The PQC (Pavement Quality Concrete) phase of the main runway at Jinnah International Airport has been completed ahead of schedule, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
The authority stated that the PQC construction work was successfully completed within just seven months. All components of the airfield lighting system have been received, and installation is currently underway.
In addition, work on installing the runway’s centerline and taxiway markings is in progress, along with other associated development tasks, the PAA confirmed.
KARACHI: The German Consulate General in Karachi has formally resumed German visa services for non-European Union (EU) citizens, including Pakistani nationals.
Earlier, the consulate had put operations on hold last week due to undefined reasons, triggering doubts among visa applicants.
The visa section will start operations from Tuesday, August 5. Applicants can submit their applications through the consulate’s online appointment portal.
Applicants who had received appointments during the suspension period are urged to register again for the new slots.
The consulate emphasised that German visa services for non-EU citizens, including work, study, and family visit visas, will now continue as normal. This resumption follows a series of recent changes in visa policies across Western embassies in Pakistan.
— German Consulate General Karachi (@GermanyinKHI) August 4, 2025
Recently, the U.S. consulates in Karachi and Lahore required some visa applicants to share their social media profiles publicly.
This news is a relief for many people in Pakistan who want to travel to Germany, especially students and professionals waiting for their visa approvals. The consulate thanked the public for being patient and promised to give updates when necessary.
The German visa services are now fully restored, indicating a significant step in easing travel procedures for Pakistani applicants.
With the German visa Karachi process back on track, citizens are encouraged to promptly book their appointments again and prepare necessary documentation.
KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the chairperson of a non-governmental organisation involved in Karachi child trafficking, ARY News reported.
According to FIA authorities, the suspect would allegedly smuggle children to the U.S on the account of adoption.
The FIA arrested the suspect after receiving a complaint filed by the U.S Consulate in Karachi, which indicated suspicion over the NGO’s adoption processes.
Upon receiving the complaint, the FIA launched the investigation and found that the suspect was not only involved in Karachi child trafficking but also in making fake documents to simplify the illegal transfer of children abroad.
Bail before the suspect’s arrest was rejected by the Special Judge Central in Karachi, considering the risk of her taking off. The accused was taken into custody as the court received enough evidence, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
This Karachi child trafficking case has initiated a new wave of investigation of child protection laws and adoption protocols in Pakistan.
Officials are now investigating the other individuals or NGOs, if they are also involved in similar activities.
The FIA has confirmed that further investigations are underway. Moreover, the agency is critically examining similar NGOs or individuals involved in such cases to eradicate this crime.
As the case moves further, Karachi child trafficking has been a major concern for both local and international stakeholders.
Earlier in the human trafficking case, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Balochistan Zone arrested two individuals, including a foreign national, for their alleged involvement in visa fraud and human trafficking.
According to the FIA spokesperson, the arrests were made by the FIA Composite Circle Gwadar during a targeted operation. The suspects were identified as Joseph, a Nigerian citizen, and Mehmood Khan, a local agent.
KARACHI: The privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has accelerated and entered a fast track, as designated representatives from pre-qualified companies start site visits to the Karachi headquarters of the airline and aircraft hangars, ARY News reported.
This is a breakthrough in the PIA privatisation process, by which management control and ownership will be transferred to private, reliable investors by the end of 2025.
According to ARY News, Airblue, Arif Habib Consortium, Fauji Fertiliser, and Lucky Group Consortium’s delegations are going to visit PIA’s facilities from Monday.
During the visits, aircraft inspections at the PIA Head Office and the Isphahani Hangar will be executed, along with detailed briefings on air service agreements, route revenues, and employee structures will be given.
The PIA privatisation process accelerated after the approval of four bidders by the Privatisation Commission Board for due diligence in its 237th meeting.
The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Ali, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation. The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation also authorised the transaction structure for the Roosevelt Hotel, and the review for another key asset is underway.
