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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.

Pakistan offers vast investment opportunities across key sectors: Syedaal Khan

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): Acting Chairman of the Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar on Saturday underscored the need to promote investment in Pakistan, saying the country offers vast opportunities across multiple sectors owing to its rich natural resources, mineral wealth and large young workforce.
Addressing the 4th Edition of the Explore & Invest in Pakistan International Awards 2026, he described Pakistan as a safe, attractive and emerging market for both local and foreign investors.
He said the country’s youth were its most valuable asset and a guarantee of a bright and prosperous future.
The event was organised by Brain Designer, led by its Young Leader and CEO Muhammad Rauf Raja, to promote investment opportunities, economic diplomacy, entrepreneurship and international business collaboration in Pakistan.
Syedaal Khan Nasar highlighted that Pakistan holds immense investment potential in industry, agriculture, information technology, tourism, energy and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He termed the business community and investors as the real strength of the country, adding that overseas Pakistanis were true ambassadors and the backbone of the national economy.
He said the confidence and investment of expatriate Pakistanis were a guarantee of Pakistan’s prosperous future, asserting that hostile elements could not hinder the country’s journey towards investment and development.
The Acting Senate Chairman said the youth of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could play a vital role in national development. He added that the government was taking serious steps to remove hurdles to investment and trade, while women were also playing an increasingly important role in entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Referring to regional connectivity, he said Gwadar would prove to be a game changer not only for Pakistan but for the entire region.
He assured that the Senate of Pakistan would play every possible role in promoting investment, trade and public-private partnerships.
The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Tariq Mehmood Jadoon, Vice President FPCCI; Syed Qamat Raza Shah, Chairman OPF; Col Javed Iqbal, Director FWO; Omair Khattak, Director Green Tourism Pakistan; Barrister Abid Hussain; Kiran Afzal from the World Bank Group; Deputy Ambassadors of Indonesia and Malaysia, besides industrialists, representatives of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries, leading businessmen, young entrepreneurs and a large number of overseas Pakistanis.
On the occasion, Muhammad Rauf Raja, CEO of Brain Designer, said the organisation’s mission was to connect Pakistan with the global business community, promote entrepreneurship and create sustainable economic growth. He said the Explore & Invest in Pakistan initiative aimed to empower youth, SMEs and overseas Pakistanis to actively participate in national development.
Tariq Mehmood Jadoon said FPCCI fully supports initiatives that promote trade, investment and entrepreneurship, adding that the platform provides valuable networking opportunities and contributes significantly to strengthening Pakistan’s business ecosystem.
Barrister Abid Hussain said recognising and empowering young entrepreneurs is the cornerstone of a strong and sustainable economy, noting that such platforms inspire innovation and leadership among the youth.
The event featured award distribution, panel discussions and business networking sessions, along with recognition of outstanding contributions by national and international professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations.
A large number of business leaders, investors, young entrepreneurs, startups and overseas Pakistanis from across the world participated, making it one of the most successful business events of 2026.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed resolve to further strengthen public-private partnerships, international collaboration, youth empowerment and sustainable economic development in Pakistan.

Dedicated secretariat set up to speed up seed approvals

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has simplified and accelerated its pest risk analysis, seed evaluation and approval process, aiming to ensure the timely availability of quality seeds, while maintaining strict regulatory controls.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority and the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department have revised the composition of the Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) and established a dedicated Variety Evaluation Committee Secretariat to speed up approvals.
Moreover, authorities are also digitizing the committee’s operations to improve transparency and minimize delays in the evaluation process.
The documents said that the timeline for completing a pest risk analysis for any commodity largely depends on how quickly exporting countries provide complete technical information. The risk assessment process examines pest biology, ecology, host range and mitigation measures applied in the country of origin, while also taking into account potential economic and environmental impacts.
According to the documents, plant and plant material imports are regulated under the Plant Quarantine Rules (PQR) 2019 and the guidelines of the International Plant Protection Convention.
Imports are permitted for commercial and research purposes, with commercial shipments requiring a pest risk analysis under Rule 10 of PQR 2019.
The analysis is a scientific process designed to prevent the introduction of regulated quarantine pests and to limit the spread of regulated non-quarantine pests.
The documents show that completion of a pest risk analysis can take several months and, in some cases, up to one or two years, depending on the crop, commodity and exporting country. Once market access is granted, consignments are released within one to two working days, provided all documentation is complete, and inspections confirm the goods are pest-free, in line with Rules 45 and 46 of PQR 2019.
Imports of plant material for research purposes are regulated under Rule 3 of PQR 2019. Importers must hold a post-entry quarantine facility for sowing or growing the material, and comply with minimum conditions set to prevent pest introduction.
If a valid post-entry quarantine license is in place and all prescribed conditions are fulfilled, the import applications are processed on the same day upon payment of the applicable fee. Likewise, the release of goods takes place on the same day, provided that inspections confirm compliance with the prescribed conditions.

