Author: OPN

A significant convergence of Pakistani–American community leaders, the FPCCI leadership, international chambers of commerce presidents, and IBIZ executives marked the “Pakistan Business & Trade Summit #2” held on November 23, 2025, at Sherazi Restaurant in Queens, New York. The event focused on strengthening Pakistan–US trade ties and expanding global business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. Organized by PACOLI New York Inc. in collaboration with 4th Pillar Media Watchdog Press/TV, the summit highlighted collaborative efforts aimed at deepening economic engagement between the two nations. Participants discussed new avenues for bilateral trade growth and emphasized the role of overseas Pakistanis in supporting…

The Punjab government has resisted expanding the quota for children of overseas Pakistanis in public sector medical and dental colleges, despite a federal directive to increase opportunities. At present, only 66 seats are reserved across 20 government institutions, accounting for less than two percent of total admissions. The existing allocation falls significantly short of expectations set earlier this year by the federal government. In April, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced a 15 percent quota for overseas Pakistanis in medical colleges nationwide, a move that could allow more than 3,000 students to pursue medical education in Pakistan. The Pakistan Medical &…

The Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) successfully held its first grand fundraising event in Washington DC, collecting more than six hundred thousand dollars to support its humanitarian projects. Despite harsh winter conditions and snowfall, a large number of Pakistani and Kashmiri community members turned out, marking the event as a historic milestone for the organization. KORT Chairman Chaudhry Akhtar specially attended the gathering, while Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Sheikh Saeed Rizwan, served as the chief guest. The event saw participation from several prominent community figures, including Sajid Tarar, Sheikh Siddique, Asha Khan, Dr. Rizwan Malik, Senator Khawaja Akbar,…

Turkey is examining a proposal to establish a combat drone assembly factory in Pakistan, a move that reflects growing international recognition of Pakistan’s strategic importance and the professionalism of its armed forces. According to a report by Bloomberg, the initiative is part of Ankara’s broader plan to expand its defense industry and strengthen regional partnerships through advanced technology cooperation. Bloomberg reports that Turkey plans to export advanced long-range and stealth-capable drones to Pakistan for assembly, marking a major step toward transforming Pakistan into a modern defense production hub in the region. Turkey’s defense exports have surged by 30 percent in…

Five Pakistani nationals were deported from Sharjah after authorities detected fake United Kingdom visas during their attempted travel. The individuals — identified as Waqar Anjum, Tayyab Iftikhar, Ali Shan, Malik Zaheer, and Malik Zeeshan — were taken into custody upon arrival at Lahore Airport. According to the FIA spokesperson, all five had earlier travelled legally from Lahore to Malaysia on visit visas before attempting to proceed to the UK using forged documents allegedly arranged by agents. The FIA stated that after completing their stay in Malaysia, the suspects tried to fly from Sharjah to the United Kingdom but were intercepted…

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in London, where he is scheduled to hold important meetings with British officials, according to official sources. The discussions are expected to include the matter of extradition of Shehzad Akbar and Adil Raja, both of whom are wanted in Pakistan. Sources confirm that the Interior Minister will also attend the launch event of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) during his visit. One day earlier, Naqvi had raised the extradition issue in a meeting with the British High Commissioner, during which relevant documents concerning Shehzad Akbar and Adil Raja were formally handed over. Shehzad Akbar,…

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…