Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) sought quotations for 800 sets or packets of braid for female cabin crew through a July procurement tender. The requirement covered senior air hostesses and flight pursers, according to the airline’s bidding document. PIA listed the procurement under tender ID 778 through its Supply Chain Management department. Its official website records July 23, 2026, as the advertisement date and July 27 as the closing date. The attached document carries reference UFM-26010820 and a July 22 issue date. It identifies the Purchases Commercial Section within the Procurement and Logistics Department as the issuing office. The published deadline has passed. Neither the listing nor the attached document identifies a successful supplier or discloses a contract value. Two samples required with quotations The procurement schedule describes the item as “Braid For Female Cabin Crew Senior Air Hostess & Flight Purser”. It lists the unit as “Set/PKT” and specifies a quantity of 800. PIA also required bidders to submit two quality samples by the closing time. The document leaves the unit-rate and brand columns blank for suppliers to complete. Read More: Pakistan Seeks Boeing Deal to Modernise PIA’s Fleet It does not provide detailed measurements, material composition or colours in the item description. The requirement for physical samples formed part of the airline’s stated quality requirements. The Uniform Section handled the inquiry, with the document listing 021-9904-3157 as its contact number. Sealed bids and tax registration PIA instructed suppliers to submit quotations through a single-stage, single-envelope process. Bidders had to place their sealed envelopes in the Commercial Purchases tender box at the SCM Building’s main entrance in Karachi. The submission deadline was 10:30am on July 27, with opening scheduled for 11am the same day. Each envelope had to display the PIA reference number and opening date. The airline said it would not accept responsibility for postal delays. Eligible participants needed Federal Board of Revenue registration and active GST taxpayer status. The document covered importers, distributors, wholesalers, stockists, general order suppliers and related trades. Suppliers had to include government taxes in their quoted rates while showing GST separately, where applicable. PIA also specified that it would deduct income tax at source. Quotations had to remain valid for 120 days from the technical-proposal opening date. The terms warned of earnest-money forfeiture if suppliers failed to honour purchase orders within bid validity. Delivery conditions and payment terms Successful suppliers would follow the delivery schedule in PIA’s purchase order. The airline reserved the right to reject substandard goods and return them at the vendor’s expense. Suppliers also had to provide guarantees or warranties where applicable. PIA specified payment on net-30-day terms after invoice submission and ruled out advance payment for commercial items. Read More: PIA Passes IATA Safety Audit, Secures Registration Until 2028 The airline could increase or decrease the tendered quantity by 15%. For the listed requirement, that represents a potential range of 680 to 920 sets or packets. If a supplier missed delivery without adequate justification, PIA could procure elsewhere at that supplier’s risk and expense.
How Short Was the Boundary? Ali Khan’s Bouncer Clears the Rope
Ali Khan produced an extraordinary delivery in the Canada Super60 semi-final when his bouncer sailed over the wicketkeeper and cleared the boundary. However, the apparent six added only five runs to Toronto Sixers’ total because Kieron Pollard never touched the ball. The incident occurred during Toronto’s innings against Mississauga Masters at BC Place in Vancouver on Sunday, October 4. The Sixers eventually won by nine runs to secure a place in the final. Khan represented Mississauga, while Pollard captained Toronto, according to the tournament’s official scorecard. The supplied report incorrectly identified Pollard as a Masters player. Why the bouncer counted as five wides Khan dug the delivery short, sending it high above Pollard and beyond the wicketkeeper’s reach. The ball then travelled over the boundary rope without any contact from the batter. The unusual flight initially created the impression of a six. However, the umpires signalled a wide and awarded the four-run boundary allowance, producing five wides in total. Read More: PTV Secures Pakistan Home Cricket Rights for Rs350 Million None of those runs went to Pollard’s individual score. The delivery also did not count towards the six legal balls in the over. Cricket’s boundary rules require contact with the bat for a boundary six. Clearing the rope without that contact does not qualify, regardless of how far the ball travels. Meanwhile, the wide-ball law adds its one-run penalty to any applicable boundary allowance. That explains the five-run outcome rather than six or seven. Boundary size draws attention The clip circulated online and prompted questions about the playing area in the 10-over franchise competition. A