Visa refusals for Pakistanis travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have become a recurring issue, despite the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. Officials say there is no formal ban on Pakistani passports, yet applicants continue to face widespread rejections.
Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry told the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights that the UAE had not been issuing visas to Pakistanis in recent days. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri said the restrictions were linked to concerns about some travellers being involved in criminal activity, adding that only a limited number of visas were being granted “after much difficulty”.
In January 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis was informed that some UAE visit visas had been “unofficially closed”. Overseas Employment Promoter Aisam Baig said Emirati authorities were concerned that some visitors on short-term visas were engaging in begging or other violations.
Former Pakistani ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi earlier described the rise in visa refusals as a “serious and significant” matter. He said UAE authorities had pointed out issues with document authenticity, criminal records and inconsistent attestations. He also noted that new AI-based verification systems had made the screening process more stringent.
In April, UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi announced that visa issues had been resolved and that Pakistanis could apply for a five-year visa. However, new complaints resurfaced in July. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi raised the matter with his UAE counterpart, who assured full cooperation in expediting visa cases.
Despite such assurances, travellers continued facing rejections — especially those under the age of 35 or 40. Many reported delays, repeated submissions and unclear reasons behind refusals.
Nadeem, a 28-year-old from Lahore, said his visit visa was rejected twice even though he provided all required documents. “The agency told me younger applicants were facing more scrutiny. It doesn’t make sense,” he said.
Other travellers shared similar stories. Sports journalist Muzamil Asif could not cover the Asia Cup in Dubai after his visa was rejected. A Karachi-based tech entrepreneur said his first application was denied but his second attempt was approved when submitted separately.
Travel agencies in Lahore and Karachi reported 70 to 80 percent rejection rates for single-entry visit visas. They said applicants with family ties, strong bank statements or established employment backgrounds were more likely to be approved.
A senior UAE diplomat told Dawn that there was no ban on Pakistani citizens. He said earlier misuse of applicant data by some agents had forced a shift to a centralised visa system. The diplomat said three biometric desks were now operational in Pakistan to improve transparency in the verification process.
He added that 2.27 million Pakistanis living in the UAE could sponsor their family members under new rules, except for those facing issues due to criminal histories or altered documents.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance, the UAE has introduced several reforms, including online visa processing, e-visas without passport stamping and improved system-to-system verification. Nearly 500 visas per day are being handled by the new UAE Visa Centre in Pakistan.
Laughter Chefs Season 3 has once again turned weekend television into a lively mix of comedy and chaos. The show’s unique blend of cooking challenges and unpredictable celebrity humour has created a strong fan wave, and interest in the upcoming Episode 4 is growing quickly. Viewers are eager to know when and where they can watch the new episode as the series continues to pull attention with its lighthearted kitchen battles. The show arrived this season with high expectations. Fans were curious about what the makers would bring after the success of the previous instalment. The early response confirmed the buzz, as social media filled with clips, reactions, and memes from the first few episodes. The mix of burnt dishes, loud laughter, and surprising kitchen mistakes set the tone for another entertaining run. Episode 4 is now the main focus for viewers. The weekend format has built a steady routine, and many are waiting to see what new challenges and unexpected moments will unfold. The early hype suggests more fast-paced comedy and cooking disasters that have become a trademark of the show. Laughter Chefs Season 3 features a star-studded lineup this time. Tejasswi Prakash, Vivian Dsena, Eisha Singh, and Isha Malviya have entered the kitchen, ready to try a completely different side of performance. Real-life couple Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee have also joined, bringing strong chemistry and fun energy to the show. Fan favourites from previous seasons have returned as well. Aly Goni, Karan Kundrra, Krushna Abhishek with Kashmira Shah, Elvish Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Samarth