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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.

PM urges all citizens, youth among social & religious leaders to unite against violence on women

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has urged all the citizens including youth among all social and religious leaders and teachers to unite against violence on women to eliminate it.
In his message on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the prime minister emphasised that the country is raising its voice with the whole world to highlight this important cause as this year’s theme is “Unite to End Digital Violence against Women”.
He said this theme draws attention to the violence and harassment faced by women at various levels and platforms in the modern era and this day provides us with an opportunity to reflect and renew this commitment and unite and fight against it.
“We need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to completely eliminate incidents of violence and harassment against women. A comprehensive strategy should not only include measures to prevent such incidents but also include compassion for the affected women and reforming the exploitative system of society,” PM Shehbaz said.
He added that the violence against women is not only a violation of humanity, basic human rights, but also a major obstacle to the peace, tranquility, development and prosperity of society. The Constitution of Pakistan, he said clearly guarantees the dignity and respect of women and provides equal rights, but still women in our society faced discrimination in many situations.
He underlined that the government recognized the International Convention on the Elimination of Violence against Women at the global level, whereas policy, legislative, administrative, institutional and other measures were being taken at the government level to protect women’s rights. These measures also include the Prime Minister’s Package for Empowering Women, he added.
The prime minister also spotlighted the government endeavours to ensure institutional support for women affected by violence. In this context, he said independent commissions have been established, including the National Human Rights Commission, the National Commission for Children and the National Commission for Women.
In addition, he said work is being done to establish women’s protection center, women’s police center, helplines and provide financial and legal assistance to women affected by violence.
He added that the government was also working for the legal protection of women and their access to justice, and would also continue to cooperate with all relevant institutions, civil society and human rights activists to ensure the protection, autonomy and prosperity of women.
However, Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that no law or government policy alone can ensure eradication of violence against women unless the protection of women is made an overall priority in society and a voice is raised against it in society.
“Our culture and civilization also include equality, respect and dignity for women and education to ensure this in every home. Let us reaffirm our firm commitment to strengthen and ensure the progress and prosperity of Pakistan so that every woman in Pakistan can realize her potential, free from any form of fear, violence, exploitation and discrimination,” he said.
The prime minister asserted that all relevant government agencies, society, governmental and non-governmental organizations and international cooperation could only ensure a safe, just and equal environment for women in Pakistan by working together.

Gilani pledges zero tolerance for violence against women 

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against women, emphasizing that safeguarding women’s dignity, rights, and safety is a national and moral imperative.
He expressed these words in his message on the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed globally.
Chairman Gilani said that violence against women is a grave human rights violation and a barrier to social progress. He underscored that ensuring women’s protection and empowerment remains central to Pakistan’s democratic values and constitutional guarantees, said a press release issued here.
Highlighting his longstanding efforts for women’s mainstreaming, the Chairman noted that he has consistently supported initiatives to strengthen women’s leadership, enhance their participation in governance, and expand opportunities for their socio-economic advancement. He recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister, significant steps were taken to increase women’s representation and institutional support systems, and as Chairman Senate, he remains committed to legislative and oversight reforms that uphold women’s rights.
Chairman Gilani stressed that Islam accords the highest respect and protection to women, and clearly prohibits all forms of oppression and coercion. He stated that the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) provide a guiding framework rooted in compassion, justice, and equality, making the protection of women a sacred duty for all.
He called upon policymakers, civil society, religious scholars, and community leaders to work together to eliminate gender-based violence and build a society where every woman and girl can live free from fear and discrimination.
“The Parliament of Pakistan stands firm in its resolve to promote a society grounded in equality, dignity, and justice. Eliminating violence against women is essential for national development and for upholding the values that define us,” he added.

