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

Pakistan pushes for ‘serious dialogue’ to end Congo conflict as situation deteriorates

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Sat, 13 Dec 2025, 10:55 AM

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 13 (APP): Amid a rapidly deteriorating situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stemming from intensified fighting and mass displacement, Pakistan has urged parties to the conflict — Congolese military and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels– to engage in “serious dialogue” and fulfill their obligations under various agreements aimed at bringing peace to the region.

“We call for an immediate ceasefire, and complete cessation of hostilities,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said in a speech to the UN Security Council, which was convened to discuss the situation in DRC on Friday.

Describing the situation in DRC as “volatile”, the Pakistani envoy pointed out that M23 rebels continue their territorial expansion, including the recent takeover of the strategic City of Uvira. Despite the signing of the recent Washington Agreement, he said that M23 continues to receive external support, stressing that commitments undertaken must be implemented.

As a result, MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in DRC, is under strain, he said. Ambassador Asim Ahmad condemned restrictions that leave nearly 40 per cent of the Mission’s area under M23 control and prevent civilian protection.

“M23 must allow MONUSCO to perform its mandate assigned by this Council,” he said, adding that MONUSCO must be given mandates that are realistic, achievable and aligned with realities on the ground.

Referring to MONUSCO’s budget cuts that led to the reduction of troops from 11,500 to only around 8,234 on the ground, the Pakistani envoy said, “This stark mismatch between the Mission’s responsibilities and shrinking resources must be urgently addressed to ensure that (the force) can effectively deliver on the tasks entrusted to it”.

Pakistan, as one of the largest troop-contributing countries to South Kivu, had earlier cautioned that the withdrawal from South Kivu was premature and might create a security vacuum. Regrettably, he added, that assessment has proven correct. “This also underscores the need to meaningfully consult those who serve on the ground. Decision-making on mandates and adjustments must better integrate the views of troop- and police-contributing countries and field leadership.”

In this regard, the Pakistani envoy said, the peace processes must strive to address the root causes of the conflict in the DRC for lasting peace and stability. “It is essential that all peace initiatives remain mutually reinforcing, and regionally-supported, backed by the Security Council, and grounded in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.”

Earlier, US Ambassador Mike Waltz told the Council that, having brought Rwanda and DRC together in Washington to sign a peace agreement just last week, the Government was “incredibly disappointed” in Kigali’s actions in recent days in support of the M23 rebels, which they fully control.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN Peace Operations, warned that the offensive has revived “the spectre of a regional flare-up with incalculable consequences,” saying the territorial expansion of AFC/M23 and the weakening of the DRC Government’s authority in eastern areas threaten national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said recent diplomatic breakthroughs – including the Washington Accords signed on 4 December between DRC and Rwanda, and the Doha Framework Agreement in November between DRC and the M23 – had generated genuine hope for de-escalation.

But persistent ceasefire violations and renewed fighting now risk unravelling that progress.

“The growing gap between political commitments and their effective implementation on the ground undermines the credibility of peace processes and fuels the sense of abandonment felt by civilians,” Lacroix said.

As violence escalates, the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO remains a central – and increasingly strained – pillar of civilian protection in eastern DRC, just days before the Security Council is set to decide on the renewal of its mandate.

Lacroix told Council members that MONUSCO continues to provide direct physical protection to around 100,000 displaced people living near its bases, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri, through daily patrols, early-warning systems and close engagement with communities.

He said the mission has adopted a more preventive posture, focusing on deterrence, rapid response and sustained presence around displacement sites where armed groups operate in proximity.

However, he cautioned that MONUSCO’s ability to carry out its mandate is being increasingly constrained. Restrictions imposed by AFC/M23 on freedom of movement, fuel supplies, water and electricity – along with the continued closure of Goma airport – are limiting mobility, delaying rotations and hampering humanitarian access.

At the same time, funding shortages and reductions in uniformed and civilian personnel, linked to the UN’s broader liquidity crisis, are affecting the mission’s rapid response capacity and operational reach.

Lacroix stressed MONUSCO’s role in protecting civilians and supporting de-escalation remains essential, warning that “diplomatic progress must now translate into real improvements on the ground.”

The humanitarian toll is mounting. Hospitals and clinics across North and South Kivu are struggling to cope with a steady influx of wounded civilians amid acute shortages of staff, medicines and equipment.

