Tue, 21-Oct-2025

PIA cleared for direct UK flights after nearly five-year hiatus

PIA cleared for direct UK flights after nearly five-year hiatus

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has received the official green light to resume direct flights to the United Kingdom,  nearly after five years of suspended operations. According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline has secured Third Country Operator (TCO) approval from UK authorities, paving the way for the relaunch of direct services. In the first … Read more

Paris summit considers security guarantees for Ukraine

Paris Summit considers security guarantees for Ukraine

Paris: World leaders will gather in Paris on Thursday to weigh a sweeping proposal for long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, as Russia’s war drags into its third year with no end in sight. UK Defence Secretary John Healey visited Kyiv and pledged that Britain and its allies would help “make the skies safe, to make … Read more

UK records hottest summer since 1884, met office warns of climate risks

UK records hottest summer since 1884, met office warns of climate risks

London: The United Kingdom has experienced its hottest summer on record, with average temperatures surpassing previous highs, UK Met Office says The national weather service reported that June, July, and August saw a mean average temperature of 16.1°C (60.9°F), exceeding the 2018 record of 15.8°C (60.4°F). The summer of 2025 brought four heatwaves across the … Read more

Indian nationals commit highest sexual offences in UK

Indian nationals

LONDON: Indian nationals have emerged at the top among foreign offenders convicted of sex crimes in the United Kingdom(UK), according to a new report by the Think Tank Centre for Migration Control. The report revealed that convictions of Indian citizens for sexual offences recorded a sharp rise of 257 percent between 2021 and 2024. According … Read more

France, Germany and UK willing to reimpose sanctions on Iran

France, Germany and UK willing to reimpose sanctions on Iran

France, Germany and the UK have told the UN they are prepared to trigger the reimposition of sanctions on Iran unless it resumes negotiations with the US over its nuclear programme. The foreign ministers of the three countries — known collectively as the E3 — wrote to the UN on Tuesday to raise the spectre … Read more

More European countries signal recognition of Palestine

UK, Australia and Canada recognize Palestinian state

After Canada, UK, and France more European countries have indicated their intention to recognize Palestine. Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stated that they are preparing to recognize Palestine at the beginning of next month and are closely monitoring the situation in West Asia. Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel emphasized that Portugal is a sovereign country and … Read more

Malta signals conditional readiness to recognize Palestine as a state

Malta

BRUSSELS: Following similar moves by the UK, France, and Canada, another European Union member state—Malta—has expressed conditional readiness to recognize Palestine as an independent state. Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that his country may recognize Palestine as a state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September, provided certain diplomatic conditions are … Read more

UK recognizes Palestine as a state, Says PM Starmer

UK recognizes Palestine as a state, Says PM Starmer

After France’s recent declaration, the United Kingdom is now also considering formally recognizing Palestine as an independent state. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made this announcement during a press briefing following an emergency cabinet meeting, signaling a potential policy shift that could take effect as early as September. Starmer stressed that if the situation in … Read more

PAF’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III and C-130 Aircraft arrive in UK

PAF

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Air Force’s state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block 3 and C-130 aircraft have arrived in the United Kingdom to participate in Royal International Air Tattoo – 2025. Contingent of the PAF comprising state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter aircraft and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, has landed at the Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, … Read more

UK resumes diplomatic ties with Syria as Foreign Minister visits Damascus

UK resumes diplomatic ties with Syria as Foreign Minister visits Damascus

On Saturday, Britain announced it was reestablishing diplomatic relations with Syria as Foreign Minister David Lammy visited the capital, Damascus, and pledged £94.5 million ($129 million) in support. “There is renewed hope for the Syrian people,” Lammy said in a statement. “It is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment … Read more

UK withdraws diplomatic staff from Iran amid regional crisis

UK

LONDON/TEHRAN: Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, the United Kingdom (UK) has recalled its diplomatic staff from Tehran. According to the international media, Switzerland has also announced the temporary closure of its embassy in the Iranian capital due to security concerns. The moves come as several countries reassess their diplomatic presence in Iran amid … Read more

UK appoints first-ever female MI6 chief

UK

LONDON: For the first time in its 116-year history, the British foreign intelligence service MI6 has appointed a woman as its chief. According to international media reports, Blaise Metreweli will become the 18th head of MI6, marking a historic milestone for the UK’s top spy agency. She is set to take over the role in … Read more

UK hints possible military support for Israel against Iran

UK

LONDON:  British Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that the United Kingdom could potentially support Israel in a conflict with Iran. In an interview with international media, Reeves stated that the recent decision to deploy additional fighter jets to the Middle East was made to ensure the protection of British personnel and facilities in the region. … Read more

Pakistanis become top asylum seekers in UK

UK

LONDON: Pakistanis have emerged as the largest group seeking asylum in the United Kingdom(UK) followed by Afghanistan. According to the UK Home Office, Pakistanis have emerged as the largest group seeking asylum in the country. In the year ending March 2025. A total of 11,048 Pakistani nationals applied for asylum out of an overall 109,343 … Read more

COAS arrives in UK to participate in 7th Regional Stabilization Conference

COAS

RAWALPINDI: General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is on an official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the 7th Regional Stabilization Conference at the esteemed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he will deliver the keynote address on “The Emerging World Order and Pakistan’s Future Outlook.”

