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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0

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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0

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
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.

Walee Technologies acquires Multan Franchise after record bid

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Feb 09 (APP): Walee Technologies made the highest record bid of 245 crore rupees in the history of Pakistan Super League (PSL) to acquire Multan Franchise during the team Auction at the Expo Center here on Monday evening.
The Auction was officially started by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi after CEO PSL Salman Naseer shared his thoughts regarding the sale and the journey of the HBL Pakistan Super League as it enters the New Era.
The auction Multan franchise has completed the line-up for the PSL 11 and has brought to an end the uncertainty whether the Multan team will be run by PCB for the year 2026 or sold to the highest bidder.
A total of five technically qualified bidders comprising the victorious Walee Technologies, Aim Next, Particle Igniter, CD Ventures and DSM took part in the fiercely competitive Team Auction.
A base price of PKR 182 crore was set for the Franchise after which the parties took on each other in only round of bids. Walee Technologies led by their CEO Ahsan Tahir made the successful bid of PKR 245 crore, which is the highest figure among all the eight HBL PSL franchises.
Chairman PCB, Mohsin Naqvi said, “I congratulate Walee Technologies for acquiring the franchise with a record figure and I appreciate the other participating bidders as well for their keen interest in the HBL PSL.
“The fair and transparent team Auction has set new records and I’m sure the league will continue to grow at the same pace. The evident trust of various stakeholders going into the 11th season has increased the stature of the HBL PSL manifold.
“As the lineup of all eight franchise owners is completed, I want to assure our fans that the upcoming season of HBL PSL will be unprecedented in terms of reach, growth and entertainment.”
CEO PSL, Salman Naseer said, “The HBL PSL stands proud and tall today given the kind of bids made in this Auction and we welcome Walee Technologies to the HBL PSL family. This also showcases the immense commercial and financial potential of the league after a 10-year long journey. There cannot be a better time to be entering the New Era. Over to the historic HBL PSL Players Auction now.”
CEO Walee Technologies Ahsan Tahir, upon acquiring Multan team said,  “We are delighted to have become part of the HBL PSL family and it feels great to be contributing towards the growth of Pakistan Cricket. We are thankful and extend our felicitations to the Chairman PCB and the HBL PSL team for successful conduct of this event.
“The journey ahead is going to be highly exciting in the coming weeks, months and years as we will continue to amaze our fans with various developments,” he added.

Senator Faisal Vawda meets President

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): Senator Faisal Vawda Monday held meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed issues of mutual interest.
Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Dr. Asim attended the meeting.
Senior PPP leader and Sindh Assembly member Imtiaz Sheikh also met the President and issues related to Sindh came under consideration. Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf was also present.
The Spokesperson to the President said the current political situation of the country and parliamentary matters were discussed in the meetings.

Pakistan showcases healthcare innovation at World Health Exhibition Dubai

By
Asif Jalal
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DUBAI, Feb 09 (APP): The Pakistan Pavilion was inaugurated at the World Health Exhibition (WHX) 2026, formerly known as Arab Health, at South Hall 3, Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai, held from 9 to 12 February 2026.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ali Zeb Khan, Trade & Investment Counsellor, and Muhammad Saleh, Press Counsellor, Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai, along with representatives of participating Pakistani companies.
A total of 40 leading Pakistani companies, participating under the umbrella of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), are showcasing their capabilities in healthcare manufacturing, medical devices, surgical instruments, and pharmaceutical innovation, highlighting Pakistan’s growing footprint in the global healthcare industry.
The World Health Exhibition 2026, organized under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, is among the world’s largest and most prestigious healthcare exhibitions. This year’s edition features over 4,300 exhibitors and is attracting more than 235,000 healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 180 countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali Zeb Khan stated that Pakistan’s participation underscores the country’s growing strength in the surgical instruments, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical sectors, which are internationally recognized for their quality, competitiveness, and innovation.
“Pakistani companies are showcasing a diverse range of innovative products aligned with global healthcare standards and market requirements. The UAE is Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, and WHX provides an important opportunity to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. The UAE’s well-established healthcare ecosystem offers Pakistani exporters a strategic gateway to regional and international markets,” he added.
Participation in WHX 2026 is expected to enhance Pakistan’s international profile, strengthen healthcare exports, and further deepen economic cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE.

Cloudy weather forecast for Lahore

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Feb 09 (APP): Cloudy conditions prevailed in the city as clouds hovered on the horizon, while the sun intermittently tried to break through on Monday.
Cold winds continued to blow, adding to the chill in the air. The temperature was recorded at 13 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels at 60 percent. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 22 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to drop to 10 degrees.
Winds are blowing at a speed of around five kilometres per hour. According to the Meteorological Department, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with intervals of sunshine, and there is no likelihood of rainfall.

