ISLAMABAD: December 31 –
FIA Immigration Lahore processes over 5.1m passengers in 2025
LAHORE, Dec 31 (APP): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration at Lahore Airport successfully processed over 5.1 million international arrival and departure passengers during 2025, while arresting 242 wanted accused involved in serious crimes, according to the agency’s annual performance report.
According to an FIA spokesperson, during 2025, 2.6 million passengers departed Lahore Airport through 12,357 international flights, while 2.5 million passengers arrived from abroad via 12,338 flights.
The spokesperson said that FIA Immigration Lahore arrested 242 accused wanted in serious criminal cases during the year. Of these, 73 accused were arrested while attempting to flee abroad, whereas 169 were apprehended upon arrival in Pakistan. All the arrested individuals were on the Stop List, spokesperson added.
Among the arrested accused, 130 were wanted by Punjab Police, 105 by Anti-Human Trafficking Circles, six by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, and one by Islamabad Police.
The spokesperson further said that 121 passengers were offloaded during 2025 for attempting to travel abroad on forged and fake documents. Special measures were taken to curb the heinous crime of human smuggling, resulting in improved detection and prevention.
To enhance professional capacity, 28 training programmes were conducted for immigration officials posted at Lahore Airport with the support of international organisations. In addition, more than 200 immigration officers received specialised training focused on the prevention of human smuggling.
The spokesperson said that strict monitoring and capacity-building initiatives would continue to ensure secure, transparent and efficient immigration operations at Lahore Airport.
A skilled person repairing traditional musical instrument Rabbab at his workplace near Dabgari area.
PESHAWAR: December 31 –
A laborer is knitting a traditional bed (charpai) at his workplace at Dabgari Area.
PESHAWAR: December 31 – A laborer is knitting a traditional bed (charpai) at his workplace at Dabgari Area. APP/SYR/MAF/ABB
PIDE hosts policy dialogue on transforming fisheries, aquaculture sector
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (APP): The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) here on Wednesday organized a policy seminar on Pakistan’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025–2035 to deliberate on a long-term framework for green growth, food security, export development, and sustainable livelihoods.
The seminar was moderated by Dr Muhammad Faisal, Research Fellow at PIDE and attended by policymakers, researchers, and sector experts, according to PIDE’s press release.
The seminar underscored the strategic importance of fisheries and aquaculture within Pakistan’s agricultural economy, noting that despite its significant contribution to employment and nutrition, the sector has remained underdeveloped due to governance gaps, fragmented legislation, weak value chains, outdated financing mechanisms, and limited integration of climate risks into policy planning.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, Senior Policy Specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted that the policy represents one of Pakistan’s most comprehensive and participatory reform efforts in recent years.
Developed through a bottom-up consultative process involving provinces, federal institutions, international experts, and technical working groups, the policy seeks to establish coherence across federal and provincial mandates.
Iqbal emphasized that responsible resource use and sound governance form the foundation of the policy, aligning Pakistan’s fisheries management with international standards, including FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
He stressed the urgent need to address data deficiencies, overfishing, illegal and unreported fishing practices, and inadequate infrastructure that have constrained the sector’s sustainability and export competitiveness.
The seminar highlighted the policy’s strong focus on revitalizing aquaculture as a key driver of alternative livelihoods and export growth, particularly in response to declining marine fish stocks.
Successful pilot initiatives in freshwater and marine aquaculture were cited as evidence of the sector’s commercial viability when supported by modern infrastructure, research, and regulatory clarity.
Participants were also briefed on major institutional reforms proposed in the policy, including the declaration of fisheries and aquaculture as an industry, tax and duty exemptions to encourage investment, the establishment of an Apex Council for coordination, the introduction of integrated e-governance systems, and strengthened monitoring, control, and surveillance mechanisms to curb illegal fishing.
The session discussed implementation challenges and the way forward, noting that the draft policy has been validated by a Technical Working Group and is in the final stages of review for submission to the Federal Cabinet.
The seminar reaffirmed PIDE’s commitment to evidence-based policy dialogue and institutional reform to promote sustainable development, economic resilience, and food security in Pakistan.
Seoul to host New Year countdown event on Gwanghwamun Square
SEOUL, Dec 31 (Yonhap/APP): The Seoul city government is set to host a spectacular New Year’s Eve countdown event Wednesday as part of the ongoing 2025 Seoul Light Gwanghwamun media art festival — a free, large-scale public art installation that has drawn unprecedented crowds this winter.
Now running through Jan. 4, the festival has transformed Gwanghwamun Square and the surrounding streets into a luminous canvas of media art, sound and performance, attracting nearly 2 million visitors in just two weeks, far surpassing last year’s total attendance.
Seoul will usher in the new year with a citywide countdown spectacle, blending cutting-edge media art with cultural performances in the Seoul Light Gwanghwamun New Year Countdown event scheduled from 10:50 p.m. Wednesday to 12:30 a.m. Thursday, the city government said.
During the event at Gwanghwamun Square and adjacent digital signage across the district, nine major digital screens and outdoor displays, including LUUX media tower and Sejong Pavilion, will simultaneously broadcast countdown visuals, it said.
The integrated media presentation will feature dynamic countdown visuals, New Year messages and artworks inspired by Korean cultural motifs, creating a unified, immersive experience across the cityscape.
The countdown event will also feature a traditional-inspired fashion show and live musical performances by well-known Korean artists.
