Thursday, December 11, 2025
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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): APP Digital NewsAllama Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan breathed his last Thursday night at Lahore, his party announced. He was 55.

No reason for his death was given. His party officials said he was rushed to a hospital after he had problem breathing and had fever for past few days. However he was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital.

Senior TLP leader Syed Inayat-ul-Haq Shah also confirmed the news and asked the TLP workers to proceed to Lahore to participate in his last rites. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik announced that his funeral would be held on Saturday at 10 in the morning at Minar-e-Pakistan.

Videos on several social media accounts showed large number of his followers rushing to his home and crying over his sad demise.

The fire brand clerk was known for his protest marches, that often became violent and created law and order problems. His last protest was relatively shorter at Faizabad and ended only after a two day blockade of the twin cities on Monday.

Immediately after the confirmation of the news condolences poured in from all sections of society; including the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, Information Minister, Chief of Army Staff, Chief Minister Punjab and political leaders of many parties.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet expressed his grief over the sad demise of Allama Khadim Rizvi and conveyed condolences to his family.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa also conveyed his condolences over the demise of the TLP leader.

 

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information in Punjab also expressed grief over his sad demise.

Amir Jamat Islami also expressed his grief and prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s stance on Kashmir at international fora to highlight gruesome human rights violations by India

 

Indian media’s fake “civil war” in Pakistan, falls flat on face

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0
APP Digital Small logo
By Shafek Koreshe

In an abortive attempt to create diversion from Narendra Modi’s human rights abuses in Kashmir, the Indian media went berserk by propagating fake news about a “civil war” like situation in Karachi, triggering a hilarious response from the twitterati in Pakistan, who enjoyed every bit of the ridiculous reports.

#CivilWarInPakistan and #KarachiCivilWar were in no time the top trends, with the young twitter users going crazy by posting video clips from action movies, comics, images of the Indian MiG pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down by Pakistan Air Force inside Pakistan’s territory, as scenes from the Civil War, getting an equally enthusiastic response with numerous retweets and likes.

The arrest of PML-N leader Captain (Retd) Safdar on charges of political sloganeering at Quaid’s Mausoleum and leave applications by senior police officers was exploited by the top Indian news channels, who portrayed an administrative issue as a “civil war” and went to the extent of even reporting casualties, and armed clashes.

Indian Media ditches professionalism to dip at to its lowest 

#FakeNews CNN18News
#FakeNews CNN18News

The news reports were part of a persistent barrage of fake news from Indian mainstream media and its RAW controlled assets on social media over the past few months. The trend has witnessed a sharp spike as part of India’s fifth generation war (5GW) against Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on the “malicious and fabricated propaganda” by Indian mainstream and social media claiming civil unrest in Pakistan, said planting such baseless stories were reflective of the “Pakistan-obsessed BJP-RSS” mindset.

“Needless to say that Indian media continues to hit new lows,” he said, when asked to respond over the series of fake news flashed as breaking news across the Indian media about a “civil war in Pakistan”.

“Indian media continues to hit new lows”: FO

The Spokesperson said through “peddling fake news and running propaganda machinery”, India could not wash away the truth about its own gross and systematic human rights violations in Indian Ilelgally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“Rather than reporting on humanitarian crisis in IIOJK, the Indian media chooses to spread fake and sensational news about Pakistan to detract from core issues,” he said.

5th Gen War – Twitterati bust RAW’s #Fake letter attributed to COAS

 

#FakeNews - Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media
#FakeNews – Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media

The Indian media tried hard to appease its own consumers and to create a diversion from its human rights abuses in occupied Kashmir. However in its abortive attempt it created history by churning out fake news overpowered by the anti-Pakistan hysteria, undermining its professional ethics and credibility.

#FakeNews - India Today with its concocted news story
#FakeNews – India Today with its concocted news story

The unleashing of the Indian media did not go unnoticed, as Michael Kugelman, deputy director at the @AsiaProgram and South Asia senior associate @TheWilsonCenter in a tweet pointed that the Indian disinformation accounts were exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis, and “falsely claiming that the country is no experiencing urban warfare.”

He described the trend as “dangerous and disturbing”, as several of these accounts were verified and had huge followings.

Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari said the Indian media was in “hyper drive with fake news on Pakistan” and regretted that it was “unfortunate that Twitter is [deliberately ignoring it].”

