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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

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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

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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.

Appealing to warring parties to honour Olympic Truce, UN chief urges athletes to strive for gold, but more so for peace

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb 08 (APP): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a message marking the opening of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games (OI-2026) in Italy, has called on all countries to observe the Olympic truce.

“The only battle of nations that can take place should take place on a sports field, not on a battlefield. I call on all parties to the conflicts to observe the Olympic Truce,” the UN chief said.

Guterres also called the Olympic and Paralympic Games a “beacon of hope” for peace and humanity.

“Through your dedication and perseverance, we see what a united world can be — and what humanity can achieve when we strive for our very best,” the secretary-general said.

“That is also the spirit of Olympic Truce. It carries a simple truth: that the only struggle between nations should be on the sports field, not the battlefield.

I call on all parties to the conflict to honour the Olympic Truce,” he added.

The Olympic Games opening ceremony has begun in Milan.

On February 3, Italian President Sergio Mattarella called for a truce during the Olympics. According to him, the Olympic Games are a global event that stands against violence and war.

NDMA warns of rain, snowfall Feb 8–10

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): The National Emergency Operations Center of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday issued an alert forecasting rain in most districts and snowfall in hilly areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from February 8 to 10.
According to the advisory, rain is expected across Punjab, particularly on February 9 and 10, with snowfall likely in Murree and adjoining hill stations.
Districts including Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khushab, Jhang, Narowal and Sialkot may also experience rains. Hailstorm accompanied by strong winds in southern districts of Punjab during the upcoming spell of rain.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is forecast in several districts from February 9 to 10, while snowfall is likely in mountainous regions, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Malakand, Kurram, Waziristan, Mansehra, Mohmand, Buner, Haripur, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Bannu and Kohat.
Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also expected to receive rain during the same period, with snowfall in upper and mountainous areas.
The NDMA cautioned that slippery roads and traffic disruptions may occur due to rain and snowfall. The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and adopt precautionary measures, while relevant departments have been directed to remain on alert for rescue operations and road clearance.
The NEOC is ensuring timely dissemination of early warnings to the public and authorities, urging citizens to rely on authentic updates and safety guidelines through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App.

PCB spokesperson rejects propaganda by Indian media

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Muhammad Naeem Khan Niazi
LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected the unfounded news items by a section of Indian media on approaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the upcoming Pakistan-India fixture on February 15 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
In a statement by PCB spokesperson Amir Mir issued on the social media platfrom X on Saturday night, the PCB maintained that it had not approached the ICC regarding the fixture against the arch-rivals India and any claims by Indian media was far-fetched from reality.
The rumours are rife among the cricketing circles after Pakistan decided to boycott ICC T20 World Cup game against India scheduled on February 15 at RPS, Colombo in protest of the ICC playing second fiddle to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the dragging of politics into cricket by the ICC chair Jay Shah.
PCB decision was governed by the directions from the Pakistan government which barred the Pakistan team from playing against Indian team at the T20 World Cup. The decision may be motivated by different events in the recent past. Recently, the Indian team refused to shake hands with the Pakistan team out of political reasons during a gentleman’s game during the Asia Cup 2025 and, latter, the Indian team declined to receive the winner’s trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi – who is also Chairman PCB.
Pakistan also rejected ICC decision to oust Bangladesh from playing the T20 World Cup after the BCB refused to travel to India to participate in the World Cup due to security reasons and asked the ICC to move its matches from India to Sri Lanka. The BCB were declined the favor while the same was granted to India by the ICC in 2025 when the BCCI refused to travel to Pakistan on security reasons to play Champions Trophy 2025. All Indian matches were moved to UAE to oblige India.
In the X post PCB spokesperson Amir Mir wrote, “I categorically reject the claim by Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta that PCB approached the ICC. As usual, sections of Indian media are busy circulating fiction. A little patience and time will clearly show who actually went knocking and who didn’t.”

Minister highlights Pakistan’s support for refugees

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LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has underscored Pakistan’s long-standing role in hosting refugees and asylum seekers, noting the country’s efforts to uphold humanitarian responsibilities while addressing national security and administrative challenges.
He was speaking at a dialogue titled ‘Erosion of Fundamental Rights and Resistance Across Borders’ during the 6th edition of the International Asma Jahangir Conference (AJCONF) at Faletti’s Hotel, here on Saturday. The event was organized by the Asma Jahangir Legal Aid Cell (AGHS) in collaboration with the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Pakistan Bar Council.
Barrister Aqeel Malik said Pakistan had consistently hosted millions of refugees over decades, primarily from Afghanistan, despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. He said these efforts were supported by court judgments, legislative amendments under the Pakistan Citizenship Act, and institutional mechanisms including the Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) and Proof of Registration (PoR) card to ensure lawful and dignified residence for refugees.
The minister pointed to global inconsistencies in addressing refugee crises, contrasting Pakistan’s treatment of refugees with incidents in Europe, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Greek island of Lesbos, where asylum seekers and economic migrants often faced violence and neglect. He said criticism directed at Pakistan was often swift and intense, whereas similar situations elsewhere received muted responses. He stressed that Pakistan’s policies were rooted in the principle of dignified return, not forced displacement, and that isolated cases of PoR holders being mistakenly deported were unintentional and not reflective of state policy.
Barrister Aqeel Malik also highlighted Pakistan’s concern for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and reiterated condemnation of human rights violations at international forums. He said meaningful engagement with UN agencies, the international community, and Afghanistan required a collective approach, noting that since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, no country had formally engaged with the regime.
The minister addressed cross-border security concerns, citing verified incidents in which Afghan soil had been used to plan attacks against Pakistan by banned outfits and prescribed organizations. He said that Pakistan’s border has been effectively secured, yet continued illegal crossings remain a challenge that the government was actively managing to ensure administrative efficiency and national security.
Looking ahead, he said a new visa policy was in the final stages to facilitate legal, orderly movement of refugees and economic actors, emphasizing that Afghan nationals conducting legitimate business in Pakistan would be welcomed under proper channels.
He affirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles, responsible governance, and full cooperation with UN agencies, while calling on the international community to recognize and understand the country’s perspective on refugee management and regional security.

