KARACHI, Dec 13 (APP): The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Saturday officially declared the 35th National Games 2025 closed and as a Chief guest along with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari passed the flag of Pakistan Olympic Committee to Punjab Olympic Association for hosting the next 36th National Games.
The week-long games declared Army as top team with total medals 353 including 200 gold, 97 silver and 56 bronze. Wapda as runner-up total medals 232 including 85 gold, 73 silver and 74 bronze medals while Navy on 3rd position, which got 110 medals including 36 gold, 39 silver and 35 bronze.
The host Sindh team clinched 6th position in the provisional medal position with 96 medals including 11 gold, 26 silver and 59 bronze.
Addressing the closing ceremony, the Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed pride, confidence and renewed faith in Pakistan’s future as the national sporting event concluded successfully.
He said that while the flames of the National Games may have come to rest, the spirit ignited by the event would continue to inspire unity, discipline and hope across the country. On behalf of the people of Sindh, he thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, for honouring the occasion with his presence, describing his leadership and service as a symbol of strength, professionalism and national unity.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the National Games were not merely a competition of speed, strength or skill, but a celebration of Pakistan itself. “From Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar, from Khyber to Karachi, from Lahore to Larkana, every athlete who competed here carried the colours of their province, but they stood united under one flag,” he added.
He said Sindh was honoured to host the prestigious event, recalling that the province has historically played a defining role in Pakistan’s journey, including the passage of the first resolution in favour of Pakistan. “Hosting the National Games reflects Sindh’s continued commitment to federation, unity and national cohesion,” he added.
Chairman PPP appreciated Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar for their leadership and planning, which ensured the successful organization of the Games. Praising the athletes, he said they were the pride of Pakistan and would return home as ambassadors of discipline, perseverance and unity, regardless of medals.
He also thanked coaches, officials, volunteers, medical teams, organizers and security agencies for ensuring that the Games were conducted peacefully, safely and with dignity.
Referring to recent national challenges, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that during testing times earlier this year, Pakistan responded with unity and resolve.
He said that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces demonstrated professionalism, coordination and strength.
“Pakistan emerged victorious, with its sovereignty defended and its honor upheld. This victory was not only a military victory, it was a national one. It reflected the unity of our people, the discipline of our forces, and the unbreakable bond between the nation and those who stand guard over it,” he added.
He urged that the same spirit of unity must now be carried forward into classrooms, stadiums, institutions and daily life, envisioning a Pakistan where every child in every province has equal access to opportunity in sports, education, health and national service.
Bilawal congratulated all participants, medalists and provinces, expressing hope that the friendships formed, lessons learned and unity displayed during the National Games would continue to strengthen Pakistan’s federation.
He concluded his address with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad.”
Earlier, the PPP Chairman presented the Field Marshal with Sindhi topi and Ajrak.
They distributes medals among the top teams and winners.
In the end, the Field Marshal Asim Munir said, “I declare 35th National Games 2025 closed.”
Field Marshal declares 35th National Games closed, hands over flag to Punjab for hosting 36th games
Shayan Afridi shines at Jr Orange Bowl
ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP): Pakistan’s young tennis talent, Muhammad Shayan Afridi, made an impressive start to his campaign by securing a great victory in the 12 & under first-round match at the Junior Orange Bowl.
Shayan battled for 3 hours and 20 minutes against David Llovera (USA) to clinch a hard-fought win with a final score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, said a press release.
In another encounter, Pakistan’s Rashid Ali put up a strong performance but unfortunately lost the match after winning the first set against Gamble Thomas 6-3,4-6,2-6.
US Consul General meets Speaker KP PA; discusses bilateral cooperation, economic opportunities
PESHAWAR, Dec 13 (APP):The US Consul General in Peshawar, Thomas W. Eckert held a meeting with Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati, in Speaker’s Chamber.
In a statement issued here Saturday, the meeting was conducted with purpose of bolstering relationship between two sides and identifying possibilities for collaborative efforts across diverse sectors.
Accompanying Mr. Eckert was Ms. Kathleen Gablesco, the Political and Economic Officer from the US Consulate General Peshawar. Several Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), including Mian Sharafat Ali, Sajjadullah Baqi, Akbar Ayub Khan, and Fatehul Mulk Nasir, were present from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
The discussions covered topics of shared concern, joint collaboration, the stability of the region, and potential economic avenues.
The participants also underscored importance of reinforcing institutional connections and fostering consistent diplomatic communication.
Specific areas of focus during the talks included trade, commerce, and investment opportunities within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside potential for modernizing and developing mineral industry.
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati conveyed his expectation that the United States would propose beneficial plans and suggestions that would aid in the growth of the province and improve public well-being.
He affirmed that both the provincial government and the assembly are receptive to any initiative or proposal that supports economic progress, enhanced governance, and the general prosperity of the region.
The US Consul General, in turn, showed keen interest in the future outlook for partnership and cooperation across multiple domains.
President congratulates Sultan Golden on setting world record
ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday congratulated Sultan Golden on setting a new world record in reverse driving.
In a statement, he said, “Sultan Golden’s success is a reflection of the courage, skill and dedication of Pakistanis.”
“This feat has further strengthened Pakistan’s positive image at the global level,” he said and expressed his best wishes for Sultan Golden and prayed for more successes for him.
Credit goes to Nawaz Sharif for launching big development projects in country: Ahsan Iqbal
LAHORE, Dec 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had introduced development based politics in the country.
He said this while addressing the launching ceremony of the book titled ‘Mard-e-Ahan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’ written by Muhammad Nawaz Raza at Lahore Press Club.
He said, “Nawaz Sharif has huge fan following just because he came up with country’s economic agenda to ensure development and prosperity.”
The minister said that credit goes to Nawaz Sharif that he had launched all big and worth mentioning development projects in the country.
He stated that Nawaz Sharif had not only tried to give new direction to the country’s economy but understanding the requirements of modern economy, Mian Nawaz Sharif had introduced economic reforms during 1990 and 1991.
He said that India followed almost all those reforms introduced in Pakistan by Nawaz Sharif and Manmohan Singh had admitted that India had benefited from these reforms. Ahsan Iqbal said that it was very unfortunate that Pakistan could not continue those reforms in the country which resulted in bringing instability.
He said that if Nawaz Sharif had implemented those reforms for 10 years in the country then he would have been recognised as greater leader than Mahathir Mohamad.
He said that when in 2013, Nawaz Sharif came to power, Pakistan had been facing worst electricity load shedding crisis, terrorism and economy was in poor condition but under the dynamic leadership of Nawaz Sharif country was steered out of these challenges.
He said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor project highlighted country as emerging economy in the world.
Ahsan Iqbal said that in 2017, through a conspiracy PML-N government was toppled and the development journey in the country was halted.
He said, “Nawaz Sharif has made remarkable efforts for ensuring connectivity in the country adding that today travelling time from Gilgit to Sakrdu had reduced to almost 03 hours from 12 to 13 hours.”
Federal minister said that travelling time from Multan to Lahore and Sukkur to Multan had reduced.
Karachi, Hyderabad motorways, roads in Balochistan and travelling time between Gwadar to Quetta had reduced.
He termed Nawaz Sharif as ‘Sher Shah Suri’ of Pakistan who ensured connectivity in the country through spreading a huge network of roads and motorways.
The minister said, “Nawaz Sharif has faced a lot of conspiracies and negative propoganda and he is most held accountable politician in the country’s history.”
He said that Nawaz Sharif had faced cases like ‘Iqama’ etc adding that Nawaz Sharif had not faced any corruption case.
He said that it was very unfortunate that conspiracy was hatched against Nawaz Sharif to tarnish his image and contributions for the country’s development.
He said for him Nawaz Sharif was an architect of modern Pakistan who laid foundation of modern economy in the country.
He said, “There is a need of ‘charter of Pakistan’ which may include charter of democracy, charter of economy, charter of society and charter of security in it.”
He said that Pakistan Armed Forces had defeated it’s enemy in ‘Marka-i-Haq’ and now country’s enemy was trying to weaken Pakistan through terrorism.
He said it was highly important to ensure stability in the country adding that freedom of journalism should not be misused.
He said, “We respect freedom of expression but if it is used for levelling false allegations then it is not needed.”
He said that media organizations should develop a code of conduct through which elements using freedom of expression in wrong way could be stopped.
He said that collective efforts were required to make Pakistan 1 trillion dollars economy by 2035 and 3 trillion dollars economy by 2047.
He said that different nations in the world had developed through ensuring peace, stability and continuity of policies.
Pakistan could not afford any sort of chaos, he said and added that all energies should be utilized for ensuring ‘Marka-i-Tareeqi’ in the country.
He also congratulated author of the book and appreciated his efforts in the field of journalism.
Austria has been active in inter-religious, intercultural dialogues: Ambassador
KARACHI, Dec 13 (APP): Ambassador of the Republic of Austria Wolfgang Oliver Kutschera on Saturday said that Austria had been active in Inter-religious and intercultural dialogues for many years.
Addressing the members of Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA), he said that Austria had diverse society today. He said that Pakistan was strong participant of European GSP+.
Kutschera said that Islam was officially recognized in Austria in 1912. Today’s collaboration is significant and vital to strengthen the protection of human rights through dialogue, he added.
