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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
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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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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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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.

Senate body reviews budget allocations, raises concern over project delays

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): The Senate Standing Committee on Communications on Monday reviewed the budgetary allocations for the current financial year and budgetary proposals for the upcoming financial year and expressed serious concern over delays in road infrastructure projects leading to cost escalations.
The Committee, which met under the chairmanship of Senator Pervaiz Rashid, was briefed on the ongoing projects of the National Highway Authority (NHA), discussed issues related to the dilapidated condition of roads raised during Senate proceedings, and reviewed the implementation status of the approved Escalation Price Adjustment Formula.
The meeting was attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesar, Jam Saifullah Khan, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Kamil Ali Agha, Niaz Ahmad and Muhammad Talha Mahmood, while Senators Falak Naz and Hidayatullah Khan participated as special invitees.
The Committee reviewed the budgetary allocations and releases for the current financial year and examined the proposed budget for the next financial year. It was informed that a major portion of the NHA budget consists of PSDP-funded projects. However, the Senate body expressed serious concern that delays in project execution due to insufficient budget releases are leading to significant cost escalations. Senator Jam Saifullah Khan emphasized that the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway should be treated as a priority project and directed that progress updates be presented in every Committee meeting.
The Committee expressed concern over the slow pace of road infrastructure projects across the country and urged the formulation of a mechanism to avoid simultaneous execution of multiple projects. It was suggested that initiating and completing projects one at a time would help prevent cost escalation and ensure timely completion. The Committee further recommended consultation with the Planning Commission in devising such a mechanism. The Chairman directed that clear responsibility be fixed for project delays and that escalation costs be borne by those responsible.
The Committee also discussed issues concerning the deteriorating condition of motorways and the Lawari Tunnel. Serious concerns were raised regarding safety, ventilation, and quality standards, particularly in view of the strategic importance of the Tunnel. The Committee also deliberated on the need for protective roofing and safety measures for roads in mountainous regions, including Chitral. It was noted that a significant number of NHA road connectivity projects are currently underway in Balochistan. The Chairman directed that detailed project specifications be provided to the Committee and inspection visits for Committee members be arranged.
The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Communications presented its unanimous report, which was appreciated by the Chairman and members for its diligent work. The Committee was also briefed on the progress of the Chakdara–Chitral and Gilgit–Shandur road projects.
Furthermore, the Committee was briefed on the implementation of the Prime Minister-approved Escalation Price Adjustment Formula for ongoing projects. The Committee noted that delays in the implementation of the formula could further increase contractors’ claims and termed such delays as contrary to the Prime Minister’s directives. The Chairman directed the Chairman NHA to address the matter promptly and submit quarterly progress reports to the Committee.

NA session commences

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): The National Assembly session commenced at 05:30 p.m. on Monday at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The House is set to take up its agenda, which includes, calling attention notices, the introduction of new bills, and deliberations on legislative business. Points of order are expected to be raised, alongside any other matters permitted by the chair.

Ulema call pulpit, sermons crucial to thwart enemy’s divisive conspiracy

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP): The Ulema and Mashaikh Council emphasized patience, piety, and mutual empathy among the masses, urging the promotion of inter-sect harmony and moral upbringing through pulpits and minbars to thwart every divisive conspiracy of the enemy.
This was expressed during a meeting of the Ulema and Mashaikh Council held on Monday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf.
The council strongly condemned the suicide attack in Islamabad and expressed complete solidarity with the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the state in the fight against terrorism.
The council clarified that targeting innocent worshippers in places of worship is entirely contrary to Islamic teachings, as well as constitutional and ethical principles.
The meeting outright rejected the misguided ideology of Fitna al-Khawarij and all narratives of terrorism, and resolved to vigorously counter internal and external conspiracies aimed at harming Pakistan’s peace.
The Ulema and Mashaikh pledged to play an effective role in disseminating messages of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect through their sermons and madrasas, and in safeguarding the younger generation from extremism.
It was agreed to strengthen coordination between the administration and management committees to enhance the security of mosques, imambargahs, and other places of worship, and to promptly report any suspicious activities.
During the meeting, full support was extended to the government’s zero-tolerance policy for the complete eradication of terrorism.
It was also demanded that the responsible elements be punished severely in accordance with the law and that assistance to the families of martyrs be prioritized.
The meeting appreciated the cooperation of the Ulema in the implementation of uniform prayer timings (Nizam-e-Salat) across the country and decided to enforce this system more effectively.
Ulema from all schools of thought reiterated their commitment to counter narratives of sectarianism and hatred through religious guidance and mutual cooperation, thereby strengthening peace and stability in Pakistan under all circumstances.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was unanimously declared that the entire nation, along with the Ulema and Mashaikh, stands shoulder to shoulder with the Government of Pakistan and the Armed Forces of Pakistan and remains resolute in uprooting the menace of terrorism from its roots.

