Author: OPN
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of reports regarding passengers being offloaded from international flights despite holding valid travel documents and visas. A high-level committee has been constituted to investigate the matter and review existing procedures related to overseas travel. The committee is headed by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik and includes Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Muhammad Awn Chaudhry. Senior officials, including the heads of the Pakistan Digital Authority and the National Information Technology Board, along with the secretaries of Overseas Pakistanis and IT and the…
On the 11th anniversary of the tragic Army Public School (APS) Peshawar attack, solemn tributes were paid across the country to the innocent children and devoted teachers who lost their lives in one of Pakistan’s darkest days. Remembering the tragedy, Chairman Board of Governors Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, Syed Qamar Raza, said the nation bows its head in solemn remembrance of the martyrs whose lives were brutally taken. He stated that the immense sacrifice of the APS Peshawar victims strengthened the collective resolve of the nation to stand firm against terrorism and extremism in all its forms. Syed Qamar Raza emphasized…
A major Overseas Pakistanis convention was organized in Portugal by Hope of Overseas Pakistanis, drawing a large turnout from the Pakistani community across Portugal and other European countries. The event featured prominent guests, including the Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza Shah, and the Pakistani Ambassador to Portugal, Ayesha Farooqi. Key organizers included OPWC Chairman Naeem Naqshbandi, Zahid Mughal, and Advisor to the Chairman of Hope of Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Mehdi Ranjha. Senior Vice President Chaudhry Imtiaz Ahmed, Chief Organizer of Hope of Overseas Pakistanis Europe Chaudhry Iftikhar Tarar, and representatives from Italy and Spain, including…
Islamabad: Hundreds of passengers traveling from Saudi Arabia to Islamabad faced serious inconvenience after their luggage went missing upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport. The incident caused chaos and frustration among travelers, many of whom were returning home after long journeys. According to affected passengers, nearly 100 travelers onboard Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-246 from Dammam were unable to receive their checked baggage. Despite completing immigration and other formalities, passengers were left waiting at the baggage claim area with no luggage arriving on the conveyor belts. A large number of passengers were forced to remain at the airport for…
Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Awn Chaudhry has called on relevant authorities to enhance services and facilitation measures for the Pakistani diaspora in the United Arab Emirates. He stressed the need for more effective support mechanisms to address the concerns of overseas Pakistanis. The minister, along with Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhry Ehsan ul Haq Bajwa and Managing Director of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Muhammad Afzal Bhatti, held meetings with local Pakistani business leaders in the UAE. The discussions focused on initiatives aimed at improving welfare, access to services, and institutional support for the expatriate community. During…
Ambassador of Pakistan to Morocco, Sayed Adil Gilani, met with Shaheryar Memon, focal person to the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), and a member of his delegation at the Pakistan Embassy in Morocco during their participation in the Islamic African Arab Dialogue on Democracy, Peace and Security. During the meeting, Shaheryar Memon briefed Ambassador Gilani on the objectives, activities, and vision of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, with a focus on promoting Pakistan’s trade and engagement in international markets. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations in various sectors. Memon said that Pakistan and Morocco…
Germany has shifted job and student visa categories entirely to the Consular Services Portal, affecting individuals seeking employment or education in the country. The German Consulate said the transition is aimed at improving efficiency, speed, and transparency in the visa application process while increasing overall visa availability. According to the consulate, the new digital system is expected to reduce delays and accelerate the processing of visa applications. Under the previous mechanism, applicants often faced difficulties due to lengthy appointment waiting lists and limited access to submission slots. With the introduction of the portal, applicants can now submit their visa applications…
The government of Pakistan has introduced a mandatory digital payment system for citizens traveling abroad for employment to curb illegal deductions, excessive charges, and exploitation linked to cash-based transactions. The initiative aims to regulate financial dealings between overseas employment promoters (OEPs) and job candidates. According to a notification issued by the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, all payments between OEPs and job seekers must now be carried out strictly through approved banking or digital payment channels. Cash transactions have been completely prohibited under the new policy. The decision follows a rise in complaints regarding overcharging, unauthorized fees, and illegal…
A new digital fingerprint verification system has been launched in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to facilitate identity confirmation for applicants, particularly overseas Pakistanis. According to an official statement, the system enables users to verify their identity through the Pak ID app. The newly introduced mechanism also provides a facial verification option for applicants who face difficulties with fingerprint authentication. Authorities said this feature offers greater flexibility and aims to address long-standing complaints related to online biometric verification. Overseas Pakistanis had repeatedly reported problems with fingerprint verification while accessing online services. These concerns led to the…
A high-level delegation from the Bursa Aerospace and Defense Cluster Association (BASDEC) and the Defence Industry Agency of the Republic of Türkiye is in Pakistan from December 09–12, 2025 to explore opportunities for joint projects, technology partnerships, and industrial collaboration with Pakistani defense entities. The 16-member delegation, led by Dr. Mustafa Hatipoğlu (Chairman, BASDEC) and Engr. Ahmet Khan (Chairman, Defence Systems), along with General Managers from leading Turkish aerospace and defense manufacturing companies, visited the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Head Office in Islamabad on December 10, 2025, which is the apex body for regulating engineering education and professional practice in…