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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0
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

By
Shafek Koreshe
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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

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0
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.

Ayaz congratulates independent group on success in PBC elections

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has extended heartfelt congratulations to Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Bhoon, and other members of the Independent Group on their remarkable success in the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) elections.
NA Speaker also conveyed his best wishes to all lawyers elected in the Pakistan Bar Council elections.
He said that the role of the legal fraternity in strengthening democracy and promoting democratic values is highly commendable.
Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that the lawyers’ community plays a pivotal role in safeguarding citizens’ rights and ensuring the delivery of justice.
He said that lawyers are the custodians of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law in the country.
Ayaz assured the newly elected members of the Pakistan Bar Council of his full support in addressing the issues faced by the legal fraternity.
He stressed that close coordination and cooperation between the Bench and the Bar are essential for the effective dispensation of justice.
Ayaz Sadiq prayed for the success of the newly elected members and expressed hope that they would continue to serve the cause of justice with dedication and integrity.

FBR seals godowns in Mardan, seizes non-duty-paid tobacco, Rs 19 billion revenue loss averted

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):In a landmark and unprecedented enforcement action against illicit tobacco trade, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), through the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Peshawar, has seized a massive quantity of non-duty-paid unmanufactured tobacco in District Mardan, preventing a potential revenue loss of around Rs 19 billion to the national exchequer.
Following the directions of the prime minister and in strict compliance with FBR’s enforcement plan, the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Peshawar carried out a successful enforcement operation in District Mardan, resulting in the seizure of approximately 2.75 million kilograms of unmanufactured tobacco from the godowns of M/s Khyber Tobacco Company, said a news release.
The recovered tobacco, which constitutes the basic raw material for cigarette manufacturing, was found to be non-duty paid. The estimated evaded Federal Excise Duty on the seized goods amounts to approximately Rs. 1.1 billion. M/s Khyber Tobacco Company is a known manufacturer of cigarette brands, including Kissan and Gold Street Classic.
After completion of all codal formalities and obtaining the necessary approvals, the godowns of M/s Khyber Tobacco Company were sealed on 12th December, 2025 by officers of RTO Peshawar.
The operation was executed by Assistant Commissioner Inland Revenue Shehroz Rashid Ahmad Khan, under the supervision of the Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, RTO Peshawar.
 Further proceedings under sections 21, 22, 19(3), 19(10), and 27 of the Federal Excise Act, 2005, relating to sealing and confiscation of machinery used in the production of non-duty-paid unmanufactured tobacco and cigarettes, are currently underway.
Preliminary assessment indicates that, had this quantity of unmanufactured tobacco not been seized in time and subsequently converted into cigarettes, it could have resulted in evasion of duties and taxes amounting to approximately Rs. 19 billion, causing a massive loss to the national exchequer.
This recovery has therefore prevented significant revenue leakage and disrupted a major potential source of illicit cigarette production.
Pakistan continues to face the serious challenge of illicit trade and unlawful activities in the tobacco sector, which adversely affect the national economy and result in substantial loss of public revenue, it added.
The unchecked movement, storage, and use of non-duty-paid unmanufactured tobacco, being the primary raw material for cigarette manufacturing, poses a grave risk as it directly facilitates large-scale evasion of Federal Excise Duty and other applicable taxes.
Recognizing the gravity of this issue and its far-reaching economic implications, the prime minister has issued clear and categorical directions to decisively curb illicit practices in the tobacco and cigarette sector and to ensure strict enforcement of tax laws across the entire supply chain, including raw materials.
In pursuance of these directions, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has implemented a comprehensive and multi-layered enforcement strategy aimed at eliminating non-duty-paid cigarette production, strengthening intelligence-based monitoring, and disrupting illegal manufacturing and supply networks.
This national initiative is being supported by relevant stakeholders and law-enforcement agencies to reinforce enforcement actions and safeguard government revenue.
It is also pertinent to mention that only a week prior, RTO Peshawar seized undeclared cigarette manufacturing machinery belonging to M/s Universal Tobacco Company during another enforcement operation. The owners of both entities are reportedly related and possess political influence in the area.
Despite immense and undue pressure, the Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, RTO Peshawar, along with his enforcement team, carried out these actions strictly in accordance with the law and without yielding to any external influence.
 These enforcement actions underscore FBR’s unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law, ensure tax compliance, protect legitimate industry, and safeguard public revenue, irrespective of the status or influence of those involved.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar addressing the book launch ceremony of “Nawaz Sharif, Mard-e-Ahan”, written by senior journalist Nawaz Raza, at the Lahore Press Club.

