Latest news with #PKT
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Political repression' in Pakistan: PTI's Zulfi Bukhari to testify before US Congress body
KARACHI: PTI leader Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a former aide to ex-premier Imran Khan, is set to offer testimony on 'political repression' in Pakistan before the United States Congress' Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, it emerged on Monday. According to its website, the bipartisan commission was established in 2008 and is charged with promoting, defending and advocating for international human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights instruments. The commission's hearing notice states that the session will take place on Tuesday (tomorrow) at 3:30pm (12:30am PKT on Wednesday) and will 'examine the government of Pakistan's persecution of opposition political figures and journalists, and its actions to control media communications and prevent free and fair elections in Pakistan'. The session is open to the public and the media. 'Many date the current phase of repression in Pakistan to 2022, when, with the involvement of the military, popular Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted, and soon after, arrested, convicted of corruption and imprisoned,' the notice read. 'Parliamentary elections in February 2024 were, according to the US State Department, marked by 'undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly', as well as 'electoral violence, and restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms',' it added. The commission provided a list of witnesses who would provide testimony during Tuesday's hearing. Besides Bukhari, the list includes Amnesty International's Advocacy Director for Europe and Central Asia, Ben Linden; Perseus Strategies Managing Director Jared Genser; and Afghanistan Impact Network founder Sadiq Amini. A press release from the commission's co-chairman, Republican Congressman Christopher Smith, who will chair the session, said the meeting would 'discuss the government of Pakistan's ongoing political repression, the US response, and offer recommendations for Congress'. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft for another month
Pakistan has extended its airspace restriction on Indian aircraft for another month, according to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority. The restriction applies to all aircraft registered in India, as well as those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights. The ban will remain in place until July 23 at 2359 GMT (0459 PKT next morning), the NOTAM said. Pakistan extends airspace closure for Indian flights by one month It covers both the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs), effectively blocking Indian flights from transiting through Pakistani airspace at all altitude levels. The airspace closure was first enforced on April 24, 2025, and has since been extended through successive advisories. The restriction impacts both commercial and non-commercial aviation activities and may be subject to further review depending on regional developments.
The Star
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
DRIVING THE FUTURE OF LOGISTICS
In the fast-evolving global economy, logistics is no longer just about moving goods – it's about moving industries forward, economic resilience and technological advancement. At Peninsula College Malaysia (PCM), logistics education is elevated through a comprehensive, practice-driven programme designed to meet evolving industry demands. As PCM's flagship academic offering, the Diploma and UK Degree in Logistics and Maritime Management prepare students to enter and shape the future of the industry. CSR-driven mission for industry talent PCM was established as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) in education initiative by PKT Logistics Group (PKT), with a vision to nurture future talent through accessible, high-quality and industry-embedded education. Tio advocates the synergy between Industry and Academia. This is an innovative concept pioneered by PKT group chief executive and managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio, who is also the managing director of Peninsula Higher Education Sdn Bhd. His inspiration? 'If doctors can be trained in hospitals, why not future logisticians in a logistics centre?' – from curriculum design and teaching pedagogy to the delivery of real-world experience via its Campus-in-Industry model. Peninsula Advantage prioritises employability and empowers graduates as Future Talents anchored on the philosophy of being 'Industry Driven and Industry Focused' through PCM's unique blend of structured employability skills, career readiness, industry readiness, and focus on sustainability and global citizenship. Learning from the inside One of PCM's defining features is its Campus-in-Industry approach, where education is delivered in the heart of logistics operations. This model is strengthened by the Jom! Bekerja Sambil Belajar (JBSB) programme, which allows students to gain authentic industry exposure while studying. 