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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.

Ahsan Iqbal inaugurates Grand Jamia Mosque at UET Narowal Campus

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 23 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning and Development Professor Ahsan Iqbal, formally inaugurated the magnificent Grand Jamia Mosque constructed at the Narowal Campus of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore.
According to a press release issued by the UET, the inauguration ceremony was attended by Vice Chancellor UET Lahore Prof Dr Shahid Munir, Campus Coordinator, faculty members, administrative officers, and a large number of students.
The Grand Jamia Mosque has been completed at a total cost of Rs 170 million. It has the capacity to accommodate 1,000 male students and 250 female students simultaneously, with separate and dignified galleries for female worshippers.
The mosque is an architectural masterpiece that beautifully blends Islamic calligraphy, spiritual aesthetics, and modern design, and is envisioned to serve not only as a place of worship but also as a center for intellectual and moral development.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Federal Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the establishment of mosques in educational institutions plays a vital role in the moral, spiritual, and intellectual grooming of the younger generation. He stated that harmonizing modern education with Islamic values is the need of the hour to nurture a responsible, ethical, and well-balanced nation.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal lauded the academic and infrastructural progress of UET Narowal Campus and appreciated the efforts of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Munir and his team. He remarked that the Grand Jamia Mosque would become a source of unity, discipline, and spiritual tranquility for students and faculty alike.
On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Dr Shahid Munir thanked the federal minister and stated that UET’s vision encompasses character building and moral training alongside quality education, and the Grand Jamia Mosque stands as a practical manifestation of this vision.
The ceremony was also attended by Campus Coordinator Prof Dr Muhammad Shehbaz, Vice Chancellor University of Narowal Dr Khalid Younas, Registrar Muhammad Asif, Director P&D Professor Dr Rashid Hamid, faculty members, administrative officers, and a large number of students.
The event concluded with a collective prayer, and participants highly appreciated the mosque’s architectural beauty and spiritually uplifting environment.

CM, Nawaz Sharif offer condolences on demise of Irfan Shafi Khokhar

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 23 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited the residences of late MPA Irfan Shafi Khokhar and Mian Marghoob Ahmad to offer condolences on the demise of Irfan Shafi Khokhar and the wife of Mian Marghoob Ahmad.
They expressed heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved families and offered Fateha for the departed souls, praying for the elevation of their ranks and for patience and strength for the grieving families in this hour of sorrow.
On the occasion, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that the late Irfan Shafi Khokhar was a valuable asset of the party and his services would be remembered.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also paid tribute to the late leader’s political and social contributions, saying that his role and services would be remembered for a long time.

FBR monitoring private clinics

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MULTAN, Dec 23 (APP): The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said it is monitoring private medical clinics to determine their actual patient turnout and assess the facilities being provided, dismissing allegations of harassment made by sections of the medical community on Tuesday.
Talking to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Additional Commissioner FBR Saleem ur Rehman Khan said teams had been deployed to monitor clinics in order to verify the services being extended to patients, including pathology and radiology facilities. He said the exercise was part of the government’s efforts to enforce tax laws and identify individuals involved in tax evasion.
Dispelling concerns raised by Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Rehman said that neither doctors nor patients visiting clinics were being harassed. “Doctors are highly respected members of society, and no officer or official of the FBR can be disrespectful towards them,” he added.
The senior tax official said the tax regulator was acting to enforce the writ of the government and ensure transparency in income reporting.
“We will continue our monitoring activities and will not be blackmailed,” he stated.
Commenting on a press conference held a day earlier by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Rehman said the association should have contacted FBR officials directly instead
of raising the issue at the Multan Press Club. He reiterated that the department remained open to dialogue but would continue implementing tax regulations in accordance with the law.

NBR delegation of Bangladesh calls on FTO to explore cooperation

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): A delegation from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Tuesday called on Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi and discussed matters of mutual interest and avenues for future cooperation.
The NBR delegation was led by MD Muhammad Lutful Azeem, and comprised Abdul Kalam Kaikobad, Member (Tax Administration and HRM), Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, First Secretary (Tax Policy), Mahammad Abdur Rakib, (Commissioner of Taxes), Muhammad Jafar Imam, (First Secretary Tax Policy), Dewan Mohammad Gholam Kibria, (Second Secretary) and Press Counsellor Tayub Ali, said a news release.
Welcoming the delegation, the FTO Zafar-ul-Haq expressed his appreciation for the visit and conveyed his keen interest in fostering sustained and meaningful cooperation between the two countries.
He briefed the delegation of his vision and future priorities for the FTO institution, emphasizing accountability, institutional efficiency, and effective resolution of tax-related grievances of taxpayers and expressed optimism that continued engagement would further strengthen bilateral relations pertaining to subject.
During the meeting, Advisor (Customs), Dr. Arslan Subuctageen, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the functional framework of the FTO, outlining its mandate, objectives, procedural mechanisms, and current performance indicators, with particular emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and taxpayer facilitation.
The discussions also covered avenues for future collaboration between the NBR of Bangladesh and the FTO institution, especially in the areas of tax dispute resolution, institutional cooperation, and best practices, aimed at fostering a fair, transparent, and efficient tax environment conducive to trade and investment.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the FTO Secretariat, including Registrar to FTO, Khalid Javed and Advisor (Sales Tax) Muhammad Nazim Saleem.