delivery intended to challenge the batter instead reached the boundary without a shot. For The First Time In The Cricket History, We Have A Six On A Wide Ball https://t.co/EU0yL0qleh — Aryan Goel (@AryanGoel101922) October 4, 2026 However, the reports reviewed did not provide a verified measurement for the boundary behind the wicketkeeper. The footage therefore cannot establish its precise length or demonstrate a breach of tournament playing conditions. The incident highlighted the unusual result possible when a steeply rising delivery escapes the keeper and reaches the rope. Toronto hold off Masters’ chase Toronto finished on 130 for four from their 10 overs. Pollard contributed 40 from 16 balls, while Andries Gous remained unbeaten on 33 from 11. Imad Wasim added 26 from 13 deliveries. Khan took two wickets but conceded 43 runs from his two overs. Mississauga replied with 121 for seven. Alex Lees led the chase with 39 from 11 balls, while George Munsey scored 23. Read More: Cricket Legends Make Appeal to PM Shehbaz for Imran Khan The Masters needed 18 from the final over, according to the supplied report. Abdul-Raheem Toppin conceded eight to complete Toronto’s victory. Azam Khan also departed during that over. However, the official scorecard records his dismissal as a run-out involving Gous, rather than a wicket credited to Toppin. Toppin finished with one wicket for 10 runs from two overs. Imad took two for 19, helping Toronto survive the chase despite Mississauga’s fast start.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. Switching to Spain? What We Know So Far
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. faces growing speculation over his international future after reports linked him with training at a Spanish academy. However, no reliable confirmation indicates that the 16-year-old plans to leave Portugal’s national setup or represent Spain. Neither the youngster, his family nor the Portuguese and Spanish football federations has announced a change of international allegiance. The distinction matters because academy training, a club transfer and national-team eligibility involve separate decisions. Photographs of a player training abroad cannot establish all three. Spanish training reports fuel speculation Gulf News reported that online speculation intensified after Ronaldo Jr. reportedly attended a training session with a Spanish academy. Images circulating online prompted questions about whether he was preparing for a different footballing environment. Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo Hints This Could Be His Final Year in Football The sighting coincided with reports that he had left Portugal alongside his father, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the report did not establish a permanent relocation or confirm an agreement with a Spanish club. It also discussed his possible absence from an upcoming Portugal under-16 tournament squad. That omission, even if confirmed, would not itself demonstrate an intention to switch countries. No confirmed evidence currently links a youth-team selection decision with an application to represent Spain. Portugal youth record already established Ronaldo Jr. holds Portuguese nationality and has represented the country’s youth teams. Gulf News reported involvement with the under-16 setup during 2025 and 2026, including appearances and goals at youth international level. His earlier under-15 record provides documented background. The Portuguese Football Federation lists his international debut on May 13, 2025, and records four under-15 appearances and two goals. Portugal won the Vlatko Markovic tournament in Croatia that month, beating the hosts 3-2 in the final. The federation’s tournament coverage listed Cristiano dos Santos, the youngster’s registered name, as an Al Nassr player. At club level, Gulf News identifies him as part of Al Nassr’s youth setup in Saudi Arabia. He previously trained in the Juventus and Manchester United academies, following his father’s career across different countries. Youth appearances do not necessarily settle a player’s senior international future. However, a potential switch requires compliance with FIFA’s nationality and eligibility rules. FIFA’s guidance addresses nationality, residence and the circumstances permitting a change of association. Training in Spain alone does not establish eligibility to represent its national team. Father’s Portugal departure adds to attention The speculation comes amid uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Reuters reported that Ronaldo left the national-team camp after remaining an unused substitute against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark. Read More: Ronaldo’s Family: Five Children, Irina Shayk and Georgina Jesus subsequently said the 41-year-old could return if he wished. The Portuguese federation also left the door open to his return. Those developments concern the father’s senior career. No confirmed evidence shows that they have changed his son’s international plans. For now, Ronaldo Jr.’s Portugal youth record remains established, while claims of a Spain switch remain unconfirmed.
