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Following the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to Houthi militia attacks, the Saudi national airline has announced additional flights to Pakistan. Pakistan's Consul General in Jeddah, Syed Mustafa Rabbani, stated that extra flights from Jeddah to Lahore and Islamabad are being operated today and tomorrow to accommodate stranded passengers. This decision comes after flights originally scheduled for Riyadh were redirected to Jeddah. Pakistani passengers who require assistance or guidance are encouraged to contact the consulate. The ongoing closure of Riyadh Airport and the rerouting of flights highlight the impact of the Houthi attacks on air travel in the region and the efforts by authorities to mitigate disruptions for international travelers.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to launch a new international route in December, connecting Islamabad, Pakistan, with Birmingham, United Kingdom. Starting December 1, PIA will operate three weekly flights between the two cities, offering enhanced travel options for passengers. The service will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, utilizing Boeing 777 aircraft for both inbound and outbound journeys. Flight PK791 will depart Islamabad at 12:15 PM, arriving in Birmingham at 4:00 PM after an 8-hour, 45-minute flight. The return flight, PK792, will depart Birmingham at 6:30 PM, arriving in Islamabad at 7:15 AM the following day, with a duration of 7 hours and 45 minutes. This expansion signifies PIA's efforts to broaden its international network and improve connectivity between Pakistan and the UK.
This fourth part of the autobiography "Moti Moon Nah Wanjija" details the author's childhood learning experiences, particularly in hunting and swimming, skills emphasized with the Sindhi proverb: "He who does not learn to read, swim, hunt, and ride in youth, faces hardship in old age." The author learned to shoot with a .410 bore rifle from his father and hunted partridges and hares with his uncle, Dost Mohammad, who was a skilled marksman. The article describes different methods for hunting black and grey partridges, including shooting them in flight and a unique method for grey partridges at dusk when they roost in trees. It also explains a "lure" method for black partridges using a caged bird during mating season. The author notes the distinct calls of male and female partridges and criticizes a dictionary of Sheikh Ayaz's poetry for misinterpreting the word "Keero Keero" as the call of a black partridge, clarifying it is the call of a female grey partridge. The piece also touches on learning to swim in canals and the Sindhi Dhoree, a wide river, with a reference to a poetic verse by Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai about "blind" and "bank" in relation to water.
Hotels, restaurants, and beauty spots are increasingly implementing restrictions or outright bans on photography and photoshoots, particularly in response to the growing presence of influencers and overzealous social media users. This backlash against content creators includes measures such as requiring prior permission, restricting filming hours, or complete prohibitions on taking photos. The trend is driven by establishments becoming overrun with individuals posing for content, disrupting the experience for other guests and staff. For example, the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, a five-star hotel popular with glamorous clientele, has recently instituted a rule that prohibits photoshoots without obtaining prior permission. This shift signifies a growing movement among high-end venues to reclaim their ambiance and exclusivity from the pervasive influence of social media content creation.
Lahore Safari Park in Pakistan is set to open the country's first-ever Giraffe Cafe, offering visitors a unique experience to feed giraffes by hand while enjoying tea and coffee in a wild-themed environment. This cafe is part of the Lahore Safari Zoo's revamping project and is eagerly anticipated by citizens who look forward to interacting closely with the giraffes. The park currently houses 10 giraffes, brought from South Africa in September 2023, and they are carefully monitored in special temperature-controlled enclosures. The park administration is seeking applications for a three-year lease to manage the cafe, hoping to partner with a renowned coffee brand for professional operation. This initiative aims to provide a new recreational facility, allowing visitors to observe and learn about giraffes up close, with the park management also hopeful for future breeding of the giraffes, which would be a significant development for the species in Pakistan. The Lahore Safari Park is managed by Punjab Wildlife Rangers, while other services like parking and ticketing are handled by a private company.
