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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.

UNSC authorizes 12-month extension of team monitoring sanctions against Taliban-linked entities; Pakistan highlights threat from Afghan side

By
NNPS Desk
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0

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 12 (APP): The UN Security Council has extended for 12 months the mandate of the team tasked with monitoring sanctions against the Taliban and its associated groups and individuals.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2816 (2026) under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the 15-member Council decided that all States will continue to implement the sanctions measures laid out in resolution 2255 (2015). Those are imposed both on the Taliban and related “individuals, groups, undertakings and entities” that threaten Afghanistan’s peace, stability and security.

“Pakistan remains seriously concerned by the presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil,” Pakistani Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said after the adoption of the resolution, which was drafted by the United States.

These groups include TTP, BLA and Majeed Brigade, ISIL-K and Al Qaeda, he said, noting that they have been responsible for some of the most heinous terrorist attacks against Pakistan, as well as incidents of hostage-taking.

Just this month, 80 innocent people were killed in terrorist attacks in Pakistan,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad told the Security Council.

“We call upon the Taliban to prevent terrorist groups from carrying out such actions with impunity and to effectively combat terrorism by honouring their counter-terrorism commitments through sustained and verifiable actions in the interests of lasting peace and security.”

He welcomed the Council’s clear message to the Taliban through today’s adoption, noting that the text also emphasizes the many challenges facing the Afghan people, including drug trafficking, humanitarian crises and the human rights situation facing Afghan women and girls.

Urging the Taliban to address these issues urgently and change course, the Pakistani envoy added: “It is for the Taliban to decide what path they wish to choose for Afghanistan — whether it is the path to isolation, or the path to peace and prosperity as a responsible member of the international community.”

Under the terms of the resolution, it further renewed the mandate of the monitoring team charged with assisting the Afghanistan Sanctions Committee, which was first established in resolution 1988 (2011), for a period of 12 months from the date of its expiration this month.

Among other tasks, the Council directed the monitoring team to gather information on instances of non-compliance with sanctions, keep the Committee informed of such instances and to provide recommendations on actions to respond to non-compliance.

