The preliminary investigation released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau on Saturday depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before the crash of the Boeing Dreamliner.

In a staff memo reviewed by Reuters, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the report had “triggered a new round of speculation in the media … Unsurprisingly, it provided both greater clarity and opened additional questions.”

He added: “The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over.”

The memo said the preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance faults and that all required maintenance had been carried out.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London from the Indian city of Ahmedabad began to lose thrust and sink shortly after takeoff. All but one of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground were killed.

According to the AAIB report, in the flight’s final moments, one pilot was heard on the cockpit voice recorder asking the other why he cut off the fuel.

“The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” the report said. It added that the plane’s engine two fuel cutoff switches flipped almost simultaneously, but did not say how.

The preliminary report suggested no immediate action for Boeing or GE, whose engines were fitted on the aircraft.

ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots at the Montreal-based International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, has rejected any presumption of pilot error and called for a “fair, fact-based inquiry”.

“The pilots had passed their mandatory pre-flight breathalyser and there were no observations pertaining to their medical status,” Campbell said in his memo.

The commanding pilot of the Air India plane was Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, who had a total flying experience of 15,638 hours and, according to the Indian government, was also an Air India instructor.

His co-pilot was Clive Kunder, 32, who had 3,403 hours of total experience.

Air India has come under heightened scrutiny on multiple fronts following the crash.

On July 4, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it would investigate budget unit Air India Express, after a Reuters report revealed the airline failed to promptly replace engine parts on an Airbus A320 as mandated, and falsified records to indicate compliance.

The platform, named Salama, streamlines the renewal process, allowing users to download their updated documents directly, thereby eliminating paperwork and long wait times.

Once logged in, the system automatically recognises user details, displays dependent visa statuses, and shows the remaining days before expiration.

Applicants can select their desired renewal duration, and the system processes requests almost instantly.

In the past, the renewal process could take between one to three hours, depending on document completeness.

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Ghaleb Abdullah Mohammed Hassan Al-Majid, the director of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Department, stated that the time required for renewals has been reduced to just one to two minutes when all documents are in order.

This service applies only to residency visa renewals, with plans for future phases to expand to visitors and tourists.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, the GDRFA Dubai general director, emphasised the importance of this digital transformation in enhancing government service efficiency and improving the overall customer experience.

Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait shut their airspace late on Monday after Iran’s strike on a US military base in Qatar’s capital Doha, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights and creating a backlog of stranded passengers.

Airports across Dubai in the United Arab Emirates briefly halted operations.

“I haven’t slept for 19 hours. And I’ve been in this line over nine hours,” said Lily Rogers, 21, who was in an around 200 metres queue in Doha’s Hamad International airport.

The psychology student, en route to an holiday in Southeast Asia, said those in line were only given water during the wait.

Virgin Australia estimated that over 25,000 passengers were stranded at Doha airport.

Lines were so long that arguments broke out as some passengers jumped queues, according to a Reuters witness.

Around 250 flights were cancelled at Hamad airport, while another 238 were delayed, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.

Long queues formed also at Dubai International, the busiest airport in the world, where about 145 flights were cancelled and over 450 delayed, FlightRadar24 data showed.

Qatar Airways said it was “making progress in restoring its schedule” with possible disruptions until June 26.

Dubai Airports and the Dubai government media office were not immediately available for comment.

Airports in the Middle East are some of the busiest in the world, covering an area stretching from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean and serving as a connecting hub for flights between Europe and Asia.

The region has also taken on a more important role since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has forced airlines to avoid airspace over both countries.

Dubai transported 92.3 million passengers last year, with a daily average of over 250,000.

Israel’s strikes against Iran on June 13 already prompted airlines from British Airways to Lufthansa to halt flights to some Middle East destinations due to air space closures and safety concerns.

Following the US attacks on Iran on Sunday, many have also cut flights to typically resilient hubs such as Dubai.

The restrictions and closures have created ripple effects beyond the region, as most passenger traffic transits through Hamad airport to other destinations, said Asia-based independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie.

Only 22% of passengers travelling through the airport had Qatar as their final destination in 2024, airport data shows.

On Monday, Air India suspended flights to and from the US East Coast, Canada and Europe, which involve a tight corridor between those destinations and the Indian subcontinent.

That poses a challenge for Indian carriers because they do not have access to Pakistani airspace, analysts say.

The two neighbours blocked access to each other’s airspace in April after a brief military conflict.

Air India said on Tuesday it would resume those flights as soon as airspaces reopen, while other carriers such as flydubai warned that delays would persist due to airspace congestion.

“It’s very frustrating,” said Julien Moutte, a Paris-bound passenger who had been stuck at Doha’s airport for around 15 hours.

Renowned singer Atif Aslam recently enthralled audiences at his Dubai concert with a stirring rendition of Dil Se Re, the iconic song from the 1998 Bollywood film Dil Se, originally performed by AR Rahman.

The performance, set against visuals of Shah Rukh Khan, quickly gained traction on social media as fans praised Atif’s emotive delivery.

While sharing the video on Instagram, Atif reflected on the song’s deep significance, stating, “Some masterpieces y’all wanted to hear, but if there’s a heart, there’s also pain.”

He expressed his feelings about the past month, noting that January felt like a dormant period for him while February marks a fresh start filled with renewed energy.

“Dil Se Re,” a renowned song from the film Dil Se, features music composed by Rahman and lyrics written by Gulzar.

