwhile, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) expressed concerns over unilateral decision-making and called for greater transparency and institutional reforms within FIFA.

Erdogan says defence pact open to peace-seeking countries in region

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Erdogan

ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the defence agreement signed between Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is open to the participation of all brotherly countries seeking peace, prosperity and stability in the region.

In a statement, Erdoğan said he visited Makkah at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, where he met with the Saudi leader and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before signing the trilateral defence agreement.

Erdoğan said the pact, based on collective defence capabilities, would further strengthen security and defence cooperation among the three countries. He added that it would support joint projects in the defence industry and enhance cooperation against terrorism.

The Turkish president said the agreement reaffirms the right to self-defence outlined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, stressing that the pact is not directed against any country.

He said Turkiye would continue to support resolving conflicts and crises through dialogue and diplomacy, expressing hope that the agreement would become a source of peace, stability and prosperity for the entire region.

Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the agreement would contribute to regional peace and have positive effects across the region.

Faisal said the joint defence pact reflects Saudi Arabia’s strong relations with Pakistan and Turkiye and represents an important milestone in defence cooperation. He added that the Makkah Defence Agreement demonstrates a shared political commitment to protecting peace and stability.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed the agreement in Makkah, under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three nations.

Tehran official says Saudi security depends on policy changes, not alliances

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Tehran official

TEHRAN: Iranian parliament member Ebrahim Rezaei has said Saudi Arabia’s new defence agreement with Pakistan and Turkiye does not guarantee the kingdom’s security.

In a statement shared on social media, Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Riyadh should understand that the agreement would not provide the level of protection it had failed to achieve despite decades of reliance on the United States.

He said Saudi Arabia should reconsider its policies so that it would not have to seek security guarantees from other countries.

The remarks came after Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed the Makkah Defence Joint Agreement, under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three.

The trilateral defence pact was signed during a summit in Makkah attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The agreement aims to strengthen collective defence capabilities and expand security cooperation among the three countries. The development comes amid heightened regional tensions and concerns over security threats in the Middle East.

Iran, Oman reach understanding on shipping route through Strait of Hormuz

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Iran

DUBAI: Iran and Oman have reached a preliminary understanding on the geographic coordinates of a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant step toward restoring commercial navigation through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the two countries are preparing a joint statement outlining the agreement, although officials cautioned that the process could still be affected by third-party interference. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the understanding on the shipping route does not, by itself, guarantee full security in the strait, noting that broader political and military factors remain at play.

According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the proposed arrangement would establish separate navigation channels for vessels entering and leaving the Persian Gulf, with Iran and Oman coordinating traffic management.

However, several issues, including operational details and other outstanding provisions, are still under discussion before any final agreement is reached.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, carrying a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any agreement to improve maritime navigation could have major implications for regional security and global energy markets.

More than 100 killed in India floods, heavy rains since July

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More than

NEW DELHI: More than 100 people have died in India since July as heavy rains triggered flooding, landslides and lightning strikes across several states, according to Indian media reports.

The northeastern state of Assam accounted for the highest death toll, with about 90 fatalities, while 14 people were killed by lightning in the eastern state of Jharkhand. Most of those killed by lightning were farm workers, the reports said.

Heavy rainfall also lashed New Delhi and Mumbai, inundating low-lying neighborhoods and submerging roads, disrupting traffic and daily life.

The torrential rains also displaced thousands of people, forcing many families to leave their homes as floodwaters continued to rise in affected areas.

Brock Lesnar announces retirement from professional wrestling

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Brock Lesnar

STAMFORD, Conn.: WWE legend Brock Lesnar has announced his retirement from professional wrestling at the age of 49, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in sports entertainment.

Lesnar made the announcement during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, days after losing to Oba Femi in the WWE SummerSlam: Hell in a Cell match. Following the defeat, Lesnar praised Femi as “the future of WWE.”

“I came here today to tell the world and everyone that I am retired,” Lesnar said, thanking fans for their support throughout his career.

The former WWE and UFC heavyweight champion said he plans to focus on his family and support his children in pursuing their athletic careers.

