FMN https://thefmn.com/ Sat, 10 Jan 2026 11:38:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Bangladesh bans IPL Indefinitely https://thefmn.com/6727/ https://thefmn.com/6727/#respond Sat, 10 Jan 2026 11:38:44 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6727 The Bangladesh government has taken a bold and unprecedented step by banning the broadcast of the IPL 2026 across the country. The move comes after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release star Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad—without providing any official explanation. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, no justification was shared regarding Mustafizur’s sudden exclusion. The ministry noted that the decision had caused “distress among the people of Bangladesh,” leading the government to act decisively “in public interest.” Why the Ban Matters The IPL has been aired on Bangladeshi TV channels and digital platforms since its launch in 2008. This is the first time ever that Bangladesh has banned the telecast of any international cricket tournament—making the decision historic and highly significant. The government’s stance highlights growing frustration over what it views as unfair treatment of one of the country’s top cricketers. Mustafizur, a key figure in Bangladesh cricket, has a massive fan base, and his removal from the IPL squad has sparked considerable public reaction. What Happens Next? This controversy comes at a tense time. Bangladesh is already in discussions with the ICC to shift their T20 World …

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]]> The Bangladesh government has taken a bold and unprecedented step by banning the broadcast of the IPL 2026 across the country. The move comes after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release star Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad—without providing any official explanation.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, no justification was shared regarding Mustafizur’s sudden exclusion. The ministry noted that the decision had caused “distress among the people of Bangladesh,” leading the government to act decisively “in public interest.”

Why the Ban Matters

The IPL has been aired on Bangladeshi TV channels and digital platforms since its launch in 2008. This is the first time ever that Bangladesh has banned the telecast of any international cricket tournament—making the decision historic and highly significant.

The government’s stance highlights growing frustration over what it views as unfair treatment of one of the country’s top cricketers. Mustafizur, a key figure in Bangladesh cricket, has a massive fan base, and his removal from the IPL squad has sparked considerable public reaction.

What Happens Next?

This controversy comes at a tense time. Bangladesh is already in discussions with the ICC to shift their T20 World Cup 2026 matches away from India.
So far, no decision has been finalized, and according to the original schedule, Bangladesh is expected to play their opening match against West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

A Turning Point for Bangladesh-India Cricket Relations?

The ban marks a significant moment in regional cricket dynamics. While it remains unclear how long the IPL blackout will last, the message from Dhaka is strong and clear: decisions affecting Bangladeshi players must be transparent and respectful.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6727/feed/ 0 Arif Habib Group Secures 75% Stake in PIA — A Major Step Toward Reviving the National Airline https://thefmn.com/6724/ https://thefmn.com/6724/#respond Sat, 10 Jan 2026 11:17:53 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6724 In late December 2025, a major development took place in Pakistan’s aviation sector. A consortium led by the Arif Habib Group won the bid to acquire a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for Rs135 billion. This marks one of the biggest privatization moves in the country’s recent history. 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 …

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]]> In late December 2025, a major development took place in Pakistan’s aviation sector. A consortium led by the Arif Habib Group won the bid to acquire a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for Rs135 billion. This marks one of the biggest privatization moves in the country’s recent history.

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.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6724/feed/ 0 We Still Remember the Peshawar Massacre https://thefmn.com/6720/ https://thefmn.com/6720/#respond Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:23:19 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6720 The Peshawar school massacre was a devastating terrorist attack that took place on December 16, 2014, when seven heavily armed Taliban militants stormed an army-run primary and secondary school in Peshawar, Pakistan. The assault resulted in the deaths of 150 people, including at least 134 students, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the country’s history. 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. …

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]]> The Peshawar school massacre was a devastating terrorist attack that took place on December 16, 2014, when seven heavily armed Taliban militants stormed an army-run primary and secondary school in Peshawar, Pakistan. The assault resulted in the deaths of 150 people, including at least 134 students, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the country’s history.