ICT Police, district administration hold joint meeting to tighten security in Islamabad

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police and the district administration on Sunday held a joint meeting to review and further strengthen security arrangements across the federal capital, with a focus on coordinated action, enhanced surveillance and crime prevention.
An official told APP on Monday that the meeting was jointly chaired by Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, and Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and was attended by senior officers of Islamabad Police and the district administration.
Following the instructions of Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Interior Minister, the meeting discussed the implementation of a comprehensive security strategy aimed at making Islamabad a safer city through divisional-level planning and coordinated enforcement.
The IGP Rizvi stressed that monitoring at the entry and exit points of the federal capital would be further strengthened, while a modern mechanism would be developed to effectively monitor movement and traffic within the city. Measures taken to further improve peace and public order and prevent crime were also reviewed during the meeting.
He said that the protection of citizens’ lives, property and dignity remains the top priority, adding that Islamabad Police is working round the clock to ensure enhanced security across the city, including the Diplomatic Enclave and the Red Zone.
Highlighting the role of technology, the IGP Rizvi said that Islamabad Safe City has been developed in line with modern standards, and through Safe City cameras and advanced systems, effective monitoring has been established on major highways, sectors and key locations.
He added that timely actions are being taken against terrorism and criminal elements, while modern technology is being utilized to move towards a crime-free capital.
Issuing clear directives, the IGP emphasized strict zero tolerance against criminal elements and said that no compromise would be made on security under any circumstances. He directed that strict surveillance be maintained on suspicious individuals, with complete data compilation and follow-up.
Senior officers briefed the meeting that door-to-door surveys in urban areas have been completed, while similar exercises in rural areas will be completed soon.
The IGP Rizvi further directed that, along with enhanced monitoring of entry and exit points, patrolling across the city should be increased, and all such points equipped with modern, technology-based CCTV cameras. He also stressed the need for closer coordination with all relevant institutions to further strengthen security.
“All available resources and technology will be utilized to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives, property and dignity,” the IGP Islamabad said, reiterating that safeguarding the public remains the foremost priority.

KP public rejects PTI shutter-down call, markets remain open: Murtaza Abbasi

By
Asif Jalal
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ABBOTTABAD, Feb 09 (APP): Former Federal Minister and Provincial General Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, has said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have decisively rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s call for a shutter-down strike, calling it a clear expression of public distrust in the provincial government policies and its failed style of politics.
In a statement issued on Monday, Murtaza Javed Abbasi said that business activities across the province continued as usual, with nearly 90 percent of markets remaining open, which demonstrated that traders and the general public prioritize peace, stability, and economic activity over political agitation.
He alleged that PTI workers attempted to harass traders and forcibly close shops at various places, terming such actions unacceptable and unlawful. He demanded that those involved in harassing shopkeepers and coercing them into shutting down their businesses should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Condemning the practice of forcing people to participate in protests, he said that political parties should respect the democratic right of citizens to carry out their lawful economic activities without fear or pressure. He added that PTI should learn a lesson from the public response to its call and reconsider its confrontational approach.
Murtaza Javed Abbasi further stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have once again proved that Pakistan’s development and prosperity are their top priorities.

ICT admin lunches 1 digital system to register all online taxis, bike rides

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): The Islamabad district administration has decided to introduce formal registration for all online taxi and bike ride services operating in the federal capital.
The move aims to bring all drivers and vehicles under a single digital system and stop unregistered transport services from operating on city roads.
According to officials, the registration process will cover all drivers and vehicles working with online taxi and bike ride platforms.
Under this system, complete records of drivers and vehicles will be collected and stored through digital automation. The administration said this step will help authorities monitor transport services and ensure compliance with existing rules.
In this regard, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad has directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner East to contact the chief executive officers of all online taxi services. The purpose of this contact is to ensure coordination and timely implementation of the registration process. All service providers have been asked to cooperate with the district administration and share required information.
The Deputy Commissioner has also instructed the Secretary of the Islamabad Transport Authority to begin a crackdown against unregistered bike ride services. Officials said that bike riders operating without registration will face action once enforcement begins. The administration made it clear that no unregistered vehicle or bike ride service will be allowed to operate in the city.
Under the new policy, registration of all vehicles and bike services will be completed through a digital automation system. Authorities said this system will centralize data and reduce manual processes. Islamabad Police will also be given full access to the registration app and its data. This access will allow police to verify drivers and vehicles during routine checks or in case of complaints.
After registration, drivers will be required to upload passenger details on the app before starting a trip. Officials said that entering passenger information will be mandatory for every ride. Drivers will not be allowed to carry passengers without completing this step.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that a passenger’s national identity card number must be entered into the system before the ride begins. Without this information, drivers will not be permitted to take passengers. Authorities said this measure is intended to improve record-keeping and assist law enforcement when needed.
The district administration announced that formal registration will start from tomorrow on the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner. Once the process begins, enforcement teams will monitor compliance across Islamabad.
Officials said the decision is part of efforts to regulate online transport services and ensure that all operators follow the same rules. The administration urged drivers and service providers to complete registration within the given timeframe to avoid action.

