Sunday, February 1, 2026
Home Blog

Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
-
0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

By
Shafek Koreshe
-
0

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s stance on Kashmir at international fora to highlight gruesome human rights violations by India

 

Indian media’s fake “civil war” in Pakistan, falls flat on face

By
Shafek Koreshe
-
0
APP Digital Small logo
By Shafek Koreshe

In an abortive attempt to create diversion from Narendra Modi’s human rights abuses in Kashmir, the Indian media went berserk by propagating fake news about a “civil war” like situation in Karachi, triggering a hilarious response from the twitterati in Pakistan, who enjoyed every bit of the ridiculous reports.

#CivilWarInPakistan and #KarachiCivilWar were in no time the top trends, with the young twitter users going crazy by posting video clips from action movies, comics, images of the Indian MiG pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down by Pakistan Air Force inside Pakistan’s territory, as scenes from the Civil War, getting an equally enthusiastic response with numerous retweets and likes.

The arrest of PML-N leader Captain (Retd) Safdar on charges of political sloganeering at Quaid’s Mausoleum and leave applications by senior police officers was exploited by the top Indian news channels, who portrayed an administrative issue as a “civil war” and went to the extent of even reporting casualties, and armed clashes.

Indian Media ditches professionalism to dip at to its lowest 

#FakeNews CNN18News
#FakeNews CNN18News

The news reports were part of a persistent barrage of fake news from Indian mainstream media and its RAW controlled assets on social media over the past few months. The trend has witnessed a sharp spike as part of India’s fifth generation war (5GW) against Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on the “malicious and fabricated propaganda” by Indian mainstream and social media claiming civil unrest in Pakistan, said planting such baseless stories were reflective of the “Pakistan-obsessed BJP-RSS” mindset.

“Needless to say that Indian media continues to hit new lows,” he said, when asked to respond over the series of fake news flashed as breaking news across the Indian media about a “civil war in Pakistan”.

“Indian media continues to hit new lows”: FO

The Spokesperson said through “peddling fake news and running propaganda machinery”, India could not wash away the truth about its own gross and systematic human rights violations in Indian Ilelgally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“Rather than reporting on humanitarian crisis in IIOJK, the Indian media chooses to spread fake and sensational news about Pakistan to detract from core issues,” he said.

5th Gen War – Twitterati bust RAW’s #Fake letter attributed to COAS

 

#FakeNews - Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media
#FakeNews – Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media

The Indian media tried hard to appease its own consumers and to create a diversion from its human rights abuses in occupied Kashmir. However in its abortive attempt it created history by churning out fake news overpowered by the anti-Pakistan hysteria, undermining its professional ethics and credibility.

#FakeNews - India Today with its concocted news story
#FakeNews – India Today with its concocted news story

The unleashing of the Indian media did not go unnoticed, as Michael Kugelman, deputy director at the @AsiaProgram and South Asia senior associate @TheWilsonCenter in a tweet pointed that the Indian disinformation accounts were exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis, and “falsely claiming that the country is no experiencing urban warfare.”

He described the trend as “dangerous and disturbing”, as several of these accounts were verified and had huge followings.

Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari said the Indian media was in “hyper drive with fake news on Pakistan” and regretted that it was “unfortunate that Twitter is [deliberately ignoring it].”

All major media outlets in so-called world’s biggest democracy decimated all journalistic norms as none bothered to fact-check such a huge gaffe. India’s News18, India Today, Zee News, India.com and several others quoted the International Herald which showed old videos of bomb explosions in Pakistan and portrayed it as the ongoing civil war.

#FakeNews - Indian International Herald tweet
#FakeNews – Indian International Herald tweet

The Institute of Policy Research in a report said their data indicates a pattern of Indian propaganda against Pakistan on digital media that grew exponentially after 2018 General Elections in #Pakistan. The propaganda hovers around largely 4 key themes.

IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda
IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda

Minister for Ports and Shipping pointed that the Indian propaganda was at its peak and “sadly fueled by the PDM Circus.” He said the food inflation was artificially manufactured, but was being brought under control.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs also lambasted the “fake, fabricated and malicious propaganda campaign to malign State institutions of Pakistan. He urged @Twitter to take action against Indian accounts for #FakeNews against Paksitan.

However, this idiocy of Indian media gave the Twitterati a perfect chance to enjoy as the microblogging site was flooded with messages to ridicule the Indian media’s insanity.

“Karachi civil war has gotten so bad that my food panda delivery boy had to crawl through mine fields carrying his AK47, RPG & 9mm along with my nihari and Biryani. This thing is getting so serious. Multiple cows have been killed & people are dying of over eating. #IndianMedia,” commented renowned singer Fakhr-e-Alam.

Besides numerous other fake photos, the Indian media also used an image of a building collapsed following a gas leakage blast in Karachi earlier in the day to substantiate its fake news of civil war.

“A little investigation would have informed Zee News that it wasn’t a bomb blast in ‘civil war’ in Pakistan but the result of a  gas leak in Karachi. Whither truth, objectivity, balance and fairness in reporting?,” said Farhatullah Babr, former senator of Pakistan Peoples Party which rules Sindh province.

“An Aircraft shot during civil war in Karachi… and the pilot captured…,” commented another Twitter user Fasihuddin while sharing the images of Indian aircraft MiG-21 and captured injured pilot Abhinandan following an aerial dogfight during India-Pakistan standoff in 2019.

Community dialogue brings year’s long cut-off areas in Kurram back into immunization network

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
PESHAWAR, Feb 01 (APP): Community dialogues in the security-compromised Kurram district helped reopen several areas that had remained cut off for years from public health activities, including routine immunisation of children against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
The approach of holding parleys with people and elders of different areas helped in achieving a highly difficult goal of initiating immunization, ensuring protection of hundreds of zero-dose children and women who missed essential vaccination and remained prone to different life threatening diseases.
The initiative was jointly carried out by Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI), Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) with the support of GAVI, a global public-private health partnership.
In Union Council Khujbarat, Yaseen Ahmad had to travel around 80 kilometres for reaching a nearest major health facility for availing basic healthcare and immunization of children.
For several years, the local Civil Dispensary was shut down due to years long land dispute between the Khuaidad Khel and Palosin Wazir tribes, restricting arrival of health teams due to security concerns, Yaseen informed.
Majority of the locals in Khujbarat UC, having a population of around 8000 people, had stopped vaccination of their children due to hardships in reaching to the nearest health facility, Yaseen added.
In Khujbarat, 14 villages had completely ceased vaccination while 642 children every year were missing out on life saving protection, growing as `zero-dose’, informed Nasib Seemab, Social Behaviour Change Communication S&BCC officer MERF.
“For five and a half months, MERF’s team, EPI Officer, vaccinators and outreach workers lived the values of community-centered engagement,” Seemab told APP.
We held meeting with religious leaders, teachers, and tribal elders (Malakan) in their homes, at corner shops, and through endless WhatsApp updates.
During consultations the communities were apprised that children health is of prime importance than land dispute and due to persistent efforts the Khuaidad Khel tribe formally allowed health teams in vaccinating of children.
“The long-dormant Civil Dispensary was brought back to life, now staffed by a government dispenser and MERF’s dedicated vaccination team,”.
Within just a couple of months, the Civil Dispensary in UC Khujbarat vaccinated hundreds of children and recorded 451 OPD consultations, Nasib Seemab added.
He said around 282 newly born babies have been administered BCG vaccine which is a very remarkable development as children were missing this basic prevention treatment in the area for years.
Like Khujbarat, UC Mundan Durrani was also among the high-risk union councils in Central Kurram, that remained cut off from basic health services for six years, shared Dr. Junaid Khan of MERF.
Families had to travel up to 42 km to Tehsil Headquarte Sadda or 15 km to BHU Manatoo for vaccination, an impossible journey for most due to insecurity and financial hardship.
As a result, hundreds of zero-dose children and women were left unvaccinated. Fear of militant groups, coupled with misinformation, further deepened resistance and isolation.
When MERF team first visited UC Mundan Durrani in July 2025, they faced strong community resistance. No household was willing to host or support vaccination activities, he recalled.
The community had deep mistrust toward immunization efforts, fuelled by rumours and years of neglect.
Determined to restore health services, MERF team conducted repeated visits and community dialogues under the EPI KP framework.
Through consultative sessions, they discussed key topics such as 12 EPI-preventable diseases, vaccination schedules, and target groups, children under five and women of reproductive age.
They highlighted the importance of vaccination in protecting against life-threatening diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, and tetanus, emphasizing that vaccines are safe, free, and essential for a healthy future.
The turning point came when elders offered a Hujra (community guest house) as a permanent vaccination site where children were vaccinated.
With official approval from district health authorities, an Ice Lined Refrigerator (ILR) was installed at the site to safely store vaccines, the first in UC Mundan Durrani in over six years.
The establishment of the first EPI site in UC Mundan Durrani marks a historic milestone for immunization access in Central Kurram, Dr. Junaid remarked.
Through persistent social mobilization, trust-building and community consensus, EPI with support from MERF and Gavi, successfully transformed a zero-dose, high-risk union council into an active immunization hub.
This reflects how community engagement and health system strengthening can overcome barriers and protect vulnerable populations.

