KARACHI: The bidding process for Pakistan’s national airline will open on Thursday, with just one participant in the first major privatization in over a decade.
The cash-strapped country is looking to offload a 51-100 percent stake in debt-ridden Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to raise funds and reform bleeding state-owned enterprises as envisaged under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
The Privatization Ministry said that the process would begin at 1:30 p.m. (0830 GMT) and bids will be opened at 6:30 p.m. in Islamabad.
The government had pre-qualified six groups in June, but only one — real estate development company Blue World City — met a Tuesday deadline to submit final documents to participate in the process.
Officials from three groups that chose not to bid told Reuters on condition of anonymity that there were concerns about the government’s ability to stand by agreements made for the flag carrier in the long term.
One executive voiced concern about policy continuity once a new government came in. The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has relied on a coalition of disparate political parties.
The disposal of PIA is a step former governments have steered away from as it has been highly unpopular given the number of layoffs that would likely result from it.
Underpinning these concerns over policy continuity and honoring contracts was the government’s termination of power purchase contracts with five private companies earlier this month, as well as the process of re-negotiating other sovereign guaranteed pacts.
Changes in Pakistan’s decade-old agreements with private Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects, largely financed by foreign lenders, to address chronic power shortages, “raises the risk of investing as well as doing business in Pakistan, even in the presence of sovereign contracts as well as guarantees,” said Sakib Sherani, an economist who heads private firm Macro Economic Insights.
Other concerns raised by potential bidders included inconsistent government communication, unattractive terms and taxes on the sector, in addition to PIA’s legacy issues and reputation.
Pakistan to hold final bidding for national airline with shortlist of one
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Pakistan to hold final bidding for national airline with shortlist of one
- Groups choosing not to bid raise concerns about government’s ability to meet commitments in long term
- Pakistan previously stayed away from disposing of PIA since it is likely to involve a large number of layoffs
Pakistan moves Boeing aircraft by road in unprecedented Karachi-Hyderabad journey
- Decommissioned plane, previously stationed in Karachi, will be used for training purposes
- Transporting it on a 40-wheel trailer required dismantling its wings, engines and wheels
KARACHI: A private company in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province is moving a decommissioned Boeing 737 between cities via a major highway, with news channels widely reporting the development on Thursday.
The grounded 350-seat aircraft, previously stationed at Karachi Airport, is being shifted to Hyderabad for training purposes.
Transporting the plane on a 40-wheel trailer required dismantling its wings, engines and wheels to enable safe intercity travel on the M-9 Motorway.
Although Hyderabad is typically over two hours from Karachi at normal speeds, the journey is expected to take longer due to the aircraft’s cautious travel speed.
“The aircraft has crossed Karachi Toll Plaza and is now traveling from the M-9 Motorway toward Hyderabad,” a brief statement shared among media groups said, as local channels broadcast visuals of the plane mounted on the trailer.
“It will be driven at a speed of 20 to 30 kilometers an hour,” the statement added.
Pakistan’s Geo TV quoted the Motorway Police as saying that the highway between the two cities will not be blocked during the transfer.
The vehicle carrying the aircraft has been instructed to drive on one side of the road, escorted by Civil Aviation Authority staff and security.
“The plane is being moved as per protocol,” the channel reported.
Pakistan imposes ‘green lockdown’ in Lahore smog hotspots as pollution hits hazardous levels
- Lockdown will restrict pollution-heavy activities, such as outdoor cooking, in designated areas
- Authorities plan a ‘wall of trees’ around the city to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality
ISLAMABAD: The Punjab provincial administration announced Wednesday it will impose “green lockdowns” in Lahore’s smog hotspots as the city faces dangerously high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, prompting strict measures to protect residents’ health and reduce escalating pollution levels.
The provincial authorities have already implemented several measures to combat Lahore’s hazardous smog, including a mandatory mask policy citywide and a temporary suspension of all outdoor school activities. Additionally, a ban on fireworks will remain in place until January 31, 2025.
The green lockdown will strengthen these efforts by restricting pollution-heavy activities such as outdoor cooking at barbecue spots and banning smoke-emitting public transport from operating in the city’s most affected areas
“There are eleven hotspots where AQI levels have been calculated, with Shimla Pahari currently identified as a key hotspot,” senior Punjab provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb told the province’s legislative assembly while listing down measures taken by the government to deal with the issue.
“Around this area, we’re mapping a green ring to enforce a green lockdown,” she added. “However, it doesn’t mean we are closing Shimla Pahari itself. Instead, we are halting construction activities within a one-kilometer radius from today and redirecting three-wheeler rickshaws away from this hotspot.”
She also noted that the government planned a “wall of trees” around the city to control carbon emissions and improve the air quality.
Lahore’s winter smog has become an annual crisis, with air quality deteriorating to hazardous levels each season. The city consistently ranks among the world’s worst for air pollution, leading to a significant rise in respiratory issues and hospital admissions, especially affecting children and the elderly.
Last year, the severe pollution levels prompted a surge in cases of asthma, lung infections and other respiratory problems among residents, according to media reports.
