China announced on Friday it was adding 14 European entities to an export control list in retaliation for the European Union penalizing 14 Chinese enterprises as part of its latest round of sanctions against Russia.

Chinese companies will not be allowed to export dual-use items, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, to the 14 European organizations, China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

Additionally, foreign companies are barred from providing to the 14 entities dual-use items made in China.

The European companies affected include Czech vehicle manufacturer Tatra Trucks, Italian electric motor maker Lafert SpA, German manufacturer Sindlhauser Materials GmbH and French drone manufacturer Cavok UAS.

A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said the measures were taken in retaliation for the E.U. on Thursday adding 14 mainland Chinese and Hong Kong enterprises to its latest list of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine.

The measures are intended “to safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, in response to the E.U.’s egregious actions,” the spokesperson said.

The E.U. on Thursday adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia targeting banks, cryptocurrency companies and military equipment manufacturers among other categories. The sanctions included entities from other countries such as China, India and Turkey, believed to provide Russia with dual-use goods and technology.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Pakistan is making fast progress in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) with universities, academia, students, industry and institutions working together to build a strong technology ecosystem.

The minister said that the two-day event was held to display a wide range of emerging technologies including industrial automation, mechanical robots, autonomous systems, defence technology, logistics and rescue robots, disaster management solutions, advanced navigation systems and simulators, while expressing satisfaction over the successful conclusion of RAS Expo 2026.

“Such exhibitions would continue to be organised by the government to provide a common platform for the young people, educational institutions and industry and promote technology-driven industries in the country,” she said.

PM announced $20 million to boost the advancement of robots and new technology, Shaza Fatima said. The government has also instructed the industry to develop improved simulators, she said, allowing enterprises to practically evaluate their manufacturing processes and take better advantage of automation.

The minister tried to allay fears that the emergence of advanced machines would mean a loss of human jobs, arguing that technology would not kill jobs but would change the nature of jobs. The future will demand competent people to design, build, run and repair robots and sophisticated gear, she said.

She pushed students to follow careers in subjects such as mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, AI and robots, saying the future economy would be based on these abilities.

“A technology oriented workforce would not only create new job opportunities for the youth but also play a pivotal role in the economy, industry and national development of Pakistan,” she added.

Rain washed out the first day of the first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first and were 23 for one when rain took players off the field.

The hosts lost their first wicket on 13 when opening batter Brandon King was bowled by Mohammad Abbas for 12 from 28 balls.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam says his side would have decided to bat first too had it won the toss. Speaking after the toss he added:

It was also Test debut for Pakistan’s 33-year-old left-arm spinner Ali Usman.