The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly suspended issuing visas to Pakistani citizens over alleged involvement in begging and other criminal activities, according to Pakistan’s Senate Human Rights Committee. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri confirmed that most Pakistani applicants are facing visa rejections or delays, with only a few successfully obtaining visas after significant difficulties. Pakistani employment entrepreneur Asim Baig stated that the UAE’s concerns stem from increasing reports of Pakistanis’ involvement in petty crimes, leading to the suspension. However, a senior UAE diplomat in Islamabad denied any formal visa ban, saying no restrictions exist on Pakistani passports. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s key trade partners and a major source of remittances, with over 800,000 Pakistanis applying annually for travel and work visas. Islamabad’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly raised the issue with his UAE counterpart to resolve the growing visa concerns.

The United Arab Emirates has expressed strong support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, described the move as a 'strategic, bold, and historic decision' aimed at countering a major source of extremism. In an interview with CNN, Gargash argued that the Brotherhood uses Islam as a political tool and that the designation would limit its influence, particularly in controlling mosques and funding networks. He also alleged an 'organic link' between Sudan’s armed forces and the Muslim Brotherhood, claiming some factions sought to regain power during the country’s civil war. Addressing the Sudan conflict, Gargash reiterated the UAE’s stance in favor of an unconditional humanitarian ceasefire and a transition to civilian governance. He denied allegations that Abu Dhabi supports the Rapid Support Forces militarily or politically, emphasizing that the UAE’s goal is to preserve Sudan’s unity and stability.

A growing number of Israelis are leaving the country, citing security concerns, political instability, and economic pressures following the Gaza war. Abraham Binenfeld, an Israeli reservist, is among those reconsidering emigration after continued rocket threats and government policies he views as misguided. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, over 80,000 citizens left the country in 2024, with similar numbers expected this year. A recent Israel Democracy Institute survey found that 27% of Israelis are considering leaving, including 30% of Arab and 26% of Jewish respondents. Secular Jews, particularly young professionals in high-tech, medical, and finance sectors, show the strongest inclination to migrate. Many cite safety, cost of living, and political tensions as key reasons, though most admit lacking a concrete plan. Analysts warn that mass emigration could pose long-term risks to Israel’s social and economic stability.

US President Donald Trump has urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi not to provoke China amid rising tensions over Taiwan. The appeal came after Takaichi stated that Tokyo might intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked, sparking one of the most serious diplomatic disputes between Japan and China in recent years. Beijing strongly protested, demanding a retraction of her remarks, which Takaichi refused. During a phone call with Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated that Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the international order. Shortly afterward, Trump spoke with Takaichi, advising her to avoid actions or statements that could inflame Beijing but stopped short of pressuring her to withdraw her comments. The Japanese Prime Minister’s office declined to comment when approached by AFP. The situation underscores the delicate balance in US-Japan-China relations amid the ongoing Taiwan question.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has received the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Europe Award in recognition of Turkey’s humanitarian initiatives for Palestinians and its role in transferring patients from Gaza for medical treatment abroad. The award was presented in Ankara by WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge. During the ceremony, Erdogan criticized the international community’s silence over the destruction of hospitals and the killing of patients, health workers, and children in Gaza over the past two years. He emphasized Turkey’s commitment to global humanitarian values and highlighted the country’s progress in healthcare reform over the last 23 years, ensuring affordable and quality medical services for its 86 million citizens with the support of more than 1.47 million healthcare workers.

Tunisian President Kais Saied has summoned the European Union’s ambassador, Giuseppe Perrone, accusing him of violating diplomatic protocol. The president’s office issued a brief statement confirming the summons but did not provide details about the alleged breach. The move follows Perrone’s meeting with Noureddine Taboubi, head of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), a group that has been critical of Saied’s government. EU representatives in Tunis said Perrone had praised the UGTT’s role, while Taboubi called for stronger cooperation between Tunisia and the EU. The UGTT, part of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize-winning National Dialogue Quartet, remains a key political player and one of Saied’s main domestic critics. Since taking power in 2021, Saied has faced accusations of authoritarianism and has imprisoned several opponents. The diplomatic tension highlights growing friction between Tunisia and the EU amid concerns over governance and political freedoms.

Tensions between India and China have resurfaced after an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly detained and harassed for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The woman, Prema Wangjam Thongdok, was traveling from the UK to Japan when Chinese authorities questioned the validity of her Indian passport, claiming Arunachal Pradesh is part of China’s ‘South Tibet’. She was reportedly pressured to buy a new ticket and suffered financial losses before being released with help from the Indian consulate. China denied any wrongdoing, asserting it acted within its laws, while India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and accused China of violating international transit norms. The incident has reignited long-standing disputes over the McMahon Line and territorial claims dating back to colonial times. Analysts believe the episode may not severely impact bilateral relations, which had shown signs of stabilization since the 2020 Galwan clash, but mutual distrust remains entrenched.

