Twenty-one former international cricket captains have renewed their appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over Imran Khan’s health and medical treatment in prison. The group sent its second letter in six months after raising similar concerns in February. The earlier appeal carried the signatures of 14 former captains. The latest letter cites recent developments that the signatories say failed to meet a Supreme Court directive. “Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered that Imran Khan be transferred to hospital for examination by a medical board that was to include his own personal physicians and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan,” the letter said. “The Court also reinstated weekly family visits. These were very welcome steps.” Read More: Imran Khan’s Ex-Wife Convicted in London Speed Limit Breach Case The captains said Khan remained in hospital for only a few hours. They claimed a state-appointed team examined him instead of the court-directed board. “Concerningly, Mr Khan’s hospital stay lasted only a few hours. He was examined by a state-appointed team rather than the board the Court had directed, declared ‘medically fit,’ and returned to Adiala Jail before that board could complete its work,” they added. The Supreme Court ordered Khan’s transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital on August 18. It also allowed weekly family visits and calls with his sons. Reuters later reported that authorities took him to hospital before returning him to jail. Three demands sent to prime minister The former captains made three specific requests to the government. First, they urged authorities to let the Supreme Court-directed medical board complete an independent health assessment. That board must include Khan’s personal doctors, they said. They highlighted reports about vision loss in his right eye. Second, they asked the authorities to ensure uninterrupted weekly family visits. Third, they demanded immediate access to any treatment recommended by the medical board. The signatories said they wrote “not as politicians, but as former colleagues and rivals who share a bond forged on the cricket field.” They also made clear that they did not seek to judge Pakistan’s domestic legal proceedings. The published list includes Michael Atherton, Alex Blackwell, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Alastair Cook, Michael Gatting, Sunil Gavaskar and Lee Germon. It also names Adam Gilchrist, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Arjuna Ranatunga, Andrew Strauss, Dilip Vengsarkar, Steve Waugh and John Wright. The source report describes 21 signatories, although its published list contains 22 names. Government rejects mistreatment allegations Khan captained Pakistan to its 1992 World Cup victory. He later served as prime minister from 2018 until his removal through a no-confidence vote in 2022. He has remained in prison since August 2023 following convictions in several cases. Khan and his party call the charges politically motivated. The government rejects that allegation. Read More: How Pakistan Won the 2009 World T20: Shahid Afridi’s Untold Memories Amnesty International has raised concerns about his trial, medical access and detention conditions. Khan’s sons have alleged psychological torture and confinement in a “death cell.” Pakistan’s government denies medical neglect and mistreatment. It says medical records show that Khan remains in good health and receives facilities allowed under prison rules.
Spotify Celebrates Atif Aslam’s First Album in 18 Years
Spotify brought fans and leading Pakistani artists together in Karachi to celebrate Atif Aslam’s highly anticipated album, “Subah Aye Na.” The immersive event drew Spotify Premium fans, creators, influencers and members of Pakistan’s artist community. Organisers designed the evening around the album’s creative world and Atif’s long relationship with his listeners. Atif delivered a live performance as the audience sang along. The night produced its biggest surprise when Fahad Mustafa, Talha Anjum and Asim Azhar joined him onstage. Together, they performed Atif’s classic song “Hum Kis Gali Ja Rahe Hain.” The collaboration brought several of Pakistan’s most recognisable creative figures together. Clips and photographs from the performance soon spread across social media. Spotify also honoured some of Atif’s most loyal listeners. Two Spotify Premium fans joined him onstage and presented him with a special guitar. Both fans ranked among the top 10% of Atif Aslam listeners on Spotify in Pakistan. Atif reflects on first album in 18 years During the event, Atif discussed the work behind “Subah Aye Na.” The record marks his return to the full album format after an 18-year gap. “It’s been 18 years since I released a full album, and the journey from releasing individual songs to putting together an album is very different. It takes time, patience and a lot of work, not just to produce the music, but to bring yourself back to a place where you’re ready to make an album. The love I’ve received from my fans over all these years is what gave me the motivation to do that. I’m grateful to everyone who has continued to listen, support me and ask for an album because, in many ways, Subah Aye Na is here because of them,” Atif said. The eight-track album arrived on Spotify on July 31. Its songs include “Subah Aye,” “Safar Main Hu,” “Sachay Waday,” “Let’s Have Some Fun,” “Hun Ishq Main,” “Char Yaar,” “Sun Sajna” and “Ishq.” It follows “Meri Kahani,” Atif’s 2008 album that featured songs such as “Tere Bin,” “Kinara” and its title track. Spotify brings Aadeez closer to Atif The Karachi celebration also highlighted Spotify’s “Discover Your Inner Aadeez” experience. Spotify developed the interactive mobile feature around Atif’s fan community. Users select their favourite song from the new album before receiving one of four fan identities. These include OG Aadeez, Early Discoverer Aadeez, Moonrise Aadeez and Borderless Aadeez. Each persona represents a different way listeners have discovered and followed Atif’s music. Spotify offers the experience to both Free and Premium users. Fans can also generate personalised cards and share them on social media. The initiative connects longtime followers with younger listeners who are discovering Atif’s catalogue today. Spotify, launched in 2008, currently reports 777 million users and 300 million subscribers across 184 markets.
