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Winners named of Belarus president’s special prize for art luminaries, for Spiritual Revival prize

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (Belta/APP): Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has bestowed the prize for Spiritual Revival and special prizes for culture and art luminaries. The head of state signed the relevant decrees on 19 December, BelTA has learned.

The Belarus president has bestowed five prizes For Spiritual Revival in recognition of active humanitarian efforts, which helped bolster spiritual values and moral traditions of the Belarusian nation and contributed to the patriotic upbringing of young Belarusians in the year 2025.

The staff of the Synod Department for Church Charity and Community Service of the Belarusian Orthodox Church was awarded for developing new areas of the church’s community service and for a big contribution to pastoral care while the staff of OAO Belrestavratsiya was awarded for preserving and reviving the historical and cultural heritage of Belarus.

The creative team consisting of Artistic Director of the Youth Variety Theater Vladislava Artyukovskaya and the songwriter Anna Lukashenko received a high award for their significant contribution to the preservation of historical memory, the strengthening of spiritual values of the Belarusian nation, and the creation and implementation of the highly artistic patriotic project “Every third.”

The award was bestowed upon the team of authors of the National State Television and Radio Company for the creation of the documentary and analytical series of television films “Time has chosen us”. The team includes Chairman of the National State Television and Radio Company Ivan Eismont, Executive Producer of the Production Department of the Main Directorate of the First News TV Channel Gleb Gorbatenko, and Deputy Director General of the TV channel’s Main Directorate Olga Makei.

Police Major Viktor Shipkov, senior district police inspector of the Law Enforcement and Prevention Department of the Public Security Police of the Gomel District Police Department, was awarded for his personal contribution to the revival, preservation, and popularization of folk art, for conducting ethnographic research, and for reconstructing traditional festive costumes of the southeastern part of Gomel District.

The Belarus president has bestowed ten special prizes for culture and art luminaries in recognition of outstanding publicly recognized achievements in the fields of music art, theater art, cinema art, decorative and applied arts, choreographic art, librarianship, and the education and nurture of young artists.

The following groups were awarded the high honor:

the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of the Republic of Belarus – for its significant contribution to patriotic nurture and the creation of the creative project “Pathetic diary of memory”;

the model dance ensemble Chabarok of the Minsk State Palace of Children and Youth – for its great contribution to the preservation and development of traditions of choreographic art and active participation in the social and cultural life of the country;

Brest Puppet Theater – for its significant contribution to the preservation of national spiritual traditions and the promotion of moral values by means of theatrical art;

the Mosty District Library – for its significant contribution to the patriotic nurture of the younger generation and the implementation of the innovative literature project “Books build BRIDGES.”

A special prize was also awarded to the teachers Lyudmila Volkovich-Boris and Yelizaveta Chervontseva of the M.K. Oginsky Molodechno State Music College for the revival, preservation, and development of traditions of the Molodechno vytsinanka school.

Aleksandr Yefremov, Artistic Director of the Republic of Belarus’ Honored Collective of the Movie Actor Theater-Studio of the National Film Studio Belarusfilm, was awarded the high honor for his significant personal contribution to the development and popularization of Belarusian theater and cinema.

Anna Blagova, police lieutenant and soloist of the brass band of the Minsk City Police Department, was honored for her personal contribution to the development of contemporary musical art and the creation of patriotic songs. Tamara Zharova, a teacher at the Republican Gymnasium-College of the Belarusian State Academy of Music, was honored for her personal contribution to the development and popularization of national musical art and the training of laureates of international and republican contests.

Andrei Martynuk, master of folk arts and crafts at the Dzerzhinsk District Center for Culture and Folk Art, was honored for outstanding achievements in decorative and applied arts and the creation of a unique technology for making mechanical clocks from wood. Ksenia Pogorelaya, a soloist-instrumentalist at the St.

Sophia Cathedral Architecture History Museum branch of the National Polotsk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, was honored for her significant personal contribution to the promotion of Belarusian musical heritage and the development of organ performance in Belarus.

