HYDERABAD
HYDERABAD
HYDERABAD
A young boy enjoys a splash in a running tube-well water tank to beat the scorching heat in the city
HYDERABAD
HYDERABAD
HYDERABAD
A vendor prepares traditional food Item kutlama to attract customers at his roadside setup
SIALKOT
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry meeting with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin, who called on him
ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chairs a high-level meeting on priority sector lending with senior officials from SBP, PBA, and leading banks
ISLAMABAD
Special Assistant to the Prime minister on industries and production, Haroon Akhtar khan addressing to Inaugural ceremony of technical expert services on Productive Salt Mining and Value Addition Of Salt Products For International Markets organized by NPO
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah University, and Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Niazi, Chairman BOD, Niazi Medical & Dental College,including Senior officials and staff pose for a group photo during the MBBS oath-taking and White Coat Ceremony
SARGODHA
A road roller operates during road construction work on College Road as part of ongoing development efforts to enhance the city’s infrastructure
SARGODHA
MBBS students take the oath during the White Coat oath taking Ceremony at Niazi Medical & Dental College, Sargodha
SARGODHA
SARGODHA
A sieve maker crafts iron sieves and traditional bamboo stick sieves to sell at his workplace in the provincial capital
LAHORE
Workers engaged in repair work at Defence Bridge to improve pedestrian convenience in the provincial capital
LAHORE
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, in a meeting with the IFC delegation led by Ms. Linda Rudo Munyengeterwa at the Finance Division in federal capital
ISLAMABAD
Female art enthusiasts admire the artwork on display during the Punjab Culture Day event, organized by the Information and Culture Department at Multan Arts Council
MULTAN
MULTAN
MULTAN
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal addressing the business community during visit of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
KARACHI
KARACHI
KARACHI
A view of makeshift huts set up by gypsy families in the Kacha area near the Larkana-Khairpur Bridge
LARKANA
LARKANA
Women show their ID cards while waiting for their turn at a BISP cash distribution point at Government No.1 School, GT Road in provincial capital
PESHAWAR
PESHAWAR
PESHAWAR
Consulate General holds Health Festival in Dubai
ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai, in collaboration with Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and Smart Life, successfully held a vibrant Health Festival at Al Quoz Ground, Dubai.
In his address, Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “This festival is our tribute to the dedicated workers who built the UAE’s prosperity. Their wellbeing is our shared responsibility”. The Consul General personally participated in the blood donation drive while overseeing the comprehensive medical services provided, including free check-ups, consultations, and medicines.
The Consul General emphasized that the event was held under the patronage of the Year of Community 2025 declared by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He paid rich tributes to the dedicated team of Pakistan Association Dubai led by its President Dr. Faisal Ikram, doctors, volunteers, and all those who contributed towards the success of the festival.
The celebration featured diverse activities including sports competitions, live musical performances, magic shows, and lucky draws. Distinguished guests included Omar Mattar Almezaina Vice Secretary Labour Affairs MOHRE, Md Rashedujjaman (Consul General of Bangladesh), Md Abdus Salam (Bangladesh Labour Counsellor), M. Imran (Malaysian Consulate), and representatives from Egyptian and Sri Lankan missions, demonstrating strong international solidarity.
The festival also featured Hands of Unity initiative to create a massive UAE flag painting, aiming to set a new Guinness World Record for the Most Handprints Painting. Attendees enjoyed exciting giveaways including smartphones, e-scooters, shopping vouchers, and air tickets.
The Consul General commended the Welfare Wing of Pakistan’s Consulate for their exceptional organization, reflecting the mission’s commitment to community welfare. The event successfully embodied the Year of Community’s vision of inclusive progress and mutual care among UAE residents.
Kazakhstan aims to strengthen position as key transit hub between Asia and Europe
Bishkek, April 14 (Kabar/APP):Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Marat Karabayev, highlighted Kazakhstan’s strategic infrastructure initiatives to position itself as a major transit hub linking Asia and Europe at the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Trend reports.
Expressing gratitude to the Organization of Turkic States for hosting the event and to Türkiye for its warm hospitality in his address, he announced that Kazakhstan is investing $8 billion in the development of new roads and railways to modernize its transport network and improve regional connectivity.
“A significant part of this strategy includes expanding Kazakhstan’s maritime capabilities on the Caspian Sea. With 17 vessels currently in operation, the fleet is set to double as 17 additional ships are scheduled to be added in the coming years,” said Karabayev.
