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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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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.

Trump’s recognition signifies a major milestone in strengthening Pak’s diplomatic standing: Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry says

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs  Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Saturday applauded President Trump’s recognition of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, underlining that it sends a strong signal to India and the international community about Pakistan’s rising influence and its solid, unshakable position in global diplomacy.
                  In an exclusive conversation with a local news channel, the minister stated that President Trump’s acknowledgment reflects a key step in elevating Pakistan’s global diplomatic influence.
                 He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan is effectively representing the Muslim Ummah on global forums.
           He emphasized that Pakistan’s role in advocating for the rights and interests of the Muslim community worldwide has been strengthened, further solidifying its diplomatic influence.
       He emphasized that this recognition strengthens Pakistan’s position in international relations, showcasing the country’s growing stature on the world stage.
        Minister Chaudhry also praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, calling him “the best general and the best soldier.”
      He highlighted Munir’ s exceptional leadership and invaluable contributions to Pakistan’s defense, emphasizing his role in enhancing the country’s strategic importance both regionally and globally.
               He admired the strong relationship between Pakistan and the United States, particularly under President Trump’s leadership.
          Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized that the growing ties reflect mutual respect and cooperation on key global issues.
           Talking about PTI, Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry criticized the party, stating that no group, political party, or individual can challenge the state’s authority.
       He emphasized that the events that occurred in the past, where certain groups tried to oppose the state, will continue to be met with the same resolve from the government.
            Chaudhry further warned that any attempt to disrupt the state’s functioning or challenge its institutions would not be tolerated, stressing that the state’s strength and unity remain unshaken.
          He pointed out that the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order will ensure that such actions are dealt with decisively.

Youngster killed as dumper driver hits motorcyclist in Chakri

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):A youngster was tragically killed on the spot when a dumper driver, traveling from the wrong side of the road, collided with his motorbike near Chakri village in Rawalpindi city on Saturday afternoon, leaving his friend severely injured in the
crash.
       According to details, rescue officials confirmed that two riders were on the motorbike when a speeding dumper, coming from the wrong side of the road, struck their vehicle, local news channels reported.
             The impact killed the youngster, identified as Daniyal, on the spot, while his friend miraculously escaped with only minor injuries.
       Rescue teams and police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, but the dumper driver had already fled, evading capture. Authorities are currently investigating the crash and working to track down the driver responsible for the fatal collision.

Punjab waives stamp duty on property transfer

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):The Government of Punjab, in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2017, has notified the complete waiver of stamp duty on property transfers arising from mergers and schemes of arrangement approved by the courts or the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
The notification follows a judgment of the Lahore High Court (Rawalpindi Bench) reported as 2025 CLD 587, delivered by  Justice Jawad Hassan and Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains, said a press release issued by the SECP here on Saturday.
The case examined whether the Punjab Government could levy stamp duty on merger schemes sanctioned by the Courts or the SECP.
During the proceedings, the SECP informed the Court that under Section 282(5) of the Companies Act, 2017, companies with registered offices in the Islamabad Capital Territory are exempt from stamp duty on property transfers arising from mergers or schemes of arrangement approved by the Court or the SECP.
However, this provision becomes applicable in provinces only after notification or legislation by the respective provincial governments.
The Court directed the Chief Secretary, Punjab, and the SECP to consult on the matter.
Following a series of meetings and deliberations, the Punjab Government issued the notification granting exemption from stamp duty on property transfers arising from mergers or schemes of arrangement approved by the Court or the SECP.
As company law is a federal subject while stamp duty falls within provincial jurisdiction, this overlap had created practical difficulties for companies undertaking restructuring and mergers in Punjab.
The exemption is expected to facilitate such transactions, reduce costs, and support corporate restructuring, investment, and business growth in the province.
The SECP has welcomed the Government of Punjab’s decision, terming it a positive step toward facilitating the corporate sector.
The Commission also appreciated the Court’s proactive role in guiding stakeholders toward a timely resolution of the issue.

