cricket

Pakistan likely to field three fast bowlers in Dhaka Test

by with No Comment Sports

Pakistan are likely to field three fast bowlers against Bangladesh in the first Test, which begins in Dhaka on Friday.

Sources said the Pakistan team management meeting concluded on Thursday and the playing XI for the opening Test had been finalised. Azan Awais is likely to receive his maiden Test cap in the first match, according to sources.

The probable Pakistan line-up includes Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood and Babar Azam. Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi are also expected to feature.

Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali are likely to be part of the side.

One of Sajid Khan or Nauman Ali is expected to be included in the final XI. The first Test of the Pakistan-Bangladesh series will begin on Friday.

Babar-Azam-af

Babar ruled out of first Test against Bangladesh after left knee injury

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Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh owing to a left knee injury.

The Pakistan cricket team have suffered a setback following his unavailability. The national side spokesperson has confirmed that Babar Azam has been ruled out of the opening Test. The medical panel was examining his condition.

Earlier, it is pertinent to note that Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood had said that Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s premier batter. He added that each time Babar Azam scores runs, it adds to his confidence.

Masood said he expected Babar Azam to reproduce the form he showed during the 2026 PSL season. He stated that working with coaches who were once teammates in the national side is an advantage.

He maintained that Bangladesh have their own strengths and weaknesses, and Pakistan are not taking any opposition lightly. He termed playing against Bangladesh in home conditions as a significant challenge.

salaries-1 (1)

Punjab orders advance release of May salaries before Eid-ul-Azha

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In view of Eid-ul-Azha, salaries and pensions of the Punjab government employees will be paid on May 21.

According to details surfaced on Tuesday, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the government has announced advance payment of salaries and pensions for employees and pensioners. Salaries and pensions for May will be released on May 21. Approval has been granted for advance disbursement in view of the festival.

The Punjab Finance Department has issued a notification, directing all relevant institutions to ensure immediate payment. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and commercial banks have also been instructed to implement the orders.

nepra-min

Electricity consumers likely to receive Rs63.94bn relief

by with No Comment Business

Electricity consumers across the country, including those served by K-Electric, may receive relief of up to Rs63.94 billion under the quarterly adjustment mechanism.

According to details surfaced on Wednesday that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) is due to hear the request submitted by distribution companies on May 19. Moreover, the Nepra has said that the distribution companies have filed a petition for adjustment covering the period from January to March. The application has stated that capacity charges have decreased by Rs36.83 billion.

The Nepra has said that system usage charges and market operation fees have declined by Rs11.24 billion, while a reduction of Rs23.51 billion has been sought under incremental units.

Officials have said that a final decision on extending relief to consumers will follow the Nepra hearing.

Gold-falls-on-stronger-dollar

Gold price witnesses whooping hike of Rs11,100 per tola

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After three days of decline, a sharp rise was recorded in gold prices in both global and local markets.

According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Association, the price of 24-carat gold per tola increased by Rs11,100, reaching Rs488,962. The price of ten grams of gold rose by Rs9,517 to Rs419,206. Silver per tola also increased by Rs223, standing at Rs8,072.

In the international market, gold per ounce climbed by $111 to $4,666.

Earlier on Tuesday, the price of gold fell by Rs2,100 to reach Rs477,862 per tola on Tuesday, according to market figures. According to details surfaced, a continued decline was observed for the third consecutive day in both international and local gold markets.

The All Pakistan Sarafa Association reported that the price of 24-carat gold per tola decreased by Rs2,100 to Rs477,862. Meanwhile, the price of 10 grammes of gold dropped by Rs1,801 to Rs409,689.

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Govt decides to import additional LNG cargoes

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The government has decided to import additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes in response to rising electricity demand, and has issued tenders for spot purchases for the month of May.

According to sources in the Petroleum Division, Pakistan LNG Limited has invited bids from international companies for the spot procurement of two LNG cargoes for May, in view of the increased demand for electricity in the country.

International companies will be able to submit their bids by 7 May, and the bids will be opened on the same day.

Sources stated that the first LNG cargo is expected to be supplied between 12 and 14 May, while the second cargo is likely to arrive between 24 and 26 May.

Officials said that the additional import of LNG would help meet the country’s electricity demand.

Pakistan-IT-skills

Pakistan wins against over 70 countries in IT skills

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Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in digital skills as Special Communication Organization Software Technology Park Mirpur and Cisco Academy won the Cisco EMEA NetAcademy Cup 2026, marking a historic global recognition for the country’s IT talent.

In a major achievement for Pakistan’s IT sector, SCO Software Technology Park Mirpur and Cisco Academy secured first position in the Cisco EMEA NetAcademy Cup 2026.

The competition included participants from more than 70 countries, making the victory a significant moment for Pakistan’s digital capabilities.

Pakistan also secured first position among more than 500 international IT academies across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The recognition places SCO Software Technology Park Mirpur and Cisco Academy among the leading IT training institutions in the EMEA region.

The victory is being seen as a strong sign of Pakistan’s bright digital future and the rising potential of its youth in global technology competitions.

SCO Software Technology Park Mirpur
Special Communication Organization Software Technology Park Mirpur has gained international recognition through this achievement.

The success reflects the role of SCO and Cisco Academy in developing digital skills and creating opportunities for talented Pakistani youth. Through their training and technology initiatives, SCO and Cisco Academy are helping young Pakistanis stand out on the global stage.

SCO has successfully completed its journey to the top position globally by establishing 100 IT setups in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. These IT setups are aimed at promoting technology education, digital inclusion and skill development in the region.