RELIANCE

LONDON — Pakistan are facing a difficult battle to save the Test against England at Lord’s after a dramatic collapse in their first innings left them chasing a formidable target of 389 runs. By the time of reporting, Pakistan had reached 115 for four in their second innings after 32 overs, leaving them 274 runs short of victory with six wickets still in hand. The tourists, however, have shown signs of resistance through Saud Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 67 and completed a composed half-century while attempting to keep Pakistan’s hopes alive. Pakistan’s Top Order Under Pressure Chasing 389, Pakistan suffered an early setback as England’s bowlers immediately put pressure on the visitors. Ollie Robinson claimed three wickets while Jofra Archer added another, reducing Pakistan to 111 for four. The early strikes left the visitors in serious trouble before Shakeel attempted to stabilize the innings. Captain Shan Masood contributed 26 , sharing a fourth-wicket partnership with Shakee...

DHAKA — Bangladesh is moving to strengthen its defense cooperation with China and Pakistan as part of a broader effort to modernize its military capabilities, with plans reportedly advancing for the acquisition of Chinese-made fighter jets, helicopters and drones. The developments could mark a significant upgrade for Bangladesh's air force and come amid a changing strategic environment in South Asia. Expanding Military Cooperation with Pakistan Bangladesh and Pakistan have also stepped up military-to-military contacts. In January, the chiefs of the two countries' air forces held talks on expanding cooperation in areas including military training, space technology and possible defense procurement. The discussions reportedly included the potential acquisition of Pakistan-China jointly developed JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, as well as greater cooperation in training and technological capabilities. The growing engagement represents a notable expansion of defense contacts betwe...

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has criticised the 10-match suspension imposed on him by FIFA following a confrontation after the World Cup final, describing the punishment as excessive. The Boca Juniors midfielder also questioned the disparity between his sanction and the one handed to Spain midfielder Gavi, who received a one-match ban over the same incident. Speaking after Boca Juniors' match against Lanus, Paredes expressed his frustration with the length of his suspension. “I think it is excessive,” Paredes said, while pointing to what he considered an inconsistency in FIFA's disciplinary decisions. He also referred to Gavi's punishment, claiming that the Spanish midfielder had struck him in the chest during the confrontation. FIFA hands down multiple suspensions FIFA imposed lengthy sanctions on several members of the Argentina delegation following the post-match confrontation. Paredes received the most severe punishment, with a 10-match suspension...

LONDON/MADRID: Arsenal's hopes of signing Julian Alvarez appear to have suffered a setback, with the Argentina forward reportedly reluctant to move to the north London club and instead keeping Barcelona as his preferred destination. Transfer specialist David Ornstein has reported that Alvarez spoke directly with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta about the possibility of joining the Premier League club. During their conversation, the forward reportedly made clear that he was not keen on making the move. According to Ornstein, Alvarez's preference for Barcelona is currently a major obstacle to any potential transfer to Arsenal. However, the situation could still change before the transfer window closes. Barcelona interest continues Alvarez has been at the centre of transfer speculation throughout the summer, with Barcelona repeatedly exploring the possibility of bringing the former Manchester City forward to Camp Nou. Atletico Madrid, however, have resisted Barcelona's approaches...

WASHINGTON: Barron Trump, the youngest son of US President Donald Trump, has largely withdrawn from public view as security concerns surrounding his family intensify amid a broader climate of political violence in the United States. Now 20, Barron is reportedly living a highly private life under enhanced security, with his movements kept to a minimum. A person close to the Trump family told The Post that he rarely goes out. Barron recently completed his second year at New York University. Much of his summer was reportedly spent with his mother, First Lady Melania Trump, at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. People familiar with him describe him as a private and reserved young man who generally avoids the spotlight. Growing security concerns The security environment surrounding the Trump family has become increasingly tense following several serious threats against the president. Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt in July 2024 when he was wounded by gun...

DHAKA, August 29: Gold prices have fallen in Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) reduced the prices of gold across several grades, citing a decline in the price of locally traded bullion. The association also announced lower prices for silver. The revised rates came into effect at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29 . The new prices were approved at a meeting of BAJUS’s Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring , following a review of movements in the local bullion and silver markets. 22-carat gold price cut by Tk 7,109 Under the revised pricing structure, the price of 22-carat gold has been set at Tk 240,636 per bhori , down from the previous price of Tk 247,745. The reduction amounts to Tk 7,109 per bhori . The new prices per gram are: 22-carat gold: Tk 20,630 21-carat gold: Tk 19,700 18-carat gold: Tk 16,920 Traditional-method gold: Tk 13,820 On a per-bhori basis, the price of 21-carat gold is approximately Tk 229,891 , while 18-carat gold will ...

DHAKA: Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem has said the killing of student activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi will not bring an end to the struggle against what he described as fascism, domination and injustice. In a message published in “Barudmakha Kathamala,” a compilation of Hadi’s speeches and statements, Kayem said the campaign to build a more just and discrimination-free Bangladesh would continue. The book has been edited by Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad, DUCSU’s literature and cultural affairs secretary. ‘The struggle will continue’ Kayem said Hadi had inspired young people to stand up for justice, speak out against what he called domination and aggression, and challenge systems of political and social influence that he described as “mafia rule.” According to Kayem, Hadi’s speeches reflected a firm commitment to building a new Bangladesh based on justice and equality. He said those responsible for Hadi’s killing may have believed that elim...