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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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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
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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.

More than 1 million still need aid weeks after Sri Lanka’s cyclone devastation: UN

By
NNPS Desk
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0

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 27 (APP): Nearly a month after Cyclone Ditwah tore across Sri Lanka, more than a million people – including over half a million children – remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, as floods, landslides and renewed rainfall continue to compound one of the country’s worst disasters in decades, the UN reported Friday.

The cyclone made landfall on the island’s eastern coast on 28 November, triggering widespread flooding and deadly landslides across all 25 districts.

While some displaced families have begun returning home, recent heavy rains caused fresh flooding, landslides and road closures, particularly in the central districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Polonnaruwa.

According to UN assessments, nearly 1.8 million people – about 8 per cent of the island nation’s population – remain affected. Among them, more than 1.2 million people require humanitarian support, including nearly 527,000 children.

A joint rapid needs assessment led by national authorities and humanitarian partners confirmed extensive damage across all nine provinces, with severe disruption to essential services and heightened risks for women, children and persons with disabilities, the report said.

Hunger and food insecurity are rising, with reports that nearly one in three households is food insecure and many families resorting to “coping strategies” such as reducing meals.

Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports critical gaps in child protection, education, nutrition, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. Many children remain displaced in overcrowded centres or with host families, where inadequate lighting, privacy and sanitation increase protection risks, including gender-based violence.

Education has been severely affected. More than 1,300 schools and six universities sustained damage, while around 500 schools continue to serve as temporary shelters.

Authorities have begun relocating students from damaged schools to nearby functioning ones, but humanitarians warn that temporary learning spaces will be needed in several areas to prevent prolonged disruptions to education.

Despite the challenges, UNICEF and partners said they have scaled up emergency assistance, reaching more than 76,000 people with WASH services, nearly 9,000 with nutrition support and over 5,600 with child protection services.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that over 272,000 people remain displaced, most staying with host communities, while others are sheltering in schools, religious buildings and community centres.

As of mid-December, authorities reported 643 deaths and 183 people still missing. More than 107,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, making shelter one of the most urgent needs.

A rapid post-disaster assessment by the World Bank estimated damage at $4.1 billion – equivalent to 4 per cent of the country’s GDP.

Agriculture losses are estimated at over $800 million, with more than 58,000 hectares of paddy land flooded in eastern districts, threatening food production and incomes for smallholder farmers.

At the Government’s request, UN agencies and humanitarian partners said they have launched a Humanitarian Priorities Plan this month, seeking $35.3 million to support the most vulnerable.

UNICEF said it requires $7.8 million to sustain its emergency response for children, but as of 23 December, less than half that amount had been received or pledged.

Humanitarian agencies warned that without sustained funding and continued support, recovery will be slow – particularly for children, whose education, safety and well-being remain at risk as Sri Lanka faces a long and difficult recovery.

President reaffirms commitment to carry forward Benazir Bhutto’s democratic vision

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 26 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the commitment to carrying forward Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision of a democratic, inclusive, tolerant, pluralist and forward-looking Pakistan.
In his message on the death anniversary of Shaheed-e-Jamhooriat, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the president said today, the world in general and Pakistanis in particular remember Shaheed-e-Jamhooriat, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. “We honour a leader whose life and sacrifice are inseparable from Pakistan’s democratic journey.”
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was first woman Prime Minister of the entire Islamic world, elected twice by the people of Pakistan, he president said adding that in a political landscape shaped by exclusion, patriarchy, longer authoritarian rule and repeated disruptions of democratic order, she stood like a rock for the supremacy of the Constitution, authority of the Parliament and the peoples’ right to choose their representatives.
He pointed out that her repeated return to electoral politics reflected an unshakeable faith in peaceful political struggle and unadulterated democracy.
“She gave voice to the voiceless. She pulled farmers, workers and low-income families like a super magnet towards her who remained at the centre of her politics. Through people-focused initiatives and a clear emphasis on opportunity, she sought to widen access to livelihoods, education, public services and upward social mobility, particularly for the youth,” the president added.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto believed deeply in an inclusive Pakistan. She rejected sectarianism, bigotry and intolerance, and consistently spoke for the protection of minorities. Her vision was of a federation where citizens of all faiths could live with dignity and equal rights.
President Asif Zardari emphasized that she also recognised the importance of engaging with the modern world. During the 1990s, she supported opening Pakistan’s economy, encouraging investment and modern communications. These early steps helped lay the foundation for greater connectivity and economic participation in later years.
“Her courage in the face of extremism remains one of her most enduring legacies. She stood against violence and intolerance and paid the ultimate price for her convictions. Her martyrdom is a reminder that the fight against terrorism is not only about security, but also about ideas, education and respect for diversity,” he added.
For the youth of Pakistan, her life offers a clear lesson. Speak up for justice, organise peacefully and do not surrender hope in the face of adversity. She confronted censorship and repression with resolve, proving that truth cannot be silenced forever.
“As we reflect on this solemn day on her 18th martyrdom anniversary, we must choose unity over division. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto never believed in vindictiveness and vendetta. She always reminded us that democracy was the best revenge. Her message calls on us to heal political rifts, strengthen democratic institutions and work together for the progress of our motherland,” the president added.