PTV Secures Pakistan Home Cricket Rights for Rs350 Million
PTV has secured Pakistan’s home cricket broadcast rights for Rs350 million after emerging as the only bidder, according to media reports. The reported agreement covers 25 matches across all three international formats. The Pakistan Cricket Board had set a reserve price of Rs600 million. The final figure falls Rs250 million short of that benchmark, representing a reduction of approximately 41.7%. Across the full package, the reported price averages Rs14 million per match, compared with Rs24 million at the reserve price. These calculations treat each fixture equally, although Tests and limited-overs matches have different broadcast durations. Major broadcasters stay away According to Express reporting, three major broadcasters owe substantial outstanding payments to the PCB. The board did not bar them from bidding, but they chose not to participate. Another company that previously acquired a large share of Pakistan cricket’s rights also showed no interest. The reports did not identify these companies or specify their outstanding dues. Read More: PCB Hands Asian Games Captaincy to Sahibzada Farhan in Surprise Move Coverage cited Pakistan’s recent poor performances and limited audience interest in fixtures against Ireland and Sri Lanka as factors behind weak bidding. However, the reports did not provide audience figures or statements from the absent bidders to substantiate those explanations. The PCB also excluded consortium bids from this process, according to the supplied report. A similar restriction already applies to the Pakistan Super League. Package includes five Tests and two ODI tri-series The agreement comprises five Tests, 14 one-day internationals and six T20 internationals. Under the reported schedule, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for three T20Is in October. A seven-match triangular ODI tournament involving England follows, with two Tests against Sri Lanka scheduled for November. The PCB’s earlier Future Tours Programme announcement identified England and Sri Lanka as Pakistan’s opponents in the October-November 2026 ODI tri-series. That provides background to the tournament included in the reported rights package. Pakistan is then due to play three T20Is against Ireland in January 2027. Another seven-match triangular ODI competition involving Zimbabwe also forms part of the schedule. A one-off Test against Ireland follows in February. New Zealand is scheduled to visit for two Tests across February and March. Together, the two triangular tournaments account for all 14 ODIs in the package. The Sri Lanka and Ireland T20I series account for the six shortest-format fixtures. Uncertainty surrounds Zimbabwe and Ireland fixtures However, reports suggest Zimbabwe has declined to tour for commercial reasons, putting the second triangular ODI tournament in doubt. The proposed Ireland Test could also face cancellation. Read More: PCB Opens National Champions Cup 2026 to Fans for Free The supplied report said the PCB had not officially confirmed either development. These fixtures therefore remain subject to clarification rather than confirmed cancellations. Separately, the ICC announced in November 2025 that PTV and Myco had secured television and digital rights arrangements covering its events through 2027. That agreement concerns ICC tournaments and is distinct from the reported PCB home-series package.
Babar Azam Partners With Zero Beyond Wellness for Their Fitness Range
Zero Beyond Wellness has partnered with Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam to introduce fitness and wellness products under his name. The collaboration targets consumers seeking equipment for exercise, relaxation and recovery at home. The company announced the partnership through a press release published on October 5. It said the initiative aims to encourage healthier lifestyles across Pakistan, with products covering everyday fitness and personal wellness. The initial collection includes seven products: a massage chair, foot massager, massage gun, treadmill, elliptical bike, digital scale and six-pack machine. Together, they span home exercise, relaxation, recovery and fitness monitoring. Seven products in the initial range The treadmill and elliptical bike form part of the exercise offering. Meanwhile, the massage chair, foot massager and massage gun feature in the relaxation and recovery selection. The digital scale adds a monitoring component, while the announcement also lists a six-pack machine without detailing its specifications. Read More: Pakistan End Away Test Losing Streak as Babar Creates History Zero Beyond Wellness described the collection as a specially curated range carrying Babar’s name. However, the announcement did not disclose prices, a retail launch schedule or details of online and in-store availability. It also did not outline the financial terms or duration of the partnership. The release focused on the product selection and the company’s broader ambitions for Pakistan’s wellness market. Company stresses everyday wellness Asim Khan, chief executive of Zero Beyond Wellness, said the company’s vision extends beyond individual products. “Our ambition is to build Zero Beyond Wellness as a brand that is genuinely focused on the health and wellness of the people of Pakistan. This partnership with Babar Azam represents an important step in that journey. We want to encourage people to think about wellness as an everyday commitment and to provide products that can become part of that lifestyle.” The statement places regular wellness habits at the centre of the collaboration. It positions the collection around everyday household use, covering several needs within one branded offering. The announcement did not include a statement from Babar or specify his involvement in product development. Fitness push beyond the cricket field The partnership adds a consumer wellness collaboration to Babar’s activities outside cricket. Gulf News also reported the agreement, describing its focus on home fitness, recovery and healthier living. Separately, it reported that Desert Vipers signed Babar at the ILT20 auction for his $80,000 base price. The wellness initiative comes against a broader public-health emphasis on regular movement. Read More: Babar Azam Joins Elite List After Stunning PSL Final Victory World Health Organization guidelines recommend 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly for adults, or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity. They also recommend muscle-strengthening exercises involving major muscle groups on at least two days each week. WHO notes that physical activity includes walking, cycling, recreation and household tasks, alongside structured exercise. These recommendations provide general context for home fitness; they do not assess or endorse the newly announced products.
