pakistanorigin saadia zahidi
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Pakistan-origin Saadia Zahidi makes jistory as fir…

ByJustpaste.in

 

Pakistan-origin business leader Saadia Zahidi has been appointed as the next Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman in the organization’s history to hold the top position. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the global aviation industry and highlights the growing role of women in leadership positions within international organizations.

Zahidi is set to officially assume her new role on January 1, 2027, succeeding the current leadership after an extensive international selection process. She brings decades of experience in global economic policy, leadership development, and strategic planning, making her one of the most respected figures in international business and public policy.

Before joining IATA, Zahidi served as Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she played a key role in shaping discussions on the future of work, economic competitiveness, gender equality, innovation, and sustainable development. During her tenure, she worked closely with governments, multinational corporations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to develop policies aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth and preparing societies for emerging global challenges.

Her appointment is being viewed as a landmark achievement, not only because she is the first woman to lead IATA but also because she is of Pakistani origin. Many have described the decision as an important step toward greater diversity and inclusion in global leadership. Zahidi’s professional journey has inspired many young professionals, particularly women from developing countries, demonstrating that talent, expertise, and dedication can open doors to leadership at the highest international level.

The International Air Transport Association represents hundreds of airlines worldwide and plays a central role in shaping the global aviation industry. The organization is responsible for promoting safe, efficient, secure, and sustainable air transport while working closely with airlines, governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to address industry challenges. As Director General, Zahidi will oversee efforts to support airline operations, strengthen international cooperation, advance environmental sustainability, and guide the aviation sector through future technological and economic changes.

Industry observers believe Zahidi’s extensive experience in global policy and economic strategy will bring a fresh perspective to IATA as the aviation sector continues to recover from recent global disruptions and adapts to evolving passenger expectations, digital transformation, and climate commitments. Her leadership is expected to focus on collaboration, innovation, and long-term resilience for the industry.

Her appointment has been widely welcomed by professionals across the aviation and business communities. Many have congratulated her on achieving a historic milestone, describing her selection as recognition of her exceptional leadership and international experience.

For Pakistanis around the world, Zahidi’s achievement is a source of pride and inspiration. Her rise to the highest position in one of the world’s most influential aviation organizations reflects the growing global impact of professionals of Pakistani origin and reinforces the importance of diversity in shaping the future of international industries.

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    Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from all forms of cricket

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    Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket and all forms of the game, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned more than a decade at the highest level. The 38-year-old confirmed the decision through an emotional video message shared on social media, saying the time had come to step away from the sport that had shaped his life since childhood. Rahane represented India in all three formats between 2011 and 2023, establishing himself as one of the country’s most dependable batters. During his international career, he played 85 Test matches, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals. His final appearance for India came in a Test match against the West Indies in July 2023. The right-handed batter enjoyed considerable success in Test cricket, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In the ODI format, he amassed 2,962 runs with three centuries and 24 fifties, while contributing 375 runs in T20 Internationals. Although Rahane’s batting achievements earned widespread recognition, he will be remembered most for his outstanding leadership during India’s historic Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21. The series began in disastrous fashion for India, who were dismissed for just 36 runs in Adelaide, their lowest Test total. Following the opening defeat, regular captain Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave, leaving Rahane to take charge of a team plagued by injuries and missing several senior players. Under Rahane’s calm and composed captaincy, India staged one of the greatest comebacks in Test cricket history. He led the side to a memorable victory in Melbourne to level the series, followed by a hard-fought draw in Sydney despite several players battling injuries. The tour concluded with a remarkable win at Brisbane’s Gabba, where India successfully chased 328 on the final day to secure a famous 2-1 series triumph and end Australia’s long unbeaten run at the venue. Rahane captained India in six Test matches overall, winning four and drawing the remaining two, finishing his captaincy stint unbeaten. Speaking about his decision to retire, Rahane said timing had always been an important aspect of both his batting and his career, and he believed this was the right moment to say goodbye to professional cricket. “I’ve always relied on timing in my batting, and I’ve always understood its importance. Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats,” he said. Reflecting on his journey, Rahane expressed gratitude for fulfilling his dream of representing India and said wearing the national cap had always been his greatest motivation. He added that he always believed in putting the team ahead of personal milestones and playing the game with honesty and commitment. The veteran batter also revealed that while his playing career has come to an end, he hopes to remain connected to cricket by mentoring and guiding young players. He said he looks forward to sharing the lessons and values the sport has taught him and giving back to the game that has given him so much. Rahane concluded his farewell by thanking the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Mumbai Cricket Association, his teammates, coaches, family and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. His final competitive appearance came for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, and his retirement leaves the franchise with the task of appointing a new captain ahead of the upcoming season.