Medical profession demands commitment, responsibility to serve humanity: Commissioner

By
Asif Jalal
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0
FAISALABAD, Feb 09 (APP): Divisional Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar said that the medical profession carried immense importance, usefulness and responsibility as the doctors could earn a special place among the righteous by serving suffering humanity with dedication and sincerity.
He was addressing a White Coat Ceremony for MBBS students at a local medical college where he warmly welcomed the students and congratulated them on donning the white coat.
The commissioner said that white coat symbolized the dignity, honor and trust associated with the medical profession. The students must always uphold its sanctity through ethical conduct and professional excellence, he added.
He said that hardworking and talented students were fortunate that their efforts had borne fruit with the prayers of their parents, enabling them to enter the noble field of medicine. However, the journey of learning and service had only just begun, he said, urging the students to continue striving with dedication and perseverance to achieve higher education and professional competence.
He advised the students to respect their teachers and seniors, maintain discipline and contribute positively to reputation of the profession.
He stressed the importance of positive behavior, discouraging a culture of blame and negativity and encouraging mutual respect and cooperation within academic institutions.
He said that Pakistan was moving steadily on the path of development and urged future doctors to prioritize service to the country and its people. Committed healthcare professionals played a vital role in national progress and social well-being, he added.
During ceremony, the students also took an oath to pursue medical education with diligence and perform their professional duties with honesty, integrity and dedication.
College Principal Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Tirmizi, CEO Prof Dr Adnan, senior faculty members and parents were also present on the occasion.

CM Bugti visits houses of martyrs who foiled terrorist incident in Quetta on Jan 31 , vows to help families of them

By
Asif Jalal
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0
QUETTA, Feb 09 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday said that Balochistan government would not leave the families of the martyrs alone in any way, their maintenance is the first responsibility of the state.
He said this while visiting the homes of police officers and personnel who were martyred in the brutal terrorist incidents that took place in Quetta on January 31, where he also met the families of the martyrs, expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to them and offered Fateha.
 On this occasion, the Balochistan Chief Minister had a special meeting with the children of the martyred police personnel, gave them love and affection
The CM  said that these children are not just a family but the bright future and hope of the entire nation.
He made it clear that the Balochistan government could not leave the families of the martyrs alone in any way, as their maintenance is the first responsibility of the country.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that under the prevailing compensation policy, immediate financial assistance would be provided to the families of the police martyrs, along with two government jobs. One of these jobs would be in the police department while the other could be in another government department.
He directed the Additional Chief Secretary Home to issue all the posting orders within a week.
The Chief Minister of Balochistan announced that the government would bear all the expenses related to the education of the children of the martyrs so that they could continue their education without fear or worry.
He also issued orders to give name the Sariab police station after him, paying tribute to the great sacrifice of Shaheed ASI Mahmood-ur-Rehman.
He said that the police department is providing Rs. 5.5 million to the families of the martyrs for the construction of houses and other needs, while other possible resources could also be provided for their welfare as required.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, while talking to the families on this occasion, said that the people of Balochistan are indebted to the blood of the martyrs, we would never leave the families of our martyrs and ghazis abandoned.
He said that enemy forces, especially on the orders of India, are conspiring to destabilize Pakistan and Balochistan through terrorist elements, however, all such conspiracies would be foiled for interest of durable peace of the country and the province.
He made it clear that the sacred blood that has been shed on this land would be accounted for and the enemies of the nation and state could be brought to justice at all costs.
The Chief Minister of Balochistan said that a complete, transparent and professional investigation into the recent incidents of terrorism is underway, in which considerable progress has been made.
He said that the investigation teams are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the terrorists involved in these incidents of terrorism and their facilitators would be brought to justice.
 Mir Sarfraz Bugti reiterated his resolve that the Balochistan government has full capacity to deal with terrorism and would only end the state by bringing the elements hostile to it to their logical end.
On this occasion, provincial ministers including Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Asim Kurd Gelu, Noor Muhammad Dummar, Mir Zahoor Buledi, Haji Ali Madad Jatak, Adviser to Local Governments Nawabzada Baba Amir Hamza Zehri, Parliamentary Secretary Mir Liaquat Lehri, Member Provincial Assembly Zarak Khan Mandokhel, Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqat, I G Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Khan, Commissioner Quetta Division Shahzeb Khan and other high officials were present.

