Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ADB approves $10–12bn five-year lending strategy for Pakistan

    ADB approves $10–12bn five-year lending strategy for Pakistan

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an indicative $10–12 billion lending programme for Pakistan over five years, covering financing for critical minerals development and upgrades to Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-I (ML-I).

    The decision was taken at an ADB board meeting, where India’s executive director also supported the strategy while raising observations on Pakistan’s governance and debt situation.

    The Manila-based lender launched its Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Pakistan 2026–2030, outlining support for the country’s transition towards sustainable and inclusive growth through private-sector-led development, according to its Pakistan office.

    The CPS sets three priority areas: enabling private sector growth, advancing inclusion and empowerment, and strengthening resilience and sustainability.

    While the ADB did not officially confirm the total size of the package, officials and multilateral sources said the indicative lending volume is based on current annual approvals and is estimated at $10–12 billion over five years. Individual projects will be negotiated within the overall framework during the period.

    Officials said the package size could increase if Pakistan’s credit rating improves. Rating upgrades by international agencies were noted, though they remain insufficient to significantly lower long-term borrowing costs.

    Pakistan currently receives around $2 billion annually in ADB financing, roughly half in concessional loans. The ADB approved $2.6 billion in lending for Pakistan last year.


    The CPS states that the bank will provide financing, policy support and technical assistance to develop critical mineral value chains in Pakistan.

    ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan said the strategy is designed to address structural challenges and support inclusive growth.

    The document says the bank will help develop Pakistan’s mineral sector by supporting governance frameworks, infrastructure integration, and environmental and social safeguards.

    Pakistan holds deposits of copper, barite, chromite, gold, salt and marble, but the mining sector contributes about 2.4 percent to GDP and 0.2 percent to employment.

    Mineral exports remain limited, reflecting gaps in infrastructure, governance and regulation, the CPS noted.

    ADB plans to support the sector through improved geodata systems, regulatory reforms, co-financing arrangements and fiscal policy changes.

    The lender also plans to support the establishment of sovereign wealth funds to improve benefit-sharing and long-term investment planning.

    A proposed $500 million loan will support reforms in pension and insurance systems and development of capital markets to channel long-term savings into productive investment.

    Main Line-I upgrades remain a key component of the strategy, including improvements to tracks, signalling systems and stations to modernise the rail corridor and improve regional connectivity.

    China had initially planned to finance ML-I under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework but later withdrew due to Pakistan’s rising debt concerns.

    The ADB said its future financing will also extend to port modernisation, motorways and highways, along with broader trade and logistics reforms aimed at streamlining cross-border trade procedures.

    The CPS notes that Pakistan’s poverty rate stands at 45 percent, with rural poverty significantly higher than urban levels. It adds that the top 10 percent of households earn 42 percent of national income, while the bottom 50 percent account for 13 percent. 

    The strategy also includes support for disaster risk management, climate governance, and increased climate-related investment for resilience and mitigation.

    The lender said Pakistan’s production base remains narrow, its regulatory environment complex, and its public financial management uneven, with inefficiencies in energy, transport and urban services.

    It noted that more than 200 state-owned enterprises account for assets worth around 48 percent of GDP, contributing to governance and accountability challenges due to overlapping oversight structures.

    The ADB added that Pakistan ranks near the lower end globally on governance indicators across multiple categories.

  • ‘Significant threat’: US intel director raises alarm, says Pakistan’s long-range missiles could reach US

    ‘Significant threat’: US intel director raises alarm, says Pakistan’s long-range missiles could reach US

    US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has included Pakistan among countries posing a significant threat to the United States (US), warning lawmakers that Islamabad’s missile development could potentially bring the American homeland within range.

    Presenting the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment before the US Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday, she said, “Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and Pakistan have been researching and developing an array of novel, advanced, or traditional missile delivery systems with nuclear and conventional payloads, that put our Homeland within range.”

    She added, “Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile development potentially could include ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) with the range capable of striking the Homeland.”


    Gabbard further said that the countries identified in the report “will likely seek to understand US plans for advanced missile defence… for the purpose of shaping their own missile development programmes and assessing US intentions regarding deterrence.”


    She warned of a sharp increase in missile threats over the next decade, stating, “…threats to the Homeland will expand collectively to more than 16,000 missiles by 2035, from the current assessed figure of more than 3,000 missiles.”


    The assessment triggered reactions from analysts in Washington DC. Scholar Shuja Nawaz said the inclusion of Pakistan reflected continuity in US policy trends. He said, “This continues the analysis of the Biden administration that placed sanctions on Pakistani entities and tried to curb acquisition of new technologies.”


