Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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Thu, 19 Nov 2020, 11:52 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): Allama 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.

“عالم اسلام کیلئے عظیم سانحہ”
کروڑوں عاشقان رسول کے دل کی دھڑکن، امیر تحریک لبیک پاکستان قبلہ شیخ الحدیث والتفسیر امیر المجاہدین قائد عالم اسلام علامہ حافظ خادم حسین رضوی دارفانی سے وصال فرما گئے۔
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
— Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (@MarkazTLP) November 19, 2020

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.

On the passing of Maulana Khadim Hussain Rizvi my condolences go to his family. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2020

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa also conveyed his condolences over the demise of the TLP leader.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa,#COAS, expresses heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi. “May Allah Almighty bless the departed soul in eternal peace, Ameen” COAS.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 19, 2020

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information in Punjab also expressed grief over his sad demise.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
سربراہ تحریک لبیک پاکستان علامہ خادم حسین رضوی کی وفات پر انکے اہل خانہ اور چاہنے والوں سے دلی تعزیت کرتے ہیں
اللہ تعالٰی مرحوم کی بخشش فرمائیں اور تمام پسماندگان کو صبر عطا کریں۔ آمین
— Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan (@Dr_FirdousPTI) November 19, 2020

Amir Jamat Islami also expressed his grief and prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul.

علامہ خادم حسین رضوی کی اچانک وفات سے دلی صدمہ ہوا۔ اہل خانہ اور تحریک لبیک کے کارکنان و ذمہ داران کے غم میں برابر کے شریک ہیں، اظہار تعزیت کرتے ہیں اور اللہ تعالی کے حضور ان کی مغفرت کے لیے دعاگو ہیں۔ اللہ تعالی انھیں جنت الفردوس میں جگہ دے اور لواحقین کو صبرجمیل سے نوازے۔ آمین
— Siraj ul Haq (@SirajOfficial) November 19, 2020

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

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Shafek Koreshe

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Tue, 27 Oct 2020, 10:14 PM

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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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Thu, 22 Oct 2020, 12:36 AM

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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.

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.

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

5 Danish Schools to be inaugurated in Balochistan: Governor

By

NNPS Desk

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Wed, 7 Jan 2026, 8:17 PM

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QUETTA, Jan 07 (APP): Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Wednesday said that five Danish Schools would be inaugurated in Balochistan on January 8 to provide quality education, boarding and lodging to poor children across the province.

He said that these government-funded Danish Schools launched by the Punjab government would open new educational opportunities for the people of Balochistan province, through which they could be able to access quality education and play their role in the educational development of their respective areas.

He expressed these views while meeting a delegation led by Project Director Danish Schools Dr. Arun Das at the Governor House Quetta. Sheikh Umair Khan, Asfandyar Kakar, and Naveed Qambrani were also present during the meeting.

On this occasion, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel said that the districts in which the new Danish Schools are being established include District Zhob, Musakhel, Bekar, Dera Bugti, Sibi and Qila Saifullah.

Governor Mandokhel urged the Project Director Danish Schools and his entire team to take concrete steps now to complete the five Danish Schools on time.

He also expressed his belief that this initiative is an important step towards fulfilling his long-standing dream of transforming Zhob into a center of modern education.

The Governor further said that with the establishment of Danish School, the emerging youth of Zhob and its surroundings would be equipped with modern knowledge and skills and they to be empowered to lead a successful life.

Mandokhel also highlighted that his parliamentary career started with the Ministry of Education, and today, as the Governor of Balochistan, he has achieved significant milestones in the field of higher education in the province. Students will continue to benefit from his educational services in the future.

Ghulam Ali Mallah assigned additional charge as Chairman PEIRA

By

Ghazi Hussain

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Wed, 7 Jan 2026, 8:16 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 07 (APP):The federal government on Wednesday assigned Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director, Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), the additional charge of Chairman, Islamabad Capital Territory – Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (ICT-PEIRA).

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT) vide No. F.1-50/2021/FE&PT.Org dated January 7, 2026, the post carries an MP-II scale and has been filled on interim basis for a period of three months or until a regular incumbent is appointed, whichever is earlier.

Copies of the notification have been circulated to relevant offices for information and necessary action.

