Tuesday, February 10, 2026
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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
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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

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.

Renowned poet, writer Ajmal Khattak’s 16th death anniversary observed

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Pashto Adabi Society, in collaboration with the Pakhtun Journalists Association, on Tuesday organized a condolence and literary reference to commemorate the 16th death anniversary of renowned poet, writer, and national leader Ajmal Khattak, a recipient of the prestigious Kamal-e-Fun Award.
The event was held at the Conference Hall of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Islamabad, and was presided over by eminent literary figure Syed Mahmood Ahmed.
Prominent personalities, including former Director General Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr. Muhammad Ayub Rose Yousafzai, Saadat Sahar, Abdul Karim Baryalai, and Qamar Yousafzai, attended the ceremony as chief guests.
Renowned poet, writer Ajmal Khattak's 16th death anniversary observed
The proceedings were conducted by Sardar Yousafzai, Secretary General of the Pashto Adabi Society, Islamabad, who performed his duties with notable grace and eloquence.
Scholarly papers highlighting Ajmal Khattak’s intellectual, literary, and national services were presented by Professor Dr. Abdullah Jan Abid, Dr. Hassan G. Ishrat, and Abdul Hamid Zahid.
Renowned poet, writer Ajmal Khattak's 16th death anniversary observed
Speakers described Ajmal Khattak as a powerful and dignified reference in Pashto literature, noting that his poetry and prose prominently reflect themes of national consciousness, resistance, peace, and human dignity. They observed that he was among those rare literary figures whose thought, pen, and practical struggle not only gave new directions to Pashto literature but also ignited awareness, self-respect, and collective consciousness among the Pashtun people.
They said Ajmal Khattak’s poetry was not merely an artistic arrangement of words but the voice of an era. His work courageously and truthfully addressed Pashtun history, culture, national identity, freedom, peace, and human dignity. His pen consistently resisted oppression, injustice, and tyranny, treating literature as a tool for social change rather than mere entertainment.
As a writer and intellectual, speakers noted, Ajmal Khattak expanded the intellectual horizons of Pashto literature.
His writings are marked by depth, reasoning, and purposefulness, and he firmly believed that literature should serve life and society, making it an effective means of social reform and national guidance. His works continue to serve as a source of intellectual inspiration for younger generations.
Highlighting his political and national struggle, speakers said Ajmal Khattak was a committed national leader who played a vital role in safeguarding Pashtun rights, language, and culture. His struggle was rooted in tolerance, democratic values, and peaceful resistance, which remains relevant in the present era.
On the occasion, speakers emphasized that personalities like Ajmal Khattak grow brighter with time. His thought and art continue to serve as a guiding light for future generations, and his message should be practiced in everyday life rather than confined to ceremonial events.
Poetic tributes were presented by Khursheed Ibn Labeed, Ehsaas Khattak, Noor-ul-Islam (singer), and Muhammad Ayub Ayub, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.
Noted writers and intellectuals, including Idrees Asar, Hairan Khattak, Shoaib Yousafzai, Professor Dr. Manzoor Muztar Afridi, Dr. Nighat Yasmin, Dr. Saif-ul-Islam Saif, and Naseem Mandokhail, described Ajmal Khattak as an era-defining personality whose legacy continues to inspire new generations.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the eternal peace of Ajmal Khattak and a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting his literary and intellectual legacy.
The event was attended by a large number of literary figures, journalists, social activists, and students from the International Islamic University hostels and other educational institutions.

MNA, DC Murree visit families of victims martyred in Islamabad terror attack

By
Asif Jalal
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MURREE, Feb 10 (APP): Member of the National Assembly Osama Ashfaq Sarwar, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi and District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Raza Tanveer Sipra, on Tuesday visited the homes of the families of three persons who were martyred in the Tarlai Mosque terrorist attack in Islamabad.
During the visit, they expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy with the bereaved families, offered prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and assured them of full solidarity in their hour of grief.
They said the entire nation strongly condemned the cowardly act of terrorism and that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain.
The delegation assured the families of all possible support from the government, saying the state would not abandon the families of the martyrs and would utilise all available resources to address their problems.

