LAHORE: Provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that Punjab's nine departments have been in field in a grand operation against smog in the province on the instructions of the chief minister.In a statement Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that monitoring and live reporting of brick kilns has been underway, while smog guns, air quality monitors and anti-smog machinery is working in the field."For the first time in Punjab's history operation conducted with the assistance of the AQI forecasting", minister said.She said that immediate raids conducted at hot spots with the advance indication from the weather data centre.Traffic Police imposed ban over the movement of trucks and other goods transport vehicles, minister added.The Punjab government earlier launched its first anti-smog gun operation in Lahore, marking a significant step in the fight against air pollution.The operation, conducted in the Kahna area, has reduced air pollution levels by 70%, according to official figures.Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb shared a video of the anti-smog gun operation on X, hailing it as a remarkable success in the government’s environmental efforts.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan could include a third spinner against South Africa as the hosts try to sweep the series 2-0 in the second Test in Rawalpindi, head coach Azhar Mahmood said Sunday.Pakistan beat World Test champions South Africa by 93 runs inside four days last week with spinners taking 34 of the 40 wickets on a turning Gaddafi Stadium pitch.Mahmood said either leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed or uncapped 38-year-old left-armer Asif Afridi could be called up for the second and final Test beginning on Monday on a dry Rawalpindi pitch.Left-armer Noman Ali took 10 wickets in the first Test while his spin partner Sajid Khan finished with six.With the pitch in Rawalpindi likely to turn more as the match goes on, Mahmood stressed that first innings runs will be crucial, whether batting first or second."The pitch looks dry ... so you need to score big and not depend on the toss for a favourable result," said Mahmood.South Africa will be bolstered by the return of experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who missed the first Test with a groin strain."Keshav is fit and obviously it is great to have him back," said South Africa stand-in captain Aiden Markram."He brings in great experience and a really good skill set."Maharaj is likely to partner Senuran Muthusamy, who excelled with 11 wickets in the first Test."It is really important for us to try to level the series," said Markram, who is captain because Temba Bavuma is injured."We are expecting more spin in this Test, but it is an opportunity for us."Tony de Zorzi made a century in the first Test and Markram said the South Africans had "tapped into him" to understand "what worked against the Pakistan spinners.""It is good to have someone with that confidence," he added.

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have recovered a luxury Prado SUV, stolen 15 years ago, in a successful operation led by Khanna Police Station House Officer (SHO) Aamir Hayat.According to officials, the vehicle—bearing fake registration number CG-333 ICT and valued at nearly Rs10 million—was snatched at gunpoint in Karachi in 2010 within the jurisdiction of the Darakhshan Police Station and later brought to Islamabad.Acting on a tip-off, SHO Aamir Hayat and his team intercepted a suspicious vehicle, which was later confirmed to be the stolen Prado. Police arrested a suspect identified as Sikandar and registered FIR No. 411 at the Khanna Police Station.The recovered vehicle has been taken into custody for further investigation.SP Sihala Zone commended SHO Aamir Hayat and his team for their efficient action, stating that such recoveries enhance public confidence in the police.He reaffirmed that Islamabad Police remain committed to curbing crime, ensuring citizens’ safety, and bringing offenders to justice without discrimination.Read More: Four members of infamous White Corolla Gang killed in Hyderabad encounterEarlier, Four armed robbers belonging to the notorious White Corolla Gang were killed in a police encounter in Hyderabad after fleeing Karachi with a snatched vehicle, officials confirmed to ARY News on Thursday.According to Hyderabad DIG Tariq Dharejo, the robbers had stolen a double-cabin vehicle from Karachi’s Sachal area. They kidnapped the driver, Adnan Magsi, to force him to deactivate the vehicle’s tracker.Police said the suspects were traveling in two vehicles — a white Corolla and the stolen double cabin — when they reached Jamali Bridge, Karachi, on the Super Highway. Officers present in the area attempted to intercept them, prompting the robbers to open fire.The gang’s Corolla rammed into a concrete barrier as police closed in. When Adnan shouted for help from the second vehicle, the robbers shot him dead and threw his body onto the road before escaping toward Hyderabad in the stolen double cabin. 

