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Pakistan

Australia set Pakistan 232-run target in second ODI in Lahore

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Australia set

LAHORE:  Australia posted 231 all out in 50 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 232 runs in the second match of the one-day series on Wednesday.

Batting first after Pakistan won the toss, Australia struggled to build big partnerships but managed to reach a competitive total despite regular wickets falling.

Cameron Green and captain Josh Inglis top-scored with 51 runs each, while Matt Renshaw made 43 and Oliver Peake added 31. Matthew Short scored 15, Marnus Labuschagne 5, Matthew Kuhnemann 5, and Alex Carey was dismissed for a duck.

For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Arafat Minhas, Abrar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf took two wickets each.

Pakistan will now chase 232 runs to take control of the series.

Pakistan’s auto sector enters new era of investment and innovation

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Pakistan’s auto sector

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s automobile sector is witnessing a new phase of investment, innovation and industrial expansion driven by policy facilitation and structural reforms, according to industry and official statements.

Since the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, targeted measures have been introduced to promote investment in the auto industry, streamline policy support, and encourage industrial development across the sector.

Officials said that the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy introduced with the facilitation of SIFC has emerged as a key milestone, driving innovation and modernization in Pakistan’s automotive landscape over the past three years.

The improved business environment has helped restore investor confidence, positioning Pakistan as an increasingly attractive market for global automobile manufacturers and technology providers.

Several international automotive brands, including BYD, GAC, Changan, Denza, Omoda and Jaecoo, are expanding their presence in Pakistan and introducing new-generation vehicles and electric mobility technologies in the local market.

Industry observers also point to strategic partnerships, such as between Lucky Motor Corporation and Guangzhou Automobile Group, as evidence of growing international confidence in Pakistan’s auto sector.

With an estimated production capacity of around 500,000 units annually, Pakistan’s auto industry is seen as capable of meeting both domestic demand and supporting export potential.

Under ongoing reforms supported by SIFC, efforts are also underway to integrate Pakistan into the global automotive value chain through new auto policies and a refurbishment export model.

Officials said the sector is gradually transitioning from traditional manufacturing to advanced, environmentally friendly mobility solutions, with increasing focus on electric vehicles, local production and technological advancement.c

Pakistan sets Rs. 4,264b development budget for next fiscal year

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Pakistan sets

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s total development budget for the upcoming fiscal year has been estimated at Rs. 4,264 billion, according to official budget documents, outlining allocations for federal and provincial development programmes across the country.

The documents show that the federal government’s development programme stands at Rs. 1,126 billion, while the combined size of provincial development initiatives has been projected at Rs. 3,138 billion.

Among the provinces, Punjab is expected to spend Rs. 1,450 billion on its development programme. Of this amount, Rs. 1,306 billion will be generated from domestic resources, while Rs144 billion is proposed under foreign assistance.

Sindh’s Annual Development Programme has been set at Rs. 816 billion, including Rs. 520 billion from local resources and Rs. 296 billion in foreign assistance.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s development programme is proposed at Rs. 564 billion, with Rs. 377 billion allocated from provincial resources and Rs187 billion expected through foreign assistance.

For Balochistan, the Annual Development Programme is projected at Rs. 308 billion, including Rs. 275 billion from local resources and Rs33 billion in foreign assistance.

Overall, the combined provincial development spending from domestic resources has reached Rs2,478 billion, while foreign assistance for provincial projects is estimated at Rs660 billion, according to the documents.

Pakistan cuts Jet fuel price by Rs48.80 per litre

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Pakistan cuts

ISLAMABAD: The government has provided major relief to airlines and the aviation sector by reducing the price of jet fuel used by commercial aircraft by Rs48.80 per litre.

According to aviation sources, the latest reduction has brought the price of jet fuel down to Rs283.52 per litre. Fuel expenses constitute a significant portion of an airline’s operating costs, and the decrease is expected to ease the financial burden on carriers.

The development comes after the government also announced a Rs22 per litre reduction in petrol and diesel prices, offering broader relief to consumers and businesses.

Industry experts believe the lower fuel costs could pave the way for reductions in both domestic and international airfares. However, any decision regarding ticket prices will ultimately be made by individual airlines.

Aviation sources said the government has cumulatively reduced jet fuel prices by as much as Rs283 per litre, describing it as a significant step for Pakistan’s aviation industry.

Before the conflict in the Middle East, jet fuel was priced at Rs188 per litre on February 28. Despite the recent reduction, current prices remain substantially higher than pre-conflict levels.

Pakistan opt to field against Australia in historic 1,000th ODI

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Pakistan opt

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against Australia in the opening match of a three-match One-Day International series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said the occasion was particularly significant as Pakistan was playing its 1,000th ODI, becoming one of the few teams to reach the milestone in international cricket.

“It is an honor to captain Pakistan in its 1,000th ODI,” Afridi said at the toss. “It is a historic moment for the entire team, and we will try to deliver a strong performance and secure a victory.”

Pakistan handed an ODI debut to Arafat Minhas, one of several young players included in the lineup.

Pakistan Playing XI:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Moaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.

The match marks the beginning of a three-game ODI series between Pakistan and Australia, with the hosts aiming to celebrate their milestone appearance with a victory.