International MOIC Summit concludes in Islamabad

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 26 (APP):The International Model Organization of Islamic Cooperation (MOIC) Summit Pakistan 2025 concluded after four days of discussions centred on “Diplomacy for Sustainable Development in the Islamic World.”
Held from December 21, the summit was organised by the Youth Advocacy Network (YAN) in partnership with the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP).
The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, youth leaders and civil society representatives.
Among the participants were PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, ICYF President Taha Ayhan, former foreign ministry official Ambassador Ata Munim Shahid, and National Assembly members Amnah Batool and Kiran Dar.
During the summit, YAN Chief Executive Officer Fsahat Ul-Hassan, who also serves as Vice President (Asia) of ICYF, was nominated as Coordinator to the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The programme included Model OIC committee simulations, policy dialogues and academic engagements involving universities, highlighting the role of higher education institutions in youth leadership development.
Meetings were also held with the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar.
On the sidelines, ICYF signed memorandums of understanding with the University of Management and Technology and the University of Home Economics to strengthen academic cooperation.
A high-level policy panel at the Prime Minister’s Office underscored the need for closer coordination among governments, youth institutions, civil society, and development partners to address shared challenges across the Islamic world.
The closing ceremony presented outcomes of the MOIC simulations, recognised outstanding delegates, and reaffirmed the role of youth in diplomacy, climate action, humanitarian response, and sustainable development.
Organisers said the summit reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to youth-led diplomacy and multilateral cooperation within the OIC framework.

On the second day of the four-day 18th World Urdu Conference 2025, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Iftikhar Arif, while expressing his views in the session titled Faiz Ahmed Faiz, also accompanied by Zahra Nigah, Salima Hashmi and Arshad Mahmood.

By
Wajid
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0
On the second day of the four-day 18th World Urdu Conference 2025, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Iftikhar Arif, while expressing his views in the session titled Faiz Ahmed Faiz, also accompanied by Zahra Nigah, Salima Hashmi and Arshad Mahmood.
APP49-261225
KARACHI: December 26 –
On the second day of the four-day 18th World Urdu Conference 2025, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Iftikhar Arif, while expressing his views in the session titled Faiz Ahmed Faiz, also accompanied by Zahra Nigah, Salima Hashmi and Arshad Mahmood.
APP50-261225
KARACHI: December 26 – Mehta is speaking at a session titled Women: A Journey of Progress, Leadership and Literature organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, on the second day of the four-day 18th World Urdu Conference 2025, Pakistan Celebrations. Educationists Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Haris Khaliq, Uzmaul Karim, B. Gul and Madiha Naqvi are also present on the occasion. APP/ABB

Provincial Commissioner Justice (Retd) Hassan Feroze presenting a shield to Governor Sindh and Chief Patron Kamran Khan Tessori on behalf of the institution.

By
Wajid
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0
Provincial Commissioner Justice (Retd) Hassan Feroze presenting a shield to Governor Sindh and Chief Patron Kamran Khan Tessori on behalf of the institution.
APP48-261225
KARACHI: December 26 – 

KPK Province is currently facing severe terrorism.Faisal Kareem Kundi

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LARKANA, Dec 26 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said intelligence-based operations are ongoing in KPK.We will not engage with those who act against the state.Wherever blasts occur, Afghan involvement is found, and action will be taken against them.
We say that foreigners should come with visas; we will not allow Afghans to come illegally on visas. He said if Afghan nationals want to come to Pakistan, they should come legally with proper visas, as the law applies to other countries
He expressed these views while talking to the media after visited the shrine of former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and others in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh and laid floral wreaths on the occasion of her 18th death anniversary.
He said people from across the country will come to pay tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on the death anniversary.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor said Imran Khan is speaking against the in Adiala Jail, while the whole world is praising our army and wants to invest here. The provincial government’s attention remains focused only on Adiala Jail, while the condition of ordinary citizens is helpless, due to which the wave of terrorism is increasing in the province. No development work is being carried out by the provincial government in the tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has caused severe distress among the people there.
He said the so-called people of PTI are sitting in London and running false propaganda against Field Marshal Asim Munir. However, Field Marshal Asim Munir is making excellent efforts for peace and security in the country, and it is because of him that the country’s name is shining today. This is why foreign heads of state are visiting Pakistan frequently, leading to investment in the country.
He said that we support South Punjab becoming a province, when such an amendment comes for other provinces, it will be reviewed in the party’s joint meeting, like the 27th Amendment, it will be reviewed.
The 28th Amendment will also be reviewed.Imran Khan, lodged in jail, is speaking against the army. The whole world praises our army, and here, investment is desired.The Punjab government has been suggested to transfer Imran Khan to another jail.
Whoever comes to visit protests at Adiala Jail.
Appealing to the Punjab government, he said Imran Khan should be transferred from Adiala Jail to another jail because this jail is near the federal capital Islamabad, where various presidents, prime ministers, and other delegations from foreign countries keep visiting. These people protest daily outside Adiala Jail and have spread chaos, which is sending the wrong message to the world, he told.
He said no matter how many protests are held or processions taken out, Imran Khan will have to complete the punishment for his deeds, only then will his bail or release be possible.
He said all political parties in the country are cooperating with the government, while PTI is only busy spreading chaos. He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf should, through its government, take measures for development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and refrain from chaos. The provincial government should prioritize working for peace and prosperity.

