Pakistan PM urges unity, economic resilience in New Year message

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif addressing the federal cabinet (not in picture) in Islamabad on December 23, 2025. (Screengrab/PTV official-YouTube)
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Updated 01 January 2026
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Pakistan PM urges unity, economic resilience in New Year message

  • Sharif says Pakistan stabilized economy, countered security threats in 2025
  • The prime minister vows reform, unity and diplomacy as the country enters 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged national unity, economic resilience and a continued focus on reform in a New Year message on Wednesday, saying the country had weathered security and economic challenges in 2025 and must now build on its gains as it enters 2026.

Sharif’s statement comes as Pakistan seeks to consolidate macroeconomic stabilization and navigate a volatile regional and global environment. He framed the year ahead as one requiring cohesion, discipline and sustained reform, while reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to diplomacy and multilateral engagement.

“Over the past year, we responded to the aggression of enemies and countered the menace of terrorism with matchless courage and bravery, both on the battlefield and in negotiation rooms,” the prime minister said in a post on social media platform X.

“We have also taken meaningful steps to strengthen economic fundamentals, improve governance, expand social protection, and lay the groundwork for long-term development,” he added. “Our efforts are guided by our collective resolve to build a stable, self-reliant, and prosperous Pakistan that delivers opportunity and dignity to every citizen.”

Sharif said Pakistan had begun to restore confidence through fiscal discipline, structural reforms and renewed momentum in investment, exports and energy security, crediting the public’s “hard work, patience, and sacrifices” for recent progress.

On foreign policy, he said the country would continue to prioritize dialogue and cooperation amid rising instability.

“At a time of global uncertainty and conflict, Pakistan will continue to advocate dialogue over confrontation, development over division, and cooperation over unilateralism,” he said.

“With unity, discipline, and hard work, we shall build a Pakistan that is economically strong, socially just, and resilient in the face of challenges,” Sharif added.


PCB sets Feb. 11 as date for player auction for Pakistan Super League 11th edition

Updated 25 January 2026
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PCB sets Feb. 11 as date for player auction for Pakistan Super League 11th edition

  • The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and a maximum of 20
  • The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced that the player auction for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held on Feb. 11, setting the stage for franchises to begin assembling squads for the country’s premier Twenty20 tournament.

The development came after a workshop regarding PSL player auction at the Qaddafi Stadium, which was presided over by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL CEO Salman Naseer.

The workshop was attended by PSL officials, all eight franchise representatives, members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, PCB officials and other capped players.

“The HBL PSL management shared a detailed presentation on the mechanics of the retention and the auction process and consulted with all the participants,” the PCB said.

“It was agreed that the HBL PSL player auction will take place on Wednesday, 11 February.”

The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and maximum of 20 players per franchise. The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size, according to the PCB.

It would be mandatory for the franchises to play minimum of three and maximum of four foreign players in the playing XI. The teams are also required to have minimum of two uncapped Under 23 players in the squad and one in the playing XI.

Players either retained or picked in the auction will be engaged for two-year contracts with their respective franchise teams, the board said, adding that franchise teams will be able to retain a maximum of seven players for the 12th edition of the tournament.

“I’m delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for bright future for the HBL PSL,” Naqvi said.

“The Player Auction model is a landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive.”

PSL CEO Naseer said the player auction system modernizes player recruitment by promoting fairness, transparency, and market-driven value, strengthening the PSL’s appeal for both players and franchises.

“Today’s workshop saw all views being taken into consideration and this rich feedback will be reflected in our execution of a successful player auction scheduled next month,” he said.

PSL has become a key pillar of the country’s cricket economy, providing financial stability to the PCB and serving as a talent pipeline for the national team. The 11th edition of the league is set to begin from Mar. 26 while the final is expected to be played on May 3, as per the PCB’s schedule.