Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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Thu, 19 Nov 2020, 11:52 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): Allama 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.

“عالم اسلام کیلئے عظیم سانحہ”
کروڑوں عاشقان رسول کے دل کی دھڑکن، امیر تحریک لبیک پاکستان قبلہ شیخ الحدیث والتفسیر امیر المجاہدین قائد عالم اسلام علامہ حافظ خادم حسین رضوی دارفانی سے وصال فرما گئے۔
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
— Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (@MarkazTLP) November 19, 2020

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.

On the passing of Maulana Khadim Hussain Rizvi my condolences go to his family. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2020

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa also conveyed his condolences over the demise of the TLP leader.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa,#COAS, expresses heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi. “May Allah Almighty bless the departed soul in eternal peace, Ameen” COAS.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 19, 2020

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information in Punjab also expressed grief over his sad demise.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
سربراہ تحریک لبیک پاکستان علامہ خادم حسین رضوی کی وفات پر انکے اہل خانہ اور چاہنے والوں سے دلی تعزیت کرتے ہیں
اللہ تعالٰی مرحوم کی بخشش فرمائیں اور تمام پسماندگان کو صبر عطا کریں۔ آمین
— Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan (@Dr_FirdousPTI) November 19, 2020

Amir Jamat Islami also expressed his grief and prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul.

علامہ خادم حسین رضوی کی اچانک وفات سے دلی صدمہ ہوا۔ اہل خانہ اور تحریک لبیک کے کارکنان و ذمہ داران کے غم میں برابر کے شریک ہیں، اظہار تعزیت کرتے ہیں اور اللہ تعالی کے حضور ان کی مغفرت کے لیے دعاگو ہیں۔ اللہ تعالی انھیں جنت الفردوس میں جگہ دے اور لواحقین کو صبرجمیل سے نوازے۔ آمین
— Siraj ul Haq (@SirajOfficial) November 19, 2020

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

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Shafek Koreshe

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Tue, 27 Oct 2020, 10:14 PM

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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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Shafek Koreshe

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Thu, 22 Oct 2020, 12:36 AM

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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

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.

Indian disinformation accounts are exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis and falsely claiming that the country is now experiencing urban warfare and other serious instability. Dangerous and disturbing; several of these accounts are verified, with large followings. Ugh.
— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) October 21, 2020

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.

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.

Indian media propaganda at its peak & sadly fueled by the PDM circus.
Both social & economic indicators of Pakistan are showing positive signs.
The artificially manufactured food inflation is being brought under control as well.
Pakistan on the rise under PM @ImranKhanPTI
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) October 22, 2020

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.

#Indian media is deeply involved in a fake, fabricated and malicious propaganda campaign to malign state institutions of #Pakistan.@Twitter needs to take action against Indian Social Media accounts who are involved in nefarious attacks of fake news against Pakistan.
— Shehryar Afridi (@ShehryarAfridi1) October 21, 2020

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.

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 😂
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) October 21, 2020

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.

A little investigation would have informed @ZeeNewsEnglish that it wasn’t a bomb blast in ‘civil war’ in Pakistan but gas leak in Karachi. Whither truth, objectivity, balance and fairness in reporting? https://t.co/RaZ81Tx96C
— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) October 21, 2020

“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.

An Aircraft shot during civil war in Karachi… and the pilot captured…
#Karachicivilwar #IndianMedia pic.twitter.com/Al5iWx6jOe
Some of the selected tweets
Indian media propaganda at its peak & sadly fueled by the PDM circus.
Both social & economic indicators of Pakistan are showing positive signs.
The artificially manufactured food inflation is being brought under control as well.
Pakistan on the rise under PM @ImranKhanPTI
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) October 22, 2020
— Fasih Uddin (@Fasih_Uddin) October 21, 2020

Captain Amir Liaquat Hussain leading the #CivilWarinPakistan, targeted Sindh Police positions with 2 grenades at a time from a single RPG. 👏 pic.twitter.com/VVDeI8y4Rh
— Kashif Ali (@KaschifAli) October 21, 2020

Live scene from #CivilWarInPakistan
This is civil war at its peak. pic.twitter.com/EOBXWjJMZv
— Mustafa T. Wynne (@mustafa_wynne) October 21, 2020