Balochistan govt taking serious steps to ensure provision of quality, timely, modern healthcare services for public: Minister Bakht

By

Ghazi Hussain

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Wed, 7 Jan 2026, 8:12 PM

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QUETTA, Jan 07 (APP):Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said that the Balochistan government is taking serious steps to ensure the provision of quality, timely, and modern healthcare services for public across the province.He emphasized that improving transparency, governance, and service delivery in public sector hospitals is among the government’s top priorities.

Presiding over a meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG) of Shaheed Nawab Ghaus Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, Mastung, was held on Tuesday at the Civil Secretariat Quetta, Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar directed hospital administration to further enhance the standard of treatment and ensure that patients are provided with all possible facilities.

The meeting was attended by Member of the Provincial Assembly Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani, Secretary Health Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Panezai, senior officers of relevant departments, and hospital administration officials.

During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of the hospital’s overall performance, administrative and financial matters, medical facilities being provided to patients, availability of medicines and medical equipment, deployment of doctors and paramedics, staff attendance, discipline, and other key issues. Ongoing reform measures at the hospital and challenges being faced were also discussed in detail.The meeting also deliberated in detail on future development plans for the improvement and expansion of the hospital.

These plans include the provision of modern medical equipment, establishment of new wards, enhancement of diagnostic facilities, strengthening of emergency services, and appointment of specialist doctors.The meeting also emphasis was also placed on strengthening the hospital’s administrative structure and ensuring the efficient utilization of available resources.

Speaking on the occasion, MPA Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani said that the hospital holds great importance for the people of Mastung and surrounding areas.He stressed that modern healthcare facilities should be provided at the hospital so that local residents do not have to travel to major cities for medical treatment. He also assured his full cooperation for the hospital’s improvement.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to gradually upgrade Shaheed Nawab Ghaus Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital Mastung in line with modern healthcare requirements and to utilize all available resources to provide quality health services to the public.

The Provincial Health Minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure prompt implementation of the recommendations made during the meeting and to submit regular progress reports.

SCCI presents holistic proposals to overhaul tax-policy, presentation of growth-oriented next fiscal budget

By

Ghazi Hussain

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Wed, 7 Jan 2026, 8:09 PM

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PESHAWAR, Jan 07 (APP):Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) presented comprehensive proposals to reform existing taxation system, elimination of anomalies and duplicity, and harsh actions to make the upcoming federal budget a growth and investment oriented for next fiscal year.

The proposals were unveiled by SCCI president Junaid Altaf during an inaugural session on budget recommendations for FY Budget 2025-26 from business community and stakeholders under auspices of the Federal Tax Policy Office, held at chamber house, said in a statement here on Wednesday.

Director General Trade Tax Policy Office Islamabad, Dr Najeeb Ahmad Memon and Directors Ejaz and Naeemul Hassan were the keynote speakers of the inaugural session.

The Tax Policy Office has initiated the consultation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to get valuable inputs from chambers and stakeholders for the upcoming fiscal budget.

The session was attended by the chamber vice president Muhammad Nadeem, vice president Sabir Ahmad Bangash, Chairman of the SCCI Standing Committee on Inland Revenue and former president Zahidullah Shinwari, Chairman of the SCCI Standing Committee on Income Tax and former president Haji Muhammad Asif, former president Fuad Ishaq, IAP former president Zarak Khan, members of the executive committee Sajjad Zaheer, Gul Zaman, Aftab Iqbal and Adnan Nasir and former senior vice president and Chairman of the SCCI Standing Committee on Bilateral Trade with Afghanistan, WCCIP President Qurtul Ain, and Syed Ejaz Ali Shah, Sikandar Iqbal, Mushtaq Ahmad, Ishtiaq Paracha, Ihsanullah, Sanan Sethi, SCCI Secretary General Muqtasid Ahsan, and Fazal Wahid, traders, industrialists and importers and exporters.

President Junaid Altaf while chairing the session welcomed holding of inaugural session in consultation with the business community for FY budget 26 by the Tax Policy Office, emphasizing the need of incorporating the chamber’ proposals in the budget, presenting a business-friendly budget.

SCCI chief stressed consistency, transparency, simplification and deletion of serious anomalies in the taxation system to ease difficulties of the business community.

He called for reduction in high tax rate, abolishment of complication and online glitches in the system to timely filing of returns, besides, phase-wise implementation of POS system.

President Junaid Altaf highlighted serious concerns about the digital invoicing system, stating that the business community was being faced with enormous difficulties since the introduction of the new digitalization system.

On the occasion, SCCI chief also presented several proposals relating to broadening of tax-base, not overburdening the existing taxpayers, reduction in corporate tax 29 percent, GST 18 percent, stating that it is highly crucial to bring easiness in growth and export.

Zahidullah Shinwar, who is heading the chamber standing committee on Inland Revenue pointed out a number of anomalies in the sale tax, income tax, and anti-business initiatives in customs and asked for implementation of consistent and vibrant tax policy.

Haji Muhammad Asif, who is also heading the SCCI Committee on Income Tax, gave his valuable inputs, calling for revisiting the export policy, improvement coordination with the Ministry of Commerce to enhance export, stressed for reconsidering the current sale tax rate and simplification of the registration process.

Expressing concerns over growing unemployment, de-industrialization and decline in export, Muhammad Asif said the tax-base would be only widened by providing facilities to existing taxpayers.

He viewed export not only bringing a massive forex exchange but it has also contributed to run the wheel of industry, calling for regularizing the trade with neighbouring countries in Pakistan currency.

Fuad Ishaq, former president said the entire taxation system required a major surgery and overhaul to broaden the existing tax-base, stating the sale tax input and output adjustment system has failed.

He highlighted the major cause behind the documented and undocumented economy, calling for the adopting UAE model and equalizing tariff of 212 items to enhance trade and export, saying that the trade volume would improve if it allows the trade in Pakistan currency with Afghanistan.

Sajjad Zaheer, expert and executive member also shared various figures, anomalies and drawbacks in various sections and clauses of tax laws and called for framing and implementation of a decade-long tax policy.

Other speakers including senior vice president Muhammad Nadeem, executive members, traders, industrialists and importers and exporters also spoke on the occasion and presented a number of proposals to modify and rectify various sections and clauses and make the upcoming fiscal year budget for business-friendly and growth-oriented.

Later, DG Tax Policy Officer Dr Najeeb Memon assured to incorporate the chamber’ proposals in the next fiscal budget and emphasized the SCCI and Tax Policy Office should jointly identify the anomalies in tax laws and close coordination/liaison between them to sort out a durable and sustainable solution of traders’ issues.

Senior officer said the government is taking proactive steps to simplify and ease the system and assured further improvement will bring in the light of the chamber’ recommendations.

GC University Hyderabad declares campus a no-smoking zone

By

Ghazi Hussain

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Wed, 7 Jan 2026, 8:05 PM

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HYDERABAD, Jan 07 (APP):The Government College University Hyderabad has declared its entire campus a no-smoking zone and announced strict enforcement of the policy to ensure a healthier academic environment for students, faculty and staff.

According to a notification issued by the university, smoking and the use of all tobacco products have been completely banned within university premises, including academic blocks, offices, cafeterias and open areas. The administration has warned that violations will invite disciplinary action in accordance with university rules.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Moazzam Ali Khan said the decision was taken in line with national health laws, Higher Education Commission (HEC) policy, and the university’s commitment to promoting a safe and clean learning environment. “GC University Hyderabad is an institution of learning and character-building. We cannot compromise on the health and well-being of our students and employees,” he said.

He added that awareness campaigns would also be launched to educate students about the harmful effects of smoking. “This initiative is not only about enforcement but about cultivating responsible behaviour. Our aim is to set an example,” Prof Dr Khan said.

The university administration has directed security staff and disciplinary committees to ensure effective implementation of the ban.Students and employees have been urged to cooperate with the policy in the larger interest of public health.The move has been welcomed by students and faculty members, who termed it a positive step towards making the campus environment healthier and more disciplined.

China activates emergency response after earthquake hits Xinjiang

By

Ghazi Hussain

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Wed, 7 Jan 2026, 7:45 PM

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BEIJING, Jan 7 (APP)::The China Earthquake Administration (CEA) initiated a Level-IV emergency service response after a 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Tajik Autonomous County of Taxkorgan in the Kashgar region in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region early on Wednesday.

The earthquake struck the county at 3:17 a.m., according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was monitored at 37.58 degrees north latitude and 74.93 degrees east longitude. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 km, the CENC said.

