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  • PCB to hold PSL matches in the US: report

    PCB to hold PSL matches in the US: report

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host some future Pakistan Super League (PSL) games in the United States (US) to attract potential foreign franchise owners.

    According to reports, the PCB, ahead of the upcoming 10th edition of the league, has already started working towards expanding it by adding two new teams to the 2026 season.

    Two Pakistani individuals active in American cricket have shown interest in buying the new franchises, and discussions in this regard are ongoing.

    While PSL head Salman Naseer is also currently on a trip to the US, among those rumoured to buy the new teams is a key cricket stakeholder in Pakistan, reports said.

    Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while attending the inauguration ceremony of US President Donald Trump, met with two Pakistani officials involved in American cricket.

    Most team owners and cricket officials in US cricket are Indians, making it challenging for Pakistan to establish a foothold. However, the PCB believes they cannot leave such a big market solely to India and so they are exploring various opportunities.

    Two new teams to join PSL

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed exciting news about the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying, “We will auction two new teams for the next PSL season.”

    During a ceremony in Sialkot on Sunday, Naqvi said, “We have decided to introduce two new teams in the next PSL season, and we think that one team will belong to Sialkot. The auction process will be transparent, and we are confident this will make the league more competitive and entertaining.”

    “We are committed to upgrading cricket venues across the country to ensure they meet international standards,” Naqvi added.

    The current PSL format features six teams, including Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. 

    With the addition of new teams next season, the league is set to grow, promising even more excitement and opportunities for players and fans alike.

  • Karachi star shines bright in Toronto as Asim Azhar kicks off Canada tour

    Karachi star shines bright in Toronto as Asim Azhar kicks off Canada tour

    Singer Asim Azhar has shared a series of photos capturing moments from his Toronto show, expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm as he kicked off his concert tour.

    The caption of his Instagram post read, “Just a kid from Karachi selling out shows in the world. Thank you so much for everything. What a night. What a way to start the tour. TORONTO YOU HAVE MY HEART Sambhaal ke rakhna waapis aanay tak “

    His post featured several shots from the city. The first image showed Asim posing with the band AUR on the streets of Toronto, radiating energy and excitement.

    In other photos, the Teriyaan singer beamed with delight, looking all charged up for the big show planned. Alongside the photo carousel, Asim shared a heartfelt note detailing his upcoming tour, “TORONTO WE ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT.”

    He continued, “Kicking off the tour by selling out the legendary @thedanforthmusichall is a dream come true. My first time in this beautiful country & this city. We have an amazing show planned for you. Can’t wait to see you all on stage and make history. Bohat bohat shukriya aapke iss pyaar ka milne se bhi pehle.”

    Asim signed off his note with, “Toronto, in return I do have something v v v special planned for you @aurmusic__ kya khayal hai? @livenationon let’s gooooo.”

    Recently, Asim Azhar left millions grooving to his soulful hits on the third day of the Karachi Eat Festival. Now, he’s ready to take his music to fans around the world, starting with an unforgettable night in Toronto.

  • Bowlers rule Multan pitch as Pakistan is bowled out for 154

    Bowlers rule Multan pitch as Pakistan is bowled out for 154

    The second Test match between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan has turned into a feast of wickets for bowlers. West Indies batted first but got all out for 163 runs. In response, the Pakistani batting lineup crumbled at 154 at the end of day one.

    West Indies struggled in their first innings, losing wickets quickly. Spinner Nauman Ali was the star for Pakistan, taking six wickets, including a brilliant hat-trick. Sajid Khan took two wickets, while Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed got one wicket each.

    For West Indies, Gudakesh Motie scored 55 runs, Jomel Warrican made 36, and Kemar Roach added 25 runs.

    West Indies lost their first wicket at a score of 8 when opener McKenny Lewis was out for 0. Soon after, Ameer Jango was also dismissed, making just four runs.

    Nauman Ali completed a hat-trick by dismissing Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair.


    Partnerships: Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty tried to stabilize the innings, but their partnership ended quickly as Brathwaite was out for nine runs.


    Pakistan and West Indies Playing XIs

    Pakistan XI: 

    Shan Masood (C), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Kashif Ali, Abrar Ahmed

    West Indies XI: 

    Kraigg Brathwaite (C), McKenny Lewis, Ameer Jango, Keacy Carty, Alec Athanaze, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Kemar Roach

    Pakistan leads the two-match Test series 1-0. In the first Test match, also played in Multan, Pakistan defeated West Indies by 127 runs. Sajid Khan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance in that game.

  • VIDEO: Hub rally cancelled after deadly accident kills marshal

    VIDEO: Hub rally cancelled after deadly accident kills marshal

    Hub Auto Cross Rally 2025 was on Saturday cancelled after a tragic accident claimed the life of one of the motorsport marshals.