Pakistan to become 90% clean energy country by 2034: Awais Leghari

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Thursday informed the National Assembly that Pakistan will become a 90 percent clean energy country in terms of power generation by 2034.
Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Sharmila Faruqui in the National Assembly regarding the recently notified Prosumer Regulations — replacing net metering with net billing, he said that 55 percent of the electricity generated in 2024–25 came from clean energy sources.
He further said that under international commitments, Pakistan is required to increase its clean energy share to 60 percent by 2030, expressing confidence that this target will be achieved this year.
He said the recent amendments to net metering regulations have been under discussion for the past several months and were made in accordance with the legal authority of the regulator.
The minister said the issue had been circulating on social media and in sections of the media for the past 25 days. He said that a resolution had also been presented in this regard in the Senate, which was ultimately rejected.
Leghari clarified that the matter was not new and had first emerged around nine to ten months ago, when formal discussions began in Pakistan.
During deliberations, the proposal was taken to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), which approved it. However, when the matter was presented before the federal cabinet for ratification, the prime minister directed that the proposal be reconsidered, providing an opportunity to review its basis before proceeding further.
The minister recalled that the net metering system was introduced in 2017 during the Pakistan Muslim League-N government.
He added that he himself was overseeing the ministry at the time and that the initial regulations were introduced during his tenure.
Since then, he said, the regulator has amended the net metering regulations four to five times, exercising its constitutional authority.
He explained that it is within the regulator’s legal powers to revise regulations, while the government retains the right to file an appeal or seek a review if it deems the changes inappropriate. The latest amendment, he said, is likely the fourth or fifth revision since 2017.
Addressing criticism, Leghari said the changes had triggered debate over the past few days, with some describing them as anti-public and harmful to consumers’ income and expenses.
Others argued that frequent policy shifts undermine investor confidence and amount to a breach of commitments made to the public.
He said that members from various political parties, including some from within the ruling party, had expressed concern in Parliament and on electronic media, calling for the reversal of the amendments.
Leghari maintained that the amendments fall within the regulatory framework and emphasized that the government is reviewing all stakeholder concerns as part of the ongoing policy process.
He said that only a small portion of Pakistan’s total solar energy capacity falls under the net metering system, clarifying that recent regulatory changes will not affect the majority of solar users across the country.
The minister said distributed solar generation currently stands at approximately 20,000 to 22,000 megawatts (MW) nationwide. This figure, he said, is based on scientific analysis and satellite-based assessments.
Out of the total estimated solar capacity, around 6,000 to 7,000 MW is connected to the net metering system. The remaining 12,000 to 14,000 MW consists of off-grid or self-consumption installations set up by households, small shopkeepers, farmers, and commercial users for their own electricity needs.
Leghari explained that within the 6,000–7,000 MW net metering capacity, about 2,200 MW has been installed by industrial units, while approximately 4,800 MW is attributed to commercial and domestic consumers.
“The recent regulatory amendments apply only to the 6,000–7,000 MW net metering segment,” he said, adding that nearly 466,000 consumers are registered as net metering users across Pakistan.
He rejected the perception that the new regulations would impact all solar users or disproportionately burden low-income households. “It is incorrect to suggest that every poor household or the entire public will face higher costs because of these changes,” he added.
Leghari said that only about 8 to 10 percent of the country’s total solar capacity is associated with net metering, reiterating that the policy changes are limited in scope and do not affect the broader expansion of solar energy in Pakistan.
He added that the government remains committed to promoting solar energy through zero taxes and supportive policies, encouraging wider adoption across residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors.
Responding to a question, he said the prime minister has ordered that the net billing system should not apply to existing consumers for now and has directed the Power Division to challenge the regulator’s decision.

Federal, provincial leaders convene national learning event to advance primary healthcare reform

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MoNHSR&C), in collaboration with Integrity (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Partner for the Evidence for Health (E4H) Programme and the National Health Support Program (NHSP), and with support from the British High Commission Islamabad, convened a national learning event titled “Rethinking Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage Implementation.”
The event brought together federal and provincial health leadership, development partners, academia, and civil society to discuss practical reforms to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) as the foundation for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Pakistan, said a press release on Thursday.
Discussions were informed by Integrity’s research study “Rethinking Primary Health Care in Pakistan”, which examines how PHC can better respond to rising non-communicable diseases, rapid population growth, climate-related risks, and health security challenges Drawing on national and global evidence, the study proposes a practical reform framework to strengthen public PHC and accelerate Pakistan’s progress towards UHC.
Federal Minister MoNHSR&C, Syed Mustafa Kamal emphasized that advancing PHC is a national priority to ensure access to quality essential health services without financial hardship. He acknowledged the support of the British High Commission Islamabad, the FCDO’s Evidence for Health Programme, the World Bank’s National Health Support Program, and Integrity for convening the learning platform and sharing critical research on rethinking PHC.
Sam Waldock, Development Director at the British High Commission Islamabad (FCDO), said that strong PHC improves access, quality, and public confidence in health services. He welcomed the focus on implementing the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS), and promoting cross-provincial exchange to support effective scale-up. He also reaffirmed the UK’s long-term commitment to working with Pakistan and partners to expand access to quality services, reduce financial hardship, and strengthen resilient health systems.
Minister of State MoNHSR&C, Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath highlighted the importance of integrating maternal and child health, family planning, nutrition, communicable, and non-communicable disease services, and health security within a unified PHC platform to address fragmentation and improve financial protection for citizens.
Anthony Ellis, CEO of Integrity, highlighted the importance of connecting evidence with leadership and implementation. He noted that the event aimed to move beyond analysis toward actionable, context-responsive reforms that strengthen sustainability, accountability, and learning across programmes and provinces. He added that Integrity is honoured to support the British High Commission and MoNHSR&C in convening key stakeholders, underscoring a shared commitment to resilient, inclusive, and equitable health systems.
Dr Jahanzaib Sohail, Senior Health Economist at The World Bank, also acknowledged Integrity’s efforts in bringing stakeholders together to share implementation experiences under E4H, NHSP, and related federal and provincial reforms.
Participants agreed on the need to shift from fragmented, vertical programme delivery toward integrated, digitally enabled, quality-assured PHC systems that are equitable, resilient, and responsive to Pakistan’s evolving demographic and epidemiological realities.
The learning event concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate implementation of evidence-informed PHC reforms across provinces.
The event reaffirmed that strengthening Primary Health Care is central to Pakistan’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage, improved population health outcomes, and long-term social and economic resilience.

