Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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

-

Thu, 22 Oct 2020, 12:36 AM

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

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

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.

#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.

Indian disinformation accounts are exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis and falsely claiming that the country is now experiencing urban warfare and other serious instability. Dangerous and disturbing; several of these accounts are verified, with large followings. Ugh.
— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) October 21, 2020

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.

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.

Indian media propaganda at its peak & sadly fueled by the PDM circus.
Both social & economic indicators of Pakistan are showing positive signs.
The artificially manufactured food inflation is being brought under control as well.
Pakistan on the rise under PM @ImranKhanPTI
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) October 22, 2020

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.

#Indian media is deeply involved in a fake, fabricated and malicious propaganda campaign to malign state institutions of #Pakistan.@Twitter needs to take action against Indian Social Media accounts who are involved in nefarious attacks of fake news against Pakistan.
— Shehryar Afridi (@ShehryarAfridi1) October 21, 2020

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.

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 😂
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) October 21, 2020

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.

A little investigation would have informed @ZeeNewsEnglish that it wasn’t a bomb blast in ‘civil war’ in Pakistan but gas leak in Karachi. Whither truth, objectivity, balance and fairness in reporting? https://t.co/RaZ81Tx96C
— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) October 21, 2020

“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.

An Aircraft shot during civil war in Karachi… and the pilot captured…
#Karachicivilwar #IndianMedia pic.twitter.com/Al5iWx6jOe
Some of the selected tweets
Indian media propaganda at its peak & sadly fueled by the PDM circus.
Both social & economic indicators of Pakistan are showing positive signs.
The artificially manufactured food inflation is being brought under control as well.
Pakistan on the rise under PM @ImranKhanPTI
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) October 22, 2020
— Fasih Uddin (@Fasih_Uddin) October 21, 2020

Captain Amir Liaquat Hussain leading the #CivilWarinPakistan, targeted Sindh Police positions with 2 grenades at a time from a single RPG. 👏 pic.twitter.com/VVDeI8y4Rh
— Kashif Ali (@KaschifAli) October 21, 2020

Live scene from #CivilWarInPakistan
This is civil war at its peak. pic.twitter.com/EOBXWjJMZv
— Mustafa T. Wynne (@mustafa_wynne) October 21, 2020

Kashmir issue must be taken to world, seminar told

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 8:01 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (APP):Kashmiri groups and political leaders on Monday observed India’s Republic Day as a “Black Day” and called for renewed international efforts to highlight the political and human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The speakers were addressing a seminar organised jointly by the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Friends of Kashmir International and the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services.

Participants said the observance was meant to draw global attention to what they described as ongoing rights violations in the disputed region and to renew calls for a resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee Rana Qasim Noon said the Kashmir dispute remained unresolved despite international commitments, adding that sustained global engagement was essential to address the concerns of the Kashmiri people.

Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan said Kashmiris rejected India’s claim of sovereignty over the region and called for stronger diplomatic efforts to raise the issue at international forums.

Former AJK president and PML-N leader Shah Ghulam Qadir, along with All Parties Hurriyat Conference representative Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, also addressed the gathering and urged the international community to take notice of developments in the disputed territory.

KIIR Chairman Altaf Hussain Wani said the seminar aimed to “amplify the Kashmiri voice” and counter what he termed attempts to normalise the situation in the region.

Senator Mushahid Hussain said the Kashmir dispute should be raised at major global platforms, arguing that the issue had serious implications for regional and international peace and stability.

National Assembly member Sher Afzal Marwat said the dispute would remain a source of instability unless resolved through dialogue and in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The seminar was also addressed by Abdul Hameed Lone and other political figures.

Export-led growth roadmap for Pakistan’s economic revival: ICCI

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:53 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (APP):President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood here on Monday, said that export-led growth is the only viable and sustainable path for Pakistan’s economic revival.

While talking to a visiting delegation of industry, he emphasized that exports are not merely a source of foreign exchange but a key driver of productivity, competitiveness, and long-term economic stability, said a press release.

