Author: Ayan Achakzai

What’s Next for PIA as Privatisation Bidding is Delayed Again? The privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has hit another snag, with the government deciding to delay the financial bidding process until October 31. The previous deadline of October 1 was extended due to low bidder interest and unresolved legal and operational issues. This delay has raised concerns about the airline’s future and whether the much-needed reforms will materialize anytime soon. According to sources, the fleet’s ageing and the ongoing European Union ban on PIA flights to Europe have been significant hurdles in attracting investors. Despite these challenges, PIA CEO…

Pakistan Requests Additional $1.5 Billion Loan from IMF for Climate Resilience NEW YORK – Pakistan has formally requested an additional $1.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its efforts in combating climate change, ARY News reported. The loan will aid Pakistan’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability Facility, aimed at promoting economic stability and sustainable development in the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the request during a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate climate impacts. The IMF has already extended significant support to Pakistan through various programs, including…

Viral Video of Islamabad Cashier’s Remarks on Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa Sparks Debate A video recently went viral showing a cashier from Crusteez, a popular eatery in Islamabad’s Blue Area, making derogatory remarks towards Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, depicts the cashier refusing service to the Chief Justice while using a word that, although not explicitly vulgar, carried a negative connotation akin to a curse or condemnation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ground Zero Pakistan (@groundzeropk_) The incident occurred while Chief Justice Faez Isa…

PM Shehbaz Sharif Urges UN to Act on Kashmir and Palestine Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In their meeting, PM Shehbaz called on the UN to implement the UN Security Council resolutions regarding Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir. He raised concerns about India’s actions in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and stressed the need to resolve this dispute for lasting peace in South Asia. Additionally, PM Shehbaz condemned Israel’s genocidal actions against…

Polio Cases in Pakistan Reach 22 as Balochistan Becomes Epicenter ISLAMABAD: A 30-month-old boy from Pishin, Balochistan, has been diagnosed with polio, raising the total number of polio cases in Pakistan to 22 this year. This case highlights the concentration of polio cases in Balochistan, which is now the epicenter of the outbreak. According to officials from the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), the National Institute of Health confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in the child from Pishin. The increasing number of polio cases in Balochistan is alarming, with 15 of the 22 cases in 2024 originating…

FBR Rules Out Mini-Budget, Faces Challenges in Tax Collection The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has ruled out any mini-budget, expressing confidence in achieving its revenue target of Rs12.97 trillion for the current fiscal year, despite existing challenges. Earlier, the FBR considered generating Rs650 billion through a mini-budget but decided to focus on cracking down on tax evaders instead. During a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, FBR Member Policy Hamid Ateeq Sarwar acknowledged significant hurdles in meeting the tax target. Sarwar highlighted challenges in conducting audits and recruiting new staff. Out of…

CJP Isa Responds to Shah’s Concerns Over SC Practice Committee Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Qazi Faez Isa, has formally responded to Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s letter, addressing concerns about the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Committee. This exchange marks a significant internal discussion within the judiciary. Justice Shah had previously declined to participate in the committee’s meeting, citing the exclusion of Justice Muneeb Akhtar as a key issue. Justice Shah raised concerns about collegial decision-making, emphasizing that concentrating administrative powers in one individual goes against the principles of judicial fairness and transparency. Shah referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling in…

PM Shehbaz Sharif Urges UN to Impose Sanctions on Israel Over Gaza Conflict During a UN Security Council debate on “Leadership for Peace” at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the UN to impose sanctions on Israel, including an arms and trade embargo, in response to its genocidal acts in Gaza. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for urgent action to halt the escalating violence and prevent further destabilization in the Middle East. For more global updates, visit UN News. PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Call for Israel Sanctions and Global Peace PM Shehbaz Sharif urged…

IMF Approves $7 Billion Loan for Pakistan Under Extended Fund Facility The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $7 billion loan for Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), allowing for the immediate disbursement of $1.1 billion. This marks a crucial step in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy as the country faces liquidity challenges and seeks to boost its foreign exchange reserves. For more on international financial agreements, visit IMF’s Official Page. Key Policy Goals of the IMF Loan for Pakistan The IMF loan is designed to enhance macroeconomic stability, reduce inflation, and improve public finances in Pakistan. The program targets…

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Escalation Brings New Air Strikes The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has sharply escalated with Israel launching air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. This latest surge in violence has led to 492 deaths, including 35 children, marking the deadliest escalation since their 2006 war. Operation Northern Arrows and Hezbollah’s Retaliation Israel’s Operation Northern Arrows has targeted 1,600 Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah launched a barrage of 50 projectiles into northern Israel. The renewed violence follows months of cross-border exchanges since October 7, intensifying the ongoing conflict. For more on regional conflicts, visit Al Jazeera’s Conflict Section. Civilian…