Pakistan Creates History With Clean Sweep in ACC Board Election
Pakistan-backed candidates won all three available board seats of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) during a closely contested election in Bangkok. The election took place at the ACC Annual General Meeting, where Pakistan and India-backed groups competed for three director positions. The winning panel received support from ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. It included representatives from Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives. The three candidates secured victories after a close contest. The India-backed panel failed to win any seat. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla represented India during the meeting. The result created history for Pakistan. It marked the first time since the ACC’s formation that a Pakistan-backed panel captured all three available board positions. Victory Strengthens Pakistan’s Position in ACC Sources described the result as a major achievement for Mohsin Naqvi. They also called it a sign of Pakistan’s growing influence within the Asian Cricket Council. The ACC plays an important role in managing regional cricket events. It oversees tournaments such as the Asia Cup and other competitions involving Asian teams. The election gives Pakistan-backed representatives a stronger voice in future ACC decisions. The meeting also reviewed preparations for the 2027 Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Officials discussed possible venues for the tournament. The proposed venues include Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram. Members also discussed the ACC’s annual budget. They reviewed plans for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai. Pakistan and India Set for Women’s Asia Cup Clash The ACC meeting came ahead of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026. Pakistan and India will compete in the same group during the tournament. The event will feature eight teams divided into two groups. The tournament will begin on August 28. Thailand and Hong Kong, China, will play the opening match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Dubai venue will host all 15 matches, including the final on September 13. The Pakistan-India rivalry remains one of the biggest attractions in world cricket. Matches between the two teams regularly attract millions of viewers across the globe. The latest ACC election adds another chapter to the competition between the two cricket boards. The Asian Cricket Council was established in 1983 to promote cricket across the continent. Its members include major cricket nations such as Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. With Pakistan-backed candidates now holding all three board seats, the PCB is expected to have a stronger role in ACC discussions and future decisions.
Australia-Bangladesh Test Creates Record Storm in 2 Day Thriller
Mitchell Starc produced a devastating bowling performance as Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday, drawing the two-match series 1-1. The left-arm fast bowler claimed 10 wickets in the match as Australia responded strongly after suffering a historic defeat in the opening Test in Darwin. Read More: Bangladesh Stun Australia to Register First Test Win Down Under The second Test became one of the shortest completed matches in cricket history. It lasted only 750 legal deliveries, making it the second-shortest Test ever played in Australia and the fourth-shortest completed men’s Test overall. Only the 1932 Australia versus South Africa Test in Melbourne, which ended after 656 balls, was shorter on Australian soil. The match also became Australia’s third two-day Test in their last seven home matches. A total of 30 wickets fell across the contest, with all four innings producing only 369 runs. Starc Destroys Bangladesh With Career-Best Home Figures Starc was the main reason behind Australia’s dominant victory. He finished with match figures of 10-51, taking 6-12 in Bangladesh’s first innings and 4-39 in their second. It was the fourth 10-wicket haul of his Test career and his best match figures in a home Test. 👑 36 YEARS OLD. STILL UNPLAYABLE.Mitchell Starc turns back the clock in Mackay! 🔥🎯 6/12 & 4/39🏏 10 wickets for 51 runs📊 Bowling avg: 5.10 | SR: 12.00🏆 Player of the Match & Series🇦🇺 Australia win by an innings & 51 runs#AUSvBAN #Starc pic.twitter.com/F5oTjoxLF4— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) August 23, 2026 Bangladesh collapsed for just 64 in their first innings after Starc ripped through their top order. The veteran pacer took five wickets in only 22 deliveries before completing his six-wicket haul. Pat Cummins also played a major role, claiming three wickets as Bangladesh lost nine wickets for just 39 runs. Four Bangladesh batters returned without scoring. The list included openers Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and wicketkeeper Litton Das. Shoriful Islam top-scored for Bangladesh with 14 runs from 19 balls, while Taijul Islam remained unbeaten on 11 after adding 25 runs for the final wicket. Read More: Pakistan Suffer Historic Test Humiliation Against England Australia struggled early with the bat but recovered to score 210. Cameron Green led the innings with a determined 67 from 105 deliveries, while Steve Smith contributed 42. Nathan Lyon remained unbeaten on 32 as Australia secured a first-innings lead of 146 runs. Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam was the standout performer for the visitors with the ball. He claimed a career-best 7-48, becoming the best-performing Bangladesh fast bowler in Test history and recording the best away Test figures by a Bangladesh bowler. Bangladesh Collapse as Australia Level Series Bangladesh’s batting problems continued in the second innings. The visitors were dismissed for 95 in 38.3 overs. Shanto scored 31 from 46 balls, while Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 29 from 80 deliveries. The collapse created unwanted history for Bangladesh. They became the first team in 21 years to be bowled out below 100 in both innings of a Test match. Middle stump smashed, 10 wickets for the match for Mitchell Starc ⭐️#MilestoneMoment | @NRMAInsurance | #AUSvBAN pic.twitter.com/eBQ1ku0Tp8— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 23, 2026 Starc completed his 10-wicket match haul by removing four batters in the second innings. Cummins and Lyon also contributed with three wickets each. Lyon finished the match by taking the final two wickets after tea, sealing Australia’s victory inside two days. The result gave Australia a series-levelling win after Bangladesh stunned them with a nine-wicket victory in the first Test in Darwin. Read More: Starc Becomes Most Successful Left-Arm Bowler in Test History Despite the defeat, Bangladesh’s performance remained historic. Their Darwin victory was their first Test win over Australia since 2017 and came during their first Test tour of Australia in 23 years. Starc ended the series as Australia’s leading bowler with 12 wickets at an average of 12.08 and earned Player of the Match honours for his remarkable performance.
Nvidia Warns Customers of Major AI Server Price Increase
Nvidia’s largest customers have been warned that prices of servers powered by its artificial intelligence chips could increase by more than 15 percent in many cases, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday. The expected increase will affect systems shipped early next year. It will include servers built with Nvidia’s advanced Vera Rubin and Grace Blackwell AI platforms, according to people familiar with the matter. Read More: Elon Musk’s Brain Chip Creates Real-Life Transformation for Patient The final increase will depend on the Nvidia chip generation and the memory configuration used in each system. The reported price changes come as memory chip costs continue to rise. Demand for AI infrastructure has increased pressure on the global semiconductor supply chain. Reuters said it could not independently verify the Bloomberg report. Nvidia also did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. AI Data Centre Expansion Faces Higher Costs Companies that build servers for major data centre operators have started informing customers about the expected price increases. The affected clients include large technology companies such as Microsoft, Google and Oracle, which continue to expand their AI computing capacity. Nvidia’s AI chips have become a key part of the global artificial intelligence boom. The company’s processors power many of the systems used to train and run advanced AI models. Read More: China Greenlights Nvidia H200 Chip Imports as Tech Demand Soars The company’s Grace Blackwell platform is already widely used for large-scale AI workloads. Its upcoming Vera Rubin systems represent Nvidia’s next generation of AI computing technology. These advanced systems require high-performance memory chips to operate efficiently. The rising cost of memory components has increased expenses across the AI hardware industry. Memory suppliers, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Micron, have gained stronger pricing power as demand for AI-related hardware continues to grow. Nvidia Remains at Centre of AI Boom Nvidia has become one of the most important companies in the artificial intelligence sector. Its chips support the rapid expansion of AI services, cloud platforms and data centres worldwide. Major technology firms are investing billions of dollars to build AI infrastructure. They are increasing spending on servers, chips and data centre capacity to compete in the growing AI market. The expected price increase highlights the challenges facing companies trying to expand AI operations. Higher hardware costs could affect budgets for future data centre projects. However, demand for Nvidia’s AI processors remains strong. Many companies continue to rely on Nvidia because of the performance of its chips and the company’s established AI software ecosystem. Read More: The End of Keyboards? Tech Giants Are Building Computers That Work for You Nvidia is scheduled to release its second-quarter financial results on August 26. Investors are expected to closely watch the company’s sales outlook, AI chip demand and supply conditions. Rising Hardware Costs Could Reshape AI Investments The possible price increase shows how supply shortages are influencing the fast-growing AI industry. Companies building new AI infrastructure may need to adjust their spending plans if server costs continue to rise. The AI race has already created intense competition for advanced processors, memory chips and data centre capacity. Read More: Meet the 10-Year-Old Who Built an AI Nose to Detect Drugs While Nvidia remains the leading supplier of AI accelerators, rising component costs show that even the biggest players in the industry are facing supply pressures. As global technology companies continue their AI expansion, the cost of building powerful computing systems is becoming a major factor in future investment decisions.
