Pakistan’s ambassador to Norway, Saadia Altaf Qazi, has confirmed talks with the chief of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to restart direct flights between Pakistan and Norway, a long-standing demand of the Pakistani diaspora in Oslo and beyond. Qazi said that elderly citizens and business travellers have repeatedly called for the resumption of direct PIA services,...
Senior lawmaker Noor Alam Khan has urged that bureaucrats in Pakistan should be barred from holding dual nationality, pushing for amendments that would extend current restrictions on parliamentarians to civil servants as well. Khan—speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat—introduced a private bill to amend the Civil Servants Act,...
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has announced a financial assistance package of Rs 1 crore for the family of martyred firefighter Furqan, honoring his bravery and sacrifice during a recent rescue operation. Mayor Wahab visited the bereaved household, offered condolences, and committed that Furqan’s widow will receive all pension benefits and regular financial support, while the...
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...
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has made bold remarks about the country’s military preparedness against India, claiming that Pakistan’s combat aircraft have effectively been “battle-tested” against the Indian armed forces and are receiving high demand for orders as a result. Asif stated the country’s military readiness is so robust it could reduce reliance on...
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world as they celebrate the festive holiday on 25 December. In his message, the premier highlighted the Christian community’s valuable contributions to peace, harmony, education, healthcare, and social welfare in Pakistan. Shahbaz Sharif prayed that Christmas brings...
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised that removing illegal encroachments from urban and town areas is essential for improving infrastructure and urban planning. Speaking at the inauguration of the Iqbal Flyover Expressway in Islamabad, he said that unless unauthorized structures are cleared, efforts to modernise cities and enhance public facilities will remain incomplete. Addressing the...
Unidentified militants have destroyed a girls’ school in Eppi village, Mir Ali, in North Waziristan by planting explosives inside the building overnight, officials said. The blast completely demolished the only school in the area that served more than 250 female students, forcing learners from far-flung localities to travel for education. Police confirmed the explosion occurred...
Social-media personality Rjab Butt has clarified that he was never deported, but rather his visa was cancelled, dismissing rumors about forced removal from the country. Speaking to the media after obtaining bail in court, he stated that despite the ongoing case, he remains in Pakistan and may travel abroad for visits but will return. While...
The Indian delegation abruptly withdrew from a scheduled debate at the Oxford Union, handing a no-contest victory to the Pakistani side, the Pakistan High Commission in London said. With prominent Pakistani figures, including ex-foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar and retired general Zubair Mahmood Hayat, present, the exit of Indian speakers before the debate revealed what...