Author: OPN
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…
Islamabad (Special Correspondent) Mirpur Azad Kashmir’s well-known political and social figure, Ajaz Raza, has been appointed as Advisor to the Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF). The appointment marks a significant inclusion of an experienced public representative in matters related to overseas Pakistanis. Ajaz Raza met OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza at his office, where both discussed key issues faced by overseas Pakistanis. The meeting focused on identifying challenges and exploring practical solutions to improve service delivery for the expatriate community. During the meeting, OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza formally handed over the appointment notification to Ajaz Raza. He…
Jehhad (OPN) Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood Dhul, a prominent Pakistani businessman based in Saudi Arabia, has been re-elected as President of the Pakistan Investors Forum Jeddah with an overwhelming majority. His victory generated widespread appreciation within the Pakistani community, where sweets were distributed to celebrate the announcement. A wave of happiness spread across the community following the re-election of Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood Dhul as President and Mahar Abdul Khaliq Lak as General Secretary of the Forum. Members of the Forum, along with various social and business personalities, congratulated Dhul on his success. On the occasion, Chaudhry Ansar Mahmood Dhul presented sweets…
Daughter of Kashmir, Shafaq Batool, Receives Oxford Scholarship Congratulations from the President and Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, along with Political and Social Figures Shafaq Batool, hailing from the Chenat Base Bigla area of District Bagh in Azad Kashmir, has brought great honor to not only her family but also Kashmir and Pakistan by securing the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship from the world-renowned Oxford University. On this remarkable achievement, office bearers of the Canada Kashmir Association and members canada community also extended their congratulations to Shafaq Batool’s parents. Shafaq Batool is the grand daughter of the famous lawyer and former Chief…
Islamabad: (OPN) Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Honorary Consul General of Yemen in Karachi, senior politician, and noted economist, has been awarded the Global Ambassador Award 2025 in recognition of his significant role in strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and economic ties. His decades-long work in parliamentary diplomacy, international forums, and business-government linkages earned him this distinguished honor at a ceremony held in Islamabad. The award acknowledges Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig’s lifelong commitment to promoting Pakistan’s interests globally, advancing peace, and encouraging responsible leadership. His diplomatic engagement and contributions to economic policy have placed him among the leading voices supporting Pakistan’s economic…