Monday, February 23, 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.

Governor Punjab urges PTI seek relief thru dialogue

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP): Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) should sit at the table as dialogue will open vista to relief.
Speaking at an Iftar Dinner in Township here on Monday, he said all problems can be resolved through dialogue, stressing that PTI should stop dividing the country.
Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan was accorded a warm welcome by the party workers and PPP leaders upon arrival at the Iftar dinner.
“PPP is a popular political party of the of country,” he said, adding that people’s great love for the PPP is proof it is the most popular political party in the whole of Pakistan.
The Punjab Governor said that he did not become the governor to sit in the Governor House, adding that his mission is to serve the people of Punjab. He said that he will take Bilawal Bhutto’s message to every district, village and street of Punjab.
He said that the people of Lahore should make the PPP successful in the next elections.
He said that the Chief Minister of Sindh is busy serving the people of Karachi and the entire Sindh. He said that the people of Karachi have decided in the favor of PPP by electing the mayor of the PPP.
He further said, “The officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army are saving us by sacrificing their lives”, adding, “The security forces soldiers who are being martyred on a daily basis are from our families.”
He said that the entire nation stands by Pakistan Army.

Justice Jahangiri has no valid degree at time of appointment: IHC

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
Wasim Kambo
ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stated in a written judgment that Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri has no valid degree at the time of his appointment as judge thus his appointment is declared null and void.
A detailed decision has been issued declaring the appointment of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri as a judge as illegal and unconstitutional.
Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued a 116-page decision.
It said that Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri will be deemed to be removed from the post of High Court judge with immediate effect as he did not have a valid law degree at the time of appointment.
The order said that no person without a valid law degree is eligible for enrollment as a lawyer.
The basic condition for becoming a High Court judge due to lack of qualification as a lawyer was not fulfilled.
The court said that the University records prove that Tariq Mahmood took exams under two enrollment numbers and two different names.
The Higher Education Commission told the court that the degree was never submitted for verification to it.
The written order said that the degree obtained on the basis of fraud and forgery is legally null and void.
The position of a judge is a trust. The holding of an incompetent person in office hurts the public’s trust in the judiciary, it added.
The verdict said that Justice Tariq Mahmood was given the opportunity to present the original degree and defend it, but he could not present it.
It directed that Ministry of Law and Justice to denotify Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri as a judge immediately.

Amendments made in pension rules of Punjab govt employees

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP): Important amendments have been made in the pension rules of government employees in Punjab. The Punjab Finance Department has issued a regular notification.
The government has imposed a new condition for voluntary retirement. Now, along with 25 years of qualifying service, an age limit of 55 years is also mandatory. Voluntary retirement will be on the principle of “25 years of service or 55 years of age”, whichever is later.
In cases of forced retirement, pension matters will be on new rules after 20 years of qualifying service. Changes have also been made in the provisions related to pension in cases of corruption or misconduct. The condition of completing qualifying service is included in the pension rules.
According to the Finance Department, the amendments aim to bring transparency and discipline to the pension system.
The notification clearly states that the new amendments will come into effect immediately.

Punjab introduces new formula to fix essential items’ prices

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP): The Punjab government has introduced a new mechanism for fixing the prices of essential commodities to eliminate rate disparities in districts across the province.
Under the new formula, prices will be determined based on supply sources, distance from markets, and production seasons in accordance with supply and quality (grading) of items.
Chairing a price control meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Monday, Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman stated that fixing high auction prices in markets (mandis) amounts to consumers’ exploitation.
A five-year comparative review presented during the meeting indicated that prices during the current Ramadan have remained at a lower level compared to the previous year.
The Chief Secretary directed the deputy commissioners to personally monitor the auction process, noting that if prices are high at the wholesale level, it becomes impossible to provide relief to people in the general market. He emphasized that there would be no compromise on the supply, quality, or security of Ramadan bazaars.
The briefing revealed that 421 ‘Nigheban Ramadan Dastarkhwans’ are currently functional across the province, benefiting over 120,000 individuals.
According to official data, more than 821,000 people visited Ramadan bazaars on Sunday, where over 500,000 kg of items were sold, resulting in a collective saving of Rs 6.3 million for the public.
The officials briefed that the authorities have intensified its crackdown on profiteers. Out of 63,644 inspections conducted across the province, 4,526 violations were reported.
This resulted in over Rs 7.8 million in fines, the registration of 52 FIRs, and 560 arrests. The meeting was attended by the CEO of the Urban Unit, Secretary Food Safety, and the Additional IG Special Branch, while all divisional and deputy commissioners participated via video link.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is being received by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar, H.E. Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi at King Hammad International Airport, as he arrives in Qatar on two day official visit.

By
Wajid
-
0
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is being received by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar, H.E. Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi at King Hammad International Airport, as he arrives in Qatar on two day official visit.
APP40-230226
DOHA: February 23 – 

President, PM hail security forces for killing four Indian-backed Khawarij in D.I. Khan IBO

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday paid tribute to the security forces for successfully eliminating four Indian-backed terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In separate statements issued by the Presidency and the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders lauded the professionalism, courage and resolve of the armed forces in neutralizing the terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition during the operation.
President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for carrying out a successful intelligence-based operation against Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij elements in Dera Ismail Khan. He said the killing of the khawarij terrorists and recovery of weapons during the operation reflected the high professional capabilities and unwavering commitment of the forces.
The president emphasized that operations against Indian-backed terrorist elements were indispensable for safeguarding national security. “The nation takes pride in the sacrifices rendered by its brave armed forces and law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Issuing a strong warning to foreign sponsors of terrorism, President Zardari stated that Pakistan would not only eliminate their foot soldiers but would also reach those patrons backing terrorism against the country.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the security forces for killing four terrorists belonging to Indian-supported Fitna al-Khawarij in Dera Ismail Khan. He said that under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” security forces were achieving major successes in the fight against terrorism.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces of Pakistan in the war against terrorism. “We are determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country,” he added.
Both the president and the prime minister reiterated the government’s resolve to continue decisive actions against terrorists and their facilitators to ensure lasting peace and stability in Pakistan.