France condemns Balochistan attacks, expresses solidarity with Pakistan

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 01 (APP): The French Embassy has issued a message condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, expressing support for Pakistan and sympathy for the victims.
The statement was shared on the embassy’s official social media platforms, reflecting France’s stance against violence and its support for those affected by the incidents.
In its message, the French Embassy said it strongly condemns the terrorist attacks that took place in different parts of Balochistan.
It extended condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and expressed sympathy with all individuals impacted by the attacks.
The embassy reaffirmed that France stands with the people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. It emphasized unity with Pakistan against all forms of terrorist violence and stressed the need to reject such acts.
The statement highlighted France’s continued support for peace and stability in Pakistan. By sharing the message publicly, the embassy conveyed its concern over the loss of lives and the impact of terrorism on communities.
The embassy’s message concluded with an expression of solidarity, reinforcing France’s position against terrorism and its support for the people of Pakistan during this difficult time.

Sindh Assembly all set to host 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference from Feb 4

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
KARACHI, Feb 01 (APP): The Provincial Assembly of Sindh is all set to host 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Regional Conference and 2nd Joint CPA Asia and South-East Asia Regional Conference from February 4 to 6 at the Assembly.
     The Conference is going to be held under the theme of “Parliaments of the Future: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace,”, which will be the first parliamentary conference hosted by the Sindh Assembly since 2012.
     The Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural session and will formally inaugurate the conference.
      The Speaker of Provincial Assembly of Sindh Syed Awais Qadir Shah will deliver the welcome address while the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Dr. Christopher Kalila, MP, will deliver the keynote address.
    Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon will also address the inaugural session.
    The Conference will welcome more than 150 parliamentarians including Speakers, Deputy Speakers and parliamentary experts representing 17 legislative assemblies from Asia and South-East Asia.
   Plenary and breakout sessions will be held on key themes including peace and democratic trust, parliamentary education, fake news, artificial intelligence & disinformation, climate change & environmental legislation, parliamentary accountability, gender, technology, and online harassment.
     Speakers and Deputy Speakers from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Malaysia, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will share their views on on peace and democratic trust in the plenary session.
     Former Chairman Senate Senator Raza Rabbani will also address this plenary session.
     A special session on climate change is scheduled in context of the devastating floods of 2022 that will focus on climate resilience, disaster response, protection of vulnerable communities and the role of parliaments. The session will be moderated by Senator Sherry Rehman.
    The technology-focused plenary session will address challenges such as online and digital harassment faced by women parliamentarians, deepfakes, and emerging digital threats.
   At the closing session, CPA Secretary General Stephen Twigg will deliver an important address while the Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah will attend as the Chief Guest. The conference will conclude with the adoption of the Karachi Charter.
    This parliamentary conference is expected to serve as a significant milestone in promoting regional cooperation, democratic stability and parliamentary diplomacy.

