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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.

NLPD hosts reception of young poet-researcher Farzand Ali Hashmi’s book Abad Abad

By
Ahmed Waheed
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 02 (APP):National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) hosted a reception for young poet-researcher Farzand Ali Hashmi’s book Abad Abad here on Friday.
The event was organised by the NLPD in collaboration with the literary organisation Dabistan-e-Potohar.
The ceremony was held in connection with the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali (Karram-Allah-u Wajhahu), observed on 13 Rajab 1447 AH, and was attended by prominent figures from the fields of literature, scholarship, and Sufism.
The proceedings of the ceremony were conducted by Munir Fayaz, while Dr Rashid Hameed delivered the welcome address.
A selected recitation of verses from the book was presented in a melodious style.
Literary circles have described Abad Abad as a thoughtful and evocative blend of mysticism, intellectual exploration, and contemporary awareness. The book is being regarded as a meaningful addition to modern Urdu prose, reflecting the author’s deep engagement with spiritual themes and social consciousness.
A large number of scholars, writers, students, and readers with an interest in Urdu literature and Sufi thought were in attendance.

Pakistan records significant gains in digital connectivity, internet use

By
Ahmed Waheed
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 2 (APP):The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has welcomed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) findings released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) under the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024–25, which demonstrate a substantial expansion in digital connectivity across the country.
The survey indicates that over 96% of households in Pakistan have access to mobile or smartphone facilities, while more than 70% of these households are using internet services, compared to only 34% in 2019, said a press release.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leads in household-level digital access at 77%, reflecting encouraging progress.
This achievement is a matter of pride for the Government of Pakistan and the regulator, highlighting sustained efforts toward deeper access, service availability, and improved affordability of handsets and internet facilities for households.
At the individual level (aged 10+), mobile and smartphone ownership has increased from 45% in 2019 to 50% in 2025, while 92% of individuals are using mobile phones nationwide.
Internet usage at the individual level has risen markedly from 17% in 2019 to 57% in 2025. It is encouraging to note that women and men are equally using the internet overall, with higher female usage in urban areas (71%) compared to men (67%).
The survey also reflects growing digital awareness, safer online practices, and improved digital capabilities. PTA congratulates PBS on the release of HIES 2024–25, particularly the ICT indicators that provide a strong evidence base for informed policymaking and regulatory planning.

IGP announces 2026 promotion board schedule

By
Ahmed Waheed
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LAHORE, Jan 02 (APP):Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar on Friday formally announced the schedule of Punjab Police promotion boards for the year 2026, fulfilling a commitment made to the police force and paving the way for promotions across various cadres.
A Punjab Police spokesperson said that a large number of officers from different ranks are expected to retire during 2026, which will create hundreds of vacant positions and provide extensive promotion opportunities.
He added that, the first promotion board for elevation from Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to Superintendent of Police (SP) will be held in the second week of January, while the second promotion board for the SP rank is scheduled for the third week of September. As a result, more than 50 DSPs are expected to be promoted to the rank of SP.
Similarly, the first promotion board for promotion from Inspector to DSP will be convened in the third week of January, followed by additional promotion boards in May, September and December. These boards are expected to result in the promotion of more than 150 officers to the rank of DSP during the year.
IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said that the promotion and service structure of Punjab Police officers has been upgraded with the objective of boosting morale and further improving performance. He directed all eligible officers to complete their service records in a timely manner in accordance with merit, rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and transparent promotion process.

Special Secretary calls for long-term water management plan during WASA Murree visit

By
Ahmed Waheed
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RAWALPINDI, Jan 02 (APP):Punjab’s Special Secretary for Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Waqar Azim visited WASA Murree along with Deputy Secretary (Technical) Suman Khalid to review water supply and management arrangements in the hill resort.
During the visit, Managing Director of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Murree Azim Shoukat briefed the delegation at the tunnel tanks located near Kashmir Point on the city’s water supply, storage and distribution system.
The briefing also highlighted proposed rainwater harvesting techniques aimed at promoting sustainable water use and improving environmental conditions in Murree.
The special secretary appreciated the efforts of WASA Murree and directed officials to formulate a comprehensive, robust and long-term plan for efficient water utilisation and rainwater storage to meet Murree’s future needs.

