Pakistan witnessed its longest night of the year last night as the winter solstice occurred in the Northern Hemisphere.

According to a statement from Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, this phenomenon marked the shortest day and the longest night due to the earth’s axial tilt.

The winter solstice happens annually on December 21 or 22 when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the sun.

As the days following the solstice progress, daylight hours will gradually increase.