Islamabad Court Awards Rs 5.4 Billion Compensation to Airblue Crash Victims’ Families

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP): The Court of the Additional District Judge-III (West), Islamabad, headed by Dr. Rasool Bukhsh Mirjat, on Saturday awarded a historic compensation amounting to Rs 5,415.084 million to the families of eight victims of the 2010 Airblue plane crash.

The court dismissed an appeal filed by Airblue, upholding the airline’s liability in the case. It also imposed a penalty of Rs 1 million on the airline for delaying the proceedings.

Islamabad Court Awards Rs 5.4 Billion Compensation to Airblue Crash Victims’ Families

Airblue Flight 202, a domestic passenger service from Karachi to Islamabad, crashed on July 28, 2010, while attempting to land at Islamabad’s Benazir Bhutto International Airport. The aircraft, an Airbus A321-231 (registration AP-BJB), struck the Margalla Hills during its final approach in adverse weather conditions.
All 152 people on board — 146 passengers and six crew members — were killed, making it the deadliest aviation accident in Pakistan’s history.

According to official investigations conducted by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the crash was classified as a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). The inquiry cited pilot error, including descent below the prescribed safe altitude and deviation from standard operating procedures during a circling approach in poor visibility. Investigators also pointed to poor cockpit resource management and challenging weather conditions marked by rain and low clouds.

Islamabad Court Awards Rs 5.4 Billion Compensation to Airblue Crash Victims’ Families

Subsequent court observations and reports also noted that errors by air traffic control contributed to the unsafe conditions leading up to the crash.
The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running legal battle for compensation, which has spanned more than a decade. Families of the victims have repeatedly called for accountability and timely relief, saying prolonged litigation compounded their suffering.

Legal experts say the judgment could set an important precedent for aviation liability and compensation cases in Pakistan.
Most of the families were forced by Airblue to sign the release document and take the First Tier Liability as their final compensation.
But few families stuck to the principal of fair compensation and led the court fight with Airblue. Which now ended in giving the fair compensation to the irreplaceable loss to their lives.

Ads worth Rs 860mln given to Dawn Media Group in last 13 months: Atta Tarar

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar stated on Saturday that the Dawn Media Group received approximately Rs 860 million in advertising revenue from federal and various provincial governments over the last 13 months.
“This is a matter of record… and I can share all those details with you,” the minister said while talking to the media.
Addressing the distribution of state advertisements, Tarar acknowledged that while some outlets receive more than others, media houses must prioritize corporate governance and financial independence.
“You must have your own sustainable model. It is not feasible for a media group to rely entirely on government advertisements,” he stressed.
“They are a major group, yet despite receiving Rs 860 million in ads over 13 months, they are still laying off staff. That is their internal matter,” he noted.
Tarar further clarified that there is no “complete ban” on government ads for the group, noting that several campaigns are still currently running.

Cold, rainy weather forecast across Balochistan

By
NNPS Desk
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QUETTA, Dec 20 (APP): The Regional Meteorological Centre Balochistan has forecast cold and cloudy weather across most districts of the province this weekend, with rain and snowfall expected in several areas.

According to the advisory, most parts of Balochistan will remain cold and overcast on Saturday. Rain is likely in Chagai, Nushki, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, Gwadar, Kalat, Mastung, Quetta, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Harnai, Chaman, Musa Khail, and Zhob, while snowfall is anticipated in mountainous regions.

Weather conditions are expected to intensify on Sunday, with continued cold and cloudy skies. The Meteorological Centre has warned of rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms in the same districts, along with further snowfall in hilly areas.

During the past 24 hours, rainfall was recorded in several parts of the province: Jewani received 9.0 millimetres, Gwadar 7.5 mm, Nokundi 5.0 mm, Dalbandin 2.0 mm, Turbat 1.3 mm, and Chaman 0.75 mm. The lowest temperature was reported in Kalat, where the mercury dropped to 0°C.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly those in mountainous and vulnerable areas, to take precautionary measures in view of the expected rain, snowfall, and possible stormy conditions.