ISLAMABAD: One of the most wanted terrorists of Fitna Al-Hindustan (FAH), Jameel alias Tetak, has reportedly been killed, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing security sources.According to sources, Jameel Tetak was a resident of Panjgur District in Balochistan.Security officials confirmed that Jameel Tetak, a key commander of the FAH network, was involved in multiple terrorist attacks, including the 2022 assault on Panjgur Headquarters and several attacks in Buleda and adjoining areas.Read More: Locals 'kill' India-backed militants in Balochistan’s KorkiEarlier, the people of Balochistan once again stood firm against hostile elements after a group of India-backed militants launched an attack on peaceful residents in the Korki area of the province, ARY News reported on Sunday.According to sources, a fierce exchange of fire broke out between local tribes and the militants, resulting in the deaths of four terrorists and injuries to two others.One member of the local tribe was martyred, while two others were wounded and later shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.The confrontation reportedly began after militants refused repeated requests from tribal elders to vacate the area.In response to what were described as the militants’ “nefarious intentions,” local residents took up arms to defend their land and community.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Central Executive Committee (CEC) remained divided over alliance with the PML-N-led government, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing inside story of the meeting.According to details, the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Central Executive Committee (CEC) met for in-depth discussion on the party’s alliance with the ruling government, according to party sources.Sources revealed that a demand to end the coalition with the government was raised during the session. Several members criticized the attitude of the federal and Punjab governments as well as the PML-N leadership, expressing frustration over what they termed unfair treatment of the party.CEC members from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab reportedly delivered emotional speeches, stating that if the party leadership gave the signal, they would “give the PML-N a tough time.”Read more: PPP gives one month deadline to federal govt: RehmanDuring the meeting, Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed the committee on ongoing talks with the government. Bilawal also took the members into confidence regarding his meeting with the prime minister, and was praised for taking a firm stance during the discussion.A large number of CEC members demanded withdrawal from the coalition, particularly those from KP and Punjab, calling the alliance “political suicide” for PPP. They urged the leadership to either formally join the government or end the alliance altogether.According to insiders, Asif Ali Zardari informed the meeting that the prime minister had assured him of addressing PPP’s reservations and of implementing the power-sharing formula. Zardari requested the CEC to grant the government one month’s time to meet the party’s demands.Although several members opposed this proposal, the CEC approved granting the government a one-month deadline at Zardari’s request. The next CEC meeting will be held after the completion of this grace period, during which the committee is expected to make major decisions if the commitments remain unmet.

PESHAWAR: In a major move to strengthen counterterrorism capabilities, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police have formed a specialized Sniper Squad equipped with advanced weaponry and modern training.According to the Central Police Office (CPO) Peshawar, the newly established squad will be deployed in mountainous valleys, border regions, and southern districts as part of ongoing anti-terror operations.Each unit will comprise 10 highly trained personnel, capable of engaging hidden or distant targets with precision.The initial deployment will focus on southern districts, the Malakand Division, and sensitive border areas to ensure a swift and effective response to terrorist threats.To maintain operational readiness during harsh winter conditions, snipers will be equipped with thermal imaging devices, enabling clear visibility at night and in low-visibility environments such as fog.The unit, composed of Elite Force officers, underwent three months of intensive sniper training, enhancing both their defensive and offensive capabilities.Police officials expressed confidence that the formation of this sniper squad will significantly strengthen security measures across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and help reduce terrorism-related incidents in high-risk areas.Read More: PAF's JF-17 contingent accomplishes non-stop flight to Azerbaijan