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.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6720/feed/ 0 Saudi Arabia to Issue E-Bracelets for Hajj 2026 Pilgrims https://thefmn.com/6717/ https://thefmn.com/6717/#respond Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:44:03 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6717 Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of enhanced safety measures for Hajj 2026, focusing on technology-driven solutions to improve security, crowd management, and the overall experience for millions of pilgrims. As part of the new plan, every pilgrim will receive an electronic bracelet, and approximately 1,000 additional surveillance cameras will be installed across major pilgrimage sites. The electronic bracelets will contain essential personal and medical information, allowing authorities to provide immediate support in case of emergencies. They will also assist pilgrims with navigation, prayer schedules, and other key rituals, featuring multilingual guidance for visitors from non-Arabic speaking countries. The newly deployed surveillance cameras will be placed in high-traffic areas to monitor crowd flow in real time. Officials say this will help prevent congestion, enable quicker responses during medical or safety incidents, and facilitate smoother movement throughout the holy sites. According to Saudi authorities, these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to strengthen public safety and operational efficiency during Hajj. By integrating digital tools with on-ground management, the aim is to minimize risks, improve communication, and ensure a more organized and secure pilgrimage experience.        

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]]> Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of enhanced safety measures for Hajj 2026, focusing on technology-driven solutions to improve security, crowd management, and the overall experience for millions of pilgrims. As part of the new plan, every pilgrim will receive an electronic bracelet, and approximately 1,000 additional surveillance cameras will be installed across major pilgrimage sites.

The electronic bracelets will contain essential personal and medical information, allowing authorities to provide immediate support in case of emergencies. They will also assist pilgrims with navigation, prayer schedules, and other key rituals, featuring multilingual guidance for visitors from non-Arabic speaking countries.

The newly deployed surveillance cameras will be placed in high-traffic areas to monitor crowd flow in real time. Officials say this will help prevent congestion, enable quicker responses during medical or safety incidents, and facilitate smoother movement throughout the holy sites.

According to Saudi authorities, these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to strengthen public safety and operational efficiency during Hajj. By integrating digital tools with on-ground management, the aim is to minimize risks, improve communication, and ensure a more organized and secure pilgrimage experience.

 

 

 

 

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6717/feed/ 0 Hajj 2026: Photography Banned in Masjid Al Haraam & Masjid Un Nabwi https://thefmn.com/6710/ https://thefmn.com/6710/#respond Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:58:12 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6710 Saudi Arabia has announced a complete prohibition on photography and videography inside Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah for the Hajj 2026 (1447H) season. The ban covers all devices capable of capturing images or video — including mobile phones, digital cameras, professional recording equipment — and applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces of the two holy mosques. According to authorities, this measure has been introduced to protect pilgrim privacy, maintain the spiritual sanctity of the sacred sites, and ensure smoother crowd movement during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. Background and Reasons for the Ban The decision was jointly reviewed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, and the Ministry of Interior, following a rise in concerns related to excessive photography during peak worship periods. The main objectives include: 1. Preserving the Sacred EnvironmentPhoto-taking, content creation, and frequent selfie attempts have increasingly disrupted the spiritual atmosphere inside both mosques. 2. Ensuring Pilgrim PrivacyWith millions gathered in close quarters, unauthorized recording often leads to privacy breaches and formal complaints. 3. Preventing Safety and Congestion IssuesSecurity teams have reported dangerous crowd slowdowns caused by people …

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]]> Saudi Arabia has announced a complete prohibition on photography and videography inside Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah for the Hajj 2026 (1447H) season. The ban covers all devices capable of capturing images or video — including mobile phones, digital cameras, professional recording equipment — and applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces of the two holy mosques.

According to authorities, this measure has been introduced to protect pilgrim privacy, maintain the spiritual sanctity of the sacred sites, and ensure smoother crowd movement during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

Background and Reasons for the Ban

The decision was jointly reviewed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, and the Ministry of Interior, following a rise in concerns related to excessive photography during peak worship periods. The main objectives include:

1. Preserving the Sacred Environment
Photo-taking, content creation, and frequent selfie attempts have increasingly disrupted the spiritual atmosphere inside both mosques.

2. Ensuring Pilgrim Privacy
With millions gathered in close quarters, unauthorized recording often leads to privacy breaches and formal complaints.

3. Preventing Safety and Congestion Issues
Security teams have reported dangerous crowd slowdowns caused by people stopping near high-traffic areas, including the Kaaba, Rawdah, entrances, and Tawaf/Sa’i pathways.