All major media outlets in so-called world’s biggest democracy decimated all journalistic norms as none bothered to fact-check such a huge gaffe. India’s News18, India Today, Zee News, India.com and several others quoted the International Herald which showed old videos of bomb explosions in Pakistan and portrayed it as the ongoing civil war.

#FakeNews - Indian International Herald tweet
#FakeNews – Indian International Herald tweet

The Institute of Policy Research in a report said their data indicates a pattern of Indian propaganda against Pakistan on digital media that grew exponentially after 2018 General Elections in #Pakistan. The propaganda hovers around largely 4 key themes.

IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda
IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda

Minister for Ports and Shipping pointed that the Indian propaganda was at its peak and “sadly fueled by the PDM Circus.” He said the food inflation was artificially manufactured, but was being brought under control.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs also lambasted the “fake, fabricated and malicious propaganda campaign to malign State institutions of Pakistan. He urged @Twitter to take action against Indian accounts for #FakeNews against Paksitan.

However, this idiocy of Indian media gave the Twitterati a perfect chance to enjoy as the microblogging site was flooded with messages to ridicule the Indian media’s insanity.

“Karachi civil war has gotten so bad that my food panda delivery boy had to crawl through mine fields carrying his AK47, RPG & 9mm along with my nihari and Biryani. This thing is getting so serious. Multiple cows have been killed & people are dying of over eating. #IndianMedia,” commented renowned singer Fakhr-e-Alam.

Besides numerous other fake photos, the Indian media also used an image of a building collapsed following a gas leakage blast in Karachi earlier in the day to substantiate its fake news of civil war.

“A little investigation would have informed Zee News that it wasn’t a bomb blast in ‘civil war’ in Pakistan but the result of a  gas leak in Karachi. Whither truth, objectivity, balance and fairness in reporting?,” said Farhatullah Babr, former senator of Pakistan Peoples Party which rules Sindh province.

“An Aircraft shot during civil war in Karachi… and the pilot captured…,” commented another Twitter user Fasihuddin while sharing the images of Indian aircraft MiG-21 and captured injured pilot Abhinandan following an aerial dogfight during India-Pakistan standoff in 2019.

Afghanistan’s crisis deepens as Taliban reject engagement with world community: UN official

By
NNPS Desk
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0

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 11 (APP): Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian crisis is being driven by the accelerating erosion of fundamental rights – especially for women and girls – alongside mass displacement, economic decline and shrinking aid, senior UN officials warned on Wednesday.

Briefing the UN Security Council, Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, and Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said nearly half the population will need protection and humanitarian assistance in 2026.

While Afghanistan’s security is “outwardly calm”, tensions with Pakistan have produced deadly cross-border exchanges of fire and air strikes linked to militant activity, Ms. Gagnon said.

At the same time, she said, the closure of key border posts for two months has hurt trade and civilian life on both sides,

“Afghanistan’s de facto authorities continue to miss or reject opportunities for multilateral engagement with the international community,” Ms. Gagnon added.

Their situation demands both urgent attention and greater international support,” she said.

Women and girls remain “systematically excluded” from almost all aspects of public life, Ms. Gagnon said, as the ban on secondary and higher education for girls has now entered its fourth year, depriving the country of future doctors, teachers and leaders.

“Media freedom is increasingly restricted. Journalists face intimidation, detention and censorship, reducing the space for public debate and public participation,” she added.

Afghans – both women and men – also face daily intrusions under the de facto authorities’ law on the “propagation of virtue and prevention of vice,” she added, describing a pattern of systematic interference in private life.

At the same time, humanitarian needs are surging. Fletcher, the UN humanitarian aid chief, said that nearly 22 million people will need assistance next year, with Afghanistan now ranking among the world’s largest humanitarian crises.

“For the first time in four years, the number of people facing hunger has gone up,” he warned. Some 17.4 million Afghans are now food insecure, while massive funding cuts have left the response “stretched to breaking point.”

More than 300 nutrition delivery points have closed, leaving 1.1 million children without lifesaving nutrition, while 1.7 million face the risk of death without treatment. The health system is also buckling: 422 health facilities were closed in 2025, cutting three million people off from lifesaving care.

Adding to the strain, Afghanistan has seen record refugee returns, with over 2.6 million Afghans returning in 2025 alone, bringing the two-year total to more than four million. Most arrive with few possessions and are absorbed into already impoverished communities.

“Women and children made up 60 per cent of all returns this year,” Fletcher noted – returning to a country where women are barred from education, work and, in some cases, healthcare.

Economic pressures are worsening despite modest growth. While GDP is expected to rise by 4.5 per cent, per capita income will fall by about four per cent due to population growth, according to World Bank figures cited by Ms. Gagnon.

Rural livelihoods have also been devastated by the third year of the opium cultivation ban. Although welcomed internationally, UN agencies report a 48 per cent drop in rural incomes, with more support needed for alternative livelihoods.

While security conditions appear calmer than in past decades, tensions with Pakistan are rising amid cross-border exchanges linked to militant activity. At the same time, the closure of key border posts for two months has hurt trade and civilian life on both sides.

Meanwhile, women’s participation in humanitarian work remains under direct assault. Since September, female national UN staff have been barred from accessing UN premises nationwide, a restriction Fletcher called “unacceptable” and warned was crippling aid delivery.

“There can be no effective humanitarian response without women,” he said. “Afghanistan needs them.”

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also warned that rights in the country remain “out of reach for too many,” especially for women and girls. Involuntary returns are also placing journalists, former officials and civil society figures at heightened risk of reprisals.

“Human rights are not optional. They are the everyday essentials that sustain life,” Ms. Gagnon said in a separate UNAMA statement. “For Afghanistan, ensuring women and girls can learn, work, and participate fully is indispensable to recovery.”

Despite severe constraints, the UN continues to deliver aid. More than $40 million in emergency funding has been released in recent months to respond to earthquakes, drought and mass returns.

But Fletcher warned that underfunding is now costing lives.

“As we look to 2026, we risk a further contraction of lifesaving help at a time when food insecurity, health needs a strain on basic services and protection risks are all rising,” he said.

He stressed that without urgent attention of and support from the international community, the crisis would only worsen.

APP/ift

SBP for use of Green Taxonomy to promote climate resilience, sustainable economic activities

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Dec 10 (APP):In a bid to promote climate resilient and sustainable economic activities, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Wednesday, instructed financial institutions to utilize the Pakistan Green Taxonomy (PGT) as a guiding framework for framing and updating their green banking policies.
The central bank’s SME, Housing and Sustainable Finance Department, in a circular issued here, stated that the government has recently introduced the PGT to promote green and sustainable economic activities.
The Taxonomy specifies a single, common and consistent definition of “Green” across the board and provides a science-based classification system for identifying green economic activities and investments across the country, the SBP noted and advised all banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) “to use PGT as a reference guide for formulating and updating their green banking policies.”
SBP has issued the PGT document, a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and a web-based navigation tool for guidance of financial institutions in implementation. The central bank also assured its due facilitative role through awareness sessions and other support measures in this regard.
The Pakistan Green Taxonomy provides clarity on identification of green economic activities, increases the transparency of green investments and financial products, mitigation of  climate-related financial risks, and helps the financial sector direct capital flows to projects or activities aimed at achievement of the country’s environmental and climate objectives.
The framework is expected to enable financial institutions, regulators, and investors to better assess, support and scale sustainable finance initiatives, enhancing Pakistan’s sustainable finance landscape and integrating climate considerations within the country’s financial sector.

PM Shehbaz calls for collective action to protect mountains, glaciers on int’l Mountain Day

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is observing International Mountain Day in solidarity with the global community to highlight the vital role of mountains in maintaining a balanced natural environment.
In a message issued on the occasion of International Mountain Day, observed on December 11, the prime minister noted that this year the day is being marked under the theme “The Critical Role of Mountain Glaciers in Water, Food and Livelihoods.”
He said the theme holds special significance for Pakistan as it underscores the immense opportunities and responsibilities linked to the country’s rich natural resources.
Highlighting Pakistan’s geographical importance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country has been especially blessed by nature, being home to the confluence of some of the world’s highest mountain ranges the Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush. He pointed out that Pakistan hosts more than 7,000 glaciers, including some of the world’s largest and most remarkable glaciers such as Siachen, Baltoro, Biafo and Batura.
“These glaciers form the backbone of Pakistan’s water system,” the Prime Minister said, adding that they feed the Indus River Basin, support agricultural production, contribute to hydropower generation and provide drinking water to millions of people from the northern highlands to the coastal plains.
However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that this invaluable natural treasure is facing serious threats due to rapid glacier melting, climate change, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and environmental degradation. He said these challenges are increasingly affecting water security, food production, biodiversity and livelihoods linked to mountain ecosystems.
The prime minister urged the nation to reaffirm its collective resolve to protect these fragile ecosystems through coordinated measures, including climate resilience, responsible land use, sustainable tourism and active participation of local communities. He appreciated the role of national institutions, environmental agencies and tourism organizations in raising awareness on mountain conservation.
Emphasizing the importance of mountain communities, he said local populations, who are custodians of a rich cultural and historical heritage, must remain at the heart of conservation efforts.
On the occasion of International Mountain Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif particularly called upon the youth to become ambassadors of environmental protection. He stressed the need for joint efforts to ensure that Pakistan’s majestic mountains and breathtaking glaciers are preserved for future generations in their full natural glory.

