Saturday, February 7, 2026
Home Blog

Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
-
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
-
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
-
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.

Faheem Ashraf saves day for unconvincing Pakistan against Netherlands

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
Muhammad Naeem Khan Niazi
LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): All-rounder Faheem Ashraf played an unbeaten cameo of 29 (11) to take Pakistan home against Netherlands with a victory in a thriller of an opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as they faced defeat and needed 29 off the last 12 balls at the SSC Colombo on Saturday morning.
Pakistan, after electing to field first by Salman Ali Agha, were chasing down 148 runs and had an excellent start to the innings by scoring 98-2 off 11 overs but things went awry when they lost five wickets for 16 runs off 31 balls between the 12th and 17th over. As had been the case with Pakistan on several previous occasions to lose advantage and push themselevs into a precarious situation on the cricket field, the Colombo affair was not a different one and Pakistan were unconvincing in batting and finishing the game before the unlikely savious Faheem Ashraf rose to the occasion.
Faheem Ashraf, who was playing his first ICC T20 World Cup match at the twilight of his career, was not required to bowl in the match but he was badly needed to bat and bat with distinction as Pakistan looked to lose against a team which is known as a giant-killer. Faheem Ashraf did oblige his team as he single-handedly won the match for Pakistan on a sluggish pitch.
The Lahore-based all-rounder hit Logan van Beek for 24 runs off the penultimate over of the match as he snatched victory from the throes of defeat with a boundary over the deep extra cover off Bas de Leede with three balls to spare off the 20th over.
Faheem Ashraf’s Player of the Match performance has justified coach Mike Hesson’s preference for all-rounders to specialist batters in a white-ball contingent as Faheem hit three lofty 6s and two boundaries in a short knock of 11 balls. He was lucky to get a life on the second ball of Beek’s penultimate over after he was dropped by Dowd at long on. Mike Hesson has been outspoken about his choices and preference to pick quality all-rounders to make an impact in a game of cricket. He has been vociferously criticized by the Pakistanis for this but he has remained steadfast in his choices.
Though the rest of the two, and three if we include Shaheen Shah Afridi, middle-order all-rounders like Shadab Khan and Muhammad Nawaz failed with the bat, it was Faheem Ashraf’s day who made the selectors proud. Faheem Ashraf’s selection has also come under the scanner and has been alleged of forcing his way into the world cup squad without strong credentials.
The platform is the right opportunity for the all-rounder to prove his detractors wrong with good form and a stroke of good-luck.
In the post-match interview with the broadcaster Faheem Ashraf acknowledged how luck was important to design a knock, adding that he every tissue of the batter’s flesh wishes badly for a miracle and get a life after playing a stroke uppishly and the same were his feelings when he hoisted Beek towards the long-on boundary on the second ball of the 18th. “The wish was granted by the Heavens and Faheem Ashraf turned the tables on Netherlands who looked to give Pakistan a surprise.”
Pakistan had a fluent start to the innings as Saim Ayub played fluently and scored 24 off 13 balls for the first wicket partnership of 27 runs with Sahibzada Farhan. Slaman Agha, who has carved a new role for himself at No. 3 position, could hit 12 runs off 8 balls as Pakistan were able to score 52 runs in 4.5 overs. Farhan and Babar Azam partnered for 45 runs to held Pakistan reach 98-2 but then the collapse started which reduced the team total to 114 in 16.1 overs for the loss of seven wickets.
Paul van Meekren was the chief decimator as he bowled a double-wicket maiden over to claim the scalps of Sahibzada Farhan 47 (31) and Usman Khan 0 (2). With the pressure building up, Babar Azam 15 (18) who had played a sedate knock so far in the presence of Farhan took on the left-arm orthodox Roelof van der Merwe and tried to break and shackle and hit the spinner out of the park but played in the hands of Klein at long off.
It has become a familiar sight now to see Babar Azam holing out to a spinner and the ace batter will need a spectacular knock in the T20 World Cup to keep up to his reputation as a top T20I run-getter and save his position in the national side beyond the world cup.
Shadab Khan 8 (12) and Mohammad Nawaz 6 (13) were dismissed by the Netherlands quicks through some deft death-overs bowling. Shaheen Shah Afridi 5 (9), through unbeaten, was as listless in batting as he was in bowling when he conceded 28-1 off three overs while opening the bowling for Pakistan.
Netherlands had similar fortunes in batting when they scored 105-4 in the 13th over but they could score only 42 runs in the next 43 balls and were all out for 147-10 with one ball to spare. Captain Sott Edwards 37 (29) was the most successful bowler for the Netherlands while Michael Levit 24 (15), Bas de Leede 30 (25) and Colin Ackerman 20 (14) were the other contributors to the team total. The Netherlands looked to score big by the middle of the innings but they lost the advantage through some good bowling by the Pakistan bowlers who reduced them to 147-10.
Newcomer Salman Mirza was the most successful bowler for Pakistan who pucker three wickets for 24 runs off 3.5 overs while Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub picked a brace for 23, 38 and 7 runs respectively. Abrar and Nawaz completed his quota of four overs while Saim bowled only one over. Shadab Khan was the only unsuccessful bowler for Pakistan.
With Pakistan giving a scare to its fans after they provided an opportunity to the Netherlands to sneak through their defenses and strengthen their reputation as world-beaters. One feels perplexed to find that Pakistan captain Salman Agha opted to field first after winning the toss on the slow and sluggish Sri Lankan pitches, especially after having batted first after winning the toss on all three occasions in the recently concluded home T20I series against Australia.
With two points from the win, Pakistan sit atop the table which include India, USA and Namibia. Pakistan will play their next match against USA on February 10 (Wednesday) at the same venue. USA had beaten Pakistan in the last match they came across each other in the ICC t20 World Cup 2024 in teh West Indies and USA.

