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President, PM felicitate Hindu community on Diwali
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended their warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on the holy occasion of Diwali.
In a message to mark Diwali, President Asif Ali Zardari said, “The Festival of Lights celebrates the symbol of triumph of good over evil, victory of light over darkness and hope over despair. Its message of compassion and renewal reminds us that each of us can bring light into the lives of others through kindness, understanding, compassion and care.
He said, “Pakistan’s Hindu community is an integral part of our national life. Its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture have enriched our country.
He said: “On this occasion, I pay tribute to these contributions and reaffirm that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens.”
The President said: “As families gather, pray and celebrate by lighting lamps, my thoughts and good wishes are with all those celebrating. May the lights of Diwali bring joy to your home, comfort to those facing hardships, and new hope for the coming year.
In his Diwali message, Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif said, “Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair.”
Diwali carries a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relationships and social life. The enduring belief in a bright, prosperous and hopeful future is one of the most valuable attributes of Diwali,” he added.
“Pakistan’s Hindu community is an important part of the fabric of our country,” he said. Its invaluable contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of our country are worthy of the highest appreciation.”
He said, “The diverse cultural and religious traditions within our society constitute a valuable social asset. Pakistan takes immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity.”
“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of the religious and civil rights of minorities. The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity. Promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect is our shared responsibility,” he noted.
He said, “Our collective resolve is to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation. A society that embraces diverse cultures and traditions and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence is one that ensures equal educational and economic opportunities for all its citizens.”
Latest News
Police constable, five-year-old son shot dead in Tank
A police constable and his five-year-old son were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on them in Khadrianwala area of Tank on Sunday, police said.
According to the District Police Department (DPO), Constable Saadat was on his way to the market with his son to buy groceries when unidentified gunmen attacked them.
The constable died on the spot, while his injured son was shifted to Dera Ismail Khan for medical treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The bodies of the father and son were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. After the incident, the police launched a search operation in the area to find the culprit.
Business
DG ISPR highlights Pakistan’s regional security challenges and peace efforts
The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) highlighted Pakistan’s regional security challenges and efforts to maintain peace during interactive sessions with students.
DG ISPR visited University of Lahore, University of Central Punjab (UCP) and King Edward Medical University (KEMU) where special sessions were arranged with students and faculty members. The meeting discussed domestic and international affairs, the geopolitical situation in the region, particularly Afghanistan, and the role of the Pakistan Army in maintaining regional peace.
Teachers and students publicly expressed their opinions and raised questions on various issues to which the military spokesperson gave detailed answers. Students welcomed the initiative to engage directly with the academic community and stressed the importance of holding such interactive sessions in the future.
They also congratulated the armed forces for their victory at Marka-e-Haq and prayed for the promotion of soldiers who were killed in the line of duty.
Business
NEPRA increases electricity price by Rs2.36 per unit under fuel adjustment
The National Electricity Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has hiked electricity tariffs by Rs 2.36 per unit of electricity under the Monthly Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA), adding to the financial burden on electricity consumers.
According to a statement released by NEPRA, the increase is due to fuel cost adjustments in September 2026. The correction represents the difference between the actual fuel costs for electricity generation and the previously determined reference fuel costs.
According to the decision, electricity consumers will have to pay an additional charge of Rs 2.3673 for each company present in their accounts under the applicable FCA mechanism.
The adjustment will be reflected in electricity bills for November 2026.
Meanwhile, NEPRA has approved a Rs2.32 per unit increase in electricity rates for additional consumption by industrial and agricultural consumers, raising the applicable rate from Rs22.98 to Rs25.30 per unit. The decision has been sent to the federal government for further action and the revised rates are proposed to be effective from the billing month of November 2026.
As part of the existing rescue package, the government provides electricity price subsidies to industrial and agricultural consumers who exceed electricity consumption in the same period last year. The federal government has launched a three-year relief package under which power will be provided to agricultural consumers at Rs 22.98 per unit instead of Rs 38 per unit, while industrial consumers will get the same rate for additional electricity consumption instead of Rs 34 per unit.
However, NEPRA has now approved an increase in the discount rate per unit by Rs 2.32 to Rs 25.30.
The regulatory authority’s decision was taken through the casting vote of its chairman, while two members recorded their disagreement with the proposal.
NEPRA members Amna Ahmed and Maqsood Anwar Khan submitted dissenting notes, describing the proposed rate of Rs25.30 per unit as unjustified.
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