The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP) decided to hire an international financial advisor by directly inviting proposals from the top 25 global financial firms, bypassing the need for open bids through advertisements. To streamline the hiring of financial advisors, the CCOP decided to invoke the emergency regulation of the Appointments of Financial Advisors regulations. Read PIA sell-off a foremost priority, WB toldJust hours before the CCOP meeting, the Privatisation Commission board, also chaired by Fawad Hasan Fawad, declared PIA privatisation a major transaction. Typically, the privatisation process, from hiring a financial advisor for transaction structure preparation to holding an open bidding, takes over a year. Pakistan Steel Mills privatisation process annulledThe privatisation board, on Friday, also decided to annul the bidding process for the privatisation of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).

October 07, 2023 14:07 UTC

From The Tribune staff reportsJEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Department of Health regularly inspects establishments in Jefferson County where food is prepared or sold for human consumption. Two types of inspections, scored and alternative (non-scored), are performed throughout the year. This information is presented by the Tribune in the spirit of public safety. These inspection scores are directly taken from the Jefferson County Department of Health. The following is a list of the most recent scored inspections:

October 07, 2023 11:36 UTC

The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC)’s foundation represents a vital turning point in Pakistan’s disaster management capabilities. Having access to detailed climate data is invaluable as extreme weather occurrences become more frequent. The NEOC’s data bank will enable decision-makers in policy, science, and disaster management to take well-informed actions to mitigate the effects of climate change. The NEOC’s focus on data-driven decision-making and technology sets a standard for disaster management not just in Pakistan but also internationally. Not only will accurate disaster forecasting and access to climate data save lives, but they will also lessen the financial damage brought on by natural disasters.

October 07, 2023 07:32 UTC

Daniel Seahorn (@DanielSeahorn) - When you lose 49-0 in the previous matchup it’s hard not to say that Oklahoma needs this more. A win over Texas could be a trajectory-changing win for the Brent Venables and they are still looking for a signature win. While the deep ball isn’t as big of an issue as it was in recent years, we have still seen some teams sting the defense with the deep ball this season. I have my eye on the fried fireball shots this year…Will Texas win the Red River Rivalry in back-to-back years for the first time since 2009? I don’t think it will be a blowout like last year, but think Texas keeps the train rolling in Dallas.

October 07, 2023 03:31 UTC

Religious extremism has taken root and thrived in the country. Combating extremism and fostering inclusivity in Pakistan and around the world is a complex, ongoing process. Coaching centres or educational initiatives are also vital components of countering extremism. Additionally, collaboration with civil society organisations and international partners with expertise in rehabilitation and countering extremism can help in the establishment and operation of such centres. By addressing both the enforcement and rehabilitation aspects of countering extremism, Punjab’s Counter Terrorism Department can strengthen its efforts in promoting peace and security in the region.

October 06, 2023 20:07 UTC





The US is now increasingly perceived as a power in decline. New centresand communities of power are crystallisingat the global, regional, and sub-regional levels.The economic strength of nations, as opposed to brute military force, is now defining the power calculus of the world. At the global level, China and Russia continue to pose multidimensional challenges to the US-led West.At the regional level, middle and smaller powers are breaking free of the stranglehold of erstwhile colonial and other masters and pursuing independent policies. A KSA-Israel rapprochement at the regional level leading to a Jew-Muslim reconciliation at the global level would be an enormous feather in his cap. If the quid pro quo meets KSA and Palestinian ambitions only partially then this solution itself might create an even more vitiated strategic environment.

October 06, 2023 20:07 UTC

The hail of bullets also struck an area business and multiple vehicles. The officer found the two men and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot of a business. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel were summoned to the scene where they pronounced the male victims dead and rushed the female victim to UAB Hospital. “We believe shots were fired in the parking lot and all three victims were struck by gunfire,” Fitzgerald said. “Several vehicles were struck by gunfire, a local business was struck by gunfire.

October 06, 2023 17:50 UTC

We Should Be Excited About These BlackhawksThe Blackhawks lost last night in a shootout, making them 2-1-2 in their five preseason games with a road finale in St. Louis on Saturday. Yes, the Blackhawks were 0-4 on the power play last night. The Blackhawks were credited with 13 shots on net while on the power play; Marc-Andre Fleury just happened to have a really good night. I’ve mentioned this before, but Taylor Raddysh is the leading power play point producer and goal scorer returning from last year. If we can employ some patience and watch for the adjustments and corrections after the mistakes, there’s a lot to be excited about as this year’s edition of the Chicago Blackhawks embark on a new season.