LCCI, RUDA to form joint committee to resolve industrial issues

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LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) will constitute a joint committee to resolve problems of the industry falls in the RUDA jurisdiction.
This was agreed in a meeting between RUDA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Brig. (Retd.) Mansoor Ahmed Janjua and LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President of SAARC Chamber Mian Anjum Nisar here at Lahore Chamber on Monday. Former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian, Executive Committee members Omar Sarfaraz, Irfan Qureshi, Syed Hasan Raza were also present.
The COO said that no industry will be sealed until and unless the recommendations finalized by the joint committee.
He added, the committee will prepare a comprehensive report on the issues and challenges faced by industries in the RUDA area. Based on this report, future planning will be carried out.
Brig (Retd) Mansoor Ahmed Janjua said, the objective of the RUDA is to transform the area around Lahore into a city with modern facilities. He explained that work is ongoing on the restoration of the Ravi River, construction of a 46-kilometer river embankments, 377 kilometers of roads, 87 kilometers of Metrobus routes, development of areas on both sides of the river, 11 percent blue infrastructure, eight wastewater treatment plants, bridges, dams, and channelization projects. He assured that the RUDA will fully cooperate with LCCI to address the problems of industries in the Saggian area.
LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said that industries in the Saggian area have been facing uncertainty over the past few months. He noted that the RUDA has periodically sent notices to property holders and factory owners, asking them to pay 20 percent RDA charges based on the current DC rates and to commercialize the area. He argued that this area was developed under a self-help model, properties were purchased at very low prices, and it still remains underdeveloped. He questioned how 20 to 30-foot pathways are being commercialized under these laws.
He added that lands purchased for 1.2 to 1.5 million rupees per kanal are now being asked to pay 7.5 to 8.5 million rupees per kanal according to current DC rates, which is impossible for most people. The area primarily consists of cottage industries and small factories which provide livelihoods for millions of families.
Faheem ur Rehman Saigol stated that the RUDA’s plan to acquire riverbank lands has created uncertainty for property owners there as well. Market rates in the area have increased significantly over the past two years, and people invested their savings in these properties, so the RDA project has caused anxiety among local residents.
Vice President Saarc Chamber Mian Anjum Nisar said that RUDA was established only a few years ago, while industries in the area have been operating for decades under a self-help model. He argued that new laws should protect the rights of existing industries, while only new industries should be subject to new regulations.
Former LCCI president Muhammad Ali Mian added that the difference between DC rates and actual market rates has created confusion and concern for the business community. He said that LCCI is acting as a mediator to bring all institutions together and find a workable solution.

After Qalandars and Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators renew PSL partnership for another 10 years

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LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):The HBL PSL is delighted to confirm that Quetta Gladiators will continue under the stewardship of their current owners for the next decade, as the franchise has formally renewed its long-term agreement on Monday.
The ownership of Quetta Gladiators has renewed the franchise agreement at the newly assessed valuation, which was set following a comprehensive evaluation led by Ernst & Young, a globally renowned audit and advisory organisation.
After Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators is the third PSL franchise to renew its partnership for the next years with an increase of 25 percent valuation fee.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, upon renewal of partnership by QG said, “I am delighted that Quetta Gladiators will continue their journey with their current owners for another decade. Mr. Nadeem Omar and his team have played a vital role in building a loyal fan base and elevating the franchise’s stature both locally and internationally.
“Mr. Nadeem Omar is a thorough gentlemen, professional and a cricket aficionado. His renewed commitment speaks volumes about their faith in the HBL PSL’s upward trajectory and the league’s global standing. We look forward to deepening this partnership and working together to achieve even greater milestones for Pakistan cricket,”
HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer further said, “The Gladiators’ dedication, competitive spirit and unwavering belief in the HBL PSL have helped shape the identity of the league over the years. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Nadeem Omar and his management for the next decade.
“Mr. Nadeem Omar’s contributions go way beyond the HBL PSL. His true passion has always been Cricket and its development in Pakistan. We are excited to have them onboard and for this next chapter of HBL PSL and Gladiators’ partnership.”
Quetta Gladiators remain one of the most popular teams in the HBL PSL, carrying a strong legacy built through consistent performances, star-studded lineups and an enduring connection with fans across Pakistan.

Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to inaugurate South Airline

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Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to inaugurate South Airline
APP47-241125
MULTAN
Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to inaugurate South Airline
APP74-241125
MULTAN 

Balochistan Education Minister stresses integrity, merit at province-wide students competition

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QUETTA, Nov 24 (APP): Balochistan Minister for Education, Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, has underscored the importance of integrity, merit, and moral responsibility as the foundation of a prosperous society.
Addressing students at a province-wide competition, she emphasized the need to guide youth particularly young women toward positive thinking and constructive engagement in the face of persistent challenges posed by corruption.
The event was held at the Government Girls Postgraduate College Quetta Cantt, organized by the Directorate of Colleges & Higher Education Balochistan in collaboration with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Balochistan. It marked the conclusion of province-wide competitions aimed at promoting creativity, honesty, and transparency among students.
Minister Durrani reminded “It is now our responsibility to base the country’s development on honesty and integrity. Sometimes a single sentence can change a life.”
She reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to eliminating corruption in the education sector, stressing that recruitment processes are now transparent and merit-based.
“Teachers being appointed are selected solely on merit and capability,” she said, aligning the reforms with the vision of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
Durrani pledged that the Government of Balochistan will continue to take all possible measures to build a clean, strong, and transparent educational system for future generations.
The ceremony was attended by Additional Director NAB Balochistan, Imran Akhtar Majeed, Director Colleges, Professor Muhammad Hussain Baloch, Joint Director, Professor Sadiya Niaz and Principal Sadiya Farooqi.
Speakers praised the students’ performance, noting that such events foster ethical values, creative thinking, and constructive mindsets essential for national development.
More than 53 students from colleges across Balochistan competed in categories including Urdu and English speech contests, Essay writing, Poster making, Painting and Creative writing.
The event concluded with Minister Durrani distributing awards to students who demonstrated outstanding performance.
The province-wide competition highlighted the government’s dual commitment to youth empowerment and anti-corruption efforts, reinforcing the role of education in shaping a transparent, merit-based, and progressive Balochistan.

