Wajahat Ali Khan
The Pakistan cricket team is scheduled to tour England in August and September 2026 to play the England cricket team. The tour will consist of three Test matches. The Test series will form part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. In July 2025, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the fixtures for the tour, as a part of the 2026 home international season.
News
Sports Reporter
Arthur Fery has reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon and the British-French tennis player has spoken out on his nationality amid questions over where his allegiance lies.
Arthur Fery says he feels “very British” after booking his place in the Wimbledon semi-finals. The 23-year-old has emerged as the surprise success story of this year’s Championships, becoming Britain’s biggest hope for a Grand Slam title since Emma Raducanu captured the US Open in 2021 in remarkable fashion. While he remains proud of his French background, Fery believes England is now unquestionably his home. “I feel very British. I live here. All my best friends live here. I went to school here, I train here,” he said.
Lahore: Renowned social activist and social media influencer Kashif Ahmad (Shah of Lahore) paid a courtesy visit to the head office of Al Mustafa Pakistan, where he met Rizwana Latif, CEO of Al Mustafa Welfare Trust International. The meeting focused on exploring various avenues of mutual cooperation in humanitarian and social welfare initiatives.. Photo: Tariq Hasan
Islamabad’s Political Climate Turns Increasingly Humid Amid Rumours of Change

Sajjad Azhar
Islamabad
Pakistan’s federal capital is experiencing more than just the suffocating humidity of the monsoon season. According to political observers and informed sources in Islamabad, the country’s political atmosphere has also become increasingly tense, with growing speculation about changes within the power structure.
The recent transfer of several senior administrative officials in Rawalpindi and Attock has attracted considerable attention in political circles. Many analysts view these reshuffles as more than routine bureaucratic changes, suggesting they may reflect widening differences between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government and the country’s security establishment.
Officials familiar with the administrative structure note that many of the transferred officers had remained in influential positions for several years and were widely perceived to enjoy strong backing from powerful quarters. Their sudden removal has therefore fuelled speculation that the relationship between Islamabad’s civilian leadership and Rawalpindi’s military establishment may no longer be as smooth as it once appeared.
Some commentators have attributed the transfers to governance issues or corruption allegations. Others, however, argue that if such concerns had been the primary reason, the officials would likely not have remained in office for such an extended period. They believe the timing and scale of the reshuffle indicate broader political considerations.
Political analysts also suggest that elements within the security establishment are dissatisfied with the government’s performance, particularly in the areas of governance and the economy. Despite being given political space, critics argue that the government has struggled to deliver visible improvements. They also point out that former Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to command significant public support, a factor some interpret as a political setback for the ruling coalition.
Government circles, however, maintain that persistent security challenges in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have discouraged foreign investment and slowed economic recovery. They argue that these external pressures have significantly limited the government’s ability to achieve stronger economic results.
Observers also point to reports of differing approaches between the civilian government and the military establishment on issues relating to Kashmir. Meanwhile, recent political developments, including the Pakistan Peoples Party’s performance in Gilgit-Baltistan and speculation surrounding the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, have further intensified discussion about possible political realignments.
Among the names circulating in political discussions as potential alternatives for future leadership are Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. There is also speculation that the PPP could eventually become part of the federal cabinet as part of a broader political arrangement, accompanied by changes in several key ministries.
At present, none of these reports or rumours has been officially confirmed. However, political observers agree that the coming days could prove significant for Pakistan’s political landscape. For now, Islamabad remains not only under the grip of monsoon humidity but also an atmosphere of growing political uncertainty.
Alderman CBE Mustaq Lasharie’s birthday celebrated at the House of Lords
Staff reporter
London
Hon. Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie CBE, Chairman BPMA, TWS, and LWRA attended as a life member of LSCC a distinguished Black Tie Dinner at the House of Lords, hosted by the London Southside Chamber of Commerce (LSCC) in partnership with Third World Solidarity, following the kind invitation of Lord Rami Ranger.
The evening focused on the important theme, “Shining Light on Neurodiversity in the Workplace,” emphasising the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces that value, support, and empower neurodivergent individuals to realise their full potential.
Among the distinguished guests were The Rt Hon Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Richard Hunt, Gerry Macdonagh, Founder of the London Southside Chamber of Commerce, Radiana Vlahova, Executive Director of LSCC, Barrister Riaz Gull, Founder Chairman of the Sharifa Ibrahim Foundation Charity, Barrister Farhan Farani, Founder Chairman of BritTogether, Dan Harris, Chair of Neurodiversity in Business, Patrick Bevan, Alex Kendal, Sheraza Khan, Sajjad Butt, Michael Shoruna, Christine Shoruna, Amer Rehman of Farani Taylor Solicitors, Dr Alma Farner, Leila Al-Baldawi, Bekim Kryez, and Cllr Peter Harris. A birthday cake was also presented in honour of the esteemed Chairman BPMA, marking the occasion with warm wishes and celebrations.

