ISLAMABAD (Jan 14, 2026): Pakistani passport holders can travel to a limited number of countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, according to the Henley Passport Index 2026, which was released this week. The latest ranking shows that Pakistan’s passport has improved by five positions, but it still remains among the world’s weakest passports, ranked 98th globally. Pakistani citizens can now access 31 countries without a prior visa. According to the index, Singapore once again holds the world’s most powerful passport, allowing its citizens to travel visa-free to 192 countries. Japan and South Korea jointly secured the second position, with their…
Author: Web Desk2
LAKKI MARWAT: A main gas transmission pipeline was sabotaged using explosive material in Lakki Marwat on Wednesday, causing gas leakage and suspension of supply in the affected areas, officials said. According to police, unknown assailants targeted the pipeline near Kurram Bridge on the Indus Highway, within the jurisdiction of Dadiwala police station. The blast triggered a loud explosion, followed by gas leakage and flames, creating panic among residents of nearby localities. Soon after the incident, security forces and officials of the gas department reached the site and secured the area to prevent any further damage. Gas supply was suspended as…
KOHAT: At least seven people were killed and one injured after a mound of soil collapsed during illegal gold extraction in Kohat on Tuesday, rescue officials said. The incident occurred in the Kamar area of Kohat, near the banks of the Indus River, where locals were engaged in unauthorized gold mining when a heap of loose soil suddenly caved in, burying several people underneath. Rescue teams rushed to the site and launched an emergency operation. After nearly six hours of continuous efforts, rescuers recovered the bodies of seven victims, while one person was pulled out alive in injured condition. The…
LAHORE: Wedding invitation cards of Junaid Safdar, son of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, have gone viral on social media, sparking widespread interest and discussion. According to the viral invitation card and media reports, the wedding festivities will be held on January 16, 17, and 18, 2026, while the walima ceremony is expected on January 18. Junaid Safdar is set to marry Shanza, granddaughter of senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former Member of the National Assembly Sheikh Rohail Asghar. Reports suggest that the mehndi and walima ceremonies will take place at Jati Umra, Lahore. However, no official statement…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif digital payments agreement took a major step forward on Tuesday as the prime minister met a delegation of World Liberty Financial (USA) and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote digital and cross-border payments in Pakistan. The delegation, led by World Liberty Financial CEO Zachary Witkoff, called on the prime minister in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets…
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan wedding fee and Atif Aslam wedding charges have long been a topic of interest as Pakistan’s top singers continue to perform at high-profile weddings and private events, where their appearance fees often make headlines. Both singers have performed at exclusive events hosted by influential personalities, including Malik Riaz in Pakistan and Mukesh Ambani in India. Recently, their performances at the wedding of Ayesha Talpur, daughter of Faryal Talpur, also went viral on social media. Senior anchorperson Naeem Hanif, during a recent discussion, shared interesting details about the fees charged by these star singers. According to him,…
KARACHI: Gold prices continued their sharp upward trend on Wednesday, reaching new all-time highs in both international and domestic markets amid rising geopolitical tensions. Uncertainty caused by escalating Iran–US tensions has pushed investors towards safe-haven assets, driving gold and silver prices to historic levels globally and locally. In the international bullion market, the price of gold rose by $43 per ounce for the third consecutive day, reaching a record $4,638 per ounce. Following the global surge, prices in the local bullion market also jumped significantly. The price of 24-karat gold increased by Rs4,300 per tola, reaching a new record high…
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Dera Ismail Khan Region carried out a successful intelligence-based operation, killing three wanted terrorists, officials confirmed on Tuesday. According to CTD authorities, the slain militants were identified as Naimatullah, Abdul Rauf Afghani, and Mustafa. The terrorists were directly involved in multiple attacks targeting police and security forces in the region. During the operation, CTD teams recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, nine magazines, two hand grenades, and a large quantity of ammunition from the possession of the militants. Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Additional IG CTD praised the CTD teams for the…
LAHORE: Australia have officially announced the schedule for their tour of Pakistan later this month, during which the two teams will play a three-match T20 International series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. According to details, the Australian T20 squad will arrive in Lahore on January 28, with all three matches of the series scheduled at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium. The first T20I will be played on January 29, followed by the second match on January 31, while the third and final T20I will take place on February 1. The series is part of preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World…
Tehran: The wave of violent protests in Iran has subsided, leading authorities to restore international call services across the country, according to foreign news agencies. Reports said that while the situation has eased following days of unrest, internet services in Iran remain suspended. An American human rights organization has claimed that at least 1,850 protesters have been killed during the demonstrations so far, although Iranian authorities have not confirmed the figure. Earlier, a spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office had stated that the death toll from violent incidents in Iran runs into the thousands, stressing that it is…