    According to reports, Danish was severely injured after racer Tariq Khan’s vehicle lost control and hit the former who was standing close to the rally track.

    Danish was rushed to the hospital for treatment but unfortunately passed away during treatment.

    Rally organisers immediately cancelled the event following the tragic incident.

    Meanwhile, drivers and rally management have pledged full support to Danish’s family during this difficult time.

    In recent years, car culture in Pakistan has grown significantly, attracting a passionate community of automobile enthusiasts. 

    One of the most popular aspects of car culture is off-road rallies. Events like the Cholistan Desert Rally, Gwadar Rally, and Jhal Magsi Rally have gained recognition nationally and internationally. 

    Car rallies not only promote motorsports but also boost tourism in the regions where they are held. Thousands of spectators gather to witness these thrilling races, bringing economic activity to remote areas. 

  • ‘Despite travel ban, Khan granted Malik Riaz special permission to exit Pakistan 20 times’

    ‘Despite travel ban, Khan granted Malik Riaz special permission to exit Pakistan 20 times’

    Prominent journalist Fakhar Durrani has claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, as the country’s prime minister (PM), repeatedly helped Bahria Town owner and property tycoon Malik Riaz travel abroad despite being placed on the exit control list (ECL).

    “Malik Riaz’s name was on the ECL on Supreme Court orders. […] however, from March 2019 to March 2022, Imran Khan facilitated Riaz by granting him special permission [to travel abroad] 20 times,” Durrani said in a video on his YouTube channel.

    According to the journalist, Khan also made sure that the special permission for Riaz to travel abroad was renewed after each expiry, keeping his name off the no-fly list for three years.

    In reference to Riaz’s latest troubles at the hands of the Pakistani government, Durrani said that the PM Shehbaz Sharif-led government and establishment were determined to launch an inquiry against the property tycoon, noting that the government was actively working to get him extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    It merits a mention that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday issued a press release cautioning the public against investing in Bahria Town’s new real estate project in Dubai.

    Following Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi’s conviction in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, the accountability watchdog said that Riaz was an absconder in the same and they had already frozen a number of his assets.

    “Mr Malik Riaz is residing in Dubai, UAE. He has recently launched a project for the construction of luxury apartments in Dubai, UAE. The general public at large is hereby advised and warned to refrain from investing in the stated project. If the general public at large invests in the stated project, their actions would tantamount to money laundering, for which they may face criminal/ legal proceedings,” the press release read.

    The controversial property tycoon, in response to the NAB press release against his Dubai-based project, took to X on Wednesday, warning, “I am holding back, but there is a storm within me. If this dam breaks, then everyone’s façade will shatter. Don’t forget that the secrets of the past 25–30 years are preserved along with evidence.”


     
    “My decision yesterday was the same as it is today: no matter how much oppression you inflict, I (Malik Riaz) will not testify.”


     
    Jailed Khan was quick to react to the development. He asked Riaz on Friday to disclose the names of the politicians, judges and generals who had received benefits from him. 


    Imran Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) handle posted, “I ask Malik Riaz to disclose which judges, generals and politicians received bribes and other benefits from him over the last 30 years so that the nation knows who has been involved in dirty deals. The world should know how clean those who lecture about the bogus Al-Qadir (University) Trust case really are.”

  • Amendments empower commerce minister to grant trade exemptions, streamline import process

    Amendments empower commerce minister to grant trade exemptions, streamline import process

    Islamabad has amended two parliamentary acts allowing the commerce minister to grant one-time import and export waivers. Previously, this power could be exercised only by the federal cabinet to prevent its misuse.

    The exemptions can be applied to any type of good, but their primary use is expected to be reserved for vehicles. Parliament passed the bills in 2023; however, then-President Dr Arif Alvi refused to sign them. According to reports, his decision was based on the fact that the commerce minister was not allowed to exercise cabinet power.

    President Asif Ali Zardari, however, has signed the bills to complete the motion set forth by the parliament. The decision took effect immediately, meaning that the commerce minister can exercise this authority from today on.

    Reports also revealed that exemption requests will be granted only in certain circumstances where trade outcomes will serve to benefit commercial activities. The commerce minister can issue exemptions by writing an official notification along with reasons for granting the exemption.

    The exemption will grant traders the permission to export, re-export, import or re-import goods without facing any restrictions. Analysts have outlined the importance of stringent vigilance surrounding the exemption process, as a misuse of authority could allow for certain goods to enter Pakistan that violate the law.

    Reports have highlighted that this power was initially transferred to the federal cabinet to provide more oversight over the exemption process and ensure that it was used for genuine situations only.

    Prior to the amendment, the commerce ministry had to request approval from the federal cabinet. While this allowed for more transparency, cases would not always get reviewed immediately.  The commerce ministry has outlined the importance of being granted this authority as it will help expedite the import process.

    A vast majority of cases that require exemptions surround the import of automobiles into the country, as a small fraction of cars violate the Import Policy Order.