The ICCI President noted that despite some improvement in sectors such as textiles, IT services, and agro-based products, Pakistan’s export performance remains below its true potential.

Mehmood stressed the urgent need to shift from volume-based exports to value-added and knowledge-driven products, calling for focused support to priority sectors including textiles, IT, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, agro-processing, and light manufacturing.

He said competitive energy pricing, tax incentives, and effective export facilitation were essential to strengthen export-oriented industries.

Highlighting the growing importance of IT and digital exports, he said Pakistan possesses immense human capital that can be transformed into export earnings through supportive policies, technology parks, and public–private partnerships.

He also underscored the importance of trade diplomacy to explore new markets in Africa, Central Asia, and ASEAN countries.

The ICCI President emphasized that policy stability, ease of doing business, and strong support for SMEs are critical for sustainable export growth.

He urged close coordination between the government and the private sector to implement a focused export-led strategy, expressing confidence that such an approach would reduce the trade deficit, create jobs, and strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience.

LHC CJ inaugurates tehsil courts in Sharqpur Sharif

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:51 PM

LAHORE, Jan 26 (APP):Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Monday formally inaugurated the tehsil courts in Sharqpur Sharif, marking a significant step towards strengthening the judicial system at the grassroots level.

Registrar Lahore High Court Amjad Iqbal Ranjha and District and Sessions Judge Sheikhupura Muhammad Naeem Sheikh were also present on the occasion.

Upon her arrival, the chief Justice was accorded a warm welcome by the District Bar Association Sheikhupura and a large number of lawyers, who presented bouquets.

A special prayer was offered at the inauguration ceremony. Judicial officers, members of the legal fraternity, senior officials of the district administration and police, along with representatives from various walks of life, attended the event.

Speakers on the occasion, she termed the establishment of the tehsil courts a major development towards ensuring speedy and affordable justice for the local population.

Later, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum participated in a tree plantation drive by planting a sapling in the court premises and highlighted the importance of environmental protection. She also hoisted the national flag at the Tehsil Courts complex, while a smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour.

It may be noted that three courts have been established in Tehsil Sharqpur Sharif, including one court of an Additional District and Sessions Judge and two courts of Civil Judges.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh holds open court in Chiniot, orders on-the-spot relief for public grievances

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:48 PM

CHINIOT, Jan 26 (APP):Federal Minister for the Investment Board Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Monday held an open court at his office in Chiniot to ensure swift resolution of public issues, drawing large participation from citizens, heads of various federal institutions and senior administrative officers.

During the open court, citizens highlighted issues related to electricity, gas supply, health, education, revenue and other basic civic matters. Taking immediate notice, the Federal Minister issued on-the-spot directives to the concerned officers for prompt and effective redressal of complaints. He emphasized that timely resolution of public problems remains the government’s foremost priority and stressed that elected representatives can truly understand ground realities only through direct engagement with the people.

Addressing the gathering, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that the current government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is taking serious and practical measures to provide relief to the masses. He highlighted key initiatives including a significant reduction in the policy rate to stabilize the economy, the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to boost investment, development of industrial zones and wide-ranging regulatory reforms, noting that positive outcomes of these steps have already begun to surface.

He further stated that service delivery is being improved through enhanced coordination between federal and provincial institutions, while the One Window Facilitation System is providing ease to citizens and investors alike. Reiterating his commitment, the Federal Minister announced that such open courts will continue in the future.

At the conclusion of the session, citizens warmly appreciated the initiative, lauding the Federal Minister for listening attentively to their issues, issuing immediate orders and briefing them on ongoing government measures.

Governor Punjab and Chancellor University of Sargodha Sardar Saleem Haider Khan addresses the 12th Convocation at the university of Sargodha multipurpose hall.

