Home Blog

Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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

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

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.

No Govt job on basis of political recommendations: CM Afridi

0
PESHAWAR, Dec 14 (APP):Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, said on Sunday that no one in the province will be given a job on the basis of political recommendations.
“All recruitments in provincial departments, autonomous bodies, and semi-government institutions will be carried out strictly on merit and through EATA. Our government has a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and the public should bring forward evidence of corruption, and the government will take action without discrimination,” said Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while addressing a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) public gathering in Kohat.
The Chief Minister said that 16,000 recruitments in the Elementary and Secondary Education Department have been completed 100 percent on merit, and he challenges the entire Pakistani media to prove even a single job given on political recommendation.
He said that recruitment of 983 jail wardens, 3,200 lecturers, 1,800 police constables, and 640 CTD personnel will also be completed soon, and all tests will be conducted through EATA.
The Chief Minister said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is following the principles of merit, transparency, and good governance and investment in people is the top priority of the government.
He said that an open-door policy has been implemented in the province, and all district, divisional, and provincial administrations have been directed to ensure that no citizen returns disappointed from a government office.
He said listening to the public and resolving their issues is the responsibility of the Govt.
Muhammad Sohail Afridi announced that the provincial government will provide full funding for a Girls Cadet College in Kohat, a girls’ campus at Kohat University, a 1,000-bed hospital, and for resolving the issue of clean drinking water.
Deficiencies at the DHQ Hospital will be addressed, and work on blacktop roads and water supply schemes will also be accelerated.

ITP educates 300 female students on road safety at women’s college

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) organised a road safety awareness workshop for more than 300 female students at the Government Degree College for Women to promote safe road behavior and understanding of traffic laws.
An official told APP on Sunday that, on the directions of Chief Traffic Officer (CTO)  Captain (R) Hamza Humayun, the ITP Education Wing conducted a one-day workshop aimed at educating students about traffic rules and accident prevention.
During the session, students were briefed on key road safety issues, including the dangers of using mobile phones while driving, the importance of wearing seat belts, the risks associated with riding motorcycles without helmets, and the need to respect the rights of other road users. The workshop also highlighted the correct use of footbridges and zebra crossings, as well as the dangers of over-speeding, one-way violations and other traffic law breaches.
The college administration appreciated the initiative, saying the workshop provided practical knowledge and raised awareness among students about everyday traffic challenges. They stressed that such awareness programmes are essential and should be held regularly.
CTO Hamza Humayun said that the objective of the workshop was to instil traffic awareness among students, reduce road accidents and encourage responsible behavior so that young citizens can remain safe and also guide others on the road./

Applications invited for new olive orchards in Potohar until March 2026

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Applications have been invited from farmers in the Potohar region for the establishment of new olive orchards under a government-backed initiative aimed at expanding commercial olive cultivation, with the deadline set for March 15, 2026.
The initiative is part of a broader push to shift farmers toward high-value crops and strengthen Pakistan’s domestic olive sector. The programme is being implemented with technical support from the Centre of Excellence for Olive Research and Training (CFORT) at the Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal.
Director CFORT Dr Muhammad Ramzan Anser told Wealth Pakistan that olive cultivation now offers economic returns strong enough to replace low-value traditional crops. He said farmers are being encouraged to adopt olives on a commercial scale, supported by subsidies, research-based guidance and improved processing facilities.
Under the programme, farmers owning at least five acres of land are eligible to apply for orchard development. Eligible growers can select certified olive plants directly from approved nurseries, with the government providing a subsidy of Rs360 per plant. Nearly Rs58,000 per acre will be provided to farmers over the three-year duration of the project.
Dr Ramzan said the approach gives farmers ownership of their orchards while ensuring quality planting material, which is critical for long-term productivity. He added that CFORT has made advisory services accessible to all growers through a dedicated helpline and online platforms, allowing farmers to seek technical guidance throughout the cultivation cycle.
The Potohar region has emerged as a focal area for olive expansion following decades of varietal testing and adaptive research. Since initial trials began in 1991, BARI has evaluated dozens of olive cultivators, developed private-sector nurseries and built a domestic knowledge base to support large-scale plantation.
Dr Ramzan said Pakistan’s olive sector is now operating on a full value-chain model linking researchers, farmers, processors, entrepreneurs and marketers. More than 85 olive oil brands have emerged across the country, reflecting growing private-sector participation and rising consumer confidence.
He said CFORT also assists farmers in improving yields by converting low-performing farms into diagnostic sites, addressing issues such as improper pruning, orchard management gaps and limited awareness of good agronomic practices.
In addition, efforts are underway to utilize Pakistan’s wild olive resources. Farmers are being trained in stabilisation and grafting techniques, while certified scions are being provided at nominal prices to improve success rates.
Punjab is also preparing to expand olive processing capacity by offering cold-press oil extraction units on a 50 percent subsidy. Officials said the measure will enable farmers to process olives closer to orchards, preserve oil quality and reduce transport costs as plantation areas expand.

