Under this deal, the government received around Rs10.2 billion in cash, while the remaining amount will be reinvested directly into PIA to help upgrade and restructure the struggling airline. The goal is simple: to bring PIA back to life after years of financial losses and operational challenges.

What This Means for PIA

The privatization deal is expected to kick-start a major transformation. The new owners have committed to modernizing PIA through better management, improved services, and a stronger fleet.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key highlights:

Who Bought PIA?

A consortium led by Arif Habib Corp, joined by:

• Fatima Fertilizer

• City Schools

• Lake City Holdings

Size of the Stake

• 75% ownership of PIA acquired.

Total Deal Value

• Rs135 billion (approximately $482 million USD).

Government’s Share

• Around Rs10.2 billion received in cash.

• The rest of the funds will be reinvested into PIA for upgrades and improvements.

Future Investment

The consortium plans to invest $400 million (Rs80 billion) over the next five years to:

• Expand and modernize the fleet

• Improve operations and customer service

• Reduce PIA’s heavy debt burden

Why This Matters

This is Pakistan’s second major attempt to privatize PIA. With strong private-sector leadership and fresh investment, there is renewed hope that the national airline can finally become profitable and regain its reputation.

If successful, this deal could reshape Pakistan’s aviation industry and set PIA on a new path toward stability, efficiency, and growth.

The post Arif Habib Group Secures 75% Stake in PIA — A Major Step Toward Reviving the National Airline appeared first on FMN.

At the time, Army Public School had over 1,000 students and staff members, many of whom were children of military personnel. The attackers launched their assault in the late morning, gaining access to the school compound by scaling a boundary wall. Reports later indicated that they detonated explosives near their own vehicle to distract security personnel guarding the premises.

After entering the school, the gunmen made their way to the main assembly hall, where a large group of students was attending a first-aid lesson. They opened fire indiscriminately before moving through classrooms, deliberately targeting teachers and older students. Armed with automatic rifles and grenades, the attackers showed no intention of taking hostages and focused solely on killing.

Pakistan Army Special Services Group (SSG) commandos were deployed and eventually managed to corner the attackers, all of whom were wearing suicide vests filled with explosives. The militants were killed during the operation, while several soldiers sustained injuries from shrapnel. The siege lasted approximately eight hours. During this time, distressed parents gathered outside the school gates, desperately awaiting news of their children.

According to official figures, 150 people lost their lives, and more than 100 others were injured in the attack.

Responsibility for the massacre was claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which described the assault as retaliation for military operations against its members. Analysts widely believed the attack was linked to Operation Zarb-e-Azb, the government’s major counter-terrorism offensive in North Waziristan.

The massacre triggered global condemnation and profound national grief. In its aftermath, Pakistan lifted a six-year moratorium on the death penalty and carried out executions of several convicted militants.

The post We Still Remember the Peshawar Massacre appeared first on FMN.

Pakistan’s former intelligence chief, Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence by a military court — an unprecedented move marking the first court-martial of a former ISI director general in the country’s history.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Hameed was convicted on four serious charges: engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner detrimental to national security, abusing his authority and state resources, and causing unlawful harm to citizens.

The ISPR statement emphasized that Hameed was afforded full legal rights, including “the opportunity to appoint a defence counsel of his choice.” He also retains the right to challenge the verdict in the “appropriate forum,” which, in this case, is the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Details of the proceedings have not been released, as the trial was conducted in-camera before a military court. The military further noted that allegations regarding his role in “inciting political unrest and instability” are being pursued in separate legal actions.

Hameed previously served as director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 to 2021 during the government of former prime minister Imran Khan, with whom he was widely perceived to have close ties. He opted for early retirement soon after Khan’s removal through a no-confidence vote in 2022.

Given that the ISI chief is regarded as one of the most influential positions within Pakistan’s military hierarchy, Hameed’s conviction marks a significant and historic shift in civil-military accountability.

The post Faiz Hameed Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison by the Military Court appeared first on FMN.

This development marks another significant milestone in Munir’s career, following his recent elevation to Field Marshal — a distinction previously held only by General Ayub Khan.

A new role and the ongoing debate

The position of Chief of Defence Forces was introduced last month under new legislation that also grants Munir lifetime service in uniform and immunity from arrest. The decision has drawn criticism from the party of former prime minister Imran Khan, which contends that concentrating extensive authority in a single military office could weaken democratic checks and balances.

Government officials, however, maintain that the new structure will improve joint planning and help streamline decision-making across the armed forces.

