Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has lifted the stay order on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatization, directing the government to proceed transparently. The case was heard by a constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, where it was revealed that recruitment processes were halted due to the privatization plans. The court noted that privatization could fetch better returns if conducted promptly while ensuring transparency. It also advised the government to maintain integrity throughout the process. Following the EU’s decision to lift its ban on the airline, this move could be a positive step for PIA.
Author: Web Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari assured Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman that the madrasa registration bill issue will be raised with the government. Fazlur Rehman expressed concerns over the president’s refusal to sign the bill, despite its approval by both houses of parliament. During the meeting, Fazl questioned the authority of the President’s House compared to the supremacy of parliament. PPP leaders supported JUI-F’s stance and pledged to address the issue promptly.
Lahore: Several cities in Punjab, including Lahore and Gujrat, experienced a 5.1-magnitude earthquake, prompting residents to evacuate buildings in panic. The epicenter was near Kharian, at a depth of 15 kilometers. Initial reports indicate no loss of life or property, with inspections underway to ensure safety. Pakistan frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Authorities have advised citizens to follow safety protocols during such events.
In Karachi, Sindh Inspector General (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon directed the seizure of vehicles driven without licenses during a meeting addressing traffic violations. DIG Licensing and Training Iqbal Dara reported that many motorcyclists operate without licenses, leading to serious and fatal accidents. To counter this, traffic police have launched awareness campaigns and programs to ensure adherence to traffic laws. The IG emphasized the need for strategic measures by traffic police to prevent accidents and instructed citizens to carry valid licenses. Collaboration among agencies to enhance public awareness was also highlighted.
THE HAGUE: The president of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Tomoko Akane, warned on Monday that the court faces severe threats, including possible US sanctions and arrest warrants issued by Russia for its staff, which could jeopardize its existence. Speaking at the ICC’s annual conference with its 124 member states, Akane referred to these threats, although she did not directly name Russia or the United States, instead referring to them as permanent members of the UN Security Council. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that the court is encountering unprecedented challenges, with growing expectations worldwide for justice in human rights…
Bucharest — In Romania, centrist and left-wing parties successfully countered the rise of nationalist right-wing groups in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday. While the political landscape remains tense, the focus has shifted to the outcome of a ruling by Romania’s Constitutional Court regarding the validity of the presidential vote results. This comes after a shock first-round result in Romania’s presidential elections on November 24, where a lesser-known far-right candidate, Calin Georgescu, unexpectedly surged to the top. This raised concerns about possible external interference, given Romania’s crucial role as a staunch ally of Ukraine. The country’s Constitutional Court had ordered a…
Dubai, UAE: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the UAE for the first time in three years to discuss critical regional issues with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. The leaders met in Al Ain, following a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Kuwait. The discussions centered around the ongoing Middle East crises, with a particular focus on Syria’s recent developments, including the capture of Aleppo by Syrian rebels. Both leaders emphasized the importance of regional stability and concerted efforts to prevent the situation from escalating further. The visit, which was labeled a “private visit” by Saudi officials, also highlighted…
Beirut: At least two individuals were killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Monday, as reported by Lebanese authorities. The attacks are considered violations of the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on November 27. Under this ceasefire, Israel was required to refrain from carrying out offensive military operations against civilian, military, or other state targets in Lebanon, while Lebanon was to prevent groups like Hezbollah from launching operations against Israel. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that one person was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese town of Marjayoun, about 10 kilometers from the Israeli border.…
Paris (December 2, 2024) — The French government is on the brink of collapse after far-right and left-wing parties confirmed they will vote for a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier. This move follows Barnier’s attempt to push a social security bill through parliament without a vote, a concession that failed to garner support from the far-right National Rally (RN). RN leader Marine Le Pen announced her party would table its own no-confidence motion and support similar motions from other parties. With both left-wing and RN lawmakers united against Barnier, the government’s fall seems almost inevitable. The opposition now…
Karachi: Pakistan’s exports have shown a notable 13% increase during the first five months of the current fiscal year. According to official data, this rise is attributed to growth across various sectors and increased demand in international markets. Exported goods such as textiles, leather products, and food items have particularly benefited. A report issued by the Ministry of Commerce indicates that exports surpassed the $10 billion mark during this period. The textile sector played a key role, with exports rising by 15%. Additionally, agricultural products and the leather industry also demonstrated stability. This development signals positive growth for Pakistan’s economy,…