A palace-like mansion modelled after the White House is under construction in Sargodha, Punjab, drawing the attention of passersby for its striking resemblance to the iconic American building.Spanning one acre of land, the three-storey under-construction residence at Faisalabad Road in Sargodha is a remarkable example of modern architecture and has a resemblance to White House.The ongoing project, now in its fourth year, features spacious rooms, a meeting hall, an elevator, and a dome-shaped design that adds to its grandeur.Experts estimate that another year will be required for its full completion.To enhance White House-model residence's aesthetic appeal, rare plants and decorative materials are being imported from both domestic and international sources, ensuring the residence stands out for its elegance and uniqueness.Read more: Thousands of U.S. government jobs at risk, White House cautionsThe public’s fascination with the project and the engineers’ dedication have already earned this distinctive mansion recognition not only locally but across the country.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ARY News (@arynewstv) The White House is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., it has served as the residence of every US president since John Adams in 1800 when the national capital was moved from Philadelphia."The White House" is also used as a metonym to refer to the Executive Office of the President of the United States.

KARACHI: The Sindh government has demanded announcement of wheat's support price from the federal government recommending Rs4200 as per Maund price of the grain.Sindh's Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar has said that under the IMF conditions, provinces could not fix the price without instructions from the federal government. "Farmers facing financial pressures owing to delay in fixing support price of wheat," provincial minister said.Agriculture minister apprehended that farmers could quit cultivation of wheat in case of they won't receive an appropriate price of the crop. He said the Sindh government has given Rs 56 billion relief package to growers, while the province will offer Rs 24,700 per acre subside on the urea and DAP fertilizer."This relief package will benefit 4,11,000 farmers owning one acre to 25 acres of farmland," he said.Muhammad Bux Mahar said that 1,32,601 farmers have been registered for the package, while the registration has been continued.Moreover, eight billion rupees more have been allocated for the Hari Card Scheme.He said new Hari Cards have been issued to 52,993 farmers and the Sindh Bank distributing payments.

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday met his elder brother, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif in Jati Umra, ARY News reported.During the meeting, both leaders discussed the prevailing national and political situation in the country.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also briefed Nawaz Sharif on the recent agreement between Afghanistan and Qatar.The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire, following 13 hours of negotiations held in Doha.According to the Qatari Foreign Ministry’s statement, both sides also agreed to establish a permanent mechanism for mutual peace and stability. A follow-up meeting will be held in the coming days to ensure the implementation and sustainability of the ceasefire.Read more: Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ceasefire in Doha talks, confirms Qatari foreign ministryThe statement asserted that these measures will contribute to strengthening peace, security, and stability between the two brotherly Islamic nations, and help lay the foundation for ending border tensions and promoting lasting regional peace.Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the development on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the ceasefire agreement marks an end to terrorist activity from Afghan soil into Pakistan.

Rawalpindi: Pakistan Air Force contingent comprising the cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, accompanied by skilled air and ground crew, has landed in Azerbaijan to participate in the bilateral aerial combat exercise Indus Shield Alpha, ARY News reported on Sunday, quoting Inter-Services Public Relations Wing.According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a remarkable display of operational prowess and endurance, PAF fighters accomplished a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Azerbaijan, executing flawless in-flight air-to-air refuelling operations.The intricate mid-air refuelling operation, executed with utmost precision by PAF’s own IL-78 aerial tanker, reaffirmed the long-range capability of PAF fighter jets and showcased the professional excellence and preparedness of PAF aircrew to undertake extended international deployments.Exercise 'Indus Shield Alpha' aims to enhance mutual understanding, tactical coordination and interoperability between the two brotherly Air Forces.The exercise will focus on modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning and execution in an environment shaped by rapid technological advancements and evolving airpower dynamics. It will also serve as a vital platform to exchange operational insights and strengthen collaborative responses to emerging aerial defence challenges.The participation of Pakistan Air Force contingent in Exercise Indus Shield Alpha reaffirms PAF's enduring commitment to regional stability and global military cooperation. It also demonstrates PAF’s unwavering resolve to continuously evolve and adapt to the demands of contemporary warfare, while maintaining its tradition of excellence in every domain of air operations.[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/J0j8s6GwIEiEo2KP.mp4"][/video] 

