Category: National

Oman warns Pakistan that PIA could be barred from using its airspace

While expressing concern over recent safety issue with PIA, Omani Civil Aviation Authority warned Pakistan that the national flag carrier could be barred from using its airspace. The Omani authorities also asked Islamabad to explain what measures had been taken to ensure safety of flights. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) assured that credentials of all pilots had been scrutinised to ensure flight safety.

Saudi offers financial assistance for Pakistan’s first state-owned Quran complex

Saudi Arabia has offered financial assistance for the construction of Pakistan’s first state-owned Quran complex in Islamabad. The government will be building the complex to preserve historical manuscripts of the Muslim scripture. The center will also oversee and set standards for the publication of the Quran in the country and would recycle worn pages of the holy book.

Qatar/UAE make mandatory for travelers from Pakistan to get Coronavirus test

Qatar and UAE airlines have announced mandatory coronavirus tests for passengers from Pakistan three to four days before the scheduled departure. The mandatory pre-flight requirement for Qatar airways will take effect from Monday, July 13th. Passengers from Pakistan must show they were tested for COVID-19, 72 hours before their flight departure and present a negative result.

PTI approves development of Dubai-like modern city near Lahore

The Chief Minister of Punjab, Usman Buzdar has approved the construction of a “Dubai-like” modern city near Lahore. The new city in the north of Lahore, spread over more than 100,000 acres will be called Ravi Riverfront Project. It is anticipated that the private sector would invest about Rs5 trillion in the venture. However, final approval will come from Punjab Cabinet.

After EU, US revokes permission for PIA to operate special direct flights

Pakistan International Airline’s (PIA) recovery from its downward spiral since the revelation of dubious licences seems difficult, as the United States also revokes privileges. The US transport authority has revoked the permission granted to PIA to operate a number of special direct flights to the US. PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan confirmed that the airline had been notified of the withdrawal via email. 

Pakistan’s testing capacity being utilised less than 42%, reveals NHSRC data

For the 18th consecutive day, testing in Pakistan has registered a reduction after hitting a record-high on June 19, according to the data of the ministry of national health services regulation and coordination. The ministry, which provides daily statistics, noted that on July 7 Pakistan carried out 21,951 tests across the country, which is only 30% of its total testing

Woman booked for slapping a traffic warden gets bail

A sessions court in Lahore has granted bail to the woman who was booked for slapping and misbehaving with a traffic warden after he stopped her for parking her car in a no-parking area. Gulberg police had registered an FIR against 29-year-old Raesa Masood on the traffic warden’s complaint. The court directed Raesa to deposit a surety bond of Rs50,000 to secure bail. 

Punjab government mulls opening of schools and universities by September 15

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood has announced that all education institutions, including universities, will reopen from September 15 if health situation improves. The minister said that government will review its decision in first week of September to monitor the coronavirus situation by taking a look at the health indicators. All institutes, including private ones will have to follow government SOPs.

Indonesia’s largest private airline plans on launching flight operations in Pakistan

Indonesia’s largest private airline, Lion Air is planning to launch flight operations in Pakistan, Indonesian ambassador to Pakistan Iwan S. Amri has revealed. The Indonesian ambassador said Lion Air’s management is currently negotiating with Pakistan’s Aviation Ministry. If the negotiations are successful, Lion Air will start flight operations from three Pakistani cities initially in the coming months, said Amri.

Pakistani passport jumps up six points in global rating

The Pakistani passport has been rated at 192nd spot in the Individual Passport Power Ranking (IPPR) 2020 by the Passport Index, the world’s leading real-time passport ranking tool. Pakistani passport’s ranking has jumped up 6 places from the 198th position for 2019. Pakistani passport has a MS of 33 as its bearers enjoy the facility of visa-free access to 7 and visa on arrival in 26 countries.