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Over 762,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad in 2025

Diplomat Times
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Over 762,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad in 2025

Islamabad, Pakistan — More than 762,000 Pakistanis, including over 18,000 highly educated professionals, migrated abroad for employment in 2025, underscoring the country’s growing dependence on overseas workers to sustain its fragile economy amid falling foreign investment and sluggish exports.

According to the latest report by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, a total of 762,499 Pakistanis left the country in 2025 in search of job opportunities. This represents a modest increase from 727,381 workers who migrated for employment in 2024, reflecting a steady upward trend in labour outflows.

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The data highlights a broad spectrum of professions among those leaving Pakistan. In 2025, the overseas workforce included 5,659 accountants, 10,503 chefs, 3,795 doctors, and 5,946 engineers. The education and healthcare sectors were also affected, with 1,640 nurses and 1,725 teachers taking up jobs abroad. Transport-related migration remained significant, with 163,718 drivers seeking employment overseas.

Skilled and semi-skilled labour formed a major portion of the outflow. The report recorded 465,138 labourers, 5,700 masons, 12,703 technicians, and 11,777 managers migrating in 2025. In addition, 2,306 plumbers, 2,027 waiters, and thousands of other workers moved abroad for better economic prospects.

A breakdown by skill and education level showed that 18,352 highly educated individuals, 13,657 highly skilled workers, and 222,171 skilled professionals left Pakistan last year. Meanwhile, 42,257 semi-skilled workers and 466,062 unskilled labourers also migrated, highlighting the depth and diversity of the workforce leaving the country.

The Gulf region remained the top destination for Pakistani workers. Saudi Arabia alone accounted for 530,256 migrants, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 52,664 and Qatar with 68,376. Other Middle Eastern destinations included Bahrain (37,726) and Kuwait (6,590).

Beyond the Gulf, smaller but notable numbers of Pakistanis moved to other regions. The report showed that 1,005 Pakistanis migrated to the United States, 4,355 to the United Kingdom, and 984 to Germany. In East Asia, 2,230 workers went to China, 2,210 to Japan, and 39 to South Korea. Eastern Europe also featured as a destination, with 1,109 Pakistanis finding employment in Romania.

Economists note that remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis have become the country’s largest source of non-debt foreign inflows, far surpassing foreign direct investment and helping to stabilise foreign exchange reserves. However, the continued outflow of skilled and highly educated professionals has raised concerns about brain drain, especially at a time of persistent economic uncertainty and political instability at home.

The report underlines the growing global demand for Pakistani workers across sectors ranging from unskilled labour to highly specialised professions, while also reflecting the limited employment opportunities within the country.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Pappu Yadav Emerges as One of India’s Most Popular MPs, Runs Service Ashram in Delhi

Ahsan Ansari
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Pappu Yadav Emerges as One of India’s Most Popular MPs, Runs Service Ashram in Delhi

New Delhi, India — Rajesh Ranjan (Pappu Yadav), the independent Member of Parliament from Bihar’s Purnia district, has emerged as one of the country’s most popular MPs for his extensive humanitarian work in the national capital.

Pappu Yadav has transformed his official residence in New Delhi into a full-fledged service center, which he describes as a “temple of justice.” The initiative offers shelter, food, and medical assistance to people from Bihar and other states who travel to Delhi for treatment but lack accommodation or support.

According to the MP, thousands of patients and their families find refuge at his residence, where volunteers help coordinate hospital visits, paperwork, and daily needs. In an interview, Pappu Yadav said the service center provides meals to nearly 5,000 people every day, with its support network extending beyond Delhi to various parts of Bihar.

SOURCE : AA/DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Jahangirpuri Police Crack Snatching Case Within Hours, Recover Stolen Mobile Phone

Ahsan Ansari
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Jahangirpuri Police Crack Snatching Case Within Hours, Recover Stolen Mobile Phone

New Delhi, India — The staff of Jahangirpuri Police Station, North West District, successfully solved a mobile phone snatching case within a few hours, arresting the accused and recovering the stolen device.

