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Second Test: Lower-order steers South Africa to first-innings lead against Pakistan

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Second Test: Lower-order steers South Africa to first-innings lead against Pakistan

RAWALPINDI, OCT 22: South Africa’s lower order fought back strongly on the third day of the Rawalpindi Test, with Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj leading a spirited recovery after debutant Asif Afridi’s five-wicket haul had put Pakistan on top earlier.

At one stage, Pakistan anticipated having a considerable lead with the visitors reeling at 235-8, but Muthusamy, Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada had other intentions.

The trio helped South Africa not only end the deficit but also secure the first-innings lead of 71 runs, with Muthusamy scoring his career-best 89 not out.

South Africa resumed their innings at an overnight score of 185-4 on Day 3, with Asif removing Verreynne (10) in the very first over. The left-armer then removed well-settled Tristan Stubbs (76) and Simon Harmer, who made just two.

With South Africa 210-7, Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen stitched a useful 25-run partnership for the eighth wicket before the former was removed by Noman Ali.

Keshav Maharaj then joined Muthusamy, and the pair have added 50 runs as Pakistan squandered several opportunities to secure a substantial lead.

Pakistan dropped three catches and a stumping chance as Maharaj and Muthusamy managed to score freely to reduce the deficit.

The 71-run partnership was finally broken when Noman removed Maharaj, who made a valuable contribution with his 30-run innings.

No. 11 Rabada offered solid support to Muthusamy, with the pair putting up a fighting 98-run unbeaten partnership for the last wicket. Rabada took the aggressor role, smashing a fifty of just 38 balls.

Rabada hit four sixes and as many fours in his 61-ball 71 as the 98-run stand was eventually broken when Asif picked up his sixth wicket by dismissing Rabada.

The hosts were bowled out for 404.

Asif finished with figures of 6/79 in 34.3 overs, followed by Noman Ali with two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sajid Khan picked up one wicket each.

Meanwhile, Asif got his name registered in cricket history, becoming the oldest player ever to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut, achieving the feat at 38 years and 299 days.

Asif broke a 92-year-old record held by England’s Charles Marriott, who took five wickets on debut at 37 years and 332 days against the West Indies at The Oval in 1933.

Ryan Rickelton (14), Aiden Markram (32), Tony de Zorzi (55), and Dewald Brevis (0) were the batters dismissed on Day 2.

Pakistan, batting first, had earlier suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last five wickets for just 17 runs. From a commanding 316-5, the hosts were bowled out for 333 after a sensational spell by Keshav Maharaj, who claimed all five of the final wickets.

Pakistan got off to a steady start as openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique put on 35 runs for the first wicket before Imam was bowled by Simon Harmer for 17 off 35 balls.

Abdullah Shafique continued with composure, combining aggression with patience to counter South Africa’s bowling.

Skipper Shan Masood joined him and displayed positive intent, hitting two towering sixes as Pakistan reached 65-1 after 20 overs. The duo built a 50-run stand before lunch, maintaining momentum.

After the break, both batters guided Pakistan past 100. Masood reached his 13th Test fifty, while Shafique notched his sixth. Their 111-run partnership for the second wicket ended when Harmer dismissed Shafique for 57 off 146 balls.

Babar Azam contributed 16 off 22 balls before falling to Keshav Maharaj, leaving Pakistan at 167-3. Masood narrowly missed a century, scoring 87 off 176 deliveries with two fours and three sixes.

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel added 34 for the fifth wicket before Kagiso Rabada trapped Rizwan lbw for 19, reducing Pakistan to 246-5 in 84.5 overs.

Resuming day two at 259-5, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha stabilised the innings, adding 70 for the sixth wicket.

Shakeel brought up his ninth Test fifty, while Agha contributed 45 off 76 balls with five boundaries before being dismissed by Maharaj.

Maharaj then struck again, removing Shakeel for a well-crafted 66 off 147 balls.

He continued his dominance by dismissing Shaheen Afridi for a duck to complete his five-wicket haul, and later accounted for Sajid Khan (5) and debutant Asif Afridi, as Pakistan were bowled out for 333 in 113.4 overs.

