Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has achieved another significant milestone as PTCL Flash Fiber, the company’s flagship fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service, surpassed 900,000 subscribers.

The achievement reflects the growing trust that customers across Pakistan continue to place in PTCL’s high-speed broadband services and further strengthens the company’s position as the country’s largest internet service provider.

The milestone marks another important chapter in PTCL’s journey to deliver world-class digital connectivity across Pakistan in line with its long-term ambition of driving digital enablement and promoting the Government of Pakistan’s vision for a hyper-connected Digital Pakistan. With its expanding fiber network, PTCL Flash Fiber has become the preferred broadband choice for homes, businesses, gamers, content creators, students, and professionals who increasingly rely on fast, stable, and uninterrupted internet to power their daily lives.

PTCL Flash Fiber’s network performance has also been independently validated by Ookla, the globally respected authority on internet testing and network intelligence, with two prestigious distinctions: Best Fixed Network for Pakistan and Best ISP Gaming Experience.

The recognition was based on Ookla’s comprehensive evaluation of network performance and customer experience metrics through its Speedtest Connectivity Report, which cemented PTCL’s leadership in delivering superior network performance, low latency, and an enhanced digital experience for customers across the country.

This latest achievement reflects the accelerating demand for reliable fiber broadband as Pakistan’s digital economy continues to evolve. From remote work and online education to digital entertainment, cloud applications, and competitive gaming, PTCL Flash Fiber continues to enable seamless connectivity that supports the country’s growing digital aspirations.

Commenting on the significant development, Mohammad Nadeem Khan, President and CEO, PTCL, said: “This milestone reflects the confidence that hundreds of thousands of customers have placed in PTCL Flash Fiber. As Pakistan’s digital needs continue to grow, we remain committed to expanding our fiber footprint, investing in next-generation network infrastructure, and delivering a consistently superior broadband experience that empowers individuals, businesses, and communities across the country.”

Today, PTCL Flash Fiber is available across 78 cities nationwide, extending reliable fiber connectivity to millions of Pakistanis. The continued growth in its subscriber base reflects PTCL’s sustained investments in next-generation network infrastructure, service reliability, and customer experience, enabling users to benefit from consistent, high-performance broadband connectivity.

Islamabad: Privatization Commission (PC) Board on Friday approved the signing of the Transaction Advisory Services Agreement (TASA) with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the outsourcing of operations of Islamabad International Airport (IIAP).

The approval to this effect was granted in a meeting, which held under the chairmanship of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization and Chairman, Privatization Commission Muhammad Ali, said a press release issued by the Privatization Commission.

The PC Board reviewed the terms of the negotiated TASA and approved the agreement reached with ADB. The PC Board expressed confidence that ADB, with its expertise and experience, will be able to successfully complete this important transaction expeditiously while ensuring maximum competition and transparency.

Islamabad International Airport will be outsourced to a qualified private sector operator under a long-term concession framework through a competitive bidding process. The privatization is expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger experience, and align airport services with international best practices.

Furthermore, the PC Board also granted approval for the appointment of BDO Ebrahim and Company, Chartered Accountants, as external auditors for the audit of three financial years from 2025-26 to 2027-28, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee of the Board.

The PC Board resolved to continue ensuring transparency, efficiency, and the maintenance of high standards to further strengthen investor confidence in the government’s privatization program.

Islamabad: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC), convened by the Prime Minister, reviewed and reinforced provincial and district level preparedness for Monsoon 2026 at a meeting held on Friday at NDMA headquarters in Islamabad with participation via video link.

The committee moved to ensure a rapid, coordinated response to rising risks of flash floods, urban flooding, landslides, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and other hydro-meteorological hazards by directing continuous readiness, timely implementation of local contingency plans, protection of vulnerable communities and rapid mobilization of resources.

Chaired remotely by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal and attended by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Malik and NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, the meeting heard detailed briefings from provincial chief secretaries and disaster management officials on contingency planning, resource deployment and public awareness campaigns.

Officials highlighted focus on vulnerable flood plains, urban centres, hill torrent regions, coastal belts and glacier-fed valleys where the risk of flash floods and GLOFs is elevated.

The committee expressed satisfaction with preparedness measures initiated by provincial and district administrations while directing all authorities to maintain a high state of readiness throughout the monsoon season.

