Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is trying to recover $800 million from United Arab Emirates (UAE) telecom giant Etisalat on account of privatisation of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in a press conference said that a meeting was held with Etisilat for retrieval of the owed $800 million and also promised that the government is fully responsible for the recovery of the accrued money.
Preparations are in full swing for the Royal duo to touch down in the country, including some traditional rickshaws. The UK in Pakistan Twitter account shared a video with hashtag #RoyalVisitPakistan, depicting bright paints and men creating a work of art on the vehicles. This includes the flag of Britain and the flag of Pakistan side by side displayed on the beautifully decorated rickshaw.
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a letter has called all members of the PML-N “to ensure that the Azadi March by Maulana Fazl ur Rehman is a success”. The letter, dated October 10, is addressed to his brother, PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif, and its contents were discussed with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. “This is the time to stand up,” he wrote.
Saeed Book Bank, largest book store in Pakistan after struggling with heavy taxes and a decline in printed book sales is on the verge of collapse. Book readers have expressed dismay at the news, with twitter users highlighting the significance of book stores for future generations. Rise in prices of imported books due to the down-gradation of trade ties with India is one of the reasons for the expected closure of the bookstore.
Pakistani actress and recipient of the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, has been appointed a goodwill ambassador for girls’ rights by the Ministry of Human Rights. Hayat announced about her appointment in a video message on Twitter saying: “Delighted to be appointed by the Ministry of Human Rights as Goodwill Ambassador 4 the rights of the girl child.”
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has agreed to share details of properties owned by 500 non-Iqama holder Pakistani nationals. The data will provide valuable information to the tax machinery as it remains unable to effectively utilise previous offshore information. Both countries also agreed to renegotiate Pak-UAE avoidance of double taxation treaty that would also help remove irritants in cooperation in areas of taxation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay an official visit to Pakistan on 23rd of this month to cement relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Imran Khan had telephoned the Turkish president and said that Mr Erdogan would visit Pakistan “later this month”. Erdogan will also extend full support to Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue.
Fawad Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Science and Technology called for people to come up with distinctive and futuristic ideas and solutions to replace Police checkpoints. The deadline for the competition is 3 weeks. As crossing checkpoints and waiting in queues become a hassle for the citizens, it is a great opportunity for the technology lovers to find a way to replace it.
Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated Turkey’s operation for “peaceful resolution of the Syrian situation”. PM told Erdogan over a telephone conversation that Pakistan is fully aware of the threats faced by Turkey and is hopeful that Turkey’s efforts for peaceful Syria are successful. He also assured Pakistan’s full support and solidarity for this operation.
Priyanka Chopra, The Sky is Pink star mentioned she would love to play the role of female James bond. During an interview with Britain’s metro newspaper, the 37-year old confidently nominated herself to be stepping into Daniel Craig’s shoes. She also added that she’s always been keen on playing this role but she can’t put herself into the race but would definitely love to see a female Bond in her lifetime.