KARACHI: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has given a deadline of one month to the federal government for compliance of its promises, Senator Sherry Rehman told media after a meeting of the party's central executive committee (CEC).Talking to media alongside with Nadeem Afzal Chan and Sharjeel Memon, after the PPP CEC session on Saturday Sherry Rehman said that the PPP has played a pivotal role in formation of the government and legislation in the Parliament. "We were thinking that as an ally our views will be given heed"."The party has decided that a session of the CEC will be convened after one month, we will see how many promises made with us fulfilled and will announce our next step," she said."It is not any personal issue, we are talking about the people's problems," Nadeem Afzal Chan said. "The prime minister has asked for time, so we have given it", he said.Sharjeel Memon said that the PPP is not competing in a race for offices, neither involved in fighting. "It is ceasefire, we are not issuing statements in opposition". "However, we persist over our principled stance and will not compromise over it", he added.Talking to media PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto said on Saturday that the the People’s Party raises its objections over issues with the federal government. He said the issues of Karachi’s development schemes and the water issue should be resolved according to the constitution and the 18th Amendment.“We will be pleased if the prime minister wants further work in Sindh,” he said. “The party’s central executive committee meeting will discuss the political situation. I have met the prime minister and will also share it in the meeting,” Bilawal said.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Sunday welcomed the Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire agreement finalized late Saturday night in Doha, Qatar, describing it as “the first step in the right direction.”In a post on his X account, Dar expressed gratitude for the “constructive role” played by Qatar and Turkiye in facilitating the agreement.He said Pakistan now looks forward to the establishment of a “concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism” at the next meeting, which will be hosted by Turkiye, to address the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil towards Pakistan.“It is important to put all efforts in place to prevent any further loss of lives,” he stressed.Read More: Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ceasefire in Doha talksThe Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire, following 13 hours of negotiations held in Doha.According to the Qatari Foreign Ministry’s statement, both sides also agreed to establish a permanent mechanism for mutual peace and stability. A follow-up meeting will be held in the coming days to ensure the implementation and sustainability of the ceasefire.The statement asserted that these measures will contribute to strengthening peace, security, and stability between the two brotherly Islamic nations, and help lay the foundation for ending border tensions and promoting lasting regional peace.Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the development on X, stating that the ceasefire agreement marks an end to terrorist activity from Afghan soil into Pakistan.

Lahore has once again been ranked the most polluted city in the world, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 274, according to the latest global air monitoring data.New Delhi followed as the second most polluted city, while environmental experts warned of worsening air quality across South Asia due to seasonal smog and stagnant weather conditions.In Lahore, pollution levels varied across different areas, with Allama Iqbal Town recording an alarming AQI of 459, followed by Gulberg at 396, Shadman at 384, Model Town at 362, and Lahore Airport at 398.The city’s average AQI stood at 183, placing it in the “unhealthy” category for the general population. However, officials expect a slight improvement in air quality later in the day as wind activity increases.Read more: First anti-smog gun operation in Lahore cuts air pollution by 70%Environmental authorities have once again urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.Earlier, the Punjab government launched its first anti-smog gun operation in Lahore, marking a significant step in the fight against air pollution.The operation, conducted in the Kahna area, has reduced air pollution levels by 70%, according to official figures.Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb shared a video of the anti-smog gun operation on X, hailing it as a remarkable success in the government’s environmental efforts.She revealed that under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kahna dropped dramatically — from 666 to 170 — following the use of anti-smog guns.“This 70% decrease in air pollution has been scientifically analyzed & confirmed by our advanced environmental monitoring system”, the minister stated.

