Andrew Garfield sets his terms for a Spider-Man return

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed issuing visit visas to Pakistani citizens applying through registered travel agents, ending months of uncertainty for travelers and offering fresh hope to families, tourists and business visitors. The move has been confirmed by travel industry representatives and a UAE Embassy official, who said visit visas for holders of ordinary Pakistani passports are once again being processed through authorized travel agencies. The resumption comes after months of delays, stricter scrutiny and a higher rejection rate that had created difficulties for thousands of Pakistani applicants. Although UAE authorities repeatedly maintained that no blanket ban had been imposed on Pakistani nationals, many travelers experienced lengthy processing times and uncertainty over visa approvals. Travel experts say the biggest improvement has been seen in family applications. Pakistani citizens traveling with family members or visiting relatives in the UAE are reportedly receiving faster responses than before, reflecting a more streamlined processing system. Officials from the travel industry also noted that tourism-related bookings have started to recover as confidence returns. Passenger traffic between Pakistan and Dubai, which had dropped significantly during recent regional tensions and stricter visa checks, has begun to increase in recent weeks, although it remains below previous peak levels. Applicants seeking a UAE visit visa are advised to apply only through registered travel agents and ensure all required documents are complete. A valid passport, recent photographs, proof of accommodation or an invitation from a host, return travel arrangements and evidence of sufficient financial resources are among the documents generally required for processing. Industry representatives believe applicants with complete and genuine documentation are more likely to receive approvals, while family applications currently appear to have stronger prospects.

HEIDELBERG: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, Saqlain Syedah, has announced that the restoration of the Allama Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University is in its final stages, describing it as a major step towards strengthening academic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Germany. She made the announcement while addressing a literary gathering and mushaira held at Iqbal-Ufer, located on the banks of the River Neckar in the historic German city of Heidelberg. The event brought together members of the Pakistani community, writers, poets, academics and representatives of local organisations. The ceremony was chaired by renowned poet and community leader Syed Iqbal Haider, while Pakistan’s ambassador attended as the chief guest. Among the distinguished participants were Heidelberg City Council member Waseem Butt and German professor Hans Herder, whose speech in Urdu received warm appreciation from the audience. Speaking at the event, Waseem Butt announced that Allama Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary in 2027 would be celebrated in Heidelberg with special ceremonies and cultural events. In her address, Ambassador Saqlain Syedah highlighted the importance of literary gatherings in promoting the Urdu language and preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage abroad. She also spoke about the deep historical and intellectual connection between Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the city of Heidelberg, where the philosopher-poet spent part of his academic life. The ambassador praised Syed Iqbal Haider for organising the literary event and thanked all participants for keeping Urdu literature and Pakistani cultural traditions alive in Germany. Syed Iqbal Haider also reflected on Allama Iqbal’s close association with Heidelberg and the River Neckar. He said Iqbal’s message of selfhood, human dignity and intellectual awakening continues to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western thought. During the ceremony, the ambassador shared the encouraging news that practical steps to restore the Allama Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University had reached their final phase. She expressed hope that the initiative would further enhance educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Germany.

The Sindh government has announced a province-wide public holiday on Wednesday, July 29, to mark the annual Urs of renowned Sufi poet and mystic Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The decision was announced through an official notification issued by the Sindh Information Department on Monday. The holiday will apply to provincial government offices and institutions operating under the administrative control of the Sindh government. It will also cover autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, government corporations and local councils across the province. However, essential services will remain operational during the holiday. Employees working in services considered necessary for public safety and welfare will continue their duties. The Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is observed every year at his shrine in Bhit Shah, Matiari district. The event attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of Pakistan. Visitors gather at the shrine to pay tribute to the Sufi poet and reflect on his teachings, poetry and spiritual message. Special religious and cultural activities are traditionally held during the Urs. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Sindhi literature and Sufi tradition. His poetry is known for themes of love, spirituality, peace and human dignity. The provincial holiday is expected to facilitate devotees and residents participating in Urs-related activities across Sindh.