According to the recent reports, 51 to 100 percent shares of PIA, including management control, are being offered by the government to attract qualified and reliable investors .
The shortlisted bidders can now access a virtual data room and will perform comprehensive assessments over the next two months before the submission of final bids in Q4 20251.
In a linked progress, the government has asked prospective clients to invest Rs. 60–70 billion over five years to revive the airline, including fleet expansion and operational upgrades.
The government will have only 15% of the bid amount, while 85% must be invested in PIA’s recovery.
The PIA privatisation process is part of Pakistan’s comprehensive economic restructuring agenda under its $7 billion IMF program.
It will be Pakistan’s first major privatisation in two decades if it is successful.
The United States (US) Consulate in Karachi has advised its diplomatic staff and citizens in the city to exercise caution.
A spokesperson for the US Consulate said that citizens should avoid visiting crowded places and making unnecessary trips.
“The U.S. Consulate General Karachi received a report of a threat directed at high-end hotels in Karachi. In response to such threats, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates sometimes place areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls and restaurants off-limits to official U.S. government personnel,” the US department said in a security alert.
“The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi has temporarily limited visits by official U.S. government personnel to these hotels.”
It has asked its citizens to avoid crowds, keep a low profile, and beware of surroundings. “Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners,” it added.
KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Holding Company has reported a significant financial turnaround in its 2024 audit report, ARY News reported.
According to the audit report, PIA recorded a profit of Rs 51.74 billion, marking a 42.90 percent increase from the previous year.
In 2023, PIA had posted a profit of Rs 36.2 billion, according to the report. The audit further highlights that losses were reduced by 82 percent, falling to Rs 15.35 billion in 2024 compared to Rs 87.26 billion in 2023.
Despite the improvement in profit and loss figures, PIA’s revenue declined by 7.68 percent, dropping from Rs 259.59 billion in 2023 to Rs 239.65 billion in 2024.
The report attributes the financial recovery to a 15.88 percent reduction in overall expenses, which stood at Rs 187.92 billion in 2024.
A 22.92 percent decrease in jet fuel costs and reduced spending on other services contributed to this decline.
However, the report also notes a 36.62 percent increase in administrative expenses, which rose to Rs 25.75 billion in 2024.
In other news, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) launched a Cadet Pilot Program endeavoring to recruit 24 new pilots to reinforce its operational capacity and deal with an ongoing shortage of cockpit crew.
As part of this project, selected candidates will be recruited for two years on contractual basis, with the prospect to start their flying careers with the national airline.
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 200 flying hours, along with a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
As part of the program agreement, qualified candidates need to submit a financial bond worth $15,000, guaranteeing dedication and compliance with the airline operating protocols.
This move comes as PIA sustains its efforts to restore international routes, mainly in Europe and the UK.
In addition to the cadet pilot program, recruitment of 20 experienced commercial pilots in PIA is also being executed to meet instant operational demands.
For the PIA pilot recruitment, the airline has appealed candidates wishing to submit their applications to the HR department within 15 days of the announcement.
This recruitment drive is part of a previous advertisement for First Officer positions, which involved nearly 300 applicants, stressing the strong interest in aviation careers within Pakistan.
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched a Cadet Pilot Program endeavoring to recruit 24 new pilots to reinforce its operational capacity and deal with an ongoing shortage of cockpit crew, ARY New reported.
As part of this project, selected candidates will be recruited for two years on contractual basis, with the prospect to start their flying careers with the national airline.
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 200 flying hours, along with a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
As part of the program agreement, qualified candidates need to submit a financial bond worth $15,000, guaranteeing dedication and compliance with the airline operating protocols.
This move comes as PIA sustains its efforts to restore international routes, mainly in Europe and the UK.
In addition to the cadet pilot program, recruitment of 20 experienced commercial pilots in PIA is also being executed to meet instant operational demands.
For the PIA pilot recruitment, the airline has appealed candidates wishing to submit their applications to the HR department within 15 days of the announcement.