By

Wajid

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:42 PM

Governor Punjab and Chancellor University of Sargodha Sardar Saleem Haider Khan addresses the 12th Convocation at the university of Sargodha multipurpose hall. — APP27-260126
SARGODHA: January 26 –

CM inaugurates Korangi Causeway bridge, announces relief, reconstruction plan for Gul Plaza victims

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:23 PM

KARACHI, Jan 26 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Rs6.1 billion Korangi Causeway bridge and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enhancing Karachi’s infrastructure, while unveiling comprehensive relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction initiatives for those affected by the recent Gul Plaza tragedy.

Talking to the media at the inauguration ceremony of the Korangi Causeway Bridge, the chief minister began by offering prayers for those who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza incident and urged everyone to recite Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Ikhlas for the departed souls. He said the tragic event had deeply saddened the entire province and reiterated that no compensation could ever truly compensate for the loss of human life.

Chief Minister Murad Shah, accompanied by Provincial Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Shah, Provincial Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, arrived at the Korangi Causeway, where he was received by Special Assistant Ali Rashid, Provincial Local Government Secretary Waseem Shamshad, and others.

Underscoring the importance of the Korangi Causeway project, Murad Shah said the bridge was a longstanding commitment, especially to the residents and industrial stakeholders of Korangi and the surrounding areas. “This area used to be cut off whenever it rained, effectively dividing the city into two parts. To address this difficulty, we committed nearly three years ago to building a bridge here,” he said.

The Chief Minister stated that construction on the bridge commenced around one and a half years ago, but faced delays due to design-related issues. He said the newly inaugurated bridge is approximately 1.4 kilometres long, has six lanes – three on each side – and was built at a cost exceeding Rs6.135 billion.

Shah added that the project will greatly benefit the Korangi and Landhi industrial areas, daily commuters, and nearby facilities, including Indus Hospital, SIUT, educational institutions, and residential communities. According to him, nearly five million people are expected to use the bridge daily.

Murad Ali Shah stated that the Korangi Causeway bridge is part of a broader initiative to rehabilitate Karachi’s deteriorating infrastructure. He noted that some ancillary construction work was still ongoing, including efforts to connect Shahrah-e-Bhutto with Korangi Road. “We aim to open Shahrah-e-Bhutto by Eid or immediately after. Although there has been a delay of about one and a half to two months, the road will be operational from Korangi Road to the M-9 after Eid,” he said.

The CM was also briefed on the connecting loops and the grade-separated interchange being constructed under the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway project, which will link Korangi, DHA, and the Kathore (M-9) Highway. Two entry and two exit ramps have been built for Korangi and Qayumabad to ensure conflict-free traffic movement and reduce pressure on inner-city roads.

CM Murad Ali Shah stated that the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway would serve as Karachi’s economic lifeline and help resolve chronic traffic issues through controlled-access corridors.

Turning to the Gul Plaza tragedy, the chief minister said more than a week had passed since the incident and outlined the government’s response in detail. He reiterated that the Sindh government had announced compensation of Rs 10 million for each deceased person on the very first day, acknowledging that no amount could truly compensate for the loss of life.

The CM recalled that during his address on the floor of the Sindh Assembly, he had also announced financial assistance for shopkeepers affected by the incident. “Until the shopkeepers stand on their own feet again, the Sindh government will not leave them alone,” he said, adding that cabinet approval for these measures would be obtained shortly.

Murad Ali Shah announced that each affected shopkeeper would receive Rs500,000 as immediate subsistence support to help them manage household expenses, including food, school fees for children, and utility bills, over the next two months. He said the government, in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), had already begun assessing and compensating for business losses.

Shah assured that the Sindh government would compensate shopkeepers for the goods and inventory destroyed in the fire, with KCCI’s assistance playing a key role in verification and disbursement. He added that several building owners had voluntarily offered space to temporarily accommodate displaced shopkeepers.

“I am aware of at least two buildings – one with around 500 shops and another with about 350 shops. Additionally, the government’s own parking plazas and other buildings have capacity,” he said.

The chief minister stated that approximately 1,300 affected shops would be given alternative locations within two months, enabling traders to resume their businesses during that period. He said additional payments would be made during this interim phase to help shopkeepers recover their losses.

