ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday thanked the people of Karachi along with the civilian administration and security agencies for making the first 15 HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches a huge success.
A professional Twenty20 cricket league that annually brings together six teams representing different Pakistani cities, the PSL was first played in the United Arab Emirates in 2016.
The league’s seventh edition began in Karachi on January 27.
After the first 15 and highly thrilling matches played in the country’s commercial capital, the tournament has moved to Lahore for its second phase where the first match will be played between defending champions Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi on February 10.
“On behalf of the PCB, I want to thank all civil and security agencies who created and delivered a safe and secure environment for all participants,” said the tournament director Salman Naseer. “Their outstanding arrangements and measures were closely followed abroad and played a part in Cricket Australia confirming their tour of Pakistan for three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I. I also want to congratulate the spectators who, despite being in small numbers, created an ambiance and atmosphere that rocked the National Stadium.”
He said every boundary, wicket and achievement was wholeheartedly appreciated which reflected people’s passion for the game.
Naseer recognized that children under 12 years of age missed the action due to the coronavirus restrictions, though he hoped that they would be allowed to enter the stadium during the tour of the Australian cricket team.
“The PCB values and respects its fans, and will always continue to create opportunities for them to enjoy and be part of our successful journey,” he continued.
The PSL is scheduled to continue till February 27 when the final match will be played between two top tournament teams.
Pakistan Cricket Board thanks Karachi for PSL7 support
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Pakistan Cricket Board thanks Karachi for PSL7 support
- The tournament has moved to Lahore for the second phase after its first 15 matches were played in Karachi
- PSL is scheduled to continue till Feb. 27 when the final match will be played between two top teams of the tournament
US says trade with Pakistan could top $8 billion in 2025
- US chargé d’affaires links rising trade to deeper economic engagement with Pakistan
- Visit comes amid broader effort by Islamabad and Washington to improve bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD: Trade between the United States and Pakistan is projected to exceed $8 billion in 2025, the US Embassy said on Tuesday, as Washington signaled confidence in Pakistan’s export base and economic potential during a high-profile visit to the industrial city of Sialkot.
The projection was highlighted by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker during meetings with Pakistani exporters and business leaders, underlining the importance Washington places on trade, investment and supply-chain cooperation as the two countries seek to stabilize and expand their economic relationship.
“Highlighting the growth in trade between the United States and Pakistan, which was projected to reach over $8 billion in 2025, Baker said, ‘Expanding trade reflects a strong foundation that highlights the positive impact of US economic engagement in Pakistan and globally. The United States and Pakistan are pursuing a fair and balanced trade relationship that creates prosperity for both our nations’,” the US embassy said in a statement.
The envoy said the United States had been Pakistan’s largest export market and a leading investor, presenting significant opportunities for expanded trade and shared prosperity.
“The United States remains deeply invested in Pakistan and its people,” Baker said, “building on a partnership that dates back to Pakistan’s independence and continues to grow through trade, innovation, education, and cultural exchange.”
The visit comes amid a broader effort by Islamabad and Washington to improve bilateral ties under US President Donald Trump’s second term, after years of uneven engagement. Since mid-2025, the two sides have stepped up diplomatic contacts, including meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s military leadership and US officials, alongside discussions on trade, minerals, security cooperation and regional stability.
Pakistan has also sought to re-energize economic diplomacy with Washington as it works to boost exports, attract foreign investment and stabilize its economy under an IMF-backed reform program.
In July 2025, the two countries agreed to a bilateral trade deal that included reciprocal tariff reductions and frameworks for US investment in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors, a step Islamabad has hailed as opening new avenues for economic collaboration.
During her visit, Baker toured leading exporters including Forward Sports, First American Corporation (FAC) and CA Sports, companies that are deeply embedded in global supply chains. The embassy said nearly 70 percent of FAC’s exports go to the United States, illustrating sustained US consumer demand for Pakistani-made goods.
Baker also visited Sialkot International Airport and met with the leadership of AirSial, highlighting private-sector-led infrastructure and logistics as key to Pakistan’s export growth.
