Tag: Pakistan

Entertainment

PM Narendra Modi Meets Fauda Team in Israel, Lior Raz Calls It a ‘Huge Honour’

Tanisha Cardozo

In a unique blend of diplomacy and pop culture, Narendra Modi met the team behind the globally acclaimed series Fauda during his recent visit to Israel, creating a memorable moment that resonated across both political and entertainment circles.

The Prime Minister, who returned to India after a historic two-day state visit, took to social media to share a cheerful selfie with the cast and creators of Fauda. Adding his trademark touch of humour, he wrote, “Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work! #Fauda,” referencing the show’s intense espionage theme.

The highlight of the interaction was the response from Fauda’s co-creator and lead actor, Lior Raz, who described the meeting as a “huge honour.” Speaking in an interview, Raz praised the Prime Minister’s support for the arts, noting how significant it was for creators to receive recognition from a leader of such a large and influential country.

Raz also reflected on the show’s strong connection with India, recalling its Netflix premiere at the International Film Festival of India held in Goa. He expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations, stating that the team would love to return to India and engage more deeply with its creative industry.

Fauda, developed by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, is widely regarded as one of the most gripping political thrillers in global television. The series draws inspiration from their experiences in the Israel Defense Forces and follows the story of Doron, an undercover commander in a special unit, navigating high-stakes missions and personal dilemmas.

Since its debut in 2015, the series has gained international acclaim and a dedicated fan base, including in India, where it streams on Netflix. With four successful seasons already released and a fifth season on the way, Fauda continues to expand its global reach.

Its popularity in India also led to an official adaptation titled Tanaav, which premiered in 2022 and explores similar themes within an Indian context.

The meeting between PM Modi and the Fauda team underscores the growing cultural exchange between India and Israel, where diplomacy extends beyond traditional boundaries into storytelling, cinema, and shared creative aspirations.

Special Occasion

Pulwama: Remembering the Day That Shook a Nation

Tanisha Cardozo

On February 14, 2019, what began as a routine convoy movement along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway turned into one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent Indian history. A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force in Pulwama, killing 40 personnel.

The attack sent shockwaves across India. Images of smoke rising from the highway flooded television screens. Families waited anxiously for confirmation. The country watched in grief as coffins draped in the tricolour arrived in hometowns across states.

Responsibility for the bombing was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, escalating already fragile tensions between India and Pakistan. In the days that followed, India carried out airstrikes in Balakot, marking a significant shift in its response to cross-border terrorism. The episode triggered diplomatic offensives, international scrutiny and a renewed debate over national security strategy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that the sacrifice of the soldiers would not go unanswered. Across the country, candlelight vigils were held. Schools observed moments of silence. Social media turned into a space of collective mourning and solidarity.

For many Indians, Pulwama became more than a headline. It became a reminder of the human cost of conflict. Behind every uniform was a son, a husband, a father, a friend. The stories of the fallen — their dreams, their families, their everyday lives — resonated deeply with citizens who had never met them but felt the loss personally.

Years later, the attack continues to influence security policies in Jammu and Kashmir and shape India’s counterterrorism posture. It also remains a solemn marker in the national calendar — a day of remembrance.

As each anniversary passes, the questions remain complex, the geopolitics layered and the emotions raw. But one sentiment endures: the resolve to honour those who lost their lives in service of the nation.

Pulwama is not just a place on the map. For millions, it is a memory of grief, unity and unwavering tribute.

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UAE and Pakistan Launch Visa-Free Travel for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

Tanisha Cardozo

DUBAI, July 27, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan have officially activated a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, effective July 25, 2025.

The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who shared details of the arrangement via the social media platform X. He noted that the visa waiver was finalized during his meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi.

“During my meeting in Abu Dhabi on June 24, 2025, with my brother Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we agreed on mutual visa waivers for diplomatic and official passports between our two brotherly countries. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement this arrangement, effective 30 days after signing,” Dar stated.