    He added that most estimates place Pakistan’s Shaheen-III missile range at under 2,800 kilometres and said Islamabad maintains its nuclear programme is intended for deterrence against India. 

    “There is no reason for Pakistan to target the United States or any other country outside South Asia. Such assessments undermine the budding US-Pakistan relationship,” he said.

    US-based analyst Michael Kugelman said, “It’s a significant comment, given that the current administration has been fairly quiet on the Pakistan nuclear weapons issue and has generally projected positivity in its messaging on Pakistan.”

    He added, “But at the same time, I wouldn’t overstate the significance here. Pakistan wasn’t singled out exclusively; it was called out with other countries.”

    The assessment also highlighted South Asia as a continuing security concern, particularly tensions between Pakistan and India.

    The report stated, “India–Pakistan relations remain a risk for nuclear conflict given past conflicts where these two nuclear states squ¬ared off, creating the danger of escalation,” while also referring to the Pahalgam attack.


    It added, “President Trump’s intervention deescalated the most recent nuclear tensions, and we assess that neither country seeks to return to open conflict, but that conditions exist for terrorist actors to continue to create catalysts for crises.”

    On Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, it said, “Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have been tense, with intermittent cross-border clashes, as Islamabad has become increasingly frustrated with anti-Pakistan terrorist groups’ presence in Afghanistan while Islamabad faces growing terrorist violence.”


    It further noted, “Pakistan’s army chief warned this month that lasting peace requires the Taliban to sever ties with militants targeting Pakistan. The Taliban’s public posture has been to call for dialogue, but it has denied harbouring anti-Pakistani militants.”

    The report also said regional powers are increasingly using force to advance their interests, stating that countries including Egypt, Israel, Pakistan, Turkiye and the UAE are using a mix of lethal aid, proxy forces, or their own military assets to provoke or undermine their rivals or to tilt nearby conflicts in their favour.

  • Info minister says Imran’s sons can visit Pakistan on NICOP after Jemima slams visa delays

    Info minister says Imran’s sons can visit Pakistan on NICOP after Jemima slams visa delays

    Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the sons of former prime minister Imran Khan can visit Pakistan using their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), stating that no visa is required for them. 

    The statement came in response to a post by Jemima Goldsmith, who appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over delays in the issuance of visas for her sons Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan.

    Responding on X, Tarar said, “Imran Khan’s phone call will be arranged on Eid day with his children as done in the past as well.” He added, “His children are welcome to visit Pakistan on their Nicop cards as Pakistani citizens for which no visa is required. However, they will fully comply with the laws of Pakistan during their stay.”

    In her appeal, Jemima said, “My sons Sulaiman and Kasim Khan applied for visas in January (again… ) to allow them to visit their father, Imran Khan, in Pakistan.” She added, “The Pakistan consulate states that online visa processing normally takes 7–10 working days. It has now been 60 days.”

    She said the delay came despite public statements by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and government spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi regarding their travel. “Meanwhile, they are not allowed to speak to him on the phone, nor send him a letter,” she said, adding, “They haven’t seen him since 2022, after he was shot in an assassination attempt.”

    Jemima appealed, “This is an appeal directly to Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz to please allow Imran Khan’s two sons to see their father asap.”

    Last month, Kasim alleged that the government was deliberately refusing to process their visas. The two had earlier said in December 2025 that they had applied for visas and were planning to travel in January.

    In August 2025, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan said the two had applied for NICOP as well as visas after Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry questioned why visas would be required if they had the cards. 

    Separately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf criticised the delay, stating that the details shared by Jemima were “not only deeply concerning, but also evidence that the government has failed to uphold basic human values and family rights.” The party said the delay was a “deliberate delaying tactic” and added, such treatment is being meted out to a man who has served as the country’s former prime minister.

  • 19 dead as thunderstorms,winds lash Karachi

    19 dead as thunderstorms,winds lash Karachi

    At least 19 people died and several others were injured in multiple incidents as rain and strong winds hit different parts of Karachi.


    Rainfall with gusts was recorded in North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Surjani, FB Area, Saddar and Clifton. Similar conditions were reported in Cantt, Railway Colony, Delhi Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan Jamal and Garden.

    The Met Office said rain was also reported in Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Gulzar-i-Hijri, Tower, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Hassan Square, Manghopir, SITE, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad and Defence.

    Power supply was suspended in several areas as the rain began, while outages were later reported in Moinabad Alamgir Society, Shadman Town 14-A, parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Defence Phases 1 and 2, Akhtar Colony, Kashmir Colony and parts of North Karachi. 

    The city’s power system could not sustain the load, and several areas remained without electricity for hours.

