ISLAMABAD, AUG 8 (APP): Thousands of Pakistanis are eyeing Germany’s much-awaited Opportunity Card visa “Chancenkarte” as a gateway to Europe’s largest economy, hoping to escape limited job prospects at home and tap into high-demand sectors abroad.

Designed to attract skilled workers without requiring a job offer, the visa offers a clear route to employment and integration—especially for professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare.

Launched in mid-2024 and streamlined with a digital application portal in June 2025, the Chancenkarte allows eligible individuals to live in Germany for up to one year while actively searching for a job—a significant shift from traditional job-seeker visas.

With Pakistan’s growing population of educated youth, especially in fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering, the Chancenkarte provides a much-needed channel to Germany’s thriving job market. Its digital, transparent, and cost-effective process helps applicants bypass agents and excessive service charges.

Applicants need at least six points based on education, work experience, age, and language skills. They must also show proof of financial self-sufficiency through a blocked account of €13,092 and hold a recognized qualification. Strong German language skills and a clear career plan can greatly boost one’s chances.

Hira, an IT graduate from Gujrat, described the application process as straightforward but noted that embassy appointment wait times can stretch beyond a year.

Aniee, a journalist from Islamabad, is preparing to apply but first needs to have her degree evaluated, as it is not listed under Germany’s H+ recognized qualifications. She expressed concern about delays, even after fulfilling all requirements.

Iqra, another hopeful applicant, emphasized the importance of learning German while waiting, noting that language skills not only improve visa scores but also ease integration once in Germany.

These personal experiences reflect both the potential and challenges of the Chancenkarte. While the simplified visa pathway is a positive development, issues like long wait times, degree recognition, and language expectations continue to frustrate applicants. Early preparation and proper guidance remain crucial.

The high interest in the Chancenkarte from Pakistan has overwhelmed the German embassy, leading to significant delays.

Speaking to APP, Lennart Trautmann, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Chancenkarte.com , noted that the embassy may be facing logistical pressures, especially due to its dual role in handling Afghan and Pakistani applicants. He advised applicants to apply early, stay well-prepared, and manage expectations.

“Unfortunately, the remonstration process (appeals for rejected applications) is no longer available, so every applicant must ensure their application is complete and strategic,” he said.

Trautmann added that showing commitment to German language learning and a clear career strategy greatly enhances success.

Despite bureaucratic hurdles, the Chancenkarte remains one of the most progressive immigration routes available to skilled Pakistani professionals. Embassy systems are expected to improve over time, reducing waiting periods.

For now, Germany’s message is clear: skilled professionals from Pakistan are welcome—but preparation, patience, and persistence are key.

Sheikh Ahmed, a seasoned immigration consultant, told APP that while the Chancenkarte process is simpler, the complexities of documentation and language still lead many applicants to seek expert help—driving increased demand for consultancy services.

With a GDP exceeding $4.5 trillion, Germany is Europe’s largest and the world’s third-largest economy, heavily reliant on skilled labor to sustain its industrial and technological edge. Facing acute shortages in sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades, the country is increasingly turning to foreign talent. An estimated 100,000 Pakistanis already live and work in Germany, contributing significantly in software development, medical services, mechanical engineering, and academic research—underscoring the growing role of Pakistan’s educated diaspora.

The German Consulate in Karachi has remained operational, while the consulate in Islamabad — which serves the two major provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir — has caused significant inconvenience for the majority of visa applicants. Applicants from Islamabad said the waiting time has shown more than one year since applying through the new portal, and the situation remains unchanged.

Maintenance of law and order and ensuring foolproof Security Arrangements for the safety of citizens of Islamabad is our top most priority. Muhammad Ali Randhawa

ISLAMABAD, AUG 8 /DNA/ – Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired a high level meeting to review law and order situation of the federal capital Islamabad, thus ensuring foolproof security arrangements of the citizens came under discussion. The meeting was attended by Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon and other senior officers of CDA and Islamabad Police.

During the meeting, IG Islamabad gave briefing about the efforts regarding maintenance of law and order situation in the federal capital Islamabad. During the meeting, it was decided that no effort would be spared to make Islamabad a crime-free city, safe city, thus further enhancing security measures and foolproof security arrangements for the safety and security of the lives of the citizens. It was emphasized that effective monitoring through Safe City cameras have already been conducted of all major roads, key locations, and sectors of the city, and the Safe City project will be further upgraded in line with modern requirements. Additional staff will be deployed, and emergency response times will be minimized to ensure swift action against criminals, bringing them to justice without any delay.