Dr Javid Abdelmoneim, emergency medicine doctor and international president of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), said health systems in eastern DRC are “collapsing” under the combined impact of violence, mass displacement and shrinking humanitarian access.

“MSF teams continue to witness staggering levels of violence, displacement and deprivation,” he said. “This crisis is not easing.”

Large-scale Murree winter preparedness exercise launched to bolster emergency response

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 11:22 PM

RAWALPINDI, Dec 12 (APP):On the special instructions of the Punjab chief minister, the Rescue 1122 Punjab on Friday launched the ‘Murree Winter Preparedness Exercise’ to test large-scale emergency response capacity in severe snowfall and harsh weather conditions.

According to a Rescue 1122 spokesman, Secretary, Emergency Services Department, Dr Rizwan Naseer, personally monitored the exercise, which is being conducted over two days in Murree’s hilly areas.

“The scenario-based drill aims to assess the readiness of Rescue 1122 and other departments in providing rapid emergency services and ensuring the protection of life and property during extreme winter conditions,” the spokesman said.

Addressing field formations at the start of the exercise, Dr Naseer said the purpose was to evaluate emergency response mechanisms in heavy snowfall so that timely assistance could be provided to the public in any unforeseen situation. He said ensuring swift, safe and quality emergency services in difficult weather remained Rescue 1122’s foremost priority.

The spokesman said the exercise, designed by the Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122, involved the district administration Murree, the Highway Department, the Health Department, the National Highways and Motorway Police and other relevant departments.

Senior officers are assessing all stages in line with INSARAG standards, while the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is monitoring the drill live and mobilising essential logistics from nearby districts as required.

Dr Naseer told the participants that the heavy snowfall experienced annually in Murree “poses risks not only to tourists but also to the local population, making preparedness, timely decision-making and effective inter-departmental coordination vital for handling emergencies”.

The exercise, he said, “focuses on strengthening coordination, joint operational response and information-sharing systems to ensure quick and integrated action during potential blizzards, road closures, stranded traffic and medical emergencies this winter”.

He added that the drill included realistic scenarios such as safe evacuation, medical response, road clearance, communication planning and severe-weather rescue operations to enhance the operational readiness of staff.

Dr Naseer reaffirmed that Rescue 1122 Punjab “remains fully prepared throughout the year to provide prompt, safe and high-quality emergency services to citizens across the province”.

Pakistan Russia Eurasia Forum 2025 to be held in Moscow, Russia on Dec 16

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 11:17 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Consortium for Asia-Pacific and Eurasian Studies (CAPES), Islamabad, in partnership with the Zhirinovsky University of World Civilizations, Moscow and in collaboration with the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad, will organize the Pakistan Russia Eurasia Forum 2025 under title of “Forging Connectivity and Exploring People-to-People Partnership for a New Era,”on 16, 17 December 2025 in Moscow, Russian Federation.

The Forum aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in key areas including education, culture, business, regional development and people-to-people connectivity.

It reflects the growing commitment of both countries to advance collaboration within the broader vision of Eurasian connectivity.

This two-day international forum will bring together scholars, policymakers, researchers, academics and business leaders from Pakistan and Russia.

The program will consist of sessions focusing on non-traditional security, socio-economic and business cooperation, regional connectivity, and people-to-people and youth diplomacy.

The Forum will also feature academic presentations, cultural activities, and structured networking sessions designed to promote dialogue and mutual understanding.

The Forum will be attended by a distinguished group of prominent personalities from both countries. Among the leading participants will be Mr Oleg Slobotchikov, Rector of the University of World Civilizations, Russia, and Prof. Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, Vice Chancellor of FUUAST, Islamabad (online).

Keynote addresses will be delivered by the Ambassador of Pakistan to the Russian Federation, Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, and the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan, Mr. Albert Khorev (online).

A special highlight of the Forum will be the participation of Mr Vladimir Chizhov, Senator and First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, whose presence reflects the high-level engagement from the Russian side. Equally notable will be the participation of Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, a senior Pakistani parliamentarian and a leading voice on foreign policy and regional affairs, underscoring the importance of parliamentary and policy dialogue between the two countries.

