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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): APP Digital NewsAllama Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan breathed his last Thursday night at Lahore, his party announced. He was 55.

No reason for his death was given. His party officials said he was rushed to a hospital after he had problem breathing and had fever for past few days. However he was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital.

Senior TLP leader Syed Inayat-ul-Haq Shah also confirmed the news and asked the TLP workers to proceed to Lahore to participate in his last rites. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik announced that his funeral would be held on Saturday at 10 in the morning at Minar-e-Pakistan.

Videos on several social media accounts showed large number of his followers rushing to his home and crying over his sad demise.

The fire brand clerk was known for his protest marches, that often became violent and created law and order problems. His last protest was relatively shorter at Faizabad and ended only after a two day blockade of the twin cities on Monday.

Immediately after the confirmation of the news condolences poured in from all sections of society; including the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, Information Minister, Chief of Army Staff, Chief Minister Punjab and political leaders of many parties.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet expressed his grief over the sad demise of Allama Khadim Rizvi and conveyed condolences to his family.

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

 

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

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

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

By
Shafek Koreshe
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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.

IRS, Chinese embassy host dialogue on China’s path to development, opportunities for Pakistan

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, hosted a dialogue on “China’s Path to Development and Modernization: Lessons and Opportunities for Pakistan.”
The event brought together young diplomats from the Chinese Embassy and emerging Pakistani scholars to explore avenues of cooperation and learning from China’s modernization experience, said a press release issued on Friday.
The Chinese delegation was led by Wang Shengjie, Counselor and included Zhang Duo, Attaché; Yang Taofei, Attaché; Wang Yiqiu, Third Secretary; Li Zhen, Third Secretary; Zhang Datuo, Second Secretary; Jiang Lezan, Third Secretary; and Zhang Pengfei, Attaché.
Other panelists included Dr. Usman Chohan, Zeeshan Ahmed, Dr. Mehmood Hassan, Tahir Dhindsa, Barrister Zopash Khan, Assadullah Khan, young and emerging scholars and influencers who exchanged views with the delegates, aimed at deepening understanding on the development, governance of China and exploring opportunities in China’s modernization drive 2035; as well as the targets to be achieved with another very effective Five-Year Plan 2026-2030 focused on high-quality development, self-reliance in technology, boosting of domestic consumption and opening wider for global business and exchanges.
IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, in his opening remarks, highlighted China’s achievements in poverty reduction, economic expansion and sustained modernization. He noted that China’s national strategies, particularly its Five-Year Plans, provide valuable lessons for developing countries such as Pakistan seeking sustainable and equitable development.
A central feature of the dialogue was the display and discussion of the Fifth Volume of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China.” Published in July 2025, the volume compiles 91 speeches and writings of President Xi Jinping from May 2022 to December 2024, along with photographs documenting key moments of governance. Divided into 18 thematic sections, the book presents China’s defining features of modernization, its practical pathways, and achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The earlier series, already translated into more than 40 languages and distributed in over 180 countries, continues to shape global understanding of China’s governance philosophy.
The delegation shared perspectives on China’s people-centric diplomacy, people-centered governance, the four initiatives, the Belt and Road Initiative, and reforms in the Communist Party of China (CPC). They emphasized that China’s development model is rooted in inclusivity, self-reform, and cultural harmony, while initiatives such as CPEC continue to serve as vital pillars of Pakistan-China friendship.
Notable Pakistani experts, scholars, and educationists contributed their views on governance, policymaking, and business opportunities. They underscored the importance of consistency in national policies, competence-based education, and people-centric approaches to development.
The dialogue also explored how Pakistan could benefit from China’s experience in long-term planning, inclusive policymaking, and technological investment.
The session concluded with a reaffirmation of the enduring Pakistan-China partnership and the shared commitment to modernization, cultural exchange, and mutual progress

HEC approves MS Prosthetics & Orthotics, MS Occupational Therapy Programs at KMU-IPMR

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Dec 12 (APP):The Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (IPMR) at Khyber Medical University (KMU) has received formal approval from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad for the launch of two new postgraduate programs: MS Prosthetics & Orthotics and MS Occupational Therapy.
With this approval, KMU-IPMR becomes the first institution in Pakistan to offer these specialized MS degrees, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of rehabilitation sciences and the strengthening of academic and clinical training capacity across the country.
These newly approved programs will produce highly qualified professionals equipped with advanced expertise in prosthetic and orthotic device design, assistive technologies, functional rehabilitation, and modern occupational therapy practices.
The initiative will significantly expand access to specialized rehabilitation services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while addressing the increasing national demand for advanced rehabilitation specialists.
KMU-IPMR continue to play a leading role in the development of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences in the province.
Through high-quality education, evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary rehabilitation services, and innovative clinical approaches, the institute has consistently contributed to the care and rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, injuries, congenital disorders, and chronic illnesses.
Highlighting the importance of this achievement, Executive Director HEC and Vice Chancellor KMU, Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq, stated that this milestone represents a new era for rehabilitation education in Pakistan.
By launching these advanced postgraduate programs, KMU is not only raising academic standards but also expanding access to specialized care for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. KMU reaffirms its commitment to producing world-class rehabilitation professionals and strengthening Pakistan’s health system with research-driven, modern, and patient-centered expertise, he added.
KMU also acknowledged the valuable contributions of key academic leaders, particularly Prof. Dr. Haider Darain, Dean, Allied Health Sciences, and Dr. Syeda Asia Bukhari, Director, Quality Enhancement Cell, whose support was instrumental in securing this approval.
The introduction of these two specialized MS programs reflects KMU’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare education in Pakistan and expanding the scope of rehabilitation sciences for the benefit of communities across the country.