The track was visually represented on-screen by Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. Vocalists Anuradha Sriram and Anupama also sang in the chorus for the original version of the song.

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In addition to his musical endeavours, the Aadat crooner is also leading the Borderless World initiative, which aims to foster artistic collaboration and support emerging talent.

This is not the first time Jal Pari singer has sung an Indian music legend’s song. He also sang Kun Faya Kun while performing at the GIMA Awards in 2015.

“We have directed the issuance of Golden Visas to those educators who have excelled in Dubai’s private education sector,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai crown prince, said in a social media post on World Teachers’ Day.

“Your commitment to nurturing future leaders and instilling important values is invaluable. You are essential partners in realising Dubai’s ambitious Education Strategy E33 and in shaping the future of our city.”

He expressed gratitude for the dedication teachers show in guiding and shaping the minds of young learners.

In the initial phase, the programme will include outstanding educators from early childhood centres, private schools, and international higher education institutions, according to Arab media.

The recognition is awarded based on their academic achievements, contributions to enhancing education quality, positive evaluations from the educational community, and their dedication to helping students achieve better academic results and recognized graduation credentials.

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This initiative aims to attract skilled educators to Dubai, encouraging them to play a vital role in shaping the future of education in the emirate. It supports the “education strategy” for the coming decade, which emphasises the importance of bringing in exceptional teachers dedicated to fostering lifelong learning.

In a travel notice issued on Friday, the UAE’s flagship carrier stated that passengers are not allowed to bring such devices on board flights to, from, or via Dubai, whether in checked luggage or carry-on bags.

The airline warned that any such devices discovered would be confiscated by Dubai Police.

This decision follows recent attacks in Lebanon, where Israel detonated booby-trapped pagers and radios associated with Hezbollah on September 17 and 18, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.

In response to the blasts, the Lebanese government has also prohibited the transport of pagers and walkie-talkies on flights from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. While the exact method of the explosions remains unconfirmed, several reports suggest that the Mossad intelligence agency may have infiltrated Hezbollah’s supply chains to plant explosives in these devices.

Tourists have begun flocking to the region to witness the captivating beauty of the mountains.

Mansehra and the Kaghan Valley have become a sight to behold as rainfall and snowfall have transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland.

However, Abbottabad, Nathiagali, Dongagali, Thandiani and Ayubiya has been experience heavy rains and the authorities have advised tourists to avoid travel to the region.

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Meanwhile, the Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) region further north has been affected by landlsides including Simeri, Jora, Dourian, Doodhniyal, and Sheikh Baila.

The Neelum Road has been temporarily closed due to the occurrence of landslides at five different spots.

The local authorities are actively working to clear the road and ensure the safety of travellers.

The heavy rainfall has resulted in landslides along the Neelum Road, making it unsafe for travel.

Authorities have advised against using the Neelum Road for transportation until further notice.

A screen grab of her being taken away by police from the street went viral on social media. Upon fact-checking, it was found that the viral image was created by digitally manipulating a frame captured from a genuine video of Thunberg’s arrest.

The 21-year-old joined hundreds of protesters in a march against fossil fuel subsidies on Saturday. She was released later in the evening.

The protest devolved into a standoff as dozens of police officers, some on horseback, attempted to stop protesters from blocking a main road.

On Saturday, a social media platform X user @OldRowSwig posted a manipulated image of Thunberg alongside American actress Sydney Sweeney. The post garnered more than six million views and 44,000 likes.

In response to the post, a user @Big__TeeJ said that the activist’s image had been “digitally manipulated to inflate the size of her breasts.”

The actual picture was taken from real footage of Thunberg being dragged by police from The Hague protest.

News reports from Reuters, BBC, DW, and The Associated Press on the incident showed that the image was doctored.

The Air Current, an aviation industry publication, reported on Wednesday that the movement of a flight deck seat is a key focus of the probe into Monday’s flight.

Boeing said earlier on Friday that it had taken the precautionary measure of reminding operators of a 2017 service bulletin detailing instructions for inspecting and maintaining flight deck seat switches.

“We are recommending operators perform an inspection at the next maintenance opportunity,” Boeing said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said that in response to the LATAM Flight 800 incident it has convened an expert board to review a message that Boeing sent to airlines about the need to check the switches after the incident.

The FAA said it does not require Boeing to get the agency’s approval before sending the message.

The FAA said the process will include reviewing the 2017 service bulletin related to the switches in the pilot seats and will provide feedback to Boeing. “The agency will continue to monitor the situation closely,” the FAA said.

Boeing shares closed up nearly 1%.

The plane, which was heading from Sydney to Auckland on Monday, dropped abruptly before stabilizing, causing those on board to be thrown about the cabin.

LATAM is based in Chile and the flight, which had 263 passengers and nine crew members, was due to continue on to Santiago after stopping in Auckland.

New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission said on Tuesday it was seizing the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder of the flight, which would provide information about the conversations between the pilots and the plane’s movement.

“Mornin’ Mr President. Godspeed and Goodluck. And ofcourse not to forget. Ahh well very respectfully, Asif Ali Zardari is the head of state again and we all love him,” she said in a post on X, formerly called Twitter, on Monday.

She also shared an old video clip from her interview with actor Shaan on his show Geo Shaan Se.

When Shaan asked her about Zardari in the rapid-fire round, she said: “Well very respectfully he is the head of the state. Our president and we all love him.”

