ISLAMABAD
A high-level delegation from Burkina Faso, led by Yacouba Zabré Gouba, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Quarries, in a meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik
ISLAMABAD
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and others are offering “Fateha” on 982nd Urs of Syed Ali Hajveri
LAHORE
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, held an interactive briefing and detailed exchange of views with delegations from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Kuwait
GENEVA, Switzerland
Independence Day marked at Kohsar University
RAWALPINDI, Aug 13 (APP):The Murree Youth Empowerment Club, under the patronage of Kohsar University organized a grand and dignified ceremony to mark the 78th Independence Day, reaffirming the commitment to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. The chief guest was Member National Assembly (MNA) Tahira Aurangzeb. The event was attended by MNA Raja Osama Ashfaq Sarwar, MPAs Bilal Yameen Satti and Asma Naz Abbasi, Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, DPO Murree Asif Amin Awan, Regional Manager TDCP Murree and Patriata, and other local dignitaries.
The chief guest inaugurated the photo gallery of Kohsar University and planted a commemorative tree as part of a tree plantation drive.
Addressing the gathering, she stated that Pakistan’s foundation is rooted in the sacrifices of countless martyrs and will remain eternal. She said that in line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, with the support of MNAs, MPAs, and provincial ministers, Kohsar University will be transformed into a premier educational institution, providing high-quality education to students and excellent residential facilities to faculty and staff.
The ceremony included flag hoisting, cake-cutting for Independence Day and enthusiastic participation by students and administration.
NLPD hosts national seminar to mark Independence Day
ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) on Wednesday organized a one-day national seminar titled “Marka-e-Haq (Bunyan Al Marsous): Urdu Literature and the Freedom Movement” to mark Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Dr. Ghazal Yaqoob, while the opening remarks were delivered by NLPD Executive Director Dr. Rasheed Hameed.
The seminar was presided over by eminent scholar Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik, with Dr. Qadir Baloch and Rear Admiral (R) Faisal Shah serving as chief guests.
Distinguished speakers included Dr. Humaira Ashfaq, Dr. Amjad Kallu, Amna Syed, and Anmol Fatima.
In their addresses, the speakers highlighted the historical struggle for independence and the pivotal role of Urdu in uniting the nation. They stressed that such seminars instill patriotism among the younger generation, thereby strengthening Pakistan’s ideological and national security.
Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik, in his presidential address, said that the recent military success had given the nation a renewed spirit.
“Pakistan’s independence is the result of great sacrifices, and its protection requires unity from all of us. This country is our home, and its safety is our foremost duty,” he emphasized.
Rear Admiral (R) Faisal Shah termed the Pakistan Armed Forces’ victory not just a military achievement but also a symbol of national pride, adding that the events of May 2025 had fostered exemplary unity between political and military leadership.
Speaking on the cultural front, Dr. Humaira Ashfaq emphasized that Pakistan, founded on the vision of its leaders, would continue to progress.
“We must safeguard our borders with the same zeal that we apply in academic and cultural fields,” she said.
PhD scholar Amna Syed observed that Urdu poetry not only stirred emotions during the independence movement but also wove together different segments of society into a shared ideological bond. Anmol Fatima described Pakistan as a sacred trust for which “we are willing to sacrifice our lives.”
Amjad Kallu stressed that, in the age of social media, the positive use of digital platforms could help reinforce the country’s ideological boundaries.
NLPD Director General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar thanked the participants and said that cultural, intellectual, and defense matters were interlinked.
“Pakistan is the only country in the world created by towering personalities like Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he said.
Calling Independence Day a time for renewal of commitment, he urged citizens to honor the sacrifices of the founders through action, unity, and sincerity.
He noted that the combined efforts of the armed forces, leadership, and the nation had shattered India’s image and elevated Pakistan’s stature in the world.
The event was attended by prominent personalities from literary, academic, and social circles, along with students and citizens in large numbers.
A cake-cutting ceremony was held to mark the 78th Independence Day, and guests were presented with NLPD publications as souvenirs.
Security finalized for Chehlum Processions in Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI, Aug 13 (APP): City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani on Wednesday chaired a meeting at Police Lines Headquarters to finalize security arrangements for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
Senior officers including SSP Operations, SP Potohar, SP Rawal, SP CIA, SP Security, as well as representatives from the Peace Committee, Traders Association, and procession organizers attended the meeting.
CPO Hamdani said the Rawalpindi Police, in line with Punjab government directives, had completed a comprehensive security plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) being implemented in letter and spirit.
He warned that negligence in duty would not be tolerated and urged Ulema to play a vital role in promoting harmony and peace.
“Your continued cooperation is critical to ensuring law and order,” the CPO added.
Religious scholars present at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to fostering tolerance, unity, and social cohesion. The meeting concluded with special prayers for the safety, peace, and prosperity of the country.
