Friday, February 13, 2026
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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.

Cold and dry spell to grip most parts of country: PMD

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):A continued spell of cold and dry weather is expected to grip most parts of the country on Saturday, with partly cloudy skies over hilly regions and very cold conditions during morning and night hours, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The PMD said the ongoing winter pattern will keep temperatures low across northern and central regions, while most plains will remain dry.
In the federal capital Islamabad and surrounding areas, cold and dry weather will prevail, with the temperature expected to drop to around 6 C in the morning before rising to about 26 C in the afternoon.
Similar conditions are forecast across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, where most districts will remain cold and dry, while upper areas are likely to experience very cold mornings and nights.
Most parts of Punjab will also stay dry, though cold will intensify during nighttime and early morning hours. Cities such as Lahore and Faisalabad are expected to see pleasant daytime temperatures followed by a sharp drop after sunset.
The hill resort of Murree and surrounding Galiyat areas will remain cold and dry throughout the day, while gusty winds are likely to blow in central and southern Punjab during daylight hours.
In Sindh, including Karachi, mainly dry weather will continue, with warmer daytime temperatures reaching around 31 C, offering some contrast to the colder northern regions.
Balochistan will experience dry and partly cloudy conditions in most districts, while northern parts, including Quetta, will remain cold, particularly during morning and night hours.
The northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir will stay under the grip of severe winter, with cold and dry to partly cloudy weather expected. Cities such as Gilgit and Skardu are likely to witness freezing mornings, with temperatures hovering around 1 C and 0 C respectively, while daytime temperatures will remain low.
During the past 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed across most parts of the country.
The lowest minimum temperatures were recorded in Leh at minus 9 C, followed by Astore at minus 5 C, and Kalam and Gupis at minus 2 C, highlighting the intensity of the cold wave in high-altitude regions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has advised the public, especially residents of northern and hilly areas, to take precautionary measures against extreme cold during nighttime and early morning hours, as the winter spell is expected to persist in the coming days.

PM Youth Wing grieves PML-N leader Zaeem Hussain Qadri’s Death: Rana Mashhood Hails Ally as Principled Stalwart

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Prime Minister’s Office Youth Affairs Wing expressed profound sorrow over the demise of Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri, senior PML-N leader, former provincial minister and close comrade of Chairman PMYP Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan.
 Rana Mashhood lauded him as a principled ideologue whose passing leaves an irreplaceable void in party and national politics.
Funeral prayers are set for Maghrib at Lawrence Road, Lahore
 PMY PChairman Rana Mashhood described Qadri as his “closest friend, fellow traveller and ideological partner,” praising his honesty, dedication and steadfast support for PML-N through adversities, strengthening its organisation with selfless service and genuine warmth for workers and masses.
The wing offered deep condolences to the bereaved family, praying for their strength and Allah’s mercy to grant Qadri a lofty place in Jannat-ul-Firdous.

CM Maryam announces sweeping hospital reforms

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Feb 13 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared that no citizen of the province should be compelled to travel to another city for essential medical treatment, emphasizing that saving a single life carries the moral weight of saving all humanity.
She made these remarks while addressing a high-level conference of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Medical Superintendents (MSs) of public hospitals from across Punjab.
During the conference, the Chief Minister administered a solemn pledge to participants, committing them to zero tolerance for corruption and unwavering dedication to public service. She simultaneously unveiled a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at strengthening governance, enforcing accountability, and improving service delivery in public healthcare facilities.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif underscored that CEOs and Medical Superintendents carry greater responsibility than ministers or secretaries in translating policies into tangible results on the ground. She noted that public hospitals primarily serve poor and vulnerable communities and described patient care as a sacred trust. Expressing concern over negligence, she cited reports of doctors and nurses using mobile phones during duty hours, warning that such distractions could endanger lives.
To ensure strict oversight, emergency wards across the province have been integrated with the Safe City camera network, while stringent restrictions on mobile phone use by medical staff during duty hours have been enforced.
Highlighting increased investment in healthcare, the Chief Minister stated that Punjab’s health budget has risen significantly from Rs399 billion to Rs630 billion, stressing that the enhanced allocation must translate into visible improvements for patients. She added that more than 1,500 new doctors have recently joined public hospitals and that Rs22 billion in long-pending dues have been cleared to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential medicines.
She directed hospital administrations to guarantee the continuous availability of medicines, functional medical equipment, strict cleanliness standards, and improved patient management systems, including color-coded triage bays in emergency departments. Pharmaceutical representatives have been barred from entering hospital premises to eliminate potential conflicts of interest, while vigilance teams are actively monitoring facilities across all districts.
The Chief Minister also approved several structural reforms, including the deployment of Monitoring and Evaluation Assistants in hospitals, full digitalization of health facilitation and administrative operations, appointment of dedicated administrators and procurement officers, and introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess the performance of CEOs and MSs. A revamped Performance Evaluation Report system has been implemented to monitor doctors’ performance, and district as well as tehsil hospitals have transitioned to a paperless working environment.
She further directed that on-call doctors must reach hospitals within 20 minutes during emergencies and commended ministers, secretaries, and health department teams for achieving a reduction in maternal mortality rates across Punjab.
Concluding her address, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said hospital leadership positions are not privileges but a profound public trust. She urged CEOs and Medical Superintendents to remain closely connected with patients, understand their suffering firsthand, and deliver meaningful improvements in healthcare services.
The Chief Minister’s directives reflect the Punjab government’s ongoing drive to modernize the health sector, strengthen transparency, and ensure accessible, dignified, and timely medical care for every citizen of the province.

