KARACHI: December 10 –
Traffic jam outside the discount market near Rashid Minhas Road, Bagh-e-Karachi, caused by roadside stalls”.
KARACHI: December 10 –
Member of the National Assembly Ali Zahid calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
ISLAMABAD: December 10 –
Sweden Celebrates Lucia in Islamabad: Festival of Light Showcases Culture, Harmony
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):The Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad brought a touch of Nordic warmth to the capital last evening as it hosted its annual Lucia Festival, a cherished Swedish tradition that marks the arrival of light during the year’s darkest season. The event blended music, candles and cultural expression, drawing diplomats, members of the Swedish and Nordic community, and Pakistani guests.
With a history spanning more than four centuries, the Lucia celebration holds deep cultural significance in Sweden. Observed each December, it features processions of singers dressed in white, carrying candles to symbolize hope, peace and the triumph of light over darkness. Revered for its message of community and compassion, the tradition is closely linked to Saint Lucia’s Day and has become a hallmark of Swedish cultural identity.
The highlight of the evening in Islamabad was the enchanting Lucia procession. Participants from the broader Swedish and Nordic community sang traditional Swedish hymns while carrying candles, casting a serene glow that transformed the venue into a scene reminiscent of winter celebrations in Sweden.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan, H.E. Alexandra Berg von Linde, spoke about the deeper meaning behind the festival.
“Lucia is more than a tradition. It is a reminder of the light we can bring to one another, especially in challenging times,” she said. “By sharing this celebration with our friends in Pakistan, we hope to offer a glimpse into Swedish culture, where community, openness and compassion are at the heart of society. I am thankful for the friendships and goodwill that continue to grow between our communities.”
A special attraction at this year’s event was the “Sweden in General – Sverige A–Ö” exhibition, which offered visitors an immersive look into everyday life in Sweden. Through images, stories and themes ranging from innovation, equality and design to nature and education, the exhibition showcased the values that shape modern Swedish society.
Guests also enjoyed a spread of traditional Swedish seasonal delicacies. Saffron buns, gingerbread cookies, classic meatballs and other treats added an authentic culinary touch, allowing attendees to experience Swedish festive flavors.
By celebrating Lucia in Islamabad, the Swedish Embassy aims to strengthen cultural ties, foster people-to-people connections and provide a platform for deeper mutual understanding between Sweden and Pakistan.
The festival concluded on a warm and harmonious note, embodying the universal message of Lucia: bringing light, hope and unity to all.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry meeting with Sri Lankan Deputy Speaker, Mohomed Risvi Sali.
COLOMBO: December 10 –
COLOMBO: December 10 – Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry meeting with Sri Lankan Transport Minister, Bimal Rathnayake. APP/ABB
Ahsan seeks deeper US partnership in education, development
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said Pakistan sought a deeper, future-focused partnership with the United States to support national development, particularly in the fields of science, technology and higher education.
He expressed these views during a meeting with US Department of State’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Sherry Keneson-Hall, who called on the minister along with her delegation.
The meeting discussed matters of mutual interest, including ongoing cooperation in education, human resource development and technological advancement.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan and the United States enjoyed “deep-rooted and historic relations,” adding that Islamabad wished to strengthen its development partnership with Washington in areas that could accelerate inclusive growth. “We want a relationship of partnership with the U.S. in national development,” he remarked.
He said education, knowledge creation and scientific collaboration were central to Pakistan’s future economic trajectory. “We want to further expand cooperation in scientific and educational fields,” he said, adding that a large number of Pakistani students were pursuing higher studies in the United States through the Fulbright Programme.
The minister underlined that human resource development was the “fundamental software” that enabled infrastructure and institutions to deliver optimal results. “Quality universities and a strong higher education system transform nations into superpowers,” he added.
Discussing regional challenges, Ahsan Iqbal said India was committing “water aggression” against Pakistan.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to transform Pakistan into a US$1 trillion economy by 2035, emphasising that long-term reforms under the Uraan Pakistan initiative had placed special focus on the education sector. The programme, he said, aimed at overhauling curriculum design, institutional capacity and research systems to prepare youth for future economic demands.
Highlighting the importance of sustained academic collaboration, the minister said Pakistan was working with the United States to expand the Pakistan–U.S. Knowledge Corridor, with the goal of producing 10,000 high-quality PhD scholars over the next ten years.
He expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation in education, science and technology would help unlock Pakistan’s development potential and further strengthen bilateral ties.
Leghari announces successful completion of Rs 659.6bn PHL settlements
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari Wednesday announced the successful completion of PKR 659.6 billion worth of PHL settlements — a milestone described as Pakistan’s largest-ever debt market transaction.
In a statement issued on social media, the minister said the settlement included PKR 399.6 billion redemption of PES I & II executed through in NDM (off-market transaction) through capital markets which is Pakistan’s largest-ever debt market transaction, alongside settlement PKR 259.7 billion in various syndicated financing facilities.
