Home Blog

Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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

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

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.

Pakistan Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi presents credentials to Russian President Putin

0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP):Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Russian Federation, formally presented his credentials to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin during a solemn ceremony held Thursday at the Grand Kremlin Palace.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi conveyed greetings and best wishes of the President, the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan to President Putin, said a press release received here.
President Putin, while terming Pakistan as a close partner of Russia, noted with appreciation that cooperation between the two countries were expanding especially in the fields of trade, diplomacy, commerce, education, agriculture, pharmaceutical, railways, industry, health and IT.
Ambassador Tirmizi officially assumed charge of the Mission in Moscow on 26 October 2025. The Ambassador’s tenure will focus on scaling Pakistan-Russia bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, specifically in the fields of energy, trade, connectivity, culture, education and promoting people-to-people contact.
He also places a high priority on engaging with and supporting the Pakistani diaspora across the Russian Federation.
A distinguished career diplomat, he joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1995 and has held various key positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in Pakistan’s missions abroad, including assignments in Turkmenistan, the United States, the United Nations and the United Arab Emirates. He previously served as the Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kyrgyz Republic (2018-2019) and the United Arab Emirates (2022–2025).
In recognition of his diplomatic services and contributions to international cooperation, Ambassador Tirmizi was honored with the First-Class Order of Zayed II, conferred by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
He is also a recipient of the SCO-RATS Award for his work within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Pak–USA Exercise Inspired Gambit–2026 to conclude on Friday

0

RAWALPINDI, Jan 15 (APP): Exercise Inspired Gambit–2026, a bilateral military training exercise between the Pakistan Army and the United States Army, is being conducted from January 8 to 16, 2026.

The two-week-long exercise, focusing on counter-terrorism (CT) operations, marks the 13th iteration of this training series that has been held since 1995, according to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Pak–USA Exercise Inspired Gambit–2026 to conclude on Friday

Distinguished Visitors’ Day ceremony was held on Thursday at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi.
Ms Natalie Baker, Chargé d’ Affaires of the United States of America to Pakistan, accompanied by senior US military dignitaries, and Commander Rawalpindi Corps graced the occasion, it further said.

The visitors were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the exercise. A high level of professionalism and competence was demonstrated by participants of both armies, which was appreciated by the visiting dignitaries.

The exercise aims to enhance bilateral military cooperation through the exchange of counter-terrorism experiences, refinement of CT drills and procedures, and development of interoperability.

ISSI hosts launch of S.M. Hali’s book on defence, diplomacy

0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP):The India Study Center at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), on Thursday hosted the launch of the book “Defense and Diplomacy: A Compilation of Selected Articles by S.M. Hali,” bringing together prominent policymakers, diplomats and defence experts to discuss Pakistan’s security and strategic challenges.
The event was attended by Senator Nisar A. Memon, former Chairman, Standing Committee of the Senate on Defence and Defence Production, as the Chief Guest, and Air Chief Marshal (R) Sohail Aman, former Chief of Air Staff, as the Guest of Honour.
Other speakers included Mr. Sultan Mehmood Hali, author of the book; Ambassador Naela Chohan, former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Australia; Vice Admiral (R) Muhammad Haroon, former Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Dr. Aalia Sohail Khan, Country Director, American Institute of Pakistan Studies, said a press release.
The book comprising 12 extensive chapters offers a unique and comprehensive collection of essays on topics ranging from defence, security, strategic affairs, and diplomatic challenges confronting Pakistan, and the wider region.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI acknowledged the author’s credentials. He said S.M. Hali is a prolific writer who has written over ten thousand articles in 22 years.
He particularly praised chapter 5 of the book which deals with India’s defense posture, Hindutva ideology, and the marginalization of the Muslims and minorities. He also expressed gratitude for Mr. Hali’s continued association with the ISSI.
In his address as the chief guest, Senator Nisar A. Memon congratulated Hali on the publication of his 16th book, and regarded it as a culmination of a lifetime of rigorous and sustained intellectual inquiry. While regarding the book as analytical and balanced, Senator Nisar stated that the title of the book captures the fundamental truth of statecraft. This book treats this relationship between defence and diplomacy not as abstract theory but as lived experience, informed in real time events and unfolding crises.
Referring to the recent India-Pakistan May 2025 armed conflict, he highlighted the relevance of the book and acknowledged that credible defence capability, along with mature and responsible diplomacy improves state’s standing and defence posture. National Security in contemporary times is shaped through media across borders.
Director India Study Center, Dr. Khurram Abbas in his introductory remarks stated ISSI’s commitment to always encouraging scholars’ thought-provoking manuscripts.
He highlighted the significance of the book by stating that in academic circles articles have a life span of a few days, however a book has the longest lifespan.
Sultan Mehmood Hali, the author of the book, expressed gratitude to the ISSI for hosting the launch and thanked the distinguished guests. He reflected upon his professional journey as a solider, journalist, as well as defence attached.
He described the book not just as a compilation of articles rather as a culmination of his lived experiences and intellectual engagements.
He argued that the defence and diplomacy are inseparable from each other, and are not contradictions rather two sides of the same coin. Drawing upon historical examples and contemporary conflicts, he stressed on the significance of responsible narrative building. He further expressed the hope that the book serves both as a mirror and a compass for students as well as policymakers.
Sharing her views about the book Ambassador Naela Chohan, described it as a unique amalgamation of experience, analysis, and narrative skill. She regarded it as a beautiful and interesting contribution in Pakistan’s relations with other countries. She noted that the author has not only written about the strategic events but has also lived many of them. She further highlighted the significance and need for self-introspection and balanced diplomacy in addressing longstanding conflicts.
Dr. Aalia Sohail Khan while sharing her views about the book offered a very detailed scholarly appraisal. She particularly praised book’s contribution to indigenous knowledge production. She regarded it as a comprehensive analysis of insider’s perspective, which challenges the western imposed narratives about Pakistan’s security and strategic choices.
In his remarks, Guest of Honor, Air Chief Marshal (R) Sohail Aman, appreciated ISSI for organizing timely event and described the book as a lifetime work of author’s deep love for the country. He also emphasised the importance of historical awareness and strategic literacy for younger generations. He praised the book for offering enduring insights and recommended it to the students and the practitioners.
Vice Admiral Haroon, also appreciated author’s contribution by regarding the articles as thought-provoking and well researched. The event concluded with formal launch of the book, followed by a group photo, and refreshment.

