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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi - File Photo

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): APP Digital NewsAllama Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan breathed his last Thursday night at Lahore, his party announced. He was 55.

No reason for his death was given. His party officials said he was rushed to a hospital after he had problem breathing and had fever for past few days. However he was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital.

Senior TLP leader Syed Inayat-ul-Haq Shah also confirmed the news and asked the TLP workers to proceed to Lahore to participate in his last rites. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik announced that his funeral would be held on Saturday at 10 in the morning at Minar-e-Pakistan.

Videos on several social media accounts showed large number of his followers rushing to his home and crying over his sad demise.

The fire brand clerk was known for his protest marches, that often became violent and created law and order problems. His last protest was relatively shorter at Faizabad and ended only after a two day blockade of the twin cities on Monday.

Immediately after the confirmation of the news condolences poured in from all sections of society; including the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, Information Minister, Chief of Army Staff, Chief Minister Punjab and political leaders of many parties.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet expressed his grief over the sad demise of Allama Khadim Rizvi and conveyed condolences to his family.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa also conveyed his condolences over the demise of the TLP leader.

 

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information in Punjab also expressed grief over his sad demise.

Amir Jamat Islami also expressed his grief and prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

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Imran Khan speaks for Kashmiris
Imran Khan speaks for Kashmiris

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s stance on Kashmir at international fora to highlight gruesome human rights violations by India

 

Indian media’s fake “civil war” in Pakistan, falls flat on face

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Fake News Karachi
APP Digital Small logo
By Shafek Koreshe

In an abortive attempt to create diversion from Narendra Modi’s human rights abuses in Kashmir, the Indian media went berserk by propagating fake news about a “civil war” like situation in Karachi, triggering a hilarious response from the twitterati in Pakistan, who enjoyed every bit of the ridiculous reports.

#CivilWarInPakistan and #KarachiCivilWar were in no time the top trends, with the young twitter users going crazy by posting video clips from action movies, comics, images of the Indian MiG pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down by Pakistan Air Force inside Pakistan’s territory, as scenes from the Civil War, getting an equally enthusiastic response with numerous retweets and likes.

The arrest of PML-N leader Captain (Retd) Safdar on charges of political sloganeering at Quaid’s Mausoleum and leave applications by senior police officers was exploited by the top Indian news channels, who portrayed an administrative issue as a “civil war” and went to the extent of even reporting casualties, and armed clashes.

Indian Media ditches professionalism to dip at to its lowest 

#FakeNews CNN18News
#FakeNews CNN18News

The news reports were part of a persistent barrage of fake news from Indian mainstream media and its RAW controlled assets on social media over the past few months. The trend has witnessed a sharp spike as part of India’s fifth generation war (5GW) against Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on the “malicious and fabricated propaganda” by Indian mainstream and social media claiming civil unrest in Pakistan, said planting such baseless stories were reflective of the “Pakistan-obsessed BJP-RSS” mindset.

“Needless to say that Indian media continues to hit new lows,” he said, when asked to respond over the series of fake news flashed as breaking news across the Indian media about a “civil war in Pakistan”.

“Indian media continues to hit new lows”: FO

The Spokesperson said through “peddling fake news and running propaganda machinery”, India could not wash away the truth about its own gross and systematic human rights violations in Indian Ilelgally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“Rather than reporting on humanitarian crisis in IIOJK, the Indian media chooses to spread fake and sensational news about Pakistan to detract from core issues,” he said.

5th Gen War – Twitterati bust RAW’s #Fake letter attributed to COAS

 

#FakeNews - Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media
#FakeNews – Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media

The Indian media tried hard to appease its own consumers and to create a diversion from its human rights abuses in occupied Kashmir. However in its abortive attempt it created history by churning out fake news overpowered by the anti-Pakistan hysteria, undermining its professional ethics and credibility.

#FakeNews - India Today with its concocted news story
#FakeNews – India Today with its concocted news story

The unleashing of the Indian media did not go unnoticed, as Michael Kugelman, deputy director at the @AsiaProgram and South Asia senior associate @TheWilsonCenter in a tweet pointed that the Indian disinformation accounts were exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis, and “falsely claiming that the country is no experiencing urban warfare.”