Tajik President Rahmon expresses condolences over loss of lives in Islamabad terrorist attack

By
Irfan Khan
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon sent a telegram of condolences to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif over the tragic consequences of a deadly terrorist act at a mosque in Islamabad, which resulted in the death and injury of a large number of people.

“I ask Almighty God for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased and wish all the injured a full recovery. Tajikistan, while strongly condemning this cruel terrorist act and, as always, all manifestations of terrorism, constantly emphasizes the need for relentless struggle against this evil,” said an official Facebook page of the Tajik President, shared with media by the President House Media Wing here on Saturday.

Its difficult to predict outcome of US-Iran talks: Experts

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): The Institute of Regional Studies hosted a roundtable discussion to address the ongoing war-like scenario between the US and Iran.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President IRS, in his remarks stressed that Iran is a brotherly country and Pakistan prioritizes Iran’s stability.
He was of the view that strong statements issued by President Trump against Iran were rather a pressuring tactic to compel Iran for negotiations, said a press release issued here on Saturday.
Defense Analyst, Rear Admiral (R), Faisal Ali Shah, emphasized that Iran should not be understood solely through the western perspective, as the system was institutionalized even to the very basic level.
He said the protests were largely directed against specific policies rather than demanding the complete overthrow of the system.
He further argued that external shocks did not trigger a full-scale uprising as seen during the 12-day war because many citizens prioritized stability and security over foreign intervention.
Muhammad Hussain Baqeri, Chairman Iqbal Forum, opined that Iranian society is in a transitional phase shaped by the evolving political and social dynamics. Therefore, without having comprehensive security policies, he argued, the long-term stability in the social sphere was unlikely.
Alireza Nader from Washington, D.C., described that the Iranian diaspora put pressure on the US to undertake a decisive action against the Iranian government. He, nevertheless, admitted that any U.S. military action carried a high risk of escalation, potentially expanding into a broader regional conflict. He acknowledged that there remained a limited possibility of diplomacy between the US and Iran, but significant concessions were unlikely to be made.
Jawed Rana, Editor of The Counter Narrative, told the audience that Iran’s institutional and governmental structures remained strong and resilient despite economic hardships. He argued that the Iranian institutions are powerful, which were able to contain the economic unrest. He suggested that the U.S. and Israel might anticipate internal instability as a strategic opportunity, but a large-scale war is unlikely. Nonetheless, if negotiations fail, a limited strike remains a possibility, he concluded.

Pakistani Exhibitors Shine at Sichuan’s New Year Shopping Festival

By
Asif Jalal
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0
BEIJING, Feb. 7, (APP): The 29th China (Sichuan) New Year Shopping Festival, one of the nation’s premier annual trade and cultural events, is currently in full swing in Chengdu from January 30 to February 11, with a parallel session taking place in Chongqing.
This year’s festival features an expansive 50,000-square-meter main exhibition area in Chengdu, attracting over a thousand enterprises from 36 countries and regions, as well as nearly 30 Chinese provinces, showcasing more than 100,000 varieties of high-quality New Year goods.
Among the diverse international participants, Pakistan is represented by eight companies operating across 12 exhibition booths. They are showcasing a wide range of authentic Pakistani products including furs and leather goods, handicrafts and textiles to offer Chinese consumers a taste of Pakistani craftsmanship and cultural heritage, CEN reported.
Tanvir A. Bhatti, Consul General of Pakistan in Chengdu, attended the tour ceremony of the imported goods pavilion on February 4. During his visit, he highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s participation. “The Pakistani exhibitors at the spring festival fair represent the quality, diversity, and cultural richness of Pakistan’s products,” he stated. “Their participation is a strong reflection of our commitment to enhancing trade and people-to-people ties with China, especially in Sichuan Province.”
The diplomat highlighted the value of the platform, noting that it allows Pakistani businesses to connect directly with Chinese consumers and buyers.
The festival itself is a comprehensive showcase featuring everything from fresh, field-to-table produce and cutting-edge technology to time-honored heritage brands and trendy Internet-famous items. The International section also offers global delicacies such as French wines, German beers, Belgian chocolates, Australian beef and New Zealand milk powder alongside imported kitchenware and culturally creative handicrafts, making it a one-stop celebration of global and domestic New Year shopping.

