ISLAMABAD, JUN 29: The interior ministry has ordered law enforcement agencies nationwide to arrest Afghan citizens without visas from July 10 as part of an intensifying deportation drive.

In a letter dated July 28 — addressed to all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad administrations — the ministry directed law enforcement agencies to “expedite the repatriation/deportation” of Afghan nationals living illegally in the country.

The ministry said that “with effect from 10 July, 2026, any Afghan national found residing in Pakistan without a valid visa shall be arrested immediately.”

It further requested that a daily report — indicating the number of Afghan nationals found without valid visas, the action taken against them, and their present status — be furnished to the ministry, commencing July, 11.

The directive is dated Sunday, the day after a deadly attack on Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in Karachi left three Rangers personnel martyred and four others injured.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the assailants detonated a blast at the main gate of the camp before attempting to breach the perimeter security.

The attack was decisively foiled by the vigilant response of Rangers troops, who eliminated three militants and captured one in an injured condition, the military’s media wing said.

Later, the injured terrorist identified himself as Usman Ali, a member of the India-backed terrorist group, Jamaat ul Ahrar.

According to the terrorist, he hails from Jalalabad city in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, saying three other terrorists, including Abdul Hadi, Janan, and Umar Farooq, were also involved in the attack.

He revealed that all members had received training in Afghanistan, including the preparation of suicide jackets and other militant training under an instructor named Umar Qari.

Earlier, the Foreign Office (FO) said that it summoned the Afghan Charge d’ Affaires and issued a strong demarche over the terrorist attack.

In a statement issued on X, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the Afghan envoy was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last night, and a strong demarche was issued regarding the attack.

A similar demarche was simultaneously conveyed by Pakistan’s Ambassador Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul.

First Financial Closing Completed, Management Control Transferred to Investor Consortium.

ISLAMABAD, JUN 29 /DNA/ – In a landmark development for Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, the government has successfully completed the First Financial Closing of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatisation transaction, officially transferring management control to a private investor consortium.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the achievement as a transformative step for the national carrier, stating that the revival of PIA is now firmly underway with a substantial investment commitment aimed at modernising the airline’s operations and infrastructure.

“This is another important milestone in Pakistan’s economic reform journey,” the Prime Minister said in an official statement. “We are laying the foundation for PIA’s revival while reinforcing investor confidence in Pakistan.”

The Prime Minister extended special commendation to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, along with his dedicated team for their pivotal roles in facilitating the process.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and the entire Privatisation Commission team.

“The professionalism, commitment, and tireless efforts of all those involved made this landmark achievement possible,” the Prime Minister added.

A New Chapter for PIA

The successful financial closing marks the culmination of months of rigorous negotiations and due diligence. The transfer of management control signals a decisive shift towards private-sector stewardship for the loss-making national flag carrier, which has long been a burden on the national exchequer.

The investor consortium has committed to a transformational investment package designed to:

• Upgrade PIA’s aging fleet and modernize its technical capabilities
• Enhance operational efficiency and service standards
• Restore the airline’s competitive position in regional and international markets

The PIA privatisation is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s broader economic recovery and structural reform programme. The government has signalled that the successful transaction will serve as a template for future privatisations of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

“We will continue to pursue bold reforms that strengthen our economy, create opportunities for our people, and secure a more prosperous future for Pakistan,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

Analysts view the transaction as a significant vote of confidence in Pakistan’s economic trajectory, particularly amid ongoing efforts to stabilise macroeconomic indicators and attract foreign direct investment.

The transfer of management control is expected to take effect immediately, with the investor consortium set to unveil its strategic roadmap for the airline in the coming weeks.

Further details regarding the financial structure of the deal and the composition of the new management team are anticipated in due course.

ISLAMABAD, 29 JUN (DNA) —    As part of Punjab Chief Minister’s Green Mobility Vision, 10 Chinese-made Higer electric green buses have arrived in Layyah, marking a significant step towards modern and environmentally friendly public transport in the district. The Punjab government has also announced that five more Higer buses will soon be added to the fleet, according to a Gwadar Pro’s report on Monday.