The accused has been identified as Pankaj @ Irshad @ Kale (27), son of Momin, a resident of CD Park, Jahangirpuri. Police recovered the complainant’s snatched mobile phone from his possession. The accused was previously involved in two criminal cases and is believed to have resorted to criminal activities for easy money.

On January 3, 2026, a PCR call was received regarding a mobile phone snatching incident near Chaudhary Dairy, C-Block, Jahangirpuri. Police reached the spot and met the complainant, Arun, son of Ramchander, a resident of D-Block, Jahangirpuri, who stated that his mobile phone was snatched while he was on his way to work.

Based on the complaint, FIR No. 03/26 dated January 3, 2026, under Section 304(2) BNS, was registered at Jahangirpuri Police Station and an investigation was initiated.

Considering the seriousness of the crime, a special team comprising HC Nityanand, HC Mandeep, HC Amit, HC Rakesh, and Constable Anil was formed under the leadership of Inspector Net Ram Meena (Inspector Law & Order). The operation was carried out under the supervision of Inspector Satwinder Singh, SHO/Jahangirpuri, and ACP Yogendra Khokhar.

Acting on secret information, the police team traced the accused to the slum area of CD Park, Jahangirpuri. On seeing the police, the accused attempted to escape by jumping across rooftops of adjoining shacks. During the chase, the roof of one shack collapsed, causing both the accused and Constable Anil to fall. Despite sustaining injuries, the police personnel showed courage and presence of mind and successfully apprehended the accused.

During sustained interrogation, the accused confessed to his involvement in the case. His possible involvement in other criminal cases is under investigation.

SOURCE : AA/DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

China’s BYD overtakes Tesla to become the world’s top electric vehicle maker

Diplomat Times
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China’s BYD overtakes Tesla to become the world’s top electric vehicle maker

New York, USA – Tesla has lost its position as the world’s bestselling electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, after a second consecutive year of falling sales driven by intensifying global competition and a customer backlash linked to the political views of its chief executive.

Tesla said it delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, a decline of 9% compared with the previous year. The drop marks another setback for the company as it faces slowing demand in key markets and growing pressure from lower-cost rivals, particularly in Asia and Europe.

Chinese competitor BYD sold 2.26 million vehicles last year, overtaking Tesla to become the world’s largest EV maker. BYD’s rise highlights China’s expanding dominance in the global EV sector, supported by aggressive pricing, a broad model lineup, and strong domestic demand.

Tesla’s fourth-quarter performance also disappointed investors. The company delivered 418,227 vehicles during the period, well below the roughly 440,000 expected by analysts surveyed by FactSet. Analysts said sales were likely hit by several factors, including the expiration of a $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit that was phased out by the Trump administration at the end of September, making Tesla vehicles more expensive for some buyers.

Despite the weaker sales figures, Tesla’s stock finished 2025 with a gain of around 11%. Investor confidence has been supported by expectations that CEO Elon Musk can steer the company toward new growth areas beyond traditional car sales. Shares rose nearly 2% ahead of Friday’s market open, reflecting continued optimism about Tesla’s long-term strategy.

During the fourth quarter, Tesla began selling stripped-down, lower-cost versions of its Model Y and Model 3, which Musk unveiled in early October as part of an effort to revive demand. The new Model Y is priced just under $40,000, while the cheaper Model 3 costs under $37,000. These models are expected to help Tesla compete more effectively with Chinese EVs, particularly in Europe and Asia, where price sensitivity is higher.

Looking ahead, analysts expect Tesla’s fourth-quarter earnings report, due in late January, to show a 3% decline in sales and nearly a 40% drop in earnings per share, according to FactSet. Many analysts, however, believe the downward trend could begin to reverse as 2026 progresses, especially if interest rates ease and new products gain traction.