CM hails international recognition of Punjab Sahulat Bazar Authority

0
LAHORE, Dec 14 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s team has won another honor for the province, as Punjab Sahulat Bazar Authority becomes the first unique institution of its kind to receive ISO 901 and ISO 27001 certificates from an internationally recognized institution of Switzerland on setting a unique record of establishing more than 17,000 stalls across Punjab.
Out of 17000, 6,000 stalls have been established in 36 districts of Punjab, while 1,000 stalls have been established in the 10 newly-established Sahulat Bazars. Additionally, more than 10,000 temporary stalls on weekends are also available for the convenience of people across Punjab.
CM Maryam Nawaz, chairing a meeting here on Sunday, expressed happiness, and congratulated Chairman Punjab Sahulat Bazar Authority Afzal Khokhar and his entire team on receiving international recognition.
During the meeting, she also set a target to launch Sahulat Bazaars in three more districts by January, saying that the role of Sahulat Bazaar Authority in providing affordable and quality consumer goods to people is unforgettable. She added that  Sahulat Bazaar Authority has rendered valuable public service by ensuring the provision of fruits, vegetables and other consumer goods at affordable prices in the province. She highlighted that people of Punjab have a right to obtain quality goods at affordable prices.
The CM said that Punjab government institutions are being made service centers in the true sense. She added that cheap bread and cheap flour in Punjab are undeniable proof of public service. She underscored that the scope of Sahulat Bazaars is determined to gradually expand from districts, and tehsils to small cities.

PM condoles death of citizens in terrorist attack in Sydney

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Sunday expressed his condolences to the victims of the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney.
In a post on X, he said, “My deepest condolences to the victims of the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Australia in this difficult time.”

JUI chief expresses grief over death of Maulana Pir Zulfiqar Naqshbandi

0
PESHAWAR, Dec 14 (APP):JUI chief, Maulana Fazalur Rehman has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of renowned religious scholar Maulana Pir Zulfiqar Naqshbandi.
In a statement issued from JUI Markaz on Sunday, Maulana Fazalur Rehman said that the truth is that we all deserve condolences on this occasion. This is a common tragedy for all of us.
Pir Zulfiqar Naqshbandi was the pride of Sufism and a leader of knowledge and practice. He rendered more than half a century of writing, compilations, sermons and advice.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that Hazrat Pir Sahib was a monument to his predecessors. He prayed for eternal peace of departed soul and extended heartfelt sympathies to bereaved family members.

My client Is the citizen, No one above them: CTO Hamza at ITP darbar

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) organized a darbar at the Traffic Headquarters, with the participation of more than 400 traffic officers, aimed at strengthening public service, discipline and welfare within the force.
An ITP spokesperson told APP on Sunday that Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad Captain (R) Hamza Humayun addressed the gathering and urged officers to make a heartfelt commitment to serving citizens with sincerity and professionalism.
Addressing the officers, the CTO said, “Take a promise from your hearts today that we will facilitate the public at all costs. My client is the citizen, and no one is more important to me than the people we serve.”
He emphasised that Islamabad Traffic Police would go beyond personal comfort and interests to ensure convenience for citizens. “When the honour of this department is upheld, Allah Almighty will grant you success in this world and the hereafter,” he added.
During the darbar, CTO Hamza Humayun also pinned ranks on newly promoted officers, while retiring officers were presented with shields and gifts in recognition of their services.
The CTO reaffirmed that no compromise would be made on the welfare of traffic police personnel, adding that steps would continue to be taken to improve their professional and personal well-being.
The event concluded with a renewed resolve to strengthen public trust and enhance service delivery across the federal capital.

