Washington: The United States has temporarily suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens of Pakistan and 74 other countries under a new immigration and national security framework introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration. According to the US State Department, the suspension came into effect on January 21, making nationals of the affected countries temporarily ineligible to apply for immigrant visas under specific US immigration programs. Officials say the move is part of a broader review of immigration procedures and security protocols. The list of affected countries includes Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Nepal, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan,…
Author: Web Desk2
Situation deliberately kept unclear as part of US military strategy, foreign media claims The Middle East has once again been pushed to the brink of a major crisis, with growing indications that the United States may be preparing for a military strike against Iran, according to international media reports. A British news agency, quoting Western military sources, has claimed that multiple indicators suggest an attack on Iran could take place in the near future. The report states that all available intelligence points toward heightened military readiness in the region. Western defense officials have reportedly said that maintaining uncertainty is a…
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Police successfully foiled a terrorist attack on a police checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan late at night, killing two Khawarij during a swift and effective response. According to a private TV channel, DPO Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed said that Khawarij terrorists attacked the Kheti police checkpost during the night. Police personnel responded promptly and professionally, resulting in the elimination of two Khawarij on the spot. The DPO confirmed that one police official was injured in the exchange of fire and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The injured officer is reported to be in…
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…
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…