NA body on communication expresses strong displeasure on officials’ absence in meeting

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): The Standing Committee on Communications expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Highway Authority in the 16th meeting of the committee at Parliament House.
The Members of the Committee after waiting for half an hour, unanimously resolved to adjourn the meeting without addressing the scheduled agenda.
The meeting was convened to review the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) schemes for the upcoming financial year, in accordance with the requirements outlined in Sub-Rule 6 of Rule 201 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, 2007.
The meeting was attended by the members of national assembly including Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar, Muhammad Bilal Badar, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, Akhtar Bibi, Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, Shabbir Ali Bijarani, Ramesh Lal, Muhammad Usman Badini, Syed Hafeezuddin, and Hameed Hussain, all of whom are Members of the National Assembly (MNAs).
In addition, Syed Rafiullah, also an MNA and the Mover of a Starred Question, participated in the meeting.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Inspector General of Motorways and Highways Police, along with representatives from the relevant affiliated departments, were also in attendance.

Federal Minister for Human Rights Holds Joint Meeting with Visiting Human Rights Envoys from Netherlands and Sweden

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): A joint meeting was called on today by the Human Rights Ambassadors of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Wim Geerts, and of Sweden, Ms. Irina Schouglin Nyoni, with Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, accompanied by their respective delegations. The Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, Abdul Khalique Sheikh, was also present at the meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to review Pakistan’s ongoing human rights initiatives, legislative progress, and avenues for strengthened cooperation with international partners.
The Minister welcomed the sustained engagement of the Netherlands and Sweden in advancing human rights. The Minister highlighted recent institutional achievements, policy measures, and public-safety reforms designed to protect citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, while promoting justice and the rule of law.
The Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights and treatment of all citizens without discrimination, including on the basis of sex, and promotes harmony among diverse religions and ethnicities. Laws have been enacted to protect women, children, senior citizens, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities. The recently passed ICT Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act 2026 further strengthen safeguards for women and children, while the Ministry of Human Rights’ National Strategy on Male Involvement to Address Gender-Based Violence reflects inclusive measures to reduce gender-based violence.
The Minister stated that independent bodies such as the NCHR, NCSW, and NCRC are fully operational to safeguard citizens’ rights, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to pluralism, equality, and protection of diverse communities. The NCHR has recently been awarded A-Status by GANHRI for its independence and transparency. Efforts are also underway to establish the first National Commission for Minorities to further strengthen protections for minority communities and promote inclusive governance.
The delegation commended the significant contributions of Pakistani women and civil society actors who continue to engage constructively on rights issues. They also welcomed Pakistan’s reforms in child marriage laws, notably the ICT Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, which aims to curb and ultimately eliminate child marriage. The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to expand women’s participation in the workforce and public life, noting that Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has prioritized women’s empowerment as a key agenda of his government.
The delegation appreciated Pakistan’s legal reforms, including amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code that reduce the scope of the death penalty and the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022, which criminalizes torture and strengthens judicial accountability. They also commended the establishment of the National Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals, as well as Pakistan’s efforts to ensure the independence and effective functioning of its human rights commissions.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to balancing the protection of citizens from incitement, hate speech, and misuse of platforms with the safeguarding of freedom of expression, ensuring that legal safeguards are applied fairly and transparently. He also noted that blasphemy-related cases in Pakistan have declined over the past year, reflecting progress in upholding legal and human rights standards.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to sustain dialogue, strengthen cooperation, and support timely implementation of policies that protect citizens especially women, children, minorities, and other vulnerable groups while fostering a secure, open, and just society.

PPP leaders from KP call on President Asif Zardari

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tuesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr and discussed the issues related to the province.
During the meeting, they also discussed the overall political and security situation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a press release issued by the President House Media Wing said.

