Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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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Thu, 22 Oct 2020, 12:36 AM

5th Gen War – Twitterati bust RAW’s #Fake letter attributed to COAS

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

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.

#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.

Indian disinformation accounts are exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis and falsely claiming that the country is now experiencing urban warfare and other serious instability. Dangerous and disturbing; several of these accounts are verified, with large followings. Ugh.
— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) October 21, 2020

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.

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.

Indian media propaganda at its peak & sadly fueled by the PDM circus.
Both social & economic indicators of Pakistan are showing positive signs.
The artificially manufactured food inflation is being brought under control as well.
Pakistan on the rise under PM @ImranKhanPTI
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) October 22, 2020

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.

#Indian media is deeply involved in a fake, fabricated and malicious propaganda campaign to malign state institutions of #Pakistan.@Twitter needs to take action against Indian Social Media accounts who are involved in nefarious attacks of fake news against Pakistan.
— Shehryar Afridi (@ShehryarAfridi1) October 21, 2020

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.

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 😂
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) October 21, 2020

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.

A little investigation would have informed @ZeeNewsEnglish that it wasn’t a bomb blast in ‘civil war’ in Pakistan but gas leak in Karachi. Whither truth, objectivity, balance and fairness in reporting? https://t.co/RaZ81Tx96C
— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) October 21, 2020

“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.

An Aircraft shot during civil war in Karachi… and the pilot captured…
#Karachicivilwar #IndianMedia pic.twitter.com/Al5iWx6jOe
Some of the selected tweets
Indian media propaganda at its peak & sadly fueled by the PDM circus.
Both social & economic indicators of Pakistan are showing positive signs.
The artificially manufactured food inflation is being brought under control as well.
Pakistan on the rise under PM @ImranKhanPTI
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) October 22, 2020
— Fasih Uddin (@Fasih_Uddin) October 21, 2020

Captain Amir Liaquat Hussain leading the #CivilWarinPakistan, targeted Sindh Police positions with 2 grenades at a time from a single RPG. 👏 pic.twitter.com/VVDeI8y4Rh
— Kashif Ali (@KaschifAli) October 21, 2020

Live scene from #CivilWarInPakistan
This is civil war at its peak. pic.twitter.com/EOBXWjJMZv
— Mustafa T. Wynne (@mustafa_wynne) October 21, 2020

PIDCL receives Rs 661.417m PSDP funds in Q1 FY2025–26

By

NNPS Desk

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:56 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) has received a total of Rs 661.417 million as part of the first quarter releases under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025–26.
According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, under the approved allocations for FY2025-26, a total of 20 PSDP schemes are being implemented by the PIDCL with a cumulative budgetary allocation of Rs14,409.448 million.
The funds were disbursed in two phases by the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (M/o PD&SI). The first-quarter release of Rs631.417 million was made on July 31, 2025, covering 16 development schemes. A subsequent release of Rs30 million followed on October 21, 2025, covering two development schemes, bringing the total disbursement to Rs661.417 million.
Among the largest projects, Green Line (BRT’s) Karachi has a total cost of Rs29,193.790 million, a budget allocation of Rs3,000.000 million, with Rs450 million released for the first quarter.
Additionally, Operational (Green Line BRT’s) Karachi involves a cost of Rs13,502.710 million. An allocation of Rs185.000 million was made, with Rs27.750 million released for the first quarter.
The document reveals a strong focus on improving amenities across Karachi’s districts. Multiple schemes for improving or rehabilitating roads, streets and water & sewerage systems, have received funds, including District Central Karachi Rs11.250 million, District East Karachi, Rs11.250 million, District Korangi/Malir Karachi Rs7.500 million, and District South & West KMC Karachi Rs11.250 million.
The other notable projects in Karachi that have received first-quarter funding include the construction of parks. Car Bazaar Park received Rs12 million, and Asian Football Ground Rs14.917 million.
Infrastructure rehabilitation projects in Orangi Town, Nazimabad, and Landhi Town each received Rs12 million in funding.
Beyond Sindh, two bridge construction projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mansehra district have also been funded. Construction of Mari Safdar Shah Bridge and Shah Da Panja Bridge over Siran River each received Rs15 million of their Rs100 million annual allocations.
The release of these funds is expected to accelerate the ongoing vital infrastructure projects for the welfare of millions of citizens.

Pakistan’s HDI improving despite economic pressures: Armaghan Subhani

By

NNPS Desk

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:55 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): Minister of State for Planning and Development Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani on Friday said Pakistan’s Human Development Index (HDI) had shown improvement despite facing severe socio-economic pressures in recent years, including the 2022 floods, reduced investments, and low tax revenues.