Addressing the participants, Assistant Professor, Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law, Vienna University, Dr. Stefan Hammer focused on the current status of human rights across the globe.
Minister discusses trade collaboration with Hong Kong Trade Development Council
LAHORE, Dec 13 (APP):Provincial Minister for Industries & Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain held a virtual meeting with Vian Cheung, Asia Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), to discuss the strengthening of trade and investment ties between Punjab and Hong Kong, as per an announcement from the Industries Department on Saturday.
The meeting focused on enhancing mutual cooperation between the Punjab Industries & Commerce Department and HKTDC, with both parties agreeing to foster closer collaboration in trade and investment.
Vian Cheung shared that the Gems & Jewellery Fair and Electronics Fair will be hosted in Hong Kong in March and April of next year, respectively. She extended an invitation to Punjab’s industrialists and traders to actively participate in both fairs, stressing the importance of such events in boosting international trade. It was also decided that a Pakistan Pavilion would be set up at both fairs to showcase local industries.
Chaudhry Shafay welcomed the news of these upcoming events, highlighting their potential to significantly boost exports. He assured that a delegation of industrialists and traders from Punjab would take part in the fairs, underscoring their importance in expanding global market reach.
Furthermore, the Minister mentioned the establishment of a Hong Kong Desk within the Punjab Department of Industries & Commerce, aimed at facilitating trade and investment between the two regions. Wahab Tariq Butt, Executive Member of the Punjab Board of Investment and Head of the Hong Kong Desk, was also present during the meeting.
NADRA Sukkur launches its facilitation center in Barrage Colony
SUKKUR, Dec 13 (APP):The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Sukkur has opened a facilitation centre in Barrage Colony Union Council to provide citizens with easy access to identity services.
Regional Director NADRA Sukkur Khurram Shehzad and Mayor Sukkur Arsalan Islam Sheikh on Saturday inaugurated the counter, as part of a project to establish NADRA counters in every Union Committee.
Shahzad said that the move would benefit citizens, especially women, children and senior citizens by providing them with National Identity Cards, B-Forms and other services.
The Mayor said that Sukkur Municipal Corporation would continue to support the initiative, with more counters to be established in other Union Committees.
PML-N govt following Nawaz Sharif’s vision for national progress: Attaullah Tarar
LAHORE, Dec 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that the PML-N government is steadfastly following the vision of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and working for the progress and development of the country.
Addressing the book launching ceremony of ‘Nawaz Sharif, Mard-e-Ahan’, authored by renowned journalist Nawaz Raza, at the Lahore Press Club on Saturday, Tarar said that Nawaz Sharif’s politics and personality have two distinct phases — before and after entering politics. He said that a deliberate and organised campaign was launched to spread misconceptions about Nawaz Sharif, particularly among the younger generation.
Rejecting the narrative portraying Nawaz Sharif as a privileged elite, Tarar said that his family had a strong industrial background long before he entered politics. He recalled that Mian Muhammad Sharif had established Asia’s largest steel factory in the 1960s and 1970s, while the family maintained international business links. He added that historical evidence, including photographs of former president Ayub Khan and Chinese leadership visiting the Sharif family’s factories, clearly disproves such propaganda.
The information minister said that despite undergoing a painful process of nationalization, the Sharif family rebuilt industries through hard work and credibility, once again creating employment opportunities in the country. He said that Nawaz Sharif’s entry into politics in 1985 marked the beginning of service-oriented and development-focused politics in Pakistan.
Tarar said that development projects initiated during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure could be seen across the country, from Peshawar to Karachi and Gilgit to Gwadar. He highlighted the Punjab Institute of Cardiology as a landmark project, saying that without it, heart patients would have faced immense difficulties. He added that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif further advanced this vision, citing the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology as an extension of Nawaz Sharif’s mission, now serving patients from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
He said that economic stabilisation achieved through teamwork, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and state institutions, had restored confidence at the international level. He criticised the past political practices that, according to him, promoted hatred, polarisation and attacks on state institutions, calling it unprecedented in the country’s history.
Tarar said that international institutions now acknowledge Pakistan’s improving economy, declining inflation and stabilising indicators. He maintained that public service, relief for citizens and development have always remained the core of Nawaz Sharif’s politics.
Highlighting major infrastructure achievements, he said the motorway project was South Asia’s first of its kind and symbolised Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a modern Pakistan. He also credited Nawaz Sharif’s foresight in strengthening regional connectivity, saying that today Central Asian countries recognise Pakistan’s strategic importance through ports like Karachi and Gwadar.
Earlier, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Rana Tanveer Hussain also addressed the ceremony. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders Fareed Paracha and Ameer-ul-Azeem, senior journalists Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami, Salman Ghani, Sajjad Mir, Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, and others also spoke.
