Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Home Blog

Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
-
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
-
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
-
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.

DPM/FM Dar reaffirms govt’s commitment to facilitating entrepreneurs, start-ups

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating and promoting entrepreneurs and start-ups, particularly those led by youth, to fully realize Pakistan’s economic potential.
The DPM/FM inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting 2026 in Davos, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.
The DPM/FM appreciated the initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vast economic potential and emerging opportunities on a global platform, while highlighting the dynamism and innovation of Pakistani start-ups.
He underscored the critical role of start-ups in advancing socio-economic development and driving innovation across diverse sectors.

FCCP adjourns hearing in super tax case till Jan 22

By
Samina Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of an important constitutional case relating to the super tax until Thursday, January 22.
The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan.
After preliminary arguments, the court deferred further proceedings to the next date of hearing.
During the hearing, counsel for various companies, Jamal Ahmed Sakhira, argued that the performance of tax authorities was like a leaking water tank—revenue does come in, but is lost due to systemic weaknesses. He said that even today it has not been clearly determined which sectors should be taxed in the country.
Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi remarked that despite everything being known, implementation was lacking. He further observed that providing large vehicles to government officers had not resulted in any improvement in tax collection.
Jamal Ahmed Sakhira informed the court that in certain cases the minimum tax rate had reached up to 15 percent. However, FBR’s counsel Asma Hamid countered the claim, stating that the minimum tax rate was only 1.5 percent.
Sakhira further argued that the most critical legal issue in the super tax case was that the tax had been imposed not only on the current financial year but also retrospectively on the previous year, which he said was against constitutional principles. He told the court that he would present further arguments on behalf of certain petroleum companies at the next hearing.
The court was also informed that Jamal Ahmed Sakhira, representing Fauji Fertilizer and other companies, would continue his arguments in the upcoming hearing.
The Federal Constitutional Court subsequently adjourned further hearing of the super tax case until Thursday, January 22.

Ayaz condoles demise of former federal minister for interior

By
Samina Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP):Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed profound sorrow and deep grief over the passing of former Federal Minister for Interior, Raja Nadir Parvez.
In his condolence message, Ayaz Sadiq extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family and said that he stands in solidarity with them during this moment of profound grief.
He said that the late Raja Nadir Parvez was a seasoned politician and an active parliamentarian who rendered valuable services for the promotion of democratic values and public welfare.
The Speaker said that the deceased’s political and parliamentary contributions will be remembered for a long time.
Ayaz Sadiq prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed soul a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and bestow patience and strength upon the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

CM takes notice of child health complaint; visits LRH

By
Samina Ch
-
0
PESHAWAR, Jan 21 (APP):Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi took immediate notice of a social media complaint regarding the critical condition of a minor child and paid a visit to the Emergency Children Ward of Lady Reading Hospital late last night.
The Chief Minister met the child’s family and ordered a complete inquiry into the matter.
Doctors informed him that due to the shortage of beds in the Children ICU it was necessary to shift the patient to Khyber Teaching Hospital where a bed was available.
The Chief Minister immediately directed the provision of an ambulance and ensured the timely transfer of the patient.
He directed the authorities concerned to arrange additional beds for the Children ICU establish prefabricated extension rooms and enhance capacity on an emergency basis.
He also made it clear that if beds are not available in public hospitals treatment will be arranged at private hospitals at government expense.
The Chief Minister further instructed to make the centralized hospital system effective for monitoring bed availability improve the primary health care system and take immediate steps to address the shortage of rooms in doctors hostels.
 He also ordered on the spot resolution of issues faced by other patients.
Chief Minister stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government stands with the doctors and teaching community and their welfare and facilitation remain a top priority.
The complainant appreciated the prompt action of the Chief Minister and thanked him for personally visiting the hospital and resolving the child’s issue in a timely manner.

Rupee gains 01 paisa against US Dollar

By
Samina Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP):The Rupee on Wednesday appreciated by 01 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs 279.90 compared to the previous day’s closing at Rs 279.91.
According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 280.7 and Rs 282.5, respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by Rs 0.67 to close at Rs 327.85 from the previous day’s close of Rs 327.18, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen went up by 01 paisa and closed at Rs 1.77, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed a decrease of Rs1.15 and closed at Rs 376.12 compared to the previous day’s Rs 377.27.
The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham lost 01 pasia and closed at Rs 76.20, whereas the Saudi Riyal remained unchanged at Rs 74.64.

Experts urge de-escalation, regional stability as Iran situation unfolds

By
Samina Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP):The Centre for Afghanistan Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised a roundtable discussion on the “The Situation in Iran: Regional Consequences & Pakistan’s Policy Approach” on Wednesday.
The event brought together former diplomats, leading academics, and prominent practitioners to deliberate on Iran’s current situation, its regional implications, and and Pakistan’s current and future policy outlook, said a press release.
Participants agreed that the situation in Iran remains fluid and complex, requiring careful assessment, and that Pakistan should continue to emphasise respect for sovereignty and Iran’s territorial integrity, restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation, while safeguarding regional stability and Pakistan’s own security and foreign policy interests.
The meeting was held under the Chatham House Rule.

