Connect with us

Business

PTA recommends giving licenses to Starlink, OneWeb: PTA Chairman

Published

on

The image is AI-generated and used for illustration purposes only

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recommended issuing licenses to satellite internet providers, including Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, as part of efforts to improve internet connectivity in remote areas and along the country’s motorway network.

Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career ends after Spain defeat

The recommendation was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, where PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman briefed lawmakers on the country’s progress towards introducing satellite broadband services.

PTA Chairman on internet service in Pakistan

The PTA chairman said satellite internet has become an important solution for delivering reliable broadband services in underserved regions where expanding conventional telecom infrastructure is both expensive and technically challenging.

Read more: Why Does Electricity Go Out When It Rains in Pakistan?

According to the chairman, the PTA has completed the required technical and regulatory preparations and has forwarded its recommendations to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for further consideration.

He pointed to Nepal as an example of a country that has successfully used satellite internet services to strengthen nationwide connectivity, particularly in geographically challenging areas.

The process of obtaining registration

The chairman explained that satellite internet providers will first need to obtain registration from the Space Activities Regulatory Board before they can apply for telecommunications licences from the PTA to launch commercial operations in Pakistan.

Read more: PIA may sell foreign assets to reduce financial liabilities

Pakistan has been working on a regulatory framework for satellite broadband as part of its broader strategy to extend high-speed internet access beyond urban centres and bridge the country’s digital divide.

If approved, the move could pave the way for global satellite internet providers to begin offering services in Pakistan, expanding broadband availability in areas where traditional fibre and mobile networks remain limited.

Category Details
Regulator Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
Recommendation Licence satellite internet operators in Pakistan
Companies Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon Project Kuiper
Objective Expand internet access in remote areas and on motorways
Current Status Recommendations submitted to the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication
Registration Requirement Space Activities Regulatory Board approval
Commercial Licence Issued by PTA after regulatory registration
International Example Nepal’s satellite broadband deployment
Expected Impact Reduce the digital divide and improve nationwide broadband coverage

Key Points:

  • PTA has recommended licensing satellite internet providers including Starlink, OneWeb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
  • The proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
  • Satellite internet is intended to improve connectivity in remote regions and along motorways.
  • Operators will first require registration with the Space Activities Regulatory Board before obtaining PTA licences.
  • PTA cited Nepal as an example of successful satellite broadband deployment.
  • The initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to expand high-speed internet access and reduce the digital divide.

Continue Reading

Gold

Today’s gold rates in Pakistan – July 16, 2026

Published

on

KARACHI – On July 16, 2026, gold prices in Pakistan increased, following the upward trend in international markets.

According to the Saraffa Association, the price of 24-karat gold per tola increased to Rs 428,000 after a rise of Rs 1000, while the rate for 10 grams was Rs 366,090.

Today’s Gold and Silver Rates in Major Cities
City Gold Rate Silver Rate
Karachi PKR 428,000 PKR 3,830
Lahore PKR 428,050 PKR 3,830
Islamabad PKR 428,100 PKR 3,830
Peshawar PKR 428,150 PKR 3,830
Quetta PKR 428,200 PKR 3,830
Sialkot PKR 428,000 PKR 3,830
Hyderabad PKR 428,000 PKR 3,830
Faisalabad PKR 428,000 PKR 3,830
Multan PKR 428,000 PKR 3,830

Note: It is pertinent to mention here that Upfront News in no way claims these rates to be accurate at all times, as the prices can continuously vary.

Continue Reading

Forex

Today’s currency exchange rates in Pakistan – July 16, 2026

Published

on

KARACHI – Foreign currency exchange rates for US Dollar, Saudi Riyal, UK Pound Sterling, U.A.E. Dirham, Euro, and other currencies in Pakistan open market on July 16, 2026. The US Dollar’s buying rate stands at Rs 279.05, and the selling rate at Rs 279.2.

Several other currencies, which include the Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Chinese Yuan (CNY), Danish Krone (DKK), Japanese Yen (JPY), Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and Swiss Franc (CHF), showed no significant change in their rates compared to the previous update.

Currency Symbol Buying Selling Charts
🇦🇺Australian Dollar AUD 195.33 198.45 📊
🇧🇭Bahrain Dinar BHD 741.05 751.95 📊
🇨🇦Canadian Dollar CAD 197.72 201.65 📊
🇨🇳China Yuan CNY 38.05 38.8 📊
🇩🇰Danish Krone DKK 42.56 43.25 📊
🇪🇺Euro EUR 321.04 324.4 📊
🇭🇰Hong Kong Dollar HKD 35.24 36.25 📊
🇮🇳Indian Rupee INR 2.75 3.2 📊
🇯🇵Japanese Yen JPY 1.71 1.81 📊
🇰🇼Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 890.02 900.95 📊
🇲🇾Malaysian Ringgit MYR 67 68.05 📊
🇳🇿NewZealand $ NZD 161.2 163.75 📊
🇳🇴Norwegians Krone NOK 27.99 28.29 📊
🇴🇲Omani Riyal OMR 725.81 735.65 📊
🇶🇦Qatari Riyal QAR 75.45 76.47 📊
🇸🇦Saudi Riyal SAR 74.6 75.25 📊
🇸🇬Singapore Dollar SGD 214.85 217.85 📊
🇸🇪Swedish Krona SEK 28.25 28.9 📊
🇨🇭Swiss Franc CHF 343.59 348.25 📊
🇹🇭Thai Bhat THB 8.55 8.8 📊
🇦🇪U.A.E Dirham AED 76.25 76.95 📊
🇬🇧UK Pound Sterling GBP 373.46 376.15 📊
🇺🇸US Dollar USD 279.05 279.2 📊