Punjab CM’s focus is on industrial growth, says Senior Minister

By

Kamran Muraad

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Thu, 5 Mar 2026, 12:00 AM

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LAHORE, Mar 04 (APP):Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Wednesday that Punjab Chief Minister’s focus is on industrial growth for which consultations are ongoing with all industrialists regarding industrial development.
She stated this while talking to mediamen after having consultative meeting with business community regarding the promotion of industrialization here at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Office. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman also accompanied the Senior Minister.
The meeting was also attended by FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Aijaz, former caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce Dr. Gohar Ejaz, United Business Group (UBG) Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer, presidents of various chambers and chairmen of trade associations.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that purpose of the consultative session with FPCCI is to understand the challenges faced by the industry. She said, Punjab Chief Minister’s focus is on industrial growth in Punjab, for which a committee has been formed that is consulting with stakeholders. Consultations are ongoing with all industrialists regarding the promotion of industry.
She added, Punjab government has been giving special attention to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) for the past two years, and amendments have also been made to the public-private partnership law.
The committee has been tasked with facilitating solutions related to industrial clusters, export-led growth, energy sustainability issues, and tariff-related issues so that the cost of doing business is reduced and the business community can compete with other countries in international markets.
Marriyum Aurangzeb added that the business community itself has acknowledged that the law-and-order situation in the province is satisfactory, and that improvement in law and order leads to business growth.
On this occasion, S.M. Tanveer said, the purpose of today’s meeting is to discuss how industrialization can be promoted in Punjab. According to the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a new era of industrialization will begin in Punjab, industry will grow, and employment opportunities will be created.

Hungary keen to explore new trade avenues with Pakistan: Ambassador

By

Kamran Muraad

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Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 11:21 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 4 (APP):Ambassador of Hungary Dr Zoltan Varga has said that Hungary and Pakistan enjoy traditionally friendly diplomatic relations and both countries have significant potential to enhance bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

He expressed these views while addressing an interactive session at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Wednesday.

The ambassador said that Pakistan and Hungary celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, which was marked by a number of business engagements between the two countries.

He said that the Pakistan–Hungary Joint Economic Commission (JEC) also held its meeting last year and expressed hope that the next session would take place in Budapest next year to further promote economic cooperation.

Dr Zoltan Varga noted that the current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Hungary stands at around 100 million dollars, which indicates strong potential for further growth. He said Hungary’s major economic presence in Pakistan is through MOL Group, the Hungarian oil and Gas Company, which has been successfully operating in the country for the past 26 years with mutual benefits for both sides.

He described Pakistan as a large and vibrant market of over 250 million people with enormous economic potential and said the Hungarian Embassy would be happy to facilitate business linkages and contacts between companies of the two countries.

The ambassador also informed the participants that the EU–Pakistan Business Forum scheduled next month would provide another opportunity to promote economic cooperation and strengthen business relations.

Earlier, in his welcome address, President ICCI Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that Pakistan and Hungary share a long history of cordial diplomatic relations and the business communities of both countries can benefit greatly from stronger economic engagement.

He said that the current bilateral trade between the two countries is approximately USD 100–120 million, with Pakistan exporting mainly textiles, leather goods and food products, while Hungary exports machinery, pharmaceuticals and specialized industrial products to Pakistan.

Tahir said that despite the existing trade relations, there is substantial potential to expand cooperation in areas such as energy, information technology, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure development, agricultural machinery and technology-based industries.

He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to facilitating interaction between Pakistani and international businesses and said that the ambassador’s visit to the Chamber would help identify new opportunities for trade and investment collaboration between the two countries.

Senior Vice President ICCI Tahir Ayub also spoke and highlighted potential areas of cooperation, while appreciating Hungary for its economic progress and technological advancement.

LCCI launches Russian language course

By

Kamran Muraad

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Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 11:18 PM

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LAHORE, Mar 04 (APP):Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol on Wednesday inaugurated the Russian Language Course here at LCCI, aimed at strengthening Pakistan–Russia business and cultural engagement through education and skill development.
LCCI Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Russian Alumni Association (RAA) President Dr. Ashraf Nizami, Honorary Ambassador for Education, Science and Culture (Russia) Dr. Shahid Hassan, along with prominent academic and cultural figures, were also present.
The course will be conducted by Imtiaz-ul-Haq, who had previously completed and taught a Russian language programme at LCCI and is returning to lead the training. The programme aims to equip participants with practical language skills to support trade communication, academic collaboration and professional exchange with Russian partners.
Addressing the ceremony, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol said that Russia represents a major global economy and an emerging trade destination for Pakistan. He noted that although bilateral trade between the two countries has improved in recent years, it still remains far below its true potential.
He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic location as a natural gateway to Central Asia, offering Russia access to warm-water routes and regional markets through cost-effective transit corridors, logistics support, and enhanced connectivity linking Russia with South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
He emphasised that Pakistani businesses can explore promising joint ventures with Russian counterparts in sectors including energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and information technology. He added that learning the Russian language would enable entrepreneurs and professionals to better understand Russian markets, regulatory frameworks and business culture, thereby strengthening commercial cooperation.
The launch of the Russian Language Course reflects LCCI’s continued efforts to prepare the business community for emerging international opportunities by promoting cultural connectivity, education and trade readiness.