By
Wajid
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0
APP42-131225 LAHORE: December 13 - Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar addressing the book launch ceremony of “Nawaz Sharif, Mard-e-Ahan”, written by senior journalist Nawaz Raza, at the Lahore Press Club. APP/ABB
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar addressing the book launch ceremony of “Nawaz Sharif, Mard-e-Ahan”, written by senior journalist Nawaz Raza, at the Lahore Press Club.
APP42-131225
LAHORE: December 13 – 

PM Shehbaz’s address at international forum in Ashgabat lays bare pivotal truth: Prof Cheng

By
NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Dec 13 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the international forum in Ashgabat lays bare a pivotal truth: global stability is indivisible, and peripheral conflicts are not isolated threats but rather red flags signaling systemic vulnerabilities.

His emphasis on peaceful dispute resolution aligns with the stark reality that unrest in regions such as Afghanistan and Gaza sends ripple effects across the globe.

This was stated by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute,a non-governmental Chinese think-tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing.

Pakistan, in its dual capacity as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council upholding peace and an advocate for decisive action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, underscores the inherent link between local conflicts and global security, he said in a statement.

Pakistan’s endorsement of the Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2788 epitomizes its dedication to preventive diplomacy—a vital counterweight to the pitfalls of reactive crisis management. Equally crucial is Pakistan’s call to eradicate terrorist safe havens, as unchecked extremism in peripheral areas erodes the trust that forms the bedrock of international cooperation.

Prof Cheng said that PM Shehbaz Sharif’s emphasis on connectivity and sustainable development adds further depth to this overarching vision. Connectivity transforms peripheral regions from flashpoints of tension into pillars of stability. Pakistan’s progress in advancing financial inclusion and climate initiatives exemplifies how development mitigates the root causes of conflict. Yet, his plea for equitable access to technology and climate justice serves as a stark reminder that stability cannot take root in the fertile ground of global inequity.

He said that in an era still plagued by zero-sum mentalities, PM Shehbaz Sharif’s call for collective action strikes a chord.

Peripheral conflicts, terrorism and climate change—intertwined as they are—demand collective solutions. Only by prioritizing peace, inclusive connectivity and equitable development can the international community transform fragility into enduring resilience.

‘Make this the last century of war’, head of UN Alliance of Civilizations tells youth

By
NNPS Desk
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0

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 13 (APP): The High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Miguel A´ngel Moratinos, has called for young people to make the 21st century the last century in which humanity witnesses war.

In an interview with UN News, an international media website, ahead of the 11th Global Forum of the Alliance, which opens in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, he urged youth everywhere to reclaim peace as a global priority.

The future depends on a new generation willing to choose dialogue over division, and humanity over hatred, he said.

The Alliance is a leading UN platform for intercultural dialogue. As the forum marks 20 years since its creation, Moratinos reflected on how the world has changed over the past two decades.

When the Alliance was established in 2005 as an initiative by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the international order was unipolar.

Today, it is multipolar, with emerging powers in the Arab world, Asia, Africa and Latin America demanding to be seen and heard.

The Alliance is uniquely positioned to bring them and everyone else to the same table, he added.

Moratinos acknowledged, however, that the world has become more complex. He sees this as a challenge that demands deeper commitment to listening, dialogue and understanding.

Among the most pressing issues Moratinos identified is artificial intelligence – a force he says will shape the future in profound ways, while warning of the challenges.

“A machine has no concern for religion, faith, ethics — but humans do,” he said. That is why he insists that AI must remain human-centered, guided by human values and human decision-making.

He warned against the risk of people surrendering their freedom and responsibility to machines. If humanity forgets its moral compass, he cautioned, technology will not correct course. For Moratinos, the Alliance of Civilizations exists precisely to protect values and ethics.

Turning to one of the Alliance’s important concerns, he spoke about the resurgence of hate speech, especially online.

“Hate is back,” said Moratinos. “Hate makes you feel you have to eliminate your counterpart.”

He warned that hate begins with words but leads to exclusion, violence, and conflict. To combat it, the Alliance is investing in programmes that promote counter-narratives and encourage understanding. And he said young people are central to those efforts.

Today’s youth live “much of their lives” in virtual spaces which he fears can pull them away from real human connection.

“We have to bring realism back to the youth,” he said, urging a better balance between the online world and real life — where relationships, cultures, and communities truly take shape.

Moratinos said the world has become consumed by security and in the process, it has forgotten peace.

“Everybody is much more concerned about security than about peace,” he said. “But you will not get security without peace.”

Saving the planet, he added, is meaningless if humanity continues to destroy itself. He pointed to the heavy human toll of the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, and insisted that the world must refocus on what truly matters: saving humanity.

“Peace with a capital P,” he said, must be the defining message of the Riyadh forum and the guiding principle for the generations to come.

And he said he believes it is young people who can make that vision real. Only they, he said, can decide that the 21st century will be the last century scarred by war.