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    NDMA issues flood alert until July 24

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    Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide flood and landslide alert until July 24, warning residents of possible flash floods, rising river levels, and dangerous weather conditions caused by ongoing monsoon rains. According to the NDMA spokesperson, heavy rainfall is expected to increase water flow in rivers, seasonal streams, and mountain channels across several parts of the country. Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flood-prone areas, and follow official safety instructions. The alert highlights a significant risk of flash flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the districts of Hunza, Shigar, and Ghanche. Rivers including Shimshal, Hunza, Chapursan, Shigar, Shyok, and Hushe are expected to experience a rapid rise in water levels. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), water levels may increase in the Jhelum, Neelum, Poonch, and Mahl rivers, as well as Betar Nullah, Bhimber Nullah, Kanshi River, and several tributaries connected to the Jhelum and Poonch river systems. The NDMA has also warned of possible flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, affecting the Chitral, Kabul, Swat, and Panjkora rivers. Local streams in Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Mansehra, Buner, and Swabi are also at risk due to intense monsoon rainfall. In Punjab, flood threats remain high in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, the Soan River, and the Potohar region. Similar conditions are expected in northeastern Balochistan. The NDMA further warned of high-level flooding in the Chenab River near Marala and the upper reaches of the Jhelum River near Mangla. Several seasonal streams, including Dora, Dota, Dwara, Bhimber, Halsey, Aik, Plakhoo, Bein, Basantar, Dek, and Sukhi Nullah, may also experience sudden increases in water flow. The authority also noted that any release of water from India’s Thein, Pong, and Bhakra dams could significantly increase water levels in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, potentially worsening flood conditions downstream. The NDMA has urged citizens to stay informed through official weather updates, avoid crossing flooded roads or streams, and cooperate with local authorities to ensure public safety during the ongoing monsoon season. This version is optimized for search engines while remaining clear, informat

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    Pakistani celebrities call for peace and justice amid unrest in AJK

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    Several Pakistani celebrities have spoken out over the recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), using their social media platforms to express solidarity with residents while urging peace, justice and accountability. Among the first to react was actor Durefishan Saleem, who shared a lengthy Instagram post explaining why she believes speaking about political and social issues is a responsibility rather than a choice. “You’re too political. Of course I am. How could I not be when everything happening around me is connected to the lives we live?” she wrote. The actor added that the decisions made by those in power affect every aspect of daily life. “The prices we pay, the education we receive, the opportunities we get, and the future we are slowly building are all affected by the choices made by people in power. I speak up because I pay attention.” She concluded her message by saying she did not want to remain silent until issues directly affected her. “I don’t want to be the person who only starts caring when an issue finally reaches my doorstep.” Ending the post, she wrote, “Yes, I am political. Because how can I not be, when this is the country I call home.” Several other celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Osman Khalid Butt, Minal Khan, Komal Meer, Nadia Afgan, Kinza Hashmi and Hina Afridi, also shared posts highlighting the situation and expressing support for the people of AJK. Television host Anoushey Ashraf voiced concern over reports that Gaza-based activist Mushtaq Ahmed had allegedly been prevented from entering Kashmir while attempting to express solidarity with residents. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram Stories, she wrote, “They behave like they’ve given us such amazing lives that we stop trusting our own people and trust them? Trust your brothers in Pakistan. They’re our families and our sisters. Our children. Not anyone else’s agents.” Actor Mashal Khan also addressed the violence through an emotional video, captioning it, “Human life is HUMAN LIFE.” In the video, she questioned the growing loss of human compassion. “What is happening in the world? Every day on Instagram, there is something happening somewhere. This many people have died, that many people have died. We’ve made human lives worthless, as if the lives of mothers and children are worth money. Sometimes Kashmir, sometimes Iran.” Comedian Tabish Hashmi also shared a video expressing his concerns. “I don’t know what the consequences will be for speaking out about this in this country, but what I have been seeing on social media is very disheartening,” he said. He added, “There is not much I can do besides make this video and share my voice, hoping that it can help bring about change.” Actor Mishi Khan urged more members of Pakistan’s entertainment industry to publicly address the issue instead of remaining silent. “In showbiz, there have been many Gen Z protests that were talked about in India, and now when it comes to Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and Balochistan, why are we not raising our voices?” she asked. She continued, “I am not saying to take up arms or go out onto the streets, but as citizens of Pakistan, it is our right to raise our voices on social media, speak out against what is wrong, and stand with the people of Kashmir.” Actors Samar Jafri and Bilal Qureshi also joined the growing calls for solidarity. Jafri shared an Instagram Story that read, “Sad to see what’s happening in our country. My heart goes out to the people of Azad Kashmir.” Meanwhile, Qureshi criticised the entertainment industry for overlooking the issue. “Disrespect happens in the industry every day. Please, for God’s sake, talk about the national issue affecting our brothers and sisters and raise your voices for them. Kashmir bleeds!” he wrote. As videos and reports from AJK continue to circulate online, public figures across Pakistan’s entertainment industry have increasingly used their platforms to call for peace, justice and support for those affected.