She asked the host to not say more and to ask the next question.

Ayyan was arrested on March 14, 2015 for allegedly attempting to smuggle $506,800 in cash to the United Arab Emirates by the Airports Security Force personnel at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad.

She spent four months in Adiala jail. Her name was linked to high-profile politicians and it was alleged that she was a conduit for their money laundering operations.

In 2017, the Supreme Court allowed her to go abroad and directed the interior ministry to remove her name from the Exit Control List.

But two years later, the special court of customs, excise and taxation declared the model a proclaimed offender in a currency smuggling case.

The Pakistani passport was ranked 101st in the Henley & Partners Passport Index while the Indian passport was ranked 80th.

The South Asian country was ahead of Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan in a ranking of the world’s 199 passports.

The index ranks countries according to the number of destinations their owners can access without a prior visa. It is created by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association.

Countries where Pakistanis can visit visa-free or get visa-on-arrival:

Africa

Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo

Asia

Cambodia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste

Caribbean

Barbados, Cook Islands, Dominica, Haiti, Montserrat, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

Oceania

Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Middle East

Qatar

Places where Indians can have visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival

Africa

Angola, Burundi, Cape Verde islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zimbabwe

Asia

Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste

Americas

Bolivia, El Salvador

Caribbean

Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

Oceania

Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Middle East

Jordan, Oman, Qatar

It merits here to mention that Indian nationals with a normal passport, holding a green card or a UK or EU residence ID can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days.

The article was originally published in the Khaleej Times.

Shihab Parwad, the managing director of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism, said that the airlines have increased the airfare by nearly Dh125 (over Rs9,000). He added that the cold weather has increased the demand among visitors for staying in the country.

The airport-to-airport visa change allows visitors to have a new tourist visa by visiting the nearest country rather than returning to their home country. The visa change can be received on the same day or visitors can spend a night in the neighbouring country and return the following day.

The same-day process requires four hours, including flying out, waiting in the airport of the neighbouring country, and returning on a later flight.

The cancellation of 90-day visas has increased the demand for 60-day visas, as per tourism companies.

“The price of a 60-day visa used to start at Dh1,300. Now the price starts at Dh1,500,” said Libin Varghese, the head of operations and sales at Rooh Travel and Tourism LLC.

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The price depends on the timing of booking a package, he said and added that it would be better to have a booking in advance.

Moreover, the price for a 30-day visa change by air has also been increased from Dh1,200 to Dh1,300 (starting rates).

As per experts, most of the longer-duration visas were preferred by senior citizens who were not willing to travel regularly.

Travellers from Malaysia, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and France are now permitted to stay in China for up to 15 days without requiring a visa.

China has signed permanent visa-free agreements with Singapore and Thailand for 2024 enabling tourists from both nations to travel for 30 days without a visa.

The country’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) on January 11 announced several new rules and procedures to smoothen the visa acquiring process.

The NIA will now allow visa extension, replacement and issuance at local immigration departments for foreign nationals visiting or staying in China for non-official and non-diplomatic purposes.

China also relaxed port visa applications, also known as visa-on-arrival, making it more accessible for eligible travellers.

Likewise, foreign nationals transiting directly within 24 hours from the nine major airports in Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shenzhen Bao’an, Chengdu Tianfu, Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xi’an Xianyang, Xiamen Gaoqi and Guangzhou Baiyun will not need to undergo border check procedures.

The NIA has also introduced the multiple-entry visa to provide more flexibility for travelers while documents required for visa application have also been changed.

The European Union has a visa-free agreement with 59 countries outside the bloc, along with two distinct administrative regions within China (Hong Kong and Macao) and one territorial authority that is not recognised as a state by at least one EU member state (Taiwan), according to schengenvisainfo.com.

In addition to this, the list also includes British nationals who are not British citizens.

Non-EU citizens with a biometric passport can enter the Schengen area for short stays without a visa.

According to the EU, an airport transit visa is a must for citizens of some countries while transiting through the international parts of airports situated in any of the Schengen states. Moreover, citizens of certain countries must hold an airport transit visa when transiting through the international parts of airports situated in some of the Schengen states.

1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Antigua and Barbuda
4. Argentina
5. Australia
6. Bahamas
7. Barbados
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
9. Brazil
10. Brunei Darussalam
11. Canada
12. Chile
13. Colombia
14. Costa Rica
15. Dominica
16. El Salvador
17. Georgia
18. Grenada
19. Guatemala
20. Holy See
21. Honduras
22. Israel
23. Japan
24. Kiribati
25. Malaysia
26. Marshall Islands
27. Mauritius
28. Mexico
29. Micronesia
30. Moldova
31. Monaco
32. Montenegro
33. New Zealand
34. Nicaragua
35. North Macedonia
36. Palau
37. Panama
38. Paraguay
39. Peru
40. Samoa
41. San Marino
42. Serbia
43. Seychelles
44. Singapore
45. Solomon Islands
46. South Korea
47. St Kitts and Nevis
48. St Lucia
49. St Vincent and the Grenadines
50. Timor-Leste
51. Tonga
52. Trinidad and Tobago
53. Tuvalu
54. Ukraine
55. United Arab Emirates
56. United Kingdom
57. United States of America
58. Uruguay
59. Venezuela
60. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
61. Macao Special Administrative Region
62. British nationals (Overseas)
63. British overseas territories citizens (BOTC)
64. British overseas citizens (BOC)
65. British protected persons (BPP)
66. British subjects (BS)

For the fourth consecutive year, the Pakistani passport has been ranked the ‘fourth worst’ by the Henley Passport Index. The South Asian country was ahead of Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan in a ranking of the world’s 199 passports.