great evening in Parliament with the London Labour family. Brilliant to be joined by newly elected Andy Burnham MP, mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, MPs, council leaders, Assembly Members, Lords, trade unionists and business leaders, all united by a shared commitment to delivering for Londoners.
Bureau report Rochdale
Press Club of Pakistan organised the 3rd Mehmood Hashmi Memorial Award Ceremony at a local community hall in Rochdale. These awards are presented every year to acknowledge journalists who have served the community for more than 20 years.
The President of Press Club of Pakistan, Mehmood Khan, presided over the ceremony, while the Mayor of Rochdale, Faisal Rana, was the chief guest. Prominent guests included Deputy Leader of Rochdale Council Aidalat Ali, former Mayor Shakeel Ali, Lady Mayoress Iram Rana, Nasrallah Khan Moghal and Community Attaché at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Misbah Noreen. The journalists nominated for the awards were Arshad Richial, Javed Inayat, Ijaz Fazal, Shafqat Mirza, Shafqat Nazir Rana, Sarfaraz Tabassum, Shah Bano, Ibrar Hussain and Talat Farooq Awan.

Al Mustafa Holds Eye Screening Camp for Students at Nazaria-e-Pakistan Trust School in Lahore
Bureau Report
Lahore
Al Mustafa Pakistan organised a free eye screening camp for students at the Samar Nazriati School, operated by the Nazaria-e-Pakistan Trust, with the aim of promoting children’s eye health through early diagnosis and timely care.
Hundreds of boys and girls underwent comprehensive eye examinations using modern diagnostic equipment. The initiative was designed to identify vision problems at an early stage and help ensure better visual health for schoolchildren.
During the screening, eye specialists assessed the students’ eyesight and provided professional guidance to those requiring further examination or treatment. A number of children were also provided with prescription glasses and essential medicines to help improve their vision.
Organisers emphasised that healthy eyesight plays a vital role in a child’s academic performance, confidence and overall physical and intellectual development. They noted that early detection of vision-related problems can significantly enhance learning outcomes and quality of life.
The eye screening camp is part of Al Mustafa Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to providing free healthcare services and supporting the well-being of children through preventive medical initiatives across the country.
Photo: Mushahid Iqbal
Bureau report
Manchester
A blind baseball match between East Lancashire Legends Blackburn and Greater Manchester (GM) Gladiators was held at Parrs Wood High School, Wilmslow, Manchester. GM Gladiators defeated East Lancashire Legends 7-0. Saifur Rehman acted as the head coach during the match, while a large number of people watched the game. The Gladiators scored seven points, while East Lancashire failed to score any points.

Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester
The Khidmat Group, in collaboration with the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG) and Guidance Hub, launched a publication titled “Khidmat: Our Stories” at Guidance Hub, Cheetham Hill, Manchester The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Shaukat Ali, was the chief guest, while Maqsood Ahmed OBE presided over the event. Other guests included Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Syed Nayyar Abbas Abidi MBE, Ex-Lord Mayor Councillor Naeem Ul Hasan, Councillor Shazia Butt, Hammad Raza Khan, Waseem Chaudhry, Dr Fasah, Dr Nadia Hassan, Dr Remsha, Dr Noor Sabah, Ex-Mayor Qamar Uz Zaman Gill, Mrs Kausar Parveen, Pamila Malik, Shakeel Kamar, Tariq Lodhi, Ch Mohammad Ishaque, Saqib Raja, Ziaur Rehman, Mehmood Asghar, Sabira Naheed, Syed Kashif Sajjad, community leaders, researchers, and members of the local community.
Chairman of the Khidmat Group, Dr Mohammad Younas Perwaz, in his welcome address, paid tribute to Maqsood Ahmed OBE for his vision and dedication in establishing the Khidmat Group. He explained that the book brings together the inspiring life stories of ordinary people aged 55 and above, presented in clear and accessible language so they can be enjoyed by readers from all backgrounds. Dr Perwaz particularly appreciated the efforts of University of Manchester researchers Dr Camilla Lewis and Dr Niamh Kavanagh, who worked tirelessly with the Asian community to transform research into a book, photography project, and exhibition. He highlighted that this University of Manchester publication is available online in both English and Urdu, making it accessible to a wider audience. He said the stories reflect the resilience, determination, and sacrifices of the first generation of migrants who settled in the United Kingdom. He added that the publication provides younger generations with valuable insight into the challenges faced by their elders and the contributions they have made to society.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester praised the initiative for recognising and preserving the rich heritage of older residents. He presented certificates of appreciation to contributors and participants in recognition of their involvement in the project. He described it as a fantastic opportunity within his constituency. Hammad Raza, coordinator of Khidmat Group, explained how the organisation has been working for the past two years, including conducting interviews and preparing the Urdu translation of the book. The ceremony concluded with a dinner.


