KIST

A Pakistani astronaut is set to travel to space as part of China's expanding space cooperation programme. The move is being framed as space diplomacy, with Beijing using joint space missions to strengthen ties with partners like Islamabad. Observers are highlighting what the arrangement signals about China's ambitions to build international alliances in space, alongside its cooperation with Pakistan more broadly.

India and Pakistan have both advanced to the cricket semifinals at the Asian Games after their quarterfinal matches were washed out by rain. The weather cancellations sent both sides through, keeping alive the possibility of a high-profile India-Pakistan showdown in the latter stages of the tournament in China, a fixture that reliably draws huge attention whenever the two meet.

Rain washed out play in the men's cricket tournament at the Asian Games in China, but the washout means India and Pakistan remain on course to meet in the final. With both nations rarely playing each other outside ICC events, a potential India-Pakistan gold medal match is drawing attention from fans and media across the region.

The Texas Supreme Court has reversed a Houston resident's divorce that was granted under Sharia law in Pakistan. The ruling means the divorce, previously recognised under Pakistani Islamic law, will not stand under Texas jurisdiction. The decision touches on ongoing debates in the United States about the recognition of foreign and religious law in family court matters, and its treatment of cross-border marital status.

Pakistan has carried out strikes inside Afghanistan, in an escalation of cross-border tensions between the two neighbours. Coverage frames the action alongside Türkiye as a coordinated show of strength, suggesting the two countries are sending a unified message to Kabul. Details on casualties or targets remain limited, and the wider diplomatic fallout is being closely watched across the region.

England white-ball captain Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the Pakistan Tri-series with a hamstring injury. His withdrawal is a significant blow to England's preparations ahead of upcoming limited-overs fixtures, and attention now turns to the severity of the injury and whether he will be fit for the tournament that follows.

Shaun Tait left his position as Pakistan's fast bowling coach in 2023, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is now reportedly considering bringing him back to the role. Reports revisiting why he departed the setup have resurfaced alongside speculation about a possible return to the national team's coaching staff.