Pakistan proposes sharp tax hike on solar, electric and hybrid vehicles in budget

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Pakistan proposes

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering significant tax increases on solar panels and electric and hybrid vehicles in the upcoming fiscal year 2026–27 budget, according to official sources.

Under the proposed measures, the General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels is expected to be raised from 10% to 18%. Similarly, the GST on electric vehicles may be increased from 1% to 18%, while hybrid vehicles could see tax rates rise from 8% to 18%.

Officials said the proposals also include higher taxation on motorcycles, rickshaws, trucks, buses, electric pickups, tractors, and double-cabin vehicles, which could result in a broad increase in transportation and renewable energy costs.

Sources indicated that the planned tax hikes are likely to make solar panels and electric and hybrid vehicles more expensive for consumers if approved.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to sources, has opposed granting tax exemptions. However, the government is still attempting to persuade the lender to allow relief for the renewable energy sector.

The IMF has reportedly maintained that any tax exemptions must be offset through alternative revenue measures to ensure fiscal balance.

Officials further said that, based on current proposals, prices across the electric mobility and solar energy sectors are expected to rise if the new tax structure is implemented.

The IMF has also reportedly suggested increasing GST on electric vehicles to 18% and raising tax rates on hybrid vehicles to the same level.

In addition, industry stakeholders have urged the government to release Rs327 billion in pending tax refunds to the textile sector and have called for reductions in electricity and gas tariffs. Exporters could potentially receive relief of up to Rs100 billion, although officials say prospects for a large-scale relief package remain limited.

Pakistan to play 1,000th ODI in upcoming series against Australia

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Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan are set to reach a major milestone as they will play their 1,000th One-Day International (ODI) during the three-match series against Australia starting Saturday in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan and Australia are set to face off in the opening match of their three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, scheduled to be played on Saturday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The ODI series between Pakistan and Australia will begin at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second and third matches will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The milestone match will mark Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI appearance, a landmark moment in the country’s cricket history. Pakistan captain described the achievement as a special occasion for the team.

He said the side’s confidence is high following success in previous ODI series against Australia, adding that crowd support in Rawalpindi and Lahore always boosts player morale.

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said Australia remain one of the strongest teams in the world, making contests between the two sides highly competitive.

He added that players have worked hard in the training camp and are fully focused on securing victory in the series.

Pakistan and Australia have faced each other in 111 ODIs so far, with Pakistan winning their last two bilateral series 2-1.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will also introduce live streaming of matches for the first time via PCB Live, while fans will be able to watch the series on PTV Sports.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Australia are set to face off in the opening match of their three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, scheduled to be played on Saturday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Australian team is currently in Pakistan for the series, which will see the first ODI played in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches are scheduled in Lahore.

The second ODI will be held on June 2, followed by the third and final match on June 4 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Both teams are expected to hold training sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday as preparations intensify ahead of the series opener.

Australia have made a squad change, with Cooper Connolly replacing Mitchell Marsh for the tour.

Pakistan, Australia unveil ODI series trophy ahead of opener in Rawalpindi

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Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: The trophy for the Pakistan-Australia ODI series was unveiled on Friday ahead of the opening match of the three-match contest.

Captains of both sides participated in a joint photoshoot with the trophy as preparations intensified for the series opener scheduled for Saturday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Australian team is currently in Pakistan for the three-match ODI series, with the first match set to be played in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two games will be held in Lahore.

The second ODI will take place on June 2, followed by the third and final match on June 4 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Both teams are also scheduled to hold practice sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the opening fixture.

Australia have made a change to their squad, bringing in Cooper Connolly as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh.

Pakistan marks 28 years of nuclear tests on Youm-e-Takbeer

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Pakistan Marks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday marked the 28th anniversary of its nuclear tests, celebrated as Youm-e-Takbeer, commemorating the country’s declaration as a nuclear power on May 28, 1998 in Chaghai, Balochistan.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to former leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, as well as scientists Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and Dr Samar Mubarakmand.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s nuclear capability serves as a strong deterrent, adding that without it, the country could have faced greater external threats. He said the nuclear umbrella and armed forces remain a key barrier against aggression.

Shehbaz Sharif also claimed that India staged a “false flag” operation in Pahalgam, which he said was countered through national unity and the efforts of the armed forces. He praised the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir for professional excellence.

He further alleged that the Afghan regime had facilitated hostile agendas, and accused adversaries of supporting proxy groups following their failure.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the country with modern capabilities.

Separately, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the Chief of Army Staff, the Air Chief and the Naval Chief extended congratulations to the nation, saying Youm-e-Takbeer reflects a historic achievement that turned Pakistan into a declared nuclear power.

According to ISPR, the day restored strategic balance in South Asia and symbolizes national unity, resilience and sovereignty. It added that Pakistan’s defence capability is a “national trust” built through the sacrifices of scientists, engineers, armed forces and the public.

The military’s media wing said the achievement stands as a guarantee of regional stability and effective defence, while the nation reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and prosperous Pakistan.

West Indies announce Test series schedule against Pakistan

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West Indies

ST JOHN’S: Cricket West Indies has announced the schedule for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, confirming fixtures to be played in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Pakistan national cricket team will tour the West Indies in July for a two-Test series, with both matches scheduled in Trinidad.

The first Test will be played from July 25 to 29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, marking the first-ever Test match to be hosted at the venue.

The second and final Test of the series will take place from August 2 to 6 at Queen’s Park Oval.