Multan: Skipper Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique both cracked centuries as Pakistan scored an impressive 328-4 on the opening day of the first Test against England in Multan on Monday.
Masood’s brilliant 151 was his first hundred for four years, while Shafique also returned to form with 102 as the pair put on a solid 253-run stand for the second wicket after Pakistan won the toss and batted.
England, led by Ollie Pope in the absence of the injured Ben Stokes, briefly fought back when they removed both Masood and Shafique in the space of just two runs in the third session.
The visitors took the second new ball at 308-3 and dismissed Babar Azam, trapped leg-before by fast bowler Chris Woakes for 30. Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 35 at the close of play with nightwatchman Naseem Shah yet to score.
England’s attack toiled hard in the Multan heat, with fast bowler Gus Atkinson the most successful with 2-70. Woakes and spinner Jack Leach both took a wicket each.
Masood had been under pressure to make runs, with his last hundred coming against the same opponents at Manchester in 2020 — 14 Tests and 27 innings ago.
He pushed Woakes for a single to complete his fifth Test hundred off just 102 balls with two sixes and 13 fours in a dominant display of batting.
Shafique was equally assured as the pair made England’s three-pronged pace attack and two spinners toil on a batting-friendly pitch.
England took a wicket in the fourth over when Atkinson forced opener Saim Ayub to glove a shorter ball down the leg side to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith with the total on eight.
The visitors thought they had a second when pace bowler Brydon Carse, on debut, trapped Masood in front on 16 and umpire Kumar Dharmasena gave him out.
However, a review showed the ball had pitched outside the leg stump.
Masood went on the attack against Shoaib Bashir, hitting the off-spinner for four boundaries before two more off Atkinson took him to his 11th Test fifty.
Shafique survived being run out on 34 when Pope missed the stumps with his diving throw with the batsman well short of his ground. He smashed two fours and a six off Bashir to reach his sixth Test half-century.
Both teams have picked three fast bowlers and two spinners, hoping that the pitch will offer new-ball help to the seamers before taking spin later in the match.
The remaining Tests are in Multan (October 15-19) and Rawalpindi (October 24-28).
Masood, Abdullah centuries lift Pakistan to 328-4 in first England Test
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Masood, Abdullah centuries lift Pakistan to 328-4 in first England Test
- Masood’s brilliant 151 was his first hundred for four years, while Shafique also returned to form with 102
- England briefly fought back as they removed both Masood, Shafique in space of just two runs in third session
PM Sharif condemns deadly Sweden school shooting that left 11 dead
- The incident, which took place at an adult education school, is Sweden’s deadliest attack in recent history
- Police say the motive of the attack remains unclear, with Swedish PM calling it a ‘painful day’ for his country
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned a deadly shooting at a school in Örebro, Sweden, that left eleven people dead, expressing grief over the tragic act of gun violence and extending condolences to the victims and their families.
The shooting, which took place on Tuesday at the Risbergska school for adult education, is Sweden’s deadliest gun attack in recent history.
Police said the gunman was believed to be among those killed, while authorities continued their search for other possible victims. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic act of gun violence at a school in Örebro, Sweden, that claimed so many innocent lives,” Sharif said in a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community during this painful time,” he added.
The Risbergska school serves adults who did not complete their formal education or failed to attain the necessary grades for higher education.
Located on a shared campus with children’s schools, it is a key part of Sweden’s adult education system, which includes many immigrants striving to improve their qualifications and find employment while learning Swedish.
Sweden has been grappling with a surge in shootings and bombings linked to gang violence, making it the European Union’s most gun-violence-affected country per capita in recent years. However, fatal attacks at schools remain rare in the Nordic nation.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it a “painful day,” acknowledging the shock and sorrow felt across the country as authorities investigated the incident.
-With input from Reuters
PM Sharif mourns Aga Khan’s passing, hails his humanitarian legacy
- The 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili community died in Lisbon on Tuesday at the age of 88
- The Aga Khan spearheaded global efforts in poverty alleviation, health care and education
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed grief over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan, calling him a visionary leader whose contributions to development and humanitarian causes will continue to inspire generations.
The Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili community and head of a major development aid foundation, died on Tuesday in Lisbon at the age of 88, his foundation announced. He spearheaded global efforts in poverty alleviation, health care and education, touching millions of lives across continents.
“I join the Ismaili community in mourning the colossal loss from the passing away of Prince Karim Aga Khan,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X. “A man of vision, faith, and generosity, his enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations. His contributions transcended borders, bringing hope and progress to communities in need.”
“He was a remarkable leader whose life was dedicated to uplifting communities across the world,” the prime minister added. “Through his tireless efforts in poverty alleviation, health care, and gender equality, he championed the cause of the marginalized, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.”
The Aga Khan was widely respected for his philanthropic and development work. He founded and presided over the Aga Khan Development Network, which employs nearly 96,000 people and funds projects particularly in Asia and Africa.
Pakistan is home to a significant Ismaili community, particularly in the northern regions such as Hunza, Gilgit and Chitral. The Aga Khan’s institutions have played a vital role in improving education, health care and economic opportunities in these areas, helping to uplift remote communities. His network’s initiatives, such as the Aga Khan University and various rural support programs, have had a lasting impact on the country’s social development.
Born in Geneva, the Aga Khan spent his early years in Kenya before being appointed in Tanzania to succeed his grandfather in 1957. Over the decades, he expanded his community’s global presence, including in South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.