People gather to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners, including federal ministers, attended the mass funeral.

By
Wajid
-
0
People gather to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners, including federal ministers, attended the mass funeral.
APP01-070226
ISLAMABAD: February 07 – 
People gather to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners, including federal ministers, attended the mass funeral.
APP02-070226
ISLAMABAD: February 07 – People gather to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners, including federal ministers, attended the mass funeral. APP/TZD/ABB
People gather to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners, including federal ministers, attended the mass funeral.
APP03-070226
ISLAMABAD: February 07 – People gather to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners, including federal ministers, attended the mass funeral. APP/TZD/ABB
People gather to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners, including federal ministers, attended the mass funeral.
APP04-070226
ISLAMABAD: February 07 – People gather to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners, including federal ministers, attended the mass funeral. APP/TZD/ABB

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf arrives to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners attended the mass funeral .

By
Wajid
-
0
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf arrives to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners attended the mass funeral .
APP05-070226
ISLAMABAD: February 07 –
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf arrives to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners attended the mass funeral .
APP06-070226
ISLAMABAD: February 07 – Security personnel checking people arrive to attend funeral prayers of victims following the suicide bombing at a religious site on the outskirts of the federal capital. Thousands of mourners including federal ministers attended the mass funeral APP/TZD/ABB

PM congratulates nation on Pakistan’s victory against Netherlands in T20 World Cup opener

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s victory against the Netherlands in their opening match of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup.
The prime minister praised the outstanding performance of the Pakistani cricket team and paid tribute to the players as well as the team management for their collective efforts.
He said the national side displayed excellent cricket and won the hearts of fans with their impressive performance. Terming the win a successful start to Pakistan’s World Cup campaign, the prime minister expressed hope that the team would maintain this winning momentum in the matches ahead.
He also conveyed his best wishes for the continued success of the national cricket team in the remainder of the tournament.

Terrorists cannot demoralize nation, will be eliminated from roots: Attaullah Tarar