Karabayev also emphasized Kazakhstan’s active cooperation with neighboring countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, on a range of joint infrastructure initiatives.
“These projects are focused on increasing the capacity of the Middle Corridor—a key trade route connecting East and West – through digitalization of border processes and new railway links, such as the Makhtaaral line, which is expected to boost freight capacity by 20 million tons,” added the Minister of Transport.
Looking ahead, the Minister reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s goal to handle 15 million tons of cargo by 2030, underlining the importance of sustained regional collaboration to meet this target.
According to him, these wide-ranging developments reflect Kazakhstan’s strategic vision to boost trade, energy exports, and digital connectivity across Eurasia, solidifying its position as a central player in the region’s transport and logistics landscape.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum is an annual international gathering held in Antalya, Türkiye, aiming to foster dialogue and cooperation among global leaders on pressing international issues. Established in 2021, the forum has grown in prominence, attracting representatives from numerous countries and international organizations.
Romania’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, officially inaugurated with interactive, multi-sensory approach
Bucharest, April 14 (AGERPRES/APP):Romania’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka was officially inaugurated on Sunday, having the architectural concept developed by students and featuring an interactive, multi-sensory approach.
The exhibition space dedicated to Romania is located in the area allocated under the sub-theme ‘Saving Lives,’ covering a ground area of approximately 900 square metres. It is situated near the pavilions of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Poland, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).
The pavilion was inaugurated by Secretary of State for Interinstitutional Relations Janina Sitaru, Commissioner General of the Romanian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Ferdinand Nagy and Romania’s Ambassador to Japan Ovidiu Raetchi.
‘Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, taking place from 13 April to 13 October 2025, will bring together 158 international participants to explore the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ which is based on the idea of international collaboration and collective involvement in identifying solutions to humanity’s current challenges,’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.
As part of the expo, Romania’s economic and commercial promotion events will focus on the following areas: economy, research, education and energy, digitisation and IT&C, as well as investment opportunities – all aimed at strengthening and developing the Strategic Partnership signed between Romania and Japan on 7 March 2023. On the cultural front, five large-scale artistic events will take place on Expo stages, along with 2,000 live events within the Romanian Pavilion.
Romania Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, scheduled for 26 June, will be marked by a Multisectoral Economic Forum attended by over 80 companies from Romania, prominent representatives of the Japanese business community, as well as high-level officials from both countries. The forum will include country and investment project presentations, along with B2B sessions tailored to participants.
On Sunday, Janina Sitaru emphasised that a better future for upcoming generations can only be achieved through honest and ongoing cooperation. She mentioned that through the pavilion’s theme, ‘Romania, Land of Tomorrow,’ the country aims to draw international attention to the diversity and richness of its natural resources, the quality of its human capital, and its cultural and technological potential.
‘This marks the 25th time that Romania is participating in a world or international expo – a history that began 158 years ago. From our great inventors such as Henri Coanda and Ana Aslan, to the new generations of entrepreneurs and researchers offering future-oriented solutions, Romania continues to inspire and contribute to a sustainable and equitable future,’ said the secretary of state.
She noted that Romania’s pavilion takes ‘an interactive and multi-sensory approach’ and aims to present visitors with a picture of how Romanian innovations contribute to a better, more sustainable future.
‘We sought to harness the intelligence, enthusiasm and creativity of younger generations in the context of our participation at Expo Osaka 2025. The architectural concept of the Romanian Pavilion was created by students and selected through a competition organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism,’ Sitaru added.
Commissioner General Ferdinand Nagy said that the Romanian Pavilion offers ‘the ideal setting’ for promoting Romanian cultural values, showcasing a country that is ‘constantly evolving, a space that conveys hope, authenticity and a bold vision for the future.’
Ambassador Ovidiu Raetchi expressed that Romania’s participation with a pavilion at the world expo is a special opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, in the context of the ‘excellent’ ties and strategic partnership between Romania and Japan.
More information about the Romanian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website romaniaexpo2025.ro and on the Facebook and Instagram pages @romaniaexpo2025.
The artistic moment for the pavilion opening was performed by students from the National University of Music in Bucharest, who will be present at the Romanian Pavilion from 13 April to 11 May.
Azerbaijan unveils national pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025
Baku, April 14 (AZERTAC/APP):The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, themed “Designing the Future Society for Our Lives,” has officially opened in Osaka, Japan.
The opening ceremony was attended by Emperor Naruhito of Japan, Prime Minister Shigero Ishiba, Secretary-General of the BIE Dimitri Kerkentzes, and high-level international delegates.
Azerbaijan, a consistent participant in Expo exhibitions since 2000, underscored the importance of its presence at this global event.
A highlight of the opening was the unveiling of the Azerbaijani national pavilion, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Center. Attendees included Anar Alakbarov, Azerbaijan’s Commissioner General for Expo 2025, Director of Heydar Aliyev Center, Shimzi Izumi, Azerbaijan’s Country Manager for Expo 2025, Ambassador Gursel Ismayilzade, and other dignitaries.
Located within the “Connecting Lives” section, the Azerbaijani pavilion explores the theme “Seven Bridges for Sustainability.”
The pavilion’s design draws inspiration from Nizami Ganjavi’s “Seven Beauties.” It showcases Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage, technological progress, and commitment to sustainable development, while also emphasizing openness to dialogue.
The facade design of the three-story pavilion is inspired by “shebeke” patterns, which reflect Azerbaijani traditions, art, and craftsmanship. Visitors begin their journey through the pavilion by exploring the diverse themes embodied by each of the legendary Seven Beauties—cultural diversity, cultural heritage, traditional arts, architectural treasures, sustainable development, natural resources, as well as sports and tourism.
The pavilion also features three symbolic trees celebrating Azerbaijan and Japan: the “Azerbaijan Tree,” the “Japan Tree,” and the “Friendship Tree,” which represents a synthesis of Azerbaijani and Japanese trees.
Expo 2025, spanning over 155 hectares, hosts 165 countries and 7 international organizations, and is projected to attract 28 million visitors by its conclusion on October 13.
Tarar reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinians
ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Monday said that the entire Pakistani nation stood united on the issue of Palestine and condemned the brutalities being inflicted upon innocent Palestinians in Gaza.
Participating in a debate on the Palestine issue in the National Assembly, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinians and reiterated the country’s demand for an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He said that Pakistan has consistently raised its voice on every international platform against the ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
He said that Israel was committing war crimes and violating all international laws.
Tarar also lauded South Africa for filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calling it a bold and principled stand.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s active support for South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ and mentioned that the Foreign Office has issued a clear policy statement denouncing the genocide in Gaza.
“Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for the oppressed Palestinian people and will continue to raise its voice against injustice on every global forum,” he affirmed.
The cause of Palestine is not just a matter of foreign policy. It is tied to Pakistan’s identity and moral conscience. Our bond with the holy land of Palestine runs in our blood,” he said.
The minister reiterated that Pakistan will never recognize Israel, in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “This House must rise above political rivalries to stand united for Palestine and the oppressed people of Gaza,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the government’s humanitarian efforts, saying that over 200 Palestinian medical students were successfully evacuated from Gaza and brought to Pakistan. “There were threats of airstrikes on medical colleges in Gaza.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally ensured their safe arrival. These students are now enrolled in Pakistani medical institutions and provided full facilities, including hostel accommodation,” he said.
The minister commended the Ministry of Health for its role in supporting the Palestinian students and expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to them.
He praised the efforts of Pakistani civil society and religious organizations, especially Jamaat-e-Islami and Al-Khidmat Foundation, for sending multiple truckloads of humanitarian aid to Gaza. “This is not about politics; this is about humanity,” he added.
He acknowledged the collaborative work of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Pakistani embassies in Jordan and Egypt, which facilitated the delivery of thousands of tons of relief goods to Gaza, despite logistical hurdles and blocked land routes. “Pakistan is among the few countries that managed to send large-scale aid through land routes via Jordan and Egypt,” he added.
Highlighting the symbolic importance of the Pakistani passport, he said, “Our passport is unique—it clearly states it is valid for all countries except Israel. This distinction reflects our principled foreign policy.” “”We are proud of our green passport” he added.
Tarar praised international media outlets, particularly Al Jazeera and Turkey’s TRT, for their courageous coverage of Israeli atrocities in Gaza. “Without Al Jazeera, many of us would not have fully understood the horrors faced by the Palestinian people,” he said, also paying tribute to journalists who lost their lives covering the conflict.
The minister pledged that efforts would be made to share footage of the day’s parliamentary proceedings through international media outlets, particularly Al Jazeera, so the people of Palestine can witness Pakistan’s unwavering support.
“We want them to know that Pakistan is not silent. The people of this country stand with them. As Minister for Information, I will ensure this message reaches them,” he assured.