SWAT: A moderate earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale jolted Swat and adjoining areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, ARY News reported.According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the earthquake struck at a depth of 50 kilometers, with its epicenter located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.Panic spread among residents as buildings trembled, prompting people to rush outdoors. However, no immediate reports of casualties or property damage were received. Emergency teams and local authorities are assessing the situation and collecting information from affected areas.Read More: Strong earthquake tremors jolt Islamabad, KP citiesEarlier on Oct 17, 2025, A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan on Thursday, sending strong earthquake tremors across several parts of Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan, the National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported.According to seismologists, the earthquake had occurred at a depth of 120 kilometers, with its epicenter located in Afghanistan. Tremors from the quake were felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mansehra, Balakot, Battagram, Swat, Buner, Kohistan, Torghar, Gilgit, Chitral, Abbottabad, Jaglot, Minawar, and Ghizer districts.The earthquake was felt most strongly in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan regions, though its deep origin limited widespread destruction. Officials urged the citizens to remain cautious and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks.

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has vowed that any aggression from Afghanistan — or any other country — will be met with a strong and befitting response, reaffirming his full support for the Pakistan Armed Forces.Speaking informally to journalists in Peshawar, Afridi said, “Anyone who attacks Pakistan, including Afghanistan, will be responded to accordingly. We stand firmly with our army.”He emphasized the need for the federal government to consult KP on all policies related to Afghanistan, especially those directly affecting the province. “Whatever policy is adopted regarding Afghanistan, KP must be taken into confidence,” he asserted.The chief minister said that around 800,000 Afghan refugees have already returned from KP, while 1.2 million remain in the province. He stressed that the remaining refugees will be repatriated in a dignified and respectful manner.“Afghan refugees have spent a long time here. Now it is time for their respectful return,” he remarked.Afridi said his top priorities include maintaining law and order, ensuring development, and promoting good governance. He welcomed constructive criticism but urged that it should not harm the province’s interests.Afridi clarified that his appointment was not made against anyone, adding, “We stand for the rule of law. We are fighting our case in the courts, and if we are denied justice, we will protest.”Afridi expressed dissatisfaction over the police report regarding activist Sanam Javed’s arrest, suggesting a more thorough review is needed.Afridi said that if he is unable to meet PTI founder Imran Khan, the provincial cabinet would still be finalized after consultations with the party leadership. He confirmed that the current KP Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police would continue in their positions for now.“The cabinet will include only those approved by the party founder,” he said, adding that Muzzammil Aslam is the only confirmed name so far.He dismissed reports of forming an 'Advisory Council', stating that no such discussion had taken place within the party.“As a worker, as the party's organizational head, and as Chief Minister, I am accountable only to the party founder,” he said. “I agree that the government should not be used to carry out party work”.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar has rejected the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) “biased and premature” statement accusing Pakistan of involvement in the death of three Afghan cricketers, saying Islamabad itself is a major victim of cross-border terrorism.In a strong response, Tarar said the ICC presented an unverified allegation as a fact, without providing any independent evidence or credible source to substantiate the claim.He demanded that the ICC immediately correct its position and refrain from spreading baseless accusations.The minister said the statement reflected clear bias and partiality, highlighting a worrying trend of exaggerating allegations without proof.He noted that ICC Chairman Jay Shah repeated the claim on social media, and the Afghanistan Cricket Board followed with a similar baseless statement—both attempts to malign Pakistan’s image.Read more: Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ceasefire in Doha talks, confirms Qatari foreign ministryAtta Tarar further stated that under the current ICC leadership, controversies targeting Pakistan have been on the rise, citing the Asia Cup “handshake controversy” as an example that questioned the body’s neutrality and integrity.He stressed that the ICC, as a global governing body, must avoid political bias, uphold the spirit of the game, and treat all member nations equally.“Politics should not be allowed to infiltrate sports—especially cricket,” Tarar said, adding that the ICC must not allow its platform to be exploited for political gain and should refrain from presenting unverified claims as facts.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched its first anti-smog gun operation in Lahore, marking a significant step in the fight against air pollution. The operation, conducted in the Kahna area, has reduced air pollution levels by 70%, according to official figures.Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb shared a video of the anti-smog gun operation on X, hailing it as a remarkable success in the government's environmental efforts.She revealed that under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kahna dropped dramatically — from 666 to 170 — following the use of anti-smog guns."This 70% decrease in air pollution has been scientifically analyzed & confirmed by our advanced environmental monitoring system", the minister stated.[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/mkNsmhEjsG8RS0lq.mp4"][/video] She further emphasized the government's dedication to leveraging modern technology to combat smog and protect public health."Our commitment to utilizing modern technology to combat smog and safeguard citizens' health remains absolute", the minister added.The anti-smog gun operation is part of broader efforts by the Punjab government to address the worsening air quality in Lahore and surrounding areas, particularly during the winter smog season.Read More: Lahore bans entry of unfit heavy vehicles to tackle smog threat

