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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.

PNCA marks Kashmir Solidarity Day with art, theatre & photography

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 05 (APP): The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hosted a day-long program of cultural activities on Thursday to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, drawing a large number of visitors to exhibitions, performances and screenings focused on the region’s people and heritage.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions, the events aimed to highlight Kashmir’s cultural narrative alongside Pakistan’s political support for the cause.
A photography exhibition in PNCA’s main lobby, which opened on Wednesday and runs through Thursday, featured images documenting human rights violations in daily life, cultural traditions and social conditions in Kashmir.
Ayesha Malik, a university student from Rawalpindi, said the visual format made the issue more relatable. “Reading about it is one thing, but seeing actual photographs of people and places gives you a different perspective,” she said while viewing the exhibition.
“These events remind people that Kashmir has a rich cultural heritage beyond the political dimension,” she said.
Mohammad Aslam, who brought his grandson to the event, said he wanted the younger generation to understand the significance of the day.
“It’s important they know this isn’t just a holiday but about real people and their struggles,” he said.
The exhibition included work by renowned photographers capturing landscapes, cultural events and community life.
A documentary screening in PNCA traced Kashmir’s history and contemporary situation through archival footage and personal accounts.
Fatima Qureshi, a visitor, noted the documentary’s focus on ordinary Kashmiris. “It presented the human side of the issue, which often gets lost in political discussions,” she said.
The program also included a puppet show for schoolchildren that used traditional puppetry to convey themes of peace and resilience.
The performance proved popular with young audiences, many of whom were experiencing puppetry for the first time.
Teacher Sadia Rehman, attending with her third-grade class, appreciated the age-appropriate approach. “It introduces complex themes in a way children can understand and remember,” she said.
The afternoon’s main event was “Laho Rang-e-Kashmir,” a theatrical production depicting individual and family experiences against the backdrop of Kashmir’s recent history.
The play drew applause from an audience that belonged to diverse backgrounds.
The play focused on human stories, families, relationships, and everyday challenges, to give audiences something they could connect with emotionally.
Bilal Ahmed, a theatre student, praised the production’s balanced approach. “They didn’t oversimplify things. The characters felt genuine, which made it more impactful,” he said.
A parallel event in Muzaffarabad featured traditional music and dance performances by the AJK Cultural Academy at the New Prime Minister’s House.
The program showcased regional folk arts, including local drumming traditions and ballads.
“We wanted to create opportunities for people to learn about Kashmir through different mediums—visual art, film, live performance,” said a PNCA representative involved in organizing the events. “Each format offers a different way to understand the issue.”
The Kashmir Solidarity Day program is part of PNCA’s broader mandate to use cultural platforms for public awareness and education on national issues.

Railways Multan rally reaffirms unwavering support for Kashmir freedom struggle

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MULTAN, Feb 05 (APP): Pakistan Railways local Division organized a peaceful and emotionally charged rally to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir and reaffirm unwavering support for their just struggle for freedom.
The rally was held under the auspices of Pakistan Railways Multan Division and witnessed the participation of a large number of divisional officers and employees from various departments.
Divisional Transportation Officer Sajad Ahmed Wahgo, Divisional Mechanical Engineer Saifullah Jamali, Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer Usama Sahib, Divisional Engineer One Rehan Sabir, Divisional Engineer Three Haji Muhammad, Divisional Medical Officer, along with other officers and staff, took part in the event.
The rally started from the DS Office and concluded at Railway Station Chowk, where participants raised passionate slogans in favor of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. They reaffirmed their commitment that officers and employees of Pakistan Railways stand firmly with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their ongoing struggle.
At the conclusion of the rally, participants called upon the international community to take immediate notice of grave human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and to take practical steps to ensure that the Kashmiri people are granted their legitimate and internationally recognized rights.

