Author: holidayweekly

BRUSSELES: The European Union plans to revise its visa suspension mechanism in 2025, potentially ending visa-free travel for 61 countries. This move targets irregular migration, hybrid threats, and citizenship-by-investment schemes. The European Union is planning to set to implement stricter rules regarding visa-free travel this year, potentially impacting numerous countries and future travel plans. These proposed changes could make it easier for the EU to suspend visa exemptions currently enjoyed by citizens of 61 nations. The EU designed the plan to enhance control over migration and national security, affecting both candidate states and other visa-exempt nations. Travellers from these countries,…

MIRPUR: The Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) government has initiated the feasibility process for establishing an international airport in Mirpur, a city with a significant population of over a million UK-based Kashmiri expatriates. The city is important considering a significant population of over a million UK-based Kashmiri expatriates who have repeatedly called for the establishment of the airport. AJK Minister for Physical Planning, Yasir Sultan Chaudhry confirmed the development and added that the project aims to fulfill a long-standing local demand and enhance connectivity for the city’s residents. It bears mentioning that though the demand for an international airport in Mirpur…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the launch of direct flights from Lahore to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, starting April 20, Express News reported. According to the airline, two weekly flights will operate on this route, departing from Lahore to Baku every Sunday and Wednesday. To mark the occasion, a special event was held in Karachi for travel agents and tour operators, during which detailed information about the new Baku flights was shared with attendees. PIA officials stated that the new route is expected to play a significant role in boosting bilateral tourism and trade ties. They also…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced biometric verification to its Pak ID mobile app, aiming to bolster security for overseas Pakistanis, particularly those living in the United Arab Emirates. The app, which allows users to apply for a range of identity documents, including the Smart National ID Card for Overseas Pakistanis, will now require biometric verification when logging in from a new device, NADRA said in a statement. “This new security feature is designed to protect citizens’ information and prevent unauthorised access, identity theft, and misuse of Pak ID accounts,” the authority added. The Pak ID…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, said on Friday Saudi Arabia had granted special permission for an additional 10,000 Pakistani nationals to perform Hajj this year, following his recent phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Saudi authorities allocate fixed Hajj quotas to Muslim-majority countries to manage the annual pilgrimage, which draws over two million worshippers from around the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Pakistan has been allotted a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2025. According to Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad…

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways will launch direct flights to Peshawar, Pakistan, from September 29, 2025, further expanding its footprint in South Asia. The route will connect Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport with Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. The new addition makes Peshawar the fourth Pakistani city served by the UAE’s national carrier, joining existing routes to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Initially operating five times a week, the service will increase to daily flights starting 22 November 2025. Etihad will deploy its Airbus A320 aircraft on the route, configured with eight Business Class and 150 Economy seats. “We are thrilled…

ISLAMABAD: Under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to commence international flights to Uzbekistan. In addition, private airlines will also be engaged to accelerate trade and tourism connectivity between the two countries. This development was announced during a meeting between Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Uzbekistan’s Minister for Tourism, Umid Shadiev. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, was also in attendance. During the meeting, both sides underscored the significant potential for collaboration in the tourism sector. Haroon Akhtar Khan expressed Pakistan’s full…

LAHORE: Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced on Wednesday that the Punjab government has officially decided to upgrade the Lahore and Rawalpindi railway stations to meet international standards. As part of this initiative, the government plans to introduce a range of modern facilities at both stations. These upgrades will include escalators, newly renovated washrooms, enhanced waiting areas, and other essential amenities aimed at significantly improving passenger comfort and convenience. Minister Abbasi emphasized that these enhancements will transform the stations into more contemporary, passenger-friendly spaces that align with global expectations. He further highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing the overall railway…

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways has announced a schedule change for three mail and express trains and several passenger trains effective April 15, 2025. According to the new schedule issued on Tuesday, Khyber Mail (2Dn) will depart from Peshawar Cantt at 10:00 PM and arrive at Karachi Cantt at 6:20 AM on the third day. Allama Iqbal Express (10Dn) will leave Sialkot at 7:00 AM and reach Karachi Cantt at 9:15 AM the following day, Jaffar Express (40Dn) will depart from Peshawar Cantt at 7:00 AM and reach Quetta at 5:00 PM the next day. Ad powered by advergic.comThal Express (129Up) will…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially unveiled its pre-Hajj operation schedule for 2025, set to commence on April 29 and continue through June 1. During this period, the national flag carrier will operate 280 dedicated Hajj flights, facilitating the sacred journey of over 56,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Sources confirm that out of the total pilgrims, 20,000 will travel under the Government Hajj Scheme, while 36,000 will perform Hajj via the Private Scheme, all utilizing PIA’s services. To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, the airline will deploy a fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 aircraft for…