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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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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

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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

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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.

Islamabad to get new footpaths, improved streetlights under citywide upgrade

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Islamabad’s aging footpaths and streetlight network are set for a major overhaul as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) moves ahead with a comprehensive restoration and upgradation plan for all sectors of the capital.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Wednesday.Senior officials including Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza and DG Works were also present.
Under the plan, existing footpaths across sectors will be repaired, while new pedestrian routes will be constructed where needed.
Faulty streetlights and damaged poles will be replaced, and additional lighting infrastructure will be installed to enhance visibility and safety in residential and commercial areas.
Alongside the pedestrian and lighting improvements, the wider project includes road construction and repair, re-carpeting, patchwork, installation of signage, lane marking and rubber speed breakers.
Sewerage and drainage systems—along with manholes and kerb stones—are also set for rehabilitation.
Officials briefed the meeting that surveys of all sectors and marakiz have been completed, and the Engineering Wing has finalised initial cost estimates after reviewing older neighbourhoods.
Chairman Randhawa directed that work begin simultaneously in key commercial zones including Super Market, Jinnah Super, Aabpara, Karachi Company and Blue Area.
He also instructed that traders and the business community be kept fully engaged during the repair phase to minimise inconvenience.
He further called for improved cleanliness measures in older sectors, emphasising high-quality and cost-effective execution.
The CDA chief also ordered the engagement of architects for beautification and the procurement of modern machinery to support the restoration drive.
Randhawa said the initiative aims to provide residents with upgraded civic facilities while enhancing the overall appearance and functioning of Islamabad.

Pakistan Navy scores massive drug bust worth $130mln in Arabian Sea

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Pakistan Navy Ship TABUK, while operating on Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) and in support of Saudi-led CTF-150 under HQ Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), intercepted a suspicious dhow operating in the Arabian Sea.
Subsequently, the ship successfully conducted a major counter-narcotics operation on-board a stateless dhow, resulting in the seizure of over 2000 Kg of methamphetamine (ICE).
The estimated regional wholesale value of apprehended narcotics is 130 million US dollars, said a news release of the Director General of Public Relations (Navy).
The current apprehension of narcotics by PNS TABUK is the third consecutive successful interdiction conducted in the last 2 months by PN ships.
These successful operations demonstrate PN’s enduring resolve and unwavering commitment against illicit trafficking at sea.
The scale of the operation, coupled with its flawless execution, underscores not only the Pakistan Navy’s professionalism but also the effectiveness of multinational coordination under CMF.
Pakistan Navy remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard national maritime interests and uphold principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) while contributing to the global commons through maritime security efforts.

3 more witnesses testify in TikToker Sana Yousaf murder case, hearing adjourned to Nov 26

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Statements of three additional witnesses were recorded in the TikToker Sana Yousaf murder case, bringing the total number of testimonies to 11 as the court moved the proceedings to November 26 for cross-examination.
The Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the case and recorded the statements of three more prosecution witnesses. During the hearing, state counsel Raja Naveed Hussain appeared on behalf of the prosecution.
While the prosecution completed the witness statements, the defence lawyers did not cross-examine the witnesses. The court was informed that a total of 11 witnesses have recorded their statements so far, with more witnesses scheduled to appear in the upcoming hearings.
The remaining testimonies will continue at the next hearing, where the judge has directed that cross-examination must be ensured.
After completing the day’s proceedings, the court adjourned the case until November 26.

Court records testimony of 4 witnesses in Mazari–Chattha tweet case, hearing adjourned till Nov 24

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):A total of four prosecution witnesses recorded their statements in the case against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha on a controversial tweet, prompting the court to adjourn the proceedings to November 24 for cross-examination.
The Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka completed the recording of statements from all prosecution witnesses in the case filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha.
The judge also directed that a state counsel be appointed for Mazari and adjourned the hearing until November 24, when cross-examination will begin.
At the start of the hearing, both Mazari and Chattha were absent for the third consecutive time. The court briefly paused the proceedings. Chattha later appeared, while Mazari’s lawyer represented her.
The judge directed the prosecution to record witness testimonies. Chattha objected, stating that evidence should not be recorded in the absence of an accused. He told the court he would leave the courtroom and asked the judge to continue the case alone. Following this exchange, Chattha and Mazari’s lawyer stepped out, but the proceedings resumed as directed.
Chattha’s state-appointed counsel, Kifayatullah Wazir, also reached the court.
Complainant Shehroz Riaz was the first to record his statement. The prosecution submitted a USB containing a video of Mazari’s speech, which was played in court. Eleven pages of tweets were also added to the case file.
The second witness, Muhammad Waseem, and the third witness, NCCIA office assistant Afzal Hussain, also recorded their statements. The final testimony came from the investigating officer, Imran Haider.
With all prosecution witnesses heard, the court issued a letter to appoint a state counsel for Mazari. Chattha already has state representation through Wazir.
The court adjourned further proceedings until November 24, directing that cross-examination of witnesses be conducted on the next hearing date.

Police get custody of 12 accused

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Wednesday handed all 12 accused to the police custody who were arrested in the incident of a fight in the courtroom.
ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulkarnain heard the case wherein the police had requested the court for 20 days of physical remand of the accused so that the investigation into the incident could be completed.
According to the police, a case has been registered against the accused in Ramna police station under terrorism and other serious sections.
After hearing the arguments, the court partially accepted the police’s request and remanded all the arrested accused to the police for 12 days. A case has been registered against the accused in Ramna police station.