October 06, 2023 16:31 UTC

The federal government debt has surged to a staggering Rs64 trillion by the end of August 2023, reflecting an alarming increase of over 29% in just one year. A substantial Rs6.7 trillion increase in external debt was primarily attributed to currency depreciation. As of August 2022, external debt stood at Rs17.4 trillion, excluding the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s liabilities. Of the total public debt, external debt accounted for 40.9%, while short-term debt stood at 13.7%, according to the World Bank. The federal government’s total domestic debt surged to Rs39.7 trillion, marking an increase of Rs7.6 trillion or 24% within the past year.

October 06, 2023 10:10 UTC

Something rather strange is afoot with Mahira Khan's wedding pictures, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the star. "The fact that these masterpieces were actually taken by Shahbaz Shazi, not Izzah from Pictroizzah, but who cares to clarify each media channel?? The fact that these masterpieces were actually taken by Shahbaz Shazi not Izzah from Pictroizza, but who cares to clarify each media channel?? When asked how she could take credit for someone else's work, Izzah commented, "Are you out of your mind? It must be noted that both the photographers' Instagram profiles, as of now, only seem to showcase their own work.

October 06, 2023 09:26 UTC

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the official anthem for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. A celebration of Pakistan Cricket - the team, the fans, the nation - and our unbreakable spirit and passion for the game! Even far better than world Cup official song — Qasim Mehmood (@Raja560sunny) October 5, 2023SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE ACTUAL WORLD CUP ANTHEM!!!! However, one X user hilariously shared meme legend Chahat Fateh Ali Khan's anthem, calling it the "best iconic" Pakistani cricket anthem. For instance, one X user said, "The cinematography, man," highlighting how the visuals captivated them.

October 06, 2023 09:08 UTC

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Thursday said that Pakistan intended to move forward by developing itself as a progressive and democratic nation that desired peace within its frontiers and across the world. He said that Pakistan had some lessons from its role with regard to the confrontation of major powers in the past. Solangi said now Pakistan was desirous of establishing good relations with its neighbours including India and Afghanistan. and added Islamabad already enjoyed good relations with China and Iran. He said that Pakistan also enjoyed very good relations with Middle East countries and now it was focusing to further improve economic and trade ties with the oil-rich states.

October 06, 2023 05:20 UTC

The ICC Cricket World Cup, set to begin on October 5 in India, holds immense promise for the sport. While crick­et’s popularity may be somewhat limited compared to global giants like FIFA and the NBA, there is potential for the sport to achieve a broader reach. One notable example is Google’s decision to change its logo to a cricket-themed doodle in celebration of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This gesture by a renowned company like Google indicates the growing global prominence of cricket and serves as a testament to its increasing popularity and influence. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup serves as a global platform for fans to unite, irrespective of their location, as they cheer for their favourite teams and experience the thrill together.

October 06, 2023 04:08 UTC

Lions are getting healthy in time for the pivotal West Division matchup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, led by the return of right guard Sukh Chungh. native sat out last week with an ankle injury, but has been a stalwart his eight-year CFL career. The second-overall pick in the 2015 CFL Draft spent four seasons in Winnipeg before coming home, earning a West Division all-star nod in 2018. Edwards-Cooper has collected 30 total tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in 13 starts this season, while Mackie has chipped in with six special teams tackles and 31 yards receiving. The Lions (11-4) will host the Bombers (11-4) on Friday, October 6 at 10:00 p.m. EDT.

October 06, 2023 03:17 UTC

The State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday clarified that customer deposits are "perfectly safe" owing to the sound banking system in Pakistan. 1/2 #SBP clarifies that bank deposits are perfectly safe owing to a sound banking system in Pakistan under a robust regulatory and supervisory framework. See PR: https://t.co/zLD1B94RdO#SBPClarification pic.twitter.com/d6O2hu9Dun — SBP (@StateBank_Pak) October 5, 2023The clarification by the central bank comes following reports in certain sections of the media that implied bank deposits above Rs500,000 in the banking system were unsafe. The SBP added that the Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC), a subsidiary of SBP, has added another layer of protection by providing insurance cover of up to Rs500,000 to every depositor. Currently, 94% of the depositors are fully protected under the Deposit Protection Act of 2016."

October 06, 2023 02:17 UTC