Kashmiris to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day, reaffirm call for Kashmir’s freedom: Altaf Ahmed Bhat
MIRPUR, Aug 13 (APP): Senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM), Altaf Ahmed Bhat, has extended heartiest felicitations to the people of Pakistan and the country’s civil and military leadership on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day.
In an interview with APP on Wednesday, Bhat said the bond between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir is rooted in shared faith, culture, and a historic struggle for freedom. “Pakistan’s independence is incomplete without the freedom of Kashmir. The promise made on July 19, 1947, through the Resolution for Accession to Pakistan, remains our guiding principle,” he stated.
He urged the Government of Pakistan to intensify political, diplomatic, and moral efforts for the liberation of Jammu and Kashmir and to ensure the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions on the dispute. “Diplomatic steps by the Government of Pakistan are crucial for the freedom of Kashmir, and it is imperative that all political leadership of Pakistan craft decisive and innovative diplomatic strategies to advance this cause,” he emphasized. Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on mediation, Bhat said international facilitation should be pursued to bring lasting peace to the region.
Bhat highlighted that after the recent conflict with India—which Pakistan won with resilience, Alhamdulillah—Kashmir has re-emerged as the most dangerous flashpoint in South Asia. He condemned India’s ongoing oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where young people are being martyred daily to silence the voice of freedom.
Bhat also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all Kashmiri political prisoners, describing them as “the true leaders of our people.” He specifically named political detainees, including Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Dr. Hameed Fayyaz, Yasin Malik, Masarat Alam Bhat, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Asiya Andrabi, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, and hundreds of others unlawfully imprisoned in Indian jails under harsh conditions.
He appealed to the international community, the United Nations, and the P5 countries to pressure India to end its inhumane actions, grant Kashmiris their right to self-determination, and enforce UN resolutions.
“On this Independence Day, we renew our commitment: Pakistan and Kashmir are one soul in two bodies, and our freedom struggle will continue until the dream of a free Kashmir and a truly complete Pakistan is achieved,” Bhat affirmed.
Chinese envoy reaffirms commitment to boost agricultural cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has reaffirmed China’s strong commitment to strengthening agricultural industrial cooperation with Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
Speaking at a seminar on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the ambassador highlighted the wide-ranging benefits the flagship Belt and Road Initiative project has brought to Pakistan.
He said CPEC has contributed to upgrading infrastructure, and generating employment opportunities, while paving the way for industrial growth.
He noted that the two countries are committed to further expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
“CPEC is not only a symbol of our friendship but also a driving force for Pakistan’s socio-economic development,” the envoy remarked, adding that the second phase of the project will focus on industrial cooperation, agriculture, and sustainable development.
He said that relations between Pakistan and China are at their best, with mutual trust, respect, and cooperation at the core of their partnership.
He emphasized that both countries are enhancing bilateral collaboration in the agriculture sector to promote modernization and high-quality production using advanced technologies.
He noted that Pakistan’s agriculture sector holds great potential and that ongoing cooperation has already yielded successful outcomes.
The seminar was attended by senior government officials, business leaders, scholars, and representatives of both countries, who discussed ways to accelerate the pace of CPEC projects and strengthen bilateral ties.
Butt extends heartfelt greetings to Pakistanis on Independence Day
ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP):All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Information Secretary Mushtaq Ahmed Butt on Wednesday extended the heartfelt and sincere greetings to the people of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day (August 14) to be celebrated on Thursday.
In his message on the occasion of Independence Day, he said that in 1947, as a result of the tireless struggle, sacrifices and sincere determination of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslims of the subcontinent, a great Muslim state — Pakistan — emerged on the world map in the blessed hours of the month of Ramazan.
He paid glowing tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leadership of the freedom movement and said that the political insight, foresight and prudent expediency of these leaders saved the Muslims of the subcontinent from the cunning of Hinduism.
Mushtaq Ahmed Butt said that the Kashmiri people are praying every moment for the stability, development and prosperity of Pakistan. “A stable Pakistan is not only of exceptional importance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but it is also the backbone for us. Pakistan is the axis of the hopes of the Islamic nation and the bearer of the dignity of the Ummah at the global level.”
He said that Pakistan is a sacred trust and a center of spiritual connection for us, which is dearer to us than our own lives.
He said that a strong and stable Pakistan is fundamental and decisive for the Kashmir independence movement. After Allah Almighty, Pakistan is the biggest supporter, benefactor and advocate of the Kashmiri people, who are courageously raising the Kashmir issue at every forum around the world.
At the end of his message, he said that we should always pray sincerely to Allah Almighty for the stability of Pakistan and the freedom of Kashmir, because this is the path that will protect the sacrifices of our martyrs and guarantee a bright future for the coming generations.