Maharaj finished with outstanding figures of 7 for 102, while Simon Harmer and Kagiso Rabada took a wicket apiece. For Pakistan, captain Shan Masood top-scored with 87, while Saud Shakeel contributed a solid 66.

After KP CM’s objections, Centre approves bulletproof vehicles’ transfer to Balochistan

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After KP CM's objections, Centre approves bulletproof vehicles' transfer to Balochistan

ISLAMABAD, OCT 22: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has approved the immediate dispatch of bulletproof vehicles, refused by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, to Balochistan for strengthening counterterrorism operations in the province governed by the Pakistan People’s Party.

Naqvi announced on his X account in response to a request from Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The Balochistan chief minister had requested the interior minister to transfer those bulletproof vehicles to Balochistan if the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is not willing to acquire them.

“Like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan is also affected by terrorism. An appeal to the Interior Minister that if the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is refusing to acquire bulletproof vehicles, then they should be transferred to the Balochistan government so that terrorism can be effectively countered,” Bugti posted on X.

Naqvi, while accepting the request posted, “CM Sahib done. These bulletproof vehicles will be sent to Balochistan immediately to enhance counter-terrorism efforts. Thank you for raising this.”

The development came after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the provincial government would return the bulletproof vehicles to the federation, describing them as “substandard and outdated.”

Presiding over his first formal meeting after assuming the office, CM Afridi said that a couple of days ago, the interior ministry had provided bulletproof vehicles to the KP police to meet the security challenges that they face across the province.

Criticising Naqvi, KP chief minister said the bulletproof vehicles were “an insult” to the police force. He also directed that the security provided to former chief ministers be restored to ensure their protection and dignity.

PNS YARMOOK seizes narcotics worth $972 mn

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PNS YARMOOK seizes narcotics worth $972 mn

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, lauded the crew of PNS YARMOOK for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication

DNA

RAWALPINDI, OCT 22: In a significant achievement, Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) YARMOOK, operating under the Saudi-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), successfully executed a major counter-narcotics operation in the North Arabian Sea, resulting in the seizure of narcotics valued at approximately USD 972 million.

This landmark operation underscores Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to regional maritime security, global peace, and the international community’s ongoing fight against illicit trafficking at sea. The interception and seizure represent one of the largest successful anti-narcotics operations conducted under the CMF framework in recent months.

Operating as part of the multinational CTF-150, which focuses on ensuring maritime stability and deterring terrorism, piracy, and illegal activities across the high seas, the success of PNS YARMOOK reaffirms Pakistan’s role as a responsible maritime partner. It highlights the Navy’s operational excellence, professional competence, and its proactive contribution to peace and security in the wider Indian Ocean Region.

Upon the successful completion of the operation, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, lauded the crew of PNS YARMOOK for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication. He stated that Pakistan Navy remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national maritime interests while working closely with regional and international partners to counter threats emanating from the sea.

Admiral Ashraf emphasized that the Navy’s participation in such multinational efforts demonstrates Pakistan’s resolve to uphold international maritime laws and maintain freedom of navigation across global sea lanes. He further noted that PNS YARMOOK’s successful mission under the Saudi-led task force would not only enhance interoperability between the Pakistan Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces but also strengthen bilateral defence collaboration between the two countries.

The Pakistan Navy, through its continued participation in Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operations, remains committed to promoting a safe and secure maritime environment. This successful operation once again reflects Pakistan’s dedication to contributing to international efforts against drug trafficking, terrorism, and other transnational crimes threatening global maritime stability.

Pakistan urges sustained Kosovo-Serbia dialogue

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Pakistan urges sustained Kosovo-Serbia dialogue

ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (DNA): Pakistan has called for sustained Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and full implementation of their 2013 and 2023 agreements to ensure lasting peace, stability and tranquillity in the Southeast European region.

“We hope that both sides will sincerely commit to the political process and refrain from unilateral actions that escalate tensions,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations,  told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.    

Speaking in the course of a debate on the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), he expressed concern over the divisive rhetoric, hate speech, and incidents of religious intolerance.