SCCI hails PM’s Package for promotion of industries, exports

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
PESHAWAR, Feb 01 (APP): Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) welcomed Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif’s package for promotion of industries and exports and called it an extremely positive and timely step for the country’s industries and the economy.
President Junaid Altaf, Businessman Forum Leader Ghazanfar Bilour, the chamber senior vice president Muhammad Nadeem and vice president Sabir Ahmad Bangash in a joint statement here on Sunday stated that reduction in power tariff up to Rs4.04 per unit for industrial sector, slashing export refinancing rate from 7.5 per cent to 4.5 percent, cutting down wheeling charges Rs9 per unit and provision of Blue Passport to top exporters would directly provide relief to the industrial sector.
They thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Syed Asim Munir and federal ministers for providing relief to the business community and major initiatives for industrial and business growth.
SCCI senior office bearers and Businessman leader noted the highest electricity rate over a longer period was a major challenge for the industry, which has caused an unprecedented increase in cost of industrial production, essentially many industries had been forced to either cut their productivity capacity or complete shutdown.
They have mentioned one of the most important factors is that Pakistani products cannot compete effectively with regional competitors at the global market because of the high cost of production and their competitiveness adversely affecting.
The government decision would especially benefit, due to low cost of production, Pakistani products will become more competitive in the global market, consequently, it will not only enhance export but also generate new investment avenues and employment opportunities, they added.
Senior office bearers said the move will support the government’s export-led growth agenda, because the sustainable growth in export and foreign exchange only be possible by ensuring further reduction in power tariff, simply and business-friendly tax policies, drastic cut in ratio of taxes and bringing to down the interest rate to single digit.
These reforms initiatives will bring up the country’s export from 30 to 60 billion dollars that will not only make possible to reduce the fiscal deficit but also accelerate external investment and generate vast employment opportunities.
President Junaid Altaf while hailing the government’s energy reforms stated that it is quite essential that the reduction in power tariff should be sustained on permanent grounds, so that industrialists will prepare future planning with complete confidence.
He requested the government to revisit the prices of gas and other natural resources, bringing reduction in the ratio of taxes and additional surcharges to provide complete facilities to the industrial sector.
SCCI chief hoped the consultation process will sustain the business community and such further initiatives will be announced that could prove for industrial growth, export promotion and economic stability.
President Junaid Altaf urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, FM CDF and COAS Syed Asim Munir for bringing down interest rate to single digit or 6 to 7 percent, simplification in taxation system, reduction in taxes ratio and formulation of business-friendly policies and consistency should be maintained and appealed for further steps for revival of economic and trade activities.