Average AQI reported at 185-215 in Lahore

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LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): Residents of Lahore and the wider Punjab province continue to grapple with “unhealthy” air quality, according to experts, as the city remains lodged in the upper tier of the world’s most polluted urban centers.
Despite an overall improvement, the Air Quality Index (AQI) across the provincial capital averaged between 185 and 215 on Saturday morning, posing significant health risks to the public.

Rain, snowfall expected in Punjab upper areas

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LAHORE, Feb 07 (APP): Rain and snowfall are expected in the upper areas of Punjab from February 8 to 10, while most districts of the province are also likely to receive rain during this period.
Faisalabad division may experience rain accompanied by dense cloud cover from February 9 to 10. Rain with dense clouds and possible hail is forecast for the southern districts of Punjab.
In view of the expected weather conditions, an alert has been issued to the provincial government, health department, Rescue 1122, police, and the transport department. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said that, following the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, all precautionary arrangements should be completed in advance. Emergency control room staff have been directed to remain on alert around the clock, while Rescue 1122 disaster response teams have also been placed on high alert.

Wajiha Qamar visits families of martyrs of Tarlai Imambargah incident

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): On the special instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Ms Wajiha Qamar visited the homes of the families of those martyred in the tragic incident at the Imambargah in Tarlai to offer condolences and express solidarity.
The minister held detailed meetings with the bereaved families, shared their grief, and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, said a press release on Saturday.
Ms Wajiha Qamar conveyed a special message of sympathy, condolence, and solidarity from the Prime Minister to the affected families, and reaffirmed that the government would take all possible measures for the welfare and support of the families of the martyrs.
She said the entire nation stands united against terrorism and extremism, adding that such cowardly acts cannot undermine national resolve. The government, she emphasized, remains committed to ensuring law and order and safeguarding citizens.
Later, Ms Wajiha Qamar offered Fateha for the martyrs, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and reiterated the government’s commitment to stand by the victims at every level.

Women take keen interest in books at a stall during the 17th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) at a local hotel.

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Women take keen interest in books at a stall during the 17th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) at a local hotel.
APP33-070226
KARACHI: February 07 –
Women take keen interest in books at a stall during the 17th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) at a local hotel.
APP34-070226
KARACHI: February 07 – Women take keen interest in books at a stall during the 17th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) at a local hotel. APP/IQJ/SDQ/ABB

Governor Punjab sympathizes with terror attack victims, reaffirms resolve to eradicate terrorism

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RAWALPINDI, Feb 07 (APP): Governor Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, on Saturday visited Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital to inquire about the health of the injured of the tragic suicide attack that occurred in Islamabad’s suburb of Tarlai.
During the visit, the Governor prayed for their speedy recovery and expressed heartfelt sympathy with their families.
The Governor strongly condemned the attack and stated that terrorism has no religion and targeting innocent worshippers is a heinous crime against humanity.
He expressed that the nation mourns alongside the families of the martyrs and stands united in grief. Sardar Saleem Haider Khan emphasized that Pakistan, being among countries affected by terrorism, continues to combat this menace through the relentless efforts of its brave armed forces and security agencies.
He highlighted the leadership of Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir in eradicating extremist groups and thwarting Indian-sponsored terrorism conspiracies.
The Governor praised the sacrifices of Pakistan Army personnel in the ongoing war against terrorism and reaffirmed that anyone threatening the lives of innocent citizens would face no mercy.
He vowed that the struggle to eliminate terrorism from the country will continue unabated.
Earlier, the Governor attended the Orange Festival in Taxila as the chief guest. The festival, attended by Prime Minister’s advisor Dr Tauqir Shah, foreign diplomats, Tariq Jadoon, Vice President FPCCI, Muhammad Rauf, Chairman Tourism & Hospitality Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries, and other prominent figures, showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The host Zeildar Ahsan highlighted the festival’s role in promoting local culture and identity.
The event featured traditional horse dances, weightlifting competitions, and qawwali performances, which received enthusiastic appreciation from attendees.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that cultural festivals like the Orange Festival are vital for promoting Pakistan’s traditions, heritage, and cultural diversity at the global level. He emphasized that such events help foreign diplomats and representatives of friendly countries understand Pakistan’s historical significance and cultural richness.
Reaffirming the nation’s resilience in the face of terrorism, he said that the Pakistani people remain steadfast in their pursuit of peace, development, and stability.