Dr. Tariq Fazal attends funeral prayers of Tarlai  martyrs

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Saturday attended the funeral prayers of the martyrs of Tarlai, along with Member of the National Assembly Raja Khurram Nawaz.
Speaking to the bereaved families after the prayers, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry lauded their courage and resilience, stating that the martyrs were the pride of the nation and that their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism would never go in vain.
He said law enforcement agencies were carrying out effective operations to eliminate terrorism and were ensuring peace and security in Islamabad and across the country.
The federal minister emphasized that terrorists could never weaken the nation’s resolve, reaffirming the government’s firm commitment to maintaining law and order and defeating terrorism in all its forms.

CDA honours WWI Memorial with relocation, says it’s ‘preservation, not demolition’

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (APP): The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has clarified that the World War I memorial has not been demolished, but carefully relocated as part of a preservation effort.
The memorial, under the CDA supervision, will be re-erected near the Northern Bypass roundabout close to Rehara village. The move is expected to improve the public access and visibility of the monument.
According to CDA, the memorial has been shifted to ensure its protection, dignity, and long-term maintenance. Provided the deterioration of the structure over time, its relocation was necessary to provide a safer, more visible, and publicly accessible site.
The CDA said the monument was dismantled under proper conservation protocols with original bricks and materials preserved to enable precise reconstruction.
The authority added that although the monument was not listed in the Archaeology Department’s notified heritage inventory, the department was consulted and all due procedures were followed. Legal heir consent was also obtained, with the great-grandson of Sub Ghulam Ali providing a formal affidavit and no-objection certificate before relocation.
The CDA noted that relocating heritage structures due to development needs is a recognised international practice, citing examples such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the United States, Marble Arch in London, and the reconstruction of London Bridge abroad.
The authority stressed that the historical tribute remains fully intact and continues to honour Sub Ghulam Ali’s bravery in World War I and his Military Cross.
The CDA rejected claims of “demolition” as factually incorrect, stating that the action represents responsible conservation and heritage protection. It also urged media outlets to verify facts before publication, warning that misleading and sensational reporting would be treated as deliberate misinformation and fake news.

Pakistan, Canada express keenness to improve implementation of existing agreements

By
Irfan Khan
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0

ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): Pakistan and Canada, Saturday, while recognizing the significant untapped potential in the relationship, expressed their readiness to improve the implementation of existing agreements and identify new avenues for cooperation.

The 6th round of Bilateral Political Consultations between the two countries was held here in which both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and economic cooperation, including greater support to business communities, facilitation of the trade delegations and enhanced institutional linkages.

On behalf of Pakistan, Ambassador Nabeel Munir, Special Secretary (United Nations) joined by Director General (Americas) participated in the Consultations while the Canadian side was represented by Ambassador Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister (Indo-Pacific) from Global Affairs Canada and the High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan. Foreign Office Spokespersons said in a press release.

The two sides expressed satisfaction over the steady growth of bilateral relations marked by recent substantive interactions between Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and Canadian Foreign Minister.

They noted that these engagements had provided strategic guidance and momentum to the partnership and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepen these ties.

“The two sides emphasized cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and agri-tech, mining and minerals, energy, climate change, artificial intelligence and information and communications technology, skilled workforce development, education and research, tourism and  people-to-people exchanges as key drivers for taking the relationship forward,” the press release further added.

They also underscored the central role of investment in achieving sustainable and mutually beneficial growth and agreed to work towards encouraging private sector to explore emerging opportunities.

The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving global and regional environment and discussed key multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and expressed confidence that sustained engagement would lead to new progress in the bilateral partnership.

DPM/FM Dar reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen engagement with Iran in key sectors

By
Irfan Khan
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0

ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Saturday, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening engagement with Iran in key priority sectors of mutual interest.

The DPM/FM received the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Raza Amiri Moghaddam.

Ambassador Moghaddam conveyed condolences over the tragic blast at an Imambargah in Islamabad.

The DPM/FM strongly condemned the terrorist attack and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Foreign Office Spokesperson saidin a press release.

The DPM/FM was briefed by the Iranian ambassador on progress achieved through various bilateral institutional mechanisms to enhance cooperation across diverse areas.

SUPARCO shortlists two Astronauts for China Space Station Mission

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (APP): Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has achieved yet another significant milestone in Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Programme with the successful completion of the secondary phase of astronaut candidates’ selection.
Following an initial screening process in Pakistan, two candidates have been shortlisted after undergoing comprehensive medical, psychological and aptitude assessments conducted at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC), in accordance with international human spaceflight standards.
According to a news release, the shortlisted candidates will undertake advanced astronaut training for six months at ACC.
Upon completion of training, one candidate will be selected for a spaceflight mission aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS) in October / November 2026.
This cooperation is anchored on the bilateral “Astronaut Cooperation Agreement”, signed in February 2025, under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, whose vision and support were instrumental in enabling Pakistan’s participation in human spaceflight.
This landmark initiative also reflects the strong support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, which selected Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme.
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