Other prominent speakers and participants include Dr Roxolana Zigon, University of World Civilizations; Dr Faisal Javaid Head of Department of IR and the Deputy Director ORIC, FUUAST; Dr Maria Sultan; Prof. Dr Shabana Fayyaz, Quaid-i-Azam University; Mr Abdullah Farrukh, Director, Pak Shaheen Group; Mr Shehzad Sheikh, businessman; Ambassador Andrei Baklanov, former Russian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Mr Igor V. Khalevinskiy, former diplomat; Dr Irina Serenko, Russian Academy of Sciences; Dr Yury Samonkin, President, Eurasian Institute of Youth Initiatives; Dr Prokhor Tebin; and Mr. Leonid Seven, along with other renowned scholars and experts from Pakistan and Russia.

The Pakistan–Russia Eurasia Forum 2025 represents an important initiative to promote sustained academic collaboration, enhanced youth engagement, cultural diplomacy, and regional integration, and to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Pakistan and Russia within the evolving Eurasian landscape.

FMs of Islamic countries reaffirm vital role of UNRWA

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 10:57 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates Friday, reaffirmed the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Palestinian refugees.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers said, “For decades, UNRWA has carried out a unique mandate entrusted to it by the international community, providing protection, education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees in its areas of operation, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (1949). The adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution to renew UNRWA’s mandate for an additional three years reflects international confidence in the vital role played by the agency and the continuity of its operations.”

The ministers condemned the storming of the UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem by Israeli forces, as this attack represented a flagrant violation of international law and the inviolability of UN premises, which constituted an unacceptable escalation, and violated the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice dated 22 October 2025, which clearly stated that Israel, as an occupying power, is under an obligation not to impede the operations of UNRWA and, on the contrary, to facilitate them.

In light of the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the ministers underscored the essential role UNRWA played in delivering humanitarian assistance through its network of distribution centers, ensuring that food, relief items, and necessities reach those in need fairly and efficiently, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2803.
UNRWA’s schools and health facilities remain a lifeline for refugee communities in Gaza, continuing to provide education and essential primary health care under extremely challenging conditions, which contributes to the implementation of President Trump’s Plan on the ground and enables the Palestinian people to remain in their land and rebuild their homeland, they added.

The ministers stressed that UNRWA’s role was irreplaceable.
“No other entity possesses the infrastructure, expertise, and field presence required to meet the needs of Palestinian refugees or to ensure continuity of services at the necessary scale,” they added.
They said, “Any weakening of the agency’s capacity would have grave humanitarian, social, and political repercussions across the region. ”
Accordingly, the ministers called upon the international community to ensure sustainable and adequate funding for UNRWA, and to provide the agency with the political and operational space needed to continue its vital work “in all five fields of operations”.

“Supporting UNRWA is a cornerstone of maintaining stability, preserving human dignity, and upholding the rights of Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution to their plight is achieved in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, including UN General Assembly resolution 194,” they added.

DPM arrives in Abu Dhabi

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 10:34 PM

ABU DHABI, Dec 12 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Friday arrived here, from where he will depart for Bani Yas to attend the 16th Bani Yas Forum (12–14 December 2025).

He was received at the airport by the UAE Royal Protocol representative and Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, Shafqat Ali Khan and senior officials.

PRBC delegation meets with FBR commissioner to promote bilateral trade ease of doing business

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:56 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):The Pakistan Romania Business Council (PRBC) delegation held a strategic meeting on Friday with ,Commissioner Inland Revenue, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Lal Muhammad Khan to discuss mutual matters of interest to pave way to ease business.

The delegation was led by Sohail Shamim Firpo, Chairman of the Pakistan Romania Business Council, and Atif Farooqi, Advisor & COO of the Pakistan Romania Business Council.

The delegation discussed key initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Romania, focusing on facilitating smoother tax procedures to encourage greater cross-border business transactions.

Atif Farooqi remarked, “Our dialogue with the FBR reflects the Pakistan Romania Business Council’s commitment to turning policy into practice—streamlining processes to create a business-friendly environment that unlocks the full potential of Pakistan-Romania trade relations.”

The meeting underscores the Pakistan Romania Business Council’s ongoing efforts to bridge regulatory frameworks and promote transparency, ultimately easing the path for exporters, importers, and investors engaged in both markets.

The Pakistan Romania Business Council continues to position itself as a catalyst for economic collaboration, fostering prosperity through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and business facilitation.

Huawei Mate 80 Series propel brand back to No.1 market share in China, overtaking Apple: report

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:54 PM

BEIJING, Dec 12 (APP):Huawei has surged back to the top of China’s smartphone market for two straight weeks, overtaking Apple, powered by its Mate 80 series officially on sale on November 28, according to media reports, citing the latest data released by market research firm.