HEC provides digital connectivity to over 50 universities in less-developed areas

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has provided digital connectivity and advanced IT services to more than 50 universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) located in less-developed areas as part of its efforts to modernise teaching, research and administrative functions across the country.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative is being implemented through the Pakistan Education and Research Network (PERN), which offers high-speed internet connectivity along with supporting digital services to universities in remote and underserved regions. The project aims to ensure equitable access to quality higher education facilities for students and faculty regardless of geographic location.
The PERN connectivity project covers a wide range of cities and districts, including Khairpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bannu, Turbat, Mirpur, Khuzdar, Zhob, Gwadar, Shikarpur, Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Mastung, Dera Murad Jamali, Wadh, Layyah, Hangu, Panjgur, Loralai, Muslim Bagh, Ghotki, Kharan, Swabi, Dera Ismail Khan and Kandhkot, among others.
Under the PERN Core Network expansion, the HEC has extended a long-haul optical fibre network spanning approximately 1,100 kilometres into remote areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The expanded footprint enables universities in these regions to access the same quality and range of digital services available to institutions in more developed parts of Pakistan.
The optical fibre network passes through Lasbela, Wadh, Khuzdar, Mastung, Loralai, Ziarat, Zhob, Turbat, Gwadar and Dera Ismail Khan, significantly strengthening national academic and research connectivity.
In addition to connectivity, the HEC has launched the Smart University Project, which focuses on providing campus-wide Wi-Fi coverage and deploying intelligent safety systems, including surveillance infrastructure, at universities in less-developed areas.
The project is being implemented at campuses in Lasbela, Khuzdar, Okara, Swabi, Nawabshah, Taxila, Sialkot, Jamshoro, Bannu, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mirpur, Khairpur, Tandojam, Narowal, Shikarpur, Gumbat, Mansehra, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Gilgit, Karak, Kohat, Murree, Sahiwal and Haripur.
The commission has also introduced smart classroom facilities at more than 30 universities and HEIs located in remote regions, including Turbat, Kharan, Muslim Bagh, Lasbela, Thar, Kandhkot, Ghotki, Umerkot, Hangu, Chitral and Hunza. These classrooms are equipped with modern technological tools to support both on-campus and distance learning.
Connectivity in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan has been strengthened through links established via the Special Communication Organisation (SCO) network, ensuring that universities in Gilgit, Skardu, Kotli, Rawalakot, Bagh, Hunza and Muzaffarabad remain integrated into the national education and research network.
To further support academic collaboration, the HEC has provided video conferencing facilities to more than 45 higher education institutions in less-developed areas, enabling remote teaching, research collaboration, administrative coordination and participation in national and international academic forums.
Meanwhile, the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for FY2025-26 includes 44 HEC projects with a total allocation of Rs77.8 billion, prioritising infrastructure development in remote and underdeveloped districts through the construction and upgrading of campuses, academic blocks, hostels and laboratories.

