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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
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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
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0

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s stance on Kashmir at international fora to highlight gruesome human rights violations by India

 

Indian media’s fake “civil war” in Pakistan, falls flat on face

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0
APP Digital Small logo
By Shafek Koreshe

In an abortive attempt to create diversion from Narendra Modi’s human rights abuses in Kashmir, the Indian media went berserk by propagating fake news about a “civil war” like situation in Karachi, triggering a hilarious response from the twitterati in Pakistan, who enjoyed every bit of the ridiculous reports.

#CivilWarInPakistan and #KarachiCivilWar were in no time the top trends, with the young twitter users going crazy by posting video clips from action movies, comics, images of the Indian MiG pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down by Pakistan Air Force inside Pakistan’s territory, as scenes from the Civil War, getting an equally enthusiastic response with numerous retweets and likes.

The arrest of PML-N leader Captain (Retd) Safdar on charges of political sloganeering at Quaid’s Mausoleum and leave applications by senior police officers was exploited by the top Indian news channels, who portrayed an administrative issue as a “civil war” and went to the extent of even reporting casualties, and armed clashes.

Indian Media ditches professionalism to dip at to its lowest 

#FakeNews CNN18News
#FakeNews CNN18News

The news reports were part of a persistent barrage of fake news from Indian mainstream media and its RAW controlled assets on social media over the past few months. The trend has witnessed a sharp spike as part of India’s fifth generation war (5GW) against Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on the “malicious and fabricated propaganda” by Indian mainstream and social media claiming civil unrest in Pakistan, said planting such baseless stories were reflective of the “Pakistan-obsessed BJP-RSS” mindset.

“Needless to say that Indian media continues to hit new lows,” he said, when asked to respond over the series of fake news flashed as breaking news across the Indian media about a “civil war in Pakistan”.

“Indian media continues to hit new lows”: FO

The Spokesperson said through “peddling fake news and running propaganda machinery”, India could not wash away the truth about its own gross and systematic human rights violations in Indian Ilelgally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“Rather than reporting on humanitarian crisis in IIOJK, the Indian media chooses to spread fake and sensational news about Pakistan to detract from core issues,” he said.

5th Gen War – Twitterati bust RAW’s #Fake letter attributed to COAS

 

#FakeNews - Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media
#FakeNews – Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media

The Indian media tried hard to appease its own consumers and to create a diversion from its human rights abuses in occupied Kashmir. However in its abortive attempt it created history by churning out fake news overpowered by the anti-Pakistan hysteria, undermining its professional ethics and credibility.

#FakeNews - India Today with its concocted news story
#FakeNews – India Today with its concocted news story

The unleashing of the Indian media did not go unnoticed, as Michael Kugelman, deputy director at the @AsiaProgram and South Asia senior associate @TheWilsonCenter in a tweet pointed that the Indian disinformation accounts were exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis, and “falsely claiming that the country is no experiencing urban warfare.”

He described the trend as “dangerous and disturbing”, as several of these accounts were verified and had huge followings.

Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari said the Indian media was in “hyper drive with fake news on Pakistan” and regretted that it was “unfortunate that Twitter is [deliberately ignoring it].”

All major media outlets in so-called world’s biggest democracy decimated all journalistic norms as none bothered to fact-check such a huge gaffe. India’s News18, India Today, Zee News, India.com and several others quoted the International Herald which showed old videos of bomb explosions in Pakistan and portrayed it as the ongoing civil war.

#FakeNews - Indian International Herald tweet
#FakeNews – Indian International Herald tweet

The Institute of Policy Research in a report said their data indicates a pattern of Indian propaganda against Pakistan on digital media that grew exponentially after 2018 General Elections in #Pakistan. The propaganda hovers around largely 4 key themes.

IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda
IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda

Minister for Ports and Shipping pointed that the Indian propaganda was at its peak and “sadly fueled by the PDM Circus.” He said the food inflation was artificially manufactured, but was being brought under control.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs also lambasted the “fake, fabricated and malicious propaganda campaign to malign State institutions of Pakistan. He urged @Twitter to take action against Indian accounts for #FakeNews against Paksitan.

However, this idiocy of Indian media gave the Twitterati a perfect chance to enjoy as the microblogging site was flooded with messages to ridicule the Indian media’s insanity.

“Karachi civil war has gotten so bad that my food panda delivery boy had to crawl through mine fields carrying his AK47, RPG & 9mm along with my nihari and Biryani. This thing is getting so serious. Multiple cows have been killed & people are dying of over eating. #IndianMedia,” commented renowned singer Fakhr-e-Alam.

Besides numerous other fake photos, the Indian media also used an image of a building collapsed following a gas leakage blast in Karachi earlier in the day to substantiate its fake news of civil war.

“A little investigation would have informed Zee News that it wasn’t a bomb blast in ‘civil war’ in Pakistan but the result of a  gas leak in Karachi. Whither truth, objectivity, balance and fairness in reporting?,” said Farhatullah Babr, former senator of Pakistan Peoples Party which rules Sindh province.

“An Aircraft shot during civil war in Karachi… and the pilot captured…,” commented another Twitter user Fasihuddin while sharing the images of Indian aircraft MiG-21 and captured injured pilot Abhinandan following an aerial dogfight during India-Pakistan standoff in 2019.

Youth greatest asset of Radio Pakistan, role to grow stronger in digital era: Musarrat Shahrukh

By
NNPS Desk
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0

RAWALPINDI, Feb 13 (APP): Director Programmes, Radio Pakistan, Muuarrat Shahrukh said on Friday that the youth were the organisation’s greatest asset and that the role of radio would become even more effective in the digital era.

She was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony of an inter-university digital content creation competition organised in collaboration with Riphah Institute of Media Sciences to mark World Radio Day 2026.

Musarrat Shahrukh said Radio Pakistan was a great national institution that had played a historic role in preserving the country’s traditions, culture and national identity. It remained a powerful medium that conveyed authentic information and positive messages to the public with simplicity and credibility.

She said that despite the advent of modern technology and social media, the importance of radio had not diminished; rather, its usefulness had increased further.

She termed the participating students Radio Pakistan’s digital ambassadors for 2026, adding that quality and creative content prepared for digital platforms would help connect the organisation effectively with Generation Z. She expressed confidence that young people, through their creativity and modern skills, would project a new, dynamic and positive image of radio.

She said Radio Pakistan was committed to providing youth with practical training, guidance and opportunities for expression, and announced that similar programmes and competitions would continue to be organised in collaboration with educational institutions to promote positive social change through digital and creative engagement.

Rfah University Vice Chancellor Professor Anees Ahmed and Head of Department Dr Muhammad Riaz, Radio Pakistan Rawalpindi’s Station Director Muhammad Atif, Programme Manager Naheed Younis, Senior Producer Tahir Mahmood and Mohsina Bukhari also attended the ceremony. Students and faculty members from National University of Modern Languages, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Riphah International University and Women University participated in the event.

Vice Chancellor Professor Anees Ahmed said the ceremony helped revive national traditions, adding that radio’s distinct strength lay in conveying its message to the public with simplicity and ease. He said every nation had its own identity and noted that the creation of Pakistan was the result of a struggle to secure the right to live in accordance with cultural and religious values, which also held significance for the Muslim Ummah.

He added that although Islam had been divided into various schools of thought, the Holy Qur’an reminded Muslims that they were one Ummah. He described radio as an effective medium for information, awareness and education.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates and prizes were distributed among students who demonstrated outstanding performance in the competition.

The chief guest appreciated the efforts of the successful participants and expressed best wishes for their bright future.