Venezuela has banned several international airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Avianca, LATAM, Gol, and Turkish Airlines, accusing them of supporting 'state terrorism' after they suspended flights following a US travel warning. The Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority announced the decision on November 26, claiming the airlines unilaterally halted commercial operations in solidarity with US actions. The move follows Washington’s increased military activity in the Caribbean, which the US says is part of anti-drug operations but Caracas views as a regime change attempt. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had recently urged private aircraft to exercise caution over Venezuelan airspace due to rising security risks. Despite being given 48 hours to resume flights, none of the airlines complied, leading to the cancellation of over 40 flights and stranding more than 8,000 passengers, according to the Venezuelan Travel and Tourism Agency Association (AVAVIT).

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has declared that Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza and the occupied territories will never erase Palestine. In a message read by Minister Abdelmalek Tacherift during an event marking the upcoming International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Tebboune accused Israel of violating international and human rights laws through its military actions, blockade, and destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure. He called on the international community to compel Israel to respect international law, lift the blockade on Gaza, and open all border crossings for humanitarian aid. Reaffirming Algeria’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, Tebboune emphasized that his country will continue to back Palestinians until they regain full sovereignty and establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Eleven railway workers were killed and two others injured when a train struck a maintenance crew on the tracks near Kunming, the capital of China’s southwestern Yunnan province, on Thursday. The workers were reportedly testing seismic equipment used for earthquake monitoring when the train approached unexpectedly. Authorities said the train was traveling at normal speed as it entered Laowang Town Station. The Kunming Railway Bureau has launched an investigation to determine how the accident occurred. Officials described it as China’s deadliest rail accident in more than a decade. Train services at the station have since resumed. China’s vast rail network, one of the largest in the world, carries billions of passengers annually but has occasionally seen major accidents, including a 2011 collision in Zhejiang that killed 40 people and a 2021 incident in Gansu that left nine workers dead.

A Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jet was seen flying over Tehran, prompting widespread attention on social media after multiple videos showed the aircraft and reported sonic booms. Iran’s Air Force confirmed the flight to Tasnim News Agency, stating that the jet belongs to its own fleet and was conducting a routine operation over the capital. Local media, citing official sources, reported that the MiG-29 was recently added to Iran’s air fleet, following speculation that Iran had acquired several such jets from Russia. The aircraft is believed to be stationed at Shiraz Air Base in Fars Province. The sighting comes amid growing defense cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, drawing regional and international interest in Iran’s expanding air capabilities.

A devastating fire swept through several high-rise apartment buildings in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 44 people and leaving 279 missing. The blaze, which began around 2:51 p.m. local time, quickly spread through the 31-story towers, reportedly fueled by bamboo scaffolding and construction materials surrounding the buildings. More than 800 firefighters were deployed to battle the five-alarm fire, the city’s most severe in 17 years. One firefighter was among the dead, and several others were injured while attempting to control the flames. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as many residents remain trapped inside. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the fire is now largely under control, though investigations into its cause are ongoing. The Wang Fuk Court complex, built in 1983 and undergoing renovation, contains about 2,000 residential units across eight blocks.

The 54th Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh was celebrated with due honor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Bangladesh High Commission organized a reception at Bukit Kiara Resort’s Dewan Berjaya Hall on November 25. Vice Admiral Dato Pahlawan TS Shamsuddin bin Haji Ludin, Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, attended as the chief guest along with his spouse. The event began with the national anthems of Bangladesh and Malaysia, followed by a documentary highlighting the significance of the Armed Forces Day. Defense Adviser Commodore Md Hasan Tariq Mondal emphasized the importance of strengthening defense ties between the two nations. High Commissioner Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury underscored the role of Bangladesh’s armed forces in the country’s independence and their global reputation for professionalism, particularly in UN peacekeeping missions. The celebration concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting. Representatives from 40 countries, Malaysian defense officials, ministry representatives, and members of the Bangladeshi community attended the event.

A devastating fire broke out in multiple residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in at least four deaths and leaving several residents trapped inside. The blaze, which started around 2:51 p.m. local time at Wang Fuk Court, quickly intensified and was upgraded to a level-four alarm by 3:34 p.m. Firefighters and emergency services rushed to the scene, with numerous fire engines and ambulances lining the streets. Two people were hospitalized with severe burns and remain in critical condition, while some firefighters reportedly lost their lives while battling the flames. Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of people still trapped inside the complex, which consists of eight blocks and around 2,000 flats. The fire also led to the closure of a section of Tai Po Road and rerouting of bus services, as thick smoke engulfed the area and onlookers watched in shock from nearby pedestrian bridges.

A devastating fire in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district has claimed at least four lives after engulfing several high-rise residential towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex. The blaze, which broke out around 2:51 p.m. local time and was later upgraded to a No. 4 alarm—the second highest level—left several residents trapped inside. Two people remain in critical condition with severe burns, while some firefighters sustained injuries during rescue operations. Witnesses reported thick grey smoke billowing from the 31-storey towers, some of which were covered in bamboo scaffolding. Emergency services deployed numerous fire engines and ambulances to the scene, and firefighters used ladder trucks to battle the flames from above. Authorities closed a section of Tai Po Road, one of Hong Kong’s main highways, and diverted bus routes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as officials continue to assess the number of people still unaccounted for.