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday said that terrorists cannot demoralize the nation and that terrorism will be eradicated from its roots, while all facilitators will be brought to justice.
He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at Jamia Minhaj-ul-Hussain, where he strongly condemned the suicide bombing at an Imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers.
The federal minister said the state is fully determined to protect the lives and property of citizens and to safeguard places of worship. He stressed that no one would be allowed to disturb law and order or spread sectarianism in the country, adding that killing humanity for a few coins is a heinous and condemnable crime.
Tarar said the entire country is mourning the Islamabad incident. He informed that the identity of the suicide bomber had been established and further investigations are underway. He added that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the martyrs and will not leave the bereaved families alone.
On the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, he said, all possible medical facilities are being provided to the injured, while the Pakistan Army continues to make great sacrifices for national security.
He said that on the special instructions of the prime minister, he visited the area with a heavy heart to offer condolences and reassurance. He reiterated that no one would be allowed to spread chaos and unrest in the country and that all those involved in the incident would be brought to justice soon.
Condemning the blast, the minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives and conveyed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families. He said targeting worshipers is an extremely cowardly and despicable act that deserves the strongest condemnation. He reiterated that the state remains resolute in protecting the lives, property, and places of worship of its citizens.
The minister said terrorists have no religion or faith and their sole purpose is to carry out inhumane and shameful acts. He said those who kill humanity for a few coins are not humans but savage beasts, and calling them human is an insult to humanity. He added that terrorist elements operating in Pakistan have foreign backing, and enemies want to undermine Pakistan’s peace, unity, and development.
The nation, he said, is united against them, and extremism and terrorism will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The federal minister claimed that the suicide bomber had received terrorist training in Afghanistan and that planted elements from India and Afghanistan were involved behind the attacks. He said forensic teams and security agencies have collected evidence from the site and further investigations are ongoing, adding that complete facts would soon be presented before the public.
He said that on the prime minister’s directions, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met the Imambargah administration and assured them of full cooperation. The prime minister has ordered a complete and transparent investigation into the incident and directed the immediate identification of those responsible. He added that under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Paigham-e-Aman Committee has been established to promote peace and counter the narrative of terrorists, with representation from all schools of thought.
Attaullah Tarar said that 170 injured persons are being provided all possible medical facilities and reiterated that the families of the martyrs would not be left alone.
Responding to questions, he said terrorists are breathing their last and no longer have access to hard targets, which is why they are targeting soft targets in remote areas. He said terrorists are nearing their end and will soon be eliminated there as well.
He said the Pakistan Army and security institutions are working day and night to make the country a cradle of peace. Despite terrorists targeting even the families and relatives of security personnel, he said such attacks do not weaken national resolve but further strengthen it. He added that facilitators of the Tarlai incident have been identified and will be brought to justice.
The minister said the professionalism of Pakistan’s security forces is recognized worldwide and that intelligence-based operations are continuously underway. He added that global intelligence agencies acknowledged Pakistan’s successful operation in the Jaffar Express incident. He reiterated that terrorists would not be spared under any circumstances.
On the occasion, Dr Muhammad Hussain Akbar, founder and chief patron of the Jamia, said that targeting a place of worship is a grave crime against humanity. He said the enemy wants to weaken Pakistan, but the entire nation is united against those attempting to destabilize the country. He added that there is no place for terrorism in Pakistan and that those involved in the attack, along with their facilitators, must be brought before the courts and punished according to law.
Later, religious scholars from all schools of thought formed a human chain with the federal minister to demonstrate unity.

KP CM announces establishment of tertiary care hospital in Malakand

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
PESHAWAR, Feb 07 (APP): In a significant move to bolster regional healthcare infrastructure, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi announced on Saturday establishment of a 1,000-bed tertiary care hospital in Malakand district.
The decision follows a recent Health Department meeting, during which Chief Minister directed relevant authorities to coordinate closely with elected representatives from Malakand Division to ensure project meets local needs.
To expedite development, officials have been directed to begin land acquisition process immediately.
The proposed facility is designed to serve as a major medical hub, offering specialized services including emergency care, cardiology, and kidney transplant facilities.
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that primary goal is to bring high-quality medical treatment directly to doorsteps of citizens, significantly reducing need for patients to travel to distant major cities for complex procedures.
By strengthening the provincial health sector, the administration aims to provide substantial medical relief to the residents of Malakand and enhance overall public confidence in the state’s healthcare capabilities.

CM takes notice of sanitary worker falling into manhole in Arifwala

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif took notice of the incident of a sanitary worker falling into a manhole in Arifwala and dying due to gas filling
the sewer line.
Expressing deep sorrow and grief over the incident, Maryam Nawaz Sharif
expressed sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family, while she has also sought a detailed report of the incident from the deputy commissioner
Pakpattan.
The chief minister expressed strong anger over the non-use of the required safety equipment for descending into the manhole and directed that those responsible be identified and legal action be taken against them.