Winter in a bowl: Chicken Yakhni and corn soup keep Peshawarties warm

0
PESHAWAR, Dec 14 (APP):As the cold wave sweep across Peshawar with chances of rains in next 24 hours, a sense of warmth and nostalgia fills the air, courtesy of a local dish that has become synonymous with the chilly season ie chicken yakhni and corn soup, attracting Peshawarties in droves.
All chicken soup and yakhni points draw substantial number of people at Peshawar city and cantonment areas with stretched hands of bowls to beat the biting cold.
Many customers ask for inclusion of boil eggs making it more warm and tasty by sellers.
For Khurshid Khan, a 45-year-old chicken soup and yakhni seller at Peshawar Cantonment, winter is not just a season but a time of opportunity to earn maximum capital for his family.
Standing proudly at Fawara Chowk,  Khurshid shares how the cold weather brings life back to his business.
“I came out of home at 4 p.m. with 10 kilograms of soup and  yakhni made of 10 native chicken and all sold by 9pm. The demand for the soup spikes dramatically as the chill sets in,” Khurshid tells APP, as he instructs his two laborers to serve steaming bowls of the winter delight to eager customers.
The scene at his soup stall is a familiar one in Peshawar, where people gather in the cold to enjoy the warmth and comfort of freshly made soup and exchange views of day to day affairs.
 The rich aroma of the soup, prepared with native chickens, ghee, and special sauces, fills the air, drawing in a steady stream of customers of all ages.
The soup is not only a source of comfort but also a means of connection, as people swap stories and discuss their day-to-day affairs amidst the cold wave while sitting in traditional Charpayees at Qisakhwani.
Khurshid’s soup business is deeply rooted in family tradition. He inherited the craft from his late grandfather father, who was known for his skill in preparing this beloved winter dish.
“I am proud to carry forward my grandfather’s legacy of pre partition era. The soup recipe is special as we use native chickens and ghee, which gives it a unique taste. The special sauces add a burst of flavor, making it a perfect dish for the season,” he says.
The demand for his chicken soup peaks in December and January, when the cold is at its harshest. “In these months, the soup sells like hotcakes. People look for something to keep them warm, and chicken soup and yakhni are the perfect answer,” he explains.
As the cold wave continues to grip Peshawar amid rains forecast, Khurshid’s business remains s great source of comfort for the community, offering not just food, but a much-needed respite from the winter chill.
The cold weather has led many residents to flock to local shops with their families to enjoy these warm traditional dishes especially at night at Nowshera and Charsadda.
There has been a noticeable increase in footfall at chicken corn soup and yakhani stalls, particularly during the evening and night hours, in both the cities.
These cusines, popular for their warmth and flavor, have become a favorite choice for those seeking comfort during the chilly season.
Shopkeepers have responded to the demand by setting up special stalls offering chicken soups with various sauces and boiled eggs, leading to profitable sales during the winter months.
 These stalls are especially popular in busy areas like Hashtnagri, Karimpura, Gul Bahar, Nothia, Jhangirabad, Board, and Hayatabad, attracting large crowds, particularly after dark.
Waris Shah, owner of a famous soup outlet at Ghanta Ghar Peshawar  said that his sale was almost doubled these days.
The prices for soup are variable, with small to medium-sized cups priced between Rs100 to Rs 120, while larger portions are being sold for Rs 150 to Rs 160, he said.
In comparison, the price of a bowl of chicken yakhani has increased to Rs 50-60 this year, up from Rs 40-45 in 2024. This price hike has led to occasional disputes between consumers and vendors.
Faraz Khan, a local vendor, explained that the demand for chicken corn soup and yakhani has spiked due to the colder weather. He said that additional ingredients and sauces are being used to enhance the flavor of the soup, which justifies the higher prices.
Umar Khan, a former public sector employee who visited Hashtnagri bazaar with his family, shared his enthusiasm for the traditional Peshawari corn soup.
“The taste is unmatched, thanks to the variety of sauces,” he said, adding that he had been coming to Peshawar in winter for this dish since his childhood. However, he expressed concern over the rising prices in Peshawar and urged the district administration to regulate the costs.
Umar Khan also preferred chicken yakhani over soup for its longer-lasting warmth and affordability and mentioned that a chicken leg piece with yakhani is now priced at Rs 200-250, compared to Rs 150-180 last year.
He called for KP government intervention to regulate the pricing of these popular winter cusines for the benefit of consumers.
The rising prices and growing demand for these winter specialties highlight the essential role of chicken corn soup and yakhani in Peshawar’s cold-weather culture.
However, many are calling for price controls to ensure accessibility for all.
In the heart of Peshawar, where tradition and culture blend seamlessly, Khurshid’s chicken soup stall is more than just a business.
It is a reminder of the simple joys that bring people together in the coldest of days of December as a bowl of soup and yakhni with boiled eggs, a warm smile, and the comfort of shared moments double customers joy.