The US State Department has announced on its Twitter account that Trump administration is ready to approve $125 million for Pakistan to provide technical support to its fleet of F-16 aircraft. The programme has been sent to Congress for approval after being given a go-ahead by State Department. The good news comes immediately after PM Imran Khan’s visit to USA.
Pakistan’s ace bowler, Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The bowler however, reaffirmed his commitment to playing white ball cricket for Pakistan. The 27-year-old cricketer shared that he was considering retirement from the format “for some time”, adding that it “has not been an easy decision to make”.
In a federal cabinet meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government has decided to allow dual national Pakistanis to contest elections. Keeping the PM’s vision to utilise talent and resources of overseas Pakistanis, five major regulatory bodies were brought under the cabinet to approve a proposal for removing the column of profession from the national passport.
In a latest development, Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has announced that Pakistan will send its “first person to space” in 2022. In a Tweet, the minister said that selection process shall begin from February 2020. Starting with 50 pilots, the list will come down to 25 and finally one will be selected to carry out the mission.
A public service initiative by Ministry of Climate Change has revealed that 56 out of 59 skin whitening creams being used in Pakistan have been found highly toxic. These creams, produced both locally and internationally, contain mercury more than permissible limit of 1 ppm with content being as high as 44292ppm. High content of mercury can severely damage nervous system.
In an official post on social media, Pakistan International Airline’s (PIA) has lauded President of Pakistan for ‘leading by example’ to make way for others. Recounting President Arif Alvi’s travel experience on flight PK 301 from Islamabad to Karachi, the national flag carrier commended his decision to adjust three of his family members in economy class due to flight load.
The ambassador of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hamad Obaid Alzaabi has revealed that the UAE Consulate will open a visa centre in Karachi this September. Opening first week of September, the visa centre will be UAE’s biggest facility in Asia. Similarly, another visa centre in Islamabad will be functional in October. The entire team for the centre would come from UAE.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced its decision on Kulbushan Jadhav’s case. The court rejected remedies sought by India, including annulment of military court decision convicting Jadhav, his release and safe passage to India. The Court has, however, allowed consular access to Indian spy Jhadav and suspended his death sentence until Pakistan effectively reviews the conviction/sentence.
Ex-cricketer and chief selector of Pakistan’s men cricket team, Inzamam-ul-Haq has decided to step down from his position. In a press conference, Haq revealed that he will not be renewing his three year contract which ends this July. “Now, I have decided that new people should come, with new thinking and ideas”, he added.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has refuted all reports claiming that flights operation between Pakistan and United States are likely to be restored. The development was speculated after US government agency reportedly overseeing airport and air carrier security visited Pakistan this week. However, the trip was carried out to strengthen economic ties between both countries and enhance regional connectivity.