“All efforts must be made, by both sides, to effectively curb such negative trends that give rise to communal tensions (between Serbs and Albanians), the Pakistani envoy said, noting UNMIK’s efforts to foster dialogue, promote harmony and spirit of co-existence among various communities in Kosovo.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 following years of ethnic tensions, but Serbia has not recognized the declaration. The EU has since been facilitating dialogue between the parties on a range of practical matters.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon said, “We are concerned by the lack of tangible progress to bring those responsible for the Iber-Lepenc canal and the Banjske attack of 2023 to justice,” hoping that authorities from both sides would cooperate earnestly towards that end.

Pakistan, he pointed out,  has friendly relations with both Kosovo and Serbia,  and a steadfast supporter of a stable and prosperous Balkans.

Punjab local body elections again in shambles

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Floods, terror, and the nation’s unending crisis

Opinion

Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

The promise of democracy at the grassroots level in Pakistan continues to be sabotaged, and the latest episode comes from Punjab, where the long-awaited local government (LG) elections have once again been thrown into disarray. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which had earlier announced the delimitation of constituencies to ensure that the elections could be held by December this year, has now abruptly withdrawn its decision. The Commission has asked the Punjab government to first carry out the required legislation before proceeding with the polls a move that clearly signals another indefinite delay.

This sudden reversal by the ECP has pushed the entire process back to square one. It appears, quite evidently, that the Punjab government is not interested in holding the LG elections any time soon. The reluctance is not administrative or procedural it is political. The provincial government, like many before it, seems unwilling to share power with the people at the grassroots level. This attitude is not new; it has become a hallmark of successive governments across Pakistan, irrespective of their political color. Every ruling elite pays lip service to the ideals of democracy and decentralization, but when it comes to actual empowerment of the people, they pull back.

Local governments, by design, are the foundation of democracy. They ensure that development decisions, governance issues, and public services are managed closer to the people. They help identify local problems, prioritize them, and address them efficiently. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s political elite has always viewed local governments as a threat to their centralized power. This mindset has prevented the country from evolving into a true democracy where power is distributed equitably.

It is not only Punjab that suffers from this malaise. The situation across the country is equally discouraging. In Islamabad, there is no functioning local government. Despite elections being held in the past, the elected representatives were never granted real authority or resources. In Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, too, local governments have often been rendered powerless through bureaucratic controls, budgetary restrictions, and legislative loopholes. In Balochistan, LG elections were held after long delays, but the councils remain weak and ineffective.

Every time there is a schedule for local elections, something happens to derail it. Either courts intervene, legislation remains incomplete, or administrative excuses are cited to push the matter aside. These repeated disruptions raise serious questions: Who are the forces that do not want the people of this country to prosper? Who benefits from keeping citizens poor, illiterate, and powerless? Who gains from the denial of local governance and from keeping development decisions confined to the elite corridors of power?

The answer is both simple and disturbing it is the elite class that has kept Pakistan perpetually unstable and dependent. This class comprising a mix of politicians, bureaucrats, landed aristocracy, and powerful interest groups thrives on centralized control. They understand that once people at the grassroots level are empowered, their monopoly on politics will be broken. Local leaders, closer to the people and more accountable, would rise and challenge the traditional power structure. Vote buying, manipulation, and dynastic politics would become increasingly difficult.

The Punjab government’s hesitation to hold LG polls exposes this deliberate resistance. Despite tall claims of democracy and service delivery, the ruling elite remains unwilling to devolve power.

The irony is that Pakistan’s Constitution, under Article 140-A, mandates the establishment of local governments and the devolution of political, administrative, and financial powers to them. Yet, successive governments have treated this constitutional obligation as optional. The ECP, too, often bows to political pressure instead of asserting its autonomy and ensuring timely elections. The current development, where the ECP has withdrawn its own decision on delimitation, reinforces the perception that even independent institutions hesitate to confront political elites.

If democracy means representation and accountability, then the absence of local governments makes the entire system hollow. National and provincial assemblies cannot effectively address community-level problems.

Even in Islamabad, the capital city that should ideally set an example of governance, the local government structure is paralyzed. The courts have intervened several times, election schedules have been announced and withdrawn, and the elected representatives have often been sent home without being allowed to serve. The citizens of Islamabad, despite living in the heart of the federation, have no say in how their neighborhoods are managed.