NAB chairman distributes Rs186m among affectees

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 23 (APP): National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed distributed Rs186.188 million among 136 affectees of the Suzuki Sialkot Motors case during a special cheque distribution ceremony held at NAB Lahore, on Tuesday.
The amount was recovered through the plea bargain mechanism in a case involving cheating of the public at large and was disbursed under the supervision of Director General NAB Lahore Mirza Faran Baig.
The spokesperson said that 50 percent of the recovered amount has been distributed to verified claimants, while the remaining amount will be released after completion of procedural formalities.
Addressing the ceremony, the NAB chairman reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to swift recovery and transparent disbursement of looted public money, and directed officers to expedite recovery and restitution in all cases related to public fraud to ensure timely justice to affectees.
He also sought detailed progress reports on ongoing investigations, stressing the need to identify difficulties faced by affectees and to ensure prompt payment of recovered amounts, reaffirming NAB’s resolve to uphold accountability, transparency and public trust.
NAB Lahore DG Mirza Faran Baig briefed the chairman on the bureau’s performance, saying that more than 6,000 complaints were received during 2025, with 98 percent resolved, while grievances of around 21,000 affectees have been redressed so far. He reaffirmed NAB Lahore’s zero-tolerance policy against those involved in defrauding the public.
Participants appreciated NAB Lahore’s efforts under the leadership of the NAB chairman to protect public interest through effective recovery and accountability measures.

Arif Habib Consortium clinches 75% stake in PIACL with Rs135 billion bid

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): Arif Habib Limited Consortium on Tuesday secured a 75 percent stake in Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) with a Rs135billion offer in the government’s high-profile privatisation, conducted through a transparent bidding process broadcast live under the supervision of the Privatisation Commission.
During the first round of the sealed-bid process, the offers submitted by Arif Habib Group and Lucky Cement exceeded the base price of Rs100 billion, at Rs115 billion and Rs101.50 billion respectively, while the Airblue consortium offered Rs26.50 billion.
In the second round of the open auction, with a base price of Rs115 billion, the highest offer received in the first round, the two consortia competed strongly, but the Arif Habib Group maintained its lead and ultimately secured the stake with an unchallenged bid of Rs135 billion.
During the bidding process, Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb addressed the gathering and congratulated the Privatisation Adviser and his team for conducting a transparent, credible and professionally managed bidding process, noting that such outcomes required sustained effort and strong institutional capacity.
He said it was particularly encouraging that all bidders were Pakistani entities, describing it as a strong signal of domestic investor confidence.
He added that the participation of leading local conglomerates and seasoned business groups in the bidding reflected trust in the government’s reform direction and the future potential of PIACL.
Aurangzeb expressed confidence that the successful bidder would restore the airline’s performance and position it competitively among international carriers.
The finance minister said the privatisation of PIACL formed part of the government’s broader structural reform agenda, including taxation, energy sector restructuring and the turnaround of state-owned enterprises.
He stressed that privatisation was not merely aimed at stemming financial losses but at enabling institutions to realise their full economic potential. He said the transparent conduct of the bidding process would encourage greater participation from both local and foreign investors across key sectors, reaffirming the Ministry of Finance’s support for the privatisation agenda.
Earlier addressing the ceremony, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali said the divestment of PIACL was a core component of the reform agenda, unlocking fresh investment and paving the way for future privatisations. He thanked the final bidders, their representatives, federal cabinet members, government officials and the media, describing the process as transparent and competitive. He also acknowledged bidders who participated in earlier stages but did not qualify for the final round.
Ali said that in April 2025, the government approved the divestment of 51–100 per cent of PIACL to maintain flexibility amid uncertain investor demand.
He said subsequent engagement with investors revealed varying preferences, with some seeking at least a 75 per cent stake and others full ownership, adding “To encourage participation, the government offered a 75 per cent stake with an option to acquire the remaining 25 per cent within 90 days.”
He explained that although bidding was conducted for 75 per cent, the transaction allowed for a 75–100 per cent acquisition. Of the proceeds, 92.5 per cent would be invested directly into PIACL, while 7.5 per cent would go to the government.
Ali stressed that the objective was not merely to sell the national carrier but to restore it to its past standing. PIACL required substantial investment for aircraft leasing, engine repairs, liability settlement and employee obligations.
Outlining the payment mechanism, he said 67 per cent of the bid would be paid at first closing within 90–120 days, with the remainder payable after one year, secured through standby letters of credit and promissory notes. He added that bidders could include up to two additional consortium partners, subject to strict eligibility criteria.