CM inaugurates Danish School, launches school meal programme

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 01 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the Danish School in Mankera, Bhakkar, and formally launched the School Meal Programme at Government Primary School Kisanwala.
During the visit, the chief minister announced the upgradation of three schools in Mankera, ordering immediate implementation and issuance of official notifications, said a handout issued here on Sunday.
Government Girls Primary School Kisanwala was upgraded to the elementary level, while the Government Elementary Schools of Kari and Noorpur Shah were elevated to high school status.
At Government Primary School Kisanwala, the chief minister distributed lunch boxes among students, visited classrooms, and interacted warmly with the children. She expressed satisfaction over desks made from recycled milk cartons, noting that such furniture can withstand rain, extreme temperatures up to 100°C, and remain usable for up to 40 years.
Interacting informally, she encouraged students to drink milk, eat healthy, and stay strong, while stressing the importance of reading and gaining knowledge, which she said increases respect and confidence.
Upon arrival at Danish School Mankera, the chief minister held the hands of two children wearing white turbans as she accompanied them to the inauguration ceremony. She also visited the school’s computer lab and library, engaged students with questions, and took photographs with them individually. At the girls’ campus hostel, she celebrated the birthdays of three students, Nirmal Tahreem, Shakeela Noor, and Anusha Kanwal, hailing from Balochistan, and conveyed her best wishes.
Later, she joined students for lunch, urging them to work hard, remain confident, and never fear challenges. “Through hard work, one can achieve what may appear impossible,” she said, adding that it brings her great joy to see daughters excelling in every field. She said that, as a mother, she would do everything possible for the better future of girls across Punjab.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat briefed the chief minister on the Danish Schools and School Meal Programme, saying that over 200,000 empty milk packs are being recycled into furniture, notebooks, and pencils. Currently, 13,197 students are enrolled in 20 Danish schools across the province.
The briefing also highlighted that the School Meal Programme is being implemented in 8,319 schools across 13 districts, including 4,309 boys’ and 4,010 girls’ schools, providing nutritious lunches. Since its launch, student enrolment has increased by 28 per cent, adding 24,740 students. Under the programme, 33.7 million milk packs and 12.2 million biscuit packets have been distributed in schools across Bahawalnagar, Kot Addu, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Taunsa, Chiniot, Lodhran, and Vehari.

PFA discards 5,800kg substandard meat, 1,000 litres adulterated milk

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 01 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) discarded 5,800 kilograms of substandard meat, 1,000 litres of adulterated milk, 100 kilograms of khoya, along with syrup and other prohibited items during operations conducted across Lahore.
During the crackdown, food safety teams, acting on the directions of Director General Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Asim Javaid, checked 59 meat-carrying vehicles and inspected 238 milk suppliers and dairy shops. Heavy fines were imposed on suppliers found involved in the sale of adulterated milk and meat for violations of food safety laws.
The director general said the actions were taken due to non-compliance with previously issued instructions. He noted that inspections revealed foul smell in kitchen areas, broken floors, and stagnant dirty water at several premises.
He added that essential records, along with medical and training certificates of workers, were found missing. Inspectors also observed dirty freezers, rusty walls, and the presence of insects, indicating poor hygiene conditions.
Asim Javaid said the Punjab Food Authority remains committed to ensuring the quality and safety of milk, meat, and other essential food commodities. He reiterated that marathon operations under a zero-tolerance policy against food adulteration are continuing.
He urged food business operators to strictly implement SOPs and food laws, adding that operations against health-adulterating elements are being carried out round the clock on the orders of the Chief Minister Punjab.

CM condemns terrorist attacks in Balochistan

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 01 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attacks carried out by “Fitna-e-Hindustan” in Balochistan.
In a statement, the chief minister paid tribute to the security forces for bravely repulsing the attackers and foiling their plans. She emphasized that Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan, and every Pakistani holds deep love for the province and its people. “We will protect every inch of Balochistan,” she said.
The CM said the entire nation stands united and determined to defeat terrorism. She added that terrorists playing into the hands of the enemy do not deserve leniency and vowed that the blood of innocent people would not go unavenged.
The chief minister stressed that the terrorists have no connection with religion or Baloch identity, describing them as traitors. “The people of Punjab, along with the entire nation, stand shoulder to shoulder with the patriotic people of Balochistan and will fully support them,” she said.
Referring to Islamic teachings, she noted that the Quran and Sunnah strongly condemn rebellion against the state and attacks on innocent civilians, including women and children. She questioned whether those who openly violate the teachings of Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) could be considered true Muslims, adding that such elements would face disgrace in this world and the hereafter.