Gilgit-Baltistan Governor pushes for provincial status

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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CHINIOT, Dec 20 (APP):Governor Syed Mehdi Shah on Saturday reiterated calls for Gilgit-Baltistan to be granted provincial status and included in the NFC award, stressing it’s a rightful demand. Speaking after condoling the death of PPP leader Syed Hassan Murtaza’s father at Rewa Sadat,Chiniot, Governor Shah dismissed claims that Sindh opposes GB’s inclusion, saying the PML-N spread such narratives falsely. He urged recognition of GB’s rights within the constitutional framework.
Governor GB also backed increasing GB’s National Assembly seats from 26 to 30 for fuller representation. On Pakistan’s politics, he criticized Imran Khan’s situation, saying if Khan’s sons seek politics, they have a democratic right—but shouldn’t wish harm on him. “If Imran Khan lacked a sister, perhaps no one would speak for him,” Shah remarked.
The governor defended Imran Khan’s court sentence as lawful, emphasizing Pakistan’s constitution applies equally to all. “No one should be above the law,” he stated, underscoring legal parity.

Tour of Islamabad 2025 reaches its thrilling peak

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):The seventh edition of the Tour of Islamabad 2025 reached a thrilling peak on Saturday as the peloton faced the legendary climb from Faisal Masjid to Murree.
In a masterclass of endurance and strategy, Farman Muhammad of SSGC Red launched a decisive attack in the final kilometers of the Murree Expressway to secure a solo victory. Clocking a stage time of 2:05:02, Farman’s aggressive climb propelled him to the top of the general classification with a cumulative lead of 2:44:58, said a press release.
Stage 1 winner Yousaf og SSGC remains a fierce contender, finishing second in the stage and holding the runner-up spot in the overall rankings.
Other category leaders solidified their positions today, with Wazir Ahmed of SSGC taking the overall lead in the Men’s Masters 40–49, Rizwan Ullah Nazir (Islamabad) maintaining his grip on the Masters 50+ category and Marina of SSGC continuing her dominant run in the Women’s Professional division with an overall time of 3:41:52.
The Tour continues to showcase the elite caliber of Pakistan’s departmental and provincial cyclists as they navigate the country’s most challenging uphill terrain.

Employee engagement hinges on meaning, skills, not presence: Connex 2025

By
Munir Hussain
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):At Connex 2025, Jazz Chief Strategy Officer Ali Naseer cautioned that the “Great Detachment” is transforming workplaces, emphasizing that employee engagement now depends on meaning, relevance, and skills rather than mere presence.

The leadership segment highlighted this growing challenge, marked by declining engagement and a weakening bond between employees and organizational purpose in the post-COVID era.

Ali Naseer, Chief Strategy Officer at Jazz, emphasized that workplace detachment today is less about location and more about the depth of employees’ connection to their roles, professional growth, and the wider mission of the organization.

He noted that as workplaces become increasingly digital, sustaining engagement requires a sharper focus on relevance, skills, and meaning at work.

Bringing a data-led perspective to the discussion, Ali shared insights from Jazz’s internal people metrics between 2023 and 2025.
He noted that employee churn across the organization has declined over this period, while engagement scores have remained stable, an outcome he attributed to deliberate organizational choices rather than chance.

According to Ali, a key driver of this stability has been Jazz’s sustained investment in learning and capability development. Over the past two years, total learning hours across the organization have surged from 541 to more than 20,000, underscoring a decisive shift toward continuous development and long-term skill relevance.

He added that participation in AI-focused learning programs has expanded significantly, growing from approximately 300 employees to more than 2,600.
This focus on future-ready skills, Ali noted, has helped reinforce employee confidence and alignment at a time when many professionals are navigating uncertainty around how technology will reshape their roles.

Addressing generational change more broadly, Ali cautioned against oversimplified narratives around disengagement. He emphasized that different cohorts have entered the workforce under very different conditions, particularly during and after COVID-19, and that leadership responses must be grounded in empathy, adaptability, and an understanding of evolving expectations.

Technology and artificial intelligence featured prominently in his reflections. Ali described AI as “augmented intelligence,” reinforcing the idea that technology is most powerful when it enhances human capability rather than replacing it.