PMYP Chief ignites youth, AI deals with Maldives, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan delegations

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan at the Prime Minister’s Office Youth Affairs Wing, held high-level meetings with delegations from the Maldives, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan to forge partnerships in youth empowerment, digital transformation, education, and AI-driven innovation.
The meeting was carried forward with an MOU signing on the cards and future exchanges planned, attended alongside National Assembly member Ms Amnah Batool as focal person.
The engagements underscored Pakistan’s push for regional collaboration to equip youth with future ready skills amid growing global emphasis on technology.
In discussions with the Maldives delegation, led by State Minister for Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Hon. Ali Samaan, Chairman Khan extended a warm welcome and lauded the island nation’s strides in youth initiatives.
 PMYP Chief ignites youth, AI deals with Maldives, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan delegations
Both sides explored institutional tie-ups, expressing eagerness to ink a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the Maldives Youth Ministry and PMYP, marking a concrete step toward shared youth development goals.
Talks with Uzbekistan’s team, headed by Hon. Khasankhon Yusupkhodjaev, Advisor on Artificial Intelligence to the Youth Affairs Agency Director, zeroed in on AI opportunities, digital innovation, and tech-focused youth programmes.
The visitors praised Pakistan’s Indus AI-Week 2026 and other AI conferences, while noting deepening bilateral ties.
Yusupkhodjaev voiced satisfaction with his visit, highlighting Uzbekistan’s drive to arm its youth with AI skills and calling for sustained cooperation in innovation.
Separately, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Farhad Hajiyev, led conversations on academic exchanges, higher education links, and joint digital empowerment efforts.
Azerbaijan mirrored Pakistan’s focus on AI and tech training for the young, issuing an invitation for Chairman Khan to visit for deeper collaboration.
Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to similar youth tech programmes.
These parleys signal Pakistan’s expanding international footprint in youth centric diplomacy, promising structured pacts, knowledge swaps, and capacity building to boost regional opportunities.

Tax payers’ information can’t be disclosed: says IHC

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday suspended the orders of the Pakistan Information Commission regarding the disclosure of taxpayers’ data and stated that financial information couldn’t be disclosed even under Right to Information Act.
The court, while seeking responses from the parties, has said that financial confidentiality takes precedence over the right to information, tax records cannot be disclosed even under the Right to Information Act.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued a stay order on the appeal of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) challenging the orders of the PIC to disclose taxpayers’ information. The Pakistan Information Commission had issued orders on January 8, 2026 and December 3, 2025.
Senior lawyer Hafiz Ehsan Khokhar appeared in the court on behalf of the FBR and argued that Section 216 of the Income Tax Ordinance is superior to all other laws, there is a complete legal ban on disclosing taxpayer information, revealing the identity of taxpayers is also a violation of the law.
He argued that the PIC exceeded its jurisdiction, this confidentiality provided in the law is not accidental or arbitrary but is the result of a deliberate legislation. Its purpose is to protect taxpayer information, restore confidence in the tax system and prevent misuse of sensitive financial data, he said.
The lawyer said that the PIC order is in direct conflict with the special financial laws made to protect taxpayer privacy.
After hearing the arguments, the court suspended the order of PIC and sought comments from respondents.

Aurangzeb underscores role of AI in public service delivery, revenue administration

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday underscored the government’s approach to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, transparency, strengthen revenue administration, and support evidence-based policymaking.
The minister was speaking during his participation in a panel discussion titled “AI for Public Service Transformation and SDG Acceleration” at the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshop, said a news release.
Aurangzeb noted that countries are adopting artificial intelligence at different stages, shaped by their respective economic structures and development priorities. He emphasized that for Pakistan, the focus must remain on applied solutions that deliver measurable gains in efficiency, transparency, and productivity, rather than on technology for its own sake.
AI-enabled systems are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening compliance, enforcement, and decision-making, the minister noted.
He said that the government’s ongoing tax transformation, anchored in reforms to people, processes, and technology, is leveraging AI-led CRM systems, AI-led production monitoring, risk-based compliance tools, and faceless customer processes to enhance transparency, reduce leakages, and improve revenue outcomes.
He emphasized that reducing discretionary human intervention through technology remains central to curbing inefficiencies and corruption, and that AI-led systems have generated tangible fiscal gains that would not have been achievable through manual processes alone.
The minister also highlighted the government’s approach to emerging digital assets, noting that the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) reflects the need to manage risks while integrating new technologies into the formal economy.
Bringing such activity into a regulated environment is essential to safeguarding financial stability and harnessing future economic potential, he remarked.
Addressing the broader digital economy, Aurangzeb underscored the importance of investing in human capital and skills development to enable Pakistan’s youth to participate in higher-value segments of the global technology ecosystem.
He highlighted the role of advanced technologies, including blockchain and data analytics, in supporting productivity-led growth and expanding income opportunities.
Concluding his remarks, the minister stressed that AI offers significant opportunities for Pakistan in areas such as revenue mobilization, public service delivery, and climate and population management.
He emphasized that realizing these gains will require a clear policy direction, institutional readiness, and a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal were also attended the workshop.

