ISLAMABAD: The government has extended the deadline for potential buyers to express interest in acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to June 13, the Privatisation Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, as it presses ahead with efforts to offload the long-struggling national flag carrier.
Economy
Bilal Bin Saqib named blockchain adviser to PM Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tapped Bilal Bin Saqib, the chief executive officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), as his special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency, granting him the status of a minister of state.
FM Aurangzeb promises bold budget reforms
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Monday the government has planned a “strategic” budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, promising bold steps to reshape an economy battered by import reliance and fiscal instability.
Sharif, Erdogan reaffirm ties, discuss India clash in Ankara talks
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday, reaffirming their nations’ close ties and tackling regional security concerns, including a recent military flare-up with India that nearly escalated into full-blown conflict.
Pakistan allocates 2,000MW to power Bitcoin mining, AI data centers
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity to power Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centers, marking a significant step in its bid to position itself as a global digital hub.
Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims miss Hajj due to private operator failures
ISLAMABAD: Only 25,698 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj under the private scheme this year, far below the allocated quota, after private tour operators failed to meet Saudi Arabia’s deadlines and regulations, the religious affairs minister said on Friday.
Pakistan plans US firms mining concessions to sidestep looming tariffs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is offering mining concessions to US companies as it negotiates with Washington to sidestep steep tariffs, Reuters reported on Friday.
Pakistan’s $16.1bn foreign aid relies heavily on $8bn allied rollovers
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan secured $16.08 billion in foreign loans and grants in the first 10 months of fiscal 2024-25, falling short of its $19.2 billion target for the year ending June 30.
Pakistan, India extend airspace ban on each other’s aircraft
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until June 24, 2025, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Friday, a move that underscores persistent tensions between the two nations following recent military clashes.
Pakistan pushes budget to June 10, IMF to continue talks post-visit
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has postponed the presentation of its 2025-26 federal budget to June 10, a week later than the previously announced June 2, as the government grapples with unresolved fiscal negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, officials said on Friday.