CS Sindh recommends promotions of 270 officers

By
Ahmed Waheed
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0
KARACHI, Jan 02 (APP):The Chief Secretary (CS) Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, presided over a meeting of the Provincial Selection Board-II (PSB-II) to review cases of officers from various departments for promotion.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of Planning & Development Board, Senior Member Board of Revenue, and other relevant Secretaries and senior officials.
During the meeting, the Provincial Selection Board-II thoroughly examined the service records, performance evaluations, and eligibility criteria of officers from multiple departments. After detailed deliberations, the Board recommended promotions of a total of 270 officers to higher grades.
In the Police Department, the Board recommended the promotion of 43 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) in Grade 18, from the Health Department, where promotions were recommended for 165 Medical Officers to the position of Senior Medical Officer.
Additionally, 23 Dental Officers were recommended for promotion to the post of Senior Dental Surgeon. From the Universities and Boards Department, the Provincial Selection Board-II recommended the promotion of 11 Professors to Grade 19. Similarly, in the College Education Department, promotions of 19 officers were recommended to the post of Chief Librarian in Grade 19.
The meeting also reviewed cases from the Information Department, where one Deputy Director was recommended for promotion to the post of Director in Grade 19. Moreover, the Board recommended the promotion of six officers from the Social Welfare Department to the position of Director.

Governor emphasizes youth empowerment as investment in Pakistan’s future

By
Ahmed Waheed
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0
PESHAWAR, Jan 02 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Friday held a meeting with the delegation of Youth Leadership of Pakistan led by Junaid Sehar Afridi at the Governor House. The delegation included Hammad Khalil, Kifayat Shah, Rahim Shah, Sarah Khanum and other members.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on issues faced by youth, opportunities in education and employment, promotion of youth activities, and strengthening leadership skills among young people.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor appreciated the energy, talent and enthusiasm of the youth, saying that young people are the bright future of Pakistan and investing in them is, in fact, an investment in the country’s future.
He said that youth engagement is among his top priorities and assured that all possible steps would be taken to nurture and polish the potential of young individuals.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi further assured the delegation that all available resources would be utilized to enhance youth welfare, education and employment opportunities in the province.
He expressed support for initiatives such as laptop schemes, training programs for emerging leaders, and other youth-focused welfare measures.
The Governor also assured his cooperation and participation in programs organized under the banner of Youth Leadership of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi held another meeting with the delegation led by General Manager Serena Hotels, Imtiaz Ali. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest were discussed in detail, with particular focus on the temporary closure of Serena Hotel Swat.
The delegation informed the Governor that despite Swat being a major tourist destination, the hotel was compelled to suspend its operations temporarily due to the lack of timely response and cooperation from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Expressing concern over the situation, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that tourism is a vital pillar of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s economy and the closure of a renowned hotel like Serena Swat sends a negative message regarding tourism and investment in the province.
He assured the delegation that he would play his full role in facilitating a conducive environment for investors and tourism-related projects, emphasizing the importance of restoring confidence in the province’s tourism sector.

KP LG commission holds 41st meeting

By
Ahmed Waheed
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0
PESHAWAR, Jan 02 (APP):Provincial Minister for Local Government (LG), Meena Khan Afridi here Friday chaired the 41st meeting of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Commission.
The meeting of the commission was attended by members and concerned officials. During the session, meting took up several key agenda items related to governance, accountability and administrative oversight at the local level.
The commission discussed criminal cases pertaining to the chairman of Village Council Miter Wari in Upper Dir and decided to initiate a formal inquiry through LG department. It was said that the inquiry report would be completed and presented in the commission’s next meeting.
In another decision, the commission decided to summon a village council chairman and secretary accused of issuing birth certificates to Afghan nationals to hear their stance on the matter.
Similarly, in a separate case, the commission decided to summon Village Council Chairman of Dubandi, Malakand, secretary and assistant director LG over the issue of prolonged absence. The commission also ratified a judicial decision related to Tehsil Nazim, Inamullah Khan.
Chairing the meeting, Meena Khan Afridi directed that a complete schedule of commission meetings for the entire year be issued and emphasized that meetings should be held regularly.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the local government system stating that the transfer of powers to the grassroots level would be ensured to improve governance and service delivery across the province.

Sindh govt to provide safe accommodation to residents of dilapidated buildings: Sharjeel

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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KARACHI, Jan 02 (APP):The Sindh government has decided to provide safe accommodation to residents of buildings that have been declared unsafe or demolished in Karachi.Senior Minister of Sindh for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, stated that the government has decided to take priority measures for the evacuation and demolition of dangerous buildings to ensure affected citizens are provided with safe housing.
He said that the government has resolved to immediately evacuate unsafe structures. According to the decision, buildings that have already been vacated will be demolished, and the rehabilitation of affected residents will be ensured.
Memon added that Assistant Commissioners have completed surveys of 471 out of 588 extremely dangerous buildings across the city. The government has decided to prioritize the accommodation of residents from 59 evacuated buildings and to construct flats for the affected families.
He further stated that similar surveys will be conducted in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and other cities of the province to identify dangerous buildings.