-With input from AFP
Pakistan PM warns against prolonged disputes on Kashmir Solidarity Day, cites Middle East tensions
- Shehbaz Sharif urges the world to press India to allow the Kashmiri people to determine their own future
- He calls the issue ‘key pillar’ of Pakistan’s foreign policy, vows to continue diplomatic support to Kashmiris
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday recent developments in the Middle East reflect that protracted international disputes should not be allowed to fester, as Pakistan marked Kashmir Solidarity Day with the premier traveling to the Himalayan region to address the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
Kashmir, known for the mesmerizing beauty of its lakes and snowcapped mountains, has remained contested between India and Pakistan since their independence in August 1947. The two South Asian nuclear rivals both claim it in full but control only parts of it. They have fought wars over the region and continue diplomatic efforts to highlight their respective political positions on the issue.
Pakistan accuses India of committing human rights violations in the region while denying the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination. India, in turn, blames Pakistan for fomenting militancy in the region. Both states reject each other’s accusations.
“The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law,” Sharif said in a statement issued by his office. “Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that stresses the legal right of people to decide their own destiny. Regrettably, the Kashmiri people have not been able to exercise this inalienable right, notwithstanding the passage of last seventy-eight years.”
“The recent developments in the Middle East amply show that long-standing disputes should not be allowed to fester,” he added. “A lasting peace cannot be achieved by suppressing the genuine aspirations of the local people.”
Sharif urged the international community to press India to allow the Kashmiri people to determine their own future, saying the issue was “a key pillar” of Pakistan’s foreign policy and reiterating the country’s “unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support” for the Kashmiri people.
“I also avail myself of this opportunity to salute the resolve and courage of the valiant Kashmiri people, who continue to render innumerable sacrifices in their struggle to achieve their fundamental rights and freedoms,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s Office also announced that Sharif had embarked on a daylong visit to Azad Kashmir under Pakistan’s administration to address the region’s legislative assembly. During his visit, he is expected to meet leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a coalition of Kashmiri separatist groups resisting Indian rule.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed in Pakistan on February 5 each year to express support for the people of Indian-administered Kashmir. Different groups across the country are also expected to hold rallies to discuss the issue.
Jeddah holds inaugural ‘Made in Pakistan’ expo, spotlighting top exports
- Expo will have sports goods, pharmaceuticals, processed foods and architectural designs
- Event will provide networking opportunities, fostering business collaborations across key sectors
ISLAMABAD: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Ministry of Commerce are set to host a three-day Made in Pakistan Exhibition & Business Forum starting today, Wednesday, at the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions & Events, unveiling a diverse range of Pakistani products to tap into the lucrative Saudi market.
Saudi Arabia presents a key export opportunity for Pakistani businesses, given its strong consumer demand, large expatriate workforce and ambitious Vision 2030 economic reforms that emphasize diversification and foreign investments.
Pakistan has sought to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) ties with the Kingdom, with both sides announcing during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia last October that they had signed 34 memorandums of understanding and agreements worth $2.8 billion to enhance private sector collaboration and commercial partnerships.
“The exhibition is designed to connect Pakistani businesses with Saudi and International buyers and investors, promoting the country’s products at an important destination of Saudi market,” TDAP said in a statement earlier this week, referring to the fair running from February 5 to 7.
It said the event will offer a unique networking platform, fostering direct business collaborations across key sectors, including food, textiles, engineering and services. It will also feature products ranging from sports goods, pharmaceuticals and processed foods to construction materials and architectural design, highlighting the breadth of Pakistani exports.
“The three-day event will feature an exhibition, B2B meetings, seminars with 135+ exhibitors representing Pakistan’s diverse industries,” the statement added.
TDAP said Pakistani firms aim to capture a greater share of Saudi imports, with significant business deals expected during the expo.
Organizers have positioned the event as a cornerstone for fostering deeper trade ties, further strengthening Pakistan’s footprint in the Gulf region.
Pakistan PM pledges support for overseas workers amid surge in remittances
- PM promises to resolve issues of overseas Pakistanis and let their voices be heard at the highest level
- He praises Pakistanis who return home with valuable expertise, saying their training helps drive economy
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday pledged to provide maximum facilities to overseas Pakistanis, recognizing their contribution to the national economy and highlighting that remittances had increased by 30 percent due to their hard work and commitment.
Remittances are a lifeline for Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy, playing a critical role in stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and supporting balance of payments.
The country’s central bank last month reported $3.1 billion in remittance inflows for December 2024, reflecting a 29.3 percent year-on-year growth.
The State Bank of Pakistan also noted a 5.6 percent increase in remittances compared to November 2024, highlighting the importance of expatriate earnings in shoring up the nation’s finances.
“We will make every effort to resolve your issues and ensure that your voice is heard at the highest level,” the prime minister said while addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation Convention, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
“Your efforts have greatly benefited the national exchequer, bolstering the country’s reserves and reinforcing our economic standing,” he continued while mentioning 30 percent remittance increase in December.
Sharif directed the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development to restore the Green Channel initiative to facilitate expatriates and announced the formation of a body to recognize distinguished diaspora members contributing to national development.
He also commended Pakistanis living abroad who, after gaining top-tier training, have returned to help drive economic growth as experts, investors and entrepreneurs.
“Many of you have returned home with valuable expertise, and your continued investments in the country’s economy are vital to our future,” he added.