He described the trend as “dangerous and disturbing”, as several of these accounts were verified and had huge followings.

Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari said the Indian media was in “hyper drive with fake news on Pakistan” and regretted that it was “unfortunate that Twitter is [deliberately ignoring it].”

All major media outlets in so-called world’s biggest democracy decimated all journalistic norms as none bothered to fact-check such a huge gaffe. India’s News18, India Today, Zee News, India.com and several others quoted the International Herald which showed old videos of bomb explosions in Pakistan and portrayed it as the ongoing civil war.

#FakeNews - Indian International Herald tweet
#FakeNews – Indian International Herald tweet

The Institute of Policy Research in a report said their data indicates a pattern of Indian propaganda against Pakistan on digital media that grew exponentially after 2018 General Elections in #Pakistan. The propaganda hovers around largely 4 key themes.

IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda
IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda

Minister for Ports and Shipping pointed that the Indian propaganda was at its peak and “sadly fueled by the PDM Circus.” He said the food inflation was artificially manufactured, but was being brought under control.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs also lambasted the “fake, fabricated and malicious propaganda campaign to malign State institutions of Pakistan. He urged @Twitter to take action against Indian accounts for #FakeNews against Paksitan.

However, this idiocy of Indian media gave the Twitterati a perfect chance to enjoy as the microblogging site was flooded with messages to ridicule the Indian media’s insanity.

“Karachi civil war has gotten so bad that my food panda delivery boy had to crawl through mine fields carrying his AK47, RPG & 9mm along with my nihari and Biryani. This thing is getting so serious. Multiple cows have been killed & people are dying of over eating. #IndianMedia,” commented renowned singer Fakhr-e-Alam.

Besides numerous other fake photos, the Indian media also used an image of a building collapsed following a gas leakage blast in Karachi earlier in the day to substantiate its fake news of civil war.

“A little investigation would have informed Zee News that it wasn’t a bomb blast in ‘civil war’ in Pakistan but the result of a  gas leak in Karachi. Whither truth, objectivity, balance and fairness in reporting?,” said Farhatullah Babr, former senator of Pakistan Peoples Party which rules Sindh province.

“An Aircraft shot during civil war in Karachi… and the pilot captured…,” commented another Twitter user Fasihuddin while sharing the images of Indian aircraft MiG-21 and captured injured pilot Abhinandan following an aerial dogfight during India-Pakistan standoff in 2019.

KP Police a force of martyrs and veterans: IGP Zulfiqar Hameed

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HARIPUR, Aug 08 (APP):“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police is a force of martyrs and veterans who have laid down their lives to maintain peace,” said Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed during his official visit to Haripur.
During the visit, the IGP inaugurated the newly constructed Haripur Police Lines. He received a detailed briefing on the infrastructure and inspected various departments and sections of the new facility.
Later, IGP Zulfiqar Hameed addressed a large police durbar attended by personnel from CTD, Special Branch, District Police, and Lady Police units.
In his address, the IGP emphasized that the KP Police has made unparalleled sacrifices for law and order and that all possible steps are being taken to improve police infrastructure and personnel welfare.
“My mission is to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a cradle of peace,” he said, urging police officers to build public trust, promote community policing, and perform their duties with dedication and compassion. He reminded officers that police service is a sacred responsibility and called on them to act with honesty, patience, and respect towards the public.
He stressed that distressed citizens turn to the police for help, and a courteous attitude can ease half their burden. He also directed officers to take timely action on local disputes and actively engage with Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs) and Public Liaison Committees.
The IGP stated that all available resources are being utilized to boost police capabilities and improve working conditions. He listened carefully to individual and collective concerns raised by personnel during the durbar and issued on-the-spot directives for resolving several issues, while requesting immediate reports on others.
Later, IGP Zulfiqar Hameed also held meetings with local parliamentarians, dignitaries, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and DRC representatives. He praised their valuable contributions to resolving public issues and fostering community cooperation.
Earlier on his arrival, the IGP was presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out police contingent upon arrival. DIG Hazara Region Nasir Mehmood Satti, DPO Haripur Farhan Khan, and SP Investigation Jameel ur Rehman were also present to welcome him.