4. Building on Earlier Restrictions
Saudi authorities first introduced photography limitations in 2017, reinforced them in 2024, and expanded them in 2025 to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The 2026 policy represents the first fully comprehensive ban enforced specifically for the Hajj period.

What Is Not Allowed Under the New Policy?

During Hajj 2026, the following activities are strictly prohibited within both holy mosques:

  • Mobile phone photography

  • Any type of video recording

  • Selfies or group photos

  • Use of GoPro, DSLR, or mirrorless cameras

  • Livestreaming on social media

  • Holding phones above crowds

  • Influencer-style or commercial content creation

The ban will remain in effect throughout the Hajj 2026 season to ensure safety, respect, and a spiritually focused environment for all pilgrims.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6710/feed/ 0 Faiz Hameed Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison by the Military Court https://thefmn.com/6707/ https://thefmn.com/6707/#respond Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:49:07 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6707 According to a press release issued by the public relations arm of Pakistani military (ISPR), the 15-month-long court martial proceeding began on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act. 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 …

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]]> According to a press release issued by the public relations arm of Pakistani military (ISPR), the 15-month-long court martial proceeding began on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act.

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.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6707/feed/ 0 Nida Yasir & the Foodpanda Controversy https://thefmn.com/6704/ https://thefmn.com/6704/#respond Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:33:20 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6704 TV host Nida Yasir has issued an apology for her “choice of words” after facing intense criticism over her comments about Foodpanda riders — remarks in which she accused them of “lying” to earn extra money and openly admitted to intentionally delaying their orders to “teach them a lesson.” In a recent episode of Good Morning Pakistan, Yasir began the show with a clarification. “A few days ago, during my programme, I shared a personal experience that wasn’t pleasant. My mistake was the choice of words I used and the way I chose to narrate that experience,” she said, noting that because the show is live, “we often aren’t mindful of how we may sound.” She went on to say that she should have used the phrase “some people” instead of generalizing, stressing that she never intended to target all riders. “There are so many riders, and in fact the majority work incredibly hard to support their families. I am not here to hurt anyone,” she said. “I wear my heart on my sleeve, but I am human — not an angel — and sometimes what we feel doesn’t come out the right way.” Addressing the riders directly, she added: …

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]]>

TV host Nida Yasir has issued an apology for her “choice of words” after facing intense criticism over her comments about Foodpanda riders — remarks in which she accused them of “lying” to earn extra money and openly admitted to intentionally delaying their orders to “teach them a lesson.”

In a recent episode of Good Morning Pakistan, Yasir began the show with a clarification. “A few days ago, during my programme, I shared a personal experience that wasn’t pleasant. My mistake was the choice of words I used and the way I chose to narrate that experience,” she said, noting that because the show is live, “we often aren’t mindful of how we may sound.”

She went on to say that she should have used the phrase “some people” instead of generalizing, stressing that she never intended to target all riders. “There are so many riders, and in fact the majority work incredibly hard to support their families. I am not here to hurt anyone,” she said. “I wear my heart on my sleeve, but I am human — not an angel — and sometimes what we feel doesn’t come out the right way.”

Addressing the riders directly, she added: “To all the riders who felt hurt, I sincerely apologise. I salute the hardworking riders. I never intended to dismiss their struggles.”

However, critics argue that the controversy wasn’t just about her wording — it was the behaviour she described, and justified, on live television that sparked the public backlash.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6704/feed/ 0 South Korea Opens First-Ever Islamic Art Gallery https://thefmn.com/6693/ https://thefmn.com/6693/#respond Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:32:56 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6693 South Korea has made history by unveiling its first-ever permanent Islamic art gallery at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul — a major milestone celebrated by KOREA.net. The new gallery, titled “Islamic Art: A Magnificent Journey,” marks a bold step toward embracing global cultures. Created in collaboration with the world-renowned Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, the exhibition reflects South Korea’s growing fascination with the beauty, depth and legacy of Islamic civilization. Museum officials say the partnership aims to open a window into the vast world of Islamic art — showcasing centuries of craftsmanship, breathtaking patterns, and artistic brilliance that shaped regions from the Middle East to Central and South Asia. Visitors can now explore a carefully curated selection of masterpieces featuring intricate designs, geometric perfection, and diverse materials that define Islamic artistic traditions. The experience highlights how these aesthetics evolved and travelled across continents over hundreds of years. Leaders at the National Museum call the gallery’s launch a powerful step toward strengthening cultural exchange between South Korea and the Muslim world — offering Korean audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the richness and diversity of Islamic heritage. Founded in 1945 and housing more than 220,000 artifacts, …

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]]> South Korea has made history by unveiling its first-ever permanent Islamic art gallery at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul — a major milestone celebrated by KOREA.net.