In the 48th week of 2025 (from November 24 to 30), Huawei captured 27.81 percent of China’s smartphone market share, leaving Apple behind with a share of 17.12 percent, while OPPO, vivo, and Honor rounded out the top five, according to media reports.

During the following 49th week (from December 1 to 7), Huawei maintained its lead with 22.89 percent market share against Apple’s 18.65 percent, followed again by OPPO and vivo, with Xiaomi taking fifth place at 13.30 percent, media reported.

Analysts attributed Huawei’s surge in market share to Mate 80 series’ pricing strategy. They also said that the ecosystem maturity of Huawei-developed HarmonyOS has triggered a decisive shift.

HarmonyOS now boasts more than 300,000 native apps and meta-services. The number of devices running HarmonyOS 5 and HarmonyOS 6 has exceeded 27 million, said Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group, on November 25 at Huawei’s new product launch event.

Huawei’s Mate 80 series were officially on sale on November 28, with lower launch prices despite soaring global memory costs.

According to media reports, the standard model of Mate 80 starts at 4,699 yuan ($665.8), 800 yuan less than its predecessor, while the Pro version at 5,999 yuan, down 500 yuan, the Pro Max at 7,999 yuan, also down 500 yuan.

Consumers and netizen have widely hailed the lineup as “more for less.”

Analysts note that the combination of aggressive pricing, flagship performance, and a maturing domestic software ecosystem has propelled Huawei back to market leadership in its home country.

Customs seizes gold, silver worth over Rs. 306 million at international airports

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:51 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Pakistan Customs has seized the gold and silver valued at over Rs 306 million during the first five month of the current fiscal year 2025-26 at at international airports across the country.

Customs confiscated 234.133 tolas (2.73 kg) of gold and 30,785 tolas (359 kg) of silver, valued at Rs 100.67 million and Rs 205.67 million respectively, according to a news release.

A significant surge has been observed in silver smuggling incidents. Silver imports remain strictly regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan and the Ministry of Commerce.

Market assessments indicate that silver — once considered the ‘poor man’s gold’ — has witnessed its price more than double in the past ten months, outperforming gold in percentage returns. This sharp rise has fuelled attempts to smuggle silver into the country.

FBR reiterates its firm resolve to safeguard the national economy by curbing smuggling and preventing its detrimental impacts.

7 lakh chromebooks announced by PMYP to boost digital access for youth

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:49 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP):Pakistan is set to deliver 7 lakh Chromebooks to students across the country after an announcement by Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan at a ceremony in the capital.

The initiative aims to expand digital learning for young people, outlines the scale of support being rolled out, identifies the regions included, explains the purpose behind the effort, and details the method through which the devices will be distributed.

Speaking at the event, Rana Mashhood said the government remains focused on advancing educational access for the younger generation, adding that providing modern digital tools is essential for preparing students to meet national and global challenges. He noted that the youth population represents Pakistan’s greatest strength, and initiatives such as this are designed to unlock their full potential.

He highlighted growing confidence among overseas Pakistanis, stating that they are increasingly willing to invest in the country’s development. Such investment, he explained, fuels economic activity and creates jobs, alongside opportunities for skill-building in emerging fields that are shaping future industries.

During his address, the Chairman formally revealed that the TIF Foundation Lahore is supplying 7 lakh Chromebooks for students enrolled in schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. He said the programme will significantly strengthen the country’s digital learning environment by giving students access to reliable online platforms, updated educational resources, and modern software that supports both research and creative learning.

Rana Mashhood stressed that the distribution will be carried out in carefully planned phases to maintain transparency and ensure that institutions across the country receive devices according to need and readiness. A national monitoring mechanism will accompany the rollout to track usage, evaluate outcomes, and ensure that the Chromebooks are being utilised effectively in classrooms and remote-learning environments.

He added that the initiative holds critical value for Pakistan’s future, as it will narrow the digital divide between urban and rural learners and encourage equal access to technology-rich learning spaces. To guarantee balanced inclusion, he confirmed that students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will fully participate in the programme, reinforcing the government’s pledge to extend equal opportunities to every region.

Rana Mashhood concluded by saying that the Chromebook Programme reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s education system, equipping youth with globally relevant skills, and placing the country firmly on the path toward a digitally empowered future.

Pakistan, Belgium Agree to Strengthen Cooperation Against Illegal Immigration and Smuggling

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Fri, 12 Dec 2025, 9:42 PM