Chengdu 2025 World Games kick off with dazzling opening ceremony

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Muhammad Shafique Raja
CHENGDU, China Aug 08 (APP):The Chengdu 2025 World Games opened in spectacular fashion on Thursday night with a vibrant ceremony at the Tianfu International Conference Center, featuring dazzling performances, a record number of participating nations and a historic cauldron lighting.
Chengdu 2025 World Games kick off with dazzling opening ceremony
Chinese State Councilor Chen Ichin, Sports Minister Gao Zhidan and International World Games Association (IWGA) President José Perurena were among the dignitaries present as hundreds of dancers, adorned with colour-changing gloves and shoes, delivered a mesmerizing opening act.
Chengdu 2025 World Games kick off with dazzling opening ceremony
Fireworks in the event’s signature yellow, red and green hues lit up the sky, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
A record 114 nations paraded into the venue, with China’s 321-strong contingent, the largest delegation receiving a roaring ovation. The host nation’s DanceSport athletes added to the excitement with a lively performance during the march-past.
Chengdu 2025 World Games kick off with dazzling opening ceremony
International Olympic Committee member Kirsty Coventry, in a video message, commended China’s organizational efficiency, while IWGA President Perurena, presiding over his final World Games after 11 years, hailed Chengdu as the “center of world sport” and thanked volunteers and organizers for their dedication.
“This will be my final edition of the World Games as president, and I cannot imagine a better farewell than to be here in Chengdu,” Perurena said.
State Councilor Chen Ichin officially declared the Games open, followed by oaths from athletes, coaches and officials.
The ceremony reached its climax when two Chinese waterskiers lit the cauldron on Qinhuang Lake in a breathtaking display — the first-ever torch lighting in World Games history.
The night concluded with a performance blending tradition and modernity, as dancers in glowing blue skirts moved to the event’s theme song, “Voice of Amity,” performed by a children’s choir.
The World Games, showcasing over 30 non-Olympic sports will run until August 17. Pakistan is participating in squash and billiard events.

Global-level preparations to host Badminton Cup begin in Sharjah

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SHARJAH, Aug 8 (WAM/APP): With the support of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, preparations are underway for the first-ever Badminton World Cup.

This event is set to take place in Khorfakkan, Sharjah, from 11th to 14th December 2025. The organising committee recently held its first meeting at the Sharjah Sports Council to discuss various topics related to the tournament.

The Badminton World Federation has announced that Sharjah will host the first-ever outdoor badminton championship, organised by the UAE Badminton Federation in collaboration with the Sharjah Sports Council.

The meeting was led by Abdulmalik Mohammed Jani, Chairman of the Organising Committee, in the presence of Noura Hassan Al Jasmi, the committee’s Vice Chairman, and several other committee chairs who are responsible for various aspects of organising the tournament.

During the meeting, the team reviewed how to organise the event and divide responsibilities. They discussed the importance of developing local talent and proposed running training workshops for new referees. They also plan to hold promotional events leading up to the tournament to generate excitement and awareness.

Khorfakkan Beach has been selected as the venue for the championship, and a press conference will take place after the European and Asian Championships.

3.5 magnitude tremor recorded in Al Sila’ with no reported impact: NCM

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AL SILA’, Abu Dhabi, Aug 8 (WAM/APP): The National Center of Meteorology’s (NCM) National Seismic Network recorded a magnitude 3.5 tremor in the Al Sila’ area at 00:03 UAE local time on August 8, 2025.

NCM released a statement confirming that the tremor was lightly felt in the area, but caused no significant impact.