LHC upholds death sentence in murder case

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday dismissed the appeal of Umar Ali, convicted in a murder case over an enmity, and upheld the death sentence awarded by the trial court.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Farooq Haider and Justice Ali Zia Bajwa heard the appeal.
Representing the complainant, Advocate Chaudhry Shahid Nazir Jarral argued that the accused had murdered Syed Imran due to an old rivalry.
He maintained that the police registered the case promptly and arrested the accused from the crime scene. Statements of eyewitnesses present at the time of the incident were recorded during the investigation, he added.
He stated that there were no material contradictions in the statements of the prosecution witnesses, while the police investigation and medical evidence fully corroborated the prosecution’s case. The sessions court had earlier awarded the death penalty to Umar Ali after evaluating the evidence on merit, he added.
Counsel for the defence pleaded for the acquittal of the convict; however, the court found the arguments unconvincing and dismissed the appeal.

Google highlights tools, partnerships to promote safer internet in Pakistan

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): To mark ‘Safer Internet Month’, Google highlighted a range of tools, technologies, and educational initiatives designed to help students, parents, and educators in Pakistan navigate the AI era safely and responsibly.
As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important part of learning and everyday life, Google reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring families can explore its benefits with the right safeguards in place, said a news release.
“Protecting kids and families online is a core commitment at Google, and we take this responsibility seriously. That’s why all our products — from YouTube, Google Search to the Android ecosystem — are secure by default and private by design. We recognize the critical importance of local partnerships and we are working closely with stakeholders across Pakistan. Together, we can build a safer internet, not just for today’s youth, but for all future generations,” said Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Frontier Markets.
“Access to AI — with the right guardrails — can unlock powerful opportunities for learning, creativity, and growth,” said Norman Ng, Head of Trust and Safety, Google APAC. “This Safer Internet Month and beyond, we want to equip families in Pakistan with practical tools and knowledge to navigate technology safely and confidently.”
Google emphasized its “secure by design” and “secure by default” approach, which embeds safety protections directly into products. Google provides parents with peace of mind through protections like SafeSearch, which is on by default for children. Parents can further customize boundaries using Family Link to manage screen time, approve apps, and set content filters. AI-powered tools such as Google Lens and Circle to Search help users identify suspicious links and potential scams in real time.
Distinguishing between human-created and AI-generated content is an increasingly vital skill. Google recommends the “SIFT” method—Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims—to help students critically evaluate online information. Tools such as “About this image” in Search and SynthID also help identify deepfakes, manipulated images, or AI-written text.
Recognizing that every family’s digital journey is different, Google offers customizable tools that put parents in control. YouTube’s Screen-Time tools, including the industry-first parental control Shorts timer with a “zero” option, updated account switching for age-appropriate profiles, and School Time settings on Android devices allow families to tailor technology use around study and family priorities.
Beyond protection, Google is investing in digital and AI literacy. The Gemini app provides students with guided AI support for learning, while programs like Experience AI and Be Internet Awesome help young people evaluate information critically, distinguish AI-generated content, and practice responsible digital citizenship.
Through these efforts, Google aims to ensure that Pakistan’s youth are not only protected online but empowered to thrive in a safe, AI-driven digital world.