KP Govt introduces major recruitment reforms

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Dec 12 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced sweeping administrative reforms aimed at ensuring merit, transparency, and uniformity in public-sector recruitment and postings across the province.
The initiatives were undertaken on the directives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi.
The provincial Higher Education Department issued an official notification on Friday confirming that all recruitments in government and semi-government institutions will now be conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETA).
With this decision, all previous exemptions granted to semi-autonomous bodies have been withdrawn, it added.
Officials stated that the move is intended to eliminate discrepancies arising from department-specific hiring procedures and to establish a transparent, merit-based system that offers equal opportunities to all candidates.

KP Cabinet approves e-transfer policy 2025 for teachers

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Dec 12 (APP):The provincial cabinet on Friday approved the e-transfer Policy 2025 for teachers in the Education Department.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the new policy would reinforce merit and transparency.
He noted that the digital system was a long-needed reform that would allow teachers to focus on their primary responsibility, education, without administrative hurdles.
Afridi revealed that despite a province-wide ban on postings and transfers, more than 200 recommendations had been received but none were entertained, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance approach to favoritism.
Under the newly approved e-transfer framework, key indicators including length of service at the current school, student-teacher ratio, and annual performance results will determine transfer eligibility.
Special consideration will be given to cases involving disability, widows, separation, and spouse placement.
The CM has directed all other provincial departments to introduce similar merit-based transfer and posting policies.
He emphasized that health and education remain the government’s top priorities, adding that improvement in these sectors is essential, as weak institutions directly impact the future and well-being of citizens.
Officials noted that recruitment through ETA is expected to improve testing standards, while the e-transfer policy will bring uniformity, reduce undue influence, and streamline teacher placement across the province.
The government has reaffirmed that the entire process both recruitment and transfers will be strictly monitored to ensure full adherence to merit.

Matiari administration sets strategy for 100% results in upcoming polio campaign

By
Samina Ch
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HYDERABAD, Dec 12 (APP):On the instructions of the chief minister Sindh and the minister for LG, Deputy Commissioner Matiari Muhammad Yousuf Shaikh held a meeting with the elected representatives of the district’s local bodies on Friday, where a strategy was prepared to ensure 100% results in the anti-polio campaign starting from 15 December.
According to a handout, speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that achieving 100% success in the upcoming campaign was essential to eradicate a dangerous disease like polio from its roots. He said that reports had been received from various areas about parents refusing to give polio drops to their children, which was a highly concerning trend.
He said that elected representatives should directly engage with the people of their respective areas and explain to them that there was no cure for polio, and only preventive drops can protect their children from lifelong disability.
He directed that door-to-door contact must be ensured in every Union Council, no child should be left without polio drops and public confidence should be strengthened.
The municipal, town and UC chairmen assured the meeting of their full support to make the campaign completely successful. All elected chairmen of local bodies and other participants attended the meeting.

Senate panel seeks full disclosure of ETPB properties

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Less Developed Areas on Friday directed the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to submit a complete record of all properties under its management, along with revenue details, before the next session.
The Sub-Committee, chaired by Senator Danesh Kumar, convened the same day, where the convener asked ETPB officials to brief the panel on the criteria and mechanisms through which the department generates its revenue.
 He expressed concern that numerous ETPB properties had been leased out at disproportionately low monthly rental values, and instructed the Board to undertake a comprehensive reassessment and fair revaluation of these assets.
During the briefing, the ETPB representative informed the committee that surveys of various properties had been completed and rents reassessed accordingly.
Based on these surveys, rental values are expected to increase by up to 460%.
The officials added that certain aspects of the matter were linked to ongoing judicial proceedings; therefore, progress was being carried out gradually and strictly in line with legal requirements.
While reviewing the agenda, Convener Danesh Kumar expressed displeasure over the delayed submission of the working paper, noting that timely provision of documents would have enabled the committee to conduct a more detailed examination prior to the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Senator Nadeem Bhutto, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), the Additional Secretary, and other senior officers of the ETPB.
Highlighting the importance of the ETPB’s mandate, Senator Danesh Kumar underscored that the restoration and maintenance of temples, gurdwaras, and other heritage sites play a vital role in projecting Pakistan’s positive soft image globally.
Speaking about Balochistan, he noted that the Hinglaj Mata Mandir hosts the second-largest Hindu religious pilgrimage after India.
He informed the committee that one temple in Balochistan had recently been handed over to the Sikh community, while an ancient Mandir in Zhob had been restored and returned to the Hindu community. He further shared that a local Imam had participated in the inauguration ceremony, presenting an exemplary gesture of interfaith harmony.

