ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the banquet in honor of government and coalition Senators
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the banquet in honor of government and coalition Senators
ISLAMABAD
PM hosts dinner in honour of Senators
ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Sunday here hosted a dinner in honour of Senators from the government and coalition parties.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Senators from the government and coalition parties and thanked them for their cooperation in the process of approving the 27th Constitutional amendment.
“We are grateful to President Asif Ali Zardari and the leaders of all coalition parties,” he said adding, “All coalition parties fully supported the national approach.”
He said, “We all worked together for the 27th Constitutional amendment to strengthen the federation, for the wider interests of the country and to increase harmony between the provinces and improve governance.”
He said, “All the milestones achieved during this government are the result of mutual cooperation between the government and allied parties.”
“Pakistan’s diplomatic successes and recognition in the world are a reflection of harmony and mutual unity between all the coalition parties,” he observed.
“Thanks to the joint efforts of all of us, Pakistan has achieved an enhanced status,” he said adding, “The country’s economic situation is gradually improving.”
The Prime Minister said, “By the grace and mercy of Allah, the country’s direction has been corrected because of political and economic stability in the country.”
“Everyone has to work together for the development and prosperity of the country,” he added.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the banquet in honor of government and coalition Senators
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the banquet in honor of government and coalition Senators
ISLAMABAD
Lok Mela third day concludes with a vibrant Punjab cultural night
ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (APP): The ongoing Lok Mela 2025, organized by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) under the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, continued to draw massive crowds on its third day, with thousands of visitors immersing themselves in Pakistan’s living traditions, crafts, and regional performances.
The day concluded with a vibrant Punjab Cultural Night, celebrating the province’s rich musical and artistic heritage.
Held at Lok Virsa’s Open Air Theatre, the Punjab Cultural Night lit up the stage with energetic performances by renowned folk musicians and dancers. The rhythmic beats of the dhol, chimta, bansuri, and tumbi reverberated through the venue as performers showcased the soulful spirit of Punjab.
The audience responded with loud applause, dancing along to the powerful tunes and celebrating the warmth, color, and depth of Punjabi culture.
Throughout the day, the festival grounds were abuzz with activity from artisan stalls and folk theatre to open-mic sessions, children’s activities, and food courts featuring traditional Pakistani cuisine.
The Punjab Pavilion emerged as a major attraction, offering displays of handcrafted textiles, calligraphy, folk literature, pottery, and live craft demonstrations that gave visitors an authentic glimpse into Punjab’s artistic traditions.
Launched earlier this week, Lok Mela 2025 is part of Lok Virsa’s long-standing annual tradition that brings together artisans, performers, and cultural representatives from all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. For decades, the festival has served as a cultural bridge, promoting national harmony, creative exchange, and pride in Pakistan’s diverse heritage.
The festival will continue its cultural programming until November 16 welcoming visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Lok Virsa, Shakarparian, Islamabad. Each evening features a different themed cultural night, showcasing the unique music, dance, and traditions of Pakistan’s provinces and regions.
As the sounds of Punjab echoed across Shakarparian, the third day of Lok Mela 2025 stood as a lively reminder of Pakistan’s vibrant cultural identity which is diverse in expression, yet united in spirit.
Administration’s action against roadside hotels continues in Karachi
KARACHI, Nov 09 (APP): The Karachi administration’s action against roadside and footpath tea stalls and hotels is ongoing. The Commissioner Karachi Office has released a report on the actions taken in different districts.
According to the report, illegal tea stalls, and hotels, were targeted in Central, South, Korangi, and Keamari districts. Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, said that the action against roadside encroachments aims to improve traffic flow in the city. These efforts will provide pedestrians with facilities to walk on footpaths.
The report said that on Sunday, Deputy Commissioners of Central, Korangi, and Keamari districts submitted reports on actions taken in their respective districts. Roadside tea stalls and restaurants were removed, and their belongings were seized. Two hotels were also sealed in Central district.
According to Deputy Commissioner Central, Taha Saleem, two hotels were sealed on Mirza Adam Khan Road and Agra Taj Lyari. In Central district, actions were taken against tea stalls and hotels operating on Board Office , Buffer Zone Cafe Aghosh and Agha Jan Hotel in North Nazimabad.