“This event offers a meaningful way to close out 2025 and welcome 2026 with hope and positivity, bringing Seoul residents and international visitors together in a memorable celebration,” said Choe In-gyu, director of design policy at the Seoul city government.
LHC sets historic record, disposes of over 173,000 cases
LAHORE, Dec 31 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) achieved a historic milestone in 2025 by deciding over 173,000 cases in a single calendar year, exceeding the number of newly filed cases by 16 percent.
The remarkable achievement reflects the court’s strong commitment to timely and effective justice under the leadership of Chief Justice Miss Aalia Neelum.
Official data shows that 145,748 new cases were instituted during the year, while the court successfully disposed of more than 173,000 pending and newly filed cases, significantly reducing the overall backlog, says a LHC press release issued here on Wednesday.
Among the court’s benches, the Principal Seat in Lahore led the disposals with 92,505 cases, followed by the Multan Bench with 44,145 cases, the Bahawalpur Bench with 18,415 cases, and the Rawalpindi Bench with 17,948 cases.
The exceptional performance is attributed to effective case management reforms, extensive integration of information technology, and a strong emphasis on transparency. A major initiative during the year was the introduction of a Fast Track Policy for tax-related litigation, under which 6,000 tax cases were decided.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum emphasized that automation, IT integration, and transparency remain the core pillars of the court’s strategy to curb judicial delays. The adoption of digital reforms and modern case management tools has significantly accelerated the delivery of justice and enhanced public trust in the judicial system.
The Lahore High Court’s achievement stands as a model of institutional reform, demonstrating that strategic leadership and technology-driven solutions can effectively address long-standing judicial backlogs.
PDMA Balochistan launches snow clearance, relief & rescue operation amid rains, snowfall
QUETTA, Dec 31 (APP): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan has commenced snow clearance on various highways of the province, rescue and relief operations with full preparedness to tackle any emergency situation arising from the ongoing rains and snowfall, Director Relief Operations Mir Ataullah Mengal said.
Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, PDMA Balochistan is actively and diligently engaged in restoring safe road connectivity in the affected areas, Mir Ataullah Mengal said and adding that the operation is being carried out under close supervision, with Directors of PDMA Balochistan personally monitoring field activities to ensure timely and effective execution.
Talking to APP, he said that all available resources have been mobilized, including snow blowers, snow removers, and other heavy machinery. Rescue staff deployed at the PDMA Emergency Response Center, Kan Mehtarzai, are working around the clock to clear accumulated snow from the roadway. In addition, red salt is being spread to de-ice the surface and prevent the formation of black ice, reducing the risk of skidding and ensuring the safety of commuters.
he added that the PDMA Balochistan remains committed to maintaining uninterrupted traffic flow and safeguarding public movement during the winter season, while coordinating closely with relevant departments to respond promptly to weather-related challenges.
Mir Ataullah Mengal said that field staff, rescue teams, and essential machinery have been deployed to ensure timely assistance to the public. He noted that comprehensive precautionary measures have already been completed in anticipation of potential risks in various districts.
He added that relief supplies, including medicines, blankets, tents, and other essential items, have been dispatched in advance to mountainous areas, low-lying regions, and extremely cold zones to enable swift relief operations if required.
Mir Ataullah Mengal emphasized that PDMA is maintaining close coordination with deputy commissioners and district administrations to ensure immediate response during emergencies.
He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and to promptly report emergencies through PDMA’s helpline.
Highlighting Balochistan’s unique geographical challenges, Mengal said PDMA completes its winter preparedness well in advance to minimize hardships for the public.
Director Relief Operations Mir Ataullah Mengal added that under the directives of the Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, PDMA not only provides relief during disasters but also plays an active role in public awareness, training, and preventive measures to mitigate risks.
Five passengers injured in road mishap
BAHAWALPUR, Dec 31 (APP): At least five passengers were injured when a speeding bus overturned on National Highway on suburb of the city.
According to staff of the Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122, while traveling from Bahawalpur to Sadiqabad, a non-AC bus slipped while overtaking, went off the road into a field near a ghee mill and overturned. As a result, five people were injured.
“The Bahawalpur control room immediately dispatched the nearest emergency service,” they said.The injured were provided first aid on the occasion. Local police have been investigating the incident. Furhter probe was in process.
Sohail Adnan lauded for winning Under-15 Squash Championship
BAHAWALPUR, Dec 31 (APP): Muhammad Sohail Adnan has been appreciated for clinching championship in Under-15 Squash Championship.
According to an official press release issued by the Islamia University Bahawalpur here, nation was proud that young player, Muhammad Sohail Adnan from Bahawalpur has clinched the championship by defeating China’s Yuan Xi in straight sets in the final. Sohail Adnan won the match with scores of 11–7, 11–9, and 11–7.
The press release said that It was worth noting that Muhammad Sohail Adnan had earlier won the 32nd Asian Under-13 Junior Squash Championship held in South Korea, where he delivered an outstanding performance and brought pride to Pakistan.
Furthermore, during the Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship, Sohail Adnan defeated India’s Abhad Singh in the quarterfinals by 3–0. The match scores were 11–3, 11–9, and 11–4.
Muhammad Sohail Adnan is being provided patronage by the Bahawalpur Corps under the Young Talent Hunt Program, an important initiative of the Pakistan Army aimed at encouraging young athletes and promoting sports.
The nation is proud of this talented young player and hopes to see many more successes from him in the future, it concluded.