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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.

Pakistan backs US-led Board of Peace’s UNSC-mandate to chart path to Palestinian self-determination

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan 28 (APP): Pakistan told UN Security Council Wednesday that it has joined the US-led Board of Peace (BoP) in support its mandate under the 15-member body’s resolution 2803 that reaffirms its commitment to efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace based on Palestinian self-determination and statehood in accordance with international law.

“The international community, particularly this Council, bears the responsibility to translate renewed engagement into measurable change on the ground for the betterment of the Palestinian people,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said during a debate on the situation in the Middle East, Including The Palestinian Question, which coincided with the announcement of the 26-member Board.

He said the unresolved Palestinian question remains at the core of instability in the Middle East, stressing that decades of Israeli occupation have resulted in dispossession, repression and the denial of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

Noting that the commencement of the second phase of the Peace Plan – including the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and the establishment of the BoP and Executive Committees – were “important steps”, the Pakistani envoy said, these measures should now help consolidate the ceasefire, secure a permanent cessation of hostilities, facilitate transitional arrangements, enable recovery and reconstruction, ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, and prepare the ground for a sustainable and credible political process toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

At the same time, Ambassador Asim Ahmad voiced deep concern over the fragile situation in Gaza, with ceasefire violations continuing unabated and civilian lives remaining at risk. “Increased pressure on international humanitarian organizations, including deregistration measures and restrictions on humanitarian operations are impeding assistance and protection for the most vulnerable.”

The Pakistani envoy also strongly condemned Israel’s continued attacks on UN premises and UNRWA, it’s agency for assisting Palestinians, including the recent demolition of the UN compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem, saying such actions undermine the stabilization efforts and threaten the limited progress achieved so far. “UNRWA’s operations remain essential and must be safeguarded.”

Pointing out that Pakistan, together with other Arab and Islamic countries in the group of 8, has joined the Board of Peace in support of its mandate as endorsed by the Security Council resolution 2803, he referred to a joint statement issued the Foreign Ministers of the group reiterating their support for the peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump.

IN that statement the foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the mission of the Peace Board as a transitional administration, as set out in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and endorsed by resolution 2803, aimed at consolidating a permanent ceasefire, supporting the reconstruction of Gaza, and advancing a just and lasting peace grounded in the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood in accordance with international law, thereby paving the way for security and stability for all countries and peoples of the region.

In this regard, Ambassador Asim Ahmad hoped that the BoP, under the framework of resolution 2803, will lead to concrete steps towards the implementation of a permanent ceasefire; further scaling up of humanitarian aid; reconstruction of Gaza; and realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Palestine through a credible, time bound political process, consistent with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions– resulting in an independent, sovereign and contiguous state of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds and Al-Sharif as its capital.

“That is ultimate goal supported by the international community. Palestinian-led governance and institutional strengthening – with a central role of the Palestinian Authority, are indispensable in this regard,” the Pakistani envoy added.

Peace: Oxford Children’s Word of Year for 2025, says study

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):Peace is Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2025 according to research by Oxford University Press (OUP) as 35 percent of children chose peace, narrowly followed by a third (33 per cent) choosing AI and 21 percent opting for resilience.
The research, which was carried out in 2025 and surveyed opinions from almost 5,000 children across the UK aged 6–14, highlighted children’s awareness of current affairs, said a press release.
One in ten children mentioned ‘war’ when asked why they chose peace and highlighted specific conflicts such as ‘Ukraine’ and ‘Gaza’.
Words such as ‘need’, ‘want’, ‘should’ were frequently mentioned in their answers when calling for peace across the world.
A study of the Oxford Children’s Corpus, the world’s largest database of writing by and for children in the English language containing over half a billion words, reveals mentions of peace in children’s stories submitted to the BBC 500 Words competition has increased by 60 per cent since 2015.
For the second consecutive year, AI was selected as runner-up, and when asked why they chose the word a fifth of children (20 per cent) mentioned ‘hearing’ and ‘talking’ about AI highlighting its ubiquitousness in daily life.
Like last year, when asked how the word made them feel children gave positive responses with more than one in ten using the adjective ‘excited’ or ‘exciting’. More than a quarter of six- to eight-year-olds (29%) chose AI as their word of the year, demonstrating how even very young children are aware of the every-day role AI plays.
Almost half (47 per cent) of children chose six-seven as their slang word of the year, followed by aura (24 per cent) and delulu (7 per cent). Research revealed that the use of six-seven among children fosters inclusivity and social currency, with almost one in ten mentioning ‘friends’ when asked how they use the term and ‘popular’ was frequently mentioned in reference to what six-seven meant to them along with more than one in four (28 per cent) citing ‘fun’ and ‘laugh’.
While more than one in ten (12%) of children admitted six-seven had no meaning, most children highlighted the value of such words, with 72 per cent of children stating it was important to have words they only use with friends.
OUP is calling for schools to participate in the next Oxford Children’s Word of the Year to further support children’s reading, vocabulary development and oracy skills.
Schools are encouraged to hold ‘word of the year’ conversations throughout the school year and vote for their word choice for 2026. OUP has developed an accompanying activity pack with tips and resources for taking part, including how the sessions can encourage book talk and language development. More details on how schools can download the pack and get involved can be found here.
To mark the announcement, and to support the National Year of Reading 2026, OUP will be collaborating with the National Literacy Trust on school events across the UK. The author-led events will encourage children to engage with different forms of reading and reflect on the words they read, hear, speak and learn about.
Andrea Quincey, Director of Early Years and Primary Publishing, Oxford University Press, said: “A key theme we see from our Oxford Children’s Word of the Year research is just how attuned children are to current affairs. This year is no different; whether that’s calling for peace in response to current conflicts or highlighting how AI has permeated daily life.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that ‘six-seven’ is voted, overwhelmingly, as their slang word of the year.
A word which brings them laughter and joy and connection with friends. We see how important it is for children to have agency over their language away from the grown-up world and share words that adults can’t understand.
“For this reason, we are calling for schools to get involved with our Oxford Children’s Word of the Year research for 2026. Not only do we want to hear from more children, but we also want to hear about colloquial words and capture regional voices. This year’s research demonstrates just how important it is that we continue to research children’s language and support their vocabulary development as it plays a vital role in their self-expression.”
Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Language plays a profound role in shaping our society, culture and identity. Understanding how children and young people make sense of the words they encounter in their daily lives, take ownership of them and play with their meaning, demonstrates the power of language for helping us comprehend the world around us and our place in it.
“The National Year of Reading will enable us to give more children and young people new opportunities to experience language in ways that are fun, relevant and help them connect with others.
Throughout the year, we will work with Oxford University Press and several incredible authors to bring the magic of reading and words to life for children and young people across the UK.”
For more than a decade, experts and academic researchers at OUP have been tracking Children’s Word of the Year, analysing the evolution of children’s language and how it is used to reflect their emotions and experiences. In response to the latest findings, the Children’s Language department at OUP has published the Oxford Children’s Word of the Year 2025 report, which went live on January 21, 2026.