Attaullah Tarar pays tribute to security forces for killing terrorists

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 01 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack by Fitna-al-Hindustan in Balochistan.
Talking to the media here, he paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, security forces, police,
and the Balochistan government for defeating the terrorists and killing over 80 of them.
He said, “Our security forces are fully alert,” and termed their level of preparedness as remarkable.
Attaullah Tarar said that, by the grace of Allah, The Almighty, Balochistan remained safe from major damage.
He said the credit goes to the country’s security forces for exhibiting exceptional professionalism and defeating the terrorists.
He stated, “Fitna-al-Hindustan is backed by India, and it is crystal clear how Indian media platforms constantly talk about Balochistan.”
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif remained fully aware of the situation in Balochistan, said Attaullah Tarar.
He said that the prime minister had expressed firm resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country.
He said, “India is deeply pained by the Marka-i-Haq victory achieved by the Pakistan Armed Forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
He gave a clear message to India that its proxies are nothing in front of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
He said that security agencies will eliminate these proxies from the country.
The minister said that a jirga of Bara Siyasi Ittehad had presented a charge sheet against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
The minister said he is astonished when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spokespersons make tall claims on television, adding that they should learn from Punjab.
He said the PKLI, Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Orange Line Train, forensic lab, CTD, and hospitals in South Punjab were major projects initiated by Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his tenure as a Punjab chief minister, and today Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is carrying forward that legacy with record public service.
He questioned whether the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government could do anything other than just making statements.
He said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has absolutely no realization that it needs to focus on health, education, infrastructure, and law and order.
He said that every year Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receives billions of rupees under the NFC Award for counter terrorism, adding that it is unfortunate that no CTD has been established there so far, there are no Safe City cameras in Peshawar, and no forensic lab.
He said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will soon hold their government accountable.
The information minister said that a jirga in Tirah Valley had presented a charge sheet against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, alleging mismanagement and corruption.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government must explain where the Rs 4 billion allocated for the people of Tirah went, he maintained.
The minister said that during floods or natural calamities, relief camps are set up, adding that the Prime Minister and the Punjab Chief Minister personally visit these camps to provide maximum relief to the affected people.
He said that not a single relief camp was seen in Tirah and questioned why the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government could not establish schools, colleges, hospitals, universities, or police check posts there during the last 12 years.
He said that charge sheet by jirga of Bara Siyasi Ittehad was a strong slap on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s mismanagement and corruption.
He said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has failed to control law and order, and whenever Fitna-e-Khawarij attacks the people of Tirah, the Pakistan Army confronts them.
Whenever people need help, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government disappears, said the minister.
He said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s only job is to stage protests and sit outside Adiala Jail.
Responding to a question, he said, “Governor’s rule is a constitutional option available to every government,
but efforts are made to avoid reaching that stage.”
He said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly invited all stakeholders to sit together to resolve the country’s problems.
He said, “Governor’s rule is imposed when a government completely fails.”
Responding to another question regarding Fitna-al-Hindustan, the minister said it is now targeting soft targets and that its capacity has been exhausted.
He said that the government is determined to completely eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country.
To another query, he said, “The PML-N government does not believe in doing politics over health.”
He said that the PTI founder underwent eye treatment at the PIMS Hospital with his consent.
He added that the Executive Director of PIMS had provided all relevant details in this regard.
Earlier, the minister said that development projects would be inaugurated today in the Walton constituency.
He said that this constituency has always been a stronghold of the PML-N and the party has consistently served people of the area.
He said that development is the manifesto of the PML-N, and the party is playing its role in development process in coordination with public representatives.
Cantonment Board Member Nauman Naeem, Haji Munir, MPA Mian Naseer, and Khawaja Saad Rafique were also present.

CM Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti: 145 terrorists killed in 40 hours, operations continue across province