Responding to questions during the National Assembly session, he said the country’s HDI score had risen from 1.6 to 1.8, acknowledging that the overall situation remained “a matter of concern” for the government.
He said that macroeconomic stress, limited development spending and the devastating impact of floods had collectively affected human development indicators, but the government was actively working to reverse the decline.
Clarifying concerns raised by a member about the establishment of new Danish Schools instead of upgrading existing institutions, the minister said education was a devolved subject, yet the federal government—through the Prime Minister’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative—was committed to expanding quality learning opportunities for underprivileged communities.
He informed the House that 12 new Danish Schools were being set up across the country including 1 in ICT, 3 in GB, 3 in AJ&K and 5 in Balochistan.

He assured the House that all 12 approved projects were fully funded under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and progressing without any financial hurdles.

He added that 10 additional projects were in the pipeline to further address educational gaps in remote regions.
Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani said the government was also prioritizing reforms in the health sector under a five-year programme (2024–2029) aimed at improving maternal and child health, strengthening family planning services, enhancing health governance, and ensuring the procurement of essential medicines.

The minister reaffirmed that education and health remain core pillars of human development, and the federal government would continue to support provinces in strengthening service delivery.

KMU Marks World Diabetes Day with launch of Diabetes society

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:54 PM

PESHAWAR, Nov 14 (APP): Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar, in collaboration with KMU Hospital, organized an event to mark World Diabetes Day.

The event highlighted the growing global and national burden of diabetes and included the formal launch of the KMU Diabetes Society, established to promote awareness, prevention, and research related to diabetes.

Vice Chancellor of KMU, Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, attended the function as chief guest.

He stated that diabetes in Pakistan has reached an alarming level, and according to international reports, Pakistan is now the world’s third most affected country after China and India.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that 34.5 million adults aged 20–79 in Pakistan are currently living with diabetes. He noted that the KMU Diabetes Society will help raise awareness among the youth and support community-based efforts to reduce the burden of the disease.

Prof. Dr. Wazir Muhammad, Managing Director of KMU Hospital, shared updated national data and highlighted that a significant portion of Pakistan’s population is affected by diabetes, with many individuals undiagnosed and at risk of complications.

He emphasized healthy lifestyle changes, regular screening, and control of risk factors.

Prof. Dr. Sobia Sabir Ali, a leading diabetologist, discussed the causes, symptoms, complications, and current treatment options for diabetes.

She stated that lifestyle modification including a balanced diet, physical activity, and weight control plays a key role in preventing diabetes.

Dr. Tariq from the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology spoke about the strong connection between diabetes and heart disease, noting that diabetes is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular complications.

He stressed the importance of regular monitoring and coordinated medical management.

The speakers also reviewed global and national statistics. In 2021, the number of people with diabetes worldwide was 537 million.

This number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.

In Pakistan, 34.5 million adults about 33 percent of the adult population are currently living with diabetes, and projections indicate the figure could reach 62 million by 2045 if no interventions are undertaken.

The speakers described the main causes of diabetes, including low physical activity, unhealthy diet, obesity, genetic factors, and urban lifestyle. They noted that symptoms often remain unnoticed in early stages, making regular screening essential.

They added that early diagnosis, blood glucose monitoring, medication, and lifestyle changes are central to diabetes management. Balanced food intake, exercise, weight control, quitting smoking, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol can significantly reduce risks.

Faculty members, students, doctors, nurses, and paramedics attended the event in large numbers.

The event concluded with an awareness walk and a briefing on upcoming activities of the KMU Diabetes Society, including community screening camps, awareness seminars, and research initiatives.

New toll plazas planned across KP to boost highway revenue: Aleem Khan

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:48 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Friday directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to establish new toll plazas across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to enhance revenue collection on highways and motorways in the province.

He was chairing a meeting where concerned members from the National Highway Authority (NHA) briefed the Federal Minister regarding periodic works, routine maintenance and pending financial liabilities at the Ministry of Communications, said a press release.

During the meeting, approval of pending liabilities for various projects was also sought. Federal Minister directed the Secretary Communications to take the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into confidence and formally communicate with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary KPK regarding the establishment of new toll plazas across Highways and Motorways in the province.

