Pakistan captain Babar Azam said he was surprised by the sweeping changes to the team following the series loss to England at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Babar spoke to the media on the eve of the third Test at Edgbaston and addressed the changes to the Pakistan side.

The 31-year-old was asked how challenging it had been to cope with a week in which seven players and members of the coaching staff were sent home.

“Not difficult, but surprising,” he told reporters.

When asked again whether he had been involved in the decisions, including the call to send players back to Pakistan, Babar simply replied: “No.”

Regarding the disciplinary investigation and dramatic developments, Babar admitted that he was unaware of the decisions, and that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was better positioned to explain them.

“It was news to me. I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they will be able to explain better,” he continued.

“The PCB’s decision must have been taken after some thought process. It’s better if you ask them why. It’s an opportunity for us as a group and a team. The series is lost, but we have nothing to lose. We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team,” the skipper added.

The right-handed batter backed the young players, calling it a golden opportunity for them.

“It’s an opportunity for the new boys and a chance to showcase their talent. Any young player who comes in is excited, and that excitement is visible. I believe that will be visible in the match, too.”

“I firmly believe you need to grab opportunities and perform in difficult conditions. That’s why we play cricket, because we have to perform and dominate in difficult conditions. We need to forget about past failures and shift focus to the future.”

He also said he had no idea about the internal inquiry into the players over the disciplinary issues.

“No, I don’t know. I have no idea about it,” Babar concluded.

KARACHI: University of Karachi’s Chairman of the Department of Islamic Learning, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan Saqi, was allegedly assaulted and held captive for several hours at a hotel in Karachi following a minor road-rage incident, police officials said on Tuesday.

In a video statement, Prof. Arif Khan Saqi narrated the incident, saying he was travelling to the University of Karachi in an online cab when the incident occurred in the Safoora Goth area.

According to Arif Khan Saqi, a double cabin vehicle hit the cab.

Prof. Saqi said he asked the double cabin occupants to compensate for the loss and provide their contact details, pointing out that the online cab driver was a poor worker who might not be able to afford the damage.

سچل کے علاقے میں کالے ڈالے پر سوار شخص نے مسلح سیکیورٹی گارڈز کے ہمراہ چئیرمین ڈپارٹمنٹ آف اسلام لرننگ کے سینئرپروفیسر ڈاکٹر محمد عارف خان ساقی کو آن لائن کار ڈرائیورسمیت نا صرف بدترین تشدد کا نشانہ بنایا بلکہ گھسیٹتے ہوئے ہوٹل میں لے جاکر حبس بے جا میں بھی رکھا اور مارتے رہے،… pic.twitter.com/gVia0U92eE

— Nazir Shah (@SsyedHhussain) September 8, 2026

He alleged that the occupants and their security guards began assaulting him and the driver, striking them on the heads with the butt of a rifle.

The professor further alleged that the guards resorted to aerial firing during the incident and later took them to a hotel, where they were forcibly held captive for several hours.

He said Rangers personnel arrived at the scene during the incident, asked only for his name and then left and did not take any action. He added that Malir Cantonment police later intervened, rescued him and handed him over to Sachal police.

Read More: ‘I was blackmailed’: Ali Jafri details torture and threats in Karachi DHA case

Sachal police said a medico-legal certificate for Prof. Saqi had been prepared. He was found injured and subsequently taken into police custody for further legal proceedings.

Three suspects detained

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar took notice of the incident and sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East regarding the alleged assault and unlawful confinement of Prof. Saqi.

The SSP East later briefed the home minister, informing him that three suspects had been taken into police custody. He said legal action would be taken against all three.

Teachers’ association condemns attack

The University of Karachi Teachers’ Association strongly condemned the assault on Prof. Saqi and demanded the immediate arrest of everyone involved in the incident.

Protest outside University of Karachi

The incident also prompted a protest by the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT) outside the University of Karachi.

The protest caused traffic disruption, with the road from University Road towards Safoora Goth reportedly blocked for some time.

Global warming has become one of the most serious environmental challenges facing Pakistan. Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, melting glaciers, water shortages and extreme heat are increasingly affecting lives, agriculture and the economy. Despite the growing threat, the issue has yet to receive the urgent and sustained action it deserves.

Pakistan has experienced a significant rise in temperatures over the decades. Cities such as Turbat and Sibi regularly experience extreme summer heat, with temperatures sometimes approaching or exceeding 48°C. Such conditions pose serious health risks, particularly to children, older people, outdoor workers and those without access to cooling facilities.

Climate change is also threatening Pakistan’s water and agricultural systems. The country’s glaciers are changing rapidly, raising concerns about future water availability. Agriculture, which depends heavily on predictable weather and water supplies, is particularly vulnerable. Extreme heat can reduce the productivity of important crops such as wheat and cotton, putting additional pressure on food security and farmers’ livelihoods.

Deforestation is another major concern. Pakistan has limited forest cover, yet trees continue to be cut for timber, fuel and other purposes. Waste disposal and the burning of organic and other materials also contribute to greenhouse-gas emissions. These activities worsen environmental degradation and increase communities’ vulnerability to extreme weather.

Although Pakistan contributes relatively little to global greenhouse-gas emissions compared with major industrialised countries, it remains highly vulnerable to climate change. Domestic weaknesses, including poor urban planning, deforestation, inadequate water management and insufficient disaster preparedness, can further intensify its effects.

The government must therefore adopt stronger climate policies and invest in practical solutions. More trees should be planted and existing forests protected. Water resources must be conserved, renewable energy such as solar power promoted, and cities better planned to cope with extreme heat. Pakistan should also continue seeking greater international climate support, as countries that contribute least to global warming often suffer some of its most devastating consequences.

Global warming is not merely a future threat; its effects are already being felt. Protecting the environment requires action from governments, communities and individuals alike. If we act now, we can protect our water, agriculture, forests and future generations from an even greater climate crisis.

SHARI IQBAL,

Tijaban.