He confirmed that the agreement is now operational at all UAE airports, and that UAE nationals holding diplomatic and official passports can also enter Pakistan without a visa, under the reciprocal terms.

This visa exemption reflects the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and the UAE — partners in trade, culture, and regional cooperation. With over 17 million Pakistanis residing and working in the UAE, the bilateral relationship is among the most robust in the region.

While the development significantly eases diplomatic mobility, the visa waiver does not apply to ordinary passport holders.

Since taking office, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has prioritized strengthening relations with Gulf states, including multiple high-level visits to the UAE.

This move is expected to enhance diplomatic engagement, streamline official travel, and promote stronger cooperation between the two allied nations.

Events in Goa

GOA RAJ BHAVAN ORGANISES ‘SARVA DHARMA SADASU’ TO CONDEMN PAKISTAN’S UNETHICAL ACTS AGAINST INDIA

allycaralgoa

May 10, 2025

In a powerful display of national unity and interfaith solidarity, the Goa Raj Bhavan today organized a ‘Sarva Dharma Sadasu’ (All-Religious Gathering) to collectively condemn the unethical and unwarranted actions of Pakistan against India. The event was held at the historic Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Goa.

The gathering saw the participation of prominent religious leaders and representatives from various faiths including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism. The solemn assembly was convened to express unwavering support for the Indian Armed Forces and the Union Government for their steadfast efforts in defending the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

The Governor of Goa, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, and Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, graced the occasion and addressed the gathering. In his address, the Governor emphasized the importance of unity and the timeless power of truth. “Dharma is truth, and truth will always prevail. Ultimately, evil will fail,” he stated, urging all citizens to stand united for the nation.
Religious leaders who spoke at the event included:
Padma Shri Awardee Adhyatm Shiromani Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji, Fr. Lawrence, Fr. Noel D’Costa, Shri Gurmej Singh and Maulana Mohd. Irfan Raza.

Each speaker expressed heartfelt prayers and messages of support for the soldiers and the central leadership working tirelessly to safeguard India.


The ‘Sarva Dharma Sadasu’ served as a significant symbol of national unity and spiritual resilience, showcasing that irrespective of religious background, the people of India stand together in the face of external aggression.

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Saudi Arabia Temporarily Suspends Short-Term Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj Season

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In preparation for the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and several African nations. This decision aims to regulate pilgrim numbers, prevent unauthorized participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, and ensure a safe experience for all pilgrims.

Reasons Behind the Suspension
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this logistical and safety-focused decision is to prevent individuals from performing Hajj without proper registration. In the past, some foreign nationals entered the kingdom on Umrah or tourist visas and stayed back to join the Hajj, violating Saudi visa and pilgrimage laws ¹.

Countries Affected by the Suspension
The following countries are impacted by this decision ²:

  • India: Citizens with valid visas can enter Saudi Arabia before April 13, but must leave by April 29.
  • Pakistan: Suspension applies to business visit visas, e-tourist visas, and family visit visas.
  • Bangladesh: Part of the countries contributing to overcrowding issues during the last Hajj season.
  • Egypt: Authorities identified countries that contributed to the crisis last year.
  • Indonesia: Visa suspension aims to improve coordination and ensure a safer pilgrimage.
  • Other affected countries: Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, Ethiopia.

Implications for Travelers

  • Umrah Visa Deadline: April 13, 2025, is the last date for issuing Umrah visas. Those holding valid Umrah visas can still enter the Kingdom until this date.
  • Penalties for Violations: Individuals staying illegally during Hajj may face a five-year entry ban into Saudi Arabia and a fine of SAR 10,000 ³.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Pilgrim Safety
This temporary suspension reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring a safe and organized Hajj experience. By controlling the number of pilgrims and preventing unauthorized participation, the Kingdom aims to protect the sanctity of the Hajj and the safety of all pilgrims ¹.