BAGHDAD: December 22 –
BAGHDAD: December 22 – President Asif Ali Zardari visited the shrines of Imam Musa Kazim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad, offered nawafil, met the administrators, and expressed his remarks in the visitors’ book. APP/FHA
President Asif Ali Zardari visited the shrines of Imam Musa Kazim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad, offered nawafil, met the administrators, and expressed his remarks in the visitors’ book.
BAGHDAD: December 22 –
BAGHDAD: December 22 – President Asif Ali Zardari visited the shrines of Imam Musa Kazim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad, offered nawafil, met the administrators, and expressed his remarks in the visitors’ book. APP/FHA
President Asif Ali Zardari visited the shrine of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, offered Nawafil and met the administrators of the shrine.
BAGHDAD: December 22 –
BAGHDAD: December 22 – President Asif Ali Zardari visited the shrine of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, offered Nawafil and met the administrators of the shrine. APP/FHA
BAGHDAD: December 22 – President Asif Ali Zardari visited the shrine of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, offered Nawafil and met the administrators of the shrine. APP/FHA
Cultural exchanges strengthen Pakistan–Tajikistan relations: Tajik Envoy
LAHORE, Dec 22 (APP): Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir has said that he felt immense pleasure visiting the historic and cultural city of Lahore.
Addressing the Pakistan–Tajikistan Cultural Festival held at Hazuri Bagh, here on Monday, he said that the city’s rich cultural traditions, warm hospitality, and genuine affection of its people had left a deep impression on him.
The Tajik ambassador expressed special gratitude to the government of Pakistan for organizing the cultural festival aimed at promoting cultural ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan. He said such initiatives reflect Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through cultural diplomacy.
Addressing the audience in Urdu, Ambassador Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir termed the event historic, noting that it was the first time an official cultural delegation from Tajikistan had visited Pakistan. He emphasized that culture, music, and fine arts serve as powerful means of bringing nations closer and fostering mutual understanding. He said cultural exchanges play a vital role in promoting friendship, harmony, and trust between the peoples of both countries.
The ambassador extended an invitation to Pakistani artists to visit Tajikistan and expressed confidence that future exchanges of cultural delegations would further strengthen the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
He also expressed his sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari for their support and patronage, saying that their efforts made the successful organization of the memorable cultural festival in Lahore possible.
During the festival, the Tajik cultural troupe presented captivating performances featuring traditional dances, music, folk arts, and cultural heritage, which were warmly received and widely appreciated by the audience. The performances offered an insightful glimpse into Tajik culture and highlighted the shared cultural spirit between the two nations.
The Pakistan–Tajikistan Cultural Festival continued for the second day in Lahore, attracting a large number of citizens, artists, cultural figures, and foreign guests, reflecting growing public interest in cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity between the two friendly countries.
President Asif Ali Zardari visited the shrine of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, offered Nawafil and met the administrators of the shrine.
BAGHDAD: December 22 –
BAGHDAD: December 22 – President Asif Ali Zardari visited the shrine of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, offered Nawafil and met the administrators of the shrine. APP/FHA
Governor Kundi urges youth to acquire modern skills to overcome economic challenges
PESHAWAR, Dec 22 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said that the province is currently facing economic challenges which can be effectively addressed through education and skills based on modern technology.
He emphasized that equipping youth with contemporary knowledge and practical skills is the key to economic development and competing with global challenges.
The Governor expressed these views while addressing the annual convocation of CECOS University Peshawar as the chief guest. The ceremony was attended by President CECOS University Engineer Muhammad Tanveer Javed, Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohsin Khan, faculty members, graduating students and their parents.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi distributed degrees among 365 graduates and awarded gold medals to 16 students for their outstanding academic performance. Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Khan welcomed the Governor and other guests and briefed them on the university’s academic achievements and progress.
Congratulating the graduating students, their parents and faculty, the Governor said that education is not merely a means of personal success but a national responsibility. He urged the graduates to utilize their acquired knowledge and skills for the service of their families, society and the province.
The Governor also expressed satisfaction over the significant participation of female students in the convocation, terming it a highly encouraging sign for social development.
He said that CECOS University is playing an important role in providing modern, technology-driven education in line with contemporary needs and has established a distinct identity in the private education sector through its commitment to quality education.
Rawalpindi embrace first winter rain, a blessing for many
RAWALPINDI, Dec 22 (APP): The first winter rain on Sunday has ended the effects of prolonged dry cold weather in Rawalpindi, providing residents with a pleasant atmosphere on one side, and pleasure for the farmers on the other. Due to cloudy conditions, thunderclouds remained over the city, and light to moderate rainfall was recorded which cleared the air and making the weather enjoyable.