HYDERABAD: The body of a medical student from Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) was recovered from a hostel room on Sunday.According to police, the deceased has been identified as Abdullah Soomro, a fourth-year MBBS student, who was found dead in his hostel room.DSP Kotri stated that initial investigations suggest the incident appears to be a case of suicide, though further inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of death.In a separate incident of the same nature, a student was found dead at a private hostel in Peshawar, in yet another mysterious death of a student in the country.According to police, the student was found dead in a private hostel and they have registered a case into the incident. “We have launched an investigation into the incident to ascertain the cause of death,” they said.Read more: Student found dead in Peshawar hostelIt is pertinent to mention here that multiple incidents of students committing suicide have occurred and recently, a student hailing from Lahore committed suicide with police claiming that the boy was upset over his performance in the examination.According to police, the 18-year-old student committed suicide at his home after hanging himself from a ceiling fan in Lahore’s Sundar area.They said the boy, whose identity is unknown, was dishearted over his performance in the exam after he found the paper was difficult for him to solve.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has successfully launched its first hyperspectral satellite, HS-1, into space from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.A team of Pakistani scientists and engineers was present at the launch site to oversee the mission.According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the satellite will undergo in-orbit testing for two months following its successful deployment.The hyperspectral satellite is designed to assist in forecasting floods, landslides, and other natural disasters, while also contributing to environmental monitoring and early detection of geological risks.Officials stated that this mission marks a major milestone under Pakistan’s National Space Policy and Vision 2047.Read more: Pakistan’s new remote sensing satellite successfully reaches orbitThe HS-1 launch is Pakistan’s third space mission in 2025, following the successful deployment of EO-1 in January and KS-1 in July—both of which are fully operational.Officials noted that institutions like SUPARCO are striving to safeguard national interests while advancing to global standards, with Pakistan moving steadily toward becoming a strong hub of space technology in the region.The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) confirmed that Pakistan’s newly launched remote sensing satellite has successfully reached orbit and is performing optimally.The satellite was launched on July 31, 2025, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in China. Following deployment, it established stable communication with ground stations and has begun transmitting high-resolution images for national use.

The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expected to reach its final stage early next month,  ARY News reported, citing sources.Sources revealed that Arif Habib Limited, Fauji Fertilizer Company, Airblue, and Lucky Group are among the four contenders interested in acquiring a stake in the national carrier.The interested firms have reportedly requested the government to ease certain conditions related to the privatization process. However, officials clarified that the PIA brand name will remain unchanged, and the national flag on its aircraft will not be removed.According to sources, ownership of PIA will remain with Pakistani nationals, and foreign individuals or entities will not be allowed to participate as majority shareholders in the bidding process.Earlier, the Privatization Commission Board had pre-qualified four investors for PIA’s privatization.Read more: PIA to launch direct flights to Muscat from Islamabad, LahoreThe Cabinet Committee on Privatization had also approved the transaction structure for the Roosevelt Hotel, marking a significant step forward in the government’s privatization agenda.A statement from the Ministry of Privatization said the recent meetings of the Privatization Commission Board, chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization and Chairman Privatization Commission Muhammad Ali, underscored continued progress in key strategic transactions.