ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain Thursday said that the leadership, vision and constitutional struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah remained the cornerstone of Pakistan’s national identity and democratic foundations.
In a message on the birth anniversary of the Founder of the Nation, the minister said Quaid-e-Azam’s unshakeable resolve, adherence to the rule of law, and belief in constitutionalism continue to provide enduring guidance for the country amid present-day challenges.
He emphasized that the principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline were not symbolic slogans but a practical framework for ensuring national development, social harmony and political stability. “Only by internalizing these principles can Pakistan move towards a secure, prosperous and self-reliant future,” he added.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain said the present government is actively working to translate Quaid-e-Azam’s vision into action by promoting transparent governance, institutional responsibility and people-centred policies.
Calling upon the youth to play a decisive role, the minister urged them to adopt Quaid-e-Azam’s values of integrity, discipline and hard work in their personal and professional lives, stating that these qualities are essential for national progress.
He said the most meaningful tribute to Quaid-e-Azam lies in practical implementation of his ideals, rather than limiting remembrance to ceremonial events.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of overseas Pakistanis, strengthening human resource development, and fostering national cohesion, in line with the Founder’s principles.
He concluded by calling on the nation to collectively work towards making Pakistan a peaceful, just and developed state, true to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Salik Hussain reaffirms commitment to Quaid’s vision on birth anniversary
PM Shehbaz extends Christmas greetings, hails Christian community’s contributions
ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community around the world, with special felicitations to Christian citizens of Pakistan, reaffirming their integral place in the country’s social and national fabric.
In a message shared on his official X account, the prime minister said Christmas was a joyous and blessed occasion that called for reflection on the life and teachings of Hazrat Isa (Peace Be Upon Him), whose timeless message of love, peace, compassion and unity continues to inspire humanity.
The prime minister noted that Hazrat Isa (PBUH) embodied the highest ideals of selfless service, dedicating his life to easing human suffering and uplifting the most vulnerable segments of society. He said these values remained deeply relevant in the contemporary world and served as a guiding light for promoting harmony and mutual respect.
Highlighting the role of minorities in Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s Christian community formed an integral part of the national fabric. He acknowledged their enduring contributions to education, healthcare and social welfare, and paid tribute to their sacrifices alongside the nation, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
The prime minister expressed hope that the festive season would fill hearts with joy, strengthen bonds of harmony and bring peace, hope and prosperity to all.
“Merry Christmas,” the prime minister concluded, extending his best wishes to Christian families celebrating the occasion in Pakistan and abroad.
Governor congratulates Christian community on celebration of Christmas
QUETTA, Dec 25 (APP): Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Thursday congratulated the Christian community around the world, including Pakistan, on the joyous occasion of Christmas.
In his message, he said that Christmas gave birth to a spirit of joy, compassion and solidarity, so it was important to include the poor, orphans and needy people in this collective joy.
Governor Mandokhel appreciated the valuable services of the Christian community in the fields of education and health in Balochistan, especially Quetta, and praised their peaceful sentiments and philanthropy.
He expressed the hope that the Christian community would continue to make solid efforts for the development and prosperity of the country and the province in the future and reiterated its commitment to promote the trend of inclusion, tolerance and cooperation among all sections of society.
Governor KP pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam; extends Christmas greetings
PESHAWAR, Dec 25 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on his birth anniversary, saying that his visionary leadership, unwavering faith in principles and farsighted statesmanship led the Muslims of the subcontinent to freedom and the creation of an independent state of Pakistan.
In his message, the Governor said that Quaid-e-Azam’s personality was a true reflection of high moral values, respect for the Constitution and rule of law, and democratic traditions.
He said that the golden principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline, advocated by Quaid-e-Azam, remained a guiding light for national progress, stability and unity even today.
The Governor emphasized that the nation should renew its resolve to translate the thoughts and teachings of Quaid-e-Azam into practice by dedicating all efforts and abilities to the service of the country and making Pakistan a prosperous and developed state.
Meanwhile, in a separate message on the occasion of Christmas, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi extended heartfelt congratulations to the Christian community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and across the country.
He acknowledged the valuable and commendable role played by the Christian community in national development, prosperity and stability.
The Governor said that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and complete religious freedom to all citizens, which forms the foundation of national unity.
He stressed that protecting the rights of minorities is a constitutional responsibility so that they can freely observe their religious rituals and festivals without fear.
Highlighting the message of Christmas, he said that it promotes love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood, which are the hallmarks of a strong and civilized society.
He reiterated the resolve that, as a nation, all segments of society must work together more effectively to promote peace, development and mutual harmony in Pakistan.
CM visits Quaid’s mausoleum to pay homage to Father of the Nation
KARACHI, Dec 25 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited Mazar-e-Quaid on Thursday to pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 149th birth anniversary.
Upon his arrival at the mausoleum, the chief minister was received by members of the provincial cabinet, advisers, special assistants, and other dignitaries.
According to the spokesperson for the Chief Minister House, Syed Murad Ali Shah laid a wreath at the resting place of the Founder-of-the-nation and offered Fateha.
The chief minister also recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book, paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and leadership.
Speaking on the occasion, Murad Ali Shah said that Quaid-e-Azam’s thoughts and principles continue to guide the nation. He noted that the message of unity, faith and discipline given by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah remained as relevant and powerful today as it was at the time of independence.
He said Quaid-e-Azam’s struggle teaches lessons of public service, justice, and the supremacy of law, adding that Pakistan’s path to progress lies in following these principles. The chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to building a strong, just, and prosperous Pakistan in line with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision.
Murad Ali Shah said that visiting Mazar-e-Quaid was a renewal of the resolve to serve the nation with honesty and integrity. He emphasized that Quaid-e-Azam’s message of unity was even more important in the face of present-day challenges.
He further stated that the Sindh government was carrying forward its mission of public welfare in the light of Quaid-e-Azam’s ideas.
The ceremony at Mazar-e-Quaid was held in a dignified and simple manner, with senior officials in attendance.
PM Shehbaz pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam on his 149th birth anniversary
ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 149th birth anniversary, calling upon the nation to renew its commitment to the Founder of Pakistan’s guiding principles of democracy, constitutionalism, social justice and religious harmony.
In a message shared on his official X account, the prime minister said the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam provided an important opportunity for collective reflection and a reaffirmation of resolve to uphold the vision of a welfare state rooted in equality and the rule of law.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Quaid’s enduring ideals of Faith, Unity and Discipline continued to serve as the foundation of Pakistan’s national strength and a guiding light for future generations. He described Quaid-e-Azam as a visionary leader and a statesman of global stature whose political wisdom, unwavering resolve and selfless struggle changed the course of history.
The prime minister noted that Quaid-e-Azam’s tireless leadership made possible the creation of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent, enabling them to live with dignity, freedom and security.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the founding father’s legacy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the nation must follow in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam and work collectively for Pakistan’s honour, security, progress and prosperity.
He urged the citizens to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and translate his vision into action through unity, discipline and dedication to national service.
PM Shehbaz reaffirms equal rights, hails Christian community’s national contributions at Christmas ceremony
ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to safeguarding the constitutional rights of minorities, declaring that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens irrespective of faith.
The prime minister was addressing a Christmas ceremony held here at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Speaking at the event, the prime minister highlighted the teachings of Jesus Christ (Hazrat Isa A.S.), describing him as a symbol of peace, compassion and service to humanity. He said the message of love, justice and tolerance preached by Jesus Christ was deeply relevant in the present age and aligned with the core principles of Islam and Pakistan’s founding vision .
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the Christian community’s historic and ongoing contributions to Pakistan’s development, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, defence and the justice system. He specifically acknowledged Justice A.R. Cornelius, former Chief Justice of Pakistan, for his exemplary role in strengthening the country’s judicial system; Air Commodore Cecil Chaudhry (Shaheed) for his valour and services in the defence of Pakistan; and Dr. Ruth Pfau for her extraordinary humanitarian work in healthcare, especially her lifelong fight against leprosy in the country.
The prime minister also recalled the sacrifice of Haroon William (Shaheed), noting that Christian citizens have laid down their lives for the defence of the country and stand shoulder to shoulder with their Muslim brethren in protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The prime minister amid referring to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said the founder of Pakistan had clearly guaranteed full religious freedom and equal legal rights to all citizens, including the freedom to worship in churches, temples, gurdwaras and mosques without fear. He emphasized that these principles were enshrined in the Constitution and remained central to the state’s policies .
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the Christian community that the government would not tolerate any form of injustice, discrimination or violence against minorities. “Whether Christian, Hindu or Sikh, no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said, adding that the state would ensure protection of life, property and religious dignity for all Pakistanis.
He further stressed that Islam teaches respect for all religions and forbids hurting the sentiments of others, calling interfaith harmony and mutual respect essential for national unity and progress.
Extending warm greetings to Christian citizens on Christmas, the prime minister noted the special significance of December 25, which marks not only the birth of Jesus Christ but also the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He prayed for peace, prosperity and harmony in the country and congratulated the Christian community on the festive occasion.
The ceremony was attended by Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad, bishops, clergy members, diplomats including the Ambassador of the Vatican, federal ministers, parliamentarians and other dignitaries.
China, Pakistan sign package of MoUs to deepen industry education integration in vocational training
BEIJING, Dec 25 (APP): China and Pakistan signed a package of cooperation documents on Tuesday and launched joint programs to advance vocational education, with a focus on integrating industry needs with skills training. The agreements were announced at the “Seminar on International Cooperation and Exchange: Integration of Industry and Education in Vocational Education between China and Pakistan” held in Beijing.
At the ceremony, 21 items were signed and five cooperation platforms were unveiled, covering professional standards, shared teaching resources, faculty and curriculum development, and enterprise-linked training bases. Under the Professional Standards and International Teaching Resource Database track, partners agreed to develop standards and resources in disciplines such as Culinary Arts & Nutrition, Fashion and Costume Design, Food Inspection and Testing, Supply Chain Operation, Fine Chemical Technology, Modern Agriculture Production, and Information Security Technology Applications, with participation from Pakistani authorities including NAVTTC and provincial technical education and training bodies.
A second set of Vocational Education “Brand Going Global” agreements established workshops and colleges aligned with priority sectors. Examples include the Saishang Workshop in culinary training, a China–Pakistan Automotive Overseas Workshop for New Energy Vehicle Technology involving Hunan Automotive Engineering Vocational University, NAVTTC, and MG JW Automobile Pakistan Limited, and the Kaiwu Workshop in HVAC training with Heilongjiang College of Construction and corporate partners. PVTC, ITMC, and UNI Services International also signed a three-party MoU on short-term training and digitalized courses.
Speaking at the seminar, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, noted that cooperation has “moved beyond conceptual discussions” and entered “a new phase of practical advancement,” adding that “vocational education has the ingredients to transform the dreams of young people into jobs, skills and employment.” NAVTTC Executive Director Muhammad Aamir Jan emphasized building a scalable workforce for CPEC/BRI projects and industrial zones, expanding cooperation from conventional trades into areas such as manufacturing, digital technologies, energy, and modern services, CEN reported.
Max Ma of ITMC Technology Co., Ltd. said that by sharing knowledge, skills, and achievements, the company aims to help Pakistani youth benefit in meaningful ways—using education to transform their prospects and build better lives. He added that ITMC’s steadfast commitment to “doing the right things, even when they are difficult” has kept the company firmly on course in supporting young people to pursue and realize their dreams.