Tuesday, August 4th, 2026
PCB appoints Michael Smith as Pakistan’s all-format batting coach
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of former South African cricketer Michael Smith as the batting coach of the Pakistan men’s team across all formats on a two-year contract. The 46-year-old will work with the national side in both red-ball and white-ball cricket, beginning with the upcoming three-match Test series against England later this month. Smith enjoyed a decade-long playing career between 2003 and 2013, featuring in 89 first-class, 72 List A and 16 T20 matches. The right-handed batter amassed 7,029 runs across the threeRead More
Morocco says it warned Spain after court ruling on migration
RABAT, AUG 4: Morocco had previously warned Spain that a recent Spanish court ruling that migrants arriving by sea would not face immediate removal was going to create “a problem,” a senior Moroccan official said. Last week, at least 50,000 people, mostly Moroccans, entered the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, on foot or by swimming from the nearby city of Fnideq. This unprecedented influx quickly overwhelmed the Spanish exclave in North Africa, before leading to thousands of returns to Morocco. Spain’s Supreme Court ruled on July 8 that migrants arriving byRead More
Governor Sindh visits HEC, meets Chairman
ISLAMABAD, AUG 4: /DNA/ – Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi visited the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat and met Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar. During the meeting, the two dignitaries exchanged views relating to the promotion of higher education, academic excellence, strengthening universities in Sindh, and enhancing collaboration between HEC and the provincial government for the development of higher education sector. Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar briefed the Governor on the Commission’s key obligations, functions, and initiatives, aimed at enhancing the quality, relevance and accessibility of higherRead More
Chevening scholarships offer UK Master’s Degrees to Pakistanis
ISLAMABAD, AUG 4 /DNA/ – The British High Commission has announced the opening of applications for three prestigious, fully funded UK programmes designed to empower Pakistan’s emerging leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The opportunities include the renowned Chevening Scholarships, the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship, and the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship. These flagship programmes offer Pakistani professionals and academics the chance to access world-class education, develop innovative solutions, and build lasting international networks. Programme Highlights: All three programmes cover the full cost of study, including tuition fees, flights, visas, andRead More
France reaffirms commitment to human rights, freedom of expression
Ambassador Galey praised Sokrarith Henry for his dedication and for building excellent relations with journalists and media professionals across the country. He noted that human rights issues fell under Henry’s responsibilities, and lauded his efforts in advancing dialogue and cooperation in this sensitive area Ansar M Bhatti ISLAMABAD, AUG 4 /DNA/ – At a farewell reception hosted in honor of the outgoing Head of Press and Political Section of the French Embassy, Sokrarith Henry, Ambassador of France to Pakistan Nicolas Galey underscored France’s unwavering support for freedom of expression andRead More
PIDE seminar explores AI and Fintech landscape for policy reform
ISLAMABAD, AUG 4 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) organised a seminar titled “Landscape of AI and Fintech in Pakistan”, examining how artificial intelligence, financial technology and big-data analytics can improve economic policymaking while safeguarding public trust, institutional accountability and sensitive information. The seminar featured Dr Mustansar Ali Ghazanfar, Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of East London, while Dr Muhammad Yasir, Associate Professor of Fintech at PIDE, moderated the session. Dr Ghazanfar drew on his experience in AI strategy, responsible technology adoption, fintech researchRead More