The problem prompted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif this week to propose cross-border cooperation with Indian authorities to tackle shared pollution sources, such as crop residue burning, which exacerbates the region’s smog problem.
Pakistan says remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, Palestine
- Pakistan has dispatched 17 relief consignments to Lebanon and Gaza since October last year
- Over 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in over twelve months of war
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Thursday it remained committed to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and Lebanon, as dozens were killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley this week.
Israel has carried out thousands of air strikes across Lebanon over the past five weeks, targeting what it says are Hezbollah’s operatives, infrastructure and weapons. It also launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza in October last year, killing over 42,000 Palestinians since.
Pakistan has so far dispatched 17 relief consignments for Gaza and Lebanon, including winterized tents, food items and hygiene kits. Pakistan has also set up a special account, “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon,” under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directions, for donations for the people of Gaza and Lebanon.
“Pakistan remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Lebanon and Palestine,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at a weekly press briefing.
“Last week, Pakistan sent two more planeloads of humanitarian aid to Lebanon. Thus far four special cargo planes with essential humanitarian supplies have arrived in Lebanon from Pakistan. Our support will continue.”
Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s call for an “immediate secession of hostilities” as well as the protection of civilians and “unrestricted humanitarian access” to those in urgent need.
Baloch urged the world community to intervene to end Israeli’s “genocidal” campaign against Gazans and hold it responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Pakistan does not recognize nor have diplomatic relations with Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, Pakistan has repeatedly raised the issue at the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other multilateral platforms and demanded international powers and bodies stop Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Pakistan’s youngest taekwondo champion Ayesha Ayaz represents country at Qatar championship
- Ayaz, born in 2011 in Swat valley, started practicing martial arts at the age of 3 and made her international debut at 8
- Around 1,440 players from 40 countries are competing in the event across four categories: cadet, juniors, youth and adults
ISLAMABAD: The Qatar International Open Taekwondo Championship will begin today, Thursday, with Pakistan’s youngest taekwondo champion Ayesha Ayaz representing her country, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said.
Around 1,440 players from 40 countries are competing in the event across four categories: cadet, juniors, youth and adults. The tournament, featuring morning and evening sessions, will run through Saturday with daily awards for winners.
“The fourth Qatar International Taekwondo Championship will be held today at Lusail Hall,” Radio Pakistan reported. “Pakistan’s youngest Taekwondo champion Ayesha Ayaz will represent the country in this prestigious event.”
Ayaz, born in 2011 in the northwestern Swat valley, started practicing taekwondo at the age of 3 and made her international debut at 8. She is also the youngest national champion.
Ayaz’s father is the coach of Pakistan’s national taekwondo team while her mother is a double national champion. Her father also runs a martial arts training academy in Swat. She has two brothers, both of whom are taekwondo practitioners.
Ayaz was the youngest competitor to win a bronze medal for Pakistan in the 27 kg category at the Al-Fujairah Open Taekwondo Championship in Dubai in 2019. In Feb. 2020, the talented young athlete earned a gold medal in the 34 kg category at the 8th Al-Fujairah Open Taekwondo Championship in Dubai. She has also secured the title of district champion five times and been crowned a provincial champion twice.
Pakistan PM discusses economic, regional cooperation with Qatari counterpart
- Sharif is scheduled to meet the top leader of the Arab state, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
- He will also interact with Qatari business leaders amid investment talks between the two states
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held extensive talks with Qatari Premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Thursday in Doha, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties through enhanced trade, investment, energy and cultural collaboration, according to an official statement issued in Islamabad.
Sharif’s visit to Qatar, which began Wednesday, seeks to bolster economic cooperation as Pakistan looks to foreign investment to stabilize its economy.
In 2022, the Qatar Investment Authority committed $3 billion for projects in Pakistan, spanning airport management, renewable energy and hospitality.
Qatar has also explored partnering with Pakistan in managing the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, owned by Pakistan International Airlines.
“Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged Qatar’s contributions to Pakistan’s economic growth and expressed gratitude for its continued support in various sectors,” said the statement issued by his office after the meeting.
“He thanked his Qatari counterpart for hosting a large Pakistani diaspora who act as a human bridge between the two brotherly countries,” it added.
Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said during her weekly news conference that Sharif’s meetings in Doha will primarily focus on trade and investment and regional discussions.
The two leaders also discussed global and regional issues, with Sharif commending Qatar’s “principled stance” on Gaza and its diplomatic efforts toward peace.
Qatar has facilitated negotiations between Hamas and Israel, aiming for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing war in the Palestinian enclave.
The Pakistani prime minister also praised Qatar’s humanitarian work and its advocacy for dialogue, recognizing its role as crucial for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Sharif is scheduled to meet with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, inaugurate an exhibition on Pakistani art and architecture at a museum, and interact with a delegation from the local business community.
Before arriving in Doha, Sharif attended the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he discussed trade and investment with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The talks built on recent agreements worth $2.8 billion, including investments in agriculture, semiconductor manufacturing, and energy, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economy and deepening ties between the two nations.