The situation in Punjab mirrors this dysfunction. After multiple delays and promises, the hope that elections would finally take place in December has now faded. The ECP’s decision to step back  and the government’s lack of urgency indicates that the issue will once again be shelved indefinitely. This cycle of announcement, delay, and cancellation has eroded public trust in both the electoral process and democratic institutions.

The absence of local governance has broader consequences. It deepens inequality, weakens service delivery, and fuels frustration among citizens. It also strengthens the perception that democracy in Pakistan serves only the powerful, not the people. Real progress whether in education, health, sanitation, or economic opportunity depends on effective local governance. When people are excluded from decision-making, corruption flourishes, and development funds are misused.

For how long will this continue? For how long will political leaders talk about democracy while denying its essence? For how long will the people be kept poor, uneducated, and dependent? Unless these questions are answered, Pakistan’s democratic journey will remain incomplete. The elite class must realize that sustainable progress requires empowering citizens, not controlling them.

True democracy begins from the bottom up from the neighborhoods, towns, and villages where real lives unfold. Empowered local governments can become engines of change, development, and accountability. But that will happen only when those in power allow it to happen. Until then, democracy in Pakistan will remain confined to speeches, slogans, and ceremonies.

If Pakistan truly wishes to prosper, it must break free from this cycle of centralized control and deliberate disempowerment. The revival of genuine, functional, and empowered local governments is not merely a political necessity; it is a moral and constitutional obligation.

Pakistan, Hungary vow to strengthen bilateral ties

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Pakistan, Hungary vow to strengthen bilateral ties

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD, OCT 22 /DNA/ – Pakistan and Hungary have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of trade, energy cooperation, education, and cultural exchange. The reaffirmation came during a grand reception hosted by the Ambassador of Hungary, Zoltan Varga, at a local hotel to celebrate the National Day of Hungary and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Hungary.

The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including diplomats, government officials, business leaders, cultural figures, and members of civil society. State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani was the chief guest on the occasion.

In his address, Ambassador Zoltan Varga said Hungary and Pakistan enjoy excellent and time-tested relations based on mutual respect, shared values, and a growing spirit of cooperation across multiple sectors. He highlighted the active presence of the Hungarian energy company MOL in Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration projects, describing it as a cornerstone of bilateral economic engagement.

“This collaboration not only strengthens Pakistan’s energy security but also deepens economic ties and builds bridges between our two nations,” he remarked. Ambassador Varga expressed his determination to further expand cooperation in areas such as trade, education, renewable energy, and cultural exchange. He also noted that Hungary attaches great importance to its relationship with Pakistan and looks forward to new initiatives in the years to come.

State Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani, in his remarks, extended heartfelt congratulations to the people and government of Hungary on their National Day. He lauded Hungary’s support in various sectors and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding the relationship further. “Pakistan values its close friendship with Hungary, and we are confident that our ties will continue to flourish in all spheres,” he said, adding that people-to-people and cultural linkages were vital in promoting better understanding between the two countries.

To commemorate the 60 years of diplomatic relations, a special music concert was held following the main reception. The celebrated Türo Trio from Hungary presented a spellbinding performance that captivated the audience. The folk music ensemble performed a unique selection of Hungarian and Pakistani melodies from the past six decades, blending traditional instruments and modern rhythms in an enchanting fusion that received loud applause and appreciation from guests.

The musical evening not only showcased Hungary’s rich cultural heritage but also symbolized the harmony and friendship that both nations cherish.

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake, marking six decades of enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Hungary. The event reflected the shared vision of both countries to continue working together for mutual prosperity, cultural understanding, and stronger diplomatic engagement in the years ahead.=DNA

US vice president says has ‘great optimism’ Gaza ceasefire will hold

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US vice president says has 'great optimism' Gaza ceasefire will hold

WASHINGTON, OCT 21: US vice president says has ‘great optimism’ Gaza ceasefire will hold. US Vice President JD Vance said that Washington had not set a deadline for the disarmament of Hamas set out in the US-brokered ceasefire deal in Gaza.

