PAA to shut Karachi, Lahore air routes during specific hours citing Middle East crisis

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Monday decided to suspend certain air routes within the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIR) during specified hours, citing the evolving regional situation. Due to the regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, similar to other countries, air operations from Pakistan to the Middle East have been severely disrupted. Along with passengers, air cargo services have also been suspended, halting the transport of various goods, including food items and other supplies. It is still unclear when flights will resume. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by PAA today, the decision was taken in view of changing circumstances in the region and involves the temporary closure of designated air routes at different times. Under the plan, commercial flight routes within the Karachi and Lahore FIRs will remain closed daily from 9am to 3pm between March 3 and March 31. During these hours, the affected airspace will not be available for commercial operations. It said the measure may have been taken due to internal technical requirements and unavoidable operational considerations. Read More: US-Iran conflict disrupts thousands of flights as travel chaos deepens According to data from the PAA, more than 500 flights departing from and arriving at various airports across Pakistan have been cancelled. The suspension of air cargo services has also disrupted the delivery of food and other goods, causing difficulties not only for passengers but also for industrialists. Flights from Pakistani airports, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, and Multan, operated by PIA, private airlines, and foreign carriers to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Sharjah, Dubai, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and other countries have been cancelled. Airport sources stated that some airspaces are closed, leading to the suspension of operations. Currently, there is no information on when flights will resume. Only flights to and from Saudi Arabia are continuing. If the situation persists or worsens, air operations may face further disruptions. According to Khawaja Ayub Naseem, a senior leader of the Travel Agents Association, fear and uncertainty are also causing many Umrah pilgrims to hesitate to travel. Hundreds of pilgrims had booked tickets via Dubai. While ticket refunds are possible, hotel bookings are non-refundable. If the situation continues, travel agents could face losses amounting to millions of rupees. While Pakistan's airspace remains fully available and secure, airlines have adjusted operations in response to the evolving security situation and restrictions in neighbouring airspace. Karachi's Jinnah International Airport witnessed extraordinary activity over the weekend, with dozens of flights of foreign airlines diverted to Karachi, creating scenes reminiscent of the 1990 Gulf crisis.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/0kFjChE

Timing of parliament joint sitting changed

The timing of a joint sitting of the parliament that was scheduled for Monday (today) has been changed. According to a spokesperson of the National Assembly Secretariat, the joint sitting will now be held at 3pm instead of 10:30am. The time of the joint sitting has been revised by President Asif Ali Zardari. The president will address the joint sitting of Parliament, said Radio Pakistan. In the second parliamentary year of the 16th NA which concluded on February 17, 46 bills were passed into law, including 40 government and six private members' bills. Twenty-seven resolutions were also adopted during the year.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/nDip7Um

Opp MPs condemns attack on Iran

Opposition leaders on Saturday vehemently condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran, warning that the strike could destabilise the entire region and endanger global peace. Addressing a joint press conference, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai and other leaders of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen called on the government to adopt an immediate and unequivocal stance on the issue. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said he had come to brief the nation on an extremely sensitive matter. He stated that an attack on Iran was not only an assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent state but also a threat to regional and global peace. He noted that such action during ongoing negotiations in Geneva constituted a blatant violation of diplomatic norms and international law. He warned that an attack by two nuclear powers on an Islamic country was deeply alarming. "If, God forbid, Iran suffers damage, Pakistan will not remain unaffected," he said, adding that the entire region could descend into severe instability. He stressed that no country had the right to violate Iran's land, sea or airspace and deplored civilian casualties and attacks on educational institutions as a humanitarian tragedy and contrary to international law and human values. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said that Pakistan's sovereignty and the wider Muslim world faced potential threats in the evolving situation. He urged all Muslim countries to unite in condemning the action. He also warned of attempts to fuel sectarian divisions in the region, stressing that Shia and Sunni communities must remain united. According to him, the current circumstances demand political stability and national cohesion within Pakistan. He alleged that certain forces were attempting to create distance between the armed forces and the public and to entangle Pakistan in disputes with neighbouring countries, which could harm national interests. Former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar also condemned the attack, cautioning that its consequences would not be confined to Iran. He warned that any attempt at regime change in Iran would carry dangerous repercussions for the entire region and could trigger fresh tensions. Khokhar slammed the lack of national-level consultation on key foreign policy matters in Pakistan, stating that certain decisions were being taken without debate in parliament or public engagement. He demanded that the government bring major foreign policy issues before parliament and ensure decisions are taken in line with national interest. TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai said that despite the attack on Iran, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation had not convened an emergency meeting, even though urgent consultation was required.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/SYj39Dp

Karachi airport becomes hub for diverted Gulf flights amid escalating Mideast conflict