Ashraf says Pakistan facing ‘Hybrid War’, urges national unity against terrorism

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Member of the National Assembly and former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Monday strongly condemned the recent terrorist incident in Islamabad saying Pakistan is facing a sustained and organised campaign of terrorism and is virtually “under attack”
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Pervaiz Ashraf said Pakistan has suffered immensely as a frontline state in the fight against terrorism with its people making enormous sacrifices over the years.
He said that mosques, places of worship, schools and innocent civilians have been deliberately targeted leaving deep scars on the nation.  Ashraf asserted that there is no longer any doubt that Pakistan is facing a form of war alleging that India is behind acts of terrorism inside the country.
He claimed that India is using proxy networks and regional territories including Afghanistan to fund train and facilitate terrorist activities aimed at destabilising Pakistan.
Rejecting sectarian motives behind such attacks, Ashraf said Pakistani society has historically lived in harmony and that terrorism is not rooted in religious or sectarian conflict.
He remarked that this violence began when India realised it could not defeat Pakistan through conventional warfare and instead chose terrorism as a tool.
He stressed that the true victims of terrorism are ordinary Pakistanis who have borne the brunt of violence despite having no connection to political or ideological disputes.
Calling for unity, Ashraf urged all political parties, including the opposition, to rise above differences and present a united front in the interest of national security. He appealed for dialogue within parliament to develop a national consensus on counterterrorism policies, stating that political competition should not undermine Pakistan’s stability.
Ashraf also emphasised the need to raise the issue at international forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and called on Pakistani diplomats to expose what he described as India’s role in sponsoring terrorism.
Ashraf urged the nation to stand firmly behind the armed forces and law enforcement agencies saying they need encouragement and full public support in their fight against terrorism.
He criticised those who target security institutions through constant criticism questioning whose interests such narratives serve. Ashraf said terrorism is an attack on Pakistan’s future, its children and its sovereignty, and stressed that only national unity can ensure peace and security in the country.
Participating in debate, former speaker Asad Qaiser said today’s discussion focused on the recent tragic incident at a mosque in Islamabad where a religious gathering was targeted resulting in the loss of precious lives and injuries to children elderly and young people.
After personally visiting the victims in hospital, he witnessed their courage and strongly condemned the attack.

Muqam visits PIMS hospital to inquiry health of blast’s injured

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam visited PIMS hospital here on Monday to inquiry the health of injured in recent suicide bomb blast at Imambargah in Tarlai.
During his visit, the federal minister met with the injured individually, offered prayers for their speedy recovery and expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy over the tragic incident.
He directed the hospital administration to ensure the provision of the best possible medical facilities to the injured and emphasized that no negligence in treatment would be tolerated.
Amir Muqam stated that the federal government would extend full cooperation for the treatment of all the injured. He strongly condemned the suicide blast and reaffirmed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, was fully committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.
He added that cowardly attacks cannot demoralize the nation, and that the whole nation stands united in the fight against terrorism. Expressing sympathies, the minister said, “We equally share the grief of the bereaved families.”
Hospital authorities briefed the federal minister that the condition of the patients under the treatment was satisfactory, while all remaining patients would be discharged after receiving the best possible medical care.
Member of the Provincial Assembly Ali Hadi and Nawabzada Wahab Khan were also present during the visit.

Senate body directs for actions against corruption, illegal land allotments in Maritime sector

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 9 (APP): The meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs on Monday chaired by its Chairman, Senator Muhammad Faisal Vawda directed for actions against corruption and illegal land allotments in Maritime sector.
The Chairman committee reviewed key operational, infrastructure, and governance matters related to the maritime sector, with particular focus on port performance, dredging operations, land management, and export facilitation, said a press release.
He also stressed the need to vacate encroached land. It was informed that 239 containers are delayed at Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), mainly due to customs delays and the involvement of international companies. It was further highlighted that corruption worth approximately USD 40 million annually is linked to container clearance, with about Rs112,000 allegedly taken per container. KICT was directed to clear all backlog and eliminate corruption.
Senator Faisal Vawda seconded concerns regarding the Fisheries Harbour Authority, stating that transparency is lacking and significant land mismanagement has taken place at Korangi Fisheries. The committee observed that several boards are autonomous and require review. Senator Vawda stressed the need to restructure or eliminate ineffective board members.
The committee also directed compilation of data regarding land holdings across different areas, including Fisheries.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry assured the committee that the ministry is progressing in a positive direction. He stated that it is not possible to eliminate all systemic issues at once, and therefore the Ministry is adopting a step-by-step approach. He emphasized the need for full support from the Senate Committee and added that the Ministry is currently operating on the right track.
He stated that Pakistan has recently developed a National Dredging Company, which will be cost-effective and more attractive to the exporters.
The chairman, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), highlighted that the KPT has handled the ever second-highest cargo volume recently. KPT recorded a 9 percent growth in container handling and also achieved the highest cargo handling during the last year. He further informed that work is underway to increase the port’s draught depth to handle vessels up to 100,000 tons. Additionally, KPT is developing the largest Bulk Export Facility with a storage capacity of 8 million tons and the export volumes of clinker are expected to increase to 8.5 million tons from the existing 4.5 million tons. Out of approximately 400 ports operational worldwide, KPT currently stands at the 90th position. He added that the dredging activities are being carried out continuously at the port.
Ms. Rubina Qaim Khani pointed that the port is still facing dwell time issues in container clearance. The federal minister responded that a dedicated committee has been formed to address dwell time issues and that a significant reduction has already been witnessed.
Nadeem Bhutto questioned the role of the National Dredging Company. It was informed that AD Port Company has been allocated work worth USD 60 million, while remaining work has been assigned to the National Dredging Company. In the future, all dredging work will be allocated to the National Dredging Company.
The minister further informed that work is underway on a separate Lyari road to facilitate port operations. The Malir Expressway is also under construction and is expected to be completed by mid-2026. These road networks will facilitate 24/7 container transportation. The Chairman KPT informed that by July 2026, four freight trains will be operational to facilitate exports. He added that ML-1 connectivity from KPT will support faster and more efficient container transit.
The minister stated that the Ministry is committed to recovering land, vacating encroachments, and eliminating the involvement of property dealers. He thanked the Chairman Committee for the support and added that the Ministry is fully prepared to handle land litigations and take action against individuals previously involved in facilitating land grabbing.
The meeting was attended among others by Senators Pervaiz Rashid, Danesh Kumar, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto and Rubina Qaim Khani. Senators Shahadat Awan, Syed Waqar Mehdi and Syed Masroor Ahsan also attended the Committee meeting as mover of an agenda item.

Atta Tarar hails ‘time-tested’ Pakistan, Sri Lanka friendship

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday lauded the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, describing it as a “time-tested” bond that continues to grow stronger.

Addressing the 78th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the minister extended heartfelt felicitations to the Sri Lankan government and its people.

“Sri Lanka means a great deal to Pakistan and its people,” the minister said, noting that both nations have consistently supported each other through thick and thin.

“During the cricket series recently, I was speaking to His Excellency Rear-Admiral H.L.A. Don Fred Seneviratne and told him that I am the self-appointed tourism ambassador of Sri Lanka,” said the minister while recalling his visit to various tourist destinations including Sigiriya Rock, golden sandy beech of Hikkaduwa and beautiful tree plantation of kandy.

He praised the resilience and determination of the people of Sri Lanka that had allowed the nation to overcome the menace of terrorism. “Today, we see a peaceful and beautiful Sri Lanka that has become a premier destination for global tourism,” he added.

“Sri Lanka is the best destination for tourism and people should definitely visit,” the minister remarked.
Recalling his meetings with President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the minister called him patriotic and a cricket enthusiast.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed cordial relations since decades, he said, highlighting the relief support extended by Pakistan to Sri Lanka recently after an adverse cyclone named Ditwah hit the country.

Both countries have enjoyed excellent economic relations, he said, noting that Sri Lanka was the first country to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan in August 2002, which became operational from June 2005.

“Recently, both countries held 13th Joint Economic Commission, and 8th Secretary Commerce-level talks in Colombo,” Atta Tarar stated.

He said Pakistan has been a proud partner of Sri Lankan armed forces especially in enhancing their capacity and allocation in training institutions. “Many senior officers in Sri Lankan armed forces have attended trainings in Pakistan and we have also helped Sri Lanka to deal with the challenge of LTTE insurgency back in the days.”

“I have no doubt that our relations will grow from strength to strength in the times to come,” he said while congratulating the government and people of Sri Lanka on their independence day.

The minister expressed the hope that Sri Lanka would grow economically and its tourism sector would boom further.

He assured the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka that the people of Pakistan would always stand by his country.

The minister also expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka for supporting Pakistan cricket.

Recalling the fond and joyous memories cricket had brought to the region, Atta Tarar said he had witnessed the world cup of 1996 in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore where former captain of Sri Lankan cricket team Arjuna Ranatunga lifted the trophy.

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