Author: OPN
Islamabad (Asghar Hayat) The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has announced a new scholarship program aimed at supporting the children and spouses of overseas Pakistanis pursuing their studies in Pakistan. The initiative covers students enrolled in intermediate, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs across the country. According to the OPF, the scholarship is open to students securing a minimum of 60 percent marks or a CGPA of 2.5. Applicants must have a parent or spouse registered with OPF, and the family’s monthly income should not exceed Rs. 200,000. The foundation has also specified that applicants receiving financial aid from other scholarship programs will…
Islamabad: The Embassy of Poland celebrated its Independence Day on the greens at The Club at Eighteen, Islamabad. The event brought together diplomats, dignitaries, and notable members of the business community for an afternoon of sport, cultural connection, and celebration. Over 30 golfers participated, while more than 150 guests attended, including diplomats from various countries. The tournament highlighted the spirit of friendship, unity, and international engagement, making it one of the most prestigious diplomatic sporting events of the year. Players showcased remarkable skill and sportsmanship across various categories. In the Strokeplay Gross Category, Pham Hong Quang took first place, followed…
Pakistani workers in Australia have significantly increased their remittances during the first four months of the ongoing fiscal year, marking a 41.8 percent rise on a year-on-year basis. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, remittances from Australia reached 346.8 million dollars between July and October. The figures show a substantial increase compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year, when Pakistani workers in Australia had sent 244.6 million dollars. In October alone, remittances from Australia amounted to 87.8 million dollars, slightly lower than September’s 90.5 million dollars but notably higher than the 65.2 million…
Islamabad (Asghar Hayat) NADRA has issued a strong advisory for overseas Pakistanis, particularly those residing in the United Kingdom, after detecting a fraudulent website operating under the name “Nadra Card Centre.” According to officials, the website Nadra.cardcentre.co.uk is falsely presenting itself as an authorized platform offering NADRA-related services. Officials confirmed that the deceptive website is scamming overseas Pakistanis by claiming to process identity cards, NICOP applications, and even offering job opportunities. They emphasized that these claims are entirely baseless, as the platform has no affiliation with NADRA or its services. The authority stated that the misuse of NADRA’s name and…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received $3.4 billion in remittances from overseas workers in October 2025, reflecting a 12% increase compared to the same month last year, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The remittances also posted a 7% monthly rise from $3.2 billion recorded in September 2025, highlighting a consistent upward trend in inflows from expatriate Pakistanis. Remittances continue to play a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s external accounts, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, and supplementing household incomes across the country. These inflows have been a key source of economic stability, especially at a time when…
ISLAMABAD (OPN) Chairman Pakistan Overseas Community Global (POCG), Mian Tariq Javed, held a special meeting with Chairman National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar, in Islamabad to discuss challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis and explore measures for improved facilitation. During the meeting, Mian Tariq Javed highlighted various issues confronted by overseas Pakistanis, including documentation delays, registration complications, and difficulties in accessing NADRA services abroad. Both sides emphasized the need for improved coordination and efficient service mechanisms to address these concerns. Chairman NADRA briefed Mian Tariq Javed on NADRA’s ongoing initiatives and digital solutions designed to assist…
The U.S. Department of State has issued new directives stating that foreign nationals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes or obesity may be denied American visas or permanent residency (Green Cards). The guidelines, introduced under the Trump administration, have been circulated to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. The move marks a significant shift in how health conditions are evaluated during immigration and visa processing. According to the new State Department guidelines, visa officers may now consider applicants’ cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, mental health, and metabolic conditions — including diabetes — as potential grounds for visa denial. The document states that…
The Italian government has announced that between 2026 and 2028, it will offer employment opportunities to more than 497,000 foreign workers across various sectors. According to an international news agency, the decision has been made under the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM), which has already been published in the official gazette. The initiative, known as the Flow Decree, will allow citizens from non-European countries — including Pakistan — to legally secure employment in Italy. Official data shows that Italy plans to provide 164,850 job openings in 2026, 165,850 in 2027, and 166,850 in 2028. These…
The federal government has taken notice of recent incidents involving Pakistani workers being offloaded at airports despite possessing valid work visas and protector certificates. Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting to address the issue. Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Riffat Mukhtar, also attended the meeting and briefed the participants on the situation. During the meeting, the Federal Minister expressed concern over reports that several Pakistani workers were offloaded at different airports without valid justification. He emphasized that overseas Pakistanis play a vital role in supporting the country’s economy through foreign remittances…
A sudden enforcement of a new Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) rule has left hundreds of Pakistani workers unable to travel abroad for employment, triggering widespread frustration and delays at major airports. The rule, which has not yet been officially notified, requires travellers leaving the country for work to present an affidavit signed by a Grade 18 or 19 government officer before departure. The affidavit must affirm that the traveller intends to work legally in the destination country and will not attempt to enter Europe through illegal channels. The unexpected requirement has caused confusion and chaos at airports, particularly in Lahore,…