Jural, and Jannat Zubair are all back to recreate their earlier charm and compete in the new season’s unpredictable kitchen challenges. Keeping the show’s spirit alive are host Bharti Singh and Chef Harpal Singh. Their humour, guidance, and reactions hold the format together, balancing the fun with expert judgment. Their presence remains one of the strongest elements that keep the audience hooked. The next episode is set to air tonight, November 30. The third episode will be broadcast on television, continuing the Saturday and Sunday release pattern that has worked well for fans who look for weekend entertainment. The makers have kept the rhythm steady, ensuring regular episodes for viewers who follow the show closely. For those who prefer streaming platforms, each episode of Laughter Chefs Season 3 is available on JioHotstar. Viewers can enjoy the show anytime and even rewatch earlier episodes to keep up with the ongoing kitchen madness. The platform makes it easy for users to stay updated even if they miss the television broadcast. Watching Episode 4 online is simple. First, download the JioHotstar app from the Play Store or App Store. Those who do not want to install the app can open the official website instead. After launching the platform, type the show’s name into the search bar to access the episode list. Some episodes may require a subscription. If the episode is locked behind a premium plan, users can select a package that suits their budget. Once logged in with a registered mobile number or email, viewers will get full access to the show’s library. Choosing Episode 4 will start the stream instantly, giving fans a fresh dose of jokes, confusion, and culinary surprises. The show continues to deliver a break from routine, offering a light and entertaining viewing option for the weekend. The excitement around Laughter Chefs Season 3 shows how the mix of celebrity presence, kitchen challenges, and spontaneous comedy keeps audiences engaged. With every new episode, the show manages to bring unexpected moments that viewers enjoy sharing online. The anticipation around the next set of challenges and funny mistakes remains strong, as fans look forward to another weekend filled with chaotic fun and memorable scenes from the kitchen studio.
The Pakistan Super League has taken a major step toward expansion, announcing that the auction for two new PSL franchises will take place on 6 January 2026. The move follows the completion of market valuations for existing teams and commercial assets, allowing the league to proceed with its long-awaited growth plans. According to the PSL, only bidders who meet the technical requirements will be allowed to participate in the January auction. Officials say the aim is to ensure that only committed and financially capable groups enter the competition, keeping the league’s standards intact. The inclusion of two new teams is expected to reshape the tournament’s structure. It will expand PSL’s presence across Pakistan, create new rivalries, and open the door for more young cricketers to showcase their talent. This development comes at a time when the league is looking to strengthen its national footprint and improve commercial opportunities. As part of the pre-auction process, the PCB has shortlisted six cities from which bidders can select their franchise identity: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. Successful bidders will be free to choose any of these as their official team name once the auction is complete. PSL and PCB officials said they are excited to welcome new stakeholders into the league’s ecosystem, noting that the expansion reflects Pakistan cricket’s broader ambitions both on and off the field. With the auction date now confirmed, the arrival of two new teams is set to add depth, opportunities, and fresh energy to the country’s biggest cricket event.
The federal government has confirmed two public holidays across Pakistan in December 2025, giving citizens a welcome break before the new year. The holidays will be observed nationwide and apply to all public and private institutions. According to the official notification, December 25 will be a full public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The day also coincides with Christmas celebrations, allowing both events to be observed together throughout the country. In addition, December 26 has been declared a public holiday for the Christian community to continue their Christmas festivities. On this day, government offices, educational institutions, and most private organizations will remain closed, giving citizens an extended two-day weekend. The announcement has been widely welcomed by students, employees, and families who see it as a chance to relax and spend time with loved ones. Many citizens also view it as an opportunity to participate in community events and year-end gatherings before the start of 2026. Officials confirmed that both holidays are part of the national holiday calendar for 2025, ensuring that citizens across all provinces will enjoy the same observance days.
The Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 kicked off at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium with high-scoring matches and tight finishes, setting the tone for another fast-paced season. Early victories for Quetta Qavalry and Deccan Gladiators have already shaped the points table. At the same time, teams prepare for a packed schedule featuring daily double-headers and triple-headers leading up to the playoffs on 29 and 30 November. 🏏 Abu Dhabi T10 League – Live Score Loading T10 live score... async function loadT10Score() { try { const res = await fetch("https://api.cricapi.com/v1/currentMatches?apikey=f966053a-56c8-4f4f-8507-1b4ddc345e68"); const data = await res.json(); if (!data.data || data.data.length === 0) { document.getElementById("t10ScoreContent").innerHTML = "No live T10 matches right now."; return; } // Filter only T10 League Matches const t10Matches = data.data.filter(m => m.matchType === "t10" || m.matchType === "T10"); if (t10Matches.length === 0) { document.getElementById("t10ScoreContent").innerHTML = "No live T10 matches at the moment."; return; } // Show first live T10 match const m = t10Matches[0]; const score1 = m.score[0] ? `${m.score[0].inning}: ${m.score[0].r}/${m.score[0].w} (${m.score[0].o})` : ""; const score2 = m.score[1] ? `${m.score[1].inning}: ${m.score[1].r}/${m.score[1].w} (${m.score[1].o})` : ""; const html = ` ${m.teams[0]} vs ${m.teams[1]} ${score1} ${score2} ${m.status} `; document.getElementById("t10ScoreContent").innerHTML = html; } catch (e) { document.getElementById("t10ScoreContent").innerHTML = "Error loading T10 league score."; } } // Auto-refresh every 30 seconds loadT10Score(); setInterval(loadT10Score, 30000); 📅 Tuesday, 18 November 2025 — Completed Matches 1st Match Quetta Qavalry — 133/5 (10 overs) Northern Warriors — 82/2 (10 overs) Result: Quetta Qavalry won by 51 runs 2nd Match Deccan Gladiators — 141/2 (10 overs) UAE Bulls — 135/5 (10 overs) Result: Deccan Gladiators won by 6 runs 📅 Wednesday, 19 November 2025 3rd Match Northern Warriors — 47/1 (4 overs)** Aspin Stallions — Stallions elected to bowl first 4th Match Royal Champs vs Vista Riders ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 5th Match Ajman Titans vs Quetta Qavalry ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Thursday, 20 November 2025 6th Match Royal Champs vs Deccan Gladiators ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 7th Match UAE Bulls vs Vista Riders ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 8th Match Aspin Stallions vs Ajman Titans ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Friday, 21 November 2025 9th Match Deccan Gladiators vs Quetta Qavalry ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 10th Match Northern Warriors vs Ajman Titans ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 11th Match UAE Bulls vs Royal Champs ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Saturday, 22 November 2025 12th Match Aspin Stallions vs Vista Riders ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 13th Match Northern Warriors vs Deccan Gladiators ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 14th Match Quetta Qavalry vs UAE Bulls ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Sunday, 23 November 2025 15th Match Ajman Titans vs Royal Champs ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 16th Match Quetta Qavalry vs Aspin Stallions ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 17th Match Northern Warriors vs Vista Riders ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Tuesday, 25 November 2025 18th Match Vista Riders vs Ajman Titans ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 19th Match Deccan Gladiators vs Aspin Stallions ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Wednesday, 26 November 2025 20th Match UAE Bulls vs Northern Warriors ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 21st Match Deccan Gladiators vs Ajman Titans ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 22nd Match Royal Champs vs Aspin Stallions ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Thursday, 27 November 2025 23rd Match Vista Riders vs Quetta Qavalry ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 24th Match UAE Bulls vs Aspin Stallions ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 25th Match Northern Warriors vs Royal Champs ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Friday, 28 November 2025 26th Match Ajman Titans vs UAE Bulls ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 27th Match Quetta Qavalry vs Royal Champs ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 28th Match Vista Riders vs Deccan Gladiators ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Saturday, 29 November 2025 — Playoffs Qualifier 1 (1st vs 2nd) ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local Eliminator 1 (3rd vs 4th) ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Sunday, 30 November 2025 — Final Day Qualifier 2 (Loser Q1 vs Winner Eliminator) ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local Final (Winner Q1 vs Winner Q2) ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local
The Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is gradually taking shape as the mega event draws closer. Over the last two years, Pakistan’s T20I performance has slipped in key areas such as powerplay control, strike-rate and death-overs impact, and the numbers reflect that decline. According to the latest figures, Pakistan currently sit in 7th position on the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings with a rating of 235. Since the last T20 World Cup, they have played 34 T20 Internationals, winning 21 matches. With the next tournament just months away, attention has turned firmly towards the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad and how it will line up on the opening day. Pakistan are scheduled to start their campaign on 7 February, when they face the Netherlands. Team management will be keen to begin the World Cup on a strong note and reverse recent trends with a more settled and confident unit. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Takes Shape Under Salman Ali Agha Against this background, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has indicated that the core of the side for the World Cup is already clear. He has conveyed to officials that no major changes are expected and that the current balance of the team is likely to be carried into the tournament, providing continuity and stability. This approach means the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is expected to feature a settled top order, a middle phase strengthened by all-round options, and a bowling unit built around high-quality spin and established pace. According to the present thinking inside the camp, the combination looks structured and aligned with the captain’s longer-term vision for the format. Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2026 (Probable) Player Name Primary Role Abdul Samad Top-order batter Babar Azam Batter Hasan Nawaz Top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan Middle-order batter Saim Ayub Top-order batter Usman Khan (†) Wicketkeeper-batter Salman Ali Agha (c) All-rounder (off-spinner) Faheem Ashraf Bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz All-rounder (left-arm orthodox spinner) Abrar Ahmed Leg-spinner / mystery spinner Mohammad Wasim Jnr Fast-medium bowler Naseem Shah Fast bowler Salman Mirza Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Left-arm fast bowler Usman Tariq Off-spin bowler The probable Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad appears balanced across departments. At the top, names such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz offer a mix of stability and stroke-play for the powerplay overs. The middle overs are expected to be controlled by captain Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz, with Faheem Ashraf adding further depth as a bowling all-rounder. The bowling group stands out as one of Pakistan’s major strengths, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr leading the pace attack alongside left-arm quick Salman Mirza. In spin, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq provide variety and control in the middle overs. Taken together, the structure suggests a clear, strategy-driven approach as Pakistan prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a topic closely followed by readers of Pakistani Bano and regular visitors of PakistaniBano News.
The Libyan army chief, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, was killed in a plane crash in Turkiye while returning from an official visit to Ankara. The incident happened on Tuesday, shortly after the aircraft took off for Tripoli, according to Turkish officials. The crash also killed four senior Libyan military officials and three crew members. Libyan authorities announced three days of national mourning, calling the loss a major blow to the country’s military leadership at a sensitive time. The private jet lost contact with air traffic control after reporting a technical issue. Turkish authorities have launched a full investigation, while Libyan officials are also involved in on-site inspections. Who was Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad? General al-Haddad was Libya’s Chief of the General Staff, the highest military post in the country. He served under the United Nations-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli. He was appointed to the role in 2020 and was widely seen as a key figure working to unify Libya’s divided armed forces. Libya has remained unstable since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with rival governments and armed groups controlling different regions. According to observers in Tripoli, al-Haddad tried to strengthen state military institutions, especially in western Libya, where powerful militias hold influence. He was among the early military figures who joined the uprising against Gaddafi. Libya remains split between the Tripoli-based government and a rival administration in the east led by Khalifa Haftar. Despite political divisions, al-Haddad was respected across both sides. What do we know about the plane crash? Turkiye’s communications director said the Dassault Falcon 50 jet departed Ankara Esenboga Airport at 17:17 GMT on Tuesday. About 16 minutes later, the aircraft reported an electrical malfunction and requested an emergency landing. Air traffic controllers redirected the plane back to Ankara and activated emergency procedures. However, radar contact was lost at 17:36 GMT while the jet was descending. The aircraft, which was 37 years old, later crashed near Kesikkavak village, close to Ankara’s Haymana district. Search and rescue teams were dispatched immediately by the Interior Ministry. Authorities have recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, commonly known as black boxes. Officials said the investigation will continue until the cause is fully confirmed. Turkiye has appointed four prosecutors, and 408 personnel took part in search and recovery operations. Were other people killed in the crash? Yes. All eight people on board died in the crash. Those killed included: General al-Fitouri Ghraibil, head of Libya’s ground forces Brigadier General Mahmoud al-Qatawi, director of the Military Manufacturing Authority Muhammad al-Asawi Diab, senior military adviser Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, military photographer Three crew members A Libyan military delegation is also present at the crash site to assist Turkish authorities. What are the reactions to al-Haddad’s death? Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah called the incident a tragic national loss. He said the men who died had served Libya with dedication and discipline. From eastern Libya, commander Khalifa Haftar also expressed sorrow and offered condolences to al-Haddad’s family and the Libyan people, signalling rare unity in grief across rival camps. What’s next? Libya’s Government of National Unity announced a three-day mourning period. During this time, flags will fly at half-staff, and all official events will be suspended. Libya’s Presidential Council has named General Salah Eddine al-Namrush as acting chief of staff until a permanent replacement is announced. Observers say replacing al-Haddad will be difficult, as he played a key role in keeping powerful western militias aligned with the Tripoli government. Authorities have not yet announced when the investigation findings will be made public.