Business community calls for immediate diplomatic solution of Iran–Israel conflict: Usman Shaukat

By

Kamran Muraad

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Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 11:14 PM

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RAWALPINDI, Mar 04 (APP): Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Usman Shaukat has expressed grave concern over the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, urging the Government of Pakistan to immediately utilize diplomatic channels to help de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region.

“The business community strongly urges immediate diplomatic efforts to restore stability. Prolonged conflict will have devastating consequences not only for the region but also for Pakistan’s trade, economy, and overseas workforce,” he said.

In a statement issued here on behalf of the business community, the RCCI President said that the ongoing war has created widespread uncertainty in global markets. International oil prices have surged sharply, increase in logistic cost, posing a serious threat of high inflation for Pakistan’s already fragile economy.

He warned that continued hostilities in the Middle East would severely hamper Pakistan’s trade with the region. Both exports and critical imports have been disrupted due to the cancellation of flights and suspension of shipping operations.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, while the country relies heavily on oil imports from the Middle East and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar.

Usman Shaukat further highlighted concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz, recalling earlier warnings by Iran that its closure in the event of war could disrupt global oil supplies. Such a development would not only destabilize oil-producing economies but also severely impact energy-importing countries like Pakistan.

The RCCI President also expressed serious concern for overseas Pakistanis working in the Middle East, numbering in the millions. Hundreds of thousands are reportedly stranded due to suspended flights, while many Pakistanis currently in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah require urgent arrangements for safe return. The uncertainty has created anxiety among workers whose remittances are a backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

The business community is in shock, as exports to the Middle East are likely to remain suspended until the conflict subsides. Pakistan’s export sector is already facing stagnation despite the government’s ambitious plan to boost exports to USD60 billion within three years. The current regional war not only jeopardizes this target but also threatens to significantly undermine overall export performance.

Usman Shaukat emphasized that peace and stability in the Middle East are crucial for Pakistan’s economic survival and growth. He called upon the international community to intervene urgently and pursue dialogue, restraint, and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, visits Wana in South Waziristan to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the Western border. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir interacted with the officers and troops deployed in forward areas, commending their unwavering professionalism, operational vigilance, and high morale during the ongoing skirmishes. He lauded their steadfast commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in the region

By

Khuram Maryam

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Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 11:12 PM

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Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, visits Wana in South Waziristan to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the Western border

By

Khuram Maryam

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Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 11:11 PM

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Baloch leader calls on President Zardari, announces to join PPP

By

Najam ul Hassan

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Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 11:00 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 (APP): Baloch leader Shafiq Ur Rahman Mengal on Wednesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari and announced his decision to join the Pakistan Peoples Party.

Senior Vice President of PPP Balochistan Ali Hasan Zehri was also present at the meeting, according to a press release issued by the Presidency.

PPP leaders from Balochistan, including Malik Changez Khan, Kambho Khan Brahmani, and Jameel Ahmed Birejo, were also accompanying him.

Margalla Hills fire: firefighters move on foot, blaze to be controlled soon

By

Kamran Muraad

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Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 10:54 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 (APP): A fire broke out in the Margalla Hills on Wednesday, prompting an immediate response from firefighting teams.

The district administration said efforts to control the fire are underway and the situation is expected to be brought under control shortly.

According to the spokesperson of the district administration, firefighters reached the affected area on foot due to the difficult terrain. Teams carried equipment uphill to reach the fire site and began operations soon after arrival.

Officials said the fire spread over a section of the hills, but timely action helped prevent it from moving further. Firefighters are working to extinguish remaining flames and cool the area to avoid a restart.

The spokesperson said coordination is in place among relevant departments to manage the situation. Monitoring teams are also present to assess any risk to nearby areas.

Authorities added that the cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. An assessment will be carried out once the operation is completed.

The district administration urged citizens to avoid visiting the area until firefighting work is finished. People were also advised to report any signs of fire in forest areas to authorities without delay.