WUM signs MoU with PSIC to enhance industry linkages

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
MULTAN, Feb 21 (APP):Women University Multan (WUM) and the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening academia-industry linkages and expanding professional opportunities for students and graduates.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Vice Chancellor(VC) Secretariat,Katchery campus and was organized by the office of Research,Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC).
The event was attended by Registrar Dr.Deeba Shahwar,Treasurer Dr.Tahira Younis,Director ORIC Dr.Saima Nasreen,Manager Innovation and Commercialization Dr.Raheela Jabeen,faculty members and students.
The PSIC delegation was led by Regional Director Ammara Manzoor along with Assistant Director(AD) Najam-ul-Sehar Samreen,Soha Iqbal,Muhammad Sarmad and BDO Danish Mushtaq.
Speaking on the occasion,Vice Chancellor(VC) Dr. Kalsoom Paracha described the MoU as a milestone initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
She stated that the partnership would provide students with practical exposure and industry engagement,ultimately enhancing their employe-ability and professional development.
Director ORIC Dr.Saima Nasreen said the agreement would facilitate joint training programs,internships,skill development initiatives,entrepreneurial guidance and innovation support activities to help students respond effectively to evolving market needs.
Regional Director PSIC Ammara Manzoor underscored the importance of women’s participation in industrial and economic sectors,adding that the collaboration would contribute to industrial growth,entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment in South Punjab.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU,witnessed by faculty members and a large number of students.

Ramazan gifting trend sparks surge in religious items sale from online stores to roadside stalls

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):During the month of Ramazan, religious stalls selling items through online gifting and marketplaces have become a focal point, attracting significant attention as people seek to share blessings and gifts with loved ones.
         Traditional religious item stalls, once a staple during Ramazan, have embraced the digital era, with Quran e Pak , prayer mats, and other gifting items now available through online sales and social media platforms.
       This shift has made it easier for people to shop for religious items and send thoughtful gifts to loved ones, said a report by a local news channel highlighting this growing trend, reflecting how digital platforms are reshaping shopping habits during Ramazan.
            From online platforms to roadside stalls, the sale of religious items has seen a significant boom during Ramazan. Whether it is customized Qurans with beautiful packaging or prayer beads, both digital marketplaces and traditional stalls are thriving, offering a wide range of religious goods.
            This shift reflects the growing demand for convenient, yet meaningful, shopping experiences during the holy month, making these stalls an essential part of Ramazan celebrations, report added.
          Shopkeepers have noted the surge in sales, highlighting the affordability and variety of products. “The most common items on our stalls, like prayer caps for men, range between 40 to 50 rupees, while higher-quality versions can go for 400 to 500 rupees,” said one shopkeeper from Karachi.
         He mentioned that these prayer caps are sourced from countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, China and Turkey, all of which are known for producing high-quality religious goods.
       Many are drawn to the personalized touch of Ramazan-themed gifts, such as customized Qurans with beautifully designed gift packs and prayer beads with their names written on them.
             “The option to buy these personalized gifts online has really caught the attention of the youth,” said a resident of Lahore. “It feels special to send a gift with my name or a loved one’s name written on it, especially during
Ramazan.”
        Shopkeepers also highlighted the popularity of high-quality items like Qurans, often accompanied by beautifully crafted gift packs and designs, with prices ranging between 2000 to 5000 rupees.
           The blend of traditional religious products with modern online shopping trends has made these stalls and online marketplaces an integral part of Ramazan shopping.
            As the demand continues to grow, it is clear that online gifting is here to stay, offering convenience, variety, and a personal touch during the holy month.