This recruitment drive is part of a previous advertisement for First Officer positions, which involved nearly 300 applicants, stressing the strong interest in aviation careers within Pakistan.
The PIA pilot recruitment initiative is a part of a larger plan to restore the airline’s fleet and resume direct flights to destinations such as Manchester, London, and Paris, using Boeing 777 aircraft.
With European operations resuming, the cadet pilot program is likely to play a crucial role in sustaining long-term growth and enhancing service quality.
KARACHI: The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi announced on Monday the indefinite suspension of visa services.
In an official statement, the Consulate said it will remain closed for services to non-EU citizens until further notice.
“All services of the Consulate General for non-EU citizens are suspended. All confirmed visa appointments for non-EU citizens have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled,” the statement read.
The Consulate further stated that applicants will need to register again through the appointment system once services resume.
“We appreciate your understanding in this matter and will keep you updated on any changes,” the statement added.
Earlier, the German Embassy in Islamabad introduced a new Consular Services Portal to simplify and accelerate the application process for all types of work visas for Pakistani citizens.
The embassy announced that the online system, accessible at digital.diplo.de/visa, will increase the number of visas processed and eliminate the need for waiting lists.
The portal guides applicants through a streamlined process, requiring them to complete a questionnaire and upload necessary documents for preliminary review.
“This ensures applications are fully prepared before in-person appointments, speeding up processes at the embassy,” the embassy stated on its Facebook page.
Applicants must attend an in-person appointment to verify their identity, submit biometric data, and pay the visa fee.
The new system covers various employment visa categories, including skilled employment, EU Blue Card, Opportunity Card, self-employment, and recognition of Pakistani degrees.
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has made significant progress in its preparations to resume flight operations to the United Kingdom, ARY News reported on Thursday, citing sources.
As per details, a two-member PIA delegation has arrived in Manchester to assess arrangements ahead of the airline’s first resumed flight. The team comprises Chief Operating Officer Khurram Mushtaq and General Manager Coordination Zulqarnain Mehdi.
According to sources, the airline is gearing up to operate its first UK-bound flight on August 14, following the lifting of restrictions on its operations in Britain.
The delegation will submit a comprehensive report evaluating the logistical and operational readiness for the flight launch.
Initially, PIA plans to operate four weekly flights between Islamabad and Manchester.
Furthermore, plans are also underway to gradually expand operations to include London and Birmingham in the near future.
Earlier, the CEO of PIA conducted a detailed inspection of the arrangements for the upcoming UK operations, including a technical review of a Boeing 777 aircraft at the Asfahani Hangar in Karachi.
Accompanied by senior officials, the CEO issued directives to ensure the aircraft is fully upgraded and operationally ready in accordance with international standards.
The UK is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at £4.7 billion annually. Easier travel is anticipated to boost family reunions, tourism, and business exchanges, further solidifying this economic relationship.
ISLAMABAD – July 23, 2025: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has approved a series of major developments, including upgrading Sukkur and Dera Ismail (DI) Khan airports to international status, ARY News reported, citing sources.
According to the sources, the authority has decided to expand Sukkur Airport along with its runway to meet international standards. Simultaneously, Dera Ismail Khan Airport will undergo a complete reconstruction to transform it into a modern facility.
The Board of Directors has also approved the upgradation and expansion of Rahim Yar Khan Airport, which includes the renovation of infrastructure and the extension of the runway.
In addition, the federal government will decide on the construction of a new airport in Mirpur after the completion of a feasibility study, the sources added.
These decisions were formally approved during the latest board meeting of the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Earlier, it was reported that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led federal government decided to build an airport in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on the demand of overseas Pakistanis.
Building an airport in AJK was a long-standing demand of overseas Pakistanis.
In this context, a letter from British Members of Parliament of Kashmiri origin also surfaced, supporting the demand.
British MPs had written to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging the construction of the airport.