Lesnar had previously hinted at retirement after his loss to Oba Femi by leaving his boots and cap in the ring, a symbolic gesture often associated with retirement in professional wrestling. His announcement has prompted an outpouring of tributes from wrestling fans.

Pakistan beat West Indies by 8 wickets to draw Test series 1-1

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Pakistan

PORT OF SPAIN: Pakistan defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test on Thursday, leveling the two-match series 1-1 and ending a run of eight consecutive away Test defeats.

Chasing a modest target of 75, Pakistan reached 76-2, with Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam remaining unbeaten on 24 runs each. Earlier, Imam-ul-Haq scored 9, while Azan Awais made 18.

Pakistan’s bowlers set up the victory by dismissing the West Indies for 117 in their second innings on the fourth day. Spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman claimed four wickets each.

The West Indies resumed the day on 103-6 but lost their remaining wickets for just 14 more runs. Injured opener Brandon King did not bat due to a back injury.

The victory marked Pakistan’s first away Test win since defeating Sri Lanka in 2023.

Pakistan posts 387, secures first-innings lead over West Indies

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Pakistan posts

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Pakistan were bowled out for 387 in their first innings on the third day of the second Test against the West Indies on Tuesday, securing a 43-run lead after the hosts posted 344.

Resuming on 266-2, Pakistan built on a solid overnight position through captain Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique, but the partnership ended when Babar fell for 88 off 147 balls, missing out on a century by 12 runs. His innings included 10 fours and one six.

Pakistan then lost two more wickets in the space of six deliveries before wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan added 25 runs with Abdullah Shafique. Rizwan scored 18 before being bowled by Jomel Warrican.

Abdullah Shafique anchored the innings with a composed 153 off 312 balls, while Sajid Khan contributed 30 before Pakistan were dismissed for 387, earning a 43-run first-innings advantage.

Earlier, the West Indies had elected to bat first after winning the toss and were dismissed for 344. Sajid Khan led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Obaid Shah, Mohammad Ali and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each.

The West Indies lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opening Test.

Trump voices concern over oil company profits amid Iran conflict

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Trump voices

WASHINGTON:US President Donald Trump said he is concerned about the large profits oil companies are making amid the conflict with Iran, as rising energy prices continue to fuel inflation and create political challenges ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Speaking in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said oil companies were making “a lot of money” from the surge in crude prices and acknowledged that he was uncomfortable with the situation despite being a strong supporter of free-market principles.

US media reported that Trump hopes oil prices will decline before the November midterm elections, with recent political surveys indicating that Democrats could make gains if inflation remains elevated.

The conflict involving Iran has driven global oil prices sharply higher, boosting earnings across the energy sector. On Tuesday, Saudi Aramco reported a 33% increase in second-quarter profit, reflecting the impact of stronger crude prices.

Higher fuel costs have also weighed on American consumers. Since the outbreak of the conflict, the average price of gasoline in the United States has risen by about 37%, adding to inflationary pressures and increasing the political stakes for the White House.

West Indies all out for 344 against Pakistan in first innings

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West Indies

PORT OF SPAIN: West Indies cricket team were bowled out for 344 in their first innings against Pakistan national cricket team on the opening day of the second Test.

Pakistan were 121 for 2 in 26 overs in their first innings at stumps after bowling out the West Indies for 344 on the opening day of the second Test.

Captain Babar Azam was unbeaten on 19, while Abdullah Shafique remained not out on 32, guiding Pakistan after the early loss of two wickets.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the hosts posted a competitive total, led by half-centuries from Justin Greaves, who scored 73, and Roston Chase, who made 70.

Brandon King contributed 46 runs, while Shai Hope scored 29 and Amir Jangoo added 26.

For Pakistan, Sajid Khan claimed four wickets, while Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Ali and Ali Raza took two wickets each.

Earlier, West Indies captain Roston Chase opted to bat first after winning the toss. Pakistan captain Babar Azam said his side would also have chosen to bat first and vowed to play positive cricket.

West Indies entered the match with a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.