The index ranks countries according to the number of destinations their owners can access without a prior visa. It is created by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association.

Pakistan’s passport permits visa-free access to 34 states, Iraq’s allows travel to 31, Syria’s gives access to 29 destinations, and Afghanistan’s travel document only allows access to 28 destinations. India stands at 80th as residents of the country can enjoy visa-free travel to 57 countries while China ranks 62nd with access to 85 countries.

In a major shakeup, the top spot belongs to France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. These nations’ citizens have access to 194 of the 227 destinations.

Following closely are Finland, South Korea, and Sweden, whose passports grant visa-free access to 193 countries. Europe remains a powerhouse for travel freedom, with Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands claiming third place with access to 192 destinations.

Top 10 most powerful passports:

1. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain (194)
2. Finland, South Korea, Sweden (193)
3. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands (192)
4. Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom (191)
5. Greece, Malta, Switzerland (190)
6. Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland (189)
7. Canada, Hungary, USA (188)
8. Estonia, Lithuania (187)
9. Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (186)
10. Iceland (185)

Top 10 weakest passports:

1. Afghanistan (28)
2. Syria (29)
3. Iraq (31)
4. Pakistan (34)
5. Yemen (35)
6. Somalia (36)
7. Libya, Nepal, Palestine (40)
8. Bangladesh, North Korea (42)
9. Eriteria, Sri Lanka (43)
10. Iran, Lebanon, Nigeria, Sudan (45)

Citizens of certain countries must hold a short-stay visa. A Schengen visa is a permit that allows citizens to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries. The purpose of the visit can be tourism or business.

It includes short-stay visas for travel or transit through a Schengen state and airport transit visas.

But applicants would have to apply for a national visa specific to that country, not Schengen, if they want to stay longer than 90 days for purposes like studying, working, or living in the country.

Below is the list:

1. Afghanistan
2. Algeria
3. Angola
4. Armenia
5. Azerbaijan
6. Bahrain
7. Bangladesh
8. Belarus
9. Belize
10. Benin
11. Bhutan
12. Bolivia
13. Botswana
14. Burkina Faso
15. Burma/Myanmar
16. Burundi
17. Cambodia
18. Cameroon
19. Cape Verde
20. Central African Republic
21. Chad
22. China
23. Comoros
24. Congo
25. Cote d’Ivoire
26. Cuba
27. Democratic republic of congo
28. Djibouti
29. Dominican Republic
30. Ecuador
31. Egypt
32. Equatorial guinea
33. Eritrea
34. Eswatini
35. Ethiopia
36. Fiji
37. Gabon
38. Gambia
39. Ghana
40. Guinea
41. Guinea-Bissau
42. Guyana
43. Haiti
44. India
45. Indonesia
46. Iran
47. Iraq
48. Jamaica
49. Jordan
50. Kazakhstan
51. Kenya
52. Kuwait
53. Kyrgyzstan
54. Laos
55. Lebanon
56. Lesotho
57. Liberia
58. Libya
59. Madagascar
60. Malawi
61. Maldives
62. Mali
63. Mauritania
64. Mongolia
65. Morocco
66. Mozambique
67. Namibia
68. Nauru
69. Nepal
70. Niger
71. Nigeria
72. North Korea
73. Oman
74. Pakistan
75. Papua New Guinea
76. Philippines
77. Qatar
78. Russia
79. Rwanda
80. Sao Tome and Principe
81. Saudi Arabia
82. Senegal
83. Sierra leone
84. Somalia
85. South Africa
86. South Sudan
87. Sri Lanka
88. Sudan
89. Suriname
90. Syria
91. Tajikistan
92. Tanzania
93. Thailand
94. Togo
95. Tunisia
96. Turkey
97. Turkmenistan
98. Uganda
99. Uzbekistan
100. Vanuatu1
101. Vietnam
102. Yemen
103. Zambia
104. Zimbabwe

The new rules are effective from January 1. However, applicants will still need to meet other requirements such as applying from their country of nationality and proving that they have never been denied a visa in the past.

“Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. We encourage applicants to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy’s operating status and services,” the State Department said in an official statement.

According to the new guidelines, applicants may be eligible for a visa interview waiver if they were previously issued a non-immigrant visa (excluding B visas) and are applying within 48 months of the expiration of their last visa.

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It is pertinent to mention that the US government requires applicants to submit an application in their home country or nationality, having no history of visa denial or must not appear to be ineligible to qualify for visa interview waiver.

“You’ll need a TB test if you’re coming to the UK as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner on a family visa and a returning resident and you’ve been away for more than 2 years,” the UK government said in an update on its website.

Below is the list of clinics approved by the Home Office. Aspirants will have to keep in mind that a TB test certificate from a clinic approved by the UK would only be accepted.

Candidates should bring valid identification which contains photograph, passport, national ID card or Refugee Asylum Seeker Card when they arrive at the centre for the test. Moreover, three passport-size photographs on a white background with neutral expressions and the TB test fee are required.

Islamabad

AMC

Address: UK TB Screening Section, Building No. 14, Civic Centre, G-6 Markaz.

Dr Arshad Health Associates

Address: Unit 1, Block 21, Civic Center, Shaheed e Millat Road, Melody Market, G-6 Markaz.

