Middle East Tensions Ground 85 Flights from Pakistan
News Desk
Islamabad: Flight operations from Pakistan to several Middle Eastern destinations remained disrupted on Tuesday, with 85 flights cancelled amid ongoing regional tensions affecting airspace and aviation routes.
According to aviation sources, while 85 flights were cancelled, 56 flights are still expected to operate from various Pakistani airports.
From Karachi, 26 flights to Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi were cancelled, while 10 flights are scheduled to depart.
Similarly, 18 flights from Lahore to different Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled, with 10 flights expected to operate.
In the federal capital Islamabad, 20 flights bound for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah were cancelled, while 11 flights are likely to depart.
Aviation authorities said the disruptions are part of a wider impact on regional aviation routes. Over the past 10 days, more than 37,000 flights worldwide to the Middle East have reportedly been cancelled due to security concerns and airspace restrictions.
During the same period, around 1,600 flights from Pakistan to the Middle East have been cancelled, creating difficulties for passengers and airlines alike.
5G Spectrum Auction Begins in Pakistan
Pakistan has formally launched the auction process for 5G internet spectrum, marking a major step toward introducing next-generation mobile connectivity in the country.
The launch ceremony was attended by Muhammad Aurangzeb, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Attaullah Tarar, and Hafeezur Rehman, chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
During the event, the PTA offered 600 MHz spectrum for bidding, with three telecom companies participating in the auction process. The first round of the auction is scheduled to run for 60 minutes.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the day as a significant milestone for Pakistan’s digital and economic development.
“Today is an important day for the IT sector,” he said, adding that the government is taking steps to stabilize the country’s economy and strengthen digital infrastructure.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the auction represents the largest spectrum sale in Pakistan’s history.
She noted that Pakistan has so far been operating on only 274 MHz spectrum, and the new auction would significantly improve connectivity across the country.
According to the minister, 4G services are expected to improve soon, while 5G internet services could become available in major cities within the next six months following the completion of the auction process.