'Students gain authentic practical experience when solving actual logistics problems in a real logistics environment while developing vital soft and technical skills via the Campus-in-Industry concept,' says Peninsula College Shah Alam Chief Executive Dr Edmund Edward. The Lighthouse Campus in Shah Alam. Most importantly, JBSB participants are prioritised for employment within PKT upon graduation from PCM – giving them a competitive edge and a confident head start in their careers. Some of the top performing JBSBs are full-time employees at PKT. Custom Brokerage operation executive Clarence Tan Jia Shen, shares: 'No doubt, my time in the JBSB programme gave me invaluable hands-on experience in the logistics industry. 'From warehouse operations to assisting in customs brokerage. I've gained practical skills in stock counting systems, inbound processes, and transport management – all of which have been vital for my career growth. 'Much of my success also stems from the solid academic foundation at Peninsula College, where I learnt key concepts like Incoterms, FIFO and transport systems. This seamless integration of theory and real-world practice truly shaped my journey.' Curriculum grounded in relevance and innovation PCM's logistics curriculum is purposefully designed to meet the evolving demands of the logistics sector. Peninsula College Malaysia offers a unique learning environment with its Campus-in-Industry concept at The Ship Campus in Penang. Students are equipped with practical tools through exposure to cutting-edge technologies and systems including Sovy Technology Certification, WMS, DMS, TMS, ASRS systems, RFID technology, and data analytics tools, such as SPSS. This industry-aligned approach ensures graduates are not only job-ready but future-ready. 'At PCM, technology and innovation are embedded into the very fabric of our logistics curriculum,' Peninsula College Shah Alam School of Logistics and Maritime dean Dr Prakash Nadarajah says. 'The curriculum integrates technology and innovation to ensure graduates are industry-ready through immersive learning,' Peninsula College Georgetown lecturers Chew Kai Yao and Umi Kalthum Abu Bakar elaborate, emphasising the application of AI, blockchain, and Excel-based automation in course delivery. Shaping future talents with industry partners 'Real Industry, Real Mentorship Collaboration' with leading industry partners is the heartbeat of PCM's logistics education ecosystem with strategic alliances with organisations such as Bosch Rexroth, Technology Association of Malaysia (TAM), and other strategic industry partners enable students to engage in expert-led seminars, industrial site visits and first-hand exposure to state-of-the-art facilities. Edward: Students gain practical experience when solving problems in a real environment. PCM's unique Campus-in-Industry concept, supported by its esteemed industry partners, industry advisory panel, industry fellow, and programme advisory committee, play a crucial role in enhancing graduate employability. As PKT northern operations general manager and PCM Industry Fellow, Dr Kannadasan Nagalingam highlights: 'Without industry collaboration, students are just learning theory. 'But our students get exposed to Industry 4.0 practices, automation, and innovation directly from those who lead the field. That's what makes them standout candidates at interviews.' Kanna further highlights the significance of the Peninsula Industrial Challenge programme – a signature initiative where students showcase their applied knowledge, teamwork and critical thinking in front of real industry stakeholders: 'Students display their colloquium capabilities in front of industry players who also serve as potential employers. It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to solve real-world problems, articulate solutions, and receive immediate feedback from industry professionals.' Kanna: Without industry collaboration, students are just learning theory. This emphasis on academic-industry integration ensures that PCM graduates are not only knowledgeable, but job-ready, confident and adaptable – equipped to excel in a competitive and rapidly evolving logistics sector. Recognised pathway with global standing The logistics programme's strength is reflected in its outstanding graduate outcomes. 'We aim to ensure our graduates are highly employable, as reflected in the recent Tracer Study by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), where Peninsula College Georgetown (The Ship Campus, Penang) achieved 100% graduate employability,' highlighted Peninsula Higher Education Sdn Bhd president and Peninsula College Georgetown chief executive Tung Chee Kuan, affirming the effectiveness of its industry-embedded approach. Meanwhile, Peninsula College Shah Alam (The Lighthouse Campus, Shah Alam) earned the MyQuest 'Berdaya Saing' (Competitive) institutional rating, further cementing its reputation as a centre of excellence in education. Students may commence their academic journey with a Diploma in Logistics Management or Diploma in Maritime Management and advance to a UK