Appointment process completed

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the summary recommending Munir’s appointment as both Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces was forwarded to President Asif Ali Zardari, who approved it shortly afterward.

“The appointment is for a five-year term,” the official statement said.

The post Asim Munir Appointed as the first Chief of Defence Forces appeared first on FMN.

There was an open manhole near the store and the family’s vehicle was parked there. Little Ibrahim, like every other kid started running towards the vehicle straight from the exit without the supervision of any adult and suddenly fell into the manhole that had no covering. Devastated, the father started calling every emergency number he knew while the mother frantically called for help nearby.

The lack of machinery led to the parents to pay for the equipment and get the help required to get their toddler out of the manhole. Hours and hours passed by but no result came. No one knew had the blueprint for the underground system so finding the boy was a needle in a haystack.

After 14-15 hours, the boy’s body was discovered by a scavenger who knew about the whereabouts of the manhole. Of course after this gruesome time, the toddler did not survive and his body was handed over to the officials for further investigation,

The child’s heartbreaking death — and the apparent lack of urgent response from civic authorities — sparked intense anger among family members and local residents. They staged protests on University Road late Sunday night and again the following day.

Several political parties had joined in, holding demonstrations against the provincial administration and calling for the Karachi mayor’s resignation. Petitions were also submitted in court, demanding accountability from city officials.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab later visited the grieving family of the three-year-old boy who fell into an open manhole in Gulshan-i-Iqbal and drowned. He assured them that a transparent investigation would be carried out and that strict action would be taken against those responsible.

Will the mayor and other government officials work hard enough to restore the geographical conditions in the city or will there be more incidents happen to shake up the people of Karachi, we will soon find out.

The post 3 Year Old Falls into a Manhole and Passes Away appeared first on FMN.

He warned that the world does not accept false narratives built by countries that use terrorism as a political weapon. He further revealed that there is evidence of foreign involvement in recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan’s Message in Modi’s Presence

In the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shehbaz Sharif strongly presented Pakistan’s stance before the international community. He stressed that perpetrators of heinous crimes and their facilitators must be held accountable.

Sharif highlighted that sustainable peace in South Asia requires comprehensive dialogue. He reiterated that Pakistan seeks normal relations with all neighboring countries, based on respect and diplomacy.

Global Issues: Gaza and Climate Change

The Prime Minister also drew attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, calling the violence and starvation an “endless wound on our collective conscience.” He urged an immediate end to bloodshed.

He also raised concerns about climate change, noting that Pakistan continues to suffer from heavy rains, cloudbursts, and devastating floods due to global warming.

Commitment to Dialogue and Multilateralism

Sharif underlined that Pakistan believes in the power of multilateral dialogue and diplomacy. He emphasized that sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable for every nation.

He also stressed that unhindered access to water under international agreements will further strengthen SCO objectives.

Pakistan’s Regional Role

Shehbaz Sharif reminded the summit that Pakistan has sacrificed not just for itself but for the peace and stability of the entire region and the world. He described Afghanistan as a brotherly neighbor, saying a stable Afghanist

an is vital for regional prosperity.

The post Shehbaz Sharif at SCO Summit: Terrorism a Grave Threat to Regional Peace appeared first on FMN.

According to reports, Ducky Bhai’s lawyer filed an appeal on Saturday before the Sessions Court in Lahore, contesting the judicial magistrate’s earlier decision to extend his remand. The court admitted the appeal for hearing and issued a notice to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), seeking a reply by Monday.

In his petition, Ducky Bhai argued that the magistrate approved the remand extension without properly reviewing the facts. He requested the higher court to declare the decision null and void.

Relief for Arub Jatoi

Meanwhile, the court has also extended the interim bail of Ducky Bhai’s wife, Arub Jatoi, until September 15, 2025. The NCCIA was ordered not to arrest her during this period.

Additionally, the court directed the agency to submit a detailed investigation report on the next hearing.

NCCIA Expands Investigations

On the other hand, the NCCIA has broadened its investigation into the promotion of illegal online betting and trading apps. Notices have been issued to several well-known YouTubers and TikTok influencers accused of promoting these platforms.

Those summoned include:

Mudasir Hassan

Muhammad Anas Ali

Iqra Kanwal

Muhammad Hasnain Shah

They have been instructed to appear at the NCCIA Lahore office on September 2, 2025.

Allegations Against Influencers

Investigators allege that these influencers promoted illegal betting apps on social media, luring young audiences by presenting the platforms in an attractive manner. According to officials, this deceptive promotion misled the public and encouraged them to engage in unlawful activities.

What’s Next?

Ducky Bhai’s appeal will be heard on Monday.