Mayor Karachi inaugurates newly constructed Raheem Bux Soomro road

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
KARACHI, Jan 02 (APP):Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab Friday, inaugurated the Raheem Bux Soomro Road along with other development projects constructed for Rs 104 million in Gulzar-e-Hijri, Scheme 33, Safora Town, District East.
Addressing the ceremony, Mayor Karachi said that the construction of the new road from Saudi Sweets to Abdul Salam Road has been completed, which will significantly reduce traffic problems in the area.
He said that Raheem Bux Soomro Road is 3,500 feet long and 36 feet wide and has been constructed according to modern engineering standards.
A 12-inch sub-base and 8-inch aggregate were used in the construction, while a total carpeted area of 130,000 square feet, including curb blocks, has been completed with a 3-inch binder. Lane markings and cat eyes have also been installed on the newly constructed road.
Mayor Karachi said that work on Jahangir Road will also begin in the coming days and will be completed within 60 days. Upon completion, residents of Jahangir Road, District Central, Gurumandir, and millions of commuters traveling towards MA Jinnah Road will get a better and standard road facility.
He said that traffic congestion on Shahrah-e-Faisal, especially for people traveling to and from Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Safora, causes severe problems at Askari Four, Dalmia, Johar Mor, and Perfume Chowk. To address these issues, Pehlwan Goth Road is being developed as an alternative route.
In addition, a new road has been approved, which will start near Natha Khan Flyover, pass behind Habib University, and link with Pehlwan Goth. The construction of this alternative road will cost Rs 8 billion, and it will be completed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.
He said that the construction of the Baloch Colony Expressway will be completed by January 31, 2026, including road infrastructure, drainage, and streetlights. Under this project, the entire corridor from Qayyumabad to Shaheed-e-Millat Flyover and onward to Jail Chowrangi will be opened for citizens to reduce traffic pressure and provide an alternative route.
Talking about University Road, Mayor Karachi said that the BRT project had been facing delays due to financial issues, but with the support of the Sindh Government, these obstacles have been removed.
He thanked the Chief Minister of Sindh and the provincial cabinet, stating that contractor payments have been cleared and work has resumed. The target is to complete the University Road BRT project by July 31 to significantly reduce difficulties faced by millions of daily commuters.
Mayor Karachi said that in District Korangi, the 1.3-kilometer-long, six-lane bridge on Korangi Causeway will be completed and opened for the public before January 31, which will improve traffic flow in Korangi and surrounding areas.
He said that the Taj Haider Bridge has been completed and opened, while development work on the Jam Sadiq Bridge is progressing rapidly.
Regarding Malir, he said that the Murghi Khana Flyover is being expanded from four lanes to eight lanes and will be completed and opened for the public by March 31. Similarly, the route from Masjid Ayesha towards Shahrah-e-Bhutto will be completed by March 23 to provide another alternative travel facility.
He said that K-Electric work is ongoing at the Meena Bazaar Underpass and will be completed in the coming days, after which carpeting will begin and the underpass will be completed. Meena Bazaar Underpass will be opened to the public in the first week of February.
He added that the Munawar Chowrangi Underpass for the residents of Gulistan-e-Jauhar will be completed within the same financial year, while construction of a new flyover at Azeempura, Shah Faisal Colony, has also been approved and work will begin this month.

Tarar stresses skill-based education, warns against social media negativity

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Jan 02 (APP):Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, on Friday said that the youth, including male and female students, are Pakistan’s greatest and most valuable asset, urging them to set aside hatred on social media and move forward with a positive mindset for the country’s future.
He was addressing a ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Laptop Distribution Scheme Phase-IV at Punjab University. The event was attended by Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Talha Barki, Minister for Public Affairs Rana Mubashir Iqbal, MNA Shaista Parvez Malik, Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam, President Academic Staff Association Prof Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, representatives of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), faculty members and students.
In his address, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar stressed the need for greater investment in skill-based and need-oriented education. He noted that despite advancements in the modern era, many children still lack resources, adding that the government is making efforts to ensure that no talented student is deprived of access to modern learning tools.
He said the laptop scheme, initiated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his tenure as Chief Minister Punjab, has now expanded across the country. He acknowledged that the scheme faced political criticism in the past but proved highly beneficial during the COVID-19 period, when students made effective use of laptops for their education.
Stressing respect for teachers, the federal minister said that no society can progress without valuing educators, adding that his own achievements were a result of his association with Punjab University. He called upon all segments of society to contribute to national development with hard work, dedication and honesty.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif launched the laptop scheme in line with contemporary needs and that it has produced positive outcomes, transforming students’ lives through constructive use of technology. He highlighted the importance of women’s advancement in all fields for Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
The vice chancellor further stated that around 80 percent of individuals in the country’s top judiciary, including Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, are alumni of Punjab University, while nearly 70 percent of Lahore’s IT market is served by graduates of the Punjab University College of Information Technology. He added that the university is taking steps to equip students with modern technological skills and is committed to providing a peaceful academic environment.
On behalf of the Punjab University community, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for the initiative. Under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Distribution Scheme Phase-IV, a total of 3,140 talented students of Punjab University will receive laptops.
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