Finance Minister, World Bank discuss investment, reforms, jobs

0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting on Thursday at the Finance Division with Ms. Bolormaa Amgaabazar, Country Director, World Bank Pakistan, along with their respective teams, to review ongoing collaboration and discuss priority areas under the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting on Thursday at the Finance Division with Ms. Bolormaa Amgaabazar, Country Director, World Bank Pakistan, along with their respective teams, to review ongoing collaboration and discuss priority areas under the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with Pakistan, said a release issued here.
During the meeting, the World Bank team briefed the Finance Minister on the progress of ongoing operations and projects under the CPF, including recent developments in fiscal and revenue reforms, macroeconomic stabilisation efforts, and policy-based engagements, said a release issued here.
Both sides acknowledged that Pakistan has made progress toward macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal and monetary policies, and emphasized the need to translate this stability into sustained economic growth, higher investment, and job creation.
The World Bank highlighted the importance of accelerating private investment, noting that investment levels remain below the CPF target.
The discussion focused on designing a coherent, programmatic investment framework aligned with CPF objectives, covering business environment reforms, state-owned enterprise reforms, trade facilitation, capital market development, and export competitiveness.
The World Bank proposed a results-based approach with clearly defined policy milestones, performance indicators, and targeted technical assistance to support implementation.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb underscored the government’s commitment to structural reforms already underway, including tariff rationalisation, improved SOE governance, regulatory modernisation, and transparency initiatives.
He also emphasized the importance of deepening capital markets, expanding access to long-term finance, and strengthening institutional coordination to support private sector–led growth.
The meeting also discussed employment and skills development as a critical pillar of economic growth.
The Finance Minister highlighted the need for market-driven vocational and technical training, closer public-private collaboration, and alignment of skills development with domestic and overseas labour market demand, particularly in sectors such as IT, healthcare, nursing, hospitality, and construction.
The World Bank shared its ongoing work on labour mobility, skills matching, and digital labour market platforms to enhance workforce productivity and overseas employment opportunities.
Sectoral priorities including digital services exports, agriculture and agribusiness, minerals and mining, healthcare, and selected manufacturing segments were also discussed as potential focus areas for future World Bank-supported operations.
Both sides agreed that targeted sectoral interventions, supported by regulatory and institutional reforms, could generate high-impact employment and export growth.
The World Bank also briefed the Finance Minister on the potential use of policy-based guarantees as part of future operations to support Pakistan’s liability management, refinancing of high-cost debt, and innovative financing approaches, subject to achievement of agreed policy milestones.
Climate finance, regulatory streamlining, and coordination with provincial governments were also discussed in the broader context of development financing and reform implementation.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue technical-level engagements to further refine priorities, narrow the scope of proposed interventions, and advance preparation of future World Bank-supported programs in line with Pakistan’s reform agenda and the objectives of the Country Partnership Framework.

