BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua/APP): An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 jolted south of Panama at 2307 GMT on Wednesday, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said.
The epicenter, with a depth of 10 km, was initially determined to be at 6.73 degrees north latitude and 82.70 degrees west longitude.
ASTANA, Dec 18 (Kazinform/APP) : Kazakhstan’s annual inflation rate stood at 12.4 percent in November, down from 12.6 percent in October, according to the data from the National Bank of Kazakhstan released on Wednesday, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The data revealed a slowdown in annual inflation was recorded in 11 regions, while inflation accelerated in five regions and remained unchanged in four.
Food prices rose 13.4 percent year-on-year in November, slightly lower than 13.5 percent in October. The highest increase in food prices was observed in Ulytau region at 17.1 percent, while the lowest was recorded in Almaty at 11.2 percent.
Non-food goods prices increased by 11.2 percent year-on-year in November, compared with 11.0 percent in October. The highest growth was recorded in Aktobe and Zhetysu regions (13.2 percent each), while the lowest was in West Kazakhstan region at 8.6 percent.
The growth rate of prices for paid services slowed to 12.3 percent year-on-year in November, down from 12.9 percent in October. At the same time, price growth in Kyzylorda and Mangystau regions was significantly below the national average, at 9.4 percent each. On a monthly basis, inflation across the country rose by 0.8 percent in November. Previously, Qazinform News Agency reported Kazakhstan’s economy grows by 6.4% in January–November 2025.
HANOI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua/APP): Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will pilot an origin-tracing system for durian from January to June 2026, Vietnam News Agency reported Thursday.
The traceability system will cover all stages from production and procurement to preliminary processing, packaging, transportation and distribution.
Labels attached to each durian fruit or shipment can be scanned via QR codes or other appropriate means to trace relevant information.
Vietnam’s durian export value reached 3.4 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of this year, local daily Tien Phong reported, citing the Vietnam Fruits and Vegetables Association.
RAWALPINDI, Dec 18 (APP): Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF); Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS); and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, on Thursday paid profound homage to the immortal legacy of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his martyrdom anniversary.
“Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed stands as a towering symbol of valor, sacrifice, and unyielding devotion to the motherland. During the 1971 war at the Wagah sector, he displayed extraordinary courage in the face of overwhelming enemy resistance. Undeterred by severe injuries and relentless fire, he pressed forward with fearless resolve, ultimately laying down his life in the highest tradition of military honor. His gallantry in battle remains one of the most luminous chapters in the history of the Pakistan Armed Forces,” said a statement issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
His supreme sacrifice embodies the indomitable spirit, professional excellence, and selflessness that define Pakistan’s Armed Forces. Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed’s heroism transcends time, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of soldiers and citizens alike, reinforcing the sacred bond between the armed forces and the nation they are sworn to defend.
On this solemn occasion, the Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering resolve to uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the nation. The legacy of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed will forever remain etched in the nation’s collective memory, a timeless beacon of courage, resilience, and ultimate sacrifice, the statement said.
ASTANA, Dec 18 (Kazinform/APP) : Uzbekistan and Iran explored opportunities to launch new joint investment and technology projects during the joint business forum held in Tashkent on December 17, Trend reports via the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of a visit by an Iranian business delegation led by Mazandaran Province Governor Mahdi Yunusi Rustami. More than 70 Iranian companies and over 100 Uzbek entrepreneurs took part in negotiations, focusing on expanding practical cooperation across key economic sectors.
Participants reviewed prospects for strengthening bilateral trade, establishing mutual investment projects, and developing technological cooperation, with particular attention to initiatives that could be implemented in the near term.
Separate B2B meetings between Uzbek and Iranian companies were arranged for businesses to discuss specific project proposals. As a result of the talks, the sides reached preliminary agreements on several promising joint ventures.
Earlier, Iran and Kazakhstan held high-level talks on strengthening cooperation in transit, rail, road, and air transport, underscoring their shared role in regional connectivity.
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the Iqbal Chowk Flyover on Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The Interior Minister said that the Prime Minister had earlier visited the project site on September 12, following which construction work formally began on September 19 and was completed by December 5. The inauguration was delayed due to the Prime Minister’s engagements elsewhere.
He credited the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the entire project team for completing the flyover in a record 77 days, noting that one civil engineer remained on site throughout the period, working day and night to ensure timely completion.