Commissioner Karachi takes notice of non implementation of ban on charged parking

By
Asif Jalal
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0
KARACHI, Feb 13 (APP): Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi Friday taken notice of non implementation of ban on charged parking and not providing parking facility free.
Town administrations were directed to immediately take steps to implement the ban on charged parking and facilitate free parking other wise operators violating ban will face legal action and arrest.
The meeting chaired by Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi reviewed the arrangements for enforcement of traffic rules and ensuring traffic flow in the City.
The commissioner directed that DCs must prioritize implementing the ban and ensure free, single-line parking on road sides in the vicinity of markets and Bazaars avoiding traffic congestion and traffic chaos.
He emphasized focusing on better traffic management during Ramazan to prevent congestion and ensure smooth flow.
The meeting reviewed implementation of charged parking ban, free parking facility, enforcement of notified heavy traffic hour restrictions, and ban on plying of intercity buses with in the city.
The meeting was attended among others by Additional Commissioner Ghulam Mehdi Shah, DIG Traffic Mazhar Nawaz Sheikh, AC HQ Rabia Syed, and officials from RTA, PTA and town municipal administration.
DCs briefed via video link on charged parking complaints in areas like Sadar, Tariq Road, Sakhi Hassan, and North Nazimabad.
Decisions were taken in this regard that town administrations will end charged parking, traffic police will enforce traffic laws and enforce of notified ban on heavy traffic hours and intercity buses.
DIG Traffic was asked to prioritize reducing traffic congestion, ensuring smooth flow during Ramazan.

Governor Kundi for promoting mediation system to strengthen peace, ease judicial burden

By
Asif Jalal
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0
PESHAWAR, Feb 13 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday emphasized that promoting a reconciliation and mediation system in southern districts and newly merged districts would not only reduce the burden on courts but also strengthen sustainable peace, social harmony and the investment climate in the province.
He expressed these views while addressing a two-day mediation training programme as chief guest at the National Institute of Public Administration, organized by the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre under the auspices of the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The training programme was attended by civil servants, lawyers, business community members and educationists from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Governor later distributed certificates among the participants of the course.
On the occasion, Director General Captain (Retd) Usman Gul and Project Director Ayesha Rasool briefed the Governor about the objectives and outcomes of the training programme. The Governor also planted a sapling in the institute’s lawn.
Addressing the ceremony, Governor Kundi said the Jirga system in the region had historically served as a means of resolving disputes based on mutual respect and collective wisdom.
He said modern mediation, supported by constitutional safeguards, impartiality and confidentiality, further strengthens this tradition in line with contemporary legal standards.
He clarified that mediation and reconciliation were not substitutes for traditional practices but rather their harmonization with modern legal frameworks.
Referring to global trends, he said alternative dispute resolution mechanisms were increasingly being adopted worldwide to ensure timely settlement of disputes. He stressed the need to promote similar models in Pakistan.
The Governor said the proposed amendments to the ADR Act, including making pre-trial mediation mandatory in certain cases, were a farsighted step that would allow parties to resolve disputes amicably before entering prolonged litigation.
He said that the newly merged districts were passing through a historic transitional phase and mediation could serve as a strong bridge to maintain social cohesion while strengthening the constitutional system.

