LONDON: The UK Met Office has forecast the first snowfall of the winter season across the country. According to the weather forecast, snowfall could begin at several locations this week, bringing a significant drop in temperatures.

The snowfall may continue for several days, increasing the intensity of the cold spell, while temperatures in some areas could fall below freezing.

Last November, similar snowfall was recorded in Scotland. The cold spell expected to begin on Thursday and Friday is also likely to intensify.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said snowfall is expected in northern Scotland, the Northern Isles and Shetland, while higher-altitude areas could experience freezing temperatures.

Last November’s snowfall created difficult road conditions, particularly in northern Scotland.

Along with snowfall, rain is also expected across several parts of England and Wales, while strong winds are forecast in northeastern areas.

BIRMINGHAM (Sada-e-Sach News): Birmingham witnessed a large-scale religious congregation in remembrance of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), bringing together prominent religious scholars, Zakireen, renowned Noha Khwans and devotees of Ahl-e-Bait (AS) from across the United Kingdom and beyond.

Titled “Mourning for the Heir of Ayat-e-Tatheer,” the gathering was held at Hussainia Regent Park Hall, where a large number of mourners assembled to pay tribute to the life, virtues and sacrifices of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA).

The congregation featured a series of religious addresses focusing on the distinguished status of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA), her exemplary character, the teachings of Ahl-e-Bait (AS) and the enduring message of Karbala. Speakers emphasised the importance of preserving Islamic values, promoting the teachings of the Prophet’s family and passing their legacy on to future generations.

Prominent scholars addressing the gathering included Maulana Muhammad Raza Dawoodani, Maulana Syed Bilal Kazmi, Allama Syed Ali Kazmi and Allama Asad Raza Zaidi. Renowned Zakireen Waseem Abbas Baloch, Saqlain Abbas Ghalloo, Asif Kamal Haider, Ali Imran Jafri, Zain Ali Zaidi and Qamar Kiyani also delivered religious discourses, highlighting various dimensions of the history of Karbala and the spiritual legacy of Ahl-e-Bait (AS).

The event also featured emotionally charged Noha and Marsiya recitations by some of the well-known voices of the Azadari tradition. Kazmi Brothers from Pakistan, alongside Mir Hassan Mir, Mir Qasim Mir, Mir Jawad Mir, Qais Abbas Qomi (UK), Shabi-ul-Hassan Kazmi and Zakir Chaudhry Ejaz (UK), presented their renowned elegies, creating an atmosphere of deep mourning and spiritual devotion.

The participation of Zawar Markazi Matami Dasta (UK) added further significance to the gathering. Muntazir-e-Azadaran Taqi Abbas Bukhari and other distinguished participants also attended the programme, expressing their devotion and commitment to the traditions of mourning for Ahl-e-Bait (AS).

Reflecting the international reach of the event, proceedings were broadcast live through various Azadari networks in Pakistan and the UK, allowing devotees in different parts of the world to watch and participate remotely.

Organisers said the gathering was aimed at highlighting the life and sacrifices of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA), promoting the teachings of Ahl-e-Bait (AS) and familiarising younger generations with her exemplary character, patience, steadfastness and unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.

The congregation concluded with participants renewing their pledge to preserve the traditions of Azadari, strengthen their connection with Ahl-e-Bait (AS) and continue spreading their teachings and message of truth, justice and humanity across communities and generations.

ISLAMABAD: The 5th European Film Festival (EUFF) returns to Pakistan this weekend, with events scheduled across Islamabad, Sialkot and Jamshoro/Hyderabad.

The festival brings audiences together through European and Pakistani cinema, live performances, interactive experiences and cultural exchange.

Presented by the European Union and curated by Olomopolo Media, the festival will feature European feature films, documentaries and experimental shorts, alongside a curated selection of Pakistani short films. The program will also include live performances, a children’s segment, interactive installations and an industry session for filmmakers, said a release issued here on Thursday.

The European Film Festival was first held in Pakistan in 2021 and since then, the travelling festival has been held in Gilgit, Quetta, Peshawar, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Multan, Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, with a focus on cultural exchange and dialogue through cinema.

The 2026 edition will take place in Islamabad on 12 and 13 September at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). In addition to film screenings, the program will include a Stand-up Comedy & Improv Showcase and a Children’s Segment featuring a family-friendly European film with a storytelling and music session.

The festival will then travel to Sialkot on 16 and 17 September, with events taking place at Government College Women University and GRID by BLCK, before concluding in Jamshoro/Hyderabad on 29 and 30 September at SABS University of Art, Design & Heritages. A live musical performance will form part of the closing program.

Alongside the screenings, audiences will have access to immersive experiences which will be an integral part of this year’s festival, with installations including EUFF-Pakistan Express – a train installation, Wall of Fame, Human Slot Game alongside a Reading Nook and Kids’ Corner. This year’s program will also include the Filmmakers’ Mixer, a new Industry Program session.

The festival is aimed at young audiences, families, members of the film fraternity, film enthusiasts and diplomats. Its objectives include expanding cinematic experiences and conversations, using cinema as a means of connecting cultures, and creating spaces for collective activities and engagement.

The 5th European Film Festival (EUFF) 2026 is curated and organized by Olomopolo Media.