Earthquake Strikes Northern Pakistan, Triggering Panic

On Saturday afternoon, powerful earthquake tremors shook multiple cities and districts in northern Pakistan, causing widespread alarm. Residents hurriedly evacuated homes and workplaces, though no casualties or significant damage have been reported yet.

The Seismological Center confirmed that the quake impacted several areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Islamabad. Strong tremors were reported in Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Nowshera, Malakand, Mardan, Mansehra, Battagram, and Torghar. Nearby regions such as Charsadda also experienced the shocks, while Gilgit and surrounding areas felt intense shaking.

In Islamabad, many people left buildings as a precautionary measure. Emergency teams and local authorities remain on high alert, with assessment crews deployed to affected zones. Experts advise residents to stay calm but vigilant due to ongoing seismic activity in the region.

ISLAMABAD – Starting April 9 (Wednesday), the Swedish Migration Agency will reopen its residence and work permit services in Pakistan, easing the process for local applicants.

An official statement confirmed, “Applicants can now complete biometric submissions, passport verifications, and interviews at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad after applying.”

However, this update does not include Schengen visa applications for short-term visits to Sweden.

From April 9 onward, individuals seeking residence permits for family reunification, employment, or studies in Sweden can finalize their applications at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad. The previous rule requiring travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has been revoked.

This change applies to Pakistani nationals and legal residents in Pakistan who have been directed by the Swedish Migration Agency to visit a Swedish embassy for interviews, passport checks, or biometric registration.

For Schengen visa applications (short stays up to 90 days), Pakistani citizens must still apply through VFS Global offices in Bangkok, Yangon, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Cebu, Jakarta, Bali, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, or Seoul. Submitted applications will then be processed by the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok.

The Swedish Migration Agency is assessing options for handling Schengen visa applications within Pakistan and will share updates when a decision is made.

An actress well known for her role in Inaam-e-Mohabbat, Nazish Jahangir, is in trouble for fraud, as a resident from the Defence block has filed a complaint against her. As a means of addressing this situation, a Judicial Magistrate from Lahore has put out an arrest warrant for the actress, telling the Defence police to bring her to court.

As of now, the authorities have proceeded with the case under the umbrella of fraud, and currently, Nazish Jahangir along with Sikandar Khan and other parties are being dealt with, awaiting their court date on the 22nd of March which has already been set. The complainant in the case has also submitted the arrest warrants to the Defence C Police.

Over the years, she has starred in several popular dramas, such as Inaam-e-Mohabbat, Jinzada, Teri Behisi, Shikaar, and most recently, Ishqaway. Since her debut, this well recognized Pakistani actress has become a household name, and along with her undying passion for her craft, she has garnered a reputation for her immense talent and dedication. Her versatile screen presence has helped her earn significant fame, especially due to the ability to resonate with viewers, as she has built a substantial fanbase.