Men enjoy camel riding near the old bus stand

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Men enjoy camel riding near the old bus stand
APP50-241125
LARKANA

KP Assembly slams closure of Girls’ Higher Secondary Schools for 14-year

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PESHAWAR, Nov 24 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly with Speaker Babar Salim Swati in chair here Monday expressed serious concern over two girls’ higher secondary schools in Manda and Mian Kallay remaining inactive for 14 years.
Despite the buildings being completed, the failure to appoint teachers was a clear example of departmental negligence and governance failure, and demanded a report from the relevant department within 15 days.
During the session, MPA Ubaid-ur-Rehman revealed through a call-attention notice that the buildings for the two girls’ schools were completed years ago, but teaching did not begin during 14 years. He demanded immediate appointment of teachers to ensure equal and quality educational opportunities for girls.
Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam responded that after the upgradation of schools, the recruitment process for staff is lengthy and can take 2.5 to 3 years because it is done through the Public Service Commission.
He said that if appointments are further delayed, teaching based on transformers will begin temporarily. He stated the schools were upgraded in 2017 and the recruitment process is still ongoing.
The Law Minister explained that teachers often avoid postings in remote areas and seek transfers, causing further delays.
Member Nazir Abbasi said that sometimes appointments take 15–20 years, and that unused buildings deteriorate. He insisted that once a school is completed, it should be handed over immediately and staff appointed simultaneously. The mover also suggested temporarily shifting students to the nearby school building.
The Speaker termed the issue administrative negligence, saying, Government money has been spent, buildings constructed, yet staff is still not present, and criticized the Public Service Commission for failing to make timely appointments.
The issue of the uncertain future of students at Kohat University’s Nursing Department gained attention in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. In response to a call-attention notice by PML-N member Farah Khan, members expressed deep concern over the university administration’s severe negligence, the unrecognized degree program, and inadequate facilities, and demanded immediate reforms.
In the assembly session, Farah Khan revealed that the nursing program started in 2022 is still not fully approved by the Nursing Council, and despite paying heavy fees, students lack essential facilities and face uncertainty about their future.
According to Farah Khan, the first batch paid 82,000 rupees in fees and will graduate in 2026, while fees for new admissions have exceeded 100,000 rupees. She said the university lacks laboratories, permanent faculty, and necessary training facilities, putting the future of nearly 500 students at risk.
Law Minister Aftab Alam confirmed the students’ concerns, admitting that a clear injustice has been done to the students.
He said the administration had promised to meet all standards when creating this new department but has failed to do so so far. However, he claimed that the new administration has now met almost all Nursing Council requirements and that permanent faculty will be hired soon.
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati expressed strong anger, saying that the Vice Chancellor has put the students’ future at stake, and demanded action against him.
The Law Minister called it a criminal act and ordered disciplinary proceedings against the responsible officers. The Speaker demanded a complete report from the Health Department within 15 days.
Other health issues also came under discussion. Nisar Baz from Bajaur said that important machines at Lady Reading Hospital and the Kidney Hospital are out of order, preventing kidney surgeries.
However, Health Minister Khaleeq-ur-Rehman claimed that all machines are functioning and that more than 150 PCNL surgeries have been performed at the kidney hospital. He said the government is serious about improving health facilities and any issues should be immediately reported.
Members insisted that negligence in sectors like education and health is unacceptable and that no compromise can be made regarding students and patients.
Aftab Alam said that recommendations to improve the Public Service Commission’s performance have been finalized, and the Chief Minister has assured full implementation. He added that three trillion rupees are owed to the province, resulting in extraordinary delays in development projects.
PPP member Ahmad Kundi pointed out that 5.5 million children in the province are out of school and that no new appointments have been made in eight years. He recommended sending the matter to the standing committee and demanded a report within 15 days. The Speaker agreed and sought a detailed response from the department within two weeks.
The assembly also approved sending the Gomal University firing incident to the relevant standing committee on Ahmad Kundi’s request.
The debate on law and order once again gained importance, Members demanded full implementation of the jirga decisions, transparent briefings from institutions, and a coordinated strategy on sensitive issues such as Afghan border affairs.
During the assembly debate, the Speaker said that after two months of serious discussions, a security committee was formed, which received detailed briefings from police officials and the Chief Secretary.
A grand all-parties jirga was also held in the assembly hall, attended by leaders of all political parties, former chief ministers, and governors. Its 15-point declaration was considered the collective voice of the province.
According to the Speaker, after further briefings from the IG Police and the Corps Commander, the committee will present its Terms of Reference (TORs) to the assembly, which will then be sent to the federal government.
Opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah demanded that the security committee convene its meeting soon and include all relevant institutions in the briefing process. He assured that the opposition will provide constructive suggestions.
Member Humayun Khan said that strengthening the democratic system is the need of the hour and stressed implementing the jirga declaration in full.