As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider conflict, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport witnessed extraordinary activity on Saturday, with dozens of foreign airline flights diverted to the city, creating scenes reminiscent of the 1990 Gulf Crisis. According to aviation sources, a large number of foreign carriers were rerouted to Karachi as regional airspace restrictions and security concerns forced precautionary diversions. Several aircraft were temporarily parked during the day, while many others landed for refuelling. The situation echoed 1990, when, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, dozens of passenger aircraft landed in Karachi under similar circumstances. At that time, both the old airport terminal and the newly constructed Jinnah Terminal were used to accommodate diverted flights. In view of the extraordinary influx, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued a NOTAM highlighting limited aircraft parking space at the airport and directing airlines and cockpit crews to ensure prior coordination before operating into Karachi. A PAA spokesperson said Pakistan’s airspace remained fully operational and safe for all civil aviation activities despite regional restrictions. Overall, 27 flights were handled, including diversions, return flights, technical landings and rerouted operations. Read: Iran targets US bases in Gulf after American, Israeli strikes kill 201, injure 747 Karachi airport alone managed 13 diversions, including technical refuelling stops. In addition, four diversions were recorded in the Lahore Flight Information Region, while two return diversions were handled at Islamabad Airport. Three flights returned to their original or alternate destinations, while five rerouted flights transited through Karachi’s airspace without landing and were provided alternate routes. The sudden increase in traffic created operational challenges due to limited parking space, prompting airport authorities to caution airlines about possible delays. Officials confirmed that the situation was being closely monitored and managed. Meanwhile, several airlines announced cancellations on Gulf routes. AirSial cancelled 19 flights on various Gulf sectors, while PIA cancelled four flights from Islamabad to Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. Saudi Airlines suspended its Saudi-bound flights from Peshawar. Aviation authorities said Pakistani air traffic controllers and operational teams effectively handled the surge in traffic amid the emergency. Passengers were advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates. Sources added that several daily flights operating between Karachi and Lahore also faced cancellations due to the evolving regional crisis.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Eiyo9Hl

ECP suspends Zehri's Hub win notification

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday suspended the victory notification of PPP's Ali Hassan Zehri a day after issuing a notification declaring him the returned candidate from Balochistan Assembly constituency PB-21 (Hub). The ECP on Wednesday decided to conduct a recount at 39 polling stations in the PB-21 Hub constituency, accepting Ali Hasan Zehri's application. On Thursday, the polls oversight authority issued a notification declaring Zehri the returned candidate from the constituency. However, on the same day, the IHC suspended the ECP's decision.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Tk4fMnF