The Stabilization Conference serves as the premier platform for Army-to-Army dialogue between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, held annually to foster collaboration.

The event brings together a balanced representation of policymakers, both civil and military, as well as members of prominent think tanks from both nations.

This year’s conference holds particular significance in light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, providing an invaluable opportunity to exchange perspectives and explore pathways for enhanced bilateral cooperation.

On the inaugural day of his visit, General Syed Asim Munir was accorded a warm and dignified welcome, including a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the historic Royal Horse Guards Parade Ground, presented by an impeccably turned-out contingent.

During his visit, the COAS will engage with key members of the UK’s civil and military leadership to discuss matters of mutual interest. His engagements will include meetings with Mr Adm Toney Radikon, Chief of Defence Staff UK, General Sir Roland Walker, Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, and Mr. Jonathan Nicholas Powell, the UK National Security Advisor.

Furthermore, the COAS will hold discussions with Ms. Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, to address shared challenges and underscore the importance of fostering deeper collaboration.

Pakistan and the United Kingdom share a long-standing relationship rooted in strong diplomatic, economic, and security ties. Over the years, the two countries’ militaries have maintained robust cooperation, particularly in the domains of counterterrorism and professional training.

As part of his itinerary, COAS will also visit prominent units of the British Army, including the Land Warfare Centre and the 1st Strike Brigade, where he will receive briefings on the UK Army’s modernization initiatives and operational strategies.

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Apple to enhance AI with more languages by April 2025

Apple

Apple is set to expand its AI suite, Apple Intelligence, by introducing support for multiple new languages by April 2025. Currently, Apple Intelligence is available only in US English, with limited support for English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK. However, the upcoming expansion will add eight more languages: French, German, … Read more

PIA sets sights on expanding network to Europe and UK

PIA

Islamabad: After the uplifting of ban imposed by EASA, PIA is planning to expand its network to Europe and uk. The spokesperson of PIA said that, with the expansion of its network and the potential resumption of flights to the UK and Europe, national airline is in the process of rejuvenating its aircraft that were … Read more

FIA arrests human trafficker from Gujranwala

FIA

GUJRANWALA: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday arrested a human trafficker from Gujranwala District of Punjab province.

According to the FIA, the arrested human trafficker collected Rs 9.3 million by pretending to send the innocent husband and wife to the United Kingdom (UK) and then went into hiding.

The victim’s family lodged a complaint with the FIA ​​after the agent went into hiding.

On the information about the presence of the accused in Ayman Abad, the FIA ​​team conducted a raid and arrested the accused and the investigation has been started.

It should be noted that a few days ago, 40 Pakistanis were killed in the sinking of boats on the Greek coast of Crete, after which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued orders to take strict action against human traffickers across the country.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Arrives in UK

Prime Minister

London: Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has arrived in the UK for a short visit. His plane landed at Luton Airport, where he was welcomed by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UK, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, along with other diplomatic staff. After approximately one hour, the Prime Minister is expected to reach his residence in Central … Read more

UK urged to eliminate ‘Racist’ visa policy

UK urged to eliminate ‘Racist’ visa policy

The UK’s 10-year visa route is criticized as “racist” due to its long and costly duration. The route requires four renewals, each costing £3,850 ($5,095). A 2023 report by the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit. The UK has faced calls to abolish a 10-year visa route and limit all settlement routes to five years. Analysis … Read more

UK implements changes to travel entry policies

UK implements changes to travel entry policies

The UK government has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme. Eligibility for the ETA depends on nationality, and suitable travelers can apply using the UK ETA app. The scheme will extend to eligible Europeans, who will require an ETA from April 2, 2025. This week, the UK government announced an overhaul of non-visa entry … Read more

UK urges swift action to enhance migrant returns

UK urges swift action to enhance migrant returns

The Labour government plans a surge in returning irregular migrants to countries. The interior ministry has issued a £15 million ($19.7 million) contract to find commercial partners. Over 20,000 migrants have arrived in the UK this year after crossing from France on rudimentary vessels. Britain’s Labour government is planning “a major surge” in returning irregular … Read more

75% of Muslims in UK fear for safety after far-right riots

75% of Muslims in UK fear for safety after far-right riots

Nearly 20% reported facing hostility in the UK before the first riot on July 30 in Southport. The alleged attacker was later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, born in Cardiff. Rioting spread to other major cities across the UK, with mosques becoming targets. According to a survey by the Muslim Women’s Network, three-quarters of Muslims … Read more

UK Town faces continued immigration challenges after Riot

UK Town faces continued immigration challenges after Riot

The town’s population of 265,000, which expanded during the Industrial Revolution. A child sexual exploitation scandal between 1997 and 2013 involving gangs of men. The official report criticized authorities for failing to address the abuse. Ten days after the riots, visible scars of violence remain outside the hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, northern England. … Read more

Far-right riots lead to rise in racism against Muslim healthcare workers in the UK

Far-right riots lead to rise in racism against Muslim healthcare workers in the UK

The rise coincides with a week of riots by far-right mobs, leaving medical staff in fear. The riots began after misinformation spread online following a knife attack in Southport, which killed three young girls. The rioters targeted mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, businesses, and facilities housing asylum-seekers across the country. Muslim healthcare professionals in the UK have … Read more