AGP Gondal reviews institutional reform initiatives in KPK

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 05 (APP): The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP), Maqbool Ahmed Gondal, visited Peshawar on Thursday, where he reviewed the performance, administrative matters, and ongoing reform initiatives of the Accounts and Audit Offices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to press release, he was received by the Accountant General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khalid Mahmood, Deputy Auditor General (North), Shah Rehman, and other officers of the Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service.
He was briefed on ongoing and proposed reform initiatives aimed at modernizing the public financial management system in the province and improving governance.
Emphasizing the importance of reforms, the Auditor General stated that the transition to a cashless system, implementation of e-Office, complete digitalization of office processes, promotion of transparency, and establishment of a robust accountability mechanism are the fundamental pillars of the reform agenda, and effective implementation of these measures is essential.
He stated that results-based performance would be prioritized and that he would personally monitor service delivery standards across the province.
The Auditor General further clarified that responsibility would be fixed in cases of negligence or misconduct, while officers and officials demonstrating better performance, innovation, and practical initiatives in implementing reforms would be duly encouraged.
Gondal also stressed the need for effective coordination with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other relevant institutions. He stated that strengthening mutual linkages, enhancing institutional cooperation, and promoting collaboration are essential to establish an efficient, responsive, and modern public financial management system.
He appreciated the performance of the Accounts and Audit Offices in the province and urged officers to maintain the momentum of reforms, uphold the highest standards of professional integrity and transparency, and perform their duties in line with national priorities related to digital governance and financial discipline.

NA Speaker salutes sacrifices in counterterrorism drive

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 05 (APP): National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday lauded the security forces for successfully conducting the counterterrorism operation Radd-ul-Fitana-One in Balochistan.
In his statement, the Speaker paid glowing tribute to the personnel who embraced martyrdom during the operation, saluting their supreme sacrifices for safeguarding the country’s security.
He said their supreme sacrifices for safeguarding the country’s security would always be remembered.
Expressing deep sorrow and grief over the loss of innocent civilian lives in terrorist attacks, the Speaker extended heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families. He affirmed that the sacrifices rendered by the security forces in the war against terrorism were unforgettable.
Ayaz Sadiq said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He vowed that operations against terrorist elements would continue until their complete elimination, and declared that the nefarious designs of Pakistan’s enemies would be thwarted on every front.
The Speaker also prayed for the elevation of ranks of the martyrs and for patience and fortitude for their families.

Gold prices rise by Rs14,800 per tola

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 05 (APP): Gold prices witnessed an increase in the local market on Thursday, as the price of 24-karat gold per tola rose by Rs14,800 to settle at Rs 529,162, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.
Likewise, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold increased by Rs 12,689 to Rs 453,671, while the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold went up by Rs 11,632 to Rs 415,880.
The price of silver also recorded an upward trend, with per tola silver increasing by Rs 109 to Rs 9,255, whereas the price of 10 grams of silver rose by Rs 93 to Rs 7,934.
In the international market, gold prices surged by $148 to $5,064 per ounce, while silver prices increased by $1.09 to $87.80 per ounce.

Governor Kundi vows to raise former FATA, PATA business concerns with authorities

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PESHAWAR, Feb 05 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday held a meeting with the delegation comprising former FATA and PATA chambers’ presidents and representatives of the business community at the Governor’s House.
The delegation included President Malakand Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inam Khan, Muhammad Shoaib, President Bajaur Chamber of Commerce Haji Lali Shah, President Mohmand Chamber of Commerce, Ameer Muhammad Khan, Khalid Khan from Khyber Chamber of Commerce, along with other members. Provincial President of Pakistan Peoples Party Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha was also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Governor of serious concerns of the business community regarding the frequent imposition of excessive taxes in the former FATA and PATA regions.
They urged the Governor to take up these issues with the relevant federal authorities and play an effective role in resolving their problems.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the business community is the backbone of the national economy and addressing its issues on a priority basis is among the government’s top responsibilities.
He assured the delegation that concerns related to taxes and other hurdles faced by businesses in the former FATA and PATA areas would be forcefully raised before the federal government and concerned institutions to ensure timely relief.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also held another meeting with the delegation of transporters from Islamabad, Punjab, and various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by President Mini Mazda Association Pakistan Tanveer Ahmed Jatt, at the Governor’s House.
During the meeting, the delegation informed the Governor that vehicles traveling from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are facing difficulties from the Excise Department.
They said that fines are being imposed on transporters on the pretext of route permits, passing, vehicle fitness, and overloading. The delegation added that old Mazda vehicles have been rehabilitated to ensure the smooth transportation of commercial goods and to avoid disruption to business activities.
The transporters requested the Governor to play his role in resolving the issues faced by the transport community. On the occasion, President Tanveer Ahmed Jatt also proposed holding a road safety seminar at the Governor House, Peshawar.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi listened attentively to the delegation’s concerns and said that while the rule of law is essential, it is equally the responsibility of the government to facilitate transporters. He assured the delegation of his full cooperation in addressing their problems.
Agreeing to the proposal of the Mini Mazda Association Pakistan, the Governor said that the Governor House is always available for positive and public-interest initiatives. He assured full support for the organization of a road safety seminar, terming it a constructive step towards promoting public safety and awareness.

