The United States has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries, effective January 21, 2026, in a move tied to concerns that new immigrants could become “public charges” on American welfare systems, the U.S. State Department said. The freeze affects all categories of immigrant visas—including family, employment, and...
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to widen its travel ban list to include more than 30 countries, according to Secretary Kristi Noem. This marks a major expansion from the existing policy, which suspends immigration and visa privileges for about 19 nations, encompassing both immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, business...
The government of Finland has announced plans to shut down its diplomatic mission in Pakistan—including the embassy in Islamabad—as part of a broader closure of embassies in multiple countries, including Afghanistan and Myanmar. According to Finland’s Foreign Ministry, the decision is driven by limited economic and trade ties, along with shifting priorities in foreign-policy strategy....
According to a recent briefing to the Senate’s Human Rights Committee, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is no longer granting visas to Pakistani citizens; only holders of “blue” (official) and diplomatic passports are being accepted. Officials warned that if full visa restrictions are imposed, reversing them could prove difficult. They also disclosed that a neighbouring...
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new system called ‘Eye’ to issue easier and faster work permits. Officials claim that this new system is specifically designed to make it quick and simple to issue work permits, also known as residency permits for labour or employment. The new system has been developed with the...
A heartbreaking incident in Karachi’s Raees Goth, Baldia Town, claimed the life of a young schoolgirl when a speeding truck collided with a motorcycle carrying her and her family. Keamari Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Captain Faizan Ali confirmed the details, noting the accident occurred as the father was returning home from school with his...
The Sindh government is set to ignite patriotic fervor with the launch of the Azadi Safari Train, a special initiative to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14, 2025, under the theme “Jashn-e-Azadi – Ma’raka-e-Haq” (Battle for Truth). Departing from Karachi Cantt Station on August 13 and returning the following evening, the train will journey...
On July 29, 2025, the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) convened its 15th Board Meeting, chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, to review and advance urban transport initiatives in Karachi. The meeting, held at the Sindh Secretariat, focused on increasing the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) daily ridership from its current 72,000 passengers...
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, speaking at the “Meet the Press” event at the Lahore Press Club, credited Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership for elevating Pakistan’s global standing and driving economic progress. Abbasi praised Pakistan’s diplomatic success, claiming the Pakistan Air Force shot down five Indian planes, a feat acknowledged by the...
The Sindh government has abolished charged parking across all roads in Karachi, effective July 25, 2025. Mayor Murtaza Wahab proposed the move, and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah approved it, aiming to curb illegal parking fees and enhance urban mobility in Pakistan’s largest city. The Sindh Local Government Department issued a notification directing all municipal...