The new gallery, titled “Islamic Art: A Magnificent Journey,” marks a bold step toward embracing global cultures. Created in collaboration with the world-renowned Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, the exhibition reflects South Korea’s growing fascination with the beauty, depth and legacy of Islamic civilization.

Museum officials say the partnership aims to open a window into the vast world of Islamic art — showcasing centuries of craftsmanship, breathtaking patterns, and artistic brilliance that shaped regions from the Middle East to Central and South Asia.

Visitors can now explore a carefully curated selection of masterpieces featuring intricate designs, geometric perfection, and diverse materials that define Islamic artistic traditions. The experience highlights how these aesthetics evolved and travelled across continents over hundreds of years.

Leaders at the National Museum call the gallery’s launch a powerful step toward strengthening cultural exchange between South Korea and the Muslim world — offering Korean audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the richness and diversity of Islamic heritage.

Founded in 1945 and housing more than 220,000 artifacts, the National Museum of Korea is the country’s most prominent institution for history, art, and cultural preservation. Meanwhile, the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar — designed by legendary architect I. M. Pei and opened in 2008 — holds one of the world’s most extensive and iconic Islamic art collections.

This new gallery is more than an exhibition — it’s a cultural bridge, a celebration of beauty, and a journey through one of the world’s most influential artistic traditions.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6693/feed/ 0 Foreigners Can Now Buy Land in Saudi Arabia https://thefmn.com/6690/ https://thefmn.com/6690/#respond Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:22:37 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6690 The new Law establishes a clear regulatory framework allowing non-Saudi individuals and entities—whether residents or nonresidents—to own and invest in real estate within specific zones approved across the Kingdom. This reform supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by attracting foreign investment, broadening the property market, and encouraging urban growth, while still upholding key regulatory protections. Overall, it represents a major shift toward a more open and investor-friendly real estate environment for non-Saudis. Under the Law, non-Saudis may own real estate or obtain property-related rights within areas designated by the Council of Ministers. These rights include: Full ownership, granting legal title to real estate Other real rights, such as usufruct (use and benefit of property), easements, and similar entitlements Those eligible to own property under the Law include: Non-Saudi individuals, regardless of residency status Non-Saudi companies, whether or not they operate in the Kingdom Diplomatic missions and international organizations (subject to reciprocity and Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval) Non-Saudi nonprofit entities Saudi companies with foreign shareholders   The law will be effective from January 2026.

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]]> The new Law establishes a clear regulatory framework allowing non-Saudi individuals and entities—whether residents or nonresidents—to own and invest in real estate within specific zones approved across the Kingdom. This reform supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by attracting foreign investment, broadening the property market, and encouraging urban growth, while still upholding key regulatory protections. Overall, it represents a major shift toward a more open and investor-friendly real estate environment for non-Saudis.

Under the Law, non-Saudis may own real estate or obtain property-related rights within areas designated by the Council of Ministers. These rights include:

  • Full ownership, granting legal title to real estate

  • Other real rights, such as usufruct (use and benefit of property), easements, and similar entitlements

Those eligible to own property under the Law include:

  • Non-Saudi individuals, regardless of residency status

  • Non-Saudi companies, whether or not they operate in the Kingdom

  • Diplomatic missions and international organizations (subject to reciprocity and Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval)

  • Non-Saudi nonprofit entities

  • Saudi companies with foreign shareholders

 

The law will be effective from January 2026.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6690/feed/ 0 Asim Munir Appointed as the first Chief of Defence Forces https://thefmn.com/6686/ https://thefmn.com/6686/#respond Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:08:50 +0000 https://thefmn.com/?p=6686 Pakistan has officially appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces, a newly established position aimed at enhancing coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 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.

]]> Pakistan has officially appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces, a newly established position aimed at enhancing coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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.

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]]> https://thefmn.com/6686/feed/ 0