Baidarie,LPDI Signs MoU to train 50 women in Sialkot’s leather sector

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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SIALKOT, Feb 21 (APP):In a move aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation in Sialkot’s export-driven leather sector, Baidarie on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Leather Products Development Institute (LPDI) to deliver certified technical training for women.
The agreement was signed under the project “Catalyzing Growth for Women Economic Empowerment in District Sialkot (Punjab) Pakistan,”supported by UN Women Pakistan.
The initiative will provide a two-month certified training program in Gloves Stitching and Pattern Designing to 50 women and girls in the district.
Officials said the training was designed to align with market demands and industry standards of Sialkot’s globally recognized leather and gloves sector.
The program aims to enhance participants’ employ-ability,strengthen their technical skills and create pathways for entrepreneurship and sustainable income generation.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Hina Noureen,Vice President(VP) of Baidarie;Matloob Ahmed Qureshi, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PGMEA) and LPDI;Rana Amjad Hussain, Programme Manager at LPDI; Asif Raza, Project Manager at Baidarie; and Usman Ismail Butt, Secretary General of PGMEA.
Representatives from both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusive growth and strengthening institutional collaboration to expand women’s access to certified,industry-linked technical training opportunities in Sialkot.

Farhat Abbas Shah calls for action on ‘native language’ education to ensure cultural continuity

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):Renowned Pakistani poet cum writer Farhat Abbas Shah, on ‘World Mother Language Day 2026’, emphasized on the importance of preserving languages as a vital part of country’s cultural heritage.
Talking to PTV News, he put great stress on the role of youth in promoting the multilingual education (MLE) system (i.e., mother/home tongue, regional/national language, international language) and said that by using digital tools, they can protect endangered languages.
     Farhat Abbas Shah also highlighted the significance of native tongue education amongst youth for cultural survival.
      He explained that teaching in the mother language is a powerful tool for shaping values and character, stating that “education in the mother tongue is an excellent means of nurturing original values.”
      Shah further added that ‘mother language education’ strengthens connections to cultural heritage, community, and history, and is crucial for youths’ personal empowerment.
      He pointed out that it helps individuals stay grounded while achieving progress.
      He concluded by stating that “Its importance lies in motivating the youth and developing a deeper sense of awareness in them,” highlighting how mother tongue education encourages both personal growth and cultural preservation.

Commissioner for fully developed park in center of city

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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MULTAN, Feb 21 (APP):Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan chaired a meeting to review a proposal for establishing a public park in the heart of the city,here on Saturday.
The meeting examined a plan to convert the existing green belt at Chungi No.9 into a fully developed park to provide quality recreational facilities to residents.
Commissioner Aamir directed authorities to prepare a comprehensive plan for the project.
He further instructed that the temporary Metro Command and Control Center be shifted to a permanent building so that the vacated land could be utilized for the park.
He instructed the Multan Development Authority (MDA) to ensure immediate progress on the initiative,stressing that provision of a healthy and pleasant environment for citizens remains a top priority.
Aamir Karim Khan said the proposed park would serve as a best recreational addition for the people of Multan.

Korangi factory hit by massive blaze, emergency teams contain fire, no injuries

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):A huge fire broke out early on Saturday morning at a garment factory near Chamra Chowrangi in the Korangi Industrial Area, sending thick smoke into the sky and prompting an urgent response from firefighting teams.
            According to details, fire brigade officials reported that the fire began in a specific area of the facility but was swiftly brought under control with the assistance of three fire engines, private news channel reported.
           Emergency responders confirmed that there were no casualties.
 Although the blaze is now contained, cooling operations are ongoing to secure the site. Authorities have stated that an investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted.

4.5-magnitude earthquake shakes twin cities, surrounding towns

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP):A 4.5 moderate earthquake struck parts of northern Pakistan on Saturday, shaking buildings and alarming residents in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while tremors were also felt in nearby areas including Swabi, Haripur, Khanpur, and other surrounding towns.
             According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the earthquake measured 4.5 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was located in the northern region, and the tremors lasted for a few seconds, local news channels reported.
           Residents reported that homes and office buildings swayed during the quake, prompting many people to step outside as a precaution.
        Seismologists said moderate earthquakes are common in northern Pakistan due to tectonic activity in the Himalayan region and advised residents to stay calm and follow safety precautions.
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