Dr Arshad Health Associates

Address: No. 20, Street 1, Sector F-6/3. It will be open from Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 6pm.

It merits here to mention that the IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre in Islamabad has temporarily relocated to the second floor of Maroof International Hospital, F-10 Markaz, Islamabad.

Lahore

AMC

Address: 309-A Canal Bank West, Tariq Chaudry Road, Near PCSIR.

IOM, Migration Health Assessment Centre

Address: 70-H, Gulberg-III.

Karachi

Dr Arshad Health Associates

Address: No. 806, 8th Floor, Kashif Center, Next to Hotel Mehran, Main Shahra e Faisal.

IOM, Migration Health Assessment Centre

Address: Plot # F-14, PECHS, Block 6, Shahra-e-Faisal, Near KFC.

Mirpur

IOM, Migration Health Assessment Centre

Address: Plot No. 6, Block D-4, F2 Road, Football Chowk, AJK.

This makes it the first European Union country to take such a step. Since the start of this year, France has established a new system called ‘Olympic Consulate’ to process such applications.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games in France are set to be held from July 26 to August 11 and from August 28 to September 8, 2024, respectively.

As many as 15,000 athletes from around the world, 9,000 journalists and delegations of foreign countries are expected to participate in the two mega-events.

The system has been set up to avoid any mix-up of applications for the Olympics with files being processed at French visa centres abroad.

Applications would be filed and processed through the France-Visas platform online. The decision was taken in line with the EU Schengen visa digitalisation plans adopted by Parliament last October.

The 70,000 applicants would have their visas integrated into their accreditation cards instead of the orthodox way where visas were affixed to passports.

France expects around 1.5 million spectators from all over the world during the games.

Alejandro Recalde, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games services and relations manager, had said that athletes and officials having valid multiple-entry Schengen visas would not be required to apply for a French Schengen visa to attend the event. But they would require accreditation for the games.

It is for immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec). Their idea should be innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.

There is neither any age restriction nor any educational requirement for the visa. Those who have acquired the visa describe it as a route that requires less amount of money.

At a time when the Canadian government revised its laws related to employment, some experts have called it a “golden opportunity”.

People who are aspiring to apply for this visa should “have a qualifying business, letter of support from a designated organisation, meet the language requirements, and bring enough money to settle.”

The amount you need depends on the size of your family. The government has updated it on their website.

“The start-up visa is quite different from work permit. Its aim is only to attract businessmen and entrepreneurs to Canada,” immigration expert Julie Desai told BBC Urdu.

“The most important requirement is that the candidate’s business must be innovative enough to create new jobs in Canada. This visa is not for general business people. Such startup plans are needed that can compete on a global level,” she added.

Immigration lawyer Prashant Ajmera told the British news outlet that it was important that the startup plans were supported by Canadian organisations. “You should have a detailed business plan and you should have knowledge of the Canadian market.”

“From Space back to Earth! First Pakistani Astronaut. First Female Virgin Galactic Founder Astronaut! And many more Firsts!” she wrote on X, erstwhile Twitter, after achieving the feat.

The other two passengers were British advertising executive Trevor Beattie and American astronomy educator Ron Rosano. Beth Moses, Virgin Galactic’s chief astronaut ins­tructor, also joined the trio.

It was the fifth commercial spaceflight in five months of Virgin Galactic.

“Three new astronauts journeyed to space today and brought back incredible memories and stories of their experience above the Earth,” Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, said.

Salim is also a resident of the United Arab Emirates and of Monaco, according to the website. Namira, the founder and chairperson of the nonprofit Space Trust, is a longtime adventurer.

The spaceflight was piloted by Commander Kelly Latimer and Pilot CJ Sturckow. VMS Eve was piloted by Commander Nicola Pecile and Pilot Jameel Janjua.

The suborbital trajectory allows passengers several minutes of weightlessness before returning to Earth.

Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, congratulated the team.

Robin, 24, from Karachi, was among the five finalists at the event. Hira Inam, 24, from Lahore, Jessica Wilson, 28, from Rawalpindi, Pakistani-origin American Malika Alvi, 19, from Pennsylvania, and Sabreena Waseem, 26, from Punjab were the other four contenders.

The event was held in Dubai by Yugen Group, which also has franchise rights for Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt.

But the government has said it has not allowed any organisation or institution for any such activity.

“The government and the state of Pakistan are represented by the state and government institutions. Our government has not designated any non-state and non-governmental person or institution for any such activity and no such person/institution can represent the state/government,” said interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He said in this reply to a query from journalist Ansar Abbasi who sought the government’s response on the beauty contest.

But Robin said that it was an honour for her to become ‘Miss Universe Pakistan’ and she took part in the contest to highlight positive image of the country.

The 24-year-old winner of the contest added that she would urge everyone to visit Pakistan.

In her previous interview, she lamented that models were promoted in Pakistan and the many people have a bad impression about the people associated with the field.

She went on to add that modeling was also a difficult job to do that requires 10 to 12 hours job per day.

“American citizens should exercise heightened caution in Gilgit-Baltistan due to recent protests in Skardu and Diamer and the potential for additional demonstrations, road closures, and associated disruptions to local mobile and internet networks in the region,” said the US embassy.

Even large gatherings intended to be peaceful may become violent with little or no warning, it added.

“The US Embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings, monitor local media reports, and to remain vigilant of their surroundings at all times.”

