As the Pakistani currency continues to dwindle down against the US Dollar, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has decided to rationalise airport charges, which now have to be paid in Pakistani rupees only. Passengers were earlier required to pay $20 and the rate has now been rationalised to Rs2,800 per passenger, with immediate effect, on international departures.
In order to attract families during summer season, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to give visa-free entry for two months. Starting July 15 till September 15, visitors under age of 18 can visit without a visa which otherwise costs Dhs 497 (Rs. 21000) for 14-day visa and Dhs 917 (Rs. 39000) for 30-day visa.
An online FBR Tax Profiling System has been introduced by the new FBR chief Shabbar Zaidi. With a fee of Rs500, citizens can check their tax profile. The system will enable 53 million people to check their bank details, properties, utility bills and travel history data, on basis of their computerised national identity card (CNIC) and cell phone number.
Reportedly, three US senators have recently received a classified briefing about an increase in UFO sightings by Navy personnel. In April, the Pentagon said there had been an increase in reported UFO sightings and if true, it is a safety concern. US pilots have been reporting seeing cylindrical objects flying at hypersonic speed off the US East Coast.
The International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) of United Nations has announced that it will be restoring Islamabad’s status as a family station for international staff, effectively allowing UN personnel to travel with their families to Pakistan. The decision is based on recommendation by Under-Secretary-General of UN Department of Safety and Security who evaluated security situation in Islamabad.
A day after British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt during a joint news conference with Shah Mehmood Qureshi in London declared that UK would not sign “politically-motivated” extradition treaties with any country, Pakistan has decided to amend Pakistan Penal Code. Capital punishment for accused, who will be brought back under extradition treaties with other countries will be rescinded.
Nawaz had approached IHC for suspension of his sentence in Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference on medical grounds. A two-member bench comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani and Justice Amir Farooq has rejected the plea. Nawaz’s counsel, Khawaja Haris, told court there was 60 per cent risk to Nawaz’s life and said his best treatment was only available abroad.
The Lahore-bound Jinnah Express, which had departed from Karachi, rammed into a stationary goods train that was carrying coal and was bound for Yusufwala. The engine of the Jinnah Express came off the tracks but none of the bogies were derailed. Furthermore, the section of the tracks which it was left standing on suffered considerable damage.
As relations worsen between Tehran and Washington over President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from Tehran’s nuclear deal a year ago, Iran’s revolutionary guard has shot down a RQ-4 Global Hawk. The guard claims to have shot down the drone in Iranian airspace, while a US official says it occured over international airspace in the Strait of Hormuz.
After British Airways resuming its flight operations in Pakistan, airlines from Germany, France and Norway have shown willingness to start flight operations. It has been reported that security teams from the European airlines have conducted security survey’s at Karachi and Islamabad Airports. Pakistan Government has also been contacted by all three airlines in reference to the matter.