Two Pakistani passengers were offloaded by FIA Immigration at Karachi Airport while attempting to travel to Thailand. According to FIA officials, the men, who hailed from Punjab, were traveling on tourist visas. Upon questioning about the purpose of their trip, it was revealed that they intended to travel to Thailand for a same-sex marriage. The article contextually highlights that this incident is part of a broader trend, as 2339 passengers have been offloaded and 3363 Pakistanis deported from Karachi Airport in the first two months of 2025 alone. This incident underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking same-sex unions in countries where such marriages are not legally recognized, and the measures taken by authorities to prevent travel for purposes deemed contrary to local legal or social norms.
Jeddah Airport has reopened for flights after a 45-minute closure, with 30 flights that were held in the air now cleared for landing. Previously, air traffic to and from Jeddah Airport had been suspended, and flights arriving in Saudi Arabia were not permitted to land. According to flight data, multiple flights are currently on approach to Jeddah Airport awaiting landing. Flights from various international cities including Doha, Bahrain, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Rome, Cairo, Paris, Istanbul, Amsterdam, and Munich were among those awaiting landing clearance. Similarly, flights from Karachi, Lahore, Delhi, Dhaka, Jakarta, Malé, Dammam, Frankfurt, and Algiers were also affected by the temporary closure. The swift reopening indicates a resolution to whatever issue caused the brief disruption, minimizing prolonged delays for passengers and airlines.
The author, George Sadiq, describes his transformative journey to Jeju Island, South Korea, often called the “Hawaii of South Korea.” Despite a rainy arrival, the island revealed its breathtaking natural beauty the next morning, characterized by lush landscapes and a serene environment. The article highlights Jeju's unique cultural character and the exceptional honesty of its residents, evidenced during a large international event where taxi drivers diligently returned valuable lost items to their owners. Furthermore, Sadiq emphasizes the island's strong sense of security and good governance, citing an official's claim that Jeju has “no thieves, no gates, and no beggars,” a fact supported by the open design of residential homes. The island is also home to natural wonders and UNESCO heritage sites like Seongsan Ilchulbong.
On May 21, 2024, Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, traveling from London to Singapore, encountered severe turbulence over south-west Myanmar. The Boeing 777 was passing above a towering cumulonimbus cloud when, with the seatbelt signs off and passengers preparing for breakfast, the aircraft experienced moderate turbulence for 17 seconds, followed by an extreme jolt. This sudden event, described by a passenger as "like a grenade had gone off," caused unbelted individuals to hit the cabin roof with 1.5 times the force of gravity and be thrown back down. The incident highlights the dangers of invisible turbulence, an issue exacerbated by global warming, and the critical importance of keeping seatbelts fastened during air travel, even in seemingly clear skies.
Pakistan is experiencing a significant outflow of students and professionals, with 1.8 million individuals relocating abroad in the past three years. When selecting an international study destination, Pakistani students must consider various factors beyond university choice, including visa eligibility, tuition, living expenses, financial documentation, and immigration processing times. While some countries offer university-assisted application processes, others require more extensive financial checks or residence permit applications. The most suitable destination ultimately depends on the student's academic background, budget, program of choice, and long-term goals. Malaysia, Türkiye, UAE, China, Georgia, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Cyprus, Germany, and Italy are highlighted as potential destinations for Pakistani applicants in 2026, each offering distinct advantages such as university-assisted processes, scholarship opportunities, or strong academic environments. Malaysia, in particular, is detailed for its organized, university-coordinated student immigration process through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), making it appealing for students seeking clear application procedures and English-medium programs.
Khurram Ali Khan, a prominent figure known as the admin of the Facebook community 'Foodies and Friends,' an entrepreneur, traveler, and food reviewer, has reportedly died in a tragic car accident while traveling to Muzaffarabad. His death has sent shockwaves through his extensive network of followers, including food lovers, travel enthusiasts, and digital media users, as well as his family, which includes his wife and children. Khan had established a significant identity through his entrepreneurial ventures, philanthropic efforts, chamber of commerce involvement, and passion for exploring Pakistan. The private Facebook group he was associated with united a large community with shared interests in food, travel, and Pakistani destinations. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief, with many expressing sadness, disbelief, and offering prayers for his family, while funeral details are awaited.