Ambassador Khorev says unity of Army, People guarantees Russia’s survival, future

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP): Albert P. Khorev, Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan, said on Monday that the unity of the army and the people guarantees the survival and future of Russia, emphasizing that history has consistently demonstrated this at decisive moments.
He made these remarks while addressing a reception organized by the Embassy of Russia in Islamabad to mark “Defender of the Fatherland Day”, a holiday he described as holding a special place in the history and hearts of the Russian people.
“It is a great honor to welcome you today to the Defender of the Fatherland Day reception. This holiday brings generations together, reminding us of the enduring legacy of military honor and service to our country,” Ambassador Khorev said.
The envoy noted that the holiday dates back to the early 20th century, when Russia’s regular armed forces were established during a challenging period in the nation’s history. He recalled that in January 1918, the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army and Navy were formed, and on February 23 of that year, the Council of People’s Commissars issued a decree titled “The Socialist Fatherland Is in Danger!” calling on citizens to defend their homeland.
“Although eras, state names, and the structure of the armed forces have changed, the readiness of the defenders of the Fatherland to protect their country’s sovereignty and security has remained the same,” he said.

Ambassador Khorev says unity of Army, People guarantees Russia’s survival, future
Highlighting key moments from Russian history, the ambassador referred to the 13th-century leadership of Alexander Nevsky, who repelled foreign aggression on Russia’s western borders and was later canonized for defending national interests through diplomacy and military action.
He also cited the naval victories under Peter the Great, particularly during the Great Northern War, which secured Russia’s access to the Baltic Sea and elevated its status among major world powers.
Ambassador Khorev paid tribute to renowned military commanders such as Alexander Suvorov, who never lost a battle and is remembered for his 1799 Alpine campaign, and Mikhail Kutuzov, whose leadership during the Patriotic War of 1812 contributed to the defeat of Napoleon’s forces.
He also honored Soviet military leaders of World War II, including marshals Georgy Zhukov, Konstantin Rokossovsky, and Alexander Vasilevsky, describing the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War as an unparalleled feat achieved at enormous sacrifice.
“The unity of the people and the army demonstrated the futility of any plans to invade Russia,” he said.
Turning to contemporary issues, the ambassador stated that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue their historic mission, strengthening combat capabilities and professionalism while relying on modern domestic military technology.
Referring to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, he said Russia is facing opposition from what he termed the “collective West,” which he accused of attempting to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.
“Amid unprecedented global pressure and tension, our armed forces valiantly play a pivotal role in safeguarding the state, protecting civilians, and defending Russia’s right to an independent developmental path,” Khorev said. He expressed confidence that Russia would achieve the goals of what he described as the “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Concluding his address, the ambassador expressed gratitude to Russian military personnel for their service and dedication.
“I wish for peaceful skies above our heads, the swift resolution of conflicts, and good health and prosperity for you and your families,” he said.

SU Vice-Chancellor inspects university hostels, personally tests canteens’ food

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
HYDERABAD, Feb 23 (APP): Sindh University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Fateh Muhammad Mari paid an inspection visit to the university hostels to review facilities and student welfare arrangements. He was accompanied by Registrar Sajid Qayoom Memon, Director Campus Security Rafique Brohi, Hostel Provost Dr Punhal Khan and others.
According to the SU spokesperson, during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor toured various hostels and inspected their canteens. He examined the quality and hygiene of food being served and personally tasted meals prepared at different hostel canteens.
Expressing satisfaction with the arrangements, he appreciated the efforts of the hostel administration in maintaining food standards and ensuring a healthy environment for students.
He mingled with the students and inquired them about their study, and urged them to work hard and make books friend.
Later, Dr Mari reached the Central Canteen, where a large number of students received him. He along with officials and students broke the fast there.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Fateh Mari said that the students must discourage the weapon culture in the hostels, adding that those would survive in the current modern era, who achieved the skills of best communication, technology and artificial intelligence.
“If we have to advance in life, we need to seek different skills so that we may brighten the name of our parents, university and country”, he said and added that weapon culture led to ignorance. He said he will convene a high level meeting of different parties and civil society in order to finalize a code of conduct for hostels.

PM arrives in Qatar on two day official visit

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

DOHA, Feb 23 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Monday arrived in Qatar on a two-day official visit at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Prime Minister was received at the King Hamad International Airport in Doha by Qatar’s Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar, Muhammad Amir, and diplomatic staff.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Tariq Fatemi, are also accompanying the Prime Minister.

During his visit to Qatar, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss enhancing cooperation in the areas of economic and energy partnership, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides will also discuss ways to further advance cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure development, and manpower export.

The Prime Minister’s visit reflects the deep brotherly ties between the two countries and highlights their shared commitment to further strengthen multilateral cooperation.

President condemns attack on Federal Constabulary Fort, ambulance in Karak

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday strongly condemned the attack on a Federal Constabulary fort and an ambulance in district Karak.

The president paid tribute to the Federal Constabulary personnel who embraced martyrdom in the attack and expressed heartfelt condolences to their families, a Presidency’s news release said.

The president prayed for the elevation of ranks of the martyrs and for patience and strength for their bereaved families. He also prayed for the early recovery of the injured personnel and rescue staff.

Condemning the firing on an ambulance, the president said such cowardly acts could not shake the nation’s resolve.

123...32,091Page 1 of 32,091

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