Public funds to be spent transparently on public welfare: AJK PM

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MIRPUR (AJK, Aug 08 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Ch. Anwaar ul Haq while reaffirming his government’s commitment to address grassroots challenges, has assured that public funds would be spent transparently and indiscriminately.
He was talking to a  public representative  delegation of political and social workers from the Kotla constituency, which called on him led by AJK  Minister Sardar Javed Ayub, in the state metropolis .
During the meeting, the prime minister issued immediate directives for the reconstruction of the Shaheed Gali Road and ordered a feasibility study for a water supply scheme in Union Council Shaheed Gali.
 “Public welfare projects have always been our priority,” Anwaar stated.
Highlighting the need for sustainable water sources, the PM attributed the failure of past water schemes to the absence of reliable water sources.
He emphasized the construction of mini dams and ponds to recharge groundwater levels and urged public cooperation in supporting environmental initiatives being taken by the government.
Terming peace and stability essential for sustainable development, he warned against ideologies that promote chaos, calling them “poisonous for society.”
 He urged citizens to contribute wisely to system reforms and acknowledged his government’s efforts in improving the standard of living for the common man.
Earlier, the prime minister was briefed on the status of Shaheed Gali Road and the water issues facing Union Council Shaheed Gali.
AJK Ministers Mian Abdul Waheed and Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim were also present at the meeting.

Spain’s population hits 49.3M, driven by immigration

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MADRID, Aug 8 (AA/APP): Spain’s population hit 49.3 million as of July 1 due to immigration, according to data Thursday from the National Statistics Institute (INE).

INE reported that compared to the previous year, the number of immigrants increased by 650,000.

Despite the rise, however, the proportion of immigrants in the population has fallen to 14.3%, due to more immigrants getting Spanish citizenship.

In 2005, Spain’s population was 43.2 million, and during the past 20 years it has grown 13.9%, with immigration the sole contributing factor.

The regions with the highest number of immigrants are Andalusia at 8.6 million, Catalonia at 8.1 million, and Madrid with 7.1 million.

Feature: Museum in Beijing provides window into Tibetan history, culture

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BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua/APP): With heavy smoke billowing from a fort, a throng of Tibetans, armed with bows and arrows, charge bravely ahead toward a large army of foreigners brandishing rifles and preparing to attack the fort.

This dramatic digital simulation is part of an exhibition at the Museum of Tibetan Culture in Beijing, spotlighting Xizang’s 1904 resistance against British invaders.

“Those who took up arms were monks, herders and peasants. Ordinary people were defending their homeland,” said Dawa Tsering, curator of the museum, in an interview with Xinhua.

Despite being vastly outgunned, the Tibetans fought bravely, driven by patriotism and a determination to protect their land.

“By sharing Xizang’s history, we highlight the collective efforts of all ethnic groups in building a unified country,” Dawa Tsering added.

The museum, established in 2010, plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing Tibetan history and culture. It houses artifacts from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and historical records documenting the Chinese central government’s governance over Xizang.

Another popular exhibition here focuses on the centuries-old tradition of the reincarnation of Tibetan Living Buddhas, a process only valid when recognized by the Chinese central government.

This exhibition, featuring over 100 artifacts displayed through images, videos and digital projections, clearly outlines the origin and development of the reincarnation system.

“The exhibitions are awe-inspiring,” reads a visitor’s comment in the museum’s guest book. “They enabled me to better understand the history and religious traditions of Xizang.”

Beyond exhibitions, the museum also offers hands-on activities, enabling visitors to experience Tibetan culture firsthand.

Visitors can learn to write in Tibetan, create Thangka paintings, or craft tsha-tshas (Buddhist clay sculptures). They can also participate in Tibetan New Year celebrations in Beijing, according to Zhang Li, an official of the museum.

“We organize events in neighborhoods, schools, shopping malls, and even army camps and temples to engage as many people as possible,” said Dawa Tsering. “The more people learn about Xizang, the more they realize it’s not as mysterious as they once believed.”