The newly arrived buses are designed to provide safe, comfortable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly transportation for commuters. Their induction is expected to improve public transport services while helping reduce carbon emissions.

The same Chinese Higer electric buses are already operating on roads in several Punjab cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, and Gujranwala, as part of the Punjab government’s expanding green transport network.The initiative aims to modernize urban transit and promote clean energy across the province.

With the arrival of these buses in Layyah, residents will soon benefit from reliable, modern public transport, while the addition of five more buses is expected to further strengthen the city’s transport system. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, 29 JUN (DNA) — A high-level delegation from the University of the Punjab (UoP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Beijing Institute of Business and Technology to strengthen academic, research and economic cooperation between the two institutions.

According to a Gwadar Pro’s report on Monday, the delegation was led by UoP Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali and included Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Prof. Dr. Mehboob Hussain, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology Prof. Dr. Shehzad Sarwar, and other senior university officials.

During the visit, representatives of both institutions discussed expanding bilateral cooperation through student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and new opportunities for academic and economic collaboration. As per UoP’s statement, the two sides also signed an MoU aimed at broadening institutional partnerships and translating their shared academic and research goals into practical cooperation.

The agreement is expected to further strengthen higher education ties between Pakistan and China while promoting academic exchanges and collaborative research between the two countries. According to the statement, the visit reflects the growing momentum of educational cooperation under the broader Pakistan-China strategic partnership, with universities from both countries seeking deeper collaboration in research, innovation and talent development. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, Jun 29: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday disposed of contempt of court petitions filed against the Adiala Jail superintendent over the alleged non-provision of signed vakalatnamas (powers of attorney) to PTI founder and his wife, Bushra Bibi, declaring the matter infructuous after the documents were made available.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif directed the parties to proceed with final arguments in the appeals against the convictions in the £190 million case. However, on the request of the defence, the hearing was adjourned for two weeks.

During the proceedings, defence counsel Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that although signed vakalatnamas relating to Supreme Court proceedings had been provided, documents required for matters pending before the IHC were still awaited.

He requested the court to direct prison authorities to facilitate the remaining documentation.

Chief Justice Dogar observed that the contempt petitions had become ineffective after the vakalatnamas were signed and assured counsel that the remaining documents would also be provided.

Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik argued that the defence had misled the court during the previous hearing, maintaining that the vakalatnamas had been signed on June 16 and that prison authorities had already contacted the lawyers to collect them.

When Barrister Salman Safdar submitted that he had challenged the suspension-of-sentence proceedings before the Supreme Court and had not yet received fresh instructions from his clients to argue the appeals, the bench indicated that if the defence was unwilling to proceed, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) would be asked to begin its arguments.

Later, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and senior counsel Latif Khosa requested two weeks to enable the legal team to meet their clients and obtain further instructions. Accepting the request, the court recorded the undertaking in its order and adjourned the hearing for two weeks.

ISLAMABAD, June 29: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Monday, directed the early formulation of a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy in consultation with the provinces.

He also asked for the establishment of an ‘Agriculture Apex Forum’, which would hold monthly meetings to ensure the effective implementation of the agriculture innovation and growth plan.

The prime minister chaired a high-level review meeting on the transformation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and reforms in the agriculture sector, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, PM’s Coordinator on Agriculture Ahmad Umair and senior officials.

To improve farmers’ access to affordable financing, the prime minister directed the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign for the ‘Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme’.

Emphasizing the importance of agricultural research, the prime minister said the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) should be developed into a real center for agricultural innovation and research.

He observed that Pakistan’s agriculture sector has the potential to drive sustainable economic growth, adding that improved seed quality, modern farming technologies, and the timely availability of water and fertilizers would significantly enhance per-acre crop yields.

The prime minister also stressed the need to promote value addition in agricultural produce, improve warehousing facilities and develop modern storage systems.