Minister vows continued development, support for business community

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has vowed continued development and support for business community.
He expressed these views while addressing the oath-taking ceremony Alkhidmat traders group here on Thursday.
He congratulated Raja Fazal Zaid and his entire team on their electoral success, describing the process as democratic and dignified.
At the outset, the minister appreciated Raja Fazal Zaid’s remarks during his speech, particularly his statement that even those traders who did not vote for him were equally honourable and important. The minister termed this spirit the true beauty of traders’ politics and congratulated him for demonstrating maturity and inclusiveness.
He also acknowledged the contributions of various members of the traders’ community and union representatives, praising their role in strengthening democratic traditions within market bodies. He remarked that such elections, especially in areas like Dhok Kala Khan, where he said the first traders’ election in 76 years had recently taken place, reflect growing political awareness and unity among business leaders.
The minister emphasized the importance of loyalty and steadfastness in political struggle. Referring to challenging periods in the past, he said true leadership is tested in difficult times, and those who remain loyal to their cause ultimately succeed. He added that constructive politics is based not on personal attacks but on service delivery and performance.
Highlighting development work in Rawalpindi, he said visible improvements in infrastructure, hospitals, educational institutions, sports grounds, and technical training centers stand as evidence of the government’s commitment. He noted that several major projects have been completed, while others are near completion, including funding allocations for long-pending hospital projects in the city.
The minister stated that development and welfare should benefit all citizens rather than specific groups, emphasizing that public resources must be distributed transparently and fairly.
He underscored that unity among traders is essential for protecting their rights and strengthening their collective voice.
Paying tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, he honored the sacrifices of soldiers who laid down their lives for the country, particularly in challenging regions. He said national security and respect for martyrs rise above all political differences, adding that no political affiliation is greater than loyalty to Pakistan.
The minister said that the government was committed to stabilizing the economy, promoting employment, and facilitating business growth. He expressed optimism that economic conditions would improve, industries would expand, and new employment opportunities would be created.
Speaking about Pakistan Railways, he said the department is now on a path of revival and modernization. He expressed hope that during the current tenure significant progress would be made in upgrading railway infrastructure, including track rehabilitation and expansion across major routes from Karachi to Peshawar, Rohri, and Quetta.
Concluding his address, the minister prayed for unity, prosperity, and continued cooperation among traders, expressing confidence that Pakistan would move toward greater economic stability and development under the current leadership.

First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House.

By
Wajid
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0
First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House.
APP82-120226
KARACHI: February 12 – 
First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House.
APP83-120226
KARACHI: February 12 – First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House. APP/ABB
First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House.
APP84-120226
KARACHI: February 12 – First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House. APP/ABB
First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House.
APP85-120226
KARACHI: February 12 – First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House. APP/ABB
First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House.
APP86-120226
KARACHI: February 12 – First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House. APP/ABB
First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House.
APP87-120226
KARACHI: February 12 – First Lady & MNA Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari addresses the 40th anniversary ceremony of Aurat Foundation at the CM House. APP/ABB

Fiscal reform, enforcement, export Competitiveness discussed by finance minister with BAT delegation

