Pakistan’s mango industry is facing one of its toughest seasons, with farmers suffering heavy financial losses due to declining exports and worsening climate conditions.

A major factor has been the sharp fall in exports caused by geopolitical tensions, particularly the prolonged closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier. Afghanistan has traditionally been one of Pakistan’s largest markets for fresh produce because of its proximity, minimal sanitary requirements and role as a gateway to Central Asia.

Last year, Pakistan exported about 109,600 tonnes of mangoes, with Afghanistan accounting for 22,500 tonnes, or more than 20% of total exports. The previous season, exports to Afghanistan reached 28,700 tonnes. This year, however, Pakistan has exported no mangoes to Afghanistan despite shipping fruit to markets around the world.

The conflict in Iran has also disrupted exports to Gulf countries by affecting shipping routes, reducing vessel availability and increasing freight costs. As a result, exports to the United Arab Emirates—Pakistan’s largest mango market—have fallen sharply. Although shipments to Iran and Oman have risen, they have not offset losses elsewhere. By July 6, Pakistan had exported just 42,343 tonnes of mangoes, compared with 55,684 tonnes during the same period last year.

Climate change has further compounded growers’ problems. Erratic rainfall, prolonged heatwaves, rising temperatures and damaging windstorms during flowering and fruit development have reduced yields and fruit quality.

The changing climate has also increased pest and disease outbreaks. Mango malformation disease caused widespread damage in Sindh, while growers spent heavily on pesticides and fungicides with limited success. As a result, lower-quality B- and C-grade fruit make up a much larger share of this year’s crop than premium A-grade mangoes.

Some experts estimate climate-related stresses have cut production by 20 to 30 percent this season. Farmers now face lower yields, poorer quality fruit, rising production costs and weak market demand.

Growers in Sindh say low export volumes and falling prices have left many unable to recover even their production costs, raising concerns about the long-term viability of mango farming.

Domestic demand has also weakened as rising inflation and falling purchasing power make premium fruits increasingly unaffordable for many households.

The decline is reflected in the shrinking area under fruit cultivation, which fell from 0.80 million hectares in FY2013 to 0.69 million hectares in FY2024. Many farmers are replacing long-term orchards with annual crops that provide quicker and more reliable returns.

Experts say Pakistan must invest in climate-resilient fruit varieties, modern orchard management, value-added processing and diversified export markets if its horticulture sector is to remain competitive in the face of climate change and shifting global trade conditions.

The countdown is on for the inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League (AWPL), with just seven days remaining before the country’s newest national wrestling competition gets underway in Kabul.

The tournament will run from July 20 to July 29 at the AGDPES Gymnasium in Kabul, with matches scheduled daily from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) will broadcast every match live and exclusively across Afghanistan after securing the league’s exclusive broadcasting rights under a five-year agreement with the Afghanistan Wrestling Federation.

The inaugural season is expected to feature around 350 wrestlers from across Afghanistan representing 10 regional teams and competing in 10 weight categories, making it one of the largest wrestling competitions ever staged in the country.

The championship was originally scheduled to be held from June 1 to June 10, but organisers postponed the event to allow additional time for preparations and to ensure better arrangements for athletes, teams and tournament operations.

Wrestling remains one of Afghanistan’s most popular traditional sports, and officials believe the launch of the Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League marks a significant step towards establishing a structured national competition that will strengthen the sport’s future.

Organisers also hope the league will provide greater exposure for Afghan wrestlers, create new opportunities for emerging talent and contribute to the long-term development of wrestling across the country.

ATN’s exclusive coverage of the tournament continues the network’s commitment to supporting Afghan sport by bringing major national and international competitions to audiences throughout Afghanistan.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana Television Network’s television channels, website and social media platforms for the full match schedule, team news and tournament updates ahead of the opening day.

The Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League Season 1 will be broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television Network (ATN) across Afghanistan.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its decisive stage, with just four nations remaining in contention for football’s biggest prize after more than a month of competition across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Former champions France, Spain, England and Argentina will contest the semi-finals this week, with the winners advancing to Sunday’s World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Each of the remaining teams has overcome difficult challenges to reach the last four, setting up two blockbuster encounters between some of the world’s highest-ranked football nations.

France enters as favorites

France head into the semi-finals widely regarded as the strongest side left in the tournament after another impressive campaign built around one of the most dangerous attacking line-ups in world football.

Led by captain Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus have looked composed throughout the competition, conceding only two goals in six matches while continuing to create chances through Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.

Didier Deschamps’ side will face its toughest test so far against Spain but will be confident after maintaining consistent form throughout the tournament.

Spain chasing a second world title

European champions Spain have once again impressed with their disciplined defence and fluid attacking football.

La Roja conceded their first goal of the tournament in the quarter-finals against Belgium after keeping six consecutive clean sheets, one of the longest defensive streaks in World Cup history.

Teenage star Lamine Yamal continues to show flashes of brilliance following his return from injury, while Mikel Merino has emerged as one of Spain’s unlikely heroes after scoring dramatic late winners during the knockout stages.

Spain will now face France in what many observers believe could be the tournament’s highest-quality match.
England relying on resilience

England have yet to consistently produce their best football but have once again demonstrated their ability to win under pressure.

Manager Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the semi-finals after overcoming Norway, with Jude Bellingham once again playing a decisive role in securing victory.

The Three Lions have shown resilience throughout the tournament, surviving difficult knockout matches against Mexico and Norway despite rarely dominating possession.

England will now renew one of football’s oldest rivalries when they take on defending champions Argentina in Atlanta.

With players including Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, England will hope their pace and attacking movement can trouble an experienced Argentine side.

Argentina seeking back-to-back titles

Defending champions Argentina remain in contention to retain the World Cup despite several unconvincing performances during the knockout rounds.

Lionel Messi has continued to inspire his team, but Argentina have been pushed hard by Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland before eventually progressing.

The South Americans needed extra time to eliminate Switzerland in the quarter-finals after another closely fought contest, highlighting both their experience and ability to find results even when not playing at their best.

Argentina’s clash with England is expected to carry added significance given the long-standing football rivalry between the two nations.

Semi-finals promise heavyweight clashes

With eight previous World Cup titles shared between the four remaining teams, the semi-finals promise two of the biggest matches of the tournament.

France and Spain meet in a contest between two of Europe’s strongest footballing nations, while England and Argentina renew one of international football’s most historic rivalries.

The winners will advance to Sunday’s World Cup final, where the 2026 champions will be crowned.