NCCIA will submit its detailed findings in court.

More influencer

s may face questioning as the investigation widens.

The post “Ducky Bhai Challenges Remand Extension as NCCIA Summons More YouTubers and TikTokers in Gambling Apps Case” appeared first on FMN.

The cancellation has caused disappointment in New Delhi, as the summit carried major diplomatic importance for India’s global image.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation

According to US media reports, Trump made this decision due to his busy domestic schedule and policy priorities. Sources close to the former President revealed that his current focus lies on China and Middle East policy, rather than South Asia.

Reports further suggest that Trump is reassessing relations with Asian countries, which directly influenced his decision not to travel to India this year.

Trade Tensions at the Core

American newspapers have linked the move to ongoing US-India trade tensions. While no official confirmation has been given, analysts believe the trade disputes played a key role in Trump’s cancellation.

At the same time, the US administration has not announced who will represent the country at the Quad Summit in Trump’s absence.

Symbol of Strained Ties

Political analysts see this step as a sign of cooling relations between Washington and New Delhi. For India, the summit was an opportunity to strengthen its strategic partnership with the US, especially amid growing global challenges.

What Lies Ahead

India hoped the Quad Summit would highlight its diplomatic influence.

The US has yet to confirm its representation at the event.

Trade disagreements may continue to affect future US-India relations

The post “Trump Cancels India Visit for 2025 Quad Summit, Major Diplomatic Setback for Modi” appeared first on FMN.

Heavy Army Deployment in Flood-Hit Regions

The DG ISPR highlighted that the Army is actively engaged in rescue and relief operations across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Currently, one Engineer Brigade and 30 Army units are deployed for flood relief duties.

These include:

19 Infantry Units

7 Engineer Units

4 Medical Units

Additionally, 29 Army medical camps have been established in flood-hit areas, where over 20,788 patients have received treatment so far.

Sacrifices in Relief Operations

During relief efforts, the Army has also suffered casualties. DG ISPR confirmed that two soldiers embraced martyrdom and two were injured while helping flood victims.

Government and Army Working Together

DG ISPR addressed the press conference alongside Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to supporting civil authorities during natural disasters while maintaining vigilance at the borders.

Ensuring Security Amid Crisis

Despite large-scale deployment in flood-hit regions, the Army assured citizens that border security remains fully intact. The press conference highlighted the dual responsibility being carried out: saving lives through relief work while safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.

The post ISPR: Pakistan Army Maintains Border Vigilance Amid Flood Relief Operations appeared first on FMN.

Kartarpur Corridor Submerged

The floods have entered the Kartarpur Corridor in Narowal, inundating the sacred Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. Water levels reached 5 to 7 feet inside the shrine, raising concerns of severe damage. Roads including Narowal Road and Shakargarh Highway have been closed due to flooding.

Punjab on Emergency Alert

In Punjab’s Gujranwala Division, seven people have died and three remain missing. Authorities declared a rain emergency in Sialkot, enforcing Section 144, and relocating more than 210,000 people to safer areas. Relief camps have been set up, and mosques are making announcements urging evacuation.

To protect Head Qadirabad, authorities deliberately breached two protective embankments in Mandi Bahauddin and Alipur Chattha.

The Army has been deployed in eight affected districts to assist local administration with rescue operations.

Ravi and Chenab at Dangerous Levels

According to PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia, the next 48 hours are critical for Ravi and Chenab. At Jassar, the Ravi River recorded an extremely high flood level with a flow of 229,700 cusecs. A massive wave is expected to pass Shahdara, threatening low-lying areas and parts of Motorway-2.

Civil Defense has issued alerts, and sirens have been sounded in vulnerable areas.

Sutlej River Worsens Situation

The Sutlej River also swelled dangerously, with water flow reaching 245,000 cusecs at Head Ganda Singh. Villages near Bahawalnagar and Pakpattan have been cut off, with over 100 settlements submerged. More than 4,000 flood victims have been evacuated to safer ground.

At Arifwala, severe flooding has hit multiple villages, while at Baba Farid Bridge in Pakpattan, a massive wave is passing through, forcing authorities to sound high-level alerts.

Widespread Destruction and Ongoing Rescue

Thousands of families have been displaced, while cattle and crops have been washed away. Rescue teams including Rangers, Army, and Police continue operations in affected areas.

The scale of devastation across Punjab and the looming threat in Sindh highlight the urgent need for coord

inated relief and long-term flood management.

The post Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej Overflow: Kartarpur Corridor Flooded, Sindh on High Alert appeared first on FMN.