RDA seals illegal housing scheme office, halts launching ceremony

By
Asif Jalal
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0
RAWALPINDI, Feb 13 (APP): The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has sealed the site office of an unauthorised housing project, Anchorage Islamabad Phase-II, and stopped its inaugural ceremony as part of a crackdown on illegal schemes.
According to the RDA spokesman, acting on the directions of Commissioner Rawalpindi and Director General RDA, Engineer Aamer Khattak, the authority carried out an operation against the project located at Mouza Thalian in Rawalpindi district.
He said the authority also issued show-cause notices to the scheme’s director and to Skyways Marketing/Xpress Marketing Pvt Ltd for allegedly advertising and marketing the unapproved project on social media.
The violations cited include illegal booking of plots, unauthorised advertisement and marketing through private firms, installation of billboards at various locations, and commencement of development work before obtaining formal approval.
The authority said that under Section 34 of the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, such offences are cognisable and punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 per day. Additional daily fines may be imposed after conviction, while separate penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 per day may apply depending on the size of the scheme.
The spokesman informed that Commissioner Rawalpindi has warned the public to avoid investing in unapproved housing projects and not to be misled by fraudulent claims of legal status.
He said the RDA had also written to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad, its Cyber Crime Wing, and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Islamabad regarding alleged illegal online advertisements of private housing schemes on social media platforms and messaging applications.
According to the RDA, some developers falsely claimed to have obtained a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the authority.
The DG RDA has directed the MP&TE Directorate to take strict action, without fear or favour, against illegal or unauthorised housing schemes, commercial activities, booking offices and encroachments, the spokesperson added.

IGP pays tribute to police martyrs on 9th anniversary of Faisal Chowk incident

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Feb 13 (APP): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Abdul Kareem on Friday visited the residence of Shaheed DIG Captain (retd) Syed Ahmad Mubeen on the ninth anniversary of the Faisal Chowk (Mall Road) incident and met his mother, paying rich tribute to the police martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, the IGP offered Fateha and special prayers for the elevation of the ranks of Shaheed DIG Syed Ahmad Mubeen and for eternal peace of his soul.
Speaking on the occasion, IGP Abdul Kareem said that Shaheed DIG Ahmad Mubeen was an outstanding human being and a highly professional police officer whose services for the country, the nation and Punjab Police would always be remembered. He said that the sacrifices of police martyrs who laid down their lives while protecting the nation were unforgettable.
He said that Martyrs’ Day at Charing Cross was a day to renew the pledge to the brave martyrs of Punjab Police, adding that police officers and personnel embraced martyrdom on this day in 2017 at Faisal Chowk, Mall Road, Lahore.
The spokesperson said that DIG Syed Ahmad Mubeen, SSP Zahid Mehmood Gondal and seven other police officers and personnel were martyred in the tragic incident. Among other martyrs were ASI Muhammad Amin, Head Constable Asmat Ullah, and Constables Muhammad Aslam, Irfan Mehmood and Nadeem Tanveer.
The IGP said that the sacrifices of martyred police officers and personnel would always remain fresh in the hearts of the nation. He added that Punjab Police, being the custodian of over 1,700 martyrs, stood like a wall of steel against terrorists and criminal elements.
He further said that the welfare and care of the families of martyred police personnel remained the foremost priority of Punjab Police and reiterated the department’s commitment to honour their sacrifices.

Aleem Khan takes serious notice of M-9 Motorway accident, orders ban on vehicles with expired tires

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has taken serious notice of the tragic accident on the M-9 Motorway and directed the IG Motorway Police to conduct an immediate investigation and submit a detailed report on the incident.
He issued strict instructions to ensure that all vehicles entering the motorway undergo rigorous tire inspections. He ordered that vehicles with expired or weak tires must not be allowed on the motorway under any circumstances, said a press release issued on Friday.
The minister stressed that while commercial vehicles require close monitoring, private vehicles must also undergo thorough inspections.“The prescribed safety standards for all vehicles traveling on the motorway must be strictly enforced to prevent such accidents in the future,” he said.
Expressing deep grief over the M-9 accident, Abdul Aleem Khan conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and affected individuals, praying for patience and strength for the bereaved.

