Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) appointed Adrian Hamilton-Manns as its new chief executive officer, with the aviation executive assuming charge on Monday, November 2, 2026. The PIA Board said he would lead the national carrier’s ongoing transformation and strengthen its commercial viability. His appointment comes as the airline pursues operational reforms under private management. Hamilton-Manns succeeds Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, who served as CEO for four-and-a-half years. The board credited Hayat with introducing structural reforms, improving operational efficiency and preparing PIA for privatisation. “We are immensely grateful for AVM Amir Hayat’s steadfast commitment to the national flag carrier during a highly complex transitional period,” the PIA Board chairman said. Who Is Adrian Hamilton-Manns? Hamilton-Manns is a New Zealand aviation executive with extensive experience across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania. The PIA Board described him as an airline transformation specialist with more than 30 years of experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation from Massey University in New Zealand. He also earned an MBA from the University of Cumbria in Britain. He began his aviation career at Air New Zealand. Recent reports give his starting year as 1997, although Air Astana’s official corporate prospectus records 1996. His career includes leadership positions at airlines and aviation technology businesses, combining commercial management with experience in restructuring and low-cost operations. Leadership at SalamAir and FlyArystan Before joining PIA, Hamilton-Manns headed Oman’s budget airline SalamAir, taking its top position in June 2024. During his tenure, the airline expanded into Africa with a Muscat-to-Nairobi service in March 2025. He previously led FlyArystan, the low-cost subsidiary of Kazakhstan’s Air Astana Group, between 2020 and 2024. Air Astana reported that FlyArystan’s revenue increased by 384% under his leadership, rising from $57.4 million in 2020 to $277.8 million in 2023. By his departure, the airline operated 19 aircraft and had expanded its geographical reach. Hamilton-Manns also served as founding CEO of Africa-focused budget carrier flyafrica.com from 2012 to 2016. His earlier appointments included chief commercial officer at IndiGo and executive vice president at South African Airways. He also held senior positions at Pacific Blue, Qatar Airways, Mandala Airlines and aviation technology company Radixx. Recognition and PIA’s Next Phase Forbes Middle East ranked Hamilton-Manns 90th on its Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders list for 2025. His background centres on developing low-cost airlines, strengthening revenue and improving commercial performance. At PIA, he will need to apply that experience to a full-service international carrier. An Arif Habib-led consortium took over PIA’s management on June 29, 2026, following privatisation. The board chairman expressed confidence that Hamilton-Manns would accelerate the airline’s strategic objectives, improve service standards and deliver sustainable profitability. His appointment puts an executive with experience leading three airlines at the centre of PIA’s restructuring. Strengthening international operations, improving fleet utilisation and delivering reliable passenger services will be central to the airline’s next phase.
Pakistan Win Over-40s World Cup in One-Wicket Thriller
Pakistan defeated Australia by one wicket in a dramatic IMC Over-40s Cricket World Cup final at Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on October 31. The victory completed Pakistan’s collection of veterans’ world titles across the Over-40s, Over-50s and Over-60s age groups, according to the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA). Pakistan reached 282-9 in 44.5 overs after Australia posted 281-6, completing the chase with one delivery remaining. The result followed a recovery from 36-4 and two late run-outs that kept the final in the balance. Akmal and Mansoor rebuild Pakistan’s chase Pakistan lost Fahad Jabbar, Imran Khan, Taufeeq Umer and Shaharyar Ghani early, leaving their middle order facing a demanding rebuilding task. Tariq Mahmood contributed 41 before his dismissal brought Adnan Akmal and Jawed Mansoor together. The wicketkeeper-batter and experienced Mansoor added 115 runs for the sixth wicket. PVCA put the partnership’s length at 105 deliveries. Akmal scored 83, while Mansoor contributed 62. Their stand revived Pakistan’s prospects, although Australia regained ground by dismissing both batters. Jamie Panelli remained Australia’s principal bowling threat, taking four wickets. However, Pakistan’s lower order kept the chase alive through the closing overs. Waseem Ali contributed 22 before a run-out ended his innings. Muhammad Khalil’s subsequent dismissal left Pakistan with only one wicket remaining. Captain Junaid Nainitalwala and Syed Fareed Uddin Agha then completed the victory. Detailed local reporting records Nainitalwala taking the single that levelled the scores before Fareed secured the winning run. Fareed’s all-round contribution proves decisive Earlier, Greg Hunt anchored Australia’s innings with 103. Steven Paulsen added 70, while Glen Batticciotto provided momentum at the top of the order. Fareed led Pakistan’s bowling effort with four wickets, and Waseem claimed two. PVCA named Fareed Player of the Grand Final for his contribution with bat and ball. His late batting resistance complemented the breakthroughs that had helped Pakistan contain Australia. The association said the triumph also avenged Pakistan’s defeat against Australia in the 2025 IMC Over-40s T20 World Cup final in Karachi. Veterans champions prepare for Karachi return PVCA described the Guyana success as an unprecedented achievement across three veterans’ age-group World Cups. Pakistan previously won the Over-60s World Cup in Brisbane, Australia, in 2022. They followed that success with the Over-50s World Cup title in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2025. The association said the latest trophy reflected sustained competitiveness across age groups and its efforts to promote veterans cricket internationally. PVCA Joint Secretary Irfan Ahmed issued the November 2 statement announcing the victory and the squad’s homecoming plans. The champions are scheduled to arrive in Karachi early on November 3, carrying the IMC Over-40s World Cup trophy.
Pakistan Home Series Record: Nine Wins, 10 Unbeaten
Pakistan have extended their unbeaten home series run to 10 after defeating Sri Lanka in Saturday’s ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium. The sequence includes nine series victories and one drawn Test series since May-June 2025. Pakistan have also won eight consecutive home white-ball series, starting with their T20I triumph over South Africa in October-November 2025. Shaheen Shah Afridi has now captained Pakistan to three bilateral ODI series victories and one ODI tri-series title at home since November 2025. Tri-series triumph extends winning sequence Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by three wickets before a packed Lahore crowd on October 31, chasing 326 with nine balls remaining. Fakhar Zaman led the chase with 127 from 99 deliveries. Saad Baig contributed 74, while Arafat Minhas struck 61 from just 31 balls. Arafat and Hasan Nawaz added 94 for the sixth wicket, with Hasan finishing unbeaten on 37. Shaheen completed the chase with a six as Pakistan reached 331-7. Pakistan finished the tournament with four victories from five matches. They defeated England twice and Sri Lanka twice, including the final. Sri Lanka handed Pakistan their only defeat during the competition. The unbeaten sequence therefore concerns series results, rather than individual matches. Bangladesh whitewash began the run Pakistan launched the sequence by sweeping Bangladesh 3-0 in their home T20I series in Lahore during May-June 2025. They opened the following home international season with a 93-run Test victory over reigning world champions South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium. South Africa responded in Rawalpindi to draw the two-Test contest 1-1. That remains the only drawn series in Pakistan’s current home sequence. Pakistan subsequently defeated the Proteas 2-1 in both the T20I and ODI series. Their T20I success came after losing the opening match, with a four-wicket victory in the decider sealing the series. The ODI contest also marked international cricket’s return to Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, after 17 years. Pakistan then swept Sri Lanka 3-0 in ODIs before winning the T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Australia wins strengthen home record Pakistan began their 2026 home campaign with a 3-0 T20I whitewash of Australia. They followed that result with a 2-1 ODI series victory. A 2-1 T20I success against Sri Lanka and the latest ODI tri-series title completed the 10-series unbeaten sequence. Across those contests, Pakistan have secured five bilateral T20I series, three bilateral ODI series and two tri-series appearances. Both tri-series ended in title victories, while the sole Test series finished level. Pakistan’s last 10 home series Series Result Bangladesh T20Is Won 3-0 South Africa Tests Drawn 1-1 South Africa T20Is Won 2-1 South Africa ODIs Won 2-1 Sri Lanka ODIs Won 3-0 T20I tri-series: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe Won Australia T20Is Won 3-0 Australia ODIs Won 2-1 Sri Lanka T20Is Won 2-1 ODI tri-series: Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka Won
PIA Dreamliner Arrival Sparks Revival Hopes, Says AOOA
The Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) Pakistan has welcomed PIA’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, calling its arrival an important revival milestone. However, the association urged Pakistan International Airlines to match fleet modernisation with measurable improvements in passenger service. The aircraft arrived at Islamabad International Airport from London Heathrow on November 1 as flight PK786. PIA Chief Executive Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat and his team received it at the airport. In a statement, AOOA Pakistan founder Imran Aslam Khan described the induction as renewed hope for the carrier. He said it offered an opportunity to reconnect with PIA’s pioneering legacy, professional standards and internationally recognised service. Dreamliner to support long-haul operations The Dreamliner is the first of two Boeing 787-9 aircraft covered by PIA’s October agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways. The arrangement follows an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance model, commonly called a wet lease. Norse supplies the aircraft and crew while taking responsibility for maintenance and insurance. The partnership targets additional capacity on direct routes between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. It aims to meet demand for connectivity across multiple destinations in both countries. AOOA Pakistan said the aircraft could strengthen important long-haul routes, improve passenger comfort and expand travel options for overseas Pakistanis. It also highlighted opportunities to increase capacity, strengthen international sales and improve PIA’s competitiveness. The association presented these as potential contributions to commercial recovery, alongside broader operational improvements. Passenger experience must drive PIA revival “AOOA Pakistan emphasises that fleet modernisation must go hand in hand with service improvement,” the statement said. The association identified punctuality, operational reliability, quality inflight services and efficient baggage handling as priorities. It also called for modern digital facilities and professional customer care. “Its rebranding must reflect genuine improvements in passenger experience rather than merely a change in corporate appearance.” The statement placed passenger confidence at the centre of PIA’s transformation. It urged the airline to translate investment in modern aircraft into consistent standards throughout the travel experience. Association welcomes incoming leadership AOOA Pakistan also congratulated the incoming chief executive and extended its best wishes for the new responsibility. It said the Dreamliner’s arrival offered a timely opportunity to build momentum, strengthen operations and pursue a commercially sustainable airline. The association thanked the outgoing chief executive and his team for helping make the aircraft’s induction possible. It urged the next leadership to build on that progress and restore PIA’s reputation. The statement did not name the incoming executive. PIA’s official management page continued to list Amir Hayat as chief executive when checked. “The Dreamliner is a promising beginning. The ultimate goal must be to restore PIA’s glory, regain passenger confidence and make it the pride of the nation once again.”