    Experts are speculating that misuse of authority could cause a slight reduction in the demand for locally assembled cars. Since the import process has become more streamlined, Pakistan could see a rise in the import of vehicles. This poses a significant threat to local automobile giants such as Toyota Indus, Honda Atlas and Suzuki Motor Company.

    Reports have revealed that the act also allows the secretary of commerce and director general of trade organisations to oversee the daily operations of traders. Essentially, the commerce division can now make decisions that will affect industries across Pakistan.

  • Babar Azam secures spot on ICC Men’s T20 Team of the Year

    Babar Azam secures spot on ICC Men’s T20 Team of the Year

    Pakistan’s star batsman and former captain Babar Azam has secured a place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 Team of the Year 2024.

    India’s Rohit Sharma has been selected as the captain of the team.

    The team features four players from India, while one player each is included from Australia, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and the West Indies.

    The full team includes Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Travis Head, Phil Salt, Nicholas Pooran, Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.

  • Gohar Rasheed, Kubra Khan confirm their wedding in hilarious Insta video

    Gohar Rasheed, Kubra Khan confirm their wedding in hilarious Insta video

    Netizens have been speculating about the possible wedding of drama stars Gohar Rasheed and Kubra Khan. The couple, however, has now officially confirmed the rumours through a celebratory video on Instagram, which has caught the attention of fans on social media.

    The video features stars like Momal Mirza, Shahzad Sheikh, Humayun Saeed and his wife, and others sharing funny comments about the wedding, with all saying, “Mery yar ki shadi hai.”

    The caption of the video reads, “With your love and prayers, Bismillah.”

    In the end, Gohar and Kubra, wearing matching hoodies, humorously reveal that they are the ones getting married. Kubra shyly reacts while Gohar hugs her. Most celebrities congratulated them and wished them well in the video comments.

    Rumours about their wedding had been circulating for a month, but now the beautiful couple has confirmed the news officially.

  • Bride, groom ditch their Walima for Pak-West Indies Test

    Bride, groom ditch their Walima for Pak-West Indies Test

    A newlywed couple caught everyone’s attention during the second Test match between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan.

    The bride, dressed in her wedding outfit, convinced her husband to take her to the stadium to watch the match live.

    Speaking to Geo News, the bride said, “I have never seen a live match before, so I asked my husband to fulfill this wish, and he did.”

    The groom, also in his wedding attire, added, “Today is our walima (reception), and I pray that Allah grants Pakistan a victory.”

    West Indies was bowled out for 163 runs on the first day of the Multan Test. Noman Ali took six wickets for Pakistan.

    Pakistan, chasing the score, lost four wickets for 70 runs.

  • Surge in private sector lending as banks issued credit to avoid taxes

    Surge in private sector lending as banks issued credit to avoid taxes

    A record number of loans were issued to the private sector within the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, with the textile sector receiving the majority of this credit.

    According to reports, the textile sector recieved the majority of this newly issued credit.

    Despite being the largest borrower, the textile sector revealed that 40 percent of spinning mills have shut down. The halting of operations cannot be attributed to the lack of credit alone, as government policies are also responsible.

    According to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), the closing down of approximately 40 percent of spinning mills was for a multitude of reasons, one of them being the reported 18 percent sales tax on inputs, which is considered the primary reason for the closures.

    Furthermore, the association outlined the dire effects of closures on Pakistan’s economy, as exports will be hurt. There is merit to this claim as the textile sector currently brings in the lion’s share of export revenues for the cash-strapped country.

    As per reports, the flow of loans from banks to non-financial institutions was the highest during the first half of FY 2025 as opposed to bank loans during the last three years.

    Analysts are speculating that the result of the loan injections will become apparent during the next 1-1.5 years. The time duration, however, is not explicitly specified as financial experts are not aware of where the loan amounts have been invested.

    Banks have been lending vast amounts of credit as they aim to avoid an additional tax of 15 percent which Islamabad was keen to impose. Banks were facing this tax as a result of low Advance-to-Deposit Ratios (ADR), which they had to correct by December 2024 to 50 percent.

    ADR refers to the fraction of funds banks have lent out to the private sector. Low levels of credit being extended to the private sector were hampering the growth of businesses, which could translate into a stagnation of the economy.

    Another reason for the rise in the issuance of loans is the slashing of interest rates by nine percent since June 2024. Reports reveal that banks have injected a staggering 1.467 trillion rupees into non-bank financial institutions (NBFI). The corresponding amount for the same period last year stood at just 1.398 trillion rupees. This translates into a rise in the issuance of loans by approximately five percent.

    During the first half of FY 2025, conventional bank lending reached 722 billion rupees, while Islamic Bank lending crossed 625 billion rupees.

    Islamabad has been borrowing less than the maturity amount as per reports. This has allowed for funds to be allocated to private-sector projects instead.