honours degree – delivered entirely in Malaysia – through PCM's exclusive partnerships with respected British universities (University of Gloucestershire and University of Plymouth). Prakash: Technology and innovation are embedded into the fabric of the logistics curriculum. High-performing students also stand a chance to qualify for the opportunity of UK Study Abroad Scholarship, gaining valuable international exposure with partner institutions. PCM also welcomes international students, providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment that reflects the global nature of the logistics industry. It also enhances student's global outlook through the Erasmus+ programme, allowing selected students to participate in academic exchanges across Europe and collaborative opportunities in Japan, for those seeking cross-border employment in Asia's advanced logistics market. Complementing these academic opportunities is the Yayasan PKT Scholarship, which offers tuition waivers of up to 100%, along with various other financial assistance options to make quality logistics education more accessible. Together, these pathways and opportunities underscore PCM's commitment to producing globally competent, industry-ready logistics professionals. Enrol in Peninsula College Malaysia's flagship Logistics programmes at The Ship Campus, Penang or The Lighthouse Campus, Shah Alam and take the first step towards becoming a future-ready logistics professional. Now open for June, July and September 2025 intakes. Contact the college at 014-650 5028 or visit to learn more.
Gulf Today
16-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai-based flydubai's inaugural flight lands at Peshawar's Bacha Khan Airport
Dubai-based budget airline, flydubai, has launched its daily flights to the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Friday. Peshawar's airport is a major passenger hub with 75 per cent flights internationally bound, according to the PAA's website. The inaugural flight of flydubai, FZ 375, 'arrived at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar early on Friday with 164 passengers,' the PAA said in a statement. It added that the flight was given a water cannon salute at Bacha Khan Airport, which is a traditional aviation gesture to honour inaugural flights. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held on the arrival of flydubai, the statement added. The Dubai-based airline will operate daily flights to Peshawar from Dubai, flydubai had said in a statement. The PAA noted that air connections from Peshawar to Gulf and European countries will be expanded. FZ 375 departed back to Dubai at 2:20am PKT with 184 passengers, the statement concluded.
The Print
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
UK, Turkey & Saudi pitched in with WhatsApp diplomacy, says Pakistan minister Ishaq Dar post ceasefire
He added: 'COAS Asim Munir had a huge role to play in the discussions along with PM Shehbaz Sharif.' 'We jointly agreed [on ceasefire] but obviously, these countries were involved. This background diplomacy, WhatsApp diplomacy, has been going on today,' Dar said. New Delhi: After India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar in an interview to Pakistani news channel GeoTV said, '(Army chief) Asim Munir had a huge contribution to ceasefire talks', along with UK's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, with whom extensive talks were held in the past 24 hours. Dar further added that the ceasefire between Pakistan and India was 'full-fledged', not a partial one and would apply 'all across, everywhere'. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said a ceasefire was established between the two neighbours at 1700 hours IST (4:30pm PKT). 'The DGMO of Pakistan called DGMO of India at 15:35 hours (3:05pm PKT) earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea with effect from 1700 hours IST (4:30pm PKT),' he said during a press briefing. 'Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding.' He added that the DGMOs would 'talk again on 12 May at 1200 hours (11:30am PKT)'. He added that while three dozen active diplomatic contacts were made post April, the ones mentioned above were proactive these 24 hours. After US President Donald Trump first announced that a 'full and immediate ceasefire' had been agreed to by both countries, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that over the past 48 hours, he and US Vice-President J.D. Vance held discussions with senior officials from both India and Pakistan. These included Prime Ministers Shehbaz Sharif and Narendra Modi, Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and National Security Advisers Ajit Doval and Lt Gen Asim Malik. 'I am pleased to announce the governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to commence talks on a broad range of issues at a neutral location,' Rubio wrote on X. He added, 'We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.' (Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri) Also Read: Controversial Pakistani firm BSI removed as partner from US satellite company's website