PRA appoints, transfers 105 officers

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Feb 10 (APP): Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra has issued orders for large-scale appointments and transfers involving 105 officers across the Authority.
PRA spokesperson confirmed to media here Tuesday that a formal notification has been issued for the deployment of 95 Enforcement Officers and 10 Audit Officers.
As part of these postings and transfers, 40 Enforcement Officers have been posted in Lahore, 12 in Faisalabad, 09 in Gujranwala and 05 in Sahiwal. Similarly, 08 officers have been posted in Multan, 05 each in Bahawalpur and Sargodha, and 03 in Rawalpindi, while 09 officers have been posted to Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU).
The spokesperson stated that the induction of new officers and redistribution of staff will result in a significant enhancement of field operations and enforcement activities across the province.

Cambodian Minister seeks deeper economic engagements with Pakistan

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has highlighted Pakistan’s evolving export landscape, citing consistent growth in pharmaceuticals, strong performance in information and communication technology (ICT), and rising value addition in the food sector.
He said that Pakistan, which had limited presence in value-added food exports a decade ago, is now witnessing significant progress across the entire food value chain.
The Minister also pointed to new and expanding export lines, including engineering goods, home and electrical appliances, water bikes, tractors, cosmetics, and perfumes, as clear evidence of Pakistan’s growing industrial diversification and export maturity.
He was addressing a networking lunch ceremony held in honour of Ms. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia, and her delegation, hosted by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Tuesday.
Jam Kamal Khan stated that Pakistan’s favourable climate, availability of raw materials, skilled workforce, vibrant life sciences sector, capable financial institutions, English-language proficiency, and predictable judicial framework together provide a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Referring to the macroeconomic outlook, the Commerce Minister said that Pakistan has moved from economic turmoil toward stability and is now well-positioned for growth.
While acknowledging challenges related to taxation, cost of production, and ease of doing business, he noted that these issues are receiving top priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would create space for sustained economic growth in the coming months.
Speaking on the occasion, Cambodian Minister of Commerce Ms. Cham Nimul emphasized the importance of stronger business-to-business (B2B) engagement, while welcoming greater participation of Pakistani companies in Cambodia and the wider ASEAN region.
She highlighted broader opportunities for collaboration, joint ventures, and mutual investment, noting that 166 Pakistani companies are already registered in Cambodia.
She said the core objective of her visit was to explore trade and investment opportunities through structured B2B linkages, adding that efforts are underway to establish a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Cambodia.
Such an agreement, she said, would help translate strong trade potential into actionable outcomes, ensure faster market access, streamline clearance procedures, and provide a viable pathway for Pakistani investment, particularly in support of Cambodia’s healthcare needs and regional competitiveness.
Inviting Pakistani entrepreneurs to invest in Cambodia, Ms. Cham Nimul highlighted the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which offer incentives including tax holidays, import duty exemptions, and streamlined administrative services under the Council for the Development of Cambodia.
She also expressed keen interest in footwear, surgical instruments, and pharmaceutical sectors, where Pakistan has developed internationally recognized capabilities, export-ready manufacturing bases, and compliance with global quality standards.
Earlier, in his welcome address, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that there exists significant untapped potential to further expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Cambodia.
He noted that Pakistan offers strong competitive advantages in several value-added sectors, and that enhanced interaction between the business communities of both countries could pave the way for mutually beneficial partnerships, supply-chain integration, and long-term commercial cooperation.
He expressed the hope that the interaction would serve as a catalyst for stronger Pakistan–Cambodia economic ties and open new avenues of cooperation for the respective business communities.
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