The Minister stated that revenue collection is essential for the continuation of developmental projects and maintenance activities. He emphasized that the revenue generated from these toll plazas will be reinvested in road network across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensuring that the province directly benefits from the funds collected within its jurisdiction—especially from tourism-related traffic coming from all over Pakistan.

Abdul Aleem Khan further directed the Secretary Communications to personally visit projects with pending liabilities to assess whether approvals should be granted. He instructed that all projects with pending liabilities exceeding one crore rupees (10 million rupees) shall be physically verified by the Secretary Communications and his team before approvals are granted. Payments shall only be made after thorough physical inspection. Responding to reports of vandalism at certain toll plazas, the Federal Minister made it clear that any such acts of damaging toll facilities or Government property will not be tolerated. He directed NHA officials to take immediate and strict legal action against those involved, including the registration of FIRs to deter future incidents.

Aleem Khan further added that he would not allow routine maintenance projects; as such projects often enable corruption. He stressed that officials at all levels must curb corrupt practices to protect the Government exchequer. It is not enough, he noted, for one official to be upright while allowing subordinates to continue corrupt practices. Secretary Communications Mr. Ali Sher Mehsud and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.

Rawalpindi Police nab 5 narcotics suppliers; 4kg heroin, 6.75kg charas seized

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:46 PM

RAWALPINDI, Nov 14 (APP): The Rawalpindi Police, during their ongoing crackdown against narcotics suppliers, arrested five suspects, including a major supplier, a police spokesperson said on Friday.

In total, the police seized 4 kilograms of heroin and 6.75 kilograms of charas during the operations, the spokesperson added.

He said the Pirwadhai Police, during a search operation, rounded up three suspects, including a key supplier, and recovered separately 4 kilograms of heroin and 3.23 kilograms of charas from them.

The Morgah Police apprehended a narcotics peddler and seized 2.26 kilograms of charas, while the Saddar Wah Police took another supplier into custody, recovering 1.26 kilograms of the contraband item from him.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani appreciated the police for their persistent and effective crackdown against drug suppliers.

Acting on the Punjab chief minister’s vision of a drug-free province, he said, the Rawalpindi Police were taking all possible measures to eradicate the scourge of narcotics from the district.

A cook grills fresh BBQ, drawing visitors with its tempting aroma during the ten-day annual folk festival “Lok Mela 2025” at Lok Virsa.

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:45 PM

A cook grills fresh BBQ, drawing visitors with its tempting aroma during the ten-day annual folk festival “Lok Mela 2025” at Lok Virsa. — APP11-141125
ISLAMABAD: November 14 –

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan is being briefed regarding periodic works, routine maintenance and financial liabilities by the members from NHA at Ministry of Communications .

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:44 PM

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan is being briefed regarding periodic works, routine maintenance and financial liabilities by the members from NHA at Ministry of Communications . — APP09-141125
ISLAMABAD: November 14 –

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a meeting with SMEs cluster of Rawalpindi.

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:44 PM

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a meeting with SMEs cluster of Rawalpindi. — APP08-141125
ISLAMABAD: November 14 –

Govt committed to strengthening higher, technical education: Farah Naz

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:44 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Farah Naz Akbar on Friday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening both higher and technical education.

Responding to questions during the question hour in the National Assembly, she said improved budgetary allocations would help address longstanding gaps in access and quality education.

On a supplementary question regarding the appointment of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman, she informed the House that the additional charge had been assigned to the Federal Secretary for three months, while the full appointment was in process and expected to be completed within four months.

She assured members that all issues raised—including pending degree verifications—would be resolved.

Farah Naz highlighted the financial constraints faced by the higher education sector, noting that since 2018–19, the HEC budget had remained stagnant at Rs 65 billion, forcing several universities to rely on provincial support or self-generated resources to meet operational needs.

She added that the development budget for 2024–25 had also dropped from Rs 61 billion to Rs 39.5 billion, affecting expansion and development plans nationwide.

Despite challenges such as inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and law and order issues in some areas, she said the government was making efforts to strengthen technical and online education.

Initiatives include training in freelancing, graphic design, web development and international certification courses to help young people find employment more quickly.

Responding to another question regarding scholarships, she said all PhD scholars going abroad were required to sign a five-year service bond to ensure their return and contribution to Pakistan.

Most scholars, she added, return after completing their PhDs and join local universities as assistant professors or researchers.

She further said that selection criteria for scholarships were determined by respective universities in collaboration with partner institutions abroad, with students applying online as per standard procedures.

President Asif Ali Zardari administering the oath to Justice Aminuddin Khan as Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi are also present.

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Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 4:43 PM