    “Our field teams remain on-ground, working round the clock to restore power in affected areas. Despite water-logging challenges, safety remains our top priority. We value your patience and understanding as we continue these efforts,” K-Electric stated on X.

    The Meteorological Department reported that wind speed reached 90 kilometres per hour on Shahrah-e-Faisal and 97 kilometres per hour in Mauripur. It said Korangi recorded 55.6mm of rainfall, followed by 22mm in Mauripur and 15mm in DHA Phase-II.


    Other areas including Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Keamari, Airport Old Area, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Saddar Town and Jinnah Terminal received lower amounts.

    Trees fell in multiple locations, disrupting traffic. Near the Clifton driving licence branch, a tree collapsed, trapping two people. Reports quoted officials that Ishfaq, 32, and his mother were on a motorbike when they took shelter under a tree, which fell due to strong winds.

    A Rescue 1122 team shifted Ishfaq to hospital while efforts continued to retrieve his mother. In Mohammad Ali Society, a billboard fell on Tipu Sultan Road.

    In Baldia’s Mowach Goth, 13 people died after a wall collapsed, rescue officials confirmed. DIG-South Syed Asad Raza said that several people were sitting beside the wall of the Baldia Town Telephone Exchange within the limits of Saeedabad police station when it collapsed due to strong winds. 

    A rescue spokesperson said that three people were injured and shifted to hospital along with the bodies, adding that search operations were ongoing. The bodies were moved to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi.

    SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) Keamari said that the roof of the second floor collapsed onto the first floor, adding that the structure was not a residential building. He noted that police and rescue teams were present at the site and further people could be trapped under the debris.

    The Sindh chief minister took notice of the incident and directed the district administration and rescue authorities to respond.

    Sindh Interior Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site and directed teams to retrieve those trapped and shift the injured for treatment.

    In Quaidabad’s Majeed Colony, a man and a woman died after a wall collapsed, while one person was injured. In Landhi, a man and his wife were killed when the roof of their house caved in. They were identified as Sher Ali, 48, and Riasat, 45.

    In Malir’s Yaroo Goth, one person died after being struck by lightning. In Korangi, a man died after a tree fell on him, while in Korangi 3½, a woman died after a roof collapsed.

    Water accumulated in several areas after the rain, affecting traffic flow on major roads.

    The Meteorological Department said that further rainfall is not expected during the night but may occur after noon. It added that rain with wind and thunder is likely in parts of the city, with a possibility of hail at isolated locations, while another weather system between March 24 and 27 could bring rain to Karachi and other areas of Sindh.

  • Pakistani films releasing this Eid

    Pakistani films releasing this Eid

    Eid ul Fitr 2026 will bring a fresh wave of entertainment for Pakistani audiences, with several films arriving in cinemas and major titles making their television premieres. 

    After facing a difficult period in recent years, the film industry now looks ready to attract viewers back with a mix of action, comedy and romance.

    These three movies are set to release this Eid.

    Bullah:

    Among the big cinema releases, Bullah marks the return of Shaan Shahid to the big screen. The film presents him as a vigilante who fights for justice. The cast also includes Meera, Saleem Sheikh and Naeema Butt, adding strength to the project.

    Aag Lagay Basti Mein:

    Another film hitting cinemas is Aag Lagay Basti Mein, a comedy action project featuring Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan in lead roles. Javed Sheikh also plays an important part, while Tabish Hashmi steps into films with his acting debut. The team has actively promoted the film ahead of its release.

    Delhi Gate:

    Delhi Gate will also arrive in cinemas this Eid. The film stars Shamoon Abbasi, Javed Sheikh, Roma Micheal and others, offering another local option for moviegoers.

    Alongside cinema releases, television channels will premiere some of Pakistan’s biggest films for home audiences.

    The Legend of Maula Jatt:

    The Legend of Maula Jatt will make its world television debut this Eid. The blockbuster features Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Humaima Malick. The film remains the highest-grossing Pakistani movie to date and continues to attract strong interest.

    Love Guru:

    Viewers will also get to watch Love Guru on television. The romantic comedy stars Humayun Saeed alongside Mahira Khan and will air on ARY Digital, offering family entertainment during the festive days.

    Neelofar:

    Another notable premiere includes Neelofar, which features Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan. The film will air on Geo Entertainment, giving audiences a chance to watch it from home.

    With multiple cinema releases and major television premieres, Eid ul Fitr 2026 promises a busy and exciting time for Pakistani film fans.

  • Alizeh Shah says she didn’t get surgery, lost ’20 kg’ due to depression

    Alizeh Shah says she didn’t get surgery, lost ’20 kg’ due to depression

    Actress Alizeh Shah has strongly rejected claims about undergoing cosmetic surgery, saying that her physical transformation came from significant weight loss during a difficult phase of her life.

    The actor recently responded to a viral comparison video circulating on social media that questioned her changing appearance. The video suggested she may have had cosmetic procedures, but Alizeh dismissed the claims and called them hurtful.

    Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, she expressed disappointment over the accusations and clarified her stance. “Honestly, this just makes me sad, but I just hope God never teaches you a lesson for accusing me of something I never did just to get some views on Insta,” she wrote.

    She further addressed the speculation directly, saying, “I’ve said it a billion times, and I’ll say it again—I swear on my mom, I never got any surgery. I lost 20 kgs of weight in 2 months because I was really depressed.”

    Alizeh has often responded openly to criticism and online discussions about her personal life and appearance. This time, she made it clear that her transformation had nothing to do with surgery and instead resulted from a period of emotional struggle.

    Alizeh Shah rose to fame at a young age and quickly became one of the most recognised faces on Pakistani television. 

    She gained popularity through dramas like Ehd-e-Wafa, Dil Moum Ka Dia, Ishq Tamasha and Mera Dil Mera Dushman. Over the years, she has also appeared in projects such as Taqdeer, Mohabbat Ki Akhri Kahani, Khail and Ishq Beparwah.

  • Atif Aslam, Aima Baig, Sabri Sisters, Daniya Kanwal to sing PSL 11 anthem

    Atif Aslam, Aima Baig, Sabri Sisters, Daniya Kanwal to sing PSL 11 anthem

    The name of the lead singer for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been revealed, just weeks before the tournament begins on March 26.

    The announcement came through the league’s official social media platforms with the caption, “A new era. A legendary voice. Atif Aslam leads the HBL PSL anthem.” 

    The anthem carries the theme “Bat Pe Khelenge,” which highlights the energy and passion of cricket.

    This instance marks the second time Atif Aslam will headline a PSL anthem. He previously performed the season seven anthem “Agay Dekh” alongside Aima Baig, which became very popular among fans.

    The official anthem is expected to release on Chaand Raat, building anticipation ahead of the tournament.

    The upcoming PSL season will run from March 26 to May 3 and will span 39 days. This edition will feature an expanded format with eight teams. Along with the six existing franchises, two new teams, RawalPindiz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, will join the competition.

    A total of 44 matches will take place during the tournament. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will face Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium on March 26.

    Each team will play ten matches in the group stage, with the top four sides advancing to the playoffs. The final will take place at Gaddafi Stadium on May 3, while May 4 has been reserved as a backup day.

    The schedule includes six double-headers, with three set to be played in Lahore. Matches will be held across six venues, including Gaddafi Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Iqbal Stadium, National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium.

    Faisalabad and Peshawar will host PSL matches for the first time. Iqbal Stadium will stage seven games, while Arbab Niaz Stadium, also known as Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, will host a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Pindiz on March 28.

    Gaddafi Stadium will host the highest number of matches with 15 fixtures, followed by Rawalpindi with 11, Faisalabad with seven, Karachi with six and Multan with four.

  • ‘Reckless celebrities’: Zara Noor Abbas spreads Taliban propaganda claiming Pakistan bombed health facility

    ‘Reckless celebrities’: Zara Noor Abbas spreads Taliban propaganda claiming Pakistan bombed health facility

    Actor Zara Noor Abbas has fallen in the crosshairs of netizens who took to social media to criticse her Instagram story furthering Taliban propaganda regarding cross-border strikes by Pakistan.

    “This is heartbreaking. No rehab facility or hospitals should be targeted in wars. I condemn the attacks that kill children and patients and innocents,” she wrote while sharing The Afghan’s Instagram post wherein it was claimed that dozens were killed and several others injured when Pakistan bombed a health facility across the border.

    The post came amid what was termed by authorities in Islamabad as “propaganda” by the Taliban regime as Pakistan continues to carry out precision strikes on terror hideouts in Afghanistan in the aftermath of a spike in suicide bombings on this side of the border, and the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to rein in terrorists belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

    Pakistan on Tuesday maintained that it had targeted Camp Phoenix — a former US military base currently being used by Afghan Taliban forces — even as Afghanistan claimed a drug rehabilitation centre had been bombed instead.

    According to Information Minister Atta Tarar, an ammunition storage facility was among the targets hit in the Afghan capital. However, reports from Kabul said that a drug treatment centre known as ‘Omid Camp’ was targeted, with Afghan officials claiming hundreds dead and injured as a result.