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting Thursday at the Finance Division with a delegation of British American Tobacco (BAT) led by Ms. Pascale Meulemeester, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, along with senior executive members of British American Tobacco (BAT) and Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC).
In his opening remarks, the Finance Minister underscored that Pakistan’s ongoing structural reform agenda, undertaken under the leadership of the Prime Minister, is aimed at breaking the historical boom-and-bust cycles through fiscal discipline, broadening of the tax base, and strengthened enforcement and compliance, said a release issued here.
He emphasized that fiscal sustainability requires equitable taxation, improved compliance across all sectors, and decisive action to curb leakages and illicit activity.
Highlighting progress on tax administration reforms, he noted that the Government’s tax transformation, anchored in reforms to people, processes, and technology, has strengthened enforcement mechanisms through AI-led CRM systems, AI-led production monitoring, and track-and-trace initiatives.
He shared that enhanced enforcement across sectors including sugar, cement, tobacco, textiles, and beverages has resulted in measurable improvements in compliance and revenue collection.
The delegation was briefed on ongoing enforcement actions against illicit cigarette manufacturing and smuggling. It was shared that record seizures have been made during the current year, with coordinated operations involving customs, inland revenue, provincial authorities, and dedicated enforcement units to curb the illegal trade of both finished products and raw materials.
The BAT delegation appreciated the Government’s enforcement efforts and raised concerns regarding excise stability, the widening price differential between formal and illicit products, and the export competitiveness of Pakistani tobacco. The delegation emphasized that policy predictability and a stable excise regime would support formal sector growth, strengthen revenue generation, and enable long-term investment planning.
The delegation also highlighted export opportunities, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other international markets, and underscored the importance of competitive crop pricing and regulatory alignment to enable Pakistan to expand its footprint in global tobacco exports.
Responding to these concerns, the Finance Minister noted that sectoral reviews are underway to assess policy measures and address anomalies where required, while ensuring alignment with broader fiscal objectives. He reiterated that revenue mobilization remains critical for fiscal stability; however, the Government remains open to constructive engagement to ensure policies are effective and sustainable.
On the macroeconomic front, the Minister highlighted significant progress over the past two years, including improved fiscal indicators, declining inflation, strengthened foreign exchange reserves, and enhanced external stability. He emphasized that maintaining macroeconomic discipline is essential to providing a predictable and stable environment for both domestic and foreign investors.
The Minister further stressed that Pakistan’s long-term growth strategy is anchored in export expansion. He emphasized the importance of enhancing export competitiveness and facilitating sectors with strong export potential, including tobacco and related value-added products.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue constructive engagement on enforcement, taxation, and competitiveness issues to ensure policy coherence and sustainable sectoral development.

PHC adjourns case of Afghan singers & musicians

By
Asif Jalal
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0
PESHAWAR, Feb 12 (APP): The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has adjourned the case related to Afghan singers and musicians currently residing in Pakistan.
According to details from the court on Thursday, Advocate Babar Yousafzai represented the petitioners. Afghan artists appeared before a two-member bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Waqar Ahmad.
During the proceedings, Afghan singers and musicians, including Hashmatullah Omid, Altaf Hairat, Khatira, Laila Nihal and Dunya Ghazal, informed the court about their difficulties.
They stated that music is banned in Afghanistan, and they face severe threats to their lives and property, making it impossible for them to return.
They further argued that their situation is different from that of ordinary Afghan citizens, as they face specific security risks due to their identity as artists.
The judges raised several questions and remarked that the matter is serious and requires careful consideration. The court has fixed the next hearing for February 18.
It is noteworthy that the number of petitions filed by Afghan musicians is reportedly around 150 and further arguments will be presented in the upcoming hearing.

131 lawyers get licenses of Supreme Court

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP): The 131 lawyers have been given fitness certificates to get licenses of Supreme Court, said General Secretary Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA).
The IHCBA General Secretary Manzoor Ahmed Jaja held a farewell meeting with the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association.
On this occasion, Manzoor Ahmed Jaja said that he held the post of General Secretary of the Islamabad High Court Bar in the year 2025/26. He is here today to express his special gratitude to the media.
The media cooperated fully throughout the year. The media gave the most coverage to our bar. Time passed without realizing it. He tried to work for the welfare of the lawyers. He was very happy about the transfer of the Islamabad High Court Bar to a new building under his patronage.
Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar inaugurated the library and health card of the High Court Bar. He also inaugurated the ambulance and bar room provided by the Ministry of Health to the High Court Bar.
Manzoor Jaja said that Ahsan Bhawan and Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar are representatives of the lawyers. I pay tribute to them.
He said that judges and lawyers cannot be friends. During our time, 131 lawyers were interviewed for Supreme Court licenses, and all 131 received fitness certificates. An ambulance has also been arranged for the bar’s lawyers, and it will be handed over in the presence of the Chief Justice.
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