According to the Meteorological Department, light rain occurred at various locations in Rawalpindi, bringing a considered change in the dry atmosphere. During the rain, intermittent drizzling continued day and night in some areas, reducing the intensity of the weather and bringing relief from the growing anxieties caused by the cold and winter bourne seasonal health issues.
Residents expressed happiness and relief after the rain.
Shahbaz Hussain while talking to APP said that the rain has cleared the atmosphere as for the past several weeks, the dry cold has caused difficulties in breathing, but now he feels great comfort.
“After the rain, we bought hot chicken soup, and went for a walk in the garden with the family. Seeing the rush in the markets made us happy”, said Aysha Bano a resident of Lalazar.
Young Nauman Khan said that the rain has truly made the weather pleasant as people spent hours outside in the food streets.
After the rain, there was a significant increase in the buying and selling of yakhni, soup, and dry fruits in various markets of the city. Similarly, in the market, a rush of citizens was observed, where demand for warm clothing, sweaters, jackets, blankets.
Shopkeepers said that the rain compelled people to come out and buy warm items, improving business.
Health experts from the Health Department report that after the rain, there has been a decrease in colds, flu, and respiratory diseases because the rain reduced dust in the air, purifying it and providing relief to breathing patients.
“Rain was much needed as dry weather has caused flu and cold fever to many”, said Dr. Waqar, spokesman Rawalpindi Health Authority.
He also highlighted the importance of fresh atmosphere and pollutants free air for the patients facing bronchitis, asthmatic issues and related disease
Agricultural experts have also termed this rain beneficial for crops, especially providing moisture to wheat and other Rabi crops, brightening prospects for improved yields.
Following the rain, teams from the Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation and Waste Management Company have become active. Special measures are being taken for water drainage in low-lying areas, cleaning of roads and drains, and timely disposal of garbage to ensure citizens face no difficulties after the rain.
The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) administration has also appealed to citizens to cooperate in the discharge of rainwater.
The first winter rain in Rawalpindi has blessed the city with pleasant weather, brought relief to residents, and enlivened the markets. Improvements are expected in health, crops, and cleanliness arrangements, while citizens are seen enjoying their time in the cheerful post-rain atmosphere.
Swat police deployed to facilitate tourists amid snowfall
PESHAWAR, Dec 22 (APP): Swat Police have warmly welcomed visitors to the scenic and snow-covered valleys of the district and have intensified security and assistance measures despite severe cold and rainfall.
On the special instructions of District Police Officer Swat, Muhammad Umar Khan, police officers and personnel have been deployed on major highways to provide security, guidance, and assistance to tourists and local residents.
In upper Swat areas including Mahodand, Kalam, Gabin Jabba, and Malam Jabba, where snowfall is continuing and the mountains are covered in snow, roads remain open for all types of traffic. Police personnel are present round the clock to facilitate travelers, tourists, and local people.
DPO Swat Muhammad Umar Khan directed police officers to take special care of tourists and residents visiting upper areas and to provide all possible support.
He also advised tourists to have their vehicles checked before entering snowy roads and to use tire chains to avoid any untoward incidents.
In case of any emergency, citizens can contact Helpline 15 or Swat Police Control Room at 0946-881374.
Irrigation minister grieves on demise of CM Bugti’s cousin Sharif Bugti, former Minister Bishmillah Khan
QUETTA, Dec 22 (APP): Balochistan Minister for Irrigation Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s cousin, tribal and political leader and Bugti tribe chief Wadera Muhammad Sharif Bugti and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senior leader and former provincial minister Bismillah Khan Kakar.
In his condolence statement issued here, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani expressed his heartfelt sorrow and sympathy to the families of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the late Bismillah Khan Kakar, saying that with the demise of these two leaders, the people of Balochistan have lost a credible and political leader.
The provincial minister said that in this hour of grief, he shared the grief with the bereaved families. He prayed that Allah Almighty may grant the deceased a high place in Paradise and grant patience to the bereaved families.
DSP conducts security audit of courts, other important locations
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Dec 22 (APP): Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Headquarters Dera, Sharifullah Khan on Monday conducted a detailed security audit of courts and other sensitive installations across the district.
According to police spokesman, the the DSP paid this visit following the directives of District Police Officer Dera, Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada.
During the visit, the DSP personally inspected security arrangements at the High Court, Judicial Complex, Sessions Court and the residences of honorable judges.
He reviewed deployment, access control measures and the overall alertness of officers and personnel assigned to these duties.
Addressing the security staff, DSP Sharifullah Khan issued strict instructions to remain vigilant at all times, maintain cleanliness at duty points and strictly follow standard operating procedures.
He also directed that no guests or unauthorized individuals be allowed to remain with personnel during duty hours, stressing that negligence in court security will not be tolerated.