Author: OPN
LONDON: A Pakistan-born cardiothoracic surgeon working in the United Kingdom has been named in the New Year Honours List and awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his professional excellence and humanitarian services. Professor Syed Saeed Ashraf, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, Wales, received the honour for his services to cardiac surgery, training of overseas surgeons, and academic contributions. The award was announced by the Swansea Bay University Health Board on New Year’s Eve. The health board described Professor Ashraf as an outstanding clinician who extends life-saving cardiac expertise to developing countries.…
The Directorate of Passports and Immigration has released its annual performance report for 2025, outlining wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving service delivery and modernizing passport issuance across the country. The report details administrative, technological, and infrastructural measures introduced during the year to address long-standing public concerns. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister, the Directorate installed modern passport printers, a step that permanently cleared the backlog of pending passports that had persisted for years. The report notes that this intervention significantly reduced waiting times and stabilized routine passport operations nationwide. A major reform highlighted in the…
The federal cabinet has approved a new visa clearance system as part of priority reforms in Pakistan’s visa and travel clearance framework. The decision aims to modernize visa processing and strengthen travel security amid rising concerns over illegal migration, fake travel documents, and stricter entry regulations imposed by several countries. According to the report, the new system is designed to make the visa process more transparent, secure, and efficient, particularly for Pakistani citizens traveling abroad. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to tighten scrutiny of travel documents and announced that an artificial intelligence-based screening system will be introduced from…
Jeddah: A high-level delegation of the Pakistan National Solidarity Forum (PNSF), Jeddah, paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, at the Pakistan Consulate. The delegation briefed the Consul General on the forum’s aims, objectives, and activities being carried out for the Pakistani community in the Kingdom. The delegation was led by newly elected PNSF Convener Sardar Waqas Inayat and comprised representatives of various political, social, and welfare organizations. Key participants included Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Gujar of Pakistan Muslim League-N, Chaudhry Azhar Warraich of the Investors Forum, Chaudhry Tasawar Hussain Chaudhry…
Islamabad, December 24, 2025: Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that the leadership, foresight, and principled struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah form the foundation of Pakistan and reflect its national identity. In his message on the birth anniversary of the founder of the nation, he stated that Quaid-e-Azam’s unwavering resolve and commitment to the Constitution and rule of law continue to provide clear guidance to the nation. The minister said the message of faith, unity, and discipline remains as relevant for national development and social harmony today as it was at the…
Washington appears taken aback as a major shift in US policy toward Pakistan emerges following unexpected remarks by former US President Donald Trump. According to a report published in the Washington Times and cited by AP News, Pakistan’s strategic importance for the United States has once again increased, marking a notable departure from previous policy approaches. The report states that in March, Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan during a national address, a move that stirred debate within Washington’s policy circles. The remarks were seen as a clear signal of a changing tone in US foreign policy, prompting renewed discussion about Pakistan’s…
Managing Director Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Muhammad Afzal Bhatti has stated that OPF is working as a frontline institution in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to ensure the swift resolution of issues faced by overseas Pakistanis, implementation of welfare initiatives, and protection of their rights. He said OPF would represent overseas Pakistanis without any pressure, favoritism, or political influence. He said overseas Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world are the bright face of Pakistan and play a vital role in the country’s image and economy. He added that anyone who undermines the trust of…
A delegation led by Ms. Sumaira, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WCCI) Sargodha, held a meeting with Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Overseas Pakistani Foundation (OPF), at his office in Islamabad. The discussion centered on identifying potential avenues for investment by overseas Pakistanis and local investors. During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the role of women entrepreneurs in economic development and emphasized the need for stronger institutional support to facilitate business growth and cross-border investment. Matters related to improving coordination between business forums and OPF were also discussed. Ms. Naheed Mehdi, a…
A high-level meeting between Kashmiri leadership and British parliamentarians was held at the British Parliament to discuss the future parliamentary strategy on the Kashmir issue and to further strengthen awareness campaigns across the United Kingdom. The consultation focused on highlighting the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring that the voice of the Kashmiri people continues to be effectively raised in British political forums. Founder Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Self-Determination Movement International and prominent global Kashmiri leader Raja Najabat Hussain, Sitara-e-Pakistan, met with Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir and Member of…
The Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab marked Christmas with a simple and dignified ceremony held at its office in Lahore. Vice Chairman Barrister Amjad Malik and Commissioner OPC Punjab Ms. Saman Rai participated in the event along with officers and staff, where a Christmas cake was cut to commemorate the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Barrister Amjad Malik extended Christmas greetings to the Christian community and stated that all religions are accorded equal respect in Pakistan. He said that interfaith harmony plays a vital role in national unity and progress. He emphasized that mutual respect and coexistence among different faiths…