Following the quake, the administration instructed the CENC and the regional earthquake agency of Xinjiang to launch emergency response, urging joint consultations, strengthened seismic monitoring, post-earthquake situation assessment, and timely updates.

The average altitude within 10 km of the epicenter is around 4,545 meters, according to the CEA. No casualties have been reported so far.

Solution to all issues lies in unity, harmony: Khel Das

By

Ghazi Hussain

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Wed, 7 Jan 2026, 7:43 PM

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KARACHI, Jan 07 (APP):Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Khel Das Kohistani on Wednesday said that the solution to all the issues facing our society today lies solely in unity and harmony and the current government is taking practical steps in this regard.

He was addressing as a chief guest in the Conference on Interfaith Harmony & Strategy for mutual understanding between religions at Holy Trinity Cathedral Church.

Khel Das Kohistani said that our Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony led by Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, who is a senior politician and has previously served in this ministry. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is taking steps for welfare of minorities and promotion of interfaith harmony, he said.

He said that it is an honor for him to be present here in Sindh, which is also his province, and to see the esteemed scholars and representatives of different religions and faiths gathered here and he has had the opportunity to listen to everyone’s perspectives and ideas, and he has taken notes.

He said that we are striving and will ensure the protection of minorities’ rights and the promotion of tolerance and interfaith harmony. The government has also allocated annual funds to bring minorities into the mainstream, he said.

He was of the view that when there is unity among all religions, we will not need to hold such conferences. Understanding each other’s religions and their teachings will help us live with respect and dignity, he added.

He said that the current government and the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs fully support minorities in celebrating their festivals. The state stands on the principles laid down by Quaid-e-Azam three days before the 14th of August 1947.

He said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Punjab Chief Minister and Sindh Chief Minister of have also celebrated minority festivals, sending the message to the world that we all stand with minorities and will protect their rights.

He said that no religion supports terrorism and such conferences should be held at the international level to tell the world how much Pakistan is striving to promote religious harmony.

He said that the world should see that Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism, is living in peace, and is striving to promote peace. He said that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is today’s Ravan, whose arrogance has been shattered by our Pakistani armed forces.

Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister, Dr. Sham Sunder Advani, said that we all live together in harmony and love in this Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam.

Every religion has its own beauty. Every child born is first a human being, and later adopts the religion of his family.

He said the vision of the Sindh government and Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is to promote interfaith harmony.

He said the religion of Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and all other religions also teach religious harmony. He said Sindh is the land of Sufis and those who love.

Bishop Frederick John said such programs are needed today, as the world needs to learn and teach how to live together and respect each other.

He thanked all institutions for providing security on the occasion of the religious festival of Christmas.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned religious scholar Dr. Jameel Rathore said we should promote religious harmony. Good people around the world prefer to promote tolerance, and the protection of human rights is an important part of Islamic teachings.

He said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first and foremost taught humanity and respect for humanity.

Regarding atrocities in Gaza, he said Jews protested on the streets against the atrocities in Gaza, and by protesting against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, they showed that one person or one personality does not represent an entire religion.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned religious scholar Dr. Shabbir Hussain said that in Pakistan, along with the majority, there is importance and respect for minorities as well.

He said there is no compulsion in the religion of Islam. In Pakistan, if a Christian is attacked, we consider it an attack on ourselves. He said Islam is based on justice.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned religious scholar Mufti Muhammad Qasuri said this conference will send a positive message at the national and international levels.

He said all religions teach respect for every belief and teach tolerance. He said creating mischief or damaging anyone’s property is prohibited in Islamic teachings.

He said Islam teaches harmony and the principle of ‘live and let live’. Today, the opportunity for all of us to gather in a church for this conference and speak on interfaith harmony and tolerance; is itself an example of harmony, for which he congratulates the conference organizers.

Representative of Sikh Community, Sardar Ramesh said Pakistan demonstrated magnanimity and opened the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims with a big heart, but India has kept the Kartarpur Corridor closed.

Now the Indian government should also open the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims, and India should also talk about peace.

He said holding such conferences is a good thing, as it sends the message that followers of all religions live together in Pakistan and have complete freedom.

Member of Sindh Assembly Dr. Mahesh Kumar said we need to educate our children about all religions.

He said we must certainly practice our own religion, but also respect the beliefs of others. We should try to learn about other religions, which will increase our understanding and enable us to better protect their rights and show respect for other religions.