The CM Murad Shah further announced that through the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund, each affected shopkeeper would be offered an interest-free loan of up to Rs10 million. The government would act as guarantor, cover the interest costs, and facilitate the loan process without requiring recommendation letters.

He concluded by stating that Gul Plaza would be reconstructed in consultation with the affected shopkeepers. “The number of shops will remain exactly the same – not a single additional shop will be built,” the chief minister said, reaffirming transparency and fairness in the rebuilding process.

Pakistan–U.S. HEWG revived after decade, reaffirm commitment to academic, vocational cooperation

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:13 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (APP):The Higher Education Working Group (HEWG) of Pakistan and the United States (U.S.) was formally reconstituted after a gap of ten years, marking a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation in the education sector.

The aim of this joint Working Group is to strengthening institutional linkages, enhancing academic opportunities, and fostering people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The inaugural meeting of this group was held on Monday at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), Islamabad, under the joint leadership of Ms Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training ( M/o FE & PT), and the U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy.

The other Pakistani delegation comprised senior officials from the M/o FE & PT, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the Higher Education Commission, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The U.S. delegation included senior officials from the U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s Public Diplomacy section.

The meeting focused on two priority agenda items: exploring vocational education accreditation opportunities through collaboration with the NAVTTC, and discussing the sustainability and expansion of the Fulbright Program to further strengthen higher education cooperation.

The Minister of State for Federal Education emphasized the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to revitalizing international academic partnerships, stating that the reactivation of the Joint Working Group after a decade reflects renewed momentum in Pakistan–U.S. educational collaboration and will open new pathways for skills development, quality assurance in vocational training, and expanded access to global academic opportunities for Pakistani students.

The U.S. side reaffirmed continued support for Pakistan’s education sector, highlighting the trans-formative impact of the Fulbright Program and the importance of sustained bilateral engagement in higher education and workforce development.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement through the Working Group to ensure tangible outcomes, enhance vocational and higher education frameworks, and deepen long-term educational cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.

Interior Minister briefs PM on ICC T20 World Cup, BCB issue

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:11 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (APP):Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Monday, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

During the meeting, the interior minister briefed the prime minister on the recent situation regarding ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), PM Media Office Media Wing said in a press release

IG NHMP reviews arrangements on Murree Expressway ahead of severe weather

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:09 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (APP):Inspector General of National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP), Sultan Ahmed Chaudhry, on Monday reviewed comprehensive arrangements on the Murree Expressway to ensure public safety in view of the forecast of severe weather and possible snowfall.

During a detailed visit to the expressway, the IG, accompanied by DIG Headquarters, was briefed by DIG North Zone at the Sector Office Phoolgaran on traffic flow, security measures, personnel deployment , and arrangements made in anticipation of adverse weather conditions. The briefing highlighted that, considering passenger safety and the expected increase in traffic, proactive and effective measures had been implemented to manage the challenging weather.

In anticipation of snowfall, additional NHMP personnel have been deployed, while heavy machinery and essential logistical resources have been positioned at key points along the expressway. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure smooth traffic flow and provide guidance and assistance to travelers during snowfall. Due to the severe weather conditions and possibility of heavy snow, NHMP officers and staff remain on high alert.

Speaking on the occasion, IG NHMP Sultan Ahmed Chaudhry emphasized that passenger safety and timely assistance remain the top priority, and the Motorway Police are fully prepared to handle any emergency situation.

He directed officers to maintain continuous and effective monitoring of the weather, ensure full cooperation with the public during adverse conditions, and provide all possible assistance to travelers.

The NHMP has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and potential snowfall. Travelers have been advised to contact the Motorway Police Helpline 130 or follow official social media platforms @NHMP for real-time updates and guidance before commencing their journeys.

The National Highways & Motorway Police remains vigilant and ready at all times to ensure the safety, convenience, and secure travel of the public.

CM condoles death of Armaghan Subhani’s mother

By

-

Mon, 26 Jan 2026, 7:05 PM