Australian police have identified a father and son as the two alleged gunmen behind a deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration near Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack took place on Sunday evening during a Hanukkah event and left 15 people dead, marking the country’s worst gun violence in nearly three decades. Police said on Monday that the 50-year-old father was shot dead at the scene, raising the overall death toll to 16. His 24-year-old son remains in critical condition in hospital. The two were identified by local media as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram. Officials described the incident as a targeted anti-Semitic attack. Police confirmed that around 1,000 people were attending the Hanukkah gathering, which was held in a small park close to the beach. The area was crowded due to hot weather. Forty people remain hospitalised, including two police officers who are reported to be in serious but stable condition. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years. Witnesses said the shooting lasted about 10 minutes, causing panic as people ran across the sand and into nearby streets. A bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the attackers was praised for saving lives. Australian media identified him as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner. A relative said he was shot twice and later underwent surgery. ‘Saw bodies on the ground’ Mass shootings are rare in Australia. Police said this was the deadliest attack since 1996, when 35 people were killed at Port Arthur in Tasmania. Rabbi Mendel Kastel, whose brother-in-law Eli Schlanger was among those killed, said the evening was deeply painful. He said the focus now should be on unity and supporting one another during a difficult time. Danielle, a local woman who declined to give her surname, said she rushed to find her daughter after hearing gunshots. She said she saw bodies on the ground and described a feeling of fear that had grown since the October 7 conflict. Australia’s Jewish community numbers about 150,000 people, with many living in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Following the Bondi attack, cities including Berlin, London and New York increased security at Hanukkah events. The update was shared by Pakistani Bano and PakistaniBano News. Image Prompt: Night-time coastal scene showing Bondi Beach skyline, police barriers, emergency lights, candles and memorial flowers, abstract crowd silhouettes, city backdrop, no human faces, no violence, no blood.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached Abu Dhabi to captain Al-Nassr in a high-profile friendly against Al Wahda on Monday night. The game is part of a mid-season training camp designed to sharpen tactics and fitness ahead of the final phase of the Saudi Pro League campaign. Now 39 years old, Ronaldo continues to play at an elite level. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has already scored 10 goals this season for Al-Nassr and is still pushing towards the historic target of 1,000 career goals for club and country. For many fans in the UAE, this friendly offers a rare chance to watch one of the modern greats live, a draw similar to how Pakistan cricket followers closely track events like the pakistan t20 world cup 2026 squad developments on PakistaniBano News. The match will see UAE Pro League side Al Wahda test themselves against one of the strongest teams in the region. Their home fans will expect a committed display, while Al-Nassr’s coaching staff will focus on game patterns, pressing structure and link-up play in attack. The club also views this fixture as key preparation before their next league outing, scheduled for Sunday, December 21. Analysts in the Gulf football circuit have stressed that this is not a simple exhibition. They believe both teams are likely to treat it as a serious tactical workout, with intensity close to a competitive fixture. For Al Wahda, it is an opportunity to measure their level against top-class opposition. For Al-Nassr, it is a chance to keep rhythm and test squad depth during the camp. Off the pitch, interest has been just as strong. Ticket demand surged as soon as Ronaldo’s participation in Abu Dhabi was confirmed, with local supporters eager to see the Portugal star lead Al-Nassr once again. The presence of a global icon has turned a routine mid-season friendly into a major event for fans across the Middle East and for international followers tracking developments through platforms like Pakistani Bano. With Ronaldo wearing the armband and both sides expected to field strong line-ups, the clash between Al-Nassr and Al Wahda is set to provide a useful measure of each team’s tactical readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