Additionally, a shop was demolished in Sector 15-A/4 Buffer Zone. The report states that the shop owner had encroached on the area in front of the shop. Deputy Commissioner Korangi, Masood Bhutto said that actions were taken against roadside encroachments from Shaukat omar Hospital to Kabooter Chowk in Sharh Faisal Sub-Division, Korangi.
Various shops had established encroachments using cabins and thellas Deputy Commissioner Keamari, Raja Tariq Chandio, said that actions were taken against four hotels in Madina Colony, which were operating tea stalls on footpaths and road side.
World Culture Festival activities continue, Theatre, Flim and spectacular Dance performances
KARACHI, Nov 09 (APP): On the tenth day of the 39-day “World Culture Festival 2025”, Vibrant cultural activities reached new heights, captivating audiences with theatre, film, and spectacular dance performances.
The day began with theatre workshops conducted by Malaysian actress and director Bella Rahim, UK actor Jan Martin, and Raheel Siddiqui, attended by students of the Arts Council Theatre Academy and international participants. During her session, Bella Rahim shared valuable insights on acting techniques.
She emphasized that “theatre is not limited to the stage; every movement and every emotion in life reflects a character.” Jan Martin, the British theatre artist, focused on character development, stage presence, and dialogue delivery, saying, “A true actor doesn’t just speak the lines, he lives every word with emotion.” He also conducted practical exercises and short performances, providing on-the-spot feedback to the participants. At the conclusion of the workshop.
The tenth day concluded with a grand music and dance show titled “Rhythm of the World”, featuring mesmerizing performances that celebrated cultural harmony through rhythm, light, and color. Performers included Riaz by Cayena Folfolk (Colombia) , Gillian Rhodes (USA) , Luc Skyz , Tommy Hill (UK) , and Nighat Chaudhry (Pakistan) , who together created an unforgettable night of music and movement. The hall was packed to capacity, with the audience giving standing ovations to the performers. “Rhythm of the World” truly embodied the spirit of the festival, uniting diverse cultures through the universal language of art, music, and dance.
Sri Lanka team trains ahead of ODI series
ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (APP): The Sri Lankan cricket team conducted a comprehensive training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marking their preparations for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan.
According to details, the team, engaged in a two-hour training session under the guidance of their coaches, focusing on fielding drills and net practice.
The first ODI match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 11. Ahead of the series, the captains of both teams will address the media at a pre-series press conference.
Tableeghi Ijtima concludes with special prayers for prosperity, solidarity of country
LAHORE, Nov 09 (APP): The first phase of three-day Tableeghi Ijtima concluded at Raiwind on Sunday with special prayers for prosperity and solidarity of the country and unity of the Muslim world.
After the prayer, a large number of participants started leaving Raiwind for their areas.
According to CTO Lahore Dr. Athar Waheed, a special traffic plan has been prepared for the evacuation of participants from the gathering, while about 1200 personnel are on duty.
According to the traffic police spokesperson, the roads leading to Raiwind will remain closed from 7 am to 12 noon. After the closing prayer, Lahore Road, Sundar Road and Manga Road from Raiwind will be operated one-way so that the flow of traffic is not affected.
According to the CTO, one-way traffic will be operated on both sides of Raiwind Road from Pajian Mor to Qazalbash Chowk. Similarly, traffic will be operated on both sides under one-way system up to Sundar Road, Thokar Niaz Baig.
Moreover, vehicles of participants will also be operated one-way on Multan Road and Raiwind Manga Road.
He said that during the evacuation, no traffic will be allowed to descend from the motorway or ring road towards Raiwind, while traffic coming from Raiwind has been directed to use the ring road route from Ada Plot.
The CTO further said that during the evacuation, motorcycle and rickshaw stands will be vacated first, after which car, wagon, bus and truck stands will be vacated in a phased manner.
According to the traffic police, additional personnel and all office staff have also been deployed on the spot to reduce traffic pressure.
He further said that no vehicles will be allowed to park on Ijtima Road during the closing prayer, while citizens have been appealed to avoid traveling on Raiwind Road until 12 noon to avoid any kind of trouble.