Details regarding tourist arrivals in Pakistan were presented to the National Assembly during a session presided over by Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah. The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination provided comprehensive data on foreign tourists who visited Pakistan over the past two years, totaling 4.3 million. In 2024, over 2.1 million international tourists arrived, followed by 2.2 million in 2025. Afghanistan contributed the highest number of tourists, exceeding 1.216 million, with the UK second at over 1.017 million, and the USA third with over 500,000 visitors. The report detailed specific annual figures for these top countries, as well as for Iran, Canada, China, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand, highlighting the significant role of international tourism in Pakistan.
As of October 15, Pakistan has transitioned entirely to issuing e-passports, effectively ending the application process for machine-readable passports. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports had previously set October 14 as the final day for accepting machine-readable passport applications. This change affects Pakistani citizens both domestically and abroad, including those in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. The move aims to enhance passport security, align Pakistani travel documents with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and facilitate the use of electronic gates at travel facilities. Existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiration dates. The new e-passports incorporate a contactless NFC chip that stores biodata, facial details, identification numbers, and digital signatures, along with advanced anti-forgery security features.
Sharjah's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the introduction of new bus routes, specifically designed to serve the recently opened Al Dhaid Etihad Rail station. This development aims to enhance public transportation accessibility and connectivity to the new rail network, making it easier for residents and visitors to reach the station and utilize the inter-emirate train services. The expansion of bus services underscores the RTA's commitment to developing an integrated public transport system within Sharjah and connecting it with broader UAE infrastructure projects. This initiative is particularly significant as it facilitates seamless travel for commuters, supporting the overall goal of reducing road congestion and promoting sustainable travel options across the emirates.
The UK government has announced a review of drop-off charges at airports across the country, following a significant increase in these fees. This move comes in response to concerns that rising charges could hinder travel accessibility and lead to unfair treatment of passengers. While specific airports are not named, the review implies a widespread issue affecting travelers using various UK airports for drop-offs. The government's decision underscores a commitment to consumer protection and ensuring the travel industry operates equitably. This review is important as it could lead to regulations or guidelines impacting how airports levy these charges, potentially making air travel more affordable and convenient for the public.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has signed two significant agreements aimed at enhancing aviation safety and air-ground communications, particularly at Islamabad International Airport. One agreement involves the installation of a new wind shear alert system at the airport, costing Rs. 254 million, which is expected to be operational within six months. The second accord focuses on acquiring advanced equipment to test and improve the quality of aviation radio communications, crucial for efficient air traffic control. These initiatives underscore PAA's commitment to modernizing airport infrastructure and ensuring safer air travel. This follows a previous PAA effort on October 13, when a pre-departure screening facilitation desk was established at the same airport to streamline passenger processing and reduce offloading incidents.
Flights between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been significantly impacted due to Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, leading to a restricted flight operation. In the past 24 hours, 114 flights across Pakistan were cancelled or reported non-operational, with an additional 77 flights experiencing delays. Specifically, Riyadh Airport's closure until October 17th at midnight has resulted in the cancellation of 28 flights from Pakistan to Riyadh today alone. Other affected routes include two flights from Karachi to Jeddah, one each from Sialkot and Multan to Dammam, and a five-hour delay for Lahore-Madinah flights SV 724 and 725. Domestically, flight schedules within Pakistan have also seen disruptions, with four flights from Lahore to Skardu delayed by 2.5 to 3 hours, five flights from Karachi to Lahore delayed by 3 to 8 hours, and seven flights from Karachi to Islamabad delayed by 1 to 5 hours, demonstrating the widespread impact of the international situation.
The Government of Pakistan will replace its machine-readable passport (MRP) system with an e-passport system starting October 15, 2026, according to a public notice from the Embassy of Pakistan in Sweden. This change will affect Pakistani citizens residing in Sweden, for whom the embassy has released a new fee structure in Swedish Krona. The fees for e-passports will vary based on validity period (five or ten years), booklet size (36 or 72 pages), and processing category (normal or urgent). For example, a 36-page, five-year e-passport will cost SEK 370 for normal processing and SEK 600 for urgent processing, while a 72-page, ten-year e-passport will cost SEK 950 for normal and SEK 1,510 for urgent processing. The e-passport aims to offer enhanced security, biometric technology, international recognition, and more convenient travel, though existing MRPs will remain valid until their expiry dates.