Drawing parallels with previous waves of innovation, from the industrial age to the internet, he noted that while AI represents a more complex shift, its long-term impact will depend on how effectively organizations equip people to work alongside it.

Perspectives from other panelists reinforced that the Great Detachment is a multifaceted issue shaped by culture, leadership styles, generational dynamics, and how technology is integrated into daily work. While experiences vary across sectors, there was broad agreement that purpose, values, and meaningful connection remain central to sustaining engagement.

The session closed with a clear takeaway: overcoming workplace detachment requires more than technology or structural reforms. Speakers stressed that investing in people, aligning skills with purpose, and combining digital tools with thoughtful leadership are essential to rebuilding connections and fostering engaged, future-ready workplaces.

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh offers condolences to PPP leader’s family in Chiniot

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
CHINIOT, Dec 20 (APP):Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Saturday visited Rajoya Sadat, expressing sorrow over the death of PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza’s father. Meeting the family, he called the loss “irreparable” and shared in their grief.
On this occasion, local politicians and social figures joined Sheikh in offering condolences, praying for the deceased and the bereaved family’s patience.

CM condemns attack on security forces camp in North Waziristan

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Dec 20 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a security forces camp in North Waziristan and paid rich tribute to the security personnel who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty.
She lauded the bravery of the security forces for killing four terrorists during the operation, reaffirming that their courage and sacrifice reflect the nation’s unwavering resolve against terrorism.
The CM expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences
to the bereaved families.
She also prayed for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the attack, including women and children, and reiterated that such cowardly acts cannot weaken Pakistan’s determination to eliminate terrorism and protect its citizens.

Khurram briefs International Fintech Investors on reform, digital growth

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):Advisor to the Finance Minister of Pakistan, Khurram Schehzad, held a high-level strategic meeting with a delegation of leading international fintech investors from the Middle East, highlighting Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic stability, reform momentum, and expanding digital investment landscape.
The delegation was led by Dr. John Sfakianakis, Chairman, Fintech Solutions Holding, a globally recognized economist and investment strategist, and Kirill Smolin, Chief Executive Officer, Fintech Solutions Holding, an expert in digital technologies and fintech.
The visit was facilitated by Tech Avenue (Pvt.) Limited represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Obaid Ul Haq, and its Advisor to the Board, Khuram Rahat, said a press release issued b finance ministry.
During the meeting, the Advisor provided a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan’s economic stabilization, fiscal reforms, and renewed global confidence, noting that consistent policy implementation and structural reforms have strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals and improved the country’s investment outlook.
A key focus of the discussion was the Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan Vision, aligned with the broader reform agenda to promote financial inclusion and economic formalization.
The Advisor highlighted the Cashless / Digital Pakistan initiative, structured around three pillars: digital payments innovation and adoption, digital public infrastructure, and digitization of government payments.
These initiatives are supported by Raast, Pakistan’s instant payment system, which is enabling real-time, low-cost, and interoperable digital payments nationwide.
Providing an update on financial sector modernization, Schehzad noted progress under the State Bank of Pakistan’s Retail Digital Banking initiative, which has introduced a dedicated regulatory framework in line with international best practices.
He shared that easypaisa Digital Bank has been operational for nearly a year, while Mashreq Digital Bank has also commenced operations in Pakistan, reflecting strong international confidence in the country’s regulatory environment. Several other digital banks are advancing toward launch, further strengthening the digital ecosystem.
The Advisor also briefed investors on Pakistan’s forward-looking initiatives in Blockchain, Web3.0, and Virtual Assets, including work on a responsible regulatory framework and engagement with reputable global platforms to support innovation while ensuring compliance and investor protection.
The investors expressed strong appreciation for the clarity of reforms and policy direction, noting that Pakistan’s integrated approach to macroeconomic stability, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies presents compelling opportunities for long-term investment and strategic partnerships.
The meeting concluded with mutual agreement to remain engaged as discussions progress, reaffirming Pakistan’s position as a reform-driven, innovation-ready, and increasingly competitive investment destination.
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