Skip to main content

Zimbabwe Stuns Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2026 Thriller: Bennett and Raza Lead Tense Chase to Victory

Zimbabwe delivered a masterclass in Group B of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, toppling hosts Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in a nail-biting chase at Colombo. Chasing a target of 174, the Chevrons showcased depth across batting and bowling, with Brian Bennett’s explosive 70 off 49 balls and captain Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 62 steering them home with 5 balls to spare. Sri Lanka posted 173/6 thanks to half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka (60) and Kusal Mendis (52), but Zimbabwe’s bowlers led by Blessing Muzarabani’s 3/25  kept things tight. This win propelled Zimbabwe to the top of Group B, boosting their Super 8s hopes. Relive the action in the ICC’s official match highlights video . Key Performances and Turning Points Bennett’s aggressive knock, featuring 5 sixes and 6 fours, set the tone after early wickets, while Raza’s composed finish under pressure sealed the deal amid a roaring Colombo crowd. Muzarabani’s death-over yorkers restricted Sri Lanka, who lost momentum after a strong p...

Nationwide Traders’ Protest Set to Disrupt Business Across Pakistan Today, August 28

 


Traders across Pakistan are holding a nationwide shutter-down strike today, August 28, 2024, in response to growing dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies, particularly those imposed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This strike, led by the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran (APAT) and other prominent traders’ associations, is expected to significantly disrupt business activities in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.

Reasons Behind the Protest

The primary motivation behind the strike is opposition to the recent tax policies introduced by the FBR, which traders argue are impractical and harmful to their businesses. Among the key demands of the protesting traders are:

Withdrawal of New Tax Schemes: Traders are calling for the immediate withdrawal of FBR’s new tax schemes, including SROs G-236 and H-236, which they claim impose unreasonable financial burdens on small businesses  .

Removal of Withholding Taxes on Essentials: The protestors are demanding the removal of withholding taxes on essential goods such as pulses and flour, which they believe exacerbate the inflationary pressures already affecting consumers across the country .

Review of Agreements with IPPs: The traders have also urged the government to reassess its agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reduce electricity costs. This demand is coupled with calls to eliminate the slab system in electricity billing and to reverse recent increases in gas prices and additional security charges  .

End to Free Utilities for Government Officials: Another significant demand is the termination of free utilities and fuel allowances for high-ranking government officials, including the President and Prime Minister. The traders suggest that government officers should opt for more economical vehicles instead of luxury cars .

Support and Impact

The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), one of the largest business bodies in Pakistan, has expressed its support for the strike, highlighting the widespread frustration among traders and the business community. The KCCI’s backing indicates that today’s protest could have a substantial impact, potentially bringing commercial activities to a halt in Pakistan’s economic hubs .

Government’s Response and Possible Outcomes

So far, there has been no indication that the government plans to acquiesce to the traders’ demands. However, the nationwide strike could pressure the authorities to engage in negotiations with the traders’ leadership to avoid prolonged disruptions.


As the day unfolds, it will become clear whether the government will address the grievances of the trading community or if the strike will lead to further escalations, potentially intensifying the standoff between traders and the government.


In summary, today’s protest is a critical moment for Pakistan’s traders, as they collectively voice their discontent with the current economic policies. The outcome of this strike could have significant implications for both the business environment and 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

UAE Reaffirms Strong Ties with Pakistan on 77th Independence Day

 As Pakistan marked its 77th Independence Day, the UAE demonstrated its continued support and friendship. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of Pakistan on this significant occasion. His message was shared via his official account on X (formerly known as Twitter), where he expressed his warm wishes for Pakistan’s progress and stability. In his message, HH Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the enduring relationship between the UAE and Pakistan, emphasizing that as Pakistan moves forward in its journey toward development, the UAE remains committed to strengthening the bonds that unite the two nations. This gesture underscores the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Pakistan, a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a long history of cooperation. Pakistan and the UAE have maintained close diplomatic, economic, and cultural ...

Has Social Media Become the Loudest Voice for Justice in the Israel-Palestine Conflict?

  In a world filled with turmoil and suffering, social media emerges as a powerful force challenging narratives, demanding justice, and giving voice to the voiceless. The recent conflict in the Middle East has not only exposed the harsh realities faced by the Palestinians but also highlighted the evolving role of social media in shaping global opinions. The Unheard Voices of Palestine: A Cry for Justice As violence escalated, Palestinian voices struggled to be heard amidst a media landscape seemingly biased against them. The article delves into how mainstream Western media outlets inadvertently became mouthpieces for one side, prompting a surge in social media activism. Social Media as the Unfiltered Truth The narrative unfolds, revealing the dichotomy between mainstream media and the unfiltered truth found on social media platforms. Gripping accounts, poignant images, and raw emotions flooded these platforms, contrasting starkly with the restrained coverage from major news outlet...

No Ban On Airing Imran's Speeches, Pemra Tells LHC

 In a recent development, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) clarified to the Lahore High Court that there is no longer a ban on broadcasting former Prime Minister Imran Khan's speeches. This revelation came during the hearing of a petition filed by Imran, who had challenged Pemra's decision to prohibit satellite TV channels from airing his speeches and press talks. The initial ban was imposed swiftly after Imran criticized former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, accusing him of shielding current rulers in alleged corruption cases. Imran argued that Pemra's ban was fueled by vengeance, leading to a legal battle that spanned eight hearings. During the recent court session, Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza stressed that Pemra should refrain from pressuring TV channels on the concerns raised by the petitioner. Surprisingly, Pemra's counsel, Haroon Duggal, stated unequivocally that there is no existing ban on broadcasting Imran Khan's speeches. This reso...