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
QUETTA, Feb 1 (APP): Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti paid tribute to the martyrs and defenders who foiled recent terrorist attacks, announcing that 145 terrorists were killed in 40 hours during operations across the province. He described this as the highest number eliminated in such a short period since Pakistan facing this war against terrorism.
Addressing a press conference, Sarfraz Bugti revealed that intelligence reports had warned of planned attacks in Panjgur and from Shaban area to strike Quetta from the northeast and penetrate the Red Zone. Security forces launched preemptive operations, killing around 40 terrorists in those areas.
Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that 17 law enforcement personnel and 31 civilians embraced martyrdom, with several others injured in the recent wave of attacks. Bugti said the bodies of 145 terrorists were in the custody of the authorities.
He expressed grief over the killing of a Baloch family from Khuzdar living in labour colony Gwadar, where terrorists martyred five women and three children.
He praised the bravery of security personnel who stopped attackers from ramming a vehicle into the Red Zone and would be announce a high state award for the injured officer.
He said that in the last year, security forces conducted 58,000 intelligence-based operations (IBOs), eliminating over 1,500 terrorists.
” Sarfraz Bugti described the claims of anti-state elements regarding ‘freedom’ as hollow, pointing out that even in their yesterday’s attacks, they could not liberate a single union council or even a single ward. He reiterated that the government was not prepared to surrender even for a second. He questioned why Baloch youth are being pushed into a futile conflict, warning of conspiracies designed to alienate them from the state.”
Sarfraz Bugti accused hostile elements of acting on India’s direction to destabilize Pakistan whenever it makes economic or diplomatic progress. He questioned whether the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was a registered political party eligible for dialogue, stressing that the group was imposing a foreign agenda through guns.
He criticized those who have propagated a misleading narrative across the country for the past thirty years, linking it with unparalleled development in Balochistan and at times portraying it as a political issue. He clarified that in reality, it is terrorism, not politics. He warned against those who attempt to rationalize violence under the guise of dialogue, describing such efforts as direct support to the BLA.
The Chief Minister emphasized that if holding dialogue with terrorist organizations genuinely resolves issues, it would be welcomed. However, he declared that if the BLA seeks to impose surrender, “we will never accept it. We will fight this war for a thousand years if necessary, because this is our motherland and we will defend it.”
Sarfraz Bugti said “This is a completely intelligence-driven war, backed by RAW, and has been ongoing for the last thirteen years, for which we possess solid evidence.”
He added that terrorists may attempt to destabilize the country, but they cannot take a single inch of Pakistan. “Pakistan is unbreakable, and these elements will never succeed,” he said. Sarfraz Bugti stressed that the state, its army, and police are responsible forces that do not resort to brutality, unlike militants.
Sarfraz Bugti denounced the narrative that “the Balochistan issue” could not be resolved through force, clarifying that the government has never used indiscriminate force, instead of conducting small IBOs operations against militants.
The Chief Minister said that combing operations are continuing and that terrorists will not be allowed to escape. He emphasized that the sacrifices of police, Frontier Corps personnel, and innocent civilians will not go in vain, declaring that militants will be relentlessly pursued and eliminated.
He noted that the governance model in Balochistan is improving, with meritocracy being promoted across the province. All Deputy Commissioners and officers have been appointed on merit, and the Chairman of the Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) was also selected purely on merit.
Sarfraz Bugti added that the youth of Balochistan are gaining employment opportunities through transparent processes, including the use of modern technology such as AI to ensure fairness.
The government, he said, is actively engaging with youth through dialogues and jirgas, countering propaganda spread on social media. He shared that thousands of such engagements are being conducted every month across the province to strengthen trust and unity.
The Chief Minister vowed that security and development will go hand in hand with governance reforms and promotion of meritocracy, ensuring that Balochistan moves toward long-lasting peace and prosperity.
Sarfraz Bugti disclosed that militants had targeted Safe City cameras in Quetta, but vowed to expand surveillance by installing CCTV cameras in eight cities.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the National Action Plan (NAP) remains the most significant counter terrorism framework after the Constitution. He warned that reconciliation policies of the past had been damaging, and vowed that militants would be brought to justice without sympathy for their families.

CM expresses grief over road accident

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 01 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bus–truck collision in Lodhran that claimed the lives of five members of the same family.
In her statement, the chief minister extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the
bereaved family, praying for eternal peace for the departed souls and strength for the family to bear the loss.
She described the incident as extremely tragic and directed the relevant authorities to provide all possible assistance to the affected family.
123...31,730Page 1 of 31,730

ABOUT US

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

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan