Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Prince Karim Aga Khan.

He termed his demise an irreparable loss and a profound tragedy that has left the entire nation in mourning.

While paying tribute to Prince Karim Aga Khan's extraordinary contributions, Ayaz Sadiq described him as a visionary, philanthropist, and a leader of social welfare.

"Under his leadership, AKDN successfully completed numerous projects in education, healthcare, and social development across Pakistan and the world, benefiting future generations", Ayaz Sadiq added.

He said that Prince Karim Aga Khan's tireless efforts for the upliftment of underprivileged and middle-class communities will always be remembered. His contributions to education, healthcare, and human development are truly commendable, he added.

Further, he highlighted that AKDN's services in Pakistan's remote and underdeveloped regions are a testament to Prince Karim Aga Khan's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Pakistan.

Honouring his legacy, Ayaz Sadiq highlighted Prince Karim Aga Khan's contributions to promoting peace, love, tolerance, and coexistence. "His teachings and social services are an inspiration for us all", he added.

Ayaz Sadiq extended his heartfelt condolences to Prince Karim Aga Khan's family, the Ismaili community, and his followers.

He also offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for strength and patience for the bereaved family and all those mourning this great loss during this difficult time.

Islamabad: In January 2025, Algeria took center stage on the global diplomatic scene as it held the presidency of the United Nations Security Council.

Under the guidance of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria steered the Council through a crucial period, focusing on pressing global issues with a firm commitment to peace and justice.

According to Algerian Embassy in Pakistan, throughout its month-long presidency, the country demonstrated its leadership by raising pivotal concerns, including the Palestinian cause, the growing threats to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.

Algeria's diplomatic push was marked by significant accomplishments, highlighting the nation's robust approach to international diplomacy. A total of 16 ministerial meetings focused on the Middle East, alongside 9 meetings dedicated to African issues, underscored Algeria's focus on fostering international cooperation. The country managed 37 open meetings and closed consultations, issuing three presidential statements and four resolutions, all while maintaining a notable 75 hours of meeting time without resorting to the use of veto power.

Perhaps most notably, Algeria's presidency saw the successful passage of resolutions calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and underscored the country's advocacy for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Algeria also rallied the support of 143 countries to formally recognize Palestine as a full UN member state. Additionally, the country took a proactive stance in addressing terrorism in Africa, with President Tebboune playing a pivotal role in mobilizing continental efforts against this growing threat, inspiring collective action to combat the scourge of terrorism.

Through these efforts, Algeria has not only shaped the Security Council's agenda but also demonstrated its unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and global security.

The UN Security Council, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, is tasked with maintaining international peace and security. It consists of 15 members-five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) with veto power, and ten elected non-permanent members that rotate every two years.

The presidency of the Security Council rotates monthly among its members, with the president holding the responsibility of steering discussions, facilitating decision-making, and ensuring the proper conduct of Council activities.

The presidency plays a vital role in setting the tone of the Council's deliberations and influencing the direction of key resolutions, as demonstrated by Algeria's impactful leadership throughout January 2025.

Islamabad: The Chinese Spring Festival, known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture, and this year, the festivities took on a special meaning at the 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-fired Power Plant , operated by Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Pvt. Ltd.

The celebration of the Year of the Snake was marked by a series of heartfelt and exciting events that brought together both Chinese and Pakistani employees in a unique fusion of cultures, said a press release.

The presence of CEO Dr. Li Xin and President Xu throughout the celebrations added a personal touch to the occasion, demonstrating the company's appreciation for its employees and commitment to fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.

The evening celebrations on the night of the Spring Festival mirrored the festive atmosphere of Chaand Raat, a beloved tradition in Pakistani culture.

On Chaand Raat, families across Pakistan come together, prepare for the upcoming holiday, and celebrate with joy and excitement. At the 1320 MW Power Plant, the night was marked by a lavish dinner that brought together both the Chinese and Pakistani staff.

The meal featured a mix of Chinese and Pakistani dishes, ensuring that all employees felt a sense of belonging and were able to enjoy food from their respective cultures.

The shared meal was more than just a culinary experience, it was an opportunity for staff members from different backgrounds to connect, converse, and bond over the festive spirit.

Islamabad: Syed Faiz Nakhshbandi, a senior leader of the All Pakistan Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Azad Kashmir, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government of Pakistan and its people for wholeheartedly commemorating Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5.

Talking to reporter on Wednesday, he said, 'On the occasion of Kashmir Day, the Pakistani people and the government of Pakistan show complete solidarity with the people of India Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ and K).

He said, 'We want to give a message to the countries around the world and India that Kashmiri people are not alone; the government of Pakistan and the people of this country are with them.'

'Kashmiri people are struggling for their right to freedom, but India is committing serious violations of human rights to hold its illegal possession in occupied Kashmir,' he shared.

'We Kashmiris, despite Indian troops atrocities, will continue to fight for achieving our right to freedom.'

'We are thankful to the Pakistani government and people for their unwavering support on the 'Kashmir Cause.'

Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif made a resolute declaration on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirming Pakistan's unshakeable commitment to the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination, a cause that resonates deeply in the hearts of Pakistanis nationwide.

In his televised message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, Asif stressed that India's refusal to cooperate has delayed the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, which affirm the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite.

Asif called on the international community to uphold its commitments to the Kashmiri people and urged India to reverse its unilateral actions taken since August 5, 2019, which have led to human rights abuses and demographic changes in the region.

Pakistan remains committed to standing with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters until they achieve their right to self-determination, Asif emphasized.

Khawaja Asif stressed that the Kashmir dispute holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis, who will continue to support their Kashmiri brothers and sisters until they attain their right to self-determination.

He urged the international community to fulfill its commitments to the Kashmiri people, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.

Islamabad: The price of 24 karat per tola gold increased by Rs.5,300 and was sold at Rs 299,600 on Wednesday against its sale at Rs 294,300 on previous trading day, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs.4,158 to Rs.256,859 from Rs. 252,314 whereas that of 10 gram 22 karat went up to Rs.235,454 from Rs.231,296.

The prices of per tola silver also increased by Rs.36 to Rs3,350 whereas that of ten gram rose by Rs31.08 to Rs.2,872.08.

The price of gold in the international market increased by $53 to $2,868 from $2,815, the Association reported.