Leghari said the NDM part of this transaction is true reflection of strength of our capital market eco system and capability to handle large scale strategic financial operations.
This landmark transaction is a core component of the PKR 1,225 billion Circular Debt Reduction Plan, reflecting strong institutional confidence in Pakistan’s economic reforms, government initiatives and the depth of our capital and Islamic finance ecosystem.
He said the government remains committed to structural energy sector reforms alongwith long-term fiscal stabilization and look forward for engagement with all stakeholders to accelerate reform-driven growth.
Senator Rubina calls for collective commitment to equality, justice
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid has emphasized the collective responsibility of society to protect and promote human rights, marking International Human Rights Day with a strong message of equality, dignity and justice for all.
Senator Khalid said that International Human Rights Day reminds the world of the universal principles of equality, dignity, and social justice. “Every individual is entitled to fundamental rights, regardless of race, colour, religion, language or background,” she stated.
Highlighting the importance of participation and freedom of expression, she noted that the right to speak freely and the right to be part of decision-making processes form the foundation of a strong and progressive society. “Human rights are not strengthened by individuals alone but through collective struggle and shared commitment,” she added.
Senator Khalid underscored BISP’s role in empowering vulnerable communities, stating that the programme is providing financial assistance to nearly 10 million households across the country, without any discrimination. Through initiatives such as Benazir Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif, Nashonuma, and Benazir Skill Development, BISP is supporting low-income families by expanding access to economic empowerment, education, health, and livelihood opportunities.
Reaffirming her resolve, Senator Khalid said, “Keeping fundamental human rights at the center of our vision, we will continue our sincere efforts to uplift marginalized segments of society and ensure their well-being.”
She reiterated that safeguarding human rights is a shared responsibility and essential for building a fair, inclusive, and prosperous Pakistan.
Pakistan braces for cold wave as smog persists across Punjab & KP
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast cold and dry weather conditions across most parts of the country for Thursday, with hilly regions expected to experience particularly severe cold during morning and night hours.
Dense smog is likely to persist over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh, raising concerns about air quality and visibility.
Fog patches are expected to develop during morning and night hours, potentially disrupting road and air traffic.
The major cities including Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Sukkur, and Larkana are among those likely to be affected by reduced visibility conditions.
The PMD has issued frost warnings for several regions, including Islamabad, the Pothohar region, Kashmir, and isolated plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The farmers and residents in these areas are advised to take precautionary measures to protect crops and vulnerable populations during morning hours when frost is most likely to occur.
The past 24 hours saw extremely cold conditions in northern mountainous regions, with Leh and Skardu recording the lowest temperatures at -6 C.
Kalat recorded -5 C, while Gupis, Bagrote, and Gilgit experienced -4 C. Weather remained cold and dry over most parts of the country, while smog and fog patches continued to affect plain areas.
Balochistan is expected to see cold and partly cloudy weather, with northern districts facing very cold conditions during morning and night hours. Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will experience cold and partly cloudy weather, becoming very cold during morning and night hours, with frost likely in Kashmir.
Sindh will remain mostly dry with cold conditions expected during morning and night hours.
The authorities advise residents to take necessary precautions, particularly vulnerable groups including children and the elderly, and to exercise caution while traveling in fog-affected areas.
The motorists are urged to use fog lights and maintain safe distances on highways and motorways where visibility may be severely reduced.
FOSPAH Issues Strong Directive to Yango Pakistan After Disturbing Harassment Allegations: Safety Systems Under Scrutiny
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): In a decisive move underscoring its zero-tolerance stance on workplace and commuter harassment, the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) has ordered Yango Pakistan to submit a statutory compliance report after serious allegations of sexual harassment surfaced against one of its drivers.
The complaint detailed alleged sexual advances, diversion from the designated route, and inappropriate conduct during a booked ride. FOSPAH emphasized that the gravity of the accusations warrants a full examination of Yango’s internal mechanisms for preventing and addressing harassment.
FOSPAH has directed Yango Pakistan to provide, within seven days, comprehensive proof of compliance with the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, including:
Evidence of a legally mandated Inquiry Committee (Section 3);
– Proof of display and dissemination of the official Code of Conduct (Section 11);
– Detailed internal protocols for addressing harassment complaints;
– All passenger-safety systems, such as driver vetting, route monitoring, in-app safety tools, and staff training mechanisms;
– A complete record of all harassment-related complaints from the past three years.
A FOSPAH spokesperson stated that ride-hailing companies “carry an elevated responsibility to ensure safe, dignified, and respectful travel environments — particularly for women who rely on these services daily.”
The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to holding digital mobility platforms accountable, noting that public safety cannot be compromised by procedural lapses or inadequate oversight.
FOSPAH encouraged citizens to report any harassment incidents immediately, assuring swift and lawful action.