IHC division bench’s cause list cancelled

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The cause list of the special division bench of two judges of the Islamabad High Court was cancelled on Thursday.
The division bench of Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, has been cancelled due to which tax cases could not be heard.
The tax-related cases were under hearing in the division bench.

FUUAST setup free medical health clinic for public

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad, in collaboration with Qarshi Foundation setup a free health clinic in its premises for students, faculty members and residents around.
The facility was formally inaugurated on Wednesday by Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Zabita Khan Shinwari and Qarshi Foundation CEO Adil Saeed Mir, marking a significant step in improving healthcare services at campus for all.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Campus In-Charge Dr Saba Bashir, Additional Registrar Aleem Raza, heads of various departments, faculty members and administrative staff, who thanked Qarshi Foundation and appreciated the efforts of VC for providing this facility.
FUUAST setup free medical health clinic for public
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chancellor announced that the clinic would serve not only students and faculty but also members of the public during university hours.
He further stated that the purpose of this initiative was to provide a healthy environment during study hours, considering it a valuable gift for the youth who would represent the country in the future.
“Quality healthcare is vital for academic growth and that this long-standing need has now been fulfilled through the Foundation’s support,” he added.
He also noted that a similar facility had already been set up at the university’s Gulshan Campus in Karachi.
He also emphasized the importance of herbal medicine, calling it an effective and affordable treatment option.
He expressed confidence that a clinic would also be established at the Abdul Haq Campus in Karachi.
He thanked Qarshi Foundation for its partnership.
Qarshi Foundation CEO Adil Saeed Mir said the FUUAST has been contributing greatly to national development by educating youth from all segments of society. Providing health services to these students, he added, is an honor for the Foundation.
He confirmed that all clinic staff, including doctors, would be provided by the Foundation.
“The clinic is equipped with essential medicines and will be operated by doctors and paramedical staff provided by Qarshi Foundation,” he assured.

ICT Police’s Khidmat Marakiz facilitate over 6,000 citizens in a week

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police, through its Khidmat Marakiz and facilitation vans, provided services to more than 6,000 citizens during the past week across the federal capital.
An official told APP on Wednesday that the services delivered included character certificates, police verifications, tenant registrations, vehicle verifications, foreigner registrations, and lost-item reports, along with several other facilitation services offered at the centres.
He said the weekly performance data recorded by the Khidmat Marakiz showed:
2,511+ digital services
873 general police verifications
822 tenant registrations
809 foreigner registrations
750 character certificates
235 lost-item reports
The official added that the Khidmat Marakiz and facilitation vans are playing an important role in providing convenient, citizen-focused and efficient policing services across Islamabad, in line with the vision of modern, public-friendly policing.
He urged citizens to make full use of these centres for quick service delivery and said that ICT Police remains committed to providing accessible, transparent and efficient services to the public./

Chief Minister announces free healthcare for young patient from Bajaur

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PESHAWAR, Nov 19 (APP):Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi has announced the provincial government will provide complete free medical treatment for a young cancer patient from Bajaur.
The announcement came during a visit by the boy Mairajuddin and his father to the Chief Ministers office.
Mairajuddin was accompanied by his father along with Bajaur Member of Provincial Assembly Dr Hamid and former National Assembly member Gul Zafar Khan. Chief Minister Afridi reviewed all of Mairajuddins medical records and treatment details during the meeting.
The Chief Minister issued special instructions regarding the boys medical care assuring that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would bear all expenses for his complete treatment. Mairajuddin is currently receiving treatment at IRNUM Hospital in Peshawar.
According to doctors recommendations his advanced and effective treatment will begin very soon.

Pakistan, Germany get big portfolio of bilateral relations: German Ambassador

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Mudassar Iqbal & Taj Nabi Khan
ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Pakistan, Ina Lepel has said that Pakistan and Germany enjoy a big portfolio of bilateral relations in terms of economic cooperation, trade relations, cultural exchange programmes, development cooperation, investment, academics, hydro-electricity and people-to-people diplomacy.
In an exclusive interview with APP, the ambassador said, “Just recently at the government to government negotiations, a new commitment of €144 million was made”, adding that the number of Pakistani students going to Germany for higher education has been increased significantly.
Replying to a question, she said that Germany and Pakistan had climate and energy partnership going on for some years aimed at enhancing and supporting Pakistan’s efforts regarding climate resilience to get social assistance adoptive to climate change and disasters. The country also sponsors green transition of energy in Pakistan, she added.
The ambassador urged the students not to spend money on agencies rather visit the web portal designed for the purpose of education with the name of “Just Study in Germany” to explore the admission to the educational institutions of Germany.
She lauded the cultural diversity and tourism potential of Pakistan, urging the relevant quarters to work more on the infrastructural development to make the beautiful visiting spots of the country accessible for German tourists.
Ina Lepel said some of the German climbers have managed to climb on the peaks of the tallest mountains. She said that Germany is working on education and vocational training programmes in Pakistan, saying that Germany has opened its labour markets to skilled workers from the third world countries.