Ottawa: In a bid to boost tourism and strengthen international relations, Canada has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 13 countries, allowing them to visit the country under certain conditions without applying for a visa. The new policy primarily benefits citizens of Caribbean and Latin American countries, who can now travel to Canada for short-term visits. Alongside this, Canada is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program to include more countries, simplifying entry procedures for travelers. The list of newly added visa-free countries includes Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint…
Author: Web Desk2
Islamabad: Popular Pakistani actor Humayun Ashraf, known for his versatile roles in dramas like Khuda Aur Mohabbat, Rang Mahal, Mere Damad, Intiqam, Saltanat, and Aik Tamanna Lahaasil Si, recently survived a shocking mobile snatching incident. During a guest appearance on the comedy show Hansna Mana Hai, Humayun revealed that a few days after purchasing a new, expensive smartphone, a masked snatcher confronted him with a firearm, demanding the device. When Humayun resisted, the assailant fired shots before fleeing the scene. The actor shared that he only realized he had been injured after the attacker escaped. Prompt assistance from nearby individuals…
Gilgit: The caretaker cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan was formally sworn in on Tuesday, marking the start of its interim governance ahead of upcoming elections. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Governor House, where Speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Nazir Ahmed administered the oath to the cabinet members. The caretaker cabinet includes Sajid Ali Baig, Engineer Altaf Hussain, Ghulam Abbas, Retired Colonel Abrar Ismail, Mehrdad, Sharafat Din, Maulana Sarwar Shah, Raja Shahbaz Khan, Mumtaz Hussain, Dr. Niaz Ali, Syed Adil Shah, Bahadur Ali, Syeda Fatima, and Abdul Hakim. The cabinet comprises 12 ministers and 2 advisors, with Caretaker Chief Minister Yar…
Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a severe cold wave alert for northern Pakistan, warning citizens of potential health risks and possible damage to crops. According to the NDMA spokesperson, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Potohar region will experience extremely cold conditions, while northern Balochistan is also expected to remain very cold. The alert highlights that cities including Quetta, Ziarat, and Qalat may see a sharp drop in temperatures over the coming days. Authorities have cautioned that the harsh cold could lead to a rise in respiratory illnesses, urging residents to take necessary precautions. The…
Islamabad: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has reaffirmed that the Pakistani state remains fully committed to eradicating terrorism, stating that the fight against terrorism is a national war that must be won decisively. Briefing senior journalists on security operations carried out in 2025, the DG ISPR said security forces conducted 75,175 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) last year, while 5,400 terrorist incidents were recorded nationwide. He said 1,235 personnel of law enforcement agencies and civilians embraced martyrdom during these incidents. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said the state has taken decisive and concrete steps to counter…
PESHAWAR: Web Desk — January 6, 2026 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi will visit Karachi from January 9 to January 11, during which he is scheduled to lead a series of political activities across different parts of Sindh. According to officials, the chief minister will be accompanied by provincial assembly members and senior party leaders. During the visit, he is expected to meet party leadership, imprisoned workers, and key political figures. The chief minister will also visit the Karachi Press Club and address party workers in various localities as part of a political street campaign aimed at mobilizing supporters.…
Web Desk | January 6, 2026 It has emerged that the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hired a US-based lobbying firm in an effort to influence former US president Donald Trump and the White House, spending nearly $1.8 million annually on the initiative. According to sources, the Modi government has retained the services of SHW Partners LLC since April 2025, paying approximately $150,000 per month for lobbying activities in Washington. The firm’s mandate reportedly includes strategic outreach, political engagement, and monitoring or flagging of social media content related to India’s image and policy interests. Critics argue that…
NEW YORK: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Tuesday rejected all charges against him during his appearance before a US federal court, insisting that he remains the lawful president of Venezuela and that his detention amounts to kidnapping. Maduro told the court that he was “a good human being” and denied the allegations levelled against him, saying he had been forcibly taken into custody. According to reports, Maduro and his wife were transported by helicopter from Brooklyn to Manhattan before being taken to the courthouse in an armoured vehicle under heavy security. US media reported that Maduro was presented before the court…
Islamabad: The federal government has decided to provide another round of relief to electricity consumers, paving the way for lower power tariffs through the imposition of a captive power levy under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to official sources, the government plans to utilise revenue generated from the captive power levy to offer monthly electricity tariff relief across all consumer categories. The federal cabinet has already approved the transfer of this relief directly to electricity consumers. Sources said the government expects greater tariff relief as the levy rate increases in phases, with the benefit of the…
LAHORE: Web Desk — January 6, 2026 A major development has emerged in the case involving TikTok personalities Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak, who are facing allegations of promoting an online gambling application. The two accused were produced before the Lahore Sessions Court under strict security arrangements on Tuesday. The hearing was conducted by Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi, who took up the interim bail petitions filed by both suspects. During the proceedings, counsel representing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) informed the court that the investigating officer was currently engaged in proceedings at the Lahore High Court.…