Gilani says conviction of ex ISI chief to strengthen public trust in accountability system

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
MUZAFFARGARH, Dec 13 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday that the conviction of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed would strengthen public confidence in Pakistan’s accountability system.
Talking to local media at the residence of former MNA Mehr Irshad Sial in Muzaffargarh, Gilani said there had long been a perception that influential figures were beyond the reach of the law, but recent developments had dispelled that impression. It was believed powerful people can escape accountability, however, this perception has been proven wrong, he added.
Gilani reaffirmed his commitment to the development and prosperity of South Punjab, saying efforts in this regard would continue. He said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had launched several development projects for South Punjab including Muzaffargarh during its tenure, citing the Tayyab Erdogan Hospital and the Head Muhammadwala Bridge, constructed with Turkish assistance.
Gilani said the only sustainable solution to end sense of deprivation was the establishment of south Punjab as a separate province. He noted that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had consistently advocated for the formation of new provinces where there existed consensus.
Responding to a question, the Senate chairman emphasized dialogue as the preferred way to resolve issues and suggested that goods transporters be engaged in talks to address their concerns.

Nawaz Sharif believes in empowering people: Rana Tanveer Hussain

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Dec 13 (APP):Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said on Saturday that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had always made sincere efforts so that people get fruits of  state resources.
He said this while addressing the launching ceremony of the book titled ‘Mard-e-Ahan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’ written by Muhammad Nawaz Raza at Lahore Press Club.
He said that credit goes to Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who had made great infrastructure in the country by developing ports, airports, motorways and launching metros.
The minister said that 90 percent development work in the country had been done during the tenure of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s government.
He further said that everybody witnessed what Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government had done during it’s tenure in the government and how it ruined the country’s economy.
He said, “Lahore is among the most developed cities with a lot of facilities.”
Rana Tanveer Hussain said that Nawaz Sharif’s vision was all about ensuring supremacy of constitution and law besides empowering people.
He said, “Nawaz Sharif believes in strengthening of the departments whether it is judiciary, Pakistan Armed Forces and others.”
Federal minister stated that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif always wanted to improve governance in the larger interest of the country.
Politics of chaos always yield negative impact in the country, he maintained.
He further said that it was high time to take country forward and only those people could do this who give preference to national interest over personal interests.
Talking about South Korea, the minister said that South Korea had implemented, Pakistan’s five year growth plan in 1960 and it excelled.
He said, “Development in Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Turkiye was a result of continuity of the system and policies there.”
He stated that stability and continuity both were essential for ensuring progress and prosperity in the country.
He said, “With the grace of the Allah Almighty it is Nawaz Sharif who made Pakistan a nuclear power.”
He said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, country was moving forward in right direction.
He also congratulated the author of the book.

Lahore experiences cold and cloudy weather

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Dec 13 (APP):Lahore experienced cold and cloudy weather on Saturday, with similar conditions expected to prevail on Sunday. MET officials said a shallow westerly wave was affecting the western and upper parts of the country.
They forecast cold and partly cloudy weather across most regions, with very cold conditions in hilly areas during morning and night hours. Light rain, along with light snowfall over mountainous areas, was expected at isolated locations in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, light to moderate fog and smog were likely to persist over Punjab, upper Sindh and the plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during morning and night hours.

Customs seizes methamphetamine, foreign liquor of worth $132 mln

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Gadani has foiled a major smuggling attempt near Gadani, Balochistan, resulting in the seizure of contraband with an estimated international market value of $132 million, equivalent to approximately Rs 37 billion.
A joint intelligence-based counter-narcotics operation conducted by the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), and the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Gadani has successfully seized  500 kilograms of Methamphetamine (ICE) and 3,500 bottles of foreign liquor, said a news release.
Acting on precise and actionable intelligence, the joint team intercepted the illicit consignments during coordinated maritime operations.
The foreign liquor was being smuggled into Pakistan through international sea routes, while the narcotics consignment was intended for an international destination.
Following the successful interception, the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Gadani formally assumed custody of the seized contraband during a ceremony held at the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Headquarters in Karachi, in accordance with legal procedures.
The operation was conducted under the coordination framework of the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Center (JMICC), reflecting enhanced inter-agency cooperation, effective intelligence sharing, and swift operational response.
This successful counter-narcotics operation underscores the vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, and the FBR to preventing the misuse of Pakistan’s maritime domain for smuggling and other unlawful activities.

Muqam felicitates elected member of Pakistan Bar Council elections

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 13 (APP):Federal Minister and President of Pakistan Muslim League–N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amir Muqam Tuesday extended his felicitations to the independent group on its victory in the Pakistan Bar Council elections.
In a statement issued by his office, Muqam congratulated Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Ahsan Bhoon on their election as members of the Pakistan Bar Council.
He praised the efforts of Azam Nazir Tarar, stating that he has consistently remained active for the betterment of the legal fraternity.
Muqam expressed the hope that the newly elected members would play a constructive role in the progress of Pakistan with dignity and professionalism.
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