BEIJING: A direct freight train link between Afghanistan and China was inaugurated on Thursday, marking a significant step in trade relations between the two nations, Taliban’s embassy in Beijing announced. The Taliban’s ambassador to China, Bilal Karimi, stated that the freight train will depart from China’s Jiangsu Province, bound for Hairatan port in northern Afghanistan. Chinese officials, including Yue Xiaoyong, Beijing’s special envoy to Afghanistan, attended the inauguration ceremony. The initial shipment comprises 50 containers of commercial goods, with the journey to Hairatan expected to take around 20 days. Karimi highlighted the importance of the Wakhan Corridor, a strategic route…
Author: holidayweekly
DUBAI: Middle Eastern burger chain Salt has announced plans to expand into Pakistan with its Wagyu beef burgers, the company revealed in a social media post on Thursday. In a recent Instagram post with the message “Time to pass the salt, Pakistan!” Salt hinted at a near launch, though it has yet to reveal the specific cities where it will open its branches. Salt is headquartered in Qatar and is known for its Wagyu beef burgers. It has branches in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and Hungary. Salt’s menu includes a variety of beef and chicken sliders, such…
DUBAI: The UAE has extended its visa amnesty program until December 31, 2024, according to an announcement from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). This two-month extension allows those in violation of residency regulations more time to regularize their status. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, noted that the extension aligns with the UAE’s 53rd Union Day celebrations and reflects the country’s commitment to humanitarian values. It also responds to the wishes of violators seeking to settle their status, whether by exiting the country or securing an employment contract to remain…
ISLAMABAD: The longstanding issue of passport printing delays in Pakistan is expected to be resolved soon with the arrival of 10 advanced desktop passport printing machines from abroad. These new machines are set to be operational by the first week of November, according to official sources, and will double the country’s current passport printing capacity. Currently, approximately 22,000 passports are printed each day, but with the new equipment, this number is projected to increase to around 50,000 daily, effectively addressing the high demand for both new and renewed passports. Pakistan receives about 50,000 passport applications daily from citizens nationwide, highlighting…
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the federal government has amended passport rules, allowing Pakistani citizens to apply for a passport from any city nationwide, regardless of the address on their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC). This policy aims to streamline the application process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for citizens, officials said. Following the policy amendment, a notification has been sent to regional passport offices, empowering citizens to apply for passports outside their registered residential areas. Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General (DG) of Immigration and Passports, noted that the new rule is a response to longstanding challenges faced by applicants, ensuring…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani nationals can now drive in 132 countries with an International Driving License (IDL) issued by the government of Pakistan, making global travel more convenient and accessible. This move simplifies the process for Pakistani travelers who wish to legally drive abroad for tourism, business, or personal exploration without needing additional permits. The International Driving License is now recognized across major regions, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania. With this license, Pakistani travelers can navigate the roads in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Australia, among others. This expanded…
MUSCAT: Oman Air has made its most significant new route announcement in the last five years with the launch of flights to Rome. Starting 20 December 2024, the airline will offer four weekly flights from Muscat, offering travellers in Oman their first-ever direct connection to the “Eternal City”. With one-way fares starting from just OMR 75, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore one of the world’s most historic and captivating cities. “Our new direct flights to Rome represent an exciting step in our transformation. Marking our second destination in Italy, this key route not only enhances our European offerings, but…
ISLAMABAD: The government has received only one bid for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as reported by Bloomberg. A total of six consortiums had qualified to bid for the loss-making entity. However, five of them stayed away from the process. The sole bidder has deposited “earnest money” for the transaction with the Privatisation Commission by Tuesday’s deadline, Ahsan Ishaq, spokesman for the Privatisation Ministry told Bloomberg, but didn’t disclose the name of the interested party. Earnest money is deposited by buyers to demonstrate their good faith or seriousness to complete the purchase. Earlier, the government had shortlisted Airblue…
KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a 38-day “World Culture Festival Karachi.” On the 31st day of the festival, an “Award Distribution Ceremony” was held in Auditorium I. Chief guest of the ceremony was Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah. He was accompanied by the Provincial Minister of Culture, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, the Chief Secretary of Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah the Mayor of Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, the CCPO of Karachi Javed Odho and consuls general from Japan, Qatar, South Korea, the UAE, the USA, and Turkey, among others, including the Consul General of Cameroon…
KARACHI: The latest edition of Karachi Biennale will open its doors to the public from October 27 for two weeks, and showcase art across Karachi, it was announced here on October23 at a press conference. This time Rizq/ Risk as the theme will connect visitors to the foodscape of our time as over 40 artists from 10 countries will offer interactive projects including installations and performances, videos, and paintings. These will be installed at five venues across Karachi and are free for all. The theme is in response to Pakistan’s recent flood and heatwaves that have impacted food security and…