Two proclaimed offenders involved in murder cases arrested in separate operations

By
Asif Jalal
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0
RAWALPINDI, Dec 23 (APP): The Rawalpindi police have successfully apprehended two fugitives involved in separate murder cases here on Tuesday.
The arrests were made as part of ongoing operations targeting wanted criminals in the region.
According to a police spokesperson, the Naseerabad Police have arrested a fugitive who was involved in the shooting death of a man over a family dispute. The accused had been on the run since April 2025 and was wanted by the police.
In another operation, the Chakala Police arrested an individual who had shot and killed a man and injured another due to a previous grudge.
The fugitive had been evading capture since August 2024. Police have arrested both of them by using technical and human intelligence.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Potohar, Talha Wali, stated that the arrested fugitives would be charged with solid evidence and presented before the court for trial.

Commissioner inspects plantation exercise along Head Muhammad Wala road

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MULTAN, Dec 23 (APP): Commissioner Amir Kareem Khan on Tuesday conducted a detailed inspection of the ongoing plantation project along Head Muhammad Wala road and directed officials concerned to increase the number of saplings and ensure their effective protection.
During the visit, commissioner reviewed plantation work being carried out on the green belts of Head Muhammad Wala Road, where tree plantation exercise was in full swing. He was informed that various fruit-bearing and shade trees, including mango, mulberry and Kachnar, were being planted on the green belt near Faiz-e-Aam Nursery Chowk.
Amir Kareem Khan emphasized the importance of safeguarding the newly planted saplings and ordered fencing around fruit-bearing trees to ensure their proper growth and protection. He said that tree plantation not only enhances the city’s beauty but also plays a vital role in improving the urban environment and air quality.
Commissioner Khan also visited Nandla Chowk to review the condition of green areas and discussed a proposal for establishing a new green belt along the canal road. He noted that the development of green belts would significantly add to the aesthetic appeal of roads and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Managing Director, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Kareem Bakhsh, along with other concerned officers, was present on the occasion and briefed the commissioner about ongoing and proposed plantation initiatives.

HRDC launches training workshops at UoS

By
Asif Jalal
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0
SARGODHA, Dec 23 (APP): The Human Resource Development Center (HRDC), University of Sargodha, has launched the fifth phase of its training programme under the theme “Organizational Rules & Workplace Integrity” for officials serving in BS-11.
The opening ceremony was graced by Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Sarwar Awan, as the chief guest.
Addressing the participants, he underscored the significance of understanding organizational rules, institutional policies, and ethical conduct to ensure transparency, discipline, and effective service delivery.
He emphasized that integrity and compliance with rules are essential for strengthening administrative efficiency and fostering a culture of professionalism within public sector institutions.
The training program features expert-led sessions covering key institutional and professional domains. Director HRDC Amjad Hussain delivered a comprehensive presentation on the University of Sargodha Ordinance, Act, Statutes, and Policies, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to rules and alignment with institutional objectives.
Meanwhile, Assistant Registrar (HR) Raja Saleem Ullah conducted an insightful session on Workplace Ethics and Legal Compliance, focusing on integrity, accountability, and professional responsibility in the workplace.
A total of 53 participants from various teaching and non-teaching departments are attending the training. The program will continue until December 31, 2025, and will include interactive sessions and expert-led discussions aimed at enhancing participants’ professional skills, institutional understanding, and overall job performance.

Senior citizens take photos with mobile phones during the Gul-e-Daudi flower exhibition at Qasim Bagh.

By
Wajid
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0
Senior citizens take photos with mobile phones during the Gul-e-Daudi flower exhibition at Qasim Bagh.
APP39-231225
MULTAN: December 23 –
Senior citizens take photos with mobile phones during the Gul-e-Daudi flower exhibition at Qasim Bagh.
APP40-231225
MULTAN: December 23 – Women visitors explore the Gul-e-Daudi flower exhibition at Qasim Bagh. APP/SFD/FHA
Senior citizens take photos with mobile phones during the Gul-e-Daudi flower exhibition at Qasim Bagh.
APP41-231225
MULTAN: December 23 – Artist performing jhumar dance during the Gul E dawoodi flower exhibition at Qasim Bagh. APP/SFD/FHA
Senior citizens take photos with mobile phones during the Gul-e-Daudi flower exhibition at Qasim Bagh.
APP42-231225
MULTAN: December 23 – Women visitors explore the Blue Pottery stall during the Gul-e-Daudi flower exhibition at Qasim Bagh. APP/SFD/FHA
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