Iran won ‘Narrative War’ with backing from Pakistan, regional People, Says Ambassador Moghadam

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
By Shams Abbasi
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has asserted that Iran has already prevailed in what he described as the “war of narratives,” claiming that public opinion across the region, including Pakistan, stands firmly behind Tehran’s position. Speaking on regional developments, the envoy said that the Middle East has historically remained a center of global competition, yet major world powers have failed to counter Iran’s narrative.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, declared that Tehran has already triumphed in the “war of narratives” across the Middle East, citing strong public support from Pakistan and neighboring countries as key to its success.
The Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said this while talking to Senior Journalist and Social Media activist here in an interactive session organized by the Iranian Cultural Consulate here.
Iran won 'Narrative War' with backing from Pakistan, regional People, Says Ambassador Moghadam
The Ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s longstanding support for an independent Palestinian state, emphasizing that since the creation of Israel, the world has effectively been divided into two camps: those who advocate for a free Palestinian state and those who support Israel.
He maintained that Iran has consistently upheld its principled stance in the Middle East and the broader region.
Addressing the current crisis in the Middle East, Ambassador Moghadam said diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve tensions through dialogue, noting that the likelihood of full-scale war remains limited at present.
Reflecting on history, he recalled Iran’s resistance against aggression by former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, stating that Iran endured eight years of imposed war and ultimately emerged victorious.
He added that the region has remained in a state of persistent tension for the past four decades due to what he termed Israeli aggression, asserting that Iran is well-versed in managing such challenges.
The ambassador accused Western powers of orchestrating what he described as a false media propaganda campaign against Iran, alleging that negative narratives and misinformation had failed to achieve their intended objectives.
He claimed that a majority of the regional public now supports Iran, and that media outlets in Pakistan and neighboring countries have played a constructive and supportive role, particularly during the recent 12-day conflict and the ongoing crisis.
Responding to a question, he said the government of Pakistan has supported Iran at every diplomatic forum, including the United Nations, where it has voted in Tehran’s favor.
Ambassador Moghadam further stressed the urgent need for unity among Islamic nations, arguing that only collective solidarity can counter shared adversaries and transform Muslim countries into a formidable force.
He called for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and underscored the importance of reconstruction efforts, urging Islamic countries to play an active and meaningful role in achieving peace and stability.
Describing the present era as one defined by economic warfare, he said global powers are competing fiercely for economic dominance and resources. Iran, he declared, would not allow any external force to undermine its sovereignty over its national wealth, emphasizing that the country’s resources belong to its people and must be defended accordingly.
On the role of women in Iranian society, the ambassador highlighted the significant contributions of Iranian women across sectors including trade, education, and healthcare.
He noted that women in Iran are economically empowered and play a vital role in strengthening the nation’s economy.

Hajj 2026 arrangements finalized, 2nd phase of training scheduled after Ramazan: Sardar Yousuf

By
Asif Jalal
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0
KARACHI, Feb 13 (APP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, Friday, said that arrangements for Hajj 2026 have been completed, with more than 179,000 pilgrims expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under government and private schemes.
The minister, while speaking to the media during a visit to the New Haji Camp, informed that Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2026 stands at 179,210. Of these, 119,210 pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while 60,000 will travel through private tour operators. Around 29,000 pilgrims will depart from Sindh province, he added.
According to Sardar Yousuf, the first phase of Hajj training was completed between 16 January and 2 February, with 24,000 pilgrims participating. The second phase, scheduled after Ramazan, will focus on the practical performance of Hajj rituals, awareness of Saudi regulations and the importance of discipline during the pilgrimage.
All applications under the official Hajj scheme had been processed and the biometric verification of 29,000 pilgrims completed, he said, adding that arrangements for catering, accommodation and transport in Saudi Arabia had been finalized.
The minister framed the ministry’s approach in moral terms, telling reporters that “worship leads to heaven, while service leads to Allah,” and said the ministry was guided by this principle in facilitating pilgrims.
He also credited the Saudi-led “Road to Mecca” initiative with streamlining immigration procedures for Pakistani pilgrims departing from Karachi and Islamabad, allowing them to proceed directly to their accommodation upon arrival.
The minister expressed gratitude to His Highness King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for what he described as continued support and facilitation for pilgrims.
Referring to last year’s Hajj operation, Sardar Yousuf said that excellent arrangements had been made previous year which were not only acknowledged by the federal cabinet but Pakistan was awarded an excellence award by Saudi authorities for its Hajj management. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was personally monitoring preparations and strenuous efforts were underway to further improve facilities for pilgrims in the coming season, he vowed.
Responding to a media query Sardar Yousuf said that the federal government was taking multiple measures to facilitate the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and different federal departments and organizations had completed a number of projects in the province.
On the contrary the PTI, that was enjoying its third consecutive term in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has absolutely failed in the province as after 18th constitution amendment health, education, potable water, basic infrastructure and other many subjects were devolved to the provinces and they were receiving ample funds in this regard as well. Despite tall claims, the PTI government has not carried out development works in KP, rather they have deteriorated the situation in the province, he stated.
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