The meeting also decided to install more CCTV cameras at all entry and exit points of the city, along with increased patrolling, snap checking across Islamabad. The participants affirmed that while measures are being taken to improve law and order, a zero-tolerance policy will be strictly enforced against criminal elements.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa commended the efforts of IGP Islamabad and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad in maintaining peace and security in the the federal Capital. He directed that police patrolling, CCTV surveillance and inter-departmental coordination should be further strengthened in order to ensure foolproof security arrangements. He stressed that through joint efforts of all relevant departments, the law and order situation in Islamabad shall be further improved. He further directed that peace and security in the Federal Capital Islamabad should be ensured at all costs by adopting zero tolerance policy against crimes.

Karachi, Aug 8 (DNA) – Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has welcomed the government’s decision to reverse several stringent budgetary measures from the 2025-26 federal budget, which had raised concerns among the business community.

Key Budgetary Revisions Secured by FPCCI

1. Arrest Powers Under Section 37A of Sales Tax Act
   • Previously, FBR officers had broad arrest authority, raising fears of harassment.
   • Now, arrests will be limited to severe fraud cases (e.g., fake invoices).
   • A committee (including trade body nominees) must approve investigations.
   • A Grievance Redressal Committee will review arrests every 15 days.
2. Section 21(s) of Income Tax Ordinance – Cash Transaction Restrictions
   • Earlier, 50% expenditure disallowance was imposed on cash payments exceeding Rs. 200,000.
   • Now, payments received in sellers’ bank accounts (even from non-NTN holders) will be considered valid.
3. Section 8B of Sales Tax Act – Input Tax Restrictions
   • FBR will now consult trade bodies before altering input tax conditions.
4. Section 40B of Sales Tax Act – Grievance Resolution
   • A 5-member committee will review complaints every fortnight.

E-Invoicing & Sindh Infrastructure Cess (IDC) Updates

• E-Invoicing Implementation: FPCCI urges a phased rollout over 6-9 months instead of immediate enforcement.
• Sindh IDC on Solar Panels: The Sindh government has agreed to reduce Infrastructure Development Cess (IDC) from 1.85% to 1%, pending withdrawal of court cases.

FPCCI’s High-Level Engagements

The FPCCI delegation, including Gohar Ejaz (ex-Commerce Minister) and S.M. Tanveer (UBG Patron-in-Chief), held meetings with:
✔ PM Shehbaz Sharif
✔ Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
✔ SAPM Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan
✔ SIFC & FBR Leadership

Why This Matters

The revised measures prevent business disruptions, curb harassment risks, and promote ease of doing business in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 8: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a plan to seize illegal control of Gaza City, calling it a dangerous escalation in the ongoing catastrophic war against Palestinians.

Key Points:

✔ Pakistan condemns Israel’s illegal occupation and expansion in Gaza.
✔ Military operations worsen humanitarian crisis, threaten regional peace.
✔ Root cause: Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territories.
✔ Pakistan supports Palestinian rights, including self-determination and statehood with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as capital.
✔ Urgent call for international intervention to stop aggression, protect civilians, and ensure aid delivery.

Why This Matters?

Israel’s latest move deepens the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where civilians face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Pakistan warns that continued military actions derail peace efforts and prolong suffering.

Pakistan’s Stance on Palestine

Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for Palestine, backing:

• Right to self-determination
• Establishment of an independent Palestinian state (based on UN & OIC resolutions)
• Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as Palestine’s capital

Call to the International Community

PM Shehbaz Sharif urged global leaders to:
🚨 Immediately halt Israeli aggression
🛡 Protect innocent civilians
🚛 Ensure urgent humanitarian aid reaches Gaza

What’s Next?

Without global intervention, the crisis risks further escalation. Pakistan continues to demand justice for Palestinians and an end to illegal occupation.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 8 /DNA/ – Pakistani authorities in Punjab have registered legal cases against two journalists for their reporting, less than one week after Pakistan’s senate passed legislation prohibiting the obstruction of media workers. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), condemn the persecution of journalists in Pakistan and urge the authorities to immediately withdraw the cases.

Gujrat police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Samaa TV journalist Zulfiqar Haider on July 26 after the city’s Chief Executive Health Officer alleged he obstructed public-health officials while attempting to report on health facility conditions and corruption amongst the officials. The FIR references sections of the Pakistan Penal Code regarding obstructing or assaulting a public servant, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assembly.

Three days later, on July 29, police in Vehari filed an FIR against journalist Muhammad Aslam under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), invoking its cyber-defamation and cyber-stalking provisions. The case followed a video report by Aslam alleging the use of substandard materials in a publicly funded road project.

The PFUJ said the allegations against both journalists were unsubstantiated, with the investigations an effort by the Punjab authorities to suppress independent journalism.