Trump claims American-Muslim Congresswoman Ilhan Omar staged her own attack in a US city

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WASHINGTON, Jan 28 (APP):US President Donald Trump has suggested that the hijab-wearing American Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, staged an incident during her town hall meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tuesday night when a man sprayed her with an unknown substance.
“I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud,” Trump told ABC News. “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her,” he added, with evidence.
When asked if he had seen video of the incident, the president said, “I haven’t seen it. No, no. I hope I don’t have to bother.”
A livestream of the town hall showed the man standing and yelling at Ms. Omar, a Democrat, who was calling for US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment after two fatal shootings involving immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis. The suspect was tackled and arrested after spraying Ms. Omar.
Ms. Omar continued with the town hall after the incident, saying, “ (They) are not going to get away with it.”
She struck an even more defiant tone in remarks after the event.
“I’ve survived war and I’m definitely going to survive intimidation or whatever these people think they can throw at me, because I’m built that way,” the lawmaker said.
The Minnesota Democrat wrote later Tuesday on the social platform X: “I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.”
“I don’t let bullies win,” she added. “Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.”
Trump has frequently launched xenophobic attacks on Ms.  Omar, the lone Somali American in Congress. Hours before Tuesday’s incident, he criticized her again during remarks from Iowa.
“She comes from a country that’s a disaster,” the president told a crowd. “It’s considered, I think, the worst [country]. It’s not even a country.”

Journalist Zulf Pirzado remembered on 2nd death anniversary

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KARACHI, Jan 28 (APP):Senior journalist and Karachi Press Club (KPC) member Zulf Pirzado was remembered with deep respect at a commemorative programme held at the KPC on Wednesday to mark his second death anniversary.
Speakers paid rich tribute to the late journalist for his lifelong services to journalism and his commitment to social justice.
The event was addressed by Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili, Dr Jabbar Khatak, and the daughter of the deceased journalist, Virsa Pirzado.
The speakers described Zulf Pirzado as a professional, principled and dedicated journalist who consistently raised his voice for the betterment of society and the rights of common people.
Late Zulf Pirzado served as Deputy Editor of the Sindhi daily Awami Awaz. He passed away in January 2024.
Recalling his political struggle, speakers noted that Pirzado had been a political worker since his student days and was imprisoned during the dictatorial era of General Zia-ul-Haq due to his political beliefs. Despite his detention, he appeared in his ninth-grade examinations from Karachi Prison as a political prisoner.
KPC Vice President Irshad Khokhar, Mahesh Kumar, Abdullah Sarohi, Javed Mahar, Aijaz Mangi, Younis Mahar, Zulfiqar Wahoocho, Abida Ghanghro, Aamir Latif, Imtiaz Faran, Waris Raza and others also addressed the gathering and paid heartfelt tribute to the late journalist.