Naqvi said Islamabad’s population has increased fourfold over the past 20 years, while infrastructure development did not keep pace with the rapid growth. He added that the government is now determined to overcome past deficiencies and simultaneously build capacity for the city’s needs for the next two decades. He said key issues such as traffic congestion, major junctions including Faizabad Interchange, and the shortage of drinking water in the capital are among the government’s top priorities.
The Minister announced the launch of a comprehensive development programme, Vision 2027, under the Interior Ministry, which aims to transform Islamabad over the next two years. He said a detailed briefing on Vision 2027 will likely be held on January 1 or 2, during which around 130 small and large projects will be unveiled. These projects include roads, graveyards, hotels, entertainment facilities, and other civic infrastructure initiatives.
Highlighting quality, cost efficiency, and speed as the government’s core principles, Naqvi said the Iqbal Chowk Flyover cost around Rs1 billion but was completed with significant savings compared to similar projects elsewhere. He said the same team is also working on other development schemes, adding that several major hospitals and additional projects will be announced in the coming days.
He said most traffic-related projects in Islamabad have either been completed or are nearing completion, while extensive work is underway on the construction and rehabilitation of police stations. Out of Islamabad’s 27 police stations, nearly all will soon have purpose-built facilities with their own land. He credited the Chief Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and Islamabad Police for facilitating land acquisition and construction despite limited resources.
On urban beautification, Naqvi said the prime minister has placed strong emphasis on permanent, high-quality development rather than temporary cosmetic measures. He added that environmental and climate-related initiatives were launched last year to proactively address smog and pollution, with further projects planned this year. New parks and recreational grounds are also being developed, while neglected green spaces will be upgraded into proper parks for families.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a late-night visit to inspect the Iqbal Chowk Flyover, accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. During the visit, he reviewed construction quality and arrangements for the inauguration ceremony and appreciated the CDA for planting more than 3,000 trees and plants around the project to enhance the area’s environment and aesthetics.
Officials said the flyover is a central junction linking Rawalpindi and Islamabad and is expected to facilitate nearly 100,000 commuters daily, significantly easing traffic flow from Rawalpindi, Rawat, and Lahore towards the federal capital. Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon, and other senior officials were also present during the inspection.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 17 (APP): called on Yemen’s leaders to return to the path of peace and release all UN personnel detained there, following a briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday.
Addressing the media outside the council chamber in New York, he pointed to simmering tensions across Yemen and “dramatic new developments” in its eastern governorates that “are turning up the heat.”
Since 2014, Yemeni government forces supported by a Saudi-led military coalition have been battling Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran and control the capital, Sana’a, according to the UN.
This month, forces affiliated with a separatist group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC) advanced on two resource-rich governorates, Hadramawt and al-Mahra, the report said.
“As I told the Security Council, unilateral actions will not clear a path to peace,” the Secretary-General said. “They deepen divisions. Harden positions. And raise the risk of wider escalation and further fragmentation.”
He warned that a full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional security.
“I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue,” he said.
“This includes regional stakeholders, whose constructive engagement and coordination in support of UN mediation efforts are essential for ensuring collective security interests.”
The Secretary-General stressed that Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved.
He underscored the need for “a sustainable, negotiated political settlement” that embraces the aspirations of all the country’s people and brings the conflict to an end.
The fighting has killed thousands and sparked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Nearly half the population – 19.5 million people – requires humanitarian assistance, and nearly five million have been forced to flee their homes, according to UN.
UN efforts to support the Yemeni people face tremendous challenges, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas where “the operating environment has become untenable.”
The Secretary-General strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN and partner personnel, as well as staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.
The Houthi de facto authorities recently referred three UN staff to a special criminal court. They were charged in relation to their performance of UN official duties. He said the referral must be rescinded and all charges dropped.
“The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen,” he said.
“The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be allowed to perform our work without interference.”
The Secretary-General upheld the UN’s commitment to provide life-saving support to millions across Yemen despite the challenges.
Since January, more than 5.3 million people have received food, nutrition, water and health assistance, and “with adequate funding and operational space, we can do much more.”
He recalled that Yemeni parties came close to peace before, during the 2022 truce and commitments agreed in 2023. Although “subsequent developments have severely complicated the situation,” the path to peace is possible and the UN remains committed to these efforts.
He called on all parties to engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, “prioritize dialogue over violence, and avoid any unilateral actions that could inflame this fragile situation,” adding “the people of Yemen demand and deserve peace.”
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