China Seawater Hydrogen Plant Produces Fuel and Fresh Water
Chinese scientists have developed a seawater hydrogen plant that also produces fresh water, improving electricity utilisation by 14.4%. Its concentrated brine could support further recovery of uranium, bromine and salt. The 250-kilowatt system captures waste heat from hydrogen production to desalinate seawater, potentially lowering green hydrogen costs. Deng Dehui and Liu Yanting led the research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. Nature Energy published their study on September 15. Turning wasted heat into fresh water Hydrogen production from seawater generally follows two routes, each with drawbacks. Direct electrolysis exposes equipment to chloride ions, which trigger unwanted reactions and corrode the anode. Meanwhile, calcium and magnesium deposits build up on the cathode, reducing efficiency. The alternative removes salt through reverse osmosis or distillation before electrolysis splits purified water into hydrogen and oxygen. However, separate desalination equipment adds investment and energy costs. The Chinese team improved this second approach by addressing an overlooked energy loss. Read More: Pakistan’s Energy Boom: How Investors Are Flocking to Solar, Hydro, and Renewables Commercial alkaline electrolysers typically convert about 30% of electricity into waste heat at 80–90°C. Cooling systems usually remove this heat, consuming additional energy and fresh water. Instead, the researchers channelled it into a vacuum distillation tower. Reduced pressure allows seawater to boil at 40–50°C, after which the vapour condenses into fresh water. The process supplies the electrolyser’s water needs and leaves additional water for external use. The remaining brine offers a feedstock for staged mineral recovery, rather than demonstrating commercial uranium extraction itself. Plant delivers high-purity hydrogen The larger unit produces 48 standard cubic metres of hydrogen and 31.6 kilograms of fresh water per hour. Hydrogen purity reaches 99.9999%. SCMP reported annual production capacity of 380,000 standard cubic metres of hydrogen, equivalent to about 13.4 million standard cubic feet. It also cited 256 tonnes of fresh water annually. The system operated for 40 days with daily starts and stops, showing no obvious deterioration, according to the supplied report. SCMP described an earlier 25kW unit developed in 2023. However, the published study identifies a 20kW pilot that ran stably for 100 days. It produced 3.8 standard cubic metres of hydrogen and 1.2 kilograms of fresh water hourly. The institute said an earlier pilot secured an internationally leading assessment from the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation in 2023. Construction and commissioning of the 250kW plant followed in August 2024. Costs depend on cheap renewable electricity According to SCMP’s account, the study estimated hydrogen costs of $2.10 per kilogram using onshore wind electricity at $0.033 per kilowatt-hour. Solar electricity at $0.049 per kilowatt-hour raised the estimate to $2.90 per kilogram. The report cited a hydrogen selling price of about $3.90, suggesting potential profitability under those assumptions. Read More: Nara Dairy Farm Solar Project: FCEPL Adds Battery Storage These estimates do not establish a universal market price or guarantee commercial returns. Deng identified better catalysts, stronger waste-heat recovery and artificial intelligence to optimise operating conditions as priorities for further research.