Senate passes ICT Senior Citizens, APP amendment bills

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Senate on Friday passed the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which had earlier been approved by the National Assembly, after it was moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
The bill seeks to amend the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Act, 2021.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also moved the Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 previously passed by the National Assembly — for consideration by the upper house.
The Senate subsequently passed the bill.

Tribute paid to martyred DIG Ahmed Mubeen on his 9th death anniversary

By
Samina Ch
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0
LAHORE, Feb 13 (APP):Additional Inspector General Logistics and Procurement Fawad Ud Din Riaz along with Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana and Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Dr.Muhammad Athar Waheed on Friday visited the grave of martyred DIG Captain (retd) Syed Ahmed Mubeen to pay tribute on his ninth death anniversary.
They laid wreaths at the grave and offered Fateha,while a smartly turned-out police contingent presented a salute in his honour.
DIG Traffic Punjab Waqas Nazir and SSP Traffic Punjab,SP Traffic Headquarters, divisional SPs,circle officers and other officials attended the ceremony and offered special prayers for the martyr.
The mother,relatives of the martyr and a large number of traffic wardens were also present.
Speaking on the occasion,CTO Lahore Dr.Muhammad Athar Waheed said that those who sacrificed their lives while ensuring protection of life and property of citizens deserved the highest salute.
He said that the martyrs were a shining example of safeguarding the peace and security of the nation.
He said that DIG Mubeen Shaheed, SSP Zahid Gondal Shaheed, Amin Shaheed and other martyrs had elevated the honour of the police by rendering supreme sacrifices.
He termed February 13 as a day of renewal of the pledge that the sacrifices of martyrs would never be forgotten, adding that the martyrs lived in the hearts of the nation and their services would remain a guiding light for the police force.
Recalling the Mall Road tragedy,the CTO said that every eye turned moist in remembrance of the incident,adding that cowardly acts could never lower the morale of the police and every police officer and jawan considered himself a soldier of martyred DIG Syed Ahmed Mubeen.

Senate passes amendment bill on Naya Pakistan Housing Authority

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Senate on Friday passed The Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026, moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
The bill seeks to amend provisions of the law governing the Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority.
According to the statement of objects and reasons, the amendment follows the Supreme Court’s judgment in Mustafa Impex, Karachi v.
Government of Pakistan (PLD 2016 SC 808), which clarified that executive decisions involving policy, financial or administrative implications should be taken collectively by the federal cabinet rather than by individual office holders, unless authorised by law.
It was observed that several existing laws continue to assign routine procedural and administrative powers to the “federal government,” necessitating repeated submission of minor and non-policy matters to the federal cabinet.
Officials noted that this practice has placed an avoidable burden on the cabinet and contributed to delays in administrative processes.
The Cabinet Division undertook a comprehensive review of relevant laws to streamline governance, improve administrative efficiency and ensure that the federal cabinet focuses on matters of national policy and strategic importance.
The amendment bill aims to rationalise and reassign certain powers to appropriate authorities in line with these objectives.
The legislation is intended to facilitate smoother administrative functioning while aligning legal provisions with the Supreme Court’s directives regarding collective cabinet decision-making.

Senate passes National Archives (Amendment) Bill, 2026

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Senate on Friday passed The National Archives (Amendment) Bill, 2026, moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
The bill seeks to amend existing legal provisions relating to the functioning and administrative framework of the National Archives.
According to the statement of objects and reasons, the amendment follows the Supreme Court’s judgment in Mustafa Impex, Karachi v. Government of Pakistan (PLD 2016 SC 808), which clarified that executive decisions involving policy, financial or administrative implications should be taken collectively by the federal cabinet rather than by individual office holders, unless authorised by law.
Officials noted that several existing laws continue to assign routine procedural and administrative powers to the “federal government,” requiring minor and non-policy matters to be repeatedly placed before the federal cabinet.
This practice has been observed to place an avoidable burden on the cabinet and cause delays in administrative processes.
The Cabinet Division carried out a review of relevant laws with the aim of streamlining governance, improving administrative efficiency and ensuring that the federal cabinet focuses on matters of national policy and strategic importance.
The amendment bill seeks to rationalise and reassign certain administrative powers to appropriate authorities in line with these objectives.
The legislation is intended to facilitate smoother administrative functioning while aligning legal provisions with the Supreme Court’s guidance on collective cabinet decision-making.