Vast opportunities highlighted in Navoi region of Uzbekistan

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TASHKENT, Aug 08 (UzA/APP) : President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting to discuss the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and new development plans for Navoi region.
Navoi region holds enormous potential in the areas of subsoil use, industry, and agriculture. Over the past eight years, more than 7,000 projects totaling $8 billion have been implemented, creating 73,000 jobs. The number of entrepreneurs has tripled, from 10,000 to 30,000.
The Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of December 12, 2024, “On additional measures for the socio-economic development of Navoi region”, has expanded existing opportunities. In the first six months of this year alone, the volume of investments reached $643 million, and exports exceeded $635 million. New production capacities worth $550 million were commissioned, along with 1,140 trade and service facilities.
Nevertheless, a significant number of resources remain underutilized. The Head of State emphasized that, in addition to large-scale industry, the region has vast opportunities for the development of pastures, livestock breeding, and the expansion of service sectors.
The region accounts for 20 percent of the country’s total mineral resources and 43 percent of its pastures. The presence of large enterprises and developed infrastructure generates demand in related sectors as well.
To unlock this potential, a reform headquarters has been established in Navoi region. During the meeting, a presentation was given on new projects developed based on proposals from local entrepreneurs.
In particular, investors expressed readiness to invest $566 million in the development of eight mineral deposits in Gazgan, Nurata, Khatirchi, Navbahor, and Uchquduq. The implementation of these projects is expected to increase industrial output by 2.5 trillion UZS and boost exports by $100 million.
For example, Nurata district holds reserves of 750 million cubic meters of granite. It has been proposed to establish an industrial zone spanning 50 hectares for its processing.
In 10 neighborhoods of the district, more than 5,000 women are engaged in embroidery, providing income for their families. Plans are now underway to open Embroidery Centers in 28 neighborhoods.
Measures are also envisioned to support low-income families by providing solar panels and mobile trade pavilions as part of poverty alleviation efforts.
The region’s 3 million hectares of pastureland represent a significant reserve for the agricultural sector. For instance, an entrepreneur from Qiziltepa has implemented sprinkler and drip irrigation systems on 1,000 hectares and is cultivating export-oriented crops. He now plans to expand into livestock farming and dairy processing.
Overall, an additional project portfolio worth $1.6 billion has been developed for the region. The implementation of these initiatives is expected to create 10,000 new jobs, generate 1 trillion UZS in budget revenue, and increase exports by $238 million.
The President issued instructions to enhance the economic efficiency of the proposed projects.
Attention was drawn to the lack of cooperation between large and small enterprises. A key task was to connect small entrepreneurs with major manufacturers, introduce a system of guaranteed orders, and double the share of small businesses in the region’s economy.
The need to support the provision of water resources for pasturelands, ensure their efficient use, and increase food production volumes was emphasized.
The average salary in Navoi region is 1.5 times higher than in other regions, which stimulates both demand and supply in trade and the service sector. In this regard, instructions were given to establish modern recreational areas, develop tourism, and expand the range of services offered.

Fast-moving wildfire forces evacuations in Southern California

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LOS ANGELES, Aug 8 (Xinhua/APP): Evacuations were ordered for communities near a fast-moving wildfire in a canyon area in Southern California amid a major heat wave.

The wildfire, dubbed the Canyon fire, broke out around 1:25 p.m. local time (2025 GMT) near Piru, a small historic town located in eastern Ventura County and around 77 km northwest of Los Angeles. The blaze grew rapidly to over 1,000 acres (around 4.05 square km) in hours with no containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

Local officials issued multiple evacuation orders and warnings for some communities near the fire in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

“Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access,” said Cal Fire in its evacuation orders.

“The Canyon Fire is spreading fast under extreme heat and dry conditions near Ventura-LA County line,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger in a post on X, urging residents in the area to “take evacuation orders seriously — when first responders say GO, leave immediately.”

The temperature in the area reached 37.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with 15-17 percent humidity, according to the U.S. National Weather Service.

IRSA releases 351,500 cusecs water

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Friday released 351,500 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 368,400 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, the water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1546.00 feet which was 144.00 feet higher than the dead level of 1402.00 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 240,300 cusecs and 239,900 cusecs, respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1204.90 feet, which was 154.90 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 24,500 cusecs and 8,000 cusecs, respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 226,100, 172,900, 174,900 and 126,400 cusecs, respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 31,000 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 42,500 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.