Latest news with #IBMS
Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Temporary mobile registration system launched for expats
Overseas Pakistanis can avail the FBR tax-free mobile registration facility for 120 days per each visit under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) policy. The Pakistan Telecomm-unication Authority (PTA) is facilitating this service through its free, automated Temporary Mobile Registration System, available via DIRBS portal: said a news release. This module has been introduced for those overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals who do not intend to keep their mobile device in Pakistan and will be applicable for only one mobile handset device. To avail of this facility, the applicant shall provide his/her credentials including passport number, date of arrival and intended date of departure, mobile SIM issued in his/her name, and IMEI(s) of the device. The new system shall carry out real-time validation from FIA's Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to verify the date of arrival of the applicant. On the lapse of 120 days of the stay of the applicant, the IMEI(s) utilised under this facilitation shall be suspended and will not be utilised on local network services. In case, the same applicant visits Pakistan again, he/she will be required to re-apply for this temporary facilitation, by re-entering the credentials which were used for the 1st or previous registration under this scheme. This system will not only facilitate overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals coming to Pakistan on a short-term basis but will also create a positive image of the country. Likewise, the checks introduced under this system will ensure that only the genuine overseas Pakistani/foreign national avails the said facility.
Times of Oman
02-03-2025
- Times of Oman
Pakistan: FIA imposes travel restrictions on first-time flyers amid concerns over illegal immigration
Lahore: Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has imposed restrictions on first-time travelers, particularly those around 35 years old from Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Jhelum, concerning travel to specific countries, including Saudi Arabia, even for Umrah, according to a report from Dawn. The agency is implementing strict profiling measures for passengers heading to 15 countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkiye, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Kenya, as reported by Dawn. According to a report submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) regarding a petition from a pilgrim denied travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the FIA stated that travelers must possess a clear travel purpose, confirmed hotel bookings, and adequate financial resources. The FIA also mentioned that those traveling for Umrah should have sufficient religious understanding. As per Dawn, the recent incidents of boat tragedies in Libya, South Greece, and Morocco/Mauritania involved many passengers who traveled from Pakistan under the guise of Umrah visit visas, according to the FIA report. It was further stated that many of the individuals involved were aged between 15 and 40 years, originating from Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Bhimber, Jhelum, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, and Sheikhpura. Immigration officials at airports are thoroughly verifying passenger documents and conducting interviews to ascertain their travel intentions and financial preparations. A recent review of the Immigration Border Management System (IBMS) database uncovered alarming trends in the movement of travelers on visit, tourist, and student visas from July to December 2024. This analysis revealed a pattern of systematic abuse of these visa types, where individuals gain entry into transit countries as part of unauthorized journeys to Europe. The Risk Analysis Unit flagged these 15 countries as common routes for illegal immigration.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
International Day of Women and Girls in Science marks tenth year
A global movement celebrating women in science marks its tenth anniversary in 2025. Established by the United Nations, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11 each year. It promotes equal access and participation for women and girls in the field. At Scarborough, Hull and York Pathology Service (SHYPS), nearly 70 per cent of the more than 550 scientists are women. The day acknowledges the critical role of women as leaders in science and emphasises the importance of inspiring young girls to pursue scientific careers through education. Joanna Andrew, the network lead for blood sciences, began her career in 1992 as a medical laboratory assistant. She moved to York in 1998 and has successfully progressed in her career to now manage the blood sciences departments across SHYPS, with laboratories processing more than 10,000 patient samples daily. Ms Andrew was elected as president of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) in 2024, with one of her key goals being to increase the visibility of her profession. She has personally helped younger scientists to professionally develop. She said: "It's important we mark ten years of International Day of Women and Girls in Science. "I'm very proud of women in the workforce who have progressed in their careers." York St John University graduate Ella Wharram works in the laboratories at York Hospital. Now a biomedical scientist in microbiology, Ms Wharram has described how her route to being appointed wasn't as straightforward as she hoped, after struggling with A level grades. Reflecting on her career, she said: "My academic path wasn't easy, but I found my way back to science. "Initially, I wanted to be a midwife but realised I was more drawn to the investigative side of microbiology. "I love the detective-like nature of my work, interpreting complex results and solving medical puzzles. "After school, I worked in a pharmacy to get the clinical knowledge required; I then decided to go back to college. "If any young girl reads this, who is considering a career in science, I'd love them to know there are different ways of achieving it - go for it!" As part of the NHS 10 Year plan, Ms Andrew regularly presents to conferences across the country; she also attends award ceremonies such as the IBMS awards, where she networks with women scientists.