Finance Minister leaves for Saudi Arabia to attend Global Development Finance Conference Momentum 2025

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has departed for Riyadh to participate in the Global Development Finance Conference – Momentum 2025, which opened yesterday in the Saudi capital.
Organized by the National Development Fund (NDF) under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the three-day event brings together international policymakers, development institutions, and financial experts to advance innovative financing models aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
With more than 100 speakers representing over 120 global and regional organizations, the conference is positioned as a leading platform for transforming development-focused ideas into impact-driven initiatives.
During the conference, Finance Minister will participate in a high-level session on climate adaptation and resilience, where he will join global leaders in discussing how developing countries can secure the capital needed to address climate vulnerabilities.
His participation will highlight Pakistan’s priorities in climate finance and the government’s efforts to strengthen economic resilience in the face of global environmental challenges.
The Finance Minister will hold important bilateral meetings with senior Saudi officials, including leadership from the National Development Fund and the Ministry of Finance.
These engagements will focus on deepening Pakistan–Saudi economic cooperation, exploring opportunities for development financing, and strengthening collaboration across priority sectors.
His exchanges with Saudi counterparts are expected to reinforce ongoing economic reforms and open avenues for enhanced investment and financial support.
On the sidelines of the summit, Senator Aurangzeb will also give interviews to prominent international media outlets, including CNN and RIA Novosti, where he will outline Pakistan’s economic reform trajectory, investment potential, and development finance requirements.
He will further underscore the government’s commitment to mobilizing global partnerships that can accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth.
In addition, Senator Aurangzeb will participate in an interview with CGTN to expand Pakistan’s outreach to global audiences and articulate the country’s evolving development agenda.
He will also interact with Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Riyadh to review bilateral engagements and discuss upcoming economic diplomacy initiatives.
The Finance Minister’s participation in Momentum 2025 reflects Pakistan’s commitment to engaging with global development partners and contributing to collective efforts aimed at building a dynamic and resilient financing ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable growth.

OIC- COMSTECH, DRAP set dates for specialized seminars on herbal medicines, vaccines, and medical devices

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):OIC- COMSTECH and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) have finalized the schedule for three specialized seminars and accompanying exhibitions aimed at strengthening innovation, regulation, and indigenous capacity in priority health sectors, including herbal medicines, vaccines, and medical devices.
The decision emerged during a meeting between Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, and DRAP Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Obaidullah.
The two sides discussed ongoing collaboration and agreed on an action plan to advance scientific development and regulatory alignment across OIC member and observer states.
During the meeting, both leaders highlighted the immense potential of Unani and herbal medicines, noting that the traditional medicine sector remains largely underutilized despite strong local expertise and demand.
They also underscored the strategic importance of vaccine development for global and regional health security, while stressing that strengthening the medical devices industry is vital for reducing import dependency and enhancing the resilience of health systems.
The upcoming events—each structured as a thematic seminar coupled with a technical exhibition—are expected to bring together regulators, Hakeems, manufacturers, academia, innovators, and international experts.
The gatherings aim to showcase local capabilities, facilitate technology transfer, streamline regulatory pathways, and open avenues for investment and regional cooperation.
The two organisations also confirmed the schedule for the forthcoming activities.
The seminar on Unani, herbal and traditional medicines will take place on January 15, 2026, followed by a two-day seminar on vaccines on February 7–8, 2026.
The series will conclude with a specialized seminar on medical devices, surgical items and instruments on March 26, 2026. Each event will feature an exhibition of local and international brands to highlight domestic strengths and promote industry linkages.
Prof. Dr. Choudhary reaffirmed COMSTECH’s commitment to advancing scientific capacity-building and innovation within the Muslim world, noting that the planned initiatives align with the broader OIC objective of achieving self-reliance in health technologies.
DRAP CEO Dr. Obaidullah assured full support and emphasized that regulatory frameworks must evolve in tandem with emerging scientific and industrial developments.
The joint initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation, promoting innovation, and enhancing indigenous capabilities in key health technology domains.