Uzbekistan’s GDP exceeds $145 billion for first time, President Mirziyoyev Says

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 26 (APP):President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced on Friday that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP has exceeded $145 billion for the first time in Uzbekistan’s history, marking a major economic milestone.
Addressing the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan on Friday, the President said the country’s exports increased by 23 percent to $33.4 billion, while gold reserves surpassed $60 billion for the first time, said a release issued here.
He noted that foreign investment inflows reached $43.1 billion, with total investment accounting for 31.9 percent of GDP.
President Mirziyoyev said that 228 new large-scale production facilities, worth $14 billion, will be launched next year. Economic growth is projected at 6.6 percent, with GDP expected to reach $167 billion.
Leading international rating agencies have upgraded Uzbekistan’s sovereign credit rating from BB– to BB, he added.
He also highlighted progress in the energy sector, stating that electricity production increased to 85 billion kilowatt-hours following fundamental reforms.
On social development, the President said that clean drinking water reached the homes of 715,000 residents in 188 mahallas for the first time, while water supply was improved for an additional 2.3 million people.
He added that 5 million people gained sustainable income this year, reducing the unemployment rate from 5.5 percent to 4.9 percent.
According to the President, about 1.5 million people were lifted out of poverty, and 1,435 mahallas became poverty-free for the first time. The national poverty rate declined from 8.9 percent to 5.8 percent.
In education, 168,000 children from low-income families were admitted to state kindergartens on a preferential basis, and inclusive education was introduced in 208 kindergartens.
President Mirziyoyev said that democratic reforms have continued despite global challenges and emphasized the role of public support, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship in achieving progress.
He also noted that Uzbekistan has increasingly become a platform for international dialogue, hosting major global events including the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a UNESCO General Conference session, the Central Asia–European Union Summit, and the International Climate Forum.
Looking ahead, the President said Uzbekistan aims to join the ranks of upper-middle-income countries.
An industrial development program will be launched to transition the economy to a new technological level, and in 2026, 782 industrial and infrastructure projects worth $52 billion are planned.
He also stressed the importance of civil society institutions and announced plans to develop a five-year strategy for civil society development.
Concluding his address, President Mirziyoyev expressed confidence in the unity and potential of the Uzbek people, saying the country is entering a decisive stage in building a “New Uzbekistan.”

Double-decker buses will soon be launched in Karachi: Sharjeel

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
KARACHI, Dec 26 (APP):Sindh Senior Minister for  Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon, Friday, said that double-decker buses will be launched soon in Karachi to provide modern travel facilities to citizens, reduce traffic pressure on roads and make the public transport system more effective.
“Strengthening public transport in a large city like Karachi is the need of the hour and one of the top priorities of the Sindh government,” he stated while chairing a meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department, held here to review the ongoing and upcoming transport projects in the province.
The meeting, according to a statement issued, was briefed in detail on the ongoing development work of the Yellow Line BRT and Red Line BRT projects, covering construction stages, challenges faced, timelines, and future goals while matters regarding new double-decker buses in Karachi city were also reviewed. The senior minister stressed on timely completion of Red and Yellow Lines of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and directed to carry out parallel works in all the possible segments of the projects.
Speaking about the second phase of the Pink Scooties project, he termed the initiative a practical step by the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party to empower women and promote their independence. More women will soon be provided scooties in 2nd phase, he vowed.
Emphasizing the early start of new EV bus routes, Sharjeel Memon said that these buses will offer affordable and environment friendly travel options while contributing to reduction in polution and improving the quality of life through a modern transport system.

Aseefa Bhutto visits ancestor Bhutto Family Graveyard

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LARKANA, Dec 26 (APP):First Lady and MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari visited the Bhutto family’s graveyard in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh and laid wreaths at the graves of her mother Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, her maternal grandfather Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto and offered Fateha for the departed souls here on Saturday.
On this occasion She paid tribute to martyrs Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her 18th anniversary.

President lauds security forces for operation against terrorists

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 26 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday paid tribute to the security forces for their outstanding professional conduct during the intelligence-based operation against Indian proxy Fitna-tul-Hindustan in Kohlu, Balochistan.
In a statement, he said, “Operations should continue under Istehkam-e-Azm until terrorism is eliminated and lasting peace is achieved in the country.”
“The entire nation stands by the security forces,” he added.
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