Arandu town in Lower Chitral, the road between Mirkhani and Arandu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the southern coast of Balochistan, Gwadar and Nawabshah city of Sindh are among the areas the High Commission says should be avoided by the UK nationals

The UK government also issued a separate and broader advisory against all travel to several districts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The districts include Baujar, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan and South Waziristan, Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner and Lower Dir and Peshawar.

A day earlier, the High Commission of Canada in Pakistan updated its travel advisory for Canadian nationals in Pakistan.

It advised its citizens to avoid all travel to the Gilgi-Baltistan region due to what it claimed were “violent protests.”

Similarly, Canadian nationals were advised to avoid non-essential travel to Karachi due to violence and the risk of terrorism.

“The buddy bear is a symbol of the city of Berlin. With outstretched arms, it stands for peace, friendship and cooperation,” German Consul General in Karachi Rudiger Lotz said after the ceremony. “We are proud that the Buddy Bear as of now also is a citizen of the city of Quetta!”

Berlin Buddy Bears have become a landmark in many countries and are considered ambassadors of a cosmopolitan Germany. Buddy Bear’s features express the friendly ties between Germany and the host nation, uniting Berlin’s cheerfulness, diversity and creativity, according to a statement. They can be found standing at designated public spots all over the world with outstretched arms!

Muhammad Shahab Awan, a graduate of the University of BUITEMS Fine Arts, has painted the statue.

The German consul general in Karachi stressed the need for collective efforts to fight climate change.

“We are thankful that the intersection has been named Berlin Quetta Friendship Square,” he said and added that it was important for the friendly ties between the two states.

Buddy Bear reached Quetta after a long journey of 6,000 kilometres, according to Lotz.

The name-changing was carried out at the initiative of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi along with the Honorary Consul of Germany Quetta in collaboration with Metropolitan Corporation Quetta.

“We are happy to bring the ambassador of Berlin to our city Quetta. The art on Buddy Bear not only reflects the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and Germany but also highlights the impacts of climate change,” Honorary Consul of Germany Quetta Mir Murad Baloch said.

He praised Germany for providing assistance for the people of Balochistan after torrential rains and flash floods in the province that caused significant loss of life and property.

The honorary consul general added the purpose of such a statue was to promote peace and friendship in memory of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“The people of Balochistan appreciate the generous support of the people of Germany. We are glad to [see] that Germany has contributed to the beauty of Quetta city with this piece of art,” Administrator of Metropolitan Corporation Quetta Jabbar Baloch stated.

Jabbar described the installation of the statue as “significant” after celebrations of 70 years of Pakistan-Germany ties.

“We are proud to install Pakistan’s first Buddy Bear in Quetta,” the administrator of Metropolitan Corporation said and added that it would enhance the beauty of Quetta.

As many as 16,000 statues of Buddy Bears have been installed around the world, Murad said and lauded Germany for providing scholarships to students from time to time. Such statues are also installed in Washington and New York.

At least 30 people were killed and over 50 injured after a Havelian-bound train derailed in Sarhai Town in district Sanghar, near Nawabshah on Sunday. At least 1,000 people were travelling on the train, according to reports.

Several rescue workers, locals and passengers started the rescue mission in search of victims after the accident and pulled out several passengers stuck inside the train.

Below are the pictures from the train accident.

In addition to the numerous benefits of studying in Turkey, the country’s universities are particularly generous in offering scholarships to international students. These scholarships serve as a gateway to quality Turkish higher education, making it more accessible and attractive to students from all around the world.

Turkey’s dynamic society and vibrant culture add to the enriching experience, and the affordable cost of living and tuition fees make it an appealing destination for those seeking a high-quality education without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, Turkey’s strategic location allows for easy travel to nearby countries, making it an excellent base for exploration. This is an added benefit of embarking on a memorable academic adventure in Turkey, where East meets West, and modernity blends seamlessly with tradition.

Here is a 101 guide complete with all the details on various processes that you need to follow to study in Turkey.

How to apply for a Turkish visa

You can arrive in Turkey either on a student visa or a tourist visa. Being a student, you can get both; however, it is recommended that you get a student visa. In both cases, if you plan on living in Türkiye long-term, once you get there you will have to apply for a residence permit.

In order to get the visa, you may take two different routes.

1. Apply through Authorized firms such as Anatolia Travel Services. This method can help you obtain a student visa, work visa, or travel visa.

2. The second method is to get an e-visa, for which you can apply online. However, this visa is only applicable for travel and trade purposes.

Turkish visa document requirements

You need to meet the following requirement to obtain a visa for Turkey.

1. Be accepted onto a program in Turkey. You can only apply for a visa once you’ve received an official acceptance letter from a university in Turkey.

2. A valid passport. This is pretty obvious but some people forget to check the expiring date on their passport before applying for a visa.

3. Your Biometric photos must be in compliance with the Turkish visa requirements. Turkish authorities have listed all the requirements on this website from photo dimensions to the background color and from photo quality to how you must look into the camera.

4. Proof of a booked flight ticket. It should be a two-way ticket.

5. Travel insurance proof. An international travel agent can help you with this.

6. Proof of financial resources. The Turkish authorities want you to show that you have enough money to live in Turkey during your studies and pay the study fees. You will need to present some documents as evidence. This could be your bank statements, proving you have the required amount, a letter of scholarship, if applicable, and a letter of sponsorship, if your parents or another person will be sponsoring your stay and education in Turkey.

7. Visa payment fees are mentioned here in PKR.

After completing the visa process, it is essential to prepare certain important documents for legal procedures that you would be following after landing in Turkey.

There are several important measures you need to take almost immediately after arriving in the country such as obtaining a SIM card in your name, your tax number, equivalency certificate, and residence permit.

The following step-by-step guide may help you.

Obtain a telephone number

You need to get a phone number in order to open a bank account and to communicate with officials during the completion of legal procedures for the residence permit and equivalency certificate.

The government department will notify you about these documents through text message. So, a SIM card in your name is the first requirement.

To obtain a SIM card you need a valid passport. Once you get your residence permit, it is recommended that you transfer your SIM to your residence permit.

Get your tax number

There are two methods to obtain a tax number: one is through an online application and the other is visiting any tax office near you.

The tax number is necessary for important payments and processes, opening a bank account, or registering your mobile phone.

Once you receive your residence permit card, you will have your foreign ID number on it. You can use your foreign ID number for all legal issues; however, until you receive it, the tax number is the ID number you will be using.

To obtain your tax number you can visit the official web page of the Tax Office at https://ivd.gib.gov.tr.

Click on the ‘Application for Non-Citizen’s Potential Tax Number’ button on the bottom of the page and fill in the required details. Please enable cookies and pop-ups on your browser since your Tax ID number will be given to you as an official letter in a PDF format.

If you cannot apply online for a tax number, you must visit the nearest tax office in person with your passport.

How to apply for a residence permit in Turkey

• Firstly, fill out an online application form, from the e-ikamet website.

• Then collect the required documents till your appointment date. A list of the required documents can be seen here. It is rather long and includes a residence permit application, a photocopy of your passport, four biometric photographs, health insurance proof, a statement of sufficient funds in your account, etc.

• Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months.

Equivalence certificate

As an undergraduate student in Turkey, you are required to get a Turkish equivalency to complete your university registration.

There are two ways to get a Turkish equivalence certificate. The first is to obtain your Turkish equivalency in Pakistan, however, for that, you’ll have to visit the Turkish embassy in Islamabad. The second method is to get your equivalency in Turkey.

The complete guide to the process is available here.

If you’re a student of International Baccalaureate, to get your documents attested, you can visit this site.

Life in Turkey could be a bit difficult for Pakistani students who may experience cultural shock especially when faced with a language barrier. We have a separate article on cultural shocks Pakistanis may encounter in Türkiye

Key survival tips

The weather in Türkiye remains cold mostly throughout the year. So, be prepared and take warm clothes and jackets with you.

Take your extension wires and universal adapters, as the plugs in Türkiye are different than those in Pakistan.

Turkey has student discounts almost everywhere, so, don’t forget to ask before you pay. Metro card will reduce your transportation costs, so get one immediately.

Sheena who was a Pakistani student at a Turkish university recounts a chilling encounter that unfolded while she and her friends embarked on a bus journey towards Bahçeşehir.

Soon after they settled into their seats and started conversing with each other in Urdu, they realized that every pair of eyes on the bus was fixated upon them.

She recalls an abrupt disturbance erupting from a man who was poised to leave the bus.

His voice echoed and he started relentlessly shouting slang directed towards them in Turkish, showing displeasure at seeing foreigners in the bus.

Everyone was nodding in appreciation of the guy. Looking at the puzzled faces of Pakistani students, a lady and her son stood up in their defense and told off the guy. They told him to mind his business. It was then that the lady called the man a “fascist”.

Pakistani students found support on the bus, but the encounter left the group of friends deeply unsettled and confused as to what they had done wrong. It prompted them to cut short the trip and go back.

One key takeaway for them was that Türkiye is not an Islamic country in the traditional sense, rather it is a secular nation with a majority Muslim population, which is highly influenced by the neighboring European countries.

Pakistani students were shocked because they did not expect someone would object to their appearance and the use of their native language on a public bus. This was the first cultural shock they experienced in the country.

Fear of Foreingers

With Türkiye’s rich Ottoman history, Turkish people are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature, however, the increase in the number of illegal immigrants and refugees entering the country and a rising crime rate has sparked xenophobic tendencies.

Turkish people do not want any more foreigners in their country. This was reflected in the current election campaign, where a major point of the campaign was the reduction in the number of foreigners in Türkiye.

Not only that, but with the current political developments, getting visit visas to Turkey is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for Pakistanis.

If you are planning to visit Türkiye either as a tourist or to land in the country as a student or worker, do expect that some people may not be as welcoming as many other Turkish brethren are.

To avoid encountering difficulties, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with Turkish traditions and acquire some basic knowledge of the Turkish language promptly. This will empower you to navigate various situations effectively as they arise.

Additionally, demonstrating respect for Turkish norms and culture is crucial, and endeavoring not to act impulsively in such circumstances is equally important. By doing so, you can foster better interactions and understanding, leading to positive experiences during your time in Turkey.

Language barrier

Being an ex-colonized nation, most Pakistanis know how to speak English, which is what a lot of people expect Turkish people to do. However, over 70% of the Turkish population only speaks Turkish, which is why navigating in Turkey without learning basic Turkish can be more difficult than you expect.

Not knowing Turkish highly restricts opportunities for international students and other foreigners living in Türkiye.

The language barrier causes some people to think that they faced discrimination at the hands of locals, which may not be true.