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    12 Pakistani and foreign groups submit bids to acq…

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    Twelve business groups, including eight prominent Pakistani conglomerates and four foreign firms, have formally expressed interest in acquiring majority stakes in the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco), marking the government’s most serious attempt in a decade to privatise the profitable power distribution utility. The Privatisation Commission released the list of interested parties on Friday after the extended deadline for expressions of interest closed. The development represents a major milestone for Pakistan’s long delayed plan to sell off state owned power distribution companies, a process that stalled in 2016 when the previous government abandoned the sale just before bidding began. The federal cabinet has already authorised the sale of majority stakes in three of the country’s most profitable power distribution companies, positioning Fesco as the first test case in the broader privatisation drive. Local business families dominate interest Eight of the twelve groups that submitted expressions of interest are well established Pakistani business families with deep roots in energy, textiles, automobiles and cement manufacturing. A consortium formed by Nishat Mills, controlled by one of Pakistan’s wealthiest businessmen, Mian Mohammad Mansha, and Pak Elektron Limited, owned by the Saigal family, has entered the race. Mansha also participated in the failed 2015 to 2016 bidding round for the same company. The Saigal family additionally submitted separate bids through Maple Leaf Cement and Kohinoor Textile Mills, giving the family multiple entry points into the process. Other major local contenders include Engro Energy Limited, part of the Dawood family’s diversified business empire, and Sapphire Fibers Limited, owned by the Abdullah family. Hub Power Holdings, controlled by the Habibullah Khan family and already a significant player in Pakistan’s power sector, has also thrown its hat in the ring, alongside Lucky Cement, owned by the Mohammad Ali Tabba family. Lucky Cement previously finished as runner up in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines. Shirazi Investments, which also holds interests in the automobile sector, and Artistic Milliners, owned by the Yaqoob family, rounded out the list of local applicants. K-Electric, Pakistan’s largest integrated power generation and distribution company, submitted documents as well, even as its Saudi and Kuwaiti shareholders pursue international arbitration against the government over a blocked 1.7 billion dollar Chinese investment in the company. Foreign firms from Turkey and China join the race Four international firms rounded out the list of interested parties. Three Turkish companies, Aktor Elektrik Enerji Yatirimlari, Genvera Enerji (part of the Celik Group) and Cengiz Enerji Sanayii ve Ticaret, submitted bids alongside Chinese firm Jiang Xi Electric Power Construction. Officials noted that firms qualifying technically and financially for Fesco will also be eligible to bid for two additional distribution companies, Gujranwala Electric Power Company and Islamabad Electric Supply Company, if they fail to win Fesco. This flexibility likely contributed to the strong turnout, as qualified investors gain multiple chances to enter Pakistan’s power distribution market. Government hails strong investor response Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission, called the response a significant milestone in the broader privatisation of state owned distribution companies. He said the strong interest in Fesco reflects investor confidence in the growth potential of Pakistan’s electricity distribution sector and in the government’s commitment to running a transparent and competitive process. Ali added that the commission will now engage with prequalified investors through detailed due diligence and begin discussing the structure of the post-privatisation regulatory regime. He said the sale aims to improve operational efficiency, modernise ageing distribution infrastructure, strengthen customer service and reduce financial losses across the sector, ultimately supporting more competitive electricity distribution and more affordable, reliable power for consumers. The expressions of interest and accompanying statements of qualification will undergo evaluation against the prequalification criteria set by the commission. Groups that meet the requirements will move to the next stage, gaining access to a virtual data room to conduct detailed buy side due diligence on Fesco’s operations and finances. Concerns remain over guaranteed returns and uniform pricing Despite the enthusiastic response, some analysts have raised concerns about the government’s proposal to guarantee investors a minimum return of 13 percent, warning that such guarantees could discourage efficiency gains and slow technological upgrades at the privatised utility. Questions also remain over whether the government will maintain uniform electricity pricing nationwide after privatisation, a policy that would keep subsidy costs on the federal budget rather than shifting the burden fully to market pricing. Fesco is one of three companies included in the first batch of distribution company privatisations, alongside Gepco and Iesco. The deadline for expressions of interest in Gepco is set for 21 August 2026, while Iesco’s deadline falls on 7 September 2026. Fesco’s financial position underscores its appeal Financial data from the finance ministry’s Central Monitoring Unit shows Fesco held total assets worth 410.3 billion rupees as of June last year, against liabilities of 347 billion rupees. The company posted net positive equity of 63 billion rupees, which climbed 28 percent due to share deposits and asset revaluation gains. Non-current liabilities stood at 217.6 billion rupees, with staff retirement benefits accounting for the largest share at 123 billion rupees. Current liabilities totalled roughly 130 billion rupees, including trade payables of 118 billion rupees. The company reported a profit after tax of 9.4 billion rupees for the period. With twelve qualified groups now in the running, the Fesco privatisation stands as a critical test of investor appetite for Pakistan’s power sector reforms and could shape the pace and structure of future electricity distribution company privatisation efforts.

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    Russia warns US sanctions will backfire

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    Russia has criticised a proposed new package of US sanctions, warning that additional restrictions would hurt American interests more than Moscow and further complicate global economic and energy stability. In a statement, the Russian Embassy in Washington reacted to a sanctions bill that received preliminary approval in the US Senate on July 28. The embassy argued that the legislation would restrict the White House’s diplomatic flexibility while increasing economic pressure on the United States itself. The statement criticised the bill’s supporters, particularly Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, accusing them of pursuing an aggressive anti-Russia agenda. It claimed the proposed legislation included sweeping measures, such as imposing tariffs of up to 500% on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy products. According to the embassy, the US administration had previously sought to slow congressional efforts to introduce additional sanctions, maintaining that the president already possessed sufficient authority to impose economic measures without further legislation. Russia also linked the sanctions debate to broader geopolitical developments, arguing that growing tensions in the Middle East and Washington’s involvement in regional conflicts have increased the risk of disruption in global energy markets. It warned that higher energy prices could fuel inflation in the United States and place additional pressure on American consumers ahead of the country’s upcoming midterm elections. The embassy further claimed that political divisions in Washington were undermining the administration’s foreign policy, arguing that some lawmakers were prioritising political objectives over economic realities. Reiterating its long-held position, Russia said years of sanctions had failed to change its policies or weaken its economy in the way Western governments had anticipated. It maintained that further punitive measures would produce limited results against Russia while creating greater economic challenges for the United States. The statement also referred to the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), enacted during President Donald Trump’s first term. Russia argued that the law significantly reduced the executive branch’s flexibility by requiring congressional approval before any sanctions could be lifted or eased. Concluding its remarks, the Russian Embassy expressed hope that the US administration would carefully assess the potential political and economic consequences before moving forward with any new sanctions package.

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    ECP proposes new powers to verify lawmakers’ ass…

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    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed amendments to the Election Rules, 2017, aiming to strengthen scrutiny of lawmakers’ annual declarations of assets and liabilities by allowing the commission to seek information directly from relevant institutions. According to a notification issued by the ECP, the proposed amendment would add a new provision to Rule 137 of the Election Rules. Under the proposed change, the commission would be empowered to seek clarification whenever it finds ambiguity or inconsistency in the asset and liability statements submitted by members of the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies. The proposal would also authorize the ECP to obtain information not only from the concerned lawmaker but also from any individual, government department, organisation or financial institution that may possess relevant records. If approved, all entities approached by the commission would be legally required to provide the requested clarification or information within the timeframe specified by the ECP. The electoral body said the amendment has been proposed under the powers granted to it by Section 239 of the Elections Act, 2017. The draft amendment has been published to invite public feedback before it is finalised. Citizens and stakeholders have been invited to submit objections or suggestions regarding the proposed amendment to the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by August 15, 2026. The commission said it will review all submissions and provide an opportunity for hearing before making a final decision. The draft amendment has also been uploaded to the ECP’s official website to ensure transparency and allow public participation in the legislative process.

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