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…
Author: holidayweekly
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…
KARACHI: On Sunday, October 13, Muhammad AminUllah, Country Head of Emmar Al Diyafa Hotels, hosted a seminar celebrating the 94th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event, titled “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations: Past, Present, and Future,” gathered senior travel industry professionals and Hajj and Umrah operators in Karachi to discuss the historic and growing ties between the two nations. His Excellency Abdul Rehman Saad, Acting Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Karachi, served as the chief guest, while Muhammad Tahir Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) and Special Aide to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony…
KARACHI: As part of the ongoing “World Culture Festival Karachi,” the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi celebrated the 24th day of the event with the inauguration of a 6-day “Sindh Artists Exhibition” at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery. The exhibition, showcasing the works of 82 artists from across Sindh, was inaugurated by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, alongside Sindh Provincial Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah and President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Governor Kundi praised the Arts Council and the Sindh Culture Department for their efforts in promoting culture. He emphasized that culture is a powerful…
KARACHI: His Excellency Cemal Sangu, Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye in Karachi, has said that Pakistan is very rich in tourist attractions, it needs to point out places so tourist can visit but it is also very interesting that traveling products of all top brands are now easily available all over Pakistan, which is the achievement of ‘The Explorer’ who distributes traveling goods across the Country, he was talking to the media at The Explorer showroom to celebrate 7th anniversary of it’s establishment. On the occasion CEO, Aamir Hazari, MD Batool Hazari and large number of guests were…