Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the government is pursuing strong economic reforms. He emphasized that policies must remain consistent and transparent beyond political interests. The goal is to strengthen the foundations of Pakistan’s economy for long-term growth. Speaking at the Pakistan Policy Dialogue, Ishaq Dar highlighted the government’s efforts under […]
PIA privatization
Shehbaz’s cabinet move may postpone Islamabad LG polls
Fears of another delay in Islamabad’s local government (LG) elections have risen after the federal cabinet approved a new amendment ordinance. The Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was formally ratified, sparking concerns about postponing polls once again. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting and extended New Year greetings to members. […]
Six-year pause ends as PIA returns London
Pakistan International Airlines will resume flights from Islamabad to London on March 29. The decision ends a six-year suspension of the major international route. PIA will operate four weekly flights from Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. London holds historic importance as PIA’s first international destination and remains a high-demand route. Therefore, the airline expects strong passenger […]
Khawaja Asif labels Imran Khan “200% self-interested”
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Imran Khan is not principled and only acts in self-interest. He claimed the PTI founder has no room for genuine negotiations. “Negotiations are give-and-take, but it’s not in Khan’s DNA,” he said. Asif accused Khan of prioritizing personal gain throughout his life. He added that PTI could progress if it […]
Arif Habib Group acquires PIA for PKR 135 billion
Islamabad: The Arif Habib Group consortium has acquired the national airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), for PKR 135 billion, marking a major step in the airline’s privatization process. The privatization bid process is being conducted in stages. Privatization Commission Adviser Muhammad Ali said the government’s goal is not merely to sell PIA, but to revive […]
PIA: From Asia’s pride to a symbol of lost glory
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once celebrated worldwide for its service, punctuality, and professionalism, now enters a new chapter through privatization. Yet PIA is more than a struggling airline—it is history, vision, and a dream that once flew across the globe. In an era when many airlines were still finding their footing, PIA led Asia, earning […]
PM Shehbaz ready for PTI talks, draws red line on blackmail
Islamabad, Pakistan – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the government is ready for talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) if the party engages in genuine negotiations. He stressed that no discussions will take place under illegal demands or blackmail. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, the premier reiterated that dialogue must follow legal and […]
PIA 75% stake privatization bidding tomorrow
Tomorrow marks a major step toward restructuring Pakistan International Airlines as bidding for the privatization of 75% shares will be held in Islamabad, with pre-qualified investors submitting sealed bids between 10:45am and 11:15am, officials confirmed, the bids will be opened at 3:30 pm in the presence of the media to ensure full transparency, while only […]
CJP forbids former PIA MDs from travelling abroad
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar on Thursday banned Pakistan International Airline’s (PIA) former Managing Directors (MD), who had served in the last ten years, from leaving Pakistan. A three-member bench headed by CJP proceeded with the suo moto notice case hearings of the national flag carrier’s privatization. The court ordered formation of a […]
CJ summons PIA MD on April 12
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice (CJ) Saqib Nisar on Friday summoned Managing Director (MD) of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to present an audit report of the national flag carrier on April 12. SC directed the MD to present an audit report and account statements of the last ten years. Previously, CJ had taken notice of PIA’S […]