Karachi: Sindh Culture Day is being enthusiastically celebrated this Sunday across the province and in various parts of the country.

 The annual celebrations take place on the first Sunday of December.

Numerous cultural, governmental, and non-governmental entities have come together on this occasion, arranging seminars, rallies, and conferences to showcase the rich heritage of the Sindh valley, which spans centuries.

Participants are embracing the cultural festivities by adorning themselves in traditional attire, including the Sindhi topi and ajrak—distinctive block-printed shawls that symbolize the deep-rooted cultural legacy of Sindh.

Sindhi Culture Day is being celebrated today with traditional enthusiasm to highlight the centuries-old rich culture of Sindh#SindhiCultureDay2023 #News #BreakingNews #RadioPakistan https://t.co/M82wrZ9E7V

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) December 3, 2023

A diverse crowd, consisting of political figures, leaders, NGOs, students, laborers, villagers, associations, and workers, has been actively participating in the festivities. Many have chosen to commemorate the day by acquiring the traditional Topi and Ajrak.

The surge in demand for Topi and Ajrak has led to an increase in prices, reflecting the heightened enthusiasm and widespread participation in celebrating Sindh Culture Day.

Dubai: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Sunday lauded the UAE's groundbreaking announcement of thirty billion dollars fund, aimed at addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly in the Global South.

In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of this bold and historic initiative and emphasized that Pakistan perceives climate change not only as a national security challenge, but also as a collective global concern.

The Prime Minister stressed the universality of the issue, stating that climate change poses a common challenge to all states irrespective of their size.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar remarked on the evolving nature of climate change, noting its dynamic transformations affecting regions across the globe.

Terming climate fund initiative as promising, the Caretaker Prime Minister said it would be translated into tangible projects and Pakistan is poised to be one of the beneficiaries of the UAE-led climate fund.

In a call for action, the Prime Minister urged vulnerable nations and major emitters to collaboratively determine terms of reference for dialogue, emphasizing the need to collectively address the pressing issue of climate change.

Highlighting the enduring and sustainable partnership between the UAE and Pakistan, particularly in climate mitigation, adaptation, and finance, the Prime Minister expressed optimism for continued collaboration. He noted that new investments are strategically focused on addressing climate change's social and economic dimensions, fostering a sustainable partnership with shared interests.

Talking about recently-signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, the Prime Minister emphasized  that these MoUs mark the beginning of a new chapter of bilateral collaboration.  He expressed hope for an increase in joint projects with a focus on achieving tangible and result-oriented outcomes in the coming decades.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar identified numerous opportunities within the region where Pakistan, leveraging its youthful population and their diverse skills, can contribute significantly across various sectors.

Acknowledging the robust role played by the 1.7 million Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, the Prime Minister appreciated their impactful contribution in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Highlighting potential areas for joint projects, he termed agriculture, food security, mining, IT, and industry and manufacturing sectors as potential areas for joint projects. He emphasized the youth-driven demographic advantage, with 65% of Pakistan's 14 million population under the age of 25, proficient in major global languages, as a key asset for collaborative initiatives.

The Prime Minister extended congratulations to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the Government of the UAE for hosting the exemplary COP28 event. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said such events demonstrate UAE's sense of moral, political, and social responsibility towards addressing the critical issue of climate change.  

Washington: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan has lauded Pakistani students studying in the United States for playing role in enhancing Pak-US relations and projecting a positive image of Pakistan.

In his virtual address with students from 15 leading U.S. universities and colleges, he praised the initiative of Pakistani Students Association Coalition in uniting Pakistani student associations under one umbrella.

Pakistani Students Association Coalition represents a diverse array of renowned U.S. educational institutes, including Brooklyn, Queens, Hunter College, Baruch College, City College, Columbia University, Harvard University, UC Berkeley, Swarthmore College, Minerva University, Syracuse University, among others.

The Ambassador lauded the coalition's efforts in fostering a stronger and broader community of Pakistani students while appreciating various initiatives aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of Pakistan and fostering closer ties between the people of the two countries.

While emphasizing the primary goal of excelling in academic pursuits, he urged students to actively engage with the rich educational environment both on and off-campus. He stressed the importance of respecting the laws and norms of the host country, as the conduct of Pakistani students reflects the true image of Pakistan.

The Ambassador also pointed out that misperceptions about Pakistan and its people could be countered by Pakistani students showcasing the strength of the nation. He emphasized the responsibility of each student as an ambassador in their environment and social groups.

The Ambassador briefed the students on the upward trajectory of Pak-US relations, highlighting various areas of cooperation, including trade ties and efforts to tap the economic potential of the relationship. In response to a student's question, he encouraged students to make their mark in studies, contribute to cementing Pak-US ties, and consider investing back in Pakistan.