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PIA privatisation reflects govt’s resolve to overhaul aviation sector: CAA DG

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PIA privatisation reflects govt’s resolve to overhaul aviation sector: CAA DG


A representational image of PIA plane. — APP/File

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Director General Nadir Shafi Dar on Tuesday said the successful privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was a clear testament to the government’s resolve to transform the country’s aviation sector.

In a statement, Dar credited Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Secretary Defence Lt Gen Muhammad Ali for extending critical support that enabled the PCAA to carry out key reforms, leading to the removal of aviation restrictions imposed by the European Commission and the United Kingdom.

He said the lifting of these restrictions played a pivotal role in the success of the privatisation process, significantly enhancing investor confidence and pushing PIA’s bid value from Rs10 billion in 2024 to Rs135 billion in the latest auction.

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Director General Nadir Shafi Dar. — Geo News
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Director General Nadir Shafi Dar. — Geo News 

The DG CAA noted that the successful bidding of PIA would help spur the growth of Pakistani airlines and pave the way for opening new global destinations with direct connectivity from Pakistan.

He further said that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has expressed full confidence in the oversight and regulatory capabilities of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, terming it a key endorsement of the reforms undertaken in recent years.

The Arif Habib Corporation Limited–led consortium acquired a majority stake in PIA with the highest bid of Rs135 billion in an auction held for the privatisation process of the national flag carrier.

During the open auction round, Arif Habib raised its bid from Rs115 billion to Rs135 billion after the Lucky Cement Limited–led consortium increased its earlier bid of Rs101.5 billion to Rs134 billion in the second round of the open-bidding.

Arif Habib, the chief of Arif Habib Group, described the development as the “triumph of Pakistan”.

He maintained that the PIA privatisation would help boost investment in the country, adding that it would also attract foreign investment in Pakistan.

The businessman lauded the government for successfully conducting the bidding process, saying the Privatisation Commission completed the entire process in a transparent manner. “We will work hard to make this airline great again,” he added.





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Future King’s visit to Isles of Scilly leaves locals inspired

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Future King’s visit to Isles of Scilly leaves locals inspired


Future King’s visit to Isles of Scilly leaves locals inspired

The British future monarch, Prince William, surprised locals as he  travelled to the Isles of Scilly by a new pilot boat to attend a series of engagements.

The Prince and Princess of Wales sahred the details of William’s trip on their official IInstagram account as William, known The Duke of Cornwall in the region, arrived at the harbour in Hughtown on its new pilot boat, John Guy, named in memory of a long-serving Scillonian-born Duchy worker.

The vessel, funded by the Duchy of Cornwall, plays a vital role in keeping island waters safe and supporting daily life for the Scillonian community.

A crowd of excited tourists had gathered to greet the royal on the quayside.

William’s opened a new facility at the Isles of Scilly Hospital, where he also met staff and patients, sharing a laugh and a cup of tea with care home residents.

He has taken close interest in the development of healthcare provision on Scilly since he took over the Duchy when he became Prince of Wales and is keen to increase medical capacity to the Isles.

The upgraded facility combines NHS services with social care provision under one integrated model, allowing for more efficient use of staff and shared resources.

William also toured the near-complete construction site where the Duchy is delivering 10 new sustainable homes designed to address the islands’ severe housing shortage.





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Why Matt Damon and Tom Holland got jealous of Zendaya during ‘The Odyssey’

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Why Matt Damon and Tom Holland got jealous of Zendaya during ‘The Odyssey’


‘The Odyssey’ is set to hit theatres on July 17

Zendaya apparently had two of her The Odyssey co-stars feeling a little jealous on set.

According to Matt Damon, director Christopher Nolan handed Zendaya praise so rare that both Damon and Tom Holland couldn’t stop talking about it. 

Speaking to Elle for Zendaya’s latest cover story on May 21, Damon explained that Nolan is famously reserved when reacting to scenes. “Yep, good. Okay,” is apparently about as enthusiastic as the Oscar-winning director gets after a successful take.

But Zendaya managed to earn something far more elusive: a “perfect” take.

“Tom [Holland] and I were obsessed with this. She got a ‘perfect’? I’ve never even gotten a ‘great.’ She got a ‘perfect’?” Damon, 55, recalled.

The actor, who plays Odysseus in the upcoming epic, admitted the compliment sparked ongoing jokes between him and Holland, who plays Odysseus’ son Telemachus. “He and I bi*ched about it for the entire rest of the film. ‘Did you get anything today?’ ‘No, I got a ‘good’ – moving on.’”

The feat becomes even more impressive given that Zendaya was juggling four different projects at the time of filming: The Odyssey, Euphoria Season 3, Dune: Part Three, and The Drama.

“I remember being on set for Euphoria; it was a night shoot at a ranch. I was so tired, but I was also learning my Chakobsa lines for Dune,” the actress, 29, said. “It’s not like I have a lot of lines in The Odyssey, but I was working with Christopher Nolan! The most embarrassing thing in life would be messing up my lines, which did happen once,” she admitted.

Luckily, Nolan had nothing but praise for Zendaya’s professionalism and “grace” during the demanding shoot, calling her “a true movie star, but also an incredible actor.”

Zendaya portrays the goddess Athena in the upcoming film, which is based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic. The ensemble cast also includes Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron.

The Odyssey is set to hit theatres on July 17, 2026. 





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Charlie Heaton’s exciting role in ‘Peaky Blinders’ TV series revealed

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Charlie Heaton’s exciting role in ‘Peaky Blinders’ TV series revealed


Netflix confirms Charlie Heaton will play the son of Cillian Murphy’s character Tommy Shelby

Charlie Heaton is officially stepping into the Shelby family business.

The Stranger Things star has been revealed as the adult version of Charles Shelby, the eldest son of Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby, in the upcoming Peaky Blinders sequel series.

Netflix and the BBC unveiled the first-look image of Heaton in character on Friday, May 22, finally solving the mystery surrounding his role after his casting was announced last month. And judging by the photo, Heaton looks right at home in the gritty world of the Shelbys.

The new series takes place a decade after World War II and follows Charles after years away from the notorious family empire. According to the official character description, Charles fought in a violent war before attempting to leave the Shelby lifestyle behind and embrace a quieter life. But the story teases a familiar question for the crime dynasty: “Can you ever escape your own blood?”

The series will also see Jamie Bell take over the role of Duke, Charles’ half-brother, previously played by Barry Keoghan in The Immortal Man — the new Peaky Blinders film which came out in March.

The casting marks another major Netflix role for Heaton after five seasons playing Jonathan Byers on Stranger Things. New additions to the Peaky Blinders universe also include Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch and newcomer Lucy Karczewski.

Production on the series is currently underway in Birmingham.





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