297 Taliban enemies killed, 89 posts destroyed in ongoing ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’: govt

Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi provided an update on the ongoing ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ on Friday night and said at least 297 Afghan Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members and terrorists were killed so far as Pakistani forces continued their robust response to the unprovoked aggression by the neighbouring country's forces. Earlier on Friday, Pakistani forces targeted key military installations of the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia through effective airstrikes. The military spokesperson said the ongoing operation was producing the desired results, with insurgents effectively repulsed at 53 locations along the border, inflicting heavy losses while exercising restraint to avoid civilian harm. In a post on X late on Friday night, Zaidi provided the latest figures as of 11:10pm, saying Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continued throughout the day. “A total of 297 Afghan Taliban, TTP, and other terrorists are confirmed killed, and more than 450 are reported injured,” he said, adding that 89 Afghan Taliban posts were destroyed and 18 captured. Zaidi further said 135 Afghan Taliban regime tanks and armed personnel carriers had been destroyed, while 29 locations across Afghanistan were subjected to aerial strikes. Update on Operation Ghazb lil Haq & resulting Afghan Taliban regime losses as of 2310 hrs Friday February 27, 2026 Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate the scourge of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continued through the day today. A total of 297 Afghan Taliban, TTP and other… — Mosharraf Zaidi 🇵🇰 (@mosharrafzaidi) February 27, 2026 “Pakistan’s immediate and effective response to aggression continues,” the PM's spokesperson added. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also provided the same update. Operation Ghazb lil Haq Update 2300 hours 27 Feb ✅*Summary of Afg Taliban losses* ▪️ 297 Killed, ▪️450 + Injured, ▪️89 Check posts destroyed, ▪️18 Post Captured, ▪️135 Tanks and Armed vehicles Destroyed ▪️29 Locations across Afghanistan effectively targeted by air — Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) February 27, 2026 Speaking in an interview on programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath' on a private television channel, he said the operation in Afghanistan was ongoing, stressing that threats needed to be neutralised. “Pakistan has shown great patience and restraint. Attacks continued against Pakistan, terrorist incidents kept occurring, in which Afghanistan’s role was entirely clear, and evidence exists,” he said. The minister said that when Pakistan was attacked under the cover of night, it was the country’s duty to respond. “Pakistan has carried out a measured and comprehensive counter-operation, which is still ongoing,” he said, noting that strikes were carried out against military and terrorist targets while ensuring Kabul’s Green Zone was not affected and no civilians were targeted. “From brigade headquarters to core headquarters and ammunition depots, their military installations were completely destroyed,” he said, adding that the situation remained ongoing and future developments would be closely monitored. Read: 'Clear as daylight': Tarar says Afghanistan's unprovoked attacks expose Taliban-terrorist nexus Tarar said Afghan forces attempted attacks and skirmishes in Khyber and northern areas such as Chitral, but failed due to lack of conventional warfare capability. “After Pakistan’s successful operation, a change in tone from Afghanistan is now evident,” he added. “It cannot happen that terrorists repeatedly carry out attacks in Pakistan, receive facilitation and shelter, get training, operate inside Pakistan, and then attack Pakistan’s borders; this cannot be allowed,” he said. Referring to drone attacks from Afghanistan that were successfully neutralised, Tarar said the timing and synchronisation of these incidents indicated a clear link between terrorists and the Afghan Taliban regime. “This is not an internal issue of Pakistan; it is an internal issue of Afghanistan. Media reports indicate that their Ministry of Defence has even fired at each other. In Pakistan, there is unity. Today, the K-P chief minister also issued a statement in support of the country’s defence and armed forces, which we welcome,” he added. He said the nexus with terrorists and cross-border terrorism was an international issue and emphasised that it was Afghanistan’s problem, which Pakistan was neutralising successfully while achieving significant results. The information minister was apparently referring to a statement on X by K-P CM Sohail Afridi, who said: "If any country engages in provocation or aggression against Pakistan, we will go to any extent to defend Pakistan without any fear or hesitation. "This is not just the responsibility of the K-P government but every Pakistani considers it their national duty. Despite criticisms of internal disagreements and flawed policies, we will stand with our country and security forces in the face of external conspiracies or aggression." He added that for establishing peace in Afghanistan and the tribal areas, it had become "imperative" to move forward by taking along three parties, as per what former premier Imran Khan told him. "First, the people of Pakistan's tribal areas; second, the Afghan government; and third, the people of Afghanistan — without the support of these three parties, no successful operation or lasting solution is possible." CM Afridi said that in light of Imran's directives, he had advised federal representatives to form a National Jirga that included representatives from the provincial and federal governments, tribal elders and elders from all political and religious parties. "This is the only path through which the issues can be resolved in the best possible manner. War should always be the last option. War increases problems; it does not reduce them." پاکستان کے خلاف کسی بھی ملک کی طرف سے کوئی اشتعال انگیزی یا جارحیت ہوتی ہے تو بغیر کسی خوف اور ڈر کے ہم پاکستان کے دفاع کے لیے ہر حد تک جائینگے۔ یہ صرف حکومت خیبر پختونخوا نہیں بلکہ ہر پاکستانی اپنا قومی فریضہ سمجھتا ہے۔ اندرونی اختلاف اور غلط پالیسیوں پر تنقید کے باوجود بیرونی… — Sohail Afridi (@SohailAfridiISF) February 27, 2026  

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3OwVGBm

NA panel grills officials over Hajj contracts

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Religious Affairs on Thursday expressed concern over the allocation of funds for minorities and questioned the repeated awarding of Hajj-related contracts to a single company. The meeting, chaired by MNA Shagufta Jamani, reviewed multiple agenda items, including minority welfare funds and administrative matters related to Hajj operations. During the session, Dr Nelson Azeem raised concerns over the "reduction in funds" allocated for minorities, questioning how many temples or churches could be renovated with Rs10 million. The committee declared Rs85 million allocated for minorities insufficient and recommended increasing the amount to at least Rs500 million in the next budget. The Ministry of Religious Affairs secretary stated that although the ministry annually requests higher allocations for minority welfare, it receives limited funds. The committee decided to write to the prime minister, the cabinet and the finance ministry to seek an enhanced allocation for minority welfare programmes. Dr Azeem also pointed out "disparities" in academic marking, saying Muslim students receive 20 marks for memorisation (Hifz), while non-Muslim students do not benefit from a similar provision. He called for a "fair distribution of marks". The committee also questioned the awarding of Hajj-related contracts in Saudi Arabia to the same company for the fourth consecutive year. Shagufta asked why a company previously placed on a blacklist was repeatedly granted contracts, including for Hajj accommodations and demanded that the religious affairs minister explain the matter in the next meeting.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/eGday1L