Pakistan’s Economy Gets Fresh Boost as Exports Rise 13% in July
Pakistan’s exports of goods and services increased to $3.94 billion in July 2026, marking a 13.1 percent growth compared with $3.48 billion recorded in the same month last year, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday. The minister shared the figures while presenting the Monthly Development Update for August 2026, highlighting improvements in exports, manufacturing, remittances, inflation and fiscal indicators at the beginning of fiscal year 2026-27. Read More: Pakistan Earns $417 Million From IT Exports in Just One Month “The external sector also started FY2026-27 on an encouraging note. Goods exports increased by 9.4 percent to USD 3.0 billion in July 2026, compared with USD 2.8 billion in July 2025. However, total exports of goods and services rose by 13 percent to USD 3.9 billion from USD 3.5 billion during the same month a year earlier,” Ahsan Iqbal said. The minister said growth in major export categories supported the overall performance. Surgical goods exports increased by 16.3 percent, food exports rose by 8 percent, leather goods grew by 7.8 percent, while textile exports recorded a 3.9 percent increase. Manufacturing Recovery Supports Economic Growth Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s industrial recovery strengthened further during the previous fiscal year, with Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) expanding by 5 percent in FY2025-26. He said the growth marked a major improvement compared with the previous year when LSM contracted by 0.74 percent. The recovery remained broad-based, with 16 out of 22 industrial sectors posting positive growth. The strongest performance came from the automobile sector, which expanded by 57.8 percent. Other sectors that recorded significant growth included transport equipment at 42.4 percent, electrical equipment at 14.3 percent, tobacco at 12.6 percent and food at 7 percent. Read More: Ghandhara Tyre Wins Approval for Saudi Arabia and UAE Exports The minister said fiscal and external indicators also showed improvement. Federal Board of Revenue tax collection increased by 8.4 percent to Rs820.9 billion in July 2026. Workers’ remittances also remained a key support for Pakistan’s economy, rising by 13 percent to $3.63 billion in July 2026 compared with $3.2 billion in July 2025. “This strong beginning to FY2026-27 follows record remittances of USD 41.6 billion during the previous fiscal year. The inflows not only strengthened Pakistan’s foreign exchange position but also directly supported millions of Pakistani households and reflected the continued contribution of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy,” he said. ICT Exports, Lower Inflation and Development Spending Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the growing role of technology exports, saying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports reached $417 million in July 2026. He said the digital sector was becoming an increasingly important source of foreign exchange earnings and would remain central to Pakistan’s future economic strategy. The minister also pointed towards easing inflation pressures. Consumer Price Index inflation declined to 9.2 percent in July 2026 from 11.7 percent in May 2026. Read More: MG Pakistan to Export 5,800 Vehicles to Bangladesh He said the government would focus during FY2026-27 on sustaining economic recovery, strengthening fiscal and external stability, accelerating structural reforms and promoting inclusive economic growth. The minister said the fiscal deficit narrowed to 2.6 percent of GDP in FY2025-26 from 5.4 percent in FY2024-25, describing it as the lowest fiscal deficit recorded in two decades. He added that development projects approved in July 2026 were expected to create around 7,851 direct and 14,053 indirect jobs. “Through URAAN Pakistan, our focus is now to translate this stability into sustainable economic transformation, with exports as a key driver, leading to more jobs, better incomes, greater opportunities for our youth and an improved quality of life for the people of Pakistan,” Ahsan Iqbal said. The minister said the Ministry of Planning authorised Rs211.327 billion, equivalent to 21.1 percent, during July 2026 for priority development projects. He added that the Central Development Working Party approved nine projects, three position papers and one concept clearance proposal during the month, while nine projects were recommended to ECNEC.
