Author: OPN
A high-level dinner hosted by Bank Islami in Riyadh prominently highlighted the longstanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The event was arranged in honor of Pakistan’s Ambassador Ahmad Farooq and was attended by representatives of Saudi civil society as well as notable members of the Pakistani community residing in Riyadh. During the discussions, Ambassador Ahmad Farooq described the nearly eight decades of trust, strategic alignment, and shared Islamic values as the strong foundation of the Pakistan–Saudi partnership. He also praised the contributions of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia, noting that they continue to play a vital role in…
Islamabad (Web Desk) The United States has begun preparations to expand its list of countries facing travel restrictions from the current 19 to more than 30. According to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, President Donald Trump is reviewing which additional countries may face new travel bans. Earlier this month, reports emerged that the Trump administration had halted all immigration applications from 19 non-European countries based on concerns related to national security and public safety. The suspension included the processing of green cards and applications for U.S. citizenship. According to Reuters, the 19 countries already under partial travel restrictions…
A delegation led by Dr. Wajid, Vice President of the UK-based Doctors Forum, met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at Governor House Peshawar. The delegation included Provincial Vice President of Ulema Mashaykh Wing Maulana Usman Ali Shah, Tariq Khan, and Owais Khan. The meeting focused on the role of overseas Pakistanis, ongoing reforms in the province, and potential cooperation in the health sector. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi noted that overseas Pakistanis, particularly the professional community, are a valuable national asset. He said they not only elevate Pakistan’s image globally through their expertise but also contribute significantly to national development…
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) has issued a strong public warning cautioning citizens against trusting travel agencies that claim they can arrange foreign work visas. The bureau noted that several private agents have been misleading jobseekers with false assurances, despite having no legal authority to process or facilitate employment abroad. According to the advisory, only licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) are authorized to recruit Pakistani workers for overseas jobs. The BEOE stressed that no payment should be made to any travel agency for job placement or visa processing. Applicants have been urged to verify the status of…
Islamabad (Web Desk) – The government has disclosed that over 21,647 Pakistani citizens are currently imprisoned in various countries worldwide, with 738 of them held in India, according to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s written reply to the National Assembly. Dar stated that no information has been provided by Indian authorities regarding the specific charges against the Pakistani citizens detained there. According to the minister, more than 9,000 Pakistanis are in Saudi Arabian prisons, mostly related to illegal border crossing and drug-related cases. While some of these individuals have been sentenced, the majority of their cases are still under trial. In…
A high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain reviewed stringent measures to curb the use of forged documents by outbound passengers and strengthen immigration controls. The government has decided to intensify action against travellers attempting to go abroad on fake visas or counterfeit papers. During the meeting, it was agreed that the protector issuance process will be made more secure, while reforms in immigration procedures will be introduced to better facilitate genuine passengers. The ministers directed all relevant departments to submit their final recommendations within seven days and ordered a…
The Directorate of Immigration and Passports has introduced a simplified online process for citizens seeking to apply for or renew their passports through the e-Services Portal. The initiative aims to reduce long queues at passport offices and make the service more accessible to people across the country. According to the Passport Department, citizens can submit a Pakistan passport online application by visiting the official website. Existing users may log in with their registered accounts, while new applicants must create a profile by entering accurate personal details, including a valid mobile number and email address. A verification code and email confirmation…
Focal Person Overseas Affairs Shaheryar Memon Hosts High-Level Dinner to Strengthen Trade Linkages and Foreign Investment Islamabad (OPN) A high-level dinner hosted by Shaheryar Memon, Focal Person for Overseas Affairs and Business & Trade Linkages, brought together key political leaders and international investors to explore new avenues for foreign investment and strengthen Pakistan’s global business connections. The gathering focused on expanding overseas economic engagement and building sustainable trade linkages aimed at supporting national growth. The event was attended by several Members of the National Assembly, including Samina Khalid Ghurki, Syed Hussain Tariq, Sardar Latif Khosa, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Khurshid Junejo,…
The United States has introduced stricter regulations for issuing visas worldwide, implementing new procedures aimed at tightening the screening process for all applicants. The development reflects a broader shift toward enhanced security measures under the Trump administration, affecting individuals seeking entry into the country from across the globe. According to U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the administration has enforced new guidelines and a more rigorous vetting policy for visa issuance. He stated that the updated framework is designed to ensure that each application undergoes deeper scrutiny than before, with a focus on strengthening national security. In an official…
Lahore (Web Desk) The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has cautioned Pakistani citizens about criminal networks operating across Southeast Asia that are deceiving job seekers with fraudulent employment offers. FIA Deputy Director Mehmood Ali Khokhar said the syndicates are active in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, predominantly targeting candidates in the IT and call center sectors with promises of high salaries. Khokhar stated that individuals accepting these offers are coerced into illegal cyber and financial crimes once they arrive abroad. He added that those who refuse to participate face threats, violence or extortion involving their families. The FIA has urged…