Sazgar Philippines Plant Opens With 12,000-Unit Capacity
Sazgar Engineering Works Limited has opened its first overseas vehicle assembly plant in the Philippines, extending the Pakistani automaker’s manufacturing footprint into Southeast Asia. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the facility on October 29 in Biñan City, Laguna province. The plant stands in Barangay Mamplasan at the Laguna International Industrial Park. Sazgar Philippines Inc., which is 60% Filipino-owned, operates the facility. It will assemble passenger and commercial three-wheelers, including electric and petrol-powered models. The Embassy of Pakistan in the Philippines facilitated the expansion. Pakistani Ambassador Dr. Asima Rabbani attended the event alongside Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Sazgar Philippines President and CEO Muhammad Fahim. Capacity of 12,000 three-wheelers annually The plant has an annual assembly capacity of approximately 12,000 vehicles. Electric models will account for a projected 60% of its initial production mix, with internal combustion engine vehicles comprising the remaining 40%. The company expects the electric share to increase as market demand and the local industry develop. Marcos said Sazgar’s electric three-wheelers could travel between 100 and 210 kilometres on a single charge, depending on battery configuration. A full charge takes six to eight hours. He compared that range with typical tricycle journeys of around 90 kilometres daily in urban areas. Drivers in provincial areas generally cover 110 to 120 kilometres a day. The president said electric vehicles could lower drivers’ petrol expenses and help them retain more income for their families. He also highlighted their potential to reduce dependence on imported fuel. Local suppliers to support production Marcos urged Sazgar to expand purchases from Philippine manufacturers as production develops. Potential locally sourced components include batteries, glass, seats, seat foam, upholstery, rubber products and lubricants. The facility qualified under the Philippines’ Strategic Investment Priority Plan because of its contribution to local value creation. “That is the kind of investment that we want. Not just companies that sell to Filipinos, but companies that make things with Filipinos,” Marcos said. He linked the investment to employment, skills development and opportunities for domestic component suppliers. Southeast Asian manufacturing hub The Philippine operation represents Sazgar’s first manufacturing base outside Pakistan and its intended hub for Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Lahore, Sazgar has manufactured vehicles for more than three decades. The company dates its establishment to 1991 and maintains an international presence across more than 20 countries. Its export markets include Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Nigeria. The new facility adds overseas assembly to its existing vehicle and automotive component exports. The investment also comes as the Philippines pursues a 50% electric vehicle share in its vehicle fleet by 2040. However, the plant’s stated capacity represents its assembly capability, rather than confirmed annual production or sales. Actual output will depend on orders, demand and the development of its local supply chain.