US Embassy delegation meets Faryal Talpur in Naudero

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LARKANA, Jan 28 (APP):A delegation of the US Embassy, led by Natalie A. Baker, Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) at the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, on Wednesday met with Faryal Talpur, President of the Women Wing, Pakistan Peoples Party, in Naudero.
The US Embassy delegation included Peter McSharry, Chief of Political-Economic Section at US Consulate General Karachi, and Ms. Sanam Noor, Political Analyst.
The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, with discussions centered on strengthening cooperation and enhancing dialogue on key political, social, and economic related issues.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement and constructive collaboration in areas of shared priorities.
The delegation also visited the Mausoleum of Martyrs at Gahri Khuda Bux Bhutto, and paid homage to the vision, services and the sacrifices of Quaid-e-Awam, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, for strengthening the democracy and upholding the constitutional supremacy in Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by senior leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party, including  Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, PPP Sindh President, Aijaz Jakhrani MNA, Khurshid Ahmed Juneo, MNA, Mr. Nazeer Ahmed Bughio, MNA, Sohail Anwar Siyal, MPA, Nida  Khuhro, MPA, Qasim Soomro, MPA, Aijaz Ahmed Leghari District Council Chairman, Asadullah Khuhro and Ahmed Farooqi.

Chairperson PAL expresses grief over sad demise of renowned poet Aitbar Sajid

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif, has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of renowned poet, essayist, short story writer, and travelogue author Aitbar Sajid.
In her condolence message, Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. She also prayed for patience and strength for them in this time of loss, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.
Aitbar Sajid first gained recognition through his poetry and later established himself as a versatile and multidimensional writer. While he rose to prominence as a poet, he further distinguished himself through essays, travelogues, and short stories, earning wide acclaim as a distinctive literary voice.
His poetry is marked by profound emotional depth and a strong awareness of contemporary realities, while his prose reflects intellectual insight and stylistic elegance. His literary contributions occupy a unique and respected place in Urdu literature.
Among his notable works are Mujhe Koi Shaam Udhaar Do, Imtizaj, Mera Dard Kaise Ghazal Hua, Janam, Mohabbat Ho To Aisi Ho, Itne Tanha Kyun Phirte Ho, Hum Bhi Kisi Ka Khwab Thay, Mohabbat Phool Jaisi Hai, Aamad, Dastak Band Kawaron Par, Bharat Mein Chand Roz, Rait Mein Gulab, Emergency Ward, and Bhonchal, among several others. These works reflect the breadth of his creative journey and enduring intellectual vision.

Afshan Saeed Advocate joins PML-N

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):Former President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Women Wing, Afshan Saeed Advocate, has joined the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N).
She announced her decision at a press conference at the National Press Club, Islamabad, alongside Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and senior PML-N leaders.
Afshan Saeed said she was beginning a new political journey with PML-N and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the people of her constituency, particularly addressing women’s issues.
She acknowledged the respect she received during her tenure in the Muslim Conference and credited its leadership for that support.
Welcoming her to the party, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf termed her inclusion a valuable addition and said her political stature would further grow within PML-N. He said educated and visionary leaders like Afshan Saeed were an asset to the party and would strengthen it in the region.
He added that PML-N had consistently played a key role in national development and was extending initiatives such as health cards and laptop schemes to Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s focus on uplifting underdeveloped areas.

AJK Govt approves Health Card launch and restoration of ministers’ funds SZS

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MUZAFFARABAD, Jan 28 (APP):The Azad Jammu and Kashmir cabinet meeting was held here on Wednesday under the chairmanship of AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore.
The meeting, after deliberating on important administrative, educational, welfare, and developmental matters, gave the final nod to key decisions including the launch of the Health Card in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and restoration of ministers’ discretionary funds. It also reviewed progress on the implementation of the agreement reached with the Awami Action Committee.
The approval was also granted for age relaxation in government employment for the brother of martyr Sajjad Resham, as well as compensation for the heirs of Zahid Qureshi, who was martyred in Bagh.
The meeting approved the allocation and transfer of state land for the establishment of Danish School Haveli, and constituted a four-member committee to resolve the matters relating to Healthcare Hospital Mirpur. Besides, to prevent disruption in children’s education, the cabinet also approved the establishment of co-educational institutions up to the primary level in remote areas, where separate primary school buildings for boys and girls are not available.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore highlighted the government’s key priorities including public welfare, education, health, and development projects.He said that full implementation of the agreement reached with the Awami Action Committee will be ensured.
“The Health Card facility will give the common citizen direct access to quality healthcare services”, the PM said. He also directed the concerned departments to ensure timely and effective implementation of cabinet decisions.
The cabinet meeting, through a unanimous resolution condemned the denial of the right to self-determination to Kashmiri people, illegal detention of Hurriyat leader Muhammad Yasin Malik and other Kashmiri prisoners, political and human rights violations being committed by Indian forces in Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The cabinet also congratulated the Pakistan Air Force on the successful development of its “Taimoor” defense system and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for the successful helicopter rescue operation in the Leyah Valley.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister Rathore said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are playing a commendable role in the defense of the country, national security, and the protection of citizens’ lives and property during natural disasters.
“The nation takes pride in the professionalism and sacrifices of its brave armed forces”, he remarked.The meeting was attended by Cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, and other government secretaries.