Al Huda int’l organizes social services program

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Al Huda International School, F-8 Campus, organized a program of social service and da’wah activities with the aim of strengthening social responsibility, compassion, and Islamic values.
Under this program, the students actively participated in the Halal and Tayyab Food Drive, organized near Masjid Rahmat-ul-Alameen outside the F-8 Campus, and distributed food to the needy under the supervision of their teachers.
The students also visited Tarbiya School and ACS School Pind Julian, where they discussed the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
They distributed prayer cards among the children and also provided warm clothes and essential items as part of the winter drive.
The administration of Al Huda International School stated that these activities reflect the school’s commitment to promoting compassion, generosity, and social and moral awareness among students through practical training.
Such activities provide children with an excellent opportunity to serve the community, practice Islamic values, and play a positive role in society.

PTA intensifies crackdown on illegal issuance of SIMs

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore, in close coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore, conducted a successful raid at a Zong Franchisee in Sheikhupura involved in the illegal issuance of SIMs.
The action followed a complaint lodged by a female citizen whose CNIC was repeatedly misused for unauthorized SIM activations, said a press release.
During the raid, two mobile phones, one laptop, five Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, and 150 SIMs were seized. Two individuals, including the franchise owner and a Zong employee, were arrested, with an FIR registered and further investigations in progress.
PTA reiterates its firm resolve to curb BVS misuse and eliminate illegal SIM issuance. Citizens are requested to report unauthorized SIMs via PTA’s Helpline 0800-55055 or the online portal https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/userlogin.aspx.

Traffic jam outside the discount market near Rashid Minhas Road, Bagh-e-Karachi, caused by roadside stalls”.

By
Wajid
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0
Traffic jam outside the discount market near Rashid Minhas Road, Bagh-e-Karachi, caused by roadside stalls”.
APP29-101225
KARACHI: December 10 –

Member of the National Assembly Ali Zahid calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

By
Wajid
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0
Member of the National Assembly Ali Zahid calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
APP30-101225
ISLAMABAD: December 10 – 

Sweden Celebrates Lucia in Islamabad: Festival of Light Showcases Culture, Harmony

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):The Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad brought a touch of Nordic warmth to the capital last evening as it hosted its annual Lucia Festival, a cherished Swedish tradition that marks the arrival of light during the year’s darkest season. The event blended music, candles and cultural expression, drawing diplomats, members of the Swedish and Nordic community, and Pakistani guests.
With a history spanning more than four centuries, the Lucia celebration holds deep cultural significance in Sweden. Observed each December, it features processions of singers dressed in white, carrying candles to symbolize hope, peace and the triumph of light over darkness. Revered for its message of community and compassion, the tradition is closely linked to Saint Lucia’s Day and has become a hallmark of Swedish cultural identity.
The highlight of the evening in Islamabad was the enchanting Lucia procession. Participants from the broader Swedish and Nordic community sang traditional Swedish hymns while carrying candles, casting a serene glow that transformed the venue into a scene reminiscent of winter celebrations in Sweden.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan, H.E. Alexandra Berg von Linde, spoke about the deeper meaning behind the festival.
“Lucia is more than a tradition. It is a reminder of the light we can bring to one another, especially in challenging times,” she said. “By sharing this celebration with our friends in Pakistan, we hope to offer a glimpse into Swedish culture, where community, openness and compassion are at the heart of society. I am thankful for the friendships and goodwill that continue to grow between our communities.”
A special attraction at this year’s event was the “Sweden in General – Sverige A–Ö” exhibition, which offered visitors an immersive look into everyday life in Sweden. Through images, stories and themes ranging from innovation, equality and design to nature and education, the exhibition showcased the values that shape modern Swedish society.
Guests also enjoyed a spread of traditional Swedish seasonal delicacies. Saffron buns, gingerbread cookies, classic meatballs and other treats added an authentic culinary touch, allowing attendees to experience Swedish festive flavors.
By celebrating Lucia in Islamabad, the Swedish Embassy aims to strengthen cultural ties, foster people-to-people connections and provide a platform for deeper mutual understanding between Sweden and Pakistan.
The festival concluded on a warm and harmonious note, embodying the universal message of Lucia: bringing light, hope and unity to all.
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