Investors have largely shrugged off the recent decline in vehicle sales, choosing instead to focus on Musk’s pivot toward other parts of the business. Musk has repeatedly said that slowing car sales matter less to Tesla’s future, arguing that the company’s long-term value lies in its driverless robotaxi ambitions, its growing energy storage business, and the development of humanoid robots designed to perform basic tasks in homes and factories.

Musk recently received another boost after a court decision revived his massive 2018 compensation package, potentially worth $55 billion. He has also fueled speculation that he could become the world’s first trillionaire if his rocket company SpaceX goes public later this year in what analysts expect would be a blockbuster initial public offering.

For now, Tesla faces a challenging transition period, balancing near-term pressure on its core EV business with ambitious bets on emerging technologies that could redefine the company’s future.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Thousands join Mamdani during his inauguration in New York​

Diplomat Times
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Thousands join Mamdani during his inauguration in New York​

New York, US – Thousands of people, including political figures, joined the new mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, in his inauguration in front of City Hall, despite the frozen streets and temperatures below zero.

​The ceremony, which began around 1:30 pm local time, included the investiture of Mamdani and two other elected representatives: the NYC Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, and the city comptroller, Mark Levine.

​Around 4,000 people were officially invited, but the new mayor’s team, who held a private swearing-in on Wednesday night, decided the event should be a community celebration in which citizens could participate.

​Mamdani, 34, was the last of the three politicians to be invested, guided by Senator Bernie Sanders.

​Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was in charge of the opening.

”I also ask that we consider today an inauguration for each one of us, to the nearly 8.5 million New Yorkers who make up the greatest city on earth, because it is the people of New York City who have chosen historic, ambitious leadership in response to untenable and unprecedented times,” she said.

Ocasio-Cortez, who is similar in age to Mamdani and also belongs to the more leftist wing of the Democratic Party, highlighted that he is the first Muslim mayor, the first immigrant in nearly a century, and the youngest in several generations, but he aspires to be “a mayor for all of us.”​

During his speech, Mamdani pledged to improve the condition of the most vulnerable people in the city.

​“We may not always succeed, but we will never be accused of lacking the courage to try,” he pledged.

​The new mayor also refused to scale back promises of free child care and expanded bus service, insisting he will work to deliver.

​“I ran on an agenda, and I plan on making it happen,” he said.

​Mamdani closed his intervention asking: “Who does New York belong to?”

​To which he answered that for too long the city has served “the wealthy and well connected,” and promised his administration would confront the imbalance.

​Among the political figures attending the event were the two previous mayors, Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio.

​Senator Chuck Schumer, State Attorney Letitia James, or Harlem Councilman Yusef Salaam were also seen during the retransmission of the event.

​The event began with an interpretation of the American anthem by actor Javier Muñoz, known for his starring role in the Broadway musical “Hamilton.”

​It also included a recital by the poet Cornelius Eady, who expressly composed a piece titled “Proof.” 

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike

Diplomat Times
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Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike

Caracas, Venezuela — Venezuela is open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking, the South American country’s President Nicolás Maduro said in a pretaped interview aired Thursday on state television, but he declined to comment on a CIA-led strike last week at a Venezuelan docking area that the Trump administration believed was used by cartels.

Maduro, in an interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, reiterated that the U.S. wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through the monthslong pressure campaign that began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August.

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“What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force,” Maduro said, later adding that it is time for both nations to “start talking seriously, with data in hand.”

“The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready,” he said. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.”

Chevron Corp. is the only major oil company exporting Venezuelan crude to the U.S. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

The interview was taped on New Year’s Eve, the same day the U.S. military announced strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats. The latest attacks bring the total number of known boat strikes to 35 and the number of people killed to at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. Venezuelans are among the victims.

President Donald Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. The strikes began off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and later expanded to the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Meanwhile, the CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels, according to two people familiar with details of the operation who requested anonymity to discuss the classified matter. It was the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the boat strikes began, a significant escalation in the administration’s pressure campaign on Maduro, who has been charged with narco-terrorism in the U.S.

Asked about the operation on Venezuelan soil, Maduro said he could “talk about it in a few days.”

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Indonesia halts rice, sugar, corn imports in 2026

Diplomat Times
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Indonesia halts rice, sugar, corn imports in 2026

Jakarta, Indonesia — The Indonesian government announced a total ban on the import of rice, table sugar, and corn for 2026, citing a significant rise in domestic production and a strategic pivot toward national food self-sufficiency.

The government has even shelved plans for industrial rice imports, which are typically used for manufacturing, Tatang Yuliono, a senior official at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, stated on Thursday.

He stated that the country has successfully achieved self-reliance in these strategic commodities for household consumption, following a comprehensive review of the 2026 National Commodity Balance.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that the policy follows direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to prioritize the welfare of local farmers and livestock breeders.

By halting the import of industrial-grade rice, the government intends to compel domestic businesses to source raw materials from local farmers, thereby encouraging improvements in yield quality and processing standards.

“We hope that locally sourced raw materials can meet standards for amylose content, hygiene, viscosity, and hardness,” Sulaiman said, noting that the policy is designed to strengthen the domestic supply chain.

The ban is supported by optimistic production forecasts.

Table sugar production for 2026 is projected to reach 3 million tonnes, exceeding the annual demand of 2.836 million tonnes, especially when combined with a carryover stock of 1.437 million tonnes from the previous year.

Similarly, the government expects a corn yield of 18 million tonnes, which comfortably surpasses the national demand of 17.055 million tonnes.

Government officials believe these surpluses provide a sufficient buffer to ensure price stability and food security without relying on international markets.

The 2026 National Food Balance will serve as the primary roadmap for implementing these measures and monitoring the transition to full agricultural independence.

SOURCE : ANTARA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Scholar-diplomat Abhay Kumar assumes charge as India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan

Shasi Kumar
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Scholar-diplomat Abhay Kumar assumes charge as India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan

New Delhi, India – Shri Abhay Kumar, Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking a new chapter in his distinguished diplomatic career. Widely regarded as a scholar-diplomat, his appointment is seen as recognition of his long-standing contributions to India’s global engagement and cultural diplomacy.

Shri Abhay Kumar is also known for his scholarly work, particularly his widely acclaimed book Nalanda: How It Changed the World. The book, noted for its lucid narrative and global outlook, explores the far-reaching influence of Nalanda on education, philosophy, science, and cross-cultural exchanges across Asia.

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It has been extensively discussed in academic forums, literary festivals, and cultural diplomacy platforms, earning praise from scholars, diplomats, and general readers alike for reviving global awareness of Nalanda’s civilisational legacy. The book was launched at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, where several eminent scholars participated in the event.

A 2003-batch IFS officer, Shri Abhay Kumar has served India in several key diplomatic roles, including as Ambassador to Madagascar and the Union of Comoros, and as Deputy Ambassador to Brazil. He is currently serving as Deputy Director General at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, where he has played an important role in strengthening India’s cultural outreach and people-to-people ties worldwide.

Beyond diplomacy, he is an accomplished poet, translator, and artist. His literary contributions have earned him several prestigious honours, including the SAARC Literary Award (2013), the Kalinga Literature Festival Award (2022), and the Bharat Shiksha Samman (2025). His recent work, Hanuman Chalisa in English, has further expanded the global reach of India’s spiritual and literary heritage.

Observers express confidence that Shri Abhay Kumar’s unique blend of diplomatic expertise, literary sensibility, and cultural vision will contribute significantly to deepening India–Azerbaijan relations and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.

SOURCE : MEA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Indonesia may extend search for three Spaniards missing after shipwreck

Diplomat Times
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Indonesia may extend search for three Spaniards missing after shipwreck

Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities said on Wednesday they expect to extend the search for three Spaniards missing after a shipwreck off eastern Indonesia, beyond the seven-day period stipulated by law.