Qantas was compelled to ground a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in Rome after a bedbug infestation was discovered on board. The incident occurred on October 9, during flight QF5 from Perth to Rome, when the parasitic insects were found in the front economy section of the plane. This discovery led to the immediate removal of the aircraft from operation for treatment. The grounding of a major airline's aircraft due to pests highlights potential challenges in maintaining aircraft hygiene and could affect passenger confidence, necessitating thorough cleaning protocols and preventative measures. The event, confirmed by an informed source, underscores an unusual disruption to airline operations and passenger travel experience.
At least six people were killed and 30 others injured when the Rehman Baba Express passenger train derailed on the outskirts of Multan, Pakistan, on October 13, 2026. All 14 coaches of the train came off the tracks near the Sher Shah Bridge, leading to a significant emergency response. Injured passengers were promptly transported to Nishtar Hospital in Multan for medical attention. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges with railway safety and infrastructure maintenance in the region. The event underscores the critical importance of transportation safety measures and the immediate impact such accidents have on communities, requiring rapid relief and investigation into the cause to prevent future occurrences.
Deadly attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Riyadh's airport have caused significant disruption to air travel across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, leading to widespread flight cancellations, suspensions, and postponements by numerous international airlines. The capital's airport, Riyadh, is expected to remain closed until October 17 due to a NOTAM issued on Monday, exacerbating an already turbulent situation in Gulf airspace since the Iran conflict began. Major airlines like Lufthansa Group, Air France-KLM, Etihad Airways, IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, Gulf Air, Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Delta have adjusted their flight schedules, with some suspensions extending into late 2027. Consequently, airports such as Jeddah are experiencing numerous cancellations, particularly for flights bound for Riyadh and Mumbai, impacting thousands of travelers and highlighting the far-reaching consequences of geopolitical tensions on international commerce and mobility.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has announced an extension of its closure for an additional five days. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to this effect, indicating that the airport will remain closed until midnight on October 17. This extension impacts air travel to and from the Saudi capital, potentially causing disruptions for passengers and airlines. The reason for the initial closure and its subsequent extension has not been specified in the provided article, leaving travelers to speculate about the operational challenges or security concerns that might be at play. Such closures are significant for an international hub like King Khalid Airport, affecting regional and global flight schedules and demonstrating the fluid nature of air travel regulations.
An Islamabad court has granted police a five-day physical remand of Muhammad Noman, the prime suspect in a travel fraud case linked to the suicide of Laiba Ijaz, an IIUI graduate. Laiba was found dead by suicide in Sector G-10 after discovering her travel documents were fake. Her father, Muhammad Ijaz, filed an FIR on October 10, accusing Noman and a woman named Aiza of being responsible for his daughter's death. Noman allegedly promised to arrange a US study visa for Laiba for Rs9.3 million, receiving Rs2.1 million in cash and an additional Rs2.9 million transferred to his account by Laiba. He provided fake travel documents and a forged $20,000 transaction receipt, then stopped responding to calls, while Aiza reportedly continued demanding more money, leading to Laiba's severe mental distress. Noman was arrested from Islamabad's H-13 sector, and investigators are currently examining evidence.
At least 11 people have died and 27 others were injured after a horrific collision between a passenger bus and a truck in western Turkey. The accident occurred near the entrance of a highway in Turkey's Manisa province, a road that connects the tourist city of Bursa and the coastal city of Izmir. Emergency teams swiftly arrived at the scene, and rescue operations commenced immediately following the incident. Turkey's Interior Minister, Mustafa Çiftçi, confirmed the rapid response via a statement on social media platform X, adding that he is personally monitoring the situation. Investigations into the crash have begun, with both the bus and truck drivers taken into custody, though further details on their physical condition or the exact cause of the accident have not yet been released. Images from the scene depict the passenger bus having veered onto roadside barriers, indicating the severity of the impact.