IGP Islamabad holds meeting to review security, Safe City projects

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi held an important meeting with DIG Security Muhammad Ateeq Tahir and SSP Safe City Muhammad Awais Khan to review overall security arrangements and progress on Safe City projects.
An official told APP on Monday that the meeting focused on strengthening security measures across the federal capital and enhancing coordination among different security formations.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the effective utilization of Safe City infrastructure, including surveillance systems, monitoring mechanisms and technology-based security solutions to improve public safety.
The IG Rizvi emphasized the importance of proactive policing and directed officers to further improve security preparedness, ensuring the safety of citizens through modern policing tools and timely response mechanisms.

PAS trainee officers call on IGP Sindh

By
Asif Jalal
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KARACHI, Feb 09 (APP): Inspector General of Police Sindh, Ghulam Javed Alam Odho, on Monday met with trainee officers of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) at the Central Police Office, Karachi.
The visiting officers were participants of the 14th Domain-Specific Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC) and were led by Director Dr. Faisal, said a news release.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Inspector General of Police Operations, DIGP Training, and Additional IGPs of Establishment, Headquarters, IT, Training, Finance, and other departments.
During the session, Additional IGP Operations briefed the participants on the history of Sindh Police, administrative structure, and overall operational strategy. Special emphasis was placed on ongoing initiatives to curb street crime, operations in the riverine (Katcha) areas, and the integration of modern information technology within the police force.
Addressing the gathering, IGP Sindh Javed Alam Odho said that effective governance, the rule of law, and inter-institutional coordination form the foundation of sustainable peace. He added that Sindh Police is aligning itself with modern requirements by prioritizing crime prevention, public safety, and professional training.
The trainee officers engaged in an interactive discussion and raised several questions related to administrative and operational matters, which were addressed in detail by the IGP Sindh.
The participants appreciated Sindh Police’s efforts against street crime and praised the operational planning and notable successes of the ongoing Katcha operation, “Nijat-e-Mehran.” A detailed documentary highlighting the operation was also screened for the participants.

Chinese, Pakistani researchers collaborate to reduce heavy metal pollution in Pakistan’s tomatoes

By
NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Feb 9 (APP): – Tomatoes, a vital crop for Pakistan’s economy, are at risk. With annual production exceeding 569,000 tonnes, tomatoes not only provide sustenance to millions of smallholders but also generate over $100 million in export revenue. However, a new and growing threat is putting this essential industry in jeopardy: heavy metal pollution.

Industrialisation in Pakistan, particularly the tannery industries in cities such as Sialkot, Kasur, and Lahore, has led to the contamination of irrigation canals and agricultural soils with hazardous metals like chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). These metals, when absorbed by tomato plants, pose serious health risks to consumers, including carcinogenic effects, as they accumulate in edible parts of the fruit.

“The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that tomatoes have a relatively high metal translocation factor, making them particularly susceptible to accumulating these toxic metals. Farmers face potential yield losses of up to 50% and a sharp decline in fruit quality. The contamination exceeds permissible limits set by organisations such as the Codex Alimentarius and the EU, threatening the safety of Pakistan’s tomato exports,” Tahir Naqqash, Assistant Professor, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan told China Economic Net.

“We are developing a system in collaboration with Shenyang Normal University (SNU) where microbes and plants will work together to detoxify the soil, particularly targeting cadmium, a major pollutant in industrial areas. We aim to prevent cadmium from entering the tomato plant and accumulating in its fruit.” Naqqash said.

At the end of last year, his participation in a Training Camp on Ecological and Green Development at SNU gave him the insight to consider not only how to remove the metals but also what to do with the residues after the bioremediation process. “Here I observed that we can extract heavy metals from the residues and those metals can be re used for the processing,” he said.

Pakistan’s tomato industry, spanning approximately 61,000 hectares, is concentrated in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and parts of Punjab. Conventional remediation methods, such as the application of chemical amendments or soil excavation, are costly, non-selective, and environmentally disruptive, often leading to secondary pollution without offering a permanent solution.

“Indigenous microbial communities in contaminated soils offer a promising bioremediation avenue. Native plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria have evolved adaptive mechanisms, including enzymatic reduction, biosorption onto cell walls, and production of siderophores that chelate metals, reducing their toxicity. Biochar, derived from agricultural residues is an eco-friendly sorbent with high surface area and porosity, capable of immobilizing heavy metals via ion exchange, complexation, and precipitation. When nanosized biochar magnetized with iron oxides, it gains superior adsorption kinetics, magnetic separability, and microbial hosting capabilities, preventing leaching and enabling post-use recovery,” Naqqash said.

Workers are busy placing stones under the gas pipeline to support it during maintenance work in the Federal Capital

By
Khuram Maryam
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0
Workers are busy placing stones under the gas pipeline to support it during maintenance work in the Federal Capital
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