Weekly inflation declines by 0.59pc

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), decreased by 0.59 percent for the combined consumption group during the week ended on February 12, 2026, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Friday.
According to the PBS data, the SPI for the week under review was recorded at 331.81 points, down from 333.79 points last week. On a year-on-year basis, the SPI registered an increase of 4.26 percent.
The weekly SPI with base year 2015-16 = 100 covers 17 urban centres and 51 essential items for all expenditure groups.
The SPI for the lowest consumption group (up to Rs 17,732) decreased by 0.62 percent to 322.23 points from 324.23 points.
The SPI for consumption groups of Rs 17,733–22,888; Rs 22,889–29,517; Rs 29,518–44,175; and above Rs 44,175 declined by 0.62 percent, 0.59 percent, 0.62 percent and 0.58 percent, respectively.
During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 15 (29.41 percent) items increased, 15 (29.41 percent) items decreased and 21 (41.18 percent) items remained stable.
Major commodities registering a week-on-week decrease included eggs (17.61%), tomatoes (12.02%), chicken (6.34%), onions (2.73%), potatoes (2.49%), salt powder (1.69%), LPG (1.57%), wheat flour (1.31%) and sugar (1.12%).
On the other hand, major commodities witnessing an increase included bananas (7.62%), garlic (4.35%), pulse mash (2.69%), chilies powder (1.68%), mutton (0.80%), beef (0.37%), mustard oil (0.34%), shirting (0.31%) and cigarettes (0.24%), vegetable ghee 1Kg (0.08%), georgette (0.02%) and lawn printed (0.01%).
On a year-on-year basis, major increases were observed in the prices of tomatoes (73.36%), wheat flour (33.82%), gas charges for Q1 (29.85%), chilies powder (15.20%), beef (12.70%), eggs (11.76%), bananas (11.67%), firewood (11.40%), LPG (10.73%), powdered milk (9.89%), shirting (8.82%) and gur (8.81%).
Commodities witnessing a year-on-year decline included potatoes (44.68%), garlic (30.78%), pulse gram (23.81%), onions (22.04%), chicken (20.13%), tea lipton (13.95%), salt powder (12.52%), pulse masoor (10.88%) and petrol (1.33%).

Senate passes amendment bill on Cannabis Control Authority

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Senate on Friday passed The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at amending the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act, 2024. The bill had earlier been approved by the National Assembly.
The bill was moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
According to the statement of objects and reasons, the amendment follows the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Mustafa Impex, Karachi v. Government of Pakistan (PLD 2016 SC 808) case, which clarified that executive decisions involving policy, financial or administrative implications should be taken collectively by the federal cabinet rather than by individual office holders, unless authorised by law.
Officials noted that several existing laws continue to assign routine administrative powers to the “federal government,” requiring minor and procedural matters to be repeatedly submitted to the cabinet. This practice, it was observed, has placed an avoidable burden on the cabinet and contributed to administrative delays.
The amendment bill has been prepared following a comprehensive review of relevant laws by the Cabinet Division to streamline governance, improve administrative efficiency, and allow the federal cabinet to focus on policy and strategic matters.
The proposed changes seek to rationalise and reassign certain powers to appropriate authorities.
The bill is intended to facilitate smoother administrative processes while ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives on collective decision-making at the federal level.

Anti-encroachment drive conducted on Bannu road in Dera Ismail Khan

By
Samina Ch
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0
Dera Ismail Khan , Feb 13 (APP):On the directives of the Deputy Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan, an anti-encroachment operation was carried out on Bannu Road under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Dera, Syed Muhammad Arsalan.
According to official sources, the drive was conducted on the eastern side of Bannu Road, covering the remaining stretch from Sheikh Yousaf Chowk to Bab-e-Dera. During the operation, both temporary and permanent encroachments established within the Right of Way (ROW) were removed to restore traffic flow and ensure public convenience.
Shopkeepers were directed to confine their business activities within the limits of their shops and avoid occupying footpaths and roadside spaces that obstruct vehicular movement.
Tehsildar Dera, along with revenue staff, officials of the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA), and police personnel, were present on the occasion to assist in the operation and maintain law and order.
The district administration has appealed to traders and citizens to cooperate with the authorities in eliminating encroachments to facilitate smooth traffic flow and improve civic amenities in the areas.

Ruet-e-Hilal to meet in Peshawar Wednesday for Ramzan moon sighting

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Peshawar on Wednesday (Feb 18) to sight the crescent moon and determine the commencement of Ramzan 1447 Hijri.
The meeting will be chaired by Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad, with members of the Central and Zonal committees in attendance. An official announcement regarding the start of the holy month will follow the committee’s deliberations.
Director General Ministry of Religious Affairs Hafiz Abdul Qadoos, Shaukatullah Khan from SUPARCO, Dr Hassan Ali Baig of the Meteorological Department, and Zain-ul-Abideen from the Ministry of Science and Technology are also scheduled to participate.
Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad has urged citizens to make special arrangements for moon sighting and prayed that Pakistanis may begin the first fast of Ramzan on the same day across the country.

India deliberately manipulating water flows in River Chenab: President Agri Forum Pakistan

By
Samina Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):President of Agri Forum Pakistan, Dr Ibrahim Mughal, has accused India of deliberately manipulating water flows in the River Chenab, calling it a clear example of “weaponizing water,” which could have serious consequences for Pakistan’s agriculture, food security, and overall regional peace.
In a telephonic conversation with APP, President of Agri Forum Pakistan, Dr Ibrahim Mughal, categorically rejected India’s claim that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty had been placed “in abeyance.”
He clarified that the treaty remains fully operational under international law and that no party has the authority to unilaterally suspend, terminate, or amend it.
Dr Mughal described the term “abeyance” as a fabricated expression with no legal standing in international treaty law, intended solely to create ambiguity. He stated that India itself acknowledges it does not have the authority to unilaterally suspend the treaty.
He further noted that the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in its June 2025 decision, affirmed that India cannot suspend the Indus Waters Treaty without Pakistan’s consent.
Dr Mughal accused India of deliberately manipulating water flows in the River Chenab, calling it a clear example of “weaponizing water,” which could have serious consequences for Pakistan’s agriculture, food security, and overall regional peace.
He explained that the treaty guarantees Pakistan not a specific volume of water but the natural flow of the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. While these rivers have historically flowed along their natural courses, recent artificial interventions have severely disrupted irrigation schedules and agricultural cycles.
Dr Mughal further stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks regarding the suspension of the treaty have no legal, technical, or moral basis.
Referring to the historical context, he recalled that Pakistan had already made major concessions under the treaty, resulting in India gaining control of the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Pakistan Economic and Political Forum (PEPF), Noor Muhammad Kasuri, said that the World Bank, as a guarantor of the Indus Waters Treaty, should be urged to intervene in the matter. He added that following Pakistan’s success against Indian aggression in May 2025, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif achieved notable diplomatic gains, and friendly countries should now also play a role in resolving the issue.
He emphasized that under the treaty, neither party has the right to suspend it unilaterally and described India’s actions as an act of war against Pakistan.
Agricultural and water experts have also warned that any reduction in Pakistan’s share of water by India would be tantamount to an act of war. They stated that Pakistan has the full right to respond to any Indian violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Terming India’s actions an attempt to “weaponize water,” the experts described them as a serious threat to regional stability.
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