Punjab govt appeals public to exercise caution to ensure Safe Basant

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): The Punjab government has appealed to the public to strictly observe safety precautions to ensure peaceful and safe Basant celebrations.
In a media statement, Home Department Punjab Secretary Ahmad Javed Qazi said that comprehensive administrative and security arrangements had been put in place across Lahore. He said the provincial government had taken all possible measures to make Basant a safe and enjoyable festival for citizens as well as guests visiting Lahore from different parts of the country and abroad. He said all relevant government departments were fully alert and actively performing their duties to ensure public safety during the festivities.
The Secretary said that extensive security arrangements had been ensured, including the installation of safety rods on motorcycles to protect riders from injuries caused by kite strings. He emphasized that public cooperation was essential for the effective implementation of safety measures and for preventing untoward incidents.
Expressing concern over reports of accidents, Ahmad Javed Qazi said incidents had been reported in which people fell from rooftops while flying kites or while attempting to retrieve cut kites. He urged the residents of Lahore to properly secure their rooftops and exercise caution. “Your life and health are far more valuable than any kite,” the Home Secretary said, advising citizens not to climb poles or trees while chasing kites and to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines issued by the authorities.
He urged citizens to demonstrate responsibility to protect their own lives and ensure the safety and happiness of their families. Appreciating the public’s compliance with Basant safety rules and regulations, he thanked citizens for their cooperation.
Extending greetings on the occasion, the Home Secretary congratulated the people of Lahore and distinguished guests from across the world on the joyous festival of Basant. He reiterated that all government institutions would remain vigilant and fully prepared to ensure the safety of citizens throughout the celebrations.

LWMC to remain active during Basant festival

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) is carrying out special cleanliness and washing operations across the city to ensure a clean and pleasant environment during the Basant Festival.
According to LWMC sources here on Saturday on the second day of the festival, citywide washing activities and water sprinkling remained in full swing as part of enhanced sanitation measures.
LWMC washing teams were particularly active at Sheranwala Gate, Delhi Gate and Lohari Gate, ensuring thorough cleaning around the city’s historic entrances.
Special cleanliness and washing arrangements were also made at Raiwind Road, Canal Road bus stops and Mall Road bus stops, where sanitation staff remained present to maintain cleanliness in high-traffic areas. Meanwhile, dedicated teams were deployed for special cleanliness operations in Ravi Road, Shahdara Chowk, Ameer Chowk and Faisal Town to keep these localities clean and welcoming during the festivities. Washing activities were completed on Multan Road, Adda Plot, Moon Market and around Tollinton Market, while continuous cleaning and water sprinkling were also being carried out in Gajumata, Circular Road and near the Railway Station.
LWMC sanitation teams would remain active throughout all three days of the Basant Festival to keep Lahore clean, beautiful and attractive for citizens and visitors.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to providing a neat and clean environment during the celebrations.

Weaponization of water posing serious threats to regional stability: experts

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): Agriculture and water experts on Saturday warned that any curtailment of Pakistan’s water share by India would amount to an act of war, asserting that Pakistan retains the full right to respond to Indian violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). They described India’s actions as the “weaponization of water,” posing serious threats to regional stability.
In a telephonic conversation with APP, President of Agri Forum Pakistan Dr Ibrahim Mughal categorically rejected India’s claim of placing the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in “abeyance,” stressing that the agreement remains fully enforceable under international law and cannot be unilaterally suspended, breached, or modified by either party.
Dr Mughal dismissed the term “abeyance” as having no legal standing in international treaty law, calling it a fabricated expression aimed at creating ambiguity. He noted that India itself acknowledges it lacks unilateral authority to suspend the treaty, a position upheld by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in its June 2025 ruling, which confirmed that India cannot hold the IWT in abeyance without Pakistan’s consent.
He said Pakistan is compelled to pursue a measured and formal response through legal and diplomatic channels strictly in accordance with the treaty’s dispute-resolution mechanisms. Dr Mughal specifically accused India of deliberately manipulating water flows in the Chenab River, terming it a clear case of “weaponization of water” with grave consequences for Pakistan’s agriculture, food security, and overall regional peace.
He explained that the treaty does not allocate a fixed volume of water to Pakistan but guarantees it the natural flow of the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. While these rivers have historically followed their natural courses, he said recent artificial interventions have severely disrupted irrigation schedules and agricultural cycles.
Dr Mughal further stated that there is no legal, technical, or moral basis for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement regarding the abeyance of the treaty. Reflecting on the historical context, he recalled that Pakistan had already made major concessions under the IWT by granting India control over the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. As a result, the Sutlej now remains largely dry except during flood seasons, while the Ravi has effectively dried up, giving India a significant upstream advantage.
Meanwhile, Chairman Pakistan Economic and Political Forum (PEPF) Noor Muhammad Kasuri said the World Bank, as the guarantor of the Indus Waters Treaty, should be asked to intervene in the matter.
Kasuri said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had achieved significant diplomatic success following Pakistan’s victory over Indian aggression in
May 2025, and now Pakistan’s friendly countries should be engaged to
help resolve the issue.
He emphasized that under the agreement, no party has the right to suspend the treaty unilaterally, declaring India’s actions an act of war against Pakistan.
123...31,838Page 1 of 31,838

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan