KARACHI: The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, owned by Pakistan’s national carrier, announced on Thursday it would shut down on October 31, citing “economic impacts.”
The hotel opened on September 23, 1924 and was leased by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in 1979, with an option to purchase the building after 20 years, which it did in 1999.
“Due to the current economic impacts, after almost 100 years of welcoming guests to The Grand Dame of New York, the Roosevelt Hotel is regretfully closing its doors permanently as of Oct 31, 2020,” an announcement posted on the hotel’s website said.
Government officials said the hotel would not be sold off but its share might be floated.
“No decision has been made as the financial advisor is hired,” Muhammad Bashir Khan, parliamentary secretary for privatization, told Arab News. “Will give shares but the ownership will remain with the government. Renovation work is being done and it will be reopened.”
Khurram Shahzad, a members of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Privatization, said a meeting would be held on Monday to “decide about the future plan for the hotel.”
On July 2, 2020, the Cabinet Committee on Privatization held a meeting on the privatization of Roosevelt Hotel, directing the privatization commission to hire a financial adviser to start the privatization process in the light of a report by Ms Deloitte which recommended, “that the highest and best use of the Roosevelt Hotel Property is to redevelop the site into a mixed use (through Joint Venture) of primarily office tower over retail and condominium.”
PIA officials say the Roosevelt hotel has remained profitable throughout its history and suffered a loss of $1.5 million last year.
In September this year, the government had approved up to $142 million to meet the hotel’s financial challenges.
After 100 years, PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel in New York to shut on Oct 31
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After 100 years, PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel in New York to shut on Oct 31
- The hotel opened in 1924 and was leased by Pakistan International Airlines in 1979 and bought by the company in 1999
- Meeting to be held on Monday to “decide future plan for the hotel” which PIA does not plan to sell, officials say
Cricket, travel, entertainment dominate Pakistan’s TikTok searches in 2025
- TikTok releases annual review of most searched items in Pakistan ranging from sports to movies and music
- Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam’s century was the most searched moment on TikTok this year, reveals platform
ISLAMABAD: TikTok this week released its annual review of the most searched topics in Pakistan in 2025, with travel, food, sports and entertainment driving digital searches, the video platform said.
In a press release, TikTok said its search patterns depicted that people use the platform as a “discovery tool for real life” where they explore destinations and find relatable guidance from influencers on various topics.
“Whether it’s tracking the latest cricket moment, planning a weekend trip, learning something new, or checking reviews before buying, Pakistanis are turning to TikTok to make everyday decisions,” Umais Naveed, content operations lead South Asia at TikTok, said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to TikTok, among places, the most searched were Islamabad, Altit Fort in Hunza, Chenab River and Pakistani cities of Lahore and Karachi.
In the “Most Searched News and Moments” category, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s century against Sri Lanka dominated the searches, followed by Pakistan’s cricket matches against South Africa and Sri Lanka. “Floods” was also a popular search item in this category.
“Jhol,” a Pakistani song by singers Maanu and Annural Khalid dominated the category of “Most Searched Soundtracks” while “Supreme” by Indian artist Shubh and “Pal Pal” by Afusic were also among the most searched songs this year.
“Lava burger” and “Dubai Chocolate” were among the most searched food items this year on TikTok while Azam was the most searched sportsperson in the country, followed by Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma.
Alina Amir, Jannat Mirza, Khizar Umer and Kanwal Aftab were among the most searched TikTok creators in 2025 while Imran Ashraf, Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan were among the most searched celebrities on the social media platform.
TikTok said searches linked to the hashtag #TravelTok increased by 53 percent this year while those with #FoodTok rose by 52 percent. Another popular hashtag #StudyTok searches were up by 60 percent while #FitnessTok recorded the largest jump of the year, growing by 66 percent year-on-year.
“TikTok remains committed to supporting a vibrant creative community in Pakistan and to making discoveries simpler, more joyful, and more meaningful for everyone who comes to TikTok to find their next inspiration,” the platform said.