F-Class shooter Mohsin Nawaz meets Ahsan Iqbal, pushes for youth sports development

0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP):Pakistan’s leading F-Class shooter, Mohsin Nawaz, on Thursday met with Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary to outline his vision for youth sports development and address infrastructure gaps in non-traditional sports.
Nawaz, who holds 10 international F-Class individual medals, the most by any Pakistani, shared his ambition to create a platform for training the next generation, said a press release.
He told the minister he wants to pass on the skills and experience, he has earned over his two-decade career, emphasizing the need for government support to promote healthy sporting activities among young people.
The shooter’s credentials include silver and bronze medals at the 2024 European Long Range Shooting Championship and silver at the 155th NRA UK Imperial Championship. He is the first Pakistani to secure life memberships with both the UK and USA National Rifle Associations and has been nominated for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, the first shooter in the country’s history to receive such consideration.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Nawaz brings expertise as a certified sports psychologist and emotional wellbeing coach. He stressed that developing sports requires psychological infrastructure alongside physical facilities.
“Mental strength is the real weapon,” he noted, advocating for support systems that protect athletes from negativity during international competitions. His work also explores how mental state influences metabolic health.
The meeting addressed practical obstacles facing shooters in Pakistan. Nawaz highlighted prohibitive import duties on precision equipment and the absence of adequate training facilities. He proposed that 50-meter ranges in major cities could provide essential training infrastructure if coupled with policy reforms easing equipment acquisition.
Nawaz, who represents KAHLES Sports Optics and Peregrine Bullets as a global brand ambassador, recently set two national records at the 3rd F-Class National Long Range Shooting Championship in Jhelum.
He suggested that reducing customs duties on sporting gear could help Pakistan field competitive shooters for the 2026 World Championship.
Minister Iqbal acknowledged Nawaz’s self-made success as a potential template for aspiring athletes and expressed willingness to examine policy options.

PM Shehbaz condoles death of Saudi Princess Hind bint Saud Al Saud

0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Princess Hind bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, extending heartfelt condolences to the Saudi royal family and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a message of condolence by the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister prayed for the elevation of ranks of the departed soul and for patience and strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.
“The passing of Princess Hind bint Saud Al Saud is a moment of profound sorrow. In this difficult hour, the government and people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the Saudi leadership and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia in their grief,” the prime minister said.

Governor KP meets NA Speaker to discuss federal–provincial harmony

0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday held a meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at the Parliament House, where key national, political and parliamentary issues were discussed in detail.
During the meeting, the overall political situation of the country, national affairs, parliamentary matters and the need for enhanced coordination and harmony between the federation and provinces came under discussion.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi emphasized the importance of strong institutional cooperation to ensure political stability, democratic continuity and effective governance.
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stressed that consultation and mutual cooperation among all constitutional and legislative institutions are essential for strengthening the democratic system.
He said Parliament represents the aspirations of the people and that legislation and policymaking in the national interest should move forward through consensus.
He further highlighted that strong federal–provincial coordination is vital for national stability, development and public welfare.
Governor Kundi appreciated the constructive role of Parliament and reaffirmed his commitment that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would continue to work closely with the federation for the promotion of democratic values and the resolution of public issues.

President Zardari, Bahraini Minister of Interior discuss security cooperation

0
MANAMA, Jan 15 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday held a meeting with Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, where both the dignitaries focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in security, counter-narcotics measures and counter-terrorism.
During the discussion, the Bahraini interior minister recognised the role of his counterpart, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in strengthening cooperation between the two countries, a Presidency’s news release said.
 President Zardari responded warmly, referring to Minister Naqvi as like a second son to him after his own son Bilawal.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration on shared security priorities and agreed to pursue coordinated efforts against threats posed by organised crime, illicit drugs and terrorism.
The engagement reflects the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Bahrain and underscores shared resolve to enhance regional security through practical cooperation.

Rawalpindi Police hold awareness walk to curb kite flying & aerial firing

0
RAWALPINDI, Jan 15 (APP):The Rawalpindi Police, under the special directives of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani, on Thursday organised an awareness walk in various areas of Ganjmandi to educate the public on the hazards of kite flying and aerial firing.
The walk was attended by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) City, Station House Officer (SHO) Ganjmandi, members of the Anjuman-e-Tajran and a large number of local residents.
The participants reminded the public that kite flying has been declared a non-bailable offence, punishable with three to seven years’ imprisonment. The people were advised not to engage in kite flying, aerial firing, fireworks, or any other illegal activity.
The police officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators and urged parents to inform their children about the dangers of kite flying and the legal consequences of such offences.

SBP injects Rs 358.5 billion in the market

0
KARACHI, Jan 15 (APP):The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Thursday, injected Rs 358.5 billion through Reverse Repo Purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operations (OMO) to maintain liquidity in the market.
The central bank conducted the Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) for an 8-day tenor on January 15, 2026, and injected Rs 203.5 billion while other Rs 155 billion were injected through Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based OMO.
The central bank received 8 bids for the Reverse Repo Purchase of 8-day tenor, cumulatively offering Rs 203.5 billion at the rate of return ranging between 10.51 to 10.54%. The SBP accepted the entire amount of all the quotes at 10.51% rate of return.
Meanwhile, SBP also conducted Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation for the 8-day tenor. The central bank received two quotes offering Rs 155 billion at rate of return ranging between 10.55 to 10.56%. SBP accepted both the bids with the entire amount at 10.55% rate of return.