Minister visits CNF HQs, reviews aggressive anti-drug plan around schools

By
Samina Ch
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LAHORE, Dec 12 (APP):Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat on Friday visited the headquarters of the Counter-Narcotics Force (CNF) Punjab and received a detailed briefing on the province-wide strategy to curb the spread of narcotics, enhance surveillance around educational institutions, and dismantle drug dealers and smuggling networks through modern mechanisms.
According to a CNF spokesperson, Director General CNF Punjab Mazhar Iqbal briefed the minister on the force’s operational model, identification of sensitive locations, establishment of red zones and technology-based surveillance systems. He said that a vigorous crackdown on street-level drug networks is underway across the province, with intelligence-based operations being carried out on a daily basis. The DG added that funds have been approved for establishing force units at the district level, which will significantly enhance operational capacity and accelerate inter-district actions.
The minister praised the professional performance of CNF, stating that educational institutions serve as the first line of defense against narcotics, and the Punjab government fully recognises this responsibility. He said that curricular and co-curricular activities would be used as effective tools to raise awareness among students, while counseling services would be made mandatory in all educational institutions. He added that teacher training and modern protection protocols would ensure student safety, whereas the “Drug-Free Campuses” initiative would be further strengthened and integrated with new digital tracking tools.
Rana Sikandar directed that there must be no leniency in implementing the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs, and stressed strong coordination between the School Education Department and the Home Department. He said institutional cooperation is essential for the elimination of narcotics, and assured full support from the Education Department for CNF’s school outreach, awareness campaigns, and community engagement programmes.
The minister was also briefed on the initial outcomes of the “Safe Campus” policy and ongoing awareness initiatives. He termed the CNF’s operational measures crucial for safeguarding the future of the province.

Senate body approves Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Railways on Friday unanimously approved the draft of the Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after detailed deliberations.
The body met under the chair of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan which was attended by Senator Dost Ali Jeesar, Senator Kami Ali Agha, Senator Rubina Khalid and Senator Shahadat Awan.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi briefed the committee on the objectives of the proposed legislation, saying that the amendments aim to attract investment by enabling track access for various stakeholders.
He said that the provision would play a pivotal role in facilitating major national projects, including the Reko Diq project.
The committee was informed that several provincial governments had expressed interest in investing in Pakistan Railways, and the proposed amendments would create an enabling framework for them to contribute to railway infrastructure development.
The Chairman directed the Ministry to ensure the Minister’s inclusion in the Board to reinforce public oversight and strengthen institutional supervision.
The committee also recommended several measures to improve Pakistan Railways’ performance.
It advised the Ministry to engage Chambers of Commerce to encourage investment and expand public-private partnerships.
The Chairman further instructed that the ongoing infrastructure upgrades—such as the installation of LED lighting at major railway stations—be extended to smaller stations as well.
He also called for enhanced public awareness campaigns on safety near railway tracks.
The Chairman directed the Ministry of Railways to present a comprehensive briefing in the next meeting, covering issues such as outsourcing, new recruitments, its effects on employees, manpower planning, budgetary impacts, and comparative revenue statistics before and after outsourcing initiatives.

Met office predicts dry weather for Sindh

By
Samina Ch
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0
KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP):Pakistan Meteorological Department on Friday predicted dry weather in most districts of the Sindh province during the next 24 hours.
       However, cold conditions are likely during morning or night.
     While, fog (in patches) may develop in Sukkur, Rohri, Ghotki, Larkana, Mohenjodaro and their surroundings during morning or night hours.
         Mainly, dry weather is likely to prevail in the province.

Police arrest three outlaws, recover illegal weapons

By
Samina Ch
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0
BHAKKAR, Dec 12 (APP):The district police on Friday arrested  two suspects and recovered  illegal weapons from them and in another operation a proclaimed offender was apprehended.
The police spokesman said that  a Behal police team arrested the outlaws identified as Gul Khan and Abdur Rehman and sized two pistols 30 bore from their possessions.
Meanwhile a police team also arrested a proclaimed offender namely Munawar Abass in another operation.
He said the police had zero tolerance policy against the criminal elements in the district.
The police registered cases and launched further investigations.
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