Pakistan Archives - Page 5 of 22

Pakistan plans seven-batter lineup for first Test against West Indies

August 13, 2026July 24, 2026 by World Desk

TRINIDAD: Pakistan’s team management has begun finalizing its playing XI for the opening Test against the West Indies, with plans to field seven specialist batters in the series opener, according to sources.

The likely lineup includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Salman Ali Agha is also expected to feature and provide the team with a fifth bowling option.

Sources said Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas are likely to retain their places in the XI, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman is in line to make his Test debut. One of Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to complete the pace attack.

The team management has also advised the bowlers to improve their batting, with the final playing XI to be confirmed after assessing the players’ fitness ahead of the match.

The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, where curators have prepared a grass-covered pitch featuring brown grass instead of the traditional green surface.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and the West Indies unveiled the trophy for their upcoming Test series ahead of the opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies captain Roston Chase took part in the trophy unveiling ceremony, posing with the silverware at the venue where the first Test will be played.

The opening Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 25, with both teams aiming for a strong start in the two-match contest.

US targets Pakistan, 60 other nations with new import tariffs

August 13, 2026July 24, 2026 by World Desk

WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from more than 60 trading partners, including Pakistan, citing their failure to effectively prevent the import and trade of goods produced through forced labor.

The new tariffs took effect on July 24, with imports from Pakistan and several other countries subject to a 10% tariff, according to the U.S. administration.

The move marks the latest effort by President Donald Trump to revive his global tariff agenda. Earlier, in February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the implementation of additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% that had been imposed under Trump’s earlier trade policy.

The latest measures have been introduced under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, with US officials saying the affected countries have failed to adequately enforce laws prohibiting imports made with forced labor.

Countries facing the 10% tariff include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Canada, Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago, while imports from another 38 countries will be subject to a 12.5% tariff.

The US administration said the new duties do not apply to imports such as crude oil, natural gas, certain agricultural commodities, and fertilizers. Products already covered under Section 232 national security tariffs, including steel, aluminum, automobiles, and copper, are also exempt.

Several US trading partners, including Australia and Brazil, criticized the decision as unfair and said they would seek its reversal, while Norway rejected the allegations, calling the tariffs unjustified.

Pakistan to tour England for five-match ODI series ahead of 2027 World Cup

August 13, 2026July 23, 2026 by World Desk

LAHORE: Pakistan will tour England in May 2027 for a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series, providing both teams with valuable preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup later that year.

The series will be played from May 15 to May 26, 2027, with matches scheduled in Southampton, Manchester, Leeds, Chester-le-Street, and Cardiff.

The opening ODI will be held in Southampton on May 15, followed by matches in Manchester on May 19, Leeds on May 21, Chester-le-Street on May 23, and the fifth and final ODI in Cardiff on May 26.

The series is expected to serve as an important tune-up for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which is scheduled to take place from October 4 to November 21, 2027, across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Pakistan is currently ranked fifth in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings, while England sits seventh. Pakistan last toured England for an ODI series in 2021, when the two sides contested a three-match series.

Iranian Interior Minister arrives in Pakistan for high-level talks

July 20, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussing regional security, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed Momeni at the airport, where Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry were also present to receive the visiting delegation.

Momeni is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes the governor-general of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, the deputy interior minister, the deputy minister for urban development and transport, the head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), the special representative of Iran’s agriculture minister and other senior officials.

Later, the Iranian minister held talks with Naqvi in Islamabad, where both sides reviewed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Momeni described Pakistan-Iran ties as exemplary and thanked the Pakistani government and people for their hospitality.

Naqvi expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen cooperation between the neighboring countries and voiced hope for positive developments on regional issues. He said Pakistan looked forward to expanding bilateral engagement and supporting efforts to ease regional tensions.

During his visit, Momeni is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces.

The visit comes as Iran and the United States remain engaged in renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, while diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington continue through mediators despite recent hostilities.

Pakistan has said it will continue encouraging dialogue and support efforts to reduce tensions under a memorandum of understanding it helped facilitate last month.

BTS’ V expresses curiosity about Pakistan’s food and culture

July 20, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

SEOUL: Kim Taehyung, better known as V of the globally popular South Korean group BTS, delighted Pakistani fans after expressing interest in visiting Pakistan and trying the country’s famous cuisine during an online interaction with fans.

The conversation took place during a recent live online session when a Pakistani fan invited V to visit the country.

Smiling, the singer responded by asking whether he would get to eat biryani and karahi in Pakistan, prompting an enthusiastic response from fans on social media.

Pakistani fans flooded online platforms with invitations, sharing photos of traditional dishes and encouraging the BTS member to visit the country.

During the same session, V also interacted with fans from other South Asian countries. Responding to an Indian fan, he said he hoped to visit India in the future. He also told Bangladeshi fans he was interested in learning more about the country and expressed a desire to visit Cox’s Bazar and the Pink Palace Museum.

Despite V’s comments, BTS has not announced any concerts or tour dates for South Asia, and the group’s upcoming world tour schedule does not currently include Pakistan, India or Bangladesh. Millions of BTS fans live across the region, but the group has yet to perform an official concert in South Asia.

Pakistan rejects claims of abandoning Iran-US mediation efforts

July 16, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan rejected suggestions that it has stepped back from efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, saying its diplomatic engagement remains active despite renewed hostilities between the two countries.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, speaking at a weekly news briefing, said Pakistan continues to believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable path to resolving disputes.

He stressed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains a valid and effective framework for restoring peace once tensions subside.

Andrabi said Pakistan’s position has remained consistent throughout the crisis, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states while condemning armed attacks.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations, adding that the Islamabad MoU, together with the Pakistan-Qatar joint communiqué issued on June 22, provides a practical roadmap for resuming technical-level talks.

The spokesperson also voiced concern over the impact of renewed regional tensions on global energy markets, trade and food security. He called for the early restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of ensuring freedom, safety and security of maritime navigation for uninterrupted trade and energy supplies.

Andrabi said Pakistan remains in close diplomatic contact with key regional countries to help reduce tensions.

He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the regional situation with the Emir of Qatar and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 10, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue.

The spokesperson also confirmed that trade negotiations between Pakistan and the United States are continuing, describing recent discussions as constructive.

He said both sides had made progress on several issues aimed at expanding bilateral trade, diversifying Pakistani exports and strengthening economic cooperation, adding that communication channels between the two countries remain open.

Pakistan to make historic Miss World debut

July 15, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

LAHORE: Pakistan will officially participate in the Miss World pageant for the first time in the competition’s 73-year history, with Aneeqa Jamal Iqbal selected to represent the country at Miss World 2026.

Aneeqa Jamal Iqbal was crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026 during a ceremony held at a hotel in Lahore. The crown was presented by Dr. Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, in the presence of Mr. Pakistan World Attaullah Gujar.

The Miss Pakistan World Organization, established in 2002, said Pakistan’s debut at Miss World marks a significant milestone for the country’s participation in international beauty pageants.

Organization President Sonia Ahmed said the achievement reflects the growing presence of Pakistani women on global platforms.

While Pakistani contestants have previously competed in international pageants, including Miss Earth, Miss Supranational, Miss International, Miss Grand International and Miss Universe, this will be Pakistan’s first official participation in the Miss World competition.

In 2023, Erica Robin became the first Pakistani contestant to compete in the main Miss Universe pageant, followed by other Pakistani representatives in international beauty competitions. Pakistan’s entry into Miss World adds another milestone to the country’s expanding presence in global pageantry.

PM Shehbaz accuses eastern neighbor of backing terrorism in Pakistan

July 9, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor is involved in terrorism inside the country, vowing that the government and military would jointly eliminate the militant threat.

Chairing a provincial Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan in Quetta, the prime minister said recent terrorist attacks had claimed the lives of police personnel, members of the armed forces and civilians.

The meeting was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the governor and chief minister of Balochistan, as well as federal ministers.

Sharif said security forces had killed 54 militants in recent operations, adding that the campaign would continue until the last militant was eliminated and that the state would thwart their objectives.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, saying the entire nation stands behind its military.

The prime minister alleged that Pakistan’s eastern neighbor was playing a significant role in fueling terrorism by providing militants with weapons, financial support and other assistance. He also claimed that militants were using Afghan territory to launch attacks in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Sharif said Pakistan’s political and military leadership remained united and fully committed to eradicating terrorism, pledging to employ all available resources to eliminate the militant threat.

Erdogan, Sharif pledge enduring Pakistan-Türkiye partnership

July 4, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye and Pakistan will “always stand by each other” during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Friday, as both leaders pledged deeper cooperation in trade, investment and regional affairs.

Welcoming Sharif and his delegation, Erdogan said the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues, expressing satisfaction with the current pace of ties between Ankara and Islamabad.

“We always stand by each other,” Erdogan said, adding that discussions also focused on expanding trade, investment and broader economic cooperation, including coordination on special economic zones between relevant ministries.

He said Türkiye would continue supporting efforts aimed at peace and prosperity and described an “Islamabad memorandum” as important for global stability. Erdogan also praised Pakistan’s initiatives for peace, development and regional cooperation.

During the briefing, Erdogan also accused Israel of attempting to undermine a U.S.-Iran understanding, warning that such actions threaten regional security.

Sharif, in his remarks, thanked Erdogan for the warm welcome and said Pakistan and Türkiye share a deep emotional and historic bond.

He noted that Türkiye had consistently supported Pakistan during wars and natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes.

The Pakistani prime minister also expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s assistance in disaster-hit areas of Pakistan and said both countries are committed to expanding trade to a target of $5 billion.

Sharif said discussions also covered investment opportunities in special economic zones and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Türkiye’s position on Cyprus while acknowledging Ankara’s support on the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan likely to name 16-player test squad for West Indies, England tours

August 13, 2026July 3, 2026 by World Desk

LAHORE: Pakistan is expected to announce a 16-player Test squad for its upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the selection process.

The reports said selectors had initially considered naming a 17-member squad but are now leaning toward a 16-player roster.

Under the revised plan, one batter could be omitted from the squad.

According to the reports, Saud Shakeel is unlikely to be included for the West Indies leg of the tour. However, selectors are reportedly considering adding him to the squad for the three-Test series in England.

Consultations over the final composition of the squad are continuing, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to announce the Test squad in the coming days.

The PCB has not officially confirmed the squad or the reported selection plans.