ISLAMABAD: Islamabad United defeated Quetta Gladiators by 39 runs in the first eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9th edition at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday.
Islamabad won the toss and chose to bat first in the game, with Martin Guptill playing a 56-run knock from 47 deliveries.
Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan added 31 and 23 runs respectively to take Islamabad to 174/9. In return, Quetta were all out for 135 runs.
“Islamabad United clinch the first Eliminator by 39 runs,” PSL commented on X after the match.
Mohammad Amir and Akeal Hosein claimed two wickets each, while Saud Shakeel dismissed one Islamabad batter.
Chasing a 175-run target, Omair Yousuf hit a brilliant half century from 37 deliveries, but it was not enough.
Hosein and Amir scored 31 and 23 runs as Quetta crashed at 135 in the 19th over.
For Islamabad, left-arm spinner Imad Wasim claimed 3-12, pacer Naseem Shah dismissed two and Obed McCoy took one wicket.
Two-time former champion Islamabad will face off Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator on Saturday.
The winner will progress into Monday’s final against Multan Sultans.
Islamabad United thump Quetta Gladiators in PSL playoff
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Islamabad United thump Quetta Gladiators in PSL playoff
- Chasing a 175-run target, Omair Yousuf hit half century from 37 deliveries, but it was not enough for Quetta
- Martin Guptill played a 56-run knock, left-arm spinner Imad Wasim claimed 3-12 to guide Islamabad to victory
Planning minister says Pakistan to set up advanced technology centers to support economic growth
- Ahsan Iqbal says planned centers to focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nanotechnology
- He also cites satellite technology as key tool for climate monitoring, early warning and disaster management
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to set up technology Centers of Excellence, including facilities focused on quantum computing and nanotechnology, as it seeks to benefit from rapid advances in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, state media reported on Friday.
The announcement was made by Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who said the government aims to position Pakistan to compete in future technologies that are expected to drive economic growth and reshape global industries.
Quantum computing, which uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information far more quickly than conventional computers, has applications ranging from complex data analysis and cryptography to climate modeling and materials science. Nanotechnology focuses on engineering materials at the molecular level and is widely used in energy storage, medicine and electronics.
Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, Iqbal said countries that master artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing and space technologies would lead the global economy in the coming decades.
“During the address, the minister said Pakistan’s efforts to align itself with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, space innovation and emerging technologies reflect the country’s ambition to participate confidently in shaping the future,” Radio Pakistan reported.
“Ahsan Iqbal further announced that the government plans to establish three Centers of Excellence, including a National Center for Quantum Computing and a National Center for Nanotechnology, aimed at upgrading the national economy,” it added.
He informed the ceremony that measures were underway to develop a new Silicon Valley in Pakistan “to promote cross-fertilization of ideas and innovation by bringing talent, research and industry together under one roof.”
The minister also highlighted the role of technology in tackling climate challenges, noting that satellite systems are increasingly used worldwide for disaster management, early warning systems and climate monitoring.
Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, can benefit from satellite technology to track weather patterns, manage floods and improve disaster preparedness, he said, adding that more than 9,000 satellites currently orbit the Earth and are transforming how economies and governments operate.
Iqbal said the planned centers would support Pakistan’s broader “Uraan Pakistan” vision, which focuses on exports, digital development, energy and infrastructure, environmental resilience and social equity, Radio Pakistan reported.