During the meeting, officials presented proposals aimed at reforming the agriculture sector. The National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) was producing multi-grain flour on a pilot basis, it was added.

The meeting was also briefed on the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based application designed to help farmers identify and effectively manage crop pests and diseases.

The relevant officials further informed the prime minister that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited would provide financial support to improve farmers’ access to agricultural loans.

The meeting was apprised that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy had recently been approved, while consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy had been completed and the policy would soon be submitted for approval.

The meeting was also informed that consultations were underway on a National Wheat Policy as well as several livestock-related policies.

Government achieves First Financial Closing of PIACL Privatisation Transaction with Management control transferred to the investor consortium following satisfaction of all conditions precedent under the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement

ISLAMABAD, JUN 29 /DNA/ – The Privatisation Commission of Pakistan today achieved the First Closing of the divestment of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) through privatisation, transferring management control of the airline to the investor consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited, following satisfaction of all conditions precedent under the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (SPSA).

The successful completion of the First Closing of the PIA privatisation transaction marks a significant milestone in the Government of Pakistan’s economic reform programme. It reflects the Government’s commitment to implement a transparent, competitive and investor-friendly privatisation agenda under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who has consistently championed a greater role for the private sector as a driver of sustainable economic growth, investment and employment.

The Privatisation Commission highly commends the support and guidance of Deputy Prime Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister and Cabinet Committee on Privatisation.

Since execution of the SPSA on 29th January 2026, the Privatisation Commission and other GoP stakeholders including Ministry of Defence, completed a challenging Condition Precedents under the SPSA. These included domestic and overseas regulatory approvals, lessors and commercial consents, aviation policy reforms, corporate approvals, restructuring of taxation relating legacy liabilities, aircraft financing arrangements, governance changes, tax-related matters, airport infrastructure arrangements, and the provision of transaction security by the investor consortium.

The Conditions Precedent were completed within an exceptionally compressed timeframe while maintaining uninterrupted airline operations, preserving critical commercial relationships and aviation certifications, protecting employees’ interests, and ensuring continuity of services for passengers throughout the transition.

The bidding process, held on 23^rd December, 2025 led to total investment commitment by the consortium of Rs. 180 billion, out of which Rs. 55 billion will be paid to Government of Pakistan for sale of PIA and Rs.125 billion will be injected into PIA to support the long-term transformation of PIA and revive the national carrier to its past glory.

Accordingly following successful achievement of the Conditions precedent, under the First Closing, the Consortium today has completed the following:

•⁠  ⁠Rs.10 billion paid to the Government of Pakistan as Sale proceeds and

•⁠  ⁠Rs.80 billion injected into PIACL as fresh equity to strengthen the airline’s financial position, support fleet expansion and modernisation, expand its route network, enhance operational performance and customer service, and position the airline for long-term growth.

The Second Closing is scheduled to take place within twelve months of the First Closing, in accordance with the terms of the SPSA, whereby the consortium has committed to invest a further Rs.45 billion into PIACL. The consortium which has also served its intent to buy the remaining 25% of the PIACL shares as a Call option under the SPSA for an additional payment of Rs.45 billion to the Government of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Advsior to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, Mr. Muhammad Ali, said:

“This transaction demonstrates Pakistan’s ability to execute complex strategic transactions through a transparent, fair, competitive and professionally managed process. It reinforces the Government’s commitment to economic reform, fiscal responsibility and greater private-sector participation while strengthening confidence among domestic and international investors.”

The Government remains committed to protecting the interests of employees, passengers and consumers while ensuring a smooth transition and uninterrupted airline operations. All applicable aviation laws and regulatory oversight will continue to apply.

The Privatisation Commission acknowledges the support of the Federal Cabinet and the contributions of the Privatisation Commission Board, participating ministries particularly Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance and other government institutions, local regulatory authorities and the financial advisory consortium – for the transaction -led by EY Consulting LLC Dubai for their contribution and efforts leading to the successful First Closing. This First Closing marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s privatisation programme.