ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a significant step towards modernizing its passport printing system by acquiring state-of-the-art e-passport printers from Germany. This upgrade aims to enhance both efficiency and security in passport issuance. As part of this modernization effort, the country has received two high-tech e-passport printers along with six desktop printers. Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, recently visited the e-printer section to inspect the newly installed equipment. “These advanced printers have the capacity to process up to 1,000 passports per hour, which will greatly improve Pakistan’s ability to meet growing demand,” he stated. To ensure seamless…
Author: holidayweekly
ISLAMABAD: ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s travel and tourism market is poised to generate over $4 billion in revenue by 2025, according to a report by Statista Travel and Tourism Pakistan, as cited by The News. The industry is anticipated to experience an annual growth rate of 6.75% from 2025 to 2029, potentially reaching a market volume of $5.53 billion by the end of the forecast period. The report identifies ‘Package Holidays’ as the leading segment, projected to yield $1.92 billion in revenue in 2025. By 2029, the number of users in this category is expected to surge to 22.17 million, with user…
LONDON: During an iftar dinner in London, attended by journalists, social media influencers, and esteemed guests, Dr. Faisal announced that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will initially resume flights from London and Manchester to Pakistan. He also mentioned efforts to restart services from Birmingham in the near future. The High Commissioner highlighted that the resumption of flights will be celebrated with a formal opening ceremony, with media representatives invited to cover the event. He clarified that the reinstatement of flights is unrelated to any operational concerns regarding aircraft landings. This move aims to strengthen Pakistan’s aviation ties with the UK following…
TASHKENT: Uzbekistan has become the 26th country to adhere to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT). The ICPT is a unified global framework designed to protect tourists, particularly in emergency situations, and to safeguard their rights and responsibilities as consumers. By adhering to this code, Uzbekistan reinforces its dedication to enhancing guarantees and legal protections for tourists and further complements its ongoing efforts in collaboration with UN Tourism to strengthen global tourism standards. The Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, said: “Uzbekistan is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety,…
MANAMA: Gulf Air, the National Carrier of Bahrain, has announced a strategic partnership with SalamAir, Oman’s Low-cost carrier, formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This MoU will see Gulf Air provide SalamAir with a comprehensive suite of technical services encompassing line maintenance, base maintenance and specialised workshop support, Gulf Air said. This partnership not only offers SalamAir innovative operational solutions, it also positions Gulf Air as a key player in the regional MRO landscape, it said. Gulf Air Chief Technical Officer Mazin Saleh said: “This agreement with SalamAir is a significant step towards Gulf Air’s vision to become a…
ISLAMABAD: Privatisation and Investment Minister Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday said that the government would complete all the steps to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) during the next three months. As part of reforms urged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Privatisation Commission said in April 2024 that it was putting on the block a stake ranging from 51 per cent to 100pc of the national carrier. The government’s failed first attempt to privatise PIA cost the national exchequer $4.3 million, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatisation was informed on February 26. The lack of interest shown by…
KARACHI: The US Embassy has launched a new online visa appointment system, set to take effect on February 8, 2025, and has issued essential guidelines to help applicants navigate the transition smoothly. According to the US Consulate General in Karachi, visa applicants must first create a profile in the new system before booking their appointment. Those who have already paid the visa fee or scheduled an appointment under the previous system should register using the same email ID to ensure their details transfer seamlessly. For applicants who paid their visa fee before February 3, 2025, the embassy advises entering their…
(By Ms. Kiran Aslam) When I begin writing about my recent experience in Seychelles, I realize that I am not just describing a place, but a piece of my heart that I left behind in another world. It’s rare for me to feel this way, but Seychelles is one of those destinations that truly captivates the soul. From breathtaking landscapes to the warmest people, pristine beaches to thrilling cliffside hikes, sea excursions to hidden nature treasures, and mouthwatering cuisine to unparalleled hospitality—Seychelles offers it all. As the CEO & Founder of VagaTales and Bureau Chief of Islamabad Holiday Weekly,…
KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet has approved the procurement of double-decker and additional electric buses for Karachi, as part of efforts to improve public transport in the city, Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference, he said the cabinet had also decided to automate the Anti-Narcotics Department to enhance its efficiency. He criticised the federal government for failing to provide the 180 electric buses it had promised. “The prime minister had committed to supplying 180 electric buses. They should fulfil their promise. No funds have been provided by the federal government for their purchase,” he said.…
GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a significant increase in fatal aviation accidents in 2024, marking a sharp contrast to the low numbers recorded in 2023. According to IATA’s 2024 Annual Safety Report, seven fatal accidents occurred across 40.6 million flights, compared to just one in 2023. The number of onboard fatalities also rose from 72 in 2023 to 244 in 2024, surpassing the five-year average of 144. IATA said that despite the rise in fatal accidents, the aviation industry’s overall safety performance remained strong. The all-accident rate stood at 1.13 per million flights (one accident per…