Category: Business News

Islamabad, The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has moved the proposed merger between Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Telenor Pakistan into a second phase of review, indicating significant scrutiny over competition concerns in the telecom sector.

According to Competition Commission of Pakistan, the initial review confirmed that the merger meets the presumption of dominance as defined in the Competition Act, 2010, prompting a more comprehensive analysis of its potential effects on market competition and consumer services. The transaction involves PTCL acquiring full ownership of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers from Telenor Pakistan BV.

This phase II review will focus on several key areas within the telecom market, including retail mobile and fixed-line telecommunications, wholesale domestic leased lines, wholesale IP bandwidth, and individual mobile/fixed interconnect services across Pakistan. The review process is essential to ensure that the merger does not adversely affect competition or consumer interests in the telecom sector.

The CCP’s thorough approach mirrors its handling of previous significant telecom mergers, such as the Mobilink and Warid merger, where it imposed conditions to mitigate potential adverse effects on competition and ensure consumer protection. This rigorous scrutiny underscores CCP’s commitment to maintaining fair competition within Pakistan’s evolving telecom landscape.

Karachi, German Consul General Rudiegr Lotz met with Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tesuri at the Governor House, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade, and increasing German investment in the region. Key topics included infrastructure development and opportunities in the energy sector.

According to Sindh Governor House, Governor Tesuri highlighted the longstanding and strengthening relationship between Pakistan and Germany, noting the potential for German investments to significantly improve infrastructure in Sindh. He assured that the Sindh Investment Facilitation Centre (SIFC) would be supportive and helpful for foreign investors. Consul General Lotz expressed a keen interest from German investors, especially in the energy sector, reflecting a mutual desire to deepen economic ties.

Karachi, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesuri and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi visited the IT marquee, where they were warmly received by the students. The event included interactions with IT students and opportunities for selfies, highlighting the governors’ commitment to youth and education.

According to Sindh Governor House, Governor Tesuri emphasized his goal of empowering youth through IT education, mentioning plans to expand IT courses beyond Karachi to Hyderabad and other cities within the province. He expressed a strong commitment to enhancing public welfare through these initiatives. Governor Kundi commended the efforts of his Sindh counterpart, affirming that such educational programs are essential for securing a prosperous future for the youth.

Karachi, In an unexpected oversight action, Director General of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Syed Shujaat Hussain, along with Zulfikar Qaim Khani, a member of the Lions Area Project Board, conducted a surprise inspection of the Lions Area Project office located in the Civic Center Building. The visit revealed significant absenteeism among officers and employees, prompting the Director General to order immediate corrective measures.

According to Karachi Development Authority, during the visit, DG KDA expressed dissatisfaction with the absenteeism observed and emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to office hours. He issued directives for show-cause letters to be sent to those absent and made it clear that department heads would be held accountable for any lapses in attendance. Hussain’s firm stance on attendance is part of broader efforts to enhance departmental efficiency and accountability.

Additionally, the DG instructed that all employee salaries be transitioned to a system based on biometric attendance, a measure aimed at ensuring complete compliance with the KDA’s attendance policies. This decision follows recent orders to the Director of Information and Technology, Kamal Siddiqui, to implement the biometric system effectively.

The visit also included a review of the sanitation arrangements within the departments, with Hussain calling for improvements in this area as well. The presence of Personal Staff Officer Riaz Ahmed Rashid and other officers during the inspection underscored the KDA’s commitment to improving operational standards and service delivery across its departments.

Islamabad, In a move to enhance community relations and address public grievances more effectively, Islamabad Police officials, following directives from Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, conducted Khuli Kachehri sessions across various zones in the city.

According to Islamabad Capital Police, the SP Rural Zone, SP City Zone, and SP Saddar Zone facilitated these open courts, which were attended by citizens and senior police officials. The sessions are part of a broader initiative to ensure prompt resolution of public complaints and foster direct communication between the police and community members.

During the Khuli Kachehri, attendees presented their grievances and suggestions directly to zonal SPs, who took immediate action on several issues and pledged to consider further recommendations. These interactions underscore the police’s commitment to resolving citizen issues swiftly and maintaining robust community ties.

Additionally, the police are actively cracking down on drug peddling, land grabbing, and other criminal activities within their jurisdictions. The zonal SPs emphasized the importance of public cooperation in these efforts and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

The initiative reflects a strategic approach by Islamabad Police to reduce crime rates in the city and build trust with the community by ensuring that policing services are accessible and responsive to their needs.

Srinagar, Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah publicly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fostering division along religious lines, calling for unity and solidarity among the populace.

According to Kashmir Media Service, during addresses to National Conference party workers in Chandgam, Pulwama, and later in Shopian in southern Kashmir, Dr. Abdullah accused Modi of specifically targeting Muslims. He urged the Prime Minister to respect and uphold the constitutional values, emphasizing the importance of non-discrimination. Dr. Abdullah also remarked on Modi’s personal life, suggesting that his unmarried status might affect his understanding of family values.

He reminded his audience of the Muslim community’s role in India’s fight for independence, contrasting it with the BJP’s historical alliances during that era.

New Delhi, Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has accused the Modi government of fostering an environment of distress and promoting hatred throughout India, attributing these conditions to the administration’s pursuit of power.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Gandhi articulated her criticisms through a video message, where she highlighted the adverse impacts of the ruling BJP’s policies on the youth, women, Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and minorities across the country. She detailed how these groups are currently confronting significant challenges, including unemployment, violence, and discrimination.

Gandhi’s statement emphasized that the government’s approach has not only deepened societal divisions but also jeopardized the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution and democracy. She called on the electorate to oppose these divisive tactics by supporting the Congress in future elections, promoting a vision of a more inclusive, equitable India.