KP Assembly Speaker Babar Sawati calls on Awais Qadir Shah

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KARACHI, Feb 05 (APP): The Speaker of Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Babar Saleem Swati, called on Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah here on the sidelines of the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia & South-East Asia Regional Conference on Thursday, the 2nd day of the event.
According to the Sindh Assembly Media Cell statement, KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati thanked Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah for the invitation to the international CPA conference being held in Karachi.
He also congratulated Syed Awais Qadir Shah on the successful hosting of the conference by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh.
Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah presented a shield of appreciation to Speaker Babar Saleem Swati in recognition of his visit to Karachi along with the provincial delegation.

Uzbek President Mirziyoyev in Islamabad for a two-day state visit

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (APP): President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Thursday arrived here to a red carpet welcome for a two-day state visit to Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
As the Uzbek president, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior cabinet ministers and business leaders, landed at Nur Khan Airbase from his special aircraft, he was warmly welcomed by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the PM Haroon Akhtar were also present.
Clad in traditional Pakistani dresses, two children presented bouquets to the guest as a 21-gun salute boomed in the backdrop to herald the arrival of the Uzbek president.
A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan armed forces presented a static salute and the tri-services band also delivered an impressive performance. The children attired in traditional dresses were lined up waving the flags of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
During his stay, the Uzbek President will meet President Zardari, hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz, and address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum.
Discussions will focus on reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral relations and identifying new avenues to further deepen cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade, energy, defence, education, people-to-people exchange and regional connectivity.
This is the second visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan, which reflects the upward trajectory in Pak-Uzbek bilateral relations and the brotherly ties between the two brotherly countries, rooted in common history, faith and common aspirations for peace and prosperity in Central and South Asia.

Lahore Police finalize security, monitoring plan for peaceful Basant

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LAHORE, Feb 05 (APP): To ensure a peaceful and law-abiding Basant, Lahore Police has completed comprehensive security and monitoring arrangements, while modern equipment and additional personnel have been deployed to keep a close eye on kite flying across the city.
According to police officials, 70 thermal drones, 150 binoculars, 100 megaphones, search lights and stairs have been provided to make monitoring more effective, while all police teams deployed in the red and green zones have been given a binocular each, through which indoor kite flying and rooftop activities will be monitored.
Police officials say that continuous awareness messages will be given to citizens through megaphones so that any illegal activity can be stopped in time. In addition, more than 10,000 officers and officials will perform their duties in three shifts during the three-day Basant.
According to Lahore Police, the aim of these measures is to ensure the safety of lives and property of citizens and to celebrate Basant in a safe, pleasant and law-abiding manner.

Kashmir Solidarity Day: more than 10,000 security personnel deployed

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LAHORE, Feb 05 (APP): A high security alert has been issued across Punjab, including Lahore, to ensure peace and order on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day.
Punjab Police expressed full solidarity with the Kashmiri people and reiterated support for their right to self-determination. Inspector General of Punjab Police Rao Abdul Karim said that the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir had been struggling for freedom, survival and the right to self-determination for several decades, adding that Punjab Police saluted their steadfast struggle.
He directed police officers to keep a close watch on mischievous and anti-national elements during Kashmir Solidarity Day events.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, more than 10,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed across the province, including Lahore, for security and traffic management. The deployment includes 176 supervisory officers, 231 inspectors, 553 sub-inspectors, 919 assistant sub-inspectors, 200 women police personnel and over 8,000 constables.
The spokesperson said foolproof security arrangements had been made for 378 programs being held across Punjab on Kashmir Solidarity Day, including 279 rallies, 81 seminars and 19 other events. Additional police personnel have been deployed at rallies and A-category programs at sensitive locations.
The IG Punjab also directed that security checks at entry and exit points of cities be further tightened, adding that RPOs, CPOs, DPOs and traffic officers would personally monitor security and traffic arrangements.