Loans rise bypasses small farmers

Concerns persist as 21.4% credit rise tilts to production but development lending lags KARACHI: Agricultural credit disbursement rose 21.4% year-on-year to Rs2.79 trillion during July-May FY2025-26, indicating stronger formal-sector financing of agriculture, but the composition and distribution of lending continue to raise questions about its impact on long-term farm productivity and financial inclusion. While new…

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England conditions offer pace assistance

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali says discipline bowling can help seamers exploit English conditions Mohammad Ali believes the conditions in England can offer plenty of assistance to seamers if they maintain consistency. Photo: PCB Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Ali believes England’s conditions can provide plenty of assistance to seamers if they maintain discipline and consistency as…

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Seven injured in attack on Balochistan home minister’s convoy in Mastung

Mir Ziaullah Langau escaped unhurt as police exchanged fire with unidentified gunmen Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau. Photo: Meta/file QUETTA: Seven people, including three Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) personnel, were injured when unidentified gunmen attacked the convoy of Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau in Mastung on Friday, while…

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FX reserves edge up to $22.5b

KARACHI: Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves increased by $23.7 million during the week ended August 7, 2026, reaching $22,498.3 million, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. Foreign reserves held by the central bank rose by $14 million to $17,057 million. Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks increased by $9.7…

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Key talking points as La Liga begins

Defending champions Barcelona and Real Madrid will not be in action in the opening week. Photo: AFP BARCELONA: Spain’s top flight kicks off the 2026/27 season on Saturday, although defending champions Barcelona and Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid are not in action yet. AFP Sport looks at five talking points going into the first round of…

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New Zealand withdraws support for Infantino

WELLINGTON: New Zealand Football said on Friday it had withdrawn support for FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and called for an independent review into his aborted plan to sell off part of the World Cup. Infantino came under renewed fire this week in an open letter signed by three confederations — UEFA, North and Central America’s…

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Exporters urge govt to address cost pressures

Apparel sector becomes uncompetitive due to fuel price uncertainty, costly power and gas LAHORE: The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has urged the government to take immediate measures to address the growing cost pressures and logistics disruptions affecting Pakistan’s export-oriented apparel sector. In a statement, PRGMEA North Zone Chairman Imran Salahuddin said…

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Swiatek rolls past Rybakina for WTA Toronto title

Iga Swiatek poses with her trophy after defeating Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in a National Bank Open final tennis match, in Toronto. Photo: AFP TORONTO: Former world number one Iga Swiatek captured her first title of the year on Thursday, roaring past a weary Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 to win the WTA 1000 in Toronto. Swiatek,…

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