PISA Awards 2025 Delayed Due to Visa Complications

The much-anticipated Pakistan International Screen Awards (PISA) 2025, originally scheduled for 22 November at Dubai’s Festival Arena, has been delayed.

Organisers have confirmed that the postponement is due to “routine visa processing delays” affecting several nominees, performers, and other key participants, a proactive move designed to ensure full attendance and proper representation.

According to PISA founder Faisal Khan, “There can be no show without award nominees.” The message underscores how critical the presence of the nominated talent is to the integrity and excitement of the event. Their physical attendance is not merely ceremonial but foundational to delivering the kind of spectacular experience both the audience and the industry expect.

The visa issues appear to stem from broader challenges facing Pakistani nationals seeking entry to the UAE. Recent reports indicate a surge in visa rejections, attributed to factors such as documentation discrepancies and concerns over criminal record checks. Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has publicly acknowledged the severity of the problem, confirming that high-level dialogues between the two governments are underway to address these travel barriers. 

In April 2025, officials announced a breakthrough: Pakistani citizens would again be eligible for five-year UAE visas, a development tied to efforts to resolve mounting visa-related tensions. Nonetheless, the immediate bottleneck for PISA participants suggests that bureaucratic procedures are still catching up despite diplomatic progress.

This rescheduling comes at a delicate moment for PISA. The third edition marks the event’s return after a multi-year hiatus, with nominees spanning film, television, music, fashion, and digital media. Delaying the event — even by just a few days — may prove crucial for maintaining its credibility and ensuring that the awards truly reflect the depth of Pakistani talent.

Organisers have expressed gratitude for fans’ patience and pledged to announce the new date shortly. While the change may pose inconvenience, they emphasize that a fully represented and star-studded PISA gala is well worth the wait.