The two cases were registered less than one week after Pakistan’s Senate unanimously passed a comprehensive series of amendments to the country’s Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act on July 21, with a number of changes implemented to better safeguard the security, welfare, and working conditions of media workers. Sections 20A and 20C of the amended Act prohibit abusive, violent, or intolerant behaviour towards a journalist performing their duty. The Act carries a penalty of up to seven years imprisonment or a fine of PKR 300,000 (approx. USD 1,060), or both, with obstruction of a journalist’s work carrying a maximum of five years imprisonment or a PKR 100,000 (approx. USD 350) fine.

The PFUJ said: “We call for the immediate withdrawal of the cases against the journalists. Such action is necessary to end the growing unrest among media workers. If the cases are not withdrawn, we will launch a nationwide protest campaign against these illegal and fake cases.”

The IFJ said:“This legal harassment and intimidation is another transparent attempt to tighten control over independent and critical journalism in Pakistan. This is particularly concerning considering the recent passage of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, which is designed to prevent retaliation for journalists working in the public interest. IFJ calls on the Punjab authorities to withdraw the cases and ensure a safe and free environment for all media workers.

Meanwhile, Tariq Usmani, President of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists, has thanked the leadership of the International Federation of Journalists for raising their voice for Pakistani journalists.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 8 /DNA/ – Pakistan celebrated Nelson Mandela International Day with a special event organized by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR).

Key Highlights of the Event

1. Tributes to Mandela’s Global Legacy

• Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed compared Mandela to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, praising his advocacy for Palestine and Kashmir.
• Proposed naming a Pakistani university after Mandela and fostering educational ties with the Global South.

2. Mandela’s Connection to Pakistan

• Ambassador Sohail Mahmood recalled Mandela’s 1992 visit to ISSI and his historic address to Pakistan’s Parliament.
• Highlighted South Africa’s ICJ case on Palestine as a reflection of Mandela’s principles.

3. Africa-Pakistan Relations

• Speakers emphasized deepening Pakistan-Africa ties, calling Africa the “continent of the future.”
• Ambassador Malik Farooq noted Pakistan’s support for South Africa’s independence struggle.

4. Mandela’s Enduring Message

• Ambassador Rudolph Jordaan shared Mandela’s quote on forgiveness: “If I did not leave my bitterness behind, I would still be in prison.”
• Ambassador Khalid Mahmood called Mandela a symbol of justice, equality, and reconciliation.

Exhibition & Closing Notes

• The South African High Commission showcased an exhibition on Mandela’s life.
• The event reinforced Mandela’s legacy as a global icon and his relevance to modern struggles for justice.

Why This Matters

• Nelson Mandela’s values continue to inspire movements for freedom, equality, and anti-racism.
• Pakistan’s engagement with Africa is growing, with calls for stronger diplomatic and educational partnerships.

RAWALPINDI, AUG 8 /DNA/ – On night 7/8 August 2025, movement of a large group of khwarij, belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwaraj, who were trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by the security forces in general area Sambaza, Zhob District of Balochistan.

Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. As a result of precise, bold and skillful engagement, thirty three Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell. A large cache of weapons, ammunition & explosives was also recovered.

Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other khwarij found in the area.

The Security Forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation’s frontiers and to eradicate the menace of Indian sponsored terrorism from the country.

Quetta, AUG 8: Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind on Friday said that mobile data services in the province have been suspended until August 31 over “security reasons”.

In recent months, the security situation in Balochistan has worsened, as militants, long involved in a low-level insurgency, have stepped up the frequency and intensity of their attacks. In February, nearly 62 per cent of the total terrorism-related deaths in the country occurred in Balochistan.

The move came after a notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department on Aug 6, seen by Dawn.com, ordered the immediate suspension of data services until Aug 31, citing the “peculiar law and order situation” in the province.

“It is, therefore, requested to please direct the concerned authorities for suspension/closure of 3G and 4G services in the entire province … to avoid any untoward incident,” the notification read.

“The service has been suspended because they (militants) use it for coordination and sharing information,” Rind said, according to Reuters.

The suspension follows the government announcement from last month banning Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) from travelling by road from Quetta to Iran and Iraq due to national security concerns.

On March 11, the Pesha­war-bound Jaffar Express train became the target of an unprecedented hijacking, when terrorists fired on the locomotive and took over 400 passengers hostage.

Media reports said that security forces had surrounded the area and launched a clearance operation to rescue all passengers. Radio Pakistan reported that security forces had rescued 80 hostages held by the terrorists.

Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on March 12 that the clearance operation, launched after the train’s unprecedented hijacking in Balochistan, ended with all 33 terrorists being killed.