Speaking at a meeting at the command post in Labuan Bajo, from where part of the operation is coordinated, the local navy chief, Stephanus Risdiganto, said he “expects” the search to continue as additional resources are being deployed to the area to locate the missing Spaniards.

The sixth day of the operation, carried out on Wednesday, “did not yield any results,” Fathur Rahman, an official from the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) coordinating the mission, told EFE at the end of the day.

Rahman said a decision on whether to extend the operation will be taken on Thursday “after assessing the results” of the seventh day of searches.

BASARNAS expanded the search area on Wednesday to 34.96 nautical miles, focusing mainly north of the site where the tourist boat sank last Friday near Padar Island, close to Komodo National Park.

The vessel went down after being hit by three large waves, Risdiganto previously told EFE.

Wednesday’s operation involved teams from BASARNAS, the police, the coast guard, the navy and the army, along with a dozen professional volunteer divers searching both the surface and seabed.

The search is set to resume at first light on Thursday, with sonar equipment to be used during the seventh day to scan the seabed.
If potential remains are detected, divers will attempt visual confirmation, officials said during Wednesday night’s meeting.

Locating the wreckage remains a key objective, as rescuers believe the bodies of the missing may be trapped inside the vessel.
Of the 11 people on board at the time of the accident, seven, two Spaniards, four Indonesian crew members and an Indonesian guide, were rescued.

The body of a Spanish minor was recovered on Monday.

The governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, where Labuan Bajo is located, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, visited the area of the accident on Wednesday.

He travelled by boat with local religious leaders to pray for the swift recovery of the missing.

Laka Lena also met on Tuesday night with the families of the three Spaniards, including Andrea Ortuño, one of the survivors of the shipwreck and the mother of the rescued minor and of the child whose body was found two days ago.

“We are going to find them,” the governor said during an emotional meeting attended by the father of the deceased child.

The three Spaniards still missing are Fernando Martín, a former footballer and coach of Valencia CF’s women’s B team, and two minors, one son of Martín and one son of Ortuño. The two adults were recently married.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

UN official reaffirms Somalia’s sovereignty after Israeli recognition of Somaliland

Diplomat Times
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UN official reaffirms Somalia’s sovereignty after Israeli recognition of Somaliland

United Nations – Khaled Khiari, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, called on the Security Council on Monday for respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following Israel’s announcement that it recognizes Somaliland as an independent state.

In a session dedicated to the situation in Somalia, Khiari recalled that the Security Council has repeatedly reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty, political independence, and unity of the African country.

Khiari also urged Somalia and Somaliland to resume a “peaceful and constructive dialogue,” recalling the 2023 Djibouti Communique as a framework for negotiations between the two parties.

“We call on both parties to refrain from any action that could further aggravate the situation,” he added.

Somalia’s representative, Abukar Osman, condemned Israel’s action, which he considers “null” as it “violates the principles of the UN.”

“They seek to fragment the territory; we must reject this announcement in the clearest terms,” said Osman, who called on member states to unite in rejecting this action, which he described as an “attack on the international legal order.”

Israel officially recognized Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” on Dec. 26, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel’s recognition, the first country in the world to take this step, has met with widespread international rejection, especially from Africa, the Islamic world, China, and the European Union.

The Arab League (formed by 22 countries, including Somalia) said on Sunday that the recognition constitutes an “attack” on regional security, urging the application of “legal, economic, political, and diplomatic measures” against Israel.

The Federal Government of Somalia also categorically rejected the measure, stating that no external actor has the authority to modify its unity or territorial configuration.

The Somali statement noted that any recognition of Somaliland by Israel or other countries lacks legal and political validity and that actions of this type can destabilize the region and increase international tensions.

On Dec. 27, both chambers of the Somali Parliament also condemned the Israeli recognition, considering it “illegal” and without international legal effect.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

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