    In a statement, Tarar said that Pakistan conducted six “precise, deliberate and professional” strikes in Kabul and Nangarhar on Monday night, as part of Islamabad’s Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, to dismantle terrorist infrastructure being used by the TTP to launch attacks in the country.

    As with established practice, all six strikes were promptly put out with video footage by the information ministry, making the nature of the targets plain for all to see, he noted.

    “The visuals leave no room for doubt,” the info minister said, adding the flames and secondary detonations witnessed in Kabul further confirm that the intended ammunition storage site was hit.

    “No hospital, no drug rehabilitation centre, and no civilian facility was targeted,” he said.

    However, the post by the actor came as similar posts from the Afghan side flooded the internet, and did not sit well with a number of netizens.

    “If our celebrities are falling for Afghan propaganda then, it’s a matter of great concern,” wrote one user.

    Another said that actors such as Abbas with a huge following “should not be reckless” and verify what they post online.

    Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also went on to hint at possible staging of the incident by the Taliban regime for “international sympathy”.

    Meanwhile, government officials noted that a systematic campaign to undermine Pakistan’s anti-terror agenda had been launched on social media.

  • Iran launches another barrage of missiles on Israel following security chief’s assassination

    Iran launches another barrage of missiles on Israel following security chief’s assassination

    The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched a new missile barrage on central Israel in retaliation against the killing of Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

    As per the details, the IRGC confirmed the strikes were carried out to avenge Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij paramilitary force, both of whom died in Israeli air strikes a day ago.

    Iranian Army chief Amir Hatami said that the response to the assassinations would be “decisive and regrettable”. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to Al Jazeera, dismissed the impact of high-level assassinations on the country’s stability.

    Referring to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict, Araghchi noted that the system provided a replacement immediately. “If the foreign minister were ever to be martyred, there would ultimately be someone else to take the position,” he said, adding that anyone could become a target.

    The escalation comes as Israel’s military confirms it targeted Iranian command centres, missile sites and the intelligence ministry. In Tehran, the governor reported that 12,000 buildings have so far been damaged or destroyed with over 500 deaths and 5,700 injuries recorded in the province.

    The conflict also continues to spread across the Gulf as Qatar’s defence ministry intercepted a missile attack over Doha on Wednesday morning. Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry also reported downing multiple drones approaching Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. 

    In the UAE, air defences intercepted strikes targeting Al Minhad Air Base. 

    In Iraq, security sources reported the interception of a drone near the logistics support centre at Baghdad airport.

    International maritime and nuclear watchdogs have also raised alarms as the violence reaches critical infrastructure.

    The UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) confirmed a projectile hit the Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday evening, though no damage or radiation leaks were reported. IAEA head Rafael Grossi called for “maximum restrain” to avoid a nuclear accident.

    Meanwhile, the situation at the Strait of Hormuz also doesn’t seem to be improving with Iranian blockades restricting global oil supply.

    In London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is holding emergency talks to discuss the fate of ships stranded in the Persian Gulf while a proposal for a safe maritime corridor is under review as Iranian retaliation continues to impact shipping.

  • PIA suspends Fujairah flights for 48 hours amid Gulf security concerns

    PIA suspends Fujairah flights for 48 hours amid Gulf security concerns

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the next 48 hours due to the ongoing security situation in the Gulf region.

    In a notification issued on Wednesday, the airline confirmed that operations to Al Ain would continue as scheduled. “For now, Al Ain will remain the only destination in the UAE where PIA flights will operate,” the notification said.

    The temporary suspension follows fresh attacks by Iran on the UAE on Tuesday. The strikes led to a fire at the port of Fujairah, a major export terminal where oil loading by state firm ADNOC was halted. The incident comes amid a crisis that has already pushed energy prices higher.

    Since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, Gulf Arab states, including the UAE, have been subjected to more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks. These attacks have targeted US diplomatic missions, military bases, oil infrastructure, ports, airports, and residential and commercial buildings.

    The disruption has extended to Pakistan’s air travel network, with a total of 83 flights to Middle Eastern destinations cancelled in a single day. Flight operations to Fujairah have been completely suspended from Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, where all eight scheduled flights were cancelled.

    From Karachi, 18 flights to destinations including Doha, Bahrain, Baghdad, Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi were cancelled. Lahore saw another 18 flights grounded to Kuwait, Sharjah, Doha, Bahrain, and Dubai. Additional cancellations included 26 flights from Islamabad, 11 from Peshawar, six from Sialkot, and four from Multan.

    However, flights from Faisalabad remained unaffected, with all nine scheduled operations to Jeddah, Dubai, Sharjah, and Madinah proceeding as planned.