US Vice President JD Vance expressed “great optimism” over the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, saying its implementation would require “constant monitoring and supervision”.

“We are doing very well. We are in a very good place. We’re going to have to keep working on it,” Vance said during a press conference in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel, where a US-led mission is monitoring the Gaza ceasefire. “I think that everybody should be proud of where we are today. It’s going to require constant effort. It’s going to require constant monitoring and supervision,” he added.

No fuel shortage in the country

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No fuel shortage in the country

DNA

ISLAMABAD, OCT 21: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has categorically denied reports suggesting a fuel shortage in the country, affirming that fuel supply operations remain normal nationwide.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, an OGRA spokesperson clarified that while minor clearance delays had been experienced earlier with imported petroleum products, the situation has since been completely normalized.

“There is no situation of fuel shortage in the country. Some clearance delays were experienced earlier with imported petroleum products; however, the situation is now fully under control,” the spokesperson stated.

The statement further informed that Pakistan State Oil (PSO)’s diesel vessel and WAFI’s petrol vessel have both been cleared, ensuring uninterrupted supply to all parts of the country. “Fuel supply operations across the country remain normal, and business continues as usual,” the spokesman added.

OGRA reassured the public that it is closely monitoring fuel supply and distribution to prevent any disruptions. The authority also urged citizens not to pay heed to unverified news or speculative reports regarding fuel shortages.

The clarification from OGRA comes amid rumors circulating on social media about potential fuel scarcity, which the regulator has dismissed as baseless and misleading.

According to OGRA, sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are available in the country, and all oil marketing companies are maintaining their regular distribution operations.

S&P Global recognized with multiple awards

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S&P Global recognized with multiple awards

DNA

ISLAMABAD, OCT 21: S&P Global Pakistan has achieved remarkable recognition at the Best Place to Work Awards for 2025, securing its position among Pakistan’s top five ‘Best of the Best Companies’. In addition, S&P Global Pakistan won the ‘Best Place to Work in Large Company’ category and the ‘Best in Industry Award’ for the IT Services Industry.

“These recognitions are a reflection of our unwavering commitment to building future-ready teams while staying true to our core values of discovery, partnership, and integrity,” said Mujeeb Zahur, Managing Director, S&P Global Pakistan. “These achievements validate our work towards creating an environment where talent thrives as we continue to unlock value for our customers through our valuable data, insights benchmarks and more.”

As S&P Global Pakistan completes 20 years of operations in the country, its workforce of over 1,400 skilled professionals continues to push boundaries in data, research, and analytics.

Commenting on this achievement, Atta Rehman, Senior Regional People Advisor, S&P Global Pakistan, said, “Our workplace culture is built on the foundation of ‘People Forward’ – a philosophy that prioritizes investment in our people to accelerate their careers by equipping them with the necessary tools, skills, and opportunities to excel in a dynamic world.”

Pakistan, Hungary vow to strengthen bilateral ties

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admin
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Pakistan, Hungary vow to strengthen bilateral ties

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD, OCT 21 /DNA/ – Pakistan and Hungary on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, energy cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The reaffirmation came during a reception held at a local hotel to mark the National Day of Hungary.

The event was attended by diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and members of the civil society. State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani was the chief guest, while the Ambassador of Hungary, Zoltan Varga, hosted the reception.

In his remarks, Ambassador Zoltan Varga said Hungary and Pakistan enjoy excellent relations, underpinned by mutual respect and growing cooperation across multiple sectors. He praised the role of the Hungarian energy company MOL, which has been actively engaged in oil and gas exploration projects in Pakistan, describing it as a symbol of friendship and partnership between the two countries.

“This collaboration not only contributes to Pakistan’s energy security but also strengthens economic ties and builds bridges between our two nations,” the ambassador noted. He expressed his resolve to further enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of trade, education, and culture.

State Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani, in his address, congratulated the people and government of Hungary on their National Day and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to deepen its partnership with Hungary. “Pakistan values its relationship with Hungary, and we are confident that these ties will continue to grow stronger in the days ahead,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake to mark the occasion, symbolizing the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Hungary.

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