Talal Chaudhry rejects allegations of non-responsiveness

By
Samina Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP):State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the National Assembly on Wednesday that his attendance in the House and parliamentary committees ranged between 100 to 110 per cent, rejecting allegations of non-responsiveness or non-compliance.
Speaking on a point of order, he said no member of the National Assembly or Senate could claim that replies were not provided or that standing committees were ignored.
He said heads of departments regularly attended committee meetings and full compliance was ensured.
Referring to concerns about detained individuals in Rawalpindi, the minister said he had personally spoken to senior police officials and was informed that no Pakistani children were being held.
He said a list of seven individuals was under review and the verification process was expected to be completed the same day, after which verified Pakistani nationals would be released.
On the issue of Afghan nationals in Pakistan, Talal Chaudhry said he had discussed the matter with Sheryar Afridi and clarified that the process was being carried out in accordance with the law.
He cautioned against politicising the issue along provincial or ethnic lines.
He said some Pakistani citizens had attempted, for personal or financial gain, to register Afghan nationals as Pakistani citizens in the national database.
He said Nadra had carried out two major verification drives and penalised the officials involved, and that the process was continuing to ensure Afghan nationals were correctly identified.
The minister said the recent controversy over jail visits was being unnecessarily politicised.
He said organising public gatherings or creating law and order situations inside jails was unacceptable.
He said some inmates in the country had spent decades in prison without receiving as many visits as the current high-profile inmate, who, he said, had already met more than 850 people, including family members, political leaders and lawyers.
He said the inmate also had access to separate medical facilities.
Referring to claims circulating on social media about the inmate’s health, Talal Chaudhry said these were unfounded.
He said the inmate was in good health and had access to all facilities provided under jail rules, including medical care and exercise facilities.
He said the matter was under consideration by the courts and the judiciary would make the final decision.
He added that the government did not treat political opponents as personal enemies and that all inmates were being provided their constitutional and legal rights.

DPM Dar inaugurates Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion on WEF meeting 2026 sidelines

By
Samina Ch
-
0
DAVOS, Jan 21 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.
The DPM/FM appreciated the initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vast economic potential and emerging opportunities on a global platform, while highlighting the dynamism and innovation of Pakistani start-ups, a DPM Office’s news release said.
He underscored the critical role of start-ups in advancing socio-economic development and driving innovation across diverse sectors. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to facilitating and promoting entrepreneurs and start-ups, particularly those led by youth, to fully realize Pakistan’s economic potential.

DPM/FM Dar reaffirms govt’s commitment to facilitating entrepreneurs, start-ups

By
Irfan Khan
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Wednesday, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating and promoting entrepreneurs and start-ups, particularly those led by youth, to fully realize Pakistan’s economic potential.

The DPM/FM inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting 2026 in Davos, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

DPM/FM Dar reaffirms govt’s commitment to facilitating entrepreneurs, start-ups

The DPM/FM appreciated the initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vast economic potential and emerging opportunities on a global platform, while highlighting the dynamism and innovation of Pakistani start-ups.

He underscored the critical role of start-ups in advancing socio-economic development and driving innovation across diverse sectors.

DPM/FM Dar reaffirms govt’s commitment to facilitating entrepreneurs, start-ups

Sindh govt plans dedicated floricultural farms to diversify agriculture

By
Samina Ch
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP):The Sindh government is working on a project to establish dedicated floricultural farms across the province in an effort to diversify agriculture and unlock new income opportunities for farmers.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Agriculture Extension Sindh in coordination with other provincial stakeholders, aims to tap the considerable potential of floriculture as a high-value and climate-resilient segment of agriculture.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Ghulam Mustafa Nangraj, Director of the Agriculture Extension Sindh, said the province has the climatic diversity, fertile soils and farming capacity needed to develop floriculture into a viable economic sector.
“Sindh has all the ingredients to turn floriculture into a thriving industry. These dedicated floricultural farms will serve as centres of excellence for training, innovation and commercial production,” he said, outlining the department’s vision for a more diversified agricultural portfolio.
Under the plan, clusters of floricultural farms will be established near major agricultural zones, including Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, Badin and Thatta — districts already recognised for their horticultural output. The proposed farms will focus on cut flowers, potted ornamentals, nursery plants and value-added floral products such as dried flowers and essential oils.
He said modern practices including greenhouse cultivation, drip irrigation and post-harvest handling facilities will be introduced to improve yields, quality and marketability.
“Floriculture is not just about flowers; it is about economic empowerment,” Mustafa said, adding that the initiative aims to help farmers earn higher incomes, reduce reliance on water-intensive crops and gain access to domestic and international markets. “These farms will act as hubs for innovation, training and commercial activity.”
He said Sindh’s move toward floriculture aligns with broader national trends, as farmers and policymakers look for alternatives to traditional crops that require large volumes of water. He said floriculture can deliver better returns per acre with comparatively lower water use, particularly for high-value flowers and ornamentals catering to urban and export markets.
The department is also placing emphasis on capacity building for smallholder farmers. Extension services will be expanded to provide training in floriculture techniques, pest management, greenhouse operations and market linkages. Farmers will have access to certified planting material, inputs and demonstration plots to help bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern horticulture.
“We are designing this initiative with farmers’ needs at the core,” Mustafa said. “From nursery management to floral packaging, growers will be equipped with the skills and infrastructure needed to compete effectively. Floriculture can also create employment opportunities, especially for women and youth, in cultivation, processing and marketing.”
Beyond farm-level gains, he said the planned floricultural farms will strengthen Sindh’s agribusiness ecosystem through collaboration with research institutions, universities and the private sector. Cold storage and value-addition facilities will also be part of the plan to preserve quality and secure better prices in local and export markets.
123...31,566Page 1 of 31,566

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan