Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: Pakistan&rsquo;s latest negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ended on Wednesday without a staff-level agreement (SLA), briefly delaying the release of around $1.25 billion in loan tranches. Despite the setback, both sides reported &ldquo;significant progress,&rdquo; fueling expectations that a deal will be reached within weeks. The IMF mission concluded its 11-day visit under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), totaling $8.4 billion. The discussions covered the second EFF review and the first RSF review. While no SLA was finalized, statements from Islamabad and the IMF indicated a constructive tone, suggesting that remaining technical issues will soon be resolved. According to officials involved, the IMF has sought higher provincial budget surpluses and a downward revision of the Federal Board of Revenue&rsquo;s (FBR) annual collection target, factoring in the economic impact of recent floods. Punjab is expected to contribute Rs740 billion [$2.64 billion] to the surplus, followed by Sindh, Rs370 billion [$1.32 billion], Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rs220 billion [$0.79 billion], and Balochistan, Rs185 billion [$0.66 billion]. The Fund has also requested verified estimates of flood-related losses and assurances that provincial governments can absorb recovery costs without breaching fiscal targets. Notably, the IMF mission did not hold a formal wrap-up meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, an unusual, though not unprecedented, indication that talks have entered a sensitive technical phase. The visiting team, led by Mission Chief Iva Petrova, did not issue its customary end-of-mission statement, and the IMF&rsquo;s local office declined to comment. The next round of discussions is expected during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, where Minister Aurangzeb will lead Pakistan&rsquo;s delegation. Market analysts remain cautiously optimistic. &ldquo;The IMF mission&rsquo;s acknowledgment of significant progress is encouraging,&rdquo; Waqas Ghani, head of research at JS Global, told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;The Fund appears to be seeking stronger, time-bound commitments before finalizing the staff-level agreement. In previous reviews, the SLA often followed a few weeks after the mission&rsquo;s conclusion.&rdquo; Economist Dr. Ikram ul Haq shared a similar view but pointed to underlying structural weaknesses. &ldquo;The staff-level agreement will happen; it&rsquo;s only a matter of time,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;However, the IMF has flagged discrepancies in trade data amounting to billions of dollars. Pakistan must address under-invoicing, rationalize tariffs, and broaden the tax base, including taxing agricultural income of absentee landowners.&rdquo; The IMF later released a brief statement confirming &ldquo;significant progress&rdquo; toward reaching an SLA on the second EFF review and first RSF review, noting that &ldquo;program implementation remains strong and broadly aligned with the authorities&rsquo; commitments.&rdquo; In parallel, the government notified draft amendments to the Sharing of Assets of Civil Servants Rules, 2023, requiring Grade 17 and above officers to submit electronic declarations of assets and income through the FBR. While armed forces personnel remain exempt, banks must establish secure data channels, part of broader governance reforms under IMF conditionalities. With most macroeconomic targets reportedly met, the remaining gaps appear procedural. Officials expect the SLA to be finalized within weeks, paving the way for IMF board approval and disbursement by late November or early December. For Pakistan, the stakes are high: securing the $1.25 billion tranche would ease external financing pressures, stabilize the rupee, and strengthen market confidence ahead of a politically sensitive budget season. As the IMF team departs and technical work continues virtually, the real challenge for Pakistan lies not just in signing the deal &mdash; but in sustaining the reforms once the funds begin to flow.

Economy

Analysts say the IMF’s acknowledgment of “significant progress” reflects confidence in Pakistan’s reform efforts, predicting a staff-level agreement within weeks that could unlock $1.25 billion and bolster market stability ahead of the next budget.

IMF, Pakistan close to staff-level agreement after constructive talks

LAHORE: As South Asia braces for another smog-filled winter, Pakistan&rsquo;s eastern Punjab province has launched a major campaign to combat one of the world&rsquo;s worst seasonal air pollution crises. In a first for the region, the provincial government has deployed anti-smog cannons across major cities, including Lahore, to disperse toxic particles before they reach hazardous levels. The high-pressure cannons spray ultra-fine mist into the air, trapping pollutants such as PM 2.5 and forcing them to the ground. Officials hope the technology will prevent a repeat of last year&rsquo;s environmental emergency, when thick smog blanketed the province and choked millions of residents. &ldquo;This is not just about cleaning the skies, it&rsquo;s about protecting the health and future of our people,&rdquo; Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said while unveiling the new anti-smog system last week. The initiative is part of a broader anti-pollution strategy that also includes Punjab&rsquo;s first real-time smog early warning system, giving residents live Air Quality Index (AQI) data and forecasts. Authorities say this tool will help citizens take preventive steps, such as limiting outdoor activity and wearing protective masks, while enabling faster government responses as pollution levels rise. Stronger enforcement and drone surveillanceSpeaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, additional director general of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab, said this year&rsquo;s anti-smog drive is backed by unprecedented resources and technology. &ldquo;In comparison to 2024, the Punjab government has provided ample support by increasing both human and logistic resources,&rdquo; Dr. Iqbal said. &ldquo;We now have a dedicated Environment Protection Force fighting against the smog crisis.&rdquo; The EPA, he added, has deployed drone surveillance to identify and monitor pollution sources such as illegal emissions and stubble burning. Following the installation of new emission control systems, several major sources of industrial pollution have already been curtailed. To bolster its arsenal, the province has purchased 15 anti-smog cannons and eight new air-quality monitors for real-time air data across key urban centers. Dr. Iqbal noted that cross-border pollution remains a major concern, particularly smog drifting into Lahore from across the Indian border. &ldquo;Since India is also a major source of smog over Lahore&rsquo;s skies, we plan to use these smog guns to fight off the incoming clouds and shield our citizens,&rdquo; he said. Health concerns mount as air quality deterioratesDespite the government&rsquo;s efforts, health experts warn that Lahore&rsquo;s air quality, already among the 15 most polluted cities worldwide, is deteriorating earlier than expected this season. AQI readings have climbed from 92 last week to over 150, a level considered &ldquo;unhealthy&rdquo; for all populations. &ldquo;This air is already harmful to breathe,&rdquo; Dr. Ayesha Malik, a pulmonologist based in Lahore, told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;Early spikes in PM 2.5 are dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.&rdquo; Global implications of a regional crisisLast winter&rsquo;s smog crisis was one of the worst on record. Satellite images from NASA showed a vast pollution cloud stretching from Lahore to New Delhi. Air-quality levels in parts of Punjab reached 1,200 AQI, four times higher than the &ldquo;hazardous&rdquo; threshold. Schools were closed, transport ground to a halt, and hospitals were overwhelmed with patients struggling to breathe. UNICEF estimated that more than 11 million children under five were exposed to toxic air during the peak weeks. Government data shows nearly two million people sought medical care for respiratory issues in a single month. A grim reminder of the scale of the problem. The long shadow of smogInternational studies warn that prolonged exposure to PM 2.5 can shorten life expectancy by up to five years in heavily polluted regions. Research from Harvard University and the World Health Organization links such exposure to chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and premature deaths. As Punjab&rsquo;s new anti-smog systems and environmental enforcement teams swing into action, experts say the real test will come in November, when pollution typically peaks. For millions living under grey skies, the government&rsquo;s technological offensive offers a glimmer of hope, but only if it&rsquo;s matched by sustained policy reforms in industry, energy, and agriculture.

Climate & Environment

Officials hope technology will prevent a repeat of last year’s environmental emergency; initiative is part of a broader anti-pollution strategy that also includes Punjab’s first real-time smog early warning system.


Pakistan deploys anti-smog cannons in Punjab as toxic air threatens millions again 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s market strategists on Wednesday termed the rise of gold unusually intense as the metal soared past the historic threshold of $4,000 per troy ounce.&nbsp; Once regarded primarily as a safe-haven asset, gold has become an all-weather investment, with price climbing by more than 50% in 2025.&nbsp; Analysts believe the rally is far from over. Several forces have converged to propel this surge.&nbsp; The return of US President Donald Trump to the White House at the start of the year brought political uncertainty into the world&rsquo;s largest economy.&nbsp; His renewed trade wars in April and public clashes with the Federal Reserve in August rattled markets, encouraging investors toward the security in gold.&nbsp; Similarly, the political upheaval in Japan, where Sanae Takaichi&rsquo;s election victory triggered a sell-off in the yen, a prolonged government shutdown in Washington, and a deepening crisis in France following the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu have all added to the sense of global unease.&nbsp; Unlike previous crises, gold&rsquo;s rise this year has coincided with record highs in US stock indices such as the S&amp;P 500, suggesting that investors increasingly view the metal as a core holding item rather than merely a hedge against falling equities. This shift in perception has emboldened leading financial institutions to revise their expectations.&nbsp; In a research report released on Monday, Goldman Sachs lifted its forecast for December 2026 from $4,300 per ounce to $4,900, citing strong inflows into Western exchange-traded funds and persistent gold purchases by central banks as powerful drivers that could keep prices climbing over the next 12 to 18 months. Strategists describe the rally as unusually intense.&nbsp; &ldquo;The market has entered a &lsquo;feeding frenzy&rsquo; phase where central banks, funds, and retail investors are all in, and naturally, few are willing to sell winning positions, which is keeping upside momentum intact,&rdquo; said Waqas Ghani, head of research at JS Global. &nbsp;&ldquo;Gold has already surged 50% in 2025 and is now eyeing US $4,500. Silver is also pushing toward its 2011 highs and could continue surging if the breakout continues, as long-term projections suggest. That said, early signs of profit-taking are emerging in intraday action, hinting at rising volatility ahead. Short-term pullbacks are likely after such steep moves, but the broader uptrend remains firmly in place.&rdquo; For Alishba Samual, head of research at Khawaja Securities, the rally has deeper macro-economic roots.&nbsp; &ldquo;Persistent inflation across major economies is a primary driver. As the purchasing power of fiat currencies erodes, investors are turning to gold as a hedge,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Central banks&rsquo; attempts to curb inflation through interest-rate hikes have introduced volatility into equity markets, further increasing gold&rsquo;s appeal. Geopolitical conflicts, a softer US dollar, and sustained central-bank accumulation of gold reserves are all reinforcing demand.&rdquo; While global investors may welcome these gains, in Pakistan, the rally has delivered a socio-economic shock. Local bullion prices have surged to ₨ 425,000&nbsp;($1,504) per tola, compared with just ₨ 105,000 ($372) to ₨ 140,000 ($495) only a few years ago.&nbsp; This escalation, combined with previous years of inflation and overall slowdown in growth, has put gold far beyond the reach of many households.&nbsp; Jewelers across the country report an 80 to 90% decline in sales, saying that most customers now either recycle old ornaments or switch to cheaper alternatives such as artificial jewelry, for which the sales have risen sharply.&nbsp; Whether it&#39;s Lahore&rsquo;s famous Liberty market or Anarkali bazaar, the demand for yellow metal has shrunk, and artificial jewelry outlets are booming.&nbsp; The effects are being felt most acutely in Pakistani weddings, where gold ornaments are an integral part of cultural and social tradition, often seen as a symbol of honor for the bride&rsquo;s family.&nbsp; Families like that of Mehrbano Siddiqui and Arfa Karim, preparing for their son&rsquo;s wedding, find themselves squeezed between social expectation and financial hardship.&nbsp; Siddique recalls being able to gift each of her two daughters about five tolas of gold in 2021 and 2022, when prices were much lower.&nbsp; Today, she struggles to afford even half that amount and prays to meet tradition without compromising her family&rsquo;s dignity.&nbsp; Karim narrates a similar story.&nbsp; Some customers now ask jewelers to design one- or two-tola sets to appear larger, a poignant sign of how deep-rooted customs are being reshaped by soaring costs. For gold merchants, the crisis is just as severe.&nbsp; Veteran jewelers describe the present downturn as the worst in decades, with many saying their businesses now survive mainly on polishing old pieces or altering stones and pearls for clients who cannot afford new purchases. Gold&rsquo;s historic ascent this year illustrates how the same market forces that enrich global investors can destabilize household finances and disrupt traditions in developing economies.&nbsp; As institutions like Goldman Sachs predict further gains toward $4,900 per ounce by late 2026, Pakistan&rsquo;s experience serves as a reminder that the glitter of a booming commodity can cast long shadows on those least equipped to bear its cost. ($1 = Rupees 282)

Analysts believe the rally is far from over; strategists describe rally as unusually intense. 



Gold boom stuns Pakistan as global prices soar past $4,000

LAHORE: Pakistan aims to raise its Information Technology (IT) exports to $30 billion as part of a broader $100 billion export plan outlined in the Planning Commission&#39;s blueprint, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The&nbsp;Country Planning Commission initially outlined the blueprint for the goal. However, it came under the spotlight following PM Sharif&#39;s directives to draw up a dedicated roadmap. Presently, IT exports stand at around $3.8 billion, underlining both the scale of the challenge and the scope of opportunity. Industry leaders believe the $30 billion mark is achievable but warn it depends on policy stability, infrastructure reliability, and sustained investment in talent. &ldquo;The dream is a possibility,&rdquo; the Chief Executive Officer of NetSol Technologies, Salim Ghauri, said while speaking to Pakistan TV Digital. Ghauri emphasized the importance of training in artificial intelligence (AI), noting that his company has already introduced AI courses. Drawing on his book &ldquo;Impossible is Nothing&rdquo;, he recalled NetSol&rsquo;s rise from a small team three decades ago to a global firm. &ldquo;If we could do that, then imagine what Pakistan can do now,&rdquo; he said. Agha Abdul Rehman, Project Director at the National Incubation Center Lahore, speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, echoed the optimism while citing comparative data. Referring to a study by the global venture capital firm Antler, Rehman noted that Indonesia&rsquo;s tech sector expanded 27 times between 2014 and 2021. &ldquo;If our ecosystem is similar, achieving nine-times growth and reaching $30 billion is not impossible,&rdquo; he said. However, Rehman cautioned that geopolitical uncertainties, inconsistent policymaking, and the trend of startups incorporating offshore remain significant hurdles.&nbsp;For IT entrepreneur Kanwal Cheema, Pakistan&rsquo;s youth bulge is its biggest advantage.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are the sixth youngest population in the world,&rdquo; she said, adding that existing training programs and Pakistan&rsquo;s low-cost base compared to India could help the country compete globally. Cheema stressed, however, that political will is decisive, citing Bangladesh&rsquo;s rapid IT export growth, which was achieved within six years after it was made a prime-ministerial priority. &ldquo;If Pakistan does the same, $30 billion is not difficult,&rdquo; Cheema said.

Pakistan aims to boost IT exports from $3.8 billion to $30 billion, with industry leaders urging policy stability, AI training and supportive regulation. Experts cite youth demographics and regional examples but warn of structural and geopolitical hurdles.

From blueprint to reality: Can Pakistan’s IT industry hit $30 billion?

LAHORE: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) climbed to a record high on Thursday, with its benchmark KSE-100 index closing above 168,000 points for the first time, driven by substantial gains in the banking sector and renewed investor optimism.&nbsp;The index surged 2,849 points, or 1.72%, to finish at 168,489.63, extending a rally that has lifted the market more than 105% over the past year. Market capitalization reached $69.9 billion, underscoring the scale of the advance.&nbsp;Trading activity was robust, with 1.57 billion shares traded and turnover hitting Rs70.1 billion. The Bank of Punjab topped the volume board, with 148 million shares changing hands.&nbsp;Brokerage firm K-Trade Securities described it as &ldquo;a strong banking day,&rdquo; noting that major lenders, including Meezan Bank, United Bank, Bank Al Habib, Habib Bank, and National Bank of Pakistan, together contributed 1,827 points to the index.&nbsp;Waqas Ghani, research head at JS Global, said the uptrend reflected a combination of improving fundamentals and liquidity.&nbsp;&ldquo;The market rally is being fueled by improving macro-economic stability, strong corporate earnings momentum, and renewed investor confidence. Liquidity remains ample, supporting broad-based participation across key sectors,&rdquo; he told Pakistan TV Digital.&nbsp;Dr Yasir Mahmood, CEO of Yasir Mahmood Securities, pointed to geopolitics as an additional driver: &ldquo;Positive macro-economic and geopolitical developments, including the Pakistan-Saudi defence cooperation agreement, have reinforced investor sentiment.&nbsp;The government&rsquo;s circular-debt reduction plan for the energy sector and the recent improvement in Pakistan-United States relations also lifted confidence.&rdquo;&nbsp;Topline Securities said in a note that &ldquo;stocks closed on a strong upward trajectory largely fueled by continued aggressive buying from mutual funds.&rdquo; However, it added that profit-taking in Lucky Cement, Hub Power, and Systems Limited trimmed 192 points from overall gains.&nbsp;Analysts believe the surge highlights renewed foreign interest in Pakistan&rsquo;s equities, progress on reforms, and strengthening international partnerships. These factors are positioning the KSE-100 as one of the world&rsquo;s strongest-performing indices in 2025.

Pakistan’s KSE-100 index hit a record 168,490 points, rising 105% in a year, as banking stocks led gains. Analysts cited “macro-economic stability, strong earnings, and renewed investor confidence” alongside geopolitical and reform-driven optimism fueling momentum.

Pakistan stocks soar on banking gains, investor confidence

LAHORE: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the week on a record-breaking note Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index settling at an all-time high of 162,257 points, buoyed by improved sentiment following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s meeting with US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;The market rallied strongly throughout the session, gaining nearly 3,000 points compared to Thursday&rsquo;s close of 159,280. Buying interest was broad-based, led by stocks in cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, OMCs, power, and refineries.&nbsp;The positive momentum continued after PM Sharif&rsquo;s early Friday meeting with Trump at the White House, where he was accompanied by Pakistan&#39;s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The Prime Minister thanked Trump for a tariff arrangement concluded earlier this year and invited US firms to invest in Pakistan&rsquo;s agriculture, IT, minerals, and energy sectors.&nbsp;&ldquo;Improved external and fiscal balances under the IMF programme have provided much-needed confidence in macro stability,&rdquo; Waqas Ghani, Head of Research at JS Global, told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;Corporate earnings prospects remain upbeat, particularly in cyclicals, and liquidity continues to drive momentum.&rdquo;&nbsp;Irfan Saeed, Regional Head at Munir Khanani Securities, said the record close reflects &ldquo;a convergence of strong fundamentals, upbeat corporate earnings, and fresh optimism after the Trump&ndash;Sharif meeting.&rdquo; He noted that expectations of investment from the Middle East, particularly in oil, gas, and minerals, have further strengthened sentiment.&nbsp;He added that the oil and gas sector has been pivotal in driving the rally, with the recent settlement of circular debt injecting liquidity and boosting investor confidence.&nbsp;The week&rsquo;s performance cements PSX&rsquo;s position among the best-performing regional markets, with analysts expecting the bullish trend to continue in the near term.

The PSX closed the week at a record 162,257 points, soaring after the Donald Trump, Shehbaz Sharif meeting in Washington boosted sentiment. Analysts credit IMF-backed stability, strong liquidity, and Middle East investment hopes for driving the rally.

Pakistani stock market ends week at record high after Trump-Sharif meeting

Pakistan has formally launched the licencing process for cryptocurrency exchanges, marking a key milestone for the country&rsquo;s digital finance sector. With over 40 million users trading nearly $300 billion annually in the shadows, the move marks a historic shift from underground activity to a regulated digital-finance market. The government says this will boost investor trust, attract foreign capital, and make remittances faster and cheaper, setting the stage for a $300 billion crypto revolution.

Shorts

Pakistan has launched licensing for cryptocurrency exchanges, shifting a $300 billion shadow market into regulation. Officials say the move will boost investor confidence, attract foreign investment, and streamline remittances for over 40 million users.

$300B Revolution: Crypto goes legit in Pakistan government rolls out licences

LAHORE: Step through a 400-year-old Mughal gateway, and you enter a world where history and flavor intertwine. Lahore&rsquo;s Fort Road Food Street, nestled between the iconic Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, is more than just a culinary destination &mdash; it&rsquo;s a vibrant celebration of the city&rsquo;s rich heritage and bold tastes. Situated in the heart of the Walled City, once the seat of the Mughal Empire, the street comes alive every evening. The air fills with the scent of sizzling seekh kebabs, fiery chargha, and sweet jalebis. Lanterns flicker overhead as rooftop restaurants buzz with the clatter of plates and laughter. &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t just food, it&rsquo;s history,&rdquo; says a local chef who has been grilling at the same stall since the street&rsquo;s revival in 2012. His menu reads like a love letter to Lahori cuisine, featuring reshmi kebabs, malai boti, takka tak, mutton chaamp, and more. Foreign visitors come for the food but stay for the atmosphere, drawn to the street&rsquo;s timeless charm. Fort Road Food Street has become a cultural landmark. Diplomats, travel vloggers, and expatriates frequent its rooftops, eager to sample authentic Pakistani fare with a stunning view. Professor Muhammad Suzuri from Malaysia described the experience as &ldquo;a paradise of food beyond comprehension,&rdquo; captivated by the blend of Mughal architecture and culinary artistry. Returning Pakistani expatriates are often moved by the familiarity. One Australian visitor called it &ldquo;stepping back in time,&rdquo; praising the iconic Haveli restaurant for preserving the flavors and ambiance of a bygone era. Behind the food lies a thriving economy. The street provides hundreds of jobs, from chefs and servers to waiters balancing trays on rooftops in the evening breeze. Local businesses prosper, tourism flourishes, and Lahore&rsquo;s famed hospitality takes center stage. Haveli, the street&rsquo;s crown jewel, can host up to 800 guests and serves both traditional and continental dishes. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve hosted diplomats from the US, China, and Korea,&rdquo; says manager Hamza. &ldquo;They all agree: this is where you taste Pakistan.&rdquo; As dusk falls and the call to prayer echoes from the mosque, Fort Road Food Street offers more than a meal. It offers a memory &mdash; a place where the past is savored, and the soul of Lahore is served on every plate.

In eastern Pakistan, centuries-old Mughal charm blends with bold local flavors, drawing tourists, diplomats, and food lovers to a rooftop-dining haven beside the iconic Badshahi Mosque.

Culture

Lahore's food street: A celebration of history and flavor

ISLAMABAD: Floods have devastated Pakistan&rsquo;s agriculture, wiping out millions of acres of farmland in eastern Punjab province and threatening southern Sindh, causing losses of more than $1 billion and prompting urgent calls for an agricultural emergency.&nbsp;The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that 1.8 million acres of crops in Punjab were submerged, while farmer organizations estimate the figure closer to 2.5 million acres, mostly in central and southern districts.&nbsp;PDMA also stated that 4.28 million people have been affected by the floods, with 2.26 million evacuated from submerged areas.&nbsp;A preliminary assessment by the Pakistan Business Forum estimates that 60% of the rice crop, 35% of cotton, and 30% of sugarcane have been wiped out.&nbsp;In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the forum warned that Sindh province may soon face similar devastation if preventive measures are not implemented.&nbsp;Farmers&rsquo; groups report even greater financial damage. Akhtar Farooq Meo of the Kissan Board Pakistan cited losses amounting to Rs536 billion ($1.89 billion), pointing to the destruction of cotton, rice, sesame, maize, and fodder crops.&nbsp;Khalid Hussain Bath, president of Kissan Ittehad Pakistan, said nearly 2.5 million acres of cultivated land have been wiped out, raising concerns about food shortages in the flood-affected regions.&nbsp;Independent assessments emphasize the scale of the crisis. Brokerage firm Arif Habib Limited (AHL) projected the total cost of the 2025 floods at Rs409 billion ($1.4 billion), equal to 0.33% of Pakistan&rsquo;s GDP. Agriculture accounts for the bulk of losses, exceeding Rs302 billion ($1.0 billion), or 0.24% of GDP, nearly three-fourths of the overall impact.&nbsp;After a 6.2% growth in fiscal year 2022, Pakistan&rsquo;s GDP contracted by 0.2% in 2023 before rebounding to 2.5% in 2024.&nbsp;Pre-flood projections for fiscal year 2026 growth stood at 3.4%, but analysts have revised this down to 3.2%, as agriculture&rsquo;s contribution is expected to fall sharply from 2.2% to 1.1%.&nbsp;The agricultural sector, which comprises nearly a quarter of GDP and employs 40% of the workforce, was already struggling. Agriculture grew just 0.56% in 2024, the weakest in almost a decade and far below the five-year average of 3.38%. Analysts warn the floods could further drag down growth, compounding economic pressures.&nbsp;However, officials cautioned against premature conclusions. An official from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) told Pakistan TV that the agency has not yet been tasked with assessing the full extent of losses and &ldquo;no such survey has been carried out so far.&rdquo; PDMA Director Hameed Ullah Malik also said it was &ldquo;too early to endorse any assessment&rdquo; since large parts of southern Punjab remain underwater.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a flood relief package, pledging Rs1 million ($3,521) for the heirs of those killed and Rs1 million for homeowners who lost property. Partially damaged homes will receive Rs500,000 ($1,760). Livestock owners will also be compensated, Rs500,000 for large animals and Rs50,000 ($176) for small animals.&nbsp;At the federal level, the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a climate and agriculture emergency and formed a special committee under Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to propose economic recovery measures.

Residents travel on a boat with their supplies, through a flooded area, following monsoon rains and rising water levels of the Indus River, in Ghano Khan Jatoi village in Dadu district, Sindh province, Pakistan, September 12, 2025. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro

Floods devastate Pakistan’s farmland, destroying millions of acres, wiping out crops, and triggering a potential over $1 billion economic loss across agriculture.

Floods ravage Pakistan’s farmlands, causing $1 billion in losses

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday strongly condemned Afghanistan&rsquo;s recent acts of aggression and reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s resolve to safeguard its national interests, regional sovereignty, and security.&nbsp;In a statement, President Zardari said Pakistan would never accept any &ldquo;controversial or misleading stance&rdquo; on Jammu and Kashmir, adding that India&rsquo;s claims regarding the disputed territory were illegal and contrary to international law and UN resolutions.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed instagram-embed" style="width: 50%; display: block; max-width: 600px;"><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPspi-oDdV1/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=485&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com&rp=%2Farticles%2F1265%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A53789.39999997616%2C%22ls%22%3A637.3999999761581%2C%22le%22%3A648.8999999761581%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="1040" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe></div>He expressed regret that the Afghan leadership had &ldquo;turned away from the oppressed people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,&rdquo; calling it an injustice to both history and the Muslim Ummah.&nbsp;Zardari noted that the use of Afghan soil for attacks by the so-called &ldquo;Fitna-al-Khawarij&rdquo; &mdash; a reference to militant groups &mdash; was a documented fact acknowledged even in UN reports. He warned that the nexus between &ldquo;the Khawarij and India&rdquo; was targeting Pakistani civilians and security personnel.&nbsp;The president urged the Afghan leadership to take concrete steps against anti-Pakistan terrorist groups operating from its soil, stressing that terrorism was a shared regional challenge that could not be borne by one country alone.&nbsp;He reiterated that Pakistan would make no compromise on its sovereignty and had consistently extended all possible facilitation to Afghanistan in trade, economy, and connectivity.&nbsp;&ldquo;Mutual cooperation and economic partnership form the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity in the region,&rdquo; he said, adding that Pakistan desired a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan.&nbsp;Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the cross-border aggression, saying Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces were fully capable of defending every inch of the motherland.&nbsp;He said Islamabad had always acted with restraint and responsibility but would respond firmly to any violation of its sovereignty.&nbsp;&ldquo;The government will take all necessary measures to protect Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity and ensure peace in the region,&rdquo; the prime minister added.&nbsp;The prime minister also lauded the Pakistan Army&rsquo;s swift and professional response under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying the forces not only repelled the aggression but also neutralized several enemy positions, forcing a retreat.&nbsp;He emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s defense was in strong hands and that the nation stood united with its security forces against any provocation.

Security

President Zardari says Pakistan would never accept any 'controversial or misleading stance' on Jammu and Kashmir. PM Shehbaz says armed forces are fully capable of defending every inch of the motherland.

President, PM condemn Afghan aggression, vow to defend national sovereignty

ISLAMABAD: Russian and Pakistani military forces concluded their joint &ldquo;Druzhba 2025&rdquo; exercises in southern Russia, the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan said in a post on the social media platform X. The annual drills brought together about 200 servicemen from both countries, including Russia&rsquo;s Southern Military District Special Operations Forces and special forces units of the Pakistan Army, to work on actions to counter international terrorism. According to the statement, the exercises focused on joint tactical operations to counter international terrorism, enhance coordination, and strengthen operational readiness between the two forces. The training concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing distinguished participants, followed by an exchange of souvenirs featuring the Druzhba 2025 insignia &mdash; a tradition marking the enduring defense cooperation between Russia and Pakistan. Launched in 2016, the Druzhba (meaning &ldquo;friendship&rdquo; in Russian) exercises alternate between Russia and Pakistan each year. The 2025 edition continues efforts to expand bilateral defense collaboration, military understanding, and partnership between the two nations.

Pakistan Army and Russian Special Forces personnel pose for a group photo during the Druzhba 2025 joint military exercises in southern Russia (Embassy of Russia in Pakistan/ X).

Both military forces concluded their joint 'Druzhba 2025' exercises in southern Russia, the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan said in a post on the social media platform X.

Pakistan, Russia hold joint counterterrorism drills in southern Russia

McEWEN: A blast in rural Tennessee that leveled an explosives plant and was felt for miles around killed 16 people and left no survivors, authorities said. The explosion left a smoldering wreck of twisted and charred metal and burned-out vehicles at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant, which supplies and researches explosives for the military. The cause of the blast is not known. Investigators are combing the incinerated property foot by foot, searching for possible evidence. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a gauntlet of emotions there,&rdquo; Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said during a news conference, pausing to clear his throat before he asked for prayers for the families of the victims in a shaky voice. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve recovered no survivors,&rdquo; he added. During a vigil at Hurricane Chapel in McEwen, senior pastor Tim Farris noted that many in attendance knew each other, as well as the victims and their families. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a lot of people hurting. A lot of people who are crying a lot of tears,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We are sad that our community is going through this, but it&rsquo;s a tremendous opportunity for the church to minister to a lot of those people today.&rdquo; Farris said he spoke with some families of victims on Friday who were in shock and numb, and they did not show much emotion. That had changed by Saturday, he said. &ldquo;Speaking with some of the families today, they were very emotional,&rdquo; Farris said. &ldquo;They can hardly speak or anything, they are so emotional. I think as this goes on, it&rsquo;s going to hit more people. The depth of this, the reality of it. That&rsquo;s when they&rsquo;re going to need people the most.&rdquo; Pamela Jane Brown was among those who came out to pray for friends missing in the blast and their families. She said an acquaintance of her family was driving by the plant when it exploded, and he was &ldquo;hurt pretty good ... all cut up and bruised,&rdquo; but is now recovering at home. &ldquo;I was heartbroken,&rdquo; she said, after learning of the explosion on social media. Meeting others for prayer &ldquo;was a coming together of the community &ndash; a good feeling.&rdquo; State officials brought in a &ldquo;rapid DNA&rdquo; team to help identify the remains of people recovered at the site. Davis said about 300 responders are working in a &ldquo;slow, methodical method&rdquo; as they deal with explosive material that has been damaged and remains volatile. An ambulance and a helicopter used for air evacuations were brought in for the safety of first responders. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not like working an accident. It&rsquo;s not like working a tornado. We&rsquo;re dealing with explosions. And I would say at this time, we&rsquo;re dealing with remains,&rdquo; he said. Guy McCormick, a supervisory special agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said explosive specialists and bomb technicians are trying to make the area safe for national ATF investigators. He said the nature of the scene can change because of the heat and pressure caused by the explosion. Davis said it could be days, weeks, or even months before foul play is ruled out. The site is located in a heavily wooded area of middle Tennessee, between the economically vital Tennessee River to the west and the bustling metropolis of Nashville to the east. Modest homes dot the wooded landscape, residences belonging to &ldquo;good old country people,&rdquo; as local man Terry Bagsby put it. &lsquo;A lot of grief&rsquo;Bagsby, 68, is retired, but he helps out working the register at a gas station near the site. He said people in the close-knit community are &ldquo;very, very sad.&rdquo; He said he knows people who worked at the site. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know how to explain it. &hellip; Just a lot of grief.&rdquo; Officials at an evening news conference said counselors would be available for grieving students on Monday. Earlier Saturday afternoon at the church in McEwen, about 30 people gathered to pray for victims of the explosion and their families. Music played, and mourners bowed their heads and closed their eyes. Some knelt at an altar, placing their hands on each other&rsquo;s backs and shoulders. Some wept softly, among the whispered prayers. After the vigil, Farris, the pastor, told the media that the area has seen its share of tragedy and loss of life, including a deadly flood a few years ago. He asked for prayers for first responders. &ldquo;This is tiresome physically. This kind of thing weighs on you mentally. They carry that home. They need prayer and encouragement as well,&rdquo; he said. The company&rsquo;s website says it processes explosives and ammunition at an eight-building facility that sprawls across wooded hills in the Bucksnort area, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Nashville. It is not immediately known how many people work at the plant or how many were there when the explosion happened. Accurate Energetic Systems, based in nearby McEwen, said in a post on social media on Friday that the company&#39;s &ldquo;thoughts and prayers&quot; are with the families and community impacted. &ldquo;We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions,&rdquo; the post said. Explosion jolts residents from sleepThe company has been awarded numerous military contracts, largely by the U.S. Army and Navy, to supply different types of munitions and explosives, according to public records. The products range from bulk explosives to landmines and small breaching charges, including C4. When the explosion occurred, residents in Lobelville, a 20-minute drive from the scene, said they felt their homes shake, and some people captured the loud boom of the explosion on their home cameras. The blast rattled Gentry Stover from his sleep. &ldquo;I thought the house had collapsed with me inside of it,&rdquo; he told The Associated Press. &ldquo;I live very close to Accurate, and I realized about 30 seconds after I woke up that it had to have been that.&rdquo; Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee posted on the social platform X that he is monitoring the situation and asked &ldquo;Tennesseans to join us in prayer for the families impacted by this tragic incident.&rdquo; A small group gathered for a vigil Friday night at a nearby park, clutching candles as they prayed for the missing and their families and sang &ldquo;Amazing Grace.&quot; The US has a long history of deadly accidents at workplaces, including the Monongah coal mine explosion that killed 362 men and boys in West Virginia in 1907. Several high-profile industrial accidents in the 1960s helped lead President Richard Nixon to sign a law creating the Occupational Safety and Health Administration the next year. In 2019, Accurate Energetic Systems faced several small fines from the US Department of Labor for violations of policies meant to protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals, radiation, and other irritants, according to citations from OSHA. In 2014, an explosion occurred at another ammunition facility in the same small community, killing one person and injuring at least three others.

Americas

A powerful explosion at a Tennessee explosives factory killed 16 people, leaving no survivors. Authorities continue investigating the cause, while the community mourns the loss and supports grieving families through vigils and prayer.

16 dead in Tennessee factory blast as community mourns loss

Web Desk/AP

<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GAZA:&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Egypt will host an international summit in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday to finalize an agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza, Egyptian presidential spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy said on Saturday. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More than 20 world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are expected to attend the meeting. The summit seeks to build consensus on a plan that would halt hostilities and lay the groundwork for Gaza&rsquo;s postwar governance. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trump&rsquo;s 20-point proposal envisions Israel maintaining a long-term security presence along its border with Gaza, while an international force, primarily composed of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would oversee security within the enclave.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has called for the force to be authorized by the UN Security Council. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to the Israeli military, its troops will continue operating defensively in the roughly 50 percent of Gaza still under its control after recent withdrawals to designated lines.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The United States, meanwhile, plans to set up a coordination center in Israel to manage Gaza-related issues until a permanent administration is established, an official familiar with the discussions said. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" id="isPasted">More than <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">67,000 Palestinian casualties&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Israel&rsquo;s military campaign after <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" id="isPasted">Oct. 7, 2023 has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza&rsquo;s Health Ministry, which reports that roughly half of the dead are women and children.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The ministry&rsquo;s figures are widely regarded by the United Nations and independent experts as the most reliable available. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The conflict has fueled broader instability across the Middle East, triggered global protests and prompted international calls for accountability over alleged human rights violations. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Sharm el-Sheikh summit is expected to focus on securing a lasting cease-fire, coordinating humanitarian aid delivery, and outlining a framework for Gaza&rsquo;s reconstruction and governance once the fighting stops.

Middle East

Egypt will host an international summit in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday to finalize an agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza, Egyptian presidential spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy said on Saturday.

Donald Trump and El-Sisi to co-chair Gaza peace summit on Monday

Reuters

BRUSSELS: European Union member countries began rolling out a new entry and exit system on Sunday at the bloc&rsquo;s external borders, electronically registering non-EU nationals&#39; data. The Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system that requires travellers to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken, will be introduced over six months. The move is aimed at detecting overstayers, tackling identity fraud, and preventing illegal migration amid political pressure in some EU countries to take a tougher stance. &quot;The Entry/Exit System is the digital backbone of our new common European migration and asylum framework,&rdquo; European Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said in a statement. SIX MONTHS TO ADJUSTNon-EU citizens will have to register their personal details when they first enter the Schengen area - all EU member countries apart from Ireland and Cyprus, but including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Subsequent journeys will only require facial biometric verification. The system should be fully operational, with passport stamping replaced with electronic records, on April 10, 2026. &quot;Every third country national who arrives at an external border will undergo identity verification, security screening, and registration in the EU databases,&quot; Brunner said, adding that &quot;the six-month rollout gives member states, travellers, and businesses time to transition smoothly to the new procedures&quot;. For British travellers using the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone, orthe&nbsp; Eurostar terminal at London&#39;s St Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before they leave the UK. At Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal, only freight and coach traffic will be subject to EES checks from Sunday. Passenger vehicle checks will follow in November at Dover and by the end of the year at Eurotunnel, while the Eurostar at St Pancras will gradually introduce the new process, starting with some business travellers from Sunday. &quot;We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible,&quot; British Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris said. &quot;The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders, and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration,&quot; Norris said.

 European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES)

Europe

The EU has begun a six-month rollout of its new Entry/Exit System, replacing passport stamping with biometric registration to enhance border control, detect overstayers, and combat illegal migration across the Schengen area. 

EU Entry/Exit System to be rolled out over six months

Ayesha Mir

Pakistan&rsquo;s climate emergency isn&rsquo;t just a national crisis &mdash; it&rsquo;s a regional reckoning. From floods that drown villages to smog that knows no borders, the forces reshaping Pakistan are the same ones choking Delhi, burning forests in Nepal, and melting glaciers in the Himalayas. But here&rsquo;s the truth: No country in South Asia can survive this alone, and the demand for climate justice has never been more important.&nbsp; In this episode of the Dossier, we explore what a real solution looks like &mdash; one built not on blame, but on cooperation, data, and shared responsibility.

Dossier with Ayesha

A real solution needs to be built on cooperation, data, and shared responsibility.

Pollution from neighboring countries damaging Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat in the first of the two-match Test series against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Sunday. Speaking at the toss, skipper Shan Masood said his first-choice spinner Sajid Khan was fit again and will feature in the first Test.&nbsp; Pakistan are going in with two spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, while South Africa have fielded three.&nbsp; Playing XIsPakistan: &nbsp;Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan&nbsp;South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Sen Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer

Cricket

The match, being played at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, begins at 10 a.m.

Pakistan opt to bat against South Africa in first Test

WINDHOEK: A burst of late hitting by wicketkeeper Zane Green took Namibia to a shock win over South Africa in a one-off Twenty20 international on Saturday.&nbsp;Green, who finished on 30 not out, hit 23 of the 26 runs scored by Namibia in the last two overs of the first international match between the neighboring African countries.&nbsp;With 11 needed off the last over, Green hooked the first ball from Andile Simelane for six. With the scores level, he hit the last ball of the match to the midwicket boundary for the winning runs.&nbsp;The match was arranged to inaugurate the Namibia Cricket Ground, which will be one of the venues for the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.&nbsp;&quot;You can see what it means, for the team and the crowd,&quot; said Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus after leading his players on a victory lap in front of a capacity crowd. &quot;The guys did it with good skill.&quot;&nbsp;It was a below-strength South African team, with several leading players, including regular captain Aiden Markram, in Pakistan for a Test series which starts in Lahore on Sunday.&nbsp;All the South African players had international experience, but they struggled from the start against a Namibian team that had qualified for next year&#39;s T20 World Cup in India just a week earlier.&nbsp;&quot;We weren&#39;t good enough,&quot; admitted stand-in South African captain Donovan Ferreira.&nbsp;He said his team&#39;s defense of a below-par total had been hurt by a chest muscle injury, which forced fast bowler Gerald Coetzee off the field after bowling only nine balls.&nbsp;Quinton de Kock, returning to international cricket for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup, was out for a single in the first over, and none of the South African batsmen were able to dominate against disciplined bowling on a slow pitch.&nbsp;South Africa labored to 134 for eight after winning the toss.&nbsp;Left-arm fast bowler Ruben Trumpelmann, who started his cricket career in South Africa, took three for 28 and new cap Max Heingo took two wickets in the space of three balls to reduce the visitors to 65 for five in the 11th over.

The match was arranged to inaugurate the Namibia Cricket Ground, which will be one of the venues for the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Namibia shock South Africa in T20 international

BEIJING: China called President Donald Trump&#39;s latest US tariffs on Chinese goods hypocritical on Sunday and defended its curbs on exports of rare earths, but stopped short of imposing new levies on US products.&nbsp;The commerce ministry said in a statement its export controls on rare-earth elements - which Trump on Friday called &quot;surprising&quot; and &quot;very hostile&quot; - followed a series of US measures since bilateral trade talks in Madrid last month.&nbsp;Beijing cited the addition of Chinese companies to a US trade blacklist and Washington&#39;s imposition of port fees on Chinese vessels as examples.&nbsp;&quot;These actions have severely harmed China&#39;s interests and undermined the atmosphere for bilateral economic and trade talks. China firmly opposes them,&quot; the ministry said.&nbsp;Beijing stopped short of explicitly linking these US actions to its curbs on exports of critical minerals, stating that its curbs were motivated by concerns about the military applications of these metals at a time of &quot;frequent military conflict.&quot; Tensions flare againA few months ago, Beijing and Washington agreed on an uneasy truce in their tit-for-tat trade war that started earlier this year and threw bilateral trade into serious jeopardy.&nbsp;But tensions have boiled up again in recent days.&nbsp;China said on Friday that it would impose &quot;special port fees&quot; on ships operated by and built in the US, calling it a &quot;defensive action.&quot;&nbsp;It aimed at the US&#39;s own port fees charged on Chinese ships, claiming they &quot;severely harmed China&#39;s interests.&quot;&nbsp;Washington announced those fees in April as part of an effort to revive American shipbuilding after a decades-long decline that has seen China and other Asian nations come to dominate the industry.

Business

The commerce ministry says its export controls on rare-earth elements - which Trump on Friday called "surprising" and "very hostile" - follow a series of US measures since bilateral trade talks in Madrid last month.

Beijing blames US for raising trade tensions, defends rare earth curbs

SYDNEY: Australian airline Qantas said Sunday that data from 5.7 million customers stolen in a major cyberattack in July had been leaked online.&nbsp;&quot;Qantas is one of a number of companies globally that has had data released by cyber criminals following the airline&#39;s cyber incident in early July, where customer data was stolen via a third party platform,&quot; the company said in a statement.&nbsp;Qantas said in July that hackers had targeted one of its customer contact centres, breaching a computer system used by a third party.&nbsp;They secured access to sensitive information such as customer names, email addresses, phone numbers and birthdays, the blue-chip Australian company said.&nbsp;On Sunday, Qantas said that data had been leaked and that &quot;with the help of specialist cyber security experts, we are investigating what data was part of the release&quot;.&nbsp;It also said it had obtained a legal injunction with the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where the firm is headquartered, &quot;to prevent the stolen data being accessed, viewed, released, used, transmitted or published by anyone, including third parties&quot;.

Australasia

Qantas confirmed that data from 5.7 million customers stolen in a July cyberattack has been leaked online. The airline is investigating with cybersecurity experts and has obtained a court injunction to block further data misuse

Articles by Faraz Saeed