Continue Reading

Business

PIA may sell foreign assets to reduce financial liabilities

Published

on

PIA foreign assets sale showing Roosevelt Hotel New York and Pakistan International Airlines overseas properties
This Image is Ai generated and used for Illustration purposes only.

LAHORE – The PIA foreign assets sale is being considered as Pakistan International Airlines’ Holding Company looks for ways to reduce its outstanding financial liabilities. 

The company may use valuable overseas properties, including the Roosevelt Hotel in New York and the Scribe Hotel in Paris, as part of its financial restructuring strategy. 

According to documents reviewed by the Privatization Commission, PIA Holding Company currently retains 36 properties after selling 11 assets. These properties are located in Pakistan, the United States and France. 

 

PIA Foreign Assets Sale Could Help Clear Outstanding Debt 

The remaining properties could play an important role in managing the Holding Company’s financial obligations. 

According to the Privatization Commission, these assets may be used to help settle outstanding liabilities linked to PIA’s operations. 

Furthermore, the government is reviewing different options for these properties as it continues efforts to restructure the national airline and reduce the financial burden on state-owned enterprises. 

The PIA foreign assets sale could become a major part of this strategy if the government decides to monetize valuable overseas holdings. 

PIA foreign assets sale showing Roosevelt Hotel New York and Pakistan International Airlines overseas properties

This image is generated using Ai for illustration purposes only.

PIA Overseas Assets Include Roosevelt Hotel and Scribe Hotel 

PIA’s overseas property portfolio includes some of its most valuable international assets. 

These include: 

  • Roosevelt Hotel, New York, United States  
  • Scribe Hotel, Paris, France  

The Roosevelt Hotel has remained one of PIA’s most discussed assets because of its prime location in Manhattan and its significant commercial value. 

Meanwhile, the Scribe Hotel in Paris represents another important overseas holding in the airline’s property portfolio. 

 

PIA Holding Company Retains 36 Properties After Asset Sales 

The documents show that PIA Holding Company still owns 36 properties after completing the sale of 11 assets. 

The remaining portfolio includes: 

  • International hotels  
  • Sales offices  
  • Warehouses  
  • A farmhouse  
  • Hundreds of acres of land  
  • A housing colony  

In addition, seven properties were transferred to the Holding Company through a government gazette notification. 

These properties include: 

  • An open plot in Islamabad  
  • A sports complex in Karachi  
  • A football ground in Karachi  

 

PIA Assets Become Part of Wider Privatization Plan 

The government is continuing its efforts to complete the privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines. 

According to the documents, authorities expect to complete the sale of the remaining 25% stake in PIA during the current fiscal year. 

The transaction is expected to generate around Rs45 billion for the government. 

Moreover, the privatization process aims to improve PIA’s financial position and reduce the impact of losses from state-owned enterprises. 

 

Government Reviews Future of PIA Overseas Properties 

The future of PIA’s foreign properties remains closely linked with the airline’s restructuring plans. 

While these assets represent significant value, the government will need to decide whether selling, leasing or developing them would provide the best financial outcome. 

The PIA foreign assets sale could provide additional resources to manage liabilities, but authorities must also ensure that valuable properties receive proper valuation before any major decision. 

 

PIA Privatization Faces Important Financial Decisions 

Pakistan International Airlines has faced years of financial challenges, with restructuring efforts focusing on reducing losses and improving efficiency. 

As the government moves ahead with privatization, decisions regarding PIA’s overseas assets will remain a key part of the process. 

The handling of properties such as Roosevelt Hotel and Scribe Hotel could influence how much value Pakistan receives from its airline restructuring efforts. 

 

Key Points:

  • The PIA foreign assets sale is being considered to help manage financial liabilities.  
  • PIA Holding Company currently retains 36 properties after selling 11 assets.  
  • Remaining assets include Roosevelt Hotel New York and Scribe Hotel Paris.  
  • The portfolio also includes offices, warehouses, land and a housing colony.  
  • Seven properties were transferred through a government gazette notification.  
  • The government plans to sell its remaining 25% stake in PIA.  
  • The stake sale is expected to generate around Rs45 billion. 

Read More: 

 

 

Continue Reading

About

Upfront influence about 20 million users and is the number one business and technology news network on the planet


© 2022 upfront. All Rights Reserved.

Trending

Copyright © 2026