Arafat Minhas Reveals How Pakistan Pulled Off the 326-Run Chase
Pakistan all-rounder Arafat Minhas credited a positive mindset, consistent work ethic and adaptability for his player-of-the-series performance in the ODI tri-series. The 21-year-old scored 149 runs, including two half-centuries, and took nine wickets across five matches. Pakistan secured the title with a three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday evening. The left-handed batter and left-arm spinner struck 61 from 31 balls in the final. His 94-run sixth-wicket partnership with Hasan Nawaz, who finished unbeaten on 37, helped Pakistan chase 326. Arafat explains Pakistan’s chase Speaking on Straight Drive with Salman Butt, Arafat explained how he approached the chase alongside Hasan. “When I went in to bat, we needed another partnership as wickets had fallen in quick succession. Hasan and I knew each other’s strengths and our ability to hit boundaries. We wanted to build a partnership and take the game deep because we knew their frontline bowlers had almost completed their spells. “We were clear about our intent and knew that whoever got the opportunity to score a boundary would take it. Hasan was finding it difficult to get going initially, but I felt the ball was coming nicely onto my bat, so I decided to take my chances. Once we started finding boundaries, the pressure eased and Hasan supported me well.” Arafat made his ODI debut against Australia in Rawalpindi earlier this year. He also identified a late ball change as an important moment. “The ball had become heavy because of the dew and was staying low, which made hitting difficult. When the ball was changed around the 44th or 45th over, it started coming onto the bat much better. I told Hasan that we should look to attack the balls in our hitting areas. “We needed a big over as the required run-rate was around nine or 10. We managed to get that big over, which shifted the momentum in our favour and helped us complete the chase.” Crowd support and consistent preparation The packed stadium provided motivation, although Arafat stressed the importance of composure. “I personally enjoy playing in front of big crowds. When you hit a boundary and the entire stadium erupts, it gives you goosebumps and a lot of motivation. But the real challenge in those situations is to control your nerves, remain calm and make the right decisions.” Arafat has represented Pakistan in eight ODIs and seven T20Is. He said individual recognition would not change his preparation. “Winning the player of the series award definitely gives you confidence and improves your mindset. However, I believe your work ethic, hard work and routine should remain the same. I try to maintain the same mindset whether I perform well or not and continue to back myself. “When you receive such recognition, expectations naturally increase. I take those expectations positively because they motivate me to improve further and give my best for Pakistan in every match.” He also outlined his approach to switching formats. “Switching formats is largely about your mindset. If you are mentally strong, you can adapt to different challenges. Your routine and hard work remain the same, but you have to prepare yourself mentally for the demands of each format and practice accordingly.” Sri Lanka Tests next Arafat and his younger brother Sameer Minhas feature in Pakistan’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The matches form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. Rawalpindi hosts the first Test from November 9–13. Gaddafi Stadium stages the second from November 17–21. Sameer earned his maiden Test call-up after scoring 405 runs in seven matches during his first first-class season.
Pakistan LNG Project: US-Backed Group Proposes $4.4bn Plan
A US consortium backed by the Trump administration proposes investing up to $4.4 billion in Pakistan’s LNG infrastructure. The plan covers imports, storage, regasification, transmission and sales to large consumers on a ‘merchant basis’. Related firms Global Vision Energy Partners (GVEP) and Khanjee Holdings lead the consortium alongside Luxembourg-based General Mediterranean Holding and prospective international co-investors. Sponsors reportedly have Port Qasim Authority’s site consent and have applied to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) for a provisional licence. They have incorporated a special purpose vehicle to isolate financial risks. The maritime affairs ministry and Petroleum Division have conveyed government facilitation. Four storage tanks and an upcountry pipeline Phase one would cost $1.7 billion, comprising a terminal and four 140,000-cubic-metre tanks, totalling 560,000 cubic metres. Storage would equal approximately 11.9 billion cubic feet (BCF) per cycle. Three annual inventory turnovers would deliver roughly 35.6BCF throughput, against an initial estimate of 35BCF. Phase two envisages a 1,100km, 42–48-inch pipeline carrying around 1.2 billion cubic feet daily upcountry. Pakistan previously pursued a similar North-South pipeline with Russia. The sponsors favour Port Qasim’s infrastructure, LNG-carrier access and location outside the Strait of Hormuz. Existing terminals already provide floating storage. Port Qasim Authority lists storage of up to 170,000 cubic metres at Engro’s facility and 171,000 at Pakistan GasPort. The proposal would therefore expand storage beyond existing floating facilities. Financing and investor commitments The project has approval for consideration under the US Trade and Development Agency’s project preparation programme. Potential support includes US Development Finance Corporation financing and US Export-Import Bank guarantees for technology, equipment and services. The financing plan envisages 70% debt and 30% equity. Proposed ownership comprises GVEP, 26%; General Mediterranean Holding, 24%; Khanjee Holdings and strategic co-investors, 20% each; and local investors, 10%. Indicative local investments start at $50 million per investor. Prospective investors include Grey Rock Investment Partners, KKR, Blackstone, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Kuwait Investment Authority. None has confirmed binding equity commitments. Participation requires due diligence, investment approvals and definitive agreements. Construction, procurement and supply contracts will establish final costs. Proposed LNG tariffs Terminal and storage charges would start at $4.93 per million British thermal units, alongside transmission charges of $1.91 for the first decade. Thereafter, projected charges fall to $2.20 and $0.92, respectively. Ogra would review domestic regasification tariffs. Other services would use market pricing. The project company would own and operate a regional hub serving Pakistan and US and Middle Eastern suppliers. Long-term tolling, storage, transshipment and suitable take-or-pay agreements would underpin operations, alongside merchant capacity, without relying on one government-backed buyer. The proposal follows Energas’s withdrawal over policy changes and unresolved fiscal issues. Separate reporting puts that abandoned Lucky Group-QatarEnergy terminal’s planned investment at $150 million.