It stressed uninterrupted inter agency communication, swift resource mobilization and immediate implementation of local contingency plans to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.

NDMA, acting as the ERC secretariat, will continue to coordinate, monitor and share information among ministries, provincial administrations and district response teams to support an effective, unified national response during the season.

Islamabad: Acting President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Tahir Ayub, has urged the government to launch a comprehensive regulatory reform agenda aimed at significantly improving the ease of doing business, reducing the cost of compliance, and creating a more investment-friendly environment for domestic and foreign investors.

Talking to different visiting delegations on Friday, Tahir Ayub said that Pakistan possesses immense economic potential, a strategic geographic location, and a vibrant entrepreneurial community, said a press release.

However, cumbersome regulations, overlapping jurisdictions, excessive documentation, and lengthy approval processes continue to impede business growth and discourage investment, he added.

He emphasized that simplifying regulatory procedures has become imperative to stimulate economic activity, attract investment, and generate sustainable employment opportunities.

He said the business community firmly believes that economic growth is driven by a vibrant private sector, but businesses require a predictable, transparent, and efficient regulatory framework to flourish. He stressed that reducing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles would not only improve investor confidence but also enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

Tahir Ayub called for the establishment of a fully integrated one-window digital system for business registration, licensing, tax payments, utility connections, and regulatory approvals. Such an initiative, he said, would substantially reduce compliance costs, improve transparency, minimize human interaction, and curb discretionary practices that often delay legitimate business activities.

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring consistency and predictability in government policies, stating that frequent changes in taxation, regulatory requirements, and compliance mechanisms create uncertainty for investors and undermine long-term business planning. Stable and business-friendly policies, he noted, are essential for attracting both local and international investment.

Tahir Ayub stressed that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, deserve special regulatory facilitation. He recommended simplified tax filing procedures, easier business registration, quicker access to finance, and reduced compliance requirements to enable SMEs to expand their operations and contribute more effectively to employment generation and exports.

ICCI Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry said that improving the ease of doing business is no longer merely an economic reform but a national necessity. He observed that businesses spend considerable time and resources complying with multiple regulatory requirements imposed by various departments, affecting productivity and increasing operational costs.

He said digital transformation of public services, time-bound approvals, transparent inspection mechanisms, and greater coordination among government institutions would significantly improve the business climate.

Islamabad: A cross-party delegation of over 25 Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly (MPAs) and MNAs facilitated by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) with the support of the British High Commission, met Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to discuss strengthening Counter-Terrorism (CT), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT), and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE).

NC NACTA, Director FIA and representatives from NIFTAC briefed the participants on the existing policies and practices.

Minister of State Talal Chaudhry paid tribute to the sacrifices of the people and law enforcement agencies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that defeating terrorism requires national unity, sustained political commitment, and a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

He urged parliamentarians to strengthen legislation, support coordinated federal-provincial efforts, and play an active role in promoting peace and resilience.

Islamabad: National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) today warned that sudden glacial floods and landslides pose an immediate, high risk threat to northern Pakistan and ordered tourists and non essential travellers to avoid mountain routes from 10-14 July.

NEOC said landslide alerts cover 11-13 July while flood and river surge warnings apply across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir until July 14; authorities will carry out rapid hazard assessments and relay real time warnings to local administrations.

Officials warned that rising temperatures and ongoing heavy rain could trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), debris flows, sudden river surges and rockfalls in vulnerable glacial valleys and hill torrents.

NDMA named multiple high risk zones including Badswat, Ashkoman, Hinarchi, Yasin, Khaplu, Hisper Hoper, Gultang and surrounding areas .

Authority also highlighted vulnerable roads such as Jaglot-Skardu, Hunza-Gojal and Gilgit-Ghizer, plus routes to Naltar, Bagrot and Hermosh.

The NEOC urged immediate precautions like stay away from glacial lakes, river channels and known flood paths also avoid travel on landslide prone roads and follow instructions from local authorities.

NDMA warned bank erosion and sudden debris flows could rapidly worsen conditions and instructed district administrations to mobilize emergency response teams and issue on-the-ground warnings.

For official updates and safety guidance, the public and visitors must use the Pakistan NDMA Disaster Alert app.