Thailand has announced plans to shorten visa-free stays for tourists from dozens of countries as part of a broader crackdown on crime and misuse of immigration privileges by foreign nationals. The decision reflects growing security concerns despite tourism remaining a key pillar of the Thai economy. Under the revised policy approved by Thai authorities, the...
Category: Travel
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First Hajj Flight from Islamabad to Depart on April 19
Pakistan’s Hajj operations are set to gain momentum, with the first flight from Islamabad scheduled to depart on April 19, marking a key milestone in the country’s annual pilgrimage arrangements. The nationwide Hajj flight operation will begin a day earlier, on April 18, transporting thousands of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. A special ceremony will be...
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U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Pakistan, 74 Other Countries from Jan 21
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...
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US to Expand Travel Ban—More Than 30 Countries Targeted, DHS Says
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...
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Finland to Close Embassy in Pakistan Over Strategic & Economic Reasons
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....
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UAE Stops Issuing Visas to Most Pakistanis, Interior Ministry Informs Senate Panel
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...
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UAE introduces ‘i’ system; work permit can be obtained in a few days
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...
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Motorcycle-Truck Collision Claims The Life Of A Young School Girl
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...
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Azadi Safari Train: Sindh’s Patriotic Journey to Celebrate Independence Day
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...
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SMTA: Green Line BRT Targets 150,000 Daily Passengers
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...