Al Huda int’l organizes social services program

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 11:05 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore, in close coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore, conducted a successful raid at a Zong Franchisee in Sheikhupura involved in the illegal issuance of SIMs.

The action followed a complaint lodged by a female citizen whose CNIC was repeatedly misused for unauthorized SIM activations, said a press release.

During the raid, two mobile phones, one laptop, five Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, and 150 SIMs were seized. Two individuals, including the franchise owner and a Zong employee, were arrested, with an FIR registered and further investigations in progress.

PTA reiterates its firm resolve to curb BVS misuse and eliminate illegal SIM issuance. Citizens are requested to report unauthorized SIMs via PTA’s Helpline 0800-55055 or the online portal https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/userlogin.aspx.

Traffic jam outside the discount market near Rashid Minhas Road, Bagh-e-Karachi, caused by roadside stalls”.

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 11:04 PM

Traffic jam outside the discount market near Rashid Minhas Road, Bagh-e-Karachi, caused by roadside stalls”. — APP29-101225
KARACHI: December 10 –

Member of the National Assembly Ali Zahid calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 11:03 PM

Member of the National Assembly Ali Zahid calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. — APP30-101225
ISLAMABAD: December 10 –

Sweden Celebrates Lucia in Islamabad: Festival of Light Showcases Culture, Harmony

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 10:57 PM

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.

Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane meets Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar to Strengthen Bilateral Human Rights Cooperation.

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 10:57 PM

Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane meets Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar to Strengthen Bilateral Human Rights Cooperation. — APP31-101225
ISLAMABAD: December 10 –

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry meeting with Sri Lankan Deputy Speaker, Mohomed Risvi Sali.

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 10:56 PM

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry meeting with Sri Lankan Deputy Speaker, Mohomed Risvi Sali. — APP32-101225
COLOMBO: December 10 –

Ahsan seeks deeper US partnership in education, development

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 10:54 PM

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

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 10:49 PM

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

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Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 10:47 PM