For people looking to settle down in Türkiye, the level of bureaucracy there is unprecedented and governmental procedures are lengthy and tedious. Furthermore, as most officials speak Turkish, completing your paperwork may become an uphill task.

The process to attain a residence permit is lengthy and often extremely difficult for foreigners with poor vocabulary of the Turkish language. With the current policy changes, the practice of denying residence permits to foreigners, which was earlier adopted in only 10 districts of Istanbul, has now spread to 39 districts.

To learn Turkish, enrolling in free online courses available on websites such as Alison is highly recommended. Moreover, numerous short video clips are available on YouTube by several different creators such as TurkishClass101.com and Learn Turkish with Turkishaholic.

These courses are specifically designed for beginners and can accelerate your Turkish language learning process. Additionally, watching Turkish TV dramas can significantly improve your comprehension and speaking skills in the language.

By combining these various resources, you can enhance your overall Turkish language proficiency.

It still tastes good in Türkiye

If you are planning to visit Türkiye, bear in mind that Turkish cuisine is inherently healthy and highly seasonal, but low on spice as opposed to what most Pakistani perceive it to be.

However, it has a closer affinity to Pakistani cuisine and dishes like Turkish Kebab, Kofte (yes they use the same name for meatballs as we do), Pilaf, and Döner kebab may not sound alien to Pakistani taste buds.

Not only that, if you decide to cook on your own, rest assured that it won’t pose any challenges. Some of the spices and ingredients are readily available at almost every local grocery store, making it convenient to access all the necessary items.

Furthermore, the option to order groceries online adds to the ease and accessibility, ensuring you can acquire everything you need from the comfort of your home.

٭ The name has been changed to protect privacy.

A video aired on Aaj News shows tourists enjoying the breathtaking view of the natural beauty. The most striking feature of the tourist destination is the gush of a waterfall making it a treat to watch.

Tourists have set up their tents for an extended stay here, around 10km from the district headquarters of Gakuch.

Hoper Tourist Garden is accessible using Gilgit-Chitral Road. Click here to locate it on Google Maps.

The captivating nature also prompts them to sing folk songs and to dance to their tune. Pakistan has vast cultural richness and these destinations intrigue people to display their love for and to strengthen their bond with the motherland.

The northern areas of Pakistan have received international acclamation from the rest of the world as tourists throng to these areas giving credence to the scenic beauty of the country.

Tourism is one of the significant sources of income for the government and the relevant departments.

Many social media users posted the video on Twitter and YouTube and attributed it to Uzbekistan’s historical city Bukhara.

Aaj News fact-checked the viral content and found that the video was original, however, it was misattributed to Uzbekistan. The footage is of a magnificent and newly constructed mosque in the new administrative capital of Egypt.

It is known as ‘Misr Mosque’ or officially named the ‘Islamic Cultural Center’. This mosque can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers. It is not only a place of prayer, but also a remarkable architectural and construction masterpiece, according to the Egyptian newspaper Moutni.

In addition to that, Misr Mosque also holds three Guinness World Records.

What is in the viral video

The viral video, which is part of a long video, begins with the individual filming mentioning the name of the Misr Mosque. But despite this mention, many Pakistani users mistakenly associated the video with Uzbekistan.

The one-minute and 42-second video takes viewers through various rooms where the walls are adorned with verses of the Quran. The Egyptian media reported that the mosque comprises 30 galleries, with each gallery displaying a chapter of the Quran. The galleries start with Surah Al-Fatiha and conclude with Surah An-Nas.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited the mosque on March 23, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan this year. He received a briefing about its features and pictures from the event were prominently shared by Egyptian media outlets.

World records of Misr Mosque

Egypt’s Grand Mosque has obtained three international certificates from the Guinness World Records, according to Egypt Independent, an English newspaper.

The mosque houses the world’s tallest minbar (pulpit) with a height of 16.6 meters (54 feet). The pulpit is made of wood and has been entirely handcrafted.

Another record of the mosque is that it houses the world’s heaviest chandelier, weighing 50 tons. It has a diameter of 22 meters and is suspended at a height of four floors.

The area of the Islamic Cultural Center is 19,100 square metres. It features multiple floors of parking spaces that can accommodate up to 4,000 vehicles.

In addition to the nearly 1,000 people who died near the Spanish coast, hundreds of others have lost their lives in the first half of this year. Between 400 and 600 people perished in the worst boat disaster in two decades when a boat capsized near Greece following an alleged pushback. At least 209 Pakistanis were on the boat and only 12 of them survived, according to authorities.

Caminando Fronteras report indicates that for those who died near Spain, June was the deadliest month with 332 deaths. At least 138 died in January, 237 in February, 77 in March, and 37 in May.

At least 19 boats disappeared with everyone onboard.

More than 80% of the fatalities or disappearances occurred during attempts to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, some 67 miles (108 km) off the northwest African mainland, the report said.

Full coverage Greece boat disaster

The migrants were from 14 countries Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Guinea-Conakry, Ethiopia, Comoros, Mali, Morocco, DR Congo, Senegal, Syria, Sri Lanka, and Sudan.

Apparently, no Pakistani was on these boats.

However, the fatality figure is less than half of the 2,087 registered during the first six months of 2021.

The group attributed the drop to fewer people trying to reach Spain due to Morocco tightening its crackdown on migrant crossings since Rabat and Madrid repaired diplomatic relations in March over Spain’s stance on Western Sahara.